Crash Bandicoot Makes His Wacky Debut on Nintendo DS(TM) This Fall in Crash(R) Boom Bang!
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Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne May 4, 2006
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Earl Woods loses his battle with cancer.
Earl Woods was more than a golf dad, more than a zealous father who lived vicariously through his son's achievements.
He had played catcher for Kansas State, the first black to play baseball in the Big Eight Conference, and he had been a Green Beret for two tours in Vietnam. But he felt his true purpose was to train Tiger, and he watched his son become the youngest player to capture the career Grand Slam and become one of the most celebrated athletes in the world.
He knew Tiger was special the day he was born.
His son was on the "Mike Douglas Show" at age 2, played exhibitions with Sam Snead and Nicklaus, and his television appeal was solely responsible for quantum gains in PGA Tour prize money.
Woods said he never intended to create a champion golfer.
He just wanted to raise a good person.
In the forward to his father's book, Woods said: "In retrospect, golf for me was an apparent attempt to emulate the person I looked up to more than anyone: my father. He was instrumental in helping me develop the drive to achieve, but his role -- as well as my mother's -- was one of support and guidance, not interference."
Along with three straight U.S. Junior and U.S. Amateur titles -- a record that might not be broken -- Woods already has won 48 times and 10 majors in his first 10 years on the PGA Tour.
Foremost for Earl Woods, however, was raising a son who could influence life beyond golf. Woods was black and his wife, Kultida, whom he met during one of his tours to Vietnam, was Thai and Chinese.
Tiger Woods won twice in his first seven PGA Tour events after turning pro in 1996 at age 20 and was chosen Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. Woods predicted greatness for Tiger on and off the course, telling the magazine his son "will do more than any other man in history to change the course of humanity."
"He's the bridge between the East and the West," the father said. "There is no limit because he has the guidance. I don't know yet exactly what form this will take. But he is the Chosen One. He'll have the power to impact nations. Not people. Nations. The world is just getting a taste of his power."
The lasting image of Earl Woods came the next spring, at the 1997 Masters, when he stepped onto the 18th green and wrapped his arms around a 21-year-old son who shattered records at Augusta National, a watershed victory that changed the appeal of golf and sent him to the greatness his father had always predicted.
Earl Dennison Woods was born March 5, 1932, in Manhattan, Kan., the youngest of six children. His parents died by the time he was 13.
His father wanted him to play for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues, and his mother stressed education. Woods wound up going to Kansas State, graduating in 1953 with a degree in sociology.
Woods did two tours during the Vietnam War as a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. It was his second tour that shaped the latter part of his life.
He met Kultida Punsawad, who was working as a receptionist in Thailand, and married her in 1969. He fought alongside Lt. Col. Nguyen T. Phong of the South Vietnamese army, a friend he nicknamed "Tiger" because of his courage and bravery. Earl Woods promised Tiger Phong that he would name a son after him.
Eldrick "Tiger" Woods was born Dec. 30, 1975.
Earl Woods moved to Cypress, Calif., -- to the house where he died -- and set up a makeshift practice range in the garage with a mat and a net, placing his son in a high chair as he practiced.
The education went beyond swinging a club.
"I tried to break him down mentally, tried to intimidate him verbally, by saying, 'Water on the right, OB on the left,' just before his downswing," Woods once said in an AP interview. "He would look at me with the most evil look, but he wasn't permitted to say anything. That's the frustration. He couldn't say a word, but he always had an escape word. He never used it.
"One day I did all my tricks, and he looked at me and smiled," Woods said. "At the end of the round, I told him, 'Tiger, you've completed the training.' And I made him a promise. 'You'll never run into another person as mentally tough as you.'
"He hasn't. And he won't."
Besides his wife and Tiger, Earl Woods is survived by three children from his previous marriage.
A private service will be held Friday.
BREAKING NEWS: SODA BAN IN SCHOOLS
Statement by Susan Neely, American Beverage Association
President and CEO Regarding the Partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation on a New School Beverage Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The American Beverage Association welcomes the opportunity to work with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in providing new beverage guidelines for schools. The new guidelines will continue our industry’s work to provide more lower-calorie and nutritious beverages for students.
Limiting calories in schools is a sensible approach that acknowledges our industry’s long-standing belief that school wellness efforts must focus on teaching kids to consume a balanced diet and exercise more. Schools provide an opportunity to create a healthy environment that equips our children with these skills. Our industry will continue to do its part to contribute to that environment.
If we can help our children learn the right balance between consuming calories and burning calories, we will give them the tools to lead healthy lives. The school beverage policy contributes to giving our children these skills, particularly when coupled with greater physical education and physical activity. Children need to learn both parts of the equation in order to fully succeed in a healthy life.
We applaud the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for the comprehensive approach its Healthy Schools Program takes to school wellness. The program sets meaningful standards for nutrition, physical activity and staff wellness in our schools. Our industry is proud to be a part of this effort.
The new beverage policy builds upon the school vending policy adopted by industry last summer by offering even more lower-calorie and nutritious or functional beverages throughout schools. It continues industry’s commitment to serve parents, who told us they preferred more control over the beverage choices their children have while at school.
Our industry provides an array of beverages that fit into a healthy and active lifestyle. Consumers of all ages have long-enjoyed our beverages. We believe soft drinks can be an appropriate beverage choice of young people who are following a balanced diet. Yet, we recognize this initiative is about the unique school environment and not the products. It’s about giving students the skills to balance calories in with calories out.
Working with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, we are taking a meaningful approach to school wellness that will have real impact on the lives of our children. Together, we’re joining in the hard work of teaching our children how to be healthy throughout life.
For more information:
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation – a joint initiative of the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association – has worked with representatives of Cadbury Schweppes, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and the American Beverage Association to establish new guidelines to limit portion sizes and reduce the number of calories available to children during the school day. Under these guidelines, only lower calorie and nutritious beverages will be sold to schools. This is the Alliance’s first industry agreement as part of its Healthy Schools Program, and it affects close to 35 million students across the country
These science-based guidelines are just one part of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s overall strategy to help kids live healthier lives by decreasing excess calories consumed while increasing calories burned. Along with the Alliance’s other strategies, these guidelines will significantly impact the epidemic of childhood obesity. Launched in February of this year, the Alliance’s Healthy Schools Program works with schools to help curb obesity among their students by creating environments that foster healthy lifestyles.
These guidelines will cap the number of calories available in beverages in schools at 100 calories per container, except for certain milks and juices whose nutritional value warrants the higher number of calories -- a logical, and proactive step toward helping our kids live healthier lives.
Under the terms of the agreement, the beverage industry will work to spread these standards to 75% of the nation’s schools prior to the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. The industry will strive to fully implement these guidelines prior to the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year, provided schools and school districts are willing to amend existing contracts.
“This is an important announcement and a bold step forward in the struggle to help America’s kids live healthier lives,” said President Clinton, a leader of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. “These industry leaders recognize that childhood obesity is a problem and have stepped up to help solve it. I commend them for being here today and for taking this important step. There is a lot of work to be done to turn this problem around but this is a big step in the right direction and it will help improve the diet of millions of students across the country.”
Governor Mike Huckabee, a leader of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Chairman of the National Governors Association, said, "This agreement is an important example of industry voluntarily working with others to address one of the most critical challenges facing our nation -- childhood obesity. I commend the parties involved in this agreement and look forward to seeing its positive impact on the health of our children."
In addition to the Alliance’s efforts, the National Governors Association and a task force of six governors have also been working on reducing childhood obesity with industry representatives for the past year.
Under these newly established guidelines, elementary schools will only sell water, and eight ounce, calorie- capped servings of certain juices with no added sweeteners and servings of fat free and low fat regular and flavored milks. Middle schools will apply the elementary school standard with portion sizes increased slightly to 10 oz.
In addition to the beverages available in elementary and middle schools, high schools will also sell no calorie and low calorie drinks, such as bottled water, diet and unsweetened teas, diet sodas, fitness water, low calorie sports drinks, flavored water, and seltzers; as well as light juices and sports drinks.
At least half of available beverages in high schools will now be water, no calorie, and low calorie selections. Light juices and sports drinks will be sold in 12 ounce containers with no more than 100 calories per container, while 100% juices and non fat and low fat milks will also be sold in containers up to 12 ounces.
“This really is a groundbreaking agreement,” said American Heart Association President Robert Eckel, MD. “Many school districts are headed in the same direction as our guidelines. We commend the many leaders and advocates who have fought for healthier school environments. These new guidelines will help expedite those changes and support parents and students in districts that have not yet been able to improve the nutrition of their schools.”
Donald R. Knauss, President, Coca-Cola North America, said, “Our broad product portfolio offers great taste, refreshment, hydration and nutrition, and we’re pleased to use that portfolio to join the Alliance in helping to reduce calories and increase nutrition in our schools. By combining our product offerings with the nutrition and physical education programs we support, we can help put schools at the forefront of the efforts to create a healthier generation.”
“There are no shortcuts to solving the obesity problem,” said Dawn Hudson, President and CEO of Pepsi-Cola North America. “It’s a much broader issue then what students eat and drink. It is also about what they learn and what they do. This Alliance provides schools with real-world, common sense solutions that give students the tools they need to lead healthier lives. We’re delighted that our products are part of the equation.”
"At Cadbury Schweppes, we are incredibly proud of the brands that we make," said Gil Cassagne, president and CEO, Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages. "We've created brands people love for over 200 years and are pleased to offer consumers a wide variety and choice of great tasting products that can fit into a balanced lifestyle. We are taking an important step forward by working with parents, community leaders and school officials to collectively focus on healthier lifestyles for children."
Susan K. Neely, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Beverage Association, said, “The American Beverage Association welcomes the opportunity to work with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in providing new beverage guidelines for schools. The new guidelines will continue our industry’s work to provide more lower-calorie and nutritious or functional beverages for students. Limiting calories in schools is a sensible approach that acknowledges our industry’s long-standing belief that school wellness efforts must focus on teaching kids to consume a balanced diet and be physically active.”
This agreement is the result of several months of talks between the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and representatives of the beverage industry. The parties explored practical ways to provide children with healthier options as part of the Alliance’s larger efforts.
The American beverage industry created a school vending policy last year. These new guidelines strengthen the current ABA policy by further reducing the availability of caloric beverages during the traditional school day and applying these same standards to the extended school day when before and after school programs, such as clubs, yearbook, band and choir practice, student government, drama, and childcare/latchkey programs, take place.
Beginning in 2007 and annually thereafter, the beverage industry will compile the percentage of schools they have under contract that are in compliance with this policy. This information will be made publicly available through the American Beverage Association beginning in August 2007.About The Alliance for a Healthier Generation:
The Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association partnered in May 2005 to create a new generation of healthy Americans by addressing one of the nation’s leading public health threats –- childhood obesity. The Alliance focuses on preventing childhood obesity and creating healthier lifestyles for all children.
The Alliance targets several areas that will spark change and slow the increasing rates of childhood obesity in the U.S. and encourage healthier lifestyles for young people. The effort will focus on four key areas: industry; schools, healthcare professionals and kids. For more information visit www.healthiergeneration.org.
The Alliance launched its Healthy Schools Program in February of this year. The program takes a comprehensive approach by recognizing schools that improve nutrition in the foods sold in schools; that increase both physical education and physical activity before, during and after the school day; that provide nutrition education; and that establish staff wellness programs. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is a major funder of the Healthy Schools Program.
Pictures from Virgin Megastores VIP Night
Morningwood, featured in the current issues of The New Yorker and Harp, started everyone a rockin’. The Colour, Silverlake’s up-and-coming rockers who were obviously influenced by both Val Kilmer and The Doors, closed the event at Virgin’s Megastore before continuing on to The Highlands club
(C) MBN 2006 (Pictures by William Hoehne)
Photo Credit: ©2005 Glenn Watson/New Line Productions
Hoot Opening May 5th
HOOT Director: Wil Shriner Starring: Luke Wilson, Logan Lerman, Brie Larson and Cody Linley
|
| Three middle-schoolers take on greedy land developers, corrupt politicians, and clueless cops in the mystery adventure HOOT based on Carl Hiaasen's Newbery Honor-winning book. Produced by Jimmy Buffett, Frank Marshall (Seabiscuit, Signs) and Walden Media (Because of Winn Dixie, Holes), HOOT revolves around a Montana boy who moves to Florida and unearths a disturbing threat to a local population of endangered owls. Determined to protect his new environment, the boy and his friends fight to prevent the adults from making a big mistake. Packed with surprising plot twists, quirky characters, and offbeat humor, HOOT is a classic story that's fun for all ages. HOOT is from a screenplay by Wil Shriner and directed by Wil Shriner and stars Logan Lerman, Brie Larson, Cody Linley and Luke Wilson. The film will be released on May 5th, 2006. |
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
Crash Bandicoot Makes His Wacky Debut on Nintendo DS(TM) This Fall in Crash(R) Boom Bang! Bill Cosby Hosts 5th Annual 'Great Night in Harlem' Concert Presented By DIRECTV and BET J at The Apollo Theater Benefiting The Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) Bass Pro Shops Launches Campaign to Raise Funds for the USO 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' to Feature East Meadow's Alure Home Improvements on Consecutive Shows in May Groove Mobile Honored as a Top 100 Company in Digital Media and Entertainment Latest in a Series of Awards and Recognition for Innovative Mobile Music Service G4 Booth at E3 to Host Autograph Signings With G4 On-Air Talent Kevin Pereira, Olivia Munn, Morgan Webb, Adam Sessler and Beth Ostrosky Booth Serves as Production Center for G4's Live Daily E3 Coverage; G4's 'Download Bar' Offers Free Downloads of G4 Podcasts
"The Defiant Ones" to Run in NYC
Academy Announces Finalists for 2006 Student Academy Awards
K2 Network's War Rock Brings Online FPS Combat to the MassesWEBZEN to Showcase Diverse World-Class MMOG Line-Up at 2006 E3 Expo
Verizon Wireless Selects New WiderThan Game Titles for Get It Now
SPORTS & AUTOS
Dodger & Oakland Baseball
San Diego 11, Los Angeles 5 at Dodger Stadium
San Diego Record: (12-15)
Los Angeles Record: (12-16)
Winning pitcher - Scott Cassidy (1-0)
Losing pitcher - Franquelis Osoria (0-2)
SD HR - J. Barfield (3) M. Bellhorn (2) G. Blum (1)
LAD HR - A. Ethier (1) D. Navarro (2) O. Saenz (3)
Cleveland 14, Oakland 3 at McAfee Coliseum
Cleveland Record: (15-13)
Oakland Record: (14-13)
Winning pitcher - Paul Byrd (4-2)
Losing pitcher - Dan Haren (1-3)
CLE HR - C. Blake (3) T. Hafner (10)
OAK HR - B. Crosby (4)
'St. Joseph Aspirin Pressure Challenge' Finalists Tee Off for a Chance to Win $250,000 Soccer Stars Back National Recycling Campaign Is England a Nation of World Cup Nostalgics or Hopefuls?
US Open's Favorite Son - Hall of Fame Tennis Legend Jimmy Connors - Launches New DVD Series in NYC May 9
U.S. World Cup Roster Includes 19 Players with Experience in Major League Soccer
Cingular Wireless is Ready to Run With New Cell Sites for the Derby New sites give Derbygoers enhanced coverage on Race Day and beyond
Golf Legend Corey Pavin Tees Off in Europe With Crystal Cruises Hole-in-One Competition Offers Chance to Win a Free Crystal Cruise
High Gas Prices Boost Searches for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Among Shoppers on Cars.com
DOD
It looks like a scene from the movie "Waterworld" off the Iraqi coast
Public Event Showcases Launch of the Iraqi Virtual Science Library
Pentagon Soldier Honored as Action Figure, Video Character
Florida Guard Assists in Afghan Kids' Lifesaving Treatment
NEWS
Workplace Spanish(R) Breaks Language Barrier for Health Care Workers
2006 Tornado Season Off to a Violent Start Record-setting severe weather trends are expected to continue
Bed Books Introduces New Sideways Print Format for Books Patent-Pending Text Layout for Reading in Bed Reduces Back and Neck Strain
Procter & Gamble Files Two Infringement Lawsuits Lawsuits Focus Largely on Beauty Brands
Graciela Beltran 'La Reina Del Pueblo' to Give Serenatas Honoring Hispanic Moms in Los Angeles
Vatican News
Salvation Army Allocates $155 MM of Donations for Long-Term Hurricane Katrina Recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana Toyota North America CEO Charged with Sexual Harassment; CEO to Resign Post; Lawsuit Also Targets Toyota Motor Corporation
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGYCrash Bandicoot Makes His Wacky Debut on Nintendo DS(TM) This Fall in Crash(R) Boom Bang!
Stylized Game Features Never-Before-Seen 'Touch Panel Communication' for Extremely Fun and Exciting Multiplayer Mayhem ... Crash-Style!
Vivendi Games' Sierra Entertainment has announced the development of Crash(R) Boom Bang!, an exciting, humorous game that will allow players to roll the dice and dive into one of 40 action-oriented, outrageously funny, multiplayer mini-games, as they communicate with and bet against opponents through the never-before-seen "Touch Panel Communication" in-game feature. Developed by critically-acclaimed Japanese developer Dimps, Crash Boom Bang! will be available exclusively for the Nintendo DS(TM) system in October 2006.
"Crash Boom Bang! will provide the hilarious antics and fun gameplay that Crash Bandicoot(R) fans have come to love, with a brand-new twist," said Cindy Cook, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer for Vivendi Games. "Through the innovative Touch Panel Communication in-game feature that leverages the technology of the Nintendo DS, Crash Boom Bang! will also deliver a uniquely entertaining multiplayer experience unlike any other on the system."
In Crash Boom Bang!, Crash and his friends embark on a worldwide race in a quest for its multi-million dollar prize. With hidden intentions of finding an ancient lost city and the famed magical "Super Big Power Stone" that grants its user one wish, the race's sponsor Viscount Devil plans on using the contestants to solve the mystery. The map of the race checkpoints is based on the Viscount's ancient map, and the evil Dr. Neo Cortex, also an invitee to the race, has figured out the Viscount's master plan and in his own relentless pursuit for world domination, sets out to steal the map and retrieve the legendary stone. It's up to Crash and his friends to win the big race ... and save the world!
Key game features in Crash Boom Bang! include:
* Revolutionary "Touch Panel Communication" multiplayer gameplay
- Communicate with players through never-before-seen touch panel
message in-game feature (speech, sounds, characters)
- Use wireless LAN to send customized messages mid-game and have fun
teaming up with friends or distracting other players' gameplay
* 40 Wacky Action-oriented Mini-games Taking Full Advantage of the DS
Platform
- 3D graphics, touch screen, microphone, wireless network
* Unique Betting Feature
- Take player interaction to a new level by betting on outcomes of
multiplayer games and earning points to purchase items that can
enhance the gameplay experience
* Item Collecting & Trading
- Up to 80 items to collect, trade or use to alter gameplay scenarios
* Trademark Crash Humor and Characters
- Enjoy Crash's wacky and zany sense of humor and play as one of 8 of
your favorite characters including Crash, Coco, Crunch and Neo
Cortex
Crash Boom Bang! is scheduled to be available exclusively for Nintendo DS in October 2006 for a suggested retail price of $29.99.
For more information, please visit the game's official website at www.crashbandicoot.com.
About Vivendi Games
Vivendi Games www.vivendigames.com is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG) category, holds leading positions in the PC, console, handheld and mobile games markets, and is an emerging player in casual online games. Vivendi Games' two principal studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, headquartered in Irvine, CA, the creator of World of Warcraft(R), Diablo(R), StarCraft(R), and Warcraft(R); and Sierra Entertainment, headquartered in Los Angeles, which includes Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios, and Massive Entertainment. Sierra's IPs include Crash Bandicoot(R), Spyro The Dragon(R), Empire Earth(R), SWAT(R), Darkwatch(TM), Timeshift(TM), Ground Control(R) and Leisure Suit Larry(R). Vivendi Games is also home to Vivendi Mobile Games, publishing games for the emerging mobile market, and Sierra Online, dedicated to publishing casual games for online play and distribution on all platforms. Vivendi Games maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment. The company has 16 offices around the world conducting business in 75 countries.
"Crash Boom Bang" interactive game (C) 2006 Universal Interactive, Inc. Crash Bandicoot, Crash and related characters are (TM) and (C) Universal Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved. Sierra and the Sierra logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sierra Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Vivendi Games and the Vivendi Games logo are trademarks of Vivendi Games, Inc.(TM), (R) and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. (C) 2004 Nintendo. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Source: Vivendi Games
Web site: http://www.crashbandicoot.com/
Web site: http://www.vivendigames.com/
Bill Cosby Hosts 5th Annual 'Great Night in Harlem' Concert Presented By DIRECTV and BET J at The Apollo Theater Benefiting The Jazz Foundation of America (JFA)
WHO:
* Host Bill Cosby
* Co-Host Danny Glover
* Mikhail Baryshnikov
* Former NJ senator Robert Torricelli
* Musicians including: Jimmy McGriff, Abbey Lincoln, James Blood
Ulmer, Henry Butler, Newbirth Brass Band, Dr. Michael White and
the Original Liberty Jazz Band of New Orleans, Ron Carter,
Odetta, Will Calhoun, Dr. Billy Taylor, Harold Mabern, Ben
Riley, Gary Bartz, Kermit Ruffins, Jimi Prime Time Smith, Davell
Crawford, Sweet Georgia Brown and 85-year old Johnnie Mae
Dunson -- who wrote tunes for Elvis and Muddy Waters and played
drums for Jimmy Reed.
* Award-Winning Set Designer Tom John
* Richard Parsons - Event Co-Chair; Chairman and CEO, Time Warner,
Inc.
* Agnes Varis - Event Co-Chair; President & Co-Founder, Agvar
Chemicals, Inc.
* Jarrett Lilien - Event Co-Chair; President, E*TRADE Financial
* Wendy Oxenhorn - Executive Director, JFA
WHAT: Jazz Foundation of America's 5th Annual "A Great Night in Harlem"
Benefit Concert
WHERE: Apollo Theater (Harlem, NY)
"Red Carpet" Entrance on 126TH Street (between 7th & 8th Avenue)
WHEN: Thursday, May 4, 2006/Celebrity & VIP Guest Arrival @ 7:15 PM
BACKGROUND:
From the replacement of "Fats" Domino's piano to paying rent and mortgages for Katrina-effected musicians and their families, The Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) has assisted nearly 900 New Orleans musician emergency cases in the few short months since the hurricane and continues to assist 30 elderly jazz and blues artists a week. Now, JFA sets an unprecedented goal of raising $1.5 million dollars from the 5th annual "A Great Night in Harlem" concert presented by DIRECTV and BET J. Hosted by Bill Cosby, the concert will be held on THURSDAY, MAY 4 (8-10 p.m.) at the world-famous Apollo Theater.
"Great Night" veteran Bill Cosby along with JFA's newest board member Danny Glover, will join accomplished musicians for a night to remember including: Abbey Lincoln, James Blood Ulmer, Henry Butler, Newbirth Brass Band, Dr. Michael White and the Original Liberty Jazz Band of New Orleans, Ron Carter, Odetta, Will Calhoun, Dr. Billy Taylor, Harold Mabern, Ben Riley, Gary Bartz and Kermit Ruffins -- including over 30 musicians from New Orleans. Highlighting the evening will be some of the very fathers and mothers of jazz and blues including 85-year old Johnnie Mae Dunson -- who wrote tunes for Elvis and Muddy Waters and played drums for Jimmy Reed.
With DIRECTV and BET J as title sponsors, the event's major sponsors include: E*TRADE FINANCIAL, Agvar Chemicals, Inc., Time Warner, Inc. and HIP Health Plan of NY. Delta Air Lines is the official airlines sponsor. Event patrons and sponsors include: Jarrett & Maritess Lilien, Agnes Varis, Louverture Films, Absolut Spirits, Billionaire Limousine Service, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Illy, Mary & Michael Jaharis, K2 Advisors, Knight Capitol Trading, Lehman Brothers, MTV Networks, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, New York Times, Par Pharmaceuticals, Plantex USA Inc., Beryl L. Snyder, Swag Couture Chef, Teva Pharmaceuticals, VH1, David A. Walden, WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM. Coppola Wine is the Official Wine Sponsor.
CONTACT: AMY FERRACCI (215) 805-8515; KIM HANNUM (610) 639-5736
Source: Jazz Foundation of America
Bass Pro Shops Launches Campaign to Raise Funds for the USO
Bass Pro Shops -- America's most popular outdoor store -- is proud to announce "Reelin' It in for the Troops," a summer promotional campaign to support the USO. Through this promotion, customers can purchase donation cards, valued at $1.00, $3.00 and $5.00, at any Bass Pro Shops retail location and write a personal message of support to a service member. Customers also can make a donation when calling 1-800 BASSPRO to place an order or when ordering online at http://www.basspro.com/. All proceeds from the sale of the cards will support USO programs for military personnel and their families around the world, with $100,000 earmarked for the Operation USO Care Package program. Messages of support will be included in the care packages.
Since 2003, Bass Pro Shops has raised more than $525,000 to support Operation USO Care Package. Initiated in 2001, this program provides men and women in uniform with a "touch of home" to help boost the morale of deployed troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and other overseas locations as well as convey gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Care packages contain an assortment of items requested by service men and women, such as prepaid international calling cards, disposable cameras, toiletries and entertainment items.
"Bass Pro Shops continuing support has helped the USO to make a difference in the lives of our men and women in uniform. We are grateful for their contribution and are extremely excited about the new Bass Pro Shops summer campaign," said USO president and CEO Edward A. Powell.
"All of us at Bass Pro Shops are proud to be an official partner of the USO in such a meaningful program and patriotic endeavor as 'Reelin' It In for the Troops' and Operation USO Care Package," said Bass Pro Shops president Jim Hagale. "We are looking forward to a very successful summer promotion that will allow us, in some small way, to continue offering a sense of comfort and home to our brave heroes."
A strong supporter of military personnel, Bass Pro Shops hosts various events throughout the year to support the "Reelin' It in for the Troops" program. The company also offers military personnel a 15 percent discount on select merchandise during designated days throughout the year.
About Bass Pro Shops: Unequaled in their award-winning concept and design, Bass Pro Shops current 33 destination retail stores attract some 78 million people annually. Bass Pro Shops, also a major Internet and catalog retailer, is headquartered in Springfield, Mo. For more information, log on to http://www.basspro.com/.
About the USO: For more than 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by World Partners AT&T, Inc., BAE SYSTEMS, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Military Channel, S&K Sales Company and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC- 0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit our Web site at http://www.uso.org/.
Source: USO
'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' to Feature East Meadow's Alure Home Improvements on Consecutive Shows in May ABC's Emmy-winning hit show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was recently back in the New York area, and once again, they called upon East Meadow's Alure Home Improvements to handle the task of helping to rebuild the homes of two families in desperate need, airing on May 7th and 14th.
In search for the American dream, the Peter family immigrated from Guyana in 1996 and had it all until the day their house burned down. The family's American dream would be shattered in one moment one evening in 2004 when their 3 level colonial home burst into flames ultimately leaving them hopeless and without their home. After only 6 months, they were forced to move back in to a home that was unlivable with no heat or hot water and very little electricity. Their one working bathroom did not have running hot water. They had to boil the water whenever they needed to bathe and they had to cook on makeshift propane stove.
In this episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Alure Home Improvements of Long Island teamed up with the Extreme team to help this Queens family rise from the ashes and live the American dream. The Peter family episode from Jamaica Queens is scheduled to air on Sunday, May 7th at 8pm on ABC.
Jimmy "Jimmy Boy" Arena changed an entire community forever. Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at five years-old Jimmy Boy stayed strong. He inspired hundreds of neighbors, community members, several fire departments, officials and his own family with his infectious smile and spirit. Everyone in town knew Jimmy Boy and prayed for him. They held fundraisers, birthday parties and even a parade to welcome him home from the hospital. But on September 28th 2005, shortly after his sixth birthday, Jimmy Boy died and the Arena Family lost their only son.
The Arena's had saved enough money to repair and add onto their small home for their growing family but, when Jimmy Boy was diagnosed, the funds went to experimental treatments across the country, medical care and travel expenses. Now the same community who supported Jimmy Boy pays tribute to him and helps his family fix their broken home. After all, it was Jimmy Boy who touched them all so deeply and he would've wanted this for his Mom, Dad and all of his sisters who took care of him.
In this episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" we learn how one little boy changed the lives of hundreds as Alure Home Improvements and the Extreme team help his family get back on their feet and into a better and more accommodating home. The Arena family episode from Purdys, Westchester is scheduled to air on Sunday, May 14th at 8pm on ABC.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. The series is executive-produced by Tom Forman and co-executive produced by Denise Cramsey. The show airs Sundays (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET), on the ABC Television Network.
The Peter family episode from Jamaica, Queens is scheduled to air on Sunday, May 7th at 8pm on ABC.
The Arena family episode from Purdys, Westchester is scheduled to air on Sunday, May 14th at 8pm on ABC.
Visit http://www.alure.com/ for more information.
Source: Alure Home Improvements
Groove Mobile Honored as a Top 100 Company in Digital Media and Entertainment Latest in a Series of Awards and Recognition for Innovative Mobile Music Service
Groove Mobile, the world's leading mobile music service, was honored last night as one of the Top 100 private digital media and entertainment companies by OnHollywood. The OnHollywood 100 is the latest in a series of awards and recognition for Groove Mobile and its innovative mobile music services that provide 77 million customers worldwide with access to music downloads.
Groove Mobile was selected for the OnHollywood 100 by leading venture capitalists, investment bankers, and industry analysts who judged over 1000 companies based on innovation, market potential, customer adoption, media buzz and investor value creation.
Some of the other awards and accolades for Groove Mobile's music services are listed below:
* Consumer Reports rated the Sprint Music Store powered by Groove Mobile
as the best choice of mobile music services for its ease of use over
Verizon and Amp'd.
* Sprint's Music Store powered by Groove Mobile, the first mobile music
service to launch in the US, recently received an Excellence Award for
Mobile Music as judged by Wireless Week.
* Groove Mobile's Orange Music Player was awarded "Best Mobile Application
2005" as voted by the readership of What Now magazine, the UK's most
trusted publication on technology.
* Groove Mobile's Orange Music Service was rated as "Best in Class" by
independent research firm, Strategy Analytics, besting the services of
Vodafone and O2.
"Music fans recognize that Groove Mobile puts the music first, and they have rewarded us by embracing our mobile music services in North America, Europe and Asia," stated Adam Sexton, VP, Marketing and Product Management of Groove Mobile. "Groove Mobile will continue to innovate and expand so music fans worldwide will have the music they want -- wherever they are -- direct to their mobile phones."
ABOUT GROOVE MOBILE
Groove Mobile is the world's leading mobile music service. Groove Mobile's Complete Music Gateway includes Full Track Mobile Downloads, Peer-to-Peer Sharing and Personalized Music Recommendations, in addition to providing Personalized and Programmed Streaming Radio, Music Subscriptions, and more. Groove Mobile powers the #1 rated mobile music service in the UK, Orange's Music Player, and the first mobile music service in the US, Sprint Music Store. Groove Mobile launched the world's first secure peer-to-peer distribution in the mobile space, with its pioneering TELL-A-FRIEND feature. Groove Mobile's direct download service is available in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia-Pacific and provides access to music from EMI, Warner Music International, V2, Beggars Group, Digital Rights Management and The Orchard libraries. www.groovemobile.com.
Source: Groove Mobile
Web site: http://www.groovemobile.com/ G4 Booth at E3 to Host Autograph Signings With G4 On-Air Talent Kevin Pereira, Olivia Munn, Morgan Webb, Adam Sessler and Beth Ostrosky Booth Serves as Production Center for G4's Live Daily E3 Coverage; G4's 'Download Bar' Offers Free Downloads of G4 Podcasts
When E3 hits Los Angeles May 9-12, G4's booth will be at the center of the action, offering a front-row seat to the network's live programming. G4 on-air talent Kevin Pereira, Olivia Munn, Morgan Webb, Adam Sessler and Beth Ostrosky-all of whom will be broadcasting live from E3-will be signing autographs at the booth.
Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb are the co-hosts of X-PLAY, G4's smart, funny, brutally honest look at the latest video games. Kevin Pereira and Olivia Munn are the co-hosts of ATTACK OF THE SHOW, G4's daily trip to the digital water cooler, offering the latest on all the topics guys care about- games, tech, gadgets, the Internet, and more. Model and swimsuit calendar icon Beth Ostrosky is the new host of G4's FILTER, G4's fast, funny and always surprising countdown show.
The G4 booth will host autograph signings Wednesday through Friday during E3:
Wednesday, 5/10
11AM -12N ATTACK OF THE SHOW's Kevin Pereira and Olivia Munn
12N -1PM X-PLAY's Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb
Thursday, 5/11
12N - 1PM X-PLAY's Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb
Friday, 5/12
11AM -12N ATTACK OF THE SHOW's Kevin Pereira and Olivia Munn
12N -1PM FILTER's Beth Ostrosky
The G4 booth will serve as the network's stage, where E3 attendees can watch the live broadcasts being generated. A lounge area with couches and TV monitors will invite visitors to hang out and experience G4.
At the center of the G4 booth area, the network will host The Download Bar, featuring six stations where E3 attendees can download G4 content onto their iPods or PSPs. An interior rotating bar of swag will be stocked with G4 merchandise-video iPod cases, Happy Tree Friends plush items, Star Trek foam fingers, G4 T-shirts, hats, and more-available free to those who download content. Visitors also will have convenient access to g4tv.com while at the booth.
With series such as X-PLAY, ATTACK OF THE SHOW and ELECTRIC PLAYGROUND, G4 is the definitive television source for news and info about the video game industry. For E3 2006, G4 will deploy a crew of more than 100 to the convention floor to broadcast live three hours a day during each day of the convention.
About G4
G4 launched in April 2002 and is now available in 57 million cable and satellite homes nationwide. The #1 podcasted cable network in America and a leader in VOD, G4's programming includes breaking video game industry news, trends, reviews, the hottest games and gear, celebrity interviews and insider opinions. Targeting the male 18-34 audience and its gamer audience, G4 is the last word on games, technology, animation, interactivity, the Internet and broadband. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles and is owned by Comcast Corporation. To learn more, log onto www.g4tv.com.
Source: G4"The Defiant Ones" to Run in NYC
“The Defiant Ones,” widely regarded as a breakthrough film in Hollywood’s portrayal of race relations, will unspool for New York audiences as part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Monday Nights with Oscar” series on Monday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy Theater at Lighthouse International in New York City. Stanley Kramer’s 1958 black-and-white drama, which won Academy Awards® for Cinematography (Sam Leavitt) and Writing – Story and Screenplay (Harold Jacob Smith, Nedrick Young), stars Sidney Poitier and Tony Curtis as a pair of escaped convicts, handcuffed together, on the run from the law.
Earning Poitier and Curtis their first Best Actor nominations, “The Defiant Ones” received a total of nine nominations including Best Picture, Supporting Actor (Theodore Bikel), Supporting Actress (Cara Williams), Director (Kramer) and Film Editing (Frederic Knudtson).
The feature will be preceded by two shorts from 1958 – the Oscar®-winning Live Action Short Subject “Grand Canyon” and the Oscar-nominated Animated Short Subject “Paul Bunyan.”
“Monday Nights with Oscar” is a monthly series showcasing high-quality prints featuring Academy Award-nominated and winning films.
The Academy Theater at Lighthouse International is located at 111 East 59th Street in New York City. Tickets for the screening are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid I.D. Tickets may be reserved by calling (888) 778-7575. Pending availability, tickets may be purchased in person the night of the screening. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For additional information, visit www.oscars.org.
©A.M.P.A.S.®
Academy Announces Finalists for 2006 Student Academy Awards
Thirty-four students from 19 colleges and universities have been selected as finalists in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 33rd annual Student Academy Awards competition. Their films will now be screened for and judged by Academy members in order to select the winners. Gold, silver and bronze medals, along with accompanying cash prizes of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000, may be awarded in each of the four categories. Winning filmmakers will participate in a week of industry-related and social activities, culminating in the presentation ceremony on June 10.
The finalists are (listed alphabetically by film title within category)
Alternative
“6 a.m.,” Carmen Balanzat, City College of New York
“F_HO_SE,” Seth Resnick, University of Southern California
“Lucinda,” Jason Eppink, University of Southern California
“Perspective,” Travis Hatfield and Samuel Day, Ball State University, Indiana
“Time Machines,” Lisa Mishima, California College of the Arts, San Francisco
“A Very Small Trilogy of Loneliness,” Bogdan Apetri, Columbia University
Animation
“Betty,” Rie Ito, School of Visual Arts, New York
“The Dancing Thief,” Meng Vue, Ringling School of Art and Design, Sarasota, Florida
“Institute for the Digitally Challenged,” Riash Shahnawaz, Pratt Institute, New York
“Lolly’s Box,” Valerie LaPointe, University of Southern California
“Onnazuri: Or Men, Women, and Capitalism,” Yusuke Murakami, New York Univeristy
“The Possum,” Chris Choy, California Institute of the Arts
“The Shoes,” Wenchung Lu, California Institute of the Arts
“Turtles,” Thomas Leavitt, Brigham Young University
Documentary
“Afloat,” Erin Hudson, Stanford University
“Halal Vivero,” Sara Colangelo, New York University
“Jane’s Birthday Trip,” Etienne Kallos, New York University
“The Ladies,” Christina Voros, New York University
“Let Them Eat Cake,” Lisa Kaselak, University of Texas, Austin
“Reporter Zero,” Carrie Lozano, University of California, Berkeley
“Three Beauties,” Mak Hossain, Purdue University
“The Women’s Kingdom,” Xiaoli Zhou, University of California, Berkeley
Narrative
“Bartholomew’s Song,” Lowell Frank and Destin Daniel Cretton, San Diego State University
“Christmas Wish List,” Sean Overbeeke, University of North Carolina
“Duncan Removed,” Peter Livolsi, American Film Institute
“El Viaje” (“One Day Trip”), Cady Abarca-Benavides, Columbia University
“Good Girl,” Heayun Kang, Columbia University
“Just,” Jesse Wheeler, University of Southern California
“Pop Foul,” Moon Molson and Jennifer Handorf, Columbia University
“The Problem with Fiber Optics,” Greg Jardin, Florida State University
“Sirah,” Cristine Spindler, Florida State University
Resnick (in the Alternative category) was a winner in the Academy’s Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition last year for the screenplay “Fire in a Coal Mine,” written with Ron Moscowitz. Hudson (in the Documentary category), with Ben Wu, won a Silver Medal in last year’s Student Academy Awards for the documentary “Unhitched.”
To reach this stage, students competed in one of three regional competitions. Each of those regions is permitted to send to the Academy up to three finalist films in each of the four categories. An honorary foreign film student also will be honored by the Academy. Five students from Denmark, Germany, Poland, South Africa and Spain have been named as finalists.
The Student Academy Awards were established by the Academy in 1972 to support and encourage excellence in filmmaking at the collegiate level.
©A.M.P.A.S.®
K2 Network's War Rock Brings Online FPS Combat to the Masses
K2 Network, Inc. (www.k2network.net), a leading global online entertainment and community management company, has added War Rock (www.k2warrock.com) to its growing Free2Play(TM) library of games. War Rock is designed to appeal to new recruits as well as veterans of online "first person shooter" (FPS) games.
For players new to the FPS world, this modern tactical shooter's action-packed gameplay has been structured with an easy learning curve. For the expert FPS fans, variety of game-play -- from small squad level close quarters combat to medium-sized urban conflicts to huge multi-squad and vehicle operations -- provides deep gameplay.
K2 Network's Free2Play(TM) model allows players to have full access to the game free. Fans that crave an enhanced experience can use in-game money earned during play or real world cash to access increased player abilities, special weapons and other benefits.
An efficient engine allows War Rock to supply high-quality visual details and fast frame-rates without the need for the latest, most expensive computers.
"War Rock is another great addition to K2 Network's overall lineup for 2006. The combination of an easy learning curve and deep gameplay in a free game that can run on a wide variety of systems will make War Rock one of the most successful online FPS titles ever," said Joshua Hong, CEO, K2 Network. "War Rock is a perfect example of our commitment to publishing ground-breaking Free2Play(TM) online games with world-class customer service and game mastering to gamers in all parts of the Western Hemisphere."
The community-driven game-play supports additional maps, weapons, vehicles and in-game 3D voice chat. The game will eventually incorporate several modes including timed competition, survivor (timed free-for-all), independent one-on-one death match mode and last man standing.
"War Rock is an extremely addictive shooter with great weapons, smooth and intuitive controls and a wide variety of battle modes. From close quarters battles between SpecOps teams in built up urban areas to island campaigns with fast attack boats and helicopter gunships, War Rock has everything any adrenaline junkie will ever need," Matt Norton, War Rock producer, K2 Network, said.
War Rock will be available for beta testing in May 2006, with a commercial launch scheduled for summer 2006.
The addition of War Rock to K2 Network's offering of online games broadens the company's spectrum of genres. MMORPG, sports/casual and FPS titles are now offered free. K2 Network recently added a new version of the popular Global MU Online (www.globalmuonline.com) game to its catalog of titles.
War Rock has been created by South Korean developer Dream Execution Co., Ltd. Dream Execution is a game development studio with primary focuses in game engine and online game development. Dream Execution is the creator of the Jindo Engine, a patented game engine technology used in War Rock. More information on Dream Execution can be found at www.dreamexe.net.
K2 Network will be showing War Rock at E3 in Kentia Hall meeting room 6820 and next to the South Hall food court.
About K2 Network, Inc.
K2 Network is a gamer-driven, online entertainment destination. The company aggregates highly addictive, engaging properties from developers and publishers worldwide and then handles game mastering, in-game events, community activities and customer support. K2 Network currently offers War Rock, Knight Online, Global MU Online and FX Golf. Company headquarters are in Irvine, Calif. More information can be found at www.k2network.net.WEBZEN to Showcase Diverse World-Class MMOG Line-Up at 2006 E3 Expo
Global online entertainment company WEBZEN Inc. (NASDAQ:WZEN) announced today its lineup of PC and next generation massively multiplayer online games (MMOG) for showcase at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles from May 10-12, 2006.
WEBZEN will focus this year's exhibition on a diverse showing of MMOGs that include the epic fantasy MMO role-playing game (MMORPG) "Soul of the Ultimate Nation" (SUN), MMO first person shooter "Huxley," and the mass-appeal casual MMORPG "Project Wiki." All titles leverage WEBZEN's world-class online game design and client/server technologies, pushing the boundaries of today's MMOG offerings. Visitors to WEBZEN's booth -- #1300 in the South Hall -- will have the opportunity to play hands-on versions of all three titles.
"Soul of the Ultimate Nation" is the much anticipated MMORPG that delivers more fun and more friends in less time. Players can form a party from thousands of gamers using "Soul of the Ultimate Nation's" Battle Zone System and embark on a graphically stunning and ever-expanding online fantasy world that is ready for action when the players are. With a unique battle systems and a captivating cast of characters, "Soul of the Ultimate Nation" is an epic tale in a world of emperors, armies, magicians and monsters. "Soul of the Ultimate Nation" will be available for PC.
"Huxley" is a massively multiplayer online first person shooting game (MMOFPS) utilizing the UNREAL3 engine to create an unparalleled twitch action gaming experience with up to 5,000 players in the same world. "Huxley" takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where human beings have mutated and are divided into two opposing races, Sapiens and Alternative. At the center of the battle for survival is Lunarites, a promising new energy source highly coveted by both races. Forced to battle against one another for the continuance of each race, Sapiens and Alternatives will do whatever it takes to wipe out the opposition and gain control of the world and its resources. "Huxley" will be available for PC and the Xbox 360(TM).
"Project Wiki" is a casual, fairy tale based MMORPG with intense levels of cooperative interaction. The relationships and actions of each individual player directly influence the entire "Project Wiki" world and all of its elements. "Project Wiki" incorporates an adaptive system enabling the decisions players make in quests and missions to contribute to the individual personalities of characters, including what they wear and their facial expressions. "Project Wiki" will deliver a lively, creative and interactive online game play experience in a whimsical and charming environment for PC.
Executives from WEBZEN and WEBZEN America and members of the development teams will be on hand to take meetings May 10-12 at the company's booth (#1300) located in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center. WEBZEN welcomes press and prospective business partners to schedule meetings in advance or to visit the booth.
About WEBZEN Inc.
Founded in 2000 and based in Seoul, Korea, WEBZEN has become a leader in the MMOG market and has developed some of the world's top online game and client/server technologies. Listed on the NASDAQ (WZEN), WEBZEN is continuing the tradition of "MU Online" with "Soul of the Ultimate Nation" and an array of exciting game titles slated for release in the world's game market. WEBZEN is also the first publisher in Korea to diversify into console platforms, including Xbox 360(TM) and PlayStation(R)3 (PS3). In January 2005, WEBZEN announced its entry into the U.S. games market with a subsidiary, WEBZEN America, based in Los Angeles.
About WEBZEN America, Inc.
WEBZEN America, Inc. is the wholly owned North American subsidiary of WEBZEN Inc. (NASDAQ:WZEN), a global online interactive entertainment company. Based in Los Angeles, WEBZEN America launched in 2005 to bring world-class massively multiplayer online game services to North America. The company's portfolio of highly anticipated games includes the epic fantasy MMO role-playing game "Soul of the Ultimate Nation," the intense, knuckle-whitening MMO First Person Shooter "HUXLEY" and the attitude-driven urban action MMOG "All Points Bulletin" (APB).Verizon Wireless Selects New WiderThan Game Titles for Get It Now
WiderThan , a leading global provider of integrated mobile entertainment solutions for wireless carriers, and Verizon Wireless, the leading wireless service provider in the United States, today announced that Verizon Wireless will expand its Get It Now(R) games with WiderThan's Crazyball and CubeTrix mobile games.
WiderThan , a leading global provider of integrated mobile entertainment solutions for wireless carriers, and Verizon Wireless, the leading wireless service provider in the United States, today announced that Verizon Wireless will expand its Get It Now(R) games with WiderThan's Crazyball and CubeTrix mobile games.Crazyball, a modernized version of the classic "Pong" video game, allows players to deflect a bouncing ball in all directions by skillfully using eight buttons on the mobile phone. CubeTrix is a brain teasing puzzle game that allows mobile phone customers to engage in an interactive two-player game against their phone. Verizon Wireless customers can find Crazyball and CubeTrix in the getGAMES shopping aisle -- each game is available for $4.99 for unlimited use purchase.
Jim Straight, vice president of wireless internet and multimedia services for Verizon Wireless, said, "Our continued relationship with WiderThan is a reflection of our commitment to meet our customers' increasing demand for high-quality mobile games and content."
WiderThan's Mobile Gaming spans numerous genres, including Sports, Action, Puzzles and Gambling. WiderThan offers both two- and three-dimensional games with unique designs and innovative play styles that optimize the mobile phone environment.
"We see a positive trend for comprehensive mobile entertainment services," said Vern Poyner, CEO of WiderThan Americas. "We look forward to helping Verizon Wireless continue to advance their next-generation mobile entertainment offerings." WiderThan and Verizon Wireless have been working together since 2001.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE:VOD) . Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/.
About WiderThan
WiderThan is a leading provider of integrated mobile entertainment solutions for wireless carriers. Our applications, content and services enable wireless carriers to provide a broad range of mobile entertainment, such as ringback tones, music-on-demand, mobile games, ringtones, messaging and information services, to their subscribers. WiderThan currently provides mobile entertainment solutions to more than 45 wireless carriers in over 20 countries, including SK Telecom in Korea, Verizon Wireless in the United States, Bharti Airtel in India, Globe Telecom in the Philippines and other wireless carriers in the United States.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/
SPORTS & AUTOS
'St. Joseph Aspirin Pressure Challenge' Finalists Tee Off for a Chance to Win $250,000 Competition Airing on CBS Sports May 14 & 20 Reveals How 29 Amateur Golfers Performed Under Pressure of High Stakes Golf
The premier episode of GOLF MAGAZINE's first-ever reality show, "The St. Joseph Aspirin Pressure Challenge," will air on CBS Sports on Sunday, May 14, 2-3 p.m. EDT, followed by an exciting conclusion in a second episode airing Saturday, May 20, 2-3 p.m. EDT. "The St. Joseph Aspirin Pressure Challenge," hosted by CBS Sports commentators David Feherty and Bill Macatee, offers 29 amateur golfers the once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the intense pressure of competitive golf and a shot at winning a quarter of a million dollars. The show taped in April at The Links at Lighthouse Sound in Ocean City, Md., one of GOLF MAGAZINE's Top 100 Courses.
The show's cast of diverse personalities, each with a handicap of eight (8) or higher, was determined through a series of casting calls that GOLF MAGAZINE conducted earlier this year. They include a New York City firefighter, a Florida police detective and hostage negotiator, a New Jersey teacher, an amputee from Maryland, a California-based tattoo artist and a married homemaker and mother of four from Arizona.
Upon arriving in Ocean City, the golfers competed in a "closest to pin" qualifying competition, with 20 contestants making the cut to advance to the first tee. Players then attempted to par nine consecutive holes, each with an increasing monetary value ($1,000, $2,500, $5,000, etc.), with $250,000 awaiting the player(s) who accomplished the feat.
After each par, viewers will watch players struggle to decide whether to keep their winnings or continue to play and risk it all on the next hole. (After five consecutive pars, players were guaranteed to leave with no less than $10,000.) Participants were entitled to three "mulligans" -- golf-speak for do-overs -- with a limit of one per hole and not to be used for putting, as well as two tips from GOLF MAGAZINE Top 100 Teachers -- only one of which could be used to "read" the green while attempting a putt.
Beginning in January, GOLF MAGAZINE searched the country for golfers who were excited for the opportunity to battle TOUR-like pressure in front of cameras, spectators and a national viewing audience. After reviewing more than 1,500 applications, conducting four open casting calls and analyzing more than 64 hours of taped interviews with more than 500 golfers, producers narrowed the field to the following 29 participants who earned a trip to participate in the show's taping on April 19 and 20 at The Links at
Lighthouse Sound in Ocean City, Md.:
Azam Baig, Annapolis, Md. Jim Henderson, Pittsburgh, Penn.
Larry Baker, Jacksonville, Fla. Bill Herbst, Ocean City, Md.
Ken Barnes, Higley, Ariz. Joe Ianetti, Bloomingdale, N.J.
Esteade Bolden, Austell, Ga. Jonathan Klingler, Vienna, Va.
Karen Brackenridge, Mason, Ohio Todd Koppa, Mesa, Ariz.
Sherry Brodie, Ridgewood, N.J. Eddie Krumpotich, New Market, Md.
Ron Childs, Bronx, N.Y. Brian Machowski, Mountaintop, Penn.
David Comey, Villanova, Penn. Brice Mindrum, Roy, Utah
Philip Dishner, Kingsport, Tenn. Rick Murray, Scottsdale, Ariz.
James Durfer, Florence, Mass. Steve Poppe, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Simon Ecob, Mesa, Ariz. Michael Sczepanik, Titusville, Fla.
John Egan, Island Park, N.Y. Dave Singletary, Wareham, Mass.
J. Esparza, San Rafael, Calif. Shane Urry, Mesa, Ariz.
Matt Forrer, Ephrata, Penn. Rick Weber, Berlin, Md.
Sonya Geisel, Phoenix, Ariz.
Log on to http://www.stjosephpressurechallenge.com/ to meet the finalists who competed in "The St. Joseph Aspirin Pressure Challenge."
Sponsors of the "St. Joseph Aspirin Pressure Challenge" include: St. Joseph(R) Aspirin, maker of St. Joseph 81 mg Adult Low Dose Aspirin (http://www.stjosephaspirin.com/), title sponsor; Cobra Golf, equipment sponsor; Buick Motor Division, automotive sponsor; Dockers(R) San Francisco, apparel sponsor; Ocean City Golf Getaway and Ocean City, Maryland, host sponsor.
In addition to any cash winnings earned, contestants received Cobra Golf bags to transport their own clubs through the course, and any golfer who birdied the second hole received a full club set from Cobra Golf including: a Speed driver, Speed 3 wood, a Baffler, a set of Inertia irons and a new Optica putter.
As the official automotive sponsor of the show, Buick Motor Division provided Buick Lucerne golf carts during the competition. Additionally, the first golfer to get a hole-in-one on the third par-3 hole had a shot at bringing home a Buick Lucerne.
The official apparel sponsor, Dockers(R) San Francisco, outfitted all contestants in a Dockers golf wardrobe, and any players who birdied the seventh hole received a complete Dockers wardrobe retail valued at $1,000.
Golfers who birdied the fifth hole received two first class tickets to/from any American Airlines/American Eagle/American Connection city in the contiguous 48 United States, Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean including Bermuda and the Bahamas.
About GOLF MAGAZINE
GOLF MAGAZINE(R) is at the core of the most powerful media company in the game, delivering a monthly circulation of 1.4 million golf enthusiasts and a readership of 6.15 million. GOLF MAGAZINE possesses golf's most powerful portfolio of assets, with print, online and TV media vehicles reaching a combined base audience of more than 11 million affluent consumers. GOLF MAGAZINE is "accessible, insightful, actionable and fun" and published by Time4 Media(R), a subsidiary of Time Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX) .
Source: GOLF MAGAZINE
Web site: http://www.stjosephpressurechallenge.com/
http://www.stjosephaspirin.com/ Soccer Stars Back National Recycling Campaign
Celebrities from the world of football and entertainment are encouraging football fans to think red, white and green this summer - by recycling.
ITV football presenter Gabby Logan, commentator and former England player Graeme le Saux and actor and impressionist Alistair McGowan are all backing a national recycling campaign called 'the BIG recycle'.
Launching on June 5, just days before the World Cup kicks off in Germany, 'the BIG recycle' will combine local recycling events across the UK with national press and marketing activity.
The big name signings will be encouraging households to recycle throughout the World Cup period, and beyond.
Gabby said: "I'm thrilled to be supporting 'the BIG recycle', because my family and I are already keen recyclers. We always use our council's doorstep collection service, and try to shop sensibly to buy recycled or recyclable goods and packaging. It's easy to get into the habit, and it makes a lot of environmental sense.
"Given that we generate even more waste than usual during a major sporting tournament, I think the World Cup is a great time to remind people to do their bit I hope everyone will make recycling their goal this summer."
Local authorities, community groups, retailers and materials organisations will be holding special events across the country during the week of the BIG recycle, to show the public how, what and where they can recycle, and to inspire people to make a difference in their everyday lives.
Jennie Price, Chief Executive Officer of WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) said: "This campaign is a great opportunity to remind people just how easy it is to recycle. With nine out of ten homes now having doorstep collections, recycling has never been more convenient.
"The great strength of 'the BIG recycle' is its ability to reach people at grass-roots level, thanks to the close involvement of local authorities, voluntary groups, materials organisations and retailers. We hope the campaign will inspire a huge surge of interest in recycling this summer."
In 2005, 'the BIG recycle' was supported by major materials organisations, several national retailers and hundreds of local authorities, generating a surge of interest in recycling across the country.
'the BIG recycle' is jointly organised and funded by WRAP - a UK programme established to promote resource efficiency - in partnership with the leading materials recycling organisations British Glass, Corus, Novelis, PaperChain, the Corrugated Packaging Industry and Recoup.
For more information on the BIG recycle, and for practical recycling tips, visit www.recyclenow.com
Recycle Now - Launched in September 2004, Recycle Now is the GBP10 million multi-media national recycling campaign, implemented and managed by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) on behalf of the Government. The aim of the campaign is to encourage more people to recycle more stuff, more often. 'the BIG recycle' is a key part of the campaign.
WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) is a major UK programme established to promote resource efficiency. Its particular focus is on creating stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products and removing the barriers to waste minimisation, re-use and recycling.
A not-for-profit company, WRAP is backed by substantial Government funding from Defra and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
More information on all of WRAP's programmes can be found on www.wrap.org.uk and for more information on the Recycle Now campaign visit www.recyclenow.com
All packaging materials organisations have common aims for recycling and are faced by similar issues and legislation:
EMR: www.emrltd.com
Corrugated Packaging Industry: www.paper.org.uk
Source: the BIG recycle
Is England a Nation of World Cup Nostalgics or Hopefuls?
- Who is the Nation's Favourite - 1966 or 2006?
Bidclever.com will find out which World Cup team the nation prefers by placing an England shirt signed by the legends of Bobby Moore's 1966 winning side and an England shirt signed by David Beckham's 2006 hopefuls on its reverse auction competition website.
Individuals will be able to vote for their favourite team by placing a bid for either shirt, with the team receiving the most votes winning. The signed shirts go to the lucky supporters who place the lowest unique bids, with the possibility that these pieces of footballing history could be won for as little as one pence.
Louis Paltnoi, of Bidclever.com, said: "As we move closer to the World Cup, the nation's expectations are high. The country genuinely believes that England can repeat the events of the glorious summer of 1966 and we are keen to find out if nostalgia is favoured over our current group of hopeful superstars."
Bidclever.com is hosting a number of World Cup special lowest unique bid auctions, where the prizes can be won for pennies. Auctions include:
- World Cup special of a La-Z-Boy armchair with built in fridge, a months supply of beer and a state of the art 32" LCD High Definition TV.
- World Cup Widows package of a day in a luxury spa, use of a limo, GBP750 Selfridges vouchers and use of a personal shopper, exclusive restaurant dinner and overnight stay at a 5 star hotel for two people.
- Arsenal shirt signed by Thierry Henry and the last squad ever to play at Highbury.
- Both England shirts come with certificates of authentication with the 1966 shirt also coming with signed team sheets from the historic World Cup winning day.
- www.bidclever.com is an online reverse auction competition site featuring aspirational, must-have products and services. The website features exclusive, 'money-can't-buy' gifts and experiences, and features prizes provided by partners Thomas Cook Sports, Richer Sounds, iwantoneofthose.com and buyagift.com.
- How reverse auctions work - The service works by each bidder paying an entry fee to enter each online reverse auction, their aim being to place the lowest unique bid. Every auction is limited by time or to a specified number of bids. Once that limit is reached, the auction closes. The winning bidder then purchases the item for the amount they have bid.
Source: Bidclever.com
US Open's Favorite Son - Hall of Fame Tennis Legend Jimmy Connors - Launches New DVD Series in NYC May 9
DVD Series Offers Tennis Enthusiasts a Unique Opportunity to Learn Tennis Fundamentals from the Best in the Sport NEW YORK, May 2, 2006 -- Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Connors is hitting the courts again - and tennis aficionados everywhere will benefit! Connors is BACK and sharing his unsurpassed knowledge of the sport to help groom today's tennis players. He will be in New York City May 9 to promote the release of his new six-set DVD series, "Jimmy Connors Presents: Tennis Fundamentals," during a 2 p.m. press conference at the ESPN Zone, 1472 Broadway, New York, NY, 10036. "Tennis has been my life,"says Connors. "I've been waiting for a project that grabbed my attention and this is it. The DVD series reflects the attitude and passion that I put into the way I play tennis," stated Connors, who remains the sport's all-time record holder for the most career single titles (109). "This DVD not only allows me to share my success with tennis players of all ages and levels, but also includes personal insight, interviews and lessons with many of the world's best tennis players." What makes this instructional DVD series different from others? With a line-up of tennis' hottest stars including Chris Evert, James Blake, Justine Henin-Hardenne, Mike and Bob Bryan, Rafael Nadal, Marat Safin, John Lloyd, Tracy Austin, Paradorn Srichaphan, Marcos Baghdatis, Sania Mirza, and tennis legend Pancho Segura, this instructional video series includes over ten hours of skills, drills interviews and on-court instruction, providing viewers a one-on-one learning session with the best-of-the best in the tennis world. With stories and anecdotes along with philosophical discussions from the greatest players in tennis, viewers receive a rare and personal perspective on the game. "Jimmy Connors Presents: Tennis Fundamentals" DVDs are available at http://www.FoundationSports.com or by calling 1-800-480-8200.
DVD Series Offers Tennis Enthusiasts a Unique Opportunity to Learn Tennis Fundamentals from the Best in the Sport NEW YORK, May 2, 2006 -- Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Connors is hitting the courts again - and tennis aficionados everywhere will benefit! Connors is BACK and sharing his unsurpassed knowledge of the sport to help groom today's tennis players. He will be in New York City May 9 to promote the release of his new six-set DVD series, "Jimmy Connors Presents: Tennis Fundamentals," during a 2 p.m. press conference at the ESPN Zone, 1472 Broadway, New York, NY, 10036. "Tennis has been my life,"says Connors. "I've been waiting for a project that grabbed my attention and this is it. The DVD series reflects the attitude and passion that I put into the way I play tennis," stated Connors, who remains the sport's all-time record holder for the most career single titles (109). "This DVD not only allows me to share my success with tennis players of all ages and levels, but also includes personal insight, interviews and lessons with many of the world's best tennis players." What makes this instructional DVD series different from others? With a line-up of tennis' hottest stars including Chris Evert, James Blake, Justine Henin-Hardenne, Mike and Bob Bryan, Rafael Nadal, Marat Safin, John Lloyd, Tracy Austin, Paradorn Srichaphan, Marcos Baghdatis, Sania Mirza, and tennis legend Pancho Segura, this instructional video series includes over ten hours of skills, drills interviews and on-court instruction, providing viewers a one-on-one learning session with the best-of-the best in the tennis world. With stories and anecdotes along with philosophical discussions from the greatest players in tennis, viewers receive a rare and personal perspective on the game. "Jimmy Connors Presents: Tennis Fundamentals" DVDs are available at or by calling 1-800-480-8200.This high-quality DVD series is second to none. Shot in high-definition and using multiple camera angles, the series is both instructional and entertaining. DVD Series Includes: -- More than ten hours of skills, drills, interviews, and on-court instruction -- Grips, ground strokes, serving basics, returns, volley, doubles -- Warm up and mental preparation -- Interviews, action and insight -- And much more! On Sale Date: Tuesday, May 9, 2006 Run Time: Six titles with over 10 hours of content Available at: http://www.FoundationSports.com or 1-800-480-8200 Titles available for purchase in the Jimmy Connors DVD collection include: "Comprehensive" (over three hours of skills, drills, interviews and on-court instruction to help you improve your game); "Tennis for Kids" (teaches the basics: stance, positioning, grip, forehand, backhand, volleying, and many other tips and techniques); "Doubles" (skills and drills specifically tailored for Doubles, on court strategy for attacking your opponents, court position and team play); "Serve and Volley" (detailed instruction and philosophies for serving, volleying, serve/volley strategies, technique, precision and drills); "Conditioning" (unique exercises, stretching techniques, warm up exercises, on-court and in-home drills, and a conditioning schedule to get you in top tennis shape); and "Conversations with Champions" (a two-hour DVD featuring in-depth interviews with tennis legends, today's champions and rising stars from around the world).
Visit http://www.FoundationSports.com for more information. About Jimmy Connors Jimmy Connors pounded the tennis court for more than two professional decades. He won 109 career singles titles and was a finalist 54 times. He was ranked number one in the world for 268 weeks (ranked number one for 160 consecutive weeks). Connors was also ranked in the world's Top Ten for 16 consecutive years. A tennis all-star, truly passionate about the sport, has made a comeback and hopes to create tennis aces worldwide with his new instructional video. About Foundation Sports Foundation Sports, founded in 2005, is building the world's foremost library of sports instructional DVDs and a video driven online community where kids, parents, coaches and established athletes can learn from the games' greatest and share their experiences with one another. The products are anchored by legends in the game and complemented with today's brightest stars. In addition to "Jimmy Connors presents: Tennis Fundamentals," the company also markets "Magic Johnson presents: Fundamentals of Basketball." More productions are planned for later this year. Foundation Sports is setting the new standard for sports instructional products. Shot in high definition with multiple camera angles, the video products are cinema quality, marrying education with entertainment to create the quintessential "edutainment" experience. U.S. World Cup Roster Includes 19 Players with Experience in Major League Soccer
Nineteen of the 23 players that will represent the United States at the FIFA World Cup this summer in Germany have experience in Major League Soccer. Bruce Arena, U.S. Men's National Team Manager, announced the 23-man roster and 13 alternates today on ESPN's SportsCenter. The selections emphasize the impact that Major League Soccer continues to make on the maturation and improvement of the U.S. National Team program.
Arena, the longest-tenured national team coach in the 32-team field, accepted the position in October 1998 after guiding D.C. United to two MLS Cup titles. For the 2006 U.S. World Cup roster, Arena selected 11 current MLS players and 12 players employed by European clubs. Of the 13 players named as alternates to the U.S. roster, 11 are current MLS players.
The 32-team FIFA World Cup takes place in Germany from June 9 to July 9, with all 64 games being broadcast live and in high definition by ABC, ESPN and ESPN2. The United States' first round opponents are the Czech Republic (June 12), Italy (June 17) and Ghana (June 22). The 11 current MLS players on the roster are slated to play for their respective teams this weekend before heading to Cary, N.C. for the U.S. team's training camp, which begins May 10. The United States will play three games in its Send-Off Series before departing for Germany: Tuesday, May 23 in Nashville vs. Morocco; Friday, May 26 in Cleveland vs. Venezuela and Sunday, May 28 in Hartford vs. Latvia.
"We congratulate each of the 23 players selected to represent our country on the world's grandest sporting stage," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "This United States team was assembled from arguably the deepest talent pool in American soccer history and we are confident that Coach Bruce Arena and this team will make us all proud."
A number of the U.S. team's top players have spent the majority of their professional careers in Major League Soccer, including Landon Donovan, Pablo Mastroeni, Eddie Pope and Josh Wolff. Others, who currently play in Europe, forged their identities as stars while playing for MLS clubs and are still fan favorites in those cities, such as DaMarcus Beasley and Carlos Bocanegra with the Chicago Fire; Brian McBride with the Columbus Crew, and Bobby Convey with D.C. United.
"It's no secret that this team has a lot of MLS influence," Arena said. "I have said all along that our country's success in international soccer depends on Major League Soccer and its continued growth. Clearly our player pool is getting deeper, particularly if you look at each four-year cycle. For that to continue, a strong domestic league is essential."
The 23-player roster selected to the 2006 U.S. World Cup team follows:
Goalkeepers Club
Marcus Hahnemann Reading (England)
Tim Howard Manchester United (England)
Kasey Keller B. M'gladbach (Germany)
Defenders Club
Carlos Bocanegra Fulham (England)
Steve Cherundolo Hannover 96 (Germany)
Jimmy Conrad Kansas City Wizards (MLS)
Cory Gibbs ADO Den Haag (Holland)
Frankie Hejduk Columbus Crew (MLS)
Eddie Lewis Leeds United (England)
Oguchi Onyewu Standard Liege (Belgium)
Eddie Pope Real Salt Lake (MLS)
Midfielders Club
DaMarcus Beasley PSV Eindhoven (Holland)
Bobby Convey Reading (England)
Clint Dempsey New England Revolution (MLS)
Landon Donovan Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
Pablo Mastroeni Colorado Rapids (MLS)
John O'Brien Chivas USA (MLS)
Ben Olsen D.C. United (MLS)
Claudio Reyna Manchester City (England)
Forwards Club
Brian Ching Houston Dynamo (MLS)
Eddie Johnson Kansas City Wizards (MLS)
Brian McBride Fulham (England)
Josh Wolff Kansas City Wizards (MLS)
The Kansas City Wizards have the most U.S. World Cup team members of any MLS team, with three -- Jimmy Conrad, Eddie Johnson and Josh Wolff. Eight of the 12 MLS teams have one representative each: Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, Houston Dynamo, Los Angeles Galaxy, New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake.
U.S. Men's National Team Alternates List -- 2006 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers (2): Tony Meola (New York Red Bulls), Matt Reis (New England Revolution)
Defenders (3): Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy), Gregg Berhalter (Energie Cottbus), Todd Dunivant (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Midfielders (5): Chris Armas (Chicago Fire), Chris Klein (Real Salt Lake), Pat Noonan (New England Revolution), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution), Kerry Zavagnin (Kansas City Wizards)
Forwards (3): Conor Casey (FSV Mainz), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)
Other Major League Soccer players who could represent their respective countries at this summer's World cup are:
Player Club Country
Cornell Glen Los Angles Galaxy Trinidad & Tobago
Avery John New England Revolution Trinidad & Tobago
Roberto Mina FC Dallas Ecuador
Douglas Sequeira Real Salt Lake Costa Rica
Claudio Suarez Chivas USA Mexico
About Major League Soccer
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and features many stars from the U.S. and around the world. Entering its 11th season on April 1, 2006, the 12 teams in MLS are: the Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Club Deportivo Chivas USA, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy, Red Bull New York, New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake. For more information about MLS, log on to the League's official Web site at http://www.mlsnet.com/.
Web site: http://www.mlsnet.com/ Cingular Wireless is Ready to Run With New Cell Sites for the Derby New sites give Derbygoers enhanced coverage on Race Day and beyond
Cingular Wireless, the nation's largest wireless company, announced today that it is up and running with two new cell sites to serve its wireless customers -- in time for this week's 132nd running of the Kentucky Derby. These two sites will provide racegoers with enhanced coverage for their Cingular Wireless phones and data devices, allowing them to call friends and loved ones with race results, check out each horse's statistics via the Internet using their data devices, and even take and send their own "photo finishes" with their wireless phones.
"The Run for the Roses is enormously important to both Louisville residents and to horseracing fans around the world," said Rob South, Director of Sales for Cingular Wireless in Central Kentucky. "By bringing these cell sites online in time for the Derby, Cingular hopes to help our wireless customers better enjoy the entire Derby experience, and to communicate that sense of tradition and excitement to their friends and loved ones who can't be at the Derby themselves."
The two cell sites are also interesting in their own right. The first site, a permanent installation, is located directly adjacent to historic Churchill Downs, on South Fourth Street. The second site is a moveable site brought in especially to serve race fans. This Cell on Wheels, or "COW," is a self-contained mobile cell site that can be towed or driven into an area to provide extra call capacity during times of high call volume -- such as Derby Week.
"These COWS, and our COLTS, which are Cells on Light Trucks, allow Cingular to be prepared for periods of high call volume and to make sure our customers' calls get through clearly and easily," said Bill Plantz, Director of Network Operations for Cingular in Tennessee and Kentucky. "We're always striving to give our customers the best wireless network experience possible -- whether they are calling from home, from the office, or even from the Infield of Churchill Downs."
The COW, which is located on Churchill Downs property on the west side of the track, and the new permanent cell site were both brought online last week in preparation for expected high call volume and data usage during the Derby. The permanent Churchill Downs site is just one of more than 20 new cell sites Cingular will add to its Kentucky and Southern Indiana network by year's end. The company recently completed integration of its Cingular Wireless and the former AT&T Wireless networks in the Louisville area, giving customers access to more than 50 percent more cell sites, which translates into fewer dropped calls, improved call quality, new coverage where none existed before, and better in-building, in-car and pedestrian coverage.
About Cingular Wireless
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving 55.8 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE:BLS) , has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation -- the ALLOVER(TM) network -- and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is a leader in third generation wireless technology. Its 3G network is the first widely available service in the world to use HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover(R), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Golf Legend Corey Pavin Tees Off in Europe With Crystal Cruises Hole-in-One Competition Offers Chance to Win a Free Crystal Cruise
Golf enthusiasts on Crystal Symphony's August 19 cruise from Rome to London can tee off with U.S. Open golf champion Corey Pavin at some of the Mediterranean's most exclusive golf resorts. Pavin will also participate in golf clinics, lectures and a Hole-in-One-Competition for a chance to win a free cruise.
Guests participating in the Golf Theme Program will enjoy play at Golf Club Dell'Ugolino (Florence, Italy), Monte Carlo Golf Club (Monte Carlo, Monaco), Ste. Maxime Golf Club (St-Tropez, France) and Real Club de Golf el Prat (Barcelona, Spain).
At each course, golfers will enjoy 18-holes of championship golf in organized foursomes, 45-minute warm-up session on driving range or putting green, caddy or motorized cart, 9th hole refreshments, use of locker room facilities, and transfers to and from the ship. On board, participating golfers are invited to exclusive parties and private clinics hosted by Corey Pavin, and enjoy complimentary club and golf shoe cleaning after each course, as well as complimentary club storage. Also leading golf clinics and attending the golf themed events will be LPGA teaching professional and golf writer Shannon Dowdy.
Corey Pavin is the winner of 14 PGA tournaments, 12 international victories and one of only a handful of golfers to win back-to-back Nissan Open championships, including one U.S Open. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Arnold Palmer Award.
Golfers playing all courses during either cruise are eligible to receive awards for competitions including: Best Overall Score for Putting Contest (team and individual); Best Overall Average Score (team and individual); Longest Drive; Closest to the Pin; and the ultimate: a Hole-in-One, which rewards the winner with a free Crystal cruise for two.
Golfers may confirm their participation at each desired course in advance of their trip by reserving online at www.crystalcruises.com.
Exclusively with this cruise, guests can ship their golf clubs from the U.S. through Virtual Bellhop for only $100 each way -- a savings of 50%. For added convenience, all luggage can be shipped through the service. For more information and arrangements on golf club and luggage shipping, contact Virtual Bellhop at www.virtualbellhop.com or call 877-Bellhop. Crystal recommends that golfers bring their own clubs, as their rental at the courses is based on availability.
The 12-day cruise aboard the luxurious Crystal Symphony departs from Rome's port of Civitavecchia for Livorno/Florence, Monte Carlo, St-Tropez, Barcelona, Lisbon, Bordeaux (overnight), Guernsey, and London. Fares start at $3,990 per person, double occupancy.
The Crystal Difference
The 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony is among the most spacious and elegant vessels cruising in the luxury market. Its unique size allows for smooth sailing and a wide range of innovative facilities, generous amenities and elegant accommodations.
For the past ten consecutive years, Crystal Cruises has been voted World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines -- the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have achieved such distinction.
Web site: http://www.virtualbellhop.com/
Web site: http://www.crystalcruises.com/
High Gas Prices Boost Searches for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Among Shoppers on Cars.com
As gas prices near an average of $3 a gallon nationwide, consumer searches and email leads sent to dealers for more fuel-efficient vehicles like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight have once again gained momentum. According to the latest cars.com Consumer Search Index, the Toyota Prius now ranks third on the list of new cars showing the greatest increase in searches month over month, and it has also cracked the top 10 in terms of most email leads sent to dealers.
"Consumer reaction to high gasoline prices this year is very similar to what we experienced last year when gasoline prices spiked above $3 a gallon," said Joe Wiesenfelder, cars.com senior editor. "However, this year the conversion of consumer searches into email leads to dealers has happened at a much faster rate, indicating that consumers may be more inclined to purchase a more fuel-efficient car this summer."
As consumer searches for more fuel-efficient cars escalate, searches for large SUVs and trucks are experiencing a noticeable decline. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, Nissan Titan and Chevrolet Tahoe all made the list of top new cars experiencing a decline month over month.
Several new-car introductions continue to experience early success in terms of search numbers and email leads to dealers. The Toyota FJ Cruiser and Dodge Caliber continue to top the list of cars that saw the largest month over month increases. The Caliber also is among the top 10 vehicles searched on cars.com.
Vehicle Searches (April)
Models with the most searches performed on cars.com.
Top New-Car Searches Top Used-Car Searches
1 Honda Civic 1 Honda Civic
2 Toyota Camry 2 Honda Accord
3 Honda Accord 3 Ford Mustang
4 Toyota Corolla 4 Toyota Camry
5 Acura MDX 5 Toyota Corolla
6 Ford Mustang 6 Ford F-150
7 Toyota RAV4 7 Volkswagen Jetta
8 Dodge Caliber 8 Toyota Tacoma
9 BMW 325 9 Mitsubishi Eclipse
10 Volkswagen Jetta 10 Chevrolet Corvette
Search Increases (March-April)
Models with the largest increase in the number of searches performed on
cars.com.
Top New-Car Search Increases Top Used-Car Search Increases
1 Toyota FJ Cruiser 83.61% 1 Dodge Caliber 99.93%
2 Dodge Caliber 74.70% 2 Toyota Prius 82.33%
3 Toyota Prius 73.97% 3 Honda Insight 53.34%
4 Pontiac G6 42.86% 4 Toyota FJ Cruiser 51.26%
5 Toyota Camry 38.70% 5 Lexus RX 350 28.04%
6 Saturn Sky 36.36% 6 Geo Metro 24.22%
7 Volkswagen Jetta 32.78% 7 Saturn Sky 18.56%
8 Toyota Matrix 29.22% 8 Toyota Echo 14.06%
9 Toyota Corolla 23.20% 9 Scion xA 13.45%
10 Hyundai Sonata 21.00% 10 Volkswagen Golf 13.38%
Search Decreases (March-April)
Models with the largest decrease in the number of searches performed on
cars.com
Top New-Car Search Decreases Top Used-Car Search Decreases
1 Hyundai Azera 33.60% 1 Hyundai Azera 35.13%
2 Volkswagen GTI 25.35% 2 Ford Expedition 24.95%
3 Lexus RX 330 23.41% 3 Plymouth Grand
Voyager 24.52%
4 Jeep Grand Cherokee 19.84% 4 Chrysler Grand
Voyager 24.09%
5 Ford Explorer 19.71% 5 GMC Suburban 23.80%
6 Chevrolet Tahoe 18.50% 6 Chevrolet Suburban 23.22%
7 Ford F-150 18.26% 7 Chevrolet Tahoe 23.14%
8 Nissan Titan 17.57% 8 GMC Yukon XL 23.09%
9 Dodge Ram 16.96% 9 Dodge Durango 22.60%
10 Ford F-250 16.65% 10 Chevrolet
TrailBlazer EXT 22.55%
Top Dealer Email Inquiries (April)
New Cars Yielding the Most Used Cars Yielding the Most
Dealer Inquiries Dealer Inquiries
1 Honda Civic (2006) 1 Honda Civic (2002)
2 Honda Accord (2006) 2 Honda Accord (2003)
3 Toyota Camry (2006) 3 Honda Civic (2003)
4 Toyota RAV4 (2006) 4 Subaru Impreza (2004)
5 Toyota Prius (2006) 5 Honda Civic (2000)
6 Toyota Corolla (2006) 6 Honda Accord (2002)
7 Honda Odyssey (2006) 7 Toyota Supra (1997)
8 Toyota Tacoma (2006) 8 Ford Mustang (2001)
9 Toyota Sienna (2006) 9 Volkswagen Jetta (2004)
10 Honda Pilot (2006) 10 Audi A4 (2002)
Top Cars Listed For Sale By Owner (April)
1 Honda Accord
2 Honda Civic
3 Ford Mustang
4 Ford Explorer
5 Jeep Grand Cherokee
6 Ford F-150
7 Volkswagen Jetta
8 Toyota Camry
9 Dodge Ram
10 BMW 325
About the cars.com Consumer Search Index
The cars.com Consumer Search Index offers a comprehensive look at the internet search behavior of cars.com visitors. The statistical information is compiled by tracking the more than 8.3 million unique visitors that log on to cars.com each month and the vehicles that are most popular. The lists are based off a minimum of 4,000 searches for any given vehicle. Dealer inquiries measure the volume of emails consumers send to dealers seeking information about a particular vehicle. The information is supported by expert analysis from the cars.com editorial staff.
About cars.com
Partnered with more than 200 leading metro newspapers, television stations and their websites, cars.com is the most comprehensive destination for those looking to buy or sell a new or used car. The site lists more than 1.5 million vehicles from 10,000 dealer customers, classified advertisers and private parties to offer consumers the best selection of new and used cars online, as well as the content, tools and advice to support their shopping experience. Recently selected by Forbes.com as a Best of the Web site for car shopping, cars.com combines powerful inventory search tools and new-car configuration with pricing information, photo galleries, buying guides, side-by-side comparison tools, original editorial content and reviews to help millions of car shoppers connect with sellers each month.
Launched in June 1998, cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, (< Web site: http://www.cars.com/
http://classifiedventures.com/
It looks like a scene from the movie "Waterworld" off the Iraqi coastTwo oil terminals - this one and the Khawr al Amaya a few kilometers away - rise from the sea, miles out of sight of land. The oil wealth of Iraq flows into supertankers that berth here. There is a post-Apocalyptic, industrial wasteland feel to this oil terminal. It's all hard edges - steel grating, concrete and massive valves. The whine of machinery, the thump of pumps and the roar of generators are constant. The smell of crude oil permeates everything. The two platforms may be the most important economic facilities in the region. They pump oil around the clock. Officials estimate the flow is worth $18,000 a second to the people of Iraq. Terrorists are aware of the target the platforms present. On April 24, 2004, they launched an attack on the Al Basra terminal that coalition forces foiled, but at the cost of the lives of two U.S. sailors and a Coast Guardsman.
Today, a U.S. Navy detachment and a group of Iraqi marines are the last line of defense in case of attack. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Kenny Miller said the sailors of Guam's Mobile Security Detachment 71 work alongside Iraqi marines to defend the platforms. There are 45 sailors deployed to the platforms, who man defensive positions all along the 1,040 meters of them. The security detachment works with the Iraqis, who are guarding their country's most precious resource, to ensure they can handle any contingency. "We consider ourselves family on both platforms and we will fight alongside them if necessary to ensure the platform security," he said. He said the Iraqis are eager to learn and have worked well with his sailors. "We've had good relations with the Iraqis," said Petty Officer 1st Class Billy Carver, the lead trainer with the detachment. "Everything runs pretty smooth," he said. "We train like we fight, fight like we train.
But beyond that, we share food with them, barter with them. It's nice." The sailors live in Conex boxes outfitted as quarters, three men to a box, and Navy Seabees built a small recreation room for the sailors. The ships off the platforms deliver chow three times a day. The sailors call such deliveries "meals on keels." The detachment sends marshaling teams to the supertankers as they approach the platforms. The teams protect the pilot and the ship's captain, and make sure nothing interferes with the vessels' operations, Miller said. Weather conditions can be challenging on the platform. "When it storms, the whole structure shakes," said Petty Officer 1st Class Eric Gallagher, a corpsman with the detachment. "The winds go from zero to 60 in seven seconds and dust comes out here from I-don't-know-where." And every day there are exercises to ensure the detachment and the Iraqi marines remain sharp. Called "wolverines," these exercises ensure the defenders can fully man their positions in a specified period of time. Miller said the men are well under that time. And the detachment constantly wargames scenarios to ensure they defend against all threats: air, sea and under the sea. "There will be no failure of imagination out here, because failure is not an option," Miller said. Public Event Showcases Launch of the Iraqi Virtual Science Library
Public Event Showcases Launch of the Iraqi Virtual Science Library Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Kenneth J. Krieg, along with Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky, will launch the Iraqi Virtual Science Library (IVSL) at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) May 3, 2006, at 1 p.m. EDT. The event is open to the public and media. The IVSL is an on-line library that will provide Iraqi scientists, engineers, physicians, researchers, and students with access to more than 17,000 journals on science and engineering, on-line training and educational materials and information on funding opportunities.
The library will give provide nearly 80 percent of Iraq's scientists and university students with access to the same scientific content available at any top-tier university in the United States. A public-private partnership that includes several U.S. government agencies, 13 publishers of scientific journals, technology companies such as Sun Microsystems, and the Civilian Research & Development Foundation made the library possible. The Departments of Defense and State made generous contributions, and NAS arranged journal access privileges with the publishers. The library was created to counter the deterioration of scientific, technical, and educational infrastructure that occurred over the last 30 years of Saddam Hussein's rule.