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.
The Iraqi higher education and scientific community must be rebuilt if Iraq is to thrive in the 21st century knowledge economy. Pentagon Soldier Honored as Action Figure, Video Character
When insurgents attacked Army Sgt. Tommy Rieman's reconnaissance squad near the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq Dec. 3, 2003, Rieman acted on his instincts as a leader. With the convoy under heavy fire from rocket-propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices, and small arms, Rieman used his own body as a shield to protect his gunner and returned fire. The Humvees the squad was traveling in did not have doors, so Rieman suffered two bullet wounds and 11 shrapnel wounds, and a soldier in the rear vehicle lost his right leg. Rieman directed the convoy off the road, out of the kill zone, only to be attacked by another, smaller group of insurgents.
Rieman led his men to return fire, and the enemy's weapons were silenced. Rieman then called for a medical evacuation helicopter. For his actions that day, Rieman was awarded a Silver Star in August 2004 at Fort Bragg, N.C. But now, two years later, Rieman, who is now an administrative assistant for the Army personnel office in the Pentagon, is being honored in another, unique way. He will soon be appearing on video game screens and in toy boxes around the country. Rieman is among the first participants in the "America's Army: Real Heroes" program, which aims to honor soldiers who have shown heroism in the war on terror. Participants will have their lives and military stories recounted in "America's Army," the Army's video game for personal computers and console systems. The soldiers' likenesses are also being made into plastic action figures. "I think it's a great project," Rieman said. "It lets people know exactly what we're doing, and they can relate to that, because it's their sons and daughters and family and friends that are being deployed and doing these things every single day.
And it's cool on my end, because I get to become an action figure and be put in a video game. Who can say that?" The America's Army video game launched in 2002, and the Real Heroes participants are being added as extra characters in the game. Rieman said his character will probably be an instructor at a weapons range or a recruiter showing off the Army's Class A uniform. The game will also recount Rieman's military history and his life. The game isn't designed to allow people to recreate the Real Heroes soldiers' experiences in combat, Rieman said, but will tell their stories with the hope of inspiring others to greatness.
The game has Army values and morals instilled, and is useful as a tool for young people trying to decide whether to join the military, he said. "It's a developmental tool for kids in that decision-making age process," he said. "It's out there to educate them." The action figures will be four to seven inches tall and will recreate each soldier's uniform and gear the day he earned his award in combat, Rieman said. Rieman and the other soldiers recently traveled to Los Angeles, where their bodies were scanned and a rough mold of the action figures were made.
Sculptors are finalizing the figures, which are due out at the end of June, along with the revamped version of America's Army, Rieman said. Rieman, who has a 7-month-old son and another child on the way, said he looks forward to the day he sees his son playing with his action figure. "The coolest thing, for me, is to know that my son is going to look up at me in that figure," he said. "How many sons can look at their father and say, 'My dad's an action figure?'" Rieman, who is approaching his seven-year mark in the Army, said he is unsure about how much longer he'll stay in, but he plans on promoting the Real Heroes program for a long time. "There's no project out there that honors a soldier better than this, I don't think," he said. "Just to tell my story -- to tell people, 'This is what this soldier has done,' inspires people. People join the Army because of that. It's very honorable. In a sense, I will be part of the Army forever." Florida Guard Assists in Afghan Kids' Lifesaving Treatment
Two Afghan children are receiving lifesaving treatment in the United States, thanks in part to the efforts of members of the Florida Army National Guard serving in Afghanistan. Earlier this year, medical personnel working with the 53rd Infantry Brigade near Kabul, Afghanistan, identified two local boys -- 2-year-old Azad Kofi and 8-year-old Tamin Sawari -- with congenital heart defects who desperately needed surgery. One soldier, Dr. (Col.) Ronald Renuart Sr., evaluated the children. Renuart was on the medical team assigned to the brigade functioning as lead for Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix IV, at Camp Phoenix. Renuart, who as a civilian doctor practices osteopathic medicine in Jacksonville, Fla., said the children's outlook was grim if they did not receive proper treatment. "Congenital heart defects are such that these children would not be expected to live past their teenage years," Renuart explained. "In the United States we can usually repair these heart conditions within the first few months of life. Over there, there's nobody that can do it." Renuart contacted staff at the Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville to find help for the boys. After a few well-placed phone calls and e-mails, Azad and Tamin were on their way to the United States for treatment. Expenses for the medical mission were covered by "Patrons of the Hearts," an endowment that brings children from foreign countries to Jacksonville for cardiac care.
The children arrived April 27 accompanied by their fathers and an Afghan interpreter. Throughout May they will receive medical treatment at the Wolfson hospital. Doctors explained that the goal of the surgeries is to improve the boys' blood oxygen levels and extend their life expectancies. From the beginning of the mission, each step has been a partnership of support between various government, commercial and charitable organizations. The 53rd Infantry Brigade soldiers on the ground near Kabul provided early logistical support for the lifesaving venture, and flight expenses from Afghanistan to Jacksonville for the children and their escorts were donated by Northwest Airlines and the 53rd's Afghan Children's Relief Fund. The children, their fathers and their interpreter are staying at a Ronald McDonald House in Jacksonville throughout the duration of treatment and recovery. "To truly win the global war on terrorism, we truly need to win the hearts and minds of the people in Afghanistan, Iraq, and these countries that have been under terrorist control for years," Renuart said during a press conference in Jacksonville May 1. "And this may be a step towards doing that -- maybe only a small step, but it is important to show the goodwill of the U.S. people." According to hospital staff, the younger boy Azad has a single functioning ventricle, which has lead to severely impaired oxygen levels. Eight-year-old Tamin suffers from a condition called "tetralogy of fallot," a combination of four specific defects that causes chronically poor circulation. Treatment for this level of cardiovascular care typically costs more than $40,000, according to the Wolfson hospital.NEWS
Workplace Spanish(R) Breaks Language Barrier for Health Care Workers
Fluency Not Vital to Effective Communication, Says Workplace Spanish, Inc. Emergency room staff need to diagnose patients as fast as possible. For health care professionals, not knowing how to ask Spanish-speaking patients basic questions and understand the answers can, literally, mean the difference between life and death. Now, Workplace Spanish, Inc. (http://www.WorkplaceSpanish.com) of Roswell, Georgia, comes to the rescue with Workplace Spanish(R) for Hospitals and Nurses.
Fluency Not Vital to Effective Communication, Says Workplace Spanish, Inc. Emergency room staff need to diagnose patients as fast as possible. For health care professionals, not knowing how to ask Spanish-speaking patients basic questions and understand the answers can, literally, mean the difference between life and death. Now, Workplace Spanish, Inc. () of Roswell, Georgia, comes to the rescue with Workplace Spanish(R) for Hospitals and Nurses.It's the latest in the company's revolutionary series of job-specific language programs designed to help people communicate in workplace situations. "Our programs can reduce accidents and mistakes, help save lives, provide better service, and improve understanding in health care, business and industry, and government organizations," says Tom Sutula, president of Workplace Spanish, Inc. The new Hospital and Nurses program takes Workplace Spanish(R)'s most requested program, Health Care, to the next level, introducing more clinical information which will enable staff to request and impart basic information in Spanish - thereby reducing the heavy workload for interpreters in hospitals. The company slogan sums up the Workplace Spanish(R) philosophy: "You don't have to be fluent to communicate effectively." Programs focus on helping people communicate in simple, effective Spanish that's important at work - rather than having to learn the entire language in the traditional way. Originally established as a travel language company in 1998, the company shifted its focus in 2000 in response to the changing workforce.
Today, one in seven Americans is Hispanic; by 2010 that number will increase by 40 percent. "Increasingly, many Americans find that knowing a little Spanish can improve their everyday interactions. Workplace Spanish(R), unlike traditional learning, uses real-world, job-specific vocabulary that can be used right away. Students learn 'bite-size' terms: no grammar, no conjugations, no prior Spanish experience necessary," Sutula states. One Spanish instructor for an 8,200-member health system in Knoxville, Tennessee, uses the program to help staff improve communications with her region's growing Hispanic population: "The book for the medical field is great. I'm looking forward to our next class for hands-on, frontline health care staff like nurses, doctors and ER personnel learning basic Spanish." A Clinical Staff Educator in a Louisville, Kentucky, hospital recently used her new Workplace Spanish(R) manual for a maternity admission assessment: "When the patient needed pain medication, I asked if she wanted an epidural and helped her into a sitting position. I helped the anesthesiologist explain how the patient was doing.
She and her nervous husband appreciated the fact that I was trying to speak to them in Spanish." The conversational Spanish program for hospitals and nurses joins Workplace Spanish, Inc.'s successful, proven series of programs designed for banking, construction, customer service, government, public safety and more. The materials include training manuals and audio CDs, and can be used for self-study or class training. Over 275 colleges and adult education organizations teach Workplace Spanish(R) programs across the country, and more than 33,000 programs have been sold since 2002. For more information about Workplace Spanish(R), visit http://www.WorkplaceSpanish.com, where you can review and print out sample pages;
2006 Tornado Season Off to a Violent Start Record-setting severe weather trends are expected to continue
advances in real-time weather information can save lives WHAT: 591 tornadoes and 49 fatalities WHEN: 2006 tornado season WHY: The 2006 tornado season has gotten off to a violent and early start, surpassing the national average in both number and severity. The National Weather Service has confirmed 591 tornadoes through the month of April, double the number reported at this time last year. Fatalities as a result of these killer storms are up over 20 percent and the number of devastating F3 and F4 tornadoes are also on the rise. A continuation of our worsening weather patterns that spawned Katrina, Rita and a record number of hurricanes of unprecedented severity in 2005, leading meteorologists are predicting this trend will continue throughout the 2006 season and likely for years to come. "We are in a new and potentially deadly era for storms, one that demands new technology, new tools," says meteorologist Paul Douglas, a weather technology expert, founder of Digital Cyclone, Inc., and weather anchor for WCCO-TV in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. "It's not enough to watch TV or listen to the radio anymore. It's a good start, but if you want to maximize your odds of surviving a storm, any storm, you need multiple safety nets.
You should never be totally dependent on just one source." We can't control the weather, but as recent events have shown reacting and responding to critical weather information is becoming increasingly important. Fortunately advanced weather technology is providing individuals a new edge in safety with critical real-time weather information delivered via the mobile phone. Low-cost services such as My-Cast(R)5 from Digital Cyclone, Inc. offer on-demand, always-on, 24-hour-a-day weather information and alerting that is personalized to the user's specific location. When severe weather is about to enter the user's immediate area, an audio alert is broadcast to the mobile phone providing an extra margin of safety to take action or take cover. Anytime, anywhere, users are able to zoom into a local map of their area and view NEXRAD radar loops, satellite images, lightning strikes, predicted storm paths, plus flashing warnings, watches, and advisories with full text from the National Weather Service, virtually as they are issued. Douglas founded Digital Cyclone, Inc. in 1998, pioneering personalized delivery of critical weather information to mobile devices. My-Cast was the first weather application to launch on mobile phones in 2001, and today provides 24/7/365 real-time wireless weather information on nearly every major network. Bed Books Introduces New Sideways Print Format for Books Patent-Pending Text Layout for Reading in Bed Reduces Back and Neck Strain
Bed Books is a new book-printing format that has the text printed sideways on the page so that the book can be read comfortably without having to be in a sitting up position. The Bed Books web site is at http://www.bedbooks.NET. Darryl Green, a retired schoolteacher, developed the sideways text layout when he tried reading in a sleeping module in his RV which had a 24-inch ceiling. Bed Books allow people to relax on their sides and read without having to be propped up in a sitting position. The sideways design enhances lateral support to the body and reduces back and neck strain. They are a new aid for people who find it difficult to read comfortably while sitting up in bed. "The revolutionary way Bed Books are printed will enable you to lie in any comfortable position and hold the book at an angle that works best for you.
You have to see, hold and read these unusual books," said Dan Poynter, The Self-Publishing Manual. "This is a blessing for those who love to read in bed," according to Star Newspapers. The first 24 Bed Books available are a series of the great classics, such as Pride and Prejudice, The War of the Worlds, Wuthering Heights, Huck Finn, two Sherlock Holmes titles, The New Testament, Peter Pan, and many more. Prices range from $6.95 to $22.95 per book plus shipping. The company is based in Trinidad, California. For more information visit http://www.bedbooks.NET or call 866-495-5098. Media product review samples available on request. High-resolution images available. Contact: Darryl Green, 866-495-5098 bedbooks@gmail.com Procter & Gamble Files Two Infringement Lawsuits Lawsuits Focus Largely on Beauty Brands
The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) has filed separate lawsuits against Percara Enterprises, Inc. and Cumberland Swan Holdings, Inc. for trade dress infringement, trademark infringement and unfair competition involving several beauty care brands and one oral care brand. In addition, the case against Cumberland Swan includes claims for false advertising. Cumberland Swan Holdings manufactures and distributes private label products to retail stores, while Percara Enterprises sells beauty products under its own company brand name to a variety of retailers.
The suits, filed today in United States Federal District Courts in Ohio, involve Procter & Gamble's Herbal Essences Fruit Fusions(R), Secret(R), Old Spice(R) Red Zone(R) and High Endurance(R) and Pantene(R) brands in the complaint filed against Percara Enterprises, and the Head & Shoulders(R), Pert Plus(R) and Crest Pro-Health(R) brands in the complaint against Cumberland Swan Holdings. P&G seeks to have the distribution of the infringing products by both companies stopped, and will move for a preliminary injunction against Cumberland Swan.
"We believe these are clear cases of infringement, designed to feed on the goodwill of our brands," said Jim Johnson, P&G chief legal officer. "These look-alike products can confuse people and are a disservice to consumers. We are filing this lawsuit to put a stop to it," Johnson added. "Copying our product designs is unfair and violates the law."
The company stated that it has established the quality of its products over many years of effort and expense, and that some of the defendants' products are clearly inferior and do not provide comparable consumer benefits.
About Procter & Gamble
Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R), Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Mach3(R), Bounty(R), Dawn(R), Pringles(R), Folgers(R), Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R), Oral-B(R), Actonel(R), Duracell(R), Olay(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Wella, Gillette(R), and Braun. The P&G community consists of almost 140,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.Graciela Beltran 'La Reina Del Pueblo' to Give Serenatas Honoring Hispanic Moms in Los Angeles
What: To thank and recognize the important role that Latinas play in
ensuring their families' well-being, Procter & Gamble (P&G) and
its Tide brand will host the "Serenatas Tide Thanks You" with
Mexican regional singing sensation, Graciela Beltran in Los
Angeles. A two-day event for attendees will celebrate Mother's
Day in a very special way, as Hispanic moms are used to
celebrating in their countries of origin, enjoying serenatas,
receiving roses, and special prizes.
When: May 9th and 10th
11:00am - 2:00pm
Where: Tuesday, May 9th Wednesday, May 10th
Spincycle Coin Clean King
2119 E. Florence Ave. 3031 N. Broadway Blvd
Huntington Park, CA 90255 Los Angeles, CA 90031
Why: According to a resent study by P&G*, the average US Hispanic
woman spends over 2-3 hours taking care of her family's laundry,
washing an average of 4 washing machine loads per week. The
study also shows that 99% of Hispanic women in Los Angeles don't
get any household help from others. This number is higher from
women in the rest of the nation (89%) where in 4% of cases the
spouse helps, in 3% children help. P&G and its Tide brand want to
recognize Hispanic moms for the important role they play by
giving something back to their consumers and celebrate Mother's
Day in a very special way.
About Tide
Please visit http://www.tide.com for helpful product information,
practical tips on laundry care, special offers and promotions,
updated fabric care articles, and an interactive Stain Detective,
which provides official Tide stain removal solutions.
About Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG)
Two billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people
around the world. The company has one of the largest and
strongest portfolios of trusted, quality brands, including
Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R), Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R),
Bounty(R), Pringles(R), Folgers(R), Charmin(R), Downy(R),
Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R), Actonel(R), Olay(R) and Clairol
Nice 'n Easy(R). The P&G community consists of nearly 98,000
employees working in almost 80 countries worldwide. Please visit
http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information
about P&G and its brands.
IN: REA HOU
SU: HSP MAVAUDIENCES
- The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family.
- Cardinal Paul Poupard, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture and of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.
- Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples.
- Monsignor Massimo Camisasca, superior general of the Priestly Society of Missionaries of Saint Charles Borromeo.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
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RESURRECTION OF CHRIST IS CENTRAL ACT OF CHRISTIANITY
Today at noon, Pope Benedict XVI appeared at the window of his study overlooking St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus with the thousands of pilgrims gathered there.
"The liturgy during the Easter season" the pope said, "offers us many occasions to reinforce our faith in the resurrected Christ". The pope cited a passage from the Gospel of St. Luke retelling the encounter between Jesus and the disciples of Emaus, and how they recognized Him at the breaking of the bread.
"In this account and in others" explained the pontiff, "we are invited once again to dispel doubts and to believe in the resurrection of Christ. And so, the disciples are called to be witnesses to this extraordinary event. The resurrection of Christ is the central event of Christianity, a fundamental truth that we must reaffirm with vigor at all times, because to deny this truth, as has been attempted in the past and continues to this day, or to change the Resurrection into simply a spiritual fact, would make our faith in vain, as St. Paul affirms".
"In the days that follow the Resurrection of the Lord, the apostles remained united, comforted by the presence of Mary, and after the Ascension they remained together with her waiting for Pentecost. The Virgin was for them both mother and teacher, a role that she continues to play for Christians throughout the ages. Each year, during the time of Easter, we live this experience more intensely and it was precisely this reason that tradition dedicates the month of May to Mary, which normally falls between Easter and Pentecost".
"To Mary," concluded the pope, "we entrust the needs of the Church and the needs of all the world, especially in these times, marked by so much darkness".
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BEATIFICATION OF THREE PRIESTS IN ITALY AND INDIA
This morning Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, archbishop of Milan, presided over the beatification ceremony of two priests in the city's cathedral square. The newly beatified priests are Luigi Monza and Luigi Biraghi. Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect for the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, read the formula for beatification on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI.
During the mass Cardinal Tettamanzi related that this was the first time in the history of the Ambrosian Church that a beatification ceremony was celebrated in the city of Milan.
Fr. Monza (1898-1954) was imprisoned during the Fascist regime. In 1937 he founded the Secular Institute of the Little Apostles of Charity, a community of consecrated sisters who seek to instill in society, via their profession and apostolic service, the same charity of the early Christians. Their service to the community is carried out principally through a foundation called "Our Family", dedicated to physically handicapped children in various countries around the world.
Monsignor Biraghi (1801-1879) was spiritual director of the Major Seminary of Milan. He focused intensely on acts of charity and providing support to various mission countries. In 1838 he founded the Sisters of Saint Marcellina, dedicated to the task of educating youth in Christianity and also to missionary activities in many countries.
For his part, Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabars, presided Sunday over the beatification ceremony of Fr. Augustine Thevarparampil (1891-1973), in Ramapuram, India. In this city, the "Kunjachan", or (little priest) as he was popularly known, was born. The majority of his priestly ministry took place in his own parish, the church of Saint Augustine in Ramapuram. He was one of three assistant priests of this church over the course of four decades. He baptized more than five thousand "dalits" or untouchables, the lowest among the low in the caste system in India, whom he always referred to as "my children".
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POPE PRAYS BEFORE IMAGE OF THE VIRGIN OF DIVINE LOVE
This afternoon Pope Benedict XVI visited the Sanctuary of "Divino Amore" (Divine Love), located south of Rome. He prayed the rosary before the image of the Virgin in the ancient sanctuary and afterward visited the new sanctuary, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1999.
Addressing the faithful present after prayer, the Holy Father expressed his joy to be able to renew "the experience of my beloved predecessor John Paul II, who on the first day of May twenty seven years ago, made his first visit as pope to this sanctuary".
"We have prayed the Holy Rosary, recalling the five joyful mysteries that bring before our hearts the first events of the story of our salvation, from the conception of Jesus by the work of the Holy Spirit until the finding of Jesus in the temple, when he was already twelve years old".
After having related what he wrote in his encyclical, "Deus Caritas Est" that "Mary is a woman who loves", Pope Benedict underlined that she is "the fruit and sign of God's love for us, of His tenderness and mercy. For this, united with our brothers in the faith throughout history and in all places, we direct to her all our needs and hopes, in the joyful and sorrowful vicissitudes of life. In these moments, I think of the families from the island of Ischia, victims of the landslide yesterday".
"From this sanctuary, we hope for great spiritual assistance and support for the diocese of Rome, for me, her bishop, for the other bishops, my collaborators, for the priests, families and for vocations, for the poor, those who suffer, the sick, the children, the elderly, and for all of the beloved Italian nation".
"We hope in a special way, for the inner strength necessary to complete the vow made by the Romans on June 4, 1944, when they solemnly petitioned the Virgin of Divine Love to rescue the city from the horrors of the war, and they were heard".
On June 4 of that year, the image of the Virgin was exposed in the Roman church of Saint Ignatius to ask for the liberation of the city, then occupied by the Nazis. The Romans made the promise, recalled the pope, to "correct and improve their moral conduct so that it would conform to the Lord Jesus".
"Also today, there is the need for a conversion to God, to Divine Love, so that the world may be liberated from wars and terrorism. We remember with sorrow the military officers killed last Thursday in Nasiriya, Iraq, whom we entrust to the maternal intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace."
At the end of the discourse, the Holy Father returned via helicopter to the Vatican.
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TELEGRAM FOR DEATH OF ARGENTINEAN CARDINAL PRIMATESTA
Following is a telegram of condolences from Pope Benedict XVI to the archbishop of Cordoba, Carlos Jose Nanez, regarding the death yesterday of Cardinal Raul Francisco Primatesta, Archbishop emeritus of Cordoba, Argentina.
Upon learning of the sad news of the death of Cardinal Raul Francisco Primatesta, Archbishop emeritus of Cordoba, I offer my fervent prayers, united to the faithful of that diocesan community and to those of San Rafael, where Cardinal Primatesta previously exercised with faithfulness his episcopal ministry, asking God to grant eternal rest to he who, for so many years, was a diligent pastor.
Remembering his selfless pastoral work that distinguished his episcopal service in that nation, working for the implication of the doctrines of the Second Vatican Council and for the renewal of the Church in faithfulness to Christ and toward the successor of Peter, I express my condolences to you, the auxiliary bishop, the clergy, the religious communities and the faithful of this beloved archdiocese, and also to the Cardinal's family. At the same time I extend to the participants of the funeral mass, from my heart, the comfort of the apostolic blessing as a sign of Christian faith and hope in the Risen Lord.
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HOLY FATHER TO ORDAIN 15 NEW PRIESTS NEXT SUNDAY
Next Sunday, May 7, at 9:00am in St. Peter's Basilica, the Holy Father will preside over Holy Mass, during which he will ordain 15 deacons from the diocese of Rome to the priesthood, according to a communique from the Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.
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CLOSURE OF THE PLENARY ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
Today, at 11:30am, a press conference was held at the Holy See Press Office on the occasion of the closure of the twelfth Plenary Session of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, which took place at the Vatican from April 28 to May 2. The session was dedicated to the theme "Vanishing Youth? Solidarity with Children and Young People in an Age of Turbulence".
During the conference, Professor Mary Ann Glendon, president of this institution, explained that "the theme is part of a multi-year project of the Academy, which is examining the broad implications of the demographic changes of the last few decades". She said that "this opens up a new possibility for Catholic social teaching, which to date has not focused as explicitly on the situation of young people as it has, for example, on labor, or women, or those living in poverty".
The plenary, always focusing around its central theme, also discussed the oppression and exploitation of the young population, called the "Demographic Winter" and the spiritual emptiness that "prevents deep ideals from taking hold". The participants also discussed how the twentieth century came to be known as the "children's century", because of the large number of international charters and treaties to protect young people.
"No society, no culture", concluded Glendon, "can afford to suffer a 'vanishing youth', for with them would also vanish the real hope and noble ideals of every nation".
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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
- The Holy Father appointed Archbishop Jean-Pierre Kutwa of Gagnoa as Metropolitan Archbishop of Abidjan (area 3,810, population 2,540,000, Catholics 762,000, priests 258, religious 716, permanent deacons 1) in the Ivory Coast. He succeeds Cardinal Bernard Agre, whose resignation from the pastoral care from the same archdiocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
Saturday April 29 was made public that the Holy Father appointed Msgr. Francis Assisi Chullikatt, as apostolic nuncio in Jordan and Iraq, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in Bolghatty, India in 1953 and was ordained a priest in 1978.
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TRADITION IS THE HISTORY OF THE SPIRIT ACTING IN THE CHURCH
- Pope Benedict XVI dedicated the catechesis of this Wednesday's general audience to the Apostolic Tradition, a theme of "great relevance in the life of the Church". The audience in St. Peter's Square numbered 52,000 people.
"The Vatican Council affirms that the Tradition is 'apostolic', above all in its origins", explained the pope, "God ... willed to reveal it so that the salvation of souls may be integrally transmitted to all generations ... For this, Christ, in Whom the will of God is completed, sent the apostles to preach ... the Gospel as a source of all truth and moral law".
The apostles, "heads of an eschatological Israel were twelve, as were the tribes of the chosen people", and this number "not only expresses the continuation of the holy race, the twelve tribes of Israel, but also the universal destiny of its ministry".
"The community, born from the pronouncement of the Gospel by those who were first with the Lord ... can rely on the leadership of the twelve, as did those who little by little united themselves with the successors in the ministry of the Word and service toward the community. Nevertheless, one feels compelled to transmit to others the 'Good News' of the Lord's presence".
"The Tradition", continued the Holy Father, "is the living Gospel pronounced in its integrity by the apostles ... through their work the faith was communicated to others and has arrived to us, until the end of the world. The Tradition is ... the history of the Spirit, working in the life of the Church through the apostles and their successors, in faithful continuity with the original experience".
Citing the Gospel of St. Matthew, Pope Benedict XVI explained that the apostolic mandate "implies a pastoral service ('make disciples of all nations'), a liturgical service ('baptizing them'), and a prophetic service ("teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you') guaranteeing closeness to the Lord until the end of the ages ('I am with you always until the end of time')".
"Thanks to the apostolic ministry," he concluded, "Christ Himself comes to one who is called to the faith, overcoming the distance of the ages and offering Himself, living and working, today in the Church and the world".
AG/APOSTOLIC TRADITION/... VIS 060503 (390)POPE ASKS FOR PRAYERS FOR HIS UPCOMING TRIP TO POLAND
After greeting the crowds at the end of his general audience, celebrated today in St. Peter's Square, the pope acknowledged the Polish pilgrims, especially numerous today.
Pope Benedict XVI commented that "for the Church in Poland, as in the entire nation, this is a particularly solemn day, as the Church celebrates the solemnity of the Mother of God, Queen of Poland. This year is the 350th anniversary of King Jan Kazimierz's assigning this title to the Virgin. Furthermore, the Polish nation remembers the 1791 ratification of the Constitution on May 3, which expresses great hopes for the renovation of political and social life."
The Holy Father greeted the Polish bishops gathered in Jasna Gora and all of the faithful. "I confide the preparations for my pilgrimage to Poland to your prayers," he concluded, "I bless you all".
AG/QUEEN POLAND:JASNA GORA/... VIS 060503 (150)MEETING FOR CULTURE: RETURNING A SOUL TO EUROPE
"Returning a Soul to Europe", is the theme of a conference taking place in Vienna, Austria from May 3 to May 5. The conference plans to discuss Christian culture and has been organized, for the first time, jointly by the Holy See and the patriarch of Moscow.
Accordingly, Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano sent a message in the name of the Holy Father to the participants. In the message, he underlines that "the Church, expert in humanity, cannot forget that only through fully preserving and appreciating the patrimony of the values transmitted from its ancestors can Europe, recognizing the diverse spiritual traditions that enrich it, write a new page in its history that respects the dignity of the human person, definitively prohibiting violence and abuses against human rights, which seriously obstruct the integral development of nations and contaminate the heart of the human being, considerably grieving the heart of the Creator".
According to a communique made public yesterday, "this meeting is the fruit of Cardinal Paul Poupard's visit to His Holiness Alexis II, Patriarch of Moscow, in November of 2004. Cardinal Poupard is the president of the Pontifical Council for Culture. The conference was born in the common concern shared by Christians in Europe to confront the Continent's loss of identity, to reflect on the Christian people of Europe, and to propose a plan for the future.
Presiding will be Cardinal Poupard and Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. The meeting has been made possible thanks to support from the foundation "Pro Orient", located in Vienna. Experts from all over the Continent, lay and religious, are participating, having been chosen by the two groups that have called the initiative together.
Among the themes to be discussed over the three days of the conference will be: "Europe: The Churches before the Challenges of Globalization and Modernity, Religious Sects, New Forms of Disbelief and Religious Indifference"; "The Influence of the Christian Ethic in Politics, Economy and the Means of Communication"; and "Dialogue among the Churches with other Religions and the Humanism of Secularized Cultures".
CON-C/CHRISTIAN CULTURE:EUROPE/POUPARD VIS 060503 (370)OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
The Holy Father
- Appointed Archbishop Andrea Mugione of Crotone-Santa Severina, as metropolitan archbishop of Benevento, (area 1,691, population 267,000, Catholics 265,000, priests 254, permanent deacons 26, religious 414), Italy. He succeeds Archbishop Serafino Sprovieri, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
- Accepted the resignation of Bishop Godefroy Mukeng'a Kalond, C.I.C.M., of the Archdiocese of Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Fr. Eloi Roggia of the Society of Catholic Apostolate as bishop of the Territorial Prelature of Borba, (area 150,000, population 180,000, Catholics 145,000, priests 11, permanent deacons 1, religious 10), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Faxinal do Soturno, Brazil in 1942 and was ordained a priest in 1971. He succeeds Archbishop Jose Afonso Ribeiro, T.O.R., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same territorial prelature, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
NER:RE/.../... VIS 060503 (170)
Salvation Army Allocates $155 MM of Donations for Long-Term Hurricane Katrina Recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana
Community Rebuilding Plan Includes Partnerships With Habitat for Humanity, Project Teamwork and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
The Salvation Army today announced details of a $155 million long-term recovery plan for Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi. This second phase of the Army's overall $362 million recovery effort will use donated funds for reconstruction, housing development, volunteer programs, and job-readiness training, among other services. To help implement the plan, the Army has signed agreements with a number of organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Project Teamwork and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.
"This community rebuilding effort is too big for any one person or organization to undertake alone," said Major Dalton Cunningham, The Salvation Army's Divisional Commander for the Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi Division. "By working together with other social aid organizations we are able to maximize the dollars available and eliminate duplication of efforts. I want to thank all the donors from across the country who have made this possible."
As part of the long-term recovery plan, The Salvation Army has identified the following five community recovery and rebuilding services for Louisiana and Mississippi:
* Community Assistance Centers -- The Army will continue to provide
emergency relief at Community Assistance Centers, which serve as the
social service hub for survivors as well as distribution points for
food and clothing. At the centers, survivors meet with trained case
managers to apply for Salvation Army social services. The Army
operates four centers in Louisiana at Jefferson (New Orleans),
Gretna (New Orleans), Lake Charles, and Slidell, and four centers in
Mississippi at Biloxi, Gulfport, Moss Point and Pass Christian.
Survivors who have not yet applied for assistance with The Salvation
Army are welcome to visit http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ for moreinformation on scheduling appointments.
* Volunteer Villages -- The Army will fund rebuilding teams from other
relief organizations, including Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, and
create volunteer villages that offer housing and meals to relief
workers. The first 140-person facility opened in Biloxi, MS last
month, and is operated by Project Teamwork, a faith-based non-profit
organization. Disaster relief groups interested in volunteering in
the area are encouraged to contact Project Teamwork at 754-214-5449.
A second Volunteer Village at the same Salvation Army location is
being constructed by Habitat for Humanity for use by their rebuilding
volunteer teams.
* Homeownership Grants -- As a key piece of the plan, the Army, in
partnership with Habitat for Humanity, will provide homeownership
assistance grants to survivors throughout Louisiana and Mississippi
for the purchase of new Habitat homes. Survivors who qualify for the
Salvation Army grants will also be offered pre-mortgage and home-
ownership counseling through Habitat for Humanity. Individuals and
families will be identified by Salvation Army case managers who will
walk them through the Habitat and homeownership grant application
processes.
* Employment Services -- The Army is partnering with the National
Business Services Alliance (formerly National Educator Alliance), in
cooperation with accredited universities, to provide job training and
skill certification to survivors who became unemployed as a result of
the hurricanes. Survivors certified through this training program
will be placed in a national database to be accessed by partner
corporations seeking employees. Those corporations who would like to
participate should contact Kevin Tomson-Hooper with The Salvation Army
at: (404) 728-1300.
* Community Capacity Fund -- The Salvation Army will participate in
long-term community recovery efforts and unmet needs committees
throughout the region. Funds will be allocated for use on programs
that broadly benefit disaster survivors within the community, such as
buying tools for rebuilding teams or purchasing a generator for a key
community facility. The program increases the service delivery
capacity of the Army through collaborations with other organizations
and allows flexibility to meet each community's unique needs.
"Even as a new hurricane season approaches, we cannot forget those who are still suffering from the effect of last year's disaster," said Major Cunningham. "In this second stage of recovery we have to help the neediest survivors return their lives to a basic level of normalcy."
All Salvation Army services offered will be distributed to people who are the most in need, without discrimination, but based on specific eligibility criteria developed by the Army. It will be administered by trained staff and the local Salvation Army Recovery Command team according to individual households' needs after a thorough evaluation. Individuals requesting aid through these programs must apply for The Salvation Army's case work services. Individuals can visit http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ for the appropriate local contact information to begin the application process.
These services are only available to survivors in Louisiana and Mississippi. Survivors who have relocated outside the region should contact their local Salvation Army to identify available services.
To date, 68 percent of the $142 million spent in the first stage of recovery has gone toward direct financial assistance to survivors, including gift cards, accommodations assistance and utilities assistance. The other 32 percent was used for meals, cleaning and personal hygiene supplies for survivors, equipment, and transportation and lodging for Salvation Army disaster personnel. The balance of the $362 million in public donations received, and any new donations, will support resettled survivors outside the immediate recovery zone.
In the ongoing response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Army has served more than 14 million meals and sandwiches as well as a quarter million food boxes, and has assisted nearly 1.6 million people in at least 30 states, through April 2006.
The $362 million recovery plan works in tandem with the Army's previously existing presence, which is funded separately. While the Army incurred significant structural damage to its own operational facilities throughout the region, day-to-day work of the officers, staff and volunteers has continued, in addition to hurricane recovery. Recovery and repair to its facilities will be drawn from insurance coverage and its non-disaster budget.
The Army continues to accept donations for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, even as it prepares for potential new storms in 2006. Monetary donations help provide the most immediate relief to people in affected areas in the aftermath of major storms. Donations can be made either via the Army's website at http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Donors will be prompted to give to the Army's Hurricane Relief Fund that will provide assistance for any storm-related outreach; or donors can designate that funds go directly to a specific storm.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/.
Source: The Salvation Army
Web site: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ Toyota North America CEO Charged with Sexual Harassment; CEO to Resign Post; Lawsuit Also Targets Toyota Motor Corporation
Former assistant accuses Toyota's Top US Executive Hideaki Otaka of repeated sexual assaults and solicitations for sex; Sayaka Kobayashi says another Toyota executive instructed her to privately confront the CEO; 'I feel like a rabbit watched by a snake.'
It is one of the world's largest corporations and produces some of the best-selling cars in America, yet Toyota Motor Corporation is oddly out of step in handling alleged sexual misconduct in the workplace, according to a just-filed lawsuit.
An employee in the New York corporate office of Toyota Motor North America, Inc., the North American arm of Japan's Toyota Motor Corporation, accuses its chief executive Hideaki Otaka, of repeated aggressive sexual advances that occurred while she worked for him as an executive assistant in 2005.
The suit, filed by Ziegler, Ziegler & Associates, LLP in New York State Supreme Court, was brought by Sayaka Kobayashi, 42, who was plucked from her job in Toyota's corporate planning department in March 2005 to become personal assistant to Mr. Otaka. Starting last September, Ms. Kobayashi contends she was subjected to several sexual assaults by Mr. Otaka, who boasted of his marital infidelities and continued to pursue a physical relationship with his assistant even after she rebuffed him.
Ms. Kobayashi alleges that Mr. Otaka forced himself on her -- in a Washington D.C. hotel and in New York's Central Park. She also claims he continuously pressured her to travel with him, at one point instructing Toyota North America employees to book a hotel reservation under her name even after she hesitated to do so for fear of another sexual assault.
Mr. Otaka's relentless pursuit of his assistant took a toll. "Nowdays, I come to work with anxiety and pray that Mr. Otaka will not ask me to accompany him to another lunch, another dinner, another business trip or make comments about my personal life," she wrote to a senior vice president at Toyota North America late last fall. "Mr. Otaka rarely checks my ... availability or willingness to attend such functions, and if I decline, his cynical remarks follow."
Ironically, as chief executive of Toyota's North American operations, overseeing some 31,500 employees in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Mr. Otaka was the signatory of the company's handbook outlining a no-tolerance policy toward "unwelcome sexual conduct."
In a bizarre breach of protocol, the senior vice president who received Ms. Kobayashi's complaint advised her to confront her boss in a private one-on-one meeting. Rather than launch an investigation or acknowledge that a formal charge of sexual harassment had been lodged, the executive informed Ms. Kobayashi that he would tell Mr. Otaka that her "jealous" boyfriend had complained about Mr. Otaka's conduct -- a subterfuge he used "in order to avoid upsetting (Mr.) Otaka," the complaint alleges.
The lawsuit is especially revealing of the extreme subservience women can still face in some large companies. It is a world in which a male boss can summon his female assistant to his hotel room at 10 o'clock at night, demand that she escort him to social events, and chastise her for not properly thanking him for his efforts to "advance her career" through his personal attentions.
"There are many disturbing aspects to this case, not least that the chief executive of a company that is the U.S. presence of one of world's largest auto makers willfully preyed on a junior employee and would then equate her unequivocal rejection of him as merely a lack of courtesy," said Christopher Brennan, an attorney with the law firm Ziegler, Ziegler & Associates, LLP in Manhattan, which represents Ms. Kobayashi.
"No less upsetting is the cavalier way in which Toyota North America responded to the serious charge of harassment by its CEO," added Scott Ziegler, managing partner of Ziegler, Ziegler. He noted that Toyota not only failed to conduct a formal investigation, but ultimately transferred Ms. Kobayashi back to her old planning job as its perceived solution to the problem.
"Rather than view Mr. Otaka as a threat to Ms. Kobayashi and others, Toyota decided to strip our client of her job and reassign her, which is a clear act of retaliation for having brought the harassment to light," Mr. Ziegler said.
Still employed by Toyota North America, Ms. Kobayashi is currently on medical leave. She is asking the court to take corrective action of what she perceives are Toyota's unlawful employment practices. She also seeks compensatory and punitive damages against both Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota North America, including damages stemming from Toyota's negligent hiring and retention of Mr. Otaka, whose boastful philandering was evidently no secret among company management, according to the complaint.
The complaint notes that Mr. Otaka, 65, a Toyota employee since 1965, was mysteriously removed from Toyota Motor Corporation's board of directors several years ago, before being reassigned to his CEO posting of Toyota Motor North America in 2004.
On the same day that he was served with a copy of the lawsuit, Mr. Otaka announced that he was leaving his post as president and CEO of Toyota North America.
