Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®
To understand the internet you have to be open to change.
Content is King
Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne May 31, 2006
To come here you have to be able to read. Monte says to ability to read is the most powerful weapon in the world
MBN®
www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news
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Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.
First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX
and NBC and now there is MBN ®
( unofficially the sixth largest supplier
of NEWS by and American company
averaging 100 Pages of news a day. )
MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.
MBN® HAS BEEN INVITED TO COVER THE CHINESE CES THIS JULY but we can’t get things ready in time.
SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY
International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news
More exciting changes coming each day.
Watch for the MBN® Politically incorrect SUV
MONTEBUBBLISM: It is always better to come in second and have played by the rules then to cheat and win.
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
Debut Novel A Dream Across Time by Annie Rogers Has Received a Book of the Year Award from ForeWord Magazine
Seasonal Draught Program Continues to Entice Adults With Highly Anticipated Fourth Offering
Xinhua China Ltd. Acquires HDTV Editing Technology
SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Present at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference
MGM Emerges With Broader Distribution Activities
Animal Planet and Time Warner Cable Invite Central Texas Residents to Spend Quality Time With Their Family and Pets as ANIMAL PLANET EXPO Rolls Into Town June 10-11 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock
Experience KEF’s Legendary Reference Series at HES 2006
Jewish Themed Film 'Beyond Eyruv' to Premiere at 2006 SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival
PBS KIDS(R) Selects First-Ever Host of New Preschool Block
Chicago-based Performer, Teacher and Mom Lori Holton Nash Named New PBS KIDS Host
Majesco's 'Cooking Mama' for Nintendo DS(TM) Receives Industry Accolades at E3 Trade Show
ABC Television Network To Air CMA Music Festival Special "CMA Music Festival: Country Music's Biggest Party" Will Be Celebrated By Viewers Nationwide In Two-Hour, Primetime Special Monday, July 24
Authors Converge on the 22nd Chicago Tribune Printers Row Book Fair
David Kauffman and Good For The Soul Music Announce a New Series Called COJO - Companion on the Journey Series(TM)
Patrick Dempsey, James Denton, William Shatner Share Father's Day Wishes in Exclusive Sears Poll
Inside Media Networks' Scott Sheppard to Present on Podcasting at C4-Sports Electronic Media Show
New K-Tek® KE-US Universal Suspension
Emdigo and Magus Software to Bring a New Breed of Mobile Personalization Content to Chinese Consumers
Motorola and Rand McNally Join Forces to Deliver Navigation Solution for Mobile Phones
Benson Serves Up Laughs on TV Land Beginning Saturday, June 3
Five Billion and Counting! PokerStars.com Deals Five Billionth Hand to Lucky Winner in Germany
will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo and apl.de.ap Star As 'Instant Def'
Snickers reaches out -- and online -- to teen influencers with June 5th debut at InstantDef.com
Memorial Day Weekend Milestone Proves Digital Feature Availability
Mobestar Signs Six UK Contracts to Supply its New Range of Glamour Content
The Hollywood Reporter Creates New Editorial Service for Entertainment and Media Law Community; The Hollywood Reporter, Esq. Set to Launch June 5
Sci-Tech Application Requests in the Mail for 79th Academy Awards®
Sex Talk Radio Launching Sunday, June 11th
"Exposing the Lies and Revealing the Truths About Sex and Relationships"
David Kauffman and Good For The Soul Music Announce a New Series Called COJO - Companion on the Journey Series
Adoption Documentary '5000 Miles' Releases on DVD
JADOO POWER CO-FOUNDERS
LARRY BAWDEN & MURALIDHARAN ARIKARA NAMED
“ERNST & YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR® 2006 AWARD” FINALISTS
Autodesk Sponsors PBS Television Series on Sustainable Design and Launches New Sustainability Website Design: e2 Explores the Economies of Sustainability (narrated by Brad Pitt)
NEW FROM NILES: OUTDOOR PLANTER SPEAKER
Robert Randolph & The Family Band Hit the Road With The Black Crowes
Nintendo Launches New 'Touch Generations' Brand for Nontraditional DS Games
Casual Games Appeal to a Wider Audience
SPORTS AND AUTOS
Checkered Motorsports Offers NASCAR Fans Opportunity to Race to the Finish Line, Own a Piece of the Action and Make History
Chrysler Group Launches Production of the All-new 2007 Jeep(R) Compass at Belvidere Assembly Plant
President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Members Sworn in at White House Ceremony May 24 :
Council Celebrates 50th Anniversary in July 2006 Boxing Legend Roberto Duran Announces Pro Boxing Extravaganza Coming to Phoenix
Orale!!!!! GolTV Goes to Mexico!
Bringing Fans Face to Face with all the Excitement That is Part and Parcel of Mexican Soccer - Including World Cup Action
Tour de France Winner Greg LeMond to Join 800 Cyclists in Reston
3-time Champ Will Ride in the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure on Sunday, June 4, 2006
ComScore Reveals Nearly Six Million People Worldwide Visited the Yahoo! FIFA World Cup Site In April 2006
DOD
Among the many veterans, active military units and war re-enactors marching down Constitution Avenue today were hundreds of high school students in heavy wool uniforms.
President Signs New Tax Legislation for Military Personnel On May 29, President Bush signed the Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities (HERO) Act,
Iraqi Progress Report Cites Successes, Challenges Ahead
NEWS AND NEWS IN SPANISH
Burg Simpson Files Lawsuit Against Bausch & Lomb for a Woman Who Contracted
Fusarium Keratitis After Using ReNu With MoistureLoc
New Organization Offers Voters an Answer to Partisan Paralysis, Seeks to Elect Bipartisan 'Unity Ticket' to White House in '08
Delivery of Over $1.6 Million of Urgently Needed Aid to Indonesia Earthquake Victims
American Red Cross Rushes Aid to Earthquake Survivors in Indonesia
Indonesia: UNICEF Supplies Arrive in Earthquake Zone
Infant-Sized Gold Coffin Found! Newest Treasure is the Latest of Many Unearthed in the First Tomb Discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings in Over 80 Years
Discovery Channel airs world premiere exclusive EGYPT'S NEW TOMB REVEALED Sunday, June 4
¡¡¡¡¡Órale!!!!! ¡¡GolTV Trae lo Mejor de México a los Estados Unidos!!
Poniendo a los fans de cara a cara con todo el entusiasmo que es parte esencial del espíritu del fútbol mexicano - Incluyendo toda la emoción del mundial
Microsoft and PBS Create Global Web Resource to Enhance Understanding of AIDS Pandemic
BLOGTV Conquista o Prêmio 'New Trend Leader' durante a GMCA do Seoul Digital Forum 2006
Companies Need a More Global, Holistic Approach to Prepare for Potential Avian Flu Epidemic, Says Report from The Conference Board
The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation Awards Grants to 24 Schools and Music Programs Across the Country
Hyatt-Superdome Area to Be Redeveloped Into New Hyatt Jazz District; Finished Site to Generate More Than 6,500 Permanent Jobs
comScore rivela che in aprile 2006, quasi sei milioni di persone in tutto il mondo hanno visitato il sito Yahoo! della Coppa del Mondo FIFA
Nortel investe sulla crescita nel settore della banda larga per servizi video
Air Force Opposes Policies to Stop Fraud, Says American Small Business League
Airline Celebrates 35th Anniversary With a Goal of Contributing 35,000 Jars of Peanut Butter to America's Second Harvest Food Banks Across the Country
_________________________________________________
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
Debut Novel A Dream Across Time by Annie Rogers Has Received a Book of the Year Award from ForeWord Magazine
-- 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
Seasonal Draught Program Continues to Entice Adults With Highly Anticipated
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 to Present at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference
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
MGM Emerges With Broader Distribution Activities
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/
Animal Planet and Time Warner Cable Invite Central Texas Residents to Spend Quality Time With Their Family and Pets as ANIMAL PLANET EXPO Rolls Into Town June 10-11 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock
- Meet Mo Rocca, Host of Animal Planet's WHOA! Sunday -
- Interactive Exhibits and Games Provide Free Fun for the Whole Family, Including the Family Pet! -
- Time Warner Cable to Make $1,000 Donation to the SPCA of Greater Austin
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/
Experience KEF’s Legendary Reference Series at HES 2006
Who: KEF, the world renowned British designer and manufacturer of award-winning home theater and high-performance audio systems
KEF, the world renowned British designer and manufacturer of award-winning home theater and high-performance audio systems
When: Home Entertainment Show
Home Entertainment Show
June 1-4, 2006
Where: Sheraton Gateway Hotel
Sheraton Gateway Hotel
Santa Maria Room, Third Floor
Los Angeles, CA
What: Flagship KEF Reference Series, a standard of excellence in design and stunning audio performance
Product Highlights:
· 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.
Jewish Themed Film 'Beyond Eyruv' to Premiere at 2006 SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival
Film Documents Hasidic Boy's Struggle to Find a New Identity in the Secular World
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(R) Selects First-Ever Host of New Preschool Block
Chicago-based Performer, Teacher and Mom Lori Holton Nash Named New PBS KIDS Host
New Preschool Destination Launches September 4, 2006 With the Premiere of CURIOUS GEORGE(TM)
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's 'Cooking Mama' for Nintendo DS(TM) Receives Industry Accolades at E3 Trade Show
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/
ABC Television Network To Air CMA Music Festival Special
"CMA Music Festival: Country Music's Biggest Party" Will Be Celebrated By Viewers Nationwide In Two-Hour, Primetime Special Monday, July 24
Brooks & Dunn, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams Jr., And Wynonna Scheduled To Appear
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/
Authors Converge on the 22nd Chicago Tribune Printers Row Book Fair
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/
David Kauffman and Good For The Soul Music Announce a New Series Called COJO - Companion on the Journey Series(TM)
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/
Patrick Dempsey, James Denton, William Shatner Share Father's Day Wishes in Exclusive Sears Poll
Sears Father's Day Celebrity Poll reveals top stars' gift ideas, celebration plans and favorite Father's Day memories
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/
Inside Media Networks' Scott Sheppard to Present on Podcasting at C4-Sports Electronic Media Show
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/
New K-Tek® KE-US Universal Suspension
M. Klemme Technology Corp., maker of K-Tek® professional boom poles, introduces the new KE-US universal suspension.
M. Klemme Technology Corp., maker of K-Tek® professional boom poles, introduces the new KE-US universal suspension.
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
Initial download volume of Emdigo's 3D graphics based content demonstrates tremendous market potential.
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/
Motorola and Rand McNally Join Forces to Deliver Navigation Solution for Mobile Phones
- America's No. 1 name in mapping enters promising GPS navigation market with integration of Motorola's VIAMOTO(R) navigation software -
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/
Benson Serves Up Laughs on TV Land Beginning Saturday, June 3
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/
Five Billion and Counting!
PokerStars.com Deals Five Billionth Hand to Lucky Winner in Germany
Over $1 Million in Prize Money Given Away as Part of Special Promotion
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/
will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo and apl.de.ap Star As 'Instant Def'
Snickers reaches out -- and online -- to teen influencers with June 5th debut at InstantDef.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/
Memorial Day Weekend Milestone Proves Digital Feature Availability
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 Signs Six UK Contracts to Supply its New Range of Glamour Content
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
The Hollywood Reporter Creates New Editorial Service for Entertainment and Media Law Community; The Hollywood Reporter, Esq. Set to Launch June 5
-- 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/
Sci-Tech Application Requests in the Mail for 79th Academy Awards®
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.®
Sex Talk Radio Launching Sunday, June 11th
"Exposing the Lies and Revealing the Truths About Sex and Relationships"
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
David Kauffman and Good For The Soul Music Announce a New Series Called COJO - Companion on the Journey Series
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
Adoption Documentary '5000 Miles' Releases on DVD
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 CO-FOUNDERS
LARRY BAWDEN & MURALIDHARAN ARIKARA NAMED
“ERNST & YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR® 2006 AWARD” FINALISTS
Jadoo Power Co-Founders Recognized for Developing Innovative Portable Fuel Cell Systems
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 20th 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.
About Jadoo Power Systems
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 Sponsors PBS Television Series on Sustainable Design and Launches New Sustainability Website Design: e2 Explores the Economies of Sustainability (narrated by Brad Pitt)
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/
NEW FROM NILES: OUTDOOR PLANTER SPEAKER
PS6si adds beauty and music to any porch, patio or poolside
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.
Talking Points
· Niles introduces the new PS6si Outdoor Planter Speaker, which is designed to hold live plants and flowers
Niles introduces the new PS6si Outdoor Planter Speaker, which is designed to hold live plants and flowers
· Ideal for porches, patios, decks or any other outdoor setting. The PS6si blends in with its surroundings but still deliver great sound
Ideal for porches, patios, decks or any other outdoor setting. The PS6si blends in with its surroundings but still deliver great sound
· 10-gallon capacity with three drainage holes
10-gallon capacity with three drainage holes
· Dimensions: 19 ½” high x 19 ½” deep
Dimensions: 19 ½” high x 19 ½” deep
· Weatherproof design surpasses military standards for corrosion, temperature, UV exposure and water resistance
Weatherproof design surpasses military standards for corrosion, temperature, UV exposure and water resistance
· Screens allow for acoustic transparency and keep out bugs and debris
Screens allow for acoustic transparency and keep out bugs and debris
· 6.5” dual-voice coil injection-molded TCC (talc, carbon and ceramic) filled polypropylene woofer with butyl rubber surround
6.5” dual-voice coil injection-molded TCC (talc, carbon and ceramic) filled polypropylene woofer with butyl rubber surround
· Separate left and right channel inputs project stereo sound from a single enclosure
Separate left and right channel inputs project stereo sound from a single enclosure
· Dual 1” fluid-cooled Tetron tweeter is mounted at a custom angle for optimum sound dispersion
Dual 1” fluid-cooled Tetron tweeter is mounted at a custom angle for optimum sound dispersion
· Recommended amplifier power: 10 to 200 watts
Recommended amplifier power: 10 to 200 watts
· MSRP of PS6si is $399
MSRP of PS6si is $399
Corporate Information
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 Hit the Road With The Black Crowes
Acclaimed Pedal Steel Guitarist Launches Summer Tour in Anticipation of New Album Due This Fall on Warner Bros. Records
-- 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
Nintendo Launches New 'Touch Generations' Brand for Nontraditional DS Games
Casual Games Appeal to a Wider Audience
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/
Sky News and blinkx Partner to Search and Deliver News on the Web
Sky News Executes Content Partnership to Add Thousands of World News and Entertainment Clips to www.blinkx.tv
-- 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
SPORTS AND AUTOS
Checkered Motorsports Offers NASCAR Fans Opportunity to Race to the Finish Line, Own a Piece of the Action and Make History
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/
Chrysler Group Launches Production of the All-new 2007 Jeep(R) Compass at Belvidere Assembly Plant
* Robotics, lean dies and material flow improve quality, productivity and worker ergonomics * 2007 Jeep Compass appeals to new buyers with competitive pricing
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/
President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Members Sworn in at White House Ceremony May 24 :Council Celebrates 50th Anniversary in July 2006
:
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/
Boxing Legend Roberto Duran Announces Pro Boxing Extravaganza Coming to Phoenix
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.
Orale!!!!! GolTV Goes to Mexico!
Bringing Fans Face to Face with all the Excitement That is Part and Parcel of Mexican Soccer - Including World Cup Action
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/
Tour de France Winner Greg LeMond to Join 800 Cyclists in Reston
3-time Champ Will Ride in the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure on Sunday, June 4, 2006
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 Reveals Nearly Six Million People Worldwide Visited the Yahoo! FIFA World Cup Site In April 2006
With the Tournament Weeks Away, Official World Cup Site Already Recording Visitors from More Than 30 Countries
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/
DOD
Among the many veterans, active military units and war re-enactors marching down Constitution Avenue today were hundreds of high school students in heavy wool uniforms.
"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."
President Signs New Tax Legislation for Military Personnel On May 29, President Bush signed the Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities (HERO) Act,
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.
Iraqi Progress Report Cites Successes, Challenges Ahead
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. ]
NEWS AND NEWS IN SPANISH
Burg Simpson Files Lawsuit Against Bausch & Lomb for a Woman Who Contracted
Fusarium Keratitis After Using ReNu With MoistureLoc
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.
New Organization Offers Voters an Answer to Partisan Paralysis, Seeks to Elect Bipartisan 'Unity Ticket' to White House in '08
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
Delivery of Over $1.6 Million of Urgently Needed Aid to Indonesia Earthquake Victims
Press Conference By Islamic Relief and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Announce Shipment
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/
American Red Cross Rushes Aid to Earthquake Survivors in Indonesia
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/
Indonesia: UNICEF Supplies Arrive in Earthquake Zone
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/
Infant-Sized Gold Coffin Found! Newest Treasure is the Latest of Many Unearthed in the First Tomb Discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings in Over 80 Years
Discovery Channel airs world premiere exclusive EGYPT'S NEW TOMB REVEALED Sunday, June 4
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/
¡¡¡¡¡Órale!!!!! ¡¡GolTV Trae lo Mejor de México a los Estados Unidos!!
Poniendo a los fans de cara a cara con todo el entusiasmo que es parte esencial del espíritu del fútbol mexicano - Incluyendo toda la emoción del mundial
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
Microsoft and PBS Create Global Web Resource to Enhance Understanding of AIDS Pandemic
Microsoft Researcher Helps 'FRONTLINE' Launch Enhanced Broadband Television Web Site Linked to 'The Age of AIDS' Documentary
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 Conquista o Prêmio 'New Trend Leader' durante a GMCA do Seoul Digital Forum 2006
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
Companies Need a More Global, Holistic Approach to Prepare for Potential Avian Flu Epidemic, Says Report from The Conference Board
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:
http://www.conference-board.org/knowledge/resources/resource_avianFlu.cfm
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
http://www.conference-board.org.
.
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 Awards Grants to 24 Schools and Music Programs Across the Country
Schools Receive Instrument Donations to Help Support Music Education Programs
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.
Hyatt-Superdome Area to Be Redeveloped Into New Hyatt Jazz District; Finished Site to Generate More Than 6,500 Permanent Jobs
* 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
comScore rivela che in aprile 2006, quasi sei milioni di persone in tutto il mondo hanno visitato il sito Yahoo! della Coppa del Mondo FIFA
- 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
Nortel investe sulla crescita nel settore della banda larga per servizi video
- 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
Air Force Opposes Policies to Stop Fraud, Says American Small Business League
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.
Airline Celebrates 35th Anniversary With a Goal of Contributing 35,000 Jars of Peanut Butter to America's Second Harvest Food Banks Across the Country
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
