MBN, Monte Bubbles Network: Playboy Radio Appearance

To understand the internet you have to be open to change.

Content is king

Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne May 9, 2006

MBN

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN news

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

Info@montebubbles.net

Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.

First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX

and NBC and now there is MBN

( unofficially the sixth largest supplier

of NEWS by and American company.)

MBN HAS BEEN INVITED TO COVER THE CHINESE CES THIS JULY

BROADCAST NEWS COMING SOON

VIA PODCAST

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now

More exciting changes coming each day.

Watch for the MBN Politically incorrect SUV

MONTEBUBBLISM: Its hard to keep playing when your getting your butt kicked.

I went with Stephanie Le Gee to Playboy Radio Offices today at the Playboy TV Studio. She was there to plug a appearance on the Internet Model Palooza May the 20Th of May at the Score club in Los Angeles. Stephanie is the Vegas contributor to our site and she will be writing about her experience at the event .

When I went into the offices it was like I was back 40 years ago in a college studio again. Bare walls, Spartan by the standards of the business today. If there had not been a flat mounted TV screen on the wall of the reception room playing Playboy videos one would have never guessed this building had anything to do with Playboy.

Once in the radio studio it was more of the Spartan look that had been in the reception office. A control room to small for me to stand around in so I had to go to the lounge where the only reference to Playboy again was the TV showing what Playboy TV had to offer.

It was allot of girl talk for almost two hours then Stephanie came out and we left. If any of you were listing they had allot of fun in that room. If not then I have been told that it will be recycled several more times over the next few days. Tune in if you can. They make it easy at Sirius Radio for you to do such.

I thank Playboy for it hospitality and giving Stephanie allot of fun that she can one day tell her children about.

Breaking NewsKTLA Launches THE TUBE Music Network on Channel 5.5; THE TUBE to Feature the Best Artists and the Best Images of All Time 24 Hours a Day via KTLA Digital Multicasting Channel

THE TUBE, the first 24 hour music network to be distributed using a new broadcast technology known as digital multicasting, will launch on KTLA digital multicast Channel 5.5 on Monday, May 8.

KTLA's application of this new technology will enable its viewers to receive THE TUBE free, over-the-air on television sets equipped with digital tuners, while solidifying its position as the first station in the Los Angeles market to broadcast original, entertainment content on the emerging digital spectrum.

"We're proud to be the first Tribune Broadcasting station to launch THE TUBE," said Vinnie Malcolm, KTLA vice president and general manager. "Viewers have always relied on KTLA for news and entertainment programming, and now we are using our digital broadcast capabilities to provide innovative content that is relevant to our community."

KTLA is the first of 22 stations slated to broadcast THE TUBE in the upcoming months, following a distribution agreement inked in March 2006 which secured penetration in 71 of the top 100 markets, including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Miami.

THE TUBE'S video playlist reflects the music of some of the biggest touring acts in America today including the Rolling Stones, U2, Paul McCartney, Eagles, Elton John, Prince, Bruce Springsteen and Rod Stewart; mixed with classic artists such as Led Zeppelin and Tom Petty; and newer artists such as Norah Jones, Coldplay, Jack Johnson, James Blunt, Alicia Keys and John Mayer. There are no reality shows or VJ's on THE TUBE, just a bold presentation of music in a clean, sophisticated and intelligent format that possesses an undercurrent of irreverence.

"Despite THE TUBE'S grow

growing national appeal, the success of the network rests on its connection with viewers at the local level," said Les Garland, CEO, THE TUBE Music Network, and co-founder of MTV, VH-1 and The Box.

"We envision multiple local advertising and promotional opportunities for community businesses that will reinforce THE TUBE'S pure, music format and have plans to develop platforms for local artists as well."

KTLA's analog (Channel 5) viewers can experience THE TUBE by tuning in Saturday and Sunday, May 13 and 14 (11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.-Pacific Time) and weekdays May 15 through 19 (1 to 2 a.m.-Pacific Time).

Media who wish to view the "look" of The Tube Music Network can access a sampling at http://www.thetubetv.com/reel.html.

KTLA, The WB, is where L.A. Lives, connecting to the community through reliable and award-winning news and compelling entertainment in standard and high definition. KTLA is a Tribune Broadcasting station. For additional information visit http://www.ktla.com.

THE TUBE Music Network is a wholly-owned subsidiary of THE TUBE MEDIA CORPORATION (OTCBB:TUBM).

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

NEW AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION SURVEY OFFERS IN-DEPTH PROFILE OF U.S. INTERNET GAMBLERS

Experience President Clinton, Angelina Jolie, Bette Midler, Mariah Carey, New York Jets, Hilary Duff and Dave Matthews at Charitybuzz.com Auctions

Jackie Robinson Foundation to Honor Trailblazers Don Newcombe and Suzanne De Passe at May 11 Gala Featuring Live Musical Performance by R&B Star Brian McKnight

Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre Gets Its 80th Anniversary Off to a Flying Start With a Special Engagement of Disney's 'Dumbo' (May 25th - June 7th), Plus a Live Appearance by Winnie The Pooh (Who's 80 Too!)

Azteca America Presents 'Los Protagonistas a Nivel Mundial' With Soccer Highlights From Germany

Finkelstein, Thompson, and Loughran Announces Investigation of XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc. Nickelodeon Announces 'Let's Just Play Giveaway' Winners OneDomain Announces Posting With eBiz4Tv Portal

Sam Neill, Jeremy Northam and Henry Cavill to Join the Cast of New SHOWTIME Dramatic Series 'The Tudors' Which Stars Jonathan Rhys-Meyers As a Young King Henry VIII Production Begins May 22 in Ireland

Nickelodeon's The Fairly OddParents Hits a High Note with Its First Fairy Talent Competition 'American Idol-Style' in Hour-Long Special 'Fairy Idol,' Premieres in Prime Time at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 19 Former 'American Idol' Contestant Diana DeGarmo Performs Cosmo's Singing Voice

Universal Parks & Resorts Selects Velocity Sports & Entertainment as Sales Agency for Theme Park Partnerships

MTV Announces Live Multi Screen Experiences for Video Music Awards and Total Request Live 'Go BIG or Go HOME' Reveals How to Create the Next Google, MySpace or NetFlix Sierra Entertainment Hits the Reset Button on the 'Spyro The Dragon(R)' Universe This Fall With 'The Legend of Spyro(TM) a New Beginning' Get Your Bids Ready: Verizon Wireless HopeLine Online Phone Auction Features Phones Signed by Celebrities and Athletes Raw Arts Collective: Five Stunningly Talented Raw Artists

TiVo Launches Television's New Advertising Search Product TiVo(R) Product Watch(TM) Allows Advertisers to Connect With 'In Market' Consumers More Than 100 Leading Brands to Participate in Initial Launch

Pirates of Tortuga: Under The Black Flag The Best Pirate Story Ever Comes to DVD This Spring

Hollywood's Hottest Blockbuster Sizzles as MTV Announces Presenters & Performers for the '2006 MTV Movie Awards' The Popular Gaming Franchise for Girls Sparkles With a Brand New Title, 'BRATZ(TM): Forever Diamondz

MODELS.com Launches the Definitive Model Ranking of the 15 Superstars of the Fashion Modeling Industry: MDC Icons

Melissa Etheridge, Aretha Franklin, Andy McGhee, and Elliot Scheiner to Receive Honorary Doctor of Music Degrees at Berklee College of Music Commencement May 13

Universal Studios Hollywood Offers Star-Quality Free Shuttle Service From Anaheim to World's Largest Movie Studio and Theme Park

'Blondie' Creator to Launch Sandwich Shoppes for Dagwood from New Orleans, Fueled by Boomers' Changing Tastes MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE POSEIDON Soundtrack Stars Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas Soundtrack Also Features Federico Aubele of Thievery Corporation; Score Composed and Produced by Klaus Badelt Suit Up for the Most Exciting, and Uncertain, Upfront in Decades

News paper Industry Loses 1.2 Million Readers in Six Months

Daughtry Most Downloaded Idol of Final Four, Says Screensavers.com(R) Clarkson Most Popular Idol of All-Time

Yahoo Revamps Search Tools in Effort to Gain ShareMinute-by-Minute Ratings Data for Commercials Don't Tell Whole StoryVirgin Megastore Hollywood is Celebrating the Upcoming 2006 FIFA World CUP With Its First Ever EA Sports Videogame Futbol Tournament GSN's 'I'VE GOT A SECRET' Has a Special Guest for Mother's Day Panelist Jermaine Taylor's Mother Is Surprise Guest

The HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival Kicks Off the 14th Season With 'THE BIRDS' Citi Returns to Join HBO in Presenting Free Outdoor Film Series June 19 -

August 21

Tip Sheet: 'PEOPLE'S PREMIERE' OF 'MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III' LipFusion(TM) Named 2006 CEW Insider's Choice Beauty Winner Awarded Top Honors in Lip Treatment $12 and Over Category

AVP Signs Speedo as Official Licensing Partner Big & Rich, Montgomery Gentry & More to Take Over the Fremont Street Experience on Sunday, May 21, 2006 During the Week Vegas Goes Country(TM) Multimedia News Release - Cook for the Cure(R) Cooking Classes and Other Fundraising Events Offered at The Art Institutes Square Enix Announces New Titles in Acclaimed FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES Series Ford Freedom Award Fundraiser to Pay Tribute to Actors Ossie Davis, Morgan Freeman Local Blues Institution JJ's Blues Launches Inaugural San Jose Blues Week NBC 5 Takes on Pollution in North Texas: Who Messed With Texas?

AVP to Present at the Jefferies Gaming, Lodging, Media & Entertainment Conference Britney Spears and Elizabeth Arden Celebrate the Success of Her Top-Selling Fragrances SCE Announces New Controller for PLAYSTATION(R)3 Equipped With High-Precision, Highly Sensitive Six-Axis Sensing System PLAYSTATION(R)3 Launches on November 17, 2006 in North America

SPORTS & AUTOS

Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament Returns to World Golf Village May 18-19 Volvo Ocean Race - Life at the Extreme Next Pit Stop: New York Harbor

Are You a Singing Star in Your Car? National Survey Reveals More People Sing in the Car Than in the Shower

Partnership Creates New 'AVP & AVP Pro Series Apparel by Speedo' Merchandise

Golf Galaxy Announces Two New Stores Opening in May Stores Complete 11 First

Quarter Openings; Bring Total Golf Galaxy Store Count to 61 Tiger Woods' Lawsuit Against Christensen Shipyards Ltd. Settled

NBA 2006 Finals Trophy Tour Launches at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Courtesy of Toyota and the USO

Virgin Megastore Hollywood is Celebrating the Upcoming 2006 FIFA World CUP With Its First Ever EA Sports Videogame Futbol Tournament Prominent NBA All-Star Makes the Move to South Las Vegas Strip Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce Buys Second Home at Boca Raton Luxury Condominiums When It Comes to Buying a Car, Mom's the Word Top Down in the New Saturn Sky; Testing Nissan's Versatile New Versa; Face-Off: VW GTI Challenges Honda Civic Si; Spy Shots of Next Mercedes C-Class and Hyundai Luxury Sedan; and More -

Jim Furyk Wins

DOD

DOD Announces Casualties

Missing WWII Airmen are Identified

President Bush today announced Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden as his choice to replace Porter Goss as next director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Operation Mountain Lion

America Supports You: 'Family' Helps Those on Homefront

NEWS & NEWS IN SPANISH

Albertsons, Procter & Gamble to Launch ``Moms Helping Moms'' Program Nationally to Help Mothers Connect on Mother's Day; Women's Shelters Nationwide to Receive up to Seven Thousand Phone Cards

Illinois' Eight Largest Pension Funds Confirmed to Attend IMN's Illinois PERS Summit

Vanessa Marcil and Crest Whitestrips Renewal Give Mom Something to Smile About -

Vatican News

Vivendi Games anuncia su principal gama de productos para la 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo Virgin Megastore Hollywood Celebra la Próxima Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2006 con su Primer Campeonato de Fútbol en Videojuego de EA Sports Poultry-Food Giants Market Against Avian Flu Panic

$50 Billion Industry Launching Safety-Focused Educational Campaigns

Theosophical Society in America Calls on World Religious Leaders to Work Together for Global Unity

OKLAHOMA FIRM RECALLS GROUND MEAT PRODUCTS FOR POSSIBLE

E. COLI O157:H7

NADBASE SHOWS NEWSPAPER WEB SITES EXPANDING REACH
OF TOTAL NEWSPAPER AUDIENCE

_______________________________________________

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

NEW AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION SURVEY OFFERS IN-DEPTH PROFILE OF U.S. INTERNET GAMBLERS

Report Also Reveals Significant Growth Across Entire Industry

The typical U.S. Internet gambler is under 40, college-educated, male and more affluent than his fellow citizens, according to results of a new survey of online gamblers included in the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) 2006 State of the States: The AGA Survey of Casino Entertainment. The report also includes comprehensive economic impact data on the U.S. commercial casino industry, which indicate the industry in 2005 generated more than $30 billion in gross gaming revenues for the first time ever.

According to the poll of Internet gamblers, conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc., fully 70 percent of respondents started gambling online within the past two years, indicating the growing popularity of this activity. And while Internet gamblers in the U.S. say they enjoy online gambling for its convenience, more than half (55 percent) believe online gaming companies find ways to cheat, and 46 percent believe their fellow players cheat. The survey also revealed a great deal of confusion about the legality of online gambling, with a mere 19 percent of respondents realizing – or willing to admit – that the activity currently is illegal in the U.S.

“Even though our member companies currently aren’t involved in the online gaming market, and the overall percentage of Americans who gamble online is relatively small, there’s no doubt this issue has captured the attention of the media, members of Congress and the American public,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the AGA. “We strive to make each year’s State of the States report the most comprehensive information resource not only on the current state of our industry, but the most significant emerging trends in gaming, so it was important that we take a look at this growing phenomenon.”

In addition to the online polling results, the AGA’s 2006 State of the States survey includes detailed data on the economic impact of the U.S. commercial casino industry at the national and state level. The data show that the industry continued to exhibit strong growth in 2005, despite the tremendous challenges brought by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita last fall.

Last year, the 455 commercial casinos in 11 states generated $30.29 billion in gross gaming revenue, representing an increase of nearly 5 percent over 2004 revenue totals. Individual gaming markets also witnessed landmark success, with Las Vegas revenues surpassing $6 billion and Atlantic City revenues climbing above $5 billion for the first time.

Survey data also indicate the industry continued to be an important source of employment in the areas where it operates, providing more than 354,000 employees with wages totaling more than $12.6 billion, including benefits and tips. The industry also continued to be a major source of tax revenues, contributing $4.92 billion to state and local governments in 2005, an increase of just fewer than 5 percent from 2004 totals.

State of the States also includes a detailed look at the growing economic impact of racetrack casinos, or racinos. In 2005, the 29 operational racetrack casinos in nine states generated $3.12 billion in gross gaming revenue, a more than 9 percent increase over 2004 figures. Racinos employed 17,000 people in 2005 and distributed $1.28 billion in direct gaming taxes to state and local governments.

“This year’s survey confirms that the U.S. commercial casino industry has continued to grow despite the significant obstacles of the past year, and has become an integral component of America’s entertainment culture,” Fahrenkopf said. “With reconstruction along the Mississippi Gulf Coast continuing at a rapid pace and new gaming markets expected to come online later this year, we look forward to even greater success this year.”

This year’s survey once again features a special section devoted to poker. The data indicate that the poker boom that started in 2004 is still going strong, with nearly one in five American adults (18 percent) again reporting they played poker last year. The opportunity to spend time with friends and family, followed by the skill and strategy involved in the game, are the top reasons people play poker, according to results of a national poll conducted by Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research. Poker revenues also continued to surge in 2005. In Nevada and New Jersey, the only commercial casino states that track poker revenue, U.S. casino visitors spent more than $207 million on organized poker last year, an amazing 37 percent increase over 2004 totals.

Survey results also indicate overall acceptability of casino gambling remains high, with nearly 80 percent of respondents saying it is acceptable for themselves or others. According to the poll, Americans also continue to overwhelmingly view gambling as a question of personal choice (83 percent), and nearly three-quarters (72 percent) see casinos as a valuable part of a community’s entertainment and tourism options.

The 2006 State of the States includes additional information tools and resources such as a pocket guide to key national and state economic statistics and a glossary of often-confusing gaming terms.

To obtain a full copy of the 2006 State of the States, contact Holly Thomsen at 202-637-6506 or log on to www.americangaming.org.

The American Gaming Association (AGA) is the national trade association for the commercial casino industry. In addition to representing the interests of its members on federal legislative and regulatory issues, the AGA serves as a clearinghouse for information, develops educational and advocacy programs, and provides leadership on industry-related issues of public concern.Experience President Clinton, Angelina Jolie, Bette Midler, Mariah Carey, New York Jets, Hilary Duff and Dave Matthews at Charitybuzz.com Auctions

Charitybuzz.com, the leading fundraiser, is launching its largest offering of celebrity experiences and luxury trips -- all to benefit charity. The Third Annual Chevy Chase Earth Day Auction, The Event to Prevent, Gilda's Club Worldwide, Mentor Foundation and CITYarts Online Auction can be seen at www.charitybuzz.com

Have you ever wanted to meet President Clinton in his private office? Would you enjoy being Dave Matthews' VIP guest? Would you want to dress up with Bette Midler at her Hulaween Ball? Would you get painted by Peter Max, have brunch with Blythe Danner, kayak with Christie Brinkley or laugh with Sandra Bernhard? Fans of everyone from Glenn Close to Martha Stewart will find an ideal experience as part of the Third Annual Chevy Chase Earth Day Auction.

Lexus is offering an unreleased luxury hybrid SUV filled with Dom Perignon and Louis Vuitton for the Gilda's Club Worldwide Online Auction. The GRAMMY foundation is making available VIP tickets and the opportunity to attend the acclaimed 2007 show as a star! You can gossip with Lisa Rinna, go boating with Hulk Hogan, horseback ride with Betty Buckley or even bid on an instant wine collection from the best wineries in California!

The Event to Prevent Online Auction is honoring Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and the stars are out in force! Fly first class to attend a Celebrity Roast with Hollywood icon Jane Fonda. Be Mariah Carey's VIP guest and go backstage to meet her. Attend the premiere of Material Girls with Hillary Duff. Have American Idol's Ryan Seacrest give you a tour of E! Entertainment. Sports fans can hang out with the New York Jets even join The New York Mets for batting practice. Musical enthusiasts can bid on guitars from Jon Bon Jovi or Peter Frampton.

The Mentor Foundation was started by HM Queen Silvia of Sweden and there are luxury cruises through the Mediterranean, moose hunting in Sweden and St. Tropez Polo playing lessons as part of this gala event. From Beverly Hills to an African Safari experience, there are unbelievable travel experiences in all the auctions at www.charitybuzz.com with new lots added daily.

Web site: http://www.charitybuzz.com/ Jackie Robinson Foundation to Honor Trailblazers Don Newcombe and Suzanne De Passe at May 11 Gala Featuring Live Musical Performance by R&B Star Brian McKnight

WHAT: The Jackie Robinson Foundation will honor Dodger great Don Newcombe

and entertainment industry leader Suzanne de Passe during its

music- and celebrity-filled "Celebrating Excellence" Gala on

Thursday, May 11 at The Beverly Hilton. Co-chaired by acclaimed

actress Jasmine Guy and NASDAQ executive John Vitale, the black tie

event will feature a live musical performance by rhythm and blues

performer Brian McKnight.

The gala benefits The Jackie Robinson Foundation, including in part

its Education and Leadership Development Program, which provides

four-year college scholarships and support services to minority

students with records of academic distinction, civic engagement and

leadership capacity.

WHEN: Thursday, May 11, 2006

6:30 p.m. - Red carpet arrivals

7:30 p.m. - Dinner

WHERE: The Beverly Hilton

9876 Wilshire Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

WHO: Jasmine Guy, actress, "A Different World"

Isaiah Washington, actor, "Grey's Anatomy"

Blair Underwood, actor, "Soul of the Game"

John Vitalie, NASDAQ

Jackie Robinson Foundation scholars and representatives

400 foundation supporters

WHY: Founded in 1973, the Jackie Robinson Foundation awards four-year

college scholarships to academically gifted students of color with

financial need. The students are then able to attend the college

of their choice and continue Jackie Robinson's legacy of commitment

to social justice and "giving back" to the community.

PHOTO Shots of celebrities arriving on red carpet before gala;

OPS: photographs of event presentations and musical performance by Brian

McKnight.

Source: The Jackie Robinson Foundation

Web site: http://www.jackierobinson.org/ Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre Gets Its 80th Anniversary Off to a Flying Start With a Special Engagement of Disney's 'Dumbo' (May 25th - June 7th), Plus a Live Appearance by Winnie The Pooh (Who's 80 Too!)

Hollywood's legendary El Capitan Theatre gets its 80th anniversary off to a flying start with a special two- week engagement of Disney's Oscar(R)-winning animated classic, "Dumbo," from May 25th - June 7th, it was announced today (5/8/06) by Lylle Breier, senior vice president of worldwide special events for Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. "Dumbo" is celebrating its 65th birthday this year, and a new deluxe "Big Top Edition" DVD release of the film is scheduled for June 6th. For this engagement, a pristine new transfer of the film was made, and it will be digitally projected for an enhanced theatrical experience. Adding to the fun of this special anniversary event will be a live in-theatre appearance by Winnie the Pooh (who is also celebrating his 80th birthday this year), and a showing of the 1966 Pooh animated featurette, "Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree." The engagement will kick-off with a special filmmakers' panel on Thursday, May 25th at 7:00 pm that will include veteran Disney animator Eric Goldberg, Academy Award(R)-winning songwriter Richard Sherman (who wrote many songs for the "Pooh" films including the featurette, "Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree"), film music historian Miles Kreuger (president of the Institute of the American Musical), among others.

Tickets for the "Dumbo"/"Winnie the Pooh" engagement can be purchased at the box office, online at http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/, or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6.

To further commemorate this landmark anniversary, Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store (located next door to the theatre) will be offering a special El Capitan 80th Anniversary commemorative pin. They will also be serving up a special "El Capitan Sundae," a delicious waffle bowl dipped in homemade chocolate, filled with two delicious scoops of Dewar's vanilla fudge ice cream, and drizzled with caramel, topped with whipped cream and a chocolate covered strawberry, and dusted with a shimmering gold powder.

Commenting on the announcement, Breier said, "Our audience is always telling us how much they love coming to the El Capitan Theatre to see their favorite Disney classics presented in state-of-the-art conditions and we're always happy when we can bring them what they want. 'Dumbo' is one of the most delightfully entertaining films in our library, and our 80th anniversary seemed like a great time to show it along with some special 'Pooh' anniversary activities. In addition to the much anticipated summer release of Disney/Pixar's new computer-animated feature, 'CARS,' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest,' we're looking forward to celebrating the El Capitan Theatre's special anniversary with a variety of exciting events throughout the year."

Walt Disney's 1941 classic, "Dumbo," is regarded as one of the very best animated films of all time. The story follows the misadventures of a circus elephant, born with huge ears, who creates quite a flap when he discovers that he can use his oversized appendages to fly. With its delightful and emotional story, larger-than-life characters, memorable songs, and abundance of imagination (most notably the surreal "Pink Elephants on Parade" sequence), the film has enchanted generations of moviegoers and influenced many top filmmakers. "Dumbo" won an Oscar(R) for Best Scoring of a Motion Picture, and was nominated for Best Song ("Baby Mine").

"Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree" is a delightful 26-minute animated featurette that finds the silly old honey-loving bear up to his nose in trouble when he and his pals -- Christopher Robin, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga and baby Roo, Rabbit, and Gopher -- encounter a swarm of bees and a fabulous honey tree. This was the first of Disney's enormously successful animated adventures with the A. A. Milne characters, and it featured unforgettable new songs by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman (aka The Sherman Brothers). Among the films memorable scenes is Pooh posing as a "little black rain-cloud" in an effort to fool the bees and get himself a smackrel of honey.

Web site: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan Azteca America Presents 'Los Protagonistas a Nivel Mundial' With Soccer Highlights From Germany

Azteca America, the fastest- growing Hispanic television network of the United States, a fully owned subsidiary of TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V. (BMV: TVAZTCA) (Latibex: XTZA), announced today the launch of the daily sports news program "Los Protagonistas a Nivel Mundial", beginning June 5 at 10 pm EDT/PDT and 9 pm CDT through July 9.

The show will offer daily updates of Hispanic America's favorite sport, soccer, with colorful commentary by David Faitelson, a veteran Azteca reporter who has covered top international soccer events since 1986.

To liven up the action, we present Andres Bustamante, the popular Mexican comic that brings to life the hilarious Guiri Guiri character and more.

Other segments include fashion, culture and cuisine from cities throughout Germany.

Don't miss "Los Protagonistas a Nivel Mundial"!

Brian Wilson Concert pictures

(C)mbn

(C) MBN 2006 (taken by William Hoehne)

About Azteca America

Azteca America is the fastest-growing Hispanic network in the United States. The network is a wholly owned subsidiary of TV Azteca S.A. de C.V., one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television content in the world. Azteca America currently has presence in 45 Hispanic markets, including: Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Phoenix, Brownsville-McAllen, Albuquerque, San Diego, Fresno-Visalia, Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Denver, Washington, D.C., Orlando, Austin, Tampa, Corpus Christi, Tucson, Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, Monterey-Salinas, Hartford, Salt Lake City, Odessa, Bakersfield, West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Omaha, Yakima, Naples-Ft. Myers, Wichita, Reno, Boise, Victoria, Oklahoma City, Charleston, Chattanooga, Amarillo, Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte, Greensboro- Winston Salem, Wilmington and Philadelphia.

Web site: http://www.tvazteca.com.mx/

Finkelstein, Thompson, and Loughran Announces Investigation of XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc.

The law firm of Finkelstein, Thompson & Loughran announces that a lawsuit seeking class action status has been filed in the United States District Court of the District of Columbia on behalf of shareholders who purchased, converted, exchanged or otherwise acquired the common stock of XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:XMSR) ("XM" or "The Company") between July 28, 2005 and February 15, 2006, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Finkelstein, Thompson & Loughran is investigating similar claims at this time and welcomes inquiries from potential class members concerning their rights and interests in this matter.

The lawsuit alleges that XM violated federal securities laws by issuing false or misleading public statements regarding XM's ability to reduce the costs of its new subscribers as it reached its goal of 6 million subscribers by year end 2005. Specifically, the complaint alleges that defendants failed to disclose to the market that XM's cost of subscriber acquisition would rise to heightened levels, dramatically increasing XM's net losses

On February 16, 2006, XM issued a press release disclosing the truth about XM's subscriber acquisition costs and the losses those costs would cause. On this news, XM's common stock fell 13% to close at $21.96 on February 17, 2006.

If you are a member of the class, you may, no later than July 3, 2006, request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff of the class. A lead plaintiff is a class member appointed by the Court to direct the litigation on behalf of the class. Although a class member need not be appointed as a lead plaintiff to receive a proportionate share of any proceeds of the litigation, lead plaintiffs make important decisions that could affect the prosecution of the class claims, including decisions concerning settlement. The securities laws create a rebuttable presumption that the plaintiff with the largest financial interest in the litigation is the most adequate to serve as a lead plaintiff.

With offices in Washington, DC and San Francisco, CA, Finkelstein, Thompson & Loughran has spent almost three decades delivering outstanding representation to institutional and individual clients in connection with securities and other finance-related litigation, and has been appointed as lead or co-lead counsel in dozens of shareholder class actions. Indeed, in the past ten years, the firm has served in leadership roles in cases that have recovered over $1 billion for investors and consumers.

Web site: http://www.ftllaw.com/ Nickelodeon Announces 'Let's Just Play Giveaway' Winners Twenty Kids Receive $5,000 Each to Facilitate Play in their Communities; Network to Give Away More Than $1 Million through June 2006

Nickelodeon announces the latest round of winners of the "Let's Just Play Giveaway," an effort by the network to distribute more than $1 million in funds to help kids improve their schools' or communities' play facilities. Twenty kids from schools and organizations around the country will receive $5,000 each. The winners will be announced on Nick.com, and some will be featured on Nickelodeon's air. The "Let's Just Play Giveaway" is part of Nickelodeon's "Let's Just Play" pro-social campaign, which encourages healthy and active lifestyles for kids and families.

Kids can enter for a chance to win the "Let's Just Play Giveaway" by visiting www.nick.com or www.everythingnick.com. Partnering with teachers and other community-based leaders, kids must tell Nickelodeon what they need for their school or club to help them play better and why, and give three reasons why play is important. Once the entry form is completed and mailed to Nickelodeon, the winners will be randomly selected and announced at the top of each month.

The March to April "Let's Just Play Giveaway" winners are* (in alphabetical order by school/organization):

-- Dozier Elementary School (Erath, LA)

-- Eagle Elementary School (Brownsburg, IN)

-- Faith Hope Charity Inc.(Marlin, TX)

-- Falkville Elementary School (Falkville, AL)

-- Families & Youth AmeriCorps Safe After School (Las Cruces, NM)

-- Freedom Elementary School (Freedom, NH)

-- Hilliard Crossing Elementary School (Hilliard, OH)

-- Holy Name Catholic School (Ketchikan, AK)

-- Kingford Park Elementary School (Oswego, NY)

-- Lake Street Elementary School (Auburn, ME)

-- Laura Irwin Elementary School (Basin, WY)

-- Laurel Springs School (Laurel Springs, NJ)

-- Lead Deadwood School (Lead, SD)

-- Longden Elementary School (Temple City, CA)

-- Lost Creek Elementary School (Columbus, NE)

-- McCrory Public School (McCrory, AR)

-- North Albany Middle School (Albany, OR)

-- South Elementary School (Kennett, MO)

-- St. Paul The Apostle Catholic School (Spartanburg, SC)

-- The Compass School (Kingston, RI)

The "Let's Just Play Giveaway" is an extension of the 2004-2005 "Let's Just Play" grants program, where Nickelodeon awarded more than $600,000 to 81 organizations and schools. A total of $9 million was cited in the 1,800 grant applications received, causing the network to more than double its funding for the "Let's Just Play Giveaway."

Nickelodeon's "Let's Just Play" recently entered into a partnership with The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a joint initiative of the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association, to combat the spread of childhood obesity. The three organizations are combining forces on a comprehensive media and public awareness campaign, encouraging young people to engage in healthy and active lifestyles.

As part of the partnership, the Let's Just Play Go Healthy Challenge, which focuses on four kids' real life struggles and successes in the quest to make their lives healthier, recently debuted on Nickelodeon April 30, and will carry out on-air over five months. The Let's Just Play Go Healthy Challenge serves as the kick-off to a movement that aims to increase awareness among young people about the importance of eating well and being physically fit, and that empowers kids and families to be agents of change in their communities. Kids can sign up to take the challenge at www.nick.com/letsjustplay. The next installment of the Let's Just Play Go Healthy Challenge airs June 4, 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on Nickelodeon.

About Nickelodeon's "Let's Just Play" Pro-Social Campaign

Currently in its third year, "Let's Just Play" is Nickelodeon's pro-social commitment to encourage kids to participate in active, healthy, and playful lifestyles -- a much needed antidote to reports of the rise in childhood obesity, the concerns about reduction of PE in schools and in after-school programs, and the over-scheduled and sedentary lifestyles of kids today. In addition to using the power of Nickelodeon's air, online sites, magazines, and celebrity support, the channel devotes significant year-round resources to building a grassroots infrastructure that supports physical play opportunities in communities everywhere.

On Oct. 1, 2005 Nickelodeon celebrated the second annual "Let's Just Play Worldwide Day of Play" celebration by going dark for three hours (12-3 p.m. ET/PT) to encourage play everywhere. Nick pre-empted regularly scheduled programming with its "Worldwide Day of Play" logo encouraging kids to be active and to engage in physical play. More than 250,000 kids participated nationwide. This year's Worldwide Day of Play will take place on Sept. 30.

"Let's Just Play" was recently awarded four Cable Television Public Affairs Association Beacon Awards, which recognize excellence in the public affairs industry. For more information on the "Let's Just Play" program, visit www.everythingnick.com.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 89 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for more than ten consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc.

Web site: http://www.nick.com/
http://www.nick.com/letsjustplay
http://www.everythingnick.com/ OneDomain Announces Posting With eBiz4Tv Portal

OneDomain has released the next phase of its eBiz4Tv web portal: Pre-Invoice "As-run" spot delivery. For the first time, stations can begin sending as-run spot data directly to their agency clients. This new interface will impact the way stations and their clients interact immediately.

ITN Networks is the first company to use the portal to receive pre-post spots directly from stations using the OneDomain ClearView pre-buy software. "Receiving this type of uniformed, streamlined pre-post gives us a clear indicator as to how our schedules are airing on a weekly basis," says Tim Daly of ITN. He goes on to say, "We need accurate 'As Run' data on a timely basis to serve our clients. The OneDomain solution makes it as easy as possible for stations to provide the data accurately and on time. It saves work for the station and ITN."

Raycom Media is the first station group to provide this data across their entire enterprise. "Raycom is very excited to be the first group to take advantage of this new EDI interface," said Billy McDowell, Vice President of Research for Raycom. "We look forward to working closely with our vendors to provide more efficient means of communicating with our clients."

Greg Calhoun adds, "Our station clients continue to demand technologies that enable them to better service their clients. As always, OneDomain will continue to develop systems that give our stations a tangible competitive advantage over those using other products."

For more information on the eBiz4Tv web portal, visit www.eBiz4Tv.com or www.OneDomain.com.

About OneDomain, Inc.

OneDomain is a rapidly growing specialty software provider based in Birmingham AL. TV stations depend on OneDomain software solutions for audience analysis, sales efforts and commercial scheduling. Formed just 4 years ago by industry veterans with years of experience, OneDomain has already earned a reputation as a company with fresh ideas and cutting edge solutions for its client base. As a result of a unique approach to selling television ad space, OneDomain has been able to earn a 30% market share in only 30 months. More information is available at www.onedomain.com.

Source: OneDomain, Inc.

Web site: http://www.onedomain.com/
http://www.ebiz4tv.com/ Sam Neill, Jeremy Northam and Henry Cavill to Join the Cast of New SHOWTIME Dramatic Series 'The Tudors' Which Stars Jonathan Rhys-Meyers As a Young King Henry VIII Production Begins May 22 in Ireland Emmy(R) and Golden Globe(R)-nominated actor Sam Neill ("Jurassic Park," "Little Fish"), Jeremy Northam (CBS' "Martin & Lewis," "The Net," "Gosford Park") and Henry Cavill ("Tristan & Isolde"), have just joined the cast of the new SHOWTIME dramatic series THE TUDORS, which stars Golden Globe(R)-winner Jonathan Rhys-Meyers ("Mission: Impossible III," "Match Point," "Elvis") as a young Henry VIII. Ten episodes have been ordered and Emmy(R)-winning television director Charles McDougall ("Desperate Housewives") will helm at least the first two episodes of the series, which is scheduled to air on the network in early 2007 after filming is completed in Ireland. Neill portrays Cardinal Wolsey, Northam plays Sir Thomas More, and Cavill portrays Charles Brandon.

THE TUDORS will focus on the rarely dramatized, tumultuous early years of King Henry VIII's nearly 40-year omnipotent reign (1509-1547) of England. In addition to dalliances with famous female consorts Catherine of Aragon and the infamous Anne Boleyn, the series delves into Henry's most notable political relationships, including those with philosopher Sir Thomas More, Cardinal Wolsey, head of the Catholic Church of England during its break with Rome, and Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk and Henry VIII's closest friend.

English filmmaker Charles McDougall's incredible work on "Desperate Housewives" and the original British "Queer As Folk" are evidence that this will be a newly imagined Henry VIII with a seductive, modern sensibility.

Michael Hirst ("Elizabeth"), series creator, writer, and executive producer, is writing all 10 episodes of THE TUDORS. Ben Silverman of Reveille, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title, Gary Howsam of Peace Arch Entertainment Group and Morgan O'Sullivan of World 2000 will also executive produce. The series will be co-produced by TM Productions and PA Tudors, Inc. with the participation of Bord Scannan na hEireann/Irish Film Board, and the support of investment incentives of the Irish Film Industry provided by the Government of Ireland. It will be co-financed by Showtime Networks and Peace Arch, which will distribute the series outside of the United States.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME(R), THE MOVIE CHANNEL(TM) and FLIX(R), as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME(R) TOO(TM), SHOWTIME(R) SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME(R), SHOWTIME BEYOND(R), SHOWTIME NEXT(R), SHOWTIME WOMEN(R), SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE(R) and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD(R), THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD(TM), SHOWTIME ON DEMAND(TM) and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND(TM). SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME(R) PPV. Additionally, the advertiser- supported television network SHOWTIME is available in Turkey through a joint venture with UK-based Zone Vision.

Web site: http://www.sho.com/ Nickelodeon's The Fairly OddParents Hits a High Note with Its First Fairy Talent Competition 'American Idol-Style' in Hour-Long Special 'Fairy Idol,' Premieres in Prime Time at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 19 Former 'American Idol' Contestant Diana DeGarmo Performs Cosmo's Singing Voice

Nickelodeon's animated hit series The Fairly OddParents pays homage to the American Idol phenomenon with its very own Idol-like singing competition in "Fairy Idol," a one-hour special premiering Friday, May 19 at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT). The special features former American Idol contestant Diana DeGarmo, as the singing voice of her biggest fan, Cosmo. The special will repeat on Nickelodeon, Saturday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 at 5:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

"Butch Hartman is always looking for creative new ways to incorporate pop culture into his series, so when he proposed an American Idol type of contest for this episode we knew it would be great fun," said Marjorie Cohn, Executive Vice President, Development and Original Programming, Nickelodeon. "And, having Diana DeGarmo be a part of it, makes it that much more special."

"I think the reality TV phenomenon has taken on a life of its own and I wanted to do a special episode that would have fun with the genre," said Butch Hartman, creator and executive producer of The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom. "American Idol is a reality show that my kids relate to and is popular with kids everywhere."

Debuting on Nickelodeon in March 2001, The Fairly OddParents' popularity has soared among both kids and adults making it the number two ranked kids' program on broadcast and cable television, second only to SpongeBob SquarePants. The series is a solid hit among teens and adults, who make up 59% of its 54.7 million viewers each week. (Source: Nielsen Cume Data - February 2006)

In "Fairy Idol", Norm the Genie has had enough of being a genie. He's sick of all the annoying masters he's had to serve throughout the centuries so he formulates an evil plan to swap his genie life for the more desirable job of fairy godparent. When he learns that any magical wish-granting creature in the universe may apply for a vacant fairy godparent job, he sets out to trick Cosmo and Wanda into quitting their jobs as Timmy's godparents. Norm creates a clone of Timmy whose purpose is to treat Cosmo and Wanda badly while the real Timmy is off having the time of his life. Cosmo and Wanda are fed up with the way the imposter Timmy is acting and they quit their jobs as his fairy godparents. Norm heads off to Fairy World to enter a talent competition where every wish-granting creature in the Universe has the chance to audition for the role of the next fairy godparent.

As the contestants sing their favorite musical numbers and the finalists, including Norm, Cosmo and Wanda (who are convinced by the real Timmy to give him another chance) are chosen, an abundance of obligatory fairy drama goes on behind the scenes including all of the backbiting, backstabbing and back hair that goes along with such a heated competition. The competition also includes a knock-your-socks off number performed by Cosmo (singing voice by Diana DeGarmo) and Wanda.

In conjunction with this TV special, Nick.com introduced a "New Game of the Week" entitled "Fairy Idol!" on May 4th. In the game, Wanda's wand is missing as she is about to go onstage for the Fairy Idol talent competition. Playing as Timmy, gamesters will have to search the entire Fairy Idol studio for the missing wand, avoiding security guards, Jorgen Von Strangle and Cosmo- who has a knack for getting in the way! In addition, kids will be able to vote/take a poll on Nick.com on who they think will "win" the Fairy Idol competition. A sneak peek of "Fairy Idol" is currently streaming on TurboNick.

Butch Hartman began his animation career as an assistant animator on An American Tail. He directed cartoons and created his own shorts for What a Cartoon!, and also wrote and directed episodes of Dexter's Laboratory, Cow & Chicken and Johnny Bravo. Hartman joined Nickelodeon in 1998 where he created and produced several cartoon shorts for the Oh Yeah! Cartoons series, including The Fairly OddParents. Hartman is also the creator of Nickelodeon's hit show, Danny Phantom.

Source: Nickelodeon

Web site: http://www.nick.com/ Universal Parks & Resorts Selects Velocity Sports & Entertainment as Sales Agency for Theme Park Partnerships

Universal Parks & Resorts (UP&R), a division of NBC-Universal, has selected Velocity Sports & Entertainment, a premier sponsorship and lifestyle marketing agency, as its exclusive corporate partnerships sales agency for the company's theme parks and resort destination.

The multi-year agreement, effective immediately, calls for Velocity Sports & Entertainment to leverage UP&R's strength as a global leader in themed entertainment in seeking new sponsorships for Universal Parks & Resorts' properties in Hollywood and Orlando.

"Our partnership with Velocity Sports & Entertainment will supplement the efforts of Universal Studios' corporate sponsorship unit in the theme parks and resort area and provide a sharp focus on the tremendous cross-promotional opportunities that our properties have to offer," said Ron Herman, Senior Vice President, Partnership Development, Universal Park & Resorts.

"We are thrilled to be representing Universal Theme Parks, the recognized industry leader in providing movie-based experiences enjoyed by the whole family," said Harlan Stone, Velocity Principal. "Universal recognizes that relevant integration into the Universal Theme Park experience is a win-win for their marketing partners as well as the Parks."

Universal Parks & Resorts (Universal) (www.nbcuni.com) includes the world-class entertainment destinations, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal is part of NBC Universal, which is 80% owned by General Electric. The Universal Orlando Resort (www.UniversalOrlando.com) features the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks, as well as Universal CityWalk, a 30-acre dining, shopping, club and live-entertainment venue and three premier on-site Loews hotels.

Universal Studios Hollywood (www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com) combines an authentic working movie and television studio with cutting-edge thrill rides and attractions, offering guests a uniquely immersive entertainment experience that employs the latest in state-of-the-art technologies. Located adjacent to the theme park is Universal CityWalk, an eclectic shopping and dining, club and live-entertainment, pedestrian promenade.

NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi Universal.

Established in 1999, Velocity has five U.S. offices located in Wilton, Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington D.C., and a U.K. operation based in London. The agency specializes in helping clients maximize the value of sports and entertainment sponsorship and lifestyle marketing efforts. In PROMO magazine's annual ranking of U.S. promotion agencies, Velocity ranks second overall and is the top-ranked sports and entertainment marketing agency. This ranking reflects the exceptional growth the agency has experienced in the past two years as well as Velocity's creative and strategic ability to launch sponsorship and lifestyle marketing programs. Velocity's point of difference has been its ability to combine its strategic and creative approach with the traditional discipline of sports and entertainment marketing. To learn more about Velocity, visit www.teamvelocity.com.

Source: Universal Studios HollywoodMTV Announces Live Multi Screen Experiences for Video Music Awards and Total Request Live

Live Interactive Broadband Programs to Air Simultaneously With Television Broadcasts

MTV: Music Television today announced that MTV Overdrive, the broadband network, will begin offering an interactive dual screen experience to complement and coincide with the television airings of this year's VMAs, airing live August 31st, and beginning in the fall, for the afternoon series "Total Request Live." MTV Overdrive will air live programs designed specifically for the broadband channel that will be fully integrated into the on-air experiences of TRL and the VMAs and vice versa. The new dual screen experience is just one of the many multiplatform elements that MTV will be rolling out to support the VMAs.

"MTV is committed to offering our audience experiences that enhance the way they are consuming entertainment today -- both on-air and online simultaneously," said Christina Norman, President, MTV. "Today's announcement is an example of a true multiplatform execution that will guide our audience between these screens and set the bar for the industry."

"Our audience has embraced the online video revolution and we felt it was time to create companion broadband programming that is unique and exists simultaneous to the linear television experience," said Dave Sirulnick, Executive Vice President, MTV Multi Platform Production, News and Music. "The live MTV Overdrive companion programs for TRL and the VMAs will enhance the experience for our audience by creating an entirely new level of connection to these established shows."

Building off the highly successful "My VMAs" initiative from 2005, the 2006 VMAs will take the multiplatform experience to new levels by offering fans an additional live view of the big show on MTV Overdrive. More multiplatform elements of the 2006 VMAs will be announced soon.

Beginning in fall 2006 during TRL, MTV Overdrive will present a live simultaneous companion show for the entire hour. The broadband audience will be able to experience an additional view of TRL with more interviews with talent, more music, more behind the scenes access, and more interaction with TRL VJs and MTV News correspondents both live during the television broadcast and on-demand after the show. TRL attracts some of the biggest names in TV, movies, and music to the Times Square studios, and fans will be able to go even deeper behind the scenes with the new dual screen TRL experience.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 100 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television

services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Source: MTV

Web site: http://www.mtv.com/ 'Go BIG or Go HOME' Reveals How to Create the Next Google, MySpace or NetFlix

Wil Schroter's new book 'Go BIG or Go HOME' details how aspiring entrepreneurs can build the next generation of hyper growth companies like Google, MySpace or NetFlix that grow from 'zero to a billion dollars' practically overnight

The unprecedented growth of companies like Google have sent the business world scrambling to find out how to replicate their success. Wil Schroter's new book Go BIG or Go HOME provides a detailed explanation of how to apply the growth strategies of Google, MySpace and NetFlix (among others) to any type of business.

Go BIG or Go HOME reveals that in order for a company to achieve this type of "hyper growth" they must learn to think bigger, scale faster, and act like number one while at the same time maintaining a lean, nimble infrastructure.

"It would be easy to write off the success of these companies as a 'fluke' except for the fact that it's happening more and more often," adds the author, Wil Schroter. "The fact is that there is a formula behind the growth and success of these companies that business leaders need to learn to apply in order to be competitive."

Schroter dissects the strategies used by industry superstars like NetFlix, who were able to market themselves as "The Number One destination for on-line DVD rentals" even when they were just a few people in a room. Other strategies include how to create a business that can scale in size like MySpace and how to compress ten years of growth into just three.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wil Schroter is a serial entrepreneur who has launched nine startup companies, including the Go BIG Network (http://www.gobignetwork.com/), which has become the largest network of entrepreneurs and startup companies He has been recognized by the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year program as well as the U.S. Small Business Association Entrepreneur of the Year Program and is a nationally syndicated columnist on startup growth strategies.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Go BIG or Go HOME - How the next generation of startup companies think BIG, grow FAST, and dominate markets overnight" is available at http://www.wilschroter.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/. It is jointly published by Go BIG Media, LLC and BookSurge/Amazon.

Source: Go BIG Network

Web site: http://www.wilschroter.com/
http://www.amazon.com/ Sierra Entertainment Hits the Reset Button on the 'Spyro The Dragon(R)' Universe This Fall With 'The Legend of Spyro(TM) a New Beginning'

For the First Time Ever, Epic Story of Spyro's Origin Revealed and Brought to Life Through A-list Hollywood Voice-Over Cast Starring Elijah Wood, David Spade and Gary Oldman Vivendi Games' ("VG") Sierra Entertainment has announced the development of "The Legend of Spyro(TM) A New Beginning," the latest installment to the 17 million-unit-selling "Spyro(R)" franchise, coming this Fall to the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(R) video game and entertainment system, Nintendo GameCube(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance and Nintendo DS(TM). The completely new "Spyro" adventure, featuring gameplay focused heavily on dynamic action and fast-paced combat, uncovers the true origin of Spyro the Dragon as he evolves into a living, breathing weapon of explosive destruction! This epic story of Spyro's quest to discover his roots and realize his destiny is amazingly brought to life by leading Hollywood voice-over cast members Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy) as the new voice of Spyro; David Spade ("The Benchwarmers") as Spyro's sidekick Sparx the dragonfly; and Gary Oldman (Sirius Black from the "Harry Potter" films) as Ignitus, the Fire Dragon Elder and Spyro's mentor.

In "The Legend of Spyro A New Beginning," players will experience the awesome power of the purple dragon as they unleash devastating fury attacks, upgradeable breaths and ground-to-aerial melee combos in frenzied battles with hordes of menacing enemies and bone-chilling bosses. The action game also introduces a new dragon upgrade system, giving players the freedom to increase the power and variety of attacks to their liking. Developed by critically-acclaimed developers Krome Studios (console and Game Boy Advance) and Amaze Entertainment (Nintendo DS), "The Legend of Spyro A New Beginning" is scheduled to be released in October 2006.

"For the first time ever, "The Legend of Spyro A New Beginning" will reveal the origin of one of the most popular video game characters of all time," said Cindy Cook, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer for Vivendi Games. "With an entirely new game design centered on action and combat, coupled with a deep storyline that comes to life through the tremendous talent of our voice-over actors, "The Legend of Spyro A New Beginning" will deliver an explosive and exciting cinematic gameplay experience that "Spyro" fans and gamers of all ages will love."

"The Legend of Spyro A New Beginning" is scheduled to be available at retail in October 2006 for the PlayStation 2 system, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. For more information, please visit the game's official website at www.spyrothedragon.com.

About Krome Studios

Krome Studios is one of the leading independent developers in the world and the largest game development studio in Australia with more than 190 employees. Founded in 1999, the studio is best known for developing the "TY the Tasmanian Tiger(TM)" series, which has sold two million units worldwide and is the best-selling Australian game of all time. Krome Studios has shipped more than a dozen titles, including the "TY the Tasmanian Tiger(TM)" series, "King Arthur," "The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius(TM): Jet Fusion," "Sunny Garcia Surfing(TM)," 'Extremely Goofy Skateboarding," "Barbie(TM) Beach Vacation(TM)" and "Championship Surfer(TM)" to name a few. The official homepage of Krome Studios is www.kromestudios.com.

About Amaze Entertainment

Amaze Entertainment (www.amazeent.com), one of the largest independent developers in the world, is behind many of the best known and best selling handheld game titles. Partnering with the A-list of publishers, Amaze focuses on Nintendo DS(TM) and Game Boy(R) Advance, the PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R) Portable) system, and console titles, many of which are household names, including "The Sims(TM)," "X-Men(TM)," and "Harry Potter(TM)."

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.

"The Legend of Spyro A New Beginning" interactive game (C) 2006 Universal Interactive, Inc. Spyro 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. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox and the Xbox logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or in other countries and are used under license from Microsoft. (TM), (R), Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube, 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.spyrothedragon.com/

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

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

Web site: http://www.vivendigames.com/ Get Your Bids Ready: Verizon Wireless HopeLine Online Phone Auction Features Phones Signed by Celebrities and Athletes

Proceeds From May Auction Will Support Domestic Violence Prevention

What do Donald Trump, Dr. Phil and Krissy Wendell have in common? All three have autographed phones available in the HopeLine(R) Online Phone Auction.

Beginning tomorrow through May 16, Verizon Wireless customers will have the chance to bid on celebrity-autographed phones during the second HopeLine Online Phone Auction. Verizon Wireless will donate all proceeds from the auction to Safe Horizon, the leading provider of services for victims of violence in New York City. Safe Horizon has been at the forefront of helping victims of crime and abuse for over a quarter of a century and moves more than 350,000 victims from crisis to confidence each year by offering a chance to tell their story in their own words, a guide through the criminal justice system or a safe place to sleep.

Participants in the HopeLine auction can bid to purchase phones signed by:

- Donald Trump, chairman and president, The Trump Organization

- Dr. Phil McGraw, host of the Dr. Phil Show

- Misty May, beach volleyball world champion

- Clark Haggans, linebacker for the world champion Pittsburgh Steelers

- Krissy Wendell, captain of the U.S. women's hockey team

- Kelly Clark, snowboarder

To bid on the signed phones, customers simply log on to http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline, and click on the 'Phone Auction' banner to be taken to the 'HopeLine Online Phone Auction' site, which will be conducted on eBay. The winning bidders will sport one of the hottest new phones:

* Motorola RAZR V3c -- Equipped with access to Verizon Wireless' V CAST

multimedia service, the Motorola RAZR V3c seamlessly unites fashion

and technology to provide the ultimate multimedia experience with a

must-have product. The Motorola RAZR V3c retails for $79.99 after a

$50 mail-in rebate and two-year customer agreement.

* LG VX8100 -- With EV-DO technology for access to V CAST Music and dual

speakers for stereo sounds, the LG VX8100 is the ultimate in high

speed, high tech and high style. The LG VX8100 retails for $69.99 after

$50 mail-in rebate with two-year customer agreement.

* Samsung SCH-a950 -- The Samsung SCH-a950 is loaded with features,

including access to V CAST Music. The a950's intuitive design

and external music controls give users complete control of their

mobile entertainment experience. The Samsung SCH-a950 retails for

$149.99 after $50 mail-in rebate with two-year customer agreement.

* Motorola E815 -- Delivering access to Verizon Wireless' hot V CAST

wireless broadband multimedia service and a host of other cutting-edge

features, the Motorola E815 is the perfect phone for the customer who

loves to stay on the forefront of new technologies. The Motorola E815

retails for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and two-year customer

agreement.

Verizon Wireless is a recognized corporate leader for its commitment to preventing domestic violence and raising awareness of the issue. The company's HopeLine program collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider, and then refurbishes the phones or recycles them in an environmentally safe way. Proceeds benefit victims of domestic violence and non-profit advocacy agencies, providing essential communication tools of wireless phones and wireless services, and financial grants.

For more information on Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program or how to donate a wireless phone, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

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 and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/
http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline Raw Arts Collective: Five Stunningly Talented Raw Artists

The 'Raw Arts Collective' is a collective of raw artists of diverse backgrounds and strong vision: Stephen Davids, Sue Kreitzman, Piers Midwinter, Karin van der Plas and Steve Wright.

On February 19th 2006, five artists met together in East London and collectively agreed to create a new entity. The initial idea behind the Raw Arts Collective is to bring together some of England's most talented raw artists with a view:

-- To create and develop opportunities to exhibit our art

-- To raise awareness of 'non-mainstream raw art'

-- To show the strong personal artistic vision

-- To show an acceptance, understanding of diversity and difference

-- To recognize each members individual strengths and develop friendships

-- To encourage self-taught and free spirited thinking/spontaneity

The Raw Arts Collective website thus contains:

-- examples of each artists work.

-- pictures of the way in which the artists have decorated their houses

-- pictures of the artists

-- details of major press articles

-- details of 'raw art' exhibitions featuring a collective member

-- details of artist meetings held on a regular basis and what will be

discussed at them

So far, the results have been extremely positive, including articles in national and local press for participating member's art etc. All five artists are participating in the legendary Raw Arts Festival which is heading to sunny Spain in October 2006. The Festival in Valencia will be "Spain's first non- mainstream arts festival." For more information please visit the Raw Arts Collective web-site at: http://www.rawartscollective.com/ .

This press release has been submitted on behalf of http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/ .

Source: Raw Arts Festival

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

(Why would anyone pay to see commercials you could see for nothing?)TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ:TIVO) , the creator and leader in advertising solutions and television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), today launched its new advertising search product named 'TiVo Product Watch' which offers advertisers an innovative new way to reach TiVo subscribers who are actively looking for products ("In Market") with advertising content and information. At launch, TiVo Product Watch will deliver targeted, relevant advertising content, from more than 70 advertisers and 100 leading brands, from up to five different product categories including Automotive, Entertainment, Financial, Lifestyles, and Travel and Leisure.

TiVo subscribers will be able to create searches and select advertising content, ranging from one minute to 60 minutes, from any of the five different product categories of interest and have it delivered directly to their Now Playing section of the TiVo service. TiVo Product Watch will also offer subscribers the ability to create a search based on their favorite brands. TiVo viewers will be able to subscribe to a brand and opt-in to receive video content directly from that company on an ongoing basis.

For the more than 4.4 million TiVo subscribers, TiVo Product Watch is yet another new service that enhances their viewing experience by providing searchable advertising and content in highly valued consumer categories. For advertisers, TiVo Product Watch capitalizes on TiVo's award-winning television search capabilities to deliver relevant, targeted product videos to TiVo's millions of subscribers and in particular "In Market" consumers who are more likely to make purchasing decisions. Moreover, the service uses the technology and easy-to-use consumer experience that is unique to TiVo to deliver advertising in an entertaining, creative and informative format.

"Bringing to market the innovative TiVo Product Watch solution is another powerful example of TiVo's ability to lead the industry and distinguish the TiVo service from generic DVRs in the marketplace," said Tom Rogers, President and CEO of TiVo. "TiVo Product Watch will, for the first time, enable TV viewers to get commercial information about a product they are interested, when they want it, rather than through traditional TV advertising, where a viewer has no control of what ad comes on when they are watching a program. TiVo is committed to creating advertising products that deliver real, relevant results for our advertising partners while at the same time enhancing the TV experience for subscribers."

"We are pleased to launch TiVo Product Watch with more than 100 participating brands," said Davina Kent, Vice President, National Advertising Sales, TiVo. "Delivering informative and entertaining advertising content to consumers that have already expressed an interest in a brand or category is another important and valuable step forward in our efforts to help our advertising partners reach consumers that are 'In Market'."

At launch, General Motors, Sony Pictures, Lending Tree and Kraft Foods will be included as the premium advertisers for their respective advertising categories. The content that will be made available to TiVo subscribers will be informative and entertaining, leveraging the advertising industry's new approach to content. Examples of content range from cooking demonstrations from Kraft Foods, to understanding the impact of different types of mortgages from Lending Tree, to behind the scenes movie trailers from Sony Pictures and new automotive features and aesthetic options from General Motors.

Starcom MediaVest Group, MindShare, Cmedia, BrightLine Partners, Interpublic Group, OMD, and The Richards Group partnered with TiVo to help recruit advertisers and develop pricing. These agencies, along with Comcast Spotlight, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, provided advice concerning the product and its pricing model, which will be based on a cost per download and set-up fee.

"The current advertising market recognizes that consumers are in control, actively engaging the content that they want, when and where they want to view it," said Starcom USA VP/Video Innovation Director Tracey Scheppach. "TiVo Product Watch is a great advance in the market in that it injects brands into the consumer-controlled viewing experience, allowing people to directly search and access ad messages that inform, entertain and empower them."

"TiVo Product Watch provides a unique opportunity to engage consumers who are actively seeking out information about our client's products and services," said Jason Maltby, President/Co-executive Director of National Broadcast for MindShare, one of the nation's leading media services agencies. "We find it a particularly useful tool as it helps us understand how TiVo users interact with commercial messages on an opt-in basis. This is valuable information as we struggle with how to engage early-adopters who demonstrate a high propensity for commercial avoidance."

"We are in a video era where consumers not only expect choice and control, but demand it," said Jen Soch, Vice President - Associate Director of Advanced TV, MediaVest USA. "By providing a platform for consumers to customize their viewing experience, TiVo Product Watch meets the needs of both. Consumers can seek content relevant to them, and marketers benefit because they are providing valuable information when and how they want it."

"With 39 percent of consumers expected to have a DVR by 2010, it's our top priority to stay on top of this emerging technology," said Michelle Cardinal, CEO and Founder, Cmedia. "We've been diligently working on providing innovative marketing solutions with media providers like TiVo that are on the cutting edge of interactive marketing for our clients. This means more ways to reach our target consumers and more opportunities for them to respond and purchase our products. We couldn't be more thrilled with the partnership."

"For our participating clients, Reebok and AXE, this service presents an opportunity to more deeply connect with target audiences by leveraging clever, entertaining branded content that reinforces viewers' motivation to buy these products," said Jacqueline Corbelli, CEO, BrightLine Partners. "Perhaps most exciting is TiVo's unique brand-subscription feature that offers an opportunity to build viewer loyalty and motivate serial engagement with ad messaging."

TiVo launched the interactive direct response advertising program last year, where subscribers were given the opportunity to respond to a customized call to action or branded "tag" in select commercial spots. TiVo Product Watch advertising product allows advertisers to further engage their target consumers with the benefits of the television experience.

About TiVo Inc.

Founded in 1997, TiVo pioneered a brand new category of products with the development of the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers, TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers as providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its full set of DVR service features into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo's DVR functionality and ease of use, with such features as Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList(R) searches, has elevated its popularity among consumers and has created a whole new way for viewers to watch television.

With a continued investment in its patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal point of the digital living room, TiVo's DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and photos. With innovative features, such as TiVoToGo(TM) transfers and online scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers experiencing "TiVo, TV your way(R)." The TiVo(R) service is also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing solutions for the television industry, including a unique platform for advertisers and audience measurement research. The company is based in Alviso, Calif.

NOTE: TiVo, Season Pass, WishList, Series2, TiVoToGo, 'TiVo, TV your way.' and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions.

Source: TiVo Inc.

Web site: http://www.tivo.com/ Pirates of Tortuga: Under The Black Flag The Best Pirate Story Ever Comes to DVD This Spring Gaiam Media, Inc. will release Pirates of Tortuga: Under the Black Flag on DVD May 23, 2006. Pirates of Tortuga is a suspenseful, funny, song-filled and stunningly animated story about three young boys who find themselves traveling back in time and caught in the midst of a pirate adventure. The tale is a must see for any family, full of exciting twists and turns that keep viewers glued to the screen until the furious finale!

And the fun doesn't stop there -- the DVD contains downloadable games and activities including mazes, coloring pages, word finds and much more, and even includes an insert of temporary pirate tattoos, so every kid can feel like a pirate. Each DVD also includes a Spanish audio track as well.

Originally aired on The Cartoon Network, the hugely successful television premiere of Pirates of Tortuga attracted over 1 Million viewers and earned a 2.8 rating among kids 6-11. Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean saw huge success as well, so huge that they will release Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest in July with a third addition to the series set for April 2007. Families can get in on this quickly growing pirate craze even before those films hit theatres with Gaiam's Pirates of Tortuga.

Synopsis

On a trip to the city museum, three young boys, Alex, Max and Califax discover a golden bowl -- part of a legendary treasure and accidentally set off the secret time-traveling device. Suddenly the world around them disappears, and they find themselves on board a pirate ship -- back in the 18th century! There the adventure begins. On the island of Tortuga they meet the beautiful and dangerous pirate-queen Anne Bonnie, and do battle with the terrifying and ruthless pirate of the Caribbean, Captain Blackbeard who threatens to destroy the pirates' kingdom and Anne Bonnie too. It's up to the boys to save Anne Bonnie, defeat Blackbeard once and for all and most importantly, find their way home.

UNDER THE BLACK FLAG

DVD PRICE: $14.98 SRP

ORDER DATE: April 11, 2006

STREET DATE: May 23, 2006

Additional Feature: Spanish Audio Track

Source: GT MediaHollywood's Hottest Blockbuster Sizzles as MTV Announces Presenters & Performers for the '2006 MTV Movie Awards' Christina Aguilera Returns to the Stage for Anticipated Live Performance, Plus '03 VMA Winners AFI Make Their Movie Awards Debut Kate Beckinsale, Jamie Foxx, Owen Wilson, Justin Timberlake, Matt Dillon, Will Ferrell, T.I., Kate Hudson, Ludacris & Others Set to Present All at the '2006 MTV Movie Awards' Set to Premiere to Audiences Nationwide Thursday, June 8th at 9pm ET/PT

Attracting the biggest names in music, film and more, MTV: Music Television today revealed performers and presenters of Hollywood's highly anticipated blockbuster, the "2006 MTV Movie Awards." Taking the stage to debut new music and deliver eagerly awaited live performances are Christina Aguilera and punk rockers, AFI. In other news, Kate Beckinsale, Jamie Foxx, Owen Wilson, Justin Timberlake, Matt Dillon, Will Ferrell, T.I., Kate Hudson, Ludacris, Rebecca Romijn, Kate Bosworth, Famke Janssen, John C. Reilly and Brandon Routh are the first to be announced in the growing list of stars presenting at this year's ceremony, which promises to be more than an award show, but a movie unto itself. Hosted by Jessica Alba, the "2006 MTV Movie Awards" will film June 3rd at Sony Picture Studios in Culver City, CA, and premiere to audiences nationwide on Thursday, June 8th at 9pm ET/PT on MTV.

"Looking at our line-up, stars from practically every big summer movie will be at our show. In fact, we may have to come up with more awards just to fit them all in," said Joel Gallen, Executive Producer and Director. "I'm also excited about Christina and AFI -- both amazing artists who will be performing their new hits for the first time anywhere on the Movie Awards."

In her eagerly anticipated return to MTV after the release of her wildly successful album "Stripped" in 2002, Christina Aguilera takes to the spotlight at the MTV Movie Awards to perform and debut music from her awaited new album, "Back To Basics." A Movie Awards veteran, Christina Aguilera last performed at the ceremony in 2001 when she was joined on stage by Lil' Kim, Pink, and Mya for a heart stopping performance of "Lady Marmalade" from "Moulin Rouge."

On the heels of releasing their new album "Decemberunderground" on June 6th, AFI will perform the popular debut single, "Miss Murder" for the first time on television at the "2006 MTV Movie Awards." Formed in 1991 in Ukiah, California, AFI's unique amalgam of punk energy and classic glam theatrics exploded worldwide with 2003's platinum-plus "Sing The Sorrow" which earned them acclaim from fans and critics alike including "MTV2 Award" honors at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards for the video "Girl's Not Grey."

Up for starring roles at the "2006 MTV Movie Awards" are the "40-Year Old Virgin" and "Wedding Crashers," each receiving five nominations. Also vying for the spotlight are "Batman Begins," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Hustle & Flow," "Sin City" and "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith" with three nominations each. MTV will also celebrate the all new categories of "Best Hero," "Sexiest Performance" and the "mtvU Student Filmmaker Award" for the first time ever. Fans can vote for the entire nominated cast of the "2006 MTV Movie Awards" by visiting http://movieawards.mtv.com/ before May 19th. Fans can also vote from their mobile phone by texting "MOVIEAWARDS" to 91757 to receive a ballot. Voting is also available by dialing toll free to 1-877-MTV-VOTE where fans can support their favorite nominees with a different category available for voting each day.

For complete information on the "2006 MTV Movie Awards" including details on all the performers and presenters, host Jessica Alba, and to vote and watch performances from this year's nominees, visit http://www.movieawards.mtv.com/.

Tenth Planet Productions will once again join MTV to produce the "2006 MTV Movie Awards." Joel Gallen will executive produce the show for the 12th consecutive year, and will also direct the show. Salli Frattini is Executive Producer for MTV. Rick Austin is Producer and Kathy Flynn will serve as Event Producer.

Official sponsors of the "2006 MTV Movie Awards" are Dr Pepper and your local Dr Pepper Bottlers, Taco Bell(R), Dentyne, L'Oreal Paris, Neutrogena, Pontiac and Starburst(R).

The "2006 MTV Movie Awards" will be seen in 171 countries/territories via 50 music programming services, and in 23 languages in more than 479.5 million households.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 120 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Source: MTV

Web site: http://www.mtv.com/ The Popular Gaming Franchise for Girls Sparkles With a Brand New Title, 'BRATZ(TM): Forever Diamondz(TM),' Scheduled to Launch This Fall New Game Features the Highly Anticipated Fashion Dolls, 'BRATZ: Forever Diamondz,' and Brings the 'Girls With a Passion for Fashion'(TM) to the Nintendo DS(TM) for the First Time

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) today announced "BRATZ(TM): Forever Diamondz(TM)" is expected to be available this fall for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo GameCube(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance and, for the first time, the Nintendo DS(TM). The game will be based on the new "BRATZ: Forever Diamondz" fashion doll line, as well as the new "BRATZ: Passion 4 Fashion(TM) -- Diamondz" DVD feature movie that are scheduled to launch at retail later this year. The "BRATZ: Forever Diamondz" video game will mark the second title under THQ's worldwide interactive agreement with MGA Entertainment, the manufacturers of the wildly popular BRATZ fashion dolls.

"THQ is thrilled with the success of last year's "Bratz: Rock Angelz" video game which has shipped more than one million units and was a top video game for girls in 2005," said John Ardell, director, global brand management, THQ. "The Bratz property is the perfect fit for the growing market of younger female gamers and we're excited to be working with MGA on a brand new title to coincide with their upcoming fashion doll and DVD movie launch."

"MGA is excited to work with THQ in adapting the upcoming line, "Bratz: Forever Diamondz," into an interactive video game adventure that fans of the dolls can enjoy," said Isaac Larian, chief executive officer, MGA Entertainment. "The success of last year's "Bratz: Rock Angelz" video game illustrates the popularity of the Bratz property, and we look forward to continuing that success with "Bratz: Forever Diamondz."

In "BRATZ: Forever Diamondz," Yasmin(TM), Cloe(TM), Sasha(TM) and Jade(TM) are back for a brand new adventure that sends them across the country in search of the hottest young fashion designer. Players will experience unique adventures through each of the four playable characters, while exploring detailed open world environments, to compete in the "America Rocks Fashion" TV show. Fans will discover brand new features including a figure skating competition and the ability to adopt a pet to train, dress, accessorize and showcase in competitions.

"BRATZ: Forever Diamondz" will be on display in THQ Booth No. 1324 in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) May 10-12.

About MGA Entertainment

MGA Entertainment, a consumer entertainment products company with headquarters in Van Nuys, California, manufactures innovative lines of proprietary and licensed products, ranging from fashion and mini-dolls to radio-controlled vehicles. Bratz was introduced in June 2001, and has since become one of the world's premier toy lines and girls lifestyle brands. The brand is also noted for having won a Family Fun magazine's Toy of the Year Award three years in a row. With over 400 licenses worldwide, Bratz brings together innovative companies and cutting-edge fashion styles to create exciting new products in apparel, footwear, fashion accessories and so much more. Visit www.mgae.com, www.bratz.com

About THQ

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Nintendo, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS and Nintendo GameCube are trademarks and/or registered of Nintendo.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: THQ Inc.

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

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

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

Web site: http://www.thq.com/ MODELS.com Launches the Definitive Model Ranking of the 15 Superstars of the Fashion Modeling Industry: MDC Icons

MODELS.com, noted by IMG Models VP, Ivan Bart as the "NASDAQ of the modeling industry" has released its MDC Icons ranking, a listing of the 15 models considered by the fashion industry to have achieved superstar status. By collating information on their editorials, campaigns and contracts, MODELS.com reinforces the standing of models like Kate Moss, Gisele Bundchen, Naomi Campbell, Carolyn Murphy and Natalia Vodianova as having graduated to the level of cultural icons.

Since MODELS.com's existing rankings like the Top 50 Models have evolved into a vital casting resource for designers, editors and art directors throughout the world, it was high time that they also reflected the value of those models who have become veritable brands themselves.

With these working icons emerging as the biggest booking forces for the upcoming Fall/Winter '06 ad campaigns, this ranking is even more timely as the fashion pendulum seems to have swung back to them as the only force capable of matching the current celebrity onslaught in fashion. Expect to see these blue chip models in upcoming ads for Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Dior, Burberry and Estee Lauder.

About MODELS.com

"MODELS.com is the NASDAQ of the modeling industry." - Ivan Bart, Vice President, IMG

MODELS.com defines what and who's hot in the fashion and modeling industries in its trend-setting editorials and its obsessively followed listings, such as the Top 50 Models and the Top 10 Agencies; the billboard charts of the modeling industry. Launched in 1999, MODELS.com's traffic with over 1.5 million visitors per month ranks as one of the top online fashion destinations, and the most visited modeling industry website in the world.

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

Melissa Etheridge, Aretha Franklin, Andy McGhee, and Elliot Scheiner to Receive Honorary Doctor of Music Degrees at Berklee College of Music Commencement May 13

Berklee College of Music President Roger Brown will present Grammy-winning singer songwriter Melissa Etheridge, soul music legend Aretha Franklin, internationally celebrated saxophonist and educator Andy McGhee, and Grammy-award winning producer and engineer Elliot Scheiner, with Honorary Doctor of Music degrees at Berklee College of Music's Commencement on Saturday, May 13, 10:00 a.m. at Northeastern University's Matthews Arena. Commencement speaker Melissa Etheridge will address more than 800 graduates and their invited guests at the 4,000-seat venue.

This year's Honorary Doctorate recipients -- Etheridge, Franklin, McGhee, and Scheiner -- are being honored for their achievements in the world of music, and for their enduring contributions to American culture. Past recipients include Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Patti LaBelle, Steven Tyler, Tito Puente, Nancy Wilson, David Bowie, Chaka Khan, Quincy Jones, Bonnie Raitt, and Ahmet Ertegun.

On commencement eve, as is Berklee's tradition, students will pay tribute by performing music associated with Etheridge, Franklin, McGhee, and Scheiner, at Matthews Arena. The Commencement Concert and Ceremony are not open to the public.

Singer/songwriter, guitarist and Berklee alumna Melissa Etheridge is one of the most popular recording artists in rock. Since 1988 she has released nine albums, sold more than thirty million records worldwide, and won the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance twice.

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is an iconic gospel, soul, and R&B singer, and one of the most influential vocalists of her time. In her 45-year career, she has won 17 Grammy Awards, and is the second most honored female singer in Grammy history. Franklin was awarded The National Medal of the Arts and The Presidential Medal of Freedom, and was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Berklee Professor Emeritus Andy McGhee is an internationally renowned saxophonist and educator. In 1966, after many years as a soloist and arranger with Lionel Hampton and Woody Herman, McGhee turned down an offer to join Count Basie's band, and accepted a teaching position at Berklee.

Students of McGhee who have gone on to successful careers as saxophonists include Bill Pierce, Javon Jackson, Donald Harrison, and Greg Osby, among others.

Elliot Scheiner is one of the most sought after producers and engineers in the industry. He has produced and engineered Steely Dan, Van Morrison, Fleetwood Mac, Sting, The Eagles, B.B. King, Aerosmith, Beck, and R.E.M., among others. He has been nominated for 16 Grammys, and won five, has two Emmy nominations, and three TEC award nominations.

Berklee College of Music was founded on the revolutionary principle that the best way to prepare students for careers in music was through the study and practice of contemporary music. For over 60 years, the college has evolved constantly to reflect the state of the art of music and the music business.

With over a dozen performance and nonperformance majors, a diverse and talented student body representing 70 plus countries, and a music industry "who's who" of alumni, Berklee is the world's premier learning lab for the music of today -- and tomorrow.

Source: Berklee College of Music

Universal Studios Hollywood Offers Star-Quality Free Shuttle Service From Anaheim to World's Largest Movie Studio and Theme Park

Universal Studios Hollywood will offer travelers an irresistible value just in time for peak travel season with the introduction of free shuttle service from Anaheim to Universal Studios Hollywood beginning Saturday, July 1, 2006.

Universal Studios Hollywood has joined with Southern California Gray Line to offer the new free round-trip luxury shuttle service. Guests will receive celebrity-style treatment from Anaheim to Universal Studios Hollywood on one of Southern California Gray Line's deluxe passenger buses. The luxury buses will feature a live narrated scenic tour provided by an exclusive "driver guide," who will offer highlights of Southern California locations and attractions including behind-the-scenes movie and television information from the world's largest movie studio and theme park.

Free Shuttle service will be provided to guests who purchase a full-price admission ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood through Southern California Gray Line directly, through Southern California Gray Line offers at hotel concierge, via wholesalers and online at www.universalstudioshollywood.com and www.coachusa.us.

The Universal Studios Shuttle Bus will allow guests to board a fleet of colorful, comfortable buses, departing from various Anaheim-area hotels twice daily with departure times tentatively scheduled at approximately 8:00am and 11:00am. Return trips from Universal Studios are tentatively scheduled between 6:00pm and 9:00pm based on the season. For further information guests may call 1-800-Universal.

Guests who take advantage of the shuttle offer introduced this summer will be among the first to experience Universal's newly enhanced Studio Tour -- representing the most sweeping changes made to the Studio Tour in over a decade and the greatest number of new additions to the world-famous attraction since the first trams rolled along the landmark Universal backlot in 1964.

Bryan O'Connell, Vice President, Sales, Universal Studios Hollywood said: "By partnering with Southern California Gray Line to offer free transportation from Anaheim, we're providing our guests with tremendous value and convenience. And with this summer's introduction of our newly redesigned Studio Tour, we believe a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood will become a must-do experience for all Southern California visitors."

The newly re-designed Studio Tour will showcase "The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift" and "King Kong," lively new video narration by Oscar(R) and Emmy(R)-winning superstar Whoopi Goldberg, "virtual studio guide" appearances from "Today" show star Al Roker, "Access Hollywood" hosts Nancy O'Dell and Billy Bush, and the opportunity to see more working TV and movie sets than ever before, including sets from "Crossing Jordan" and the top-rated "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

Admission to Universal Studios, including round-trip transportation is $59 for ages 8 and older; $49 for ages 3 to 7; children under 3 are free.

Universal Studios Hollywood is the world's largest movie studio and theme park. Featuring such unique and groundbreaking attractions as "Revenge of the Mummy -- The Ride," "Shrek 4-D," "Terminator 2: 3D," "Jurassic Park -- The Ride" and the world-renowned behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood has matured into a full day, movie-based theme park.

Universal Studios Hollywood (www.universalstudioshollywood.com) is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Universal Studios, a part of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.

Web site: http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
http://www.coachusa.us/ 'Blondie' Creator to Launch Sandwich Shoppes for Dagwood from New Orleans, Fueled by Boomers' Changing Tastes

Legendary Sandwich Maker to Achieve His Dream... At Last

"Blondie" second-generation creator Dean Young will announce the birth of a new company, nurtured by New Orleans' understanding of food and restaurant franchising, from Dagwood's Top Secret Test Kitchen in New Orleans.

Dagwood Bumstead -- whose very name means sandwich as declared in Webster's New World Dictionary -- created his first culinary skyscrapers in 1936.

Young is joining with New Orleans franchising and food experts to create a restaurant franchise that bears Dagwood's name.

The company is positioned for a success in part due to baby boomers' changing tastes. Baby boomers -- who popularized high-fat, high-salt fast food -- are now making healthier, tastier sandwiches the fastest-growing restaurant category.

Dagwood's signature sandwiches also will be served -- created by a New Orleans chef.

Where: Dagwood's Top Secret Test Kitchen

400 Poydras Street, Suite 150

(Corner of Poydras and Lafayette)

New Orleans, La

When: Tuesday, May 9, 2006, 12 noon CT

Who: Dean Young, creator, "Blondie," and chairman, Dagwood

Oliver Thomas, president, New Orleans City Council

Lamar Berry, CEO

Year in and year out, "Blondie" remains one of the world's Top Five most popular cartoons, read by some 280 million people in 2,300 newspapers in 55 countries. Now in its 75th year, the strip was originated by Dean's father, Chic Young in 1930. It has generated the country's longest-running feature film series (28 movies), radio programs, animated specials, exhibitions, books and more.

Source: Dagwood Sandwich ShoppesMUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE POSEIDON Soundtrack Stars Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas Soundtrack Also Features Federico Aubele of Thievery Corporation; Score Composed and Produced by Klaus Badelt A&M Records Album in Stores May 9th; Wolfgang Petersen Movie Opens Nationwide on May 12th

-- With its two opening tracks sung by Fergie (Stacy Ferguson of the mega-platinum, two-time Grammy Award-winning group The Black Eyed Peas), MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE POSEIDON will arrive in stores May 9th on A&M Records.

The soundtrack album precedes the May 12th opening of the action adventure Poseidon, directed by Academy Award nominated Wolfgang Petersen, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Virtual Studios and starring Kurt Russell, Josh Lucas, Richard Dreyfuss, Jacinda Barrett, Emmy Rossum, Mike Vogel, Mia Maestro, Jimmy Bennett and Andre Braugher. Fergie's two numbers, "Won't Let You Fall" and "Bailamos," are performed by her onscreen at the beginning of the film, as the sultry nightclub singer who entertains the New Year's Eve crowd aboard the ill-fated luxury ocean liner.

The POSEIDON soundtrack will also include "Postales," the familiar electronica track composed and performed by DJ Federico Aubele, erstwhile member of Thievery Corporation. The other eight titles on the soundtrack comprise the original score composed and produced by Klaus Badelt, a prolific soundtrack producer since 2000, whose assign-ments have ranged from Gladiator and Mission Impossible 2, to Hannibal, Ned Kelly, and Constantine. Badelt's titles outline the action of the film: "The Poseidon," "The Wave," "A Map and a Plan," "Fire Dive," "Claustrophobia," "Drowning," "Don't Look Down," and "Escape."

"Won't Let You Fall" was co-written by Fergie and will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas, along with Keith Harris, Byron McWilliams and Ron Fair, chairman of Geffen Records; the track was produced by will.i.am and co-produced, arranged and conducted by Ron Fair. "Bailamos" was also co-written by Fergie, will.i.am and the Peas' Allen Pineda (apl.de.ap), along with Printz Board, Wayne Hector, and George Pajon, Jr.; the track was produced by will.i.am and Printz Board.

The MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE POSEIDON soundtrack album was produced by Maureen Crowe. Executives in charge of music for Warner Bros. Pictures were Gary Lemel and Doug Frank. Executive soundtrack producers were Wolfgang Petersen, Duncan Hendersen, Kimberly Miller, and Christopher Brooks.

Source: A&M Records

Suit Up for the Most Exciting, and Uncertain, Upfront in Decades

It used to be called the TV upfront. This year, it might be better described as the digital land-grab.

With more uncertainty surrounding this upfront than any in decades, the one thing that's clear is that the new player at the negotiating table --digital media -- is shifting the finely tuned social and psychological balance. While there's still some chest-beating about the best programming lineups, this year each of the five networks is making just as much noise about its digital ventures.

Just one problem: No one knows whether those new packages can push the market over last year's $9.1 billion mark.

In his 26-year career, Starcom CEO John Muszynski -- whose agency controls $8.5 billion in media spending annually -- has never seen so much ambiguity about budgets this close to upfront time. And his market intelligence from buy to sell side suggests he's not the only one scratching his head.

Traditional TV buyers, together with their digital counterparts, have been charged with shadowing consumers as they hop between the remote and the mouse, but will they actually spend big on digital during the upfront? Some say that depends whether the big ideas are there, but most seem to agree that -- for this year at least -- the digital plays will largely remain the frites to the steak of the prime-time broadcast negotiations.

In other words, while buyers and sellers both know that advertisers are going to expect more multiscreen opportunities, they also know that the majority of the budget that is earmarked in the month of May is going to be spent on TV time.

Without a major influx of digital dollars, most estimates suggest the broadcast market will be flat to slightly down. If that's the case, networks will only make gains at the expense of their rivals. One expected to be doing the gaining: ABC's President-Sales and Marketing Mike Shaw, who's primed to be more aggressive on pricing, looking for CPM increases upward of 6%. The network has already been approached to do early deals.

Fox is also said to be in good shape, tying ABC for the largest number of 18- to 49-year-old viewers through week 32. CBS is solid on pricing on 25- to 54-year-olds and is expected to come in the middle of the pack. It is already out shopping Super Bowl 2007. NBC will again be under pressure from buyers, and has fewer ratings points to sell. The network is down three-tenths of a rating point compared to last year (3.3 vs. 3.6, in the 18-49 demo) and 4.27 million viewers against 4.63 million at the same point last year. CW is an unknown at this stage.

All of the broadcasters have tripped over themselves in the last month to get out their digital offerings. Just last week, CBS unveiled its broadband channel, Innertube. NBC is going to market with a "TV 360" platform, and CEO Jeff Zucker declared all programming "has to have a broadband component or a mobile application." ABC just kicked off a month-long test of streaming its prime-time hits on ABC.com, and Fox is selling Gen Fox (including MySpace.com) as a way to reach 12- to 24-year-olds.

To give some idea how important the digital element has become, buyers report that while they're in the dark on what new network the CW, formed by merging the WB and UPN, will do about pricing or even what its launch date is, they're fully briefed on the network's online plans for TheCWTV.com, currently being constructed.

"Advertisers are looking at 360 ways of engaging an audience and so are we," said Larry Kramer, CBS digital president, during the unveiling of Innertube. "This is an era of ideas, a moment in history where advertisers and programmers have come together with ideas about ways to do everything."

If the networks have the right new-media ideas, the prize is potentially huge: Internet ad spending was some $12.5 billion in 2005. If they don't: Hello Yahoo, hello YouTube.

So all this Web activity has the potential to make the 2005-2006 upfront look very different from before, if only because so many moving parts will slow down upfront ad deals and leave network sales execs wondering why their commissions are still tied to the number of 30-second spots they sell.

"All the agency-side execs are saying they'll hold back money to take advantage of new things that pop up," said Bob Cesa, who sells syndication, DirecTV and now News Corps.' My Network TV.

"There are three factors to watch," Mr. Muszynski said. "Is there less money because budgets are down, or because money is shifting to digital media, or because money is being held out for scatter?"

Mr. Shaw warns that the broadband offerings aren't scalable yet. He reminds marketers to think of "that family of four who earns $50,000 a year. We want to talk about what's new and cool, but it doesn't mean it will move a product." Even he's scratching his head trying to estimate how ABC's broadband plays can be monetized.

The upfront panels of recent weeks have crystallized feelings among some buyers that the "million little pieces," approach might be the way to go. "Everybody feels we should be testing online," said Gary Carr, senior VP-director of broadcast services at independent agency TargetCast. "Maybe it's true. You should be jumping on things that make sense, even if you're buying 200 different elements rather than one network."

One senior media buyer, MindShare's national broadcast president, Jason Maltby, isn't swallowing the upfront-revolution story just yet. "The real tipping point will not be dictated by advertisers, but consumers," he said. "Penetration does not equal usage."

News paper Industry Loses 1.2 Million Readers in Six Months

This morning's semi-annual report on paid newspaper circulation delivered nothing to change the portrait of an industry losing customers.

The newspaper industry has received the latest round of bad news.

For the six months that ended March 31, the average paid weekday circulation of all 770 U.S. newspapers reporting declined to 45.4 million, down 2.6% from the equivalent prior period, according to an analysis by the Newspaper Association of America of figures compiled by the Audit Bureau of Circulations. That's a loss of nearly 1.2 million paying readers.

Last November's report also showed a topline 2.6% decline in paying weekday readers, in that case among 786 papers reporting, meaning 1.2 million paying readers were lost then too, according to the NAA.

Among the big urban papers, drop-offs vastly outnumbered gains. The Baltimore Sun, for example, lost 3% of its paid circulation, falling to a paid weekday average of 236,317 from 243,747 one year prior.

In Philadelphia, The Inquirer dropped nearly 5.5% to 350,457 and the Daily News sank 9.3% to 116,590. Both are being shopped for buyers by the McClatchy Co., which agreed to buy them as part of its acquisition of Knight Ridder, but were immediately returned to the block. Large papers also suffered in Atlanta, Cleveland, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis and Seattle.

Of the top 25 newspapers by weekday circulation in today's report, 20 lost paid circulation during the six months that ended March 31, compared with their figures for the equivalent period a year earlier.

None of the top 25 that added paying circulation -- USA Today, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Star-Ledger of Newark and The Detroit Free Press -- moved the needle up by even 1%. But six lost more than 5%, lead by The San Francisco Chronicle, which gave up 15.6%.

The Newspaper Association of America moved quickly to de-emphasize the results. "Both circulation and readership are important, valid measures of the newspaper audience, but counting only the number of units sold on a given day obscures the actual use of newspapers and consumer exposure to advertising," said John F. Sturm, president-CEO, NAA.

"Our continuing discussions with the advertising community and third-party research we have seen tell us that audience is important to advertisers because it provides a more accurate measure of newspapers' total reach," he said. "The research also points out how engaged the newspaper audience is with the media -- in print and online."

Newspaper publishers -- and journalists, investors and related businesses -- indeed have some reasons for optimism. Last year's shareholder revolt at Knight Ridder notwithstanding, newspaper companies continue to throw off healthy profits; their Web sites, too, are attracting readers online.

The newspaper association said today that the online audience for newspaper reached record levels in the first quarter: Citing Nielsen/NetRatings data, it said newspaper Web sites averaged 56 million users, an 8% increase in reach of first-quarter 2005.

Of the top three papers, Gannett's category-leader USA Today essentially held flat, improving average paid weekday circulation by 0.09% to total 2.27 million. At No. 2, The Wall Street Journal from Dow Jones saw average paid weekday circulation slip a full percentage point to 2.05 million. And The New York Times expanded 0.5% to 1.14 million.

But the fourth, Tribune's Los Angeles Times, gave up 5.4% and fell to average paid weekday circulation of 851,832. And The Washington Post, fifth on the list, slipped 3.67% to 724,242.

Although New York's tabloids narrowed the distance between, The Daily News held on to its top spot, even if it lost 3.7% of its average weekday paying circulation, falling to 708,477. Rival New York Post also lost ground, just not as much -- average paid circulation fell 0.7% to 673,379.

The New York Times Co. may take pride this morning that its flagship paper's print edition eked out growth, but another of its properties, The Boston Globe, fared much worse, falling 8.5% to 397,288.

Today's report did not include New Orleans' Times-Picayune, which deferred reporting because of the effects of Hurricane Katrina. But it marked the return The Tribune Co.'s Newsday in Long Island which has been absent since the report of March 2004 because of censure by the audit bureau.

Daughtry Most Downloaded Idol of Final Four, Says Screensavers.com(R) Clarkson Most Popular Idol of All-Time

Kelly Clarkson has achieved superstar status at Screensavers.com(R), the web's #1 destination for screensavers and wallpapers, where she dominates as the most downloaded Idol contestant of all time. Tellingly, Chris Daughtry, a competitor in the current edition of Idol, is rising fast and leads all other current final four Idol contestants by a margin of two to one.

Screensavers.com, dubbed the "pop culture pulse-taker" by The Los Angeles Times because it acts as an informal barometer of "what's in, online", reveals a rank order for downloads of screensavers and wallpapers of current Idol contestants that could be a possible predictor of finish order for the popular FOX(R) network reality series: Daughtry in the lead, McPhee in the runner-up spot, Hicks to show and Yamin in the hot seat for the next elimination.

"Our screensavers and wallpapers make it easy and fun for people to express their interests, and entertainment stars are a particularly popular category for downloads," says Rob Roe, General Manager of ScreenSavers.com. "More people than the entire population of LA visit Screensavers.com each month which gives us a unique perspective into popular culture."

Screensavers of celebrities are the virtual age equivalent of a pin-up poster, and many consumers like to demonstrate their affinity for a band or musician through their computer screensaver or wallpaper. Other screensavers available include visuals from new film releases, fan favorites from major sports teams, and popular television characters. To find out how you, too, can decorate your desktop, visit http://www.screensavers.com/.

About Screensavers

Screensavers(R) (http://www.screensavers.com/) is the world's #1 web site for screensavers, wallpapers and affinity items. Screensavers enables consumers to personalize their computers and cell phones. Every month, more than 5 million people visit Screensavers.com to select from thousands of virus-free and spyware-free downloadable content items. Recognized as the premier online destination for affinity content, Screensavers.com reaches as many consumers monthly as People Magazine.

Source: ScreenSavers

Web site: http://www.screensavers.com/
Yahoo Revamps Search Tools in Effort to Gain Share

Yahoo hopes to improve the relevancy of its searches as it revamps its system with a set of new management tools for advertisers and a quality-based ranking system that marries relevance and price. It's all part of a fierce battle over search advertising market share -- an area in which Google has been holding steady.

Yahoo is moving to improve the relevancy of its searches.

An eMarketer report from February projects that in 2006 Google will account for 57.2% of the total U.S. paid search ad spending (after traffic acquisition costs), up from 32.9% in 2004. Meanwhile, Yahoo will increase its share of total U.S. paid search only 4% over 2004, to 27% of the market.

The two things are important to search marketers: a high volume of searches and a high number of profitable conversions. Google has volume dominance. According to Nielsen/Net ratings for November, 2.3 billion searches were performed on Google. That accounted for 46.3% of all searches for the month. In comparison, 23.4% of the searches were on Yahoo, 11.4% on MSN and 6.9% on AOL. Microsoft also last week announced its own adCenter platform was up and running and serving ads for its own search site (Yahoo Search Marketing had served advertising on MSN's search platform).

Yahoo hopes its management tools will enable advertisers to make up in profitable conversions what its engine might lack in sheer search volume. "Yahoo's new technologies and features will make it easier for marketers to understand the performance of their search advertising campaigns and experiment with the medium in an effective, insights-driven way," said Steve Mitgang, Yahoo's senior VP-advertising platforms and products.

The platform offers several performance enhancements over the existing system. It has improved its geographic targeting, so the technology can better understand and match user search intent. Yahoo's WhereonEarth technology can identify, for example, that a search for a "restaurant near Fenway park" is in central Boston. In addition, advertisers can begin and end campaigns on the dates they choose. Unlike Google, Yahoo allows advertisers to pause the campaign without losing performance data. The system is built to make it easier for Yahoo to extend its ad system to mobile devices and other media as well as ad click-to-call capabilities.

Yahoo has also streamlined its content-review process to launch ads more quickly. In the past, marketers have been critical of the delay caused by Yahoo's human-based editorial process, because it made it harder to get immediate feedback about an ad's performance.

Bryan Wiener, president of 360i, an agency with a specialty in search, explained that rapid placement of ads is important for direct marketing. "In direct mail you have great tracking on how things are working, but there's a substantial time delay. What marketers want from search is to be able to test creative, keywords and bidding strategies and get instantaneous response so they can continue to optimize," Mr. Weiner said.

Mr. Wiener thinks the bells and whistles of the new interface will not materially influence marketers' search-ad-buying allegiances. "Google's dominance in paid search emanates more from its dominance in consumer searching behavior than it does in them having a superior platform," Mr. Wiener said. "The key to MSN and Yahoo making gains on Google is really gaining market share in searches."

However, Yahoo's many enhancements are designed not only for marketers that are already actively involved in online advertising, but also at businesses that have not yet started to use search as an advertising tool.

"We wanted to make an advertiser experience which was not just about folks who are currently in our system today but for all the small businesses in the U.S. or abroad that just don't do any online marketing at all," Mr. Mitgang said. "We looked at how we could provide the easiest way for them to get quickly online, to quickly see results and also quickly see ways that they can improve things."

The new platform also provides data with which to evaluate a campaign. Marketers will see an ad's quality score, assigned by Yahoo based on bid and other relevance variables, that will help them better estimate where on a page their ad will go once the new system is in place. Marketers will also be able to identify their highest-performing ads with an automated ad-testing feature that rotates multiple versions of ads to determine which are the most effective.

Perhaps the most innovative offering of the new platform is monitoring of deferred conversions. The platform shows advertisers not only the last click that led to a conversion but also the contribution of earlier results. For example, a search for "cameras" might bring up an ad for Nikon, but the user might not click on that ad but refine the search to look for "Nikon cameras." If the consumer then clicks through a second ad, Yahoo notes the contribution of the first ad. Yahoo calls this metric an assist. Some large brand advertisers, however, may be reluctant to use the "assist" tool, instead preferring their own agencies' proprietary metrics.

Yahoo also offers a tool that forecasts the bid needed to achieve a specific share of expected clicks. It also offers goal-based auto-optimization. An advertiser can tell the Yahoo interface its business goals and the tool finds the lowest cost-per-acquisition strategy to meet those goals.

Yahoo's new campaign management application will become available to marketers in the third quarterMinute-by-Minute Ratings Data for Commercials Don't Tell Whole Story

-- Those minute-by-minute ratings media buyers have been clamoring for? Forget about it. Magna Global, the media unit of Interpublic Group of Cos., has conducted one of the most exhaustive studies of TV commercial pods, looking at how breaks are scheduled and what factors affect viewership. Magna's findings, sent to clients this month, are likely to have a major impact on purchasing decisions in this year's upfront.

Magna Global's study findings are likely to have a major impact on this year's upfront.

"The purpose of the study was not to talk tough with the networks, but to determine whether minute-by-minute data should be used as currency," said Steve Sternberg, exec VP-director of audience analysis at Magna. "We're seeing a lot of instability over when pods are scheduled and program times, which makes it difficult to do that."

That's not to say Magna isn't in favor of commercial ratings; it is, but research chief Mr. Sternberg says Nielsen should provide data down to the second so agencies can see exactly how each commercial performed. The minute-by-minute data, which Nielsen has not released to the press, rounds up a rating for each minute that might carry a show promotion or a local ad in addition to the national spot buyers are looking to track.

"Since last year's study, we and others have been pressing Nielsen to measure commercial-pod audiences. Whether this initially takes the form of actual commercial-pod ratings or simply a single average commercial rating for each show to compare with its total telecast rating, it would be a major step forward," Mr. Sternberg said. "We, of course, would need the commercial rating for 'live,' and 'live-plus-seven-days,' which would give us some indication of commercial avoidance due to DVR playback."

Commercial-pod ratings were found to be affected by any number of factors, including whether the show rates highly, the show's genre, where the pod airs in the show and how many commercials are in each pod. Often times, the specifics of those factors seem to shift randomly.

"When you look at programs month by month, you'll see commercial-pod changes. I always thought the producers were pretty set in their ways for each program and were told there are breaks here and there, but it varies from episode to episode," Mr. Sternberg said. "There can be five minutes or 13 minutes before the commercials. Perhaps the networks are experimenting with different lengths to see what's better for program ratings."

Nielsen Media Research's minute-by-minute ratings do not designate local commercial time or network promos. Mr. Sternberg's research matched the program database to Nielsen's NPower minute-by-minute ratings and calculated audience levels for all program segments and commercial pods manually.

To gauge the relative performance of the broadcast networks and cable channels, Mr. Sternberg created a commercial-pod index to measure the drop-off in viewers between the program and a break. On average, broadcast networks showed a 7% fall in viewing, while cable experienced an 11% drop. CBS, however, performed slightly better than average with a 95 index, against the six-network average of 93. In cable, Court TV (96), Bravo (94) and Fox News (93) all outperformed the industry average.

The Magna research team took six months, tracking 60 programs across broadcast TV and cable, and analyzed the pods between November 2005 and February 2006. Next year's study will also look at syndicated programming.

"There are any number of things we can use here to negotiate," said Larry Blasius, Magna's exec VP-director of negotiations. "Cable networks are sliding a lot of promos into the 'A' position [the first commercial in a break]. This study gives us a better idea of who's retaining the audience." Across the programs selected in the cable report, promos filled more than half of all commercial 'A' positions.

While broadcast networks rarely guarantee pod positioning, 'A' positions are highly sought after since they tend to earn ratings that are 2% higher than the entire pod. "If I want A's and I'm getting B's or maybe C's, that is one of many factors we consider," Mr. Blasius said of negotiations. "We look at who's doing the best scheduling of commercials."

Magna Global's report also quantifies the impact of digital video recorders on ratings of both programs and commercials. The research found that while DVR households are watching more TV and commercials, 75% of commercials are skipped during playback.

"We looked at the effect of DVRs really as an afterthought," Mr. Sternberg said. "Four percent of the [national TV] sample are DVR homes. Right now the commercial pod index is 93. The index is 92 if you look at live-plus-seven-day viewership, so 4% of the sample is causing a 1% difference. The Nielsen sample is going to mirror the population next year to represent 18% of the population. We're predicting that 92 index becomes 87, which is 13% lower than the programming."

That potential change is at the heart of the battle over whether the additional ratings generated by viewers watching in playback up to seven days after the original broadcast ought to be paid for by advertisers. Media agencies have argued that ads will be worthless if they're skipped.

Among the other findings from the study are the amount of commercials and promos carried by each network. Perhaps unsurprisingly given its popular shows this season, ABC had the longest commercial pods and also had the most minutes of programming before the first commercial pod. "Desperate Housewives," for instance, carried 18 minutes and 10 seconds of total commercial and programming time. Both of these factors are important to buyers as they have an effect on commercial ratings. Longer pods tend to lose more viewers, as do dramas that have more time before the first break. Meanwhile reality shows with the most time before the first commercial had a higher index, meaning more people were viewing the ad spots.
Virgin Megastore Hollywood is Celebrating the Upcoming 2006 FIFA World CUP With Its First Ever EA Sports Videogame Futbol Tournament

**UPCOMING EVENT**

WHO: In celebration of the world's biggest sporting event, Virgin

Megastore will host its first EA Sports Futbol Tournament

featuring the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM) Videogame, recently released

as the only official FIFA World Cup game. Press will have the

opportunity to preview the game and ask questions to EA

spokespeople about the game. 40 gaming fans can enter the

tournament to win the grand prize of an Xbox 360. There will also

be a special live performance during the tournament from Clorofila

of Nortec Collective who is featured on the 2006 FIFA World Cup

soundtrack.

When: Tue, May 9, 2006 from 7:00 pm

Participant sign up begins at 6pm, first come first served.

Press Check in: 6:30PM

Tournament begins at 7pm

Clorofila performs at 7pm

Where: Virgin Megastore/Hollywood and Highland

6801 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 105

Los Angeles, Ca 90028

Learn more about the 2006 FIFA World Cup game at:

http://www.easports2006fifaworldcup.com/ or download screenshots and renders at http://info.ea.com/.

ABOUT VIRGIN ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Virgin Entertainment Group is the world's leading multi-channel music and entertainment retailer, providing customers with a range of superior entertainment experiences through a family of integrated Virgin-branded businesses. The "category killer" Virgin Megastores and Virgin Megastore Online at www.virginmega.com are integral parts of a strategy to provide entertainment customers with what they want, how they want it, and when they want it. For more information, or to check out the location of the nearest Virgin retail, go to www.virginmegamagazine.com

ABOUT ELECTRONIC ARTS

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for videogame systems, personal computers, and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS(TM), EA(TM), EA SPORTS BIG(TM) and POGO(TM). In fiscal 2005, EA posted revenues of $3.1 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com/.

Web site: http://www.virginmega.com/
http://www.easports2006fifaworldcup.com/ GSN's 'I'VE GOT A SECRET' Has a Special Guest for Mother's Day Panelist Jermaine Taylor's Mother Is Surprise Guest

I'VE GOT A SECRET has a special guest this Mother's Day. The panel is blindfolded as Jermaine Taylor's mother is escorted onto set. Host Bil Dwyer answers the panel's questions so that her voice does not reveal her identity, which stumps Suzanne Westenhoefer, Frank DeCaro and Billy Bean and then it is up to Taylor to guess. Will he discover the identity of his own mother? Find out Friday, May 12 (11:30 - 12:00 AM, ET) and the episode will be repeated Sunday, May 14 (11:30 - 12:00 AM, ET).

I'VE GOT A SECRET is produced by Burt Dubrow Productions. Dubrow ("The New Tom Green Show," "Jerry Springer") and Jean Wiegman ("Trivia Unwrapped," "The New Tom Green Show") serve as executive producers.

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN has allowed viewers to play-along with on-air programming via their computers and GSN.com since 2002. Reaching more than 58 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.

Web site: http://corp.gsn.com/

Web site: http://www.gsn.com/ The HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival Kicks Off the 14th Season With 'THE BIRDS' Citi Returns to Join HBO in Presenting Free Outdoor Film Series June 19 - August 21 Hitchcock, Bogart, Astaire, Hepburn, Grant ... even Stallone. It's an all star film legends line up at this year's HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, presented with Citi, in association with the Bryant Park Restoration Corporation.

Continuing the popular tradition of presenting "stars under the stars," the free outdoor festival will return for the 14th season with screenings each Monday evening at sunset, beginning June 19 and running through August 21. This year's opening night film will be the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece, "THE BIRDS," starring Tippi Hedren, based on the Daphne du Maurier story. The festival will end with the crowds cheering for the Italian Stallion when the 1976 favorite "ROCKY" is projected on the big screen, celebrating the film's 30th anniversary.

"HBO is proud to present some of our favorite movies and film legends this year on the big screen," said Chris Albrecht, Chairman and CEO, Home Box Office. "There's still no better place for New Yorkers to be on Monday nights in the summer than Bryant Park."

The films will be projected in 35mm onto a screen 20 feet high by 40 feet wide. Bryant Park is located at 42nd Street and the Avenue of the Americas. Food and refreshments will be available at Bryant Park concession stands, which will remain open throughout the evening. Each presentation will show on Monday evenings starting at sunset. Classic animation provided courtesy of Warner Bros.

For more information, call the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival hotline at (212) 512-5700. For film series information, visit the festival's website at http://www.aolcityguide.com/newyork/hbobryantparkfilm presented by AOL(R) CityGuide or go to AOL(R) Keyword: Bryant Park Film Festival.

2006 THE HBO BRYANT PARK SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTED WITH CITI

JUNE 19 THE BIRDS (Universal)

Underestimated when first released, this shocker (based on a Daphne du Maurier story) now stands alongside Alfred Hitchcock's acknowledged masterpieces. Note the Freudian undertones as a daddy's girl (Tippi Hedren) pursues a momma's boy (Rod Taylor) up the California coast. Things turn nasty for the human lovebirds when their feathered friends turn against them. The synthesized "musical" score is made up of birdcalls and flapping wings. Be prepared to duck and cover! 120 min. (1963)

JUNE 26 - TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT (Warner Bros.)

Echoes of "Casablanca." Apolitical hero Humphrey Bogart helps out the French Resistance during WWII by smuggling human cargo. Sparks fly when Bogart meets Bacall (19-year-old Lauren in her screen debut) who gives him plenty of attitude and lessons in whistling. Their real-life love affair began on the spot. Based on a lesser Hemingway novel, the script was co-written by William Faulkner. Famed singer/songwriter Hoagy Carmichael provides piano accompaniment. Play it again, Hoagy. 100 Min. (1944)

JULY 3 M*A*S*H (Fox)

Robert Altman's raucous comedy is set in a medical unit (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) during the Korean War. Pitch-black humor and operating- room gore make a volatile mix. Counter-culture sentiments run rampant in the script by blacklisted Ring Lardner, Jr. who won an Oscar for his effort. Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, Tom Skerritt, Robert Duvall and Sally Kellerman (as "Hot Lips" Houlihan) are collectively irresistible. A popular TV series followed. 112 Min (1970) Panavision

JULY 10 BULLITT (Warner Bros.)

Cool and charismatic Steve McQueen has the title role, the one that cemented his superstar status. He's a hardened San Francisco detective tracking the shooter who blasted a mob informer in his custody. The highlight of this spare crime drama is the legendary car chase that careens up and down the hills of Frisco. Not surprisingly, the macho star did not feel the need for a stunt driver. That's Steve in the '68 Ford Mustang. The bad guys drive Dodge Chargers. 113 Min. (1968)

JULY 17 THE BAND WAGON (MGM/Provided by Warner Bros.)

Fred Astaire stars in what many consider one of the greatest Hollywood musicals ever made. He plays a has-been movie star who tries to make a comeback on the Broadway stage. A difficult director with rampant artistic pretensions stands in his way. Comden and Green (authors of "On The Town" and "Singin' In The Rain") wrote it, Michael Kidd choreographed it, Vincente Minnelli directed it and Cyd Charisse got to dance with Fred. Now "That's Entertainment!" 112 Min. (1953)

JULY 24 HIGH NOON (UA/Provided by Paramount)

Retiring sheriff Gary Cooper is about to marry Grace Kelly in this lean, atypical Western. A vengeful gunman may be a wedding crasher, which could result in a shoot-out on Main Street preceding the reception. Will Coop survive to honeymoon with Grace? Soon-to-be-blacklisted screenwriter Carl Foreman etches a chilling (and then controversial) portrait of betrayal and American complacency. The Oscar-winning song "Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling" is sung by Tex Ritter. 84 Min. (1952)

JULY 31 A SHOT IN THE DARK (UA/Provided by Sony)

Murder most funny. Peter Sellers is falling-down hilarious as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau who doesn't believe hot-blooded Elke Sommer could be a cold-blooded killer. Don't ask how these two turn up undercover in a nudist colony! This sequel to "The Pink Panther" is generally considered the best of the series. Blake Edwards handled the direction, Henry Mancini the music. The animated title sequence took on a life all its own. 101 Min. (1964) (Panavision)

AUG. 7 THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (UA/Provided by Sony)

Cold War intrigue, dirty politics, shifty Communists, assassinations, brainwashing, fanatical mother-love and a garden club lecture on hydrangeas ... this one has it all. The gripping thriller directed by John Frankenheimer builds to a shattering climax in the old Madison Square Garden. Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Janet Leigh (a rather goofy love interest) and Angela Lansbury (scary!) are the unforgettable stars. The film was suppressed for years after the death of JFK. 126 Min. (1962)

AUG. 14 CHARADE (Universal)

Some sinister types on the trail of a missing fortune are hassling poor Audrey Hepburn (a knockout in Givenchy) all over Paris. Suave-as-ever Cary Grant is there to help the damsel in distress. Or is he? Walter Matthau, George Kennedy and James Coburn provide colorful support. The slick, romantic mystery has been described as the best Hitchcock film Hitchcock never made. Music is by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer is the author of the Oscar- nominated title tune. 114 min. (1963)

AUG. 21 ROCKY (UA/Provided by Sony)

The Italian Stallion is still a crowd pleaser (and a contender) on his 30th anniversary. Old-fashioned Cinderella story gives lowly boxer Rocky Balboa a chance at the big time by pitting him against the heavyweight champ, Apollo Creed, in a bicentennial bout. Sylvester Stallone was a double Oscar nominee for writing and acting, putting him in the illustrious company of Charlie Chaplin and Orson Welles. He didn't pull it off, but "Rocky" was declared the Best Picture winner by unanimous decision. 119 Min. (1976)

Source: HBO

Web site: http://www.hbo.com/ Tip Sheet: 'PEOPLE'S PREMIERE' OF 'MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III'

WHAT: "PEOPLE'S PREMIERE" OF "MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III"

Tom Cruise will greet Kevin McCoy, the winner of the Yahoo!

People's Premiere sweepstakes, in McCoy's hometown of Aberdeen,

Washington. Cruise will greet the entire town of Aberdeen --

population 16,461 -- and sign autographs as he walks the red

carpet before presenting the film to McCoy and 207 of his friends.

WHEN: TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2006, AT 7:00 PM

WHERE: SouthShore Mall Cinemas

1017 Boone Street

Aberdeen, WA 98520

(360) 533-7686

WHO: Tom Cruise, the most exciting and successful movie star in the

world

Kevin McCoy, the "Average Joe" who won the premiere on Yahoo!, and

the entire town of Aberdeen, Washington, including Mayor Pro Tem

Bill Simpson, as well as the Aberdeen High School Marching Band,

which will play the "Mission: Impossible" theme

ABOUT "MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III"

Tom Cruise returns as Special Agent Ethan Hunt, who faces the mission of his life in "Mission: Impossible III." Director J.J. Abrams ("Lost," "Alias") brings his unique blend of action and drama to the billion-dollar franchise.

About Kevin McCoy

Kevin is 27 years old (he turns 28 on June 10th) and has lived in Aberdeen on and off for the last 10 years. He was born in Seattle and has lived various places throughout Washington State. Kevin has worked for the One Hour Photo in Wal-Mart for about a year and a half. He lives with his younger brother in a house behind his grandmother in Aberdeen. He has three brothers and three sisters. Kevin's hobbies include reading and watching science fiction genre books and films. His roommate/younger brother was the first to hear the exciting news that Kevin had won the People's Premiere.

Source: Paramount PicturesLipFusion(TM) Named 2006 CEW Insider's Choice Beauty Winner Awarded Top Honors in Lip Treatment $12 and Over Category

LipFusion(TM), a breakthrough phenomenon in lip enhancement, has been recognized with the industry's highest honor, taking home a CEW [Cosmetic Executive Women] Beauty Insider's Choice Award for best in category, Lip Treatment $12 and Over. The highly anticipated CEW Beauty Awards, honoring the most innovative beauty products of the year, were revealed to the industry during a star-studded ceremony in New York on Friday, May 5.

"Winning the CEW Beauty Award is an honor," said Randi Shinder, Founder, FusionBeauty(TM). "Being recognized by CEW's members and the industry as a whole validates both our achievements and commitment to innovation. We [FusionBeauty] have come a long way in one short year. With our dedication to creating unique products using the most advanced, high-performance technology, we see this award as indicative of what's ahead for the brand."

The premiere product from FusionBeauty, LipFusion's victory for Lip Treatment $12 and Over is of marked importance to the brand -- just entering its second year of existence -- as it recognized the product as best in a category that included the industry's most established and recognizable names, among them: Estee Lauder, Chanel, M.A.C. and Kinerase.

A noted best-seller since its introduction in February 2005, LipFusion has already been embraced by consumers. LipFusion's CEW Award marks acknowledgement by the beauty industry as well. Winning a CEW Beauty Insider's Choice Award ranks among the industry's highest honors because finalists are determined by CEW members -- comprising over 4,000 beauty business professionals -- experts in the field and industry insiders. Once the finalists are selected, winners are determined by a voting committee comprised of the CEW Board of Governors. All voting is confidential and is officially tabulated by Ernst & Young.

The FusionBeauty brand philosophy encompasses innovation in both products and technology. LipFusion, the brand's first introduction and recipient of a 2006 CEW Beauty Insider's Choice Award, utilizes a new, patented technology that delivers revolutionary marine collagen into the lip tissue painlessly and instantly. LipFusion has earned the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, as have all FusionBeauty products. Launched at Sephora in April, LiftFusion(TM) is the brand's most recent introduction and is the first Topical-Injectable(TM) alternative to doctor-administered anti-wrinkle injections.

About FusionBeauty

Founded by Randi Shinder, FusionBeauty fuses breakthrough discoveries in dermatology, cosmetics and biological anti-aging sciences into smart, safe, sexy, high-performance products. Creating the first-ever Topical- Injectable(TM) products with a revolutionary delivery system that allows the active molecules to absorb into the skin, providing the same results as today's popular injectables, minus the injection. Products are tested on scientists, not animals. http://www.fusionbeauty.com/.

Source: FusionBeauty

Pop-culture Web sites like Myspace.com and Imdb.com, newspaper Web sites like NYTimes.com, and retailer Web sites like Blockbuster.com and BestBuy.com are peppered with movie trailers to grab the Internet browser’s attention.

More often than not, those trailers are coming from ScreenPlay Inc.

Founded by longtime video retailer Mark Vrieling as a service to offer looped trailers for in-store TV screens at retail, the company has become a kind of one-stop-shop distributor of movie trailers for the major studios, servicing Web sites with streaming content much like Ingram or VPD services retailers with DVDs.

The days of the 30-second TV spot being the prime driver of an ad campaign are pretty much over, Vrieling said. So, studios have to reach out to the consumer in alternative ways.

With streaming technology more affordable, and content-protection strategies more effective, studios can easily look to the Web to spread the good word.

Much of the Internet trailer barrage is centered around a theatrical release, for which the studios will often subsidize the streaming costs. Otherwise the end user, like NYTimes.com or Seattletimes.com, pays by the terabyte viewed.

ScreenPlay’s three biggest client categories are newspaper Web sites, retailers and the studios themselves, several of whom outsource their Web trailer needs for dedicated sites to ScreenPlay.

Vrieling is working to get more Web sites on board with streaming trailers for DVD releases, especially the newspaper sites.

Retailer sites are already increasing the use of trailers to promote a DVD release, he said. ScreenPlay has blanket rights to provide streaming trailers to any site that sells or rents DVDs.

ScreenPlay offers a data-mining turnaround that studios and Web sites can use to get a very clear idea of how effective trailers are, said Kayko Fukuda, director of interactive media for ScreenPlay.

For example, ScreenPlay recently launched a new trailer for Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean 2 specifically for Myspace.com.

ScreenPlay can report back to the studio how many trailer views were generated via Myspace, when those hits came and how long people watched the trailer.

“It helps them make ad-buying decisions and also do buzz indexing,” Fukuda said. “It helps them to know when the buzz is largest on their titles. Is interest peaking on the title a week before it comes out or a week after?”

It also helps creative decisions, she said. If viewers are clicking away from the trailer after a few seconds, the studio knows it isn’t effective.

For the publisher side, ScreenPlay can report trailer viewing trends and patterns and tell a site like NewYorkTimes.com its top five accessed trailers. “Sometimes it’s surprising, a tiny cult movie they didn’t expect,” she said. “If they can report back to advertisers and say ‘people are staying on this page for two minutes to watch this trailer,’ it helps them sell the ads on their site.”

ScreenPlay also works with user-generated sites like Feedroom.com to provide streaming trailers. It’s a user-generated-content site similar to Youtube.com, (which is currently not a ScreenPlay client).

Studios definitely have their eye on Youtube.com, Vrieling said. Some are comfortable handing over trailer streams directly to this increasingly popular site and letting its creative community have at it, using clips to make up very compelling viral marketing for virtually no cost, he said.

Other studios will likely never be OK with opening up their copyrighted material and will only put up trailers for Youtube via a protected service like ScreenPlay, Vrieling said.

Outside the Internet, ScreenPlay and production-design firm Digital Kitchen have formed a partnership to create branded entertainment content and distribute it in locations other than TV or the Web.

Digital Kitchen is responsible for producing those snappy credits sequences at the beginning of the TV shows “House,” “Nip/Tuck” and “Six Feet Under.”

The two companies are pooling resources and sharing contacts to create original, branded promotional programming for a swath of advertisers.

“For example, say [Digital Kitchen] was hypothetically doing something for X-Men 3, shooting extra footage — behind-the-scenes stuff. We could go in, get a little bit of the B-roll and put it into TVs playing in f.y.e, Blockbuster and Hollywood stores,” Vrieling said.

Or, for an advertiser like Budweiser, Digital Kitchen could create special promotional content and ScreenPlay could service it into TVs in bars and restaurants, just as the company pushes movie content to video stores.

AVP Signs Speedo as Official Licensing Partner

~ Partnership Creates New 'AVP & AVP Pro Series Apparel by Speedo' Merchandise

AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AVP, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: AVPI) , a lifestyle sports entertainment company focused on professional beach volleyball, announced today a three-year licensing agreement with Speedo, the top-selling swimwear brand in the world. As part of the new deal, which runs through 2009, Speedo will manufacture, market and distribute the new "AVP and AVP Pro Series apparel by Speedo" line of merchandise to be sold at all AVP Crocs Tour events as well as through retail distribution.

Highlights of the deal include:

* Speedo will develop performance apparel products targeted to a young,

active consumer; products will include volley shorts, women's

performance swimwear, outerwear, casual wear, hats, visors and

backpacks

* All items will bear the distinctive AVP "spiker" logo and be marketed as

the "AVP and AVP Pro Series by Speedo"

* Speedo will distribute the line to specialty, surf, sporting goods and

department stores

* AVP will market and sell the line onsite in AVP's merchandise stores and

tents at each AVP Crocs Tour event and online through avp.com

"We are excited to announce this new licensing agreement with Speedo, a long-time supporter of the AVP Tour," said Leonard Armato, CEO and Tour commissioner. "With this new line of licensed products from Speedo, our fans and consumers can wear AVP-branded apparel just like their favorite Tour stars. It is an exciting new extension of the AVP brand."

"For over 20 years, Speedo has supported the AVP Tour and beach volleyball through sponsorships of stars like Karch Kiraly, Kerri Walsh, and Holly McPeak, Speedo has had a strong presence within the AVP Tour over the years," said Roger Williams, president, Warnaco Swimwear Group, the exclusive licensee of the SPEEDO(R) brand in North America and the Caribbean. "We are excited to grow our relationship with the AVP Crocs Tour through this new line of licensed apparel. We continue to see in the AVP a great platform to connect with our consumers and the growing loyal AVP fan base on both a local and national level."

SPEEDO(R) is a registered trademark of and used under license from Speedo International Ltd.

Warnaco Swimwear, Inc., a division of The Warnaco Group Inc. (NASDAQ:WRNC) , is the authorized licensee of the SPEEDO(R) trademark in North American and the Caribbean.

About the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc.

AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc. is a leading lifestyle sports entertainment company focused on the production, marketing and distribution of professional beach volleyball events worldwide. AVP operates the industry's most prominent national touring series, the AVP CROCS Tour, which was originally organized in 1983. Featuring more than 150 of the top American men and women competitors in the sport, AVP will hold 16 AVP CROCS Tour events throughout the United States in 2006. In 2004, AVP athletes successfully represented the United States during the Olympics in Athens, Greece, winning gold and bronze medals, the first medals won by U.S. women in professional beach volleyball. For more information, please visit www.avp.com.

About Speedo(R)

Born on Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia in 1928, SPEEDO(R) is the world's top-selling swimwear brand. The brand's heritage derives from its leadership in competitive swimming, where more Olympic Gold Medals have been won in Speedo(R) than any other brand. Eight-time Olympic Medalist Michael Phelps and seven-time Olympic medalist Amanda Beard are among the elite swimmers who wear SPEEDO(R) FASTSKIN(R) technology. Building on its authentic base, the SPEEDO(R) product line has dramatically expanded over the years. It now includes women's fashion and fitness swimwear, men's water shorts, kid's swimwear, active wear, footwear, and a comprehensive collection of aquatic and fitness equipment. For more information visit, www.SpeedoUSA.com.

Source: Speedo; AVP, Inc.

Web site: http://avp.com/

Web site: http://www.speedousa.com/ Big & Rich, Montgomery Gentry & More to Take Over the Fremont Street Experience on Sunday, May 21, 2006 During the Week Vegas Goes Country(TM)

Artists Participating in the Academy of Country(R) Music Awards and 3rd Annual

Motorcycle Ride Benefiting the Academy of Country Music(R) Charitable

Foundation End the Day With a Free-to-the-Public All Star Jam!

WHAT: The Academy of Country Music and the Fremont Street Experience's

free open-to-the-public, all-day boot-stompin' party featuring

performances by BIG & RICH, MONTGOMERY GENTRY, and more special

guests following the Academy of Country Music 3rd Annual

Motorcycle Ride!

WHEN: Sunday, May 21, 2006

2:30pm -- MONTGOMERY GENTRY

9:00pm -- BIG & RICH starring COWBOY TROY and featuring MUZIKMAFIA

WHERE: 3rd Street Stage

Fremont Street Experience between the Four Queens and Fitzgeralds

Casinos

Las Vegas, NV

MORE: The Fremont Street Experience is a public-private partnership

formed in 1995 between the City of Las Vegas and The Fremont

Street Experience, LLC -- owned by a group of 10 downtown

casino/hotels that underwrite operating expenses for the venue.

Member properties include: Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel, Boyd

Gaming (Fremont Hotel & Casino, California Hotel, Main Street

Station Casino Brewery & Hotel) Fitzgeralds Casino Hotel; Four

Queens Hotel & Casino; Golden Gate Hotel & Casino; Golden Nugget

Las Vegas; Lady Luck Hotel Casino (associate member) and The Vegas

Club Hotel Casino.

The Academy of Country Music Annual Motorcycle Ride is a

star-studded daylong motorcycle trek through the Nevada desert

benefiting the Academy of Country Music Charitable Foundation, an

in-house organization designed to raise and distribute money to

worthy philanthropies nationwide. The event is part of the

festivities surrounding the 41st Annual Academy of Country Music

Awards.

The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS is produced for television by

dick clark productions. The show is executive produced by Allen

Shapiro and R.A. Clark, and produced by Barry Adelman. The

executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo, and the executive

in charge is Fran LaMaina. The 41st ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY

MUSIC AWARDS will be broadcast LIVE from MGM GRAND in Las Vegas on

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television

Network.

Source: The Academy of Country MusicMultimedia News Release - Cook for the Cure(R) Cooking Classes and Other Fundraising Events Offered at The Art Institutes KitchenAid continues to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation with cooking class fundraisers

Cook for the Cure(R), a philanthropic partnership between KitchenAid(R) Home Appliances and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, continues to mobilize support for the fight against breast cancer by tapping into a passion shared by millions of Americans: cooking and great food. This spring, in celebration of Mother's Day, KitchenAid has again partnered with The Art Institutes to offer a series of Cook for the Cure fundraisers.

During the month of May, The Art Institutes will offer cooking classes and other culinary fundraising events at eight of The Art Institutes campuses to raise money for this cause. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a class taught by renowned culinary instructors from The Art Institutes. Classes will feature multiple courses and dinner. Tickets are $75 per person with a "Bring Your Mother" special of two tickets for $100. All proceeds benefit the Komen Foundation. For details visit www.artinstitutes.edu/cookforthecure.

Participating Art Institutes locations include, The Art Institute of Atlanta, The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles, The Art Institute of California - Orange County, The Art Institute of Charlotte, The Art Institute of Colorado, The Art Institutes International Minnesota, The Art Institute of Phoenix and The Art Institute of Washington.

Cook for the Cure(R) was launched in 2001 to give those with a culinary passion a way to support the fight against breast cancer. The initiative raises funds and awareness by reaching out to consumers in a variety of ways, including chef events, auctions, a host-your-own Home Dinner Party initiative and donation-with-purchase programs, which include the pink products in the Cook for the Cure(R) Collection.

To date, Cook for the Cure(R) presented by KitchenAid has raised over $3 million.

Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for cooks. From countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators, and whisks to wine cellars, KitchenAid now offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen. To learn why chefs choose KitchenAid for their homes more than any other brand*, visit www.KitchenAid.com.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of more than 75,000 volunteers working through local Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure(R) to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. A global leader in the fight against breast cancer, the Foundation fulfills its mission through support of innovative breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world. Through fiscal year 2005, the Komen Foundation, together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, has invested $630 million in breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs.

For questions about breast health or breast cancer, visit the Komen Foundation's Web site at www.komen.org or call the Komen Foundation's National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline at 1.800.I'M AWARE(R) (1.800.462.9273).

The Art Institutes with 32 education institutions located throughout North America, provide an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

*Based on a September 2005 survey, KitchenAid was found to be the home kitchen appliance brand chosen most often by members of the International Association of Culinary Professionals when asked about refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, ranges, dishwashers, microwave ovens, electric mixers, blenders, food processors and toasters.

Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/edmc/24378

Source: The Art Institutes

Web site: http://www.edmc.com/
http://www.artinstitutes.edu/cookforthecure
http://www.kitchenaid.com/
http://www.komen.org/ Square Enix Announces New Titles in Acclaimed FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES Series

- Titles Revealed for Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS -

Square Enix, Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix), a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software and services, announced two new titles in the FINAL FANTASY(R) CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series. Unveiled at the Square Enix E3 2006 press event, CODENAME: FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Crystal Bearers(TM) will premiere on the Nintendo Wii(TM), and CODENAME: FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates(TM) will make its debut on Nintendo DS(TM).

"Since its introduction for Nintendo GameCube(R) in 2003 as an all-new take on FINAL FANTASY, CRYSTAL CHRONICLES has been well received," said Akitoshi Kawazu, Director, Square Enix. "Today, we are proud to present the latest titles in this franchise for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS."

Both titles are being developed with a commitment to utilize Wii and Nintendo DS technology to their fullest as part of the next generation's FINAL FANTASY. Additional details, including ship date and pricing, regarding CODENAME: FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Crystal Bearers and CODENAME: FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates will be announced at a later date.

About Square Enix Co., Ltd.

Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises -- FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 68 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST(TM) which has sold over 40 million units worldwide -- under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. For additional information about Square Enix visit: (http://www.square-enix.com/).

Crystal Bearers, CRYSTAL CHRONICLES, DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, Ring of Fates, SQUARE ENIX and the Square Enix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix, Co. Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries.

TM, (R), Nintendo DS, Nintendo GameCube and Wii are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Nintendo in the United States and /or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Square Enix, Co., Ltd.

Web site: http://www.square-enix.com/ Ford Freedom Award Fundraiser to Pay Tribute to Actors Ossie Davis, Morgan Freeman

Theatre founder Woodie King to receive Ford Freedom Pioneer Award

Legendary actors Ossie Davis and Morgan Freeman will be honored at the 2006 Ford Freedom Award black-tie gala, which will be held on Monday, May 15 at 6 p.m. at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Proceeds from the program support the museum's educational programs, exhibits and community outreach initiatives.

Davis will be named the 2006 Ford Freedom Award Honoree at the event. His widow, Ruby Dee, will accept the award on his behalf. The Ford Freedom Award, created in 1999, is presented posthumously to distinguished individuals who dedicated their lives to improving the African American community and the world in general. A brass plate bearing Davis' name will be added to the Ring of Genealogy, the centerpiece of the Ford Freedom Rotunda lobby at the museum, and will be unveiled during the awards program.

Freeman, the 2006 Ford Freedom Award Scholar, will deliver the scholar's lecture at the Detroit Opera House on Monday, May 15 from 10:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and also will address the audience at the evening's gala. The Ford Freedom Award Scholar honor is bestowed upon a living individual who has demonstrated excellence in the field of the award recipient. Freeman will speak to nearly 2,000 students at the Opera House, including winners of the Ford Freedom Award Essay Contest hosted by Detroit Newspapers in Education.

This year, Woodie King Jr. will be given a special 2006 Ford Freedom Pioneer Award for providing a path to success in the performing arts for many talented African Americans. King is founder and producing director of New Federal Theatre and National Black Touring Circuit in New York City.

"The partnership between Ford Motor Company and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History speaks to the company's commitment to celebrate diversity," said Ziad Ojakli, Group Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Ford Motor Company. "As we commemorate the life of Ossie Davis and appreciate the work of Morgan Freeman, we at Ford Motor Company applaud their contributions to society and their efforts to unite people through their skills."

"We salute Ford Motor Company for its ongoing support of the Ford Freedom Award," said Tyrone Davenport, Chief Operating Officer of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. "Over the years, Ossie Davis and Morgan Freeman have served as role models for people of all ages and backgrounds in the entertainment industry, and we are proud to add Ossie Davis' name to the Ring of Genealogy."

Ossie Davis, who was born Raiford Chatman Davis, acted in more than 100 films following his debut in the 1950s. In addition to acting, Davis worked as a writer, director and producer. His film credits include "No Way Out," "Malcolm X," and "Four Little Girls." Davis received an Emmy for Best Guest Actor in a Drama, a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and a Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award. Ford Motor Company and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History dubbed Davis "The Groundbreaker" for opening doors for other African American actors to perform.

Morgan Freeman has acted in more than 70 roles since the 1960s. Films include "Seven," "A Man Called Adam" and "Million Dollar Baby," for which he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Freeman also has received a Golden Globe for Outstanding Achievement in Acting, six NAACP Image Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role. Ford Motor Company and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History dubbed Freeman "The Captivator " for his ability to grab audiences' attention with his gripping performances.

In addition to founding the New Federal Theatre and National Black Touring Circuit, Woodie King Jr. made a mark in the theatrical circuit by producing or directing more than 170 on and off Broadway shows, including For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow Is Enuf, the 1991 production of A Raisin in the Sun and the 1993 production of Good Black Don't Crack. He has also produced and directed many shows in Detroit. King holds a Doctorate in Humane Letters from Detroit's Wayne State University.

Previous Ford Freedom recipients include:

Year Ford Freedom Award Ford Freedom Award Scholar

1999 Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young Former U.N. Ambassador Andrew

Young

2000 Entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. Entertainer Gregory Hines

2001 Writer Langston Hughes Poet Sonia Sanchez

2002 Baseball great Jackie Robinson Hall of Fame member Reggie

Jackson

2003 Tuskegee Airman Gen. Daniel

"Chappie" James Jr. NASA astronaut Mae C. Jemison

2004 Educator/civil rights activist Educator/philanthropist/actor

Benjamin Mays Bill Cosby

2005 The Songstress - Ella Fitzgerald The Stylist - Al Jarreau

Additional sponsors include Compuware, Comerica Charitable Foundation, DTE Energy Foundation and McDonald's.

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, founded in 1965, is the world's largest institution dedicated to preserving African American history and culture. The Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and 108 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.fordvehicles.com/ .

Source: Ford Motor CompanyLocal Blues Institution JJ's Blues Launches Inaugural San Jose Blues Week

JJ's Blues (JJ's), Bay Area Blues Society 2006 award winner for Best Blues Club, is proud to participate in the kick-off of the first annual San Jose Blues Week, which starts on Tuesday, May 9th, and continues through Saturday, May 13, 2006. The Associated Students of San Jose State University, and the City of San Jose, are launching this event to recognize the 26-year history of the Metro Fountain Blues Festival on Saturday, May 13th, created by the Associated Students of San Jose State, and the musicians, club owners and fans that comprise the San Jose Blues scene. This inaugural event honors Gary Smith, considered by many to be a key initiator and supporter of Blues music in San Jose. He will be participating in a round table discussion with KSJS's Chef Ramon which will be simulcast live Wednesday, May 10th from 6-10 p.m. in the Hal Todd Theatre in Hugh Gillis Hall adjacent to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library.

"The Blues is a recognized national treasure," said Johnnie Perkins, owner of JJ's. "It is infused within many popular genres of music and has influenced musicians worldwide, albeit under appreciated in it's own right. JJ's is pleased to be able to offer a San Jose venue for both established and up-and-coming Blue's performers to continue this generations-old heartfelt music."

Rene Solis, a stalwart of the local Blues scene, will host a Guitar Extravaganza at the kick-off on May 9th at JJ's featuring local and international Blues musicians. Nitecry -- a veteran band from JJ's inception 20 years ago, Laura Chavez -- recent winner of the Guitar Center "King of the Blues" contest (make that "Queen"), Max Cabello Jr. -- soon to open for Lenny Kravitz, and other local talent will perform, in addition to special guests. Headliners throughout the Blues Week include; Woodleg Odds on Thursday, May 11 -- an internationally touring Norwegian blues band bringing a crew for a video documentary, Shane Dwight on Friday, May 12 -- celebrating a new CD release, and Swingshift on Saturday, May 13 -- a local favorite. All headliners' performances begin at 9:00 p.m. Cover charge on Friday is $15.00 and Saturday is $12.00.

Please visit JJ's Blues website for more details: www.jjsblues.net. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the shows, admission is at the door is on a first-come basis.NBC 5 Takes on Pollution in North Texas: Who Messed With Texas?

NBC 5 takes on litter and pollution in North Texas asking the question, "Who messed with Texas?" On Monday, May 1st, NBC 5 began its on-air and online campaign to raise awareness -- despite a state sponsored twenty-year campaign against litter, Texas still has a trash problem. The special reports can be seen regularly on NBC 5 News with additional information on http://www.nbc5i.com/ .

Reporter Brian Curtis gives an in-depth look at the pollution problem and ways to curb pollution. North Texans can see cigarette butts, tires, trash, illegal dumping, air and water pollution all across our state.

Curtis' next special report will air Tuesday, May 9th, on NBC 5 News at 6 pm.

According to the American Lung Association State of the Air: 2006 Regional Analyses report, Dallas/Fort Worth is the 8th worst for most ozone polluted cities in the nation. More information can be found at

http://lungaction.org/reports/sota06_analyses4.html#region6 .

This special series will give North Texans a wealth of information to take a stand against pollution. From websites to active participation, viewers will learn how they can help put an end to this disgusting problem.

Facts from the 2005 Visible Litter Study -- Fact sheet -- http://www.dontmesswithtexas.org/research_detail.php?report_id=9

* Texans tossed out 827 million pieces of litter in 2005

* More than 50 percent of all Texans admit to littering

* Texans toss out 130 million cigarette butts every year

* Texas taxpayers spend $36 million a year on litter clean-up

NBC 5/KXAS-TV, nbc5i.com, and Telemundo 39/KXTX-TV are the NBC Universal owned and operated media centers serving the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Source: NBC 5

AVP to Present at the Jefferies Gaming, Lodging, Media & Entertainment Conference

AVP, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: AVPI) , a lifestyle sports entertainment company that owns the AVP Crocs Tour, the premier beach volleyball tour in the United States, announced today Leonard Armato, Chief Executive Officer, and Andy Reif, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, will be presenting at the Jefferies Gaming, Lodging, Media & Entertainment Conference on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at 8:50 a.m. PDT/11:50 a.m. EDT at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

A webcast of the presentation will be available at AVP's Web site at www.avp.com/investors in the 'Upcoming Investor Events' section. A replay of the webcast will be available on the site for ninety days.

About AVP, Inc.

AVP, Inc. is a lifestyle sports entertainment company focused on the production, marketing and distribution of professional beach volleyball events worldwide. AVP operates the industry's most prominent volleyball tour in the United States, the AVP Crocs Tour. Featuring more than 200 of the top American men and women competitors in the sport, AVP will hold 16 AVP Crocs Tour events throughout the United States in 2006. In 2004, AVP athletes successfully represented the United States during the Olympics in Athens, Greece, winning gold and bronze medals, the first medals won by U.S. women in professional beach volleyball. For more information, please visit www.avp.com.

Source: AVP, Inc.Britney Spears and Elizabeth Arden Celebrate the Success of Her Top-Selling Fragrances - Over 10 million bottles of Curious, Fantasy and In Control have been sold -

-- Britney Spears celebrated the astounding success of her three fragrances, Curious, Fantasy and In Control, with Elizabeth Arden, the company that manufactures and markets the scents, at a celebration today at the Hudson Hotel. Her first fragrance Curious, became the #1 launch worldwide in 2005, and the only new launch to make the top 20 list globally. In the US, Curious achieved a top 5 fragrance ranking among fragrances launched in the past decade. Over 10 million bottles of the three scents have been sold -- an astonishing number considering that her first fragrance, Curious, was just launched in 2004.

A giant cake in shape of her fragrance bottle for Fantasy commemorated the occasion, and young dancers from Broadway Dance Center, where Britney had studied in New York before becoming a top-selling recording artist, helped her celebrate. Dancers competed in a dance-off judged by Britney. Twelve-year-old Marina Micalizzi was the winner.

Britney Spears fragrances are sold in over 80 countries around the world.

About Elizabeth Arden: Elizabeth Arden is a global prestige fragrance and beauty products company. The Company's portfolio of leading brands includes the Elizabeth Arden fragrance brands Red Door, Red Door Revealed, Elizabeth Arden Green Tea, Elizabeth Arden 5th avenue, Elizabeth Arden Provocative Woman; the Elizabeth Taylor fragrance brands White Diamonds Elizabeth Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor's Passion, the fragrance brands of Britney Spears, curious BRITNEY SPEARS(TM), IN CONTROL curious BRITNEY SPEARS(TM), and fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS(TM); the Daytona 500(R) and GANT adventure men's fragrances, White Shoulders; Geoffrey Beene's Grey Flannel; Halston(R) and Halston Z-14(TM), PS(R) Fine Cologne for Men, Design(TM); Wings; the Elizabeth Arden skincare lines, including Ceramides, Prevage(TM) Anti-Aging Treatment and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream; and the Elizabeth Arden color cosmetics line. SCE Announces New Controller for PLAYSTATION(R)3 Equipped With High-Precision, Highly Sensitive Six-Axis Sensing System

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced the new controller for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3), which will become available as standard with the system. The new controller can be experienced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) held from May 10 through 12, 2006, in Los Angeles, California.

The controller for PS3 has been created by refining and improving the world's most popular PlayStation(R) controller that has shipped more than several hundred million units worldwide, while inheriting its basic concept and design. The controller for PS3 employs breakthrough technology of high-precision, highly sensitive six-axis sensing system that does not require any devices other than the controller itself for seamless interactive operation, thus eliminating additional settings to TVs. With this technology, ways to enjoy PS3 will be further enhanced by accessing PS3 through the network, while retaining the six-axis sensing capability.

In addition to the "3-posture-axis" of roll, pitch and yaw, "3-dimension acceleration information (X, Y, and Z)" can be detected in high-precision and in real-time. In addition to standard key input available in existing controllers, more natural and more intuitive play will become possible as if the controller has become part of your body.

Pursuant to the introduction of this new six-axis sensing system, the vibration feature that is currently available on DUALSHOCK(R) and DUALSHOCK(R)2 controllers for PlayStation and PlayStation(R)2, will be removed from the new PS3 controller as vibration itself interferes with information detected by the sensor.

The shape of L2/R2 buttons located on the top of the controller has also been enlarged with increased depth in stroke for more subtle control in games. At the same time, the tilting angle of the analog joysticks has been slightly broadened to enable more delicate and more dynamic manipulation. Along with these improvements, precision of above information detection (L2/R2, analog joy stick) has been increased from 8 bit to 10 bit.

All input information will be immediately transferred to the PS3 system through the Bluetooth(R) wireless technology. By using a USB cable, the PS3 controller can be swapped seamlessly from wireless to wired, and can be charged automatically. The cable can be attached and detached at anytime.

By integrating all these features into one standard PlayStation controller, SCEI, together with content creators, expects to further expand and accelerate the world of next generation computer entertainment.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system and the upcoming, much-anticipated PLAYSTATION(R)3 system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PLAYSTATION 3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

NOTE: PlayStation, PLAYSTATION and DUALSHOCK are registered trademarks and PSP is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Source: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

PLAYSTATION(R)3 Launches on November 17, 2006 in North America Equipped With Blu-ray and Pre-Installed HDD United States: US $499 (20GB HDD) and US $599 (60GB HDD) Canada: CAN $549 (20GB HDD) and CAN $659 (60GB HDD)

LSony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today that it would launch PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3) in "Clear Black" in North America on November 17, 2006, as part of a worldwide simultaneous launch.

PS3 is the most advanced computer system that serves as a platform to enjoy next generation computer entertainment content in the home, realized through the combination of Cell and RSX(TM) processors, in addition to the playability of a vast catalog of PlayStation(R) and PlayStation(R)2 software titles.

Having Giga-bit Ethernet and a pre-installed hard disk drive (HDD) as standard in PS3, users will be able to download a variety of content as well as access on-line games and services over the network.

Equipped with basic input/output ports, PS3 supports a broad range of displays from conventional NTSC/PAL standard TVs to the latest full HD (1080i/1080p) flat panel displays, offering the joy of the most advanced computer entertainment content to homes around the world. For use in living rooms, maximum heat and noise reduction has been achieved with a noise level equivalent to that of the current slim-line PlayStation 2.

With the overwhelming computational power of the Cell processor, PS3 is capable of playing back content from Blu-ray (BD) disc at a bit rate of multiplex 48Mbps with ease, the maximum bit rate defined in BD standards.

The new controller for PS3 has been created by refining and improving the world's most popular PlayStation controller which has shipped more than several hundred million units worldwide. The controller for PS3 employs a high-precision, highly sensitive six-axis sensing system that is capable of processing all parameters within the controller itself, thereby eliminating the need for any additional settings on the display system. By applying this technology, it will become possible to freely control the PS3 system over the network.

While further enhancing the joy of entertainment on PlayStation 2 and PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable), SCEA will vigorously promote PS3 as the next generation computer entertainment platform.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(TM) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system and the upcoming, much-anticipated PLAYSTATION(R)3 system.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. More information can be found online at http://www.us.playstation.com/.

NOTE: PlayStation and PLAYSTATION are registered trademarks and RSX and PSP are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

PLAYSTATION(R)3

Product name PLAYSTATION(R)3

CPU Cell Processor

GPU RSX(TM)

Sound Dolby 5.1ch, DTS, LPCM, etc.

(Cell-based processing)

Memory 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM

HDD 2.5" Serial ATA O(20GB) O(60GB)

I/O USB 2.0 O(x4)

MemoryStick / - O

SD/CompactFlash

Communication Ethernet O(x1/10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)

IEEE 802.11 b/g - O

Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR) O

Wireless controller O

(Bluetooth)

AV Output Screen size 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p

HDMI OUT - O(x1/HDMI NextGen)

AV MULTI OUT O(x1)

DIGITAL OUT O(x1)

(OPTICAL)

BD/DVD/CD Maximum BD 2x (BD-ROM)

Drive Read Speed

(Read Only)

DVD 8x (DVD-ROM)

CD 24x (CD-ROM)

SACD 2x

Dimensions Approximately 325mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 274mm

(D)

Weight Approximately 5 kg

* Storage media ("Memory Stick", SD memory card, and CompactFlash) are

sold separately.

* "Dolby" is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.

* "DTS" is a trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

* "CompactFlash" is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.

* "HDMI" is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC.

* "Blu-ray Disc" is a trademark.

* "Bluetooth" is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

* "Memory Stick" is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

* "PLAYSTATION" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment

Inc.

* All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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

SPORTS & AUTOS

Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament Returns to World Golf Village May 18-19

- The Main Street America Group Sponsors for Second Consecutive Year -

The sixth annual Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament will be held May 18-19 at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla. The event benefits the St. Vincent's Mobile Outreach Ministry and Brave Kids.

The tournament, hosted by Academy Award(R)-nominated actor Bill Murray and his brothers, will kick off with the Pairings Party, presented by The Main Street America Group, at Murray Bros. Caddyshack on Thursday, May 18 at 6 p.m. EDT. This is the second consecutive year Jacksonville, Fla.-based Main Street America, a leading property and casualty insurance company, is the major sponsor of the tournament.

The tournament will be held on Friday, May 19 at the King & Bear and Slammer & Squire courses at World Golf Village with two flights (morning and afternoon). An additional morning flight will be played at The Palencia Club in St. Augustine.

Celebrities that have tentatively committed to play this year include broadcaster Ahmad Rashad, former Super Bowl MVP Richard Dent, actors Cindy Morgan and Matt Griesser, and Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Jack Del Rio.

Last year's event raised a record $250,000 for St. Vincent's of Jacksonville. The Outreach Ministry delivers free school and summer program physicals for children throughout Northeast Florida, as well as immunizations, hearing and vision screenings, x-rays, cardiac care and blood work to those in need. Brave Kids is a national non-profit organization that helps children with special needs.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available and player registration is being accepted. To register for this year's tournament, please contact the Tournament Office at (904) 798-3307 or visit http://www.caddyshackcharitygolf.org/ .

About The Main Street America Group

The Main Street America Group operates four property and casualty insurance carriers: NGM Insurance Company, Old Dominion Insurance Company, Main Street America Assurance Company and MSA Insurance Company. Based in Jacksonville, Fla., The Main Street America Group has provided property and casualty insurance products, programs and services to individuals, families and small businesses since 1923. With nearly $900 million in direct premium written exclusively by more than 1,300 independent insurance agents, Main Street America insures more than 500,000 policyholders along the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida. The company has regional offices in Jacksonville; Keene, N.H.; Richmond, Va.; and Syracuse, N.Y., and a claims adjuster center in Auburn, Mass. A.M. Best Company rates The Main Street America Group as an "A" (Excellent). For more information, visit http://www.msagroup.com/ .

http://www.caddyshackcharitygolf.org/ Volvo Ocean Race - Life at the Extreme Next Pit Stop: New York Harbor Set your timer. The seven Volvo Open Ocean 70 Race yachts will slide into New York in the early hours of Tuesday, May 9. The Volvo Ocean Race is the Mount Everest of high seas sailing, and for the first time in its history, the race will schedule New York as a port of call from Tuesday, May 9 through Thursday, May 11 at 1 p.m. when the race heads to England from the North Cove Marina at the World Financial Center in lower Manhattan. The sixth leg of the 10-month trip -- from Annapolis to New York -- is a 650-kilometre "sprint" that should last less than 40 hours. The journey is intense for skippers and navigators, who must negotiate 190 kilometres of the Chesapeake Bay at the start and 29 kilometres of New York Harbor at the finish.

Having traveled from Spain around the tip of Africa to Australia, then on to Rio and the U.S.A., the seven Volvo Open Ocean 70 racing yachts and their storm-tossed crews have been participating in a grueling race through four oceans that covers 32,700 nautical miles and circumnavigates the globe.

Things might get dicey once the fleet gets past Sandy Hook in New Jersey and begins the journey into New York Harbor. Tall buildings could cause wind shadows, and the tide might be a factor as the high-tech racing machines sail under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, past the Statue of Liberty to the finish line on the Hudson River.

New York is considered a "pit stop," which means the seven yachts must remain in the water and cannot take on any new gear or supplies otherwise they will incur a two hour time penalty. The fleet will begin Leg 7 to Portsmouth, England, on Thursday, May 11 at 1pm after a departure ceremony at 10:30 a.m. from North Cove Marina.

A media press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, May 10 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Grill Room at the World Financial Center, followed by a "meet and greet" press photo opportunity at the North Cove Marina (directly west of the Winter Garden). The Volvo Ocean Race press conference will include stunning footage of the Volvo Ocean Race and remarks from Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, Fredrik Arp, President & CEO Volvo Car Corporation, and Jorma Halonen, Executive Vice President and Deputy CEO, AB Volvo. From 10:00 a.m. the seven skippers of the Volvo Ocean Race will be available for a photo opportunity and interviews.

Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, will ring the NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell at 09:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 11.

The seven Volvo Open Ocean 70 racing yachts are: ABN AMRO ONE (NED) and TWO (NED), Pirates of the Caribbean (USA), Brasil 1 (BRA), movistar (ESP), Ericsson Racing Team (SWE), and Brunel (AUS), and their crews consisting of the world's greatest water yachtsmen.

Web site: http://www.volvooceanrace.org/ Are You a Singing Star in Your Car? National Survey Reveals More People Sing in the Car Than in the Shower When you're driving down the road with the music turned up and your favorite tunes piping through the speakers, do you feel compelled to sing? If so, you are like the majority of Americans who tend to break out into song while cruising in their cars. In fact, according to the "Music in Motion" survey of more than 1,000 U.S. drivers, conducted by Directive Analytics and commissioned by Auto Expressions(TM), a leading brand of automotive accessories and air care products, more than 9 out of 10 Americans sing in their cars ... that's more than the number of people that sing in the shower!

With 196 million licensed drivers in the United States(1), just imagine how many drivers could possibly be singing simultaneously on the road at any given time. Results of the survey also found that most people prefer to sing solo in their car since 8 out of 10 people said that they experience 'stage fright' and don't like to sing when there is an audience of other passengers present. Ironically though, 6 out of 10 don't care when someone in another automobile catches them singing in the car -- more than three-fourths of drivers actually continue singing.

Who are the car crooners?

The survey revealed that redheads, not blondes have more fun singing in the car, since 53% of redheads always sing in the car. The survey also discovered that women more often than men sing in their cars, however both men and women born under the Aries astrological sign are more likely to sing in their car than any other sign. Capricorns are least likely to attempt to carry a tune while driving.

What are they singing?

Even with all of the new music and audio technology out on the market today, most drivers still find themselves just singing along to the songs on the radio. The preferred genres of song for the car crooners are rock songs, followed closely by music from the '80s and pop music. However, country songs top the charts for older Americans who exercise their vocal cords behind the wheel.

What are their cars like?

Car manufacturers may want to consider renaming SUVs to "Singing Utility Vehicles," since the survey found that drivers of these types of cars tend to sing the most. Car crooners also enjoy having a fragrant, organized "stage" since 4 out 10 car stars have air fresheners and organizers in their cars.

"It's not hard to believe that people are belting out their favorite tunes behind the wheel to occupy their driving time since most drivers spend more than one hour in their car each day," said Sharon Bykerk, head of marketing communications for Auto Expressions(TM). "We applaud those who like to express themselves whether it is vocally or with the accessories they choose for their cars."

Turn It Up and Win

Are you looking for more ways to sing in the car? Now through September 29th or until supplies last, look for specially marked packages of Auto Expressions(TM) Vent Fresh(R) adjustable air fresheners to find a "Turn it up and Win" scratch-off game piece. Five lucky Grand Prize winners will receive an Alpine music car makeover and 200 First Prize winners will receive an Apple iPod Nano 4GB. All game pieces, whether you are a winner or not, may be redeemed at the iTunes(R) Music Store for a free song download. Log on to http://www.ventfreshturnitup.com/ for more details and official contest rules.

About Vent Fresh(R)

Auto Expressions(TM) Vent Fresh(R) is a scented oil diffuser air freshener that utilizes innovative technology to provide consumers with a sophisticated, adjustable, spill resistant air freshener. The scent is activated by an easy- to-use pull-tab on the back of the product that allows fragrance to diffuse through a semi-permeable membrane. Vent Fresh(R) is clipped directly to your car's air vent. When the car's air is activated -- either heat or air conditioning -- it flows through the membrane holding liquid fragrance, to freshen your car continually. It is available in six scents, including the new Green Apple, Vanilla Blossom and Island Colada scents.

About Auto Expressions(TM)

Auto Expressions(TM) products are produced and marketed by Shell Lubricants. The term 'Shell Lubricants' collectively refers to the companies of the Shell Group engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies are global leaders in lubricants and operate in approximately 120 countries worldwide. They manufacture and blend products for use in a range of applications from consumer motoring to food processing and heavy industry to commercial transport. The Shell portfolio of top quality lubricant brands includes Pennzoil(R), Quaker State(R), FormulaShell(R), Shell Tellus(R), Shell Cassida(R), Shell ROTELLA(R) T, Shell Spirax(R) and a portfolio of car care products and Jiffy Lube(R) services.

About Directive Analytics(R)

Directive Analytics is a full service Marketing Research firm, located in Norwalk CT. DA's senior management is comprised of executives who have previously served at Millward Brown, TNS, GfK, The Gallup Organization and Greenfield Online. We provide our clients with top-notch market research and consulting expertise combined with hands-on involvement typical of smaller research organizations.

Survey Methodology

An online questionnaire of approximately 5 minutes in length was fielded using a random national sample of Greenfield Online panel members. The surveys were conducted in December of 2005. A total of 1,002 interviews were completed among licensed drivers 18 years and older. For results based on the total sample of 1,002 adults, at 95% confidence, the sampling error is +/- 4%.

(1) U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration,

Highway Statistics 2003 http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/

Source: Auto Expressions

Web site: http://www.ventfreshturnitup.com/ Partnership Creates New 'AVP & AVP Pro Series Apparel by Speedo' Merchandise

Highlights of the deal include:

* Speedo will develop performance apparel products targeted to a young,

active consumer; products will include volley shorts, women's

performance swimwear, outerwear, casual wear, hats, visors and

backpacks

* All items will bear the distinctive AVP "spiker" logo and be marketed as

the "AVP and AVP Pro Series by Speedo"

* Speedo will distribute the line to specialty, surf, sporting goods and

department stores

* AVP will market and sell the line onsite in AVP's merchandise stores and

tents at each AVP Crocs Tour event and online through avp.com

SPEEDO(R) is a registered trademark of and used under license from Speedo International Ltd.

Warnaco Swimwear, Inc., a division of The Warnaco Group Inc. (NASDAQ:WRNC) , is the authorized licensee of the SPEEDO(R) trademark in North American and the Caribbean.

About the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc.

About Speedo(R)

Source: Speedo; AVP, Inc.

Web site: http://avp.com/

Web site: http://www.speedousa.com/ Golf Galaxy Announces Two New Stores Opening in May Stores Complete 11 First Quarter Openings; Bring Total Golf Galaxy Store Count to 61 Golf Galaxy, Inc. (NASDAQ:GGXY) , the interactive golf superstore offering Everything for the Game(R), today announced plans to open two new stores in May. The new stores include one in Westbury, N.Y., and one in Toledo, Ohio. The Westbury store brings to three the number of Golf Galaxy stores in the greater New York metropolitan area; and the Toledo store brings to eight the number of Golf Galaxy stores in Ohio.

"The Westbury and Toledo stores will complete our first quarter grand opening schedule of 11 stores, bringing our total store count to 61," said Randy Zanatta, president and CEO of Golf Galaxy. "We look forward to continuing our nationwide expansion this fall with the expected opening of three to five additional Golf Galaxy stores."

The two new Golf Galaxy stores opening in May will be located at 1504 Old Country Road in Westbury, N.Y., and 5223 Monroe Street in Toledo, Ohio.

About Golf Galaxy

Golf Galaxy, Inc., based in Eden Prairie, Minn., owns and operates golf specialty retail stores. The company currently operates 59 stores in 24 states and an ecommerce website. The company's Everything for the Game(R) merchandising strategy offers a comprehensive selection of competitively priced brand name golf equipment, accessories, apparel, golf services, and golf instruction by on-staff certified PGA professionals in a unique interactive store environment. The GolfWorks, a leading direct marketer of golf club components, clubmaking tools and supplies, and technical information, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Golf Galaxy that sells direct to consumers via a catalog and the Internet at http://www.golfworks.com/ . For more information, visit http://www.golfgalaxy.com/ .

Tiger Woods' Lawsuit Against Christensen Shipyards Ltd. Settled

The following statement was issued by Venable LLP today.

Tiger Woods' rights-of-publicity lawsuit against Christensen Shipyards Ltd. has settled on undisclosed terms.

Woods filed his suit against Vancouver, WA-based Christensen Shipyards in October 2004 in federal court in the Southern District of Florida.

NBA 2006 Finals Trophy Tour Launches at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Courtesy of Toyota and the USO

The NBA and Toyota, in conjunction with the USO, are sending NBA Legend Clyde Drexler, one of basketball's all- time great guards, to Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., May 13 on the NBA's 2006 Finals Trophy Tour. This is the first stop on a five-base tour, which will include one-day interactive festivals at the military bases in the heartland of the United States. At each base, the NBA and Toyota will bring a fleet of NBA finals-themed vehicles, including the specially designed Toyota Tundra "Trophy Mobile," the Larry O'Brien Trophy and an interactive NBA-themed activity center. The festivals will feature contests, shooting games, and a variety of activities for children of military personnel.

"The NBA is proud to partner with Toyota and the USO on executing the tour as a way to thank and honor military personnel and their families for their service to our country," said Heidi Ueberroth, Executive Vice President Global Media Properties and Marketing Partnerships for the NBA. "Toyota and the NBA focus on creating memorable experiences for NBA fans through unique vehicles and basketball interaction, so we are pleased to deliver the NBA experience and the Larry O'Brien Trophy to these military bases."

"Our military men and women face some of life's most difficult situations in service to our country," said Don Esmond, Toyota's Senior Vice President and also a Marine Corps helicopter pilot in Vietnam, where he earned a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart. "We appreciate their dedication and commitment, and we're glad we can help bring some fun and excitement to everyone through the NBA experience."

"The USO is pleased to support the NBA and Toyota in bringing the tour to military bases in the United States," said Edward A. Powell, USO President and CEO. "The NBA has a long history of support for service members, and NBA players and Legends participated on the USO's first tour to Baghdad in 2003."

The other stops on the 2006 NBA Finals Trophy Tour are: May 19 at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; June 1 at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas; June 24 at Fort Riley North, Kan.; and July 3 at Fort Carson, Colo.

This tour continues the USO tradition of bringing professional athletes to troops serving far from home. NFL players Bryce Fisher, Patrick Kerney and Max Starks recently returned from a USO tour marking the 40th anniversary of the NFL-USO partnership. Last year, NBA Legends Artis Gilmore and Darryl Dawkins visited military personnel serving in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, and Gilmore, Gail Goodrich, Spencer Haywood and Dan Roundfield brought the Larry O'Brien Trophy to troops in Kuwait. AT&T, Inc. is the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours.

About the USO

For more than 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services.

The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T, Inc., BAE Systems North America, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Military Channel, S&K Sales Co. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit http://www.uso.org/.Virgin Megastore Hollywood is Celebrating the Upcoming 2006 FIFA World CUP With Its First Ever EA Sports Videogame Futbol Tournament

**UPCOMING EVENT**

WHO: In celebration of the world's biggest sporting event, Virgin

Megastore will host its first EA Sports Futbol Tournament

featuring the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM) Videogame, recently released

as the only official FIFA World Cup game. Press will have the

opportunity to preview the game and ask questions to EA

spokespeople about the game. 40 gaming fans can enter the

tournament to win the grand prize of an Xbox 360. There will also

be a special live performance during the tournament from Clorofila

of Nortec Collective who is featured on the 2006 FIFA World Cup

soundtrack.

When: Tue, May 9, 2006 from 7:00 pm

Participant sign up begins at 6pm, first come first served.

Press Check in: 6:30PM

Tournament begins at 7pm

Clorofila performs at 7pm

Where: Virgin Megastore/Hollywood and Highland

6801 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 105

Los Angeles, Ca 90028

Learn more about the 2006 FIFA World Cup game at: http://www.easports2006fifaworldcup.com/ or download screenshots and renders at http://info.ea.com/.

ABOUT VIRGIN ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

ABOUT ELECTRONIC ARTS

Source: Virgin Entertainment Group

Web site: http://www.virginmega.com/
http://www.easports2006fifaworldcup.com/

Prominent NBA All-Star Makes the Move to South Las Vegas Strip Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce Buys Second Home at Boca Raton Luxury Condominiums

High-flying NBA Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce makes a slam-dunk with the purchase of a Boca Raton Luxury Condominium in Las Vegas. Pierce recently purchased a Caravella model, a two-story condominium with a private Courtyard entrance and parking area, to call his second home.

Playing both Guard and Forward for the Boston Celtics for the past eight years, Paul Pierce knows a good play when he sees one. Pierce's numerous three-pointers, slam-dunks and rebounds, often lead the Celtics to victory. Pierce, at only 28 years of age, is a star with the NBA's Boston Celtics and has been an NBA All-Star for five consecutive seasons. This past season in the NBA, Pierce ranked sixth for scoring points per game. Nicknamed "The Truth" by Shaquille O'Neal, Pierce brings this adage to Las Vegas with Boca Raton.

"I've always loved Las Vegas, and I am excited about my purchase of a home at Boca Raton," Pierce said. "During the off-season I want to be in a place where I can relax yet still be close to the action, and with everything that Boca will provide, I know I will be set."

Boca Raton caters to both high-end, year-round residents and vacation homebuyers who are looking for a luxurious part-time residence. Prices range from the mid $300s to more than $1 million. Phase One is scheduled for completion in December 2006, with the delivery of the first 172 homes. The mid-rise project will bring to Las Vegas 756 homes, and will offer residents amenities far beyond what is offered at many other projects on the South Strip.

Boca Raton Luxury Condominiums is being developed by Palm Beach Resort Condominiums, LLC. For more information on the condominium development, please visit the sales office at 2475 West Serene Avenue, Las Vegas, Nev. 89123 or call (877) 890-8229. Visitors to the development's website -- www.bocalasvegas.com -- can view construction progress via the live webcam. When It Comes to Buying a Car, Mom's the Word

Mother's Day Survey Reveals Safety Is Mom's #1 Purchase Consideration, Followed by Fuel Economy Majority of Respondents Drive SUVs

NADAguides.com (www.NADAguides.com), a leading vehicle information website, today announced the results of a Mother's Day survey aimed at revealing the opinions of moms when it comes to buying a car, including important purchase considerations such as safety and fuel economy, as well as the types of vehicles mothers currently drive versus the types of vehicles they ideally want to drive. Following are highlights of the survey.

Participants were asked what their top three most important purchasing considerations are when it comes to buying a new car. A solid 67% indicated Safety was among their most important consideration, followed by Fuel Economy (52%) and Roominess (50%). Overall Purchase Price came in fourth position at 48%.

When asked what type of vehicle the participants currently drive, over half (54%) indicated they drive SUVs. Twenty-two percent of respondents drive 4-Door Sedans while 8% each drive Luxury Vehicles and Crossovers. Six percent of those surveyed drive Mini Vans.

When asked if they'd like to drive something different than the vehicle they currently drive, 52% responded they currently drive the type of vehicle they ideally want to drive, followed by 17% who responded they'd ideally like to drive a Mini Van, and 12% who indicated they'd like to drive a Hybrid.

"It makes perfect sense Safety was the most important purchase consideration in our Mother's Day survey," said Don Christy, Jr., president and chief executive officer of NADAguides.com. "When you have children, their needs -- and ultimately their safety -- become the number one priority. We were also eager to learn about the vehicles mothers currently drive versus the vehicles they ideally want to drive. Believe it or not, SUVs were a popular choice in both camps, even with Fuel Economy ranking as the second most important purchasing consideration."

Finally, when asked which vehicle they 'dream' of driving, regardless of their current familial or financial situation, a majority of respondents revealed they dreamed of driving a 2007 Cadillac Escalade followed by a new Land Rover Range Rover and finally, the Porsche Carrera. Other popular choices included BMW (7 series sedan and 6 series convertible) and Lexus (IS 350 and GX 470).

A majority of mothers who responded to the survey (59%) parented two children under the age of five, while 22% of the respondents parented one child under the age of four. Seven percent of the respondents are currently expecting their first child.

* Respondents of the NADAguides.com Mother's Day survey were polled

between April 24 and May 5, 2006. More than 520 mothers of

various-aged children (including expectant mothers) participated in the

survey. NADAguides.com marketing and editorial staff members contacted

opt-in respondents via phone and email correspondence.

About NADAguides.com

N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world's largest publisher of vehicle valuations and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. The company's consumer website, NADAguides.com (www.NADAguides.com), offers a variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information. The company's management team, including 30-year vehicle industry veteran Don Christy, Jr., who serves as the company's President and CEO, is one of the most experienced management teams of any vehicle data publishing organization. Throughout its 73-year history, N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the recognized authority for vehicle valuations. Its website, NADAguides.com, is the most comprehensive vehicle information resource on the Internet today.

Source: NADAguides.com

Web site: http://www.nadaguides.com/ Top Down in the New Saturn Sky; Testing Nissan's Versatile New Versa; Face-Off: VW GTI Challenges Honda Civic Si; Spy Shots of Next Mercedes C-Class and Hyundai Luxury Sedan; and More - This Week on TheCarConnection.com.

Saturn has a new Outlook, and an Aura and a Sky, as well. The once-revolutionary GM brand is struggling to regain its momentum, and is preparing the biggest new product blitz in its short history. This week, TheCarConnection.com, http://www.thecarconnection.com/ , takes a top-down spin in Saturn's new "halo car," the Sky roadster. Does it deliver? Check out this week's review to find out.

The Honda Civic Si may be a benchmark, but can it really stand up to a challenge from the Volkswagen GTI? Check out this week's face-off.

Big gas bills have lots of car buyers thinking small these days, and Nissan's the latest to enter the minicar market with its Versa. Check out this week's review on TheCarConnection.com to see how this new 5-door stacks up.

Don't miss this week's spy shots of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and then see if the South Koreans are really ready for the luxury market with exclusive pics of the planned Hyundai luxury sedan.

Are gas prices finally leveling off? Get the latest from TheCarConnection.com and see how U.S. buyers are reacting to their pain at the pump.

In business news, Toyota tops Chrysler in April sales. Will it hold that lead? Has a top-level crisis been averted at Volkswagen? And will General Motors take another ratings hit?

Looking for a great summer trip? TheCarConnection.com's Great Drives takes you to Quebec for some rusticated charms, world-class winds and twisty roads -- right next door.

Then snicker along as TheCarConnection.com shifts into seventh gear as we bring you the Week in Reverse.

In TheCarConnection's blog, find out why you'll never watch The Sopranos in the same way as we bring you the Week in Reverse.

Let TheCarConnection's OnSite Mechanic solve your automotive service problems.

Get accurate pricing information and great dealer quotes. Find where J.D. Power ranks the quality and reliability of your favorite car, truck or crossover.

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Web site: http://www.thecarconnection.com/ Jim Furyk

Earns his 11th career PGA TOUR victory in his 326th career TOUR event at the age of 35 years, 11 month and 25 days. * Collects career-largest payday with his $1,134,000 first-place check, bringing his season earnings on the PGA TOUR to $2,962,649, ranking him second. Earns a trip to the Mercedes Championships in 2007 in Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii. Furyk in his career * Surpasses the $26-million mark in career earnings, with $26,949,400. Sixth among active players under the age of 40 with at least 10 victories on the PGA TOUR, behind Tiger Woods (48), Phil Mickelson (29), Ernie Els (15), David Duval (13) and David Toms (12). Justin Leonard has 10 career victories and is seventh. * Has 99 career top-10s in 326 career starts.

Tournaments entered--11; in money--10; Top-10--5; Wins--1

BIRTHDATE: May 12, 1970
BIRTHPLACE: West Chester, Pa.
RESIDES: Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
FAMILY: Wife, Tabitha; Children: Caleigh Lynn; Tanner James
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-2, 185DOD

DOD Announces CasualtiesTwo soldiers and a Marine were killed in separate incidents in Iraq yesterday and today, military officials in Iraq reported. A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died at about 11:10 a.m. today when a roadside bomb struck his vehicle during a patrol southeast of Baghdad. A Marine assigned to 1st Marine Logistics Group died from wounds suffered as the result of enemy action while operating in Anbar province yesterday. A soldier from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, was killed and another soldier was wounded yesterday near Tal Afar. The soldiers were helping Iraqi security forces clear a building from which several insurgents were firing at civilians, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces. Names of the dead and wounded are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Missing WWII Airmen are Identified

The Defense POW/Missing Personnel (DPMO) announced today that two members of a four-man Army Air Forces crew missing in action from World War II have been identified, and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

The four are pilot Capt. Douglas R. Wight of Westfield, N.J.; co-pilot 1st Lt. Herbert W. Evans of Rapid City S.D.; crew chief Cpl. John W. Hanlon of Arnett, Okla.; and radio operator Pfc. Gerald L. Rugers, Jr., of Tacoma, Wash. Evans and Rugers were individually identified, while group remains of all four will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, May 9. On March 27, 1944, a C-46 crewed by these four airmen departed a base in Kunming, China, on route to Sookerating, India, as part of the massive allied resupply missions over the Himalayan Mountains, referred to as the "Hump." En route one of the crewmen called out for a bearing, suggesting the aircraft was lost. There was no further communication with the crew.

The aircraft never reached its destination, and searches during and following World War II failed to locate the crash site. Officials from the People's Republic of China notified the U.S. in early 2001 that the wreckage of an American WWII aircraft had been found on Meiduobai Mountain in a remote area of Tibet. The following year, a joint U.S.-P.R.C. team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), excavated the site where they found human remains, aircraft debris and personal items related to the crew. JPAC scientists and Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory specialists used mitochondrial DNA as one of the forensic tools to help identify the remains. Laboratory analysis of dental remains also confirmed their identifications. President Bush today announced Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden as his choice to replace Porter Goss as next director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

"Mike knows our intelligence community from the ground up," Bush said from the Oval Office today. "He's been both a provider and consumer of intelligence." Hayden currently serves as the deputy to Director of National Intelligence John D. Negroponte. Before that, he directed the National Security Agency. Bush said throughout his military career, Hayden has demonstrated an ability to adapt U.S. intelligence services to the new challenges of the war on terror. "He's the right man to lead the CIA at this critical moment in our nation's history," the president said. The Senate unanimously confirmed Hayden last year for his current position as deputy director of national intelligence. Since he began his active duty career in 1969, he has held senior positions at the Pentagon, in U.S. European Command and on the National Security Council, and he served in the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria during the Cold War. Hayden said he looks forward to meeting congressional leaders in the confirmation process, as well as working with CIA employees. "If I'm confirmed, I would be honored to join you and work with so many good friends," he told the men and women of the CIA. Bush announced Goss's resignation as the agency's director May 5. Under Goss's leadership, the CIA launched a five-year plan to strengthen human intelligence capabilities, Bush said.

That plan involves increasing numbers of operatives and sources in the field, as well as developing the agency's analytical capabilities and instilling a sense of professionalism in the agency. The president also credited Goss for shaping the relationship between CIA and the director of national intelligence. That process benefited from a decades-long friendship between the two directors, he said. "With the agreement of the Senate, Mike will succeed a great patriot and director, Porter Goss," Bush said. "I'm confident that (he) will continue the reforms that Porter has put in place and provide outstanding new leadership to meet the challenges and threats of a dangerous new century." DoD Announces Adjustment to Iraq Deployment The Department of Defense announced today that the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, based in Schweinfurt, Germany, will not begin its deployment to Iraq in early May as scheduled. Additional information about this unit, to include its revised deployment date in the rotation plan, will be announced as decisions are made. The adjustment to the unit's deployment was made as commanders assess the security situation on the ground in Iraq. Decisions about troop levels are conditions-based. In consultation with the Iraqi Government, commanders continue to assess the situation to ensure sufficient force levels to best support the Iraqi government. This decision affects approximately 3,500 U.S. active duty soldiers and their families, but in the near-term will not affect the current number of U.S. troops in Iraq, which is numbering approximately 133,000. The Coalition remains committed to assisting the Iraqi people while their democratically elected leaders establish a national government and create conditions for greater security. Iraqi Security Forces continue to develop capability and assume responsibility for security in Iraq. To date, there are more than 254,000 trained and equipped Iraqi Security Forces. Operation Mountain Lion

Afghan National Army and coalition forces have been taking the war on terrorism to their adversaries in this enemy safe haven in Afghanistan's Kunar province for the past month. Operation Mountain Lion began April 11 with night helicopter insertions of Afghan and coalition forces at strategic points throughout the valley, followed shortly by troops pushing up on foot through the mouth of the valley. "We're taking the fight to the terrorists in their own backyard," Army Command Sgt. Maj. James Redmore, of Task Force Spartan, said. "They gave their victims no sanctuary. They'll receive none from us." An estimated 2,500 Afghan and coalition forces are in the Korengal and surrounding valleys in what military officials are calling the most significant effort yet to bring stability to this war-torn region. "The enemy has very few options," said Marine Lt. Col. James Bierman, commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, whose Hawaii-based unit is the main thrust of the operation. "The first option he has is to run. If he runs, he leaves the safety and sanctuary of the villages where he's mixed with the local population, and he now becomes detectable by air support." The next option would be to blend in with the local populace, Bierman added. "The last option (the enemy) has is to fight. If he does that, he's going to have a world of hurt put on him." Every single company from 1/3 has been in firefights and received fire, said Marine 1st Lt. Kevin Frost, platoon commander for 3rd Platoon, Company C. "It is a credit to our abilities as coalition forces that they've shot at us but haven't come close to winning any engagements," Frost said.

The Marines frequently get into skirmishes with the remaining enemies, and the ones that are left "are just stubborn," said Marine Sgt. Michael Chambers, platoon sergeant for 3rd Platoon, Company C. "They pop off a couple rounds at us and then run back along the ridgeline, trying to get away." Marine Staff Sgt. Jason Butler, an operations chief with 1/3, said he agrees. "There have been dozens of firefights so far, but the enemy is finding out that they pretty much can't do anything effective against us," he said. The Afghan army has played a significant role in the success of the operation, so has outstanding support from the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division, which cordoned off the other valleys, Butler said. Air support from the U.S. Air Force also has been key. "This has truly been a joint effort," he said. The Afghan National Army has played the central role in this operation, said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Donald Vollmer, an operations watch chief with the 1/3. "We are here to support them," he said. Additional support to the mission has included a medical civic assistance program as part of the coalition's humanitarian mission in Afghanistan. "Our Navy corpsmen have treated over 3,000 Afghan locals in the Korengal Valley since the start of Operation Mountain Lion," said Marine 1st Sgt. John Armstead, of Headquarters and Service Company of the 1/3. "We are here to help make their lives better and to provide whatever support and assistance we can." Marine Maj. Michael Miller, the battalion's executive officer, said Operation Mountain Lion has the potential to be the catalyst that changes the makeup of the entire region.

The operation essentially has taken away a major enemy sanctuary, which has increased stability and welfare among the people, Miller said. "We are here for the long haul," he said. All the beneficial factors and accomplishments of Operation Mountain Lion will continue to resonate throughout the Korengal Valley for a long time to come, he added. "This was ANA and coalition teamwork at its best. We were together shoulder to shoulder on this operation, and it establishes a foundation of support from the local populace when the ANA taking charge," Miller said. "The operation is stabilizing the area and helping the people of Afghanistan," Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Craig, the battalion's operations chief, said. "Operation Mountain Lion has put us five to 10 years ahead of where we were before the operation started," he said. America Supports You: 'Family' Helps Those on Homefront

As the mother of a Marine on his first deployment in 2003, Donna Clemons didn't know where to turn for support. She didn't know anyone else with family members in the military who would understand what she was going through, she said. When Clemons' son went on a second deployment in 2004, she found an online support group for military family members and through that group learned about a luncheon for Marine mothers in Tennessee, her home state. Clemons went to the luncheon and met other parents of Marines. Together, they decided to form a group to share experiences and support during their hard times. "We decided we needed support not only for moms, but for entire families," the Gallatin, Tenn., resident said in an interview.

Clemons and the other Marine mothers founded Tennessee Marine Family, a group dedicated to supporting the family members of Marines and other servicemembers. The group started small, but as more people joined they decided to become a nonprofit organization. It now has more than 600 members from all over the United States and Canada, with family members in every branch of service, Clemons said. "We don't exclude anybody," she said. The monthly luncheons Tennessee Marine Family hosts for its members can draw anywhere from 30 to 125 people, and sometimes include speakers, Clemons said. Mostly, though, the lunches are a chance for the family members to be reminded that they are not alone while their loved ones are deployed, she said. "It's just a way for parents and family members to connect," she said. "A lot of the family members are really silent members until their child deploys, and then it's like, panic. I feel that I've been blessed with that in one sense - that I can be of so much support to others." In addition to the luncheons, the members of Tennessee Marine Family conduct package drives four times a year, provide financial assistance to the families of wounded Marines, hold fundraisers, and work with other nonprofit organizations providing help to veterans, Clemons said. "It keeps all of us very busy, very focused, and doesn't give us time to sit home and have that 'pity party,'" she said. "It's a way for all of us to be of service to other people." Tennessee Marine Family has 17 "Gold Star" families - those that have lost loved ones in military service - in its ranks, Clemons said.

For these families, she said, the most important thing the group can do is remember their loved ones and the sacrifices they made. "The most painful thing for them is that people will forget, as time goes on," she said. "We do what we can do to make sure that those young men are remembered." At every luncheon, the group has a table dedicated to the fallen servicemembers, and last September they hosted a banquet with the theme "Never Forgotten," Clemons said. Clemons, whose son is on his third tour to Iraq and just re-enlisted, said she sees a busy future for Tennessee Marine Family, as servicemembers continue to deploy. The group has been reaching out to families across the country, encouraging them to form similar groups, she said. Groups like the Tennessee Marine Family will always be important, Clemons said, because they give military families a link to the only people who truly understand their experiences. "When you can say something to somebody about your Marine, and they're just as excited as you because they have a son that's a Marine, it's just so different than the 'average joe,'" she said. "Just knowing that other people understand your highs and your lows means more than anything that we can have as military parents and family members." NEWS & NEWS IN SPANISH

Albertsons, Procter & Gamble to Launch ``Moms Helping Moms'' Program Nationally to Help Mothers Connect on Mother's Day; Women's Shelters Nationwide to Receive up to Seven Thousand Phone Cards Albertsons, Inc. (NYSE:ABS) and the Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) are teaming up to launch the "Moms Helping Moms" program throughout the country to help mothers nationwide connect with family and friends on Mother's Day. As part of the campaign, Albertsons and Procter & Gamble (P&G) will donate up to 7,000 phone cards to women's shelters nationwide.

The "Moms Helping Moms" program will give Albertsons customers who purchase $25 worth of P&G products a coupon good for a $5.50 phone card so that they can call their moms on Mother's Day. As a special bonus, Albertsons and P&G will donate a phone card to a women's shelter for every card generated by the campaign -- up to 7,000 cards nationally. The campaign runs through May 20.

"Albertsons customers are as committed as we are to giving back to our local communities," said Duncan MacNaughton, Albertsons Executive Vice President of Merchandising. "So this Mother's Day we wanted to make it easy for Albertsons moms to make a difference in the lives of local moms in their community.

"In addition to helping moms stay in touch with family and friends, this program also addresses a great need in local communities by providing phone cards to women's shelters -- the number one item requested by these organizations," he said.

To boost the number of phone cards donated to shelters, greeters will also be positioned at select Albertsons' banner stores nationwide, May 13, 2006, to present a special gift of carnations to women and encourage them to participate in the "Moms Helping Moms" program.

"Procter & Gamble is proud to partner with Albertsons to celebrate mothers and the loving contributions they make to our children and families everyday," said Todd Ruberg, P&G Director of Customer Development. "We believe that contributing phone cards to women's shelters will brighten Mother's Day for less fortunate moms in our local communities."

About Albertsons

Albertsons is one of the world's largest food and drug retailers. The company's divisions and subsidiaries operate approximately 2,500 stores in 37 states across the U.S. and employ approximately 240,000 associates. Its banners include Albertsons, Acme, Shaw's, Jewel-Osco, Sav-on Drugs, Osco Drug, and Star Market, as well as Super Saver and Bristol Farms, which are operated independently. For more information about Albertsons, please visit our website at www.albertsons.com.

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(R), Gillette(R), and Braun(R). 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.

SOURCE: Albertsons Illinois' Eight Largest Pension Funds Confirmed to Attend IMN's Illinois PERS Summit

Information Management Network (IMN) is proud to announce that it has confirmed participants from the 8 largest pension funds in Illinois for its inaugural Illinois PERS Summit. These 8 funds represent assets of over $98 billion. The conference already features participation of 31 pension fund representatives from 18 different Illinois pension plans with more confirming each day. The event will take place at the Downtown Marriott in Chicago on June 5-6, 2006. Working with an Advisory Board comprised of senior trustees and staff of various state, city, fire, police and teachers' pension systems, the program addresses investment, fiduciary, corporate governance and legislative concerns of Illinois' public funds while ensuring the highest quality education for the enhancement of pension fund management. IMN expects more than 200 attendees to participate in this conference. IMN believes that this emphasis on timely and relevant topics germane to the Illinois pension plan community has resulted in the involvement of the plans below: -- Teachers' Retirement System of State of Illinois -- Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund -- State Universities Retirement System -- Public School Teachers' Pension & Retirement Fund of Chicago -- Illinois State Board of Investment -- Chicago Municipal Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund -- Chicago Policeman's Annuity & Benefit Fund -- Laborers' Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago -- Firemen's Annuity & Benefit Fund of Chicago -- Metro Water Reclamation District Retirement -- Cook County Pension Fund -- Oak Park Police & Fire Pension System -- Evanston Police Pension Fund -- Vernon Hills Police Pension Fund -- Addison Illinois Police Pension Fund Further, participation in the event involves speakers from three of the top Chicago-based consulting firms, many thought-leading asset managers, banks, law firms and other service providers. There are currently 17 sponsoring companies, including JPMorgan; Ariel Capital Management, LLC; Cohen, Milstein, Hausfeld & Toll, P.L.L.C.; and Chicago Board Options Exchange, among others. Following the conference on June 5th, a cocktail reception will also be held at the gallery overlooking the trading floor of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, one of the world's largest exchanges. Since 1994, IMN has presented executive-level conferences of the highest quality to the institutional finance and investment markets worldwide, each one a carefully packaged event combining excellent educational sessions with ideal networking opportunities. With conferences now held in over thirty cities around the globe, IMN has become a leading global provider of information. Vanessa Marcil and Crest Whitestrips Renewal Give Mom Something to Smile About -

What's the best gift you can give mom this Mother's Day? Charm her by letting her in on one of the best kept beauty secrets - a beautiful, age-defying smile that keeps people guessing about her age - all for a good cause. Celebrity mom and star of the hit show "Las Vegas," Vanessa Marcil and Crest Whitestrips Renewal are teaming up to celebrate moms everywhere and help brighten their special day. You can log on to www.keepthemguessing.com starting May 5th and for the entire month of May to enter your Crest Whitestrips Renewal UPC code. For every UPC code entered through the end of the month, Crest Whitestrips Renewal will then make a donation to a charity that's very special to me, Sojourn Services for Battered Women and Their Children. And, the best part - 20 lucky winners will receive a great Helen Ficalora necklace as a special gift for their mothers!

"I'm thrilled to share my greatest, age-defying beauty secret with moms everywhere and make mothers smile this Mother's Day while supporting my favorite charity," says Vanessa Marcil.

As a busy, working mother of four-year-old son, Vanessa Marcil always looks her best - with the help of new Crest Whitestrips Renewal - on and off camera. Crest Whitestrips Renewal, which was introduced earlier this year, is an easy and affordable age-defying solution for your smile that fits easily into any active lifestyle. After just 10 days, you can remove up to 20 years of stains from your smile.

For the chance to win a gorgeous Helen Ficalora (www.helenficalora.com) necklace with a Jacob's Cure "Smile" charm and a "Mom" charm as a special gift for their mother - jewelry being coveted by the "who's who" in Hollywood, enter a Crest Whitestrips Renewal UPC code at www.keepthemguessing.com.

Keep mom's smiling this Mother's Day - a beautiful white smile paired with a gorgeous gold charm necklace is the perfect gift!

About Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG)

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.

About Sojourn Services for Battered Women and Their Children

Established in 1977, Sojourn provides battered women and their children a safe space to regroup, rebuild, and reestablish their self-esteem and lives. Their diverse programs serve women and children of all classes, cultures and religions, regardless of economic circumstances, physical and mental disabilities or immigration status, including those who are traditionally underserved, such as lesbians, elderly women, prostitutes, women with HIV, and the substance-dependant. Sojourn fosters solidarity among women and children, educates the community and society, and is committed to effecting political and social change through grassroots activism and a philosophy of individual empowerment.

SOURCE Crest Whitestrips
SWISS GUARDS: UNRESERVED ADHERENCE TO CHRIST AND CHURCH

- In the Vatican Basilica at 9.30 a.m. today, the Pope presided at a Eucharistic celebration to mark the fifth centenary of the foundation of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. Civil and military authorities from Switzerland and other countries participated in the ceremony, as did relatives and friends of the Guards, and military chaplains.

Commenting in his homily on the readings from the Book of Wisdom and St. Paul's Letter to the Romans, the Holy Father affirmed that "whoever, fascinated by wisdom, seeks and finds it in Christ, leaves everything for Him, receiving in exchange the priceless gift of the Kingdom of God; and, clothed in temperance, prudence, justice and strength (the 'cardinal' virtues), he lives his witness of charity within the Church."

Benedict XVI then asked whether "this vision of mankind may constitute an ideal of life, even for the men and women of our own time, especially the young," like the Pontifical Swiss Guard who, "motivated by love for Christ and the Church, put themselves at the service of Peter's Successor."

Recalling how some of the Swiss Guards sign up for a limited period while others decide to offer their services for their whole lives, the Pope also expressed his joy for those whose service in the Vatican "brought them to mature a response to a priestly or religious vocation."

He went on: "Nonetheless, for everyone, being Swiss Guards means an unreserved adherence to Christ and to the Church, and a readiness to give one's life. Actual service may cease, but in your hearts you always remain Swiss Guards, a fact testified by the nearly 80 former Guards who, from April 7 to May 4, made the extraordinary march from Switzerland to Rome, mainly following the old pilgrim route of the Via Francigena."

The Pope then invited those present to draw nourishment from the Eucharist and to be above all "men of prayer, that divine wisdom may make you true friends of God and servants of His Kingdom of love and peace. It is in the sacrifice of Christ that the service of your long line of predecessors over these 500 years acquires completeness of meaning and value."

The Holy Father concluded by thanking the Guards, also in the name of other pontiffs whom they "served faithfully" over the centuries; and he called on them to continue their progress "'acriter et fideliter,' with courage and loyalty."

HML/SWISS GUARDS/... VIS 060508 (420)PRIESTS MUST LIVE FOR CHRIST AND FOR OTHERS

- Today, the fourth Sunday of Easter and the 43rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the Pope presided at a Eucharistic celebration in the Vatican Basilica, conferring priestly ordination on 13 deacons of the diocese of Rome and on two religious of the Order of Discalced Carmelites.

In his homily, the Pope referred to the figure of Christ the Good Shepherd, Who gives His life for His flock, humankind, Who recognizes them and is recognized by them, and Who remains at the service of unity.

The priestly spirit, said Pope Benedict, is opposed to "careerism, the attempt to arrive 'high up,' to seek out a position through the Church, serve oneself and not serve others. This is the image of a man who, through the priesthood, seeks to become important and famous." Yet, he added, "the only legitimate ascent towards the ministry of the shepherd is the cross. That is the door."

To be a priest, the Pope affirmed, is not "to desire to be someone important, ... but to live for others, for Christ, and through Him and with Him to live for the men and women He seeks, whom He wants to lead along the path of life.

"We enter the priesthood through a Sacrament," said the Holy Father, "and this means through the total donation of self to Christ, so that He may use me as He wishes, so that I serve Him and follow His call even when this contrasts with my own desires for self-fulfillment and respect. To enter by the door, which is Christ, means knowing Him and loving Him ever more deeply, that our will may unite with His and our action become one with His action."

The Pope highlighted the importance for priests of "the daily Eucharist," which "must become a school of life for us, one in which we learn to donate our lives."

He also underlined the importance of "a practical and concrete knowledge of the people entrusted to us. ... The pastor cannot be content with remembering names and dates, his knowledge must also be a knowledge of the heart. This, however, is only fully possible if the Lord has opened our own hearts."

Benedict XVI concluded by emphasizing how priests "must concern themselves with everyone," especially "those who believe and live with the Church," but also with "bringing God's invitation to His banquet to those men and women who have still not heard of it."

HML/PRIESTHOOD/... VIS 060508 (430)VOCATION IS RENEWAL OF PERSONAL FRIENDSHIP WITH CHRIST

- The World Day of Prayer for Vocations provided the theme of the Pope's brief reflections before praying the "Regina Coeli" at midday today.

Speaking from the window of his study, the Holy Father greeted the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square and expressed his joy at having recently ordained fifteen priests during a solemn Eucharistic celebration in the Vatican Basilica. He then went on to recall that today, Sunday of the Good Shepherd, marks the World Day of Prayer for Vocations which this year is dedicated to: "Vocation in the mystery of the Church."

"Christian vocation," he said, "is the renewal of the personal friendship with Jesus Christ, which gives full meaning to one's existence and makes it receptive to the Kingdom of God. The Church lives off this friendship, nourished by the Word and by the Sacraments, holy truths especially entrusted to the ministry of bishops, priests and deacons consecrated by the Sacrament of Holy Orders."

"For this reason," Pope Benedict added, "the priest's mission is irreplaceable; and although in some areas there is a lack of clergy, it must not be doubted that God continues to call boys, young men and adults to leave everything and dedicate themselves to preaching the Gospel and to pastoral ministry."

He continued: "Another special way to follow Christ is the vocation to consecrated life, expressed though an existence of poverty, chastity and obedience, entirely dedicated to God in contemplation and prayer, while serving our brothers and sisters, especially the weakest and poorest."

Benedict XVI concluded his remarks by recalling that "Christian marriage is also and to all effects a vocation to sanctity, and the example of saintly parents is the primary condition favoring the growth of priestly and religious vocations."

ANG/DAY PRAYER VOCATIONS/... VIS 060508 (310)MISSIONS: COMMUNICATE DIVINE LOVE THAT LEADS TO SALVATION

Benedict XVI today received participants in the general assembly of the senior council of the Pontifical Missionary Works. The assembly is reflecting upon the theme of "the missionary mandate that Jesus entrusted to His disciples."

"Your presence," said the Pope, "testifies to the Church's missionary commitment on the various continents, while the 'pontifical' character that distinguishes your association highlights the special link binding you to the See of Peter."

After pointing out that, "following an intense period of aggiornamento," the association was able to draw up and gain approval for its new statutes, the Holy Father recalled how, ever since its foundation at the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Pontifical Missionary Works "has realized that missionary activity consists in communicating to our brothers and sisters the love of God, as revealed in the plan of salvation."

"Through initiatives of effective and generous charity," he went on, "the Works of the Propagation of the Faith, of St. Peter the Apostle and of the Holy Childhood have spread the announcement of the Good News and contributed to establishing and consolidating the Church in new territories. The Pontifical Missionary Union of the Clergy has encouraged an increase of concern for evangelization among clergy and religious.

"All this has led to a reawakening of faith and love among Christian people, together with great missionary enthusiasm. ... Prayer and concrete support for missions are seen today as being an integral part of every Christian's life," while "a responsible sense of sharing and communion involves faithful of all communities in support for the needs of mission lands. This is an eloquent sign of the catholicity of the Church."

"This intense missionary movement," he went on, "has developed over these years into a promising form of missionary cooperation. You are significant witness thereto because you contribute to nourishing everywhere that spirit of universal mission which was the distinctive sign of your birth ... and the force behind your growth."

At the end of his address, Benedict XVI called on his listeners to continue to "provide this precious service to ecclesial communities," highlighting how the "unity of evangelizing activity grows in the extent to which all activity has as its reference God Who is love," and "Christ, in Whom that love finds its supreme _expression. In this way," he concluded, "your activity will never be reduced to mere organizational efficiency or linked to particular interests of any kind, but will always be a manifestation of divine love."

AC/PONTIFICAL MISSIONARY WORKS/... VIS 060508 (430)CARDINALS TAKE POSSESSION OF TITULAR, DIACONATE CHURCHES

A note published today by the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff announced that:

At 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday May 10, Cardinal Carlo Furno, grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, will take possession of the title of Sant'Onofrio at Piazza Sant'Onofrio 2, Rome.

At 6.30 p.m. on Saturday May 13, Cardinal Franc Rode, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, will take possession of the diaconate of St. Francis Xavier at Garbatella, Via Daniele Comboni 4, Rome.

At 10.30 a.m. on Sunday May 14, Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera, archbishop of Toledo, Spain, will take possession of the title of St. Pancras, Piazza San Pancrazio 5 Rome.

OCL/POSSESSION TITLES:DIACONATE/... VIS 060508 (140)AUDIENCES

The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Their Royal Highnesses, the Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, accompanied by an entourage.

- Four prelates from the Canadian (Quebec) Conference of Catholic Bishops on their "ad limina" visit:

- Bishop Clement Fecteau of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatiere.

- Bishop Martin Veillette of Trois-Rivieres.

- Bishop Raymond Saint-Gelais of Nicolet.

- Bishop Francois Lapierre P.M.E., of Saint-Hyancinthe.

On Saturday, May 6, he received in separate audiences:

- Moritz Leuenberger, president of the Helvetic Confederation.

- Five prelates from the Canadian (Quebec) Conference of Catholic Bishops on their "ad limina" visit:

- Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., archbishop of Quebec, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishops Jean-Pierre Blais, Pierre-Andre Fournier, and Gilles Lemay.

- Bishop Andre Rivest of Chicoutimi.

- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

AP:AL/.../... VIS 060508 (150)OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

The Holy Father:

- Appointed Msgr. Sebastian Thekethecheril, former vicar general of Vijayapuram, India, as bishop of the same diocese (area 9,000, population 3,584,506, Catholics 82,930, priests 127, religious 486). The bishop-elect was born in Aapadanad, India in 1954 and ordained a priest in 1980. He succeeds Bishop Peter Thuruthikonam, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Bishop Luis Felipe Gallardo Martin del Campo S.D.B., prelate of Mixes, Mexico, as bishop of Veracruz (area 9,000, population 2,000,000, Catholics 1,800,000, priests 123, permanent deacons 8, religious 248) Mexico.

On Saturday, May 6, it was made public that he appointed Msgr. Santo Marciano of the clergy of the archdiocese of Reggio Calabria-Bova, Italy, rector of the major seminary, as archbishop of Rossano-Cariati (area 1,415, population 134,000, Catholics 133,500, priests 89, permanent deacons 3, religious 116), Italy. The archbishop-elect was born in Reggio Calabria in 1960 and ordained a priest in 1988. He succeeds Archbishop Andrea Cassone, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

On Saturday, May 6, it was also made public that he appointed the following cardinals, created at the concistory of March 24, as members of dicasteries of the Roman Curia, as follows:

- As members of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinals Jean-Pierre Ricard and Antonio Canizares Llovera.

- As members of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Cardinals Joseph Zen Ze-kiun S.D.B. and Franc Rode C.M.

- As member of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal William Joseph Levada.

- As members of the Congregation for Bishops, Cardinals William Joseph Levada and Franc Rode C.M.

- As members of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Cardinals Carlo Caffarra and Joseph Zen Ze-kiun S.D.B.

- As member of the Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley O.F.M. Cap.

- As members of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Cardinals Sean Patrick O'Malley O.F.M. Cap. and Agostino Vallini.

- As member of the Congregation for Catholic Education, Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz.

- As member of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Cardinal William Joseph Levada.

- As members of the presidential committee of the Pontifical Council for the Family, Cardinals Nicolas Cheong Jinsuk and Carlo Caffarra.

- As member of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Cardinal Jorge Liberato Urosa Savino.

- As member of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, Cardinal Agostino Vallini.

- As member of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, Cardinal Gaudencio B. Rosales.

- As member of the Pontifical Council for Culture, Cardinal Franc Rode C.M..

- As members of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Cardinals Gaudencio B. Rosales, Nicolas Cheong Jinsuk and Stanisław Dziwisz.

- As member of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, Cardinal Agostino Vallini.

- As member of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, Cardinal Jorge Liberato Urosa Savino.

NER:RE:NA/.../... VIS 060508 (520Vivendi Games anuncia su principal gama de productos para la 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo

- Las altamente anticipadas franquicias Blizzard Entertainment y Sierra Entertainment encabezan la lista de Vivendi Games

Vivendi Games ("VG") ha anunciado hoy su gama de productos que presentará en la 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Entre los títulos más esperados de la compañía que se mostrarán en E3 está Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft(R): The Burning Crusade(TM), el paquete de ampliación del juego de rol para múltiples jugadores más popular de todo el mundo (MMORPG). Sierra Entertainment también presentará otros novedosos títulos, incluyendo Scarface(TM) The World Is Yours, que se presentará en un cine que recrea el balcón de la famosa mansión de la conocida película en la que trabaja Al Pacino; Eragon(TM), basada en el best-seller y en la próxima película de la 20th Century Fox, Eragon. Fox y Vivendi Games realizarán una presentación previa exclusiva de las imágenes de la película, presentando el juego en el Eragon Theater. Sierra también presentará F.E.A.R. (TM) 360, el famoso título de PC lanzado en 2005 que se lanzará para la consola de videojuegos Xbox 360(TM) y el sistema de entretenimiento de Microsoft, además de otros esperados títulos de Sierra.

"Vivendi Games ha emergido como líder en entretenimiento interactivo de alta calidad, consiguiendo la primera posición en el mercado MMORPG, y liderando varias posiciones en los campos de PC y consolas. Estamos muy contentos de presentar un espectacular listado E3 de propiedades originales y licencias de entretenimiento, que reflejan la creatividad e innovación más importantes de nuestro trabajo", comentó Bruce Hack, consejero delegado de Vivendi Games.

Otros de los lanzamientos más destacados E3 de Sierra Entertainment incluyen Timeshift(TM) para Xbox 360, y los títulos para PC World in Conflict(TM), Caesar(TM) IV, y F.E.A.R. Extraction Point, el paquete de ampliación de F.E.A.R., y los títulos para el sistema PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R) Portable) 50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition y Miami Vice(TM) The Game. La nueva división Sierra Online de VG se centrará en FreeStyle(TM) Street Basketball, actualmente uno de los juegos más populares de Corea, y Vivendi Games Mobile mostrará sus nuevos títulos para plataformas móviles.

A continuación se muestra información adicional de los títulos que se presentarán en el expositor 1224 E3 de Vivendi Games, situado en el Hall Sur del Los Angeles Convention Center.

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (Expansion Pack) World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade comienza donde terminó World of Warcraft, con las carreras de las hordas y la alianza continuando con la reconstrucción de sus vidas entre las tierras asoladas de Azeroth. En medio de la frágil paz que existe entre las facciones llegan los rumores de que las antiguas guerras de la edad de oro entre la Burning Legion contra Azeroth, los denominados Burning Crusade, han vuelto a resurgir, amenazando con consumir el mundo en otro conflicto desolador. Las noticias adicionales, incluyendo los detalles de los anticipados test beta y fechas de lanzamiento esperadas para cada una de las regiones, se anunciarán en los próximos meses.

Sierra Entertainment, Inc.

Scarface: The World Is Yours

Scarface: The World Is Yours es un juego de acción a nivel mundial que sitúa al jugador en el papel épico de Tony Montana. Disponiendo de un plantel de estrellas de Hollywood sin precedentes y de un guión original escrito por el reputado David McKenna, creador de American History X y Blow, Scarface: The World Is Yours llevará a Tony Montana a la vida en forma de una experiencia auténtica de Scarface. Desarrollado por Radical Entertainment. Fecha de lanzamiento prevista: Otoño de 2006; plataforma: Sistema de entretenimiento PlayStation(R)2, videojuego Xbox(R) y sistema de entretenimiento para Microsoft, PC

Eragon

Basado en el fenómeno literario mundial y en la película de 2006 de la 20th Century Fox en la que trabaja el ganador del Academy Award, Jeremy Irons, el nominado al Academy Award, John Malkovich, Djimon Hounsou, Robert Carlyle, Ed Speleers y Sienna Guillory, Eragon introduce al jugador en el mundo mágico de los jinetes de dragones, destino y aventuras. Los jugadores librarían intensas batallas con una combinación sin precedentes de sistemas de lucha y de magia. Desarrollado por Stormfront Studios y Amaze Entertainment. Fecha de lanzamiento prevista: Otoño de 2006; plataformas: sistema de entretenimiento PlayStation(R)2, Xbox 360, Xbox, NGC, GBA, DS, PC

World in Conflict

World in Conflict representa al juego de estrategia de próxima generación, que dispone de campos de batalla completamente destruibles en 3D, acción para múltiples jugadores basada en agresivos equipos y centrada en las batallas rápidas de duros impactos. El juego presenta un auténtico y escalofriante escenario de la Guerra Fría creado por el famoso autor y autoridad en la Guerra Fría Larry Bond. Desarrollado por Massive Entertainment. Fecha de lanzamiento prevista: Primavera de 2007; plataforma: PC

F.E.A.R. 360

El mejor juego "shooter" de 2005 llega a la Xbox 360 con un nuevo contenido para un jugador único y para múltiples jugadores. F.E.A.R. es un thriller de acción paranormal presentado por completo en primera persona. Se trata de una carga de adrenalina sin precedentes de combates cerrados que proporcionan una sensación de hormigueo en la espalda y una intensidad asombrosa relacionada con lo desconocido. Desarrollado por Day One Studios. Fecha de lanzamiento prevista: Cuarto trimestre de 2006; plataforma: Xbox 360

F.E.A.R. Extraction Point (paquete ampliado)

El paquete de ampliación del esperado juego F.E.A.R. Extraction Point comienza de igual modo que terminó el título original, con un estallido. El First Encounter Assault Recon Team (F.E.A.R.) regresa a la batalla con la ahora libre Alma y sus mortales secuaces en una desolada ciudad. Desarrollado por TimeGate Studios. Fecha de lanzamiento prevista: Octubre de 2006; plataforma: PC

Timeshift

Timeshift es un FPS futurista que trata sobre el control del tiempo. Gracias a la utilización de Quantum Suit, los jugadores tendrán la oportunidad de reducir, detener y dar la vuelta al flujo de tiempo durante breves periodos de tiempo, con la finalidad de resolver los problemas y vencer a los enemigos, manteniéndose completamente inafectados. Desarrollado por Sabre Interactive. Fecha de lanzamiento prevista: Septiembre de 2006; plataforma: Xbox 360, PC

Caesar IV

Caesar IV avance, redefine y actualiza los juegos de construcción de ciudades pioneros de las franquicias de Caesar, al mismo tiempo que sigue siendo fiel al orgulloso legado dejado por su predecesor. En Caesar IV, los jugadores toman el papel de un aspirante a gobernante provincial. Desarrollado por Tilted Mill. Fecha de lanzamiento prevista: Septiembre de 2006; plataforma: PC

50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition

El juego de acción urbano arenoso protagonizado por el multi-platinum que registra al artista 50 Cent es ahora portátil. 50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition es la fusión definitiva de música, juegos y entretenimiento de video, y ofrece más que caja de música de 50 Cent, un documental en exclusiva de G Unit, 15 vídeos musicales y un nuevo paquete de acción de juegos. Desarrollado por High Voltage Software. Fecha de lanzamiento prevista: Agosto de 2006; plataforma: PSP(TM) sistema PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable).

Miami Vice The Game

Inspirado en la película de Universal Pictures que se lanzará el próximo verano, Miami Vice The Game sitúa al jugador en los puestos al descubierto de los oficiales de narcóticos Sonny Crockett y Ricardo Tubbs en el decadente mundo actual de Miami. Desarrollado por Rebellion Studios. Fecha de lanzamiento prevista: Julio de 2006; plataforma: sistema PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable)

Sierra Online

FreeStyle Street Basketball

Freestyle es un juego de baloncesto de rápido desarrollo en el que los jugadores se citan en canchas virtuales para retarse entre ellos en un entorno de juego dinámico, disponiendo de música de última generación, moda y movimientos de baloncesto que desafían a la gravedad. Desarrollado por JC Entertainment Corp. La fecha de lanzamiento no se conoce aún.

Vivendi Games Mobile

Vivendi Games Mobile se basa en la actual base de juegos populares de la compañía vendida a través de 70 operadores de redes móviles en 40 países. Se incluyen las exitosas franquicias Crash Bandicoot(R), que han generado más de 1,5 millones de descargas hasta la fecha.

Entre los juegos de plataformas móviles que se incluirán en la muestra están:

After Dark(R): Flying Toaster(TM): Fecha de lanzamiento prevista: Segundo

trimestre de 2006

Navy Challenge(TM): Fecha de lanzamiento prevista: Segundo trimestre de

2006

Black Hawk Down(R): Team Sabre: Fecha de lanzamiento prevista: Tercer

trimestre de 2006

Red Baron(R): Fecha de lanzamiento prevista: Tercer trimestre de 2006

Acerca de Vivendi Games

Vivendi Games (www.vivendigames.com) es un desarrollador, editor y distribuidor de entretenimiento interactivo para múltiples plataformas. La compañía es líder en la categoría de juegos online para múltiples jugadores por suscripción (MMORPG, por sus siglas en inglés), y cuenta con posiciones de liderazgo en los mercados de los PC, consolas, instrumentos de mano y juegos móviles, y es una compañía emergente en los juegos online de última generación. Los dos principales estudios de Vivendi Games son Blizzard Entertainment, con sede en Irvine, CA, y creadores de títulos como World of Warcraft(TM), Diablo(R), StarCraft(R) y Warcraft(R); y Sierra Entertainment, con sede en Los Angeles, incluyendo Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios y Massive Entertainment. Sierra es el dueño de títulos como Crash Bandicoot(R), Spyro The Dragon(R), Empire Earth(R), SWAT(R), Darkwatch(R), Timeshift(TM), Ground Control(R) y Leisure Suit Larry(TM). Vivendi Games es también la sede de Vivendi Games Mobile, y edita juegos para el mercado emergente móvil, y Sierra Online, dedicada a la edición de juegos de moda para la reproducción online y su distribución en todas las plataformas. Vivendi Games mantiene sus relaciones estratégicas con los principales socios de contenido de la industria, incluyendo Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox y Ludlum Entertainment. La compañía cuenta con 16 oficinas en todo el mundo, y desarrolla sus negocios en 75 países.

Virgin Megastore Hollywood Celebra la Próxima Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2006 con su Primer Campeonato de Fútbol en Videojuego de EA Sports

**PRÓXIMO EVENTO**

QUIÉN: En celebración del evento deportivo más grande del mundo, Virgin Megastore presenta su primer Campeonato de Fútbol con el lanzamiento de su Videojuego de EA Sports de la Copa Mundial FIFA 2006 (FIFA World Cup(TM)), recientemente lanzado como el único juego oficial de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA. La prensa tendrá la oportunidad de ver preliminarmente el juego y de formular preguntas a los portavoces de EA sobre el juego. 40 aficionados al juego pueden participar en el campeonato para ganar el premio mayor de un Xbox 360. También habrá una presentación especial en vivo durante el campeonato por parte de Clorofila of Nortec Collective que se presenta en el soundtrack de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2006.

Cuándo: Martes, 9 de mayo de 2006 desde las 7:00 p.m.

Las inscripciones para los participantes comienzan a las 6pm,

según el orden de llegada.

Registro para la prensa: 6:30 p.m.

El Campeonato comienza a las 7 p.m.

Clorofila se presenta a las 7 p.m.

Dónde: Virgin Megastore/Hollywood y Highland

6801 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 105

Los Angeles, California 90028

Para obtener mayor información acerca del juego de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2006 visite: http://www.easports2006fifaworldcup.com/ o descargue screenshots y renders en http://info.ea.com/ .

ACERCA DE VIRGIN ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Virgin Entertainment Group es el minorista líder mundial de entretenimiento y música de múltiples canales, dedicado a ofrecer a sus clientes una gama de experiencias de entretenimiento de nivel superior a través de una familia de empresas integradas de la marca Virgen. Las tiendas líderes en su categoría "category killer", Virgin Megastores y Virgin Megastore Online en http://www.virginmega.com/ son partes integrales de una estrategia para ofrecer a los clientes de entretenimiento precisamente lo que desean, cómo lo desean y cuando lo desean. Para mayor información o para consultar la localización de la tienda Virgin más cercana, visite, http://www.virginmegamagazine.com/ .

ACERCA DE ELECTRONIC ARTS

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), con sede en Redwood City, California, es la empresa de software de entretenimiento interactivo líder mundial. La empresa, fundada en 1982, se dedica al desarrollo, publicación y distribución mundial de software interactivo para sistemas de videojuegos, computadoras personales e Internet. Electronic Arts comercializa sus productos bajo las marcas comerciales: EA SPORTS(TM), EA(TM), EA SPORTS BIG(TM) y POGO(TM). En el año fiscal de 2005, EA publicó ingresos de US$3.1 mil millones y tuvo 31 títulos que vendieron más de un millón de copias. La página principal de AE y el sitio del juego en línea es, http://www.ea.com/. Mayor información acerca de los productos de EA y el texto completo de los comunicados de prensa se puede encontrar en Internet en, http://info.ea.com/ .

Source: Virgin Entertainment GroupPoultry-Food Giants Market Against Avian Flu Panic

$50 Billion Industry Launching Safety-Focused Educational Campaigns-- Hoping to stave off a full-blown panic pandemic over the prospect of avian flu on U.S. shores, a host of major marketers are launching stay-calm campaigns.

Restaurant chains including McDonalds, KFC, Subway, Popeyes and El Pollo Loco are fielding aggressive campaigns to calm the public. ALSO: Comment on this article in the 'Your Opinion' box below.

Although an avian-flu epidemic among birds -- let alone humans -- is a long way from hitting America, marketers are moving to ward off a wave of fear that could have disastrous consequences for the $50 billion retail poultry industry. With producers Tyson Foods and Pilgrim's Pride already suffering slower sales, the race is on to educate the public as ABC-TV prepares to air this week a disaster drama about avian flu and the U.S. government unleashes public service announcements about the flu.

Producers and fast feeders McDonald's, El Pollo Loco, Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, Subway and KFC, previously wary of taking on the issue directly, are now waging a massive marketing-communications program singly and through trade associations to reassure consumers that eating chicken is safe.

"It's really an educational message trying to cut through the sensational messages like the TV movie coming out," said David Cyphers, president of the Cyphers Agency -- an Annapolis shop that has been retained by the National Chicken Council, which represents 95% of the country's chicken producers -- to handle its communication blitz. "Even the government trying to do things with preparations ... does tend to scare people."

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns (top) will appear in TV spots warning the public about 'a lot of misinformation' about bird flu. Below is a scene from the upcoming ABC movie 'Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America.'

In a radio ad produced in-house from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a wife assures her husband about his dinner. "It's highly unlikely affected birds would reach the food supply," she says. "A few simple steps ensures it's safe, even from the bird-flu virus." Straight-talking TV spots feature Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. "A lot of misinformation is circulating about avian flu," he says in one. "We have safeguards to protect our poultry [and] you have the power to protect yourself by properly preparing and cooking it."

Richard Lobb, director-communications for the Chicken Council, attempted to persuade ABC to change the word "bird" to "pandemic" in the title of it movie airing May 9, "Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America," about a human pandemic started by an American who brings the virus home after visiting an open market in Asia. The lobbying failed, but he did persuade the networks to run a disclaimer before the film.

The Council has posted on its Web site an informational video created by Marsteller featuring healthy birds and messages that avian flu can't be contracted from eating fully cooked chickens.

Cyphers has also developed for NCC members and other trade groups a full spectrum of materials including brochures, fliers, posters for processing employees, restaurant workers and grocery stores, along with table tents for retailers and food service. So far, there are no plans for broadcast media. "Right now, it's more about arming the industry and letting them disseminate it," said Mr. Cyphers.

KFC has distributed safety stickers for all of its outlets to use on product buckets.

Yum Brands' KFC, an early mover since last fall among domestic marketers in setting contingency plans for the flu, is distributing to its outlets stickers bearing the image of Colonel Sanders for use on its ubiquitous red-and-white buckets reading "Thoroughly cooked, rigorously inspected, quality assured."

Popeyes for about two months has used a similar quality icon on its Web site and in-store materials with the words "quality partners, quality process, quality product" encircling "360 Degrees." It set contingency plans based on trigger points set by the NCC and the National Restaurant Association and is watching responses from consumers and competitors, media cover age and blogs, said Alicia Thompson, VP-communications and PR.

El Pollo Loco also has a comprehensive contingency plan with its own quality icon and Web page, said Mark Hardison, director-marketing for the 340-plus unit chain. Each restaurant has a door cling with the icon on every door and at the drive-thru. Bilingual brochures at the front counter promote the message of safeguards from farm to table. "We hope at this point we never have to address avian flu directly," he said. "It depends on how the media picks up on the movie [this] week and whether it sensationalizes how much of a threat avian flu is." So far the chain has spent about $80,000 in materials.

Popeyes has created a quality icon that it is now using for its Web site and in-store materials.

Currently, the nation's biggest burger and sandwich chains from McDonald's to Subway have plans in place but have been mum on specifics.

Chicken producers have already been feeling the effects of bird flu overseas on their financials amid shrinking demand and exportation bans. Last week, Tyson reported its biggest quarterly loss in at least a decade on flu fears and has been conducting ongoing quantitative research to gauge consumer perceptions on a variety of topics, including avian flu. "To date, the results show very little change in consumer confidence in American chicken products, and no change in purchase behavior," said a spokesman. "If this begins to change, we're prepared to communicate directly to consumers about the safety of our products." It's also running a video Q&A on its Web site about bird flu with one of its executives.

Pilgrim's Pride plans to cut chicken production by 3% on excess inventory. It reported last week that its U.S. operations saw market pricing in the second quarter fall 30% from a year ago and domestic chicken sales volume drop 4% on lower demand.

Research firm Iconoculture hosted an avian-flu-preparedness Webcast last month that drew 130 marketers, from corporations to ad agencies, insurance companies and travel and leisure firms. "Our industry is a reactionary industry. We throw all our resources against the problem after it's a problem," said Larry Wu, VP-consumer strategist-food and beverage at the firm. His advice to marketers: "Start building trust with your consumers now."

Theosophical Society in America Calls on World Religious Leaders to Work Together for Global Unity

Society's Mid-Atlantic Conference to serve as starting point for peace WASHINjust two weeks, the Theosophical Society in America (http://www.theosophical.org) will gather leading representatives of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Judaic and Native American traditions for a Mid-Atlantic Conference. The mission of conference participants is to work together toward creating a positive vision for a future in which the global community is more interdependent than ever before. The conference, set to start 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 19, 2006 at the Kay Spiritual Life Center in D.C., is titled "Globalization and Spirituality: Creating a Language of Possibility." The conference will run through Sunday, May 21. For full conference details, visit http://www.theosophical.org/mid-atlantic. "In an age of global unrest," said Betty Bland, president of the Theosophical Society in America, "it is imperative that we remember to champion the well-being of all people. The faith community has a responsibility to take a lead role in moving the world toward peace and healing." Panelists at the Conference on Globalization and Spirituality, including Jann Jackson (Buddhism), Ron Miller, Ph.D. (Christianity), Valasini Balakrishnan (Hinduism), D. C. Rao, Ph. D. (Hinduism), Rabbi Ted Falcon, Ph.D. (Judaism), David Dakake (Islam), and Marilyn Youngbird (Native American), will engage in discussions examining "Pluralism and Unity" and "Spiritual Ethics in Light of Globalism." Dr. John Algeo, Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Georgia, will moderate panel discussions, while Richard Smoley, editor of Theosophical Publishing House imprint Quest Books and consulting editor of Parabola magazine, will deliver the keynote address. The Society hopes participants and attendees will come away from the conference with a better understanding about the implications of globalization, in order to create a new covenant together that advocates the physical, mental and emotional health and safety of all the world's citizens. "Exclusionary fundamentalism so often captures the headlines and purports to be the voice of the majority," explained Bland. "Through the Conference on Globalization and Spirituality, we hope to challenge that perception in a non-political manner. We have the opportunity to envision a globalized world in which all faith traditions work in respectful harmony with each other." About the Theosophical Society in America The Theosophical Society is an organization founded in New York City in 1875 to encourage open-minded inquiry into world religions, philosophy, science and the arts in order to understand the wisdom of the ages, respect the unity of all life, and help people explore spiritual self-transformation. Headquartered in Wheaton, IL, the Society has branches in seventy countries, with its international headquarters in India. Contact: David H. Bland, Ed.D. Theosophical Society in America 630-665-0130 Ext 354 tsconsultant@theosmail.net http://www.theosophical.org

CLASS I RECALL Congressional and Public Affairs

HEALTH RISK: HIGH Amanda Eamich (202) 720-9113

FSIS-RC-015-2006 OKLAHOMA FIRM RECALLS GROUND MEAT PRODUCTS FOR POSSIBLE E. COLI O157:H7

Fadler, Southwest Food Distributors, LLC, a Tulsa, Okla., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 156,235 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E.

coli O157:H7.

All of the products subject to recall bear the establishment number

“EST. 13146” inside the USDA seal of inspection. (View Labels; PDF only)

The following products subject to recall were produced on various

dates between February 6, and March 29, 2006. Each case bears a case

code number within the range of “0206061” through “0329064.” The

product labels bear a freeze-by date of “02/10/06,” “02/14/06,”

“02/18/06,” “02/22/06,” “02/26/06,” “03/02/06,” “03/06/06,” “03/10/06,”

“03/14/06,” “03/18/06,” “03/22/06,” “03/26/06,” or “03/30/06.” These

include:

•

10- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS,

WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler, GROUND BEEF 85/15

BULK, FINE GRIND, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS,

WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler, GROUND BEEF 70/30,

3/16 MEDIUM GRIND, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS,

WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler, GROUND BEEF BULK,

90/10 FINE, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

5- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS,

WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler, FRESH GROUND BEEF

BULK PACK, 80/20 FINE GRIND, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

60- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS,

WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler, FRESH GROUND BEEF

BULK PACK, 80/20 FINE GRIND, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS,

WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler, GROUND BEEF 75/25

BULK, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

- More

PREPARING GROUND BEEF

FOR SAFE CONSUMPTION

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline

1-888-MPHOTLINE or visit

www.fsis.usda.gov

Although the product(s) being recalled

should be returned to the point of

purchase, consumers preparing other

ground beef products should heed the

following advice.

Consumers should only eat ground

beef patties that have been cooked to

a safe temperature of 160 ºF. When a

ground beef patty is cooked to

160 ºF throughout, it can be safe and

juicy, regardless of color.

The only way to be sure a ground beef

patty is cooked to a high enough

temperature to kill harmful bacteria is

to use an accurate food thermometer.

Color is not a reliable indicator that

ground beef patties have been cooked

to a temperature high enough to kill

harmful bacteria such as E. coli

O157:H7.

Eating a pink or red ground beef patty

without first verifying that the safe

temperature of 160 ºF has been

reached is a significant risk factor for

foodborne illness.

Thermometer use to ensure proper

cooking temperature is especially

important for those who cook or serve

ground beef patties to people most at

risk for foodborne illness because E.

coli O157:H7 can lead to serious

illness or even death. Those most at

risk include young children, seniors,

and those with compromised immune

systems.

10- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS, WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler,

GROUND BEEF PATTIES 80/20, 3W 30 WIDE, 5.33oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS, WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler,

GROUND BEEF PATTIES 80/20, 2/1 ROUND, 20 CNT. 4.75”, 8oz PORTIONS, KEEP

REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS, WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler,

GROUND BEEF PATTIES, 80/20, 4/1W, 40 WIDE, 4oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

5- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS, WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler,

GROUND BEEF PATTIE MIX, 8/1, 40-2oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS, WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler,

GROUND BEEF PATTIES 80/20, 5/1, 50 COUNT, 3.2oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS, WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler,

BEEF PATTIE MIX, 2R MIX, 20 COUNT, 8oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS, WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler,

BEEF MIX PATTIES, 3 MIX, 30 COUNT, 5.3oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS, WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler,

GROUND BEEF MIX PATTIES, 4W MIX, 40 COUNT, 4oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “OKLAHOMA BEEF & PROVISIONS, WHERE QUALITY COUNTS, Fadler,

BEEF MIX PATTIES, 4/1 MIX, 40 COUNT, 4oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

The recall is due to the establishment’s presumptive positive E. coli O157:H7 test result.

The next group of products subject to this recall was produced on various dates between March 30 and

May 3, 2006. Each case bears a case code number within the range of “033061” through “0503064.” The

product labels bear a freeze by date of “04/03/06,” “04/07/06,” “04/11/06,” “04/15/06,” “04/19/06,” “04/23/06,”

“04/27/06,” “04/31/06,” or “05/04/06.” These include:

•

10- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

GROUND BEEF 85/15 BULK, FINE GRIND, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

GROUND BEEF 70/30, 3/16 MEDIUM GRIND, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

GROUND BEEF BULK, 90/10 FINE, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

5- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

FRESH GROUND BEEF BULK PACK, 80/20 FINE GRIND, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

60- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

FRESH GROUND BEEF BULK PACK, 80/20 FINE GRIND, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

GROUND BEEF 75/25 BULK, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

GROUND BEEF PATTIES 80/20, 3W 30 WIDE, 5.33oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

GROUND BEEF PATTIES 80/20, 2/1 ROUND, 20 CNT. 4.75”, 8oz PORTIONS, KEEP

REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

GROUND BEEF PATTIES, 80/20, 4/1W, 40 WIDE, 4oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

5- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

GROUND BEEF PATTIE MIX, 8/1, 40-2oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

GROUND BEEF PATTIES 80/20, 5/1, 50 COUNT, 3.2oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

BEEF PATTIE MIX, 2R MIX, 20 COUNT, 8oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

BEEF MIX PATTIES, 3 MIX, 30 COUNT, 5.3oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

GROUND BEEF MIX PATTIES, 4W MIX, 40 COUNT, 4oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

•

10- pound cases of “RC, RANCHER’S CUT, RIGHT MEAT RIGHT CHOICE, Taste the Difference,

BEEF MIX PATTIES, 4/1 MIX, 40 COUNT, 4oz PORTIONS, KEEP REFRIGERATED.”

The problem was discovered through establishment product testing. The ground beef products were

distributed to retail establishments, restaurants and institutions in Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The

very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne

illness.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall should contact company director of fresh meat

operations Lynn Smith at (918) 641-5361.

Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-

MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). The hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m.

to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. NADBASE SHOWS NEWSPAPER WEB SITES EXPANDING REACH
OF TOTAL NEWSPAPER AUDIENCE

Web sites growing audience of younger readers by 14 percent

Eight in 10 adults (116 million) are reading the newspaper over the course of a week, and one in three Internet users (55 million) visit a newspaper Web site over the course of a month, according to the spring 2006 Newspaper Audience Database (NADbase) report released today by the Newspaper Association of America.

Unique visitors to newspaper Web sites jumped 21 percent from January 2005 to December 2005, and page views increased by 43 percent over that same period, according to NADbase. The analysis also shows that newspaper Web sites increased the total newspaper audience, particularly among younger readers, attracting 14 percent more 25- to 34-year-olds and 9 percent more 18- to 24-year-olds.

“NADbase is a major component of the industry’s multilevel initiative to answer advertisers’ needs for measurement data that reflects newspapers’ full reach and audience,” said NAA President and CEO John F. Sturm. “Readership is the most comparable measure of the value of newspapers, and it is critical that the newspaper media be able to report information on consumers of all ages and across the full portfolio of print and digital products that we distribute every day. This latest wave of NADbase data shows once again the strong gains that our industry is making in leveraging the power of their Web sites to broaden their appeal to today’s audiences.”

NADbase aggregates print audience data from Media Rating Council-accredited Scarborough Research and newspaper Web site data from Nielsen//NetRatings for the 100-plus newspapers representing most major markets. The spring 2006 NADbase is the second release of detailed audience data since it was launched last fall. The full NADbase report is available at www.naa.org/nadbase. BROAD REACH, UPSCALE AUDIENCE

According to NADbase analysis of the print audience, 78 percent of adults read a newspaper over the course of five weekdays and one Sunday, totaling more than 116 million adults out of the 149 million who live in those markets. In addition, seven out of 10 (69 percent) of 18- to 24-year olds in the top 50 markets are reading a newspaper during the course of a week. The analysis of market data collected by Scarborough Research in the top 50 markets covers the period from August 2004 through September 2005.

The analysis also confirms the strong spending power of newspapers’ audiences. In the top 50 markets, the profile of newspaper readers is upscale, with nearly two thirds (65.7 percent) of consumers with household incomes of $150,000 or more reading the newspaper on an average weekday, and more than seven in 10 (71.7 percent) reading the newspaper on an average Sunday.

POWERFUL WEB PRESENCE
Data from Nielsen//NetRatings shows that unique visitors to newspaper Web sites in 2005 represented on average more than one-third (46 million) of all Internet users over the course of a month. Unique visitors jumped 21 percent from January 2005 to December 2005, and page views increased by 43 percent over that period. In November 2005, newspaper Web sites reached more than one-third (55 million) of all Internet users. Newspapers own 11 of the top 25 national news and information Web sites, and locally, newspapers provide the dominant information site in most of the top 75 markets.

In markets across the nation, newspaper Web sites are providing a strong draw for younger demographics, in many cases expanding a paper’s reach among those audiences by 25 percent or better. (Audience reach is calculated by combining the average weekly audience for print and the net 30-day Web site audience.) The top 10 newspapers that have expanded their total reach through their Web sites, according to the spring 2006 NADbase, include

- Page 4 -

“Ask Karen” is the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day to answer your questions at

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Food_Safety_Education/Ask_Karen/index.asp#Question.

NOTE: Access news releases and other information on FSIS’ Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov

USDA RECALL CLASSIFICATIONS

Class I This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use

of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.

Class II This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health

consequences from the use of the product.

Class III This is a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health

consequences.