CMA All Star Tribute To Buck Owens May 23, 2006
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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
ANNOUNCING: ALL-STAR TRIBUTE TO
LATE COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND BUCK OWENS
AT THE 41st ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS
SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Speak at the Oppenheimer Mobile Entertainment Conference
Warner Home Video Presents an All-New, Original Live Action Movie Based on Johanna Spyri's Classic Tale ''Heidi'' on DVD August 8
Playboy.com Ranks The 25 Sexiest Novels Ever Written
Off-Camera Award Winners Announced for the 41st ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC(R) AWARDS, COUNTRY'S NIGHT TO SHINE(TM)
Pugs, The New Accessory Dogs for our Fuzzy Nation
United Automobile Insurance Group and Miami Children's Hospital Invite Britney Spears to Their Child Safety Seat Check Station for Lesson in Car Seat Safety
Liberty Media to Acquire IDT Entertainment; Starz's Top Premium Television Service to Join With IDT's Animation and Live Action Production and Home Entertainment Distribution Business
Genius Products Joins Forces with Grodfilm Corporation to Distribute New Film and Television Productions from Filmmaker Dan Grodnik; Agreement Includes Distribution Rights for Home Video, Digital, Television and Theatrical in North America
Amaru Inc. Inks Deal with Sony Pictures Television International for Broadband Rights to Film Distribution in Singapore
Ben Folds Brings a Magical Sound to a Suburban Backyard in the ``Over the Hedge'' Film Soundtrack Releasing on May 16th
Consumer Adoption of CE Products for the Car Moving Beyond the Basics, Finds New CEA Study; Sales of In-Vehicle Devices Expected to Rise in 2006
LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Nat Nast Luxury Originals Announces Sponsorship of Motion Picture & Television Fund
Remy Ma Nominated for BET Award Second Year in a Row
2005's BET Award Winner Best Female Hip-Hop Artist Garners Repeat Nomination
Jive Records R&B Platinum Artist Chris Brown Prepares to Release Performance DVD 'Chris Brown's Journey' June 6th
National Geographic Channel's 'Explorer: Outsmarting Terror' Highlights the Crucial New High-Tech Tactics Intended to Protect Us
Will Increasingly Sophisticated Anti-Terror Technologies Be The Key To Keeping Us Safe?
MTV Networks Unveils URGE Digital Music Service on Microsoft's New Windows Media Player 11 Platform
Decoding Da Vinci: HowStuffWorks.com Examines Glitches in the 'Code'
The Palm Turns 80!
Legendary Comic Strip Characters 'Steak Their Claim' on the Restaurant's Menu and Walls
Buzz is building for The Da Vinci Code Prop bets add some intrigue to film opening
Art Directors Club Announces Young Guns 5 Honorees
Biennial Showcase Identifies Next Generation Leaders in Advertising, Design, Interactive, Photography and Illustration
The Circus Is Coming to Town!
The Press-Enterprise Company Launches Multimedia Strategy With Restructuring of Operations
British Movietonews has Been Named Footage Library of the Year
HotMovies.com Now Offers 40,000 Movies!
Nick Lachey's Album 'What's Left of Me' Debuts on Billboard Album Chart at #2; Single #1 on AOLMusic.com
Ashlee Simpson Sets Summer 2006 Tour I AM ME Tour to Hit 32 Cities, The Veronicas and Ashley Parker Angel to Perform Show Openers
Hyperion Announces New Book from Mitch Albom
Louis Vuitton at the 59th Cannes Film Festival 2006
Verizon Customers in Tampa Have a Choice for TV Service
Verizon FiOS TV Now Available to More Than 40,000 Households in the Tampa City Limits
Brekeke Marks 100,000th Download of OnDO SIP Server
The following statement was issued today by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)) Vice President of Government Affairs Michael Petricone regarding the lawsuit filed yesterday against XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. by a group of record labels:
Gifted Final 8 selected
iriver clix Delivers Complete Package for Portable Entertainment Fans
iriver clix Provides Slick Integration With Microsoft Windows Media Player 11 and MTV Networks' New URGE Digital Music Service
Ultimate Shopping Network and ChocolateBox Cafe Sweeten Home Television Shopping With New Rewards Program
Private Media Group Expands Mobile Content Distribution to Asia With Seal Media Ltd
Hershey Sponsors Tim McGraw-Faith Hill Soul2Soul II Tour
Fans Can Win Free Music Downloads, VIP Concert Package, Autographed Merchandise
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) Partners with Warner Bros. Pictures to Introduce The Ant Bully Family BookBreak Package
Disney Mobile's New Family Locator Service Powered by Autodesk
Autodesk LocationLogic Connects Disney Mobile Families in New Ways
Starz Entertainment Group Enters Multi-Year Sponsorship With Hollywood Film
Festival(R)
The race to capture Latino television viewers is heating up as a new competitor enters the market. LAT TV
Fall Season Lineups by Network; CBS, ABC, NBC
Felicity Huffman and Marlee Matlin Join AOL and Dove to Honor Real Women with Second Annual ''Chief Everything Officer'' Awards
MSN to Connect Fans to Cannes Film Festival Online
MSN Is the Destination for Exclusive Access to Cannes' Hottest Press Events and Premieres
MGM to Handle Domestic Distribution of 'Rocky Balboa' Film Is Written and Directed by Sylvester StalloneSPORTS & AUTOS
Oakland Baseball
Lance Armstrong and Cancer Advocates Take on Capitol Hill for LIVESTRONG Day; Lance and LAF Advocates Say Cancer Should Be a National Priority
Idaho (USA) to Host 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games
New Sportsvite.com Service Lets Sports Enthusiasts Organize or Find Recreational Games
AVP and John Paul Mitchell Systems Announce Multi-Year Official Hair Care Product Sponsorship Extension
Three Toyota Facilities Celebrate Milestones in the U.S.; Kentucky Plant Set Stage 20 Years Ago for More Growth
Honda to Add New U.S. Auto Plant and New Environmentally Friendly Products
New U.S. Auto Plant and Canadian Engine Plant to Begin Production in 2008; Advancements in Fuel Efficiency Including New Hybrid Car and Clean Diesel Technology
Healthy Sales Pace Expected for Balance of 2006
Two American Traditions Race for Charity
DOD
America Supports You: Troops Get More Than A Ton of Gourmet Coffee
U.S., Australia Agree to Increase Counterterrorism Cooperation
Rumsfeld, Blum Support Temporary Guard Border Mission
NEWS & NEWS IN SPAINISH
Comcast Recognizes Over 1,700 High-School Seniors for Community Service and Leadership
'The Queen' Loses Her Crown to 'A Royal'; Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas Sails into Boston Having Claimed the Title of World's Largest (and Coolest) Cruise Ship
Top International Architects Assemble for 36th Annual Los Angeles Architectural Awards
More Than Two-thirds of U.S. Online Households Pay at Least One Bill Online, According to CheckFree Survey
New Full-Color Book Adventures in Paleontology from NSTA Press Brings Ancient Earth Alive for Students
Comcast Premia a Más de 1,700 Estudiantes de Último Año de Escuela Superior por Liderazgo y Servicio Comunitario
El Servicio Nacional de Bibliotecas para Cientos y Discapacitados Físicos Promete un Apoyo Continuo a los Veteranos de Nuestra Patria
Servicio Gratis de Libros Parlantes Ayuda a los Ciudadanos Más Venerados de América a Mantener la Actividad de la Lectura
High Gas Prices Are Cutting Deeply Into Summer Travel Plans, MapQuest Summer Survey Finds
UNWTO and Tralliance Corporation Agree to .travel Place Name Priority Right Extension Through 2006
Tribune Revenues Down 3% in April
580,000 Super Seniors Planning College Courses
Think Beyond an Attorney When Handling Finances in a Divorce
From Trailer Park to Millionaire Top Sellers Tell: How to grab your own piece of direct sales success
NASA FINALIZES CREWS FOR UPCOMING SHUTTLE MISSIONS
VATICAN NEWS
General Audience: Peter's Spiritual Journey
- Prayers for Polish Trip, Rosary in Month of the Virgin Mary
NASA SETS MEDIA BRIEFINGS FOR NEXT SPACE SHUTTLE MISSION
China launches fresh attack on piracy, pornography(05/17/06)
China likely to launch moon probe next April(05/17/06)
Questions and answers
Verizon Communications has been named to Working Mother Magazine's 2006 Best Companies for Women of Color,
Congressional Leaders and American Hispanic Coalition to Hold Press Conference Urging Enforcement Only Bill with No Amnesty Provisions
GOVERNMENT & LAW: Immigration Overhaul
British Movietonews ha sido nombrada biblioteca de imágenes del año
Past Year Brings Top Honors to Getty Images Photographers
Getty Images Photographers Earn More than 100 Industry Awards for Editorial and Creative Imagery
NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY CARGO READY FOR FLIGHT
Hybrid Technologies Inc. 'OTCBB:HYBT' abre sus puertas a NBC News
_________________________________________________________________
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
ANNOUNCING: ALL-STAR TRIBUTE TO
LATE COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND BUCK OWENS
AT THE 41st ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS
Dwight Yoakam, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Brad Paisley, Buddy Alan, Tom Brumley,
Chris Hillman (The Byrds) and blink-182/+44 Drummer Travis Barker To Perform;
Vince Vaughn Will Introduce Tribute
TELECAST TO AIR LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS
TUESDAY, MAY 23rd AT 8:00 PM ET/PT ON CBS
World-famous artists from all walks of popular music will join together to salute the late Buck Owens in a special performance, it was announced today by the Academy of Country Music. The tribute will air as part of the 41st ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, Country Music’s Biggest Party of the Year, which will be broadcast LIVE from MGM GRAND in Las Vegas. The event, which honors country music’s top talent as well as the industry’s hottest emerging talent, will air on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS.
Dwight Yoakam, ZZ Top guitarist and vocalist Billy Gibbons, Brad Paisley, Buddy Alan (son of Buck & Bonnie Owens), original Buck Owens & The Buckaroos steel guitarist Tom Brumley, Chris Hillman (The Byrds) and blink-182/+44 drummer Travis Barker will all play together in the tribute. Vince Vaughn will introduce the segment.
, ZZ Top guitarist and vocalist, (son of Buck & Bonnie Owens), original Buck Owens & The Buckaroos steel guitarist, (The Byrds) and blink-182/+44 drummer will all play together in the tribute. Vince Vaughn will introduce the segment.Buck Owens, a country music legend who had twenty-one #1 country hits during the course of his remarkable career, passed away on March 25th of this year The tribute at the 41st ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS will salute not only Mr. Owens’ rich catalogue of hit songs, but his status as a true ambassador of country music.
Mr. Owens was the Academy of Country Music’s very first Top Male Vocalist winner, in 1965; he was also honored with the Academy’s most respected honor, the Pioneer Award, in 1988.
“Losing Buck Owens was a real blow to this community, and we wanted to do something special to show the world just how important he was to country music,” said Bob Romeo, Executive Director, Academy of Country Music. “We’ve gotten some fantastic artists together, from all different musical genres, and they’re going to honor the man with a musical performance you will never forget.”
The Academy of Country Music was founded in 1964 with a mission to support, promote and enhance the advancement of the country music industry worldwide. The Academy, which is comprised of more than 4,000 professional members and more than 35,000 associate members, is headquartered in Burbank, Calif. For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS and the Academy of Country Music, please visit www.acmcountry.com.
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS is produced for television by dick clark productions. The show is executive produced by Allen Shapiro and R.A. Clark, and produced by Barry Adelman. The executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo, and the executive in charge is Fran LaMaina.
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM GRAND on CBS Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Playboy.com Ranks The 25 Sexiest Novels Ever Written
Just in time for this weekend's Book Expo America on May 19-21 in Washington, D.C., Playboy.com unveils its first ever ranking of the "25 Sexiest Novels Ever Written." Playboy.com limited the ranking to works of fiction and hopes to inspire debate while encouraging people to continue to explore beauty and sensuality in print.
The feature can be found online at http://www.playboy.com/features/features/25novels/ . Book fans can view covers and read a synopsis, excerpt and brief history of each novel.
Below is Playboy.com's ranking of the 25 sexiest novels of all time:
1. Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Fanny Hill), by John Cleland (1748-
49)
2. Lady Chatterley's Lover, by D. H. Lawrence (1928)
3. Tropic of Cancer, by Henry Miller (1934)
4. Story of O, by Pauline Reage (1954)
5. Crash, by J.G Ballard (1973)
6. Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice (1976)
7. Portnoy's Complaint, by Philip Roth (1969)
8. The Magus, by John Fowles (1965)
9. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, by Haruki Murakami (1995)
10. Endless Love, by Scott Spencer (1979)
11. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov (1955)
12. Carrie's Story, by Molly Weatherfield (1995)
13. Fear of Flying, by Erica Jong (1973)
14. Peyton Place, by Grace Metalious (1956)
15. Story of the Eye, by Georges Bataille (1928)
16. The End of Alice, by A.M. Homes (1996)
17. Vox, by Nicholson Baker (1992)
18. Rapture, by Susan Minot (2002)
19. Singular Pleasures, by Harry Mathews (1983)
20. In The Cut, by Susanna Moore (1995)
21. Brass, by Helen Walsh (2004)
22. Candy, by Terry Southern and Mason Hoffenberg (1958)
23. Forever, by Judy Blume (1975)
24. An American Dream, by Norman Mailer (1965)
25. The Carpetbaggers, by Harold Robbins (1961)
Source: Playboy.com
SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Speak at the Oppenheimer Mobile Entertainment Conference
-- SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) today announced that David Frear, its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, is expected to participate in a question and answer session at the Oppenheimer Mobile Entertainment Conference in New York on Thursday, May 18, 2006, at 8:55 am ETA live audio webcast of the presentation will be available via the Investor Relations section of the company's website sirius.com on Thursday, May 18, 2006, at 8:55 am 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.
IRIUS 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 www.sirius.com to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase a SIRIUS radio and subscription. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.
Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among the key factors that have a direct bearing on our operational results are: our dependence upon third parties, including manufacturers of SIRIUS radios, retailers, automakers and programming partners, our competitive position and any events which affect the useful life of our satellites.
Warner Home Video Presents an All-New, Original Live Action Movie Based on Johanna Spyri's Classic Tale ''Heidi'' on DVD August 8
Emma Bolger, Max Von Sydow, Geraldine Chaplin and Diana Rigg Star in This Treasured 1880's Story Perfect for Girls of All Ages!
Warner Home Video (WHV) presents an all-new, original live action movie, "Heidi," based on Johanna Spyri's classic and beloved 1880 storybook, on DVD August 8, 2006. An inspiring film for all members of the family, "Heidi" will retail at $19.97 (SRP).
Emma Bolger ("In America") stars as Heidi, the dispossessed orphan who wants only to love and be loved. Forced to live with her embittered grandfather, Uncle Alp (Max von Sydow, "The Seventh Seal," "Minority Report"), she manages to charm him and in return, Heidi falls in love with the beautiful mountain he calls home. Unfortunately, Heidi's bliss is short lived for her Aunt Detie (Pauline McLynn, "Angela's Ashes," "Quills") again uproots the child and sends her to Frankfurt where Heidi is employed as a live-in companion for a young girl, Clara (Jessica Claridge, "Five Children and It"), who is confined to a wheelchair. While at first Heidi is disappointed by her new big city surroundings, her feisty nature and gift for adventure help create a fast friendship with Clara. While Heidi tries to adjust and Clara's grandmother (Dame Diana Rigg, "The Avengers," "Mystery!") teaches her to read, Mrs. Rottenmeier, the stern housekeeper played by Geraldine Chaplin ("Dr. Zhivago," "Chaplin"), continues to make things difficult for her, and Heidi misses life in the Alps more and more. In the end when Heidi returns to the mountains, she follows her heart and finds a miracle.
A delightful and uplifting story, "Heidi" is a triumph of love, friendship and forgiveness that has captivated readers' hearts for over 100 years. Filmed on location in the spectacular Julian Alps of Slovenia and several visually stunning locales in Wales, viewers will be drawn in by the film's dazzling cinematography. Children as well as adults will find themselves captivated by its rich narratives, powerful acting and true to the book story-telling which captures the spirit of 19th century Alpine life. WHV will offer the film on a one disc DVD.
"We are pleased to present this new, original live action version of 'Heidi' to a whole new generation of girls of all ages. This classic story is about love, friendship and forgiveness, all values that are as important today as they were 100 years ago," commented Dorinda Marticorena, WHV Vice President, Kids and Sports Marketing. She continued, "Emma Bolger is outstanding in the title role. Her unique spirit and playful attitude embodies everything that Heidi is meant to be and she is a delight to watch. With a stellar cast and the beautiful Alps of Slovenia as a backdrop, consumers everywhere will want to add this timeless piece of storytelling to their collection."
For more information on this and other titles distributed by Warner Home Video, visit http://www.whvdirect.com.
Off-Camera Award Winners Announced for the 41st ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC(R) AWARDS, COUNTRY'S NIGHT TO SHINE(TM)
Telecast to Air Live From MGM GRAND in Las Vegas Tuesday, May 23rd at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS Television Network
-- Today the Academy of Country Music is announcing the winners of awards that will be presented before the live telecast of the 41st ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS. The ceremony, which honors country music's top talent as well as the industry's hottest emerging talent, will be broadcast LIVE from MGM GRAND in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network.
The Academy will present awards from the 41st ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS to winners in the following categories:
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Buddy Cannon
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Justin Niebank
CASINO OF THE YEAR
Mohegan Sun Casino -- Uncasville, CT
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR
Suzanne Wilson -- Wilson Events, Inc.
DON ROMEO PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Louis Messina -- The Messina Group
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR
Billy Bob's -- Fort Worth, TX
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR -- NATIONAL
Blair Garner -- After MidNite with Blair Garner (CA)
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR -- MAJOR MARKET
Gerry House & The House Foundation -- WSIX-FM (TN)
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR -- MEDIUM MARKET
Scott Innes -- WYNK-FM (LA)
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR -- SMALL MARKET
Becky Austin & Brad Austin -- KLUR-FM (TX)
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR -- MAJOR MARKET
WFMS-FM (IN)
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR -- MEDIUM MARKET
WUSY-FM (TN)
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR -- SMALL MARKET (TIE)
WGSQ-FM (TN)
WYCT-FM (FL)
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Michael Rhodes
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jonathan Yudkin
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Pat Buchanan
PERCUSSIONIST / DRUM PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Shannon Forrest
PIANO / KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mike Rojas
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Bryan Sutton
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Paul Franklin
The Academy of Country Music was founded in 1964 with a mission to support, promote, and enhance the advancement of the country music industry worldwide. The Academy, which is comprised of more than 4,000 professional members and a newly established Associate Membership, is headquartered in Burbank, Calif. For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS and the Academy of Country Music, please visit www.acmcountry.com.
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS is produced for television by dick clark productions. The show is executive produced by Allen Shapiro and R.A. Clark, and produced by Barry Adelman. The executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo, and the executive in charge is Fran LaMaina.
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS will be broadcast LIVE from MGM GRAND in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network.
Source: Academy of Country Music
Music
Web site: http://www.acmcountry.com/
Pugs, The New Accessory Dogs for our Fuzzy Nation 
Tinkerbelle, Bit-Bit and other Chihuahuas long considered haute dogs after Legally Blonde, Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears long covering the entertainment pages may see their reign ending as “it” dogs. The new dogs? Pugs.
Tinkerbelle, Bit-Bit and other Chihuahuas long considered haute dogs after Legally Blonde, Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears long covering the entertainment pages may see their reign ending as “it” dogs. The new dogs? Pugs.Pugs are going Hollywood. You’ll see Tori Spelling’s Mimi la Rue in her VH1 show “So NoTORIous”, in the arms of Jessica Alba, with fashion designers Valentino and Tommy Hilfiger, in canine themed display windows at Neiman Marcus currently (you can shop with your dog at Saks Fifth Avenue), and popping up in Lee Jeans and Barneys ads.
Pugs, well known for being so ugly they’re cute, weigh in at 14-18 pounds compared to the under 6 pound Chihuahua. A bit more difficult to sneak in, but being under 20 pounds, and still possible to fit in a purse, they’re still accessory dogs. If Monte Bubbles were to be an accessory dog, it would be for Worldwide Wrestling Federation’s Wrestler Hulk Hogan or The Rock.
If you’ve ever heard a pug, it makes a distinctive snort and it’s waddle could even be considered a bit penguin like. A Pug’s face reminds one of how you’ve felt when walking into a glass door. With an even temperament, this stout dog is playful and charming with a desire to please his owners. Originating from the Orient, he has similarities to the Pekingese, with its earliest known source being China. 
According to the American Kennel Club, the Pug is the 12th most popular dog in the years 2003-2005. The Pug is a popular dog in cities, being 5th most popular in Washington D.C. of AKC registered breeds, 7th in San Francisco, 8th in Los Angeles and 10th in New York.
If you’re so inclined for an accessory dog, be it a Pug or another, and you’re not quite ready for the plunge, go to www.fuzzynation.com. There’s an adorable pug, you can carry all day with you and not worry about feeding. Complete with a dog tag, collar and a detachable leash (aka chain strap), he’s available in a 12” and 15” size.
Besides the Pug, there’s the previous haute dog – the Chihuahua, a Dachshund, a Scottie, a Westie, a Shih Tzu and others with a variety of 15 breeds.
Look into their eyes, and you’ll be smitten. These accessory dogs are functional too, with a zipper compartment opening to carry your necessities. Here’s one dog you can dress up that won’t mind.
Photos (C) MBN 2006 (William Hoehne)
United Automobile Insurance Group and Miami Children's Hospital Invite Britney Spears to Their Child Safety Seat Check Station for Lesson in Car Seat Safety
United Automobile Insurance Group is sending out an invitation for entertainer Britney Spears to come to South Florida and learn how to properly secure an infant in a car safety seat. The North Miami Beach, Florida-based property and casualty company is partnered with Miami Children's Hospital in Miami to provide one of the only indoor Child Safety Seat Check stations in the country. The program, which operates year round, teaches parents, free of charge, how to choose the right child seat, how children should properly be positioned in the seat, and how the seat itself should be positioned in the car. United Automobile Insurance Group underwrites most of the costs of the program, including equipment and staffing.
"Those recent photos of Spears' infant son sitting face forward sent a chill down my spine," said Brian Hannigan, RN and Miami Children's Hospital Community Educator. "While she may not have been breaking the law, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends, at a minimum, that all children under one year old, or under 20 pounds, should sit in the back seat of a vehicle, in a child safety seat facing backwards to prevent serious neck injuries."
Said Sandra Iglesias of United Automobile Insurance Group, "Safety is our number one concern. That is why we extend an invitation to Ms. Spears to come to our seat check station and learn how to properly protect her child."
The next date for the Child Safety Seat Check is on Wednesday, May 31, at the Miami Children's Hospital Employee Parking Lot, 3100 SW 62nd Avenue in Miami. Inspections will be conducted by appointment only from 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM. The last scheduled appointment is at 2:30 PM. To assure a spot, please call 305/663.6800.
United Automobile Insurance Group
United Automobile Insurance Group (UAIG) is a privately held property and casualty insurance company based in North Miami Beach, Florida, that specializes in writing private passenger automobile insurance coverage. The company is committed to providing agents and customers with high-quality products and state-of-the-art processing and claims service. Through its affiliates, UAIG offers a variety of insurance related services, including premium finance, claims processing and advanced on-line sales products. UAIG actively writes policies in 8 states, including Florida, Illinois, Oklahoma, Georgia, Mississippi, Utah, Texas, and Nevada.
About Miami Children's Hospital:
Founded in 1950, Miami Children's Hospital is the only licensed specialty hospital for children in South Florida. Ranked Miami-Dade County's "Best Pediatric Hospital" by South Florida Parenting Magazine, Miami Children's Hospital offers medical care and services for children from birth to age 21. The 268-bed medical facility has expertise in all aspects of pediatric medicine.
Liberty Media to Acquire IDT Entertainment; Starz's Top Premium Television Service to Join With IDT's Animation and Live Action Production and Home Entertainment Distribution Business
Combined Company Will Produce Content for All Distribution Platforms
Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: LINTA, LCAPA) and IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT, IDT.C) announced today that they have entered into a binding term sheet for the sale of IDT Entertainment to Liberty Media for all of Liberty Media's interests in IDT, $186 million in cash and the assumption of existing indebtedness. With this acquisition, Liberty Media's Starz Entertainment Group will have the capability to create a wide array of CG animated and live action programming for domestic and international distribution in all major channels, including broadcast syndication, premium television, theatrical, and home video/DVD.
Gregory B. Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media, said "This transaction furthers our strategy of converting investments into strategic operating businesses that have synergies with our current companies. IDT Entertainment and Starz is a great combination. We have appreciated our long friendship with IDT and look forward to the next phase of our partnership."
"John Malone has been a great mentor and friend. I anticipate great things from our continuing business relationship," said Howard Jonas, IDT's Chairman.
"This is a union of two companies that have complementary strengths and share the entrepreneurial spirit essential for success in the rapidly changing world of video production and distribution," said SEG President and CEO Robert B. Clasen. "With the addition of the dynamic, creative team at IDT Entertainment, our company will be positioned to capitalize fully on the opportunities afforded by the new era of content."
"In just three years, we have built IDT Entertainment into a strong, vertically integrated entertainment company," said Jim Courter, IDT's CEO. "We are capitalizing on the value we have created in this business in order to allow us to generate an attractive return for our shareholders. We believe that Liberty Media's Starz Entertainment Group is the right company to realize IDT Entertainment's full potential."
IDT Entertainment CEO Morris Berger said, "Combining with Starz will provide new avenues of distribution for our expanding slate of CG animated and live action content." IDT Entertainment Chairman Steve Brown added, "Our outstanding creative team looks forward to bringing the IDT Entertainment experience to millions of new viewers via the Starz services."
On closing, which the parties expect to occur within the next three months, Liberty Media will pay to IDT $186 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments, and all of Liberty Media's equity interests in IDT and its subsidiaries, including approximately 17.2 million shares of IDT's Class B common stock and Liberty Media's approximate 5% interest in IDT Telecom. Liberty will also assume IDT Entertainment's existing indebtedness. IDT will be entitled to receive additional consideration from Liberty based upon the appreciation in value of IDT Entertainment over the five year period following closing. In addition, on closing, IDT Entertainment and Starz will enter into a five year programming output agreement for the broadcast on Starz's premium channels certain IDT Entertainment's proprietary CG animated theatrical releases and live action programming. The transaction is subject to certain customary conditions and contingencies, including the finalization and execution of definitive documentation and the receipt of regulatory approvals.
Liberty Media owns a broad range of electronic retailing, media, communications and entertainment businesses and investments. It owns or has interests in some of the world's most recognized and respected brands and companies, including QVC, Encore, Starz, IAC/InterActiveCorp, Expedia and News Corporation.
Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) is a premium movie service provider operating in the United States. SEG offers 16 movie channels including the flagship Starz(R) and Encore(R) brands with approximately 14.6 million and 26.4 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment Group airs more than 1,000 movies per month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced services including Starz HDTV, Starz On Demand and Vongo(SM). Starz Entertainment Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation that is attributed to Liberty Capital Group, http://www.Starz.com.
IDT Corporation, through its IDT Telecom subsidiary, is a facilities-based, multinational carrier that provides a broad range of telecommunications services to retail and wholesale customers worldwide. IDT Telecom, by means of its own international telecommunications backbone and fiber optic network infrastructure, provides its customers with integrated and competitively priced international and domestic long distance and domestic all-distance telephony and prepaid calling cards. IDT Entertainment is the IDT subsidiary that is focused on developing, acquiring, producing and distributing computer-generated and traditionally animated productions and other productions for the film, broadcast and direct-to-consumer markets. IDT Capital is the IDT division principally responsible for IDT's initiatives in radio broadcasting, brochure distribution and new technologies. Net2Phone, Inc., a subsidiary of IDT Corporation, is a provider of high-quality global retail Voice over IP services and offers a fully outsourced cable telephony service to cable operators allowing cable operators to provide residential phone service to their subscribers. IDT Corporation's Class B Common Stock and Common Stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols "IDT" and "IDT.C," respectively.
Genius Products Joins Forces with Grodfilm Corporation to Distribute New Film and Television Productions from Filmmaker Dan Grodnik; Agreement Includes Distribution Rights for Home Video, Digital, Television and Theatrical in North America
Genius Products, Inc. (OTCBB:GNPI) has entered into an exclusive five-year distribution agreement with filmmaker Dan Grodnik's Grodfilm Corporation that gives Genius Products the first right of refusal on all future film productions, it was announced today by Genius CEO Trevor Drinkwater. Genius expects to release six to 12 films annually under the agreement, which includes home video, digital, television and theatrical distribution rights throughout North America.
The economic model associated with this agreement is consistent with Genius Product's objective to significantly improve revenue and margin on every release. In addition to DVD releases, the films covered by this agreement, together with new films from the recently announced deal with Peace Arch Entertainment and the Wellspring library, give Genius a valuable library of high-quality film content to exploit over a variety of fast emerging digital distribution platforms. Theatrical releases resulting from this agreement will be distributed through The Weinstein Company.
"Dan Grodnik is a driving force behind the independent film industry whose critically acclaimed body of work in theaters and on television spans many genres," said Drinkwater. "His dynamic ability to stay on top of current market demands in genre, style and budget will play a key role in expanding our library of highly marketable films for distribution across many platforms."
"I always try to go into business with people, not companies," said Grodfilm President Dan Grodnik. "Trevor Drinkwater is a dynamic CEO who has put together a remarkable team that puts Genius on the cutting edge of our business."
With a career that began after graduation from USC's Film School, producer Dan Grodnik has worked with almost every major studio as well as with many of the top independent companies. He maintains strong relationships with some of Hollywood's top actors, writers and directors and enjoys a global reputation for his ability to bring quality projects in on schedule and budget. In the late 80s, Grodnik was chairman and CEO of National Lampoon. During his tenure, the company produced NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION, starring Chevy Chase; and NATIONAL LAMPOON'S LOADED WEAPON, starring Samuel L. Jackson.
His producing credits include such notable box office hits as: POWDER, starring Sean Patrick Flanery, Mary Steenburgen and Jeff Goldblum; 1969, starring Winona Ryder, Kiefer Sutherland and Robert Downey; and TERROR TRAIN, starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Ben Johnson. Recently, Grodnik was executive producer on COME EARLY MORNING, starring Ashley Judd, which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival; and BOBBY, starring Anthony Hopkins, Demi Moore, Lindsay Lohan and Elijah Wood, which will be released by The Weinstein Company this fall. Currently, Grodnik is producing CAMILLE, starring Sienna Miller and James Franco, for A-Mark Entertainment and The Ruddy/Morgan Organization. At Grodfilms, Dan works closely with packaging agent and manager Mike Greenfield, who plays a key role in casting and attracting top talent, and in the production of many of the company's projects.
ABOUT GENIUS PRODUCTS, INC.
Genius Products, Inc. (OTCBB:GNPI) produces and distributes an ever-expanding library of home entertainment products including DVDs and CDs. Sold in retail outlets nationwide under such well-known brands as Wellspring, Sundance Channel Home Entertainment(TM), NBC News, and Baby Genius(R), the company's products are distributed through the Genius Products Branded Distribution Network, an extensive, proprietary distribution network that extends throughout the U.S. to mass, drugstore, supermarket and specialty retailers. Genius Products recently released on home video The Weinstein Company smash hits, HOODWINKED, the animated family comedy which ranked #1 in consumer sales in its debut week, DERAILED, starring Jennifer Aniston and Clive Owen, which ranked #1 in rentals in its debut week, and WOLF CREEK, an Australian horror film as well as the Oscar nominated film, MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS, starring Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins.
Genius Products boasts a premiere management team comprised of seasoned executives, formerly with major Hollywood studios, who have steered the company into the forefront of the industry through their landmark exclusive distribution deal with The Weinstein Company.
Upcoming films planned for release by Genius Products include films by The Weinstein Company such as THE MATADOR, starring Pierce Brosnan; DOOGAL, a comical animated adventure with the voices of Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, Whoopi Goldberg and William H. Macy; TRANSAMERICA, starring Felicity Huffman; David Zucker's hilarious new sequel, SCARY MOVIE 4; and THE LIBERTINE, starring Johnny Depp. Potential new releases include a sequel to SIN CITY, SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS, CLERKS II and the highly anticipated film BOBBY.
Amaru Inc. Inks Deal with Sony Pictures Television International for Broadband Rights to Film Distribution in Singapore
Amaru Inc. (Pink Sheets:AMRU), through its Hollywood-based company M2B World Inc., has announced that it has secured a multi-year deal with Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) for video-on-demand rights on film titles from both Sony Pictures Entertainment and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for M2B viewers. The agreement marks a significant advance in content rights for Amaru.
The distribution deal, initiated at the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) conference held in Las Vegas in January 2006, allows for first-run films to be available, on-demand, to subscribers of Amaru's Global Broadband TV service (M2BTV), accessible through the company's soon to be launched Set-Top Box. In addition, a selection of films will be available via pay-per-view on Dimension88 -- a Singaporean premium movie channel offered at http://www.Dimension88.com that can be accessed via a broadband Internet connection. This deal will give M2B viewers access to SPTI product in the window after local video release.
The deal reflects the rapidly developing interest by consumers worldwide in the at-home on-demand entertainment market. An independent study commissioned last month by the M2B brand on consumer attitudes towards broadband entertainment found that 72% of domestic respondents alone were interested in accessing first-run Hollywood films online. Through distinctive content and distribution agreements over the last few years, including this agreement with SPTI, the M2B brand has been a visionary leader at the forefront of the transforming entertainment market. The company has achieved its successive accomplishments by being proactive in meeting the demands of its international viewers -- providing original and existing programming through technical solutions that specifically appeal to its continually broadening demographic.
"This agreement is a result of the unique synergy that traditional Hollywood entertainment companies are looking towards.
It is essentially the melding of the highly recognizable content that viewers are looking for with easily accessible distribution vehicles, such as our broadband channels, that offer consumers the highest quality feeds in a way that fits within their limited schedules," said Amaru Inc. CEO Colin Binny. "Our philosophy has always been to offer wide-ranging content as our viewing demographic continues to broaden -- and partnering with Sony Pictures Television International is reflective of that intention. We look forward to working with SPTI, and expect that the addition of these titles will be extremely well-received by our viewers."
"Sony Pictures Television International is thrilled to partner with Amaru to deliver compelling online entertainment to their viewers," said Paul Littmann, SPTI's vice president, pay television. "Viewers worldwide have been receptive to VOD and we're pleased to make our extensive library available to M2B viewers."
About Amaru Inc. (AMRU) and M2B
Amaru, Inc., a Nevada corporation, through its subsidiaries under the M2B brand is a leader in the Broadband Media Entertainment business, and a major provider of interactive Entertainment-on-demand, Education-on-demand and e-commerce streaming over Broadband channels, Internet portals, and 3G devices. To date, the Company has launched multiple Broadband TV websites for Hollywood and Asian entertainment, education and online shopping, with over 100 channels designed to cater to various consumer segments and lifestyles. Its content covers diverse genres such as movies, dramas, comedies, documentaries, music, fashion, lifestyle, edutainment, and more. The M2B brand has established its competitive edge by offering access to an expansive range of content libraries for aggregation, distribution and syndication on Broadband and other media; including rights for merchandising, product branding, promotion and publicity.
Globally, Amaru Inc. and M2B are expanding through several integrated companies including:
-- M2B World Inc - leads the US market and is based in Hollywood, CA.
-- M2B World Pte Ltd - directs the Asian markets through its Singapore office and representative office in Shanghai, China
-- M2B Australia Pty Ltd - oversees Oceania markets
-- M2B Entertainment Inc. - oversees Canadian market
-- M2B Commerce Limited - focuses on e-commerce and e-trading
-- M2B World Travel Limited - offers e-travel services
-- M2B Game World Pte Ltd - develops online gaming platforms and content
-- M2B Commerce Ltd (Cambodia) - oversees Cambodian market
-- Amaru Holdings - drives content syndication and distribution
M2B offers consumers personalized entertainment through its wide range of broadband streaming channels available at http://www.m2bworld.com.
About Sony Pictures Television International
Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) is the division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) responsible for all television business outside of the United States. SPTI operates three complementary lines of business: 1) distribution of SPE's and certain MGM feature films and television programming to television, mobile and digital content delivery outlets around the world, 2) local television production in key international markets, and 3) international television networks. In addition to being a leader in the distribution of current and classic U.S. and international films and television product worldwide, SPTI produces high profile, locally produced television in local languages. With dedicated offices in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Miami (Latin America), the People's Republic of China, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom, SPTI currently oversees production in nine regions of the world and is the leader in international television production among all major Hollywood studios. SPTI's worldwide television networks portfolio is a key strategy in the SPE's long-range commitment to the global marketplace, with over 40 networks in more than 100 countries reaching over 240 million viewers worldwide. SPTI is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.
Ben Folds Brings a Magical Sound to a Suburban Backyard in the ``Over the Hedge'' Film Soundtrack Releasing on May 16th
Ben Folds is a peerless phenomenon with today's quickest songwriting wit, and it shows in his contributions to the upcoming DreamWorks film, Over the Hedge. Contributing three original new songs such as the ballad "Still," as well as a rewrite of his appropriately titled hit, "Rockin' the Suburbs," with special guest vocals by cast member and friend, William Shatner, and a cover of the Clash's "Lost in the Supermarket," Ben Folds brings his signature humanism to the film in a way no other artist can. It's Ben's inventive tunes and lyrical humility that make these new and reworked tracks some of his most exciting to date.
The soundtrack to this smart, animated comedy was released today, May 16th, through Epic Records. In the form of both score and songs, this musical marriage helps contribute to the storytelling of the film about how we live from the point of view of the animals, told by the voices of today's most irreverent and loved comic performers; Wanda Sykes, William Shatner, Steve Carrell, Gary Shandling, among many others.
Ben Folds teamed up with composer Rupert Gregson-Williams who wrote the score and Academy Award(R)-winning composer Hans Zimmer who served as the executive music producer for the film. Gregson-Williams comments on Ben's involvement:
"I could have written this sweet orchestral score for the movie, but with Ben's sound, we could do something different, something a bit more rock 'n' roll. We had never even met each other before this, but when he came in to work, there was no ego with him. He just loves music, so it was great fun working with him."
Ben Folds will continue to demonstrate his musical progression, this summer he will once again join the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. As a testament to the loyalty for his fans he will layer in the complexity of orchestrated stings to his collection of live EPs, which will be released later this year along with a new studio album in 2007. Ben Folds' contributions on the Over The Hedge soundtrack and to the music community confirms he is one of the most prolific alternative artists of his time.
Consumer Adoption of CE Products for the Car Moving Beyond the Basics, Finds New CEA Study; Sales of In-Vehicle Devices Expected to Rise in 2006
More than a fourth of consumers own MP3 player equipment for their vehicles, according to new research from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)). This may seem like a far cry from the majority (97 percent) who own the long time standard AM/FM radio, but the new study shows digital audio alternatives have gained a significant foothold in the automotive electronics market.
"The switch from analog to digital that is taking place in the home is also taking place in the automobile," said CEA Director of Research Joe Bates. "Consumers enjoy the portability, flexibility and personalization that digital provides. We've seen this in factory shipment data, as well as in this new consumer survey."
MP3 players, cell phones, mobile and portable video navigation and factory-installed autosound equipment contributed to the $6 billion (27 percent) growth of mobile technologies in 2005. CEA estimates that $27 billion worth of mobile electronics products was shipped in 2005 and more than $30 billion will be shipped in 2006.
The CEA study, Consumer Technologies in the Automotive Environment, analyzes what consumers currently have in their car, what they want and why. Some of the most popular devices currently used in the car include traditional electronics, such as the AM/FM radio and CD players (single and multi disk, 75 and 60 percent respectively). Other popular mobile products include keyless entry (55 percent), alarm systems (48 percent), component speakers (34 percent) and DVD players (32 percent). Most of these products are still powered by the car battery.
"Our study also found there are several areas that pose great opportunity for the industry. Consumers across all segments are interested in owning more safety and navigation aids, and in having access to a wide range of content in their vehicles," continued Bates.
Future interest levels for products continue to be among the traditional products, but car safety and convenience products also rank higher amongst consumers. Fifty-six percent of consumers expressed interest in owning an alarm system, nearly 10 percent more than those who currently own them. Almost half of consumers expressed interest in a navigation system and in-vehicle safety devices compared to the quarter who currently own them.
Future interest is based on the consumer's needs in the car. A majority plan on or need their mobile technologies for getting news, traffic and weather updates. Other activities hinged mostly on entertainment options in the car; such as listening to satellite radio, books on tape, sports as well as watching movies, television and accessing the Internet.
While car ownership rates and automobile sales remain constant over the broad scope of demographics, the mobile technologies market can be segmented into five groups based on age, attitudes, gender, income and needs. The study delves into each group, identifying which products are of most interest.
"We've broken down the market into five attitudinal segments: soccer moms and dads, in-touch travelers, telecommuters, bus riders and the little old lady from Pasadena. Soccer moms and dads are heavy mobile CE users and are interested in more entertainment options to help them relieve stress, communicate and be entertained. In-touch travelers spend a lot of time in the car and need to be constantly connected. Telecommuters spend little time in their cars and prefer to be out of touch when they are in their car. Bus riders are more likely to be passengers or not own a car and are interested in CD changers, speakers and security. And lastly 'the little old lady from Pasadena' refers to consumers who are least interested in mobile technology," said Bates.
CEA's Consumer Technologies in the Automotive Environment (April 2006) was conducted in January and February 2006. It was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry. Please source any information cited to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)). The complete study is available free to CEA member companies. Non-members may purchase the study for $499 at http://www.ebrain.org/crs/crs_all.asp.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at http://www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.
UPCOMING EVENTS
-- The 10th Annual Consumer Electronics CEO Summit
June 21-24, 2006, Southampton, Bermuda
-- 2006 SINOCES
July 7-10, 2006, Qingdao, China
-- 2006 CEA Summer Technology and Standards Forum
July 24-28, 2006, Coronado, CA
-- CEA Industry Forum
October 16-18, 2006, San Francisco, CA
-- 2007 International CES
January 8-11, 2007, Las Vegas, NV
LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Becomes the Number 1 DVD of 2006
Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media's presentation THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE has become the number one top-selling DVD of 2006, it was announced today by Bob Chapek, president of Buena Vista Home Entertainment (BVHE). THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE was released on April 5 and has sold over 11 million units in route to claiming this year's top DVD spot.
"We are delighted with the tremendous success of THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE DVD. This award-winning film is a stellar addition to the celebrated Disney collection and has set the tone for the next chapter in this promising franchise," commented Bob Chapek.
Concurrently, with Narnia in the top DVD spot of 2006, BVHE holds five of the top 10 titles so far this year. THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, Chicken Little, Lady and the Tramp, Flightplan, and Bambi II are all strongly positioned within the top 10 titles of 2006. "We are very fortunate to have such a strong line up of titles that appeals to every demographic. It is the backbone of what this studio has always been known for," Chapek added.
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE is available as a single disc DVD with outstanding bonus features, and as a Special 2-Disc Collector's Edition DVD. The Special Edition takes viewers on a deeper adventure into the world of Narnia with nearly ten hours of bonus features -- including a behind-the-scenes tour with the film's child stars, director's diary, 'cinematic storytellers' film diaries, multiple audio commentaries, 3-D map, interactive timeline, featurettes on the creatures and much more.
About Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment Inc., a recognized industry leader. A subsidiary of the Walt Disney Studios, Buena Vista Home Entertainment Inc. is the marketing, sales and distribution company for all Walt Disney, Touchstone, Miramax, Dimension and Buena Vista DVDs and videocassettes.
Nat Nast Luxury Originals Announces Sponsorship of Motion Picture & Television Fund
Nat Nast Luxury Originals and the Motion Picture Television Fund (MPTF) announced that Nat Nast has designated MPTF as the company's leading charitable cause. Nat Nast will donate a minimum of $25,000 annually. In addition, Nat Nast will support and sponsor a film series for MPTF's Next Generation Council.
"We are very excited to sponsor MPTF and look forward to supporting them and broadening their exposure by bringing news of the organization to our customers," said Patty Nast Canton, President and CEO of Nat Nast. "In MPTF we've found a partner who shares our passion and responsibility for helping others," she added.
The announcement of the sponsorship was made by Michael Douglas as part of the Michael Douglas & Friends Presented By Lexus celebrity golf event, held in Los Angeles May 7.
"We are so glad to have Nat Nast as part of the MPTF family," said Ken Scherer, CEO of The Motion Picture & Television Fund Foundation. "We are looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with The Nat Nast Company, and integrating their fine line of men's sportswear into our events."
Originally founded in 1946, The Nat Nast Company was re-launched in 2000 by Nat's daughters, Patty and Barbara. Inspired by the classic styling of mid-century design, Nat Nast Luxury Originals is a full sportswear collection known for signature topstitching and remarkable attention to detail. For more information, or to read details about the designs, visit the web site at www.natnast.com.
The non-profit Motion Picture & Television Fund, headquartered in Woodland Hills, Calif., was founded in 1921 to provide "relief" for those in the film industry who had fallen on hard times. Today, 85 years later, MPTF is a major service provider supporting the health and well being of the entertainment community. Healthcare, childcare, retirement living and social/charitable services are offered with compassion and respect for the dignity of the whole person. Care is offered through the MPTF 250-bed hospital, five outpatient health centers, charitable financial assistance and community outreach programs, a full-scale retirement community and a children's day care center. More information is available at www.mptvfund.org.
Source: Motion Picture Television Fund
Web site: http://www.natnast.com/
Web site: http://www.mptvfund.org/
Remy Ma Nominated for BET Award Second Year in a Row
2005's BET Award Winner Best Female Hip-Hop Artist Garners Repeat Nomination
Acclaimed hip-hop star, Remy Ma has just been nominated for another coveted honor, the 6th Annual BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. The program will air live on Tuesday, June 27th at 8:00 pm EDT, from the Hollywood's historic Shrine Auditorium. Remy won the prestigious award last year, at the 5th annual awards despite not yet having a solo album under her belt. Her debut disc, There's Something About Remy: Based On A True Story was released earlier this year. "I feel honored to be nominated for the second time and humbled to be in a category with such talented and great artists," says Remy. Other nominees include Missy Elliott, Trina, Lil Kim and Shawnna.
Following up on her smash hit song "Conceited," Remy is currently on the road promoting her newest single, "Feels So Good," featuring Ne-Yo (another BET Award nominee). Both tracks are featured on her critically-acclaimed solo debut, There's Something About Remy: Based On A True Story.
Backed by super producers Scott Storch, Swizz Beats Miami's Cool and Dre and label mate David Banner, Remy Ma's talent and solo effort have earned praise and raves from a wide array of critics: Playboy calls Remy, "one of hip hop's most talented MC's;" XXL describes There's Something About Remy ... as "lyrically daring;" Spin calls it "creative;" and Vibe declares Remy Ma a "fresh, intriguing new voice."
Remy broke onto the hip-hop scene in 2000 when she was known as the hardcore femme fatale featured on M.O.P.'s "Ante Up-Remix." She went on to forge legendary MC battles on several underground mixtapes, culminating with her joining forces with the Terror Squad and their subsequent 2004 summer smash "Lean Back." That same year, she became the only female rapper nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group" and was the winner of two Source Awards for "Best Female Rap Collabo" and "Best Rap Group Of The Year" along with Terror Squad.
Source: Universal Records
Web site: http://www.universalrecords.com/
Jive Records R&B Platinum Artist Chris Brown Prepares to Release Performance DVD 'Chris Brown's Journey' June 6th
Also Look Out for Him on His Summer Tour Set to Begin In August!!!
Jive Records PLATINUM recording artist Chris Brown continues to take the world by storm. Chris is about to release his first performance DVD entitled "Chris Brown's Journey" June 6th. In this never-before-seen footage you will go on a whirlwind promotional album tour with Chris to the UK and Japan, hit the 2006 Grammys with him and watch as he prepares for his first-ever live tour. Also on this DVD- the hit videos and the behind-the-scenes making of "Run It!," "Yo" and "Gimme That." Krump with Chris while he shows you his fully-loaded dance moves and check out the BONUS CD with 2 NEVER-RELEASED tracks, "So Glad" and an international remix of "Run It!" As a special treat, make your own remix of Chris' hit "Gimme That" with the UMIXIT software!
In just 6 short weeks after his November 2005 release, the teen sensation reached platinum status due to his first blazing single "Run It" (produced by Scott Storch which has been # 1 on several charts: Billboard's Hot 100 Singles, Billboard's Hot 100 Airplay, Singles Sales and on the radio charts# 1 at Top 40 Rhythm and on the R&B Mainstream/Hip Hop charts) as well as his second single "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)" (produced by Dre and Vidal) which is about a boy seeing a beautiful girl that he can't allow to escape his grasp. His current single "Gimme That,"(featuring Lil' Wayne) is quickly climbing the radio charts as well. Explains Chris, "It's just explaining how I'm coming out, the typical bragging about yourself a little bit but not too much and telling the girl who might be older than you, 'You may be three years older, but you're hot, gimme that.'" The just released promotional video in which Chris co-directed with Erik White is in medium rotation on MTV as well as the BET networks.
With his success, Chris recently won an MTV TRL AWARD for Favorite Artist Under 21, an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist as well as a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist!!! He was just recently nominated for three 2006 BET Awards including Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Male artist!!
Upcoming Print Press includes features in Interview, Vibe, Teen People, CosmoGirl, Jet and Ebony.
Upcoming Television Performances include The Today Show Summer Concert Series (August 11).
Look out for him in a city near you as he tours this summer with Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, Dem Franchize Boyz, and Juelz Santana!!
Date City, State Venue
August 11 Nashville, TN Starwood
August 12 St Louis MO UMB Pavillion Amphitheatre
August 13 Indianapolis IN Verizon
August 16 Birmingham, AL TBA
August 17 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
August 18 Cleveland, OH Tower City
August 19 Washington DC Nissan Pavillion
August 23 Toronto. ON Air Canada Centre
August 24 Pittsburgh PA Post Gazette
August 25 New York, NY Jones Beach
August 26 Holmdel, NJ PNC
August 27 Philadelphia, PA Tweeter Centre
August 31 Baltimore MD First Mariner
September 1 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon
September 2 Orlando, FL Walt Disney World
September 3 Raleigh NC Alltel Pavilion
September 7 Miami, FL American Airlines Pavilion
September 8 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre
September 9 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park
September 10 Charlotte NC Verizon Amphitheatre
September 14 Kansas City KS Starlight
September 15 Columbus OH Germain Amphitheatre
September 16 Detroit, MI DTE
September 17 Chicago, IL Charter Pavilion
September 21 San Antonio TX Verizon
September 22 Dallas, TX Smirnoff
September 23 Houston, TX Woodlands
September 24 Memphis, TN Fed Ex Forum
September 29 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay
September 30 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Pavilion
October 1 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion
October 4 Salt Lake City, UT Delta Center
October 5 TBA
October 6 Irvine, CA Verizon
October 7 Fresno, CA Fresno Fair
October 8 Oakland, CA Chronicle Pavilion
October 11 Vancouver, BC General Motors Place
October 12 Seattle, WA Key Arena
October 14 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train
October 15 Los Angeles CA Gibson Amphitheatre
National Geographic Channel's 'Explorer: Outsmarting Terror' Highlights the Crucial New High-Tech Tactics Intended to Protect Us
Will Increasingly Sophisticated Anti-Terror Technologies Be The Key To Keeping Us Safe?
They are an enemy that is elusive and deadly, resilient and implacable. Today's terrorists have incited fear in millions of people by striking where we live, shop, commute, study or work. But can ingenuity and science protect us from an enemy capable of deploying an extreme range of weapons, from low-tech explosives to guided missiles? Will a new generation of defensive technologies be able to outmaneuver terrorists who strive to strike without warning? National Geographic Channel's "Explorer" examines these questions as it investigates the increasingly sophisticated responses to countering terror.
Premiering Wednesday, May 31, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, "Explorer: Outsmarting Terror" shows viewers the scientific technologies being developed to combat terror head-on.
From jetliners that repel heat-seeking missiles, to devices that rescue survivors from atop skyscrapers, to robots that detect nuclear weapons, counterterrorism experts are fastidiously creating smart new technological approaches to stay one step ahead of the enemy. "Explorer" reports on the advanced technology at the heart of the strategy to successfully track, combat and defeat terrorists -- or protect us even after they strike.
The difficulty of fighting terrorism is compounded by an enemy that often operates without geographical boundaries or according to the rules of military engagement. Terrorists often seek to achieve shock and drama, deploying premeditated attacks aimed at poorly defended "soft targets" such as office buildings, mass transportation, shopping centers and even schools. And unfortunately, they too often succeed. Since 2001, terrorists have killed more than 24,000 people around the globe.
"To fight terrorism, you need to think outside the box," says Boaz Ganor, executive director for The International Policy Institute for Counterterrorism in Israel. "You need to find new tactics, new measures and always try to be one step ahead, one step before the terrorists themselves."
"Explorer: Outsmarting Terror" highlights these new tactics, starting with airport security. After passenger airplanes were used as weapons on September 11, 2001, airports have upgraded security procedures that utilize X- ray machines and scanners. But these tools are not always sophisticated enough to satisfy experts. "Explorer" demonstrates the latest inventions in airport security, including the space-age "Tadar," which can detect threatening objects hidden on a person, and "Sentinel II," which can sniff out 40 different types of chemical substances. Inventors have also perfected a sophisticated system that detects missiles targeted at aircraft and creates a protective bubble of radar -- setting off flares to confuse a heat-seeking missile's guidance system.
Anti-terror experts featured in "Explorer: Outsmarting Terror" also provide insight into a range of counterterrorism and life-saving inventions, including robots that can sense deadly toxins, a car bomb detector that "sees" through metal and a personal escape device called the Spider, designed to save people trapped inside a building up to 50 stories high.
"Explorer: Outsmarting Terror" details how infrastructure experts are embracing new technologies to help make buildings terrorproof. Structural engineers such as Gil Hegemier are focusing on reducing the potential for a catastrophic building collapse. In the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, for example, most of the fatalities were caused by the collapse of the building, not the initial explosion. Hegemier is using a blast simulator to test the integrity of buildings and better understand both how structures fail and how to protect them, so that architects can more aptly design new blast-resistant buildings and strengthen existing structures.
In addition, building engineers are working to fortify and bolster walls with polymer coatings. Polymer hardens into a protective, elastic layer that makes cement walls more flexible. In some cases, half a ton of TNT can't bring down a polymer-treated wall - a reason why the Pentagon is using it to coat its walls.
"Explorer" also examines the latest strategies in taking the fight to the terrorists, including new generations of weapons that can help the military monitor and capture terrorists. This new arsenal includes an aerial camera that can scope out a terrorist camp, seeing its exact layout in real time, and high-tech guns that can shoot around corners during combat.
Since 9/11 and other recent terrorist attacks around the world, inventors have raced to vastly improve our defenses against terror. With an unknown tomorrow, one thing is certain -- technology is an essential weapon in our war to outsmart terror.
"Explorer" is produced for the National Geographic Channel by National Geographic Television & Film. Executive producer is Kathleen Cromley. For "Outsmarting Terror," Liane Thompson is producer; Ariel Semmel, Tracy Baumgardner and Patrice Shannon are editors; Charles Poe and Michael Whinship are writers. For NGC, senior vice president of production is Michael Cascio; executive in charge of production is John Ford.
Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channel (NGC) is a joint venture between National Geographic Television & Film (NGT&F) and Fox Cable Networks. Since launching in January 2001, NGC initially earned some of the fastest distribution growth in the history of cable and more recently the fastest ratings growth in television. The network celebrated its fifth anniversary January 2006 with the launch of NGC HD, which provides the spectacular imagery that National Geographic is known for in stunning high definition. NGC has carriage with all of the nation's major cable and satellite television providers, making it currently available to 59 million homes. For more information, please visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com/channel.
MTV Networks Unveils URGE Digital Music Service on Microsoft's New Windows Media Player 11 Platform
Handcrafted music programming, first-rate editorial and innovative features create an immersive entertainment experience and guide music discovery; Windows Media Player 11 offers a completely overhauled experience that includes elegant visual navigation and improved music service and device integration.
MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc., and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) today unveiled the public beta of URGE and the new Windows Media(R) Player 11 beta. URGE, MTV Networks' new digital music service, is seamlessly integrated with the new Microsoft(R) Windows Media Player 11, and builds upon MTV Networks' renowned music heritage, offering rich, handcrafted programming, first-rate editorial and innovative music discovery features to create a truly immersive entertainment experience. URGE is the recommended digital music service in Windows Media Player 11 beta, which offers enhanced search and media management capabilities, a visually driven user interface and optimized portable music player support. MTV Networks and Microsoft collaborated closely on the development of URGE and Windows Media Player 11, creating a unified and integrated user experience.
Just as MTV, VH1 and CMT are recognized for their ability to curate music, URGE offers unparalleled context to all styles of music, as well as rich music programming to guide users through a world of virtually infinite music choices. Innovative features also bring music discovery to the fore, exposing users to new artists and genres they might not otherwise encounter.
"When we first set out to design URGE, our goal was to create an immersive experience that surrounded fans in all things music," said Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks Music/Logo/Films Group. "URGE distinguishes itself through handcrafted programming, innovative music discovery features and unique integration with Windows Media Player 11. It's an important pillar of MTV Networks' overall digital strategy, and as our audience continues to embrace digital music delivery, URGE will serve as a vital vehicle to connect fans with all the music they love."
"We wanted to create a media player that delivers the most powerful features in a program that is intuitive and fun to use," said Mike Sievert, corporate vice president of Windows Client Marketing at Microsoft. "So in designing Windows Media Player 11, we incorporated a significant amount of feedback from music fans and worked hand in hand with MTV Networks. As a result, Windows Media Player 11 truly revolutionizes the way we enjoy music and provides a test drive of the breakthrough entertainment capabilities people will experience in the forthcoming Windows Vista(TM) operating system."
URGE: Rich Programming, Features and Musical Discovery
URGE allows users to simply buy music by the track or album, and yet goes well beyond the concept of a storefront through music subscriptions, promoting the twin concepts of exploration and discovery, such as these:
* Informer music blogs. The service's marquee editorial franchise written
by leading voices in music, Informer blogs celebrate nearly every genre
of music -- pop, hip-hop, country, children's, classical, jazz,
electronic/dance, world, inspirational and more. And each blog is
accompanied by a dynamic playlist, enabling users to simultaneously
listen to or download the music they are reading about.
* More than 500 custom-made playlists. URGE offers programmed playlists
such as "Must-Haves" (the best in given style), moods, decades, cities
and more. URGE's "This Week In . . ." series features new music each
week across all genres, which a user can save to an automatically
updating Feed. "Super Playlists" offer hundreds of songs in a given
genre or to fill up a portable music player in one click. Popular on-air
programs including MTV's "Total Request Live," VH1's "Best Week Ever"
and CMT's "Top Twenty Countdown" all have dedicated and regularly
updated playlists. Celebrity Playlists include offerings from such
artists as Green Day, Rihanna, Rosanne Cash, Tony Hawk, T.I., Mike Myers
and many others.
* Feeds. Feeds allow music fans to sign up for dynamically updated
playlists of the music they love and get new -- and sometimes surprising
-- music delivered right to their computer or portable music player.
Every time consumers visit URGE or sync their portable player, they will
enjoy new music from their Feeds that have updated. And now music
discovery moves to the portable music player; each time listeners sync
their devices, they get a new, programmed experience.
* Auto Mixes. Auto Mixes are automatically generated playlists built
around specific artists or styles of music selected by the user, and
refreshed every time the user accesses URGE.
* Rich editorial content. URGE offers exclusive interviews, stories and
features about music and artists across all genres.
* Radio. More than 130 professionally programmed, CD-quality radio
stations span all musical genres, such as jazz, hip-hop, metal, country
and classical, including the popular VH1 Classic, mtvU and CMT radio
stations.
* Channel Hubs. MTV, VH1 and CMT each live on URGE in exclusive Channel
Hubs, which feature music programming, playlists, Informer blogs and
more.
Windows Media Player 11: An Entirely New Digital Media Experience
The close collaboration between Microsoft and MTV Networks has resulted in unprecedented integration of URGE within Windows Media Player 11 and an entirely new level of performance when managing large music libraries. With Windows Media Player 11, consumers can easily scroll through and access music faster than on any other media player, whether the library contains 50 or 50,000 tracks. Windows Media Player 11's powerful Instant Search provides results that instantly narrow with each keystroke, whether in a personal library or browsing URGE. Innovative drag-and-drop capabilities make building playlists and moving music to portable players easier than ever.
Other features of the beta version of Windows Media Player 11 include these:
* A visually driven experience using thumbnail and album art, an elegant
and simple design, and customization capabilities for more personalized
interaction
* Highly simplified navigation using the new Instant Search capabilities,
enhanced shortcut options and dedicated category views for all media
types, including music, photos and video
* Better access to content with deep service integration that blurs the
line between online service and media player experiences
* Industry-first audio fingerprinting capabilities for advanced music
metadata tagging
* New formats for ripping and music playback, including Windows Media
Audio (WMA) Professional and WAV Lossless
* Improved device experience with new shuffle sync and reverse sync
options, device exploration using the library view, and intuitive help
icons that ensure seamless and intuitive syncing and burning of rights-
managed content
In conjunction with the beta availability of Windows Media Player 11, Microsoft is also announcing an update to the PlaysForSure(TM) program that significantly raises the bar for an end-to-end service, media player and device experience. Among the new requirements for PlaysForSure verification are extensive performance improvements both on devices and when connecting devices to a Windows XP-based PC using Windows Media Player 11. In addition, support for portable subscription is now required, ensuring that content from both a la carte and subscription-based offerings just works, regardless of the device.
Over the coming months, newly verified devices will hit retail shelves, providing consumers with a choice of devices that work seamlessly with Windows Media Player 11 and URGE.
14-Day Free Trial
Beginning immediately, music lovers can experience the full power of URGE through a 14-day free trial, available to anyone at any time. The trial, which does not require a credit card, lets music fans play and download unlimited music from URGE's 2-million-song catalog, transfer tracks to a portable music player and enjoy the unmatched programming that distinguishes URGE.
Pricing and Availability
The beta versions of URGE and Windows Media Player 11 are available for immediate download in the United States at http://www.urge.com/ and http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmedia/player/11.
URGE offers three flexible options that enable music fans to enjoy digital music in a manner that best fits their lifestyle:
* URGE All Access. This option, for $9.95 (all prices are U.S.) per month
or $99 per year (with two months free), enables users to play or
download 2 million full-length songs, enjoy 130 commercial-free
CD-quality radio stations and more than 500 playlists, and save Feeds of
automatically updating playlists.
* URGE All Access to Go. For $14.95 per month or $149 per year (with two
months free), this option offers the same features as URGE All Access
and the ability to transfer subscription music to compatible portable
music players.
* URGE by The Track. Consumers can purchase individual tracks for
99 cents, or purchase entire albums or playlists (prices vary). Users
also can manage their digital music collection, rip and burn CDs, search
and sample the 2-million-song catalog, enjoy 20 free radio stations, and
access URGE editorial features, profiles, interviews and Informer blogs.
Over the course of the beta period, both Windows Media Player 11 and URGE will continue to evolve.
MusicNet
URGE will incorporate MusicNet's library of 2 million tracks, the industry's largest music library, which includes licensed content from all the major record labels and thousands of independents. MusicNet is the world's leading business-to-business digital music service provider.
About URGE and MTV Networks
URGE is the new digital music service of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom (VIA, VIA.B). Featuring original and exclusive music programming, first-rate editorial and innovative music discovery features, URGE is an immersive entertainment experience for music fans to connect with their favorite artists and discover new ones. Leveraging the music history of MTV, VH1 and CMT, URGE celebrates all music, from alt-country to zydeco, and offers subscription and a la carte access to two million songs covering all musical genres.
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, Windows Media, Windows, Windows Vista and PlaysForSure are either registered trademarks or trademarks 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/
Decoding Da Vinci: HowStuffWorks.com Examines Glitches in the 'Code'
One reason for the success of "The Da Vinci Code" is how author Dan Brown blurs the line between fantasy and reality. But exactly which elements are historical facts and which are fiction have been the constant source of heated arguments that have only intensified with the anticipated release of the best-seller's film version this Friday.
Award-winning and trusted resource Web site, HowStuffWorks.com, objectively separates the facts from the myths in its newest featured article "How the Da Vinci Code Doesn't Work" (http://www.howstuffworks.com/davinci-code.htm/printable).
"The article is not intended to be a critique of the book. Instead, it offers an unbiased analysis of the book's facts and details. It objectively explains a lot of points that might be misinterpreted as being real," said HowStuffWorks' staff writer, Tracy V. Wilson.
Some of the many "mistruths" from the book that are debunked in the comprehensive HowStuffWorks article include:
- Harvard not having a "department of symbology"
- The Louvre not having just one supreme curator, but 60 (the Mona Lisa,
in fact, has its own dedicated curator)
- An explanation of how a GPS receiver could not have been thrown away in
a bar of soap
- A description of the limitations and color of most albinos' eyes
- An explanation of what a "scotoma" really is
"How the Da Vinci Code Doesn't Work" is just one of thousands of topics explained by HowStuffWorks in a clear, easy-to-understand format that appeals to all age/education levels.
Web site: http://HowStuffWorks.com
The Palm Turns 80!
Legendary Comic Strip Characters 'Steak Their Claim' on the Restaurant's Menu and Walls
Famed Restaurant Teams with King Features Syndicate to Introduce Special Cartoon-Inspired Dishes 'Hall of Fame' Gathering of Cartoonists to Meet at the Original Palm to Unveil 80th Anniversary Mural; Palm Chefs Create Giant-Sized 'Dagwood Sandwich'
The Palm Restaurant (http://www.thepalm.com/), the nation's classic American steak house, announced today that it will celebrate its 80th Anniversary with a special day-long celebration honoring the restaurant's iconic caricature-adorned walls. On May 22nd, Palm Restaurants across the country will feature a King-inspired lunch menu, including Norwegian Smoked Salmon (Hagar the Horrible); USDA Prime-Aged Rib Eye atop Garlic Spinach and Olive Oil (Popeye and Olive Oyl); family-sized Chicken Parmigiana (The Family Circus); and Pan-Seared Wild King Salmon (King Features). The menu, priced at $19.26 (The Palm Restaurant's founding year) will include a choice of three salads; two sides; three entrees; a slice of famous Palm New York-style cheesecake for dessert; and a doggie bag for leftovers (inspired by Grimmy the dog in Mother Goose & Grimm).
Additionally, from 6:30pm to 9:00pm, the company will host a star-studded celebration at the original Palm, which for more than 80 years has stood at 837 Second Avenue, on the corner of 44th Street in Manhattan. The evening will feature a gathering of legendary King Features cartoonists including Mort Walker (Beetle Bailey), Chris Browne (Hagar the Horrible), and Mike Peters (Mother Goose & Grimm). The artists will fly in from across the country for the unveiling of a 5ft x 7ft "Hall of Fame" mural featuring third generation Palm co-owners Wally Ganzi and Bruce Bozzi Sr. celebrating the anniversary with such legendary characters as Popeye and Olive Oyl; Dennis the Menace; Blondie and Dagwood; Betty Boop; Beetle Bailey; Hagar the Horrible; The Family Circus; Jeremy Duncan of Zits; and Grimmy of Mother Goose & Grimm.
Additionally, the event will also feature the unveiling of a towering 3ft version of the classic everything-and-the-kitchen sink "Dagwood Sandwich," eaten by Dagwood Bumstead in the Blondie comic strip -- and created by The Palm Executive Chefs Tony Tammero and Joe Raiola.
"Since our grandfathers first opened The Palm in 1926, our restaurant has shared a special relationship with King Features, whose artists were responsible for creating decades of original artwork that have graced our restaurants' walls," said Wally Ganzi, third generation co-owner of The Palm.
The tradition of the caricature-adorned walls at The Palm began in the 1920s during the height of the Great Depression. The restaurant's original owners, Pio Bozzi and John Ganzi, did not have money to decorate; local cartoonists from the nearby King Features Syndicate drew artwork on the restaurant's walls in exchange for a free bowl of spaghetti, marking the beginning of an 80-year relationship between the two companies.
"We're proud to team with King Features to celebrate The Palm with the creation of this special lunch menu and the unveiling of the incredible 80th Anniversary 'Hall of Fame' mural at Palm One," added Bruce Bozzi Sr., third generation co-owner of The Palm. "In The Palm spirit of 'go big or go home,' our chefs took great pride in creating a life-size version of the 'Dagwood Sandwich.' Let's just hope that no one tries to eat it in one sitting!"
"King Features has enjoyed a special relationship with The Palm since it opened in 1926. Back then, The Palm was home to many King Features cartoonists as evidenced by the colorful legacy that they left on the walls. From an original drawing of 'Prince Valiant' by Hal Foster to the wonderful sketches of Milton Caniff ('Steve Canyon and Friends') and caricaturist Jolly Bill Steinke, King Features artists continue to honor the tradition and have added hundreds of drawings to the walls, not only at the original Palm, but at all Palm restaurants across the country. King Features Syndicate is proud to be a part of the rich and colorful history of The Palm through 80 incredible years," said King Features President T.R. "Rocky" Shepard III.
At the event at the original Palm, there will be interview opportunities with:
* Mort Walker, creator of Beetle Bailey
* Chris Browne, creator of Hagar the Horrible
* Mike Peters, creator of Mother Goose & Grimm
* T.R. "Rocky" Shepard, President of King Features Syndicate
* Wally Ganzi and Bruce Bozzi Sr., third generation co-owners of The Palm
* Bruce Bozzi Jr., Palm EVP and fourth generation descendant of original
co-owner
* Albino Serpagli, longtime general manager of the original Palm
* Palm Executive Chefs Tony Tammero and Joe Raiola
About King Features
King Features Syndicate is a member of Hearst Entertainment and Syndication Group, an operating group of The Hearst Corporation, which includes the company's cable network partnerships, television programming activities and newspaper syndication and merchandise licensing operations. King Features Syndicate is the world's premier distributor of comics, columns, editorial cartoons, puzzles and games, distributing some 150 features to nearly 5,000 newspapers around the globe. It is one of the largest and most experienced organizations in merchandise licensing.
About The Palm
For eight decades, The Palm Restaurant, the nation's classic American steak house, has proudly served huge cuts of USDA prime-aged beef and jumbo Nova Scotia lobsters cooked to perfection with service and atmosphere like nowhere else. Known as the "place to see and be seen," the famed walls of each Palm are adorned with the caricatures of celebrities, politicians and socialites who make up its impressive customer base. Through four generations, the two families who opened the original Palm in 1926 on the East Side of Manhattan have maintained co-ownership of the restaurant company. The Palm currently has 30 restaurants in 25 cities across the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico. For more information on The Palm, visit http://www.thepalm.com/.
Source: The Palm Restaurant
Buzz is building for The Da Vinci Code Prop bets add some intrigue to film opening
Moviegoers anxious to see Professor Robert Langdon use his symbology skills onscreen should be lined up on Friday for the first showings of The Da Vinci Code, director Ron Howard's translation of the mega-selling book to the silver screen.
With the ever-popular Tom Hanks playing Langdon, and a strong supporting cast that includes Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Jean Reno, and Audrey Tautou, hype for the movie has been building for months. But how much business will Da Vinci actually do on opening weekend, and will it be the blockbuster of the summer?
At www.betbet.com, you can get odds on whether Da Vinci will outperform the other big summer movies at the box office on its opening weekend. Can't see any film being more popular than Howard & Hanks' controversial adaptation? Then at +300 you can bet Da Vinci will have the best opening-weekend results.
Hold on though -- because Da Vinci isn't listed as the favorite at BetBet. That honor goes to the third film in the X-Men franchise, which is set to be released on Friday, May 26. X-Men: The Last Stand is pegged as the -125 favorite to open with the top three-day box office numbers of the summer.
Here is the complete list of odds for this prop at BetBet:
Top Grossing Movie of Summer (Three-Day Opening Weekend):
X-Men: The Last Stand (X3) -125
The Da Vinci Code +300
Superman Returns +300
Pirates of the Caribbean 2 +400
Any Other Movie +1000
So a $100 dollar bet on The Da Vinci Code pays you $300 if Howard's film beats out the superheroes and pirates and comes up with the summer's top opening.
With so much buzz surrounding the Da Vinci props at BetBet you can also wager on the film in a few extra categories. The Da Vinci Code is listed at EVEN odds to become the first summer movie to reach $200 million at the box office, but oddsmakers don't like its chances of grabbing an Oscar nod (No sits at -900). Hanks' Oscar chances for the movie? Not looking great either (No sits at -600).
For a complete list of all the available Da Vinci Code prop bets at BetBet, go to http://www.betbet.com/ and click the Entertainment link in the left-side menu, where you will also find listings for other summer movies and showbiz events.
About BetBet.com
Fully licensed and regulated in St. John's, Antigua, BetBet.com is a proud member of the BetCorp group of companies, which is the third-largest wagering company by turnover listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) under the symbol BCL. With over ten years of experience, the BetCorp group offers a complete range of online gaming products and more than 150 betting options daily through its portfolio of companies and managed services -- BetWWTS.com, WagerOnSports.com, Cybersportsbook.com, BetHoldem.com, BetCasino.com and BetBet.com.
Source: BetCorp
Web site: http://www.betbet.com/
Art Directors Club Announces Young Guns 5 Honorees
Biennial Showcase Identifies Next Generation Leaders in Advertising, Design, Interactive, Photography and Illustration
The Art Directors Club has announced its selection of new ADC YOUNG GUNS in the club's fifth biennial showcase. Sixty- three out of a total of 288 whose portfolios were entered made the coveted ADC YG5 list. While the largest single contingent of YG5 honorees are based in New York, the list also includes YOUNG GUNS working in the UK, Canada, Australia, China, Spain and Croatia.
"Recognizing and encouraging young talent is a core mission of the ADC," comments Executive Director Myrna Davis. "The industry looks to us to identify new trends in visual communications, as well as the leaders who influence those trends. We look forward to the contributions this group will be making in the years ahead."
Among ADC YG5 designees are creative teams at ad agencies Wieden + Kennedy in Portland and BBDO in New York, and two designers at Kate Spade LLC. Other YOUNG GUNS include an animation director at motion graphics company Brand New School; an up and coming commercials director at Backyard Productions in Chicago; a design director at the San Francisco-based cable channel Current TV; and editorial and book jacket designers at The New York Times Magazine and HarperCollins. ADC YG5 honorees come from the fields of interactive media, advertising, graphic design, photography and illustration.
To be eligible, entrants had to be age 30 and under as of the entry deadline and professionally employed. ADC YG5 winners will be showcased in an exhibition to premiere at the ADC Gallery in New York in November 2006, and in a book to be published at the same time.
Founded in New York in 1920 as the first Art Directors Club, ADC is an international not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires creative innovation, encourages young people coming into the fields of advertising, design and interactive media, and brings together creative leaders across the boundaries of their disciplines. It presents the ADC Annual Awards, now in its 85th year, which celebrates outstanding examples of advertising, graphic design, interactive media, photography and illustration.
For more information on the ADC, visit www.adcglobal.org. A complete list of YOUNG GUNS can be found at www.adcglobal.org/yg5/youngguns5.html.
Web site: http://www.adcglobal.org/
The Circus Is Coming to Town!
The Odeum in Villa Park, Illinois will be hosting 13 performances of the Famous George Carden Three Ring Circus as a benefit for Children's Memorial Hospital "Where kids come first(TM)."
George Carden International presents Three Rings of dazzling lights and sounds, breathtaking aerial feats, incredible animal antics, amazing stunts of dexterity, funny clowns and tons and tons of elephant fun. "Bo Fest," an interactive fun learning experience for kids of all ages, will include pony rides, elephant rides, face painting, and games.
The Opening night preview performance will take place Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 at 7:00pm. Additional performances will run Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 4:30pm & 7:30pm; Saturday at 11:00am, 3:00pm, & 7:00pm; Sunday at 11:00am, 3:00pm, & 6:00pm. Ticket prices will range from $12 to $35 and are available through Ticketmaster and The Odeum box office.
Pepsi is on board as a major sponsor, and will have the Odeum circus logo affixed to 27 million "Diet Pepsi" cans in the Chicago market promoting the circus.
For general information on the circus, or Children's Memorial Hospital, feel free to click on the following links:
http://www.odeumexpo.com/Circus.asp
http://www.childrensmemorial.org/
The Odeum is proud to partner with Children's Memorial Hospital, "Where kids come first(TM)."
Source: The Odeum
The Press-Enterprise Company Launches Multimedia Strategy With Restructuring of Operations
The Press-Enterprise Company, a Riverside, CA-based subsidiary of Belo Corp. (NYSE:BLC) , announced the implementation of an enhanced multimedia business plan and accompanying organizational restructuring aimed at better serving and reaching its readers, online users and advertisers in the Inland Southern California.
The restructuring plan will be phased in over the next two months and includes an increased emphasis on the dissemination of breaking news and information via The Press-Enterprise's Web site, PE.com, including streaming video; the launch of more than 40 micro-local community Web pages; a greater focus on online advertising sales; the expansion of targeted sales opportunities in advertising and circulation through database marketing; an increased focus on developing print and online products to serve distinct interests throughout the region; and the enhancement of production processes to provide earlier delivery for the region's many commuters.
Implementation of The Press-Enterprise's multimedia strategy will result in a net reduction of approximately 50 positions by mid-year 2006. More than 80 positions will be eliminated or consolidated, while approximately 30 new positions will be created. The Company noted that a severance plan is being offered to employees affected by the strategy to help them transition to other employment.
About the Press-Enterprise Company
The Press-Enterprise Company, a Riverside, CA-based subsidiary of Belo Corp., publishes The Press-Enterprise, a 185,000-circulation daily newspaper, the largest daily newspaper serving Inland Southern California; The Business Press, a weekly business journal; La Prensa and El D, weekly Spanish-language newspapers serving the region's diverse Hispanic community; and the advertising publications Inland Empire HomeSeller, Inland Empire AutoSeller, Inland Empire Employment and Savings Express.
Belo Corp. is one of the nation's largest media companies with a diversified group of market-leading television, newspaper, cable and interactive media assets. A Fortune 1000 company with 7,700 employees and more than $1.5 billion in annual revenues, Belo operates in some of America's most dynamic markets in Texas, the Northwest, the Southwest, the Mid-Atlantic and Rhode Island. Belo owns 19 television stations, six of which are in the 15 largest U.S. broadcast markets. The Company also owns or operates seven cable news channels and manages one television station through a local marketing agreement. Belo's other daily newspapers are The Dallas Morning News, The Providence Journal and the Denton Record-Chronicle (Denton, TX). The Company also publishes specialty publications targeting young adults and the fast-growing Hispanic market, including Quick and Al Dia in Dallas/Fort Worth. Belo operates more than 30 Web sites associated with its operating companies.
Web site: http://www.belo.com/
British Movietonews has Been Named Footage Library of the Year
The newsreel company was awarded the honour at the Focal Awards, the Oscars of the archive film industry.
The gala evening was held at the Savoy Hotel in London, hosted by Lord David Puttnam and Greg Dyke, the former Director-General of the BBC.
In continuous business since 1929, British Movietonews enables people to fully research and view the library's entire collection of historical newsreels on-line at its modern database www.movietone.com.
The award was received on behalf of the company by Barry Florin, its Managing Director.
Source: British Movietonenews Limited
HotMovies.com Now Offers 40,000 Movies!
The Internet's fastest growing Pay- Per-Minute web site, HotMovies.com, announced a new milestone today when its online library of adult movies surpassed 40,000 titles. Unlike other Pay-Per- Minute sites that count a movie more than once if it is available in different formats, the HotMovies.com library now offers more than 40,000 unique titles from over 1,200 studios, including thousands found exclusively on HotMovies.com.
James Seibert, National's Director of Business Development, says it is easy to understand why HotMovies.com continues to expand its online library. "With our no commitment, no membership billing model, we've already established HotMovies.com as one of the most convenient and innovative adult sites on the Internet," says Seibert. "Our goal has always been to offer our visitors the largest possible selection of quality adult films."
HotMovies.com adds 50 to 100 new titles every day with new titles going live every hour. The rapid growth of the HotMovies.com movie library is due, in part, to the continuing effort of its parent company, National A-1 Internet, to attract and sign new studios. Since the beginning of April 2006, movies from more than three-dozen new studios have been added to HotMovies.com for streaming and download.
"These studios believe in the Pay-Per-Minute billing model," Seibert says. "They realize that most people do not want to watch an entire DVD but prefer to watch a little of this and a little of that which really means that they go directly to the parts of the movies that interests them. Even better, our customers can watch exactly what they want for only $0.10 a minute."
For more information, visit http://www.hotmovies/.
Nick Lachey's Album 'What's Left of Me' Debuts on Billboard Album Chart at #2; Single #1 on AOLMusic.com
Jive Records artist Nick Lachey's current album "What's Left of Me" debuts on the Billboard Top 200 album chart this week at #2 with over 172,000 album sold.
At radio the title track is still going strong. Current chart positions are #14 on the POP R&R charts, #28 on Adult Contemporary Top 40 and #17 Adult Contemporary.
"What's Left of Me" debuted on AOLMusic.com in February. The album debut on the site has been the best performing Full CD Listening Party in last 6 months. This week the song it #1 most played on AOLMusic.com.
In April, MTV presented an anticipated look inside the life of Nick Lachey as he prepared to release his album with the one-hour special, "Nick Lachey: What's Left Of Me." This was followed by the MTV world premiere of Nick's new video "What's Left Of Me" along with an inside look of its production with "Making The Video: Nick Lachey." The video has been in MTV TRL's Top 10 since its debut. This week it is the #1 most played video on the channel.
Recent TV appearances have included Good Morning America, Live With Regis & Kelly, MTV's TRL, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Upcoming TV performances include Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson (5/19), and CBS Early Show (5/26)
"What's Left of Me" consists of 12 tracks, 8 of which were co-written by Nick. Other talent on the album includes Andreas Carlsson (Celine Dion), Anders Bagge (98 Degrees, Madonna) and Dan Muckala (Backstreet Boys).
Source: Jive Records
Web site: http://www.jiverecords.com/
Ashlee Simpson Sets Summer 2006 Tour I AM ME Tour to Hit 32 Cities, The Veronicas and Ashley Parker Angel to Perform Show Openers
Ashlee Simpson is embarking on her second major United States tour in less than two years with the official kick-off of the "I AM ME" Summer 2006 Tour in Santa Barbara, CA on June 5, 2006. The "I AM ME" tour will hit arenas and amphitheatres in more than 32 cities across the United States including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Boston, Philadelphia, Orlando, Denver, Memphis and Houston over a three month stretch. The Veronicas and Ashley Parker Angel will support on all dates.
Simpson's sophomore effort I AM ME debuted at the top of the Billboard charts on October 18, 2005, just as her first album AUTOBIOGRAPHY did in 2004. To date, Simpson's albums have sold nearly six million copies and she has successful acting credits on "7th Heaven" and a critically praised feature film debut in "Undiscovered," to her name. Simpson recently hosted the Australian MTV Video Music Awards and has appeared on countless magazine covers including Elle, Blender, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen and Jane.
Following is a list of tour dates and venues:
Date City Venue
June 5th Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl
June 7th Los Angeles, CA Greek Theater
June 8th Alpine, CA Concerts In The Park
June 10th Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
June 11th Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theater
June 13th Denver, CO Coors Amphitheatre
June 16th Spring, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
June 17th Dallas, TX House of Blues
June 18th N. Little Rock, AR ALLTEL Arena
June 20th Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center
June 22nd Baton Rouge, LA River Center
June 23rd Memphis, TN Mud Island Amphitheater
June 25th Portsmouth, VA Harbor Center
June 27th Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues
June 29th Glen Allen, VA Innsbrook Pavilion
June 30th Bristow, VA Nissan Pavilion @ Stone Ridge
July 2nd Atlantic City, NJ The Borgata Hotel & Casino
July 3rd Mashantucket, CT Foxwoods Casino
July 5th Hampton Bach, NH Hampton Beach Casino
July 6th Hyannis, MA Cape Cod Melody Tent
July 11th Boston, MA Bank of America Pavilion
July 12th Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory Ballroom
July 14th Hershey, PA Hersheypark Pavilion
July 15th Pittsburgh, PA Chevrolet Amphitheater
July 17th Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheatre
July 18th Darien Lake, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
July 20th Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
July 21st Bethel, NY Bethel Woods
July 23rd Wantagh, NY Tommy Hilfiger at Jones Beach Theater
July 25th Toledo, OH Zoo Amphitheatre
July 26th Wheaton, IL Dupage County Fair
July 29th Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster or ticketmaster.com. For updated information on Ashlee Simpson and The I AM ME Tour check out her web site at www.AshleeSimpsonMusic.com.
Source: Geffen Records
Hyperion Announces New Book from Mitch Albom
Hyperion today announced plans to publish the highly anticipated new novel by Mitch Albom. The book, entitled FOR ONE MORE DAY, will be published on September 26, 2006.
Albom delivered the manuscript just a few weeks ago, thrilling and surprising everyone at Hyperion. He will be at Book Expo America this Friday, May 19th from 3-4 pm to speak to booksellers for the first time about his new book. He will read a few pages from the manuscript and give booksellers a sense of the story that he hopes will move readers in the same way his last two books have.
In this new book, Albom explores the themes of family, divorce and regrets, and the wish that we could have one more day with a lost loved one. He also writes tenderly about the unique and sometimes difficult relationship between mothers and sons, following the story of a boy who was forced to choose his father over his mother, only to see his father abruptly disappear a few years later.
Mitch Albom's previous two books have been of particular note. TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE was the bestselling memoir of all time, having now sold over 11 million copies worldwide. And his first novel, the #1 New York Times bestseller THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN, sold over 6.5 million copies in hardcover, marking it as the bestselling first novel hardcover ever.
The announcement of the new book was made by Robert S. Miller, president of Hyperion. "Mitch has topped himself with this amazing new novel," Miller said. "It is a deeply moving and hopeful story that we believe will touch millions of readers this fall, and for years to come."
When asked about the book, Albom said: "So many people have told me -- often fighting tears -- what they wish they could say to a father or a mother if they only had one more day with them. I wanted to write a story about someone who gets that chance."
Executive editor Leslie Wells is the editor for the book.
Hyperion, which was founded in 1991, publishes general-interest fiction and non-fiction hardcover, trade, and mass-market paperback books for adults and includes the Miramax, ESPN Books, ABC Daytime Press, Hyperion East, and Hyperion AudioBooks imprints. Hyperion is the adult trade book publishing unit of ABC, Inc.
Source: Hyperion
Web site: http://www.hyperionbooks.com/
Louis Vuitton at the 59th Cannes Film Festival 2006
During the Opening Ceremony, on May the 17th 2006, the President of the Jury of Cannes Film Festival, Mr. WONG Kar Wai, the Chinese director was wearing a tuxedo from Louis Vuitton.
Verizon Customers in Tampa Have a Choice for TV Service
Verizon FiOS TV Now Available to More Than 40,000 Households in the Tampa City Limits
More than 40,000 households here can now get Verizon FiOS TV, with amazingly sharp pictures and sound and offering a true choice for subscription television and On Demand programming, via the company's all-digital, fiber-optic network. Verizon is the only company to offer such a communications network all the way to customers in millions of homes and offices across the country.
Verizon began taking orders for its fiber-optic TV services today, following the Tampa City Council's unanimous decision on May 11 to grant the company a franchise to provide television services in the city.
The communities where FiOS TV will be available in this initial offering are Beach Park, Seminole, Hyde Park, Sulphur Springs, Bayshore Beautiful, Palma Ceia, New Tampa and areas of the city served by Verizon around the University of South Florida and Temple Terrace. In the months ahead, Verizon will expand FiOS TV's availability to more households in Tampa.
"Today, Tampa's residents join in the Verizon fiber technology revolution and enter a world where they have choice, competition and the value that it creates," said Alan Ciamporcero, Verizon's Southeast region president. "No longer will consumers be at the mercy of a single cable TV company. They'll have Verizon FiOS TV."
Service highlights include:
-- A broad collection of all-digital programming and compelling consumer
choice - with more than 350 total channels and more on the way.
-- A lead offer with more than 180 digital video and music channels for
$39.95. With an annual savings agreement, customers can choose either
$5 off the monthly Movie Package price or waive the monthly standard
set-top box fee of $3.95.
-- More than 20 high-definition (HD) channels, with extraordinary clarity
and theater-quality sound.
-- Over 2,200 On Demand titles available to customers now, increasing to
over 3,500 titles in the next several months.
-- Channels grouped by genres such as entertainment, sports, news,
shopping, movies and family, making it easy for audiences to find
their favorite programming.
-- An easy-to-use interactive programming guide that integrates HD
programming, On Demand content and the digital video recorder along
with broadcast television into a seamless user experience.
-- A dual-tuner, HD-capable DVR that gives customers the freedom to pause
and rewind live TV, record one show while watching another, and fast
forward to their favorite part of the program - all without a VCR,
tapes or DVDs.
Information on packages and prices is available at http://www.verizon.net/fiostv. Customers also can call 1-800-880-2941 to see if they are able to order FiOS TV.
Tampa joins the city of Temple Terrace, Hillsborough County and parts of southern Manatee County as FiOS TV markets in Florida. Early response to the television, data and voice offerings in those areas has been strong. When Verizon reported its 2006 first-quarter earnings, it noted that it has achieved a 10 percent penetration of FiOS TV-eligible households in its Florida market overall. In Temple Terrace, market penetration is 16 percent since FiOS TV was introduced in that community in December.
In addition to Florida, FiOS TV is also available to customers in parts of six other states: California, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York Texas and Virginia. "Our plan is to add more households each month while also managing the available work force to meet consumer demand," said Ciamporcero. "We want to deliver FiOS television and high-speed Internet services to consumers as quickly as possible."
Additionally, Verizon continues to negotiate with the city of Oldsmar and Sarasota County for franchises.
Delivered over Verizon's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network, FiOS TV is a formidable competitor to cable and satellite. The Verizon FTTP network, the largest of its kind in the country, is currently under construction in more than half the states where the company offers landline communications services, including more than 20 of Verizon's service areas in Florida.
To date, Verizon has deployed over three million feet of fiber in Tampa. By the time the city is fully wired in five years, over 9 million feet will be deployed. The network brings the power and capacity of fiber optics directly into people's homes and has industry-leading quality and reliability. Fiber delivers high quality and has the capacity to transmit a wide array of high- definition programming that is so clear and intense it seems to leap from the TV screen. It also delivers Internet download speeds of up to 30 Mbps (megabits per second) and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps as well as high- quality voice services.
Programming choices for African-American, Asian, Russian and other multicultural and ethnic audiences will be available in every market. Because FiOS TV has so much capacity, it will also be an outlet for emerging and independent networks to showcase their diverse programming.
Service and Package Details
FiOS TV subscribers can choose from three simple-to-understand service offerings, each with built-in choice and value. They can then choose from packages and premium channels with programming that meets their special interests. Verizon offers three set-top boxes: standard definition for $3.95 per month; high definition, which includes HD channels, for $9.95 per month; and a dual-tuner, HD-capable digital video recorder for $12.95 per month.
The services include:
-- FiOS TV Local, with access to 15-35 local broadcast, weather and
community channels for $12.95 per month. The service is digital with a
set-top box, which also provides access to On Demand programming.
FiOS TV Local is also available as an analog service that does not
require a set-top box for viewing.
-- FiOS TV Premier, Verizon's lead offer, delivers more than 180 video
and music channels for $39.95 as a stand-alone service or $34.95 a
month with Verizon FiOS Internet Service or a qualifying voice plan.
This tier includes access to On Demand content and requires a set-top
box. High-definition channels are included in this tier at no extra
charge, and customers must have an HD set-top box and an HD-ready TV
to view them.
-- La Conexion, an alternative to Expanded Basic service designed for
bilingual consumers who enjoy TV programs in English and Spanish, for
$27.95 per month with Verizon FiOS Internet Service or a qualifying
voice plan. La Conexion is also available as a stand-alone service
for $32.95 per month. The package includes nearly 140 channels with
English and Spanish-language programming and access to On Demand
programming. This service requires a set-top box. High-definition
channels are included in this tier at no extra charge, and customers
must have an HD set-top box and an HD-ready TV to view them.
Consumers with a passion for movies can add the movie package with 44 channels of Starz, Encore, Showtime, The Movie Channel, Sundance and Flix, as well as 255 titles of On Demand programming, for a regular price of $11.95 a month. Sports enthusiasts can add a 15-channel sports package for $5.95 a month. Or, both packages can be purchased for $14.95 a month. In addition to the movie package, customers with a set-top box can order new, On Demand movie releases for $3.95 each or choose from a selection of movie library titles for $2.95 each.
For wrestling fans, Verizon offers World Wrestling Entertainment's WWE 24/7, a subscription On Demand service, for $7.95 a month. Karaoke fans can sing along at home with a subscription to the Karaoke package for $7.95 a month.
Verizon also offers 14 HBO channels and 12 Cinemax channels as premium services, with each set of channels available for $14.95. The price includes access to each channel's subscription On Demand library. Subscribers who want both HBO and Cinemax will pay $24.95 per month.
The value of FiOS TV extends to the installation and customer support. Specially trained Verizon technicians will install the service and acquaint subscribers with FiOS TV features and services. Verizon is waiving the installation fee for up to three existing TV outlets, and there is no charge to install a needed optical network terminal at the subscriber's home. Charges for other installation services, such as additional outlets, may apply. Verizon provides 24x7 technical assistance by phone from its specialized Fiber Solutions Centers.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) , a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other communication innovations to wireline and wireless customers. Verizon operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million customers nationwide; one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks; and one of the nation's premier wireline networks, serving mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/.
Source: Verizon
Brekeke Marks 100,000th Download of OnDO SIP Server
Today Brekeke Software, Inc. announced that over 100,000 users have downloaded their OnDO SIP Server software and are enjoying the benefits. OnDO SIP Server is a SIP Proxy and SIP Registrar designed for scalability to accommodate the personal user calling friends and family through an internet connection, up to the call center servicing thousands of agents and callers. Brekeke is a leader in voice and data communications technology.
"We're thankful to our customers and resellers for their growing interest in Brekeke products and SIP, and their recognition of its ability to connect SIP hardware and software for both personal and business purposes," says Shin Yamade, CEO of Brekeke. "Marking the 100,000th download is a major milestone, not due to the number of downloads, but because it signifies that hundreds of users are possibly connected through that one download of OnDO SIP Server."
The growing popularity of SIP has made the OnDO SIP Server a favorite with techies for its compatibility with a wide variety of SIP devices, products, and services and its ease of use. The OnDO SIP Server is a fundamental element of multi-media communication systems; it registers and authenticates users, and routes communication between registered user agents.
Brekeke offers free tutorials, free technical support, and most remarkably, free software to qualifying educational institutions and personal users wanting to implement a SIP Server for creating communications systems. Supporting multiple platforms on Microsoft® Windows® 2000/XP, Red Hat® Linux®, Mac OS X, and Solaris™, OnDO SIP Server is competitively priced at $200 per general use license. Brekeke products are sold through a world-wide network of resellers as well as directly through Brekeke's website at http://www.brekeke.com/.
About Brekeke
Brekeke is a growing leader in the SIP communications platform market. Headquartered in San Mateo, CA since 2002, Brekeke offers SIP communications software that enables IP-based communications for businesses of all sizes.
Visit www.brekeke.com/ for download and tutorial information.
The following statement was issued today by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)) Vice President of Government Affairs Michael Petricone regarding the lawsuit filed yesterday against XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. by a group of record labels:
"Here they go again. The record industry is returning to the courts in their nonstop efforts to stop new technology, neuter existing products, frustrate consumers and make illegal longstanding consumer home recording activities. Their new target is XM Satellite Radio, one of America's top technology success stories of the new millennium. XM's only offense is providing legal and exciting programming options to millions of Americans, while opening new revenue and promotional opportunities for the recording industry.
"The lawsuit announced yesterday is a brazen effort by the labels to strongarm more money from a successful technology industry startup. XM Radio already is the largest single payer of digital music broadcast royalties. More, the record labels receive royalties on every XM recording device sold as provided by Congress under the Audio Home Recording Act (AHRA).
"Through this lawsuit, the record industry is trying to block private, noncommercial recording off the radioan activity which Americans have enjoyed for decades, has always been considered legal, and in this case has been expressly recognized by Congress, in the AHRA, as protected from lawsuit.
"The record companies cut a deal, embodied in legislation, which said digital audio recording devices are legal if they do not allow copies of copies. And, throughout their pursuit of the Grokster case, the labels insisted that they had no intention of threatening the sort of inhome, private, noncommercial recording enabled by the devices under question in this suit.
"The products at issue in this lawsuit do not allow redistribution over the Internet or to any other product. They simply allow consumers to timeshift music they are lawfully receiving through subscription fees fees that support the royalty payments to the labels. No matter how hard the record labels try to stretch the truth, XM has zero resemblance to the old Napster or other peertopeer file sharing services.
"The recording industry seems to have developed amnesia about the AHRA into which we and they had substantial input. Under this law, there is no doubt that the satellite recorders at issue in this lawsuit are legal. Specifically, the AHRA says:
'No action may be brought under this title alleging infringement
of copyright based on the manufacture, importation, or
distribution of a digital audio recording device, a digital audio
recording medium, an analog recording device, or an analog
recording medium, or based on the noncommercial use by a consumer
of such a device or medium for making digital musical recordings
or analog musical recordings.'
"The lawsuit is yet another ambush in the labels' ongoing war on innovators and consumers. In addition to this lawsuit, the industry is pushing the PERFORM Act in Congress. This legislation would raise royalties and impose new technology mandates on satellite radio. We urge Congress to refrain from acting on this and any related legislation pending an outcome of this lawsuit in the Courts.
"It is time to say 'enough is enough.' It is time to put an end to illfounded lawsuits and overreaching legislation that effectively impose an 'innovation tax' on consumers and technology developers. These ongoing efforts discourage innovation and jeopardize America's global technology leadership.
"If only the music industry spent as much time adopting new business models as they do filing lawsuits and aggressively lobbying for anticonsumer, antitechnology changes in the law, they might find they can actually expand their market.
"This lawsuit undermines our efforts to work with the recording industry to seek interindustry cooperation on digital technology issues. On behalf of American consumers and technology innovators, we look forward to standing with XM as it defends this lawsuit. The consumer technology industry will continue to take a strong stand against persistent, punitive, obnoxious and overreaching efforts by the record labels to control innovation and limit reasonable consumer activities."
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The 10th Annual Consumer Electronics CEO Summit
June 2124, 2006, Southampton, Bermuda
2006 SINOCES
July 710, 2006, Qingdao, China
2006 CEA Summer Technology and Standards Forum
July 2428, 2006, Coronado, CA
CEA Industry Forum
October 1618, 2006, San Francisco, CA
2007 International CES
January 811, 2007, Las Vegas, NV
Gifted Final 8 selected
Wright Gener8Xion Entertainment, a joint venture between Wright Entertainment Group and Gener8Xion Entertainment, Inc. (the "Company") (BULLETIN BOARD: GNXE) , has announced that producers have selected the final 8 Contestants for its soon to be televised talent search program called "GIFTED" (http://www.giftedtalentsearch.com/).
An estimated 16,000 people turned up for the nationwide auditions; 800 hopefuls traveled to Nashville for the biggest auditions of their lives; 8 finalists remain on GIFTED.
The GIFTED auditions, which have taken place in mega-churches across the United States, invited competitors 18 and over to sing acapella versions of classic hymns such as "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace," with the winners of those auditions moving onto four regional auditions where eight finalists have been chosen.
The GIFTED finale will be hosted by Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell, with the competition's winner receiving a major-label recording contract, career management by Wright Entertainment Group (www.WegMusic.com), and day-to-day support from Wright Gener8Xion Entertainment. In addition, a $10,000 donation will be made to the church where the winner originally auditioned.
"I am around exceptional talent all the time, but I am absolutely overwhelmed by the talent we have seen during the GIFTED auditions -- it is truly spectacular," said Johnny Wright, President & CEO of Wright Entertainment Group.
"The GIFTED project was born out of the direct response from senior Pastors and Christian leaders across the country all saying they wanted a vehicle that highlighted the vocal 'gifts' inside of young people. We were thrilled by the initial response that within a 30 minute period we received over 17,000 people who downloaded our contestant application. Never have we experienced such a high level of enthusiasm from participants. I anticipate Gener8Xion Entertainment may capture strong revenues from the licensing of cd's and dvd's, and from ticket sales from tours and other related merchandise," said Matthew Crouch, Chairman and CEO of Gener8Xion Entertainment, Inc.
Gener8Xion Entertainment, Inc. (http://www.8x.com/) (BULLETIN BOARD: GNXE) is an integrated media company engaged in various operating activities including feature film and television production and distribution, sales and rentals of film and video equipment, systems integration and studio facility management.
Johnny Wright is a one of the foremost music managers of all-time. He has helped guide the careers of multi-platinum artists Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and Britney Spears, to name a few. Wright has also served as Executive Producer on the feature films "Crossroads" and "On the Line," premiere HBO specials "Britney Live" and "*NSYNC No Strings Attached," and several prime-time artist television features. Johnny Wright can currently be seen on MTV's "Making the Band 3" where he serves as Producer, as well as management for the resulting group.
http://www.wegmusic.com/
http://www.giftedtalentsearch.com/
iriver clix Delivers Complete Package for Portable Entertainment Fans
iriver clix Provides Slick Integration With Microsoft Windows Media Player 11 and MTV Networks' New URGE Digital Music Service
iriver, the leading innovator in digital entertainment, has raised the bar yet again for portable music players with the release of the iriver clix. With the iriver clix portable media player, customers have easy and immediate compatibility with the new Windows Media Player 11 and the public beta of MTV Networks' new URGE digital music service launching today. The iriver clix features a new ultra-intuitive interface, 2GB memory capacity, a large, vivid color display, digital FM tuner, enhanced photo viewing, video playback, and FlashLite(TM) game support.
"What consumers really want in a portable media player are options, style, and performance. The iriver clix offers that and more," said Jonathan Sasse, president and CEO of iriver America. "The combined integration of the iriver clix with WMP11 and the URGE digital music service offers consumers more choices for obtaining digital content. We are thrilled to bring this superior portable device to market. It is a testimony of our commitment at iriver to continue offering consumers products that fit their connected lifestyle and entertainment demands."
"Microsoft's collaboration with iriver has produced some great synergies between our respective products and the iriver clix is no exception," said Chad Hodge, director of Windows Digital Media at Microsoft Corp. "The iriver clix represents a significant leap forward for portable media devices, offering consumers a unique design and seamless compatibility with the new Windows Media Player 11 and URGE music service."
"Our original music programming and discovery features are the hallmarks of URGE, which goes hand-in-hand with the sleek design and intuitive user interface of the iriver clix," said Michael Bloom, MTV Networks' vice president of digital music. "The powerful end-to-end solution of URGE and the iriver clix helps consumers take full advantage of our innovative features such as Feeds, which move music discovery to the portable music player."
The beautifully designed iriver clix plays music, video, photos and more. It features a new ultra-intuitive interface that is easily customizable. Additionally, the iriver clix meets the new quality bar set for PlaysForSure and is part of the vanguard of PlaysForSure-verified devices that will offer consumers an even better end-to-end service, media player, and device experience.
iriver clix Feature Set:
-- Capacity: 2GB
-- Display: 2.2" Color TFT
-- Media: Video/Music/Photos
-- Games: FlashLite 2.0
-- Optimized for Windows Media Player 11
-- Simple synchronization with URGE music service
-- Supports URGE music feeds and custom playlists
-- "Now Playing" screen features album art, song ratings, quick play lists
and next song preview
-- Optimized photo synching through Windows Media Player 11
-- Integrated digital FM tuner and FM recorder
-- Built-in voice recorder
-- Easily select portrait or landscape viewing modes
-- Customize interface with preloaded wallpaper or any photo
-- Innovative direct click interface
-- Convenient programmable SmartKey allows quick access to common
functions
-- Support for MP3, Windows Media Audio (WMA) and OGG music files
-- Support for MPEG4 Simple Profile QVGA (15fps) video
-- Rapid USB 2.0 music transfers
iriver clix Includes:
-- iriver clix 2GB multimedia player
-- Easy Start installation CD
-- Preloaded content including a selection of music, videos, photos,
wallpapers and games
-- Carrying case with screen cleaner
-- iriver earphones
-- USB 2.0 cable
-- Printed manual
-- 1 year limited warranty
Pricing and Availability
The 2GB iriver clix is priced at US $199.99 and is available now at the iriver eStore at www.iriveramerica.com/estore and at Amazon.com. Visit www.iriverclix.com for more retail locations.
iriver clix Accessories:
iriver clix cradle and remote: $69.99
-- Play music through the built-in speakers
-- Record directly from any audio source
-- Connect to your home stereo
-- Recharge your player
-- Synchronize with your PC
-- Wake up with the alarm/snooze
iriver clix accessory kit: $29.99
-- Silicon carrying case w/ clip (fully usable in case)
-- Neck strap attachment for case
-- Arm band attachment for case
-- Lens protector
FM transmitter (AFT200): $69.99
-- Listen to the iriver clix through a car stereo
-- Simultaneously charges and broadcasts
-- Transmits on full FM spectrum
-- 3 programmable presets
iriver is the emerging global leader in delivering portable digital media devices. iriver provides consumers with the viewing, listening and recording flexibility to accommodate their active lifestyles by manufacturing award-winning hybrid products supporting existing and emerging formats, including MP3, WMA, OGG and Macromedia Flash Lite 2.0. Vancouver, WA-based iriver America, Inc. can be found on the Web at www.iriveramerica.com.
* Battery life rating based on continuous music playback at 50% volume of 128kbps MP3 music files.
NOTE: iriver America is a registered trademark of iriver America, Inc. All other registered or unregistered trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.
Web site: http://www.iriveramerica.com/
Ultimate Shopping Network and ChocolateBox Cafe Sweeten Home Television Shopping With New Rewards Program
Shoppers to Receive Free Chocolates From Exclusive Chocolatier With Purchases on Television's Only Luxury Shopping Network
USN Corporation (BULLETIN BOARD: USNR) ("USN"), owner of television's only luxury home shopping network, the "Ultimate Shopping Network," announced today a customer rewards partnership with premier chocolate retailer, ChocolateBox Cafe. Beginning June 1, for each purchase over $300, USN's customers will receive a free gift of ChocolateBox Cafe fine chocolates and truffles specially branded with USN's logo. In return, ChocolateBox Cafe receives valuable exposure to USN's affluent customer base, which has television shopping's highest average household income.
The USN/ChocolateBox Cafe partnership continues USN's tradition of creating intimate and lasting relationships with its customers through high-end service and personalized attention similar to what they would receive at a premium boutique or high-end department store. Customers who choose overnight shipping will receive a box of four high-grade, handmade, USN signature chocolates and truffles. Non-overnight customers will receive a box of eight ChocolateBox Cafe Mini Square Neapolitans. A thank you note from USN and ChocolateBox Cafe literature, introducing the customer to the chocolatier, will accompany each gift.
"USN and ChocolateBox Cafe go hand in hand," said Mark Miller, CEO of USN Corporation. "We're happy to be a leader in customer appreciation, from personal thank you calls from show hosts, to bouquets of flowers, and now boxes of premium chocolate. We want our customers to truly understand how much we appreciate their business and to keep them coming back."
The USN and ChocolateBox Cafe partnership is part of USN's continuing growth strategy -- from Q4 2004 to Q4 to 2005 the company achieved a 121% increase in sales. Under the terms of the agreement, ChocolateBox Cafe will provide product to USN and in return receive direct access to the USN customer base through the USN call center and Web site. USN will also receive a percentage of ChocolateBox Cafe sales generated through USN promotions.
"Our partnership with USN is a great opportunity for ChocolateBox Cafe," said ChocolateBox Cafe CEO Zareh Baghdasarian. "Not only do we receive direct access to the exact consumer we wish to target, but we're also working with USN and being recognized as a retailer that meets their high standard of quality. This is definitely one of the best endorsements we could ever receive."
ABOUT CHOCOLATE BOX CAFÉ
ChocolateBox Cafe delivers the finest gourmet chocolate and confections hand-made from only the most fresh premium ingredients, with an emphasis on artisan quality and sensory satisfaction. Handmade by artisans applying time-honored techniques, ChocolateBox Cafe is the ultimate keeper of earthly delights created to satisfy one's cravings.
Conceived as a warm and inviting place to enjoy simple pleasures inspired by the European cafe tradition, ChocolateBox Cafe's primary focus is to serve premium chocolate with flavored pairings -- coffee, tea, wine, and classic and exotic chocolate beverages. Currently offering luxurious and tempting boxed chocolate confections, ChocolateBox Cafe anticipates the launch of its first cafe in La Canada, California, set to open soon.
ABOUT USN CORP.
USN's wholly owned Ultimate Shopping Network is quickly becoming the luxury brand in television shopping. USN has positioned itself as television shopping's version of high-end retailing with a dedication to service, quality, integrity and luxury. Today, the Ultimate Shopping Network is broadcast to more than 30 million aggregated U.S. households on DIRECTV Channel 345, Dish Network 223, and various cable and broadcast outlets. The company also has an Internet shopping site, http://www.shopusn.com/, which offers customers many of the same upscale products seen by viewers on the network at very competitive price points.
Source: USN Corporation
Private Media Group Expands Mobile Content Distribution to Asia With Seal Media Ltd
Private Media Group Inc. (NASDAQ:PRVT) , a worldwide leader in premium-quality adult entertainment products, services, and new media content, signed an exclusive agreement granting Korean-based Seal Media Ltd. the right to offer and license Private's adult entertainment mobile content within South Korea with initial sales for 2006 expected to reach $500,000.
Private Media Group has agreed to supply mobile content from both their current library of mobile video clips and photo sets and -- in something new for Private -- a targeted line of content produced specifically for the Korean market. As exclusive distributors of this content to third party mobile operators and content aggregators for mobile operators, Seal will bundle and sell an array of mobile content throughout South Korea -- the largest adult mobile content market worldwide.
According to David Kane, Research Analyst for Wireless World Forum, "With 100% of Koreans aged 10-59 owning a mobile phone by 2007, Korea has one of the highest mobile ownership levels in the world. Subsequently, there has been a recent rise of $2.3bn in the Korean data market fuelled by texts and content so we know that data is the key to long term growth in the Korean mobile market. As the number of mobile phone owners reach saturation, Korean operators look for continued growth in content and messaging services."
"Promoting data services provides the best opportunity for sustaining revenue growth in the near future," continues Mr. Kane. "Messaging services will grow $1.8 billion by 2007 and content revenues will rise by $500 million."
Asia leads the worldwide mobile market and is also the leader in Internet, IPTV and 3D gaming services. Private Media Group, through newly formed Private Asia Ltd., is in the process of implementing an aggressive business development and marketing plan to enter the wireless, VOD, IPTV, Internet and Pay TV markets throughout Asia.
"South Korea has a remarkable history with 3G and mobile services -- together with Japan there are few markets that can boast as their equal," states Bo Rosenkvist, CEO of Private Asia Ltd. "Our contract with Seal Media is a huge step forward into the Korean mobile market, where shortly we will distribute high class adult content -- both photosets and short movies -- specifically produced to cater to the taste of the Korean market and comply with regional legislation. This is our first big step into the mammoth Asian market, which we believe in a few years will grow to the size of its Western counterparts. We are thrilled to see that our investment to build an infrastructure in Asia is starting to pay off."
About Private Media Group
With its 40 year track record, Private Media Group is a world leading adult lifestyle company which distributes a wide range of erotic and semi- erotic multimedia content over several platforms, including wireless and broadcasting technologies, narrow and broadband Internet, DVD and Magazines. Private Media Group also licenses its Private and silvergirls trademarks internationally for a range of luxury consumer products and owns the worldwide rights to the largest archive of high quality adult content in the world, which it distributes all over Europe, North America, Latin America, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Asia.
About Seal Media Ltd.
Seal Media Ltd. is a Korean entertainment group, which runs recording and publishing companies, a star casting & management business surrounding numerous celebrities, and broadcast channels. Seal Media Ltd. creates and distributes many kinds of entertainment content, which it adapts and positions based on current market trends in Korea.
Hershey Sponsors Tim McGraw-Faith Hill Soul2Soul II Tour
Fans Can Win Free Music Downloads, VIP Concert Package, Autographed Merchandise
The Hershey Company today announced an exciting consumer promotion related to its presenting sponsorship of the long-awaited Tim McGraw and Faith Hill "Soul2Soul II" Tour 2006. This concert event reunites the first couple of country music onstage for what are currently more than 70 performances in more than 50 U.S. cities. The mega-tour kicked off on April 21 in Columbus, Ohio, and arrives in Hershey for two sold- out shows on June 17 and 18 and tours throughout the U.S. until early September.
"The Hershey Company is excited to be the presenting sponsor for the Tim McGraw-Faith Hill 'Soul 2 Soul II' tour," said Chris Baldwin, Senior Vice President, President, U.S. Commercial Group. "Tim and Faith are very popular with many of our key consumer groups and sponsoring this tour enables Hershey to connect with their fans. Our All Access promotion will be sure to have fans looking for their favorite Hershey items all summer long."
Hershey's Soul2Soul sponsorship features the "All Access Code" promotion. Fans will receive codes inside specially marked Hershey's products to be used online for free Tim and Faith music downloads, including an exclusive live duet of the Grammy-winning song, "Like We Never Loved At All." Consumers also can select up to eight additional songs as download choices.
There also will be an online sweepstakes for fans to enter for a chance to win a trip to the tour's final show in Las Vegas or exclusive autographed merchandise. Check out these and other exciting offers at http://www.hersheys.com/timandfaith.
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have sold more than 60 million albums and share six Grammy Awards, 17 American Music Awards, 22 Country Music Association Awards and 16 Academy of Country Music Awards, 11 number-one albums and more than 35 number-one singles. The couple's "Soul2Soul" Tour 2000 marked one of the music industry's most successful concert tours of the millennium. This year's tour features a unique "in-the-round" set design that will bring fans closer than ever to the live concert action.
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) is a leading snack food company and the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products. With revenues of over $4 billion and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, The Hershey Company markets such well-known brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and Mauna Loa, as well as innovative new products such as Take 5 and Hershey's Cookies. In addition to its traditional confectionery products, Hershey offers a range of products specifically developed to address the nutritional interests of today's health-conscious consumer. These products include sugar-free Hershey's, Reese's and York candies, and PayDay Pro. It also markets Hershey's cocoa, Hershey's syrup and other branded baking ingredients, toppings and beverages.
In addition, Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hershey Company, markets such premium chocolate offerings as Scharffen Berger, known for its high-cacao dark chocolate products, and Joseph Schmidt, recognized for its fine, handcrafted chocolate gifts.
Source: The Hershey Company
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) Partners with Warner Bros. Pictures to Introduce The Ant Bully Family BookBreak Package
Reading books and watching summer blockbuster movies are both popular activities that families can enjoy together during the summer. Country Inns & Suites By Carlson is helping family travelers to do both by offering The Ant Bully Family BookBreak Package in conjunction with the release of the new digitally animated family adventure The Ant Bully, from Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures, based on the book by John Nickle and published by Scholastic Press.
Beginning May 1 through Oct. 1, 2006, Country Inns & Suites offers The Ant Bully Family BookBreak Package at its hotels in the U.S. and Canada. This offer includes a special family room rate (from $99 per room night; rates vary by location), free stay for kids, free breakfast, and a kids backpack filled with all kinds of fun including The Ant Bully themed activity book and bag tag, Cranium(R) family game, Jolly Time(R) Microwave Pop Corn, Country Time(R) Lemonade, coloring gadget, and swim goggles.
The Ant Bully book theme touches on the age-old issue of childhood bullying. According to recent research studies, one in four kids is bullied. The Ant Bully book focuses on this theme by telling the story about a boy named Lucas who takes his frustrations from being tormented by a neighborhood bully out on the ants living in his lawn. But when the ants decide they've had enough, they shrink Lucas down to ant size and order him to live in their colony and become a part of their team before he can return home.
Lucas' amazing experiences show him that friendship, cooperation and teamwork are as important to people as they are to his new ant family.
During The Ant Bully Family BookBreak Package hotel promotion, Warner Bros. Pictures will release The Ant Bully, on August 4, 2006. Written and directed by John A. Davis (Jimmy Neutron) the film is produced by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman and stars the voice talents of (alphabetically) Nicolas Cage, Bruce Campbell, Zach Tyler Eisen, Paul Giamatti, Regina King, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin.
The Ant Bully book is now available in the Country Inns & Suites in-hotel lending library. Guests may borrow the book and return it on their next visit to any Country Inns & Suites location in the U.S. and Canada. There are numerous other books available in the lending library for guests to read and return as well. Based on the number of books returned, Country Inns & Suites will make a donation to ProLiteracy Worldwide, an international non-profit literacy organization dedicated to providing literacy support in the areas of reading, writing, math and problem-solving skills. ProLiteracy Worldwide is represented in 51 developing countries, as well as in the U.S., and serves more than 350,000 adult new learners around the world each year. Since 2001, Country Inns & Suites has donated more than $80,000 to the organization.
About Country Inns & Suites By Carlson
As a leader in the mid-scale hotel segment, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson locations feature residential architecture and home-like interior design with highlights that include hardwood flooring, lobby fireplace and front porch. Each hotel offers many upgraded amenities such as complimentary breakfast, in-room hair dryer, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and weekday morning newspaper. The brand is known for its consistently high quality accommodations and personal, warm hospitality. Country Inns & Suites currently has more than 380 locations worldwide. Country Inns & Suites by Carlson is part of Minneapolis, Minn.-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide, encompassing more than 925 locations in 70 countries under five hotel brands, including Regent International Hotels; Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R); Park Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts and Park Inn(R). For full details, visit http://www.countryinns.com/bookbreak or call 1-800-456-4000 for more information about The Ant Bully Family BookBreak Package.
Disney Mobile's New Family Locator Service Powered by Autodesk
Autodesk LocationLogic Connects Disney Mobile Families in New Ways
Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) , today announced that Disney Mobile will use Autodesk(R) software and professional services to bring their forthcoming Family Locator(TM) wireless location services to market. Disney Mobile is leveraging Autodesk's award-winning LocationLogic(TM) platform and software applications to enable parents to locate their children's handsets using GPS technology.
"We selected Autodesk for its corporate strength, software development expertise and long-standing commitment to the wireless location services marketplace," said George Grobar, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Mobile. "Autodesk is a trusted partner in delivering our go-to-market strategy."
Family Locator is part of Disney Mobile's Family Center(TM), a set of integrated features that also includes Family Monitor(TM), Call Control and Family Alert!(TM) wireless services. The Family Center features allow parents to:
* Set spending allowances and track usage for voice minutes, text
messaging, picture messaging and downloadable content
* Determine the hours of the day and days of the week when kids can use
their phones
* Program restricted and always-on phone numbers to manage with whom kids
may communicate
* Prioritize important family messages
"Disney Mobile is continuing their commitment to families by providing them with new tools to connect with each other," said Joe Astroth, vice president of Autodesk's Location Services Division. "Location-based features will give parents additional information conveniently from their mobile phone."
Disney Mobile joins other Tier 1 national carriers in selecting Autodesk to provide solutions for the growing location-based marketplace.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 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 building, manufacturing, infrastructure, 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 by becoming more productive, streamlining project efficiency, and maximizing profits.
Autodesk Location Services, a division of Autodesk, Inc., provides platform software, application frameworks and professional services to deliver location-based services to wireless customers.
Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit www.autodesk.com.
About Disney Mobile
Disney Mobile is the first national wireless phone service built to meet the unique communication needs of today's family. Launching June 2006, Disney Mobile will provide wireless voice and data services and custom handsets. In addition, Disney Mobile will offer a package of features and applications tailored to meet the unique communication needs of families. The Family Center, a suite of four exclusive services, will enable parents to directly manage their family's wireless experience, including controlling when and how often kids use their phone; locating kids' handsets using GPS technology; protecting their kids from unwanted calls and messages and sending priority text messages to all Disney Mobile family plan members simultaneously. Disney Mobile will offer an array of content that parents trust and kids enjoy drawn from the rich entertainment heritage of Disney.
George Grobar is senior vice president and general manager of Disney Mobile, a division of the Walt Disney Internet Group, which is headquartered in North Hollywood.
NOTE: Autodesk and LocationLogic are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries. Disney, Disney Mobile, Family Alert!, Family Locator and Family Monitor are trademarks of Disney Enterprises, Inc. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
Starz Entertainment Group Enters Multi-Year Sponsorship With Hollywood Film
Festival(R)
Starz to Present the 10th Annual Hollywood Film Festival(R) and Host the
Hollywood Awards(R) After Party at Beverly Hilton Hotel
Continuing the company's efforts to strengthen its support and presence at major film festivals around the country, Starz Entertainment Group (SEG) has inked a multi-year
sponsorship with the Hollywood Film Festival(R) (HFF), which includes being
the presenting sponsor of this year's festival taking place October 17-23.
In addition, SEG will host the festival's closing party after the Hollywood
Awards(R) ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on October
23.
SEG, which has been associated with the HFF since 2004, will present
"Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride: Hunter S. Thompson on Film," a look at the
late gonzo journalist's influence on celebrities, politicos and other
writers. The film features interviews with Hunter's inner circle of family
and friends, but the thrust is focused on the manner in which his life
often overlapped with numerous Hollywood celebrities who became his close
friends, such as Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro ("Fear and Loathing in
Las Vegas"); Bill Murray ("Where the Buffalo Roam"); Sean Penn, John
Cusack, former Senators George McGovern and Gary Hart, Tom Wolfe, William
F. Buckley, Gary Busey, Harry Dean Stanton, artist Ralph Steadman and
others.
This marks the third consecutive year SEG has presented one of their
films at HFF. At last year's festival, they premiered "Bullets Over
Hollywood" and in 2004, "The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing."
"We've enjoyed our relationship with the festival and its Executive
Director, Carlos de Abreu," says David Charmatz, SEG senior vice president,
channel management. "He's done an amazing job in the festival's ten-year
history, bridging the gap between established Hollywood and emerging
filmmakers, something that is important to SEG. This year, we've decided to
step up our efforts and get even more involved with the festival for the
long term, and that includes hosting a must-attend party at the Hilton,
where everyone can relax or schmooze after the awards."
Says de Abreu, "I've certainly enjoyed working with the whole group at
SEG and am excited that they've upped their involvement with us. Through
this partnership, SEG will provide a broad range of communication
resources, both online and offline, and marketing leadership that will
significantly increase HFF's efforts to expand the festival and awards.
Their support will take us to the next level. Therefore, guaranteeing that
we will continue our quest to both discover embryonic filmmakers and honor
Hollywood talent."
This year the festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary by expanding
its film and events program. The festival will include symposiums,
premieres, special screenings and parties. Over 100 films will be
showcased.
The Hollywood Film Festival kicks off October 17 for a seven-day series
of screenings and special presentations with Q/A sessions at Arclight
Cinemas in Hollywood. On October 23, the festival culminates with the
prestigious Hollywood Awards(R), which honor established Hollywood talent,
international talent and emerging filmmakers.
http://www.hollywoodfestival.com
Last year's festival was one of the best yet, with awards going to such
Hollywood notables as Diane Keaton, Joaquin Phoenix, Charlize Theron, Susan
Sarandon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, George Lucas, Paul Haggis, and
the cast of "Crash," among others. The festival and awards generated more
than 500,000,000 media impressions in a mix of broadcast and cable/network
television, Internet, and print.
Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) is a premium movie service provider
operating in the United States. SEG offers 16 movie channels including the
flagship Starz(R) and Encore(R) brands with approximately 14.6 million and
26.4 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment Group airs more
than 1,000 movies per month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced
services including Starz HDTV, Starz On Demand and Vongo(SM). Starz
Entertainment Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media
Corporation that is attributed to Liberty Capital Group, http://www.starz.com.
SOURCE Starz Entertainment Group LLC
Web Site: http://www.starz.com http://www.hollywoodfestival.com
The race to capture Latino television viewers is heating up as a new competitor enters the market. LAT TV,
,A Spanish-language television channel launching initially in five major
markets, will offer culturally diverse programming produced in the home
countries of its targeted viewers. LAT TV will debut May 19 in Austin
(KVAT-17), Dallas/Fort Worth (KJJM-34), Houston (KCVH-30), Phoenix
(KVPA-42) and San Antonio (KISA-40) -- serving 5.2 million Hispanics and
17.4 percent of the U.S. Latino population ages 18-49.
"We are providing quality programming currently not available to
Spanish- language audiences," said Rocky Springstead, LAT TV president and
chief executive officer. "Our mission is to engage viewers and their
communities in each of our markets by providing unique content while
bringing a touch of viewers' homelands to their new lives." The station is
available free, requiring only an antenna.
With headquarters in Houston, LAT TV offers high quality programming
from producers and independent distributors in Latin America, Europe,
Mexico and the U.S. that is inclusive of all Latinos. LAT TV stands alone
in its unprecedented commitment to the local community. Approximately
one-and-a-half hours a day of programming are reserved to educate and
motivate viewers about local community issues in addition to Noticias LAT
TV providing local, national and international news.
Programming will be available for the whole family to enjoy, including
entertainment and education, fitness, sports, feature films, comedies, soap
operas and cooking shows, among others. LAT TV also will offer the largest
block of children's programming, including high-quality educational shows,
available over free Spanish-language television.
"Our philosophy is to offer fresh, family friendly programming in
Spanish, and to become a key part of the community fabric in each market,"
said Patricia Torres-Burd, executive vice president of programming &
branding. "In the process, we also will be able to deliver a brand-loyal,
largely untapped segment of the Spanish-speaking audience to our
advertisers."
Approximately 40 million Hispanics live in the U.S., comprising almost
11 million television households in 2004-2005, according to Nielsen Media
Research. LAT TV knows the key to reaching the Spanish-speaking portion of
this audience is through programming that reflects the diverse Latin
American culture and is offered free -- no cable or satellite subscriptions
required.
Rounding out the station's entertainment line-up, Noticias LAT TV, a
30- minute news program airing at 7:30 p.m., will focus on local, regional,
national and international stories relevant to viewers' interests.
Underscoring its commitment to the community, LAT TV has reserved a
30-minute timeslot twice a day for local community programming, and also
will air a community calendar of workshops, fundraisers, job fairs and
other local events eight times daily. Each local office is staffed by a
general sales manager who oversees day-to-day operations and the sales team
as well as a director of community affairs and public relations.
LAT TV plans to expand the network into other Latino markets, growing
to approximately 25 stations in the next two years, and as many as 50 by
2011.
"Our aggressive business model is designed to allow us to reach more
than 50 percent of the U.S. Latino audience in five years, a strategy
validated by data from research companies Claritas, Arbitron and TNS," said
Wes Burd, chief operating officer. "With a top-notch management team in
place, we expect to grow rapidly by delivering programming primarily
through our state-of-the-art network operations center in Houston,
tailoring it with local content specific to each market."
With a streamlined, low-cost delivery model combined with its family
and community focus, LAT TV offers a unique platform for both local and
national advertisers. It also provides a range of research and targeting
tools that allow smaller companies and first-time television advertisers to
reach customers very cost effectively.
LAT TV is the channel brand name of LatinAmerica Broadcasting,
Inc.(TM), a private company based in Houston. LAT TV initially will serve
five major markets with Spanish-language, family-friendly programming.
Providing an innovative approach to television, the company plans to grow
to serve more than 50 percent of the U.S. Latino population within five
years. More information is available at http://www.lattv.com .
Fall Season Lineups by Network; CBS, ABC, NBC
-- This is the week the broadcast networks reveal their new programming schedules for fall during their glitzy upfront presentations. NBC stepped out first with its slate. Next, ABC revealed where it's placing its bets. This morning, CBS came out with its line up. As each network reveals its hand, MediaWorks will be filling in the grid. Check in throughout the week for updates.
SUNDAY
8:00
ABC: "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
CBS: "The Amazing Race"
NBC: "NFL Sunday Night Football"/ "America's Got Talent"
9:00
ABC: "Desperate Housewives"
CBS: "Cold Case"
NBC: "NFL Sunday Night Football"/ "The Apprentice"
10:00
ABC: "Brothers and Sisters"
CBS: "Without a Trace"
NBC: "NFL Sunday Night Football"/"Raines"
MONDAY
8:00
ABC: "Wife Swap"
CBS: "How I Met Your Mother/"The Class"
NBC: "Deal or No Deal"
9:00
ABC: "The Bachelor"/ "Supernanny"
CBS: "Two and a Half Men"/"The New Adventures of Old Christine"
NBC: "Heroes"
10:00
ABC: "What About Brian"
CBS: "CSI: Miami"
NBC: "Medium"
TUESDAY
8:00
ABC: "Dancing With the Stars"/ "Set for the Rest of Your Life"
CBS: "NCIS"
NBC: "Friday Night Lights"
9:00
ABC: "Let's Rob…"/ "Help Me Help You"
CBS: "The Unit"
NBC: "Kidnapped"
10:00
ABC: "Boston Legal"
CBS: "Smith"
NBC: "Law & Order: SVU"
WEDNESDAY
8:00
ABC: "Dancing with the Stars"/ "George Lopez"/ "According to Jim"
CBS: "Jericho"
NBC: "The Biggest Loser"
9:00
ABC: "Lost"
CBS: "Criminal Minds"
NBC: "Twenty Good Years"/ "30 Rock"
10:00
ABC: "The Nine"
CBS: "CSI: NY"
NBC: "Law & Order"
THURSDAY
8:00
ABC: "Big Day" /"Notes From the Underbelly"
CBS: "Survivor: Cooks Island"
NBC: "My Name Is Earl"/ "The Office"
9:00
ABC: "Grey's Anatomy"
CBS: "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation"
NBC: "Studio 60"
10:00
ABC: "Six Degrees"
CBS: "Shark"
NBC: "ER"/ "The Black Donnellys"
FRIDAY
8:00
ABC: "Betty the Ugly"
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer"
NBC: "Deal or No Deal"
9:00
ABC: "Men in Trees"
CBS: "Close to Home"
NBC: "Las Vegas"
10:00
ABC: "20/20"
CBS: "Numbers"
NBC: "Law & Order: Criminal Intent"
SATURDAY
8:00
ABC: "ABC Saturday Night College Football"
CBS: Crimetime Saturday
NBC: "Dateline NBC"
9:00
ABC: "ABC Saturday Night College Football"
CBS: Crimetime Saturday
NBC: Drama Encore
10:00
ABC: "ABC Saturday Night College Football"
CBS: "48 Hours Mystery"
NBC: Drama Encore
Felicity Huffman and Marlee Matlin Join AOL and Dove to Honor Real Women with Second Annual ''Chief Everything Officer'' Awards
Felicity Huffman and Marlee Matlin are joining AOL and Dove, the global beauty brand, to honor real women who have the extraordinary ability to handle life's everyday challenges, while still having time for themselves, during a special luncheon at New York City's Gotham Hall. AOL.com has dubbed them "Chief Everything Officers" or "CEO's" and has created an AOL Network special (http://www.aol.com/ceo) with essential time-saving tips and information to help make life a little easier.
Building on the success of last year's CEO Awards, where AOL honored Maria Shriver, the company expanded the program and held a nationwide search to find individuals who successfully balance a career, children, personal time and much more. Five women were selected from thousands of people who entered to compete for prizes including a trip to New York City for the luncheon, a $1,000 shopping spree and their choice of one "Life Balance" prize valued at $10,000. "Life Balance" prize choices include a spa package, cleaning services, a personal chef, baby-sitting services or a "familymoon" vacation. Host Felicity Huffman and Keynote speaker Marlee Matlin will also garner special recognition at the event by being presented with CEO awards.
The CEO honorees were selected by an elite panel of judges who evaluated their essay explaining why he/she deserved to be chosen. This year's honorees are:
-- Kristine Bailey of Hill AFB, UT: With four young children, this 28-year-old mom battles at least two loads of laundry, daily diapers changes, toilet training, cooking, cleaning - and also cares for her autistic child.
-- Shelly Hall of Columbus, GA: Hall has been both mother and father to her five young children since 1998 when her husband died in a plane crash in Germany. She recently received her BA and is halfway through her Masters Degree in the Justice field from Columbus State University.
-- Katie Thomas of Morris, IL: With three young children, this mom finds a well balanced diet and daily exercises to be the key to her success. In her home, Thomas is the bread-winner, home-maker, teacher, social coordinator, organizer, referee and much more.
-- Stephanie Whalen of Alexandria, VA: Wearing many hats including mom, wife, cook, maid, business woman, student, and many more, Whalen reveals the best way to raise a family is to learn to sacrifice.
-- Judy Winter of DeWitt, MI: When her son (who suffered from cerebral palsy) passed away, Winter grieved by writing a book called Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations. Winter has managed to become an advocate, journalist and speaker on special-needs issues.
"Today's family household is more challenging to manage than ever before, and we are delighted to honor these unsung heroes who do it all for their family and do it well," said Tina Sharkey, Senior Vice President, Instant Messaging & Social Media, AOL LLC. "I am delighted that Felicity Huffman and Marlee Matlin -- two outstanding CEO's themselves -- will be joining us to honor these five Chief Everything Officers."
The panel of judges included:
-- Jorge Cruise, AOL Diet & Fitness Coach and Author of "The 3-Hour Diet"
-- Carol Evans, CEO, Working Mother Media and Author of "This Is How We Do It"
-- Isobel McKenzie-Price, Editor-in-Chief, "All You" Magazine
-- Kathy Peel, AOL Kids & Family Coach and Author of "The Family Manager Takes Charge"
-- Janet Rolle, Vice President and General Manager, AOL Black Voices and Women's & Lifestyle Programming
-- Kathryn Sansone, Author of "Woman First, Family Always"
-- Tina Sharkey, Senior Vice President, Instant Messaging & Social Media, AOL LLC.
Dove responded to the needs of CEO's by introducing Dove Calming Night, a collection of cleansers and moisturizers intended to help women unwind with a nighttime shower. Felicity Huffman partnered with the brand starring in a groundbreaking series of webisodes during which she had mom-to-mom chats with some of TV's most beloved icons. June Cleaver, Lily Munster and Carol Brady proved to be CEO's ahead of their time.
About Dove
The Dove mission is to make women feel more beautiful every day by challenging today's stereotypical view of beauty and inspiring women to take great care of themselves. Dove, manufactured by Unilever, is the No. 1 personal wash brand nationwide. One in every three households uses a Dove product(1), which includes beauty bars, body washes, face care, anti-perspirant/deodorants, hair care and styling aids. Dove is available nationwide in food, drug and mass outlet stores.
About AOL LLC
AOL LLC and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United States. Web brands include the AOL.com(R) website, AIM(R), MapQuest(R) and Netscape(R). AOL offers a range of digital services in the areas of education, safety and security, communications and music. The company also has operations in Europe and Canada. AOL, which is based in Dulles, Virginia, is a majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc.
(1) AC Nielsen (2004)
MSN to Connect Fans to Cannes Film Festival Online
MSN Is the Destination for Exclusive Access to Cannes' Hottest Press Events and Premieres
MSN is giving film enthusiasts a VIP insider's view of the Cannes Film Festival this year by taking viewers beyond the red carpet with access to the festival's hottest happenings, including extensive coverage of the events surrounding the soon-to-be summer blockbuster films "The Da Vinci Code" and "X-Men 3," at http://msnvideo.com/cannes.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)
Taylor Johnson, the MSN Dish Diva, won the distinction of serving as the sole moderator for the "X-Men 3" junket. Because MSN is the only online media portal to have access to all the Cannes press events and premieres, Johnson will publish a daily diary highlighting the most memorable moments from Cannes and featuring a new interview each day with one of the most sought-after stars in attendance.
"MSN(R) Video is a ticket to the hottest events at Cannes and provides global access to the biggest stars," said Rob Bennett, general manager of entertainment and video services for MSN. "MSN Video is dedicated to delivering compelling, always-accessible content and a variety of exclusive video footage from entertainment's hottest events, parties, concerts, films and television series."
A tradition in Cannes since 1946, the renowned film festival took root there when the exclusive Riviera resort town opened its doors at the former Casino de Cannes. At first the festival was more of a social event, but it has evolved into a media extravaganza, with more than 4,000 journalists representing 1,600 media companies in attendance. This year's festival, which runs from May 17 through 28, will kick off with the premiere of "The Da Vinci Code." Organizers at the festival attempt to strike a balance between crowd- pleasers and critically acclaimed films, and between Hollywood blockbusters and art house flicks.
In addition to this latest endeavor with the Cannes Film Festival, MSN continues to further its promise of giving fans new ways to experience music, fashion, reality TV and other types of entertainment. Recently announced MSN Originals, a content initiative created exclusively for MSN, will showcase free, regularly refreshed, ad-supported programming that users can interact with and access any time of day.
Beginning today, May 17, MSN users can go to http://msnvideo.com/cannes to view the Cannes Film Festival-related content.
About MSN Video
MSN Video is one of the largest video-only streaming services on the Web, offering 41 channels of content that are updated throughout the day and are watched by more than 11 million unique users per month. In addition to streaming news, entertainment and sports video clips from more than 45 content partners, MSN Video presents a broad array of live events to online audiences worldwide. More than 50 top advertisers support MSN Video, which is available to consumers at no charge. MSN Video is available on the Web at http://msnvideo.com/ to consumers in the U.S. MSN Video is also live in Australia, Canada and Japan, and in Spanish in the U.S.; the service also is in beta testing in the U.K.
MSN attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
NOTE: Microsoft and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks 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.
MGM to Handle Domestic Distribution of 'Rocky Balboa' Film Is Written and Directed by Sylvester Stallone
"Rocky Balboa," written, directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone, will be distributed in the United States and Canada by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM), it was announced today by Revolution Studios partner Tom Sherak.
"Rocky Balboa" represents a unique three way partnership between Revolution Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment and MGM. Since the "Rocky" series was originally distributed by MGM, the partners jointly decided that the film could and should take advantage of MGM's newly reinvigorated domestic distribution apparatus.
"We are extremely excited about what Sylvester Stallone has brought to this latest chapter in the life of one of America's most beloved screen characters," said Sherak "and it seems only right that Rocky is back at the studio where it all began."
"We're thrilled to be adding such a high caliber movie to our studio's revitalized domestic distribution business," said Rick Sands, Chief Operating Officer, MGM. "Historically speaking, the Rocky franchise, with its loyal fan base and incredible brand recognition, will be an added benefit in greasing the wheels of MGM's newly reinvigorated distribution machine. Plus, this movie, like all the Rocky movies in the franchise, will have a big appeal with family audiences, making it a perfect film for a holiday release."
"All three partners involved in this project are tremendously excited with this new film and Sony is thrilled to be handling international distribution of the motion picture as well as home entertainment on a worldwide basis," said Jeff Blake, Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group's chairman of worldwide marketing and distribution.
"Rocky Balboa" is the next story in the saga of Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa, one of Hollywood's most beloved characters.
Long since retired, and with his beloved Adrian passed away and his grown son too busy to spend time with him, Philadelphia's favorite boxer is a lonely man. Running a small restaurant in his old neighborhood, Rocky passes the time by recounting stories of his glory days to his patrons.
To keep himself busy and in shape, he decides to step back into the ring against a few small-time boxers in local gyms. When an ESPN sports show runs a simulated fight between Balboa and the current champ, Mason "The Line" Dixon, Balboa wins, prompting a resurgence of interest in his illustrious career.
Presented with the opportunity to fight one last exhibition fight, Rocky accepts the challenge, despite the protests of his friends and family. Facing a powerful champion, personal tragedy and ultimately his own doubts, Rocky steps into the ring one last time to prove that he still has the heart of a champion.
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, comprising around 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, vertical 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%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
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