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 Hicks' first single 'Do I Make You Proud' is available in-stores and
                           digitally on June 13th

    Following this year's most successful season of American Idol with over 35 million viewers tuning into the finale on May 24th, the 2006 winner Taylor Hicks signs a recording deal with Simon
Fuller and 19 Recordings Limited, in conjunction legendary music man CliveDavis, Chairman of BMG U.S., and Arista Records.
 
    The 29 year old Alabama native, that captured the hearts of millions of viewers by pouring heart and soul into every performance, joins the ranks of other idols that have gone on to have outstanding music careers under the guidance of Davis. Previous Idol winners and runner ups have sold a staggering 33 million records which includes music from Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard and Bo Bice.

    The first single from the charismatic performer includes the original Idol composition, "Do I Make You Proud," sung during the final round of voting and again during the finale. The single also includes his soulful rendition of the Doobie Brothers classic, "Takin' It To The Streets," from
the American Idol Season 5 Encores CD. The single is available in-stores and through digital outlets on June 13th. Hicks' legion of loyal followers dubbed the "soul patrol" and fans all across the country can expect a full length album from Hicks later this year.

    About 19 Entertainment

    The 19 Group of Companies was founded by Simon Fuller in 1985 and to
date has been involved in the creation of 109 Number 1 singles and 87
Number 1 albums with an impressive tally of 296 Top 40 albums and 465 Top
40 singles.

    Fuller created and managed the Spice Girls, who became a global
phenomenon under his guidance, selling over 38 million albums. In 1998,
Fuller's 19 launched S Club 7, which has sold over 10 million CDs
worldwide, while its four television series were sold to over 100 countries
around the world.

    In 2001, Simon Fuller's 19TV created and produced the television
phenomenon "Pop Idol" and in 2002, "American Idol." "Pop Idol" launched the
singing careers of Will Young and Gareth Gates in the UK, while "American
Idol" did the same for Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken,
Fantasia, Diana Degarmo, Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood in the United States.

    About RCA Music Group

    The RCA Music Group includes J Records, Arista Records, RCA Records and
RCA Victor. The J Records roster is home to platinum superstars Alicia
Keys, Rod Stewart, Pearl Jam, Annie Lennox, Luther Vandross, Jamie Foxx,
Maroon5, Mario, Gavin DeGraw, Fantasia and Monica among others. The Arista
Records family includes all-time superstars Sarah McLachlan, Santana, Dido,
Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Carrie Underwood, Barry Manilow and Kenny
G. RCA Records is home to superstar artists Christina Aguilera, Dave
Matthews Band, Foo Fighters, The Strokes, Velvet Revolver, Avril Lavigne,
Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Heather Headley and more. RCA Victor's roster
includes Imogen Heap, Rachael Yamagata, Etta James, Eliane Elias, George
Winston, The Chieftains, Larry Carlton and Fourplay. RCA Music Group is
part of Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

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INCLUDES FOUR UNTELEVISED EPISODES!

Based On The Classic ‘70’s Suspense Drama

On DVD May 30

Kolchak “The Night Stalker” returns with new, spine- tingling adventures in NIGHT STALKER: THE COMPLETE SERIES, available on DVD May 30. From Touchstone Television and executive producer Frank Spotnitz (TV’s

“The X-Files”), this revamped “Night Stalker” delivers fresh twists on the classic ‘70’s series in startling new ways. The DVD hosts exclusive bonus features including four untelevised episodes that complete the series. It also features “Conversations with Frank Spotnitz,” deleted scenes, audio commentaries and a script scanner. Available

for $29.99 (S.R.P) on a 2-disc DVD set from Buena Vista Home Entertainment and Touchstone Television.

Caught up in an obsessive hunt for his own wife’s murderer, crime reporter Carl Kolchak (Stuart Townsend) discovers that his imagination is no match for the evil that lurks in the dark. Paired with skeptic Perri Reed (Gabrielle Union), Kolchak stops at nothing to uncover the supernatural side of the night. NIGHT STALKER: THE COMPLETE SERIES is so good, it’s scary.

BONUS DVD FEATURES:

• 4 episodes never seen on TV

• A conversation with Frank Spotnitz

• Deleted Scenes

• Exclusive insights and commentary by the show’s creators

• Script printer (DVD ROM) final episodes never produced

NIGHT STALKER producer Frank Spotnitz is an award-winning writer and producer best known for his work on “The X-Files” television series. Honors accorded Spotnitz for his work on the series include three Golden Globe wins for Best Dramatic Series, a Peabody Award, and three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Drama Series.

His other credits include co-executive producer of “Millennium” (1997-1999) and executive producer of “Harsh Realm” (2000) and “The Lone Gunmen” (2001), which he also co-created. He also co-produced and co-authored the story for the feature film The X-Files: Fight the Future (1998).

Street Date: May 30, 2006

Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 (2-disc DVD set)

Total Episode Run time: Approximately 426 minutes

Rating: TV-14 V. Bonus features not rated or subtitled.

DVD aspect ratio: 1.78:1 enhanced for 16x9 TV screens

Sound: 5.1 Dolby. Digital Surround Sound

Language: English audio. Close captioned for the hearing impaired.

Touchstone Television has established itself as one of the television industry's leading providers of quality entertainment by developing and producing a diverse slate of popular, critically acclaimed and award-winning programming for broadcast and cable.

The 2005-06 season became the most prolific in the studio's 20-year history with 20 new and returning projects receiving series orders including the Emmy® award-winning drama "Lost," Best Comedy Golden Globe® winner "Desperate Housewives," and the critical and consumer phenomenon "Grey's Anatomy."

Buena Vista Home Entertainment, an industry leader, is committed to showcasing great television on DVD. BVHE has responded to consumer demand by providing an ever-increasing amount of quality television entertainment in the collectible DVD format.

BVHE’s superbly mastered DVD box sets include “Alias,” “The Golden Girls,” “Home Improvement,” “Felicity,” “Boy Meets World,” “Sports Night,” “Once And Again,” “Tilt,” “Scrubs,” “Lost,” “Desperate Housewives” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax, Dimension and Buena Vista videocassettes and DVDs.

© Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.

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INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

Info@montebubbles.net

New K-Tek® KE-US Universal Suspension

-- What does building a villa inthe Caribbean have to do with receiving a Book of the Year Award from ForeWord Magazine at Book Expo America? For Mala and Roger Burt, who write under the pen name, Annie Rogers, it was their immersion in the Caribbean way of life that led them to set their debut novel, A Dream Across Time, on the island of St. Lucia.

"We wanted readers to experience the rich depths of the islands," MalaBurt said. "We wanted them to feel the sensuous breezes, hear the tree frogs, and smell the tropical flowers. This award tells me we accomplished that goal." Roger Burt continued, "And we wanted readers to get a sense of the mysticism that is fundamental to island life and what can happen if you follow your dreams. But we never dreamed all those trips to the Caribbean would result in a novel full of romantic suspense."

What are the Who, What, Where, When and Whys in this unusual partnership?

* Award Winning -- The award winning debut novel A Dream Across Time is the first book in the Demontagne Saga. The second book, A Circle of

Dreams, will be available mid June.

* Romantic Suspense -- The books in the Demontagne Saga combine romance in an exotic Caribbean setting with the suspense of real life mysteries.

* Caribbean Expertise -- After building a home in St. Lucia the Burts became deeply immersed in the Caribbean. The story lines weave the real

life stories they found in the Caribbean with the sparkle of mystical elements.

* Family Expertise -- The Burts became nationally recognized experts in stepfamily dynamics after bringing four children together when they remarried. Their mental health backgrounds (he is a clinical psychologist and she a clinical social worker) along with their own family experience enriches the form and content of their novels.

* Marriage/Partnership -- Their value of marital partnership and family is reflected in their writings.

* When Opportunity Knocks -- The Burts believe that opportunities come in many forms and seeming disasters can be opportunities in disguise.

* Following Your Dream -- A Dream Across Time is dedicated to the proposition that great things can come from pursuing dreams even in the face of adversity.

* Starting a New Career Late in Life -- The Burts are in their sixties and believe it is never too late to follow your dreams.

SOURCE Bivens and Jensen Publishing

Fourth Offering

Anheuser-Busch's newest draught --

Beach Bum Blonde Ale -- brings refreshment and relaxation to adults this

summer, continuing the brewer's popular seasonal draught program.

Beach Bum Blonde Ale captures discerning beer drinkers' attention with

its rich golden color, pleasant hop aroma and slightly spicy and malty

taste. This American blonde ale is brewed with the finest pale and caramel

roasted barley malts and is hopped with imported Alsace and Hallertau hops,

as well as Cascade hops from the Pacific Northwest.

"Blonde ales are wonderfully crisp and easily drinkable, which makes

them an ideal choice for a summer beverage," said Florian Kuplent,

brewmaster, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "The addition of Beach Bum Blonde Ale is a

nice way to conclude our first year of this program because it can be

enjoyed by everyone from casual beer drinkers to beer purists who are

looking for an ale with a nice balance, gentle flavor and smooth finish."

Available today through early September, Beach Bum Blonde Ale is brewed

at the Anheuser-Busch Fort Collins, Colo., brewery and has 5.4 percent

alcohol by volume (ABV). Beach Bum Blonde Ale is an ideal reason for

meeting up with friends for a drink or dinner, especially because the beer

complements both fine and casual dining occasions and pairs well with

barbecue dishes, fresh salads and fish.

"Our seasonal draught beers have generated a lot of excitement among

beer drinkers who are on the lookout for what's new and different on tap,"

said Bruce Eames, innovation manager, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "We've had

tremendous success with these beers, and we look forward to continuing the

second year of the program in the fall with the popular Jack's Pumpkin

Spice Ale."

Beach Bum Blonde Ale is the fourth in a series of seasonal draughts

from Anheuser-Busch and follows the introductions of Jack's Pumpkin Spice

Ale, Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale and Spring Heat Spiced Wheat.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

Xinhua China Ltd. Acquires HDTV Editing Technology

Acquisition Enhances Digital Content Delivery Capabilities

Xinhua China Ltd. (BULLETIN BOARD: XHUA) announced today it has acquired leading Chinese High Definition Television text-editing software company Bear Technology. The acquisition expands Xinhua's presence in the rapidly expanding digital media industry in China.

Founded in 2002, Bear Technology offers multiple proprietary solutions for rendering and editing text in High Definition. Bear text-editing software is an essential component in the production of HDTV content, which require on- screen text to be rendered in HD for enhanced visual fidelity, according to Xinhua China. Some applications for Bear's software include personal and commercial HD cameras, televised language translation, closed-captioning, and news and entertainment programming. Currently, Bear Technology customers include leading HDTV and camera manufacturers such as Sony and Panasonic, Xinhua China said.

Xinhua China stated that, although China's digital television market is relatively small by North American standards, the annual compounded growth rate of digital television subscribers is estimated to grow at 165% per year from 2005 to 2008. With 5.3 million home subscribers in 2005, up from 1 million in 2004, digital TV in China is enjoying exponential growth.

"HDTV software is a complementary technology to our initiatives to expand our business base through the sale of digital media online in China," said Mr. Xianping Wang, CEO of Xinhua China. "We are fortunate to have had this opportunity at a time when HDTV is rapidly overtaking older television technology. We believe HDTV has the potential to further enhance the online experience for enjoyment of all types of online media in China."

"The acquisition of Bear Technology will position Xinhua China as a leading provider of HD content text editing. We see significant revenue opportunities over the long-term as the convergence of the personal computer and High Definition Digital Television gathers momentum," Mr. Wang commented.

Xinhua China noted terms of the acquisition are more fully discussed in its periodic report to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 8-K dated May 19, 2006.

Xinhua China Ltd. will issue up to 20 million shares of common stock. Eight million shares will be issued within 10 business days of the execution of the Agreement, and up to 12 million shares will be issued within 15 business days of the completion of an asset valuation report of Bear Technology, provided that the asset valuation is no less than $35 million. If the valuation is less than $35 million, then the 12 million shares to be issued will be reduced accordingly, based on a share price of $1.75 per share and also taking into account the first 8 million shares issued. In addition, upon completion of the purchase of all the issued capital in Bear Technology, the Company agrees to grant in aggregate 6 million stock options to employees, officers and directors of Bear Technology. The options will be priced at the time of issue.

About Xinhua China

Xinhua China Ltd. (BULLETIN BOARD: XHUA) is a U.S.-based holding company with publishing and distribution interests in China. Through its subsidiary, Xinhua Publications Circulation & Distribution Co., Ltd., the Company holds a national license for distribution of books and other publications in China.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) today announced that David Frear, its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, is expected to present at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference in New York on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at 3.00 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, Rolls Royce, 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.

Source: SIRIUS Satellite Radio

Revitalized by the recent reinvigoration of its motion picture distribution and marketing organization as well as by the formation of its New Media division, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) continues along its evolutionary path, controlling its library. To that end, MGM will be reestablishing its worldwide television distribution efforts, by bringing the business back in-house. Similarly, the studio will no longer divide its home entertainment releases between Sony Pictures Entertainment and 20th Century Fox home entertainment divisions, but will instead consolidate its home entertainment business with Fox. Additionally, MGM and Fox will continue their successful international theatrical distribution relationship.

MGM's library, recognized as the largest modern library in the world, encompasses 4,000 movie titles and 10,000-plus episodes of television programming, a large number of such titles and episodes are available for home entertainment release.

MGM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Harry Sloan, in announcing the new structural changes, said: "MGM's motion picture distribution business is growing rapidly as we will release some 80 new feature films in North America over the next four years. We are now ready to turn our attention to our television and home entertainment distribution businesses. In so doing, we have identified another important opportunity to build out our business by returning our worldwide television sales operations in-house and by consolidating our home entertainment releases with a single distributor."

The changes do not affect Sony's distribution of the upcoming James Bond release, "Casino Royale," due out in theatres this November. Additionally, MGM and Sony have extended their relationship in regards to the Bond franchise with both MGM and Sony agreeing to co-produce and co-distribute the next Bond movie, as well as "Pink Panther" and others to be determined. MGM and Sony, along with Revolution Studios are also teaming up in a co-financing arrangement on "Rocky Balboa," which will be released by MGM on December 22, 2006.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, which is comprised of more than 4,000 titles. Operating units including Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 110 countries. Under the supervision of new Chairman and CEO Harry Sloan, MGM is revitalizing all areas of the company. As a result, the studio is now being positioned as an independent, vertically integrated multi-media company. MGM ownership is currently as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), Texas Pacific Group (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). Source: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Web site: http://www.mgm.com/

Energy, imagination and playfulness abound as Round Rock welcomes ANIMAL PLANET EXPO, an event sure to entertain animal lovers of all ages. Animal Planet and Time Warner Cable, plus national sponsors the Smart Spot(TM) program from PepsiCo and the makers of Fresh Step(R) litter, invite Central Texas residents to bring their families -- along with Fido and Fluffy -- to celebrate the unique sights, sounds and emotional experiences only animals can provide during ANIMAL PLANET EXPO from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday, June 10 and 11 at Old Settlers Park, 2800 Palm Valley Boulevard, Round Rock, TX 78664.

An annual summer tour, ANIMAL PLANET EXPO has been delighting people around the country for eight years, giving families the opportunity to experience animal-friendly family fun, the Animal Planet way. Inspired by the only television network dedicated to the connection between humans and animals, this year's ANIMAL PLANET EXPO has expanded to offer participants an even richer experience than ever before. As they arrive, pet owners will receive a pet emergency preparedness brochure to ensure their pet's safety in an emergency.

From high-flying Frisbee dog shows and interactive animal trivia games, to WHOA! Facts with Mo Rocca (Saturday only), to "ooh" and "ahh" inspiring live animal shows, the Main Stage features flocks of captivating animal entertainment and demonstrations. The Frisbee dog show times are 11 AM, 12 PM, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM, and the Main Stage live animal presentation times are 1 PM and 3:30 PM.

Also part of ANIMAL PLANET EXPO is the not-to-be-missed Discovery Kids' Endurance Experience, a hands-on adventure that allows kids to experience the mental and physical competition of Discovery Kids Channel's wildly popular ENDURANCE series. In Discovery Kids' Endurance Experience kids can compete in a number of challenges that simulate the sights, sounds and physical experience of competing on ENDURANCE, including a climbing wall and a timed "hanging" challenge -- plus, USA Swimming is sponsoring an all-new water-based challenge.

Visitors to Animal Planet Expo Theater will find themselves getting up close and personal with exotic animals like a python, an alligator, a fox, a porcupine or a lemur, as they experience animal wildlife firsthand with a captivating demonstration set in a natural habitat. Theater shows will run every half-hour throughout Saturday and Sunday with the first show at 10:30 AM and the last at 3 PM.

In addition, visitors will see firsthand the clarity of high-definition programming with a sneak peek at Discovery Channel's groundbreaking new ATLAS series in the Discovery HD Theater Dome. Forms to enter for a chance to win a HD television set will be available to fill out while enjoying breathtaking footage of a country like China or Australia as they have never been seen before.

* Animal House -- Get to know even more live animals, while animal

experts introduce exotic species from around the world.

* Safari Snaps -- Download the ultimate digital photo of you with a

virtual version of Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin and Steve Irwin.

* Bug House -- Hear what the buzz is about and learn about a variety of

bugs and butterflies from around the globe.

* Kids' Zone -- Kids can get their faces painted, try the "Happy Gator"

obstacle course and play other fun games.

* Heroes of Animal Planet -- Protect your pet just as the stars of ANIMAL

HEROES: PHOENIX do by creating your own personalized pet tag, and

engage in a unique sniff test from the makers of Fresh Step(R) litter.

* Connection Zone -- Kids play a panda-themed game for a prize, while

adults view demonstrations and take advantage of special offers on the

latest products from Time Warner Cable.

* Pet Den -- The Humane Society of Williamson County and the Austin

Humane Society will provide pet adoption opportunities and helpful

information on how to find the perfect pet for your family.

* Pet Misters and Watering Holes -- Give your pets the opportunity to

"chill out" and quench their thirst on a hot day.

* Smart Spot(TM) Station -- Kids learn how to eat and live healthier in a

fun and interactive way.

As part of ANIMAL PLANET EXPO, Time Warner Cable will make a $1,000 donation to the SPCA of Greater Austin. Time Warner Cable will also be on- site to provide valuable information about their most innovative new products available to consumers.

Austin-area viewers can find Animal Planet on Time Warner Cable channel 36 and Digital channel 234. Go to http://www.discovery.com/ and click on Animal Planet to find more information on ANIMAL PLANET EXPO.

About Fresh Step(R) litter

Fresh Step(R) litter is a part of the The Clorox Pet Products Company, which is a subsidiary of The Clorox Company, headquartered in Oakland, Calif. The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with fiscal year 2005 revenues of $4.4 billion. Clorox markets some of consumers' most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products, Armor All(R) and STP(R) auto care products, Fresh Step(R) and Scoop Away(R) cat litters, Kingsford(R) charcoal briquettes, Hidden Valley(R) and K C Masterpiece(R) dressings and sauces, Brita(R) water- filtration systems, and Glad(R) bags, wraps and containers. With 7,600 employees worldwide, the company manufactures products in 25 countries and markets them in more than 100 countries. Clorox is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees work and live. Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has awarded cash grants totaling more than $62.3 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges; and in fiscal year 2005 alone made product donations valued at $4.9 million. For more information about Clorox, visit http://www.thecloroxcompany.com/. For more information about Fresh Step, visit http://www.freshstep.com/.

About Smart Spot(TM)

Fresh Step(R) litter is a part of the The Clorox Pet Products Company, which is a subsidiary of The Clorox Company, headquartered in Oakland, Calif. The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with fiscal year 2005 revenues of $4.4 billion. Clorox markets some of consumers' most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products, Armor All(R) and STP(R) auto care products, Fresh Step(R) and Scoop Away(R) cat litters, Kingsford(R) charcoal briquettes, Hidden Valley(R) and K C Masterpiece(R) dressings and sauces, Brita(R) water- filtration systems, and Glad(R) bags, wraps and containers. With 7,600 employees worldwide, the company manufactures products in 25 countries and markets them in more than 100 countries. Clorox is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees work and live. Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has awarded cash grants totaling more than $62.3 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges; and in fiscal year 2005 alone made product donations valued at $4.9 million. For more information about Clorox, visit http://www.thecloroxcompany.com/. For more information about Fresh Step, visit http://www.freshstep.com/.

About Smart Spot(TM)

PepsiCo, one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, launched the Smart Spot(TM) symbol on select products to make it easier for consumers to identify PepsiCo products that contribute to healthier lifestyles. Products that contain the Smart Spot symbol meet established nutrition criteria based on authoritative statements from the Food and Drug Administration and the National Academy of Sciences. The Smart Spot symbol appears on more than 250 PepsiCo products including Tropicana Pure Premium(R), Aquafina(R) waters, Gatorade(R) thirst quenchers, Baked! Lay's(R) chips, Quaker(R) Oatmeal and Diet Pepsi(R), among many others.

About Animal Planet

Animal Planet, available in more than 88 million homes nationwide, is the only television network dedicated exclusively to the connection between humans and animals. The network brings people of all ages together by tapping into a fundamental fascination with animals through an array of fresh programming that includes humor, competition, drama and spectacle from the animal kingdom. Animal Planet is a property of Discovery Communications, the leading global real-world media company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in 170 countries and territories with nearly 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 27 network entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Espanol, Discovery Kids en Espanol, Discovery HD Theater, FitTV, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir), Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Real Time. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ:DISCA) (NASDAQ:DISCB) , Cox Communications, Inc.,

Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.

About Time Warner Cable-Central Texas

Time Warner Cable-Central Texas serves more than 427,500 homes and employs about 1,100 Central Texans. It is a major corporate contributor to many community non-profit organizations, and provides financial support, community volunteers and on-air promotion of charitable events and organizations through public service announcements. Time Warner Cable is the 2004 Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Corporation of the Year and the 2003 Austin Area Urban League Corporation of the Year. Time Warner Cable-Austin has also been named one of the Best Places to Work by the Austin Business Journal for two years running. The company is an Austin Energy Green Choice program participant.

Source: Animal Planet; Time Warner Cable

Web site: http://www.discovery.com/
http://www.thecloroxcompany.com/
http://www.freshstep.com/

June 1-4, 2006

Santa Maria Room, Third Floor

Los Angeles, CA

· The Reference Series is a quantum leap forward in audiophile quality sound. All models feature a state-of-the-art titanium dome Hypertweeter™ for massively extended HF performance. The result is a sweeter, more natural sound.

· UNI-Q^® configuration achieves an even more spacious, better defined sound stage over a very large area, with exceptional off-axis response.

· Bass extension is equally stunning, thanks to ultra-low distortion motor systems and high tech reinforced diaphragms.

· As expected from a handmade KEF product, build quality is outstanding. A choice of hand-matched hardwood veneers, make the Reference Series beautifully elegant.

· All models accommodate tri-wiring and are fitted with a boundary control device to adjust bass response according to speaker positioning and the acoustics of the listening area.

Beyond Eyruv, a feature length documentary directed by John Mounier, has been selected for world premiere at the prestigious 2006 SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival on Saturday, June 17, 2006. Named for the symbolic wire boundary erected in Jewish Orthodox communities to extend the carrying laws in the streets during the Sabbath, the film focuses on the emotional and spiritual struggles of 20 year old Moshe as he tries to build a new life in the secular world.

"When Moshe and I discussed doing this project, he talked openly about the great risk he and his family might face within the Hasidic community if he were to speak out," said Mr. Mounier. "Despite this risk, Moshe bravely chose to share his story, hoping it would give a voice to other young people who are suffering in silence."

ABOUT THE FILM

Growing up in the Hasidic faith, every aspect of Moshe's life was defined and dictated by scripture. When Moshe turned 18 he escaped Hasidic life, moving to live with his secular grandmother and grandfather, a Holocaust survivor, just outside New York City. Absent the rigorous structure and demands of his ultra-religious upbringing, Moshe struggles to find a new identity. Through Moshe's experiences, Beyond Eyruv explores the courage and confusion of young Orthodox people who, in search of their identities, are thrust into a fast moving and open culture that is completely foreign to them. For additional information about the film, including press resources, please visit http://www.beyondeyruv.com/.

ABOUT SILVERDOCS

SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival is a six-day international festival to be held June 13-18, 2006 outside Washington, DC. The festival was created through a unique alliance between the American Film Institute and the Discovery Channel to expand the audience for and broaden the impact of documentary film. It celebrates the diversity of the form and its power to engage audiences with compelling stories of real life, inviting them to explore the significant issues of our time. For information about other Jewish-themed films in this year's Festival go to http://www.silverdocs.com/.

Source: Dokarts LLC

Web site: http://www.beyondeyruv.com/

PBS KIDS announces its first-ever live host -- Chicago-based performer, teacher and mom Lori Holton Nash -- for its new preschool destination launching on September 4, 2006. As the new host, Lori and an animated sidekick will guide kids through a two-hour programming block for preschoolers. The new block will feature four PBS KIDS programs age- appropriately grouped including PBS KIDS' two new series -- CURIOUS GEORGE, emphasizing science, math and engineering and narrated by Emmy-winning actor William H. Macy, and IT'S A BIG BIG WORLD, highlighting science and geography -- alongside existing favorites CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG and DRAGON TALES.

"Based on research PBS conducted with parents we identified valuable content that parents feel is missing from children's media today, including positive real adult role models and opportunities to connect lessons learned from programming to kids' lives," said Lesli Rotenberg, SVP PBS KIDS Next Generation Media. "PBS KIDS new preschool destination will meet parents' needs by introducing Lori, a host who has a passion for children and a unique and engaging teaching style that incorporates humor, music, movement and storytelling."

After an extensive nationwide talent search, PBS KIDS named Lori as the host of its new preschool block to inspire and entertain kids in a playful setting designed to spark kids' imaginations, give them a greater sense of discovery and build their excitement for learning about the world around them. In addition to her on-air and online presence, Lori will make appearances at various events across the country, visiting local PBS member stations and participating in children's events.

"I'm extremely excited to be named PBS KIDS' first-ever host," commented Lori. "Performing and educating is not just what I do, it's who I am and I look forward to reaching out to children across the country through the most trusted kids content source, PBS KIDS. I grew up watching PBS' children's programs and today, I am raising my own kids as PBS KIDS."

A Wisconsin native, Lori has been performing since she was nine years old. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theater from The Boston Conservatory, she eventually settled in Chicago where she performed on stage in numerous dramatic and musical roles. Lori, who is a wife and mother of three young children, is the founder of The C.A.M.P.U.S. Inc. (Celebrating Artistry Musicality Physicality United Successfully), a resource for families in search of recreational arts programming that enriches their souls, engages their bodies and challenges their minds.

In addition to Lori's broadcast debut, the new block will feature the premiere of CURIOUS GEORGE. Produced by Imagine Entertainment, WGBH Boston and Universal Studios Family Productions, and based on the best-selling Curious George books by Margret and H.A. Rey, CURIOUS GEORGE uses George's insatiable curiosity as a way of acquainting preschoolers with key concepts in math, science and engineering. The series encourages inquiry and curiosity, promotes hands-on exploration, and shows parents and caregivers how to support children's science and math-related play.

PBS KIDS new hosted preschool destination is one part of PBS KIDS Next Generation Media, a broad-based initiative to define public television's role in the changing digital children's media landscape. In addition to the launch of the new preschool environment, PBS recently announced a new 24/7 early elementary school digital broadcast service, PBS KIDS GO! Channel, scheduled to launch in October 2006 and delivered to the community through local PBS stations, which will meet the educational and developmental needs of this underserved audience. With a 360-degree approach to learning and reaching children, PBS leverages the full spectrum of media and technology advancements, as well as classroom and community, to build children's love of learning, knowledge, critical thinking, imagination, curiosity and respect for others in a diverse world.

PBS KIDS is committed to providing the highest-quality non-commercial content and learning environment for children across the country. Providing age-appropriate, diverse programming for kids, PBS KIDS' programs consistently earn more prestigious awards than any other broadcast or cable network. Only PBS KIDS has earned the unanimous endorsement of parents, children, industry leaders and teachers. With additional PBS resources to complement its programming, including PBS KIDS online (http://www.pbskids.org/), PBS KIDS GO! (http://www.pbskidsgo.org/), PBS Parents (http://www.pbsparents.org/), PBS TeacherSource (http://www.pbsteachersource.org/), PBS Ready To Learn services and literacy events across the country, PBS KIDS is providing the tools necessary for positive child development. PBS is a nonprofit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation's 348 public television stations, serving nearly 90 million people each week and reaching 99% of American homes.

Source: PBS KIDS

Web site: http://www.pbskids.org/

Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ:COOL) , an innovative provider of digital entertainment products and content, recently received several industry accolades for Cooking Mama, a unique new Nintendo DS(TM) game that debuted at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the video game industry's annual trade show.

Cooking Mama was awarded several honors including: "Most Innovative DS Design of E3 2006" from leading video game website IGN; and GameDaily's "Nod Award," which called Cooking Mama "a fun DS game that uses the stylus to near perfection."

"We are very pleased with the initial reaction to Cooking Mama since this fun and addictive title deserves attention," said Ken Gold, vice president of Marketing, Majesco Entertainment. "Cooking Mama is just one outstanding product within Majesco's diverse product lineup we will be introducing this year."

Cooking Mama challenges players to use the stylus as a master kitchen tool to cook 76 real world dishes ranging from pepperoni pizza to cabbage meat rolls. Under Mama's watchful eye, players must first prepare ingredients, then combine, cook and present the final meal all via the touch screen. Players can even "cool down" dishes by blowing into the DS microphone and share their favorite recipes with friends via the DS wireless link.

Developed by Taito, Cooking Mama will be available in September for a suggested retail price of $19.99. More information can be found online at http://www.majescoentertainment.com/.

About Majesco Entertainment Company

Headquartered in Edison, N.J., Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ:COOL) is an innovative provider of digital entertainment products and content, with a focus on publishing videogames for leading portable systems such as the PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R) Portable) system, Nintendo DS(TM) and Game Boy(R) Advance. Current product line highlights include Age of Empires: The Age of Kings(R) for the Nintendo DS(TM), Guilty Gear Judgment for the PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R) Portable) system and JAWS(TM) Unleashed, as well as digital entertainment products like Frogger(R) TV Arcade. Majesco now offers Game Boy(R) Advance Video versions of the beloved DreamWorks Animation movies Shrek, Shrek 2 and Shark Tale. More information about Majesco can be found online at http://www.majescoentertainment.com/.

Web site: http://www.majescogames.com/

Country Music's hottest party of the summer - CMA Music Festival - is bound to be television's hottest summer special when "CMA Music Festival: Country Music's Biggest Party" airs Monday, July 24 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"If you love great music, the high-wattage energy of a stadium concert, and behind-the-scenes stories that will melt your heart and affirm everything that is wonderful about Country Music, then this is the TV special for you," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. "This is a celebration of America's music on America's favorite network, and it is not to be missed."

"At ABC we're always looking to raise the bar in great music programming and this year's CMA Music Festival has it all: red hot music performances, the most passionate fans, and the most exciting Country Music artists in the world, all with the non-stop festive backdrop of Nashville," said Andrea Wong, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Specials and Late-Night, ABC Entertainment. "We're thrilled to present this unique and fun special to television viewers this summer."

The special will be taped Thursday through Sunday, June 8-11, during CMA Music Festival in Nashville. The annual Festival, which began in 1972 as Fan Fair(R), is a one-of-a-kind celebration of Country Music with 40 hours of autograph signings, 70 hours of concerts, more than 400 artists and celebrities, and a party list of 145,000 screaming, singing, picture-snapping, dance-till-dawn fans.

Several of today's top hit makers are already scheduled to appear on the special including Brooks & Dunn, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams Jr., and Wynonna, with more artists to be announced soon. This is the second time ABC will broadcast this special, which invites the whole country to America's biggest Country Music bash.

"The fans and their relationship with the artists and their passion for the music is the cornerstone of the Festival," said Genovese. "That relationship and our artists' ability to deliver an unbeatable stage performance is what sets this special apart. It is a terrific platform for reaching music enthusiasts with a front-row seat to some of today's most dynamic entertainers."

Both the concerts and the interaction between the artists and fans will be captured in the special with heart-pounding performances interspersed with heart-warming encounters between the artists and their avid admirers. Taped exclusively for the special, cameras will follow the stories of several festival attendees, who will have their dreams come true when they are granted a surprise, one-in-a-lifetime meeting and personal encounter with their favorite Country stars.

The special is a CMA production. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer. Gary Halvorson is the Director.

If fans want to experience the excitement of CMA Music Festival firsthand, tickets are still available. To order tickets for the 2006 CMA Music Festival call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by- phone at (615) 255-9600. Single-night tickets for the concerts at The Coliseum are also available.

Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of reserved seating at The Coliseum. Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum; Daily Concerts at the Greased Lightning(R) Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Wrangler(R) Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; Family Zone; Crisco(R) Country Favorites Corner; Fun Zone; Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours; free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; special discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops and more. Prices start at $125 for adults; $86 for children ages 4-14; and children 3 years and younger admitted free, and do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices and artists are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable. For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for e-news.

2006 CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. CMA Board member Tony Conway is the Executive Producer of CMA Music Festival. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Promotional partners include Crisco(R), Greased Lightning(R) and Wrangler(R). Fan Fair is a registered trademark of CMA.

Source: Country Music Association

Web site: http://www.cmaworld.com/
http://www.cmafest.com/

WHAT: The Midwest's largest free outdoor literary event, features

more than 150 booksellers and 120 programs including author

readings, panel discussions, cooking demonstrations and

family programming. Panel topics are wide-ranging and include

religion, sports, the environment, technology, art and

architecture. More than 90,000 people are expected to attend.

For detailed programming information, visit

www.printersrowbookfair.org.

HIGHLIGHTS: SATURDAY, June 3

11:15 a.m.: Poet Nikki Giovanni reads on the Kids Alley

Stage.

11:30 a.m.: Chef Jimmy Bannos of Heaven on Seven prepares

recipes from his cookbook "Big Easy Cocktails: Jazzy Drinks

and Savory Bites from New Orleans" on the Good Eating Stage.

12 p.m.: Chicago legend Studs Terkel appears at the Harold

Washington Library Center.

2:30 p.m.: Bestseller Augusten Burroughs reads on the

Heartland Stage.

3:30 p.m.: Ella Jenkins, the first lady of children's music,

performs on the Kids Alley Stage.

SUNDAY, June 4

11:30 a.m.: David Maraniss, author of "Clemente: The Passion

and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero" appears on the Heartland

Stage.

3:00 p.m.: Chicago's Food Network Stars the Hearty Boys-Dan

Smith and Steve McDonagh-host a cooking demo on the Good

Eating Stage.

3:30 p.m.: American literary icon John Updike appears at the

Harold Washington Library Center.

WHERE: South Dearborn between Congress and Polk. Venues include the

Harold Washington Library (400 S. State St.) and University

Center (525 S. State St.)

WHEN: June 3 and 4

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.-FREE admission

Many authors are available this week for phone or live interviews.

Web site: http://www.chicagotribune.com/
http://www.printersrowbookfair.org/

Good For The Soul Music, LC, today unveiled a new music (CD) and written word (journal) product line called COJO - Companion on the Journey Series(TM). The announcement was made at the 2006 Religious Book Trade Exhibit (RBTE) conference and show.

"We are delighted to share with our existing as well as potentially new retail partners the exciting new COJO(TM) series," said David Kauffman, Good For The Soul Music founder and songwriter. "The COJO(TM) series sings and speaks to milestones in life by weaving songs, spoken 'mini-talks' and written word - including scripture - together centered on a particular theme called a milestone."

The very first in the COJO(TM) series celebrates the post-retreat milestone and is called Going Forth. Like all COJOs, Going Forth comes to life in the form of a COJO(TM) CD and an accompanying COJOURNAL(TM). These are both available now and are on display at the RBTE show in booth 526.

Follow on COJO(TM) CDs and their accompanying COJOURNAL(TM) will cover the myriad of milestone events, emotions, struggles, celebrations and vocations that are encountered by men, women and teens during their faith journey. The next two in the series are due out June 19th and are titled Music Ministry and Love Letter. The COJO(TM) series is designed for both individual and community (small faith group and bible study) settings.

"Our customers just love David Kauffman's Behold and Be Still CDs and we are certain that they will embrace the new COJO(TM) and COJOURNAL(TM) series," said Daniel Humm, owner and general manager of The Pelican Shop in San Antonio, Texas. Good For The Soul Music has sold over 100,000 CDs including such titles as Behold, Be Still, Surrender and Steal Away through retail partners around the country like The Pelican Shop.

"Our prayer is that after listening to a COJO(TM) CD, faith journeyers will feel the embrace of God, be lifted up and have had their milestone named, spoken and sung," explained Kauffman. "The COJOURNAL(TM) then invites them to read and write words from their own hearts that further bring to life the milestone. They are better. Their journey is better. Their life is better."

The entire COJO(TM) CD and COJOURNAL(TM) line can be viewed and sample tracks listened to at http://www.cojomusic.net/.

Good For The Soul Music

Good For The Soul Music(TM) is an inspirational music company whose products feed the souls of God's people.

Source: Good For The Soul Music, LC

Web site: http://www.goodforthesoulmusic.com/
http://www.cojomusic.net/

Celebrities play all sorts of roles on screen, but it's at home where they play their most important roles-as dads. This year, Sears asked several stars about their plans for Father's Day, their favorite memories and what gift ideas are on their wish lists for this special day. The exclusive Sears Father's Day Celebrity Poll, revealed the following:

Wish Lists:

* Big Screen Dreams: Patrick Dempsey and Omar Epps are hoping for plasma

TVs.

* Denny Crane's "Drophead": William Shatner is hoping to find a new

Bentley convertible sitting in his driveway come Father's Day morning.

* Document-ary the Special Day: James Denton is in "desperate need of a

new digital camera" because he "wore out the old one on the kids".

Digital cameras also top the lists for George Lopez and Omar Epps.

* The "Plumber's" Honey-do List: James Denton is hoping for a radial arm

saw.

* Grill Masters: David Arquette and George Lopez are both looking forward

to unwrapping a new gas grill this Father's Day.

The Season For Dads

* Making Hearts "Race": Patrick Dempsey hopes to spend the day at a car

race.

* Turning up the Heat: David Arquette, William Shatner and James Denton

all are looking forward to inviting friends over for a barbecue.

* Fore!: George Lopez is looking forward to playing golf and letting his

daughter drive the cart.

* The Real Directors: Omar Epps wants to do "whatever the kids plan for

me."

Memorable Moments

* Birth-days: Mark Consuelos said "five years ago my daughter was born on

Father's Day Weekend -- it doesn't get any better than that." Patrick

Dempsey's favorite father's day gift was when he became a dad and

celebrated his first Father's Day. Similarly, Omar Epps said that his

best Father's Day gift is "the blessing of my daughters, and I receive

it daily."

* Hands Free Holiday: James Denton's best Father's Day gift was "freedom

from diaper duty" for the day.

* Sentimental Value: George Lopez' favorite gift was a tile with his

daughter's handprint that said Happy Father's Day.

* Gifts from Father's Day Past: While one of David Arquette's favorite

Father's Day gifts was a beautiful watch, James Denton most appreciated

his new gas grill and adjustable basketball goal.

* A Father's Day Story, by William Shatner: When asked about his favorite

Father's Day memory, Shatner provided the following: "It was a hot day

in June, rather sultry, and it was as if nature designed a day to

barbecue and that is exactly what happened. My three daughters and

their babies, and my wife had all gathered together to surprise me. And

instead of my burning the chicken, they burnt it."

Sears, which has declared the days leading up to June 18 as "The Season For Dads," conducted research which confirmed that most fathers keep to themselves what really matters to them, including what they want for Father's Day. Taking inspiration from the stars, here are some A-list gift ideas for Dads, all available at Sears:

* What Grown Men's Dreams are Made of

-- A day of no nagging

-- Sony big screen high definition LCD TVs

-- Craftsman yard tractors

-- DVD home theater systems

-- Magellan Roadmate navigation system

* Savor-y the Day

-- Kenmore Gas Grills

-- Craftsman 5-pc BBQ grill tool set

* Dressing for the Part

-- Covington shorts

-- Structure polos

-- Bulova watch with diamonds

-- His favorite cologne

* A Picture Perfect Day

-- Sony DVD handycam camcorder

-- Kodak 6.1 mega pixel digital camera and printer dock

-- Framed photos of the kids from Sears Portrait Studio

* Tools to help him finish the honey do list

-- Craftsman 4.8-volt impact driver

-- Craftsman 14-amp circular saw with Laser Trac cutting guide

-- Craftsman 32-cc gas "Weedwacker"

For more Father's Day gift ideas, visit http://www.sears.com/\dads .

About Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:SHLD) , is a leading broadline retailer providing merchandise and related services. Sears, Roebuck offers its wide range of home merchandise, apparel and automotive products and services through more than 2,400 Sears-branded and affiliated stores in the United States and Canada, which includes approximately 926 full-line and 1,100 specialty stores in the U.S. Sears, Roebuck also offers a variety of merchandise and services through sears.com, landsend.com, and specialty catalogs. Sears, Roebuck offers consumers leading proprietary brands including Kenmore, Craftsman, DieHard and Lands' End -- among the most trusted and preferred brands in the U.S. The company is the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 13 million service calls made annually. For more information, visit the Sears, Roebuck website at http://www.sears.com/ or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at http://www.searsholdings.com/ .

Web site: http://www.sears.com/\dads
http://www.searsholdings.com/

Scott Sheppard, CEO and executive producer of Inside Media Networks and one of the leading technical experts in the new media field, will present two educational sessions at the Sports Media and Technology Conference, presented by C4-Sports and produced by Future Media Concepts (FMC), on July 18 and 19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Inside Media Networks specializes in developing original content for online distribution that provides technical, creative, and marketing support to a growing network of programs.

Sheppard's first session, "Advanced Podcast: Production Technologies," will examine the special format and delivery considerations necessary for professional podcast productions, and will also discuss proven techniques for producing and encoding audio and video content for mobile distribution using the latest compression tools. Topics will include how to convert existing broadcast content into a new media format that can help generate additional revenue streams, as well as various choices of distribution methods, including iTunes, live streaming, RSS, P2P, and download.

Session two, "Using Podcasts to Extend a Brand," will discuss how new media can be used to extend a product or service brand to the marketplace. Using a case study featuring Varsity Brands, Inc., the leading national supplier of cheerleading and cheer-dance uniforms and the main organization behind national cheerleading camps, competitions and safety, Sheppard will examine how his client created the Varsity Spirit Channel in iTunes to distribute message and content to their audience. This session will help attendees determine direction and plans, be it determining alternative channels of online and mobile content delivery, viral marketing and social networking, developing strategies to expand, or increasing available content via existing Web sites.

"New media formats, such as podcasting, provide the perfect platform for broadcasting sporting events. The medium creates incredible opportunities for teams, organizers, and fans to keep abreast of the key players and their latest achievements while bringing a certain level of interactivity not previously available via traditional media such as Radio and TV," said Sheppard. "My sessions will educate attendees on why podcasting is important and provide insight and a starting point to help them take their content into new, cutting-edge formats."

In addition to his role at Inside Media Networks, Sheppard is also the host of Inside Mac Radio and TV, one of the leading technology "podcasts" delivering Mac technology talk news, interviews, and tips to over 210,000 regular subscribers via Apple iTunes. Sheppard is also Editor-in-Chief of the OSXFAQ Web site and a contributing editor to Macworld UK magazine. Sheppard hosted the Inside Mac Show broadcast by CNET radio for several years, which is now available weekly in the San Francisco Bay area on 1220AM KNTS radio. His background in broadcasting, technology, and high-end audio/video production makes him one of "podcasting's" original technologists.

"Sports today is much more than terrestrial broadcasting, and as a result, content providers need to access and deliver content through a variety of different media and consider alternative, new media distribution methods, such as podcasting," said Ben Kozuch, president and co-founder of Future Media Concepts. "With more than 15 years in the industry, we are confident that Sheppard will offer attendees valuable, cutting-edge training that will further advance their sports production and distribution methods, as well as increase revenue streams."

The C4-Sports Electronic Media and Technology Show will focus on the critical components of sports technology, and the extensive FMC conference will feature cutting-edge technical sessions and panel discussions designed to allow sports media production professionals to share and learn techniques specific to the sports television production environment.

More information and online registration is available at http://www.c4-sports.com/.

About Inside Media Networks

Inside Media Networks was formed by a high-level team of broadcast and digital production professionals with the goal of providing entrepreneurial content producers an integrated platform to launch their programs. Our founding executives represent over 50 years of hands-on technical, content, distribution, sales and marketing experience in broadcast radio, television, publishing, and new media alternatives including audio and video "Podcasts" formatted specifically for online and handheld distribution technologies.

About C4-Sports

C4-Sports is the only exclusive exposition and conference dedicated to the sports content industry. Attracting athletic directors, facility managers, sports broadcasters, coaches and athletes from across the nation, it will provide exhibitors with the unique opportunity to network with these professionals. More than 5,000 sports professionals are expected to converge in Las Vegas on July 17-19 for this dynamic marketplace of sports technologies, products, services, and ideas. More information about C4-Sports is available online at http://www.c4-sports.com/.

Source: C4-Sports

Web site: http://www.c4-sports.com/

The KE-US combines hallmark K-Tek quality and affordability in a high-quality, economical universal suspension mount. Designed for standard shotgun microphones, the unit employs the proven isolation of the company’s K-SUS polymer microphone suspenders fitted within a lightweight, durable anodized aluminum frame.
Suggested U.S. list price for the KE-US Universal Suspension is $60.00

Emdigo and Magus Software to Bring a New Breed of Mobile Personalization Content to Chinese Consumers

Emdigo(R) Inc., a leading provider of advanced 3D content and production technology for the wireless industry announced today that it has entered into a comprehensive licensing and distribution relationship with Beijing-based Magus Software Co., Ltd. to bring its advanced 3D graphics based personalization content to millions of Chinese consumers.

"Magus Software is one of the most respected mobile entertainment content providers in China," says Jenny Zhao, General Manager of Emdigo China. "Emdigo has looked at China as one of its most important markets right from the days of its inception and we realized that we need to build strong partnerships with local key-players to successfully bring the next generation of mobile personalization content to Chinese consumers. With Magus Software, we have found a partner that not only realizes the potential of our products but also understands the technology behind their creation."

Located in the heart of Beijing's trendy embassy district, Emdigo's China subsidiary manages all of Emdigo's development, licensing and distribution activities in the Greater China region.

"Emdigo is poised for a period of tremendous growth and activity in China, one of the most promising mobile content markets in the world," says Lu Yong, CEO of Magus Software. "We were attracted to Emdigo by their impressive entertainment technology background and the fact that even their early-stage download content looked unlike anything we had seen before. After only one month, Emdigo content has already established itself as one of the top products on Nokia's Chinese Preminet portal with an immense number of downloads only second to ringtones."

Emdigo will demonstrate its innovative content products during the Brew 2006 Conference at the Manchester Hyatt Hotel from March 8 to March 12. Interested parties should contact Ms. Soo Patterson (bizdev@emdigo.com,) to arrange a demonstration.

About Emdigo(R)

Emdigo Inc. is a leading mobile software and technology company that enables wireless content providers to rapidly deliver vast amounts of dazzling, real-time 3D graphics based mobile entertainment and messaging applications onto millions of mobile handsets. With offices in Silicon Valley, Beijing and Tokyo, the company licenses its advanced Emdigo3D(TM) content production and delivery platform as well as a vast library of turn-key interactive 3D content products ready for distribution to consumers. To learn more about our products and us come visit us on the Web at http://www.emdigo.com/.

About Magus Soft Co., Ltd.

Magus Soft Co., Ltd. is a leading Chinese developer and publisher of mobile games and entertainment applications. Magus designs, develops, manufactures and markets mobile entertainment software for wireless devices and the mobile Internet and provides related technical solutions.

Emdigo, Emdigo3D and the Emdigo logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Emdigo Inc. All rights reserved. All other product names may be the service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective holders

Source: Emdigo Inc.

Web site: http://www.emdigo.com/

In response to growing demand for portable GPS navigation devices, Rand McNally, provider of America's most trusted maps and directions, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) , a worldwide leader in wireless and broadband communications, today announced that they have teamed up to produce a GPS navigation system for cell phones. Under the alliance, Rand McNally will integrate Motorola's proven VIAMOTO(R) navigation software into a Rand McNally branded mobile navigation solution.

The downloadable mobile application will offer a convenient and affordable alternative to expensive car navigation systems. For a low monthly fee, subscribers will be able to transform their compatible Motorola mobile phones into portable GPS-enabled, turn-by-turn, voice-guided navigation systems.

There are more than a quarter of a million GPS-equipped handsets being used today for personal navigation, according to Clement Driscoll, founder and president of C.J. Driscoll & Associates, a consulting and research firm focused on wireless location-based technology. He expects the number will increase to millions over the next few years.

"Public awareness of, and interest in, GPS-enabled navigation devices have grown significantly in the last two years," said Driscoll. "The market is ripe for fruitful relationships between mapping and wireless communications companies, such as Rand McNally and Motorola."

The new GPS navigation system from Rand McNally and Motorola will be an ideal tool for the average driver, as well as for busy professionals who need to navigate around scheduled job trips and business stops, and find unfamiliar locations quickly and reliably. Users will be able to improve productivity using only their cell phones, without investing thousands of dollars for a car navigation system.

"It's a natural fit for Rand McNally, the country's premier map maker, to join forces with an innovative leader like Motorola," said Rob Apatoff, president and chief executive officer of Rand McNally. "Our mission is to bring the most accurate, easy-to-use navigation products to market, and this collaboration with Motorola supports that goal."

The easy-to-use service will be available from select wireless carriers on all compatible Motorola wireless handsets.

"This new service establishes an impressive alliance between two industry leaders, while further expanding Motorola's ability to bring cost-effective navigation solutions to our consumer and business customers across the U.S.," said Jim Eckels, General Manager, Motorola's Digital Solutions & Accessories.

About Motorola

Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of Seamless Mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you get and stay connected simply and seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering "must have" products, "must do" experiences and powerful networks -- along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.8 billion in 2005. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com/ .

About Rand McNally & Company

Rand McNally is North America's largest commercial maker of national and local maps, street guides and atlases. The company's print and electronic products include America's No. 1 Road Atlas, The Thomas Guide(R) map books, custom-made wall maps on the Web, wireless navigation solutions and online maps, directions and trip planning at http://www.randmcnally.com/ .

Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2006, Rand McNally offers the most trusted tools to discover, map and navigate your world. The company leads the way with innovative products and services for the consumer, business, education and commercial transportation markets.

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.

Normal airtime and/or carrier usage charges apply.

Source: Rand McNally & Co.

Web site: http://www.motorola.com/
http://www.randmcnally.com/

Robert Guillaume's signature series, Benson, joins the TV Land line-up this June, beginning with a 48-hour marathon on Saturday, June 3 at 6 a.m. ET/PT. The comedy -- a spin-off from Soap -- aired on ABC for seven years and garnered Emmy recognition for Guillaume as the wise-cracking butler. The series will air in its regularly scheduled timeslot of 11 p.m. from Monday to Friday beginning June 5.

"Benson is a timeless show which is consistently requested by our viewers," states Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "It is such a timeless comedy with great characters and funny storylines. We are thrilled to be able to introduce it to a whole new audience who missed it the first time around."

Benson revolves around Benson Dubois (Guillaume), who is sent by his boss Jessica Tate to assist her widowed cousin, Governor James Gatling (James Noble). The governor, although kind-hearted, was quite naive, so Benson proved to be a guide to him on both his personal and political decisions. Throughout his time with the governor, Benson tended to clash with many of those on the staff, particularly Gretchen (Inga Swenson), the stern housekeeper and aides Clayton (Rene Auberjonois) and Taylor (Lewis J. Stadlen). However, Benson's wit eventually allowed him to form a strong bond with the governor's daughter Katie (Missy Gold), who looked to Benson as a second father. His intelligence and flourishing relationship with the governor and his adversaries resulted in several promotions, from budgetary director to lieutenant governor, and eventually as an opponent for Gatling as Governor.

Also featured in the series are Pete (Ethan Phillips), the Governor's press assistant, Denise (Didi Cohn), who became Benson's secretary when he was appointed state budget director, and his fiancee Diane (Donna La Brie).

TV Land and all related logos and titles are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

TV Land Productions was created in 2003 to develop original programming that complements the network's successful acquired programming slate. TV Land Productions has also produced The TV Land Awards Show: A Celebration of Classic TV (March 2003, 2004 and 2005), the Emmy-nominated The Dick Van Dyke Show, Revisited, the network's first original special for broadcast, which premiered on CBS in May 2004, the Emmy-nominated Still Brady ... After All These Years reunion special in September 2004 and Chasing Farrah (Spring 2005), the original reality series that followed iconic Hollywood actress and sex symbol Farrah Fawcett. Over the last year, the network premiered a variety of original series and specials in 2005 including: TV Guide and TV Land Present: The 100 Most Unexpected TV Moments, Living in TV Land, TV Land Confidential and Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg. For more information about TV Land's original Wednesday night line-ups, visit www.tvland.com.

Now seen in over 85 million U.S. homes, TV Land's program mix features popular dramas, sitcoms, westerns, Retromercials and a TV-referential interstitial environment, all programmed with a specific audience in mind - the first generation of Americans to grow up watching television and features all-time Classic hits like All in the Family, I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, and Bonanza.

MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, mtvU, VHI, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, MTV INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 12 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

About Viacom

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Offering programming and content for television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom's world- class brands include MTV Networks (MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Comedy Central, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 120 networks around the world), BET, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, DreamWorks and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at www.viacom.com.

Source: TV Land

Web site: http://www.nick-at-nite.com/

PokerStars.com, the world's largest poker tournament website, dealt out its five billionth poker hand last week. The winner of the lucky hand and a $57,500 cash prize was a 30-year-old grocery store manager from Germany. The cash prize was part of a $1 million celebration giveaway on PokerStars.com and its companion free-play site, PokerStars.net.

Manuela, who works at Aldi, a popular grocery chain in Europe, was playing at PokerStars late one evening when the landmark hand took place. At the time, more than 100,000 poker players were logged in from all over the world. Manuela (known at PokerStars as "Marajade") was playing in a friendly five and ten cent no-limit hold 'em game and was ecstatic to learn she had won the key five billionth hand.

"When I heard about the (special promotion) at PokerStars, I just had to log on and play," Manuela said afterward. "I had not calculated on actually winning the prize. I just wanted to be part of the fun. Some of the other players were playing at multiple tables to increase their chances of winning. But, I just played at the one table, and I got lucky and won it!"

"Here in Germany, it was two o'clock in the morning," she explained. "I was on the verge of going to bed."

For the winner, the prize money came at an ideal time and will be used for a special purpose. "I was born with an eye disease (that could cause me) to eventually go blind," Manuela said. "I need to have an expensive eye surgery. Thanks to PokerStars, I can now have the surgery without worrying about the cost."

Manuela was introduced to online poker by her boyfriend, who was with her at the time of the triumph. "I was unbelievable. I just screamed out loud. My boyfriend came running into the room and asked it I was all right. I could not say a word. I just pointed to the number on the screen -- '5,000,000,000.' He could not believe it either. I was so excited!"

Manuela's total prize came to $57,500, which included a bonus of $7,500 as a SilverStar VIP Club member, the rewards program for all active players at the poker site. Many other PokerStars.com players also won prize money -- including everyone playing at Manuela's table.

PokerStars.com dealt out its very first hand in September, 2001, and has been dealing fast and furious poker each day since. To equal the number of hands that PokerStars has dealt, a typical poker dealer (dealing by hand) would have to deal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for over 16,000 years. In less than five years, the popular poker site has attracted more than five million players from all over the world.

"Thanks so much to PokerStars," Manuela said. "I want to congratulate all of the other winners. For me, it was a very good day."

For more information about PokerStars.com, please visit: www.pokerstars.com

About PokerStars

PokerStars (www.pokerstars.com) is the world's most innovative online poker site. PokerStars was the first site to introduce features that became industry standard such as sophisticated multi-table tournaments, integrated game statistics, players' notes, personalized images, time bank for tournaments and big bet ring games, satellite tournaments, multi-table sit and go tournaments, and much more.

To date, PokerStars has dealt out over five billion hands and run more than 25 million poker tournaments, awarding well over $4 billion in prize money. PokerStars is the world's largest poker tournament room, with over 5 million registered player accounts. PokerStars' support team is truly unique, as help and assistance is available around the clock from people who know and understand the game of poker and the importance of impeccable customer service.

The PokerStars.com site is also one of the most secure. PokerStars uses industry-leading security software to ensure the integrity of the system, including encryption, card shuffle randomness and preventative measures against cheating and collusion. Money covering player's balances is held in segregated accounts managed by the Royal Bank of Scotland, ensuring that PokerStars can fulfill its obligations to players at all times.

In February 2006, PokerStars.com became the first poker website ever to reach the 100,000 simultaneous player mark. That watershed achievement marked the largest poker event in history. Every week, the PokerStars.com "Sunday Million" is played, which the largest weekly tournament on the planet with a $1 million guaranteed tournament prize pool. In May 2006, the site became the first online poker site to deal over 5 billion hands of poker.

PokerStars is an official member of the World Poker Tour, and the title sponsor of the European Poker Tour (EPT) and the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure. In the fall, PokerStars hosts the world's largest online tournament, the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP). PokerStars also sponsors major events around the globe, such as the World Cup of Poker and other exciting tournaments.

During the last three years, PokerStars.com sent more players to the World Series of Poker (WSOP) than any other source or website. A whopping 1,116 entrants (19 percent of the field) qualified to play in the 2005 WSOP via PokerStars satellites. PokerStars is the site where the 2003 and 2004 World Series of Poker champions won their entries into the WSOP. The reigning world poker champion, Joe Hachem, has also been an active player at PokerStars since 2001. He joined Moneymaker and Raymer as official representatives of PokerStars.com, thus fortifying the company trademark, "Where Poker Players Become World Champions."

Source: PokerStars.com

Web site: http://www.pokerstars.com/

In an effort to appeal to the influential teen market, Snickers has created a series of digital films -- "digi-sodes" -- complete with futuristic story lines, comic- book style graphics, and stars like musical artists will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo and apl.de.ap. The digi-sodes can be viewed exclusively at www.InstantDef.com, beginning June 5, 2006.

In the digi-sodes, will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo and apl.de.ap star as Snickers factory workers by day and 'defenders of old school hip hop' by night. The foursome discovers superpowers when they come in direct contact with Snickers after an incident in the plant.

The idea was created by advertising agency BBDO New York in collaboration with Form TV's Jesse Dylan and will.i.am, who also created the theme song and mixed music for all of the "sodes."

The first of five webisodes will launch June 5th, the same day InstantDef.com goes live. Four consecutive webisodes will launch at three-week intervals, with the final webisode available in mid-August. A teaser page at InstantDef.com went live May 18, 2006 with a 30-second trailer and e-mail update registration.

"You know, this is fresh," will.i.am said of working with Snickers in the creative process. "You mean I can make music, incorporate it into a film that's on the internet and wherever else we can get it played? Oh, that's tomorrow ... all the way."

"I was very attracted to this project because Snickers gave me creative freedom," Fergie said. "I had always dreamed of being a comic book character. I've always had this thought in my head of what I wanted to do with it. And so then they came to me with this idea and I said I know what I want to do."

"We knew we had to go online to reach teens because that's where they spend most of their time," said Vic Walia, Snickers senior marketing manager. "But we also know that teens are very savvy consumers so we made a conscious decision to tone down our branding in an effort to build credibility with the online community. We wanted to communicate the Snickers' brand message in an authentic, credible and contagious way. The Instant Def digi-sodes allow us to do that.

"The choice of will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo and apl.de.ap to be our Instant Def heroes was easy," Walia said. "They share key characteristics not only with today's young influencers, but also the Snickers brand. They are setting trends and breaking away from the clutter in the industry to really stand out amongst their peers."

Added Jimmy Smith, executive creative director at BBDO New York and the creator of the campaign, "This is definitely a story our audience will want to check out. We're talking music, superheroes, comic book graphics ... everything that's pop, wrapped up in an instant."

Snickers plans a limited flight of print media buys in support of Instant Def. In-theater advertising began Memorial Day weekend, showcasing the trailer in top 10 markets. The In-Store Sports Network, FootLocker, FootAction and Champs stores nationwide will showcase the trailer during the months of June and July.

Public relations efforts for the Instant Def campaign will have a heavy online concentration, using a grassroots approach to create buzz surrounding the webisodes, as well as online promotions with key websites.

About Masterfoods USA

Masterfoods USA, the United States food, snack and petcare operations of Mars, Incorporated, is one of the world's leading food manufacturers. With more than $5 billion in annual sales, the combined food, snack and petcare segments are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered in Hackettstown, NJ, Masterfoods USA employs more than 7,000 associates in the United States, with 15 manufacturing facilities nationwide. The company owns some of the world's favorite brands, including M&M'S(R) Brand, SNICKERS(R) Brand, UNCLE BEN'S(R) Brand, PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food For Dogs and WHISKAS(R) Brand Food For Cats.

Source: Masterfoods USA

Web site: http://www.instantdef.com/

Access Integrated Technologies, Inc. ("AccessIT") (NASDAQ:AIXD) reported today Memorial Day Weekend 2006 marked another digital cinema milestone for the industry, with almost 85 percent of its Christie/AIX digitally-equipped theatre screens across the country presenting feature films, reflecting the first wave of what will be a steadily increasing number of digital releases during the balance of the year.

AccessIT's own Pavilion Digital Showcase Theatre in New York City featured major digital releases on all nine of its screens. Twenty-five of the company's fifty-three exhibitor partner multiplexes in California, Washington State, Michigan, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Iowa, and Alabama are operating digital cinema systems at or near capacity thanks to the record number of digital releases available for the Memorial Day weekend.

Over the next few months, in addition to the films currently in release, more than an estimated 25 feature films are scheduled for digital release. All major studios have announced digital features in their respective line-ups.

Bud Mayo, Chairman and CEO of AccessIT, commented: "This digital cinema milestone underscores the commitments made by Hollywood Studios to provide a steady stream of digital feature releases, enabling exhibitors to fully utilize their new digital cinema hardware. This Summer, millions of movie-goers across the country will have the opportunity to experience the magic of digital cinema first-hand. We expect to reach close to 100% utilization for all installed systems by year-end. Given the full slate of releases planned for the remainder of 2006, an increasing number in digital 3-D, it is our goal to ensure that patrons at our exhibitor partners, Carmike, UltraStar, Emagine, Galaxy, Cinetopia and our own Pavilion, are treated to the kind of unique movie experience that only digital projection can provide."

To date, AccessIT's Christie/AIX subsidiary has completed the installation of approximately 400 digital projection systems in 17 states with a goal of reaching at least 500 in-time for July 4th weekend. Complete digitization of the Emagine and UltraStar chains concluded early this year, as the first of multiple installations at Cinetopia and Galaxy Theatres, and the initial phase of up to 2,300 systems at Carmike Cinemas commenced.

The Christie/AIX-funded deployment of Christie DLP Cinema(R) projectors also includes media players, a central "library" server, two-way satellite communications, data storage equipment, Christie's technical services, project management, and a 10-year maintenance plan which includes parts and labor. The central servers feature AccessIT's unique vendor-neutral Theater Command Centre ("TCC") software, which allows all digitally-equipped screens in a multiplex to be networked, simplifying theater operations through centralized content management, scheduling and reporting.

Access Integrated Technologies, Inc. (AccessIT) is the industry leader in providing fully integrated software and services to enable the motion picture entertainment industry and all of its constituents to transition from film to digital cinema. The company's Theatrical Distribution System software and electronic satellite delivery services provide studios and content owners with a seamless entry into the digital era while its vendor neutral Theatre Command Center and Exhibitor Management System provide exhibitors with all the tools needed to transition to digital cinema. For more information on AccessIT, visit www.accessitx.com.

Source: Access Integrated Technologies, Inc.

Web site: http://www.accessitx.com/

Mobestar (LSE: MOBS) has signed contracts with UK companies FoneStarz Media Ltd, iO Global Ltd, MintContent Ltd, MobileFunLtd Ltd, Mobile Media Production Ltd, and NYT Ltd to supply its new range of glamour content for onward distribution via major mobile operators' WAP sites in the UK.

The company's new range of glamour products is to be automatically rendered so it can be viewed on all major mobile phone types, handhelds and Apple iPod devices. Mobestar creates content only for mobile devices and management believe that this market while presently only at an emerging stage will in time become the major outlet for content of all types.

"These contracts are important providing Mobestar with a strong platform in our home market sufficient to meet our plan over the next year," commented Paul Robinson Mobestar's Chairman.

Robinson added: "The company will also over the next day or so be in a position able to both conclude and announce the first tranche of its international contracts, and these will take the company beyond its plan."

About Mobestar

Established in the UK in 2004, Mobestar (MOBS.L) develops mobile video technology and content solutions that enable mobile network operators and major brands to drive new revenues from their customers over 2.5G and 3G networks.

The company has two business divisions: a mobile technology division which develops white label, community-focused solutions based around a patented live video calling platform, and a mobile content division which films, edits and formats video-based content specifically for distribution to mobile devices.

Mobestar employs 15 staff, based in Guildford and Saffron Walden.

The company registered its shares for public trading on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market on 25 April, 2006, under the symbol MOBS. For further information please visit www.mobestar.com.

Source: Mobestar

-- On June 5, 2006, The Hollywood Reporter will introduce The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ., the first comprehensive resource for entertainment and media law news, analysis, deals and filings. The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ. will offer an online suite of services, including a daily website, a weekly digital magazine, an email news service and searchable industry databases covering talent and studio deals, litigation affecting the entertainment and media law industries, corporate transactions, intellectual property and technology, labor matters and government issues. The website will launch June 5, and the first weekly issue will be published the next day.

The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ. will be published, reported and edited by its own staff members, a number of whom are lawyers, while also utilizing the resources of The Hollywood Reporter. This marks another significant extension of The Hollywood Reporter brand into the marketplace this year, coming after the launches of its weekly "Starz The Hollywood Reporter" TV program on the Starz movie channels and The Hollywood Reporter Europe, a daily email service that serves the European market.

"New markets, new technologies and new laws are transforming the way the industry makes and distributes entertainment. As a result, one of the fastest-growing areas of legal practice is entertainment and media law," said Tony Uphoff, Publisher and President of The Hollywood Reporter.

"We are very excited to announce The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ., our new service specifically designed to meet the needs of this fast-growing and unique market," Uphoff added. "The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ. is a natural extension of The Hollywood Reporter brand and reflects our philosophy of providing additional rich data and transactional information to core segments of the entertainment industry that we serve around the globe."

Filling a niche in this arena, The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ. will provide entertainment and media lawyers with a timely, complete resource that delivers industry-specific news coverage and data.

The first component of the service, hollywoodreporteresq.com, will feature breaking entertainment and media law news and three all-inclusive searchable databases, which are titled:

-- Industry Dealflow - major entertainment industry transactions,

including talent deals, distribution agreements and M&A activity;

-- The Hollywood Docket - recent litigation complaint filings relating to

the entertainment and media industries from jurisdictions around the

country; and

-- Attorney Rolodex - contact information for practicing attorneys and

business affairs executives.

Second, The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ. Weekly Edition will provide readers with a digest-style magazine featuring an executive briefing on the week's developments in entertainment and media law, plus analysis and commentary from industry insiders, profiles of top lawyers and a roundup of the week's key transactions and filings. The Weekly Edition's digital magazine format will showcase its interactive features and print-on-demand capabilities.

Third, a Daily Email News Service will deliver a morning snapshot of top law industry headlines directly to users' inboxes.

"In today's entertainment industry, every business transaction, controversy or new trend has a legal angle and a lawyer involved, and these lawyers are now part of an increasingly powerful, influential and expanding entertainment and media law community," said Norah Weinstein, publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ. "This community originates in Los Angeles and New York but now reaches into virtually every corporate law firm and law school in America. At this time of dynamic growth, The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ. was created to provide tailored content for the unique needs of entertainment and media lawyers."

The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ. is designed to serve lawyers and other professionals affected by entertainment and media law issues, including talent lawyers, studio legal and business affairs executives, in-house lawyers, agents, managers, studio executives, bankers, investors and law students. "I am looking forward to some in-depth coverage about entertainment lawyers and the issues we face," said Ken Ziffren of Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca, Fischer, Gilbert-Lurie, Stiffelman, Cook, Johnson, Lande & Wolf LLP.

"The entertainment and media industries are such exciting and interesting areas in which to practice law, especially these days with the emergence of digital media and increasingly complex business models," said Matthew Belloni, editor of The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ. "Our coverage will reflect a full range of practice areas -- from talent deals and corporate transactions to intellectual property litigation, guild and regulatory actions and technology issues -- always with a focus on the legal issues and the lawyers who are facing them head-on."

To subscribe to The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ., visit http://hollywoodreporteresq.com/ or call 866-357-0304. The annual subscription package includes full access to all three of the products. Firm- and companywide licenses and special law school rates also are available. The service will be usable on a complimentary trial basis from June 5 through June 18.

Weinstein attended USC Law School, where she graduated Order of the Coif. She was formerly a litigator with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, in both the New York and Los Angeles offices.

Belloni also attended USC Law School and served as the Notes Editor of the Southern California Law Review. He previously practiced as an entertainment litigator at Alschuler, Grossman, Stein & Kahan in Santa Monica, where he wrote frequently about entertainment industry issues.

Serving as managing/online editor for The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ. and heading up its daily website is David Lott, who was previously Internet editor for the Los Angeles Business Journal.

The Hollywood Reporter is a must-read for entertainment's most powerful, influential professionals. More than 175,000 key decision makers worldwide rely on the 75-year-old brand's print and electronic offerings for intelligence that enables success in a continually evolving business and creative environment. The Hollywood Reporter is published by Netherlands-based VNU, the world's largest organization of entertainment-related publications and services. http://hollywoodreporter.com/

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Web site: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/
http://hollywoodreporteresq.com/

Officially launching the 79th Academy Awards season, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will mail over 850 application request forms to individuals and companies representing the scientific and technical community in the United States and abroad by the end of this month.

Those specializing in science and technology in film, including past winners, will have an opportunity to be considered for awards in those areas.

In order to be considered, achievements must demonstrate exceptional merit and evidence of having provided significant advancements in the production of motion pictures.

“The Awards Committee will look for technologies and achievements that have a proven track record of continued and successful use in the motion picture industry,” said Awards Administration Director Rich Miller.

Submissions to the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee will be evaluated by the main committee as well as subcommittees composed of distinguished engineers, scientists and craftspersons before being recommended to the Academy’s Board of Governors for award consideration.

The application-filing deadline is Tuesday, August 1, 2006. Information and application packets may be obtained by contacting Miller’s office via phone at (310) 247-3000, ext. 130; by fax at (310) 859-9619; by emailing scitech@oscars.org; or by visiting www.oscars.org.

# # #

©A.M.P.A.S.®

Move over Hugh Hefner... there's a new guy in town talking about sex.

"People struggle with sex and relationships more than any other area of their lives," says "Sex Talk Radio" founder and host Mike Goss, "and one of the reasons is that most of the information we learn about sex is wrong."

As a former sex addict Goss speaks from first hand experience. "I learned about sex from a number of places. I learned some from movies and music. I learned some from magazines and friends. I even learned some from the boys' restroom wall. But it wasn't until 30 years later that I learned that all I had learned -- was wrong!" Goss says in that deep laugh of his. Then he quickly adds that he also learned, "it's never too late to start making smart choices and that's what I want people to remember."

"Sex Talk Radio" (sextalkradio.org) -- an internet, interactive radio station and information-rich Web site focusing on sex, love and relationships and their impact on individuals, families and society at large -- will go live Sunday, June 11, 2006.

Goss and colleagues will host four call-in radio shows including:

-- "Sunday Night Live" -- Sunday, 9 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. CDT: Explores a wide range of sex related topics. Using skits, humor, music and anecdotes, Mike Goss and co-host Cam Bossier focuses on giving insights to young adults about love, sex and relationships. Guaranteed to make listeners sometimes laugh and other times cry, but always think.

-- "Relationship Tuesdays with Dr. K" -- Tuesday, 8 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. CDT: Young adult lives are becoming increasingly complicated at younger ages. Dr. Alan Kitay, a Christian psychologist and relationship counselor, brings his wit and humor to provide professional advice about relationships and other issues.

-- "Relationship Fridays with Dr. K" -- Friday, 8p.m. - 10 p.m. CDT: Older adults sometimes need relationship advice and many times with no where to turn. On Friday nights Dr. Kitay will focus on providing professional relationship counseling to our more mature listeners.

-- "Breaking Free" -- Wednesday, 8 pm - 10 p.m. CDT: "Breaking Free" is pure ministry. The focus is on helping people who are struggling with pornography and other sex addictions and the people who love them. Co-hosted by Sam Meier and Patti Cappros, both of whom know first hand the battle of breaking free and the high cost associated with addictions, use their knowledge and their compassion to give listeners hope and help for breaking free of their addiction.

Goss is the founder of Abstinence America, a 501(c) 3 faith-based, organization founded in 2001 to teach teens healthy relationship skills and the overwhelming benefits of abstinence until marriage. In addition, he has worked for the past 25 years with youth in a volunteer capacity through the NAACP, National Urban League, YMCA's and after-school tutoring programs.

Although he sees "Sex Talk Radio" as a ministry, he doesn't dismiss the "un-churched." "Whether you come from a religious background or not, you can still see the effects of poor choices in relationships," Goss says. "Whatever your age, gender, socioeconomic background or race, we all stand on a level playing field when it comes to this topic."

"The struggle with relationships is universal, but it particularly resonates with college students," says Goss. "They are in a critical stage of life where they're making key decisions that will determine the outcome of their lives for decades to come and possibly forever." That's why two of "Sex Talk Radio's" four call-in shows are designed specifically for college-age audiences.

Research backs up Goss' strategy of reaching young adults via an Internet radio talk show, which he anticipates will reach millions of college students. In a study by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 73 percent of young adults ages 18 to 24 reported learning about sexual health issues from media sources.

As someone on the lecture circuit who regularly speaks to high school and college crowds, Goss speaks with authority when he says, "Hands down, the vast majority of young adults I see are going to be successful in their careers." Yet he's doubtful that they will enjoy that same level of success in achieving meaningful relationships. "They have a strong focus on their educations and careers, but they've neglected this other piece of the puzzle, a key piece -- relationships."

That's the piece that Goss plans to provide through programming on "Sex Talk Radio" (sextalkradio.org).

"A miserable marriage, a loveless marriage, a divorce, an out-of-wedlock birth, or a lifetime sexually transmitted disease are all things that can and will diminish the value of their hard-earned accomplishments," Goss says.

When Goss tackles these issues, he speaks from experience. Goss says, "Unfortunately, I have first hand knowledge of the devastation poor sexual choices can bring."

Open about his shortcomings, Goss says that he has been happily married for nine years, although this year he and his wife will be celebrating their 25th year of marriage.

Goss says, "The good news is seven of those nine good years have been the last seven. What I discovered is that we made a lot of mistakes out of ignorance and innocence in the beginning of our relationship that came back to haunt us. We were on the verge of calling it quits when my life was touched by God, and since then our relationship has never been the same."

"I'm attempting to take these heavy subjects and add a touch of humor in order to deliver what sometimes amounts to some very hard truths," says Goss. "I believe my enthusiasm, energy, and entertaining style will open listeners' ears and hearts to my message. From my counseling experience, it is my sincere belief that the majority of people live out their entire lives, die and go to an empty grave while never experiencing the love and companionship they so desperately want. I want to help change that."

SOURCE: Sex Talk Radio

Good For The Soul Music, LC, today unveiled a new music (CD) and written word (journal) product line called COJO - Companion on the Journey Series(TM). The announcement was made at the 2006 Religious Book Trade Exhibit (RBTE) conference and show. "We are delighted to share with our existing as well as potentially new retail partners the exciting new COJO(TM) series," said David Kauffman, Good For The Soul Music founder and songwriter. "The COJO(TM) series sings and speaks to milestones in life by weaving songs, spoken 'mini-talks' and written word - including scripture - together centered on a particular theme called a milestone." The very first in the COJO(TM) series celebrates the post-retreat milestone and is called Going Forth. Like all COJOs, Going Forth comes to life in the form of a COJO(TM) CD and an accompanying COJOURNAL(TM). These are both available now and are on display at the RBTE show in booth 526. Follow on COJO(TM) CDs and their accompanying COJOURNAL(TM) will cover the myriad of milestone events, emotions, struggles, celebrations and vocations that are encountered by men, women and teens during their faith journey.

The next two in the series are due out June 19th and are titled Music Ministry and Love Letter. The COJO(TM) series is designed for both individual and community (small faith group and bible study) settings. "Our customers just love David Kauffman's Behold and Be Still CDs and we are certain that they will embrace the new COJO(TM) and COJOURNAL(TM) series," said Daniel Humm owner and general manager of The Pelican Shop in San Antonio, Texas. Good For The Soul Music has sold over 100,000 CDs including such titles as Behold, Be Still, Surrender and Steal Away through retail partners around the country like The Pelican Shop. "Our prayer is that after listening to a COJO(TM) CD, faith journeyers will feel the embrace of God, be lifted up and have had their milestone named, spoken and sung," explained Kauffman. "The COJOURNAL(TM) then invites them to read and write words from their own hearts that further bring to life the milestone. They are better. Their journey is better.

Their life is better http://www.goodforthesoulmusic.com Daniel Humm The Pelican Shop San Antonio, info@thepelicanshop.com Good For The Soul Music(TM) is an inspirational music company whose products feed the souls of God's people

Production is complete on "5000 Miles," a feature-length documentary that follows a young couple from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on their journey to adopt a child from Poland. With final post-production completed in February of 2006, Splice Films has set a DVD release date of Tuesday, May 30th, 2006. "The story of building a family through adoption has never been told quite this way," says producer Michael Rozumalski. "In most of the stories I've seen about adoption, the emotion seemed to be missing. These other stories were told as informational pieces; we look at the emotional process of finding and meeting your child. It is a one-of-a-kind film." Audiences of pre-release screenings have described the film as "a roller coaster of emotions," "heartwarming and astounding" and "unlike any other film on the subject." The premiere screening is scheduled for June 28th in Milwaukee, where the subjects of the film will be on hand to talk to prospective adoptive parents about "5000 Miles" and their experiences in the adoption process. Michael Rozumalski and his wife, Amy, will begin a tour of screenings of "5000 Miles" later in the summer. "We are just looking forward to people seeing the film and hearing our story," says Rozumalski. He adds, "Splice Films has received an amazing amount of DVD pre-orders ... It's all very exciting." For information about "5000 Miles" or to order the DVD, visit http://www.5000milesmovie.com.

Jadoo Power Systems Inc. (Jadoo) www.jadoopower.com, the leading supplier of portable fuel cell power systems, announced today that Co-Founders Larry Bawden and Muralidharan “Lee” Arikara were named as finalists in the “Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2006 Award” for Northern California.

According to Ernst & Young, the awards program was designed to recognize outstanding entrepreneurs on a regional, national, and global level, who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses. Mr. Bawden and Mr. Arikara were selected as finalists by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special 20^th anniversary gala event on June 16, 2006 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, California.

“Both Lee and myself are honored that we have been selected as finalists for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2006 Award,” said Larry Bawden, CEO and President. “We like to think that our success is only a reflection of the team and culture we have tried so hard to build here at Jadoo,” added Lee Arikara, VP Business Development.

The “Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards” program celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Awards are given to entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

The overall national “Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award” winners will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 18, 2006. The overall national “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” recipients are then considered for the world event held in Monte Carlo.

www.jadoopower.com
Jadoo Power Systems, Inc. is a market-focused company that develops and sells next-generation, portable energy storage and power generation products. Jadoo is financed by Mohr Davidow Ventures, Venrock Associates and Sinclair Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.

For more information about Jadoo Power Systems, please contact:

About the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award

The “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” was created and produced by professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP. As the first award of its kind, the “Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award” recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses. The program honors entrepreneurs through regional, national and global award programs in over 100 cities and 35 countries

Gefen Offers Extension for DVI and Audio Devices in One Convenient Solution WOODLAND HILLS, CA - Extending DVI equipped HD displays up to 150 feet over category-5 cables is easily achieved these days, but extending sound to accompany the HD video can be an issue. Not anymore. Gefen announced its DVI Audio Extender designed to support the extension of both analog and digital audio formats in addition to HD video.

The compact sender and receiver units come equipped with S/PDIF (digital coax), optical TOSlink and left/right analog RCA audio inputs and outputs that drive multiple audio devices at the same time. Combined with its DVI input/output, the Gefen DVI Audio Extender supplies a plug and play method of extending HDTV visuals up to 1080p (1920x1200) along with multichannel stereo audio in the same device. Data is transferred instantaneously, with an average speed of 12.8 Mb/s, allowing the user to immerse him or herself in rich, robust audio and pure digital imagery as if connected locally. With a suggested retail value of $649 (US), the package includes six-foot DVI and audio RCA cables in addition to two external power supplies (one on each end) and the sender/receiver units. Gefen’s DVI Audio Extender (EXT-DVI-AUDIO-CAT5) is available worldwide through a Gefen authorized reseller. Additional information is available online at: http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=3329 # # # About Gefen: A leader in the high definition digital domain, Gefen delivers advanced technologies with multi-platform extension, switching, distribution and conversion capabilities. Gefen equipment is utilized all over the world in professional AV/IT and consumer electronics/home theater environments. Their add-on hardware maximizes system functionality by enabling AV systems to go beyond their original capabilities. Additional information may be found at www.gefen.com. For more information: Linda Morgan linda@gefen.com 610.436.4759

Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) today announced that it is sponsoring a new PBS television series about sustainable design titled "design: e2" (The Economics of Being Environmentally Conscious). Produced by kontentreal and narrated by Brad Pitt, the series is scheduled to air on PBS stations beginning in June 2006. In association with the series, Autodesk has unveiled its Sustainability Center (http://www.autodesk.com/green/) which will serve as a resource on the role of technology in sustainable design and profile industry leaders from manufacturing, building and infrastructure who are realizing their sustainable ideas.

"Autodesk is working with the world's leading architects, engineers and product designers to make it easier, more efficient and profitable to incorporate sustainable design into their practices," said Carl Bass, chief executive officer and president of Autodesk. "We hope our sponsorship of 'design: e2' and the Autodesk Sustainability Center will help increase adoption of sustainable design and raise awareness for this vital movement."

Achieving Sustainability through Technology

Autodesk provides software solutions that can help design professionals measure and analyze the performance costs and occupant experience of a building, predict the efficiency and durability of a mechanical device or model the layout of a new road to better understand its environmental impact. As a result, design professionals can significantly reduce the time and resources required to create sustainable buildings, infrastructure and products.

The growing movement for sustainable architecture, also called green building, is a direct response to the need to change the relationship between buildings and the environment. According to the United States Department of Energy, constructing and maintaining buildings consumes 65.2% of the electricity and 36% of the primary energy resources in the United States. The 2005 Autodesk Green Index, an annual study of the implementation of green design principals by practicing architects, indicated that the use of sustainable design principals has grown 50 percent since 2000, and estimates that it will increase 100 percent by 2010.

Partnering to Produce design: e2

kontentreal, producers of "design: e2," chose to partner with Autodesk because Autodesk has demonstrated leadership in providing architects with solutions for sustainable design. Phil Bernstein, vice president of Autodesk's Building Solutions Division, and an AIA fellow and lecturer at the Yale University School of Architecture since 1988, served as a series advisor, and several projects featured on the show were designed using Autodesk software.

"Teaming up with Autodesk seemed like a natural fit, as we share an excitement in educating the world about the importance of sustainable design and its effects on our planet and future generations," said kontentreal's Executive Producer Karena Albers.

The "design: e2" documentary series will highlight the positive impact sustainable architecture has on our economy, our health and our planet. The programs in the series will chronicle important stories of green design around the world -- including in New York, in Chicago's city government, in homes in China -- and into the future. The series is narrated by Brad Pitt and features the most progressive minds in the green building and sustainable design movement including William McDonough, Werner Sobek, Sergio Palleroni, Douglas Durst and Michael McDonough. It is scheduled to air on the PBS television network beginning in June 2006. Check local listings for airdates and time.

Education and Inspiration on the Sustainability Center

In connection with its sponsorship of the PBS series, Autodesk has launched its Sustainability Center (http://www.autodesk.com/green/), a new website that will provide information and tools to facilitate an understanding of sustainable design, as well as inspire and help design professionals take advantage of this growing trend. Visitors to the website will also be able to learn more about the visionaries, issues and projects featured in design: e2.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a Fortune 1,000 company, wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With seven million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the manufacturing, infrastructure, building, media and entertainment and wireless data services fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage, become more productive, streamline project efficiency and maximize profits.

Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit www.autodesk.com.

NOTE: Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Source: Autodesk, Inc.

Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/

Niles Audio Corporation, The First Name in Custom Installation^®, announces the official release of its new PS6si Outdoor Planter Speaker. The PS6si Outdoor Planter Speaker is a powerful, all-weather speaker that also holds live plants and flowers, making it a perfect fit for audiophiles who like to entertain outdoors. With an authentic, stylish design that will fool your eyes, the PS6si blends nicely with pools, patios, porches, decks and gardens, while cranking out serious sound thanks to a proprietary, 6.5” dual voice coil woofer and two 1” fluid-cooled Tetron tweeters. With the tweeters mounted at opposing angles, a single PS6si can project a stereo soundstage of amazing depth and clarity from a single speaker.

“When it comes to the great outdoors, our customers want a high-quality speaker with a naturalistic design,” said Mike “Sparky” Detmer, vice-president of sales and marketing for Niles. “The PS6si was designed to withstand any kind of weather. Its design is so concise that it surpasses the military standards for corrosion, temperature, UV and water resistance.”

Designed to handle the harshest of environments, the PS6si is made of fiberglass and is protected by a UV-resistant paint. Its 10-gallon capacity and three drainage holes ensure plants will stay healthy, while screens allow for acoustic transparency and keep bugs and debris at bay.

This discrete loudspeaker is wired for one-speaker stereo input or two-speaker stereo mode. A trouble-free connection is insured by dual 3” burial-rated connection cables with waterproof wire-nuts. Niles offers a two-year limited warranty, and the PS6si is priced at an MSRP of $399.

Niles Audio Corporation, based in Miami, is a 28-year-old company recognized as the First Name in Custom Installation™. As a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of audio/video custom installation products, Niles Audio is guided by seven principles: a commitment to reliable, high-performance, application-specific, product design, a complete and up-to-date product assortment with just-in-time delivery, extensive training and technical support, exemplary customer service and strong dealer relationships. Niles is a brand based on strength, reliability and outstanding performance with a wide range of award-winning, innovative products

-- Robert Randolph & The Family Band, led by the critically heralded pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, will hit the road this summer as special guests of The Black Crowes. The nine-week tour, which launches June 10th in Seattle, will criss-cross the U.S. into mid-August and play to more than 400,000 fans over thirty-eight dates.

Following the tour with The Black Crowes, The Family Band will also join Dave Matthews Band on the road for several shows, including stops in California, Utah, Colorado, and the two final sold-out shows of the tour at the new John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia. In addition, Randolph and the band will perform at this year's Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on June 16th in Manchester, Tennessee, along with Radiohead, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, and Bonnie Raitt. The Family Band has appeared at Bonnaroo every year since the festival's inception in 2002, except for last year when Randolph performed with Luther Dickinson, Chris Crew, and Cody Dickinson of North Mississippi All-Stars and John Medeski of Medeski, Martin & Wood as part of The Word.

Critics have waxed lyrical about The Family Band's jubilant, roof-raising live shows, praising Randolph's "raucous showmanship" in Daily Variety, and calling him "an energetic and inspiring presence...a time-stopping, trouble-erasing wizard who engages his listeners to march, press on, stomp their feet, clap their hands, and scream," in Rolling Stone.

The summer tour dates lead up to the fall release of Randolph's as-yet-untitled new album, the follow-up to "Unclassified," his Grammy-nominated 2003 debut on Dare/WBR. The new album is said to be a potent mix of rock, funk, country, blues, and gospel, showcasing The Family Band's dazzling musicianship, as well as Randolph's powerful vocal chops. It is being produced by studio vets Mark Batson (Dave Matthews Band, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Gwen Stefani) and Drew & Shannon (The Temptations, India.Arie, Johnny Lang, Marc Broussard), as well as top gospel producer/songwriter Tommy Sims (Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton).

Robert Randolph & The Family Band's upcoming tour dates with The Black

Crowes and Drive-By Truckers are as follows:

June

10 Seattle, WA White River Amphitheatre

11 Ridgefield, WA Clark County Amphitheatre

13 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre

14 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre

17 San Diego, CA Concerts in the Park

18 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre

23 St. Louis, MO UMB Bank Pavilion

24 Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion

25 Pittsburgh, PA Chevrolet Amphitheatre

27 Nashville, TN Amsouth Amphitheatre

28 Birmingham, AL Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

30 Dallas, TX Smirnoff Amphitheatre

July

1 San Antonio, TX Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

2 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

3 Austin, TX The Backyard

6 Atlanta, GA HiFi Buys Amphitheatre

7 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre

8 West Palm Beach, FL Sound Advice Amphitheatre

11 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

12 Raleigh, NC Alltel Pavilion @ Walnut Creek

14 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

16 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata

18 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena

19 Wantagh, NY Tommy Hilfiger @ Jones Beach

21 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion

22 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center

23 Boston, MA Tweeter Center

25 Darien Center, NY Darien Lakes Amphitheatre

26 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theater

28 Cleveland, OH Tower City Amphitheatre

29 Philadelphia, PA Penn's Landing

30 Saratoga Springs, NY SPAC

August

1 Columbus, OH TBA

3 Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amphitheatre

4 Indianapolis, IN Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

5 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center

6 Somerset, WI Float Rite Park Amphitheatre

12 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Robert Randolph & The Family Band's upcoming tour dates with the Dave

Matthews Band are as follows:

August

25 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

26 Chula Vista, CA Coors Amphitheatre

28 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl

30 West Valley City, UT USANA Amphitheatre

September

6 Sacramento, CA Raley Field

8-9 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre

12-13 Denver, CO Pepsi Arena

22-23 Charlottesville, VA John Paul Jones Aren

Starting in June, Nintendo will begin branding its more casual Nintendo DS(TM) titles under the new Touch Generations label. The Touch Generations brand will include titles that anyone can pick up and play, even with little or no experience with video games. It represents one of the many ways that Nintendo is making it easy for new demographics of people to be introduced to video games. Three new games, including a second brain-training game, will be added to the Touch Generations category in June

We remain committed to turning video games into an inclusive mass medium that everyone can enjoy," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Touch Generations will help novices and newcomers identify the fun and uniquely engaging experiences that are available only on Nintendo DS."

These current and upcoming games will be identified by a distinctive logo, and will help non-gamers and casual gamers quickly identify which games might be appropriate for them. Touch Generations will be one element of Nintendo's multimillion-dollar campaign to get more and more people interested in video games.

The first seven titles in the Touch Generations brand include the following upcoming games:

* Big Brain Academy(TM) (launches June 5): The second title in the

brain-training series tests players in five areas: thinking,

memorization, computation, analysis and identification.

* Magnetica(TM) (launches June 5): A simple puzzle game challenges players

to connect and eliminate like-colored marbles before they reach the goal.

* Sudoku Gridmaster (launches June 26): This version of the wildly popular

puzzle grid features more than 400 sudoku puzzles, all of which were

hand-picked by the original creators of sudoku.

Touch Generations also will include the following already-released titles:

* Brain Age(TM): Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day (launched April 17):

More than 5 million people around the world test their brains daily in

areas like math, counting, reading and memorization. Many purchasers

include older people who had never previously played a video game.

* Nintendogs(TM) (launched Aug. 22, 2005): The hugely popular puppy

simulation and communication program lets users pet their pups using the

touch screen and teach them commands using the microphone.

* Tetris(R) DS (launched March 20): Nintendo's greatest characters team up

with one of the most popular puzzle games of all time.

* True Swing Golf (launched Jan. 23): In this realistic golf game, players

simply slide the stylus across the touch screen to strike the ball and

send it flying.

Touch Generations titles can be enjoyed by hard-core gamers and beginners alike, as evidenced by the positive reviews the gaming media have given to many of these titles. But as Nintendo adds new titles to the Touch Generations category, the two groups will be able to come together and identify their common ground.

The worldwide innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo DS(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance and Nintendo GameCube(TM) systems, and upcoming Wii(TM) console. Since 1983, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games and more than 360 million hardware units globally, and has created industry icons like Mario(TM), Donkey Kong(R), Metroid(R), Zelda(TM) and Pokemon(R). A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.

PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Nintendo

Web site: http://www.nintendo.com/

-- blinkx, the smartest thing on the Web, today announced a partnership with Sky News, Europe's first 24-hour news channel. Under the agreement, Sky News will provide blinkx index with hundreds of news clips each week, providing a broad and unique addition to the growing list of news sources at www.blinkx.tv.

Sky News clips cover a range of topics that include world news, entertainment and financial news and updates. Under the agreement, blinkx will automatically index and transcribe Sky News' content improving users' ability to search and navigate through this rich content resource.

"Sky News is one of the most respected news sources in the world and we are delighted to be partnering with them. Our users demand breadth and quality when it comes to content and Sky News is uniquely positioned to provide both," said Suranga Chandratillake, CTO and founder of blinkx.

"We are delighted that blinkx is showcasing our brand and range of exciting content. It's increasingly important for Sky News to be represented in the non-linear environment," said Steve Bennedik, editor of Sky News Networked Media.

blinkx is the only search engine optimized for rich media content. It uses advanced speech recognition technology to automatically index and transcribe Sky News' content, making it easy to search through literally word for word.

About blinkx

blinkx, the smartest thing on your computer and on the Web, is changing the way that people think about search. Only blinkx can harness the desktop, Web and TV -- unifying content with a one stop search tool. Available to users on the Web at www.blinkx.com and www.blinkx.tv as well as free to download, blinkx automatically and intelligently links to content anywhere and in any format, on the Web, on the desktop and even on TV. blinkx's conceptual toolbar means users are no longer limited to keyword search; instead, blinkx assesses all the information that the user is actively viewing, and automatically recommends and retrieves relevant content, from local, Web and TV searches, based on context. In addition, www.blinkx.tv makes thousands of hours of TV content fully searchable and available on demand for the first time. blinkx is a privately-held company based in San Francisco and London. More information is available at www.blinkx.com.

About Sky News

Since its launch in 1989, Sky News has established itself as a formidable and innovative force in the world of news broadcasting. It now provides news to around 98 million people in 36 countries in Europe alone. Valued for fairness, balance and journalistic objectivity by both viewers and regulators, the award-winning channel has also earned a reputation for the speed of its 24-hour coverage and flexibility in reporting live news -- first.

Source: blinkx

Ever dream of being part of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Family? Well, this may be the chance that die-hard fans have been waiting for, and Checkered Motorsports is leading the way. Unlike other sports, NASCAR allows anyone to field a Nextel Cup Team. With over 75 million NASCAR fans, the chance that there are some people interested in doing so, is highly likely. And, now is the time. Every year, NASCAR reviews and revises rules and regulations; in two or three years they might not allow just anyone to get in.

"My grand plan is to race two Nextel Cup Teams starting in Daytona 2007 with thousands of other fans and co-owners," James E. Pierce, President, said. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only view the action, but be a part of it."

Checkered Motorsports is asking interested fans to invest an initial $10 to get the process started; approximately 100,000 deposits are needed. Once this has been established, the balance -- $500 -- will be due. At this time, investors will become co-owners and will receive their legal documents.

"As a co-owner, the sky's the limit when it comes to benefits," Pierce explained. "Among the return on investment, other benefits may include: auctions for racecar accessories; VIP passes; the ability to display a company logo; and much, much more."

Once the initial goal of 100,000 is met, a staff of business advisors, financial experts, attorneys, marketers and advertising executives will be assembled to ensure the positive outcome of Checkered Motorsports. This management team will have the best interests of the co-owners, team and fans in place.

"Most importantly," Pierce said, "this minimal $10 investment shows that fans are serious and want to be part of the professional sport of racing, and making history; it will prove our credibility and dedication and aid in finding a high-profile sponsor."

Checkered Motorsports is the first fan-based corporation in the history of NASCAR. They are a small, elite group of fans with common goals in mind: to thrive to be a competitive every week; and to ultimately, win the Nextel Cup Championship.

Learn how to become a co-owner at: http://www.checkeredmotorsports.com/

Source: Checkered Motorsports

Web site: http://www.checkeredmotorsports.com/

The Chrysler Group today announced the manufacturing launch of the all-new Jeep Compass at its Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant. The plant which was extensively retooled in 2005, has become a flagship for Chrysler Group's adoption of flexible manufacturing.

Flexible manufacturing is allowing the Company to bring its new vehicles to market more quickly and the Belvidere Assembly Plant to manufacture multiple products on one assembly line. Production of the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber began there in January 2006, while the 2007 Jeep Patriot is scheduled to begin later this fall.

"We are now starting to see the results of the new flexible manufacturing process that we believe is a competitive advantage for the Chrysler Group," said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President - Manufacturing. "Thanks to Belvidere's ability to build multiple models off one assembly line, we expect the Jeep Compass production to cost significantly less than the initial investment we made in the plant to build the Dodge Caliber."

Robotics

At the core of the new manufacturing process is a body shop comprised of robots instead of the dedicated tooling that was previously used. Belvidere is Chrysler Group's first assembly plant to use a body shop comprised entirely of robotics. Only the robots' end affectors, or "hands," need to change in order to build the different models. That tool change is done automatically, within the time it takes to cycle from one vehicle to the next. In addition, the Belvidere plant is flexible enough to vary the production mix between three products anywhere from 0 to 100 percent of each model. A fourth model can also be piloted, or test-built at the same time, helping reduce the time needed to make new-model changeovers. The new body shop and other upgrades are part of a $419 million total Belvidere investment announced in 2005.

Many other changes are also taking place within the Chrysler Group manufacturing process to accommodate the multiple models. For example, new ways to make the required amount of stamping dies are saving the company up to 60 percent on the cost of those dies.

Material Flow

New methods of material handling are being implemented to manage the complexity of three models being built on one assembly line. The inbound parts sequencing center manages more than 1,800 different parts that are used in the Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber build process. In addition to sequencing, this center provides parts metering, kitting and container management to the Belvidere Assembly Plant and delivers complete subassemblies just-in-time to the manufacturing floor.

A tunnel connects the 500,000 square-foot sequencing center to the Belvidere Assembly Plant. This facility, operated by TDS/US -- one of Chrysler Group's largest minority-owned suppliers -- represents the highest level of integration within a Chrysler Group plant. TDS/US organizes parts, puts them in "kits" for individual work stations and delivers them to the end of a connecting tunnel for Belvidere employees to transport to the manufacturing floor. This process maintains in-plant stocks at optimal levels, minimizes delivery time and reduces costs an estimated 12 percent a year compared with the previous process. By carefully managing the material flow at the plant, the sequencing center helps workers focus on manufacturing quality and allows Belvidere to remain one of the most efficient manufacturing examples in the Chrysler Group family. These pre-assembled modules reduce the number of components required to assemble the Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber, improving quality, productivity and worker ergonomics.

SMART

A new workplace organizational model, coined SMART manufacturing, is increasing the flexibility of the Belvidere workforce, while fostering greater creativity and innovation from plant employees. This model is being implemented throughout Chrysler Group's Manufacturing organization. In addition to extensive training, the new workplace model lets employees design their own work stations. These changes provide a better work environment for employees and give increased support to assembly line team members.

"Belvidere Assembly is running on all cylinders," said Kurt Kavajecz, Plant Manager - Belvidere Assembly Plant. "In the first half of 2006, we added a second shift and started production of the Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber. In addition, we're getting ready to launch the Jeep Patriot in a few months and have recently announced the addition of a third shift, approximately 1,000 new jobs. Our new workplace organization model, in which employees work in small teams, has fostered greater creativity and innovation on the plant floor and made for a very smooth process."

Jeep Compass

The 2007 Jeep Compass is an all-new modern-styled compact Jeep vehicle that delivers fun, freedom, utility, excellent fuel efficiency and Jeep 4x4 capability -- all at a terrific value. With a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,985, including a $560 destination charge, Jeep Compass combines the packaging and functionality of a sport-utility vehicle with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup truck. Jeep Compass is designed to appeal to new buyers who might not have previously considered a Jeep vehicle.

The Chrysler Group is the city of Belvidere's largest employer and has a significant impact on the community with 2,885 employees throughout Illinois who generate $188 million in annual wages (year-end 2005). The 3.7 million square-foot Belvidere Assembly Plant employs approximately 2,650 people. Union members are represented by United Auto Worker's Union Locals 1268 and 1761. The plant began production of the Plymouth Fury and Dodge Monaco in 1965. The Chrysler Group will implement its flexible manufacturing process in its Sterling Heights (Mich.) and St. Louis South (Fenton, Mo.) Assembly Plants next.

http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/

Appointees to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports were sworn in May 24, 2006, in the library of the White House, Old Executive Office Building. President George W. Bush announced the appointments April 27. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael O. Leavitt performed the ceremony after members met with the president in the Oval Office and Rose Garden. "These leaders will shape the direction of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports as we begin our next 50 years of promoting physical activity, fitness and sports for all Americans," said Melissa Johnson, the Council's executive director. President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the Council as the President's Council on Youth Fitness in 1956, after learning the results of a report showing that American youth were less fit than their European counterparts. The Council's first members were the cabinet secretaries; the first chairman was Vice President Richard M. Nixon. President John F. Kennedy expanded the Council's mandate to include Americans of all ages.

Current Members of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

John P. Burke of Wisconsin -- Chairman, president of Trek Bicycles; Olympic gold medalist (softball -- 1996 and 2000) Dorothy G. "Dot" Richardson, M.D., of Florida -- Vice Chair; New York Giants quarterback Elisha N. ("Eli") Manning of Louisiana; tennis professional Andrew ("Andy") Roddick of Texas; Olympic gold/silver/bronze medalist (gymnastics, 1984) Mary Lou Retton of Texas; fitness expert and television personality Denise Austin of Virginia; fitness expert Donna Richardson Joyner of Texas; philanthropist Susan Lieberman Dell of Texas; Kirk M. Bauer of Maryland; Catherine M. Baase, M.D., of Michigan; James N. Baird, Jr., M.D., of Ohio; Teddy L. ("Tedd") Mitchell, M.D., of Texas; Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., of Minnesota; Charles Steven Bornstein of California; Paul R. Carrozza of Texas; Lillian R. Greene- Chamberlain of Maryland; Bill Greer of Michigan; Charles M. Moore of New York; Jerry V. Noyce of Minnesota; W. Edgar Welden, Sr., of Alabama.

Source: President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

Web site: http://www.fitness.gov/

MAIN EVENT:

Light Welterweight Joel Casamayor (32-3-1) (KOs 20) vs. TBA

Under Card features:

Middleweights; Grover Wiley (32-6) vs. Julio "Baby Face" Garcia (35-2)

Plus 4 additional bouts

WHAT: NEWS CONFERENCE to announce - A nationally televised

ESPN "Friday Night at the Fights." Media event hosted by:

Hooters of Phoenix; 445 North 3rd Street Ste 190,

Arizona Center Mall, Phoenix AZ 85004 # 602-495-1234

WHO WILL In attendance at NEWS CONFERENCE

BE PRESENT:

> Roberto Duran; 4-time former World Champion

> Joel Casamayor; former WBA Super Featherweight Champ

> Grover Wiley; 14 victories by KO

> Julio Garcia; 11 victories by KO

> Dan Wise: Managing Partner, DRL Promotions

> Luis DeCubas: Executive Officer, DRL Promotions

WHEN: Thursday, June 1st at 2:00 p.m. Food & Beverages

EVENT: DRL Promotions presents: "Celebrity Wars", a night of

all-star professional boxing. The live event will be

Friday, July 7 @ the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix.

http://www.celebritytheatre.com

DRL Promotions is a nationally known Boxing Promotional Company that

stages major professional boxing events throughout the U.S. and

Internationally. DRL Promotions was formed by Scottsdale, CPA Dan Wise,

Roberto Duran and Luis DeCubas. Duran, an international boxing legend is a

former four (4) time World Champion from Panama City. The "Hands of Stone"

won more than 100 professional fights.

GolTV, the only 24-hour soccer network bringing some of the world's top leagues into millions of U.S. homes every day, announced today that it has something new and exciting for the many fans of Mexican soccer, including the more than 22 million Mexicans now living in the United Sates (U.S. Census Bureau 2002: There are a total of 37.4 million Latinos in the U.S., of which 60.9% are Mexican).

"From the thrill of game play to man-on-the-street interviews, fans can now almost experience Mexico on their screens. Our new show, to be known as 'Mexico Lindo y Futbol,' covers it all for the fans of this nation's soccer with a rich history and following," said Enzo Francescoli, GolTV's Founder and CEO.

Indeed, Mexican soccer is as full of tradition, color and pageantry as the land from where it comes. After all, Mexico was one of 13 original nations to participate in the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup in Uruguay.

"Mexico Lindo y Futbol" will afford all those who are passionate about first division Mexican soccer the opportunity to be a part of the excitement, special flavor and brand of play that is Mexican soccer.

Airing daily Monday through Friday, the show will present highlights, scores, stats and, best of all, the Mexican way of life revolving around the world of soccer so the Mexican fan in the U.S. can feel at home and be up to date with what's happening just south of the border.

And during World Cup (just a few days away), "Mexico Lindo y Futbol" will go to Germany. The show will have correspondents on the ground reporting on everything related to the Mexican national team and featuring exclusive special interviews and in-depth analysis of the Mexican team by our talented sportscasters.

Show Schedule: Monday to Friday at 11:00 PM EDT / 8 PM Pacific

About GolTV

Delivering more than 1,500 soccer games each year from around the world, GolTV offers the most live soccer available on TV with exclusive rights to games for some of the best leagues in the world, including Italy, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Bolivia and Uruguay.

GolTV also broadcasts live and live-on-tape games from Europe's UEFA Cup, Copa del Rey and International Friendly Games; the US Open Cup; and the UNCAF Tournament in Central America.

GolTV is the first and only Television Network broadcasting 100% soccer in the US. GolTV was officially launched in February 2003 and has the rights to 15 leagues and tournaments. For more information, please visit http://www.goltv.tv/ .

Source: GolTV

Web site: http://www.goltv.tv/

The roads and trails of northern Virginia will be blazing on Sunday, June 4, 2006 as cyclists of every age and fitness level will be participating in the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure. Joining them will be three-time Tour de France winner and cycling legend, Greg LeMond.

The event will raise money for diabetes research, information and advocacy for the 423,000 people in the Washington, DC, market who have diabetes. Whether they are riding 100 miles or 12, Tour de Cure participants will be pedaling for a good cause: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

LeMond will also address the crowd at a post-ride program beginning at 1 PM. All events take place at Reston Town Center.

The riders will be assisted by support and gear (SAG) wagons and mechanics along the route courtesy of The Bike Lane, Bikes of Vienna, Bicycle Outfitters and Pedal Shop. Post-ride massages will be available free of charge to participants at the event start/finish line. A pre-event warm-up will be provided by Gold's Gym, the national sponsor of the Tour de Cure.

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 2006

100 Mile - Century Ride - Check-in 7:00 AM/Start 8:15 AM

63 Mile - Fitness Challenge - Check-in 7:00 AM/Start 8:30 AM

32 Mile - Fitness Test - Check-in 8:30 AM/Start 9:30 AM

12 Mile - Family Fun Ride - Check-in 10:00 AM/Start 11:00 AM

WHERE: Reston Town Center, Reston, VA

WHO: Tour de France winner Greg LeMond, along with 800 area riders

ROUTES: The routes are different for each distance.

* Century (100 miles) riders will travel from Reston Town Center,

through Ashburn, Hamilton, Waterford and Lovettsville before

returning on the same route.

* The Fitness Challenge (63 miles) riders will ride to Ashburn

and back.

* The Fitness Test (32 miles) riders will 16 miles west on the

W&OD trail and 16 miles back.

* The Family Fun Riders (12 miles) will head east on the W&OD

trail six miles to Vienna and back.

For more information, log onto http://www.diabetes.org/tour

Source: American Diabetes Association

Web site: http://www.diabetes.org/tour

ComScore Networks, the leader in digital media measurement, today announced the results of an analysis of the worldwide online audience for the official World Cup soccer tournament Web site hosted by Yahoo! at http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/ . During April, comScore recorded 5.7 million unique visitors to the site, up 35 percent from 4.2 million in March. The tournament is not set to begin until June 9 in Germany.

"With the tournament still weeks away, the level of traffic to the World Cup site in April -- not to mention the substantial increase from March -- demonstrates the worldwide popularity of the World Cup and the potential of the Internet as a powerful marketing channel to reach this global audience," said Bob Ivins, managing director of comScore Europe.

Traffic by Region

By region, Europe contributed the greatest proportion of visitors with 51 percent, or almost 3 million people visiting the site from European countries. The next highest region was Asia Pacific, contributing 17 percent of the total visitors (nearly 1 million people) and reflecting the strength of the sport in the area. Traffic from Latin America represented 12 percent of the total, with the popularity of the sport offsetting the lower Internet penetration in many of the region's countries. Only 10 percent of the visitors came from North America, highlighting the still limited popularity of professional soccer in the U.S.

Visitation by Region to the Official World Cup Web Site

Total Worldwide Internet Users - All Locations

April 2006

Unique Visitors (000)

Source: comScore

Apr-06 Percent

(000) of Total

Worldwide 5,706 100%

Europe 2,906 51%

Asia Pacific 977 17%

Latin America 709 12%

Africa/ Middle East 561 10%

North America 552 10%

Significant numbers of visitors frequented the office World Cup site from more than 30 individual countries worldwide. Twenty-two percent of site visitors came from host nation, Germany, while Japan contributed the next highest percentage of visitors (13 percent).

"The popularity of soccer in Europe is well-documented, and it's not surprising that Internet users from Germany -- the host country -- make up the greatest proportion of visitors to the World Cup site at the moment. More interesting are the nearly one million visitors from Asia and the half million from the Middle East and Africa. This really drives home the global nature of the game and the World Cup tournament," said Ivins.

Thinking Globally, Marketing Locally

This global interest in the World Cup, along with the complex marketing opportunities associated with the tournament, were emphasized by the visitation to the local language World Cup sites created by Yahoo!. In addition to the English language site, the German, Spanish, Japanese, French, Portuguese and Italian language versions all received significant traffic during April.

Top Local Language Sections within fifaworldcup.yahoo.com

Total Worldwide Internet Users - All Locations

April 2006

Unique Visitors (000)

Source: comScore

Apr-06 Percent

(000) of Total*

Total traffic to fifaworldcup.yahoo.com 5,706 100%

English 2,480 43%

German 1,371 24%

Spanish 582 10%

Japanese 580 10%

French 335 6%

Portuguese 320 6%

Italian 226 4%

* Percentages add to more than 100 due to some visits by the same user to

more than one local language site.

"Major brands can reach consumers worldwide in a very cost effective manner, as long as they utilize the capabilities of online advertising to adapt their message to the local user," Ivins said.

About comScore Networks

comScore Networks provides unparalleled insight into consumer behavior and attitudes. This capability is based on a massive, global cross-section of more than 2 million consumers who have given comScore explicit permission to confidentially capture their browsing and transaction behavior, including online and offline purchasing. comScore panelists also participate in survey research that captures and integrates their attitudes and intentions. Through its proprietary technology, comScore measures what matters across a broad spectrum of behavior and attitudes. comScore consultants apply this deep knowledge of customers and competitors to help clients design powerful marketing strategies and tactics that deliver superior ROI. comScore services are used by global leaders such as AOL, Microsoft, Yahoo!, Verizon, Best Buy, The Newspaper Association of America, Tribune Interactive, ESPN, Fox Sports, Nestle, MBNA, Universal McCann, the United States Postal Service, Merck and Expedia.

Web site: http://www.comscore.com/
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/

"It's an honor to march in Washington, D.C., for a national parade," Becky Hendriksen, a piccolo player with Lake Orion High School Marching Band, of Lake Orion, Mich., said as the temperature crept toward 90 degrees. "It's kind of hot though." High school bands came on buses from across the country this weekend to play in the National Memorial Day Parade, pay tribute to America's fallen, and learn some history lessons from the monuments, museums and living heroes here. Michael Steele, head band director with Lake Orion's band, said his group spent two days seeing the area's sites.

Last night the band laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in nearby Arlington, Va. The director said he hopes the event "puts this into more of a historical and cultural perspective for these kids, what they are doing, what they're taking part in." After receiving an invitation and gaining school approval, Steele said his band raised about $120,000 for the trip. "We sold anything that we possibly could. We had a basketball game, teachers versus students, and I embarrassed myself majorly," he said. "We had spaghetti dinners; we sold t-shirts; we sold as much as we possibly could." A coalition of military, veteran and civic groups organized the parade, along with the World War II Veterans Committee, the White House Commission on Remembrance, and America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting grassroots and corporate support for the nation's servicemembers and their families. Justin Love, band director at Desoto High School, Kansas, said many of the marching bands were here thanks to invitations from "Music Celebrations International," a company that provides performance and educational opportunities to music groups. The invitations came based on recommendations from past performances and awards they have received. "Our band has been here before, but it's been about 10 years," Love said, adding that his group has had a full Memorial Day weekend taking in lots of national history. "It's real special for these kids to come and be a part of this." Some bands came from much closer than Kansas and Michigan. John Hoffner, director of Tussey Mountain High School band in Saxton, Penn., said his students normally make it here at least three times as they grow up. "They come down in 5th grade and 6th grade," he said. "They see different things each year, and then there's a trip in senior high. They come and see the Holocaust Museum."

Hoffner said noted this is the first time the school's band is marching in the nation's capital, and the group is planning something a little less traditional after the parade. "We're going to Pentagon City Mall. When the parade's over, they want to shop," he said. After they finished marching, the students followed their chaperones to the nearest shade trees along Pennsylvania Avenue, took off their jackets, and began chugging water before putting their instruments away. James Bruin, whose son plays trumpet in Lake Orion, Mich., said, "It was just a wonderful experience for the kids. ... We feel the history of our country is very, very important to our children's education, and this tied in very nicely." "We're just drenched in sweat right now. If it wasn't for the parents, we all would've passed out," Meghan Sulisz, a tuba player with the Lake Orion school, said. But, she added, today was full of memories. "We got to march in Washington, D.C.," Sulisz said with a smile. "Put that on your resume."

which amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow service members to still exclude their military compensation from federal income tax, but also contribute to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) while serving in a combat zone tax exclusion area. Military compensation earned by members of the armed forces while serving in combat zone areas is excluded from federal income tax. Enlisted members and warrant officers exclude all such military compensation. Commissioned officers exclude up to the maximum enlisted pay plus imminent danger pay for the months they serve in a combat zone tax exclusion area. The HERO Act is retroactive to tax year 2004. Therefore, members who did not make an IRA contribution during 2004 or 2005, because they were not eligible due to combat zone tax exclusion, have until May 28, 2009 (three years from the date of enactment) to make a contribution to an IRA for those years.

New DLA Initiatives to Improve DoD's Hurricane, Disaster Response

With hurricane season just days away, three new initiatives have officials here at the Defense Logistics Agency headquarters confident they're more prepared than ever to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency if needed. Even before the ink had dried on after-action reviews from the 2005 hurricane season, DLA was already at work, coordinating with FEMA and other agencies to improve its ability to support hurricanes and any other contingency operation in the United States, Army Col. Eric Smith, staff director for DLA's Logistics Operations Center, told American Forces Press Service. "We never stopped preparing for this (hurricane) season," Smith said. DLA looked at lessons learned from hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma and has been meeting regularly with FEMA to ensure it's ready to provide the best, most timely support possible in the event of a natural or manmade disaster, he said. "We looked at lessons learned and immediately started meeting with FEMA and planning," he said. One outcome of those meetings is a new interagency agreement between the Defense Department and FEMA that streamlines the preplanning and disaster assistance process.

The agreement, signed March 31, helps clear up any misunderstandings about responsibilities and authorities when a disaster occurs. "It basically says, 'We know this is going to happen, so let's mitigate it by putting pre-approvals in place,'" Smith said. The new agreement gives DLA responsibility for procuring, storing and managing materiel for disaster relief missions, along with the required funding. In 2005, food was DLA's biggest contribution to hurricane relief efforts. The agency provided more than $324 million in meals, both individually packaged military rations and commercial meals, Smith said. To prepare for the upcoming season, DLA is storing and managing 250,000 cases of military rations -- about 3 million meals -- that can be diverted to disaster areas as needed, he said. But these rations -- known as meals, ready-to-eat -- will be used only as a stopgap measure until civilian meals can be provided, he said.

This year, DLA also has contracts in place with commercial vendors that, if called upon, would quickly provide meal packages of products commonly seen on supermarket shelves: canned stew, canned iced tea and packaged treats, among them. DLA also is prepared to provide water, ice, blankets, cots, medical supplies, fuel and tarps. "If they call on us and need us, we're ready to respond," Smith said. Two new DLA initiatives will help ensure the agency can respond faster and more efficiently. In 2005, DLA kept track of the goods it provided FEMA but lost sight of where they went after the handoff. As a result, responders in the disaster area sometimes didn't know where to find what they needed or who to ask to find out, Smith explained. "We had plenty of food there, but no one knew where it was, and we couldn't tell them," he said. That won't happen during the 2006 hurricane season. A new in-transit visibility system will use satellites to track DLA deliveries to the disaster zone. DLA will report the whereabouts of those shipments to FEMA every six hours until they're delivered, Smith said.

Whenever feasible, DLA will deliver its supplies exactly where they're needed, rather than handing them off to FEMA to distribute, he said. But when a handoff is necessary, FEMA will now use its own Global Positioning System tracking devices to monitor where these goods move within the zone. "This will give us 100 percent in-transit visibility," Smith said. "It ensures 'eyes on' throughout the process." A new deployable depot capability will also help improve the way relief supplies are distributed. This concept, developed for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, is expected to become operational exactly as hurricane season opens June 1. Basically, a 75-person team will remain on call, ready to deploy within 96 hours to set up a mobile mini-depot exactly where it's needed.

There, it would quickly begin to receive and store goods and run a warehousing operation, Smith explained. Once established, the depot would be able to process material to support 200,000 people a day with meals, water ice, tarps and other supplies and to process about 130 truck deliveries a day, Smith said. Smith said he's confident these initiatives will help speed up DLA's, and as a result, the entire federal government's response in the event of a disaster or other emergency. "We have done an assessment of what we provided before, and we're ready to go, for contingency operations as well as disaster support," he said. But in gearing up for a potential stateside disaster, DLA remains focuses on its primary mission of supporting warfighters, Smith said. "We have not lost sight and will not lose sight of our forward deployed forces in the global war on terror," he said. In the event of a conflict, "there's an understanding that this is what comes first," he said. By pre-planning and putting processes in place so they're ready to go when they're needed, DLA will ensure it's always ready to support its men and women in uniform while helping support the homeland in the event of a crisis, Smith said.

The Defense Department's latest quarterly report to Congress on progress in Iraq cites continued momentum on the political, economic and security fronts and evidence that those attempting to derail it are failing, senior defense officials told Pentagon reporters today. DoD delivered "Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq" to Congress today. The report, the fourth of its kind, evaluates political stability, economic activity, the security environment, and security force training and performance. The report highlights what Peter Rodman, assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, called a major milestone: the formation of Iraq's permanent new democratically elected government. "It is the culmination of the democratic process we have been helping the Iraqis develop since we got there," he said. This unity government, formed May 20, represents a true success story for Iraq, Rodman said, noting the trend toward more Sunni Arab participation in the political process. Delays in establishing this government left Iraq "in limbo" for a few months, Rodman acknowledged. This void may have been a factor in the violence that escalated following the Golden Mosque bombing in Samarra, and caused temporary economic setbacks by delaying economic reforms, he said. But with the government process now on track, the Iraqis are working together to overcome the obstacles it faces, Rodman said. Despite persistent efforts, the enemies of the new government are failing in their efforts to derail the political progress, incite large-scale ethnic or sectarian violence, and alienate the Iraqi people from their democratic process, he said. Air Force Lt. Gen. Victor "Gene" Renuart, the Joint Staff's director for strategic plans and policy, said it's important not to downplay the impact of extremists and terrorists. "It's still dangerous and violent there," he said. Violence remains concentrated in four of Iraq's 18 provinces, particularly in the Anbar province. But Renuart noted "substantial improvement even in the toughest locations." Iraq's security forces are increasingly taking the lead in counterinsurgency operations and taking control of their own battlespace. "Iraqi forces are increasingly putting an Iraqi face on the counterterrorism operations, and they are doing it well," Renuart said. As of mid-May, 111 Iraqi army and special operations battalions are conducting counterinsurgency operations, up 9 percent since the last progress report to Congress. In addition, 71 Iraqi battalions are leading operations, some independently, and 51 battalions now control their own battlespace. The number of trained and equipped Iraqi forces continues to grow, topping 263,000 at mid-month, the report notes. This includes almost 118,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen, an increase of 11,000 since the February progress report, and more than 101,000 police, up almost 19,000 since February.

These security forces are becoming increasingly multi-ethnic and "beginning to represent the ethnic balance in the country," Renuart said. Iraq's government is focused on getting militias off Iraq's streets, and Saddam Hussein regime loyalists "are becoming a largely irrelevant entity," Renuart said. The biggest remaining threats are terrorists and foreign fighters, he said. Iraqis are growing evermore confident of their security forces, as reflected by the increase in intelligence tips since 2005, Rodman noted. Economically, Iraq is still experiencing ups and downs but shows a general trend toward macroeconomic stability, Rodman said. Its currency remains stable; debt is decreasing; and foreign exchange reserves are well above targets, according to the stability report. In addition, international support continues to help rebuild the economy. But Rodman noted "disappointments" in the electricity and energy fields. The availability of electricity remains largely unchanged from the past progress report. Oil production and exports are still below targets, but high oil prices have helped offset revenue losses, the report notes. ]

Denver-based law firm, Burg SimpsonEldredge Hersh & Jardine, P.C., announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Bausch & Lomb, the makers of the contact lens solution ReNu with MoistureLoc. Burg Simpson is investigating numerous cases and preparing to

file more cases in upcoming weeks.

On May 15, 2006, Bausch & Lomb announced a worldwide recall of ReNu

with MoistureLoc due to increasing concerns that the product is linked to

over 100 cases of a rare fungal eye infection, Fusarium Keratitis, in ReNu

with MoistureLoc users around the world. The product will not be

re-introduced. On April 13, 2006, Bausch & Lomb voluntarily withdrew the

ReNu with MoistureLoc product from suppliers' shelves in the United States.

Additionally, a similar outbreak of Fusarium Keratitis occurred in Asia

earlier this year prompting Bausch & Lomb to pull ReNu with MoistureLoc

from shelves there.

In a statement made on May 15, 2006, the FDA supported the permanent

removal of the ReNu with MoistureLoc product worldwide. Since March 22,

2006, field officers of the FDA and Center for Disease Control & Prevention

have been investigating Bausch & Lomb's plant in Greenville, South Carolina

where ReNu with MoistureLoc is manufactured. Singapore, Malaysia and Hong

Kong are also supplied ReNu with MoistureLoc from Bausch & Lomb's South

Carolina Plant.

"These cases present very serious, painful, and life-long injuries to

the victims. We believe at the end of the day the evidence will demonstrate

that the company knew about the problem but delayed in making a disclosure,

which, among other things, delayed a proper diagnosis and treatment. The

company has repeatedly stated in its press releases that 'if there's a

problem with our product, we'll fix it.' Removing the product from the

market was only one step in the process to fix this problem, compensating

the victims is another step that the company must take," said Michael Burg,

Founder and President of Burg Simpson and lead attorney on the case.

Burg Simpson has filed a lawsuit on behalf of one of their clients who

contracted Fusarium Keratitis after using ReNu with MoistureLoc. The

Plaintiff, a resident of Kentucky, used ReNu with MoistureLoc and was

infected with the suspect fungal infection. The infection was so severe, it

caused a re-shaping of her corneas. Fungal Keratitis is linked to serious

eye injuries, including corneal damage, and can also lead to corneal

transplants and blindness.

Because of the serious nature of these injuries, Burg Simpson is

investigating cases on behalf of people who have used ReNu with MoistureLoc

and have suffered eye injuries as a result of that use.

People injured by ReNu with MoistureLoc should contact Burg Simpson by

calling (303) 792-5595 or emailing skatz@burgsimpson.com.

SOURCE Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine, P.

Ticket to be Chosen Via First-Ever Online Convention

A new grassroots organization called Unity08 (http://www.unity08.com) launched a nationwide movement today toeffect major reform in the 2008 presidential elections by offering voters an alternative ticket -- a Unity Ticket headed by a woman and/ or man from each major party, or by an independent who presents a Unity Team from both

parties. By electing a Unity Ticket to the White House, Unity08 plans to

force the country's Democratic and Republican leaders to cease their

runaway focus on the issues of outlying special-interest groups and once

again align with the aspirations and will of average Americans.

Unity08 has three specific goals:

-- Elect a Unity Ticket to the White House in 2008, headed by a woman

and/or man from each major political party or by an independent who

presents a Unity Team from both parties.

-- Have the American people choose that ticket via the first-ever

virtual, secure online convention of millions of qualified American voters.

Unity08 has no candidate -- the Unity Ticket will be chosen online, by the

people.

-- Effect major change and reform in the 2008 national elections by

influencing the major parties to adopt the core features of Unity08's

national agenda. Specifically, that means dividing the issues facing the

nation into Crucial Issues (e.g., education, energy independence, deficit

spending, global terrorism, health care, nuclear proliferation) and

Important Issues (e.g., gay marriage, gun control, abortion rights), then

focusing on the Crucial.

"A Unity Ticket in office for just one term, or taking part in just one

election will bring new ideas, new integrity and new leaders to American

politics today," said Unity08 Founders Council members Doug Bailey, former

Republican political consultant and founder of The Hotline, and Hamilton

Jordan, former White House Chief of Staff in the Carter Administration.

"Americans are increasingly pessimistic about the ability of their elected

officials to get things done because in recent elections, candidates have

focused on the turnout of their parties' vocal single-issue interests. They

call those people their 'base,' but that base represents only a small

fraction of the American people. As a result Washington has been polarized

and paralyzed and the voters are ready to take their country back."

"Unity08 will be the long-needed correction," said Founders Council

member Angus King, former two-term Independent Governor of Maine. "Backed

by people of all ages, backgrounds, races, beliefs and political

affiliations, this movement will demonstrate once again that collaboration

and cooperation between the parties is not only possible, but critical to

future progress."

Unity08 plans to build an online community of millions of registered

voters who will participate in an online convention in the first half of

2008 to nominate a Unity Ticket among any two candidates constitutionally

qualified to serve -- as long as they represent more than one party. Today,

Unity08 launched its website (http://www.unity08.com), which will be the

focal point of the organization's efforts, enabling concerned voters to

register to become members, participate in a dialogue, and share ideas to

shape the Unity08 movement. Through the website, Unity08 members will

mobilize to spread the word, and to take off-line action by placing the

Unity Ticket on the ballot in all 50 states. Ultimately, members in the

online convention will vote to nominate the ticket they believe will enact

real change in Washington.

"We are not in this to be spoilers or to hurt either party. We are in

this to win, give the White House a Unity Team that can provide leadership,

and along the way jolt each party back toward the voters in the center.

2008 is an historic moment of truth for the parties, the people and the

nation," said Bailey and Jordan.

The Unity08 movement is founded by a group of Americans representing

all ages, race, location, political philosophy and party affiliation. To

view a current list of members of the Founders Council in formation, click

here: http://www.unity08.com/founderscouncil.

"Unity08 is essential for our children," said Founders Council member

Janet Kelly of Battlecreek, Michigan, former general counsel at Kellogg and

Sara Lee. "Too much time in Washington is spent attacking each other and

not enough time is spent attacking the issues."

The Unity08 movement has been building for months, through planning and

discussions with civic leaders and concerned citizens across the country.

Recruitment already has begun on college campuses. "Young people are

disgusted with business as usual in Washington and are hungry to

participate in a force for change," said Founders Council member Lindsay

Ullman, a Yale University junior and former president of the National

Associations of Student Councils.

Founders Council member Zach Clayton, a senior and Morehead Scholar at

the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said, "For decades now,

students across the country have been quietly turning away from our

political system. Unity08 is the best opportunity in a generation for

students to turn that frustration into action, fix Washington and change

the country. Students will show up for this."

Unity08 will follow the law in every instance and seek the opinion of

the Federal Elections Commission to interpret the law where the movement

breaks new ground. Unity08 legal counsel at Steptoe & Johnson has already

requested an FEC advisory opinion on areas where the effort will break new

ground, and the organization is developing a rules committee to determine

precisely how the convention system will work. That rules committee will be

headed by Peter Ackerman, managing director of Rockport Capital and

chairman of Freedom House, and Tom Collier, partner at Steptoe & Johnson.

Unity08 will accept no political action committee (PAC) and or corporate

contributions.

Also today, Unity08 released the results of a poll conducted by

Princeton Survey Research Associates finding that more than three- quarters

(85 percent) of Americans agree that the country "has become so polarized

between Democrats and Republicans that Washington can't seem to make

progress solving the nation's problems." The poll found that 73 percent of

Americans agree it would be a good idea for this country to have more

choices in the 2008 elections than just Republican and Democratic

candidates, and 63 percent express interest in a ticket that would feature

a prominent Republican and a prominent Democrat. To read a summary of the

poll's major findings, click here: http://www.unity08.com/pollsummary.

"The partisan bickering in Washington is causing Americans to believe

the wheels have come off our political system, that the American Dream is

slipping away, and that time is short to get things back on track,"

explained Unity08 president and chief executive officer Jim Jonas. "Unity08

will be a catalyst for real, meaningful progress."

Unity08 is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The organization

currently is organized under IRS rules as a section 527 political

organization, while it seeks guidance from the Federal Election Commission.

Over the coming weeks and months, through a network of volunteers and

leaders across the country, Unity08 will recruit concerned voters to join

the movement by signing up on the Unity08 website (http://www.unity08.com).

SOURCE Unity08

In coordination with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Islamic Relief is shipping over 200,000 pounds of urgently needed supplies, valued at over $1.6 million, to assist victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Indonesia.

The 747 cargo plane departing from Salt Lake City will include essential items such as hygiene kits, first aid supplies, medical and surgical supplies, tarps, wheel chairs, crutches, and many other items. The supplies for the shipment were gathered based on needed items requested by the government of Indonesia.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has supplied all items for the shipment. Islamic Relief staff on the ground in Indonesia will distribute the goods in the affected areas. Islamic Relief is also covering the majority of the shipment costs.

A press conference to announce the shipment will be held at Salt Lake City International airport at 12 pm on Tuesday, May 30.

The powerful earthquake that hit the island of Java on Saturday has killed over 5,100 people and has left hundreds of thousands of others injured and homeless.

Islamic Relief has already allocated over $928,000 for initial emergency projects and is appealing for a further $3.7 million for the victims of the disaster.

Islamic Relief has already began distributing blankets, clean water, food, and hygiene kits and is coordinating efforts with domestic and international agencies in the area.

In December 2004, Indonesia was hit by a devastating tsunami that claimed over 170,000 lives and left more than 500,000 people homeless.

Islamic Relief's post-tsunami activities have benefited about 150,000 people in Indonesia thus far. For its tsunami relief efforts, Islamic Relief has collected over $29 million of aid in the form of cash, pledges and in-kind donations.

WHAT:

Emergency Aid Shipment for Indonesia Earthquake Victims

When:

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

12:00 pm

WHERE:

Salt Lake City International Airport

UPS Air Cargo Terminal

1580 North 3815 West

Salt Lake City, Utah

Web site: http://www.irw.org/

The American Red Cross in partnership with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement) is responding to help the Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia) meet the needs of earthquake survivors in Yogyakarta and Central Java who have been dealt a devastating blow by Mother Nature.

"The next few days are critical. Red Cross volunteers are working around the clock to get aid into the hardest-hit areas as quickly as possible," said Ricardo Caivano, American Red Cross senior country representative in Indonesia, after participating in a ground and aerial damage assessment of the devastation. "The quake caused severe damage to homes. We've seen many injuries since the earthquake struck when many people were sleeping. We've also seen injuries from roofs collapsing. After attending to the injured, the next critical steps will be to provide relief supplies, shelter and emotional support."

The quake struck in a highly-populated area, so along with the thousands who lost their lives, an estimated 200,000 people were affected, with tens of thousands injured and displaced from their homes. Earthquake survivors will need water, food, shelter, medical care and psychosocial support in the coming crucial days. Since hospitals are overwhelmed, the Red Cross has provided a field hospital, which was used in Aceh after the tsunami. In addition, more medical staff, supplies and equipment are en route.

"The American Red Cross is actively supporting the Indonesian Red Cross in their courageous relief efforts," said David Meltzer, senior vice president of international services for the American Red Cross. "We have contributed $219,000 to the relief efforts and have participated in a damage assessment of the region, along with other Movement partners."

More than 400 Indonesia Red Cross volunteers were already on the ground when the earthquake struck, due to pre-staging for a possible eruption of nearby Mount Merapi. The American Red Cross, which began work in Indonesia shortly after the tsunami, has deployed workers specializing in psychosocial support and communications to Yogyakarta, and has deployed members of a joint American Red Cross/Spanish Red Cross Relief Emergency Response Unit today. This team coordinates volunteers to distribute what families need most in the aftermath of a disaster. This includes items such as tents, tarpaulins, water, baby care kits, food and other relief items.

As conditions rapidly change, the American Red Cross will continue to work closely with its Movement partners and others on the ground to ensure that needs are being met and to help survivors in the critical days and weeks to come.

You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.

Source: American Red Cross

Web site: http://www.redcross.org/

Emergency supplies for people made homeless by Saturday's earthquake are being distributed in the most affected areas of the devastated city of Yogyakarta today.

The first of three emergency airlifts planned by UNICEF to provide initial relief to victims of the earthquake arrived in the early hours this morning. The supplies include collapsible water tanks, tarpaulins, family tents, cooking sets, and recreation kits for children.

Another eight trucks carrying hygiene kits is expected to arrive in the city at 1300. UNICEF has a team of 17 people in the area.

UNICEF's Emergency Relief Coordinator, Edouard Beigbeder, stated today that a major priority was the provision of water and sanitation in Bantul in particular in hospitals overwhelmed with injured people.

"We are working with the hospital's administration to initially provide water and then to clean the site. By tomorrow afternoon we hope to be able to supply emergency latrines."

As well UNICEF and its partners, Oxfam, the Bantul District Water Board and the International Red Cross commenced a water tanker operation this morning to bring clean water to victims of the disaster. UNICEF contributed 5 tankers, Oxfam 5, PDM 2 and Red Cross 1. A total of 40,000 liters a day will be supplied. UNICEF today is setting up 15 emergency distribution points using collapsible water bladders.

The Children's Agency will establish within 24 hours a child center in Bantul to provide trauma counseling and recreation for children.

Beigbeder said that UNICEF had commenced assessment/tracing of separated children but he anticipated that trauma would be the bigger issue.

UNICEF upgraded this morning the number of people made homeless. It believes the number to be more than 130,000.

Most homeless people are remaining near their residences with about 15 small camps established near public buildings, housing between 100-200 people each.

"From our initial assessments about 40 percent of the total number of displaced people are children, 15 percent are under five years of age," Mr. Beigbeder stated. "They require particular care due to their young age."

The total amount of supplies which arrived by air is:

* 15 collapsible water bladders

* 10 large tents

* 50 family tents

* 800 tarpaulin sheets

* 350 cooking sets

* 1 generator

* 3 recreation kits

A further 12,000 hygiene kits arrive by truck today at the Bantul Pendopo. Trucks have also departed UNICEF's warehouse in Medan in Sumatra with further emergency supplies.

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is accepting donations via:

1-800-4-UNICEF or http://www.unicefusa.org/

Source: U.S. Fund for UNICEF

Web site: http://www.unicefusa.org/

The following is being issued by The Discovery Channel:

WHO: A two-foot-long gold infant-sized coffin has been unearthed inside

the first tomb discovered in over 80 years in Egypt's Valley of

the Kings. The gold coffin was found under a grouping of 3,000+

year-old Pharonic pillows inside a youth-sized coffin. The

surprise find is one of a series of recent treasures revealed by a

team of world-renowned archaeologists led by Dr. Otto Schaden and

the University of Memphis.

WHAT: The tomb, known as "KV63," was discovered this past February. In

what has become a true detective story, the team investigates

clues that suggest the tomb is tied to Tutankhamun (it lies less

than 50 feet from Tut's tomb). A seal with a faint inscription

carries the word PA-ATEN, which an Egyptian expert believes is

part of the former name given to Ankhesenamun, wife of

Tutankhamun.

WHERE: The Discovery Channel

WHEN: Sunday, June 4 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT

WHY: EGYPT'S NEW TOMB REVEALED is the first Discovery Quest project of

2006. As the premier provider of the highest-quality factual

programming in the world, Discovery Channel created the Discovery

Quest fund to support groundbreaking research worldwide. As part

of this network initiative to support the scientific community's

work, Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities has enabled Discovery

to follow the University of Memphis' excavation.

Source: The Discovery Channel

Web site: http://www.discovery.com/

GolTV, el único canal de fútbol que todos los días ofrece a millones de hogares estadounidenses 24 horas de cobertura de las mejores ligas del mundo, anunció hoy su nuevo e emocionante programa para los numerosos fans del fútbol mexicano, incluyendo más de 22 millones de mexicanos que hoy viven en los Estados Unidos (Según el censo oficial 37.4 millones de latinos residen en los EE.UU. de los cuales 60.9% son mexicanos - US Census Bureau 2002).

"Desde la emoción de las jugadas a entrevistas a gente por la calle, los fanáticos ahora casi pueden vivir a México por televisión. El nuevo programa de GolTV, que se conocerá con el nombre de "México Lindo y Fútbol" lo cubre todo ... para los amantes de un fútbol con una gran historia y trayectoria," indicó Enzo Francescoli, fundador y Presidente de GolTV.

Ciertamente, el fútbol mexicano está colmado de tradición, color y pompa, al igual de la tierra de la que procede. No es para menos siendo que México se encuentra dentro de las 13 naciones originales que participaron en la Copa Mundial inaugural de la FIFA que se llevó a cabo en Uruguay en 1930.

"México Lindo y Fútbol" brindará a todos aquellos que sienten pasión por la primera división del fútbol mexicano la oportunidad de ser parte del entusiasmo, de ese sabor especial y del estilo de las jugadas del fútbol mexicano.

Con una transmisión diaria de lunes a viernes, el programa presentará clips destacados, resultados, estadísticas y, lo mejor de todo, cómo vive México su fútbol, para que el fan mexicano que vive en los Estados Unidos pueda sentirse como en casa y estar informado de todo lo que sucede al sur de la frontera.

Además, durante la Copa del Mundo (que está solo unos días por comenzar) México Lindo y Fútbol se traslada a Alemania. Nuestro show tendrá corresponsales en sitio reportando sobre todo aquello relacionado con el fútbol mexicano y el equipo nacional con entrevistas exclusivas y análisis de fondo sobre el equipo mejicano día a día por nuestros incomparables locutores y expertos en el deporte.

Horario de transmisión: 11:00pm Hora del Este / 8:00 pm Hora del Oeste

Sobre GOLTV

Con la transmisión a nivel mundial de más de 1.500 partidos de fútbol por año, GolTV ofrece la mayor cantidad de fútbol en vivo disponible en la televisión con los derechos exclusivos de partidos de algunas de las mejores ligas del mundo, incluyendo Italia, España, Brasil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Bolivia y Uruguay.

GolTV también transmite en vivo y en video los partidos de la copa europea UEFA, Copa del Rey y partidos amistosos internacionales; la US Open Cup, y el torneo UNCAF de Centroamérica

A quarter-century after the first diagnosed cases surfaced, HIV/AIDS continues to spread rapidly throughout the world. To help shed more light on the history of this pandemic and educate people about what can be done to stop it, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) principal researcher Curtis Wong has teamed up with producers of the PBS television series "FRONTLINE" to develop an enhanced broadband television Web site for a new documentary titled "The Age of AIDS," premiering tonight and Wednesday.

Wong, who manages the Next Media Research group within Microsoft Research, worked closely with WGBH Interactive and the producers of "FRONTLINE" to design the technology for the Web site. Beginning on June 2, the companion Web site at http://www.pbs.org/frontline/aids will allow visitors to view "The Age of AIDS" video on demand, in its entirety or chapter by chapter, along with related, interactive online content that is tightly integrated with the video footage.

"What's unique about this approach is that it seamlessly combines a compelling television program with rich Web resources to significantly enhance people's understanding of a complex topic like AIDS," Wong said. "It highlights the tremendous potential of Internet television with rich interactivity to deliver in-depth content to a global audience."

As people watch "The Age of AIDS" documentary online, contextual links appear beside the video to inform viewers about topics directly related to that portion of the program. Clicking on any link automatically pauses the video, allowing viewers to explore related resources at their leisure and then return to the documentary without missing a moment.

For example, during a segment chronicling the history of HIV/AIDS, viewers can explore an interactive atlas showing the HIV infection rates in South Africa along with those of neighboring countries. Clicking on an individual country in the atlas also will provide more-detailed information, such as the percentage or number of people receiving AIDS drugs as well as other facts about historical, political or social events related to AIDS in that country. Other links will take the viewer to a detailed explanation of the science of HIV/AIDS or an interactive timeline cross-referenced to the video and other resources in the site. The site also hosts an oral history archive of extended interviews with the top scientists, physicians, public-health officials and activists who have been fighting this battle for 25 years.

Wong's group at Microsoft Research explores how advances in connectivity, data storage, computing devices, network bandwidth and other technologies influence traditional as well as emerging forms of media. "The HIV/AIDS epidemic has so many facets -- from the science to the politics to the social ramifications to the human stories -- that cry out to be examined in greater depth and dimension than a four-hour television program can deliver," Wong said.

"It's an honor to work with WGBH Interactive and the "FRONTLINE" producers to provide innovative ideas and technology as a tool for enhancing public understanding and hopefully shaping public policy on HIV/AIDS," Wong added. "And this has been a great opportunity to support public television and build on Microsoft's insights into the future of media."

Filmed in 19 countries, "The Age of AIDS" features interviews with dozens of scientists, political figures, activists and HIV patients. The documentary is a co-production of WGBH/"FRONTLINE" and Paladin InVision Ltd. with Silverbridge Productions Ltd. and Channel 4. PBS stations will air the two-part "FRONTLINE" documentary from 9 to 11 p.m. EDT tonight and Wednesday (times may vary by region; check local TV listings).

"Curtis has brought crucial expertise to this production in terms of combining interactive Web technology tools and deep stores of online information with the rich storytelling power of television," said David Fanning, creator and executive producer of "FRONTLINE." "'The Age of AIDS' companion Web site will enable us to convey far more in-depth information about this pandemic to a much larger global audience than would otherwise be possible with this documentary alone."

Wong works with a number of nonprofit organizations, including the PBS Kids Next Generation Media Advisory Board, which is responsible for planning digital media for children. Four years ago he collaborated with PBS station WGBH Boston to create an enhanced broadband television Web site with the PBS documentary "Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy." The interactive, contextually relevant content he helped deliver through that site earned Wong and his WGBH cohorts a 2002 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award for Best Achievement in Online Learning. BAFTA hailed the "Commanding Heights" site as "a milestone in the development of broadband content."

About Microsoft Research

Founded in 1991, Microsoft Research is dedicated to conducting both basic and applied research in computer science and software engineering. Its goals are to enhance the user experience on computing devices, reduce the cost of writing and maintaining software, and invent novel computing technologies. Researchers focus on more than 55 areas of computing and collaborate with leading academic, government and industry researchers to advance the state of the art in such areas as graphics, speech recognition, user-interface research, natural language processing, programming tools and methodologies, operating systems and networking, and the mathematical sciences. Microsoft Research employs more than 700 people in five labs located in Redmond, Wash.; Silicon Valley, Calif.; Cambridge, England; Beijing, China; and Bangalore, India. Microsoft Research collaborates openly with colleges and universities worldwide to enhance the teaching and learning experience, inspire technological innovation, and broadly advance the field of computer science. More information can be found at http://www.research.microsoft.com/.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NOTE: Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/
http://www.pbs.org/frontline/aids

BLOGTV, a plataforma de vídeo ao vivo gerada pelo usuário, conquistou a categoria de Líder de Nova Tendência ('New Trend Leader') durante as premiações de conteúdo móvel global (GMCA, em inglês) do Seoul Digital Forum 2006.

BLOGTV é um avanço na tendência global de conteúdo gerado pelo usuário e uma nova forma de socialização. A tecnologia possibilita que qualquer pessoa com uma câmera Web ou um telefone de 3G crie seus próprios programas de TV e os transmita através da Internet ao vivo.

Qualquer pessoa com um PC em banda larga ou telefone de terceira geração pode assistir o BLOGTV e interagir com o apresentador – é um conteúdo ao vivo 24/7, genuíno e interessante, criado por pessoas na vida real!

O BLOGTV móvel foi introduzido com o Orange IL (uma parte do Hutchison) há alguns meses atrás e tornou-se um dos serviços de streaming vídeo em 3G mais populares no portal deles.

O BLOGTV será lançado em diversos países até o final de 2006.

Prêmio "Líder de Tendência"

O prestigioso prêmio "Trend Leader" foi concedido ao BLOGTV por ter sido o precursor da nova tendência de conteúdo móvel.

O comitê julgador, que consistiu de executivos da indústria representando: Qualcomm, KDDI, Orange UK, MCF, Helio, Red Herring, The Hollywood reporter, Korea VFA e outros, escolheram o BLOGTV de uma pequena lista de diversos nomeados.

Esta é a segunda distinção que o BLOGTV já conquistou em 2006, após ter sido escolhido como o "melhor serviço de vídeo móvel" na Premiação GSM Association, realizada em Barcelona no início deste ano. O BLOGTV foi também um dos finalistas da premiação MIPCOM dos "melhores feitos para vídeo móvel", realizada em Cannes em outubro de 2005.

A próxima geração de conteúdo gerado pelo usuário

Gil Bul, principal executivo da BLOGTV disse: "Temos muito orgulho em receber este endosso para o BLOGTV. Esta é a era de conteúdo gerado pelo usuário e sinceramente acreditamos que o BLOGTV seja uma revolução que acrescentará outra dimensão a esta categoria. Uma pessoa com um telefone 3G móvel em Tóquio poderá transmitir eventos e pessoas ao vivo em Los Angeles, e em Londres poderão assistir e interagir com ela em tempo real".

Sobre a BLOGTV

A corporação BLOGTV está sendo estabelecida nestes dias pela Tapuz People. A companhia será responsável pelo desenvolvimento e operação da iniciativa BLOGTV no mundo.A Tapuz People é uma importante companhia de Internet e de conteúdo móvel com sede em Israel e ações listadas na TASE.

BLOGTV

An avian flu pandemic, which would

unleash disaster across many areas of the world, requires global, holistic

planning by companies, according to a new report from The Conference Board,

the global research and business membership organization which is

celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.

Companies failing to create detailed crisis management and business

continuity plans are likely to find themselves at peril.

The avian flu virus, which has spread rapidly in wild-bird and fowl

populations through Asia, Europe and Africa, has killed about half the

people who have contracted the virus from birds. While the timing and

severity of a worldwide pandemic are difficult to predict, the report warns

that "to gamble that it won't happen or its impact will be minimal could

prove catastrophic for businesses."

Responding to a flu pandemic requires a different kind of business

response than natural disasters and other crises. "Unlike most business

continuity planning efforts, coping with a pandemic requires a more

holistic response," says Ellen Hexter, Director of The Conference Board

Integrated Risk Management Program and author of the report. "Most crisis

management and business continuity plans are built on the expectation of

loss of infrastructure or data, for example. An avian flu pandemic would be

nearly the opposite, impacting the workforce in one's own company and

throughout the supply chain."

The H5N1 avian flu virus first infected humans in 1997 in Hong Kong.

Since then, it has spread via the bird population throughout Asia and into

parts of Europe and Africa. Humans have contracted the disease primarily

through improper handling of infected birds.

MANAGING A POTENTIAL DISASTER

Pandemic crisis management requires a range of tools, from scenario

planning to creating global, company-wide strategies to deal with potential

disasters. The creation of crisis management and business continuity

planning can help transform risk mitigation strategies into business

processes to manage extraordinary events.

The development of risk mitigation plans are transferable to other risk

management areas and functions. Because a real pandemic would likely cause

high employee absenteeism and damage a company's ability to produce goods

or services, an avian flu pandemic would have a global rather than a

single-area impact.

BALANCING HUMAN NEEDS WITH CORPORATE NEEDS

The threat of a severe pandemic has driven many companies to develop

detailed crisis management and business continuity plans. While first

tending to the human needs of employees, their families and others,

companies are now developing plans to deal with periodic and extended

business interruptions.

"At the very least, companies ought to consider how to continue when

work practices must be altered to reflect the reality of a changed

environment," says Hexter. "Meetings, travel, and even office environments

can spread infection through an extensive population. Because of this,

companies can play major rules in containing the spread of the virus if

they plan adequately."

For example, in October 2005, the Netherlands-based global bank ABN

Amro set up a task force to plan company-wide strategy to deal with a

potential flu crisis. It created plans to educate all employees about

symptoms and appropriate responses; made the decision to not purchase

anti-viral medication as a matter of principle; and emphasized ethical

considerations of stockpiling drugs in light of their current scarcity. The

group also recommended setting up a task force team in each country where

the company operates to monitor the health environment.

After considering human needs, managers must face the challenge of

assessing risks to the continued health of their businesses. Identifying

key people and processes is necessary to sustain business in the face of a

pandemic. Many companies are choosing to run scenarios of how to get work

done with 20 percent to 30 percent of their workforce incapacitated-and

even greater losses of workers in certain areas.

One global hotel chain is considering closing its properties in

locations where the virus has spread. Other companies are considering

shutting down non-critical processes or producing only key products. Roche

has determined that it will attempt to continue to produce its anti-viral

medication along with other life-saving medications.

ENTIRE SUPPLY CHAINS MIGHT BE THREATENED

"The interconnectedness of the global economy suggests that a business

slowdown in one sector is likely to have an impact across many sectors,"

says Hexter. "If travel comes to a standstill, airlines, hotels,

restaurants, and convention businesses will start a ripple effect though

local economies. Some companies may be hard pressed to make lease payments

to their lenders, and financial institutions could face liquidity problems.

Companies must consider the impact not only on their business, but on their

entire supply chain."

A GLOBAL CASH SQUEEZE AND LIQUIDITY CRISIS?

When developing scenarios and possible mitigation plans, companies must

think about extra costs, loss of production or service delivery

capabilities, and impacts to their cash flow and income. Companies are

likely to continue to pay people as long as they are able -- even when not

producing or selling goods--contributing to a potentially significant cash

squeeze and possibly a global liquidity crisis.

"Realistically, companies are unable to mitigate every potential risk

because the costs are simply too high," says Hexter. "But understanding the

possible implications is important, and building enough financial

flexibility in the form of additional liquid assets or access to increased

lines of credit can cushion a temporary disruption of a normal business

environment."

Employee engagement is important when developing action plans. Besides

ethical concerns, companies need to consider a vast range of issues, from

increased security for IT systems, to supporting those working from home,

to designing communications plans and back-up alternatives for employees

and their families. Companies also must engage their suppliers and

customers to ensure the viability of their supply chains, particularly for

critical goods and services.

Human resources functions must remain intact in the event of an avian

flu pandemic. Policies for continuing to pay employees, for adequate sick

leave, and for when infected employees can return to work all need to be

considered.

Establishing teams and plans to develop educational materials and

policies for a potential pandemic is a way to help ensure the continuity of

a business. The first line of communications may be to point employees

looking for information to the World Health Organization's website. Local

emergency management teams should be the communications conduit to

employees in specific areas. Protocols for interfacing with local health

officials to accurately track infection and offer guidance should be

developed.

"This kind of business continuity planning effort will lay the

foundation for companies to begin thinking about expanding these policies

into enterprise risk management," concludes Hexter.

For more information on avian flu preparedness visit:

About The Conference Board

Non-partisan and not-for-profit, The Conference Board is one of the

world's leading business membership and research organizations. The

Conference Board produces The Consumer Confidence Index and the Leading

Economic Indicators for the U.S. and other major nations. These barometers

can have a major impact on the financial markets. The Conference Board also

produces a wide range of authoritative reports on corporate governance and

ethics, human resources and diversity, executive compensation and corporate

citizenship. Our conference and council programs bring together more than

12,000 senior executives each year to share insights and learn from each

other. Visit The Conference Board website at

Source: Is Avian Flu The Next Y2K? Can We Afford to Think So?

Executive Action Report #188, The Conference Board

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, a national non-profit organization devoted to supporting music education announced today it has awarded instrument grants to 24 more schools across the country. The grants consisted of a variety of instruments for use by students in the schools' music programs, as well as funding for the repair of instruments.

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation provides grants in the form of instrument donations to underserved K-12 schools, community and after-school programs as well as individual students who are financially limited and unable to afford an instrument. Schools and students can apply for a grant by going to www.mhopus.org and downloading an application, or by calling The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation at 818-784-6787.

"For nearly ten years, we have tried to put as many instruments in kids' hands as we possibly can," said Felice Mancini, executive director of The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. "We so strongly believe in the power of music to give students a better chance to succeed and be happy in life, and we know we're making a difference. We want to support the schools and teachers who recognize the value of music for their students and are looking to outside resources to save their programs."

Schools receiving grants include: Pima Elementary, Pima, AZ; Farragut Elementary, Culver City, CA; Livingston High School, Livingston, CA; Silverlake Conservatory of Music, Los Angeles, CA; Balboa Magnet School, Northridge, CA; Monroe Elementary, Santa Ana, CA; Southern Delaware School of the Arts, Selbyville, DE; St. Paul the Apostle School, Davenport, IA; Bernadine Sitts Intermediate Center, Garden City, KS; Learning Music Program, Olla, LA; Stockbridge Sinfonia, Pittsfield, MA; Western International High School, Detroit, MI; United Oaks Elementary, Hazel Park, MI; Flint School of Performing Arts, Flint, MI; Park High School, Livingston, MT; Acoustic Wolves Guitar Group, Fernley, NV; Alexander Middle High School, Alexander, NY; St. Joseph School, Bronx, NY; Robert A. Van Wyck Middle School, Jamaica, NY; YMCA Center for the Creative Arts, Rome, NY; Spring Hill Elementary, Xenia, OH; Spaulding Middle School, Lamar, SC; Sandhills Intermediate School, Swansea, SC; and Tennessee School for the Blind, Nashville, TN.

Research has shown that the benefits of music education to children include success in society, school, developing intelligence and general success in life. Definitive links have been made between students involved in music education and their academic performance, reasoning skills, work habits and low incidence of substance abuse.

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation supports music education and its many benefits through the donation and repair of musical instruments to underserved schools, community music programs and individual students nationwide. The organization was inspired by the 1995 motion picture Mr. Holland's Opus and was founded by Michael Kamen, who composed the music for that movie and countless others. In the last seven years, new and refurbished instruments with a value of approximately $5 million have been donated to more than 600 school and community music programs across the country. More information can be found at www.mhopus.org.

* Jazz heritage to fuel cultural revitalization and economic growth with creation of a world-class National Jazz Center as part of 20-acre park

* Jazz Park to create a major urban oasis amidst medical center, business, city buildings and Superdome

* Devastated Hyatt Regency New Orleans to reopen as world-class hotel and meeting site

* Master Plan calls for new courts and city hall

Governor Kathleen Blanco, New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the Hyatt District Rebirth Advisory Board today announced plans to create a 20-acre performance arts park that is to be anchored by a new National Jazz Center. The plans were created by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne, and his firm, Morphosis, and also call for an outdoor auditorium, new city government buildings, a new civil courts building and major redevelopment of the Hyatt Regency site.

Laurence Geller, chief executive officer of Strategic Hotels & Resorts, the Hyatt Regency's owner, said the plans were created in consultation with an advisory board of leading New Orleans and international experts from fields including architecture and planning, the arts, economics and hospitality. Strategic Hotels & Resorts funded the Advisory Board's work.

Several buildings will be relocated to create a great lawn that stretches six city blocks, creating an open-air Jazz Park.

"The advisory board has created a bold plan that transforms the Hyatt area into a world-class urban area and destination. Rather than an under-utilized adjunct of disparate sports, hotel and city facilities, the Hyatt Jazz District will be a grand destination that provides the citizenry with an unmatched urban cultural experience," said Geller.

"We are especially grateful to both Governor Blanco and Mayor Nagin for their vision and leadership. In fact, shortly after Hurricane Katrina, Mayor Nagin met with us to discuss the rebirth of this ravished area of the city and to consider the opportunity for a new City government complex. Today's announcement takes that vision to the next step. We thank both the Governor and the Mayor for their support of this unique public and private partnership," Geller said.

The National Jazz Center will reside in an iconic building designed by Thom Mayne. It will house the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) as well as performance space, studios, classrooms, a library and offices.

"The plans and studies that we have done to date will be the generative material for this complex and important project," said Thom Mayne. "It is now that our work will begin in earnest -- to engage and collaborate with the community and with the project's stakeholders to further refine our initial concepts in order to most effectively and sensitively begin to rebuild this key part of the great city of New Orleans."

"The new Hyatt Jazz District is a transformative project that will change the very nature of New Orleans for the better, much as the Superdome did a little more than 30 years ago," said Wm. Raymond Manning, the lead local architect in planning and design of the district. "Unlike one iconic building, however, the planned Hyatt Jazz District will integrate our civic infrastructure of courts and city hall with a major tourist destination and park that will link to other areas of the City, including the Quarter, Convention Center and Riverfront," Manning said.

According to Irvin Mayfield, artistic director of NOJO, "The new National Jazz Center and Park will be the catalyst that stimulates the revitalization of the New Orleans economy rightfully centered around jazz, our most abundant natural resource. This will be the finest structure for jazz in the world."

"The new National Jazz Center can be a focal point for rebuilding our talent pool of jazz musicians as well as other artists, cultural troupes and entrepreneurs that the Cultural Committee of the Mayor's Bring New Orleans Back Commission found to be a critical component of rebuilding the City," said Wynton Marsalis, noted jazz musician and co-chairman of the Cultural Committee of the Commission. "This project will complement and enhance New Orleans' vibrant Jazz culture."

The Hyatt Regency New Orleans will be significantly altered and improved to accommodate the Jazz Center. The Hyatt was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, but its superstructure remained relatively intact. The Hyatt entranceway will be relocated to the east side of the building, new ballroom space will be built, and a new rooftop restaurant will be added. The whole interior of the Hyatt will be made over and updated.

Estimated costs for the National Jazz Center and Jazz Park are estimated at $716 million and are expected to generate more than $6 billion in economic benefits over 20 years. An economic study commissioned by the Board and conducted by Dr. William Oakland of Tulane University and Dr. Wade Ragas of the University of New Orleans estimates that the plan will generate almost 14,000 man years of construction work and create more than 6,500 permanent jobs.

The National Jazz Center and Park

The core concept of the proposed Hyatt Jazz District plan is to integrate, improve and utilize existing architecture and infrastructure into a design that creates for the first time a world-class National Jazz Center and park.

Creation of a National Jazz Center and park will transform the Hyatt area into a year-round destination for tourists and people who work in the area. For the first time, America's truly unique and original art form will have a permanent home in New Orleans, with facilities that will spur a rebirth of world-class jazz not far from Louis Armstrong's childhood neighborhood. It will also be a center where Jazz can be seriously celebrated, studied, recorded and fostered for future generations.

The park will start at the foot of the National Jazz Center and extend north across green space six blocks to a new, public outdoor amphitheater. Throughout the park interactive art, gardens and fountains reflecting the culture of New Orleans and the South will create an oasis for visitors and their families.

A dynamic bridge will link the Superdome to the great park, unifying major elements of the area into one grand destination.

Archaic city government facilities and civil courts will move into state-of-the-art facilities and a new court building. These new facilities will be able to protect and preserve legal records dating back to 1756. By refurbishing and occupying buildings that were underutilized before Katrina, the city and parish would be able to "right size" and modernize operations at a low cost. Plans are for the old buildings, along with the shopping center, to be razed to make room for the park and National Jazz Center building.

Transportation infrastructure improvements in the advanced planning stages could be modified to accommodate this world-class destination. A loop bus and streetcar linking the Hyatt Jazz District to surrounding business is part of the plan.

Prior to Katrina, the largest office complex in Louisiana surrounded the Hyatt-Superdome District site. Many of its inhabitants have been exploring ways to downsize or leave the city entirely. By creating a world-class destination at their doorway, firms will be enticed to stay, and other businesses will be drawn to the area.

Hyatt District Rebirth Advisory Board

Before Katrina had dissipated over the United States, Laurence Geller and his leadership team were assessing the damage to the Hyatt Regency New Orleans and formulating plans to rebuild.

Through direct consultation with Hyatt Corporation, The Superdome, the City of New Orleans and State of Louisiana, Strategic Hotels & Resorts facilitated the formation of a Hyatt District Rebirth Advisory Board to evaluate alternatives and make recommendations for the site.

Strategic Hotels & Resorts spent more than $2 million to create the advisory board and fund the planning.

The Advisory Board is composed of leaders in Architecture, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Economics, Business and the Arts from New Orleans and worldwide

.

Laurence Geller, Chairman

President and Chief Executive Officer, Strategic Hotels & Resorts

Douglas Geoga

President, Global Hyatt Corporation

Keith Hobbs

CEO, United Designers Europe LTD

Wm. Raymond Manning

Architects

Wynton Marsalis

Musician & Composer

Irvin Mayfield

Artistic Director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra

Thom Mayne

Architect

William H. Oakland

Professor Emeritus, Tulane University

J. Kevin Poorman

Pritzker Realty

Wade R. Ragas, Phd, MAI

Real Property Associates Inc

The creation of a major new park is expected to make the District a draw for world travelers, much as Central Park in New York (built in the late 18th century) and Grant Park in Chicago (built in the early 20th century) and its new component, Millennium Park (opened in 2004) have done. This attraction will also draw businesses and dissuade businesses from leaving. In addition, restaurants, retail shops and other businesses are expected to locate adjacent to the park just as has happened in other major cities.

Source: Strategic Hotels & Resorts

- Mancano solo poche settimane dall'inizio del Mondiali di Calcio, e il sito ufficiale della manifestazione ha già registrato visite da oltre 30 paesi di tutto il mondo.

comScore Networks, società leader nella misurazione digitale dei sistemi mediatici, ha annunciato oggi i risultati di un'analisi sul pubblico online di tutto il mondo tramite il sito web del torneo mondiale realizzato da Yahoo! all'indirizzo http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com . In aprile comScore ha registrato 5,7 milioni di singoli visitatori del sito, fino al 35% dai 4,2 milioni di marzo. Il torneo comincerà il 9 giugno in Germania.

"Mancano solo poche settimane all'inizio del torneo, il livello di traffico ad aprile nel sito nella Coppa del Mondo di calcio - per non citare l'incremento sostanziale registrato rispetto a marzo - dimostra la popolarità mondiale della Coppa del Mondo e il potenziale di Internet come potente canale di marketing per raggiungere un pubblico globale," ha dichiarato Bob Ivins, Amministratore Delegato di comScore Europe.

Traffico per regione geografica

Per quanto riguarda le regioni geografiche, l'Europa svolge la parte del leone, con una percentuale di visitatori pari al 51%, ossia quasi 3 milioni di persone in Europa hanno visitato il sito. Subito dopo si posiziona l'Asia e la regione del Pacifico, la quale rappresenta una percentuale del 17% dei visitatori locali (quasi 1 milione di persone) e riflette la forza di questo sport in quell'area. Il traffico dall'America Latina rappresenta il 12% del totale, con una popolarità di questo sport che controbilancia la bassa penetrazione di Internet in molte regioni di questi paesi. Solo il 10% dei visitatori provengono dal Nord America, evidenziando una ancora limitata popolarità del calcio professionistico negli Stati Uniti.

Visite per regione geografica del sito web ufficiale della Coppa del

Mondo di Calcio

Utenti Internet totali nel mondo - tutti i paesi

Aprile 2006

Singole visite (000)

Fonte: comScore

Apr-06 Percentuale

(000) del Totale

In tutto il mondo 5.706 100%

Europa 2.906 51%

Asia e Pacifico 977 17%

America Latina 709 12%

Africa/ Medio Oriente 561 10%

Nord America 552 10%

Un numero importante di visitatori ha visitato il sito ufficiale della Coppa del Mondo di Calcio da oltre 30 paesi diversi in tutto il mondo. Il 22% dei visitatori del sito sono in Germania, il paese che ospiterà i mondiali, mentre i secondi visitatori più numerosi sono i giapponesi (13%).

"La popolarità del calcio in Europa è ben documentata, e non stupisce che gli utenti di Internet in Germania - il paese ospitante - costituiscano la porzione di visitatori più numerosa del sito della Coppa del Mondo al momento. Particolarmente interessati sono i circa un milione di visitatori dall'Asia e il mezzo milione di visitatori dal Medio Oriente e dall'Africa. Questi numeri dimostrano veramente la natura globale del gioco del calcio e l'importanza del torneo mondiale," ha dichiarato Ivins.

Pensare globalmente, e condurre attività locali di marketing

Questo grande interesse nella Coppa del Mondo, unitamente alle complesse opportunità di marketing associate al torneo, sono state sottolineate dalla visita sei siti della Coppa del Mondo nelle lingue locali creati da Yahoo!. Inoltre al sito in inglese, sono state create le versioni in tedesco, spagnolo, giapponese, francese, portoghese e italiano, nei quali è stato registrato un traffico considerevole in aprile.

Le sezioni nelle lingue locali nel sito fifaworldcup.yahoo.com

Utenti Internet totali in tutto il mondo - tutti i paesi

Aprile 2006

Singoli visitatori (000)

Fonte: comScore

Apr-06 Percentuale

(000) del totale(i)

Traffico totale su fifaworldcup.yahoo.com 5.706 100%

Inglese 2.480 43%

Tedesco 1.371 24%

Spagnolo 582 10%

Giapponese 580 10%

Francese 335 6%

Portoghese 320 6%

Italiano 226 4%

(i) Le percentuali totalizzano oltre a 100 perché alcune visite sono

state effettuate dallo stesso utente ad più siti.

"Le marche principali possono raggiungere i consumatori in tutto il mondo, in modo efficace dal punto di vista dei costi, a condizione che adattino i loro messaggi agli utenti locali," ha dichiarato Ivins.

Informazioni su comScore Networks

comScore Networks fornisce informazioni ed analisi dettagliate sui comportamenti e gli atteggiamenti dei consumatori. Questa sua capacità si basa su un campione che gli conferisce una sezione trasversale a livello globale, costituito da ben oltre 2 milioni di consumatori che hanno concesso a comScore il permesso esplicito di registrare in via riservata il loro comportamento di ricerca e transazione su Internet, compresi gli acquisti online e offline. I rappresentanti di comScore partecipano anche ad ogni indagine che mira a registrare ed integra i loro atteggiamenti ed intenzioni. Attraverso questa tecnologia proprietaria, comScore misura gli elementi importanti in un vasto spettro di comportamenti e atteggiamenti. I consulenti comScore applicano questa conoscenza approfondita dei consumatori e della concorrenza per aiutare i clienti a progettare importanti strategie di marketing e tattiche mirate a generare maggiori ritorni sugli investimenti. I servizi comScore sono utilizzati da leader globali come AOL, Microsoft, Yahoo!, Verizon, Best Buy, The Newspaper Association of America, Tribune Interactive, ESPN, Fox Sports, Nestle, MBNA, Universal McCann, il Servizio Postale degli Stati Uniti, Merck ed Expedia. Per maggiori informazioni, siete pregati di visitare il sito http://www.comscore.com .

Sito web: http://www.comscore.com

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com

Source: comScore Networks

- La Metro Ethernet Networks nasce dalla leadership di Nortel nelle reti carrier per i dati e in quelle ottiche

Mike Zafirovski, il Presidente e CEO di Nortel* [NYSE/TSX: NT] ha annunciato la decisione di puntare sulla crescita nel mercato delle reti Ethernet superveloci indispensabili per la gestione delle nuove applicazioni video in continua crescita e che richiedono una sempre maggiore capacità della rete di trasmissione.

L'iniziativa strategica di Nortel - Metro Ethernet Networks - sarà guidata da Philippe Morin in veste di Presidente. Questa iniziativa garantirà un'offerta Ethernet innovativa, progettata per fornire alta qualità, affidabilità e sicurezza.

"Il futuro di Nortel dipende dalla nostra leadership nell'innovazione e grazie alla nuova unità Metro Ethernet Networks coniughiamo le nostre migliori tecnologie, con il supporto immediato di un incremento dell'investimento specifico in ricerca e sviluppo" ha dichiarato Zafirovski. "Nella sua precedente veste di General Manager Optical, lo scorso anno Philippe è riuscito ad incrementare il business di circa il 24% raggiungendo quota 1,2 miliardi di dollari, sono assolutamente sicuro che, attraverso la Metro Ethernet Networks, saprà sfruttare al meglio questo momento particolarmente positivo, nonché la nostra posizione di leader di mercato."

"Con IPTV, IMS e altre applicazioni in veloce evoluzione, i service provider si troveranno di fronte a importanti sfide rispetto alla capacità di trasmissione delle loro reti - wireless, wireline e via cavo. La Metro Ethernet Networks rappresenta il primo passo per portare Nortel nelle prime posizioni alla conquista di questo nuovo segmento di mercato critico" ha dichiarato Zafirovski.

La strategia della Metro Ethernet Networks di Nortel si basa sulla crescente importanza della tecnologia Ethernet come protocollo standard sia per le comunicazioni LAN che WAN, per eliminare il collo di bottiglia rispetto alla velocità di trasmissione tra le dorsali ottiche ad alta velocità e le reti metropolitane che raggiungono utenti residenziali e aziende. Inoltre, la Metro Ethernet Networks di Nortel si concentrerà sulle capacità wireless, utilizzando la sua soluzione Metro Ethernet per supportare applicazioni come i video a banda larga, per fornire qualità e velocità in tempo reale ai terminali mobili.

Nortel

Nortel è un leader affermato nell'offerta di sistemi e soluzioni di comunicazione che arricchiscono il modo in cui le persone comunicano ed interagiscono, contribuendo a sviluppare il commercio su scala mondiale, gestendo e tutelando il flusso delle informazioni, anche le più critiche. Nortel si rivolge sia agli operatori di telecomunicazioni fisse e mobili, che ad aziende ed organizzazioni pubbliche e private. Le soluzioni tecnologiche innovative di Nortel spaziano dai servizi end-to-end a banda larga, al VoIP (Voice over IP), alle applicazioni multimediali fino ai servizi wireless a banda larga, e sono sviluppate per affrontare con successo le più importanti sfide a livello mondiale. Nortel è presente in oltre 150 paesi. Per ulteriori informazioni visitare il sito Web Nortel all'indirizzo www.nortel.com e per le ultime notizie www.nortel.com/news.

Alcune dichiarazioni contenute nel presente comunicato stampa possono contenere vocaboli come "potrebbe", "prevede", "ritiene", "intende", "stima", "programma", "persegue" e altri similari e sono da ritenersi dichiarazioni previsionali ai sensi della legislazione vigente sulla borsa e sui titoli.

Tali dichiarazioni sono basate sulle attuali aspettative, stime, previsioni e proiezioni di Nortel su industria, economie e mercati in cui la società opera. Le dichiarazioni previsionali sono soggette a importanti presupposti, rischi e incertezze di difficile previsione, e i risultati effettivi potrebbero differire in modo sostanziale da quelli previsti. Sebbene Nortel ritenga che le aspettative contenute nelle dichiarazioni previsionali siano ragionevoli in base ai presupposti contenuti in questo comunicato stampa, esse potrebbero rivelarsi inesatte e pertanto i risultati effettivi di Nortel potrebbero differire in modo sostanziale dalle aspettative espresse in questo comunicato stampa. Inoltre, i risultati o gli eventi effettivi potrebbero differire in modo sostanziale da quelli contemplati nelle dichiarazioni previsionali a causa dei seguenti (a) rischi e incertezze relativi ai restatement di Nortel e a questioni ad essi collegate tra cui: il recentemente annunciato restatement e i due precedenti restatement dei propri resoconti finanziari ed eventi collegati e il rischio che i resoconti finanziari già depositati da Nortel e NNL e le relazioni dei revisori contabili non siano affidabili; le ripercussioni negative su Nortel e NNL del loro annunciato restatement e il ritardo nella presentazione dei resoconti finanziari e di relazioni periodiche collegate con conseguente violazione degli obblighi nei confronti del debito contratto con il pubblico rispetto alle proprie strutture di credito con la possibilità che chi detiene questo debito pubblico o i creditori di NNL decidano di accelerare la maturazione di tale debito; che si venga a creare una violazione della struttura di sostegno di NNL presso EDC con il rischio che EDC rifiuti di offrire un ulteriore sostegno all'interno di questo accordo, rescinda i propri obblighi previsti dall'accordo o esiga da NNL la garanzia in contanti del sostegno attuale; conseguenze di sentenze giuridiche, multe, penalità o accomodamenti, o qualsiasi multa o altra penalità o sanzione di sostanziale entità legata alle attuali indagini normative e penali a carico di Nortel negli Stati Uniti e in Canada;

eventuali cause civili pendenti di sostanziale entità che non rientrino nell'accomodamento collettivo proposto da Nortel; eventuali esborsi in contanti e/o una significativa diluizione della posizione patrimoniale corrente di Nortel dovuti alla finalizzazione e all'approvazione dell'accomodamento collettivo da essa proposto o, qualora tale accomodamento non venga raggiunto, eventuali altri accomodamenti o obblighi al pagamento di danni legati a queste cause collettive; l'eventuale incapacità di porre rimedio alle debolezze materiali di Nortel nel controllo interno sulla resocontazione finanziaria tale da impedire alla società di rendere noti i risultati del proprio esercizio e la propria situazione finanziaria in modo accurato e all'interno dei tempi previsti; il tempo richiesto dall'implementazione delle misure correttive di Nortel; l'incapacità da parte di Nortel di accedere, nella sua forma attuale, alla propria 'shelf registration' depositata presso la commissione statunitense di controllo sui titoli e la borsa (United States Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC), e l'eventuale discesa del rating di Nortel al di sotto della soglia di investimento e ogni altro effetto negativo sul rating di credito della società dovuto al restatement dei propri resoconti finanziari; eventuali ripercussioni negative sull'attività di Nortel e sul prezzo di mercato dei suoi titoli pubblici in seguito al perdurare della pubblicità avversa conseguente ai restatement della società; la potenziale incapacità di Nortel di attrarre o trattenere il personale necessario al raggiungimento dei propri obbiettivi commerciali; eventuali violazioni dei requisiti di iscrizione a listino delle azioni Nortel nelle borse NYSE o TSX tali da far sì che NYSE e/o TSX diano inizio a procedure di sospensione o cancellazione dal listino; eventuali violazioni degli obblighi di presentazione dei resoconti di Nortel oltre la data del 9 maggio 2006, con conseguente decisione da parte dell'ente canadese per il controllo della borsa e dei titoli di sospendere la contrattazione dei titoli Nortel nella propria giurisdizione o di disporre tale sospensione prima di quella data qualora Nortel non aderisca a linee di condotta informative alternative da parte di tali enti di controllo;

(b) rischi e incertezze relativi all'attività di Nortel, tra cui: fluttuazioni annuali e trimestrali dei risultati dell'esercizio della società; la riduzione della domanda e la pressione al ribasso dei prezzi per i suoi prodotti a causa della congiuntura economica globale, di una forte concorrenza, delle politiche di prezzo concorrenziali, della cautela nelle spese in conto capitale da parte della clientela, dell'aumento del consolidamento nel settore, del rapido evolversi delle tecnologie, del mutamento degli standard di settore, del frequente lancio di nuovi prodotti e conseguente riduzione nel ciclo di vita dei prodotti stessi, e di altre tendenze e caratteristiche che incidano sul settore delle telecomunicazioni;

eventuali effetti sostanziali di tipo negativo sul rendimento di Nortel qualora le sue aspettative circa la domanda di mercato di determinati prodotti si rivelino errate o a causa di determinati ostacoli ai suoi sforzi di espansione internazionale; eventuali riduzioni dei risultati dell'esercizio di Nortel ed eventuali fluttuazioni del prezzo di mercato delle sue azioni dovute all'eventuale calo del margine lordo, o a fluttuazioni nei tassi di cambio delle valute internazionali; eventuali sviluppi negativi associati a contratti di fornitura e di fabbricazione, compresi quelli risultanti dal ricorso a un solo fornitore per un componente chiave di determinate soluzioni legate a reti ottiche, ed eventuali difetti o errori nei prodotti Nortel attuali o in fase di progettazione; ripercussioni negative nei confronti di Nortel dell'eventuale mancato raggiungimento da parte della società dei propri obbiettivi di trasformazione commerciale; determinate restrizioni sulla condotta di Nortel e del suo CEO in seguito ad un accomodamento con Motorola Inc.; eventuali indennità di valutazione supplementari per l'intero ammontare o una porzione delle sue imposte differite attive; l'incapacità da parte di Nortel di tutelare i propri diritti di proprietà intellettuale, o eventuali sentenze o accomodamenti negativi in seguito a contenziosi riguardanti la proprietà intellettuale; cambiamenti nella regolamentazione di Internet e/o di altri aspetti del settore;; l'incapacità da parte di Nortel di gestire o integrare con successo le proprie acquisizioni strategiche, o l'incapacità di portare a termine o stringere patti strategici con altre società; ripercussioni negative dell'eventuale incapacità da parte di Nortel di perfezionare in maniera adeguata i propri strumenti di controllo e sistemi e processi di resocontazione finanziari e gestionali, gestire e far crescere la propria attività, o instaurare una strategia efficace di gestione dei rischi;

e (c) rischi e incertezze relativi alla liquidità, gli accordi finanziari e la situazione patrimoniale di Nortel, tra cui: le ripercussioni negative su NNL del restatement recentemente annunciato e dei due precedenti restatement dei propri resoconti finanziari; eventuali accelerazioni dei propri obblighi e degli strumenti di debito contratti con il pubblico, con il conseguente rischio che Nortel e NNL non siano in grado di soddisfare i rispettivi obblighi di pagamento; l'eventuale incapacità di Nortel di gestire le fluttuazioni nel flusso di cassa per il finanziamento dei requisiti di capitale di esercizio o di conseguire i propri obbiettivi commerciali entro i tempi previsti o di ottenere ulteriori fonti di finanziamento; alti livelli di indebitamento, vincoli alla capacità di Nortel di sfruttare opportunità commerciali a causa di impegni creditizi, o all'ottenimento di prestiti garantiti ai sensi di quanto previsto dagli accordi che regolano determinate emissioni di obbligazioni pubbliche della società e dalle clausole dei propri strumenti creditizi; l'eventuale crescita dei vincoli alla liquidità di Nortel qualora la società sia incapace di ottenere fonti di sostegno alternative per gli obblighi incorsi nel normale espletamento della sua attività, o l'eventuale incapacità delle affiliate di Nortel di fornire ad essa un livello di finanziamento sufficiente; eventuali ripercussioni negative su Nortel dell'obbligo di versare in futuro maggiori contributi previdenziali o l'esposizione a rischi del credito alla clientela o l'incapacità da parte di clienti di tener fede ai propri obblighi di pagamento secondo quanto previsto dagli accordi di finanziamento alla clientela; eventuali ripercussioni negative sulla capacità di Nortel di procedere in futuro ad acquisizioni, aumenti di capitale, emissione di obbligazioni e trattenere il personale a causa di fluttuazioni del prezzo delle azioni e ulteriori riduzioni del prezzo di mercato dei titoli di Nortel, o di eventuali consolidamenti azionari tali da produrre una capitalizzazione totale di mercato inferiore o un effetto negativo sulla liquidità delle azioni ordinarie di Nortel.

Per ulteriori informazioni su alcuni di questi ed altri fattori, vedere i documenti depositati da Nortel presso la SEC. Tranne ove disposto diversamente dalle leggi in materia, Nortel declina qualsiasi intenzione o impegno ad aggiornare o rivedere qualunque dichiarazione previsionale a seguito di nuove informazioni, avvenimenti futuri o altro.

*Nortel, il logo Nortel, il Globemark, sono trademark di Nortel Networks.

www.nortel.com

It has come to the attention of the American Small Business League that the United States Air Force has opposed policies put forth by the Small Business Administration to stop fraud and abuse in small business contracting. The Government Accountability Office and the SBA Office of the Inspector General have recommended annual re-certification as a solution to stop the abuses that have allowed billions of dollars in small business contracts to go to Fortune 500 firms. Under the proposed SBA policies, contractors would be required to re-certify on an annual basis that they are still small businesses before seeking additional awards.

The Air Force objects to the SBA proposal and has recommended that firms be re-certified every five years. Under the Air Force plan, a company that is acquired by a large business or has outgrown its small business status would be allowed to keep that status for up to five more years. This alternative would continue to allow billions in contracts set-aside for America's small firms to be diverted to some of the largest companies in the world. Lloyd Chapman, President of the American Small Business League made this comment, "It's no wonder the Air Force is proposing this because the Air Force is not interested in stopping contracting fraud, the Air Force wants to continue what they've always done, which is to falsify their small business numbers and allow their contractors to falsify their numbers by reporting awards to large companies as small business awards." "It's time for this practice to stop-and the Air Force's excuse that annual re-certification is somehow going to compromise national security is a farce and an insult to Americans everywhere. The last government official that was opposed to policies to stop fraud was convicted of taking bribes and is currently doing 25 years in prison for bribery, extortion, and money laundering." About the ASBL The American Small Business League was formed to promote and advocate policies that provide the greatest opportunity for small businesses - the 98% of U.S. companies with less than 100 employees. The ASBL is founded on the principle that small businesses, the backbone of a vital American economy, should receive the fair treatment promised by the Small Business Act of 1953. Representing small businesses in all fields and industries throughout the United States, the ASBL monitors existing policies and proposed policy changes by the Small Business Administration and other federal agencies that affect its members.

You can bet that Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) has served a lot of peanuts over the last 35 years. Now, in celebration of 35 years since its first flight in June 1971, Southwest is turning its focus to peanut butter -- with the goal of contributing 35,000 jars of peanut butter to Food Banks across the nation through America's Second Harvest -- The Nation's Food Bank Network. It's Southwest's way of saying thank you to Customers, Employees, and the 62 cities that have helped put the airline at the top of its industry. Working with America's Second Harvest, Southwest has created a Virtual Food Bank on the main page of http://www.southwest.com . Beginning today, Southwest's Spread the LUV campaign will give everyone the opportunity to visit the Virtual Food Bank and contribute jars of peanut butter. All contributions will be matched by Southwest, up to a total contribution from the airline of $35,000.

Spread the LUV and the Virtual Food Bank will run the entire month of June. "Peanut butter, with its high protein content, has long been one of the staples most needed by food banks," said Colleen Barrett, President of Southwest Airlines. "It only makes sense that the airline that made the peanut famous would be the one that Spreads the LUV with peanut butter." Southwest kicked off the campaign with an event at Dallas Love Field where they unveiled their larger-than-life commitment to the campaign -- a 737 featuring a special Spread the LUV design. (Visit http://gallery.swamediaSp.com/photos for a photo of the aircraft.) The event also included hundreds of Southwest Employees celebrating the first jars of peanut butter being donated to the North Texas Food Bank in Southwest's hometown. "The great thing about using the Virtual Food Bank on southwest.com is that when people make a donation, their gift will go to the Food Bank in their local community," said Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of America's Second Harvest. "Southwest has already made the first donation right here in their hometown of Dallas." The campaign comes at a perfect time to help Food Banks get ready for a busy summer. With children out of school for summer break, many at risk of hunger will not have access to school breakfast and lunch programs for balanced, nutritional meals.

That's why Food Banks become a critically important community resource this time of year. "Southwest is stepping up during the hungriest season of the year to make sure all hungry children feel LUV-ed," said North Texas Food Bank CEO Jan Pruitt. In addition to the Virtual Food Bank at southwest.com , Southwest Employees will pitch in throughout June, working with their local Food Banks in each of the 62 cities Southwest serves. "Our Employees have always been passionate about giving back to their communities," Barrett said. "But the best part of Spread the LUV is that anyone can participate. Donate at http://www.southwest.com , join in a local event organized by Southwest Employees, or just spread the word about how everyone can Spread the LUV." Southwest Airlines has revolutionized air travel for 35 years by always offering affordable fares that give people tickets to Freedom. More than a quarter-century ago, surveys showed one in four Americans had flown. Since the inception of Southwest Airlines, more than three out of four people have experienced air travel. Southwest boards more than 80 million people annually, allowing them to go, see, and do things they may have never dreamed possible. http://www.southwest.com

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in the wake of a devastating 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck May 27 near the ancient city of Yogyakarta.

The deployment is part of a larger U.S. government response to a request from the government of Indonesia for humanitarian assistance, according to U.S. Pacific Command officials. The troops will come from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan; U.S. Pacific Air Forces units in Guam; and the hospital ship USNS Mercy, which is operating in the Philippines as part of a five-month medical deployment to Southeast Asia and Western Pacific countries, officials said.

The U.S. troops will bring surgical, shock trauma, laboratory, dental, X-ray, and preventive medicine expertise to the earthquake-ravaged area.

"Doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and supplies are rapidly deploying to Indonesia to support the humanitarian efforts near Yogyakarta.

The goal is to reduce further loss of life and help alleviate human suffering," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Dana Atkins, U.S. Pacific Command director of operations. "We offer our sincere condolences to the people of Indonesia affected by this tragedy and will do our best to ease their
suffering with available medical assets. The U.S. has strong regional ties to Indonesia, and we are a longstanding friend of the Indonesian people."

The deployment of personnel from USNS Mercy will not affect the ship's ability to continue the mission in the Philippines, officials said. The U.S. military and all organizations aboard the Mercy remain committed to providing humanitarian and civic assistance as previously planned,
officials said.

The earthquake death toll has risen to more than 5,000 people, with about 6,500 seriously injured and 100,000 homeless.

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- Other Pontifical Acts
 
 
ECCLESIAL MOVEMENTS AND NEW COMMUNITIES TO MEET POPE
 
 At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present the 2nd World Meeting of Ecclesial Movements and New Communities which is due to take place in Rocca di Papa, south of Rome, from May 31 to June 2, on the theme: "the beauty of being a Christian and the joy of communicating this." The ecclesial movements and new communities are due to meet with Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square on Saturday June 3, the eve of Pentecost.
 
  Participating in the press conference were Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko, Bishop Josef Clemens, and Guzman Carriquiry, respectively president, secretary and under-secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.
 
  Archbishop Rylko affirmed that the meeting with the Pope on June 23 - the second such encounter following that of May 30, 1998 - "is an important sign of continuity with the Magisterium of John Paul II, who saw in these new groups precious gifts of the Spirit to today's Church, and a great sign of hope for humanity in our time."
 
  After recalling how Benedict XVI's dealings with ecclesial movements "date back to the mid 1960s when he was still a teacher at Tubingen," the president of the pontifical council highlighted the fact that the Pope "sees in these movements 'powerful ways of living the faith'," and that "his theological contribution to defining the ecclesial identity of the movements is fundamental." Furthermore, the prelate added, "since his election as Pope, Benedict XVI has not ceased to show his concern for ecclesial movements."
 
  Referring to the forthcoming meeting, organized by his Pontifical Council for the Laity, Archbishop Rylko specified that delegates from around 100 movements and new communities would be participating, along with representatives from dicasteries of the Roman Curia and an ecumenical delegation.
 
  "At the heart of the conference's reflections," he went on, "is the question, an inevitable question for Christ's disciples: how to transmit the splendor of Christ's beauty to the modern world?"
 
  The president of the pontifical council then emphasized that "in our own time, the experience of the beauty of being Christian has found, and continues to find, a particularly fertile soil in the ecclesial movements and new communities."
 
  "Christians," he concluded, "must announce to the world that the Gospel is not a utopia, but a way towards the fullness of life; that faith is not a burden, a yoke to weigh down mankind, but a marvelous adventure restoring man to his full humanity and to all the dignity and freedom of the children of God; that Christ is the only answer to the desire for happiness we carry in our hearts. In a word, they must communicate the beauty that so many have found thanks to ecclesial movements and new communities."
 
  For his part, Bishop Josef Clemens, explained some of the criteria governing the activity of the conference and the choice of relators.
 
  "The three principal contributions," he said, "will be presented by Cardinals Christoph Schonborn O.P., Marc Ouellet P.S.S., and Angelo Scola. They will consider Christological questions (Christ, the most beautiful of Adam's sons), ecclesiological questions (the beauty of being Christian), and pastoral matters (ecclesial movements and new communities in the mission of the Church: priorities and prospects). Round table discussions will provide an opportunity to consider two fundamental aspects of the activity of movements and new communities: educational work, and bearing witness to the beauty of Christ in today's world."
 
  "We have received numerous requests to join, but for logistical reasons the number of participants will be limited to little more than 300, representing more than 100 movements and new communities; in any case, more than double the number of ecclesial groups represented at the conference of 1998."
 
  Bishop Clemens continued: "The organization of prayer vigils in Rome has been left to the initiative of the individual movements and communities. ... The Vicariate of Rome has made many of the city's basilicas and churches available, both in the center and on the outskirts." A list of the various initiatives may be consulted at: www.laici.org
 
  The secretary of the pontifical council, then outlined details of the June 3 meeting with the Holy Father. "The liturgy will be preceded by a period ... of prayer and reflection," he said, "also evoking the earlier meeting with John Paul II ... in 1998, and the intervention on that occasion by the then Cardinal Ratzinger. ... A large choir composed of representatives from the various ecclesial groups will enliven this part of the meeting with songs. ... The choir will also welcome the arrival of the Holy Father and accompany him as he moves across St. Peter's Square."
 
  At 6 p.m., the Pope will preside over the liturgy of Vespers. Three Psalms will be sung, and "at the end of each there will be a reflection or comment from a founder or leader of the movements and new communities. This will be followed by the Holy Father's homily."
 
  It is expected that 300,000 people will participate in the event, most of them from Italy, although "30,000 faithful are on the move in Europe, of whom 4,000 from Germany. Five thousand participants are expected from Latin America, 450 from Africa, 300 from Asia and 100 from the Church in Oceania," the bishop said.
 
  At 10 a.m. on June 4, Pentecost Sunday, the Pope will celebrate Mass in St. Peter's Square. A note from the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff invites all the faithful of the diocese of Rome and pilgrims present in the city to attend.

RE:NER/.../DONNELLY:ZIEMBA:PISZCZ                                   VIS 060530 (100)

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Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne May 30, 2006

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

Info@montebubbles.net

For in-depth information about the event visit http://www.mediatech-expo.net/.

Below are profiles from MEDIA-TECH Expo 2006 2006 exhibitors.

Booth/Stand: H 72

Web: http://www.4m-inc.ch

Since beginning operations in 1991, 4M Technology in Switzerland has

been the cutting edge of replication technology, manufacturing

equipment and support. In these 15 years, this dynamic company has

become a world-class supplier of production lines for recordable and

pre-recorded medias like CD, DVD-5/9, HD DVD, CD-R, DVD+/-R, off-line

bonder, future formats. 4M Technology distinguishes itself by offering

complete, global solutions to its customers including not only

equipment supply and installation but also project management and

consulting service, extensive training, and proven, credible

manufacturing process know-how packages.

Company: ADTEC Audio Video Produkte GmbH

Booth/Stand: E 73

ADTEC Splicing and Cleaning Tapes have produced already billions of

Audio and Video Cassettes in more than 80 countries on all continents

and climatic zones. Without any doubt this underlines the excellent

processing properties and also a perfect logistic and an

administration system that delivers value for the customer. ADTEC

Screen Protection Masks for silk screen printing offer excellent

adhesive characteristics and easy removal properties. The aluminium

coated front is of extreme heat resistance and offers optimal

anti-static effect. Various measurements are available and special

dimensions can be made upon request. The user-friendly liner assures

an easy application. ADTEC is also the sale distributor for ECP Audio

and Video Tape. The ECP magnetic tapes are known to be of excellent

quality and very competitive price. Apart of the good quality also

special lengths, e.g. Audio Tape of 7.080m are offered for highest

efficiency. a warehouse is located in Hamburg for prompt delivery

service.

Company: Axxicon Moulds Eindhoven BV

Booth/Stand: E04

Web: http://www.axxicon.com

Axxicon Moulds Eindhoven BV is the world leader in standardized mould

systems for the production of optical discs for CD, CD-R, DVD, DVD-R

as well as HD-DVD and BluRay.

Company: DaTARIUS Group

Booth/Stand: D22/E21

Web: http://www.datarius.com

The DaTARIUS Group is a global company focused on providing solutions

throughout the optical media manufacturing industries. DaTARIUS

developed the first commercial CD test system and has over 20 years'

experience in the manufacture and distribution of equipment for

inspecting, measuring and optimizing at every stage of the optical

media manufacturing process. DaTARIUS is unique in providing equipment

for the entire production process right through from pre-mastering to

print and packaging. Its products are suitable for every optical media

format -- pre-recorded and recordable -- from CD & DVD through to the

new blue laser BD and HD DVD formats. In addition, DaTARIUS also

develops and supplies process optimization equipment, such as sprue

recycling and mould temperature regulations systems. This broad

product range is supplemented by consulting and training services.

With headquarters in Reutte, Austria (R&D, sales and service), and

regional offices in America and Hong Kong, the DaTARIUS Group has a

global team of 100 plus employees and partners with an extensive sales

and service support network covering every major market of the globe:

North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific

Rim.

Company: Dometek, Inc.

Booth/Stand: D66

Web: http://www.dometek.net

Dometek sells and warranties pre-owned equipment for every production

step of CD, CD-R, DVD and DVD-R and is the largest and highest

regarded equipment refurbishment company in the industry. They are the

only supplier that has their own engineering teams, warehousing,

in-house refurbishment services, and an unrivaled spare parts

inventory. They also offer engineering services, custom designs and

equipment evaluation services. Dometek takes pride in its workmanship

and its capability to satisfy the smallest to the largest of customers

around the globe. Refurbishment centers in Massachusetts, USA, and the

Czech Republic. Sales + Service offices in India and Brazil.

Company: DCA, Inc. (Doug Carson & Associates)

Booth/Stand: D30

Web: http://www.dcainc.com

DCA, Inc., Doug Carson & Associates, is the industry's leading

provider of signal processing technology for optical disc

manufacturing. Since 1988, optical disc manufacturers have relied on

DCA's pre mastering, mastering and verification products. DCA's

products include DDP Pro and DDP Toolkit tools, MIS (Mastering

Interface System) V8, and Commander. DCA solutions including

DiscTag(TM), HCRC, and job history metadata for automated

verification, testing and tracking of job information. DCA is also

heavily involved in new format development in the optical disc

industry such as HD-DVD and Blu-ray, and continues to champion new

solutions for next generation discs.

Company: dr.schwab Inspection Technology GmbH

Booth/Stand: J64

Web: http://www.schwabinspection.com

Innovative inspection for process perfection! dr.schwab's leading

inspection technology offers all the optical and physical parameters

required for the successful and efficient manufacture of every current

and emergent disc format. The product range includes in-line scanners

to monitor key stages of the replication process, plus off-line

systems for process control and optimization, from the earliest stages

of mastering through to the finished disc.

Company: Eclipse Data Technologies

Booth/Stand: H30/J29

Web: http://www.eclipsedata.com

Eclipse is recognized as the new leader in glass mastering encoders

and testing software and provides leading-edge capability with a

reputation for technical excellence and world-class customer support.

Their line of mastering, premastering and QC verification tools

includes EclipseSuite BD & HD, ESP7000 -- Eclipse's newest encoder

featuring HD-DVD and Blu-Ray Formats and Advanced Pulse Shaping,

ImageDecoder -- a QC verification system used to compare source master

to the output of an LBR or Stamper Tester; ImageSend -- a simple to

use read-in, analysis and FTP delivery program; and ImageArchive --

adds DVD writing and DDP-on-disc capability to ImageCopy.

Company: Goding +Partner GmbH

Booth/Stand: E69

Web: http://www.goeding.com

Goding + Partner is the leading provider of exceptional quality in

Optical Disc Refurbishment. For almost 20 years, we have worked

closely with major Replication companies worldwide to deliver optical

disc products of the highest standard. Incorporated by Mr Hans-Udo

Goding in 1986, the company began with providing manual polishing of

plastic injection moulds predominately for the automotive industry.

Currently, we have extended our services to include polishing of all

type of OD Mirror inserts. Also as part of our service portfolio, we

provide coating of Mirrors with the latest DLC.

Company: Imagion AG - Creating High Definition

Booth/Stand: C55

Media Contact: Michael Becker

Phone: +49-651-82799-0

E-mail: mbecker@imagion.de

Web: http://www.imagion.de

Imagion is one of the leading European authoring facilities, providing

a broad range of technical and creative services for premastering DVD,

UMD, HD-DVD and Blu-ray titles. Imagion's authoring services are used

by Hollywood studios and replicators to create the most advanced and

highly interactive blockbuster DVDs and UMDs. Imagion concentrates its

activities on premastering for the next generation formats (HD-DVD /

Blu-ray) and supports Hollywood studios and replicators in achieving a

smooth start with the new formats.

Company: LANCO GmbH

Booth/Stand: J 46

Media Contact: Mr. Benjamin Jakob

Investor Relations Contact: Mr. Peter Jakob / Mr. Benjamin Jakob

Phone: +49 6181 91600 -0 / -41

E-mail: info@lanco.de / benjamin.jakob@lanco.de

Web: http://www.lanco.de

As a leading manufacturer LANCO in Germany specializes since 20 years

in dryers and complete raw material handling systems for CD, DVD, HD

DVD and BLU RAY DISC producers worldwide. Today over 2000 LANCO dryers

are successfully in used in more than 60 countries around the globe.

Company: OZU CORPORATION

Booth/Stand: D 70

We are a leading company in producing cellulosic continuous-filament

wiper. If you are concerned about efficiency and cost saving of

cleaning wipers, please do not forget to visit our booth during the

show. Our extensive product range might be able to meet your needs.

See you there!!

Company: Phoseon Technology

Booth/Stand: H20/J19

Web: http://www.phoseon.com

Phoseon Technology is the pioneer of semiconductor light matrix (SLM)

technology. The company manufactures high intensity light sources and

equipment that use SLM technology to enable faster, cleaner, and more

efficient industrial processes including the UV curing of

photopolymers in adhesives, inks, and coatings. Phoseon's portfolio of

products includes the RX series of high intensity UV light sources

that can be integrated into media manufacturing systems in

applications such as the bonding of DVDs using UV adhesives, the

curing of Blu-Ray coatings and curing of UV curable inks for CD/DVD

printing. Founded in 2002, Phoseon is a venture-funded, privately-held

corporation headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, USA.

Company: PIOVAN

Booth/Stand: HALL 3, STAND D 51 - C 52

Web: http://www.piovan.com

Piovan, the Italian leader in the manufacturing and supply of

auxiliary equipment for the plastics industry and one of the major

players in the world, specializes in the areas of: feeding, drying,

blending, chilling, granulation, mould temperature controllers and

computer based supervisory systems. Founded in 1964, Piovan has

established a widespread presence in the world with localized

production facilities and service and sales branches. Piovan focuses

on four main industrial sectors

-- Injection & Blow Moulding

-- Extrusion

-- PET Preforms

-- ODIn Optical Disc

Piovan holds the position of leadership worldwide by offering valuable

and technologically innovative solutions.

Company: Quantized Systems Ltd

Booth/Stand: K 16

Web: http://www.quantized.com

Quantized Systems are manufacturers of Optical Disc test equipment.

Our product range includes Q.C solutions for all industry sectors from

media manufacturers to replicators to duplicators. We are backed by a

global sales and support network. Using the latest in DSP and USB

technology allied with unique software tools our products offer high

speed, multi format testing capabilities for all current and next

generation formats. Quantized also provide training and consultancy

services to many of the leading companies in the industry.

Company: Reconcile Engineering Ltd.

Booth/Stand: BO6

Web: http://www.reconcileengineering.com

Reconcile Engineering Ltd. is an engineering and design company that

manufactures packaging inspection and validation systems. We are based

in Dublin, Ireland, and have an established customer base in Europe,

America and Asia. Our products can be found in high-speed automatic

packaging lines in the major optical media manufacturers throughout

the world. Reconcile provides:

-- solutions to gaps in the market in terms of quality inspection

equipment

-- systems for customers in the reconciliation of their production

lines

-- design and manufacture of complete solutions for labeling and

inspection

Reconcile Engineering is currently focused on the optical disc market

i.e. CD, DVD, HD DVD and BD.

Company: Record Products of America

Booth/Stand: C27

Web: http://www.recordproducts.com

Record Products of America has been a leading innovator in optical

disc stamper technology for almost 30 years. RPA is delivering the

most advanced technology for electroforming, punching, polishing, and

process checking HD-DVD and Blu-ray stampers. The P-138 Vertical Head

Electroforming System creates stampers with TTT less than 1.5 (mu) and

the P-145 NanoPunch can punch with less than 1 (mu) ECC. The P-141

Stamper Polishing System is a flexible, small footprint, wet polishing

system. RPA also offers an array of tools for testing the parameters

of stampers including the P-116 Eccentricity Checking System. RPA's

P-143 Disc Counter also counts all new optical disc formats.

Company: Symcon BV

Booth/Stand: 3.0 J36

Web: http://www.symcongroup.com

Symcon offers worldwide 'one-stop supplying' for all optical disc

manufacturing supplies. Symcon is the leading specialist in the market

for supplies and consumables for optical media manufacturing. The

company is committed to supplying its customers with all the supplies

and consumables they need, when they need them, at competitive prices

and with a quality they can trust. Symcon serves a huge customer base

ranging from major international companies to local replication and

mastering operations. It has a worldwide coverage through a network of

regional sales offices and distribution centers across Europe, Asia

and the USA.

Company: Target Technology Company, LLC

Booth/Stand: C28

Web: http://www.targettechnology.com

Target Technology is the company that gave the economic edge to

replicators by bringing silver alloy for the semi-reflective layer of

DVD's to the optical disc industry. This invention is supported by an

ever-growing list of patents in worldwide markets. The company

continues to lead the way with new offerings of wide process window

alloys for next generation optical discs customized for reflectivity

and environmental stability. TTP alloys are available from stock in

most territories for pre-recorded and recordable DVD's with a

catalogue of composition choices depending on your application.

Company: ULTRALIGHT AG

Booth/Stand: Hall 3 /Stand H42

Web: http://www.ultralight.li

ULTRALIGHT is based in the Principality of Liechtenstein and is a

recognized manufacturer of supreme quality UV-Lamps and components.

QUALITY. ULTRALIGHT operates on the basis of ISO 9001 and constantly

improves its production and administration processes.

The highly qualified ULTRALIGHT staff offers fast and reliable service

for CD/DVD INDUSTRY

-- DVD Bonding

-- Hardening of protective lacquer

-- Graphic printing of surfaces

INNOVATION. The 200 Watt/inch (80W/cm) lamps were developed in 1968 by

Dr. K. Przybilla who became herewith a pioneer in the use of UV

Technology for industrial purposes. In 1980 he founded ULTRALIGHT,

since then a leader in the production of long lasting high-power

UV-lamps (up to 530 W/cm).

Company: Unaxis / Data Storage Solutions

Booth/Stand: C-11

Unaxis Data Storage is the world's leading provider of sputter

equipment for optical and hard disk as well as complete integrated

replication lines. Unaxis booth in 2006 will focus on next generation

optical formats . INDIGO -- the new Blu-ray replication line for all

BD formats ( ROM, R,RE and DL) -- will be shown for the first time

along with the "MiniSprinter" a new 5 chamber sputter system optimized

for BD RCompact size, fast cycle time, a robust new spin coating

process for the key "cover layer technology" and platform flexibility

for all Blu-ray formats make INDIGO the perfect choice for BD disc

production.

Company: Univenture, Inc.

Booth/Stand: Hall 3, Stand H44

Web: http://www.univenture.com

Univenture has been designing and manufacturing media packaging for

leading companies in the entertainment, software and publishing

industries since 1988. The dedicated focus of the Univenture team has

resulted in numerous industry awards and accolades for its innovation,

commitment to customers and sales growth. Globally anticipating and

meeting customer needs, Univenture has sales and manufacturing

operations in Marysville, Ohio; Reno, Nevada; Dublin, Ireland; and the

Dongguan province of China.

Company: Xiris Automation Inc.

Booth/Stand: C05

Web: http://www.xiris.com

Xiris Automation Inc. specializes in high-end machine vision solutions

for Quality Control inspection in the printing and packaging

industries. Our primary focus is to provide a number of

state-of-the-art inspection products to the global Optical Disc

industry. Our family of products include:

-- ID-2500 - Accurate reading of IDENT Code for CDs & DVDs

-- PI-1600 - Basic Printed Graphics Inspection on Discs

-- PI-2000 - Full Printed Graphics Inspection on Discs

-- DO-1600 - Disc Orientation System

-- BV-1600 - Booklet Verification for Discs

-- GV-1600 - Graphics Verification for Discs

Oscar Meyer Weiners

(c) mbn 2006 (Joyce Chow & Stephanie Le Gee)

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KC HR - None
OAK HR - N. Swisher (15) F. Thomas (10)

Info@montebubbles.net

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America's top military leaders -- the commander in chief, secretary of defense, and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff -- commemorated this Memorial Day by paying tribute to generations of Americans, past and present, who have "answered the call to serve and stepped forward to protect the nation they loved."

President Bush, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace spoke to an appreciative crowd in a moving ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery here.

Bush said all of the some 296,000 men and women buried at Arlington understood their duty. "They saw a dark shadow on the horizon and went to meet it," he said. "They understood that tyranny must be met with resolve and that liberty is always the achievement of courage."

Gen. Pace acknowledged that American servicemen and women in combat "do know fear." However, he said, they overcome their fear because of the example set by previous generations of wartime heroes.

"It is the fear of not doing our nation's duty that overrides the physical fear," he said. "That somehow our actions will not live up to the legacy of those who've gone before. That somehow our performance in battle (will) leave the Marine or soldier on our left or our right in harm's way."

Pace said American servicemembers would never want to fail the warriors that went before them in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and all other U.S. military conflicts. "I can stand in front of you and proudly tell you that as long as any of us -- 2.4 million active, Guard and Reserve -- have the privilege to serve this nation, we will never let our nation down -- and certainly will not let down the legacy of those who've gone before," he said.

Indeed, it is this legacy of service and heroism that undoubtedly inspired the passengers of Flight 93 to stand up to their terrorist hijackers on Sept. 11, 2001, Rumsfeld said.

Because of the passengers' bravery, the flight crashed into a remote field near Shanksville, Pa., instead of its intended target of either the White House or the Capitol building. "Those we honor today understood that freedom is not inherited, it's earned," Rumsfeld said. "And surely those who died on Flight 93 took inspiration from the spirit of the citizen soldiers buried here, those who knew battle and drew their last breath for a freer world."

The defense secretary observed that in every U.S. military conflict, critics argued "America was a fading nation (and) that the fighting was not worth the cost. ... Yet, every time in every era, citizen soldiers" proved the critics wrong, he said.

"Because they served and because they sacrificed, America would prove not to be a fading nation but as (Benjamin) Franklin said, an ever-rising sun." Rumsfeld said.

Earlier, Bush had participated at a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington. "The names of those buried there are known only to God," he said. "Yet their souls have entered into the spirit of America, and they will never be forgotten by our nation."

Bush praised veterans of all conflicts across the globe. "As we pray for their fallen friends," he said, "we also remember those who went to war and are still missing, and we are determined to account for them all."

He noted that 270 veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan also are buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He cited one such veteran, Army 1st Lt. Mark Dooley, as illustrative of America's current generation of wartime heroes. Dooley was killed in September in Ramadi, Iraq. Before leaving for Iraq, he wrote a farewell letter to his parents in case he was killed. Bush read from Dooley's letter: "Remember that my leaving was in the service of something that we loved and be proud. The best way to pay respect is to value why a sacrifice was made."

The president also paid tribute to Army Lt. Col. Joseph Fenty Jr., who died with nine other soldiers earlier this month in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

"Some day," Bush said about Fenty's newborn daughter, "she will learn about her dad from the men with whom he served. And one of them said this about her father: 'We all wanted to be more like Joe Fenty. We were all in awe of him.'

"Well," Bush added. "I am in awe of the men and women who sacrifice for the freedom of the United States of America.

"In this place where valor sleeps," the president continued, "we are reminded why America has always gone to war reluctantly: because we know the cost of war. We have seen those costs in the war on terror we fight today."

However, he observed, "our nation is free because of brave Americans like these who volunteered to confront our adversaries abroad so we do not have to face them here at home. Our nation mourns the loss of our men and women in uniform. We will honor them by completing the mission for which they gave their lives, by defeating the terrorists, by advancing the cause of liberty, and by laying the foundation of peace for a generation of young

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Heineken International today announced that it has partnered with EON Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment to launch a world-wide promotional campaign for the 21st James Bond film, CASINO ROYALE.

The campaign will include a television commercial featuring Eva Green, who stars as Vesper Lynd in the film. The ad directed by Oscar winning director Steven Gaghan will be shot on the CASINO ROYALE set in the Czech Republic and will be broadcast in 30 and 45 second versions on TV and cinemas through-out November and December 2006.

The promotional campaign will also comprise on- and off-premise promotions, interactive and digital activities, radio promotions, consumer competitions and tie-ins with local Sony publicity and promotional events. The promotional campaign will be activated in approximately 40 countries worldwide. Heineken beer will also featured in scenes from the movie.

Peter van Campen Director Group Commerce, Heineken International said of the partnership, "we are very excited to continue our long-standing relationship with the Bond franchise, which is the longest and most successful film franchise in history. The global promotional campaign for CASINO ROYALE, will be activated in our key markets and is a core activity in our plans to accelerate Heineken brand equity and growth."

Eva Green star of CASINO ROYALE, said of the campaign, "I'm delighted to be promoting CASINO ROYALE in association with Heineken. Heineken continues to be a highly innovative partner in its support of film-making."

CASINO ROYALE is scheduled for international release on 17th November and introduces Daniel Craig as the new James Bond.

Please visit

http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/casinoroyale/

Notes to Editors

With CASINO ROYALE, Heineken continues its well established association with high-impact international blockbusters which have a natural fit with the brand. These global associations allow Heineken to create aspirational experiences for its adult consumers and further position its premium brand credentials worldwide. Heineken has activated highly successful promotional campaigns around three previous James Bond films; Die Another Day, The World is Not Enough and Tomorrow Never Dies.

EON Productions

Eon Productions/Danjaq, LLC, is owned by the Broccoli family and has produced twenty James Bond films since 1962, including Die Another Day. The Bond films, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, make up the most successful franchise in film history and include the recent blockbuster films GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Die, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day. Eon Productions and Danjaq, LLC, are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise.

About Columbia Pictures

Columbia Pictures, part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is an independent, privately-held motion picture, television, home video, and theatrical production and distribution company. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising approximately 4,000 titles, and over 10,400 episodes of television programming. Its film library has received 208 Academy Awards®, one of the largest award-winning collections in the world, and includes numerous successful film franchises, including James Bond, Pink Panther and Rocky. MGM is owned by an investor consortium comprised of Sony Corporation of America, Providence Equity Partners, Texas Pacific Group, Comcast Corporation and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

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- Two Million People Attend Krakow Mass

- May the Living God Never Let This Happen Again

- To Poles: Remain Faithful Custodians of Christian Deposit

- Telegram for Indonesian Earthquake

___________________________________________________________

This afternoon, having first visited Wawel cathedral in Krakow, the Holy Father travelled by popemobile to the city's Blonie Park - the site of many of John Paul II's celebrations in Krakow - where he met with young people.

Following a greeting pronounced by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, archbishop of Krakow, and testimonies from a number of young people, the Pope delivered an address to the 1,000,000 strong crowd that had gathered in the park to hear him.

"In the heart of every man," he began, "there is the desire for a house. Even more so in the young person's heart there is a great longing for a proper house, a stable house. ... There is a longing for a house you can be proud of. ... These longings are simply the desire for a full, happy and successful life. Do not be afraid of this desire! Do not run away from this desire! Do not be discouraged at the sight of crumbling houses, frustrated desires and faded longings. God the Creator, who inspires in young hearts an immense yearning for happiness, will not abandon you in the difficult construction of the house called life."

"How do I build that house called life? Jesus ... encourages us to build on the rock. In fact, it is only in this way that the house will not crumble. But what does it mean to build a house on the rock? Building on the rock means, first of all, to build on Christ and with Christ." It means "to build on a foundation that is called 'crucified love'."

Christ, Benedict XVI added, "knowing us better than we know ourselves, says to us: 'You are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you'." Building on the rock "means to build with Someone Who is always faithful, even when we are lacking in faith, because He cannot deny Himself; ... with Someone Who constantly looks down on the wounded heart of man and says: 'I do not condemn you, go and do not sin again.' ... Do not be afraid to lean on Christ! Long for Christ, as the foundation of your life!"

To build on the rock, the Pope went on, also means "building on Someone Who was rejected," and he recalled St. Peter's description of Jesus "as a 'living stone rejected by men.' ... The undeniable fact of the election of Jesus by God does not conceal the mystery of evil, whereby man is able to reject Him Who has loved to the very end. This rejection of Jesus ... extends throughout human history, even to our own time. ... Often, Jesus is ignored, ... He is declared a king of the past Who is not for today and certainly not for tomorrow. He is relegated to a storeroom of questions and persons one dare not mention publicly in a loud voice. If in the process of building the house of your life you encounter those who scorn the foundation on which you are building, do not be discouraged! A strong faith must endure tests. ... Our faith in Jesus Christ ... must frequently face others' lack of faith."

Yet to build on the rock, the Holy Father highlighted, also means "being aware that there will be misfortunes. ... Christ not only understands man's desire for a lasting house, but he is also fully aware of all that can wreck man's happiness. Do not be surprised therefore by misfortunes. ... An edifice built on the rock is not the same as a building removed from the forces of nature, which are inscribed in the mystery of man. To have built on rock means being able to count on the knowledge that at difficult times there is a reliable force upon which you can trust."

"What does it mean to build on the rock?" the Pope asked again. "Building on the rock also means to build on Peter and with Peter. ... 'You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.' ... If Christ, the Rock, ... calls His Apostle 'rock,' it means that He wants Peter, and together with him the entire Church, to be a visible sign of the one Savior and Lord. ... Do not be fooled by those who want to play Christ against the Church. ... Young people, you know well the Rock of our times. Accordingly, do not forget that neither that Peter who is watching our gathering from the window of God the Father, nor this Peter who is now standing in front of you, nor any successive Peter will ever be opposed to you or the building of a lasting house on the rock."

"The last word is a hopeful one," Pope Benedict concluded. "The fear of failure can at times frustrate even the most beautiful dreams. ... It can convince one that the yearning for such a house is only a childish aspiration and not a plan for life. ... You are all witnesses to hope, to that hope which is not afraid to build the house of one's own life because it is certain that it can count on the foundation that will never crumble: Jesus Christ our Lord."

Having completed his address, the Pope gave the young people the "Flame of Mercy," as a symbol of their mission to carry the light of faith throughout the world, and blessed the first stone of the John Paul II Center.

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- This morning, two million people attended a Mass presided by Benedict XVI in Krakow's Blonie Park; the same place where, yesterday afternoon, he had met with young people. Polish cardinals and bishops, as well as members of the papal entourage, concelebrated with the Pope.

A representative of the Russian Orthodox Church, Fr. Igor Vyzhanov, also participated in the Eucharistic celebration, conveying to the Pope the greeting of Patriarch Alexis II of Moscow and all the Russias.

In his homily, the Holy Father referred to the recent Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord: "Here on earth," he said, "we are called to look up to heaven, to turn our minds and hearts to the inexpressible mystery of God. We are called to look towards this divine reality, to which we have been directed from our creation. For there we find life's ultimate meaning."

After recalling how John Paul II used to celebrate Mass in the same park during his apostolic trips to his homeland, Benedict XVI said: "From here he could see Krakow and all Poland. ... Krakow, the city of Karol Wojtyła and of John Paul II, is also my Krakow! Krakow has a special place in the hearts of countless Christians throughout the world who know that John Paul II came to the Vatican Hill from this city, from Wawel Hill, 'from a far country,' which thus became a country dear to all."

The Pope then indicated that he had wished to come to Poland and to Krakow "to breathe the air of [John Paul II's] homeland. I wanted to see the land where he was born, where he grew up and undertook his tireless service to Christ and the Universal Church. ... Here I wish to ask God to preserve that legacy of faith, hope and charity which John Paul II gave to the world, and to you in particular."

Going on to refer to theme of his Polish pilgrimage, "Stand firm in your faith," the Holy Father pointed out that "faith is a deeply personal and human act, an act which has two aspects. To believe means first to accept as true what our mind cannot fully comprehend." Secondly, it means to "trust in a person, no ordinary person, but Jesus Christ Himself. What we believe is important, but even more important is the One in Whom we believe."

"When Karol Wojtyła was elected to the See of Peter in order to serve the Universal Church, your land became a place of special witness to faith in Jesus Christ. You were called to give this witness before the whole world. This vocation of yours is always needed, and it is perhaps even more urgent than ever, now that the Servant of God has passed from this life. Do not deprive the world of this witness!"

"Strengthened by faith in God, devote yourselves fervently to consolidating His Kingdom on earth, a Kingdom of goodness, justice, solidarity and mercy. I ask you to bear courageous witness to the Gospel before today's world, bringing hope to the poor, the suffering, the lost and abandoned, the desperate and those yearning for freedom, truth and peace. By doing good to your neighbor and showing your concern for the common good, you bear witness that God is love."

Pope Benedict concluded his address by calling on the faithful "to share with the other peoples of Europe and the world the treasure of your faith, not least as a way of honoring the memory of your countryman, who, as the Successor of St. Peter, did this with extraordinary power and effectiveness."

Following the Mass and before praying the "Regina Coeli," the Pope addressed some remarks to young people who, during his meeting with them yesterday, "expressed their adherence to Christ and to the Church.

"Yesterday," he said, "you presented me with the gift of your book of testimonies: 'I do not take them, I am free of drugs.' I ask you now as your father: remain faithful to this promise. It is a question of your lives and your freedom. Do not let yourselves fall victim to this world's illusions."

At the end of the ceremony, Benedict travelled by car to the archbishop's palace in Krakow where he had lunch. In the early afternoon, he bid farewell to the staff and collaborators of the archbishop, and to some of the members of the organizational committee of his visit.

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This afternoon, Benedict XVI travelled by car from the archbishop's palace in Krakow to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps, on the last stage of his apostolic trip to Poland.

The Pope walked into the Auschwitz concentration camp, passing under the words "Arbeit Macht Frei" (work makes you free) written over the gate. Once inside he was welcomed by the director of the Auschwitz Museum and by other civil and religious authorities. He visited the courtyard surrounding the Wall of Death, where prisoners used to be summarily executed, and met with former inmates. He also visited the cell where St. Maximilian Kolbe died, in the cellar of block 11.

The Holy Father then travelled by car to the center for dialogue and prayer, a Catholic institution established near the camp, upon which he bestowed his apostolic blessing. Returning to his car, he journeyed three kilometers to the camp of Birkenau. Upon arriving there, the Pope first paused before the 22 bronze slabs that symbolically commemorate the victims of the Holocaust in the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau. He also met with representatives of other religions and with a group of concentration camp survivors of various nationalities.

The Pope prayed for the victims and listened to the Kaddish, the Hebrew prayer of mourning, before delivering his address:

"To speak in this place of horror, in this place where unprecedented mass crimes were committed against God and man, is almost impossible - and it is particularly difficult and troubling for a Christian, for a Pope from Germany," said Benedict XVI.

"In a place like this, words fail; in the end, there can only be a dread silence - a silence which is itself a heartfelt cry to God: Why, Lord, did You remain silent? How could You tolerate all this? In silence, then, we bow our heads before the endless line of those who suffered and were put to death here; yet our silence becomes in turn a plea for forgiveness and reconciliation, a plea to the living God never to let this happen again."

The Pope recalled the visit of John Paul II, who "came here as a son of that people which, along with the Jewish people, suffered most in this place and, in general, throughout the war. 'Six million Poles lost their lives during the Second World War: a fifth of the nation,' he reminded us. Here too he solemnly called for respect for human rights and the rights of nations."

"John Paul II came here as a son of the Polish people. I come here today as a son of the German people. For this very reason, I can and must echo his words: I could not fail to come here. I had to come. It is a duty before the truth, and the just due of all who suffered here, a duty before God, for me to come here as the successor of John Paul II and as a son of the German people - a son of that people over which a ring of criminals rose to power by false promises of future greatness and the recovery of the nation's honor, prominence and prosperity, but also through terror and intimidation, with the result that our people was used and abused as an instrument of their thirst for destruction and power."

"How many questions arise in this place!" the Holy Father cried. "Constantly the question comes up: Where was God in those days? ... How could He permit this endless slaughter, this triumph of evil? The words of Psalm 44 come to mind, ... This cry of anguish, which Israel raised to God in its suffering, at moments of deep distress, is also the cry for help raised by all those who in every age ... suffer for the love of God, for the love of truth and goodness."

"We cannot peer into God's mysterious plan - we see only piecemeal, and we would be wrong to set ourselves up as judges of God and history. Then we would not be defending man, but only contributing to his downfall. No - when all is said and done, we must continue to cry out humbly yet insistently to God: ... Do not forget mankind, Your creature!"

"Let us cry out to God, with all our hearts, at the present hour, when new misfortunes befall us, when all the forces of darkness seem to issue anew from human hearts: whether it is the abuse of God's name as a means of justifying senseless violence against innocent persons, or the cynicism which refuses to acknowledge God and ridicules faith in Him."

"The place where we are standing is a place of memory, it is the place of the Shoah. The past is never simply the past. It always has something to say to us; it tells us the paths to take and the paths not to take. ... Some [of the] inscriptions [here] are pointed reminders. There is one in Hebrew. The rulers of the Third Reich wanted to crush the entire Jewish people, to cancel it from the register of the peoples of the earth. ... If this people, by its very existence, was a witness to the God Who spoke to humanity and took us to Himself, then that God finally had to die and power had to belong to man alone - to those men, who thought that by force they had made themselves masters of the world."

"Then there is the inscription in Polish. First and foremost they wanted to eliminate the cultural elite, thus erasing the Polish people as an autonomous historical subject and reducing it, to the extent that it continued to exist, to slavery. Another inscription offering a pointed reminder is the one written in the language of the Sinti and Roma people. Here too, the plan was to wipe out a whole people. ...

There is also the inscription in Russian, which commemorates the tremendous loss of life endured by the Russian soldiers who combated the Nazi reign of terror; but this inscription also reminds us that their mission had a tragic twofold aim: by setting people free from one dictatorship, they were to submit them to another, that of Stalin and the communist system." The inscription in German serves as a reminder that "the Germans who had been brought to Auschwitz-Birkenau and met their death here were considered as ... the refuse of the nation."

"Yes, behind these inscriptions is hidden the fate of countless human beings. They jar our memory, they touch our hearts. They have no desire to instill hatred in us: instead, they show us the terrifying effect of hatred. Their desire is to help our reason to see evil as evil and to reject it; their desire is to enkindle in us the courage to do good and to resist evil. They want to make us feel the sentiments expressed in the words that Sophocles placed on the lips of Antigone, as she contemplated the horror all around her: 'my nature is not to join in hate but to join in love'."

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At the conclusion of the commemorative ceremony for the victims of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps, the Pope travelled by car to Krakow-Balice airport, where a brief final ceremony was held before his departure for Rome.

Replying to an address from Lech Kaczynski, president of Poland, the Holy Father recalled that, four years ago, when John Paul II left his homeland for the last time, he called on the Polish nation "always to be guided by sentiments of mercy, fraternal solidarity, and dedication to the common good, and he expressed the firm conviction that in this way [Poland] would not only find her proper place within a united Europe, but would also enrich this continent and the whole world with her tradition.

"Today," he went on, "as your presence in the family of European States is being constantly consolidated, I wish with my whole heart to repeat those words of hope. I ask you to remain faithful custodians of the Christian deposit, and to transmit it to future generations."

Benedict XVI thanked the Poles for their prayers for him since the moment of his election as Peter's Successor, adding: "I would like you to continue to remember me in your prayers, asking the Lord to increase my strength in the service of the Universal Church."

After thanking the president of the Republic of Poland, the civil and religious authorities, and everyone involved in the smooth running of his visit, the Pope concluded his remarks with the words of St. Paul: "Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."

The papal plane took off from Krakow at 9.50 p.m., arriving at Rome's Ciampino airport at 11.30 p.m. From there, the Pope travelled back to the Vatican by helicopter.

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Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano sent a telegram of condolence, in the name of the Holy Father, for Saturday morning's earthquake on the island of Java in Indonesia, which killed thousands of people:

"Deeply saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake near Yogyakarta, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI prays for the victims and their grieving families, invoking eternal peace upon the deceased and divine comfort and consolation on all who are suffering.

"His Holiness likewise encourages the rescue workers and all involved in providing medical assistance to the victims of this disaster, to persevere in their efforts to bring relief and support."

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Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne May 29, 2006

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Before drivers start their engines today to run the 90th Indianapolis 500, another long-standing tradition had people on their feet yesterday. The 49th annual Indy 500 Festival Parade paid tribute to Indiana's rich culture, as well as the nation's military. Marching through downtown Indianapolis, the parade offered colorful balloons and floats as well as opportunities for the crowd to show their appreciation for servicemembers. The crowd rose in waves as honor and color guards bearing the Stars and Stripes led the parade. "It makes me proud to be around all these other people that have experienced why our country's free," Indiana Army National Guard Spc. Ryan Rees, of C Company, 113th Medical Support Battalion, said.

He was speaking not only of his fellow servicemembers, but also those they have fought for. Rees and more than a dozen other servicemembers representing each of the five services participated in the parade at the invitation of the American Legion. Military participation in the parade is a constant, Lt. Col. J.R. Newman, with the Indiana Air National Guard's 181st Fighter Wing, said. "The whole weekend leading to the Indy 500 and then all the way through to Memorial Day is all about the military," he said, praising the patriotic spirit of the city. "It's just tradition," he added. "It's kind of neat to be a part of it." Judging by the crowd's reaction to the troops, it's a tradition Hoosiers are proud of, too. From the beginning to the end of the route the reaction was the same.

People stood and cheered as the American Legion float, "Legacy of Service," rolled past. John Byers, of Avon, Ind., waved his ball cap in the air as he cheered for the troops. "(The troops) stand up for us, and they protect us," Byers, a 7th grader, said. "I think it's good that they can take part in this and get away from the hard work they do." Also in the parade, an America Supports You banner stated, "We Support You Our Military Men and Women." The banner provided the Web site for the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which highlights grassroots and corporate support for servicemembers and their families. The parade passed through Monument Circle, a traffic circle in the center of Indianapolis containing a monument to Revolutionary War veterans, before it concluded. The military tribute continues today, when five servicemembers, one from each service, will sing the National Anthem before the Indianapolis 500.

"Welcome back to all our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen here today and their families," U.S. Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the attendees. "Thank you for being here, have a great time." "America Supports You," a Defense Department program that highlights how Americans across the country are supporting U.S. troops, sponsored the picnic. Giambastiani stressed the importance of such an effort. He said that when he was a young lieutenant in 1975 American troops were not treated with the respect they deserved and emphasized the significance of not letting this happen again. "At that time, uniformed members did not wear their uniforms here in the Washington area four days out of five days of the working week," he said. "That was the mood of the country as Vietnam wound down.

I remember those days only too well." Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, honored two America Supports You corporate sponsors during the picnic. Keith Sirios, president and chief executive officer of Checkers/Rally's fast food restaurant, and Scott Celley, vice president for external affairs for TriWest Healthcare Alliance, each received an American flag that had flown over the area of the Pentagon that was hit by an airliner on Sept. 11, 2001. Checkers/Rally's has set up drop boxes at 720 of its locations for care packages destined for deployed troops, Barber said. TriWest Healthcare Alliance, a military healthcare provider, provided the food for today's feast. "It's a privilege for me to highlight some work of some of the groups that have been supporting you and your families," Barber told troops attending the picnic. "We know you're here today representing hundreds of thousands of military members deployed around the world, and we thank you for your service and for their service, as well." Four Medal of Honor recipients attended the event and mingled with current active duty and reserve troops while "Max Impact," the newest addition to the U.S. Air Force Band, played contemporary popular songs.

Lowe's home improvement corporation provided its NASCAR car, number 48, for photo opportunities. Army Staff Sgt. Wallace Hendrix, a 24-year active-duty and reserve veteran, said support like this picnic means a lot, particularly on Memorial Day weekend. "We give a lot, especially the soldiers who have lost their lives, and it wouldn't be right not to get out there and support them and the soldiers that are overseas right now," he said. Hendrix said he was here to help people heal and remember in a healthy way the troops who won't be coming back to celebrate. "It should bring a closeness," he said. "The parents and loved ones of the soldiers that were lost, I hope that eases the pain a little, to show them that we do care, that we're representing the ones that didn't come back." Army National Guard Sgt. Jim Greenhill was at the event to escort 14 Army and Air National Guard members who were either wounded or have lost loved ones in the war on terror. Greenhill said two National Guard troops from each American state and territory will march in a parade tomorrow on the National Mall here to "demonstrate that America's troops come from all walks of life." He said servicemembers who aren't deployed should take every opportunity to support those in harm's way. "It's just a way of saying 'Thank you.'" In addition, 11 volunteer organizations were on hand to tell troops and their families what they're doing to support them. Michele Cooney, a volunteer with "Operation Noble Foster," a cat foster program supported by the Cat Fanciers' Association, said people might forget that troops are giving up more than time with their human families when they deploy. "People become very attached to their pets," Cooney said. "Imagine having to give up your cat because you happen to get called up.

Our organization helps them keep their cats. It's a great service to our troops." "Operation Stephen's Touch" founder Marilyn Peterson said she was at the event to get the word out about her group, which offers a caring, compassionate listening ear for military families. "It's important to have someone to listen to you in confidence," Peterson said. "Just to get things off their chest is very helpful to people. Whether they have grief or are concerned about a loved one being deployed, it's important to talk to someone."

- Today's opening ceremonies for the 90th Indianapolis 500 carried a special message for servicemembers and their families: America Supports You. Troops were greeted with thunderous applause and cheering when they rode around the two-and-a-half mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway track as part of the speedway's Military Recognition March. Just before they reached the only bricks remaining of the original track, 6,000 fans flashed placards bearing the America Supports You logo. The red heart and blue ribbon logo has become synonymous with the program's message of support for America's military men and women. "It feels good to know that we've got people behind us," Army Spec. Robert Houston, with the 433rd Personnel Division here, said.

Also during the days events, five servicemembers representing each service performed the National Anthem, while a color guard presented the U.S. and Indiana flags. Later the color guard presented the colors as an Army bugler played "Taps." Army Gen. Richard Cody, Army vice chief of staff, also addressed the crowd. "You look around to the left and right and in front of you, and you see over 300,000 great American fans getting ready to watch one of our greatest sports," Cody said. "That's the same number of soldiers we have deployed in 120 countries today defending you and I. "Thank you for your support of all our servicemen and women," he added. For some, that support comes from a realization of freedoms gained through the efforts of others. "People take too much for granted the freedom we've got," Jeff Cooper, of Newark, Ohio, said. "We've got an awful lot of freedom here, we just don't realize it." For others it's having a servicemember in the family. "My brother is in (the Marines), and it's pretty cool to have people around that you know that's going to protect your country," Derek Snell, 13, of Madison, Ind., said.

The speedway joined America Supports You, a Defense Department program, as a corporate team member just before the 2005 race. The program highlights grassroots and corporate support for servicemembers and their families. Two other America Supports You team members were on hand for today's race. Checkers/Rally's restaurants have partnered with "Operation Gratitude" as a corporate sponsor. The restaurant chain is using their track-based stores to collect messages of support for the troops. The post cards are part of Operation Gratitude's Patriotic Drive, which will provide Fourth of July care packages for troops overseas. Ryan Perry said he wrote a message on one of the postcards out of appreciation. "Everyone should show their appreciation because of the positive way they represent the country wherever they go," the Kalamazoo, Mich., added. Collections of personal, entertainment, food items and notes of support began in 750 Checkers/Rally's stores across the country May 8 and will end June 14. Operation Gratitude founder Carolyn Blashek said the organization expects to send about 40,000 to 50,000 packages as a result of its Patriotic Drive. The nonprofit has sent more than 125,000 packages since its creation in 2003. Indianapolis Motor Speedway is also lending Operation Gratitude a helping hand by selling lapel pins and t-shirts bearing the organization's logo. Proceeds will help fund more care packages for troops serving overseas.

Air Force Staff Sgt. E. Justin Allen, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Landon Crissup, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Remayl L. Shaffer-Hardy, Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Lisa Taylor, and Army Sgt. Jennifer Castle, sang the National Anthem. "(Indianapolis Motor Speedway) and the Department of Defense has a long-standing relationship and, through the support of America Supports You, we were asked to come and sing the National Anthem," Shaffer-Hardy said. "It's a great honor, and I'm just happy they asked me to come back and to be representing the men and women of the service." Allen and Shaffer-Hardy were here for an encore performance, both having performed here the previous year, as well. More than 300,000 fans reinforced that feeling of honor with a roar of appreciation comparable to the sound of the 33 racecar engines that revved up moments later. "It's very overwhelming to stand up there at first.

When you start to sing and you can see 300,000 people stand up and take their hats off, that's pretty amazing," Allen said. "Then when you finish, and the noise is just absolutely deafening of applause and cheering, it really makes you feel appreciated. "It lets you know that everyone out there appreciates what we do, and not just us, but the people we represent," he added. The performance had added meaning for Allen and Shaffer-Hardy, both native Hoosiers. "It does have a little special meaning because I'm used to being out there and watching all of this and taking it all in," Allen said. The others, new to the spectacle that is Indy in May, agreed it was not only a great honor, but also a humbling experience. "It's just a huge honor," Castle said. "That's really all I can say. It's just an enormous honor. I'm just so happy to be here." Having just met yesterday, the five servicemembers only had one rehearsal with the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band, Crissup said. And while they all have performed the National Anthem at other events, they agreed the Indy 500 casts a big shadow. "There's nothing that can compare to this in scale or size," Taylor said. "No one will ever have the opportunity to sing for this many people in one place at one time, let alone the thousands of people who are watching on TV. "I think this definitely ranks right at the top," she added

Some of the country music stars that write songs honoring the nation's troops and travel the world to bring them a taste of home performed at the Grand Ole Opry this Memorial Day weekend. The historic home of country music kicked off a summer salute to members of the military May 26 and yesterday that will run through Labor Day weekend. The All-American Salute Signature Shows featured tributes to the troops on stage and military performances and displays in the Opry Plaza. Country legends Little Jimmy Dickens, Porter Wagoner and Ricky Skaggs introduced the likes of bluegrass star Rhonda Vincent and country star Darryl Worley, whose hit "Have You Forgotten" serves as a reminder to support those fighting the war against terrorism. A packed house of country music lovers and military veterans heard Rockie Lynne, a relative newcomer on the Opry scene, sing "Red, White and Blue," a patriotic ballad he wrote specifically for the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program, which highlights the public's efforts to support the troops.

Lynne's lyrics call members of the armed forces "modern-day Minutemen and women, like heroes from the past" who reflect the values America holds dear. He points out that America's military is a cross section of the nation, representing every corner of the country, every race, every religion, and every socioeconomic status. Despite their diverse backgrounds, Lynne sings, all are "red, white and blue," ready to respond to whatever mission their country calls upon them to carry out. The song received a standing ovation from the flag-waving Opry audience. "That standing ovation was not for me or for some song I wrote, but for the military men and women it portrays," Lynne said during an interview backstage. Lynne, who served for three years with the Army infantry, went on to talk about wounded servicemembers he's met during visits to the Pentagon. "I know how undeniable their will is and their sense of patriotism and their camaraderie with their unit," Lynne said. "You hear them say time and time again, 'I wish I could go back with my guys.' But I never cease to be absolutely floored by their uplifting attitude -- by the spirit of what I can only describe as 'Americanism,' that just comes rising up out of those young men and women." Lynne said he'll never forget the positive outlook of one young man he met at the Pentagon. Sitting in a wheelchair wearing a prosthetic limb from the knee down, the young veteran had a huge smile.

He told the country singer, "It's not as bad as it looks," and said his new goal is to join the Army's Golden Knights parachute team. "No matter what you're going through in your life, you realize that nothing that we have to struggle with is hard," Lynne said. "What they deal with is hard on a daily, minute-by-minute basis." People may shy away from talking to these young people, Lynne said, but "sticking our head in the sand" is not the right thing to do. "We have to grasp the reality that these young men and women are paying, some with their lives, some with their limbs, and some with their sense of cognizance for the rest of their lives." One servicemember, who turned his head to show Lynne the large circular scar on his shaved head, told him, "At least I can walk and talk." "We can never, ever forget the debt we owe these men and women," Lynne concluded. "They deserve our care." Chely Wright sang her hit "Bumper of My SUV," about the need for Americans to continue supporting the men and women fighting the war on terror. The lyrics describe a U.S. Marine Corps bumper sticker on Wright's vehicle and another motorist's response to it with an obscene gesture.

Wright wrote the song as a tribute to her brother, Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Wright, who recently returned from Iraq. Half of the proceeds of the recording go to "Stars for Stripes," a nonprofit organization that sponsors celebrity tours to troops in the Middle East and other places. Wright often travels with Stars for Stripes and the United Service Organizations. "I'm at the point where anyone who wants me to play for the troops abroad or domestically, if we can pull it off, I go," she said during an interview backstage. Wright's reasons for volunteering her talents to entertain the troops go back a long way. Her grandfather, she recalled, who was in the Army during World War II and landed on the beaches of Normandy, was haunted by memories. "He was a very, quiet man -- very charismatic. When he talked, we would listen," Wright said. When she was 9, Wright's grandfather pulled off the Grand Ole Opry cap covering his bald head one day and said, "So, I hear you said you're going to be a country music star? Tell you what, you get your keyboard and you get your little butt up to the VA hospital in Kansas City." "I thought that sounded like fun so I said I'd do it," Wright said. Once a month, Wright would play and sing for the veterans. "I saw amputations. I saw men trapped in their heads who had some issues. That's where I learned to play for them and then sit and talk to them and, more importantly, to listen to them. The older I've gotten, the more what my grandfather told me to do has unfolded as a gift to me," she said. Wright said she was the first U.S. musical celebrity to play for the American troops in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein.

She said it was humbling, and it was scary wearing helmets and flak vests. "There is absolutely no way to articulate what it was like to be at (a forward operating base) where the troops are filthy and haven't had a bath for God knows how in so long because they've been so busy working. When you get up there and you get on a cruddy little sound system, and you get a chance to sing to them and talk to them, they cry." Wright said she ran into the same servicemember on three continents and each time he showed her pictures of his wife and kids. The circle was complete, when the troop came to her show back home and introduced her to his wife and kids. Seeing firsthand how hard the troops work and the conditions they live in creates "a perfect hybrid of appreciation, humility and humanity," Wright said. "It's life changing, and that's why I continue to go back -- not just for the troops. It makes my life seem valuable in ways that I couldn't otherwise achieve."

The top U.S. military officer served as grand marshal of the country's biggest Memorial Day parade here yesterday, reminding some 125,000 spectators of the true cost of freedom. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, thanked families of fallen troops who he said "continue to sacrifice for our country every day." Pace joined Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and other officials in walking the first blocks of the parade route before taking their place on the reviewing stand. From there, they watched as some 25,000 participants -- mostly military units and bands, veterans groups, and ROTC and Junior ROTC detachments -- paraded by, instruments blaring, arms saluting and flags waving. Just before the parade, Pace met with 36 Illinois Gold Star Families, presenting 14 Gold Star flags to those who hadn't yet received them and participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the city's Eternal Flame memorial. "Today is a chance for us to stop as a nation and to think about the sacrifices that have been made by so many of our fellow citizens for over 230 years," Pace said. "We live as we live and we do the things we want and don't do the things we don't want to do because of the sacrifices of those who have gone before." Pace paid tribute to veterans throughout the country's history who have "stood up and stood tall and sacrificed that we might have this today." Their legacy sets an example that today's servicemembers strive to live up to, he said.

Everyone who serves in combat understands fear, the chairman said. But even greater than the fear of personal harm is the fear "that somehow we would let down those men and women who have served our country before us," he said. Memorial Day represents a time to remember and honor their sacrifice. "But equally important," Pace said, "is to remember that each of those who have sacrificed their own lives for this country have left behind families." The freedoms Americans enjoy today "have been bought, not only by those who died, but by those who lived," he said. Pace addressed the Gold Star Families in the crowd, thanking them for all they have given for their country. "Each of those families has suffered a loss that none of us could truly understand," he said. "And we hope that in some way, that the nation stopping on days like today to reflect and to give pause to say thank you will somehow ease their pain and let them know we appreciate all they have done for us." The chairman told the families he can never share the depth of their grief but knows all too well the pain of losing someone in combat. He named Marines who died in combat following his orders in Vietnam: Lance Cpls. Guido Farinaro, Chubby Hale and Whitey Travers, Cpl. Mike Witt, Staff Sgt. Freddy Williams, among them.

Their names are engraved in his heart, Pace told the group. "And each of you here, especially the Gold Star families, have names burned on your hearts," he said. The young men and women represented by those names "deserve our respect and our admiration and deserve to be remembered by us every day," he said. Chicago's mayor joined Pace in urging residents of the Windy City to recognize the Gold Star Families who have lost sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and best friends. "(Memorial Day) symbolizes the history of this country," he said, and reminds Americans of the cost of democracy. Memorial Day also offers a time "to reflect on those who are serving today all over the world in order to protect democracy and in order to fulfill the rights of people who want democracy," he said. Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. John Borling, co-chairman of the wreath-laying ceremony and parade, called Chicago's Memorial Day events a tribute to the sacrifices servicemembers have made throughout the country's history. "It's meant to reaffirm our basic American values as we honor the nation's war dead as well as their families who continue to sacrifice," he said. "It honors the sacrifices of those who have gone before us to ensure our rights and freedoms," said Marine Col. Lon Yeary, commander of the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command, headquartered here. "And at the same time, it raises the American people's awareness of what is still going on today to ensure they continue to enjoy those freedoms." While honoring the millions of Americans who have given their lives for their country throughout its history, Memorial Day also serves as "a reminder to the public about the cost of the liberties and freedoms Americans enjoy because of what we do," said Navy Rear Adm. Gary Jones, commander of Naval Service Training Command and Navy Region Midwest. "It's a reminder that freedom isn't free and never has been, and that they don't have to worry because we have a force that has volunteered to serve at a time of war and wants to serve." Earlier in the day, Pace visited Chicago election commissioner Theresa Petrone, a veterans-rights champion and longtime organizer of Chicago's Memorial Day parade, at her hospital bedside.

There, Pace presented her the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service on Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's behalf. "Thank you for all you have done, not just for the citizens of Chicago, but for the nation and for our servicemembers around the world," the chairman said. Men and women in uniform serving around the world get a big morale boost just knowing that the people of Chicago are expressing appreciation of their service through the annual Memorial Day Parade, Pace told Petrone. "You've had an impact on people that's probably far greater than you could realize," he said. Chicago Alderman James Balcer, Petrone's son and a former Marine, thanked Pace for recognizing her contributions. He expressed frustration that to many Americans, Memorial Day has become a day of clothing sales and other activities that lose sight of its real meaning. "Here in Chicago, we have really tried to make it a sacred and solemn day," he said. "We have men and women fighting and dying for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan and making the ultimate sacrifice. It's important that we remember them and remember their families, too, because they are suffering

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X-Men: The Last Stand" stormed to an estimated $107 million three-day opening, the largest ever for Memorial Day weekend and the fourth-biggest in box office history

(C) Yahoo 2006

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Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne May 28, 2006

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

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- Mary, School of Faith

- Visit to John Paul II's Home Town and to Shrine of Kalwaria

- Other Pontifical Acts

Big Screen Entertainment Group (OTC:BSEG) in association with Hoboken Pictures is very pleased to announce that the motion picture starring Academy Award Nominees Burt Reynolds, Raquel Welch, Charles Durning and Robert Loggia, directed by BJ Davis, won "Film of the Festival" at the New Jersey International Film Festival.

The award ceremony was held Thursday evening at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Accepting the award on behalf of Big Screen Entertainment was BSEG President David Zappone, and the director of the film, BJ Davis, who was also one of the film's producers. Also in attendance were producer Anthony Falco, co-producers Manny Flores, Anthony Dell'Aquilla and Phil Amato.

"We are thrilled that the film was so well received. We're all looking forward to its future release and continued success," stated BSEG president of production Stephen Eckelberry.

About the Company:

Big Screen Entertainment Group (BSEG) is a full-service entertainment company designed to develop, produce, purchase, exhibit and distribute products in all media formats, including motion pictures, television, music and publishing.

BSEG currently has two films completed, two films in post-production and three films in development. Visit our website at http://www.bigscreenent.com for more information on these movies.

Big Screen Entertainment Group

Imperia Entertainment, Inc. (Pink Sheets:IPRE) announced today that its President, James Hergott will appear today on XM Satellite Radio, the largest satellite radio service with over 6 million subscribers, and Tuesday, May 30, on Chicago's "Fearless Radio," Internet radio. Hergott will be discussing his latest film, "Never Submit," which will begin filming in Canada this summer, with XM Radio's Terry Tuff on Tuff's "House of Sports" program, tonight at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time, and on Fearless Radio at 6:45 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, May 30th. The company also announced that its feature film, "Say it in Russian," now in post production, was well received at the Cannes Film Market, receiving interest from buyers, sales representatives and distributors. The company's current sales representative, Patrick de Bokay, will submit a buyers report to the company at the close of the market. "The idea of showing the trailer to buyers at the market was not to secure a sales contract right away, because we cannot sell a film that has not yet been completed," said Kenneth Eade, Executive Producer. "Our objective was to create an interest in the film, which most buyers reacted to as 'a big movie' after having seen the trailer. This is the beginning of a long term marketing strategy that began in Cannes and will conclude in February at the Berlin Film Market," said Eade. "When asked by one distributor who asked what our strategy was, I told him that it was 'not to give it to anyone for awhile.' This is a much too high quality film to give to just anyone," he added.

About "Never Submit"

"Never Submit" is a movie which portrays the thrill of victory and agony of defeat within the sport. The story is set in a tournament setting similar to the movie "Bloodsport" but rather than exploiting the sport as underground no-holds-barred fighting, it seeks to portray the sport in a realistic and positive light. The movie will be an inspirational tale similar to "Rocky." Unlike "Rocky" the lead character is an educated young man, rather than a beaten-down punch-drunk fighter. Mr. Hergott comments: "MMA is a very intellectual sport. A physical chess match. I want to portray the sport and its fighters as intelligent rather than dumb brawlers, as is often done in other movies." For more information on "Never Submit," please visit http://www.mmamovie.com. The company is financing the film with a combination of product placement advertising and an offering of units of equity in the film combined with company restricted preferred stock.

About Imperia Entertainment, Inc.

Imperia Entertainment, Inc. (http://www.imperiaentertainment.com) is a company which has emerged as a player in the area of independent film production and distribution, once monopolized by the major film studios. In conjunction with its distribution subsidiary, Imperia International Distribution, the company engages in investing in and producing and distributing full-length feature films. Along with its equity interest in the widely anticipated "All That I Need" (http://www.allthatineed.net), released in theaters last December and now on DVD, Imperia's film properties include its feature film "Say it In Russian," (http://www.sayitinrussianmovie.com) starring Faye Dunaway, Steven Brand, Rade Sherbedgia, Agata Gotova, Musetta Vander and Steven Berkoff; "Brothers," by Tarquin Gotch ("Home Alone"); its MMA movie, "Never Submit"; and the award-winning "Autograph" television series (http://www.autograph.tv), which airs on the Colours Television Network. Through its subsidiary, Muller Media, Inc. (Pink Sheets:MLMD), the company also produces "Whiskers," by Jordan Klein ("Flipper," "Splash," "Cocoon").

Imperia Entertainment, Inc.

Big Screen Entertainment Group (OTC:BSEG) is pleased to report that initial distribution efforts of its motion picture, "The Mirror" at this year's Cannes International Film Market are underway and going well. Film buyers in all categories including theatrical exhibition, video and DVD outlets, cable and free TV, and video on demand from all major foreign territories responded positively to the Kelly LeBrock starring murder mystery.

"Midway through the market the numbers coming in are right on track with the company's goal to recoup its investment on international sales alone," stated Michael Manasseri, BSEG's Senior VP who attended the first week of the market in Cannes, France with Phil Amato, one of the film's executive producers.

The Mirror is currently in post-production at Big Screen's facilities at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, California. The film is scheduled for its North American domestic release this fall.

The new trailer that has been playing at the Cannes Market can be viewed at: http://www.themirrorfilm.com/trailer_test.html.

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Big Screen Entertainment Group (BSEG) is a full service entertainment company designed to develop, produce, purchase, exhibit and distribute products in all media formats, including motion pictures, television, music and publishing.

Big Screen Entertainment Group

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars, Lucasfilm Ltd. and Gen Con LLC will throw the largest party ever for fans of the saga, taking over the entire Los Angeles Convention Center in May 2007 for five days filled with live entertainment, celebrities from all six movies, special film and video presentations, an exhibit of movie props and costumes, exclusive merchandise sold at a 24-hour-a-day store, pop culture tributes, immersive events, costume contests, and scores of additional activities.

Star Wars Celebration IV will fill the L.A. Convention Center from Thursday, May 24 to Monday, May 28, 2007. Admission to the first day of the event will be for worldwide members of the Official Star Wars Fan Club, many of whom will help plan and run special programming themselves. The convention will be open to the general public from Friday through Monday, Memorial Day.

"Generations of fans have loved Star Wars, many passing along the 'Star Wars gene' to their children," said Steve Sansweet, Director of Content Management and head of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm. "This is the first chance to celebrate all six movies in the saga -- George Lucas' complete story -- as well as the vibrant future of Star Wars. If you've ever been to one of our Celebrations -- or if you haven't been before -- this is the one not to miss."

Celebration III, a four-day event held in Indianapolis in April 2005, attracted more than 34,000 fans from all over the world. "We started getting questions about a possible Celebration IV even while the last convention was running," Sansweet noted. "So we're determined to far outstrip anything we've done before, both in size and scope, as well as introduce many first-time activities and lots of exclusives."

Lucasfilm is also working on other Star Wars-related events in the Los Angeles area just prior to Celebration IV, "so we're expecting Southern California to become 'Destination: Star Wars' from the weekend before through Memorial Day weekend," Sansweet said.

The convention announcement was made jointly by Lucasfilm Ltd. and Gen Con LLC. Gen Con will once again manage the convention on behalf of Lucasfilm and the Official Star Wars Fan Club. The Celebration IV announcement is being made a year in advance to give fans worldwide a chance to plan for a week-long "Destination: Star Wars" blow-out in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is the ideal site for a 30th Anniversary convention, Sansweet said, since there are many Star Wars roots in the area. It was also the location of the first official Star Wars fan gathering, the 10th Anniversary Convention. Star Wars opened on May 25, 1977, on just 32 theater screens in North America, including Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard.

One of the highlights for fans at a Star Wars convention is the chance to buy unique merchandise, including an exclusive, limited-edition action figure. Because this has led to bottlenecks and long lines in the past, the Celebration IV store will be bigger than ever, self-service, well-stocked with merchandise, have plenty of check-out lanes ... and be open 24 hours a day from the opening of the show on Thursday until the close on Monday!

"Gen Con is thrilled to be working again with Lucasfilm on this very special event," said Peter Adkison, owner of Gen Con LLC, producer of Gen Con Indy(R) and other Gen Con events. "Together I know that we will produce a convention that will not only meet, but exceed, fans' expectations. With Lucasfilm 100% behind this show, it's going to be the biggest party in the history of the franchise. We are particularly focused on dramatically improving the selection and service in the Celebration store."

Specific details about programming, guests, activities, entertainment and exclusive merchandise at Celebration IV will be released as they are confirmed closer to the convention. The main place to check for updates is http://starwars.com, the official site. Online ordering for tickets to the event and for discounted hotel rooms is scheduled to begin late summer/early fall. There will also be information on getting around Los Angeles, traveling to and from the Convention Center, and on shuttle buses available for convention-goers who are staying in the city.

Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion picture and television productions, the company's global businesses include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound; LucasArts Entertainment; Lucas Licensing; Lucasfilm Animation; and Lucas Online. Lucasfilm's feature films have won 19 Oscars and its television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards.

Gen Con LLC, Gen Con Indy(R), and Gen Con So Cal(TM) are wholly owned by Peter Adkison, founder of Wizards of the Coast. Now in its 39th year, Gen Con Indy has become the largest annual consumer games convention in North America. Each year, game enthusiasts converge to share a common enthusiasm and a long weekend of interactive game play, to participate in game-related events and meet celebrity guests. With more than 80,000 attendees each year and more new product introductions than any other consumer game convention in the U.S., Gen Con Indy is an annual destination for fans of fantasy, science fiction, anime, and all categories of tabletop and electronic games.

Lucasfilm Ltd.

The Weinstein Company and Genius Products Bring Lassie Home From the Tribeca Film Festival

Lassie comes home to the big (and little) screen! Roadside Attractions and Samuel Goldwyn Films will release the new critically acclaimed feature film, "LASSIE" in theaters on September 1. The Weinstein Company and Genius Products, Inc. (OTCBB:GNPI) acquired the rights at this year's Tribeca Film Festival to distribute "Lassie" on DVD and television. The joint announcement was made by Classic Media's CEO, Eric Ellenbogen, Howard Cohen, Co-President, Roadside Attractions and Meyer Gottlieb, President, Samuel Goldwyn Films along with The Weinstein Company Co-chairman, Harvey Weinstein, and Genius Products President and CEO, Trevor Drinkwater.

Written and directed by BAFTA Award-winner, Charles Sturridge (Fairytale, Longitude, Shackelton), "LASSIE" has been heralded as "a new classic" by the BBC. Legendary actor Peter O'Toole, a seven-time Academy Award nominee, and recipient of the 2003 Honorary Oscar, stars as the Duke of Rudling. Academy Award nominee Samantha Morton (Sweet and Lowdown, Minority Report) stars as Sarah Carraclough and independent film favorite Peter Dinklage (Elf, The Station Agent) stars as Rowlie. Additional cast members include, Steve Pemberton, John Lynch, Jemma Redgrave and Jonathon Mason as Lassie's young owner, Joe Carraclough.

"This is a beautiful and moving new version of the classic tale that emphasizes virtues like loyalty, honesty and respect for animals," said Roadside Attractions' Howard Cohen. "It's the kind of film that parents and children can be excited about seeing together."

Drinkwater stated, "I have always been a big fan of Classic Media, whose rich portfolio of timeless brands continues to entertain children and families from generation to generation. We are proud to be distributing this classic rendition of Lassie, one of Classic Media's most revered properties."

Glen Basner stated, "We are so excited to have bought another gem at the Tribeca Film Festival and to be in business with Classic Media."

Eric Ellenbogen, added, "Lassie is one of entertainment's most enduring and successful properties. Classic Media is thrilled to have such outstanding partners to distribute her eleventh feature film."

Based on Eric Knight's best-selling book, "Lassie Come-Home," the film is set on the eve of WWII in a Yorkshire mining town. The Carraclough family is forced to sell Lassie to the Duke of Rudling when the family falls on hard times. When Lassie finds herself transported five hundred miles away to live in the Duke's remote castle in northern Scotland, she is determined to defy the odds and return to her home and the boy she loves. So begins an incredible adventure, set against a stunning series of British landscapes that sees Lassie facing dangers natural and human and finding help in unexpected places as she makes her way across the country, to reach home in time for Christmas.

Cohen negotiated the theatrical deal on behalf of Roadside and Goldwyn. Drinkwater negotiated the deal on behalf of Genius, and Glen Basner, president, international for The Weinstein Company, and Genna Terranova, acquisitions executive, negotiated the deal on behalf of TWC.

ABOUT LASSIE

Lassie is one of entertainment's most successful franchises with eleven feature films and more than 691 half-hour TV episodes to her credit. The original Lassie movie was followed by a series of sequels with Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney, Roddy McDowell and Jimmy Stewart. Lassie's two-time Emmy Award-winning TV series is one of the longest running programmes in television history and has been seen in more than 50 countries around the world. This June, "The World's Most Famous Dog" embarks on a five month national tour to promote her latest feature film and new pet food line, Lassie Natural Way.

ABOUT GENIUS PRODUCTS, INC.

Genius Products, Inc. (OTCBB:GNPI) produces and distributes an ever-expanding library of home entertainment products, including DVDs and CDs. Sold in retail outlets nationwide under such well-known brands as Wellspring, Sundance Channel Home Entertainment(TM), NBC News, and Baby Genius(R), the company's products are distributed through the Genius Products Branded Distribution Network, an extensive distribution network that extends throughout the U.S. to mass, drugstore, supermarket and specialty retailers. Genius Products recently released on home video The Weinstein Company smash hits HOODWINKED, the animated family comedy which ranked #1 in consumer sales in its debut week; DERAILED, starring Jennifer Aniston and Clive Owen, which ranked #1 in rentals in its debut week; WOLF CREEK, an Australian horror film; and the Oscar nominated film, MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS, starring Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins.

Genius Products boasts a premiere management team comprised of seasoned executives, formerly with major Hollywood studios, who have steered the company into the forefront of the industry through their landmark distribution deal with The Weinstein Company.

Upcoming films planned for release by Genius Products include films by The Weinstein Company such as THE MATADOR, starring Pierce Brosnan; DOOGAL, a comical animated adventure with the voices of Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, Whoopi Goldberg and William H. Macy; TRANSAMERICA, starring Felicity Huffman; David Zucker's hilarious new sequel, SCARY MOVIE 4; THE LIBERTINE, starring Johnny Depp; and LUCKY NUMBER SLEVEN, a Weinstein Company presentation released theatrically by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) starring Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis and Lucy Liu. Potential new releases include a sequel to SIN CITY, SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS, CLERKS II and the highly anticipated film, BOBBY.

ABOUT ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS

Roadside Attractions is an independent film distribution company committed to championing films that entertain, delight, and enlighten audiences of all kinds. The company works with filmmakers to devise innovative marketing strategies that encourage audiences to see films that are not typical studio fare. Previous theatrical releases include the hilarious comedy film SARAH SILVERMAN: JESUS IS MAGIC, the Oscar nominated SUPER SIZE ME, Richard E. Grant's WAH-WAH and upcoming releases include the controversial THE ROAD TO GUANTANAMO and Bobcat Goldthwait's STAY with Samuel Goldwyn Films.

ABOUT SAMUEL GOLDWYN FILMS

Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major, independently owned and operated motion-picture company. The company develops, produces, and distributes innovative feature films and documentaries, working with world renowned and emerging writers and filmmakers. Goldwyn is consistently committed to filmed entertainment offering original voices in uniquely told stories.

Upcoming theatrical releases include the Sundance favorite STAY, directed by Bob Goldthwait. Recent releases include the Academy Award nominated THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, Eytan Fox's WALK ON WATER, which has become the highest grossing Israeli film in the United States, as well as the Oscar nominated SUPER SIZE ME, directed by Morgan Spurlock with Roadside Attractions.

The company earned 11 Academy Award nominations for MASTER AND COMMANDER, 5 Independent Spirit Awards for RAISING VICTOR VARGAS and numerous other festival prizes.

ABOUT CLASSIC MEDIA

Classic Media manages some of the world's most recognizable family properties across all media including feature films, television, home video and consumer products. The company's extensive library features a diverse collection of popular animated and live-action characters such as: Lassie, Casper the Friendly Ghost, The Lone Ranger, Underdog and Rocky & Bullwinkle.

Classic Media is currently in production on a live-action/CGI Underdog feature film with Spyglass Entertainment and Disney, an animated Sherman & Peabody project with Sproketdyne Entertainment and a live-action The Lone Ranger movie with Columbia Pictures and Academy Award-winning producers Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher (Gladiator, Stuart Little) through their Sony-based Red Wagon Productions.

Boris Introduces New Version of Continuum Complete for Autodesk® Sparks®
Integrated visual effects run on Autodesk Media & Entertainment systems products architecture

Boris FX, the leading developer of integrated effects technology for video and film production, today announced version 1.3 of Boris Continuum Complete (BCC) pursuant to the Autodesk Sparks program. This comprehensive suite of native filters extends the capabilities of Autodesk Burn®, Autodesk’s Discreet® Inferno®, Discreet® Flame®, Discreet® Flint®, Discreet® Fire®, and Discreet® Smoke® products. This Linux-based solution is based on the Autodesk Sparks Program Application Programming Interface (API) for developing custom plug-ins.

“Boris Continuum Complete for Autodesk Media & Entertainment systems products was designed to ease effect creation in high-end compositing situations, giving the artist the ability to generate masks and perform motion tracking directly within the product’s interface,” comments Peter McAuley, senior product manager, Boris FX. “Included is a preset manager, which not only comes with hundreds of preset effects, but also gives the artist the ability to load and save all of the parameter settings for use on other projects or systems, including graphics workstations that have been set up with BCC in other host environments such as Autodesk Combustion® software.”

Continuum’s intuitive filters expand the capabilities of Autodesk Media & Entertainment software’s world-renowned visual effects solutions with OpenGL acceleration and powerful integration features. BCC is available in two volumes, which may be purchased separately. Volume I includes more than 70 filters in four categories, Colors and Blurs, Effects, Lights and Wipe Transitions. Among the highlights are sophisticated glows and OpenGL-based generators that simulate real-life lighting such as lens flares, glints and glares. Other cutting-edge filters include DeNoise, DeInterlace, Witness Protection and dozens more.

Volume II will be available in Q2 2006 and will include an additional 80 filters in four categories, Distortion and Perspective, Generators, Keys and Mattes and Time. Highlights include auto-animating procedural generators that create realistic caustics, clouds, smoke, rain, textures, and stars. Temporal effects feature state-of-the-art optical flow technology to smoothly retime clips. Sophisticated image processing filters include raster and vector image displacement maps. Geometric primitive shapes such as a cube, sphere, or cylinder can be manipulated in 3D space.

New Features include:
-Support for Autodesk Burn networked rendering
-Support for 32 and 64 bit architecture
-Better support for OpenGL-based filter effects
-Linux systems support

Each volume features hundreds of presets, online documentation and a minimal learning curve to streamline effects creation. Continuum offers animatable apply modes, integrated motion tracking, and high-quality keying. Most filters include a separate RGB input for fast masking. For more sophisticated masking, the integrated PixelChooser creates channel or region-based masks; combined channel and region-based mattes define precisely which pixels a filter affects.

Pricing and Availability
Volume I of Boris Continuum Complete for Autodesk Media & Entertainment systems products is available now through the Boris FX worldwide reseller channel and direct through Boris FX. Volume II is expected to be available Q2 2006. Each volume is $5000 US SRP. Both volumes may be purchased together for $7500 US SRP. Users who purchase Volume I, may add Volume II for $2500 US SRP when it is available. Trial versions of all Boris solutions can be downloaded at www.borisfx.com.

About Boris FX

Founded in 1995 in Boston MA, Boris FX is the leading developer of integrated graphics and effects technology, delivering 3D compositing and vector graphic products for the broadcast, post production, film and multi-media industries. Since the company's inception, Boris products have grown to serve over 200,000 artists worldwide. A great part of its success lies in the ability to tightly integrate and leverage technologies through strong partnerships with industry-leading manufacturers including Adobe®, Apple®, Autodesk®, Avid®, Canopus®, Discreet®, Eyeon®, in-sync®, Incite®, Leitch®, Matrox®, Media 100®, Quantel®, Sony Pictures Digital®, and Ulead®.

For details, visit www.borisfx.com.

Boris FX, the leading developer of integrated effects technology for video and film production, today announced version 1.3 of Boris Continuum Complete (BCC) pursuant to the Autodesk Sparks program. This comprehensive suite of native filters extends the capabilities of Autodesk Burn®, Autodesk’s Discreet® Inferno®, Discreet® Flame®, Discreet® Flint®, Discreet® Fire®, and Discreet® Smoke® products. This Linux-based solution is based on the Autodesk Sparks Program Application Programming Interface (API) for developing custom plug-ins. “Boris Continuum Complete for Autodesk Media & Entertainment systems products was designed to ease effect creation in high-end compositing situations, giving the artist the ability to generate masks and perform motion tracking directly within the product’s interface,” comments Peter McAuley, senior product manager, Boris FX. “Included is a preset manager, which not only comes with hundreds of preset effects, but also gives the artist the ability to load and save all of the parameter settings for use on other projects or systems, including graphics workstations that have been set up with BCC in other host environments such as Autodesk Combustion® software.” Continuum’s intuitive filters expand the capabilities of Autodesk Media & Entertainment software’s world-renowned visual effects solutions with OpenGL acceleration and powerful integration features.

BCC is available in two volumes, which may be purchased separately. Volume I includes more than 70 filters in four categories, Colors and Blurs, Effects, Lights and Wipe Transitions. Among the highlights are sophisticated glows and OpenGL-based generators that simulate real-life lighting such as lens flares, glints and glares. Other cutting-edge filters include DeNoise, DeInterlace, Witness Protection and dozens more. Volume II will be available in Q2 2006 and will include an additional 80 filters in four categories, Distortion and Perspective, Generators, Keys and Mattes and Time. Highlights include auto-animating procedural generators that create realistic caustics, clouds, smoke, rain, textures, and stars. Temporal effects feature state-of-the-art optical flow technology to smoothly retime clips. Sophisticated image processing filters include raster and vector image displacement maps. Geometric primitive shapes such as a cube, sphere, or cylinder can be manipulated in 3D space. New Features include: -Support for Autodesk Burn networked rendering -Support for 32 and 64 bit architecture -Better support for OpenGL-based filter effects -Linux systems support Each volume features hundreds of presets, online documentation and a minimal learning curve to streamline effects creation. Continuum offers animatable apply modes, integrated motion tracking, and high-quality keying. Most filters include a separate RGB input for fast masking. For more sophisticated masking, the integrated PixelChooser creates channel or region-based masks; combined channel and region-based mattes define precisely which pixels a filter affects. Pricing and Availability Volume I of Boris Continuum Complete for Autodesk Media & Entertainment systems products is available now through the Boris FX worldwide reseller channel and direct through Boris FX. Volume II is expected to be available Q2 2006. Each volume is $5000 US SRP. Both volumes may be purchased together for $7500 US SRP. Users who purchase Volume I, may add Volume II for $2500 US SRP when it is available. Trial versions of all Boris solutions can be downloaded at www.borisfx.com.

Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (NYSE:CCU)

-- Rapper Offers New Music Exclusively to Clear Channel Radio Listeners Through Sneak Peek -0-

WHAT: Ice Cube's latest album drops Tuesday, June 6 but Clear Channel

Radio's Online Music and Radio Unit is giving fans exclusive

access to "Laugh Now, Cry Later" through its on-demand

streaming program Sneak Peek. Ice Cube's new album features

Snoop Dogg, Lil' Jon, Dub C and Kokane and will be available on

39 Clear Channel Radio station Web sites.

WHEN: Begins streaming on-demand Tuesday, May 30 through Monday,

June 5.

WHERE: Log onto http://www.clearchannelmusic.com for more information.

WHY: Check out the album's 20 tracks before it is available anywhere

else!

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c37654) has announced the addition of "Hispanic Markets - Report on the Media Habits of South Florida's Hispanic Market" to their offering.

Latin Review is an ongoing survey. The publication provides information on demographics and consumer behavior across a broad variety of topics such as communication, internet usage, money remittances, financial services, property ownership and credit and media habits, among others. Latin Review 2006 is the latest release of this publication, showing the findings of 420 South Florida Hispanics from Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Demographic analysis for key nationalities (Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Cuba, Central America, and other South American countries) is made across all topics surveyed.

Latin Review 2006 is the second edition of this survey which studies the Hispanic communities in the US and key Latin American markets. It reports on the media habits of South Florida's Hispanic markets. The publication clearly shows hispanic media tuning preferences and covers South Florida's media habits including TV, radio, printed and online news, and magazines. The research shows that 74% of Hispanics tuned into television and another 65% radio when asked about their last 7days media habits. In contrast, less than 40% mentioned to have read news, either online or printed.

Key topics covered:

-- General media habits in the last 7 days: print, radio, TV and cable, magazines

-- Specific media habits in the last 7 days:

-- Printed and online newspapers by publisher

-- Radio stations

-- T.V. and cable channels

-- Free community flyers and newspapers

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c37654

Sling Media, Inc.:

-- Public beta launched today giving Slingbox owners the ability to watch and control their home television on many of the hottest Windows Mobile smartphones including Motorola Q, T-Mobile SDA and the i-mate SP5m

Sling Media, Inc., a digital lifestyle products company, today announced a public beta program for its new version of SlingPlayer(TM) Mobile for devices based on the Windows Mobile Smartphone Edition operating system. Now Slingbox(TM) owners can watch and control their home TV from any network-enabled mobile phone or handheld computer (PDA) powered by Windows Mobile. The beta version of SlingPlayer Mobile for Windows Smartphone software is available today as a free download from Sling Media's web site, http://www.slingmedia.com, as part of the public beta program. This new software is compatible with devices that run Microsoft's Windows Mobile Smartphone Edition version 5.0.

"The Slingbox has created a whole new phenomenon in television viewing," said Blake Krikorian, Sling Media CEO & co-founder. "With SlingPlayer Mobile, we continue to make it easier to extend your living room TV experience to wherever you happen to be and ensure that you never miss that pivotal play or big news event and that you always know the score."

Complete TV Experience

SlingPlayer Mobile gives consumers their entire home TV experience, including local channels, local sports teams, video on demand, pay per view, etc. Any program that you can watch on your sofa back home, you can now watch via your Windows Mobile-based device. In addition, SlingPlayer Mobile users can also control their home digital video recorder (DVR) to watch recorded shows, pause, rewind, and fast forward live TV, or even queue new recordings while on the road.

At the completion of the public beta period, SlingPlayer Mobile will be available for $29.99 and includes a free 30-day risk free trial. There are no monthly or recurring charges for the use of the software. Users simply need a network connection to access their home television experience, whether that is 3G cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB.

Compatible with smartphones such as the Motorola Q, T-Mobile SDA and the i-mate SP5m, Slingbox owners have their pick of the most popular and new wireless devices on the market. A full list of compatible devices is available at http://www.slingmedia.com/mobile.

About Slingbox

The Slingbox is a breakthrough consumer electronics product that enables consumers to watch their living room TV programming from wherever they are by turning virtually any Internet-connected Windows-based laptop or desktop and any Windows Mobile-based device into a personal TV. The Slingbox redirects, or "placeshifts," a single live TV stream from a cable box, satellite receiver, or DVR to the viewer's PC-located anywhere in the home or anywhere in the world, via the Internet.

About Sling Media

Sling Media, Inc. is a digital lifestyle products company creating a family of consumer electronics solutions that are a natural extension of today's digital way of life. The first member of the Sling Media family is the award-winning Slingbox(TM), a device that allows consumers to access their living room television experience at any time, from any location, using a variety of different displays including laptops and desktop PCs, PDAs and smartphones. The Slingbox is available from leading retailers nationwide and through Sling Media's own website. For more information on Sling Media or the Slingbox, visit http://www.slingmedia.com.

Sling Media, Inc.

With the retail price of a gallon of gas hovering near the three dollar mark across most of the United States, motorists looking to stretch fuel dollars by boosting their vehicles' fuel efficiency may be left feeling an added pinch in the pocketbook if they decide to experiment with gasoline additives that promise big fuel economy gains, warns AAA.

"Some gasoline additives improve engine drivability by removing deposits from fuel injectors and other engine components, and others effectively deal with moisture in the fuel system," says John Nielsen, Director of AAA's Approved Auto Repair Network. "However, products whose primary claim is a major boost in fuel economy are another matter. Over the years, AAA has evaluated many such formulas, and has yet to discover one that can be proven to provide significant fuel-savings for motorists."

"Fuel-saving" gasoline additives are sold at auto supply stores, on the Internet and through multi-level marketing organizations. Some are liquids, while others come in tablet, capsule or pellet form - all are added to the gas tank during a fill up. Additive marketers often state the fuel saving effects will not become apparent until the product has been used for several tanks of fuel, and all of the companies require ongoing use of their product to maintain the "benefits."

Manufacturers of "fuel-saving" additives also often claim their product has been tested and registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "This is true," says Nielsen, "but the procedures they cite are mandated by the EPA before any fuel additive can legally be sold in the United States. The tests only prove the additive will not harm a vehicle's fuel system or increase the amount of pollution its engine emits; they do not address a product's effect on gas mileage."

Ironically, the EPA does have a test that can measure the effectiveness of any "fuel-saving" additive - the same Federal exhaust emission and fuel economy test used by vehicle manufacturers to certify new vehicles sold in the United States. Any maker of a "fuel-saving" product can hire an approved independent testing laboratory to perform back-to-back EPA tests of the same vehicle, with and without the "fuel-saving" additive, to generate scientifically valid figures that will support their claims. To date, AAA has not found one manufacturer of a "fuel-saving" additive that has done so.

Realistically, says AAA, the most practical and effective way to truly save on fuel is for a driver to modify his or her driving behavior.

"Adjusting one's driving style and routinely maintaining your vehicle are two very effective ways to save fuel," says Nielsen. "If drivers modify their habits and simply drive less aggressively, they will see an immediate improvement in their car's gas mileage." Other tips to improve fuel efficiency are to keep your tires properly inflated, remove any unnecessary baggage/weight from the vehicle, carpool when possible, and use the household's most fuel-efficient vehicle as much as possible.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its more than 49 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully-tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at: http://www.aaa.com. National and state by state, daily retail fuel prices are available at http://www.fuelgaugereport.com .

AAA news releases can be downloaded from http://www.aaa.com/news

A group of custom vehicles from Quantum's Tecstar Automotive Group (Nasdaq:QTWW) will star in the cross country Hot Rod Power Tour from June 3-10, 2006. Seven high profile vehicles ranging from a Chip Foose-designed 2006 Ford Stallion Mustang to a 550HP C6 Corvette and an 1100+ HP Nova will trek up the east coast from Orlando, Fla., to Englishtown, N.J.

"The Hot Rod Power Tour was tailor-made to demonstrate the complete range of capabilities available from Quantum's Tecstar family of companies," said Jeff Beitzel, COO of QTWW. "From concept to production, we provide the solutions that OEMs, governments and commercial organizations need. Whether it's a factory produced natural gas pickup truck, a fuel cell powered army vehicle, a transportable hydrogen refueling station, or specialty and limited edition vehicles, our technology leads the way with products and supportive services that provide solutions that work for our customers."

The group includes Classic Design Concepts, Quantum Power and Performance, Regency, Unique Performance Concepts and Wheel to Wheel Powertrain. Vehicles on the tour will include the Quantum Power and Performance C6 Corvette with a 550 horsepower motor under stylish new bodywork, a Rotrex Supercharged Silverado RST pickup from Regency and a Classic Design Concepts "GLASSBACK(TM)" supercharged six cylinder 2006 Ford Mustang. Wheel to Wheel will drive an Antonov Mustang with a new two-speed transmission Rotrex Supercharger and an 1100+ HP dual Rotrex Supercharged 1972 Chevrolet Nova. Unique Performance will bring a big block '69 Foose Camaro and Foose Stallion Mustang.

"Each of our companies is committed to making the highest quality performance products that provide years of continued reliability and can be seamlessly integrated before or after a customer receives their vehicle," added Tecstar Automotive Group Power Tour Coordinator Jon Moss. "That versatility will be clear when anyone sees our impressive array of Detroit iron. We're hitting the road to show the world that we deliver custom high performance, no matter the marque, scope of the job or challenge to overcome."

Quantum Power and Performance with Rotrex Supercharger Kits, engineered by Wheel to Wheel Powertrain, is the official Supercharger Sponsor of the 2006 Hot Rod Power Tour. The Rotrex packages are renowned for their sophistication, strength and silent operation.

About Classic Design Concepts

Classic Design Concepts (http://www.classicdesignconcepts.com) is one of the industry's top aftermarket parts and vehicle systems manufacturers. Specializing in design, engineering and manufacturing, it offers distribution and manufacturing parts and packages for low to medium volume manufacturers.

About Quantum Power and Performance

Quantum Power and Performance Group (http://www.qpponline.com) is a combination of Classic Design Concepts, Wheel to Wheel Powertrain and other Quantum-Tecstar companies that develops, engineers and maintains a wide variety of high quality aftermarket parts and accessories.

About Regency Conversions

Regency Conversions (http://www.regencyrep.com) is the number one specialty vehicle manufacturer in the U.S., producing approximately 5,000 vehicles annually through 250 affiliated dealerships nationwide.

About Unique Performance Concepts

Unique Performance Concepts (http://www.uniqueperformance.com) builds limited edition signature series high performance vehicles, including programs involving Carroll Shelby and Chip Foose. The vehicles are distributed through select dealers throughout the United States.

About Wheel to Wheel Powertrain

Wheel to Wheel Powertrain (http://www.w2wpowertrain.com) is an industry leader in vehicle, chassis and engine design for all OEM manufacturers. Some of their services include full vehicle builds, testing and validation, product engineering and fabrication and total vehicle design.

About Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide

Quantum and its subsidiary, Tecstar Automotive Group, are leaders in powertrain engineering, system integration, and manufacturing of packaged fuel systems and accessories for specialty vehicles and applications including fuel cells, hybrids, alternative fuels, hydrogen refueling, new body styles, mid-cycle vehicle product enhancements and high performance engines and drive trains for OEMs and consumers of aftermarket parts and accessories. Quantum also designs and manufactures hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.

Quantum has product commercialization alliances with General Motors, AM General, and Sumitomo. Quantum's customer base includes General Motors, Toyota, Opel, Hyundai, Suzuki, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, AeroVironment and the United States Army. More information can be found about Quantum's products and services at http://www.qtww.com.

As the nation begins to enjoy the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute would like to reinforce the importance of all-terrain vehicle safety.

Summer marks a time when children have more free time to enjoy many activities, including riding ATVs. Parental supervision is a key element to a child's safety and children under the age of 16 must be supervised at all times when operating an ATV. Parents literally hold the key to their children's safety. Every ATV has an ignition key, and when a parent or guardian controls the key, they control the use.

There are approximately seven million ATVs in use in the United States being operated by more than 15 million Americans. It is important that all riders understand the importance of safe and responsible use of ATVs. Almost 90 percent of youth ATV-related injury incidents occur when a youth is operating an adult-sized ATV, meaning that the engine size is greater than 90 cubic centimeters. Every child under the age of 16 should be supervised and should never be permitted to ride an adult-sized ATV.

Consumer Product Safety Commission data show that over 90 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned against behaviors. The ATV Safety Institute has eight Golden Rules of ATV safety that address these behaviors and apply to all riders: -0-

1. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.

2. Never ride on public roads -- another vehicle could hit you.

3. Never rider under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.

5. Ride an ATV that's right for your age. The guidelines are:

Age 6 and older Under 70cc

Age 12 and older 70cc to 90cc

Age 16 and older Over 90cc

6. Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.

7. Ride only on designated trails, and at a safe speed.

8. Take an ATV RiderCourse; Call Toll-Free at 800.887.2887, or go

to http://www.atvsafety.org.

To reach out with important safety information to the vast number of current and potential all-terrain vehicle riders, the ATV Safety Institute has posted a web-friendly version of its 'Ride Safe, Ride Smart' video on the http://www.atvsafety.org home page for viewing or free download. A VHS copy is also available for a nominal fee.

This eight-minute video demonstrates the importance of getting a proper start in ATV riding, whether you ride ATVs for recreation or for business. Two families are profiled; both sets of parents lead by example, emphasizing riding an ATV that's right for your age, wearing proper protective gear, supervising young riders, and respecting the environment. They also recommend taking an ATV RiderCourse to get the most from your ATV.

The ATV Safety Institute encourages families to watch this fun, informative video together, so they may prepare for a safe, fun summer. For more information on ATV safety or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse(SM) nearest you, visit http://www.atvsafety.org or call 800.887.2887.

About the ATV Safety Institute

The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute(R), a not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America(R), was formed in 1988 to implement an expanded national program of all-terrain vehicle safety education and awareness. The ATV Safety Institute's primary goal is to promote the safe and responsible use of ATVs, thereby reducing accidents and injuries that may result from improper ATV operation by the rider. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse(SM) nearest you, visit http://www.atvsafety.org and click on "Online Enrollment," or call 800.887.2887.

Uniden America Corporation, a leading manufacturer of wireless consumer electronics, today announced its proud partnership with rookie phenomenon Thiago Medeiros as the driver of the #18 PDM Racing Panoz Honda for this year's Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28.

While this weekend will mark his first Indianapolis 500, Medeiros is already a seasoned driver as the 2004 Indy Racing League Infiniti Pro Series Champion. A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Medeiros made a name for himself by rallying from a crash earlier in the week to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.

"Uniden is thrilled to partner with Medeiros as he races to win the prestigious 2006 Indianapolis 500," said Larry Johannes, senior director of marketing for Uniden America Corporation. "As America's prime sports car racing event, the Indianapolis 500 represents the ultimate partnership opportunity for our company as we look to boost our brand visibility with the growing racing fan base."

Uniden is a well-known brand in the racing community with its sponsorship of #19 Daytona Prototype driven by Memo Gidley in the Rolex Sports Car Series.

About Uniden

Uniden America Corporation, the North American subsidiary of Japan-based Uniden Corporation, manufactures and markets wireless consumer electronic products including cordless telephones, business telecommunications systems, VOIP telephones, Bearcat(R) scanners, FRS/GMRS radios, marine radios, CB radios, and other wireless personal communications products. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Uniden sells its products through dealers and distributors throughout North, Central and South America.

Uniden America Corp.

Bobby Labonte, driver of Petty Enterprises' No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge, will soon be racing into Supermarkets throughout the country on limited-edition boxes of Cheerios(R) and Honey Nut Cheerios(R). Labonte, the 2000 Cup Champion, unveiled the new packages today at an event at Speed Street, the annual racing festival in Charlotte.

Specially marked 15-ounce Cheerios packages welcome Labonte and his family to the Cheerios Racing Family. Specially marked 20-ounce Honey Nut Cheerios packages feature Labonte and "The King" Richard Petty, who drove the No. 43 to 200 wins during his career.

"This is a unique honor, not only for me, but for our whole family. It will be fun to see ourselves on the breakfast table every morning," said Labonte, posting one top-five and three top-ten finishes through the first ten races of the season. "It is also an honor to appear on the package with The King. His racing records are legendary and I'm privileged to drive the famed No. 43 for Petty Enterprises."

Petty, who won seven series' championships during his career, is also excited to appear on the Honey Nut Cheerios package. "To think that my picture will be on the box is a thrill for me and my grandkids will really enjoy it." said Petty. "It's a great way to welcome Bobby to the General Mills and Petty Enterprises family."

The 2006 season marks the tenth year that General Mills' brands including Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Hamburger Helper, Bugles, and Chex Mix, have been part of NASCAR and the seventh season of sponsorship with Petty Enterprises. For more information about Cheerios Racing, visit http://www.cheerios.com/racing.

About General Mills:

General Mills, with annual net sales of $12.5 billion, is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products. Its global brand portfolio includes Betty Crocker; Pillsbury; Green Giant; Old El Paso and more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands, more than 30 of which generate annual retail sales in excess of $100 million. Included in the U.S. portfolio are some of the nation's most popular brands including Cheerios, Wheaties and other Big G cereal brands; Yoplait and Colombo yogurts; Betty Crocker desserts and dinner mixes; Betty Crocker and Nature Valley snacks; Totino's frozen pizza and snacks and Progresso ready-to-serve soups. General Mills is also a leader in the bakeries and foodservice business as a major supplier of baking and other food products to the foodservice and commercial baking industries. For more information, visit our web site at http://www.generalmills.com.

Wi-Fi TV Inc. (PINKSHEETS: WTVN) and Collectible Concepts Group Inc. (OTCBB: CCGI) announced today that they have signed a Strategic Relationship under which Wi-Fi TV Inc. will utilize its global distribution platform www.Wi-FiTV.com to sell collectible Sports products and online videos.

"Collectible Concepts will make all of its Sports collectible products available through Wi-Fi TV and will also offer exclusively on Wi-Fi TV specially created collectible product packages and hundreds of hours of CCGI online collectible Sports videos," stated Paul Lipschutz, President of Collectible Concepts Group Inc.

"We chose the Wi-Fi TV platform for exclusive delivery of our catalog of rare Sports videos because of Wi-Fi TV's ten year history of delivering video content over the Internet, and because of Wi-Fi TV's unique platform which brings TV to the Internet. In addition, every product which is licensed and sold by Collectible Concepts will be part of the launch of Wi-Fi TV's Shopping Cart which is the first ever online cart tied-in with live TV channels," Mr. Lipschutz further stated.

"Wi-Fi TV will be creating a Collectible Concepts TV Channel which will coincide with the Collectible Concepts themed portion of the Wi-Fi TV Shopping Cart. We will be the exclusive home to Collectible Concepts on-demand programming, including rare sports videos," stated Alex Kanakaris, Chairman of Wi-Fi TV Inc.

"Wi-Fi TV and Collectible Concepts will work together to derive as much revenue and generate as much interest as possible in the whole line of Collectible Concepts products and videos. Their collection of NASCAR, NFL, NHL, NBA, L.A. Lakers, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force licensed products and other unique items will be a natural fit for the many categories of topics which make up the Wi-Fi TV platform," stated Mr. Kanakaris.

"We see this as a long-term relationship. As Wi-Fi TV adds live TV channels and as Collectible Concepts adds products, both companies will benefit from the strategic alliance," Mr. Kanakaris concluded.

About Collectible Concepts

Collectible Concepts Group, Inc. develops and markets unique licensed sports and entertainment collectible merchandise for specialty, mass retail and online distribution. Nationally recognized in direct response marketing, replica design, mass-market distribution and E-commerce marketing, Collectible Concepts and its products are renowned both for quality and authenticity. Licenses include over 25 colleges and universities, including: The National Basketball Association (NBA), The National Hockey League (NHL), Arena Football, and others. For more information, visit: www.collectibleconcepts.com or www.otcfn.com/ccgi.

About Wi-Fi TV Inc.

Wi-Fi TV can be seen over the Internet in the United States, Latin America and globally. More than 200 channels of live TV programming, Country and Category specific breaking news and free voice over IP phone calls are available at www.Wi-FiTV.com. Premium services are offered exclusively to Wi-Fi TV members. Subscriptions are available for $3.95 per month or $24.95 per year on a prepaid basis. There is also a 14-day free trial so users can make sure that Wi-FiTV.com works on their computer.

Wi-Fi TV Inc. has opened a new content and technology demo room for the press in Newport Beach, California.

SOURCE: Wi-Fi TV, Inc.

About two dozen soldiers and Marines watched intently as Indy car pit crews changed tires and gassed up their cars during the fourth annual Checkers/Rally's Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge here yesterday. Before the competition began, the servicemembers were warmly welcomed as they walked to their seats on the track. "Before the start of this, ... we walked the track to this area, and the people stood like a wave clapping for the troops as they walked over here to watch the competition," Keith Sirois, president and chief executive officer of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., said. "I think what it gives them is that understanding that the people in this country really do support them and what they are doing." It was all part of the annual "Carb Day" festivities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Sirois' company is an "America Supports You" corporate team member and an "Operation Gratitude" corporate sponsor.

America Supports You is a Defense Department program that highlights grassroots and corporate support of the nation's servicemembers. Indianapolis Motor Speedway joined the organization last year. Operation Gratitude is a California-based grassroots troop-support organization that has sent more than 125,000 packages since its creation in March 2003. "(The Indianapolis 500) is really an icon of American culture," Carolyn Blashek, Operation Gratitude's founder, said. "To have Operation Gratitude be a part of it -- we are all about patriotism and love of country and serving those who serve our country -- it really is a great honor." In addition to hosting the servicemembers, Checkers/Rally's used its track-based food stands to collect support messages on "Thanks to the Troops" post cards. The company expects at least 10,000 cards to be signed this weekend.

They are part of Operation Gratitude's Patriotic Drive to collect personal, convenience and snack items, and personal notes for packages for troops serving overseas. "People think it's really great that we're (collecting messages). They really appreciate the support, and they've been happy to join in," Shelley Kinser, a local models, said about her experience collecting messages for Checkers/Rally's. "We actually have had some people that have said they just got back from Iraq that are sending messages over there saying, 'You'll be home safe too. I just got back,'" she added. Sirois, a former sailor, said he appreciates opportunities like the Patriotic Drive and hosting the soldiers and Marines. "I understand the difference between the military then and the military now," he said, referencing his father's Navy career. "It's a very different military today, and these folks very much deserve everything we can give them." In addition to collecting messages this weekend, the restaurant chain also is collecting items in 750 of its stores across the country. The Patriotic Drive began May 8 and ends June 14.

This will allow enough time for Operation Gratitude to pack and ship the 40,000-50,000 boxes the donations are expected to fill by July 4, Blashek said. While models from local agencies were busy asking Checkers/Rally's customers to write messages to troops, the servicemembers in attendance got a visit from a top supermodel. Linda Evangelista took a break from the Pit Stop Challenge to pose for pictures with the troops. "It keeps the morale high." Lance Cpl. Chris Offringa, of Company A, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, said of Evangelista's visit. "To have a supermodel (pose for pictures), I think for anybody is just fantastic." The servicemembers later attended a concert by popular bands the B-52s and Third Eye Blind at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Allen Warden, of the Army's Armor Center, at Fort Knox, Ky., said the event was a great opportunity for the soldiers and Marines. "Look at these guys; every one of them has a smile on his face. (You) can't beat that," he said.

There won't be reunions with family or cold drinks while pitching horseshoes. A few will stay up late enough to catch live ball games from the United States or a part of the Indianapolis 500, but most servicemembers will just want to sleep. Memorial Day for most Americans at home means the beginning of the summer season and a three-day weekend. But for most Americans here, Memorial Day will be a regular day at war. When troops here have time, what they do will be closer to the ideal of Memorial Day that the veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic envisioned in 1868. Then, the idea was to remember the more than 600,000 Americans killed in the Civil War. In the intervening years, America remembered the dead from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and many other places.

To the combat battalions, brigades and divisions based here, Memorial Day means remembering friends they will never see again. "It is not lost on me the sacrifices the men and women have made over here," said Army Maj. Gen. James D. Thurman, commander of Multinational Division Baghdad. "I know every one of them, and I've missed very few memorial services. It's a part of the family when we lose somebody." The general spoke about calling the wife of a servicemember who had been killed by an improvised explosive device. "I wanted her to know we all felt her loss and ask if there was anything we could do," he said. He said the Army has never been more motivated. In his 31 years of service, he said, he has never seen a more capable force than the one he commands now. The general spoke of a cavalry staff sergeant who lost his right leg above the knee to an IED. He went to the combat support hospital to speak with the soldier and pin a Purple Heart on him. "The soldier said, 'Sir, I don't need a Purple Heart. I did this for my country.' I pinned the medal on him with tears in my eyes," Thurman said. "I got ready to leave, and I asked him if there was anything I could do for him. He told me to keep going after the people who did this,\ and know 'that as soon as I get a new leg I'll be back over here with you.' "That's the quality of soldiers we've got," Thurman said. "And Americans should remember that."

The formation of a democratic government in Iraq marks a significant victory for the cause of freedom in the Middle East and a hard-earned victory for American servicemembers who have sacrificed for their nation, President Bush said today. "America is free because of generations of young Americans who have been willing to sacrifice to defend the country they love, so their fellow citizens could live in liberty," Bush said in his weekly radio address to the nation. Bush singled out the sacrifice of one American, Army 1st Lt. Rob Seidel, a 2004 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., who gave his life in Iraq earlier this month. "Rob grew up in Maryland and, as a child, he and his family made frequent visits to the Civil War battlefield at Gettysburg (Pa.)," Bush said. "And, from his earliest days, he dreamed of serving in the U.S. Army." Seidel deployed to Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division and was killed by a bomb in Baghdad. "His father says this about Rob," Bush said. "'He loved his family and believed in God, and he loved his country, and he was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of his country.'" Seidel's sacrifice wasn't in vain, Bush said. "In recent days in Iraq, we've seen what their sacrifices have made possible," adding that it was just a week ago when the new prime minister announced the formation of a national unity government.

Bush said British Prime Minister Tony Blair brought back encouraging news after a visit to Baghdad to meet with Iraq's new leaders. "Prime Minister Blair told me that Iraq's new leaders are determined to rid their country of terrorism, unite Iraqis as one people, and deliver peace and prosperity for all their citizens," he said. Blair's report underscores the significance of progress in Iraq, which is a victory not only for coalition forces, but also for Iraqis, Bush said. "It is a victory for millions of Iraqis who defied the terrorists and cast their ballots in three elections last year," Bush said. "It is a victory for the Iraqi security forces who fought and bled for this moment and now have a democracy worthy of their sacrifice." The new government in Iraq also struck a blow to terrorists worldwide "who fought the arrival of a free and democratic Iraq with all the hateful power they could muster," Bush said. "Now, a day that they feared has arrived. The terrorists are now fighting a free and constitutional government." America will stand by the Iraqi people and their new leaders in a joint determination "to defeat this enemy," Bush said. As Americans pay tribute to servicemembers over Memorial Day weekend, Bush urged people to remember Seidel and others who have "given their lives for freedom, liberated the oppressed, and left the world a safer and better place." "The best way to honor America's fallen heroes is to carry on their fight, defend our freedom, and complete the mission for which they gave their lives," he said. Bush noted that he was to speak today to the West Point graduating class and visit with "the brave men and women who will soon take their own place in the defense of our freedom."

- Mary, School of Faith

- Visit to John Paul II's Home Town and to Shrine of Kalwaria

- Other Pontifical Acts

___________________________________________________________

- At 5.15 p.m. today, Benedict XVI arrived by helicopter at the Polish city of Czestochowa to visit the Shrine of the Virgin of Jasna Gora, Poland's most famous Marian shrine, where John Paul II confided his pontificate to the Mother of God.

The image of the Virgin of Jasna Gora is decked with new vestments, in fulfillment of a vow to mark the 350th anniversary of the defense of her shrine against Swedish troops by Fr. Augustin Kordecki, and as an _expression of gratitude for the life of John Paul II on the 25th anniversary of the birth of the "Solidarnosc" trade union. The image's golden crowns were blessed and offered by John Paul II on April 1 2005, the eve of his death.

At 6 p.m., having visited the convent of the shrine, which is under the care of the Pauline Fathers, the Holy Father met with religious, seminarians and representatives from Catholic movements and institutes of consecrated life.

In his address to the them, Pope Benedict began by affirming that "Mary, the Mother of the Lord, is among us. Today it is she who leads our meditation; she teaches us how to pray. Mary shows us how to open our minds and our hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit, Who comes to us so as to be brought to the whole world."

"Mary sustained the faith of Peter and the Apostles in the Upper Room, and today she sustains my faith and yours," said the Pope. "Faith is contact with the mystery of God. ... It is the gift, given to us in Baptism, which makes our encounter with God possible. God is hidden in mystery; to claim to understand Him would mean to want to confine Him within our thinking and knowing, and consequently to lose Him irremediably. With faith, however, we can open up a way through concepts, even theological concepts, and can 'touch' the living God."

"In the Upper Room the Apostles did not know what awaited them. They were afraid and worried about their own future. ... Mary, 'she who believed in the fulfillment of the Lord's words,' ... taught perseverance in the faith. By her own attitude she convinced them that the Holy Spirit, in His wisdom, knew well the path on which He was leading them, and that consequently they could place their confidence in God."

"Many of you here present have experienced this secret call of the Holy Spirit and have responded. ... It was Jesus who called you, inviting you to a more profound union with Him."

"Do you remember," the Holy Father asked the religious, "your enthusiasm when you began the pilgrimage of the consecrated life, trusting in the grace of God? Try not to lose this first fervor, and let Mary lead you to an ever fuller adherence."

He cried: "Dear men and women religious, dear consecrated persons! Whatever the mission entrusted to you, ... maintain in your hearts the primacy of your consecrated life" which, "lived in faith, unites you closely to God, calls forth charisms and confers an extraordinary fruitfulness to your service."

Turning to address seminarians, the Pope recommended they reflect "on the way Mary learned from Jesus! From her very first 'fiat,' through the long, ordinary years of the hidden life, as she brought up Jesus, ... she 'learned' Him moment by moment. ... On your journey of preparation, and in your future priestly ministry, let Mary guide you as you 'learn' Jesus. Keep your eyes fixed on Him. Let Him form you, so that in your ministry you will be able to show Him to all who approach you."

"The vitality of your communities," Benedict XVI told representatives of the new movements in the Church, "is a sign of the Holy Spirit's active presence! It is from the faith of the Church and from the richness of the fruits of the Holy Spirit that your mission has been born. ... Believe in the grace of God which accompanies you and bring it into the living fabric of the Church, especially in places the priest or religious cannot reach."

"You are nourished," he continued, "by different schools of spirituality recognized by the Church. Draw upon the wisdom of the saints, have recourse to the heritage they have left us. Form your minds and your hearts on the works of the great masters and witnesses of the faith, knowing that the schools of spirituality must not be a treasure locked up in convents or libraries.

"The Gospel wisdom, contained in the writings of the great saints and attested to in their lives, must be brought in a mature way, not childishly or aggressively, to the world of culture and work, to the world of the media and politics. ... The authenticity of your faith and mission, which does not draw attention to itself but truly radiates faith and love, can be tested by measuring it against Mary's faith. ... Remain in her school!"

"God is love," the Holy Father concluded, "These were the words that I placed at the beginning of the first Encyclical of my pontificate. ... This is the most important, most central truth about God. To all for whom it is difficult to believe in God, I say again today: 'God is love.' Dear friends, be witnesses to this truth."

At the end of the meeting, Benedict XVI returned by helicopter to Krakow where, after dinner, he appeared at the balcony of the archbishop's palace to greet people gathered in the street below, following a custom of John Paul II when he visited Krakow.

"I know," he told them, "that on the second of each month, at the time my beloved predecessor died, you meet here to commemorate him and pray for his elevation to the honors of the altar. May this prayer be of support to those who concern themselves with his cause [of beatification] and enrich your hearts with grace."

"Despite his death, he - young in God - is among us, he invites us to reinvigorate the grace of faith and renew ourselves in the Spirit."

PV-POLAND/CLERGY:MOVEMENTS/CZESTOCHOWA VIS 060527 (1030)

- At 9.30 a.m. today, having celebrated a private Mass in the chapel of the archbishop's palace in Krakow, the Holy Father travelled by car to Wadowice, the home town of John Paul II.

The Pope visited the basilica of the Immaculate Conception, where Karol Wojtyla was baptized, before going on to see the house in which he was born. On May 18, 1984, in honor of the late pontiff's 64th birthday, the house was converted into a museum. Benedict XVI visited the apartment in which the Wojtyla family lived, which is now used as an exhibition space for photographs recording Karol Wojtyla's life as priest, bishop and Pope.

At 11 a.m., the Pope met with local inhabitants in Wadowice's Rynek Square, in front of the basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Following a greeting from Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, archbishop of Krakow, the Pope delivered his address. "I wished to stop precisely here, in the place where his faith began and matured," he said referring to his predecessor, "to pray together with all of you that he may soon be elevated to the glory of the altars."

The Holy Father then recalled how John Paul II would often refer to the baptismal font of the church of Wadowice where, on June 20, 1920 he received the Sacrament of Christian initiation, and for which he had "special veneration." This, said Pope Benedict, is "the key to understanding the consistency of his faith, the radicalism of his Christian life and the desire for sanctity that he continuously manifested."

"His love for the Church was born in the parish of Wadowice. In it he experienced the sacramental life, evangelization and the formation of a mature faith. For this reason, as a priest, as a bishop and as Pope, he treated parish communities with such great care. In the spirit of that same solicitude, during the visit 'ad limina,' I asked the Polish bishops to do everything possible to ensure that the Polish parish would truly be an 'ecclesial community' and a 'family of the Church'."

The Holy Father then recalled another "characteristic of the faith and spirituality of John Paul II, which is united to this place. ... The deep attachment of the inhabitants of Wadowice to the local image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. ... This memory helps us arrive at the source of the conviction that nourished John Paul II: the conviction regarding the exceptional place that the Mother of God had in his life, a conviction that he himself, filled with devotion, expressed in the motto 'Totus tuus.' Until the last moments of his earthly pilgrimage he remained faithful to this dedication."

"In the spirit of this devotion," the Pope concluded, "before this image I wish to give thanks to God for the pontificate of John Paul II and, like him, I ask that Our Lady watch over the Church which by the will of God has been entrusted to me to guide. I also ask all of you to pray for me just as you prayed for your great fellow countryman."

At the end of the meeting, the Holy Father travelled by car to the Shrine of the Virgin of Kalwaria. The shrine, dedicated to the Passion of Jesus and the Virgin of Sorrows, takes its name from the Calvary of Jerusalem. Its 15 kilometer-long Via Crucis is the only Way of the Cross to be included among UNESCO's world heritage sites. As a youth Karol Wojtyla used to make frequent pilgrimages there.

After visiting the shrine, Benedict XVI delivered a brief greeting to the community of Friars Minor living in the convent of the shrine, and to the faithful gathered there. The Pope recalled how, during his first journey to Poland, Pope John Paul II had visited this shrine and had dedicated his address to the topic of prayer. "At the conclusion he said: 'I ask you to pray for me here during my life and after my death.' Today, I wanted to pause for a moment in the chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary and, with gratitude, to pray for him as he requested. Following the example of John Paul II, I also turn to you, kindly asking that you pray for me and for all the Church."

During his return journey to Krakow, the Pope visited the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Langiewniki. He paused in prayer before the tomb of St. Faustina Kowalska where Karol Wojtyla frequently came to pray when he was a worker and later as a clandestine seminarian in the 1940s. Benedict XVI also visited the basilica where he met with 800 sick people.

PV-POLAND/.../WADOWICE:KALWARIA VIS 060527 (790)

The Holy Father appointed:

- Msgr. Lajos Varga of the clergy of the diocese of Vac, Hungary, pastor of Paszto, as auxiliary of the diocese of Vac (area 8,800, population 1,116,000, Catholics 640,000, priests 222, permanent deacons 5, religious 191). The bishop-elect was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1950 and ordained a priest in 1974.

- Fr. Pablo Virgilio Siongco David of the clergy of the archdiocese of San Fernando, Philippines, professor of Holy Scripture in the archdiocesan seminary, as auxiliary of the same archdiocese (area 2,180, population 3,060,000, Catholics 2,855,000, priests 165, religious 212). The bishop-elect was born in Betis, Philippines in 1959 and ordained a priest in 1983.

NEA/.../VARGA:DAVID VIS 060527 (120)

Arie Crown Theater at Lakeside Center -- McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Thanks for the warm welcome. It's great to be back in Chicago, home of the mighty Chicago White Sox. (Applause.) World champs. I said that because the Mayor is here -- (laughter) -- who, by the way, is one of the finest mayors in our country. Mayor Daley, thank you for being here. (Applause.) He's a huge Chicago White Sox fan. When I had the White Sox to the White House to congratulate them on the world championship -- winning the world championship trophy, there was the Mayor, beaming

The other team here isn't doing quite so well these days. (Laughter.) As a matter of fact, I had the honor, though, of throwing out the first pitch in the Chicago Cubs home opener against Cincinnati, and they won that game 16 to 7. (Applause.) You know, when you're President, sometimes you get blamed for a lot of things. (Laughter.) So I want to assure all the Cubs fans here that the last time I saw them play, they were undefeated. (Laughter and applause.)

I really appreciate being invited here by the National Restaurant Association. Thanks for having me. You know, Laura and I don't eat out as much as we used to. (Laughter.) But we do appreciate your industry's contribution to the country.

I appreciate your leadership in Washington on really important issues like tort reform, and tax relief, and immigration reform. I'm going to spend a little time today talking about immigration reform. But the main reason I've come today is to talk to you about a watershed event that took place this weekend in Iraq. On Saturday, in Baghdad, Iraqis formed a new government, and the world saw the beginning of something new -- constitutional democracy at the heart of the Middle East. (Applause.)

And if you like, after my remarks I'd like to answer some of your questions. So be thinking of them.

But before I get there, I do want to thank Ed Tinsley. He's a West Texan, and like me, he married a woman from Midland, Texas. It's the best decision Tinsley ever made, and it's the best decision I ever made. Laura sends her greetings to you all. She's a fine First Lady, and I'm lucky she said, yes, when I asked her to marry me. (Applause.)

I appreciate Steven Anderson, the President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. I appreciate sharing the stage with Denny Hastert. He is an excellent Speaker of the House. He is dependable, reliable, smart, capable. Do you realize that he will have served, come June 1st, longer than any other Republican Speaker in our nation's history? And the reason why, he knows what he's doing. (Applause.)

And I appreciate Congressman Ray LaHood and Congresswoman Judy Biggert for joining us, as well, today. They're here looking for a ride back to Washington on Air Force One. (Laughter.) I appreciate all the state and local officials for coming, too.

Our economy is strong and it's growing. And the restaurant industry plays a vital role in this prosperity. National unemployment is 4.7 percent. That's lower than the average of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. People are working. We've added more than 2 million jobs in the last two-and-a-half years. And one of the main reasons why is because the National Restaurant Association members are employing people. The NRA -- National Restaurant Association -- estimates that more than 12.5 million people work at 925,000 restaurants across our country. That makes restaurants the largest private employer in our land. (Applause

You not only help people put food on the table, but you provide many Americans with their first job, with a start. You teach people the importance of showing up on time, and working hard and meeting the needs of our customers. You're also America's largest employer of immigrants. And you know how essential it is that we have an immigration system that is safe, orderly and fair. (Applause.) And I agree with you, and that's why I laid out a vision for comprehensive immigration reform that would accomplish five key goals.

First: The United States will secure our border by deploying thousands of new Border Patrol agents and giving those agents the best technology available to do their job.

Secondly: You can't secure our border with thousands trying to sneak in, and therefore, this country needs a temporary worker program that will allow foreign workers to enter our country legally on a temporary basis to meet the needs of our economy and take the pressure off our border. (Applause.)

Third: We must create a reliable system for verifying documents and work eligibility so we can better enforce our immigration laws at the workplace.

Fourth: We will find a rational middle ground to resolve the legal status of the millions of people who have been here for quite a while -- without granting amnesty. (Applause.)

And fifth: We will uphold the great American tradition of the melting pot so America can remain what it always has been: one nation under God. (Applause.)

The reforms I proposed regarding guest workers are really important for your industry. Your association estimates that restaurants will add -- will need 1.9 million new workers over the next 10 years, which means if you need workers -- your need for workers will be growing faster than the American labor force. So you understand why effective immigration reform must include a practical and lawful way for businesses to hire foreign workers when they can't fill those jobs with Americans. The restaurant industry has firsthand experience with immigrants and immigration law. And I appreciate your strong stand on Capitol Hill for comprehensive reform. (Applause.)

And here's where we are. The House passed a bill last -- an immigration bill last December, and the Senate is working hard on its version of the bill. The Senate needs to complete its bill now, so that the House and Senate can work out their differences and pass a comprehensive reform bill that I can sign into law. (Applause.)

We face challenges at home and we face challenges abroad. So I've come to talk to you about an historic event that took place halfway around the world this weekend. This Saturday in Baghdad, the new Prime Minister of Iraq announced a national unity government. This is a free government under a democratic constitution, and its formation marks a victory for the cause of freedom in the Middle East. (Applause.)

In three elections last year, millions of Iraqis cast their ballot in defiance of the terrorists. And now they have a government of their own choosing under a constitution that they drafted and they approved. As this new unity government takes office, it carries with it the hopes of the Iraqi nation, and the aspirations of freedom-loving people across a troubled region.

The unity government has strong leaders that will represent all of the Iraqi people. I called them this weekend to congratulate them. I thanked them for being courageous and strong and standing for the belief that liberty will help transform their troubled nation.

The new government is led by Prime Minister Maliki. He's a Shia. He's an Iraqi patriot who for years was part of the resistance to Saddam Hussein. He's shown courage and wisdom by surrounding himself with strong leaders who are committed to serving all the people. Prime Minister Maliki said this weekend, "Just as we did away with the tyrant and the days of oppression and despotism, we will do away with terrorism and sabotage, backwardness, poverty, and ignorance." The Iraqi people are blessed to have a leader like Prime Minister Maliki, and I'm proud to call him, ally and friend. (Applause.)

Iraq's new government has another strong leader in its President, President Talabani. He's a Kurd who distinguished himself by his service in the transitional government and in his long fight against Saddam Hussein. He's proved that he's not afraid to take the lead. He's made clear that a democratic Iraq must reject sectarian violence as strongly as it rejects terrorism. He says, "It's our duty, all of us, to work hand-in-hand to protect our people and to support Iraqi unity."

Iraq's new government has another able leader in Speaker Mashhadani. He'll preside over Iraq's new Council of Representatives. The Speaker is a Sunni who originally opposed America's presence in Iraq. He rejects the use of violence for political ends. And by agreeing to serve in a prominent role in this new unity government, he's demonstrating leadership and courage.

It was said to me that he wouldn't have taken my phone call a year ago. He's now taken it twice. (Applause.) He says Iraq's new leaders must govern by common vision. This common vision is critical to the new government's success.

Although Iraq's new leaders come from many different ethnic and religious communities, they've made clear they will govern as Iraqis. They know that the strategy of the terrorists and the insurgents is to divide Iraq along sectarian lines. And the only way the enemy will be defeated is if they stand and act as one.

The government is still a work in progress, and overcoming longstanding divisions will take time. Iraq's new leaders know they have a great deal of work ahead to broaden the base of their government and to unite the people. They also understand that representing all Iraqis and not just narrow sectarian interests, they will be able to make a decisive break with the past and make a future of progress and opportunity for all their people a reality. (Applause.) The unity government must now seize its moment and pursue a common agenda for the future.

This weekend, Prime Minister Maliki laid out his plan for a new Iraq. He promised to work for a sovereign Iraq that will assume responsibility for the security of its people. He committed himself to a free Iraq that will uphold international standards of human rights and respect the role of women in Iraqi society. He pledged to work for a prosperous Iraq that welcomes foreign investments and accelerates reconstruction and lays the foundations for economic growth and opportunity. He declared he would lead a transparent Iraq, where government is open and accountable, and corruption is not tolerated. And he vowed to work for a peaceful Iraq that is the enemy of terror, a friend to its neighbors, and a reliable partner in the community of nations.

The Prime Minister promised that he will soon fill the remaining positions in his government, and announced the details of his plans to build his new country, his new Iraq. As his government moves forward it can draw on many strengths of the Iraqi nation. Iraqis are among the most highly educated and skilled people in the Middle East. They have abundant natural resources, including fertile soil, abundant water, and large reserves of oil. And they're rich in cultural and historical and religious sites that one day could draw millions of tourists and pilgrims from across the world. Iraq's new leaders understand that so long as they remain united there is no limit to the potential of their country. (Applause.)

The unity government opens a new chapter in the relationship between the United States and Iraq. The new Iraqi government does not change America's objectives or our commitment, but it will change how we achieve those objectives and how we honor our commitment. And the new Iraqi government -- as the new Iraqi government grows in confidence and capability, America will play an increasingly supporting role. To take advantage of this moment of opportunity, the United States and our coalition partners will work with the new Iraqi government to adjust our methods and strengthen our mutual efforts to achieve victory over our common enemies.

At my direction, the Secretaries of State and Defense recently traveled to Baghdad to meet with the Prime Minister and other leaders. And now the new government has been formed, I've instructed those Secretaries to engage Iraq's new leaders as they assess their needs and capabilities, so we will be in the best position to help them succeed. Iraqis are determined to chart their own future. And now they have the leadership to do it. And this unity government deserves American support, and they will have it. (Applause.)

Our nation has been through three difficult years in Iraq. And the way forward will bring more days of challenge and loss. The progress we've made has been hard-fought, and it's been incremental. There have been setbacks and missteps -- like Abu Ghraib -- that were felt immediately and have been difficult to overcome. Yet we have now reached a turning point in the struggle between freedom and terror.

Two years ago, al Qaeda's leader in Iraq wrote a letter that said, "democracy is coming," and this would mean "suffocation" for al Qaeda and its allies. The terrorists fought this moment with all their hateful power -- with suicide attacks, and beheadings, and roadside bombs -- and now the day they feared has arrived. And with it has come a moment of great clarity: The terrorists can kill the innocent, but they cannot stop the advance of freedom. (Applause.)

The terrorists did not lay down their arms after three elections in Iraq, and they will continue to fight this new government. And we can expect the violence to continue, but something fundamental changed this weekend. The terrorists are now fighting a free and constitutional government. They're at war with the people of Iraq. And the Iraqi people are determined to defeat this enemy, and so are Iraq's new leaders, and so is the United States of America. (Applause.)

The path to freedom is always one of struggle and sacrifice. And in Iraq, our brave men and women in uniform have accepted the struggle and have made the sacrifice. This moment would not be possible without their courage. The United States of America is safer because of their success, and our nation will always be grateful to their service. (Applause.)

For most Iraqis, a free, democratic and constitutional government will be a new experience. And for the people across the broader Middle East, a free Iraq will be an inspiration. Iraqis have done more than form a government; they have proved that the desire for liberty in the heart of the Middle East is for real. They've shown diverse people can come together and work out their differences and find a way forward. And they've demonstrated that democracy is the hope of the Middle East and the destiny of all mankind.

The triumph of liberty in Iraq is part of a long and familiar story. The great biographer of American democracy, Alexis de Tocqueville, wrote: "Freedom is ordinarily born in the midst of storms. It is established painfully among civil discords, and only when it is old can one know its benefits." Years from now people will look back on the formation of a unity government in Iraq as a decisive moment in the story of liberty, a moment when freedom gained a firm foothold in the Middle East, and the forces of terror began their long retreat. (Applause.)

Thank you all very much. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you all. I'll be glad to answer some questions if you've got some. Tinsley said it would be helpful if I answered some questions. (Laughter.)

(Audience interruption.)

THE PRESIDENT: Let's see -- you got one? Yes, sir.

Q I was just wondering, being a small business owner, one of the things we really appreciate about your administration was the tax cuts for small business. And I was just wondering, are those going to be permanent?

THE PRESIDENT: His question is about tax cuts and whether they'll be permanent. First of all, a lot of Americans don't really understand that when you cut taxes on individuals, you cut taxes on a lot of small businesses. Many small businesses are sub-chapter S corporations or limited partnerships, which end up paying their taxes based upon the individual income tax rates. And so when you reduce taxes on everybody who pays taxes, you're really helping the small business sector. And why that's -- that's an important part of our economic recovery policy because small businesses create 70 percent of the new jobs in America.

So thank you for recognizing the -- thank you for reminding people here the importance of those tax cuts for small business, and also, by the way, there was some incentives in our economic recovery package that encourage you to buy equipment. And when you buy equipment, somebody has got to make the equipment. When somebody makes the equipment, it means somebody is more likely to be able to find a job not only at your place of work, but the equipment manufacturer's place of work.

And so his question was, are you going to allow the tax cuts to expire. See, they weren't permanent. My answer is, in order to make sure this economic recovery is lasting and real, the tax cuts need to be made permanent. And the Speaker agrees with me, you'll be happy to hear. (Applause.) It's important for Congress to understand that when there is any uncertainty in the tax code it will make it less likely someone is willing to invest in a small business and expand their businesses. Uncertainty in the tax code creates uncertainty in the investment community, or when people make investments.

So we're absolutely committed to making the tax cuts permanent. The argument you'll hear is, well, how can you possibly balance the budget if you make the tax cuts permanent? I guess the reverse of that is, we want to raise your taxes to balance the budget. Unfortunately, that's not the way Washington works. The way Washington works is they will raise your taxes and figure out new ways to spend the money and not balance the budget. (Applause.)

The best way to balance the budget is to keep pro-growth economic policies in place. I think you're going to find a report coming out this summer to be very interesting -- in other words, last year, by the way, we exceeded the estimated revenues by about $100 billion. The economy is cranking. When the economy works, people are employing people, and when people are making money, they pay more taxes. Right now, it looks like that the revenues coming into our treasury are greater than anticipated this time around, too.

And so the best way to reduce our deficit is to keep pro-growth economic policies in place -- hence, permanent tax cuts -- as well as being wise about how we spend your money. And the best way to be wise about how we spend your money is to set priorities. And my priority is to make sure our troops have what it takes to defend the United States of America. (Applause.)

Q Mr. President, my daughter's name is Jamie. She's a 16-year-old girl. What advice or recommendations would you give to her and to other youth of our country to help make our country a better place?

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. I would say that -- to Jamie, listen carefully to that universal admonition to love a neighbor like you'd like to be loved yourself. You know, I get an interesting perspective of America. I, of course, get to see the incredible folks who wear our nation's uniform. It's unbelievably inspiring to meet men and women who have volunteered to serve our country in a time of war. And not only do I get to meet them, I get to meet their families. I also get to meet the entrepreneurs of America, people who are willing to risk time, effort and money to grow a business. And as a result, we've got a great -- we've got fat wallets, relative to the rest of the world.

But the true strength of the country lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens. That's the really unbelievable strength of America. I get to meet people all the time. I met two youngsters today, Chinese Americans, who volunteered to go down to help the Katrina victims. Nobody told them to do it. There was no government law that said, you're going to go down and love your neighbor. They heard the call.

And so my advice is to tell your daughter that she can be a part of a changing America by helping somebody who hurts, feed the hungry, find shelter for the homeless. America's strength lies in the armies of compassion that exist all across the United States of America.

And so I thank you for your question. (Applause.)

Yes.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. First, I want to tell you, thank you, how much we love your brother.

THE PRESIDENT: I had nothing to do with it. (Laughter.) Thank my mother. (Laughter.)

Q He has been very good to the restaurant industry.

THE PRESIDENT: He has been eating a lot, I noticed. (Laughter.)

Q You said that, not me. (Laughter.) Mr. President, with mandated health care beginning to sweep the nation, and we're seeing it pop up on the state level, do you see the association health plan passing, hopefully, before you're out of office? And where do you see mandated health care going for the business industry?

THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I think that the government has a -- the federal government has a responsibility, particularly on two fronts, when it comes to health care. One is to take care of the elderly. Lyndon Johnson signed that bill, and it said the federal government will provide health care for the elderly, called Medicare. And thanks to the Speaker's leadership and others here, we reformed Medicare so it actually meets the needs of our seniors.

My attitude is, if you made a commitment to the seniors, make it a good commitment, make it work. And we didn't have prescription drug benefits as a part of Medicare. And yet, we're willing to pay for the surgery for an ulcer, for example, but not the drugs to prevent the ulcer from happening in the first place.

Secondly, we got to -- made a commitment to the poor, and that's through Medicaid, as well as community health centers. These are facilities -- and the Speaker and I have been working on this -- to expand community health centers throughout America so the poor and the indigent can get primary care in these facilities and not at your local emergency rooms.

Now, I also believe -- (applause) -- but I believe the best health care system beyond that means making sure we strengthen the doctor-patient relationship. And that is -- that's not a mandate, that's just a practical way to view medicine.

And so how can you do that? Well, one is to promote health savings accounts, which we are doing. Health savings accounts are unique products that enable a small business owner and/or an individual to be able to purchase a catastrophic plan -- low-premium catastrophic plan, high-deductible catastrophic plan -- coupled with a tax-free savings account. Now, that's important because it means that you're in control of your account. The person, the customer, the consumer is in control of making health care decisions.

One of the problems we have when it comes to cost is that we have the third-party payer system. Somebody else pays the bills, and, therefore, there is no consumerism, so to speak, involved in health care.

Secondly, we got to recognize that certain individuals don't have the capacity to be able to buy health insurance like big companies can do and, therefore, it erodes the capacity of small businesses to be able to maintain their purchasing power. In other words, if it costs you a lot of money to buy the insurance plan, you're not going to pay for your insurance, see. And right now our small businesses are being penalized because they're not allowed to pool risk across jurisdictional boundaries. A solution to that is association health plans. The Speaker got it passed out of the House. It got killed by the trial lawyers in the United States Senate.

To answer your question, yes, I hope to get it out. It's a practical way of making sure that small businesses aren't mandated, but have got choice in the marketplace. That's what I'm trying to tell you. I believe in choices in the marketplace. I believe in empowering people to make rational choices. In order to have a health care system that helps control costs and where people can make rational decisions, there needs to be transparency in pricing.

I know when I go to restaurants, I got a menu, see, and they say, here's what it costs you. That's not the case in most health care decisions. Is it? I don't -- I haven't seen a lot of price postings. So we're working -- we're using federal leverage through Medicare and the Veterans Administration, for example, to say, if you're doing business with the federal government, post your prices and the quality of service you're getting, so consumers can start making rational decisions in the marketplace. When you've got rational decision-making based upon price, it's going to help control cost, which is very important for your industry.

Third, this is an industry -- the health care industry is one that's kind of lagging behind when it comes to information technology -- the docs are still writing our prescriptions with longhand. Or sometimes when you're in a hospital and you're going from place to place, you're carrying files, right? And they've been written out in longhand. Well, it's not a very efficient use of a person's time; plus, most doctors can't write. (Laughter.) And therefore, costs are higher than they should be in medicine. So we're working to make sure that information technology is spread throughout the medical industry.

Again, the federal government has got a good chance to help leverage our position. We're a major provider of health care. And therefore, we ought to be using our position to start off helping the industry write a common language. Part of the problem in medicine is that there's not a common language, and therefore, it's hard to have a smooth information technology system throughout the medical industry. Our goal, by the way, is for every American to have a electronic medical record. And -- but, by the way, with a guarantee of privacy.

And finally, one reason why you're having trouble buying health care is because these lawsuits are running good docs out of practice. Do you realize there are over 1,500 -- (applause) -- there are over 1,500 counties in America without an OB/GYN. And part of the argument is if we got a health care system that is accessible and affordable, then we got to do something about these junk lawsuits. Again, the Speaker got a good medical liability bill out of the House of Representatives, but the trial lawyers defeated it in the United States Senate. And if you really want to help the country and make sure you've got affordable health care, get a hold of your United States senators who are voting against meaningful medical liability reform, and help us get a bill passed. (Applause.)

That's a long answer -- it's a long answer because I wanted to show you we've got a comprehensive plan that runs the opposite of a federal government being the decider at all costs. I don't believe we ought to federalize medicine, I believe we ought to localize medicine. And the most local medicine is between the doctor and the patient. (Applause.)

Q Good morning, Mr. President. My name is Robert Carter from Toronto, Canada, and my question is regarding border restrictions between our two countries. Given the impact on tourism, do you feel that it's necessary to continue increasing border restrictions between Canada and the U.S.?

THE PRESIDENT: What he's referring to is, right after 9/11, the Congress passed legislation that said there will be a new -- a border -- an identification card between -- travel between our countries. And you can understand why our nation reacted the way -- I hope you can understand the way our nation reacted the way we did after 9/11. I mean, we were -- we analyzed all aspects of our security. We were -- we said we were going to do everything we can within the law to protect ourselves. And Congress passed some new laws to make sure that we knew who was coming in the country and who was leaving the country. And I supported those laws.

And now we're working with your government to make sure that the identification cards that will be used between our two borders are compatible not only with our needs, but your needs. I spoke to Prime Minister Harper about this subject. He's very aware and worried about a identification card that would be difficult to get into the hands of Canadians and it would make it difficult for Canada to continue to attract conventions. And so to answer your question, yes, we ought to have a system that is compatible with both our countries' needs.

The difference between -- and by the way, it's very important for the Canadians to understand there's a difference in the debate going on between the northern border and the southern border. The southern -- and by the way, it's important for Americans to understand the language of this debate must never say that Canada and/or Mexico are the enemies of the United States. They're friends of the United States. They're our friends and neighbors. (Applause.)

And so the issue this gentleman is referring to really is, how do we make sure we have a system that enables the legal people to come back and forth, I guess is the best way to describe it. And we're working on it to make sure that whatever documents are needed will not be restrictive, but nevertheless informational, I guess, is the best way to put it.

Thanks. (Applause.)

Yes, sir. Okay, you're next. Yes.

Q President Bush -- from Crown Point, Indiana. First of all, I want to say you're doing a fine job.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, leave it at that, will you? (Applause.) Thank you. That kind of makes your question not very credible when you say something like that. (Laughter.) But I'll accept it anyway.

Q My question is, is there a realistic, yet aggressive timetable and strategy to get our reliance off of Middle East oil and go to a different fuel source, or ways that the United States can prosper?

THE PRESIDENT: No, that's a great question. One of the things that should be evident to the American people now is that we live in a global world, and when demand for hydrocarbons increases in places like China and India, it causes our gasoline prices to go up. In other words, a global economy is such that when demand rises faster than international supply, the price of crude goes up -- which is the feed stock for gasoline. And so the American people see firsthand what it means to be in a global world which is dependent up on fossil fuels, hydrocarbon.

And so, the realistic timetable is as soon as possible. And I do think it's realistic. And here's -- what he's saying is how quick can we get off oil, all right? Well, most oil is consumed in America because of our automobiles. And the question then is, how quickly can we diversify the automobile fleet from one that is gasoline-only to one that become a mix, for example, of gasoline and ethanol. And we're making pretty good progress. If you really think about, for example, the penetration of ethanol in the Midwest, it's been amazing over the last couple of years. Indiana people, you're beginning to get E85 pumps. E85 means 85 percent of the fuel you buy at an E85 pump is ethanol. We've put tax incentives in place to encourage the construction of ethanol refineries, and they're beginning to grow quite dramatically.

Some people say, well, you've got ethanol pumps, but doesn't it make it difficult to use it because the cars are not compatible? That's not true. There are 5 million automobiles on the road today that are flex-fuel vehicles. In other words, they can use ethanol and/or gasoline, or a combination of both. So the technologies to make our automobiles ethanol-compatible are around. As a matter of fact, you may have a flex-fuel vehicle and just don't know it.

The question then is, how do we -- do we have enough feedstock into the ethanol business to be able to really get major penetration? And that's where we're spending some money. Because we got corn, but sometimes you got to eat corn. And sometimes your pigs and cows have got to eat corn. And so pretty soon we're going to run into a bind when it comes to corn for ethanol and corn for other means and other needs. And so we're spending quite a bit of money at the federal level, and have been for a couple of years, to see whether or not we can develop new technologies to make ethanol out of other feedstocks, like switch grass or wood chips.

They say we're getting pretty close to that. I can't give you a specific timetable. I know we're getting close to a battery that can go into a hybrid vehicle. Hybrid vehicles are good things -- that switches between electricity and gasoline. And the next breakthrough is going to come to a vehicle that doesn't switch between electricity and gasoline until you've driven your first 40 miles. In other words, you'll have a battery that will be able to last for 40 miles before your car has to kick into gas -- gasoline. And that's going to help save a lot of -- that will help reduce demand for oil.

Longer-term -- and this is -- this is a longer -- that's within five years, they tell me, as well. But over the next 10 years, my hope is that we have hydrogen become a technology that is commercial and applicable, so you're really driving automobiles with hydrogen as a fuel source, not gasoline. And we're spending a lot of money on that. We've spent over a billion dollars to accelerate technologies to do that.

In the short-term, in order to -- by the way, it doesn't answer your question, how do you get off oil, but it does answer, how do we help consumers in America -- I view rising gasoline prices as like a tax. It certainly affects small businesses. And one way to do it is to make sure we've got ample supplies of gasoline available. You realize, we haven't built a new refinery since the 1970s. If Congress is that concerned about the price of gasoline, it seems like they ought to give us flexibility so we can permit expansions and/or new refineries so that we can keep the price -- (applause.)

It's a long-winded answer, but it's a problem that requires a strategy in which we spend money on research and development and on a variety of fronts.

Another example is clean coal technologies. It's conceivable that relatively -- well, within a period of time, it's not -- in my lifetime, let's put it that way -- that we can have coal fired plants that have got zero emissions. Now, that's important for people to know that it's possible. We've spent about a billion there, as well, to achieve this breakthrough, because we've got 250-some odd years of coal reserves in the United States. I think we ought to be using nuclear power. It is renewable and it produces no emissions. (Applause.)

We're spending money on technologies to make sure we can reprocess spent fuels. In other words, we're working on a variety of fronts. I don't know the timetable -- as soon as possible. And the reason why is, is that our national security issues oftentimes rest with countries that have got oil, and they don't like us, see.

And so the faster we're off oil, the better off we're going to be from an economic security perspective, and a national -- and I probably surprised you when I got up at my State of the Union and said, we've got a problem, we're addicted to oil. You know, I'm from Texas, and all that. But I believe it, and I know it. And so I'm going to work with members from both political parties to expedite research and development so we've got new technologies to achieve this important objective. (Applause.)

Yes, ma'am.

Q Thank you. Alana Foster (ph), Westport, Connecticut. Speaking of oil-producing countries that are not friendly to the United States right now, I'm very concerned about what's going on in Venezuela and Bolivia and all, the coalition of Hugo Chavez. I wondered what your strategy was going to be, or what you're working on in that respect.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. I am going to continue to remind our hemisphere that respect for property rights and human rights is essential for all countries in order for there to be prosperity and peace. I'm going to remind our allies and friends in the neighborhood that the United States of America stands for justice; that when we see poverty, we care about it and we do something about it; that we care for good -- we stand for good health care.

I'm going to remind our people that meddling in other elections is -- to achieve a short-term objective is not in the interests of the neighborhood. I will continue to remind people that trade is the best way to help people be lifted from poverty; that we can spend money -- and we do in the neighborhood -- but the best way for there to be growth is to encourage commerce and trade and prosperity through the marketplace.

I want to remind people that the United States stands against corruption at all levels of government, that the United States is transparent. The United States expects the same from other countries in the neighborhood, and we'll work toward them.

We'll continue to work with forces like the Central -- countries like the Central American countries, where we passed a free trade agreement called CAFTA, to remind the people in that area that relations with the United States will be beneficial to their people. There's a lot of things we're doing.

Thank you very much. I'm concerned -- let me just put it bluntly -- I'm concerned about the erosion of democracy in the countries you mentioned. (Applause.)

Q Hi -- Orlando, Florida. Let me first say, it's an honor to hear you speak. And I'm a proud supporter. I just had a quick question. Yesterday, at the keynote address, Ted Koppel mentioned that there is a growing lack of trust between government and the American people. How would you address this statement?

THE PRESIDENT: He said there's a growing lack of trust between our government and the American people?

Q Yes, he did.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think I would say that there's an unease in America now, and the reason why is because we're at war. And war is more difficult -- particularly this kind of war, where it's on our TV screens every day. And I can understand why people are uneasy. Americans care about human life. We have a great compassion for people all around the world. And so when people read or see that the enemy has run a suicide bomber into a village or a marketplace and innocent people died, it breaks their heart. So there is an unease about America.

Hey, listen, we got an amazing economy -- it's strong, and yet there's an uneasiness. And that's what happens in war. And let me just share my thoughts about this with you. If I didn't think we'd succeed, I wouldn't stay. And if I didn't think it was important that we succeed, I wouldn't stay. And the reason it's important is that we must understand that we're in a global war against a totalitarian group of people who will kill innocent life there or here in order to achieve an objective. That's just the lessons of September the 11th that I refuse to forget. (Applause.)

In Iraq, the enemy has made it clear -- this is their words, not mine; I quoted the man -- the al Qaeda guy in Iraq -- those weren't my -- I didn't make up those quotes. That's that he said. And by the way you need your President and your Commander-in-Chief to take the words of the enemy seriously. And they have said it's just a matter of time -- (applause.) They have said it's a matter of time for the United States to leave, that democracies are soft, that capitalist societies are weak. And their view is that if they kill enough innocent people, we will tire and leave. That's what they said.

They've also said we're going to stop the elections. They will try to sow sectarian violence in order to make it difficult for a democracy to succeed in Iraq. And the reason why they want us to leave is because they want safe haven from which to launch attacks -- not only against the United States, but modern Muslim nations in the Middle East. That's what they want to do.

Their vision -- they have a vision. They have an ideology that is the opposite of ours. They don't believe in freedom to dissent and freedom to worship. Matter of fact, they've taken a great religion and, in my judgment, have twisted it to meet their own needs. (Applause.)

If somebody said, well, what do you think life would be like with these folks, just remind them what life was like in Afghanistan under the Taliban. There was no dissent, and if you did, you were whipped. Young girls didn't go to school. They have a backward vision of the world, but they do have a vision, and they want to spread that vision. And we stand in the way of spreading that vision -- we and a coalition of nations that are bound together to promote democracy and freedom. That's what -- and democracy worries them.

My quote in the speech was this guy's words -- democracy will be a setback. That's why I said, the formation of this government, under a constitution drafted and approved by the Iraqis, is a setback, because it's -- they said, we will defeat this democracy. But they're not going to defeat the democracy. The only way they defeat the democracy is if we -- is if we let them defeat the democracy, we don't stand with this young government.

Again, I know that -- I know there's concern about -- from the American people that we can't win. See, most Americans want us to win. Most Americans want to succeed. And there's questions about whether or not the strategy will do so. (Applause.)

And I can understand why people are concerned about whether or not our strategy can succeed, because our progress is incremental. Freedom is moving, but it's in incremental steps. And the enemy's progress is almost instant on their TV screens. And, of course, I get briefings from our commanders on the ground. I want to assure you that the information -- I make my mind up based not upon politics or political opinion polls, but based upon what the commanders on the ground tell me is going on. (Applause.)

I do want to share with you -- thanks for bringing this up. It's not exactly the question. (Laughter.) I'll share with you some of my thoughts about why it's important to have a democracy, liberty prevail in the Middle East. You know, our policy up until now was, let's just hope everything's fine. If it looked okay on the surface, then let's just don't rock the boat. Let's get our energy sources and everything will be all right.

But that's not what was happening. Beneath the surface, there was a -- discontent and hopelessness and despair was beginning to take hold. And as a result, this group of killers sprung up, and they were able to recruit and train sophisticated suiciders. And they killed over 3,000 of our people.

I felt it was important for us to address not only the short-term needs of the country, which means stay on the offensive and bring them to justice before they hurt us again, but also the longer-term needs of the country by addressing the root cause of the resentment and hatred. And in my judgment, the best way to defeat the totalitarian vision of the enemy is with an ideology that has worked, that is bright and is hopeful, called freedom and liberty, expressed through democracy.

Now, I know there are some people in our country who say, why worry? Well, the reason why worry is because we have a duty to lay the foundation of peace for a generation to come. And I'm confident we can succeed. And I will tell you two examples of this, of why I'm confident. One, think of all the lives lost in Europe during World War I and World War II, American lives lost. You all know some of them. You know neighbors who had a grandfather or a father who went over -- called up, went overseas to -- and fought in Europe and lost their lives.

But today, after nearly a century of violence and death and destruction, Europe is whole, free, and at peace. And it's important for America to ask the question, why is that the case? Well, democracies don't war with each other, and democracies have taken hold in Europe.

The second example I like to bring up is from World War II, as well, and that is what's happened to our former enemy, the Japanese. Prime Minister Koizumi is coming to our country soon. I'll be sitting down to the table with a friend talking about issues like North Korea, or thanking him for having 1,000 troops in Iraq, or worrying about the spread of pandemic disease, or talking about how we can help the young democracy, Afghanistan. And I find it amazing that the President of the United States is sitting down talking about peace with the head of a country that my dad went to war with, and your dads and grandads went to war with.

And what happened between the brutal attack on our country -- that, by the way, killed fewer people at Pearl Harbor than we lost on September the 11th -- and today, when we're talking about keeping the peace? Japan adopted a Japanese-style democracy. One thing history teaches -- and by the way, if you look back at some of the written word when Harry Truman had the vision of helping this country recover from the war and become a democracy, a lot of people were saying, it's a waste of his time; hopelessly idealistic, they would say. But he had faith in certain fundamental truths. One truth is, everybody desires to be free. Freedom is universal. It's not just a right for America. (Applause.)

And the second truth is, proven after 60 years of time, that freedom has the capacity to convert an enemy to a friend. And as I said in my remarks, I believe that this is an historic moment in Iraq, and that some day people will be looking back on this period of time saying, thank goodness the United States of America didn't lose its faith in certain fundamental values, and we laid the foundation of peace. (Applause.)

And it's hard work. It's hard work to go from a tyranny to a democracy. And I understand why people are concerned. I understand it. Listen, I meet with -- the hardest job of the President is to meet with families of the fallen. And it's a -- it's my duty. But almost to a person, they say, whatever you do, Mr. President, complete the mission, lay the foundation of peace so my child had not died in vain. And I give them that assurance every time I meet with them. (Applause.)

Yes.

Q I'm from Munster, Indiana. I was wondering, sir, if we were to be attacked by a biological weapon, or if there was an outbreak of the avian flu, would we be prepared?

THE PRESIDENT: Good question. We are working to be prepared. His question is, if there is a catastrophic event that is beyond the magnitude of a natural event, such as a biological attack and/or a attack of pandemic flu, would we be prepared.

Well, first step is to recognize that it's a possibility and start preparing, which we're doing at the federal level. Yes, we've got a good strategy -- now, whether or not it would work to perfection, you hope you never have to find out.

One of the classic cases -- one of the classic dilemmas we're trying to resolve is that most -- it's against the law to put federal troops in to enforce the law. It's posse comitatus, you know? I'm not a lawyer, but nevertheless, that's what the lawyers tell me. However, states can use their Guard to do law enforcement activities. And the fundamental question is, if there's an event big enough, should the federal government be able to prevent state authority -- should there be an automatic declaration of a state of emergency that will enable me to rally federal troops to keep the law?

We haven't resolved that issue yet, but that's one of the dilemmas on a catastrophic event that ends up exceeding the boundaries of -- that would make it not a local event. But we're working hard on it. We've spent a lot of time on pandemic flu, which, by the way, has got the same -- a biological attack would have the same applications as to how you -- how do you isolate the incident, how do you isolate the spread of disease, how do you rally local authorities to make the right decisions about public facilities.

Mike Leavitt is in charge of this, the health aspect of this response. He's been traveling the country, working with local and state response plans, and it's a big job to get ready for it. I appreciate your question.

Q Arlington, Texas.

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, yes.

Q Home of your Texas Rangers.

THE PRESIDENT: The mighty Rangers. They never -- they still don't have --

Q They're in first place, that's good. My question is about --

THE PRESIDENT: I thought with change of ownership they'd go all the way, you know? (Laughter.)

Q My question is about health care reform.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q You mentioned health care reform, catastrophic health care reform, Americans with Disabilities, as well. Under the umbrella of that, it doesn't seem that there is much addressed in terms of dental care, even though that is part of health care, I would think. And the second part of that question is, will you see Al Gore's new movie? (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Doubt it. (Laughter and applause.) But I will say this about the environmental debate, that my answer to the energy question also is an answer to how you deal with the greenhouse gas issue, and that is new technologies will change how we live and how we drive our cars, which all will have the beneficial effect of improving the environment.

And in my judgment, we need to set aside whether or not greenhouse gases have been caused by mankind or because of natural effects, and focus on the technologies that will enable us to live better lives and at the same time, protect the environment.

Not sure how to answer your question on dentistry, frankly. I'll take a look at it. Yes, drop your address off.

Chef, how are you doing, buddy?

Q Doing very good. I'm doing very good, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: You know how I could tell you were chef?

Q I don't know. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q Thank you. On behalf of -- I'm from Tampa, Florida. And on behalf of all the cooks and chefs in our country, I have to say you're running it the way a chef would run the country, and we're proud of you, first of all.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, sir. (Applause.)

Q You have created a lot of jobs, and our industry is just, like you said, it's cranking, and we're loving every minute of it. My biggest concern, sir, is 2008 is coming. Do you have a plan for -- to keep your policies in place and keep them going? And would Jeb ever consider -- we like him -- even though we're the home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, we don't have everything, but would Jeb ever consider --

THE PRESIDENT: Playing for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays?

Q Hell no. (Laughter.) For our country. For our country, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: You better ask Jeb. Look, I said something about it the other day. Somebody asked me about him. I said, look, I think he'd be a great President. But it's -- he said he's not going to run in 2008, and I think you've got to take him for his word. He's been in public life now for eight years, and I think he wants a breather.

But thank you for your kind words. You go back and write him a letter, you know. He's a -- he's a good man. Look, my -- here's the thing about Washington that -- the rhetoric needs, in my judgment, toned down up there so that we're able to attract good people, both Republican and Democrat, to run for public office. (Applause.) You know, it's one thing to disagree, but it's another thing to disparage people. And we just -- we don't need that kind of language, in my judgment, in order to attract good people to public service.

And there's too much politics in Washington these days. There really is. And so my worry is, not so much about Jeb, but when people take a look at Washington and say, why mess with it? Why do I want to put my family through it all? And my advice to them is, one, it's worth it. But my advice, also, to all of us in public office is not to demean somebody because you don't agree with them. At least, in the debate, be considerate of the other person's point of view.

And the immigration debate is one where America needs to start, in my judgment. I'm very worried about the tone of this debate. We are a land of immigrants. One of the great things about America is we've been able to assimilate people from all around the world into becoming Americans. And that debate -- if that debate tends to divide this country, or cause people to wonder about their worth as an individual, it will be a debate of -- it will be a debate that will be harmful.

Now, I understand the emotions of this issue. It's a tough issue for members to vote on. I happen to believe my comprehensive plan is the way to go. But if somebody doesn't agree with me, I'm not going to debase them in the public arena. And so whether the debate is immigration, or tax, or Iraq, it's really important, in my judgment, for us to conduct this debate with dignity. And that will help answer your question as to whether or not people are going to be wanting to run for office.

You know, my buddies in Texas take a look at Washington and say, why are you even up there, man? Come on home. (Laughter.) What are you doing that for? My answer is, I love my country. Public service is noble and necessary. I'm glad I ran for President. And I'll try to do my part to elevate the tone and hold people -- and treat people with respect, whether they agree with me or not.

I've got to go back to Washington. God bless. Thanks for coming. (Applause

The United States has no closer ally than the United Kingdom. U.S. and U.K. forces are fighting terror in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the globe. The Prime Minister and the President discussed ways to strengthen defense cooperation.

The two leaders are pleased to announce that the United States and United Kingdom recently signed an agreement that allows appropriately cleared British and U.S. personnel to use the same computer network to access military and intelligence information and other planning tools to support joint military operations in the defense of freedom.

Additionally, the leaders recognize that as American and British soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are right now standing together in harm's way, we must plan for the future capabilities that will enhance our ability to cooperate. Both governments agree that the UK will have the ability to successfully operate, upgrade, employ, and maintain the Joint Strike Fighter such that the UK retains operational sovereignty over the aircraft. Further, both governments agree to protect sensitive technologies found within the Joint Strike Fighter program. Together, we are working out the details, while remaining committed to these principles.

Finally, the President and Prime Minister have a shared view that we need to continue to strengthen and deepen the relationship between our defense establishments to achieve fully interoperable forces and to leverage the respective strengths of U.S. and U.K. industries. The Prime Minister and President look forward to new ways we can achieve that goal.

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"This summer it is all about flavor and choice," said Catherine Hull, Papa John's vice president of strategy and brand marketing. "By bringing fajita pizza to the table or poolside, Papa John's has successfully combined two consumer favorites, pizza and fajitas, into one great pizza. By offering the fajita pizza with chicken or steak, we will please lots of palates this summer."

As the "100 Days of Sizzlin' Summer" begin, Papa John's and Coca-Cola make winning easy with an online sweepstakes. By registering at http://www.papajohns.com, customers are eligible to win prizes including a new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster, big screen TV packages from Circuit City, travel from American Airlines, and grill sets from Home Depot. To spice up the deal, instant win gift cards, from nationally recognized brands like Gap, Old Navy and Cabela's may be won by playing the "Sizzlin' Summer" online sweepstakes game.

And just to make the fiesta of fun even hotter, once registered, each time they play customers receive promotional codes for savings and special offers like free Papa John's Sweetreats, breadsticks, Cheesesticks and Coca-Cola beverages with the purchase of any large specialty pizza at regular menu price.

"The Sizzlin' Summer online sweepstakes offers our customers the chance to score big with Papa John's and other great brands," said Jim Ensign, Papa John's vice president, marketing communications. "We believe these value-added offers will help more customers discover the benefits of ordering pizza online, a key focus area for Papa John's."

Playing the promotion each day is entertaining, too. Registrants just need to reveal the same pizza topping under three out of nine pizza boxes to win. Plus, throughout the promotion, visitors to http://www.papajohns.com can get offers from their favorite local "Sizzlin' Summer Destinations" like local sports venues, movie theaters and hotels.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John's is the world's third largest pizza company. For seven years running, consumers have rated Papa John's No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national QSR chains in the highly regarded American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John's at http://www.papajohns.com.

Papa John's International, Inc., Louisville

The following is a transcript of a radio address by President Bush to the nation:

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This Memorial Day weekend, Americans pay

tribute to those who have given their lives in service to our Nation.

America is free because generations of young Americans have been willing to

sacrifice to defend the country they love, so their fellow citizens could

live in liberty.

This weekend, I am visiting some of the brave men and women who will

soon take their own place in the defense of our freedom -- the 2006

graduating class at West Point. This was the first class to arrive at West

Point after the attacks of September the 11th, 2001. Each of them came to

West Point in a time of war, knowing all the risks and dangers that come

with wearing our Nation's uniform. And the reality of that war has

surrounded them since their first moments at the Academy. Thirty-four times

since they arrived at West Point, they have observed a moment of silence to

honor a former cadet fallen in the war on terror.

One of those former cadets was First Lieutenant Rob Seidel, a 2004 West

Point graduate who gave his life in Iraq earlier this month. Rob grew up in

Maryland, and as a child he and his family made frequent visits to the

Civil War battlefield at Gettysburg, and from his earliest days he dreamed

of serving in the U.S. Army. He deployed to Iraq with the 10th Mountain

division and was killed by a bomb in Baghdad. His father says this about

Rob: "He loved his family, and believed in God, and he loved his country,

and he was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of his country."

We live in freedom because of young Americans like Lieutenant Rob

Seidel. And in recent days in Iraq, we've seen what their sacrifices have

made possible. A week ago, the new Prime Minister of Iraq announced the

formation of a national unity government. British Prime Minister Tony Blair

recently visited Baghdad to meet with Prime Minister Maliki and Iraq's new

leaders, and this week he came to the United States to give me his

impressions. Prime Minister Blair told me that Iraq's new leaders are

determined to rid their country of terrorism, unite Iraqis as one people,

and deliver peace and prosperity for all their citizens.

The formation of a democratic government in Iraq marks a victory for

the cause of freedom in the Middle East. It is a victory for millions of

Iraqis who defied the terrorists and cast their ballots in three elections

last year. It is a victory for the Iraqi Security Forces, who fought and

bled for this moment, and now have a democracy worthy of their sacrifice.

And it is a victory for the American, British, and other coalition forces

who removed a murderous dictator who threatened the world. Because of their

courage and sacrifices, Iraq has a free government that will be a strong

and capable ally in the global war on terror.

The new government in Iraq is also a defeat for the terrorists, who

fought the arrival of a free and democratic Iraq with all the hateful power

they could muster. Now, a day that they feared has arrived. The terrorists

can kill the innocent, but they cannot stop the advance of freedom. We can

expect the terrorists to continue bombing and killing, but something

fundamental has changed: The terrorists are now fighting a free and

constitutional government. They are at war with the people of Iraq. The

Iraqi people and their new leaders are determined to defeat this enemy, and

so is the United States of America.

This Memorial Day weekend, we remember First Lieutenant Seidel and the

brave Americans of every generation who have given their lives for freedom,

liberated the oppressed, and left the world a safer and better place. And

the best way to honor America's fallen heroes is to carry on their fight,

defend our freedom, and complete the mission for which they gave their

lives.

Thank you for listening.

As warned previously by the members of the Avian Flu Talk online forum, the bird flu virus is quickly becoming more adaptable to humans as evident by the growing clusters now being reported. This is to be expected as the bird flu virus is an influenza strand, which means that it will soon mutate into a highly contagious human form as the normal flu does each year. The problem is that this new bird flu strain is the deadliest known virus in human history.

This new supped-up flu is a lethal killing machine as being witnessed in North Sumatra where 7 of 8 family members have now died. This particular cluster has an alarming fatality rate of over 80%. The implications of a highly contagious human strain of this virus are unimaginable and very difficult to comprehend for most. As stated, since this is an "influenza virus," by nature we can soon expect it to become highly contagious to humans. This appears to be taking place now in Asia.

During a pandemic flu crisis such as this, you can expect all services such as utilities, gas and water to be disrupted. In addition, there will be no deliveries to stores and restaurants, which is why buying extra food and water is very important.

All of those who depend on medication should immediately request a future emergency supply from their physician today. Failure to do this may prove to be irresponsible.

If you would like additional assistance, you can now receive help 24 hours a day by simply visiting an online discussion forum that provides real time discussion. People from all around the world are working together on this new website forum and we strongly encourage all of those who have not already done so to immediately visit this new pandemic flu portal at: www.Avianflutalk.com.

SOURCE: Avian FluTalk

REBA McENTIRE GETS A JUMP START ON SPRINGSpring 2006 “REBA” Line to Hit Dillard’s Stores in Late February

This Spring Reba delves into a more playful sense of style with colors and patterns ranging from feminine florals to preppy stripes. She has added more beautiful dresses, sexy tops and romantic skirts, while still offering classic suiting options. Available in sizes 4-16 with price points ranging from $35 to $175, the Spring collection is also sprinkled with personal details that inspire Reba including covered buttons, crystal beading, detailed stitching, and flirty hemlines. From month to month Reba ensures women will be looking and feeling their best.

January – “At First Glance” – A collection of wardrobe basics such as pants, blazers and knit separates in black and neutral tones, with accent pieces rich in coral and turquoise – perfect for a winter retreat.

February – “Aquarius” – Lush blue and green hues complement the flowy tunics and dresses, and the structured a-line skirts, button down shirts and striped pants.

March – “Sense and Sensibility” – Lightweight silk gauze tops and floral dresses in mints and pink tones are paired with knit separates with lace detail.

April – “Bali” – Pops of orange, lime and violet in exotic mosaic prints and knit and silk tops are balanced by black and white basics.

Since its inception, the line has illustrated Reba’s innate understanding of a busy woman’s lifestyle with clothing that meets the diverse needs of a modern woman’s day – going from work to PTA meetings to soccer games and cocktail parties. Reba is devoted to creating clothes that feel as great as they look, and is highly involved in every aspect of design from picking out comfortable, movable fabrics to providing input on the sophisticated tailoring to create a flawless silhouette. In addition, Reba has also added signature details to her line like vented sleeves, stays in the pants to prevent the hem from slipping under your heel, and delicate crystal beading to add a touch of sparkle.

The debut of ‘Reba’ is a natural result of both partners’ understanding of today’s modern woman. For Dillard’s and for Reba, it reflects a desire to help women simplify their time-stressed lives and easily find a personal style.

Reba wanted to develop a sophisticated, versatile collection reflecting her own sense of style, for women who share her time constraints and active lifestyle. "I like to wear what feels good. If I feel good in what I’m wearing, I have more confidence whether I’m going on stage, to a meeting or out with my family. I know what works for me and I want to translate that into what will work for other women too," said Reba McEntire, who is fully involved in all aspects of the design process with Icon Creations, a New York City based fashion design firm. "The ‘Reba’ collection is designed to give women clothing that works from moment to moment, season to season, for all her separate feelings."

Dillard’s felt ‘Reba’ would be a strong addition to its significant fashion presence. “‘Reba’ is a natural extension of our women’s fashion offerings. Our philosophy has always been to provide our customers with the best selection, in a place she knows and trusts,” remarked Alex Dillard, President, Dillard’s, Inc.

Concentrating on mix-and-match pieces, the ‘Reba’ collection includes career wear, casual wear, novelty wear, sportswear and knit separates of superior workmanship in sizes 4-14 with price points ranging from $48 to $289. The line was designed from the inside out, where emphasis was placed on making clothing that would feel as luxurious as it looks. The color stories for the spring lines include rich, dark tones as well as eye-catching feminine hues such as titanium, pistachio and feather blue, which effortlessly coordinate together. Details and embellishments include covered buttons, bold hemlines, detailed stitching and seaming, and personal designs that inspire Reba.

The first ‘Reba’ collection will be in stores in March 2005 with new retail deliveries occurring biweekly thereafter.

Over the course of her 25+ year career, McEntire has established herself as country music's leading lady, rising to become the best-selling female country singer of the 20th century with more than 48 million records sold.  Mc Entire is an established movie and television actress, having starred in the cult classic "Tremors,” "One Night at McCool's,” "North" and "The Little Rascals” and most recently on television in her hit sitcom, “Reba,” now in its fourth season.  McEntire is also a successful author, having published her New York Times Best Seller autobiography “Reba: My Story” and “Comfort from a Country Quilt: Find New Inspiration and Strength and Old-Fashioned Values,” a collection of personal essays, which have exceeded sales of 1 million copies combined.  Spring 2005 marks the first time McEntire will be making her move into fashion with the launch of her new fashion collection “Reba” in Dillard’s stores nationwide.  McEntire currently divides her time between her home in Nashville, Tennessee and the television set of "Reba" in Los Angeles.

Dillard's, Inc. ranks among the nation’s largest fashion apparel and home furnishings retailers with annual revenues exceeding $7.8 billion. The company focuses on delivering maximum value to its shoppers, with fairly priced merchandise complemented by exceptional customer service. Dillard's stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, including products sourced and marketed under Dillard's exclusive brand names. The company comprises 329 stores, spanning 29 states, all operating with one name - Dillard's.

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"The night of May 27, 2006 in Namibia, Africa, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt welcomed their daughter Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt. No further information is being given," publicist Cindy Guagenti said in a statement.

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After a half-century of neglect, Coney Island is targeted for a $1 billion renovation aimed at creating a year-round attraction to compete against the theme parks that nearly obliterated the neighborhood. The work is at least a year off, but it's already the buzz of the beach.

"Coney Island seemed like it was in a time warp, and would never change," said Dick Zigun, operator of the local Sideshows By the Seashore attraction. "Why not have a bigger, better, more exciting Coney Island?"

Other local merchants agree — although some wonder if the unique local flavor will disappear once Thor Equities starts developing its $100 million in recently purchased properties.

"People are worried about losing the certain character that Coney Island has always had," said Carol Albert, whose family runs the legendary Cyclone roller coaster and the Astroland Amusement Park. "It's a fine line. You don't want to lose the character, but ..."

The "but" rests with Thor, developer of a three-block-long, one-block-deep section off the boardwalk, along with some other properties. Its CEO and founder, Joe Sitt, has a personal interest in the Coney Island project: he's a Brooklyn native and still jogs along the boardwalk.

Sitt's local roots were a boon in avoiding the pitfalls that often plague major development, said Chuck Reichenthal, head of Community Board 13 in Coney Island.

"He really does understand what Coney Island was, what it is and what it can be," Reichenthal said.

The developer hopes for a final plan by July 1, with a variety of projects including a high-end hotel (perhaps shaped like a roller coaster), a water park, retail outlets and residential property.

Today, the area along the boardwalk is a mix of vacant lots and vintage storefronts.

Some things will remain untouched. The Cyclone, the Wonder Wheel and what's left of the Parachute Jump are all designated landmarks.

But other sections demand attention: The rotting home of the old Playland arcade, or the once-grand Child's Restaurant, now splashed with spray paint and sealed with metal grates.

Once finished, the plan will need city approval. Then, if everything goes right, construction could start by July 2007. Sitt has guaranteed all businesses on Thor property a location in his development, said Lee Silberstein, a spokesman for Thor.

"Those lots may be boarded up next summer," said Silberstein. "But at the end of the process, you're going to have something very special in Coney Island."

Coney Island once was something special, the most popular resort destination in the country. But "America's Playground" suffered though a long post-World War II decline

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            Pfc. Caleb A. Lufkin, 24, of Knoxville, Ill., died on May 25, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., of injuries sustained onMay 4, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his RG-31 MineProtected Vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq.  Lufkin was assigned to the 5th Engineer Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

            Lance Cpl. Kevin A. Lucas, 20, of Greensboro, N.C., died May 26,while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar province,Iraq.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, IIMarine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

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INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

Info@montebubbles.net

Party at MGM Grand includes Buddy Alan Owens, The Buckaroos, Dwight Yoakam, Little Jimmy Dickens, John Corbett and more!

The HEE HAW slot machine was in the spotlight during a special event Monday, May 22 in Las Vegas on the eve of the Academy of Country Music Awards. Invited guests from both the gaming and country music industries celebrated the launch of the HEE HAW slot while paying tribute to the television show's co-host, Buck Owens who died in March.

Buck Owens' band, The Buckaroos, along with Buck's son, Buddy Alan Owens, performed for party guests that included actor and country singer John Corbett, and Grand Ole Opry great Little Jimmy Dickens. The highlight of the night was the appearance of Dwight Yoakam who stopped by to perform several songs made famous by the late Buck Owens. The crowd was on their feet when Yoakam joined The Buckaroos and Buddy Alan Owens in "Streets of Bakersfield," the #1 hit Yoakam and Buck Owens partnered together on in 1988. Country artist, Aaron Tippin, himself a guest on HEE HAW and a friend of Owens, also performed with the band.

 The party marked the official launch of the HEE HAW slot machine, made by Bally Technologies, Inc., in a partnership with Gaylord Entertainment, owner of the HEE HAW franchise. The machine, which is based on the classic HEE HAW television show that ranks among the most popular TV programs of all time, features HEE HAW co-hosts Buck Owens and Roy Clark, well-known down-on-the-farm regular Junior Samples and country legend Minnie Pearl. The HEE HAW slot machine is a multi-level progressive game on the five -reel S9000 machine driven by Bally's advanced ALPHA 0S™ technology.

Bally has begun a sales rollout of the HEE HAW machine to casinos nationwide. The machine which made its debut on the gaming floor of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is already proving popular with the fans it seems, as there is often a line of people waiting for their chance to play. The machine can also be found at the MGM Grand Detroit, Greektown Casino in Detroit, Thunder Valley Casino near Sacramento and Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino near San Diego.

"The HEE HAW game is off to a great start and we believe the combination of our unique S9000 machine and the HEE HAW brand will deliver powerful results for casino operators while giving players a highly entertaining gaming experience, " said Mickey Roemer, Senior Vice President of Products and Marketing for Bally Technologies. "HEE HAW hits the perfect sweet spot for slot-player demographics and we're thrilled the brand is so full of life more than 35 years after the television show first went on the air."

The HEE HAW television series debuted on CBS on June 15, 1969 and ran weekly for more than 20 years. By 1977, HEE HAW was the nation's No.1-rated non-network show and it ultimately became one of the longest-running syndicated TV shows in history with more than 585 one-hour shows produced. HEE HAW reached 90 percent of U.S. households and was seen on 220 television stations at its height. HEE HAW attracted hundreds of celebrity guests from virtually every segment of the entertainment industry, including Hugh Hefner, Dolly Parton, Minnesota Fats, Garth Brooks and Richard Petty. Quite risqué for its time, HEE HAW is still remembered by many for the group of women cast members known collectively as the "HEE HAW Honeys."

The HEE HAW brand, much like that of the Dukes of Hazzard and the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, continues to connect with millions who enjoy the unpretentious attitude inherent in rural comedy and down-home fun. Recently, HEE HAW surpassed the 1 million sales mark in total DVD sales and is moving into other product lines, including a contemporary line of wearables being placed in boutiques across the country.

Gaylord Entertainment, a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn., owns and operates three industry-leading brands - Gaylord Hotels (www.gaylordhotels.com), its network of upscale, meetings-focused resorts, ResortQuest (www.resortquest.com), the nation's largest vacation rental property management company, and the Grand Ole Opry (www.opry.com), the weekly showcase of country music's finest performers for 80 consecutive years. The company also owns Gaylord Program Services, Inc., owner of all rights and trademarks for Hee Haw, America's all-time favorite country music and comedy television series. The company's other entertainment brands and properties include Ryman Auditorium, General Jackson Showboat, Springhouse Links, Wildhorse Saloon, and WSM-AM. For more information about the company, visit http://www.gaylordentertainment.com/.

With a history dating back to 1932, Las Vegas-based Bally Gaming Technologies designs, manufactures, operates and distributes advanced gaming devices, systems and technology solutions worldwide. Bally's product line includes reel-spinning slot machines, video slots, wide-area progressives and Class II, lottery and central determination games and platforms. As the world's No.1 gaming systems company, Bally also offers an array of casino management, slot accounting, bonusing, cashless and table management solutions. The Company also owns and operates Rainbow Casino in Vicksburg, Miss. Additional information on the Company can be found at http://www.ballytech.com/.

-- Leela James' new video for the single, "Good Time," will be added to 'Soul Spotlight' rotation and an All Day Premiere on VH1 Soul. The video will premiere on Monday, 5/29, every hour on the hour and a 'Soul Spotlight' all week, which means it will receive 100+ spins in its first week.

What has Leela been up to in the last three months? On March 14, a digital EP of her live performance in New Orleans went on sale exclusively through iTunes (made available for download by other online retailers in April). The DMD went on sale the day after James appeared with Marc Broussard and Solomon Burke in a tribute to late soul legend Wilson Pickett at the 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. James has also performed with Jamie Cullum in a tribute to Aretha Franklin at the UK Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in London last November.

James, whose throaty gospel-influenced voice has been described as "Chaka Khan meets Mahalia Jackson," was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for "Outstanding New Artist" and a Soul Train award for "Best New R&B-Soul Artist." You can check out Leela James at one of the upcoming dates, listed below.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Tuesday, 5/30 New York, NY Irving Plaza

Thursday, 6/1 Glenside, PA Kenswick Theatre

Saturday, 7/1 Detroit, MI Comerica Festiva

SOURCE: Warner Bros. Records

-- MoneyTV is the nationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews by hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman with company CEOs, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures.

Free information packages from the featured companies can be requested by sending an email to info@moneytv.net.

The television program can also be viewed online immediately at www.moneytv.net.

Featured companies on this week's show include:

Invisa Inc. (OTCBB: INSA) VP of Operations Carl Parks spoke of the company's sensing technology currently being marketed to the access control gate market.

Dragon Capital Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: DRGV) Spokesperson Marc Seigel detailed recent company financial reports.

Manhattan West Mortgage CEO Roger Schlesinger unveiled 100% mortgage financing, with a 580 credit score, up to $1 million.

Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTCBB: CBAI) CEO Matthew Schissler announced the company was commencing an "aggressive" acquisition strategy to consolidate the industry.

Universal Express, Inc. CEO Richard Altomare spoke of the company's Dubai funding and announced the signing of a Letter of Intent to purchase a lost luggage recovery company.

XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX) CEO Tom Djokovich spoke of the construction progress of the company's new facility in Golden, Colorado.

The Green Baron.com Editor-in-Chief Matt Chipman discussed possible investor reaction to the Enron verdicts.

Creator Capital, Ltd. CEO Alex Downie spoke of his Brazilian and Argentinian football negotiations to bring the content to China.

Viewers of MoneyTV can receive free information in the mail about featured companies by calling the toll-free phone number on their TV screen. The weekly television program debuted in 1996 and is broadcast nationally to 60 million U.S. homes on Saturdays at 11:00 AM ET, Sundays at 8:30 AM PT, & 9:30 AM ET and Mondays at 6:30 PM ET.

MoneyTV is broadcast to 45 million TV homes in Western Europe, Wednesdays at 7:30 PM.

MoneyTV is also broadcast on NBC-TV in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Sundays at 8:00 AM.

A complete menu of TV listings is available at the MoneyTV web site, http://www.moneytv.net.

MoneyTV television program, Copyright MMVI, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3- to 4-month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $11,500.00 to $17,250.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by the producers, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV.

SOURCE: MoneyTV

According to The Kids Market in the U.S., a new report from Packaged Facts, preschoolers aged 3 to 5, younger kids aged 6 to 8, and tweens aged 9 to 11a compact consumer group that's nearly 36 million kids strong continue to pack a punch in purchasing power, which in 2005 was estimated to be $18 billion,

The report projects the kids market will experience substantial growth during the next four years, reaching $21.4 billion in disposable income by 2010.

Concurrently, families spend more than $115 billion on kids in key consumer areas, such as food, clothing, personal-care items, entertainment, and reading materials. Almost half of this total expenditure on kids, $58.3 billion, is devoted to food purchases. By Packaged Facts estimates, annual expenditures by families on consumer goods for kids will reach approximately $143 billion by 2010.

Besides "tricky" marketing to this big-money demographic because of distinct tastes, buying habits, levels of influence over purchasing decisions, and influences, such as race, education level of parents, and household income, there are wider-ranging kid issues that have focused on the business and societal risks related to kid marketing.

Don Montuori, the publisher of Packaged Facts, concludes that "... marketers would be wise to adapt to the rapidly evolving consumer attitudes and habits of today's media-saturated kidsand their familiesby going beyond what's politically correct..."

MySpace Creates Unprecedented Campaign for ''An Inconvenient Truth''; Documentary Aligns with Leading Social Networking Website to Raise Public Awareness of Global Warming Through High-Traffic Placement of Film Profile and Movie Theater Buyout

LOS ANGELES --(Business Wire)-- May 25, 2006 MySpace.com, the leading Internet lifestyle portal, announced today that it has joined forces with Al Gore to create an unprecedented campaign for the global warming documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth." The campaign, which launched today and runs for the next several weeks, is the broadest effort MySpace has undertaken on behalf of a social cause.

"MySpace has a unique ability to mobilize its community around an urgent cause. We are thrilled they are participating in the promotion of 'An Inconvenient Truth,'" said former Vice President Al Gore. "In doing so, they are helping us raise awareness about the planetary emergency posed by global warming."

"This partnership is the latest greatest campaign in MySpace's ongoing effort to highlight important social issues and raise consciousness among our vast network of users," said Chris DeWolfe, CEO and co-founder of MySpace.com. "As with our campaigns for Hurricane Katrina relief and other social causes, MySpace is a tremendous platform for members to activate around pressing issues like global warming," added DeWolfe.

MySpace's campaign for "An Inconvenient Truth" includes a custom-designed community to raise awareness and facilitate conversation about global warming. Among other features, the community's home page offers a personal environmental impact calculator so every user can assess his/her individual contribution to global warming. The site also provides eye-opening facts about global warming and useful tips for reducing carbon emissions and living a green lifestyle.

In addition to the customized community, MySpace's Music channel will feature an Artist on Artist interview between Gore and a world-renowned musician who is part of the MySpace community. The MySpace Movies channel will spotlight an interview with the film's director, Davis Guggenheim. MySpace is also contributing a significant amount of ad space to raise awareness about the threats posed by global warming. As part of the company's commitment to civic initiatives such as environmental awareness, the campaign will move beyond MySpace's online network, culminating in a 10-city MySpace theater buyout on June 16 with free tickets going to members of "An Inconvenient Truth's" MySpace community.

"We're contributing the ad space, the marketing, and the technological support because we believe so strongly that we have a responsibility to use the online world to make the offline world a better place," said MySpace President and co-founder Tom Anderson, whose bulletins to MySpace members drive extraordinary traffic on the site.

"Many leading social organizations have used MySpace to reach people about significant causes that impact our daily lives," said Anderson. "If we don't step up, who will?"

About MySpace.com

MySpace is the premier lifestyle portal for connecting with friends and discovering culture. By integrating web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming, music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, college communities and member forums, MySpace has created a connected community. As the second ranked web domain in terms of page views, MySpace.com is the most widely-used and highly-regarded site of its kind. MySpace is committed to providing the highest quality member experience and will continue to innovate with new features that allow its members to express their creativity and share their lives, both online and off.

Hands-On Mobile (formerly MFORMA), a leading global publisher of mobile lifestyle, games and personalization products, today announced the global release of a suite of mobile products which coincides with the upcoming eagerly anticipated theatrical release of "X-Men: The Last Stand," from Twentieth Century Fox. Hands-On Mobile is supporting the launch with global marketing activity of Super-Hero proportions, with marketing campaigns running simultaneously in 12 countries and distribution reaching more than 35 countries around the world.

Leveraging its unrivaled global footprint, Hands-On Mobile will unleash a massive integrated promotional campaign that will include print advertising, television and radio spots, outdoor billboards, web and WAP advertising, SMS and MMS broadcasts, mailings, sweepstakes, and prepaid cards to herald the arrival of the "X-Men: The Last Stand" mobile suite of products. Marketing campaigns will run in 12 global hubs including France, United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Thailand, Australia and North America.

"We are excited to extend our marketing efforts to multiple continents, including North America, Latin America and Europe, with the launch of the 'X-Men: The Last Stand' suite of products," commented Hands-On Mobile's VP of Marketing Paul Baldwin. "Our global marketing capabilities allow us to promote our X-Men products with leading international operators around the globe."

"The X-Men: The Last Stand" content suite, from Hands-On Mobile's critically acclaimed Marvel Mobile line of mobile products, includes the official mobile game, as well as more than 100 personalization products including wallpapers, screensavers and themes based on characters from the motion picture, marking the largest suite of products the company has ever released.

"By leveraging our unprecedented global presence, Hands-On Mobile will ensure that mobile customers in more than 35 countries around the world will be able to actively engage with their favorite X-Men characters on their handsets," said Hands-On Mobile's President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Sacks. "They will enjoy the world of imagination and adventure that the Marvel Mobile line of products has provided to fans over the years."

"X-Men: The Last Stand" mobile game is co-published with Activision and based on the script written by Zak Penn of the X-Men movies and comic book legend Chris Claremont. The mobile game immerses players in an original storyline that preludes the upcoming "X-Men: The Last Stand" feature film. The mobile game allows players to truly become popular characters from the X-Men universe including Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Iceman, Cyclops and Magneto. Players can command the authentic X-Men movie superpowers, including Wolverines' combat rage, Nightcrawler's aerobatic and teleportation and Iceman's freezing abilities. They can even battle Marvel villains such as Lady Deathstrike, Pyro and Silver Samurai. This globe-spanning adventure has more than 12 different stages taking players from Canada to Hong Kong.

Hands-On Mobile will also release "X-Men: The Last Stand - Mind Maze" to coincide with "X-Men: The Last Stand" DVD release later this year. This maze game allows players to compete against the clock by avoiding and capturing enemies while gathering points along the way.

For more information, please visit http://www.marvelmobile.com

About Hands-On Mobile, Inc.

Hands-On Mobile is a leading global publisher of mobile lifestyle, games and personalization products targeting all market segments of the mobile handset marketplace. With operations in four continents, Hands-On Mobile develops, publishes and distributes mobile content to more than 150 of the world's leading operators in 40 countries. Hands-On Mobile provides operators and their customers with the world's best entertainment brands and applications and provides brand owners with the shortest route to market. The Hands-On content catalog is diverse, including BREW, Java, SMS, MMS, and WAP games, and music, sports, lifestyle, personalization, and information-services subscription products. Hands-On Mobile is a U.S. corporation with headquarters in San Francisco and offices in San Diego and Los Angeles, California; London and Bollington, England; Krakow, Poland; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Shanghai and Beijing, China; and Seoul, Korea. For more information about Hands-On Mobile's products and organization please visit http://www.HandsOn.com.

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc., formerly known as Marvel Enterprises, Inc., is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world.

Marvel, and related characters names and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. TM & (C) 2006 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. Super Hero(es) and Super Villain(s) are co-owned registered trademarks.

Hands-On Mobile is a trademark of Hands-On Mobile, Inc. All other product or company names are trademarks of their respective owners.

On newsstands today, the June/July issue of Tu Ciudad Magazine celebrates its one year anniversary with a service guide to the "Best of Latino L.A.;" journal excerpts from Culture Clash's Richard Montoya on the set of Jack Black's summer comedy, "Nacho Libre;" and an interview with Corina Villaraigosa.

Ciudad preps Angelenos for summer with an 18-page feature spotlighting the first-ever, comprehensive Latino service guide to popular, eclectic and unique offerings in food; entertainment; art and culture; sports; fashion; nightlife; and destinations. Nearly 100 categories highlighting everything from best taco stand to best tres leches to best coffee stand, best nightlife to best tattoo shop, best art gallery to best wine bar and much more. Comfort food favorites such as Porto's Bakery make the list, as well as off-the-beaten-path favorites like one-stop shopping favorite, El Mercado de Los Angeles. With summer visitors coming to the Southland aching to explore L.A., this service guide is a must-have.

In Ciudad's "Oaxacan Smackdown" feature, actor Richard Montoya invites readers into his behind-the-scenes, first-person account of what it was like working alongside the one-and-only Jack Black in "Nacho Libre" directed by Jared Hess (Napolean Dynamite). Montoya's two week journal lures readers in with witty commentary such as his Day One entry: 'The first unsettling piece of business is the size difference between my trailer and J.B.'s...Where's Jack? I ask. "Opening his PlayStation and Xbox gifts" I am told. Never mind. I humbly remind myself that I am lucky to be here. Jack has earned his toys. My last film was Encino Man.' Co-starring with Black, Montoya plays Padre Guillermo in the upcoming summer comedy.

As Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa garners daily press, so too has Corina Villaraigosa. Ciudad brings readers an intimate glimpse of the humble and down-to-earth First Lady of Los Angeles in a feature titled, "You Can Quote Me." When asked how she responds to being referred to as First Lady, she replies, "...I think there are certain expectations that they have, and I'm not sure what those expectations are. But I hope I represent the city of L.A. well. I'm getting used to the title."

Also in the June/July issue:

-- SEX Y LA by Ayn Carrillo. A "Sex in the City" perspective on relationships. In this issue, Ayn "comes out of the closet," confessing she is not only married, but married to a non-Hispanic, and cites her father's reaction to the pairing.

-- EL CENTRO. An eclectic mix of trends, tidbits and personalities. In this issue, timed to the World Cup, Power 106's Jeff Garcia and The LA Times' Gregory Rodriguez take sides in "I Love Futbol / I Hate Soccer."

-- EATS. Recipes and restaurant reviews. In this issue, the spotlight is on Chef Generoso Bahena of Malverde in Lynwood's Plaza Mexico serving fine, regional Mexican cuisine.

Tu Ciudad Magazine is available May 25 at stores throughout Southern California including Ralphs, Albertson's, Vons, 7-Eleven, Rite-Aid, Sav-on Drugs, Barnes & Noble, Borders and newsstands throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties.

To kick off the 2006 summer travel season, Hilton Hotels and Discovery Kids Channel are teaming up to create the "Hilton Discovery Kids Package," a family vacation promotion available at all participating Hilton Hotels in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, families can receive the best available rate on summer accommodations by reserving their "Hilton Discovery Kids Package" online at http://www.hilton.com. Parents and kids have the opportunity to enter "Travel Should Spark Discovery" promotion for a chance to discover a foreign land during a seven-night/six-day vacation at one of eight exotic participating Hilton Hotels locations worldwide.

Starting June 30, kids aged 12 and under will be welcomed at check-in with a complimentary Hilton Discovery Kids Pack. Filled with all the essentials for an adventure-filled vacation, the pack includes complimentary continental breakfast, an exclusive Discovery Kids DVD that features four episodes of the fan-favorite, hit series "Endurance," an activity book and a complimentary one-month subscription to Cosmeo, the revolutionary new homework help tool that harnesses the power of broadband and media to help kids achieve academic breakthroughs. The summer package marks the beginning of a longer relationship between Hilton and Discovery Kids to develop innovative programming that merges education and fun for family travels year-round.

"Summer vacations should stir creativity, pique curiosity and spark discovery," said Jeffrey Diskin, senior vice president of Hilton brand management. "A fun and unique way to indulge the curiosities and interests of our younger guests, this Discovery Kids program encourages education, adventure and learning through travel and reinforces our brand philosophy that travel should educate and awaken the mind."

After their Hilton stay, kids will also have the opportunity to share their vacation for a chance to have their stories air on television. By sending in photos and/or video, accompanied by a short description of his or her summer adventure and explorations to "Show Us Your Summer" at DiscoveryKids.com, their video may be selected to air on Discovery Kids Channel, and online at DiscoveryKids.com.

"Learning shouldn't be limited to the school year," adds Discovery Kids GM Marjorie Kaplan. "This new creative partnership with Hilton extends Discovery Kids content that entertains and empowers kids beyond watching programs on television. As summer vacations take kids to new places and they experience new things, they now can share the knowledge they've gained with their friends and other kids around the country."

The recipient of a record 14 Daytime Emmy(R); nominations in 2006, Discovery Kids is setting new standards in programming for children. From the Emmy(R)-winning DISCOVERY KIDS ON NBC block to the commercial-free READY SET LEARN! preschool programming strand and the growing Discovery Kids Channel, Discovery Kids is providing young viewers with the highest-quality entertainment on the air today. Discovery Kids Channel is currently available in 38 million homes in the United States.

For more details on the "Travel Should Spark Discovery" Sweepstakes, "Show Us Your Summer," or to sign up for the "Hilton Discovery Kids Package," families can visit http://www.hilton.com or call 1-800-HILTONS.

About Hilton Hotels

Hilton Hotels has been and continues to be a pioneering innovator in the full-service hospitality segment, operating under the belief that Travel is more than just A to B.... Travel Should Take You Places(TM). With a name that is synonymous with excellence in hospitality and respected throughout the world, Hilton celebrates the accomplishment, enlightenment, renewal and celebration that travel enables. This commitment to personal guest achievement influences all decisions about products, programs and amenities, and is underscored by the belief that travel can and should be transformative. Each unique Hilton Hotel was specially built to reflect the sense of place of its location and each team member chosen to reflect a commitment and support of the local culture and community. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.hilton.com and to learn more about our innovations for your own personal journey, please visit http://www.hiltonjourneys.com.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in 170 countries and territories with nearly 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 27 network entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Espanol, Discovery Kids en Espanol, Discovery HD Theater, FitTV, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir), Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Real Time. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ:DISCA) (NASDAQ:DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.

The epic adventure of the Star Wars galaxy comes to the iTunes(R) Music Store (http://www.itunes.com) today when Cartoon Network's Emmy Award-winning animated series STAR WARS: CLONE WARS becomes available for purchase and download, Lucasfilm Ltd. has announced.

Beginning today, the 20 chapters of STAR WARS: CLONE WARS Volume 1 will be available on iTunes, with the action-packed STAR WARS: CLONE WARS Volume 2 following later in June. Each chapter, or episode, will be available for $1.99 with the full season of Volume 1 available for $10.99 and can be viewed, after download, on a computer or on an iPod(R).

"As animated shorts, CLONE WARS is the perfect content to watch on an iPod," said Tom Warner, Senior Director of Marketing for Lucasfilm Ltd. "iTunes is a convenient new way to explore these rich, exciting stories that expand the Star Wars universe."

The original animated series produced by Cartoon Network Studios, Lucasfilm Ltd. and renowned director Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack, Dexter's Laboratory) follows the exploits of heroic Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu and a legion of Jedi Knights as they fight against the forces of the Dark Side. In 2004 and 2005, Clone Wars was honored with Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or More).

Hailed for its "fast and furious action" (USA Today) and described as "a thrill ride through the world of Star Wars" (San Jose Mercury News), CLONE WARS Volume 1 picks up where Attack of the Clones left off, while Volume 2 leads directly into Revenge of the Sith.

The series originally aired on Cartoon Network and became the No. 1-rated show on basic cable among boys 9 to 17 years old and 12- to 17-year-old teens. More than 23 million people watched at least one episode of STAR WARS: CLONE WARS during its Cartoon Network run.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.

Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion picture and television productions, the company's global businesses include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound; LucasArts; Lucasfilm Animation; Lucas Licensing; and Lucas Online. Lucasfilm's feature films have won 19 Oscars and its television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards.

Cartoon Network, currently seen in more than 88 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable's highest rated networks. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

During its second sweep period included in the Nielsen Television Index ratings service, the Univision Network out-delivered at least one of the other four major broadcast networks among Adults 18-34 on 14 out of 28 nights, or half the entire sweep period. In addition, among total viewers (P2+), Adults 18-24, Adults 18-34 and Adults 18-49, Univision finished the May 2006 sweep as the 5th ranked broadcast network in prime time. The network also delivered its second highest Adult 18-49 prime time audience performance compared to any May sweeps period. -0-

Sweep Overview

-- During the May 2006 sweep, Univision was the #2 most-watched

broadcast network among Adults 18-24 in the Monday-Friday 8-9p

and Monday-Sunday 8-9p time period, consistently beating ABC,

CBS, NBC, UPN, and WB. Among Adults 18-34, Univision was the

fourth largest broadcast network in the Monday-Friday 8-9p

hour, and during Monday-Sunday Univision ranked #5.

-- Univision out-delivered Telemundo by more than four times the

total viewers (P2+), 3,355,000 vs. 829,000, and nearly four

times the Adult 18-34 and Adult 18-49 primetime audiences,

1,080,000 vs. 276,000 and 1,922,000 vs. 501,000 respectively.

-- On Wednesday, May 24, the last night of the sweep period,

Univision was the #3 ranked broadcast network among Adults

18-24, Adults 18-34, Kids 2-11 and Teens 12-17, beating CBS,

NBC, UPN, and WB according to Nielsen Fast Affiliate overnight

ratings.

Program Highlights

-- 5.3 million viewers (2+) watched the suspense-filled finale of

the second edition of "Bailando Por Un Sueno" (Dancing for a

Dream) on Sunday, May 7th. It was the highest rated telecast

of the emotionally charged dance competition featuring real

people paired with celebrities dancing their way to fulfilling

a worthwhile, very personal dream for them and their loved

ones.

-- Additionally on finale night, Univision was the third

ranked broadcast network among Adults 18-34, Teens 12-17

and Kids 2-11, beating CBS, NBC and WB.

-- Following the tremendous Sunday night success of the first two

editions of "Bailando Por Un Sueno," Univision debuted "Reyes

De La Pista" (Kings & Queens of the Dance Floor) on May 14th.

Nearly 4 million viewers (2+) tuned in to watch past winners

of "Bailando Por Un Sueno" I & II in an exciting championship

dance-off in its premiere, including 2.3 million Adults 18-49,

1.3 million Adults 18-34 and 309,000 Teens 12-17.

-- Lastly, "Bailando Por Un Sueno" and "Reyes De La Pista" helped

Univision achieve a record Sunday night performance (7p-11p)

during the May 2006 sweep compared to any May sweeps period

among Total Viewers (2+), Adults 18-34, Adults 18-49, Teens

12-17 and Kids 2-11. (Compared to any sweeps period, this is

the second highest Sunday night performance for Univision.)

-- From 7p-11p on Sunday nights, Univision nearly doubled its

audience levels in the May 2006 sweep as compared to the May

2005 sweep.

Demographic May 2006 Sun 7-11p Avg % Growth Over '05

Total Viewers 2+ 3.7 Million +60%

Adults 18-34 1.3 Million +51%

Adults 18-49 2.2 Million +71%

Kids 2-11 524,000 +68%

Teens 12-17 268,000 +79%

-- With only one month on the air, "La Fea Mas Bella" (The

Prettiest Ugly Girl) is already delivering 3.9 million viewers

(2+) and 2.2 million Adults 18-49 at 8pm.

-- Compared to the first month performance of "Rubi,"

Univision's second highest ranked novela of all time, "La

Fea Mas Bella" is delivering more viewers (2+), Adults

18-49 and Persons 12-34.

-- In addition, "La Fea Mas Bella's" Teens 12-17 audience

levels are thus far higher than the first month

performance of many of Univision's top novelas of all

time, "Amor Real," "Rubi," "La Madrastra," and "Apuesta

Por Un Amor."

Source: NTI (4/27/06-5/24/06), NHTI for previous May sweeps periods.

2005-2006 Season Highlights Through 5-24-06

-- On one out of every two nights during the season, Univision

beat ABC, CBS, NBC, or FOX among Adults 18-34.

-- Among total viewers (P2+), Adults 18-34 and Adults 18-49,

Univision finished the 2005-2006 season as the 5th ranked

broadcast network in primetime.

-- Univision wrapped up the 2005-2006 season as the fourth

largest broadcast network in primetime among Adults 18-24,

beating NBC, UPN, and WB.

-- Lastly, Univision out-delivered Telemundo nearly four times

the total viewers (P2+), 3,614,000 vs. 1,017,000, and more

than three times the Adult 18-34 and Adult 18-49 primetime

audiences, 1,190,000 vs. 355,000 and 2,027,000 vs. 617,000

respectively.

Source: NTI (09/19/2004-05/24/2006) Monday-Saturday 8-11pm, Sunday

7-11pm. NHTI for Univision pre 12/25/2005 and pre 01/30/2006

for Telemundo.

Locally, Univision stations enjoyed equally impressive May sweep

results.

-- In Los Angeles, Univision's KMEX was #1 in the market, beating

all other stations among Adults 18-34 and Adults 18-49, in

Primetime, Daytime, Early and Late News, and Total Day.

-- Miami Households placed Univision's WLTV in the #1 position

during Primetime, Early News and Total Day.

-- In Dallas, Univision's KUVN was #1 in the market, beating all

other stations among Adults 18-34 during Primetime, Total Day

and Late News and, along with Adults 18-49, in Daytime and

Early News.

-- In San Francisco, Univision KDTV, was also #1 for Adults 18-34

in Daytime and #1 for both Adults 18-34 and Adults 18-49 in

Early News.

-- In Chicago, Univision's WGBO, was also #1 for both Adults

18-34 and Adults 18-49 in Early News and Early Fringe.

Source: NSI (4/27/06-5/24/06)

Univision Communications Inc. (NYSE:UVN) is the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States. Its operations include Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 98% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 86% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavision, the country's leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 62 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group which owns and/or operates 69 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 4 stations in Puerto Rico; Univision Music Group, which includes Univision Records, Fonovisa Records, La Calle Records and a 50% interest in Mexico-based Disa Records labels as well as Fonomusic and America Musical Publishing companies; and Univision Online, the premier Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S. located at http://www.univision.com. Univision Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa's pay television channels in the U.S., and a non-voting 14.9% interest in Entravision Communications Corporation, a public Spanish-language media company. Univision Communications is headquartered in Los Angeles with television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States.

For more information, please visit http://www.univision.net.

Mobile Ready Entertainment (PINKSHEETS: MBRN), a holding company and aggregator of digital media, wireless and content for mobile devices, is pleased to announce that they have signed a strategic alliance agreement with KlikVU an ASP service provider of video delivery systems and encoding.

L. Joshua Eikov, Chief Executive Officer of Mobile Ready Entertainment, said, "We are very pleased to enter into this alliance with KlikVU. The KlikVU platform will put us in a very good position to offer services and content delivery to consumers and the mobile community at large."

In light of a recent report from KenRadio.com that found that the US is at 70% wireless penetration which reaches 200M subscribers. The report went on to explain how Verizon and Cingular both added 1.7M customers in Q1 2006 and that wireless revenue from US businesses will grow to $52B in 2010. With these statistics at hand Mobile Ready is preparing the mymobileready.com platform and using the KlikVU platform to create a streaming video and audio channel for the mobile phone.

"We are happy to be serving Mobile Ready as an ASP and know that our platform will provide the best possible service to the customers of Mobile Ready," commented Lowell Feuer, CEO of KlikVU.

About Mobile Ready Entertainment Corporation

Mobile Ready Entertainment Corporation is a wireless and media holding company specializing in the entertainment and educational vertical market segments. Through our subsidiaries we will develop, market and sell wireless application software and entertainment based content for mobile devices. Our value proposition is to unlock, integrate and seamlessly deliver all types of data to wireless devices, whether streaming movies, music video or television content and digital radio delivery to the growing consumer market via channel and content partners -- anytime, anywhere. We deliver these products and services globally across most of the major cellular networks and prominent wireless device operating systems. For more information about Mobile Ready, please visit its website at www.mymobilereadyec.com.

About KlikVU

KlikVU is an ASP provider of streaming video and CODEC conversions for providing media on the Internet and wirelessly. KlikVU offers the most comprehensive service for content providers, filmmakers, educational institutions and corporations to publish their multimedia properties online worldwide.

SOURCE: Mobile Ready Entertainment

Got a minute? Make a movie! The 2006 New York Minute Film Festival wants your 60-second masterpiece.

Almost overnight, mobile video and advertising has emerged as the next step in the evolution of personal consumer media choices. For major advertisers and entertainment interests, the race is underway to figure out how to use video iPods, online video space and cell phones to get effective messages where the next generation of consumers will see them.

The New York Minute Film Festival (http://www.nymff.com/), launched the first major online film competition to showcase 60-second works of amateur and professional filmmakers last year. The second annual competition opens tomorrow, with entries accepted until early October and award winners announced in November 2006.

"We welcomed entries from filmmakers in 16 countries last year and are already fielding calls from around the globe," said Jeff Cahn, one of the festival founders and partners at Convergence (http://www.convergenceny.com/), the visual media company that launched the festival last year and is donating the infrastructure to support it.

"The filmmaker's challenge is to tell a compelling story in 60 seconds. In this noisy world, where people are assaulted by a barrage of content, visual artists and advertisers have to find a way to break through. The festival provides a forum where the minute masterpieces of creative communicators can be seen by millions," said Chip Smith partner/editor, Convergence.

WYD Media Management, LLC, (http://www.wydmedia.com/) is handling advertising sales and sponsorships: "Advertising and entertainment interests must associate with this new medium," according to Ron Hartenbaum, WYD president. "This is a spectacular way for major brands to become familiar with its power."

A portion of the proceeds from the festival will benefit MOUSE, a charity pioneering innovative technology-based school programs for inner city public schools.

"The 2006 New York Minute Film Festival extends the digital media revolution in a way that creates exciting content and, more importantly, enhances the filmmaking community," said Jeff Cahn.

Visit http://www.newyorkminutefilmfestival.com/ for complete information on rules and submission guidelines or email info@newyorkminutefilmfestival.com

http://www.nymff.com/
http://www.convergenceny.com/
http://www.newyorkminutefilmfestival.com/

Today, the WFNX Radio Network and Snapple announced the first-ever "Summer Free For All," 40 days and 40 nights of the best music on earth -- commercial-free! To kick off the festivities, Wendy "The Snapple Lady" unveiled the Snapple/WFNX "Guitarmeter" -- a ten-foot tall, guitar-shaped thermometer stationed outside of Store 24 in Copley Square -- and raffled off a First Act electric guitar. Snapple will help Boston beat the summer heat for the next 40 days by handing out free Snapple product outside of Store 24 in Copley Square (717 Bolyston Street) any day the noon temperature tops 85 degrees*. Bostonians will also be among the first to taste Snapple's newest innovation, White Tea.

With Snapple's support, the WFNX network of alternative radio stations in Boston and Southern New Hampshire will be broadcasting commercial-free from Memorial Day weekend through the Fourth of July. In addition, Snapple and WFNX are pairing up for lots of free concerts and promotions and free Snapple.

"We're excited to bring Bostonians commercial-free radio, free concerts and loads of free Snapple," said Holly Mensch, Vice President of Marketing for Snapple. "Snapple has a strong fan base in Boston, and we wanted to reward them with a summer full of great music and surprises."

Free From Commercials

As an alternative music pioneer, WFNX maintains a reputation for boldness and innovation. The "Summer Free For All" program was specially designed so that nothing has the sound or feel of a traditional commercial. Short, infrequent messages and event announcements are being seamlessly woven into the station's music programming to make sure listeners know where and when to find the best stuff in Boston.

We jumped at this commercial-free opportunity," said Andy Kingston, WFNX Network General Manager. "As a true Alternative Radio station, WFNX is constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional radio and this program is certainly reflective of that. Even though WFNX maintains a relatively low number of commercials in its normal programming, the next 40 days will still be a big treat for our listeners thanks to Snapple!"

Free-For-All-Concerts

Snapple and WFNX will treat alternative music fans to free concerts during the six-week program. The first and largest show will be headlined by Dashboard Confessional on Thursday, June 1, at Boston's City Hall Plaza. Known for encouraging audience participation during live shows, the band will perform outdoors for an expected audience of more than 15,000 concertgoers.

Snapple will also host exclusive "Snapple Cap Shows" with celebrated alternative bands -- and there's no velvet rope to get in! Rather than having to purchase or present tickets, fans only need to bring three Snapple bottle caps to gain entry. Any additional caps become currency for branded merchandise. Once inside, they will be introduced to new Snapple White Tea. The shows will take place at the premiere Boston venue, Axis, kicked off by Hawthorne Heights on June 23 and followed by Yellowcard on June 28.

The Best "Free" Stuff In Boston

Snapple promotions over the six-week "Summer Free For All" will allow thirsty Bostonians to quench their thirst for free music, free Snapple and other fun, free stuff.

-- Snapple Goes Mobile: No need to remember phone numbers or search

online... Snapple will meet you wherever you are! Text SNAPPLE to 22122

for a chance to win prizes and receive concert updates, sweepstakes

alerts, exclusive party invites and more. Additionally, a mobile

storefront will offer fun, clever ringtones, wallpapers and talking

voicetones. It will also allow for sweepstakes entry and "Snapple

Summer Free For All" mobile alerts.

-- Snapple Beach Attack: WFNX/Snapple street teams will be flooding local

beaches and retailers with some of the best stuff in Boston: contests

and prizes, promotional giveaways, the latest music and concert

information, and ice-cold bottles of Snapple Iced Teas, and new Snapple

White Tea.

-- Retail Remix: Snapple and WFNX will be spinning music and passing out

samples at local retail outlets. Thirsty Bostonians can find cool

tastes and great tunes at Brooks Drugs, Tedeschi's, Lil Peach and

Store 24.

For additional information, visit: http://www.fnxradio.com/.

About WFNX

The WFNX Radio Network is part of a consortium of three alternative radio stations owned by the privately held Phoenix Media / Communications Group. 101.7WFNX (WFNX-FM) / Boston, MA; 92.1FNX (WFEX-FM) / Manchester, NH and 92.1FNX (WPHX-FM) / Portsmouth, NH form the network. The Phoenix Media / Communications Group also owns and operates an AM Sports radio station, WPHX-AM in Sanford, ME in addition to its Boston Phoenix, Providence Phoenix, Portland Phoenix newspapers and Stuff At Night magazine, as well as several other media related ventures.

About Snapple

Snapple is the leader in great-tasting premium beverages. Founded in 1972 by three childhood friends, Snapple got its start in Greenwich Village, New York and is now available throughout the United States and 80 countries worldwide. Snapple prides itself on developing, producing, and marketing a wide variety of premium beverages, including ready-to-drink iced teas, juice drinks, 100% vitamin-fortified juices and water. Known for its down-to-earth approach to marketing and its beloved spokeswoman, Wendy "The Snapple Lady," Snapple continues to delight fans across the world. In 2003, Snapple made history by becoming an official beverage of New York City. For more information, visit http://www.snapple.com/.

About Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages

Snapple is a leading brand in the beverage portfolio of Plano, Texas-based Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages (CSAB), a subsidiary division of Cadbury Schweppes plc (NYSE:CSG) . CSAB is one of the largest producers of soft drinks and premium beverages in the Americas. CSAB's brand portfolio includes Dr Pepper, 7 UP, Snapple, Mott's, RC Cola, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist Soda, Canada Dry, Hawaiian Punch, Schweppes, Diet Rite, Slush Puppie frozen drinks, Clamato, Mr & Mrs T Mixers, Holland House Mixers, Rose's, Mistic, Yoo-hoo, Orangina, IBC, Stewart's, Nantucket Nectars, and other well-known consumer brands. For additional information on Cadbury Schweppes and its products, visit http://www.cadburyschweppes.com/.

Source: Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages

Web site: http://www.fnxradio.com/
http://www.snapple.com/
http://www.cadburyschweppes.com/

Recently honored by the Gospel Music Association with his first Dove Award and having released Welcome Home, his first solo project May 2, Brian Littrell is readying for the launch of his first solo tour on June 11. Littrell will be joined by label mates, Ana Laura and Brandon Heath.

"I can't wait to get out on the road and perform these songs live. They mean a lot to me and I'm excited to get to share them with live audiences," comments Littrell. "We'll be performing in several different venues and are already getting a lot of great feedback from fans. I'm thankful to have this opportunity to hit the road and tour this album."

Tony Johnsen, one of Brian's agents at Creative Artists Agency, notes, "Because of Brian's history as a Backstreet Boy, his winning a Dove Award this year, and the momentum behind the radio single, 'Welcome Home,' there's great anticipation in the market and the response to these dates has been incredible. Brian has developed a loyal following and his fans are coming out to support him on this tour."

Welcome Home Tour Dates:

*All dates and locations subject to change

June 11 New York, NY Nokia Theater Times Square

June 12 Hartford, CT Webster Theater

June 13 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock Cafe

June 15 Milwaukee, WI The Pabst Theater

June 16 Chicago, IL House of Blues

June 17 Shakopee, MI Valley Fair Amusement Park, Amphitheater

June 18 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection

June 20 Canal Fulton, OH Alive Festival, Clay's Park

Brian Littrell is widely-known as a 13-year member of the legendary pop group Backstreet Boys. He has contributed to worldwide sales in excess of 75 million records and has amassed legions of fans around the globe. Last summer, Backstreet Boys released Never Gone, their first studio album in five years. Brian lives in Atlanta with his wife Leighanne and their three-year-old son Baylee. Littrell will continue to perform with Backstreet Boys and looks forward to sharing his solo album with fans.

Produced by Billy Mann (Jessica Simpson, Ricky Martin); Dan Muckala (Backstreet Boys, Mandy Moore); and the production team of Mark Kibble and Dave Thomas (Take 6, Mariah Carey, CeCe Winans). Welcome Home reveals Littrell's heart and plants a stake in the ground recognizing his source of greatest hope. A straight-ahead pop record, lyrically the project illuminates God's unequivocal love for humanity and outlines the possibilities for life when people dedicate themselves to a higher calling.

For further information on Brian Littrell, please visit: www.brianlittrell.com

For information on Ana Laura and Brandon Heath please visit: www.analauramusic.com and www.myspace.com/brandonheath

Source: Reunion Records

Web site: http://www.brianlittrell.com/
http://www.analauramusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/brandonheath

Legendary performer Barry Manilow is about to celebrate yet another milestone -- the expansion of the very successful Manilow Store at the Las Vegas Hilton. After selling out many of the items of memorabilia at the Manilow Store in the Las Vegas Hilton, the hotel has been quietly renovating and expanding Manilow Central to give fans even more Manilow!

The newly expanded Manilow Store, located inside the Las Vegas Hilton, home of the hit show "Manilow: Music and Passion," is scheduled to be completed on May 28 and will boast numerous products for fans of the performer. In addition to the previously popular items such as Barry bobble heads and Manilow calendars and towels, the store will launch the new M Line of fragrances, which includes a woman's perfume, unisex cologne, and candles for the home.

The fresh M Line will also introduce a new section for M Line Wine, which will include Cabernet, Zinfandel and Pinot Grigio wines as well as glassware, wine chocolates and accessories. And just in case fans still want more, the M Line will bring in to the Manilow Store a number of new pieces of jewelry.

"Manilow: Music and Passion" at the Las Vegas Hilton was recently extended through 2008. To view upcoming show dates visit www.musicandpassion.com.

Source: Barry Manilow

Web site: http://www.musicandpassion.com/

Author Andrew J. Fenady, whose credits include the Nick Adams TV series THE REBEL and the 1970 John Wayne movie CHISUM, will receive the Owen Wister Award for lifetime contribution to Western literature, Western Writers of America has announced.

And WWA will also present Caldwell, Idaho-based publisher Caxton Press the first Lariat Award, to be given periodically to an individual, publishing company or other institution for outstanding service and commitment to Western literature and to WWA.

Fenady and Caxton Press will be honored here during the WWA's annual convention, June 13-17. The nonprofit Western Writers of America (www.westernwriters.org) was founded in 1953 to promote and recognize literature of the American West.

Fenady, a Toledo, Ohio, native who lives in Los Angeles, has been a Western novelist, motion picture screenwriter and producer, song lyricist, stage play writer and creator of network television MOVIE OF THE WEEK features and TV series.

In addition to creating THE REBEL, which aired from 1959 to 1961, he also wrote the show's theme song, THE REBEL-JOHNNY YUMA, which became a hit for Johnny Cash. He was a WWA Spur Award finalist this year in the Best Original Paperback category for RIDERS TO MOON ROCK.

Fenady also helped produce and write the 1965-66 Chuck Connors series BRANDED. Other novels include THE SUMMER OF JACK LONDON and DOUBLE EAGLES.

Caxton traces its roots to 1895, when Albert E. Gipson began a horticultural magazine in Caldwell. In 1903, he sold the magazine and within a year the Gem State Rural Publishing Company dissolved and reorganized as a commercial printer. The name and emblem of William Caxton, England's first printer, was adopted out of respect for Caxton's reputation as a printer, writer, historian and free press proponent.

The company's first real publishing venture was in 1925, when Fred E. Lukens' book IDAHO CITIZEN became a commercial success. Today, Caxton publishes about a half dozen new titles each year, focusing on nonfiction Western Americana topics. Its writers have included literary notables Vardis Fisher, Ayn Rand and Bill Gulick.

Source: Western Writers of America

Web site: http://www.westernwriters.org/

Azteca America, the fastest-growing Hispanic television network in the United States, is eyeing greater Los Angeles for its corporate office headquarters, which would build on the February shift of its entire network news operations to Glendale.

The executive shift is expected to take place in the next three months at a yet-to-be-specified location.

Los Angeles Council President Eric Garcetti gave opening remarks to an audience of clients and station supporters during an Upfront presentation of new network programming initiatives and congratulated company management for its relocation decision.

Azteca America's first ever Upfront presentation in Los Angeles gave West Coast clients a taste of the traditional East Coast event. Launched in 2001, Azteca America's flagship station, KAZA, has garnered a 10% audience share, with weekday afternoon and primetime viewers ages 18-49 and weekend primetime ratings up over 75% from last November to February sweeps.

The event marked five years since the launch of the KAZA Azteca 54 station as the network has grown from one to 45 stations. The network currently has official network status, according to Nielsen Media Research, with coverage that reaches 70% of the U.S. Hispanic population.

"Our relocation to Los Angeles is a bold move that signals a new direction, with a new management team for Azteca America to take us to the next level of expansion," said Chairman Luis J. Echarte.

On a network level, full-day audiences composed of adults between 18 and 49 years old grew 150% to a 5% share among U.S. Hispanic audiences, according to Nielsen, from February 2005 to February 2006. During the weekends, from 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm, share has grown to 12% for the same target audiences.

"While our primary production base continues to be the vast resources of TV Azteca in Mexico, we have some exciting programming initiatives that will be produced from Los Angeles this year," said CEO Adrian Steckel. "Our programming production capacity is unprecedented. And this means flexibility and innovation for our clients."

Azteca 54 General Sales Manager Jorge Jaidar presented clients with extensive options of live events and product placement opportunities to complement traditional television spot sales.

Azteca America executives presented upcoming thrilling programming that further boosts the network's programming grid, such as Los Protagonistas a Nivel Mundial with soccer updates from Germany; top quality boxing from Boxeo Azteca; two new novelas with ample success in Mexico, Amor sin Condiciones and Amores Cruzados; new versions of our smash musical reality shows, La Academia V and La Academia USA; newscasts and entertainment shows produced in Azteca America's digital studio in LA and much more.

Company Profile

Azteca America is the fastest-growing Hispanic network in the United States. The network is a wholly owned subsidiary of TV Azteca S.A. de C.V., one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television content in the world. Azteca America currently has presence in 45 Hispanic markets, including: Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Phoenix, Brownsville-McAllen, Albuquerque, San Diego, Fresno-Visalia, Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Denver, Philadelphia, Orlando, Austin, Tampa, Washington DC, Corpus Christi, Tucson, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, Monterey-Salinas, Hartford, Salt Lake City, Bakersfield, West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, Santa Barbara, Lubbock, Odessa, Palm Springs, Omaha, Amarillo, Yakima, Naples-Ft. Myers, Wichita, Reno, Boise, Victoria, Oklahoma City, Charleston and Chattanooga.

Web site: http://www.aztecaamerica.com/

Calling all rock fans! Time is running out on your chance to live like a rock star, travel around the world, stay at first-class hotels, party with celebrities at exclusive events and see the best concerts in the world! To celebrate Hard Rock International's 35th anniversary, one lucky consumer will have the chance to win the ultimate rock road trip and attend concerts on Hard Rock's global Ambassadors of Rock Tour. So, do you have what it takes to become the ultimate rock roadie?! Fans have less than one week to prove it! Official rules and sweepstakes entry are available through May 31, 2006 on http://www.hardrock.com/.

FIRST STOP ... LONDON!

Hyde Park will be rockin' this July, with Hard Rock Presents Hyde Park Calling, a two-day concert event, featuring rock legends Roger Waters and The Who. The festival will be one of London's premier music events, with more than a dozen top bands performing on two stages, including chart toppers Texas, Razorlight, The Zutons and The Lightning Seeds. Legendary rocker Roger Waters will headline the July 1 concert, which promises to be a show to remember, as the Pink Floyd front-man will perform the hit album, "Dark Side of the Moon," among several other fan favorites. Tickets for the festival are available at http://www.hydeparkcalling.co.uk/.

In addition to renowned bands and an on-site Hard Rock Cafe, the festival will include a market area, performance art, a healing area and a "chill out" zone. Hard Rock Cafe London will also feature a star-studded celebrity V.I.P. party on Friday, June 30 to celebrate 35 years of Hard Rock.

GET OUT YOUR PASSPORT ...

As part of the colossal celebration, one lucky consumer will have the chance to live the life of a rock star, traveling the world to Hard Rock's Ambassadors of Rock concerts. In addition to the kick-off event in London, the Ambassadors of Rock Tour will include shows featuring top artists in Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, New York, Chicago, Hollywood (Fla.), Orlando and Caracas. Concert details and additional events will be announced in June.

HOW TO ENTER ... TICK-TOCK - TIME IS ALMOST OUT!!!

Official rules and sweepstakes entry are available through May 31, 2006 on http://www.hardrock.com/. One grand-prize winner receives roundtrip airfare and first-class hotel accommodations for two to London, Tokyo, Singapore, New York and either Orlando or Hollywood, Fla, as well as two tickets to each concert and $250 in cool cash to spend. Two first-place winners will take in all of the fun in London, including airfare and first-class hotel accommodations, concert tickets and of course, entry to the V.I.P. 35th anniversary party at Hard Rock Cafe London.

ROCKIN' THE WORLD FOR 35 YEARS

From a humble beginning, a simple cafe in London, Hard Rock International has grown into one of the top global brands with cafes, hotels and casinos around the world. In addition to the Ambassadors of Rock Tour, Hard Rock will celebrate its 35th anniversary with limited-edition Ambassadors of Rock merchandise, including apparel, glassware and other collectibles, and of course, Hard Rock's world-famous pins. Cafes around the world will also mark the milestone anniversary with special events. For local event details, visit http://www.hardrock.com/.

About Hard Rock International

With 121 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes, 11 Hotel & Casinos and two stand- alone Casinos in more than 41 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally-recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by The Rank Group Plc (RNK.L). For more information on Hard Rock, visit http://www.hardrock.com/.

Source: Hard Rock International

Web site: http://www.hardrock.com/
http://www.hydeparkcalling.co.uk/

Stars Stuart Townsend, Gabrielle Union, and Producer Frank Spotnitz

Sign DVDs at Best Buy in West Hollywood

to celebrate May 30th DVD release

WHO: Stars of the show, Stuart Townsend, Gabrielle Union, and

Executive Producer, Frank Spotnitz,

WHAT: Caught up in an obsessive hunt for his own wife's murderer,

crime reporter Carl Kolchak (Stuart Townsend) discovers

that his imagination is no match for the evil that lurks in

the dark. Paired with skeptic Perri Reed (Gabrielle

Union), Kolchak stops at nothing to uncover the

supernatural side of the night. From Frank Spotnitz, the

producer of The X-Files; NIGHT STALKER: THE COMPLETE SERIES

is so good, it's scary.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 30th, 7:00-9:00 PM

WHERE: Best Buy

1015 N LA Brea Ave

West Hollywood, CA 90046

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Terri Robson, Luciano Pavarotti's London-based manager, said in a

statement today, "Luciano Pavarotti was admitted to a New York hospital

with back problems earlier this year. He subsequently underwent surgery,

which was pronounced 100% successful. In a statement, issued last month,

his doctors announced that he would be fit and able to recommence

performing in June. However, he went on to develop an infection during his

stay in hospital; this condition has unfortunately delayed his recovery

time. He is currently undergoing a course of intensive physiotherapy in New

York."

The Luciano Pavarotti Canadian and Washington, D.C. Farewell Concerts

were due to begin in Montreal on June 3. This and the other June concert

dates (Toronto - June 6; Calgary - June 11; Vancouver - June 16 and

Washington, D.C. - June 21) have been rescheduled to October 2006. The new

dates are: Calgary - October 14; Vancouver - October 18; Montreal - October

22; Toronto - October 25 and Washington, D.C. - October 31.

Tickets already purchased for the original dates will be valid for the

re-scheduled October concerts. For further information:

* October 14, Calgary, Pengrowth Saddledome 403-777-0000

* October 18, Vancouver, GM Place 604-280-4444

* October 22, Montreal, Centre Bell, 514-790-1245

* October 25, Toronto, Air Canada Centre, 416-870 -8000

* October 31, Washington, DC, Verizon Center 202-397-SEAT, 703-573-SEAT

and 410-547-SEAT

Pavarotti's tour will recommence in July in the UK, where he has

concerts in Glasgow SECC (July 5), Chatsworth House (July 8), Southampton

Rose Bowl (July 12) and Warwick Castle (July 15).

Says Robson, "Luciano apologises to his many disappointed fans for

having to reschedule these concerts -- happily, he is now well on his way

to recovery and very much looks forward to continue celebrating his career

with the Pavarotti Worldwide Farewell Tour."

Main Luciano Pavarotti website: http://www.lucianopavarotti.com

Website for Canadian concerts: http://www.lucianopavarotti.ca

Website for Washington concert: http://www.lucianopavarotti.us

SOURCE Maestro Concerts

Even the rain did not stop the 4head Dreaming Girl having a hair 'do' by celebrity hair dresser Nicky Clarke.

Clarke was invited in by the 4head team so that the Dreaming Girl could leave Chelsea looking her 'very best'.

Commenting on the 4head Dreaming Girl, Nicky Clarke said: "The 4head Garden is the sort of garden I love. I really like the Gothic and mystical atmosphere of the Garden. The driftwood that forms the stumpery is great - brilliant place for people to chill out in."

Nicky adds: "The dreaming girl adds a bit of fun to the garden."

Source: 4head Garden of Dreams

- Hot mobile trend - Calling Tunes - music tracks people hear down the phone line when they call you

- Number of people using the service growing by a third each month

There are signs that the UK is beginning to be gripped by a new mobile craze called Calling Tunes, music tracks that people hear down the phone line when they call a mobile. A great way to personalise your mobile, the UK Calling Tunes service from Orange has had 150,000 downloads since its launch at the start of the year, with the number of users growing by a third each month through word-of-mouth.

Mobile lovers today can pick from over 500 Calling Tunes from 14 different categories - ranging from urban to indie music, film and TV anthems to animal noises - and have them play down their mobile phone line over the repetitive ring ring whilst callers wait for an answer.

Calling Tunes for the famous

Some suggested sounds from the Calling Tunes list that should be playing down the mobile lines of the famous:

- Kylie - I'm a Survivor, Destiny's Child. Proving that she's back and stronger than ever

- Jordan - My Humps, The Black Eyed Peas. Celebrating her eye-catching style

- George Michael - Knight Rider Theme. In recognition of questionable driving habits

- Theo Walcott - Superstar, Jamelia. All eyes are on the next football boy wonder

- Prince Harry - Toy Solider, Martika. Because he's in the army now, and he means business

This Week's Calling Tunes Top Ten

1. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley

2. Pump It - Black Eyed Peas

3. World At Your Feet (World Cup 2006 Anthem) - Embrace

4. From Paris to Berlin - Infernal

5. Big Brother Theme

6. Sweet Child o' Mine - Guns 'n' Roses

7. Insomnia - Faithless

8. I See You Baby - Groove Armada

9. A-Team Theme

10. SOS - Rhianna

Investigations have shown that Orange customers are choosing their Calling Tunes for a variety of reasons - a significant song that has sentimental value; a chart topper which is getting them dancing at the weekend; a song that encapsulates their personalities perfectly, or one that simply makes their friends smile. One message is coming through loud and clear, it's proving a great way for Britons to express themselves and to personalise their phones.

"This year you'll subject pals to around 20,000 ring rings whilst they wait for you to pick up your mobile, in that time friends could have listened to over 160 songs - we think Calling Tunes are the answer," said Mark Ashford, Head of Music, Orange UK.

"When people hear a Calling Tune, they're genuinely surprised. People want to know how they can get rid of the dull ring ring on their mobile phone line and have the latest number one playing, the A Team theme tune or even a cow mooing!"

Calling Tunes can be experienced by any of Orange's 15 million customers and can be found through Orange World, or 477 on Orange mobile phones, or through the Orange.co.uk website. Calling Tunes cost each GBP2.50 to buy.

About Orange

Orange, wirefree and any other Orange product or service referred to in this release are trademarks of Orange Personal Communications Services Ltd. In the UK, Orange provides high quality GSM coverage to 99% of the UK population, and offers roaming to pay monthly customers on 423 networks in 163 countries and to pay as you go customers on 160 networks in 79 countries. At the end of March 2006, Orange had over 14.9 million active UK customers. Across the world, Orange has 86.5 million customers.

In May 2005, Orange gained the top ranking for customer satisfaction among mobile phone contract customers in the annual J.D.Power and Associates 2005 UK Mobile Telephone Customers Satisfaction Study. It is the seventh time Orange has been ranked top by the study. In October 2005, Orange won the Mobile Choice Consumer Awards - voted for by readers of Mobile Choice magazine - for Best Network Operator for the fifth year running. In the same month, Orange also won Best International Mobile Operator at the World Communications Awards. The judges said: "Orange is so solid, you cannot expect more."

Information about Orange can be found on the Orange website at www.orange.co.uk and media information can be found at www.orange.com

Source: Orange

JAIME PRESSLY HOSTED WITH TRIBUTE PERFORMANCES BY FOO FIGHTERS, GODSMACK, THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS, PAUL RODGERS, TOMMY LEE, SLASH, SCOTT IAN, GILBY CLARKE, ROB ZOMBIE AND SURPRISE GUEST ACE FREHLEY

Special Appearances by Kiefer Sutherland, Gina Gershon, Jaime Kennedy, Natasha Henstridge, Brittany Snow, Jim Breuer and Penn Jillette

'VH1 Rock Honors' Premieres May 31 at 9PM*

VH1 rocked sin city HARD! Tonight rock royalty received the ultimate form of flattery as some of today's hottest rock acts honored legendary bands KISS, Queen, Def Leppard and Judas Priest at VH1's first annual "VH1 Rock Honors."

Taped at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, "VH1 Rock Honors," which premieres Wednesday, May 31 at 9PM*, saluted the ground-breaking bands of rock, the once in a lifetime events and the influential people who made a lasting mark on the history of hard rock.

The night opened with rock royalty as the Foo Fighters joined Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor for an explosive performance of "Tie Your Mother Down." Queen and Paul Rodgers proved why they are the champions of rock as they performed a medley of Queen's hit songs "Under Pressure," "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions."

Godsmack delivered the ultimate rock smack-down with their rendition of Judas Priest's "Hell Bent For Leather," "Metal Gods," The Hellion," "Electric Eye" and "Victim Of Changes." As Judas Priest took the stage, the crowd chanted their name and head-banged their way through the outlaw classic "Breaking The Law." They went wild when front man Rob Halford, on a motorcycle, showed the crowd why "You've Got Another Thing Coming."

The All-American Rejects fired up the stage with their rendition of the Def Leppard hit "Photograph." Def Leppard had the crowd roaring with "Rock of Ages" and "Rocket."

The final performance of the night featured an All Star band tribute to KISS with surprise guest Ace Frehley, Tommy Lee, Slash, Scott Ian, Gilby Clarke and Rob Zombie performing KISS' "God Of Thunder." KISS ended the night by taking the stage in full make-up with a no holds barred performance of their ferocious hit "Detroit Rock City" and " Love Gun"

The show also included appearances by Kiefer Sutherland, Gina Gershon, Jaime Kennedy, Jim Breuer, Natasha Henstridge, Brittany Snow and Penn Jillette.

MHD: Music High-Definition channel, MTV Networks new High Definition Television channel will air "VH1 Rock Honors" on Wednesday, May 31 at 9 PM*, during its first-ever simulcast. VH1 Classic will also air "VH1 Rock Honors" beginning the week of June 5.

Beginning Tuesday, May 30, VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel will offer exclusive performances from "VH1 Rock Honors" honorees and tribute bands that will not be seen during the show's television broadcast. Additional VSPOT content will include exclusive interviews with "VH1 Rock Honors" honorees, presenters and performers and "Air to the Throne" air guitar performances from the red carpet. Check it all out on VSPOT at http://vspot.vh1.com/.

For more information go to http://www.vh1.com/ and check out interactive honoree profiles, exclusive programming, show information and more.

On Memorial Day weekend, The VH1 Radio Network will present a "VH1 Rock Honors Special: Queen, Judas Priest, Def Leppard and KISS Get Honors. Hosted by VH1 Classic personality Eddie Trunk, the one-hour radio special will feature music and exclusive interviews from the bands being saluted at VH1 Rock Honors and from musicians the honorees have inspired to rock!

The VH1 Radio Network will present a live simulcast of VH1 Rock Honors on Wednesday, May 31st at 9 PM*.

"VH1 Rock Honors" is sponsored by Verizon Wireless, Aquafina, Crest(R) Whitening Plus Scope(R) Extreme, TACO BELL(R), Pantene(R) Pro-V(R), Nationwide Insurance, Degree for Men, Listerine Pocket Mist(R) and Sirius Satellite Radio.

"VH1 Rock Honors" is directed by David Mallet and executive produced by Lee Rolontz and Rick Krim for VH1 and Greg Sills and Paul Flattery for Choe Productions.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 87 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and VH Uno. Connect with VH1 at http://www.vh1.com/ .

Mandalay Bay Events Center continues its tradition as one of the world's premier entertainment venues in the world. The 12,000-seat multi-purpose Events Center has hosted championship boxing events including De La Hoya vs. Trinidad and Vargas vs. Mosley. The Events Center also has been the home to sold-out concert audiences for such performers as Bette Midler, Kenny Chesney, Van Halen, The Eagles, Britney Spears, Andrea Bocelli and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Live televised events have included the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMA), Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Finals and Brian Boitano's Skating Spectacular.

*all times ET/PT

Contacts: Lori Hornik/VH1

212-846-7131

Tracy McGraw/VH1

212-846-7879

Scott Acord/VH1

310-752-8075

Source: VH1

CONTACT: Lori Hornik, +1-212-846-7131, or Tracy McGraw, +1-212-846-7879,
or Scott Acord, +1-310-752-8075, all of VH1

Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://vspot.vh1.com/

Lee Jeans today announced a new partnership for Lee National Denim Day, the largest single-day fundraiser supporting the fight against breast cancer. The Women's Cancer Programs of The Entertainment Industry Foundation will be the new beneficiary of Lee National Denim Day as the fundraiser enters its second decade.

"All of us at Lee Jeans are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished in creating Lee National Denim Day," said Liz Cahill, director of advertising and public relations for Lee Jeans. "We have seen firsthand what the passion and the power of a simple idea like Lee National Denim Day can achieve. We want to leverage that passion and power toward specific research projects that can help us find the cure for breast cancer. "

"The Entertainment Industry Foundation is extremely honored to begin a partnership with Lee Jeans," said Lisa Paulsen, President and CEO of EIF. "With Lee Jean's crucial support, our women's cancer programs can continue to fund some of the most promising research in the country focused on better detection methods and improved treatment options for breast cancer. We also plan to announce a Lee Jeans-funded research project later this summer."

The beneficiary for the first 10 years of Lee National Denim Day was the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Komen Foundation received more than $61 million in the first decade with the bulk of the dollars going toward education and awareness programs. Last year, people at nearly 30,000 companies and organizations wore denim on Lee National Denim Day in exchange for a $5 donation to fight breast cancer.

"Lee National Denim Day may be changing beneficiaries in 2006, but the core purpose of the program remains the same," said Cahill. "We look forward to starting the second decade of Lee National Denim Day and we won't stop until we find a cure for breast cancer."

Net proceeds from Lee National Denim Day will support groundbreaking breast cancer early detection and treatment research with application to other women's cancers, as well as local community breast cancer programs.

Lee(R) Jeans is a division of VF Corporation. (NYSE:VFC) . Headquartered in Merriam, Kan., Lee manufactures and markets brand denim, casual pants, shirts, fleece and knit apparel. A brand committed to the community, Lee Jeans founded Lee National Denim Day(R), the largest single-day fundraiser for breast cancer. VF Corporation is a leader in branded apparel including jeanswear, outdoor products, intimate apparel, image apparel and sportswear. Its principal brands include Lee(R), Wrangler(R), Riders(R), Rustler(R), Vanity Fair(R), Vassarette(R), Bestform(R), Lily of France(R), Nautica(R), John Varvatos(R), JanSport(R), Eastpak(R), The North Face(R), Vans(R), Reef(R), Napapijri(R), Kipling(R), Lee Sport(R) and Red Kap(R).

The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), as a leading charitable organization of the entertainment industry, has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to support charitable initiatives addressing critical health, education and social issues.

EIF is committed to saving lives by raising awareness about the importance of early detection of breast and reproductive cancers, and providing funds to advance early detection and treatment research, as well as support to community programs that assist the millions of women and their families at risk of or affected by cancer.

Through EIF's National Women's Cancer Research Alliance and EIF's Revlon Run/Walk For Women, EIF funds some of the most promising research being conducted today to develop new and more effective approaches to the treatment of women's cancers. EIF grants have helped accelerate research that has contributed to the development of a breakthrough gene treatment called Herceptin(R), the first successful drug that seeks out a particular gene found in one of three cases of the most aggressive form of breast cancer. EIF grants have also supported other state-of-the-art therapies bringing new and innovative treatment approaches to breast cancer worldwide.

More recently, EIF launched its Women's Cancer Research Fund. Focused on early detection of cancer, the initiative is supporting EIF's Breast Cancer Biomarker Discovery Project - an ambitious, groundbreaking scientific project where a group of internationally recognized scientists and clinicians from some of the best scientific institutions in the world are collaborating to develop a blood test that will detect breast cancer in its beginning stages, when survival rates are highest.

For questions about EIF's women's cancer programs and information about breast cancer, visit eifoundation.org or call 800-426-0010.

Web site: http://www.eifoundation.org/

"Lord of the Rings" star Viggo Mortensen told the graduates of St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, that "activism is not a dirty word" and urged them to be active citizens, particularly to make changes in the country's health-care system.

Mortensen, star of "A History of Violence," graduated from St. Lawrence in 1980 and spoke to the University's 567 graduates at Commencement on Sunday, May 21, in Appleton Arena on campus. He also received an honorary doctor of arts degree at the ceremony, held indoors for the first time in 21 years. "Much has changed in this country and the world since 1980," he said, "but the value of active citizenship is greater than ever. Making an earnest attempt to connect with people and issues outside of one's own limited personal circle will always be worthwhile. My liberal arts education at St. Lawrence taught me as much, and for that I am grateful."

He added, "Plato once said that 'One of the penalties of refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.' Recent election results and subsequent political appointments in this country seem to bear that admonishment out."

Specifically, Mortensen urged those gathered to become active in changing what he sees as an inadequate and inequitable health-care system. He stated, "Among the most revered of teachings in any religion or spiritual code of ethics, including those attributed to Jesus Christ, is the admonition to care for the least fortunate among us. This lesson seems to have gone unheeded by many in the health care and insurance business, and, most tellingly, by the politicians who do their often uncharitable and obstructionist bidding. This is especially galling in light of how many of these same politicians regularly trumpet their avowed Christian values as badges of honor and electability."

Continuing, Mortensen said, "People cannot be mentally focused, positive and actively engaged citizens if they are constantly worried that the only thing keeping them from financial ruin is to dangerously delay seeking or altogether deny themselves and their dependents necessary medical attention. You can, if you will, as informed individuals, do something -- however little -- to call attention to this most important problem in your own communities."

Also receiving honorary degrees and speaking at the ceremony were alumni Rev. Richard Gilbert, Class of 1958, and Barbara Tewksbury, Class of 1973, the William R. Kenan Professor of Geology at Hamilton College.

Web site: http://www.stlawu.edu/
http://web.stlawu.edu/commence/index.html
http://www.newswise.com/

Universal Pictures and Budweiser have announced that on June 2, 2006, miserable couples across the world can and should make the big break. Henceforth, the partners proclaim, this day shall forever be known as National Break-Up Day.

In keeping with the spirit of Universal Pictures' new film "The Break-Up," starring Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn, National Break-Up Day takes a twist on an old subject. It is a day where we may all stand undivided nationwide -- and, with one voice -- get divided.

Site visitors to www.nationalbreakupday.com will find tried and true tests to determine if it is really time to break-up. With break-up checklists, sample dialogue to help get you on track, compatibility quizzes and e-cards to 86 soon-to-be exes, the no longer lovestruck will turn newly lovelorn in moments. The audience can even submit their best "break-up stories" and "break-up lines" through the National Break-Up Day web site, or videotape a retelling or reenactment of that not-so-special day and post it to "The Break-Up" page on Google Video (http://video.google.com/breakup).

For those women who just can't take one more day of their men leaving the toilet seat up and the guys sick to death of their ladies' nagging, there is no longer any need to suffer. For partners around the globe who have been waiting for just the right opportunity to say to their spouse, "I can't take you anymore," National Break-Up Day has arrived. Universal and Budweiser are just giving those in need the simple tools to send their not-so-loved one packing.

About "The Break-Up"

Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston star in "The Break-Up," which starts where most romantic comedies end: after boy and girl have met, fallen in love, moved in to start their happily-ever-after...and right when they wind up driving each other crazy.

Pushed to the breaking-up point after their latest "why can't you do this one little thing for me?" argument, art dealer Brooke (Aniston) calls it quits with her boyfriend, Gary (Vaughn), who hosts bus tours of Chicago. What follows is a series of remedies, war tactics, overtures and underminings suggested by the former couple's friends, confidantes and the occasional total stranger. When neither ex is willing to move out of the condo they used to share, the only solution is to continue living as hostile roommates until somebody caves.

But somewhere between protesting the pool table in the living room, the dirty clothes stacked in the kitchen cupboards and the sports played at sleep-killing volume in the middle of night, Brooke begins to realize that what she may be really fighting for isn't so much the place but the person.

"The Break-Up" stars Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston, under the direction of Peyton Reed ("Bring It On," "Down With Love"). The writers are Jeremy Garelick, Jay Lavender with story by Vaughn, Garelick and Lavender. Vaughn produces with Scott Stuber ("You, Me and Dupree").

NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.

Web site: http://www.nationalbreakupday.com/
http://video.google.com/breakup

Superscape Group plc (LSE: SPS) announces that two of its 3D mobile game titles are now available on the Movistar Panama network.

The games are:

Independence Day 4 3D

A game based on the 20th Century Fox film, players must save the world from alien invaders

Superscape Basketball 3D

This is a fast-paced 2-on-2 basketball in stunning 3D where the camera follows the action of dazzling passes and in-your-face dunks. Players select a team, control passing, shooting, blocking, stealing, all-star play making alley-oops, behind the back and high flying jams. They can compete in single exhibition games or play a season against increasingly challenging teams.

Kevin Roberts: "Movistar Panama is a new network for our games, and I am delighted that the two titles they have chosen for their customers are both compelling, state-of-the-art 3D games."

About Superscape

Superscape is the world's leading publisher of 3D mobile games. The company was the first in the world to develop and launch international standard (JSR 184) compliant solutions for the delivery of innovative games on mass-market handsets. Superscape is quoted on the London Stock Exchange and has corporate offices in Hook, Hampshire (UK) and San Clemente, California (USA), together with development and production facilities in Moscow.

www.superscape.com

Trademark acknowledgements

Independence Day and ID4 (TM) & (c) 2005 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

Source: Superscape Group plc

QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) , a leading developer and innovator of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and other advanced wireless technologies, today announced its single-chip Universal Broadcast Modem (UBM) solution supporting three of the world's leading mobile broadcast standards. The UBM solution unifies the world's leading mobile TV standards into a single, cost-effective chip with support for FLO(TM) technology, as well as for Digital Video Broadcasting -- Handheld (DVB-H) and one-segment Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting -- Terrestrial (ISDB-T), creating a common platform that handset manufacturers can leverage to address multiple standards.

"Mobile TV on handsets is gaining momentum in the wireless industry, even as network operators continue to evaluate the various standards available," said Mike Concannon, vice president of strategic products for QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies. "Our UBM solution addresses the industry's need by providing a single universal chip that supports three of the world's leading standards, enabling mobile handsets to receive real-time content regardless of the broadcast technology selected by operators."

The UBM solution includes support for FLO, which is part of the MediaFLO(TM) system, DVB-H, and one-segment implementations of ISDB-T to address the needs of network operators in Europe, Asia, North America and elsewhere for the deployment of mobile broadcast services. The UBM solution offers a high level of integration to deliver a single-chip FLO solution for the North American market that also includes specific enhancements necessary for deployment outside of North America.

The UBM is designed as a companion to QUALCOMM's Mobile Station Modem(TM) (MSM(TM)) baseband chipsets, but also can be used with other products. The UBM leverages the processing power of the Enhanced Multimedia and Convergence Platforms, eliminating the need for additional dedicated application processors for more power-efficient devices with smaller form-factors. Specific performance features of the UBM solution include:

* Support for the entire UHF bandwidth -- 470 to 862 MHz;

* Tunable modes 5, 6, 7 and 8 MHz channel bandwidths; and

* Support for single- and multi-frequency networks.

Designed to be compatible with both CDMA2000(R) and WCDMA/UMTS devices, the UBM solution is expected to sample in the first quarter of 2007. For more information, please visit www.cdmatech.com/ubm.

QUALCOMM Incorporated (www.qualcomm.com) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., QUALCOMM is included in the S&P 500 Index and is a 2006 FORTUNE 500(R) company traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market(R) under the ticker symbol QCOM.

QUALCOMM is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. FLO, Mobile Station Modem and MSM are trademarks of QUALCOMM Incorporated. CDMA2000 is a registered trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA USA). All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: QUALCOMM Incorporated

Web site: http://www.cdmatech.com/ubm

Web site: http://www.qualcomm.com/

Whiteflash.com custom designed one-of-a-kind wedding bands for the upcoming nuptials of Adrianne Curry, winner of America's Next Top Model, and Christopher Knight, of Brady Bunch fame. The two met on the set of VH1's Surreal Life last year and have been heading toward wedded bliss ever since. Whiteflash.com, a diamond and jewelry e-boutique, was heralded by Kiplinger's Magazine as "Lord of the Online Rings." The company's world-renowned jewelry artisans handcrafted the famous couple's wedding bands.

"We wanted to create something for them that is truly show stopping. For Adrianne, it was important that we design a unique band that complements her engagement ring," says Debi Wexler, co-founder and CEO of Whiteflash.com. Wexler and Brian Gavin, a 5th generation expert diamond cutter from South Africa, embarked on the e-diamond business together in 2000 and have since grown the company to a global customer base.

Working one-on-one with the couple by phone and via email, designers created a simplistic design for Knight -- a 3.5 mm half round band cast in 950 platinum. For Curry, it is a curvaceous (950 platinum) design that plays up to her engagement ring from the Sirena Collection by Merit Diamonds.

Curry, now a noted fashionista who models for the likes of Macy's, Merit Diamonds, Famous Stars and Straps, and Ed Hardy, amongst numerous others says, "I was amazed by the clarity of the diamonds and originality of the designs Whiteflash.com shared with me. It was difficult to narrow it down to just one!" Whiteflash.com sent several samples to the soon-to-be Mrs. Knight to show the company's capability in custom designed settings and the sparkle emitted from the company's a 'A Cut Above' diamonds.

"Our customers typically are 'wowed' by the quality of our diamonds," says Wexler, "because they simply out-sparkle the competition."

Just which design made the final cut? Spiraling gracefully down the shank of Curry's band -- measuring 3.8 mm wide at the top and then tapering to 2.5 mm at the base -- are six .20 carat 'A Cut Above' diamonds from the company's exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamonds. "Hearts & Arrows refers to the pattern seen through the top and bottom of the diamond," says Gavin, "which signifies the highest level of cut quality."

Gavin pioneered the cut of the 'A Cut Above' diamond; revolutionary, all 57 facets of an 'A Cut Above' diamond align perfectly to maximize the diamond's ability to attract and reflect light. "Light, even diffused by office lighting and soft candlelight, reflects from inside the crown (or top) of the diamond, from facet to facet, and then out of the crown again," says Gavin. He adds, "This is what enables our diamonds to really sparkle." And for Whiteflash.com's 'A Cut Above' diamonds, sparkle is what they do best.

Whiteflash.com is the only jeweler in the country to back their Hearts & Arrows diamond with an elite true patterning guarantee, meeting presentation criteria Gavin set forth at the International Diamond Cut Conference (IDCC). "Fewer than one in a million diamonds are cut to Hearts & Arrows precision and only the most elite carry the 'A Cut Above' guarantee," says Gavin.

All 'A Cut Above' diamonds are produced in the same cutting facility in Antwerp.

Catch Chris and Adrianne's journey to the Altar as "My Fair Brady: We are Getting Married!" premieres Sunday, May 28th at 9:00PM on VH1.

About Whiteflash.com

Whiteflash.com is the first company in the U.S. to offer an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamond and bring the sheer beauty of "super ideal cut" to the Internet. Brian Gavin, a 5th generation diamond cutter, and Debi Wexler, a computer entrepreneur, together founded Whiteflash.com in 1999 bringing an expansive selection of loose diamonds to the Internet, including an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamonds. 'A Cut Above' (ACA(TM)) is unmatched in its brilliance, fire and sparkle and remains the only Hearts & Arrows diamond sold online with advertised standards and a "true patterning" guarantee. Whiteflash.com also offers original, handcrafted platinum and gold settings, diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, custom designs and specialty jewelry.

For more information, log on to http://www.whiteflash.com/

Web site: http://www.send2press.com/

Web site: http://www.whiteflash.com/

Hot off the heels of their smash hit #1 single "Grillz," Ali, of the platinum selling group St. Lunatics, and "Dirty South" impresario Goodie Mob alum Big Gipp score the #1 most added record at the rhythm crossover radio format this week with their debut single, "Go 'Head" from their collaborative CD Kinfolk. Kinfolk, due in stores late summer '06 is on superstar rapper Nelly's record label, Derrty Ent., an imprint with Universal Motown Records.

"Go 'Head," produced by up and coming St. Louis native Trife, is an anthemic summer song that combines "midwest swing" with southern crunk. The "Go 'Head" video was directed by newcomer Melina and will be serviced to video outlets soon.

"Gipp and I started hanging out a while back and found that we had a lot in common," says Ali. "We're both considered leaders in our crews, we're fathers and even though we have different styles, we respect each other's skills." Gipp describes their collaborative effort as "the best of both worlds -- the St. Lunatics kicked off the midwest movement and Goodie Mob helped establish southern rap, that's why I say it's the best of both worlds. Plain and simple."

In that spirit, Kinfolk has a mix of songs featuring "St. Louis" kin: Nelly, Murphy Lee and Derrty Ent. newcomers, Chocolate Tai and Avery Storm; "Atlanta" kin Cee-lo and other southern all-stars include Juvenile, David Banner, Three 6 Mafia and Bun B. The album collab also contains a mix of mid- west and southern producers including the St. Louis hit-makers Jason "Jay E" Epperson and The Track Starz, Atlanta's uber-producer Dallas Austin and other talented newcomers.

Ali made his debut on Nelly's 9X platinum groundbreaking debut, Country Grammar (2000). The St. Lunatics member was also featured on the groups' platinum certified album, Free City (2001). In 2002, he released his own noted solo album, Heavy Starch. Ali guested on various albums including the Longest Yard soundtrack as well as the Coach Carter soundtrack. Gipp has been one of the main cogs in the "Dirty South" movement since the mid-'90's as a leader of the groundbreaking, platinum-plus group Goodie Mob. The thought- provoking, Atlanta based foursome broke down the wall of East Coast/West Coast dominance in 1995 with their debut album Soul Food. The pioneering group's subsequent albums, including 1998's Still Standing, and their steadfast alliance with fellow "Dirty South" phenoms Outkast, forever cemented their reputation as one of hip-hop's most innovative groups. The original members began embarking on their own journeys in 2002, with Gipp releasing his first solo album, Mutant Mindframe, in 2003.

Currently, Ali & Gipp are gearing up for promotional performances, details to follow.

Source: Universal Motown

Web site: http://www.universalrecords.com/

For over a decade, Photograve(TM) Corp. (http://www.photograve.com) has been a pioneer in the personalized jewelry industry. Now, with the release of its new Lovely Locket(TM), the company has gone a step beyond photo-engraved pendants. Photograve Corp. introduced the new lasered Lovely Locket line of personalized jewelry this week. Lovely Locket lasers a photo right inside the customer's choice of locket; lockets are available in 14k Yellow Gold, 14k White Gold or Sterling Silver. Each carries a lifetime guarantee with a certificate of authenticity and is water- and scratch-resistant, unlike your average paper-inserted locket. "Lovely Lockets will change the way people perceive lockets," stated Photograve Corp. Vice President Daniel Schifter. "Because the photos are lasered right onto the lockets, they can be worn all the time (in the shower, etc.) with absolutely no damage to the photos, unlike traditional paper-inserted lockets. Our process eliminates the dilemma of finding a photographer to shrink down your photos, and is near photo quality. It's a new concept in personalized jewelry." The Lovely Locket process is simple for customers and jewelers alike. The customer can choose one or more photos to be engraved or color-lasered onto one side of the locket; the jeweler then sends the photos to Photograve Corp. via mail, e-mail, color fax or through the Photograve.com Web site. Within a week, the locket is shipped back to the jeweler. Photograve Corp. even offers rush turnaround in as little as one day for last-minute shoppers. For a limited time, jewelers who add Lovely Lockets to their product offerings will receive a free countertop display from which they can sell the lockets; no inventory or investment is required. Schifter stated, "Once shoppers see the display, the lockets really sell themselves." Any jeweler who sells 20 Lovely Lockets will receive a free color fax machine, making it easy to fax customers' photos in high resolution. (Limit one fax machine per client.) "We have made it easy for jewelers to sell Lovely Lockets," said Schifter. "Photograve Corp. is dedicated to supporting our retailers through exemplary customer service." Jewelers interested in carrying Lovely Locket or any other Photograve Corp. product can call 1-800-897-5608 or learn more at http://www.photograve.com.

The ink is not yet dry on the NTL-Virgin Mobile merger, but already there are reports that Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson is planning to launch a music channel to take on the MTV machine.

If any company has the credentials to create a credible challenger channel, it is Virgin. Given its strength in music retail, live events, digital downloads and radio, its lack of a branded TV offering seems an oversight.

But what does it take to compete in a world of converged media where AOL, Apple, Google, MySpace, Napster and the music labels are already encroaching on MTV's turf?

Patrick Johnston, head of business development at Entertainment Media Research, says there is a business case for Virgin to launch a TV channel, but not if it expects it to be a stand-alone profit centre. 'Virgin could try the basic video-channel approach,' he says. 'But the audiences are so small and fickle that there is hardly any ad money there, unless it sells across channels or media like Emap, whose channels are manifestations of its magazine and radio brands.'

Alternatively, Virgin could adopt the MTV model, with a flagship entertainment channel and supporting channels viewers can default to. 'But the programming needed for that is incredibly expensive, even for a company like MTV that can amortise its costs across dozens of international markets,' says Johnston.

Viewed this way, a Virgin TV channel could do two key things. First, a Virgin channel exclusive to NTL - complementing, not replacing, MTV - might encourage customers to subscribe to NTL rather than SkyDigital.

Second, it would give Virgin a chance to drive audiences back to cash-generating businesses such as shops or digital downloads, says Mark Cullen, chief executive of branded TV company Enteraction.

'If it can pick up video rights for a decent price, it might be worth running a channel as a 24/7 branding exercise,' he adds.

A spokesman for Virgin says it is too early to comment on its plans, but maybe Branson is not thinking in terms of a linear music channel, says Cullen.

'For the Virgin Group, a transactional service could work. It would be possible to design an interactive shop front that is entertaining but also sells tickets to events, for example.' It might even offer on-demand music in the mould of BT Vision, the hybrid broadband TV platform launching later this year, which plans to offer 500 concerts and performances as an on-demand service.

Even if Virgin does not become a direct competitor to MTV as a TV channel, there is no doubt that any new offering will contribute to the pressure being piled on the broadcaster.

Channels such as Emap's The Box - one of 12 non-MTV music channels on the Sky EPG - may not have the same scale of ambition as MTV, but they drain audience.

This also applies to companies offering music content via non-TV platforms.

Napster and iTunes are obvious competitors, but so is mobile operator 3, which claims its customers accounted for 17% of all digital audio downloads purchased last month. It would not be a great leap for a company that is ostensibly a mobile operator to develop as a frontline music video provider.

Angel Gambino, MTV Networks' UK vice-president, commercial, strategy and digital media, respects the threat posed by Virgin, but views digital channel E4's music activity as a bigger threat to MTV's audience share. But she sees her company as going on the offensive to counter this. 'MTV has been in this business for 25 years and we are as progressive as anyone in providing services across multiple platforms,' she argues.

A snapshot of MTV's business underlines the point. It responded to the rise of Freeview by introducing music channel TMF to the platform and brought MTV Overdrive, a broadband channel, to the UK in April. In mobile TV, MTV Snax and MTV Trax are leading music services on Vodafone and 3.

And the recently-announced MTV Urge - a joint-venture with Microsoft, offering music across all genres via blogs, radio and paid-for downloads, backed by state-of-the-art search and navigation tools - is widely viewed as MTV's answer to iTunes.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) estimated that digital music sales in 2005 accounted for 6% of the $13.2bn (£7bn) global recorded music market, three times the 2004 figure, and all the signs are that this growth will continue.

Whatever MTV loses in terms of TV channel ad revenue, it will seek to recoup through new subscription and transactional services. 'MTV is content-led,' says Gambino. 'But if we are quick, clever and commercially aggressive, we have an opportunity to massively expand these new revenue streams.'

Viewed this way, the real story is not about Virgin competing with MTV in the TV space, as the two would need each other as platform and content provider. Rather, the question is which brand will benefit most from the shift to the digital music arena.

1984: Virgin launches The Music Channel 1987 MTV Europe starts; Virgin sells TMC

1994: VH1 launches

1996: EMAP launches The Box

1997: MTV Europe launches UK service 1998 MTV2 launch starts digital roll-out

1999 Three more MTV digital channels launch; Virgin Mobile launches

2000: Emap launches Q Television

2001: MTV Dance launches; Emap launches four more music channels

2002: Emap's The Hits airs on Freeview

2003: Online music file-sharing service Napster goes legit; Sky launches Scuzz, The Amp and Flaunt

2004: Apple launches iTunes in Europe

2005: Rupert Murdoch buys MySpace; MTV Overdrive launches; MTV launches Snax and Trax on mobile; iTunes adds video content; AOL debuts music service

2006: MTV takes on iTunes with Urge; Virgin Mobile launches live digital TV, hits 4m customers and merges with NTL.

Christie's, Dame Elizabeth Taylor and House of Taylor Jewelry, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOTJ) today announced that selected jewels designed by the legendary icon would be offered at auction by Christie's in New York, Hong Kong and Geneva. The specially designed jewels will be provided to Christie's exclusively through House of Taylor Jewelry.

"We are honored to partner in this important endeavor with one of the most adored artists, humanitarians and now certainly designers of our time," said Stephen Lash, Chairman, Christie's. "This marks a fantastic continuation of our many years of working with this legend, having teamed with her in historic fund-raising auctions in support of her work through amfAR and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation to promote the research and treatment of HIV/AIDS, as well her own purchases of great jewelry pieces. Her knowledge of jewels stems in large part from her pre-eminence and aesthetic taste as perhaps the world's greatest private collector of great jewelry."

The first exclusive and unique creations to be sold directly by Christie's will be featured in their October 11th Magnificent Jewels auction in New York.

Dame Elizabeth conveyed her personal excitement about creating special pieces for the world's leading auction house, stating, "Until the launch of House of Taylor Jewelry, many people didn't know how much I love to design pieces that I wear and for people that I love. I've never thought of the jewels in my collection as trophies. I don't believe I own any of them or the designs I create that become jewelry. Like the pieces in my personal collection I am their custodian ... here to enjoy them, give them love and to share them.

"As they go off to auction at Christie's, I hope whoever buys them gives them a really good home. My relationship with Christie's began many years ago. My love affair with Christie's came about with the launch of my book, 'My Love Affair With Jewelry,' with a wonderful introduction by François Curiel, Christie's worldwide head of jewelry. This magnificent auction house did such a beautiful job of displaying my personal collection and celebrating my passion for beautiful jewels that they eclipsed the possibility of my ever designing for any competitor.

"Stephen Lash and the extraordinary team at Christie's have been quietly generous and greatly supportive of my work for people with HIV/AIDS. They make loving, ongoing contributions to my foundation and brought tremendous energy to the launch of my book.

"Designing for their auctions is another chapter in the story of our relationship. Something wonderful is about to happen."

Dame Elizabeth also expresses her passion for jewelry as the majority shareholder and the creative genius who inspired House of Taylor Jewelry, Inc., an international jewelry company serving fine jewelry retailers worldwide.

Jack Abramov, president and chief executive officer of House of Taylor Jewelry, said, "The strategic alliance between Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Christie's underscores the global appeal and the magnificent quality of our House of Taylor Jewelry collection. It is a strong testament to our company's marketability and demonstrates the soundness of our corporate growth strategies."

About Christie's

Christie's is the world's leading auction house, a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service, and international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th and 19th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie's offers nearly 1,000 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewelry, photographs, collectibles, wine, cars and more. Christie's has 90 offices in 30 countries and 16 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Tel Aviv and Hong Kong. Most recently, Christie's has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging markets such Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai. In 2005 Christie's annual global sales increased +38% to $3.2 billion, the highest total in company history and propelling the auction house into global market leadership.

For more information visit Christie's on the Web at www.christies.com.

About Dame Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor is the star of more than fifty-five films, among them National Velvet, A Place in the Sun, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Butterfield 8, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Cleopatra. For nearly two decades, she has been a leader in HIV/AIDS activism, including her founding role in the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and establishment of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF). In 2005, she established the Elizabeth Taylor Endowment Fund at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

She has also been an extraordinarily successful businesswoman with her bestselling line of fragrances. The recipient of numerous honors and awards, she was made a Dame of the British Empire in the year 2000. In 1987, France bestowed upon her its most prestigious award, the Legion d'Honneur, and in 2001 President Clinton recognized her with the Presidential Citizen's Medal. In 2002, Miss Taylor received a Kennedy Center Honor for an extraordinary lifetime of contributions to American culture through the performing arts. She has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress, and in 1993 she received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for her work on behalf of AIDS. She also received the BAFTA Fellowship from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, as well as the Lifetime Achievement award from the American Film Institute. She received the Britannia Award for Artistic Excellence in International Entertainment from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Fellowship in 2005. Dame Elizabeth is the majority shareholder of House of Taylor Jewelry, Inc., an international jewelry company which began trading on NASDAQ on March 1, 2006 under the ticker symbol "HOTJ."

Elizabeth Taylor lives in Bel Air, California. She has four children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

About House of Taylor Jewelry, Inc.

House of Taylor Jewelry is a Los Angeles-based international jewelry company whose principal shareholders include entities owned by Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Kathy Ireland, along with members of the Abramov family. It serves fine jewelry retailers worldwide with diverse jewelry collections marketed under the brands Elizabeth(R), House of Taylor Jewelry(R), and Kathy Ireland Jewelry(R) Exclusively for House of Taylor Jewelry. More information on the company can be found at www.hotj.com.

Web site: http://www.hotj.com/
http://www.christies.com/

Hip San Diego hangout, Wave House, is the chosen venue for the kick-off of MTV's "Spankin New Sounds of Summer Music Week." MTV's week-long event, beginning Memorial Day at Wave House will feature appearances by Jack Black, Ashlee Simpson, Nicole Richie, Panic at the Disco, Lauren Conrad, Cheyenne and more. Set to perform live are Pink, T.I., Chamillionaire, Sean Paul, Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, Christina Milian and Young Jeezy.

Hosted by MTV's newest VJs Stephen Colletti of 'Laguna Beach,' Damien Fahey, Vanessa Minnillo and Susie Castillo, fans from throughout San Diego and visitors from around the region will get a chance to view live MTV's exclusive filming at Wave House.

"We are pleased to host MTV's talent and fans at Wave House," said Tom Lochtefeld, owner and CEO of Wave House. "The MTV phenomenon generates huge waves in the entertainment and lifestyle world, and if there are waves, we surf!"

One of Lochtefeld's other companies -- Wave Loch, Inc. -- manufactures a key component to the unique MTV/Wave House sound stage, the 'Bruticus Maximus.' "This 10-foot barreling psycho wave will put a little swell into the MTV set," said Lochtefeld. "Just add Wave House's unique environment of outdoor Kava bars, open air barbecues, fire rings, hammocks, tropical palms, meandering boardwalks and wave shows, and what more could you want? It's the quintessential California beach experience, and will make for one sizzlin' summer for MTV."

MTV's "Spankin New Sounds of Summer Music Week" will film and then air from Wave House beginning May 29 through June 9. Exclusive video premieres, performances by some of the hottest stars in music and numerous celebrity guest appearances will be among the highlights.

Wave House(R) is located in the heart of Mission Beach adjacent to Belmont Park at the corner of Mission Blvd. and West Mission Bay Drive

.

About Wave House(R)/Belmont Park

Located on the boardwalk in the heart of San Diego's Mission Beach, Wave House(R) ( http://www.wavehouse.com/ ) is a key component in the revitalization of Belmont Park ( http://www.belmontpark.com/ ), a seven-acre beachfront commercial/recreational development that offers the quintessential California experience for locals and visitors alike. In addition to the Bar and Grill, adjacent Wave House(R) elements include: the Wave House(R) Athletic Club with its state-of-the-art gym equipment and FlowRider(R) sheet wave attraction, the historic Plunge swimming pool and advanced mind/body classes, such as Yoga and Bosu training; a historic amusement park with seven attractions, including the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.

About WAVE LOCH'S Bruticus Maximus(R)

Affectionately known as the 'B-Max', this beast uses 800 horsepower to create a perfect 10' barreling wave. Water is propelled to a speed of 30 miles per hour, upon which flowboarders accomplish maneuvers unimaginable on an ocean wave.

Web site: http://www.wavehouse.com/
http://www.belmontpark.com/
http://www.waveloch.com/

Two years ago it was Terrell Owens, then of the Philadelphia Eagles, suffering from a potentially career-ending injury. Before that it was Duce Staley. Both utilized HydroWorx therapy pools as integral parts of their rehab. Terrell Owens returned in time for a Super Bowl MVP-caliber performance. Staley returned to continue as a productive running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is in need of a HydroWorx underwater treadmill.

Riding on the coattails of Palmer's Pro Bowl season, the Bengals were making their first playoff appearance in 15 years. On his first pass of the game - a 66-yard strike that momentarily filled the Cincinnati hopeful with joy, the Bengals quarterback tore ligaments in his left knee when he was hit by Pittsburgh Steeler, and 300-plus-pound defensive end, Kimo von Oelhoffen.

Palmer waited two days before having surgery, which took place in Houston, on Jan 10. Palmer is now in week 20 of an arduous rehabilitation program - albeit unusually smooth up to this point. Palmer's goal? To play in Cincinnati's 2006 season opener, against the Chiefs on Sept. 10th, knowing full well that a normal range of recovery from such a debilitating injury is eight to 12 months.

After a number of months focused primarily on rebuilding atrophied muscles and regaining full range of motion, Palmer returned to Cincinnati to continue his rehabilitation at the Bengal's facility - equipped with a HydroWorx 2000 therapy pool. "The HydroWorx pools without a doubt are the most versatile pieces of equipment that we have in our training room at Paul Brown Stadium. The applications are virtually limitless," says Paul Sparling, Head Athletic Trainer for the Cincinnati Bengals.

The HydroWorx 2000 is the flagship model of its Pennsylvanian-based namesake. The floor of the pool is an 8-foot-by-12-foot treadmill that can rise to floor level for easy access by the injured Palmer. It can be adjusted to any depth of up to six feet and can run at speeds of up to eight miles per hour.

This primary feature has allowed Palmer to begin walking, and now jogging, at a much earlier stage of rehab. Through the principal of buoyancy, Palmer is able to jog neck deep in water while taking most of the weight of his body off his knee. Additionally, underwater cameras allow Bengals athletic trainers to observe movements and diagnose any gait irregularities.

In the near weightless environment of an underwater treadmill, an injured athlete can walk or run without over-taxing the joint. The result is typically a speedier, more complete recovery from injury or surgery. That is a bottom-line issue and it is precisely why growing numbers of sports teams and universities are choosing HydroWorx. Top spinal research and sports medicine facilities, most notably Dr. James R. Andrews of the Andrews Institute, have invested in HydroWorx pools as well.

Web site: http://www.hydroworx.com/

The NBA and Toyota, in conjunction with the USO, are sending NBA Legend Tim Hardaway and New Orleans Hornets Chris Paul to Fort Bliss, near El Paso, Texas, June 1 on the NBA's 2006 Finals Trophy Tour. This is the third stop on a five-base tour, which includes one-day interactive festivals at the military bases in the heartland of the United States. At each base, the NBA and Toyota will bring a fleet of NBA finals-themed vehicles, including the specially designed Toyota Tundra "Trophy Mobile," the Larry O'Brien Trophy and an interactive NBA-themed activity center. The festivals will feature contests, shooting games, and a variety of activities for children of military personnel.

"The NBA is proud to partner with Toyota and the USO on executing the tour as a way to thank and honor military personnel and their families for their service to our country," said Heidi Ueberroth, Executive Vice President Global Media Properties and Marketing Partnerships for the NBA. "Toyota and the NBA focus on creating memorable experiences for NBA fans through unique vehicles and basketball interaction, so we are pleased to deliver the NBA experience and the Larry O'Brien Trophy to these military bases."

"Our military men and women face some of life's most difficult situations in service to our country," said Don Esmond, Toyota's Senior Vice President and also a Marine Corps helicopter pilot in Vietnam, where he earned a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart. "We appreciate their dedication and commitment, and we're glad we can help bring some fun and excitement to everyone through the NBA experience."

"The USO is pleased to support the NBA and Toyota in bringing the tour to military bases in the United States," said Edward A. Powell, USO President and CEO. "The NBA has a long history of support for service members, and NBA players and Legends participated on the USO's first tour to Baghdad in 2003."

The remaining stops on the 2006 NBA Finals Trophy Tour are: June 24 at Fort Riley North, Kan.; and July 3 at Fort Carson, Colo. The tour also has visited Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.; and Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

This tour continues the USO tradition of bringing professional athletes to troops serving far from home. NFL players Bryce Fisher, Patrick Kerney and Max Starks recently returned from a USO tour marking the 40th anniversary of the NFL-USO partnership. Last year, NBA Legends Artis Gilmore and Darryl Dawkins visited military personnel serving in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, and Gilmore, Gail Goodrich, Spencer Haywood and Dan Roundfield brought the Larry O'Brien Trophy to troops in Kuwait.

About the USO

For more than 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T, Inc., BAE Systems North America, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Military Channel, S&K Sales Co. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit http://www.uso.org/.

Web site: http://www.uso.org/

While hoops fans in Detroit, Miami, Dallas and Phoenix are focused on their team's chances of raising the Larry O'Brien trophy in June, fans of the teams at the opposite spectrum of the NBA hierarchy are turning their attention to the promise of the entry draft. With one of the most wide open draft fields in years, no consensus number one pick has come to the fore, prompting Sportsbook.com to offer odds on who will be first player to shake David Sterns' hand on the evening of June 28.

The current favorite with odds makers is Texas Longhorn standout LaMarcus Aldridge at 2-1. However, he is far from being a lock at the number one spot. Other possibilities include LSU's Tyrus Thomas, who came out of nowhere to steal the show at the NCAA Tournament in March, and seven foot Italian star Andrea Bargnani, who many compare to Dirk Nowitzki. Both players are listed as 9-4 bets with Gonzaga's Adam Morrison, the leading scorer in the NCAA last season, at 3-1. Washington's Brandon Roy (10-1), Connecticut's Rudy Gay (12-1) and Villanova's Randy Foye (15-1) round out the top candidates.

What makes this year's top pick so uncertain is that fact that Toronto is already loaded at the positions where most of the top prospects would play, with Chris Bosh and Charlie Villanueva forming a solid young core at the small and power forward spots. Though the latest rumors suggest Bryan Colangelo, the team's GM, is enamored with Bargnani, the Raptors could just as likely trade the pick.

"If the Raptors trade the pick then determining in advance who the first selection is going to be will be even harder," said Alex Czajkowski, Sportsbook.com. "The reality is that without a clear favorite, a team's specific needs may be the biggest factor in who goes first this year, so you need to know who the Raptors are trading the pick to in order to make an educated guess."

Recent drafts without a consensus number one pick, like LeBron James or Yao Ming, have produced mixed results for teams holding the coveted spot. For every gem like Elton Brand and Dwight Howard, there's a lemon like Kwame Brown or Michael Olowakandi.

"Drafting is not easy to do," added Czajkowski. "Everybody bets on the draft, including the GMs who put their reputation and careers on the line when they select 18 and 19 year old kids to lead their franchises into the future."

2006 NBA DRAFT - WHO WILL BE FIRST OVERALL PICK

LaMarcus Aldridge (Texas) 2-1

Andrea Bargnani (Italy) 9-4

Tyrus Thomas (LSU) 9-4

Adam Morrison (Gonzaga) 3-1

Brandon Roy (Washington) 10-1

Rudy Gay (Connecticut) 12-1

Randy Foye (Villanova) 15-1

Patrick O'Bryant (Bradley) 20-1

Marcus Williams (Connecticut) 20-1

Shelden Williams (Duke) 25-1

Ronnie Brewer (Arkansas) 30-1

Rodney Carney (Memphis) 30-1

JJ Reddick (Duke) 50-1

For complete NBA odds please visit sportsbook.com

About Sportsbook.com:

Sportsbook.com is the largest sportsbook and casino on the planet, where millions of adult Americans bet on sports, play poker and enjoy blackjack and other casino games online in a regulated and licensed jurisdiction. Named the "Best US Sports Book" by the industry's top magazine, eGaming Review, Sportsbook.com has been leading the online gaming industry since 1996. Dwarfing its nearest competitors in the US, Sportsbook.com has been the first to achieve every significant industry milestone, from record turnover to active users to number of bets--achieving a peak of fifteen bets per second. As the US online gaming leader, the firm and its products have been featured on CBS 60 Minutes, CNN, ESPN, Wall Street Journal, Barrons, Financial Times, USA Today and in every major newspaper in the US.

Sportsbook.com is the flagship brand for Sportingbet PLC, , the world's leading publicly traded online gaming company. Sportingbet PLC, headquartered in London, England, has been voted number one in the industry for two years in a row by the authoritative eGaming Review Power 50 Survey.

Source: Sportsbook.com

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2007 Camry Solara Coupe and Convertible.

For 2007 model year, the Camry Solara receives one of Toyota's most extensive mid-year changes to date and raising the bar in the sporty coupe segment. The 2007 Solara offers several exterior and interior styling changes, additional standard safety equipment, and enhanced audio and convenience features.

Solara's exterior enhancements include newly designed halogen headlamps, grille, front bumper, and integrated fog lamps. From behind, Solara will feature restyled LED tail lamps, bumper and rear spoiler. The Sport grade adds unique HID headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear under bumper spoilers, side rocker molding, rear spoiler and tailpipe diffuser.

Inside, Solara adds newly designed optitron instrumentation with unique sport meters in Sport models, interior trim color and fabric, six-disc CD changer audio system with MP3 playing capability and an audio auxiliary jack for connectivity to most portable music players, as standard equipment. SLE models get standard hands-free calling capability via Bluetooth(TM) technology and all 2007 Solara's get seat mounted side airbags and curtain side airbags (curtain side airbags not on convertible) along with a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System as standard equipment.

The standard powertrain for the 2007 Solara is a 155 horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i. A powerful 3.3-liter V6 delivering 210 horsepower is also available.

With the additional standard equipment and performance upgrade, the 2007 Solara will receive an average MSRP increase of only $382 or 1.5 percent. The Solara SE with a four-cylinder engine will carry a base MSRP of $19,930 for the five-speed manual and $20,760 for the automatic. The price for the SE grade with the V6 and automatic transmission will be $22,260. The base MSRP for the Sport grade will range from $22,200 for the four-cylinder with a five-speed manual transmission to $24,530 for the V6 and automatic transmission. The MSRP for the premium SLE with a four-cylinder and automatic transmission will be $23,905. The MSRP for the SLE V6 and automatic transmission will be $26,905.

The base MSRP for the Solara Convertible SE with a V6 and automatic transmission will be $27,190. The Solara Convertible SLE with a V6 and automatic transmission will start at $30,460. The Solara Convertible Sport, a new model, with a V6 and automatic transmission will start at $29,460.

The new prices will take effect when the 2007 Solara goes on sale in early June.

Web site: http://www.toyota.com/

As drivers in Kitsap County hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, there won't be a new Sheriff in town, but there will be a new vehicle for the Sheriff in town. At a public ceremony today in Port Orchard, the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and Subaru will unveil their latest effort in working together to enhance traffic safety.

With assistance from WTSC, the Peninsula Subaru Dealership and the Subaru Northwest Region, the Sheriff's Office will put into service a brand new 2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Sedan to be used as an unmarked traffic safety enforcement vehicle. The primary role of the vehicle will be to conduct school zone safety enforcement and to combat aggressive driving.

"Over the past several years, the Sheriff's Office has noted a growing concern by Kitsap residents about aggressive driving behavior in this county," said Sheriff Steve Boyer. "To address this problem we have implemented a county-wide traffic safety initiative, designed to be phased into operation in several stages," added the Sheriff. "To date, this initiative has included the addition of two full-time motorcycle patrol deputies; the establishment of a school zone and speed enforcement position; hosting of the Kitsap County Traffic Safety Coordinator; and now the introduction of a new, low profile, traffic safety enforcement vehicle."

Peninsula Subaru will host the public unveiling of the new Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT patrol vehicle with representatives on hand from the Sheriff's Office, WTSC, Subaru, Kitsap County Public Works and the Board of County Commissioners. The new vehicle has already been properly outfitted with the necessary emergency and police related equipment installed by the technicians from Kitsap County Public Works.

"We chose the Subaru Legacy because we were looking for an all-wheel drive vehicle with solid performance and handling capabilities," said Mike Merrill, Sergeant, Traffic Division, Kitsap County Sheriff's Office. "We also needed a vehicle that could perform in all types of weather conditions that we experience here in the Northwest and we ultimately were impressed with the Subaru Legacy's active safety features and its high safety ratings."

The Subaru Legacy holds the distinct honor of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Pick Gold" award for its performance in crash tests that measure the ability to protect occupants in front, side and rear impact crashes (http://www.iihs.org/). Beyond its many accolades for passive safety, the Subaru Legacy boasts a whole host of active safety features including Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive coupled with its unique boxer engine, 4-wheel long-travel independent suspension, and 4-channel/4-sensor anti-lock braking system, to name but a few. The combination of these safety features gives drivers enhanced performance and handling characteristics that provide a feeling of confidence and control.

"At Subaru, we believe that safety shouldn't be an option and that's why we are the only vehicle manufacturer to have all-wheel drive standard on every vehicle we make," said Jim Pernas, Regional Vice President, Subaru Northwest Region, Subaru of America, Inc. "It's our commitment to safety that made this partnership with the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office and the WTSC a perfect fit. Peninsula Subaru is a top dealer for Subaru nationwide, earning the Subaru Stellar Performer Certification for an outstanding track-record in customer loyalty and fixed operations, and we are very proud of their active community involvement and commitment to their customers."

For information on Peninsula Subaru, visit http://www.peninsula.subaru.com/.

About Subaru Northwest Region

The Subaru Northwest Region, headquartered in Portland, Ore, is responsible for Subaru business in Alaska, Calif., Idaho, Mont., Nev., Ore., Wash., and Wyo. Also located in the region are Subaru Port Operations in Vancouver, Wash., as well as a parts warehouse in Portland. The Subaru Northwest Region makes up approximately one quarter of total Subaru sales for the brand.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru is the only car company that features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line. For additional information visit

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

Web site: http://www.subaru.com/
http://www.peninsula.subaru.com/

Gas prices have risen more than 35 percent from May 2005 to May 2006. According to early estimates from the Travel Industry Association of America, 26 percent of people claim that soaring gas prices are stalling their holiday plans.

Before you let the ExxonMobils of the world keep you from hitting the road, Concierge.com, the premiere travel planning site and online home of Conde Nast Traveler, has a few gas-saving alternatives for you to consider ... a way to make your summer greener: http://www.concierge.com/ideas/globalstyle/tours/detail?id=1258

Hoof it Over a Glacier

* www.alpineclubofcanada.ca

* Join Alpine Club of Canada for a week of hut-to-hut hiking in the

Canadian Rockies backcountry. Even beginners (physically fit ones) can

join in.

* The huts themselves are basic A-frame structures with woodstoves and

bunk beds.

* Meals are mostly dehydrated ingredients and are prepared by the hikers

as a team (and actually aren't half bad).

Your Car Ain't Welcome

* www.mackinacisland.org

* Michigan's Mackinac Island is the summer colony that has been drawing

city dwellers for centuries. Horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and

sailboats are the main sources of transportation.

* Fire Island in New York, Bald Head Island in North Carolina, and

Virginia's Tangier Island all opt for leaving cars in the garage as well

Go Where Few Have Gone Before

* While Washington tussles over whether to open the Arctic National

Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, go ahead and experience it now.

* Arctic Treks and Arctic Wild specialize in week-long rugged adventures

into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, in which you'll hike, raft,

and camp among wild caribou, musk ox, and snowy owls.

* A tiny prop plane drops you off in the Brooks Mountain Range, where

you'll hike along trail-free carpets of wildflowers, raft class III

rapids, and camp among wild caribou.

Drink 'n' Bike

* Drinking and driving don't mix, but wine country bike tours are

brilliant.

* Among them is Discover Adventures, the Georgia-based operation that

specializes in two, four, and six-day tours of the upcoming wine regions

of North Carolina and Georgia

* In North Carolina, the Brookstown Inn servers as the base camp for daily

excursions out onto the rolling hills and vineyards of the Yadkin

Valley.

Test Your Endurance

* www.usara.com

* Adventure Racing, which merges several sports (usually a combination of

biking, paddling, and trekking), has been soaring in popularity in the

past few years, jumping from 35 annual events in 2000 to just over 350

last year.

* Races are held in cities around the country and vary in intensity, but

beginners can take a stab at one of the Sprint races, which last a

couple of hours and require teams of only two.

* Wisconsin's Wild Adventure Summer Sprint Race on June 10, entrants will

mountain bike, trek, and kayak through the St. Croix river valley for up

to six hours, breaking for the occasional mystery challenge like playing

a game of catch blindfolded. www.wildadventurerace.com

Canoe the Northeast

* www.northernforestcanoetrail.org

* On June 3 the ribbons will be cut on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail,

740 miles of historic rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. The trail has

been divided into 13 sections allowing for various levels of endurance.

* Camp and paddle your way through New York, Vermont, Quebec, New

Hampshire, and Maine.

* The trail's online maps will help you plan a paddling and camping trip

or locate the best places to stay from basic cabins to fancy lodges.

* Learn the history of the storied people who carved the trails before

you.

Ride to Work on a Horse

* www.lazyel.com

* The Lazy E-L Ranch, 70 miles southwest of Billings, Montana, is a cattle

ranch.

* This is a working vacation that may reorganize your priorities: your to-

do list includes riding the fences, doctoring calves, and herding

cattle.

* The ranch disputes the notion that ranchers and conservationists can't

get along goats are used instead of pesticide to eliminate weeds.

* There are rooms in the lodge, but for the truly pre-industrial

experience, ask for the riverfront cabin. There's no electricity or

running water, only an outhouse, some cooking supplies, and a wood-

burning stove to keep you company.

For the complete list of pollution solutions visit www.concierge.com

Concierge.com The new Concierge.com incorporates original, interactive features on every aspect of travel; highlights from Conde Nast Traveler, re-engineered for optimum online browsing; almost 200 original, in-depth, insider guides to top destinations around the world; a "destination finder" that lets readers narrow down the perfect place for any trip; almost 10,000 photographs of hotels, destinations, landmarks, and more; a suite of interactive tools to help readers make smart travel plans; a range of travel deals targeted to specific destinations; and a powerful search function to aid navigation.

CondeNet

CondeNet is the leading creator and developer of upscale lifestyle brands online, providing enjoyable, useful services that build upon the heritage of the world's most prestigious magazines. The company publishes significant online properties in the categories of food (Epicurious.com), travel (Concierge.com), and fashion (STYLE.COM and MEN.STYLE.COM); these titles have won numerous accolades from bodies including the American Society of Magazine Editors, the James Beard Foundation, Media Industry Newsletter, and the Webby Awards. Based in New York, CondeNet is owned by Conde Nast, a privately held media company.

http://www.concierge.com/
http://www.lazyel.com/
http://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/
http://www.wildadventurerace.com/
http://www.usara.com/
http://www.mackinacisland.org/
http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/

The Range Rover gains a series of enhancements to its cabin, chassis and off-road upgrades for the 2007 model year, reinforcing its position as the world's most complete luxury SUV.

The intuitive Terrain Response(TM) system is fitted as standard on all Range Rovers at 2007 model year, allowing the driver to select one of five distinct vehicle settings to suit the terrain. Key software and hardware settings for the vehicle's powertrain, transmission, braking, stability- control and suspension systems are optimized to tackle these specific conditions.

An optional rear 'e' (electronic) differential is now available (standard on Supercharged models) and works with the vehicle's standard center 'e' differential.

Interior enhancements apply across the Range Rover line-up for 2007 model year. The cabin gains better stowage space (including electronically-released twin glove-boxes), an updated airbag layout, a cleaner center console design, an electronic park brake, and a new fascia, as well as substantially improved air conditioning and ventilation.

The new front seats are now available with optional cooled-air ventilation, in addition to the standard heating feature.

"To maintain the Range Rover's outstanding reputation, we continuously look at how we can update and upgrade the vehicle," says Richard Beattie, Land Rover North America's Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing. "We have further refined Range Rover substantial equipment levels to meet the requirements of both new and existing Range Rover customers."

Land Rover North America is part of Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover with headquarters in Irvine, California. Land Rover established operations in the U.S. in 1986, and now imports and distributes Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and LR3 vehicles manufactured by Land Rover in Solihull, England. Land Rover's worldwide operations are wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan. For information about the Land Rover retailer nearest you, call 1-800-FIND-4WD or log on to http://www.landroverusa.com/.

OpenTV Corp. (NASDAQ:OPTV) , a leading provider of enabling technologies for advanced digital television services, today announced that it has developed the 'ESPN 2006 Indianapolis 500 Application' and the 'Indy 500 DishHOME Mosaic' for deployment on the Dish Network. The applications will enable an enhanced experience for viewers of the Indianapolis 500 race on Sunday, May 28, 2006.

Dish Network subscribers will have access to an Indy 500-themed DishHOME Mosaic (channel 100) on race day that will feature six different in-car camera feeds, each of which may be clicked on for viewing in full-screen mode. It will feature an Indy 500 race-themed motion background and will be ESPN Interactive TV-branded.

Prior to the race, the interactive Indy 500 application will be deployed by Dish Network to its subscriber base on Thursday, May 25, 2006. The application is accessible through the "Sports" menu category in the DishHOME Mosaic (channel 100). It features several pieces of enhanced content, including quarter-screen video of the ESPNEWS channel leading up to the race day; quarter-screen video of one in-car camera during the race; driver biographies and statistics; league standings; IRL schedule; and "The Milk Tradition."

"The Indianapolis 500 is the perfect sporting event for these types of enhanced applications," said Tim Evard, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Americas for OpenTV. "Leveraging our extensive experience building interactive applications, and our close working relationship with EchoStar, we were able to design and develop this captivating application for ESPN, giving them exactly what they wanted, when they wanted it. We think the compelling nature of these types of applications, and our longtime experience in this sector, uniquely position us to offer our customers, both on the operator and the programming side, the types of advanced television solutions that help their programming stand out in today's world. We look forward to continuing these efforts with one of the world's most recognizable programming brands in ESPN."

EchoStar, which has built the world's most extensive interactive and enhanced television platform utilizing OpenTV technology, reaches more than 12 million households. With this project for ESPN, OpenTV has effectively leveraged for ESPN's benefit the highly popular Mosaic application used for multiple programming events by EchoStar.

About OpenTV

OpenTV is one of the world's leading providers of technologies and services enabling the delivery of digital and interactive television. The company's software has been integrated in over 67 million digital set-top-boxes in 96 countries. The software enables enhanced television, interactive shopping, interactive and addressable advertising, games and gaming, personal video recording, and a variety of consumer care and communication applications. For more information, please visit www.opentv.com.

Source: OpenTV Corp.

Web site: http://www.opentv.com/

Actress and supermodel Molly Sims, who graced the pages of the 2006 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, may soon find herself on the sports pages for another reason. The Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) announced today that Sims will attempt to qualify for the AVP Cuervo Gold Crown Huntington Beach Open, May 26-29, in Los Angeles. She will be partnering with Amber Willey, a rising star on the 2006 AVP Tour.

Sims, who stars on NBC's hit series Las Vegas, is no stranger to professional sports competition; she once competed as a professional swimmer before pursuing a successful career in modeling. She hopes that athleticism coupled with her 5'9 stature will enable her to experience the same success on the beach volleyball court that she's had in front of the camera.

"I've always considered myself an athletic woman and I thought it would be fun to come out to spend the day with the AVP," said Sims. "What better tournament to play in then the Cuervo Gold Crown Open. It's one of the most exciting tournaments on the beach and always brings out the best in the players and the fans."

The AVP Cuervo Gold Crown Huntington Beach Open is the second of three Cuervo Gold Crown events, and offers more first-place prize money than any other events on the AVP Tour. In addition to the increased purse at each Cuervo Gold Crown event, there will be a $25,000 bonus for the top men's and women's teams based on cumulative performances in the three events.

The Huntington tournament will feature top professional beach volleyball athletes including 2004 Olympic gold medalists Misty May and Kerri Walsh, 2004 Olympic bronze medal winners Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs, and Rachel Wacholder. On the men's side, three-time Olympic gold medal winner Karch Kiraly, Olympian Stein Metzger and 2004 AVP MVP Mike Lambert and 2000 Olympic Gold Medalists Dain Blanton and Eric Fonoimoana.

The Cuervo Gold Crown Boulder Open, the third event of the AVP's triple crown, will take place in Colorado, August 27-29. Both of the remaining Cuervo Gold Crown events will air on FOX Sports Net.

About the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc.

AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc. is a leading lifestyle sports entertainment company focused on the production, marketing and distribution of professional beach volleyball events worldwide. AVP operates the industry's most prominent national touring series, the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, which was organized in 1983. Featuring more than 150 of the top American men and women competitors in the sport, AVP staged 14 events throughout the United States in 2005. In 2004, AVP athletes successfully represented the United States during the Olympics in Athens, Greece, winning gold and bronze medals, the first medals won by U.S. women in professional beach volleyball. For more information, please visit http://www.avp.com/ .

About Jose Cuervo

Jose Cuervo is the largest producer of tequila throughout Mexico and around the world, exporting more than 50 million liters annually. The Jose Cuervo portfolio of tequilas includes Jose Cuervo Especial, the number one tequila worldwide, Jose Cuervo Clasico, Jose Cuervo Black, Jose Cuervo Tradicional, Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia, Jose Cuervo Golden Margaritas, Authentic Jose Cuervo Margaritas and Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix.

Jose Cuervo Tequila is imported and marketed in the United States by Diageo North America, a subsidiary of Diageo plc. Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wine and beer categories. These brands include: Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, and Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE

Web site: http://www.diageo.com/
http://www.avp.com/

Honda Motor Co., Ltd., announced it has succeeded in developing bio-fabric, a plant-based fabric with excellent durability and resistance to sunlight, for use as a surface material in automobile interiors. Bio-fabric offers the benefit of offsetting CO₂ emissions produced during incineration in the disposal stage with CO₂ absorption that occurs during the growth stage of the plants that are used as raw materials. Despite this benefit, plant-based fabric has not been used commercially for automobile interiors due to concerns about limited durability and aesthetic issues.

The new bio-fabric developed by Honda overcame such issues, and achieved a soft and smooth material appropriate for the surface of automobile interiors, with high durability and excellent resistance to sunlight to prevent color fading after prolonged use. In addition to seat surfaces, this bio-fabric can be used for the interior surface of the doors and roof and for floor mats. Honda will install these bio-fabric interiors to the company’s all-new fuel cell vehicle which will be introduced to the market within next three years.

A polyester material called PPT (polypropylene terephthalate) is the basic material of the bio-fabric. PPT is produced through polymerization of 1-3PDO (propanediol), which is produced from corn, and terephthalic acid, a petroleum-based component. In order to improve stability as a fabric, Honda applied a multi-thread structure for the fiber. In addition, unprecedented aesthetic properties were achieved by leveraging the flexibility of this fiber.

Based on the concept of LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), Honda has been striving to reduce CO₂ emissions throughout the entire life cycle of an automobile – from production and usage to disposal. Due to the use of a plant-based ingredient in the production of raw materials, the newly developed bio-fabric will enable Honda to reduce energy used during the production process by 10 to 15% compared to the production of petroleum-based polyester materials. The use of a plant-based ingredient can reduce 5 kilogram CO₂ emissions per automobile. Further, the new bio-fabric does not require changes in existing fabric production processes, and is suitable for mass production. Honda will first introduce bio-fabric interiors with the new fuel cell vehicle, then try to gradually expand the application to new models from 2009 and beyond.

22,000 gazelles in the streets of Casablanca

The 8th edition of the Fun Run set a new participation record, with more than 22,000 gazelles – as they are nicknamed in Morocco – aged from 15 to 75 taking over the streets of Casablanca for a unique and unforgettable experience.

This race was created in 1993 at the initiative of the first Moroccan, African and Muslim female Olympic champion, Nawal El Moutawakel, an IOC member and President of the Moroccan Sport and Development Association (the event organiser). After retiring from competition, five years after her 400m hurdles gold medal in Los Angeles en 1984, Nawal El Moutawakel began using her fame to serve others. “I used to run for pleasure”, she said, “and that opened up so many horizons and helped me deal with so many social pressures. I regard myself as an ambassador for sport and my country, with the duty to pass on my hard-won experience and the true values of sport, to relieve those who suffer from prejudice and unequal opportunities.”

There could be no better expression of this fight for equality than this women’s race. And the best response to this challenge is the fact that the Casablanca Run has become an unmissable event for Moroccan women and a growing number of top female athletes from other countries. This year, 32 countries were represented – another record for this Casablanca race! And a delegation of 15 women representing the IOC had also made the trip as a sign of solidarity.

For all these gazelles, the Casablanca run is more than just a 10km race. Crossing the finish line is, of course, the aim, but it is also about sharing moments of joy, courage and perseverance, and forging unbreakable bonds of friendship. For these 22,101 gazelles had come to Casablanca above all for the pleasure of running.

For the record, it was Ethiopia’s Tayba Erekesso who won, in 31’53, ahead of Morocco’s Zhor El Khamch (32’07) and Kenya’s Magdalene Syombua Makuzi (32’14).

Official website of the Moroccan Sport and Development Association www.amsd.ma

Hayden, who has served under John D. Negroponte as principal deputy director of national intelligence since April 2005, succeeds Porter Goss. "I commend the Senate for confirming Michael Hayden as director of the Central Intelligence Agency by a bipartisan majority," President Bush said in a White House statement shortly after the Senate vote. "Winning the war on terror requires that America have the best intelligence possible, and his strong leadership will ensure that we do. "General Hayden is a patriot and a dedicated public servant whose broad experience, dedication, and expertise make him the right person to lead the CIA at this critical time," the president's statement continued. "I look forward to working with Ambassador Negroponte, General Hayden and the other leaders of our intelligence community as we continue to address the challenges and threats we face in the 21st century. I congratulate General Hayden and his family on his confirmation and thank him for his continued service to our nation." Hayden's 36-year Air Force career has included a six-year stint as director of the National Security Agency as well as various other assignments in the intelligence arena. He has held senior positions at the Pentagon, in U.S. European Command and on the National Security Council, and he served in the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria during the Cold War. It was not immediately clear when he will be sworn into his new post

Gen. Michael V. Hayden is Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Washington, D.C. Appointed by President George W. Bush, he is the first person to serve in this position. General Hayden is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the national intelligence program. He is the highest-ranking military intelligence officer in the armed forces.

General Hayden entered active duty in 1969 after earning a bachelor's degree in history in 1967 and a master's degree in modern American history in 1969, both from Duquesne University. He is a distinguished graduate of the university's ROTC program. General Hayden has served as Commander of the Air Intelligence Agency and as Director of the Joint Command and Control Warfare Center. He has been assigned to senior staff positions at the Pentagon, Headquarters U.S. European Command, National Security Council and the U.S. Embassy in the People's Republic of Bulgaria. The general has also served as Deputy Chief of Staff, United Nations Command and U.S. Forces Korea, Yongsan Army Garrison, South Korea. Prior to his current assignment, General Hayden was Director, National Security Agency, and Chief, Central Security Service, Fort George G. Meade, Md.

EDUCATION
1967 Bachelor of Arts degree in history, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pa.
1969 Master's degree in modern American history, Duquesne University
1975 Academic Instructor School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
1976 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
1978 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
1980 Defense Intelligence School, Defense Intelligence Agency, Bolling AFB, D.C.
1983 Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va.
1983 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.

ASSIGNMENTS
1. January 1970 - January 1972, analyst and briefer, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB, Neb.
2. January 1972 - May 1975, Chief, Current Intelligence Division, Headquarters 8th Air Force, Andersen AFB, Guam
3. May 1975 - July 1975, student, Academic Instructor School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
4. July 1975 - August 1979, academic instructor and commandant of cadets, ROTC program, St. Michael's College, Winooski, Vt.
5. August 1979 - June 1980, student, Defense Intelligence School (postgraduate intelligence curriculum), Defense Intelligence Agency, Bolling AFB, D.C.
6. June 1980 - July 1982, Chief of Intelligence, 51st Tactical Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, South Korea
7. July 1982 - January 1983, student, Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va.
8. January 1983 - July 1984, student, air attaché training, Washington, D.C.
9. July 1984 - July 1986, air attaché, U.S. Embassy, Sofia, People's Republic of Bulgaria
10. July 1986 - September 1989, politico-military affairs officer, Strategy Division, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
11. September 1989 - July 1991, Director for Defense Policy and Arms Control, National Security Council, Washington, D.C.
12. July 1991 - May 1993, Chief, Secretary of the Air Force Staff Group, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
13. May 1993 - October 1995, Director, Intelligence Directorate, Headquarters U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany
14. October 1995 - December 1995, special assistant to the Commander, Headquarters Air Intelligence Agency, Kelly AFB, Texas
15. January 1996 - September 1997, Commander, Air Intelligence Agency, and Director, Joint Command and Control Warfare Center, Kelly AFB, Texas
16. September 1997 - March 1999, Deputy Chief of Staff, United Nations Command and U.S. Forces Korea, Yongsan Army Garrison, South Korea
17. March 1999 - April 2005, Director, National Security Agency, and Chief, Central Security Service, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
18. April 2005 - present, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Washington, D.C.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant June 2, 1967
First Lieutenant June 7, 1970
Captain Dec. 7, 1971
Major June 1, 1980
Lieutenant Colonel Feb. 1, 1985
Colonel Nov. 1, 1990
Brigadier General Sept. 1, 1993
Major General Oct. 1, 1996
Lieutenant General May 1, 1999
General April 22, 2005


(Current as of August 2005)

The U.S. Army band will perform at the National Memorial Day Concert, Sunday at 8 p.m., on the U.S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D.C. Senior Department of Defense Officials will participate in a wreath-laying and remembrance ceremony at Arlington Cemetery, following a performance by the U.S. Navy Band, beginning 10:20 a.m., Monday. Six hundred service members, who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, will march in the National Memorial Day Parade, noon, Monday, in Washington, D.C. Service members include Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve from 50 States. Media desiring interviews with participating service members should contact the following Public Affairs Offices: Air Force, (703) 695-0640; Army, (703) 692-2000; Navy, (703) 697-5342; Marines, (703) 614-4309; National Guard, (703) 607-5934; Army Reserve, (404) 464-8500, Coast Guard, (202) 267-1587.

It doesn't take much information for a determined identity thief to succeed, a certified financial planner with USAA Financial Planning Services told American Forces Press Service today. The identity theft issue is at the forefront for millions of veterans who learned this week that computer equipment containing their personal information was stolen from the home of a Veterans Affairs Department analyst. A little personal information that can be easy to find on the Internet -- name, date of birth and address, for example -- can make stealing someone's identity relatively easy, June Walbert said. "Clearly our personal information is up for grabs," she said. "We have to face the fact that we live in the information age." Walbert suggests exercising due caution. Tearing up paper financial statements may be good enough unless a persistent identity thief takes the time to fit them back together like a puzzle. Cross-shredding financial documents is the best way to make sure information doesn't end up in the wrong hands. Electing to receive financial and credit card statements via the Internet is an even better option, Walbert said.

Using Internet transactions, she said, is actually safer than receiving the paper statements in an unsecured mailbox. "(Security of personal information) is something financial institutions work on daily to ensure that there's not some new trick of the trade out there that's going to enable people to access their customers' identification number and balances," she said. "Financial institutions are extremely diligent about it, because they know the risk that is out there." She also suggests making a photocopy of all credit and debit cards so if a wallet or purse is stolen, what was stolen doesn't become a guessing game. The copies provide a record of card numbers as well as phone numbers for the credit companies. They should, however, be kept in a secure place, like a lock box. The USAA Educational Foundation has some additional suggestions for preventing identity theft, including memorizing a Social Security card instead of carrying the card in a wallet or purse.

This holds true for personal identification numbers, as well, Walbert said, adding that each card should have a unique personal identification number. Personal information should not be provided over the phone, by e-mail or the Internet unless the recipient is a known and trusted source. Also, before entering personal information via a Web site, users should make sure the site uses encryption technology. A site that is encrypted may display a yellow padlock symbol in the browser's status bar or a pop-up window that indicates encryption is being used. When it comes to banking, the foundation suggests not having unnecessary personal information printed on checks. Also, depositing checks at the bank is much safer than leaving them at home in an unsecured mailbox for the postal service to collect. Doing business with responsible companies that take steps to protect their customers from identity theft is also a good idea, foundation officials said. Monitoring financial statements and credit reports is also recommended. If these items are checked for unauthorized activity, any fraud or identity theft can be quickly handled. In the recent case of Veterans Affairs' loss of the personal information for 26.5 million veterans, extra precautions should be taken, Walbert said.

She offered suggestions to maximize the options Veterans Affairs has offered veterans for reporting suspicious activity. "What they need to do is call the credit reporting agency and put a fraud alert on their account," she said. This asks the credit agencies to double-check any inquiries into the credit report and history. There is no charge for this service. "As a result of that, you get a free credit report by putting that fraud alert on your credit report," Walbert said. The agency receiving the request for the fraud alert should share that information with its sister agencies, but Walbert said making this request of all three credit agencies is good practice. It also generates a free credit report from each agency. She added that veterans should remember that the information on each report can vary because not all debtors report to all credit agencies. "Just make sure it's all yours, and use it as your baseline," she said. "They additionally can get that annual credit report that is by virtue of the Fair Credit Reporting Act," Walbert said. "They can get one from each of the three agencies as a result of that act. So do the fraud alert now, then strategically use those other three reports." She suggested users get a free credit report from one of the agencies a month after placing the fraud alert, another from one of the other agencies a month after that, and the third in the next month. "Know that even if you are applying for a credit card or a line of credit (after requesting a fraud alert) ... you are going to have to go through a more stringent process to get your credit checked and approved as well," she said. "So be aware that there is a hassle factor, but it's well worth it." She also encouraged veterans affected by the Veterans Affairs loss of information to go online daily and check their credit and debit card activity. If any of the activity can't be attributed to the cardholder, veterans should call the financial institution immediately, Walbert said. "The bottom line here is a good offense is the best defense," she said. USAA is a financial services organization serving military members and their families worldwide.

ARLINGTON, Va., May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Actor, director and producer Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band will perform a concert for sailors at Naval Support Activity Mid-South, Millington, Tenn., June 2. Currently starring in the hit CBS series "CSI: New York," Sinise also is known to troops as Lt. Dan in "Forrest Gump."

This is the 19th USO tour for Sinise, who recently returned from a solo visit to the Persian Gulf. The concert is the second stop for Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band on a stateside tour of military bases. The first was Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. Additional stops include Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

A long-time supporter of military personnel and veterans, Sinise was among a group of celebrities on the USO's first tour to Baghdad in June 2003. Other tour stops include Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and locations in Europe and the Pacific. Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band frequently perform at military bases in the United States.

Following a USO tour to Iraq, where he visited with school children, Sinise co-founded Operation Iraqi Children, which provides educational materials to students in Iraq through donations from the American people. He also is the national spokesman for the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation, which is building a memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring disabled veterans. AT&T, Inc. is the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours.

About the USO

For 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T, BAE Systems North America, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Military Channel, S&K Sales Co. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit http://www.uso.org/.

Entrepreneur magazine and PricewaterhouseCoopers have named the fastest-growing new businesses in the United States for its 12th Annual HOT 100 listing from the 27,000 companies eligible. These top 100 entrepreneurial businesses seized the opportunity, found their niche and pushed the envelope to boast $1.7 billion in combined total sales-up $200 million from last year.

Entrepreneur's annual HOT 100 list is a portrait of the current state of the small to midsize business market, highlighting trends and singling out those emerging companies that account for the fastest-growing and strongest segment of the U.S. economy.

"Small and midsize businesses have always been the backbone of the U.S. economy. Entrepreneurs employ the most Americans, contribute more than half of the nation's GDP and retail sales, and create the overwhelming majority of the nation's new jobs and innovations," says Rieva Lesonsky, senior vice president and editorial director of Entrepreneur.

Earlier this year, Entrepreneur revealed what was on business owners' minds in its first annual "Entrepreneurial Challenges Survey," and the HOT 100 companies are clearly confronting these issues in the day-to-day operations of growing their businesses. "We see a complete convergence of what the survey revealed and what the HOT 100 are dealing with," adds Lesonsky.

Substantiating what the 300 CEOs of privately held U.S.-based businesses revealed in the "Entrepreneurial Challenges Survey," the CEOs of the HOT 100 companies wholeheartedly agreed that keeping employees happy is extremely high on the list of priorities.

Forty-three businesses on the 2006 list offer flextime, compared to 34 in 2005; and 33 offer telecommuting, five more than last year. Whether improvements in technology or a greater emphasis on work-life balance have made this new way of working possible, CEOs of fast-growing companies realize its importance: they all say fast-growth is largely contingent on having the best staff on hand to manage it all.

Other highlights from the HOT 100: Business services companies continued their solid showing, and staffing companies did exceptionally well, jumping from four companies last year to 10 this year. Health-care and pharmaceutical-industry businesses also continued to be strong categories. The top three locations for HOT 100 companies were California, New York and Florida.

For the complete story and listing, pick up a copy of the June 2006 issue of Entrepreneur magazine, or visit us on the web at www.entrepreneur.com/hot100.

About the Hot 100

Drawing on multiple resources, including the proprietary "MoneyTree Report" of VC investing by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association with data from Thompson Financial, PricewaterhouseCoopers provides Entrepreneur with an initial list of fast-growing companies. Entrepreneur mails each company a questionnaire that the entrepreneurs must complete and submit along with their current financial statements. Entrepreneur then measures each company's sales growth from the date of inception, listing the companies in growth order.

To be considered for the list, businesses must meet the following criteria: they must have been founded no earlier than 2001; the founder must be actively involved in daily operations and have a controlling interest in the business; 2005 sales must have been at least $1 million; and they must have fewer than 1,000 employees.

About Entrepreneur Media Inc.

Entrepreneur Media Inc. is an organization of people dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs worldwide to start and grow successful companies. To provide entrepreneurs with the relevant information they need to make informed decisions, Entrepreneur Media Inc. offers a full range of products and services. Products include: Magazines -- Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur's StartUps, Entrepreneur Mexico, Entrepreneur Philippines, Entrepreneur Hungary and Entrepreneur Russia; Websites -- Entrepreneur.com, SoyEntrepreneur.com, Smallbizsearch.com, EntrepreneurPress.com, Smallbizbooks.com, and Freebks.com; Book Publishing -- Entrepreneur Press, Entrepreneur eBooks and Business Startup Guides; Also -- Conferences and Custom Publishing.

Source: Entrepreneur Media Inc.

Web site: http://www.smallbizsearch.com/

Web site: http://www.soyentrepreneur.com/

Web site: http://www.freebks.com/

Web site: http://www.smallbizbooks.com/

Web site: http://www.entrepreneurpress.com/

Web site: http://www.entrepreneur.com/hot100

Web site: http://www.entrepreneur.com/

U.S. adults remain very pessimistic about the situation in Iraq, and are not confident that U.S. policies there will be successful. As a result, President Bush's job approval rating in handling the situation in Iraq hasn't changed in two months -- two-thirds (68%) give the president negative marks -- tying an all-time low.

These are the results of a nationwide Harris Poll of 2,085 U.S. adults surveyed online by Harris Interactive(R) between May 9 and 16, 2006.

Specifically, this poll finds:

* President Bush's rating on his handling of events in Iraq is currently

68 percent negative, 29 percent positive. This is virtually identical to

March's ratings when, by 68 to 30 percent, U.S. adults gave the

President negative marks. This remains the lowest measure for the

president.

* In this new poll, 43 percent of U.S. adults think that the situation for

U.S. troops is getting worse, down three percentage points from the 46

percent who felt this way in March. Only 20 percent now think things are

getting better, a slight improvement from 17 percent in March.

* Six in 10 (61%) U.S. adults are not confident "that U.S. policies in

Iraq will be successful." This has remained the same from March. Only 22

percent are confident about U.S. policies in Iraq; a slight improvement

from March's 20 percent.

* By 47 to 38 percent, a plurality of U.S. adults believes that "taking

military action against Iraq" was the wrong thing to do. In March, a

nearly identical 48 to 37 percent plurality also felt this way.

Concerning the possibility that there will be civil war in Iraq in the next six months, just under three in 10 (29%) U.S. adults say that such a war is extremely or very likely, with another 19 percent saying that it is likely. Four in 10 adults (40%) think that it is somewhat likely or not at all likely. These feelings have not wavered from those in March, when 30 percent felt a civil war in Iraq was likely as compared to 38 who felt that civil war wasn't as likely.

TABLE 1

RATING OF PRESIDENT BUSH - HANDLING OF IRAQ

"Overall, how would you rate the job President Bush has done in handling the

issue of Iraq over the last several months?"

Base: All Adults

2003

March April May July Sept Nov

% % % % % %

Positive (NET) 56 67 63 49 47 41

Excellent 29 38 34 21 16 15

Pretty good 27 29 28 29 31 26

Negative (NET) 43 32 36 50 51 58

Only fair 16 15 18 22 19 19

Poor 27 17 18 28 32 38

Not sure 1 1 1 1 2 1

2004

Jan March April May June July Sept Dec

% % % % % % % %

Positive (NET) 51 49 43 42 41 39 41 42

Excellent 20 18 15 13 13 15 14 12

Pretty good 31 31 29 29 27 24 27 30

Negative (NET) 46 49 55 56 58 58 58 57

Only fair 20 19 18 18 19 17 17 19

Poor 26 30 37 39 39 40 41 37

Not sure 2 2 2 2 1 3 2 2

2005 2006

Jan March May July Sept Oct Dec Jan March May

% % % % % % % % % %

Positive (NET) 39 42 37 34 34 32 29 36 30 29

Excellent 13 18 13 11 10 11 9 12 8 9

Pretty good 26 24 24 23 24 21 20 25 21 20

Negative (NET) 59 56 61 64 65 66 68 61 68 68

Only fair 17 20 19 20 18 16 17 20 20 21

Poor 42 36 42 44 46 50 52 41 48 47

Not sure 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3

Note: Percentages may not add up exactly to 100% due to rounding.

TABLE 2

CONFIDENCE THAT U.S. POLICIES ON IRAQ WILL BE SUCCESSFUL

"How confident are you that U.S. policies in Iraq will be successful?"

Base: All Adults

2003 2004

Sept Nov Jan Feb March April May June July Sept Dec

% % % % % % % % % % %

Confident 27 25 31 31 31 26 25 25 26 29 29

Not

confident 46 51 45 48 46 52 55 53 51 54 51

Not sure 27 24 24 22 22 22 20 22 23 18 20

2005 2006

Jan March May July Sept Oct Dec Jan March May

% % % % % % % % % %

Confident 25 30 26 23 23 24 22 26 20 22

Not

confident 56 49 54 59 59 61 62 55 61 61

Not sure 19 21 20 19 18 15 16 20 20 18

Note: Percentages may not add up exactly to 100% due to rounding.

TABLE 3

MILITARY ACTION - RIGHT OR WRONG THING TO DO

"Thinking about everything that has happened, do you think that taking

military action against Iraq was the right or wrong thing to do?"

Base: All Adults

2003 2004

Sept Nov Jan Feb March April May June July Sept Dec

% % % % % % % % % % %

Right thing 55 49 55 52 51 49 47 44 43 43 43

Wrong thing 32 37 31 34 33 37 38 42 42 43 43

Not sure 13 13 15 14 16 14 14 14 15 13 14

2005 2006

Jan March May July Sept Oct Dec Jan March May

% % % % % % % % % %

Right thing 39 41 39 38 37 34 35 40 37 38

Wrong thing 46 45 48 49 49 53 53 46 48 47

Not sure 15 15 13 14 14 13 12 13 15 15

Note: Percentages may not add up exactly to 100% due to rounding.

TABLE 4

SITUATION FOR U.S. TROOPS - GETTING BETTER OR WORSE

"Do you think that the situation for U.S. troops in Iraq is ... ?"

Base: All Adults

2004

Jan Feb March April May June July Sept Dec

% % % % % % % % %

Getting better 24 22 24 9 11 19 18 15 18

Getting worse 36 38 38 64 65 49 45 54 50

No real change 31 31 30 20 19 26 30 26 25

Not sure 8 9 8 6 5 6 7 6 6

2005 2006

Jan March May July Sept Oct Dec Jan March May

% % % % % % % % % %

Getting better 13 21 21 17 19 19 20 22 17 20

Getting worse 53 41 39 44 43 44 43 36 46 43

No real change 28 33 34 35 33 33 32 35 32 31

Not sure 6 6 6 4 5 4 5 7 6 5

Note: Percentages may not add up exactly to 100% due to rounding.

TABLE 5

LIKELIHOOD OF IRAQI CIVIL WAR IN SIX MONTHS

"Given the recent events in Iraq, how likely do you think Iraq will have a

civil war in the next six months?

Base: All Adults

March May

% %

Extremely/Very Likely (Net) 30 29

Extremely Likely 16 13

Very Likely 15 15

Likely 21 19

Somewhat/Not At All Likely (Net) 38 40

Somewhat Likely 31 29

Not At All Likely 7 10

Not sure 11 13

Note: Percentages may not add up exactly to 100% due to rounding.

Methodology

The Harris Poll(R) was conducted online within the United States between May 9 and 16, 2006 among 2,085 adults (aged 18 and over). Figures for age, sex, race, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online.

All surveys are subject to several sources of error. These include: sampling error (because only a sample of a population is interviewed); measurement error due to question wording and/or question order, deliberately or unintentionally inaccurate responses, nonresponse (including refusals), interviewer effects (when live interviewers are used) and weighting.

With one exception (sampling error) the magnitude of the errors that result cannot be estimated. There is, therefore, no way to calculate a finite "margin of error" for any survey and the use of these words should be avoided.

With pure probability samples, with 100 percent response rates, it is possible to calculate the probability that the sampling error (but not other sources of error) is not greater than some number. With a pure probability sample of 2,085 adults one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 2 percentage points. However that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

These statements conform to the principles of disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.

J27799

Q501, 505, 510, 515, 520

The Harris Poll(R) #43, May 26, 2006

By David Krane, Vice President, Public Affairs and Government Research, Harris Interactive(R)

About Harris Interactive(R)

Harris Interactive, the 13th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world, provides clients with research-driven insights and strategic advice to help them make more confident decisions, leading to measurable and enduring improvements in performance.

Widely known for The Harris Poll(R) and for pioneering online market research methods, Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States (www.harrisinteractive.com), Europe (www.harrisinteractive.com/europe), and Asia offices and is supported by its a wholly-owned subsidiary Novatris (www.novatris.com) in Paris and an independent global network of affiliate market research companies. Harris Interactive is headquartered in Rochester, New York, and Europe operations are based in London.

To become a member of the Harris Poll Online(SM) and be invited to participate in online surveys, go to www.harrispollonline.com. EOE M/F/D/V

Web site: http://www.harrisinteractive.com/
http://www.harrispollonline.com/
http://www.harrisinteractive.com/europe
http://www.novatris.com/

The 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee will begin Wednesday, May 31, in Washington, D.C., featuring top spellers from across the U.S. and including competitors from Europe, Guam, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, American Samoa, Canada and New Zealand.

The 275 champion spellers, ranging in age from 9 to 15 years old, will be competing for the Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship, which will be determined during the closing rounds of the competition Thursday, June 1. The spellers have qualified to compete in the national competition by winning locally sponsored spelling bees in their home communities. The national competition will be held in the Independence Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Washington.

Live television coverage of the 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee will be moving to primetime this year on the ABC Television Network. ABC will broadcast the championship rounds of the bee in high definition from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT on Thursday, June 1. Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts will host the ABC broadcast.

Preliminary championship rounds of the bee will air live earlier in the day on ESPN, which has televised the final rounds of the bee in their entirety since 1994. The ESPN broadcast is scheduled for noon to 3 p.m., EDT. SportsCenter anchor Chris McKendry will host the ESPN broadcast.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation's largest and longest running educational promotion. The competition is administered on a not-for- profit basis by The E. W. Scripps Company in Cincinnati and 268 local sponsors. The majority of local spelling bee sponsors are daily and weekly newspapers.

The purpose of the National Spelling Bee is to help students improve spelling, increase vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all of their lives. The program is open to students who have not reached their 16th birthday on or before the date of the national finals and who have not advanced beyond the eighth grade by Feb. 1, 2006.

The spelling bee is primarily an oral competition conducted in rounds until only one speller remains. The first round of the competition consists of a 25-word written test. Rounds One through Four will be held Wednesday, May 31. The championship rounds will be held on Thursday, June 1.

The National Spelling Bee word panel has compiled a list consisting of more than 1,000 words that will be used in the national competition.

All 275 competing spellers receive cash prizes that range from $25 to $20,000 for the national champion. All spellers receive a commemorative watch, the Samuel Louis Sugarman Award, which consists of a $100 EE U.S. Savings bond, Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged, on CD-ROM from Merriam-Webster and a $20 gift certificate from Franklin Electronic Publishers. Franklin will award the top 10 to 12 finishers a limited edition electronic dictionary.

The national champion also receives an engraved loving cup, a $5,000 cash award from Franklin Electronic Publishers, a $5,000 cash award from LeapFrog Enterprises Inc., a $5,000 scholarship from Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation; from Merriam-Webster, a $2,500 U.S. Savings Bond and a reference library; and from Encyclopedia Britannica, reference materials valued at more than $5,000.

Biographies of this year's spellers and information about the 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee can be found online at www.spellingbee.com.

About Scripps

The E. W. Scripps Company (NYSE:SSP) is a diverse and growing media enterprise with interests in national cable networks, newspaper publishing, broadcast television stations, electronic commerce, interactive media, and licensing and syndication.

The company's portfolio of media properties includes: Scripps Networks, with such brands as HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Fine Living, Great American Country and HGTVPro; daily and community newspapers in 18 markets and the Washington-based Scripps Media Center, home to the Scripps Howard News Service; 10 broadcast TV stations, including six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC affiliates and one independent; leading online search and comparison shopping services, Shopzilla and uSwitch; and United Media, a leading worldwide licensing and syndication company that is the home of PEANUTS, DILBERT and approximately 150 other features and comics.

Source: The E. W. Scripps Company

Web site: http://www.spellingbee.com/
http://www.scripps.com/

You Don't Speak for Me!, a new coalition of American Hispanics opposed to an illegal alien amnesty, is condemning Mexican President Vicente Fox's overt effort to meddle in the internal affairs of the United States and exert influence over U.S. immigration policies. The Mexican president is currently on a tour of Western states, during which he is openly lobbying for passage of an illegal alien amnesty and guest worker program.

As he has often done during his more than five years in office, Fox is once again presuming to speak on behalf of American Hispanics and attempting to create the impression that there is widespread support for amnesty among U.S. citizens of Hispanic heritage. However, millions of American Hispanics are offended at the idea of any foreign leader meddling in the domestic affairs of the United States.

"Who enters and is allowed to live in the United States is a sovereign matter for the American people and their elected representatives to decide, without any interference from the president of Mexico or anybody else," stated retired Col. Albert Rodriguez, chairman of You Don't Speak for Me! (YDSFM). "Given the fact that millions of Mexicans have fled the country since he has been in office, it is not even entirely clear that President Fox speaks on behalf of Mexican citizens living illegally in the U.S., much less millions of American citizens who happen to share his ethnic heritage."

A recent poll by the Zogby organization indicates that the majority of Hispanic voters in the U.S. are opposed to amnesty for illegal aliens and want American immigration policies vigorously enforced. "American Hispanics are, first and foremost, Americans," said Rodriguez. "American Hispanics, like all other citizens, are concerned about the staggering costs associated with mass immigration, the impact on jobs, schools and other vital national institutions, and the threat that our porous borders pose to the security of the nation. American Hispanics do not appreciate having their country used as Mexico's dumping ground, or themselves used as pawns by the leader of a foreign government."

YDSFM called on President Fox to use his remaining six months in office to focus on curing the social and economic conditions in Mexico that drive many desperate citizens of that country to migrate illegally to the United States, rather than on lobbying the American people to grant amnesty to tens of millions of illegal aliens. "President Fox has had the past five and half years to address the serious problems that face his country, and to achieve real improvements for the citizens of Mexico. Instead his policy has been to point his unemployed and impoverished people in the direction of the United States. His idea of helping Mexico's downtrodden is to provide them with maps to trek across the desert.

"Now, he is brazenly demanding that the United State grant amnesty to the people he has encouraged to leave and is trying to enlist the support of American Hispanics," Rodriguez continued. "American Hispanics have a message for Mr. Fox: 'We are Americans and we will not be used for your political purposes.'"

Source: You Don't Speak for Me!

"By passing comprehensive immigration reform legislation today that makes prudent adjustments to the annual H1-B visa and green card caps for high skilled employees, the U.S. Senate has taken a critical step forward in its important work to ensure that our nation remains the global leader in technology innovation.

"Today, U.S. technology companies face difficult challenges in hiring and retaining highly skilled workers for key positions. This threatens our ability to innovate and compete, and ultimately to generate new jobs here in the United States. Under current H1-B visa and green card caps, scientists and engineers who would like to use their skills to help U.S. companies succeed instead will work in countries where immigration policies welcome highly skilled workers. The fact is that for the United States to remain competitive, we must first be able to compete globally for talent.

"I applaud the Senate for recognizing that U.S. competitiveness depends on our ability to recruit and retain the world's best minds, no matter where they are from. In particular, I commend Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) for his critical leadership on this issue. I'm hopeful that these crucial provisions will be included in the final immigration bill that emerges from the Senate-House conference and is ultimately sent to the president."

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NOTE: Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/

The following statement is being issued by Kirk Pickerel, President and CEO, Associated Builders and Contractors, regarding the Senate immigration reform legislation:

"While Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) commends the Senate for approving the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act (S. 2611), we are very concerned that this important legislation will vastly expand antiquated and wasteful Davis-Bacon Act wage laws.

"We fully support the underlying principles of this legislation and applaud the Senate for working to reform our nation's broken immigration system. However, Associated Builders and Contractors cannot support a measure that wrecklessly extends Davis-Bacon Act provisions to temporary workers on private construction projects, where the act does not traditionally apply.

"The Davis-Bacon Act is a depression-era wage subsidy law whose time has run out. Davis-Bacon Act wage rules increase the cost of public construction projects anywhere from 5 percent to 38 percent above what the project would have cost in the private sector. S. 2611 would expand these inflationary wage rules into the private sector, a steep cost that will ultimately be borne by U.S. taxpayers.

"ABC will work closely with House and Senate conferees in the coming weeks to ensure that these antiquated provisions are removed during conference negotiations and that vital reforms for our nation's immigration system are put into place in a timely manner."

Editors Note: Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association representing more than 23,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms in 79 chapters across the United States. For more news and information, visit ABC's website, http://www.abc.org/.

Source: Associated Builders and Contractors

Web site: http://www.abc.org/

Western Growers officials today cheered the U.S. Senate's historic passage of comprehensive immigration reform as a momentous victory for the nation and all who have been seeking effective resolution of the country's immigration policy crisis. The Senate approved the bill late this afternoon on a 62 to 36 vote after weeks of emotional debate.

"The passage of the Senate's comprehensive immigration reform bill is one of the most important events for our industry, as well as our country, in many years," said Tom Nassif, President and CEO of Western Growers. "The long term viability of the American fresh produce industry hinges, to a great extent, on the availability of a stable, legal foreign workforce. Without immigration reform that workforce will not be available and the future of this sector of American agriculture will be in jeopardy. That is the stark reality that faces us and that is why we are extremely pleased to see the Senate exhibit the political courage to do what needed to be done and approve this landmark legislation."

"The final hurdle now is the Conference Committee. It is essential that the committee members produce a comprehensive immigration reform bill for the President to sign," said Nassif. "It is also important for our Congressional delegations in California and Arizona to understand that without comprehensive immigration reform and a workable guest worker program, there will never be strong immigration enforcement. No guest worker program equates to no border enforcement. It's that simple. We support strong immigration enforcement and we appeal to our leaders in Washington to complete the job on immigration reform by coming up with a final comprehensive immigration reform bill."

Western Growers is an agriculture trade association whose members grow, pack and ship ninety percent of the fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables grown in California and seventy five percent of those commodities in Arizona. This totals about half of the nation's fresh produce.

Source: Western Growers

More than 73 million Americans -- one-third of the adult population -- now have diabetes or may be on their way to getting it, according to a study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.

A separate study also published this month finds that it may be necessary to lower cholesterol even further than previously believed in order to prevent heart attacks in people with type 2 diabetes. A third study reports that teenagers with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop early symptoms of heart and kidney disease than teens who have type 1 diabetes, even when those with type 1 have been diagnosed with diabetes for a longer period of time and maintain poorer glycemic control.

Prevalence of Diagnosed Diabetes Still Rising

Researchers at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the prevalence of diabetes in America continues to climb. The study showed 9.3 percent of adults age 20 and older (19.3 million people) had diabetes in 1999- 2002. While the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes has remained essentially stable since 1988-1994 at 2.8 percent, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes rose sharply during the same period -- from 5.1 percent to 6.5 percent of the population.

Another 26 percent of Americans had impaired fasting glucose (IFG), a form of pre-diabetes. In pre-diabetes, glucose levels are higher than normal, even though they are not yet high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Pre-diabetes often leads to diabetes within 10 years, if steps are not taken to prevent it.

"Despite the fact that we now know how to prevent type 2 diabetes in many cases -- through lifestyle changes that include weight loss and increased physical activity -- we continue to see this disease climb," said lead researcher Dr. Catherine Cowie, Director of the Diabetes Epidemiology Program at NIDDK. "We also need to do a better job of diagnosing the one-in-three people with diabetes who don't know they have it, and the 26 percent of the adult population who have IFG."

"Obviously, we aren't doing enough to convince people they need to make changes in their lives," said Robert Rizza, MD, President, Medicine & Science of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). "Diabetes is a chronic and often debilitating disease that can cut short your life. The fact that we know how to prevent type 2 diabetes and we're still seeing this kind of increase is devastating."

The study compared data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to that of the 1988-1994 NHANES. It found that minorities continue to suffer disproportionately, with prevalence rates nearly twice as high for African Americans and Mexican Americans as Caucasians. The report noted that Americans pay a high price for the rise in diabetes. The disease cost the U.S. an estimated $132 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity in 2002.

To reach lead researcher Catherine C. Cowie, PhD, please contact Joan Chamberlain, NIDDK Press Office, at 301-496-3583, or email niddkmedia@mail.nih.gov.

Higher Doses of Medication, Lower Cholesterol, and Fewer Heart Attacks

Lowering LDL cholesterol to below 80 mg/dl with atorvastatin significantly lowers the risk of heart attack in people who have both diabetes and heart disease, according to a study conducted by researchers from around the world. The study found that patients who took 80 mg of atorvastatin lowered their LDL cholesterol levels to 77.0 mg/dl and reduced heart attacks 25 percent more than patients who took just 10 mg of atorvastatin and lowered their LDL levels to 98.6 mg/dl.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes lower their LDL cholesterol to below 100 mg/dl because of their increased risk for heart disease and stroke. That's already lower than the level recommended for people who don't have diabetes (130 mg/dl). More than 65 percent of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.

This study suggests that people who have both diabetes and heart disease should lower their LDL levels even further. The study was conducted over a five-year period by researchers at the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; the Heart Research Institute, Sydney, Australia; Institut Pasteur, Lille, France; and American universities in California, Texas and New York.

To reach lead researcher Dr. James Shepherd, at the University of Glasgow, email jshepherd@gri-biochem.org.uk or phone 44 (141) 211-4628.

Complications Among T2 Youth Compared to Those Among T1 Youth

Teenagers with type 2 diabetes develop more serious complications than teens with type 1 diabetes, even when they have lived with the disease for a shorter period of time and maintain better glycemic control, according to a study by researchers in Australia.

The study found youth who had type 2 diabetes developed significantly higher rates of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, and microalbuminuria, an early sign of kidney disease. The teens who developed type 2 were also more likely to be obese, which could be a factor in the development of these complications. Teens with type 1 diabetes were more likely to develop retinopathy, damage to the blood vessels in the eye that can lead to blindness.

To reach lead research Dr. Maria Craig, email mariac@chw.edu.au.

Diabetes Care, published by the American Diabetes Association, is the leading peer-reviewed journal of clinical research into the nation's fifth leading cause of death by disease. Diabetes also is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, as well as the leading cause of adult blindness, kidney failure and non-traumatic amputations. For more information about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association Web site http://www.diabetes.org/ or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).

Source: American Diabetes Association

Among Those Graduating College with Debt: - 34% say they have sold possessions to make ends meet - 42% say they live 'paycheck-to-paycheck' - 27% say they delayed getting a medical or dental procedure

Material Granny? 31% with Outstanding College Loans Say Madonna Will Become a Grandmother Before Their Debt is Paid Off

Failing Grades: One-Third of Indebted Graduates Give Parents 'D' or 'F' for Financial Preparations

9-in-10 Say Graduating Without Debt is a 'Big Advantage in Life'

College debt has a profound effect on well-being, financial security, and career and lifestyle choices for years after college, according to "The College Debt Crunch," a survey of college graduates released today by AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

"Large amounts of college debt put graduates in a hole that can take years, even decades from which to emerge," said Richard A. Davies, Senior Managing Director, Retirement and College Savings Plans, AllianceBernstein Investments, the retail asset management arm of AllianceBernstein, L.P. "Funding a college education isn't just about those four years; it's about a young adult's ability to start a family, buy a house and, ultimately, even to one day retire.

"College funding is a fundamental financial and life planning issue," Davies said. "When you saddle young adults with debt, they're not just borrowing their college tuition; they're borrowing from their future."

The Internet poll of 1,508 college graduates ages 21 to 35 examined their college finances and experiences, as well as their current circumstances, attitudes and lifestyle. The poll was conducted between April 24 and May 1, 2006 by the national polling firm of Mathew Greenwald & Associates, Inc.(1)

The Real World: College-Debt Edition

College debt can have a profound effect on quality of life. While the first decade out of college is financially challenging for many people, it is particularly so for those with college debt.

Asked whether they would describe themselves as "living paycheck-to- paycheck," 42% of respondents with college debt said that described them "very well" while only 24% of those who graduated without debt said so. Moreover, more than one-third (34%) of those with college debt reported having sold personal possessions such as furniture, clothing and CDs to make ends meet - compared with just 17% of the debt-free.

For parents and students alike, the stakes are rising quickly. According to the College Board, over the past decade total charges (defined as tuition, fees, room and board) at private four-year university have risen at an average annual rate of 5.3% and total charges now average $29,026 per year; at four- year public colleges the average annual increase has been 6.0% and total charges now average $12,127 per year.(2)

"College financing is a challenging issue for most American families, and the fact that college costs are climbing much faster than the rate of inflation does not make it likely that the problem will go away anytime soon," Davies said. "The problem is that the full dimension is not felt for years afterwards. It's as if survey respondents are saying, 'If only I knew then, what I owe now.'"

Not surprisingly, those who graduate college without debt remain in a much better financial position for years afterwards.

Respondents who graduated with no college debt are also more likely to be satisfied with their current savings levels (42% vs. 23% for people with debt), express a much higher level of financial satisfaction (52% vs. 32%) and have higher accumulated average savings ($53,900 vs. $36,500).(3)

College Debt: Here Today, Here Tomorrow

College debt is not easily eliminated. Sixty-nine percent of respondents who reported that they or a spouse had undergraduate and/or graduate debt are still paying it off - not surprising, perhaps, given that respondents were one-to-15 years out of school. The average outstanding balance is more than $29,000.

Of those who are still paying off household college debt, 39% said it will take them more than 10 years and 31% said pop icon Madonna will become a grandmother before they finish paying off their college loans.

"College debt is not here today and gone tomorrow," Davies said. "For these young adults the situation can be even worse than it appears as they are typically carrying credit card debt, car loans and even mortgages. For too many young adults, the designation 'Generation Debt' can be an apt one."

Forty-three percent of respondents with college debt used a credit card to pay tuition and/or other college expenses. Of those, almost one-third (32%) carried that debt for more than five years.

Circumstances for those with college debt could get even worse if interest rates rise further. More than half (53%) of those in households still paying off college or graduate school debt say a continued rise in interest rates would have a "major impact" on their ability to pay off education debt. As it is, about three-in-10 (29%) said they regularly or occasionally skip payments.

College debt has a personal downside as well. Of respondents in households that are still paying off college or graduate school debt, 48% said that education-related debt had contributed to feelings of anxiety or sleeplessness, 38% said it had contributed to depression, 34% said it had contributed to arguments with a spouse or significant other and 24% reported that education debt had contributed to compulsive shopping or spending.

Life Events Delayed, Career Dreams Deferred

The impact of college debt is not just a financial one. The results of the survey also showed how college debt can affect life events and career choices.

In terms of life events, respondents still paying off education-related debt individually and/or for a spouse say their debt has required them to delay some key "rites of passage" into adulthood:

-- 44% have delayed buying a house

-- 28% have delayed having children

-- 32% were forced to move back in with a parent or guardian or live at

home longer than expected.

The indebted have even neglected some basic needs: 27% say their financial situation has caused them to delay getting a dental or medical procedure.

Career choices are also affected by debt: among those graduating college with debt, 43% report having postponed graduate school, compared with 25% of the debt-free. Thirty-nine percent of those with college debt said they had left a job they liked because they didn't make enough money; that compares with 30% of those who left college without debt.

It all adds up to less optimism about themselves and their careers. Almost half (48%) of respondents with debt said they were below where they expected to be at this point in their life when they graduated college; 34% of respondents with no debt responded that way.

"The numbers only tell part of the story. The psychological and emotional underside of college debt does not receive the attention it deserves," said Jennifer DeLong, Director, College Savings Plans, and manager of AllianceBernstein's 529 plan offering, CollegeBoundfund(R). "It's hard to feel like you're making progress in life, when 10 years after graduating you're still receiving a monthly reminder of your college obligations."

The Impact of College Debt Spans Generations

The survey found that college debt hinders long-term prospects as well as the ability to save for one's own children's college education.

More than half (55%) of those with household education debt said that debt has limited how much they've been able to save for retirement. Just 23% of those with household education debt said they save more each year than they pay out in college loans or other debt obligations.

College debt can also impact one's confidence in their ability to play financial catch-up. Thirty percent of those with college debt (vs. 21% of the debt-free) said they were not confident in their ability to make investment decisions.

Among those graduates who have or plan to have children, 24% of those who graduated with college debt say they have started saving for their children's college education; that compares with 32% of those who graduated college without debt.

"One goes to college for four years but can pay the price for 40 years," DeLong said. "But even more troubling is the way a failure to plan for college can cross generations. Unless Americans come to understand the long-term consequences of failing to save for college, too many of today's parents will still be paying off their college loans at the same time they're paying for their children's tuition."

Of those with college debt, 47% said they think their family "should have done more to save for college." That compares with 18% of the debt-free. Just about one-third (32%) of those with college debt would give their parents or guardians a "D" or "F" for their financial preparations.

Impact on College Choice and Experience

The survey also found that college debt and college finances in general had a large effect on the college years - from school selection to the whole college experience. Better than one-in-five (22%) of those with debt said their finances "greatly limited their college choice" and once they got there the effect was also great. Seventy-six percent of respondents with debt said they "worried about money a lot in college."

While many respondents reported working at least part-time during college, the experience was much harder on those with debt:

-- 55% of respondents with debt said the jobs they held during college

affected their ability to study - vs. 40% with no debt;

-- 42% of respondents with debt said the jobs they held during college

affected their grades - vs. 30% with no debt;

-- 63% of respondents with debt said the jobs they held during college

limited their ability to participate in extra-curricular activities -

vs. 46% with no debt;

-- 45% of respondents with debt said the jobs they held during college

limited their ability to participate in internships - vs. 30% with no

debt.

Indebted or debt-free, all respondents agree that college finances matter: 87% of all respondents agreed that "having money in college gives you access to opportunities that can be beneficial to your future." Better than nine-in- 10 (91%) of all respondents agreed that "people who graduate without any college debt have a big advantage in life."

Lessons Learned: Financial Advice Matters

The survey found that those who graduated college with debt and who have engaged a financial advisor tend to fare significantly better than those who go it alone.

In households in which one or both spouses graduated with education- related debt, 41% of those who use a financial advisor have paid off that debt (vs. 28% of those without an advisor). Of those still paying off debt, 51% of those with an advisor expect to pay it off within seven years (vs. 38% of those without an advisor). Finally, just 18% of "advised" households with education debt who have or are planning to have children say their debt has significantly impacted their ability to save for a child's college education (vs. 26% of those without an advisor).

"Professional financial advice can make a big difference in one's ability to pay off college debt and put in place a plan to ensure the next generation isn't similarly burdened," Davies said. "When it comes to paying for college, the good news is that you have 18 years to plan, there are tax-advantaged solutions and you don't have to go it alone."

ABOUT ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN INVESTMENTS

For over 40 years, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc., the retail unit of AllianceBernstein L.P., has helped investors build and preserve wealth by providing innovative investment solutions from a diverse line of investment vehicles including mutual funds, college savings (529) plans, retirement products and separately managed accounts.

As a globally recognized leader in growth, value and fixed income investing, AllianceBernstein services over four million client relationships with approximately $146 billion in assets under management, for both US and non-US investors, as of March 31, 2006.

Our parent company, AllianceBernstein L.P., is comprised of three additional businesses which combined had assets under management totaling approximately $635 billion as of

April 30, 2006.

ABOUT THE SURVEY

(1) Of the 1,508 surveyed, 1,007 interviews were conducted with graduates

who left college with at least some debt, and 501 who graduated

college without debt. In order to accurately reflect the views of

all college graduates, the overall survey results have been weighted

by education, gender and age to be representative of the U.S. college

graduate population. The margin of error at the 95% confidence level

for the entire sample of 1,508 is plus or minus 2.5 percentage

points. The margin of error for those graduating with debt is plus

or minus 3.1 percentage points and the margin of error for those

graduating without debt is plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.

(2) College Board, "Trends in College Pricing," 2005

(3) Includes savings, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds, mutual

funds, retirement savings plans and other investments.

Source: AllianceBernstein Investments

- Hard Rock International ofrece a los fans la oportunidad de viajar por el mundo con los embajadores de Rock Tour

- El tiempo para participar en la mayor lotería del Rock se está acabando

Aviso a los fans. El tiempo se agota y con él tu oportunidad para vivir como una estrella del rock, viajar por el mundo, hospedarse en los mejores hoteles, ir a fiestas con famosos en eventos exclusivos y ver los mejores conciertos del mundo. Para celebrar el 35 aniversario del Hard Rock International, un consumidor afortunado tendrá la oportunidad de ganar la última gira por carretera y asistir a los conciertos de los embajadores globales de Rock Tour de Hard Rock. ¿Tienes lo que se necesita para convertirte en un roquero de gira? Los fans tienen menos de una semana para averiguarlo. Las reglas oficiales y la participación están disponibles a partir del 31 de mayo de 2006 en http://www.hardrock.com.

PRIMERA PARADA: LONDRES

Hyde Park temblará con el rock este julio, con Hard Rock presentando Hyde Park Calling, un concierto de dos días, caracterizando leyendas de rock como Roger Waters y The Who. El festival será uno de los primeros eventos musicales de Londres, con más de una docena de los principales grupos actuando en dos escenarios, incluyendo los teloneros Texas, Razorlight, The Zutons y The Lightning Seeds. El legendario roquero Roger Waters abrirá el concierto del 1 de julio, lo que promete ser un espectáculo digno de recordar, ya que el principal hombre de Pink Floyd cantará los temas de su álbum "Dark Side of the Moon," entre otros temas favoritos. Las entradas para el festival están disponibles en http://www.hydeparkcalling.co.uk.

Además de grupos reconocidos y el Hard Rock Cafe, el festival incluirá una zona comercial, una zona de relajación y descanso y una zona "chill out". Hard Rock Cafe London incluye un evento V.I.P. con una celebridad el viernes 30 de junio para celebrar los 35 años de Hard Rock.

SACA TU PASAPORTE ...

Como parte de toda esta celebración, un consumidor afortunado tendrá la oportunidad de vivir la vida de una estrella del rock, viajar por el mundo a los conciertos de los embajadores del rock de Hard Rock. Además del primer evento en Londres, la gira de los embajadores del rock incluirá espectáculos con los mejores artistas en Singapur, Tokio, Osaka, NuevaYork, Chicago, Hollywood (Fla.), Orlando y Caracas. Los detalles del concierto y los eventos adicionales se anunciarán en junio.

CÓMO PARTICIPAR ... TIC- TAC... EL TIEMPO SE ACABA...

Las reglas oficiales y de participación en el sorteo están disponibles desde el 31 de mayo de 2006 en http://www.hardrock.com. El ganador del gran premio recibirá la tarifa aérea para la gira y alojamientos en hoteles de primera clase para dos a Londres, Tokio, Singapur, Nueva York y también Orlando o Hollywood, Fla, así como dos entradas para cada concierto y 250 dólares estadounidenses en efectivo para gastar. Los dos ganadores de primera clase disfrutarán de toda la diversión en Londres, incluyendo los alojamientos en hoteles de primera clase, entradas para conciertos y, por supuesto, la fiesta V.I.P. del 35 aniversario en Hard Rock Cafe London.

DANDO ROCK AL MUNDO DURANTE 35 AÑOS

Desde un humilde comienzo, una sencilla cafetería de Londres, Hard Rock International se ha convertido en una de las principales marcas globales con cafeterías, hoteles y casinos en todo el mundo. Además de la gira de los embajadores del rock, Hard Rock celebrará su 35 aniversario con el merchadising de edición limitada de los embajadores del rock, incluyendo ropa, cristalería y otros coleccionables, y por supuesto, los famosos pins de Hard Rock. Las cafeterías de todo el mundo también celebrarán este aniversario con eventos especiales. Para detalles de los eventos locales, visite http://www.hardrock.com.

Acerca de Hard Rock International

Con 121 potentes locales Hard Rock Cafes, 11 hoteles y casinos y 2 casinos en más de 41 países, Hard Rock International es una de las marcas más conocidas a nivel mundial. Iniciada con una guitarra de Eric Clapton, Hard Rock posee la mayor colección de recuerdos musicales, que se exhibe en los distintos locales de todo el mundo. Hard Rock también es una marca conocida por todos los productos que ofrece relacionados con la moda y la música, los escenarios Hard Rock Live y su galardonado sitio web. Hard Rock International, Inc. es propiedad de The Rank Group Plc (Nasdaq: RANKL). Para más información acerca de Hard Rock, visite http://www.hardrock.com.

Customers can take a trip to a universe of excitement and adventure by booking tickets to Universal Orlando(R) Resort, home of Universal Studios Florida (R) and Universal's Island of Adventure (R) theme parks, on southwest.com! Types of available tickets include: one-day/one-park tickets, plus a special multi-day ticket offer. To book your next adventure go to:

www.southwest.com/hotfares/attractions.html#universal?src=PR_universal0506 "Southwest knows that entertainment is the key to any great family vacation, and we are continuously searching for online enhancements to make planning that away-from-home adventure even easier," said Anne Murray, Southwest's Senior Director of Online Marketing. "We are extremely excited to partner with Southwest in providing their Customers the opportunity to purchase theme park tickets online for their vacation. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Southwest," said Al Callier, Universal's Vice President of Brand and Interactive Marketing. In addition, southwest.com is kicking off the Universal Orlando(R) Resort Theme Park adventure with a "Double Your Days" online promotion. Purchase two days of unlimited park-to-park admission to both Universal Studios Florida(R) and Universal's Islands of Adventure(R) theme parks and get two additional days FREE with each ticket, for a total of four days of admission (all four days must be used within seven consecutive days including first day of use). Also enjoy free access to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk(R) entertainment complex for seven consecutive days (including first day of use). This offer is only available online. Southwest Airlines, the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 62 cities in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,000 flights a day and has almost 32,000 Employees systemwide. http://www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines -

The residents of the International Space Station turned their attention to spacewalk preparations this week as they gear up for a six-hour excursion outside the complex June 1. During the spacewalk, the crew will repair and retrieve U.S. and Russian hardware. Expedition 13 Commander Pavel Vinogradov and NASA Flight Engineer and Science Officer Jeff Williams gathered equipment for the spacewalk, charged batteries for the Russian Orlan suits they will wear and checked out systems in the Pirs Docking Compartment airlock. The spacewalk will be staged from Pirs. This will be the 65th spacewalk in support of station assembly and maintenance and the 18th conducted from this airlock. This will be the sixth spacewalk in Vinogradov's career and the second for Williams. The crew members will climb into their spacesuits next Tuesday to test their mobility and to handle tools they will use while conducting their work outside. Vinogradov and Williams shifted their wake and sleep cycles this week to match the hours they will work on June 1.

They will enjoy some off-duty time this weekend before resuming spacewalk preparations on Monday, with final communications and systems checks on their suits. During the spacewalk the crew will install a new hydrogen vent valve on the hull of the Zvezda Service Module to bypass a similar valve that is clogged. The vent valve is part of the Russian Elektron oxygen-generation system that separates oxygen and hydrogen from water in the device's plumbing unit. The oxygen is then circulated into the cabin atmosphere while hydrogen is released overboard. The spacewalkers will also recover a thruster residue collection device from Zvezda, retrieve a contamination monitoring device and a package of biology experiments and reposition a cable for a navigation antenna on the aft end of Zvezda to be used next year for the unpiloted rendezvous and docking of the new European Automated Transfer Vehicle. Williams will also replace a camera on the station's Mobile Base System railcar that moves up and down the truss of the complex. A Mission Status Briefing to preview the spacewalk will be broadcast on NASA TV at 2 p.m. EDT May 30 with question-and-answer capability for reporters at agency centers. Coverage of the spacewalk on NASA TV begins at 5:30 p.m. EDT June 1. On the maintenance front, Vinogradov finished replacing a gas analyzer device for the Russian carbon dioxide removal system, known as Vozdukh. It had been operating at a slightly decreased rate in cleansing carbon dioxide from the cabin atmosphere. Russian specialists reactivated the system following the installation of the new gas analyzer. Vozdukh is now operating normally. As part of the Crew Earth Observations experiment, Williams snapped the first shots of the Cleveland volcano erupting on the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. From their perspective in orbit, astronauts have been the first to spot and confirm the volcanic eruptions on several occasions. This is the first early sighting of a new eruption in recent years. On Tuesday, Williams discussed the progress of his mission with The Associated Press Television Network and conducted an amateur radio discussion with students at a school in Venice, Italy. Williams began runs of an experiment, designated the Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions.

The fluid physics experiment, last operated during Expedition 7, studies the behavior of fluids that change their properties when in a magnetic field. It obtains basic data on a new class of smart materials that can be used to improve or develop new brake systems, seat suspensions robotics, clutches, airplane landing gear and vibration damper systems. For experiment information, visit: http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/inspace/ Williams also continued checking the camera for the ground-commanded Binary Colloidal Alloy Test, or BCAT-3 activity. The EarthKAM camera and equipment is taking time-lapse photography once every hour of BCAT sample 3. BCAT-3 uses small particles called colloids to study fundamental physics. It gathers data that may provide insight into a wide range of applications, from the development of new pharmaceuticals to new rocket engines. NASA's payload operations team at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., coordinates U.S. science activities on the station. The next station status report will be issued in the early morning hours on June 2, following the spacewalk, or earlier if events warrant. For information about crew activities and station sighting opportunities, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/station

Mission: Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II Launch Date: July 22, 2006 Launch Times: 3:11 - 3:13 p.m. and 4:19 - 4:34 p.m. EDT Technicians are testing individual STEREO systems on both the "A" and "B" spacecraft. Workers cleaned the black light on spacecraft "A," completed vertical alignments, and installed the solar array ordnance. They also attached the high gain antenna to the spacecraft's rotation fixture, and closed out blankets. Technicians installed the batteries on the "A" and "B" spacecraft last week. In addition to testing, upcoming work for spacecraft "B" includes solar array installation and integration of the high-gain communications antenna in mid-June. The build-up of the Delta II rocket at Pad 17-B is scheduled to begin on June 1 with the first stage. Pad workers will start to erect the nine solid rocket boosters on June 2. The second stage will be hoisted into position and mated to the first stage on June 20. The crew will raise the 10-foot fairing into the pad clean room on June 21. STEREO will build a three-dimensional, global picture of the sun and study the star's influence on Earth. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/stereo

Azteca America, la cadena de televisión hispana de más rápido crecimiento en los Estados Unidos, planea radicar su sede central corporativa en el gran Los Ángeles, sobre la base de la mudanza en febrero de todas las operaciones de la red a Glendale.

Se espera que el desplazamiento de ejecutivos tenga lugar en los tres meses siguientes, a un lugar todavía no especificado.

El presidente del Concejo de Los Ángeles, Eric Garcetti, formuló las palabras de apertura a una audiencia de clientes y amigos de las estaciones durante una presentación de preventa de la nueva programación de la cadena, y felicitó a los directivos de la compañía por la decisión de relocalización.

La primera presentación de preventa de Azteca America en Los Ángeles ofreció a los clientes de la costa oeste el sabor del tradicional evento de la costa este. Presentada en 2001, KAZA, la estación de bandera de Azteca America, ha logrado un porcentaje de audiencia del 10%, con espectadores en horarios centrales y vespertinos en días de semana en la franja de edad de 18- 49 años, y un crecimiento de más del 75% en los ratings en los horarios centrales de fin de semana, según las encuestas de audiencia de noviembre pasado a febrero.

El evento marcó los cinco años desde la presentación de la estación KAZA Azteca 54, en que la cadena ha crecido de una a 45 estaciones. La cadena actualmente cuenta con el estatus oficial de red, según Nielsen Media Research, con una cobertura que alcanza al 70% de la población hispana de los Estados Unidos.

"Nuestra mudanza a Los Ángeles es una movida audaz que apunta a una nueva dirección, con un nuevo equipo gerencial para Azteca America que nos lleve al siguiente nivel de expansión", manifestó el presidente Luis J. Echarte.

En el nivel de la red, las audiencias de todo el día compuestas de adultos de entre 18 y 49 años de edad crecieron un 150%, hasta alcanzar un 5% de participación entre las audiencias hispanas de los Estados Unidos, según Nielsen, de febrero de 2005 a febrero de 2006. Durante los fines de semana, de 12:00 del mediodía a 7:00 de la tarde, la audiencia ha crecido al 12% para las mismas audiencias objetivo.

"Si bien nuestra base de producción principal siguen siendo los vastos recursos de TV Azteca en México, tenemos algunas interesantes iniciativas de programación que se producirán este año en Los Ángeles", dijo el CEO Adrian Steckel. "Nuestra capacidad de producción de programación no tiene precedentes. Y esto supone flexibilidad e innovación para nuestros clientes."

El gerente general de ventas de Azteca 54, Jorge Jaidar, presentó a los clientes amplias opciones de eventos en vivo y oportunidades de venta de productos para complementar las ventas tradicionales de spots televisivos.

Los ejecutivos de Azteca America presentaron atractivos programas de próxima salida al aire que mejoran aún más la grilla de programación de la cadena, como Los Protagonistas a Nivel Mundial, con novedades del fútbol desde Alemania; box de primera calidad desde Boxeo Azteca; dos nuevas novelas de gran éxito en México, Amor sin Condiciones y Amores Cruzados; nuevas versiones de los exitosos "reality shows" musicales, La Academia V y La Academia USA; programas de noticias y de entretenimientos producidos en el estudio digital de Azteca America en LA, y mucho más.

Perfil de la compañía

Azteca America es la cadena hispana de más rápido crecimiento en los Estados Unidos. Es una subsidiaria totalmente controlada de TV Azteca S.A. de C.V., una de las mayores productoras televisivas de contenidos en español del mundo. En la actualidad Azteca America tiene presencia en 45 mercados hispanos, entre los que se incluyen: Los Ángeles, Nueva York, Miami, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, San Francisco-Oakland-San José, Phoenix, Brownsville-McAllen, Albuquerque, San Diego, Fresno-Visalia, Sacramento- Stockton-Modesto, Denver, Filadelfia, Orlando, Austin, Tampa, Washington DC, Corpus Christi, Tucson, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, Monterey- Salinas, Hartford, Salt Lake City, Bakersfield, West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, Santa Bárbara, Lubbock, Odessa, Palm Springs, Omaha, Amarillo, Yakima, Naples- Ft. Myers, Wichita, Reno, Boise, Victoria, Oklahoma City, Charleston y Chattanooga.

Visite: http://www.aztecaamerica.com/

Source: Azteca America

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Two U.S. soldiers assigned to Multinational
Division Baghdad died at about 2 p.m. today when their vehicle was
struck by a roadside bomb in southern Baghdad.

The names of the soldiers are being withheld pending notification of
next of kin.

DoD officials have identified three servicemembers previously reported
killed in Iraq.

Army Spc. Michael L. Hermanson, 21, of Fargo, N.D., died May 24 in
Abayachi of injuries suffered when his RG-31 Mine Protected Vehicle came
under improvised-explosive-device, rocket-propelled-grenade, and enemy
small-arms fire while on a route-clearing mission. Hermanson was assigned
to the Army National Guard's 164th Engineer Battalion, from Minot, N.D.

Marine Lance Cpl. Robert G. Posivio III, 22, of Sherburn, Minn.; and
Pfc. Steven W. Freund, 20, of Pittsburgh, died May 23 in Anbar province.
They were assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine
Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Posted by mbn at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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X-MEN: THE LAST STAND

In X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, the climax of the “X-Men” motion picture

trilogy, a “cure” for mutancy threatens to alter the course of history. For the first time,

mutants have a choice: retain their uniqueness, though it isolates and alienates them, or give up their powers to fit in. The opposing viewpoints of mutant leaders Charles Xavier, who preaches tolerance, and Eric Lehnsherr (Magneto), who believes in the survival of the fittest, are put to the ultimate test – triggering the war to end all wars.

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND reunites the stars of the first two X-Men films:

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, a solitary fighting machine who possesses amazing healing powers, retractable adamantium claws and an animal-like fury; Halle Berry as Storm, who can manipulate all forms of weather – and fly; Ian McKellen as Magneto, a powerful mutant who can control and manipulate metal; Patrick Stewart as Xavier, a telepath and the founder and leader of the X-Men; Famke Janssen as Jean Grey, a mutant with incalculably powerful telekinetic and telepathic abilities; Anna Paquin as Rogue, who absorbs the powers and threatens the life of anyone she touches; Rebecca Romijn as the shape-shifting Mystique; James Marsden as Cyclops, whose eyes release an energy beam that can rip holes through mountains; and Shawn Ashmore as Iceman, who can lower his body temperature and radiate intense cold.

Also reprising their “X2” roles are Aaron Stanford as fire-manipulator Pyro and Daniel Cudmore as Colossus, who can change his flesh into organic steel.

Kelsey Grammer joins the X-MEN: THE LAST STAND cast as one of the “X-Men” universe’s most beloved characters: Dr. Henry McCoy, also known as Beast.

McCoy is a highly intelligent geneticist, a mutant endowed with superhuman agility and physical prowess. As the subject of one of his own experiments, McCoy mutated further, growing blue, bestial fur.

Brett Ratner, who established a motion picture franchise with “Rush Hour,” and expanded the “Silence of the Lambs” franchise with “Red Dragon,” directs.

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND stays true to the tone and story arcs of “X-Men” and “X2,” while expanding the characters, continuing the balance between spectacle and reality, and, especially, deepening the emotion and relationships.

In doing so, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND raises issues that resonate today: Is conformity an antidote to prejudice? Is it cowardice to give up individuality to fit in and avoid persecution? Is the personal right to choose inviolate? Is great power a blessing or a curse?

The actors agree that X-MEN: THE LAST STAND is the most ambitious work of the trilogy. “This film is richer from start to finish,” says Patrick Stewart. “It’ll get you worked up – and it should! It has an intriguing hook that gets you involved immediately and emotionally with the characters.”

The cure storyline takes the film series’ underlying theme of alienation to its fullest extension. It is an issue that struck close to home for the actors.

“The cure is the real villain of the story,” says Halle Berry. “It’s an issue I’ve struggled with my entire life. When I was a child, I felt that if only I could change myself, my life would be better. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to terms with what utter nonsense that is, and this movie adds light to that dark subject.”

The cure ignites Magneto, allowing him to emerge from hiding, amass an army, and initiate a mutant revolution, the likes of which have not been seen before. Magneto and his minions want to eliminate the cure and anyone – mutant or human – who supports it.

“Magneto says to his followers, ‘Nobody is going to cure us; we are the cure!’” relates Ian McKellen. The idea of eradicating that which sets individuals apart from the majority is anathema to the distinguished British actor, just as it is to his on-screen character. “It’s abhorrent to me, as it would be if a person said I need curing of my sexuality, or if someone said that black people could take a pill that would ‘cure’ them of being black.”

Jackman points out that this issue and the conflicts that ensue are “intrinsically massive” for the X-Men. The actor highlights the complexities of mutant life. “There’s another side of it to explore,” he explains. “Look at Rogue, for example. Her abilities [to absorb the powers of other mutants, which can result in death] are amazing, yet she lives a very lonely life. She can never touch anyone, have a physical relationship, or have children. As politically abhorrent as the cure is, it’s also understandable that someone like her would consider taking it.”

Beast, the least human-looking of the mutants, is also conflicted about the cure.

“Unlike the other X-Men, Beast’s mutation isn’t hidden,” says Kelsey Grammer. “So it’s not surprising that he may explore, however briefly, the idea of being a ‘regular guy.’ He realizes, of course, that being ‘regular’ is not his destiny. He’s a very brave soul, because true bravery means seizing your fate and doing good with it. And that’s exactly what Beast does.”

These emotional themes are tied to some of the most beloved stories in the “X-Men” comics’ illustrious history. “Nobody had really tried to bring a significant level of emotion to comics before the ‘X-Men’ comics in the seventies,” says Zak Penn who, like co-scripter Simon Kinberg, is an “X-Men” comics enthusiast. “We owed it to the franchise to recapture that kind of strong emotion. The only way to do that is to make the audience feel that this universe is real, to let them know that both good and bad things can happen.”

Adds Kinberg: “One of the most important things about the comics was that readers became emotionally attached to the characters. From issue to issue, they didn’t come back just for the stories; they returned for the characters.”

Brett Ratner was drawn to the script’s heightening of the stakes, as well as its adherence to what had come before in “X-Men” and “X2.” “Bryan Singer’s ‘X-Men’ films were a blueprint for me,” says Ratner. “I wanted to maintain the tone and story arcs that Bryan and the actors had created. The audiences care about these characters, and it was important to me to stay true to who they are. My goal was to take what worked in the first two films, but make it more emotional and resolve some character arcs.”

The returning cast appreciated Ratner’s approach. Says Hugh Jackman: “Brett is respectful of and staying true to the vision of ‘X-Men’ and ‘X2,’ but at the same time he’s taking the franchise to a new level, adding more emotion and deepening the relationships.”

Halle Berry gives kudos to Ratner and the writers for clarifying Storm’s responsibilities, point of view and potential. “I knew Brett was instrumental in making that happen,” says Berry. “He’s really been a supporter of finding a consistent voice for Storm. It wasn’t about giving me more dialogue. But when I’m onscreen, I want it to matter.”

Adds Hugh Jackman: “In the first two films, Wolverine debated joining the X-Men or staying true to his nature and remaining a loner. In X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, the question becomes more of whether he will play a leadership role in the X-Men. It makes the stakes much higher, which was essential, because my feeling is if you’re going to reprise a role, you want to do it better and take it further. This film allowed me to do that.”

As Jackman, Berry, their castmates, and Brett Ratner indicate, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND is grand-scale Hollywood moviemaking. This was far from the mind of Stan Lee when he and Jack Kirby created the X-Men over 40 years ago. Lee and Kirby shaped characters and stories rich with drama, conflict and emotions. The X-Men, like many of their Marvel Comics predecessors, were an unusual heroic group – at times sarcastic, antisocial, and clearly flawed, yet sympathetic when battling the demons of their love lives, tackling the traumas of self-esteem, or taking on powerful villains in their universe of special powers.

“I wanted to give the X-Men interesting personalities, and make them empathetic and believable,” Lee recalls. “When we started Marvel, we always tried to get characters that were relatable; they had to seem like real people, even though they had incredible powers. We thought that extra depth was important.”

After all these years, the vision of Lee and his successors remains an intrinsic part of the “X-Men” universe – a fact that even Lee’s formidable imagination couldn’t foresee. “It never occurred to me,” says the comics legend, “that someday these little stories we were doing could become such magnificent movies.”

RETURNING FOR THE TRILOGY’S CLIMAX

Due to the actors’ busy schedules, bringing the entire cast back for X-MEN: THE LAST STAND required complex strategic maneuvering. But their participation was never in doubt. “It was key to the story and character relationships, and important to the fans who love these films,” says producer Lauren Shuler Donner. “All these actors coming back says a lot about their love of the script and the ‘X-Men’ films,” adds producer Avi Arad. “The cast made these movies what they are, and it was critical to get them back for this film.”

The returning cast members saw their characters undergo significant changes, none more so than Famke Janssen, who portrays telepath Jean Grey. In “X2,” Jean had sacrificed her life to save her fellow X-Men, drowning at Alkali Lake. But that film’s last shots hint that we haven’t yet seen the last of her – and X-MEN: THE LAST STAND pays off on that in a big way.

Jean returns, reborn as “Dark Phoenix” with powers far beyond her

comprehension. She is transformed into the ultimate weapon – which everyone wants to possess as they prepare for war. She becomes a threat to the X-Men and to the world at large.

“Jean’s saga is the most extreme,” says Simon Kinberg. We were inspired by a specific storyline in the comics that had never been done before: taking a hero and making them a villain. Her saga is emotionally resonant, because it involves watching somebody you love start to both implode and explode.”

“What Jean does in this film is very different from what she does in the first two films,” says Famke Janssen. “It’s a big change that comics fans have long been anticipating, and which the films’ audiences will be shocked by.”

In “X-Men” and “X2,” Jean is a heroic figure and the principal teacher at Xavier’s School for the Gifted. Along with her mentor and friend, Professor Charles Xavier, fiancée Scott Summers (aka Cyclops) and the rest of the X-Men, Jean battled Magneto in “X-Men” and the mutant-hating Stryker in “X2.”

Despite Jean’s heroics, both films dropped important clues to her ultimate fate, revealed in X-MEN: THE LAST STAND. “In the first films, there are inklings that something is wrong with Jean – moments where her powers seem more than she can handle,” says Janssen. “This is taken further in ‘X2,’ in which she’s having headaches and difficulties in controlling her powers.”

The fate of James Marsden’s Cyclops is closely tied to Jean’s rebirth. The two were engaged to be married, but her heroic death has left the once straight-laced Cyclops grieving and bitter. “He’s lost his focus in life, the person he loved the most,” says

Marsden. “The meaning of the X-Men – what they stand for – has lost its value to him, now that Jean is gone. In fact, the whole team is suffering.”

Anna Paquin’s Rogue flirts with the idea of being “reborn” – as a human. “With the cure, she has an option,” says Paquin. “She can either be cured and change her life forever, or accept who she is and continue living with the feelings of isolation that accompany her mutation.”

“Rogue has the worst power in the entire mutant universe, period,” says producer Ralph Winter. “She can’t touch or express love. What is she going to do? This film answers the question.”

Rogue’s story is linked to Bobby Drake’s (aka Iceman), with whom she began a romance in “X2.” But their burgeoning love story hits a roadblock due to her power to absorb the powers of – and kill – whomever she touches. “Bobby’s powers to radiate intense cold come into their own, just as he faces major challenges in his relationship with Rogue,” says Shawn Ashmore. “Things get even more complicated when he starts to feel a connection with Kitty Pryde [a young mutant who can phase through solid matter, played by Ellen Page]. He is ready to become a full member of the X-Men.”

Bobby continues his ongoing battle with his nemesis, Pyro, a member of the evil Brotherhood of Mutants, who can manipulate fire. “It’s a war between fire and ice,” says Aaron Stanford, who portrays Pyro. “My character has become Magneto’s right-hand-man, more confident in his powers, and more powerful and capable of inflicting major damage.”

Another member of Magneto’s Brotherhood – the shape-shifting Mystique – finds herself dealing with the ramifications of the cure. “She’s always loyal to Magneto, fighting by his side,” says Rebecca Romijn, who again spent hours in the makeup chair, each day, being transformed into the blue-skinned mutant. “But she’s about to get a hard lesson in the strength of his outrage over the cure, and hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”

THE NEW CHARACTERS

The X-Men comics universe is populated by hundreds of characters, many of whom could not be used in a two-hour motion picture, due to the medium’s time constraints. With the announcement of each new “X-Men” movie, fans have weighed in with their thoughts about which characters should appear. Beast and Angel were always at the top of their lists. As plans began to take shape for a third film in the series, the filmmakers at last had a story big enough to accommodate appearances by those much-requested characters.

Once it was decided to include Beast, there came the formidable challenge of casting the role. Beast, who as the story opens is Secretary of Mutant Affairs in the U.S. president’s cabinet, is one of the world's experts on mutations and evolutionary human biology. He has extensive knowledge of genetics, biochemistry, and a variety of other scientific fields, and he possesses superhuman strength, agility, endurance and speed, despite his bulk.

“Everyone had ideas as to who should play the role,” says co-screenwriter Simon Kinberg. “The most difficult thing about Beast wasn’t writing the character, but casting it. To me, the great casting genius of the film is Kelsey Grammer. He inhabits Beast with his voice, demeanor, physicality and eyes.”

Grammer was intrigued by the character’s combination of brain and brawn.

“Beast is very intelligent,” Grammer recalls. “And he’s very slow to fight. But when he does fight, he is magnificent. So I thought, okay, I’d like to play that.” Known around the globe for his five-time Emmy®-winning role as Dr. Frasier Crane on the classic sitcoms “Cheers” and “Frasier,” Grammer is almost unrecognizable under the multi-layered prosthetics that transformed him physically into Beast.

“When I signed on for the job I realized that I would be doing my first full prosthetic foray, and I must say I had mixed emotions,” says Grammer. “It’s very effective in playing the character, and at the same time it’s a bit stilting. You have to work a bit harder to get that mask to take on some of your energy. On the plus side, the prosthetic has helped me realize the dynamic power of stillness in a performance. I made a decision to not bring in too much facial energy and instead to rely more on my eyes. It’s through his eyes that we see Beast’s intellect shine.”

Grammer’s makeup took three hours to apply, says Bart Mixon of Spectral Motion, one of the industry’s top makeup effects houses, which also designed the special makeup for Angel, Colossus, and Juggernaut. Mixon worked with prosthetic makeup artist Thom Floutz. “Beast’s makeup is quite complex,” Mixon explains. “There are five pieces that comprise Beast’s head. There’s a neck, the skullcap with ears, one big piece for the cheeks and jaw, the forehead, and the lower lip. Then there’s the body suit, gloves and feet and…. six hairpieces. The nature of the character required the makeup to be very flexible.”

To comics fans, Angel, played by Ben Foster in the film, is nearly as beloved as Beast. Angel’s father, billionaire industrialist Warren Worthington II (played by Michael Murphy) cannot accept Angel’s mutation – he has fully feathered wings that span nearly 16-feet, which enable him to fly – and his distress over his son’s mutant powers leads him to spearhead the development of the cure.

The introduction of the character in the film, depicting him (as a young boy) trying to do away with the source of his mutant powers, is one of the most telling scenes – a powerful moment of unwarranted shame. “Angel’s actions point out how much young people want to fit in, to be liked, and to be like everyone else,” says Foster. “In a way, it sums up what the X-Men are all about: that we all feel like we’re different, and that the only course is to accept those differences. If we don’t, the results can be ruinous.”

According to Ratner, Foster “really put across Angel’s torment and complexity.” Equally impressive were the actor’s physical feats. Not only did Foster have to endure grueling prosthetics sessions during which his wings were applied, he got himself into incredible physical shape to obtain the comics’ character’s sinewy physique. “Ben worked out harder than anyone I’d ever seen,” adds the director. “He really transformed himself.”

Angel presented another design challenge. “We had to design Angel’s clothes to accommodate three different versions of his wings,” says costume designer Judianna Makovsky. “One set is to accommodate prosthetic wings that are attached to his back in scenes where he appears bare-chested; another set is for his closed wings that are attached to a harness, which have to fit over the wings and conceal them; a third, ‘normal’ set of clothes is for use when the wings are entirely computer generated.”

Vinnie Jones plays the unstoppable strongman Juggernaut (aka Cain Marko), another of the comics’ most famous characters. Once Juggernaut is running or even walking, no physical force can prevent his forward momentum. Jones, a former soccer star who went on to appear as tough guys in films such as “Snatch” and “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” saw his already massive physique augmented by the makeup effects wizards at Spectral Motion.

“Juggernaut is a mercenary, a fighting machine,” says Jones. “He’s a member of the Brotherhood but doesn’t necessarily share Magneto’s intense interest in abolishing the cure. He just lives for battles.”

Also joining the cast are Dania Ramirez as Callisto, whose highly attuned senses allow her to locate and assess the power of other mutants; Eric Dane as Multiple Man, who can create exact physical replicas of himself; Cameron Bright as the power dampener Leech; and Shohreh Aghdashloo as geneticist Dr. Kavita Rao.

X-TREME ACTION

In a film series noted for its huge set pieces and explosive fighting sequences, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND takes the action to a new level. Simon Crane, one of the industry’s top second unit directors and stunt coordinators, worked closely with Brett Ratner to create the action sequences, and design the fights and fighting styles.

Crane had just wrapped the blockbuster action film “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” where he put Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie through their paces, when he was approached for X-MEN: THE LAST STAND. His mandate was to create action never before seen on film, to find new ways of filming fight scenes, and stage action that’s motivated by the story and drives it forward.

Crane worked closely with Academy Award® winning visual effects supervisor John Bruno, judiciously blending stunts, special effects and CG to make the action sequences both massive and believable.

One of Crane’s principal tasks was to re-create from the comics, Wolverine’s “berserker rage” fighting style – a mad, white rage that makes him virtually unstoppable.

“Wolverine’s fighting style in the first two films was great, but for the new film we wanted to explore the comics’ fighting style,” says Crane. “Most of the time, Wolverine’s fighting only for Wolverine. Here, he’s fighting for something bigger and therefore he fights harder, fiercer. We’re going to see a Wolverine who’s really angry.”

Hugh Jackman, whose preparation for the action scenes included spending hundreds of hours in the gym, and a special fight training program, elaborates: “In ‘X-Men’ and ‘X2,’ my fighting style was ‘slicing-and-dicing.’. But for this film, I wanted to go back to the comics, which had brilliantly conceived fight scenes.”

Although Wolverine is decidedly earthbound, he took to the air – with help from Colossus’ super-strong right arm – for scenes depicting a fan-favorite element from the comics called the “fastball special.” Crane and his team hurtled the actor on a wire – at speeds up to 80 miles per hour – through a forest. “It was a phenomenal experience,” says Jackman. “And no CG!”

Halle Berry’s Storm can fly, a capability left unrealized in the first two films. “I know it seems like a little thing, but I’ve been saying since the first movie: ‘I just want to fly!’” laughs Berry.

In X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, Berry finally gets her wish. For a scene in which Storm takes to the skies, spinning like a tornado, Berry completed 24 revolutions in just two or three seconds. Says Brett Ratner: “It’s such a spectacular stunt, that nobody’s going to believe Halle did it. But she did.” The dizzying wirework had Berry taking Dramamine to combat motion sickness.

In addition to devising new fighting and flying techniques, Crane oversaw the film’s big action set pieces. In one scene, Magneto throws cars from the Golden Gate Bridge onto Alcatraz, as Pyro ignites them in mid-air, and the fiery vehicles rain down on the X-Men.

The Golden Gate Bridge figures in the film’s biggest event, as Magneto takes control of the San Francisco landmark, ripping it off its foundations and using it, literally, as a gateway to Alcatraz: ground zero for the cure’s development and distribution. This scene, the biggest in any “X-Men” film, again represented the work of Crane, visual effects supervisor John Bruno, and production designer Edward Verreaux – all under Brett Ratner’s watchful eye.

“The Golden Gate Bridge sequence is Magneto at his most intense,” says John

Bruno, an Oscar® winner and frequent James Cameron collaborator (“Titanic,”

“Terminator 2: Judgment Day”). “It’s the biggest visual effects scene in the series.” The visual effects and art direction groups built a full-size section of the bridge and a section of Alcatraz. Bruno and his team digitally extended the latter, blending the practical sets with the computerized images. In addition, they built detailed miniatures that were used for reference.

To help realize the film’s massive scale and requirements for hundreds of state-of-the-art visual effects, the production brought aboard several top visual effects companies, including WETA Digital Ltd., which won Academy Awards for its work on “King Kong” and all three films in the “The Lord of the Rings” series. WETA worked on creating key elements for the Alcatraz compound and on Dark Phoenix’s powers. Framestore CSC, a London-based house worked on the Golden Gate Bridge scenes. Other visual effects houses working on the picture were Moving Picture Company; Hydraulics; and Klesier-Walczak, which helped bring Mystique to life.

For a flashback scene that opens the film, John Bruno utilized proprietary “rejuvenation” software called LOLA. “It’s been attempted before in short does on other films, but we used it for the first four minutes of the movie. What we’ve done is take Professor X and Magneto back 20 years in time and make them younger.” The software uses 3-D patches which are put over the actors’ existing facial features.

Visual effects heightened the enormity of the practical sets. On a ten-acre tract of land that previously housed a Vancouver woodworking factory, the production created enormous outdoor sets, covering a total of 270,000 square feet. At one end of the site, the 250 ft. long Golden Gate Bridge set was flanked by a 50 ft. high green screen at each end and spanned by a 250 ft. green screen 40 ft. high. Another mega-set on that site: Alcatraz Island.

Eighty-six generators powered the massive outdoor sets. (“X2’s” largest outdoor set – Stryker’s base – took the equivalent of fifty-four generators to run.) In laymen’s terms, the electrical output was equivalent to that required for 176,000 - 60 watt light bulbs. Surrounding the sets, two hundred and fifty ton cranes held 60’x 80’ bounces to provide the fill light, and catwalks 65 ft. in the air became home to stalwart lamp operators. “The final effect is that everything looks natural…and beautiful,” says two-time Academy Award-nominated director of photography Dante Spinotti, ASC/AIC (“The Insider,” “L.A. Confidential”), reinforcing the realistic aesthetic that informs all three “X-Men” films.

Production designer Edward Verreaux’s approach was elegant realism. “What happens in the movie is fantastic, so I felt, and Brett Ratner agreed, that the sets should be grounded in reality,” says Verreaux.

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND revisits many of the iconic locations and sets from the first two films, including the X-Jet; Xavier’s school and the highly stylized hallways below the mansion’s classrooms and living space; and Alkali Lake, where Jean Grey met her “demise” in “X2.” “We wanted to stay true to the look of the two earlier ‘X-Men’ movies,” says Verreaux. “The mandate is that we’re in a world that’s already been established, but we want to embellish on that look, make it more interesting and compelling. We’re aided in this by the story arc, which ultimately leads us to a sort of apocalyptic landscape.”

HUGH JACKMAN (Logan/Wolverine) reprises his role as a solitary fighting machine who possesses amazing healing powers, retractable adamantium claws and animal-like fury.

Jackman, a native of Australia, made his first major U.S. film appearance as Wolverine in the first installment of the “X-Men” franchise. This stellar debut led to leading roles in “Someone Like You,” “Swordfish,” and “Kate and Leopold,” for which he received a 2002 Golden Globe nomination.

Jackman reprised his role as Logan/Wolverine in “X2,” and went on to star in the Hollywood blockbuster “Van Helsing.” Jackman stars in the upcoming releases of Darren Aronofsky’s “The Fountain” and Woody Allen’s “Scoop.” He also stars in Christopher Nolan’s "The Prestige," scheduled for release later this year.

For his portrayal of the 1970s singer-songwriter Peter Allen in “The Boy From Oz,” Jackman received the 2004 Tony Award® for Best Actor in a musical as well as Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World awards.

Previous theater credits include: Carousel at Carnegie Hall, Oklahoma! at the National Theater in London (Olivier Award nomination), “Sunset Boulevard” (MO Award - Australia's Tony Award) and Disney's “Beauty and the Beast” (MO Award nomination).

Jackman's career began in Australia in the independent films “Paperback Hero” and “Erskineville Kings” (Australian Film Critics' Circle Best Actor award and The Australian Film Institute Best Actor nomination). In 1999, he was named “Australian Star of the Year” at the Australian Movie Convention.

Academy Award winning actress HALLE BERRY (Storm) continues to break down barriers, working hard to achieve a career most actors dream of having. She is currently in production on “Perfect Stranger” opposite Bruce Willis. Most recently, Berry received Emmy and Golden Globe® nominations for her acting work in the Oprah Winfrey produced movie “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and as executive producer for the HBO telefilm “Lackawanna Blues.”

Previously, Berry voiced the character of ‘Cappy’ in the Fox animated feature “Robots” and heated up theatres across the country with her star turn in Warner Brothers’ “Catwoman.” She also headlined the psychological thriller “Gothika,” and confirmed her status as a box office draw. In the summer of 2003, she reprised her role as ‘Storm’ in “X2,” the sequel to the action hit “X-Men,” which has grossed more than $200 million.

In 2002 Berry starred as ‘Jinx’ in the James Bond feature “Die Another Day” with Pierce Brosnan. The twentieth installment in the franchise was the largest-grossing Bond film. For her spectacular performance in Lions Gate Films’ “Monster’s Ball,” she won an Oscar, a SAG Award, the Berlin Silver Bear Award and was named Best Actress by the National Board of Review.

No stranger to accolades, Berry earned the Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG and NAACP Image Award for her extraordinary and critically acclaimed performance in HBO’s telefilm, “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge,” which she also produced.

Critics and filmgoers took notice of Berry in her feature film debut, Spike Lee’s “Jungle Fever.” She went on to star opposite Warren Beatty in the socio-political comedy, “Bulworth.” Other film credits include “Losing Isaiah,” opposite Jessica Lange, “Executive Decision” (for which she won a Blockbuster Award for Best Actress in an Action Drama), the live-action version of “The Flintstones,” “The Last Boy Scout,” “Strictly Business,” Reginald Hudlin’s “Boomerang” opposite Eddie Murphy and “Swordfish” with John Travolta and Hugh Jackman.

Other television credits include starring in the highly-rated ABC mini-series, Oprah Winfrey Presents: “The Wedding,” directed by Charles Burnett and the title role in Alex Haley’s mini-series, “Queen.” The highest rated sequel in television history, the performance earned Berry her first NAACP Image Award for Best Actress, as well as Best Newcomer Award from the Hollywood Women’s Press Club. She also starred opposite Jimmy Smits in Showtime’s original telefilm, “Solomon and Sheba.”

In recognition for her achievements as an actress, the Harvard Foundation at Harvard University honored Berry as Cultural Artist of the Year. Currently, she serves as an International Spokesperson for Revlon.

PATRICK STEWART (Professor Charles Xavier) is an internationally respected actor known for successfully bridging the gap between the theatrical world of the Shakespearean stage and contemporary film and television. Stewart was most recently seen in a science-based dramatic mini-series “Eleventh Hour,” for Granada. In December 2005, he performed a limited run of his universally acclaimed solo production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at The Albery Theatre. He played over 40 characters, relying on just a few props and a wealth of virtuosity and dramatic nuance, and received widespread praise from the critics.

Stewart has had an enormously successful film and television career. He can currently be heard in “Steamboy” and “Chicken Little,” and was seen in 2003 in “X2,” the sequel to blockbuster “X-Men” (2000); Stewart’s role as ‘Professor Xavier’ earned him a nomination for Favorite Actor in the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards.

In 2002 Stewart was seen in the tenth installment of Paramount Pictures’ “Star Trek” feature films: “Star Trek: Nemesis,” reprising his role as ‘Captain Jean Luc Picard.’ His earlier “Star Trek” film credits are “Star Trek: Generations” (1994), “Star Trek: First Contact,” (1996) and “Star Trek: Insurrection” (1998).

Also in 2002 Stewart was seen in the title role in “King of Texas,” which he co-produced with Hallmark Entertainment. The previous year he was heard as the voice of ‘King Goobot’ in Nickelodeon Movies’ highly successful computer animated motion picture “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius” in December 2001.

Stewart’s additional film credits include the film adaptation of Paul Rudnick’s play, “Jeffrey,” “Hedda, Dune,” “Lady Jane,” “ Excalibur,” “ LA Story,” “Death Train,” “ Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” “ Gunmen,” “ Masterminds,” “The Pagemaster,” “Conspiracy Theory,” “ Safe House” and “Dad Savage.” He also lent his voice to the character ‘Seti’ in “Prince of Egypt.”

Television has also played a significant role in Patrick’s career. He completed production on the Showtime remake of “The Lion in Winter,” which aired in the UK in December 2003. In addition to playing a starring role, for which he was Golden Globe nominated, Stewart was also an executive producer.

In 2000 Stewart was seen in TNT’s “A Christmas Carol.” He earned a SAG Award nomination for his portrayal of ‘Ebenezer Scrooge,’ a role which continued a cherished association with the Charles Dickens’ classic. This was produced by Robert Halmi and Stewart for Hallmark. Stewart earned both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor for his role as ‘Captain Ahab’ in the USA network’s epic mini-series “Moby Dick” (1998).

Stewart originated the role of ‘Jean Luc-Picard’ in the hit series, “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” which aired from 1988 to 1994; this role earned him Best Actor nominations from the American TV Awards and the Screen Actors Guild. In addition to his starring role, he also directed several episodes, one of which (“A Fistful of Datas,” 1987) received an Emmy Award.

For the BBC, Stewart was seen in the acclaimed mini-series “I, Claudius,” “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” and “Smiley’s People.” He has also portrayed ‘Salieri’ in “The Mozart Inquest,” ‘Oedipus’ in “Oedipus Rex,” and ‘Rev. Anderson’ in “The Devil’s Disciple.” Other television roles include the title role in “The Canterville Ghost,” “In Search of Dr. Seuss,” and “The Simpsons,” as well as hosting several documentary series, including “The Shape of the World” and “MGM; When the Lion Roars.”

Stewart’s current projects are “The Game of Their Lives,” “The Water Warriors” and “Bambi.”

In January 2005 he appeared at the Apollo Theatre in “A Life in The Theatre,” for which he also received outstanding reviews. He was previously on the West End Stage in 2003, in Ibsen’s “The Master Builder.”

In 2001, Stewart appeared in three theatrical productions. He starred in “Johnson Over Jordan” in Leeds, in the Guthris Theatre’s (Minneapolis) critically acclaimed production of Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and in December he took his celebrated one-man show, “A Christmas Carol,” back to Broadway for eight benefit performances.

The previous summer, Stewart appeared on Broadway in Arthur Miller’s “The Ride Down Mt. Morgan,” which received a Tony nomination for Best Play. In 1998, Stewart received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the title role of “Othello” at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington DC.

In December 1996, Stewart took “A Christmas Carol” to Los Angeles. He first performed this acclaimed one-man show for Broadway audiences in 1991, earning a Drama Desk Award for Best Solo Performer. This marked his return to the New York stage since 1971, when he appeared in the now legendary Peter Brook production of “A Midsummer Nights Dream.” He performed “A Christmas Carol” for many years in various locations throughout the U.S. and London, and when he presented the play at the Old Vic Theatre (1993) he received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor and the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment for Solo Performance.

In 1995 Stewart starred on Broadway as ‘Prospero’ in Shakespeare’s classic “The Tempest,” for which he received a Best Actor nomination from the Outer Critics Circle. He also received the prestigious Will Award from The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington DC, in 1996, in honor of his work on the stage. That same year, Stewart won a Grammy Award for his narrative work on “Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf.”

In 1986 he played the title role in Peter Shaffer’s play, “Yonadab” at the National Theatre. In 1978 Stewart won the Society of the West End Theatre (now renamed Olivier Awards) Award for his performance as ‘Enobarbus’ in Peter Brook’s production of “Antony and Cleopatra” (1978) and was nominated for his ‘Shylock’ in “The Merchant of Venice” (1978).

Stewart has a long standing relationship with the Royal Shakespeare Company and is an Honorary Associate Artist, having been made an Associate Artist in 1967.

With the RSC he has played roles such as ‘King John’, ‘Shylock’, ‘Henry IV’, ‘Cassius’, ‘Titus Andronicus’, ‘Oberon’, ‘Leontes’, ‘Enobarbus’, ‘Tochstone’ and ‘Launce’. He has also starred in many contemporary works with the RSC, including plays by Tom Stoppard, Edward Bond, Howard Barker and David Rudkin.

In addition to a “Christmas Carol,” Stewart has adapted other works for the stage, TV and radio, including two works by Mikhail Bulgahov: “The Procurator” (from the novel The Master and Margarita) and “A Country Doctor’s Notebook.” In 1992, he directed the musical drama “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour” by Tom Stoppard and Andre Previn, starring with four other cast members of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and the Orange County Symphony Orchestra. In 1993, the same production was presented with symphony orchestras in Minneapolis, Chicago and Atlanta.

This year will also see Stewart return to Stratford where he will play ‘Antony’ in “Antony and Cleopatra” followed by ‘Prospero’ in “The Tempest,” for which he is currently in rehearsals.

In 2001 New Years’ Honours list, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth conferred on Stewart the order of the Officer of the British Empire (O.B.E.). IAN McKELLEN (Magneto) reprises his role as the master of magnetism and the champion of mutant supremacy.

McKellen has been honored with more than 40 international awards for his performances on screen and stage, most recently a Lifetime Achievement Golden Bear from the 2006 Berlin Film Festival. He was born and raised in the industrial north of England and started acting professionally in 1961. After Cambridge University and a three-year apprenticeship with regional British theatre companies, he rapidly established himself as the leading actor of his generation in Shakespeare and other classical plays in London.

His legendary performances as Shakespeare's "Richard II" and Marlowe's "Edward II" stormed the 1969 Edinburgh Festival, and they were televised. In pursuit of the ideal theatre ensemble, McKellen was a founder-member of the Actors' Company.

As leading man for the Royal Shakespeare Company, he played Macbeth opposite Dame Judi Dench, Romeo, Iago and Toby Belch in plays by Brecht, Chekhov, Ibsen, Jonson, Shaw and Stoppard. He has regularly starred at the National Theatre, most recently in "Peter Pan.”

McKellen also works regularly on stage in the U.S. In New York, he won every available award for his Salieri in Peter Shaffer's "Amadeus" and more recently starred in "Dance of Death" and hosted "Saturday Night Live." He was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 2005.

McKellen has also worked extensively in television in such productions as Stephen Frears' "Walter," "The Scarlet Pimpernel," "And the Band Played On," "Rasputin,” "Cold Comfort Farm" and in the longest running British soap, "Coronation Street.”

McKellen has made more than 40 movies and, of late, has been discovered by a new generation of cinemagoers as Magneto in the “X-Men” films, as well as his Oscar nominated performance in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. In 1996, he co-produced, co-scripted and starred in his film version of “Richard III.” Four years later he won his first Oscar nomination for his portrayal of film director James Whale in “Gods and Monsters.”

He has just voiced ‘Toad’ in Dreamworks' “Flushed Away.” McKellen recently delighted his fans by triumphantly playing Dame in the traditional pantomine "Aladdin" at Kevin Spacey's Old Vic Theatre and with Mark Ravenhill's "The Cut" at the Donmar Warehouse.

He has been an eloquent advocate for gay rights since he came out in 1988. The following year he was knighted for his contribution to the performing arts. A complete biography plus occasional diary entries and regular e-posts by McKellen can be found on www.mckellen.com

FAMKE JANSSEN (Jean Grey) returns as Jean Grey/Phoenix the planet’s most powerful telepath and telekinetic.

Janssen co-starred in the independent film "The Treatment" opposite Sir Ian Holm.

She recently reprised her role on the FX original drama series "Nip/Tuck.” Janssen received a Movieline Breakthrough Award for her star turn on the show and the provocative drama received outstanding critical acclaim as well as an AFI Award and Golden Globe nomination for season one.

Janssen collaborated with director Robert Altman on “The Gingerbread Man.” She toplined "Hide and Seek," a psychological suspense thriller opposite Robert DeNiro and Dakota Fanning for Twentieth Century Fox. Janssen starred with Debra Winger in the film "Eulogy,” which premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival and was released later that year.

In 2002, Janssen starred opposite Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson in "I Spy" for director Betty Thomas. She starred in Gary Fleder's thriller "Don't Say a Word" opposite Michael Douglas for Twentieth Century Fox/Regency and in Jon Favreau's "Made" in which she co-starred with Favreau and Vince Vaughn.

Janssen earned critical acclaim for her star-making performance opposite Jon Favreau in Valerie Breiman's "Love and Sex," which premiered at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival. She starred opposite Geoffrey Rush in "House on Haunted Hill,” and in Robert Rodriguez' "The Faculty," John Dahl's "Rounders" and Woody Allen's "Celebrity.”

In addition, Janssen played a lower-class Irish-American Bostonian, opposite Denis Leary, Martin Sheen and Billy Crudup, in Ted Demme's "Monument Avenue.” She also starred, with Harvey Keitel, in John Irvin's "City of Industry,” and in Stephen Sommers's "Deep Rising.” Janssen previously starred as the lasciviously lethal assassin, ‘Xenia Onatopp,’ in the James Bond megahit "Goldeneye."

ANNA PAQUIN (Rogue) returns as the alienated teenage girl who can absorb the powers of anyone she touches.

This fall, Paquin takes the lead in Kenneth Lonergan’s “Margaret” opposite Matt Damon, Mark Ruffalo and Matthew Broderick in the 2006 release “Margaret.”

Last year, Paquin co-starred along side Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney and Jesse Eisenberg in Noah Baumbach’s “The Squid and The Whale.” The film garnered the Director’s Award and the Waldo Salt Screening Award and the 2005 Sundance Film Festival.

Paquin was last seen on stage in New York opposite Kieran Culkin in “After Ashley.” She performed in Neil Labute’s dark drama “The Distance from Here,” which was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Best Play and won for Best Cast Ensemble.

Directed by Michael Greif, it starred Mark Webber, Melissa Leo, and Marshall Logan-Green.

Paquin stunned the world in 1993 with her film debut in “The Piano,” winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She co-starred alongside Ed Norton and Philip Seymour Hoffman in Spike Lee's “The 25th Hour,” and starred in Miramax's “Buffalo Soldiers,” co-starring Joaquin Phoenix and Ed Harris.

In addition to “X-Men,” Paquin’s film credits include “Finding Forrester,” “Almost Famous,” “A Walk on the Moon,” “All The Rage,” “Hurlyburly,” “She's All That,” “Amistad,” “Fly Away Home” and “Jane Eyre.”

She appeared in the theater production of “This is Our Youth” in London's West End and received a Drama Desk nomination for Best Actress for her performance in Rebecca Gilman's “The Glory of Living” at New York's MCC Theater.

KELSEY GRAMMER (Dr. Henry McCoy/Beast) joins the cast as one of Marvel comics’ most beloved characters. Dr. Henry McCoy, also known as ‘Beast,’ is a highly intelligent geneticist, a mutant endowed with superhuman agility and physical prowess.

Grammer has played celebrated character Dr. Frasier Crane on three different television series (“Frasier,” “Cheers” and “Wings”) over a span of 20 years, tying James Arness of “Gunsmoke” for the record of longest running television character. He has won four Emmys, two Golden Globes and a SAG Award for the role and received an unparalleled total of 16 Emmy nominations, eight Golden Globe nominations and 16 SAG nominations.

Grammer voices the character Sideshow Bob on “The Simpsons,” and also lent his voice to “Father of the Pride,” “Animal Farm” and “Gary the Rat” in which he also served as executive producer and feature films “Toy Story 2,” “Anastasia” and “Teacher’s Pet.” The actor stars in the soon to be released “Even Money,” a film directed by Mark Rydell and recently starred in the NBC production “A Christmas Carol.” Other credits include “Benedict Arnold,” for A & E; “Mr. St. Nick,” for ABC’s Hallmark Hall of Fame; “Fifteen Minutes,” for New Line Cinema and “Down Periscope” for Twentieth Century Fox.

His Paramount-based production company, Grammnet, has produced several television series, including “Medium” and “Girlfriends.” In addition to producing, he’s also directed numerous episodes of “Frasier,” one of which earned him a DGA nomination.

Grammer studied at the Juilliard School, followed by a three year stint at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, performing in works by Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw. Broadway credits include "Macbeth" and "Othello.” He also performed the title role of “Richard II” and Lucio in “Measure for Measure” at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.

JAMES MARSDEN (Cyclops) reprises his role as a character whose eyes release an optic blast, which, at full power, can punch holes through mountains.

He will be seen in "Superman Returns" for director Bryan Singer. Marsden stars as 'Richard White,' a relation to Daily Planet editor Perry White and a new rival for the affections of 'Lois Lane.'

Marsden is currently in production on Kevin Lima's "Enchanted" opposite Susan Sarandon, Amy Adams, Idina Menzel and Patrick Dempsey for Disney. "Enchanted" is a romantic fable, mixing live action with CGI animation.

Also due for release are two independent films: "10th and Wolf" and "The Alibi." "10th and Wolf" stars Marsden as a member of the crew who accepts a deal to serve in the military instead of going to jail for his involvement in a mob hit. "The Alibi" tells the story of 'Ray Elliott' (Steve Coogan) who runs a successful business providing alibis for men and women who cheat on their spouses. Marsden plays 'Wendall Hatch,' a man who murders his girlfriend while on a clandestine weekend get-away.

Marsden starred in Merchant Ivory's "Heights." Also starring Glenn Close and Elizabeth Banks, the film follows a photojournalist who is forced to come to terms with a complicated relationship in her life. Marsden stars as the woman's fiancé.

Recent films also include the Nick Cassavetes romantic drama "The Notebook" with Rachel McAdams, James Garner, Gena Rowlands, Joan Allen, and Ryan Gosling, and the blockbusters "X-Men" and "X2.”

Additional film credits include "Disturbing Behavior,” "Gossip,” "24th Day,” "Sugar and Spice," and "Interstate 60.” His notable television roles include 'Glen Floy' on the final season of the Emmy winning, David E. Kelley series "Ally McBeal."

REBECCA ROMIJN (Mystique) returns as the evil and enchanting metamorph, who can transform into anyone or anything she touches.

This year Romijn appears in two feature releases (in addition to X-MEN: THE LAST STAND): “Man About Town,” opposite Ben Affleck and “Alibi” alongside Steve Coogan – and as the title character in the WB dramedy series “Pepper Dennis.” Previously she starred opposite Thomas Jane and John Travolta in “The Punisher,” and opposite Robert DeNiro and Greg Kinnear in “Godsend.” However, it was her role in “Femme Fatale” opposite Antonio Banderas that won her critical acclaim.

Romijn played a starring role in “Rollerball,” opposite Chris Klein and LL Cool J, and appeared opposite Al Pacino in “Simone.” Romijn began crossing over from the fashion world with memorable appearances on the hit television shows “Friends” and “Just Shoot Me,” as well as hosting MTV’s “House of Style.”

SHAWN ASHMORE (Bobby Drake/Iceman) becomes a full-fledged member of the X-Men, in this, his third outing in the role. Since filming “X2,” in which he received a 2005 MTV Movie Award for Breakthrough Male, Ashmore has been busy completing

production on two films, in addition to X-MEN: THE LAST STAND. “3 Needles” is an indie feature in which he plays a second-rate porn actor in a film about the international AIDS pandemic. The second film, “The Quiet,” is an independent dramatic thriller. In September 2005, Ashmore played the title role in “Terry,” an original movie for CTV about the heroic life of Terry Fox. For his moving portrayal of Terry Fox, a 22 year-old cancer survivor who ran the Marathon of Hope across Canada with one leg, Ashmore received an ACTRA nomination.

Ashmore appeared in the leading role in “Earthsea” for the SCI FI Channel in the fall of 2004. His career took off in 1994 when he was nominated for a Gemini Award for his work as Waylon Tibbins, the starring role in the TV movie “Guitarman.” When he was seventeen, he won the role of Jake on Nickelodeon’s series “Animorphs” and worked on the series for two seasons. He immediately followed with the starring role in Disney Channel’s “In a Heartbeat” and just two days after filming the pilot for his new series, director Bryan Singer chose him to play ‘Bobby Drake/Iceman’ in 20th Century Fox’s “X-Men.”

Ashmore’s additional credits include the independent feature “Wolf Girl” and TV movies “Cadet Kelly” and “Gross Misconduct.” Ashmore has guest starred on “The Outer Limits” and “Smallville,” in one of the most widely watched episodes.

AARON STANFORD (Pyro) reprises the fiery role he debuted in “X2.” A graduate of Rutgers University, Stanford received critical acclaim for his feature film debut in “Tadpole” starring opposite Sigourney Weaver and Bebe Neuwirth.

Stanford received the Rising Star of Tomorrow award from the 2004 Hamptons Film Festival for his performance in “Winter Solstice.” “Runaway Boys,” which he starred in and produced, was an official selection at the 2005 Tribeca Film Festival.

Stanford’s other film credits include Spike Lee’s “25th Hour,” Woody Allen’s “Hollywood Ending,” and David Mamet’s “Spartan.” Stanford played a starring role in Fox Searchlight’s remake of Wes Craven’s “The Hills Have Eyes,” released earlier this year, and the independent films, “Flakes” and

“Live Free or Die,” the latter premiering at the 2006 SXSW and GEN ART film festivals. He is currently in production on ABC-TV’s and Warner Bros. Television's new pilot “Traveler,” in which he plays the title role of Will Traveler. The thriller is in the vein of “Enemy of the State” and “Three Days of the Condor,” and asks the question, do you really know who your friends are? Three Yale graduate students set out on a road trip only to become wrapped up in a national security emergency after one of them frames the other two for the bombing of a famous New York art museum. The two friends on the run (Matthew Bomer, Logan Marshall-Green) must clear their names by determining the true identity of their betrayer (Aaron Stanford), whom they suspect has set them up as part of a larger conspiracy. Flashbacks to the trio's lives together in academia help illuminate the lie that was their friendship.

Stanford began his career with an intense focus in theatre, beginning with a local theatre in his small Massachusetts hometown, college theatre, and work with the London Academy of Theatre. Stanford returned to the stage in 2004, performing to rave reviews in “Where Do We Live,” at the Vineyard Theatre in Manhattan.

VINNIE JONES (Juggernaut) is the unstoppable giant who is also Professor Xavier’s stepbrother.

Jones is best known for his performances in Guy Ritchie’s crime capers “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch.” Jones received Empire Awards as Best British New Comer for “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” and as Best Actor for “Snatch.” He was named Best Supporting Actor in a science-fiction film at the Toronto Film Festival, for his work in “Slipstream.”

Jones played a lead role in “Mean Machine,” a Matthew Vaughn and Guy Ritchie production. His performance in “Night at the Golden Eagle,” garnered Jones a ‘Best Supporting Actor Award at the New York Film Festival in 2002.

Jones co-starred in “The Big Bounce.” He appeared in “Gone in 60 Seconds,” and in “Swordfish.”

In 2003 the BBC produced a documentary series entitled “Vinnie” - 20 episodes of fly-on-the-wall reality television. Jones recently appeared in the films “Eurotrip,” “Submerged,” and “Slipstream,” and played ‘Coach Dinklange’ in the 2006 release “She’s The Man.”

From 1986-1999 Jones had a stellar career in British football playing for Wimbledon F.C. Leeds, Sheffield United, Chelsea, QPR and Captain of Wales.

BEN FOSTER (Warren Worthington III /Angel) plays the winged mutant newly arrived at Xavier’s School.

Since first starring in Barry Levinson's “Liberty Heights” in 1999, Foster has built a series of eclectic characters. He also won several awards, including sharing the SAG Award for Best Ensemble Cast for the 2003 season of “Six Feet Under,” and a Daytime Emmy for his lead performance in Showtime's “Bang Bang You’re Dead.”

Foster recently co-starred in director Nick Cassavettes’ “Alpha Dog” opposite Justin Timberlake and Emile Hirsch. The film made its debut at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.

In films ranging from “The Punisher” to “Northfork” to “The Laramie Project,” Foster has played everything from the romantic lead to the sniveling coward, from the homicidal to the suicidal, from the hero to the villain. Additional credits include “Hostage,” and several episodes of the cult hit “Freaks and Geeks” as the mentally handicapped student Eli.

ELLEN PAGE (Kitty Pryde) is a young mutant who possesses the ability to phase through solid matter.

Page stars with Patrick Wilson (“Angels in America”) in “Hard Candy,” a psychological thriller that features tour de force performances from both Page and Wilson. “Hard Candy” first screened at the Sundance Festival in 2005 and was released in April 2006.

She currently stars in the coming of age drama “Mouth to Mouth,” directed by Alison Murray and executive produced by Atom Egoyan.

Page starred alongside Paul Gross, Callum Keith Rennie, Rebecca Jenkins and Sandra Oh, as part of the ensemble of “Wilby Wonderful,” a film by Daniel MacIvor, which premiered at the 2004 Toronto International Film Festival.

Page played the role of ‘Lilith’ in “ReGenesis” a one-hour dramatic series for TMN/Movie Central. She co-starred in the TV movie “Mrs. Ashboro’s Cat,” a cable feature for The Movie Network, for which Page was nominated for a 2004 Gemini Award for Best Performance in a Childrens' or Youth Program or Series. Her other TV movie credits include, “Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story” and “Going for Broke.”

At the age of ten, Page began her career on the award-winning television series “Pit Pony” and received a Gemini nomination for Best Performance in a Children’s Program and a Young Artist Awards nomination for Best Performance in a TV Drama Series –Leading Actress for her role as ‘Maggie MacLean.’ Her next role was “Love That Boy,” followed by the role of ‘Joanie’ in “Marion Bridge,” winner of the Best Canadian First Feature at the Toronto International Film Festival. The part won Page an ACTRA Maritimes Award for Outstanding Female Performance. Ellen has also appeared in the cult hit TV series “Trailer Park Boys.”

DANIA RAMIREZ (Callisto) joins the cast as a proud, pugnacious mutant who combines super speed with the ability to locate and assess the powers of other mutants.

Ramirez’ first film was Spike Lee’s “The Subway Stories for HBO.” Since then, she has been tapped for several other Spike Lee projects, including “25th Hour” and “She Hate Me.” In the latter, she plays the lead in a complicated love triangle involving a paralegal who wants to have a baby with her attorney girlfriend. Her other credits include the independent film “Cross Bronx” and the comedy “Fat Albert.”

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

BRETT RATNER (Director), in a very short time, has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most successful directors. Ratner’s first five feature films have grossed nearly one billion dollars.

At 26 years old he directed his first feature film, the surprise box office hit “Money Talks,” a comedy starring Charlie Sheen and Chris Tucker. His second film, the action comedy “Rush Hour,” starred Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker and earned $250 million worldwide. He followed that success with the romantic fantasy drama “The Family Man,” a critical and box office hit starring Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni. A year later, Ratner delivered Hong Kong-style action with Chan and Tucker in the hit sequel, “Rush Hour 2,” which grossed more than $342 million worldwide.

Ratner made his first foray into the world of suspense thrillers with his fifth feature film “Red Dragon,” the “Silence of the Lambs” prequel starring Edward Norton, Anthony Hopkins, Ralph Fiennes, and Emily Watson. Ratner’s latest feature film, “After the Sunset,” starring Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Woody Harrelson, and Don Cheadle enjoyed success in theatres nationwide.

Raised in Miami Beach, Ratner had dreamed of being a filmmaker since the age of eight. He enrolled in New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts at age 16, becoming the department’s youngest film major. While attending NYU Film School, he made “Whatever Happened to Mason Reese,” a short film starring and about the former child actor. The award-winning project received funding from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment.

Ratner’s big break came after he screened his film for hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons, launching a successful career in music videos. He has directed more than 100 videos since then, for artists including Madonna, Mariah Carey, Jessica Simpson, Jay-Z, Wu Tang Clan, D’Angelo, Heavy D, Mary J. Blige, Foxy Brown, Public Enemy, P Diddy and many others.

Ratner won the MTV Award for “Best Video for a Film” for Madonna’s “Beautiful Stranger” from the “Austin Powers” soundtrack. In addition, Ratner received an MTV Movie Award for Best Fight Sequence for “Rush Hour 2” as well as a TONY Award for producing Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam on Broadway. Ratner was the recipient of the Spirit of Chrysalis Award for his dedication and leadership in helping economically disadvantaged and homeless individuals change their lives through jobs.

He is currently on the boards of Chrysalis and Best Buddies and serves on the Dean’s Council of the NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

In addition to success in film and music, Ratner has also segued into the world of book publishing. He published the controversial book, Naked Pictures of my Ex-Girlfriends and authored Hilhaven Lodge: The Photo Booth Pictures, which was released in October 2003.

Ratner has recently ventured into still photography and his photographs have appeared in Vanity Fair, and have graced the covers of Vogue Homme and V-Life. In addition, he has shot the fashion campaigns for Baby Phat and Jimmy Choo.

SIMON KINBERG (Screenwriter) was born in London, England. He was raised in Los Angeles, and went to college at Brown University, where he studied film and literature.

He entered Columbia University’s Film School in 1998. In his first year, he sold a screenplay to producers Ira Deutchman and Peter Newman (“Smoke”). Deutchman was Kinberg’s professor. That same year, in another class, Kinberg set up a script with producer Edward Pressman (“Wall Street”). The attention from these projects garnered Hollywood’s attention. While at Columbia, Kinberg received the school’s highest screenwriting award, the Zaki Gordon Fellowship. While still in film school, Kinberg sold his original pitch “Ghost Town” to Village Roadshow/Warner Brothers, and worked on scripts for Disney, Sony, and Dreamworks.

His final thesis project for his MFA was the original screenplay “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” He pitched the concept to Academy-Award winning screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, who became the producer (and Kinberg’s mentor). They pitched “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” to every studio – all of whom passed (some twice). Foreign-sales company Summit bought the pitch. After reading the first draft, New Regency became involved.

Nicole Kidman and Brad Pitt were attached to play John and Jane Smith, with director Doug Liman at the helm. In May 2003, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” went into pre-production, as Kinberg was graduating from film school. Kidman’s schedule did not allow her to do the film, so her part was re-cast with Angelina Jolie. Kinberg spent almost every day on set, working closely with the director, producers, and actors (and even acting in one scene). The film was released in June 2005, and went on to become one of the highest -grossing films of the year, and one of the fifty highest grossing films of all time.

Last summer, Kinberg had “XXX: State of the Union” in wide release; the picture was directed by Lee Tamahori, and starred Samuel Jackson, Ice Cube and Willem Dafoe.

Currently, Kinberg is writing and producing “Jumper” for Doug Liman to direct at Regency Enterprises. He is writing and executive producing a “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” TV show for ABC. He also developed the script “Jason and the Argonauts” for director Stephen Sommers at Dreamworks, “Merlin” at Paramount Pictures, and “Killer’s Game” at Intermedia.

Kinberg has set up a number of projects as a producer, including: “Salem” at Sony Pictures, and “Invasion” at Universal. He also has a blind TV-deal with Jerry Bruckheimer and Warner Brothers Television.

ZAK PENN (Screenwiter) has been a professional screenwriter since he sold his first script, “Last Action Hero,” at the age of twenty-three. Since then, he has been a credited writer on “PCU,” ”Inspector Gadget,” “Behind Enemy Lines,” “X2,” “Suspect Zero,” and “Elektra.”

In addition, Penn did uncredited rewrites on numerous films including “Men In Black,” “The Mask of Zorro,” “Charlie’s Angels” and “Reign of Fire.” He wrote the original story for “Antz.”

Penn produced the animated film “Osmosis Jones” for Warner Brothers and directed, produced and co-starred with Werner Herzog in the award winning mockumentary “Incident at Loch Ness.”

LAUREN SHULER DONNER (Producer) is one of the most successful and prolific producers in Hollywood. To date, her films have grossed approximately $2 billion worldwide and counting.

Shuler Donner produced “X-Men,” directed by Bryan Singer and starring Halle Berry, Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Romijn and Patrick Stewart, which was released in summer 2000 and emerged as one of the year’s biggest hits. Three years later, the blockbuster sequel, “X2: X-Men United” broke new ground, opening with the biggest day-and-date international release ever and earning more than $200 million worldwide in its first week in release.

Shuler Donner has enjoyed success as a producer beginning with her first film, the smash hit comedy “Mr. Mom,” starring Michael Keaton, which was one of the top 10 films of 1983. She then produced the romantic fantasy “Ladyhawke,” starring Matthew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer, followed by two of the most popular “brat pack” movies of the 1980s: Joel Schumacher’s “St. Elmo’s Fire” and Howard Deutch’s “Pretty In Pink.”

In 1993, Shuler Donner produced two of the year’s biggest hits: Ivan Reitman’s acclaimed comedy “Dave,” starring Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver; and the widely praised family film “Free Willy.” “Dave” went on to earn an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture – Comedy, while the response to “Free Willy” resulted in its star, Keiko the whale, being ultimately freed from captivity in real life.

Shuler Donner’s more recent producing credits include the sequel “Free Willy 2”; Nora Ephron’s romantic comedy hit “You’ve Got Mail,” starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan; Oliver Stone’s football drama “Any Given Sunday,” starring Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid and Jamie Foxx; Richard Donner’s “Timeline”; and “Constantine,” starring Keanu Reeves. She also executive produced Mick Jackson’s “Volcano,” starring Tommy Lee Jones; Warren Beatty’s political comedy “Bulworth”; and the romantic comedy “Just Married.”

Her upcoming film projects include “Unaccompanied Minors,” which began filming in March under the direction of Paul Feig; “The Secret Life of Bees,” based on the best-selling novel; “Wolverine,” starring Hugh Jackman; and “Cirque du Freak,” written by Academy Award winner Brian Helgeland.

In addition to her work as a producer, Shuler Donner is actively involved in a number of philanthropic and environmental organizations. She and her husband, director Richard Donner, were honored by Mikhail Gorbachev’s environmental organization, Global Green USA, with its 2000 Green Cross Millennium Award for Entertainment Industry Environmental Leadership.

Shuler Donner received Premiere Magazine’s Producer Icon Award and the Vision Award from Retinitis Pigmentosa, and has been honored by Girls, Inc. and the Doctors Without Borders international medical organization. Shuler Donner has also been honored by and served on the board of directors of the Los Angeles-based environmental organization TreePeople. Currently, she serves on the boards of the Hollygrove Children’s Home, the Producers Guild of America and Planned Parenthood.

She is also on the Advisory Boards of the Science Fiction Museum in Seattle and the Natural Resources Defense Council, and is an executive committee member of the producer’s branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

RALPH WINTER (Producer) is a native Californian, born and raised in Glendale. He attended U. C. Berkeley where he received a B.A. in History. His first experience in production was producing training videos for Broadway Department Stores.

In 1978, Winter started working in the film business for Paramount Pictures in post-production television, where he worked on “Happy Days,” “Laverne & Shirley,” and “Mork & Mindy.” Following his experiences in television, Winter began working alongside Harve Benet on the “Star Trek” films. He was an associate producer on “Star Trek III,” executive producer on IV, and producer on V & VI.

In 1991, he moved over to the Walt Disney Company where he executive produced “Captain Ron” starring Kurt Russell and Martin Short, “Hocus Pocus” starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Bette Midler, and “The Puppet Masters.”

In 1995, Winter moved into the independent arena, producing the film “Hackers” starring Angelina Jolie, and directed by the critically acclaimed, Iain Softly (“K-Pax,” “Skelton Key”) for United Artists.

In 1996, he was hired by Steven Spielberg to produce the ABC show “High Incident” starring David Keith and Blair Underwood.

In 1997, Winter returned to Disney to produce the remake of the 1949 RKO classic, “Mighty Joe Young” with producer Tom Jacobson and director Ron Underwood (“City Slickers”). The following year he executive produced “Inspector Gadget” starring Matthew Broderick and Rupert Everett.

After a successful run at Disney, Winter collaborated with Twentieth Century Fox in 1999 producing Marvel’s “X-Men” directed by Bryan Singer, which grossed $296 million worldwide. Upon the achievement of the film, Fox offered Ralph an exclusive deal with the studio where he went on to produce “Planet of the Apes” (2001) directed by Tim Burton which made $362 million worldwide. He then teamed up with Singer again for the highly anticipated sequel “X2,” grossing $406 million. His most recent film, “Fantastic Four” (2005) directed by Tim Story produced a gross of $329 million.

Since Winter began his deal at Fox, his four films have collectively grossed over 1.4 billion dollars worldwide.

AVI ARAD (Executive Producer) is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Marvel Studios, the film and television division of Marvel Entertainment, and Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Entertainment. Mr. Arad has been the driving force behind Marvel's Hollywood renaissance with a track record that has been nothing short of spectacular, including a string of eight consecutive No. 1 box office openings.

As an executive producer and producer, his credits include “Spider-Man” and its sequel, “Spider-Man 2” (Columbia Pictures), which set an industry record for opening day box office receipts; “X-Men” and “X2” (Twentieth Century Fox); “The Hulk” (Universal Pictures); “Daredevil” (New Regency); “The Punisher” (Lions Gate Entertainment); “Blade,” “Blade II” and “Blade: Trinity” (New Line Cinema); “Elektra” (Twentieth Century Fox); and “Fantastic Four” (Twentieth Century Fox).

Arad's current live-action feature film slate includes “Ghost Rider” (Columbia Pictures), “Spider-Man 3” (Columbia Pictures) and “Fantastic Four 2” (Twentieth Century Fox) -- all slated for 2007.

Complementing the current studio relationships, Arad is also overseeing MVL Film Finance LLC, Marvel’s independently financed film slate arranged with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith. Through the film fund, Arad will be developing and producing films in-house based on ten renowned Marvel characters such as Captain America, Nick Fury, Ant-Man and Dr. Strange.

Complementing Marvel's feature film line-up, Arad is also overseeing Marvel's aggressive animation plans. Marvel Studios is currently in development with leading animation studio Antefilms on a “Fantastic Four” television series expected to launch in 2006. Additionally, Marvel has teamed with Lions Gate to develop a high-quality line-up of animated productions specifically for the DVD market. The first title, based on “The Avengers,” was released in February 2006.