Reba McEntire’s Spring Line of Clothes
Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®
To understand the internet you have to be open to change.
Content is King
Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne May 28, 2006
To come here you have to be able to read.
Monte says to ability to read is the most powerful weapon in the world
MBN®
www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news
INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE
Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.
First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX
and NBC and now there is MBN ®
( unofficially the sixth largest supplier
of NEWS by and American company
averaging 100 Pages of news a day. )
MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.
MBN® HAS BEEN INVITED TO COVER THE CHINESE CES THIS JULY but we can’t get things ready in time.
SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY
International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news
More exciting changes coming each day.
Watch for the MBN® Politically incorrect SUV
MONTEBUBBLISM: When you try to do good things for the wrong reason it always turns out bad.
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
Reba McEntire’s Spring Line of Clothes Pictures at bottom of page.
Big Screen Entertainment's ''Forget About It'' Wins at Festival
Imperia Entertainment President and Director James Hergott Appears on XM Radio and Chicago's Fearless Radio to Present ``Never Submit''
Big Screen Entertainment Updates from Cannes Market
Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles to Mark 30th Anniversary of Saga; Celebrities, Props, Entertainment, Contests, Exhibits, Will Make L.A. 'Destination: Star Wars'; Event Extended to Five Days: May 24 to 28, 2007
Lassie Comes Home to the Silver Screen on September 1; 11th Feature Film for the World's Most Favorite Dog; Roadside Attractions and Samuel Goldwyn Films to Release the Movie Theatrically
Boris Introduces New Version of Continuum Complete for Autodesk® Sparks®
Integrated visual effects run on Autodesk Media & Entertainment systems products architecture
''Laugh Now, Cry Later'' 'Cause You're Getting a Sneak Peek of Ice Cube's Latest Album
Research Shows 74% of Hispanics Tuned into Television and 65% Radio when Asked about their Last 7 Days Media Habits
Sling Media Releases New Version of SlingPlayer Mobile Compatible with Windows Mobile Smartphone Edition Devices
SPORTS & AUTOS
AAA Advises Motorists to Steer Clear of ``Fuel-Saving'' Additives That Promise More Than They Can Deliver
Tecstar Automotive Group to Bring Big Horsepower to Legendary Hot Rod Power Tour; Detroit Muscle to Dominate Cruise up East Coast
Summer Safety Alert from the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute
Uniden America Sponsors Latest Rookie Sensation at the Indianapolis 500; Uniden Champions Thiago Medeiros on Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Cup Champion Bobby Labonte Racing Into Supermarkets; Labonte and His Family Featured on Limited-Edition Cheerios(R) Boxes; Honey Nut Cheerios(R) Packages Feature Labonte and Richard Petty
Wi-Fi TV Inc. and Collectible Concepts Group Inc. Sign Strategic Relationship to Deliver Collectible Sports Videos and Products on Wi-Fi TV Global Platform
NASCAR, NFL, NHL, NBA Licensed Products and Exclusive Sports Videos to Be Offered by Wi-Fi TV Inc.
DOD
Troops Find Gratitude, Entertainment at Indianapolis 500
There will be no backyard barbecues here to celebrate Memorial Day
Bush Attributes Progress in Iraq to American, Coalition Troops
NEWS
VATICAN NEWS
- Visit to John Paul II's Home Town and to Shrine of Kalwaria
OTHER NEWS:
President Bush Discusses Global War on Terror
Joint Statement by President Bush and Prime Minister Blair
Papa John's Forecasts a ''Sizzlin' Summer'' with New Sizzlin' Steak and Chicken Fajita Pizzas; ''100 Days of Sizzlin' Summer'' Promotion Offers Hot Deals at
Radio Address by President Bush to the Nation
Avian Flu Talk: Human Transmission of Bird Flu Virus Confirmed; All Citizens Urged to Immediately Prepare for Pandemic
____________________________________________--
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
Big Screen Entertainment's ''Forget About It'' Wins at Festival
Big Screen Entertainment Group (OTC:BSEG) in association with Hoboken Pictures is very pleased to announce that the motion picture starring Academy Award Nominees Burt Reynolds, Raquel Welch, Charles Durning and Robert Loggia, directed by BJ Davis, won "Film of the Festival" at the New Jersey International Film Festival.
The award ceremony was held Thursday evening at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Accepting the award on behalf of Big Screen Entertainment was BSEG President David Zappone, and the director of the film, BJ Davis, who was also one of the film's producers. Also in attendance were producer Anthony Falco, co-producers Manny Flores, Anthony Dell'Aquilla and Phil Amato.
"We are thrilled that the film was so well received. We're all looking forward to its future release and continued success," stated BSEG president of production Stephen Eckelberry.
About the Company:
Big Screen Entertainment Group (BSEG) is a full-service entertainment company designed to develop, produce, purchase, exhibit and distribute products in all media formats, including motion pictures, television, music and publishing.
BSEG currently has two films completed, two films in post-production and three films in development. Visit our website at http://www.bigscreenent.com for more information on these movies.
Big Screen Entertainment Group
http://www.forgetaboutitthefilm.com
Imperia Entertainment President and Director James Hergott Appears on XM Radio and Chicago's Fearless Radio to Present ``Never Submit''
Imperia Entertainment, Inc. (Pink Sheets:IPRE) announced today that its President, James Hergott will appear today on XM Satellite Radio, the largest satellite radio service with over 6 million subscribers, and Tuesday, May 30, on Chicago's "Fearless Radio," Internet radio. Hergott will be discussing his latest film, "Never Submit," which will begin filming in Canada this summer, with XM Radio's Terry Tuff on Tuff's "House of Sports" program, tonight at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time, and on Fearless Radio at 6:45 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, May 30th. The company also announced that its feature film, "Say it in Russian," now in post production, was well received at the Cannes Film Market, receiving interest from buyers, sales representatives and distributors. The company's current sales representative, Patrick de Bokay, will submit a buyers report to the company at the close of the market. "The idea of showing the trailer to buyers at the market was not to secure a sales contract right away, because we cannot sell a film that has not yet been completed," said Kenneth Eade, Executive Producer. "Our objective was to create an interest in the film, which most buyers reacted to as 'a big movie' after having seen the trailer. This is the beginning of a long term marketing strategy that began in Cannes and will conclude in February at the Berlin Film Market," said Eade. "When asked by one distributor who asked what our strategy was, I told him that it was 'not to give it to anyone for awhile.' This is a much too high quality film to give to just anyone," he added.
About "Never Submit"
"Never Submit" is a movie which portrays the thrill of victory and agony of defeat within the sport. The story is set in a tournament setting similar to the movie "Bloodsport" but rather than exploiting the sport as underground no-holds-barred fighting, it seeks to portray the sport in a realistic and positive light. The movie will be an inspirational tale similar to "Rocky." Unlike "Rocky" the lead character is an educated young man, rather than a beaten-down punch-drunk fighter. Mr. Hergott comments: "MMA is a very intellectual sport. A physical chess match. I want to portray the sport and its fighters as intelligent rather than dumb brawlers, as is often done in other movies." For more information on "Never Submit," please visit http://www.mmamovie.com. The company is financing the film with a combination of product placement advertising and an offering of units of equity in the film combined with company restricted preferred stock.
About Imperia Entertainment, Inc.
Imperia Entertainment, Inc. (http://www.imperiaentertainment.com) is a company which has emerged as a player in the area of independent film production and distribution, once monopolized by the major film studios. In conjunction with its distribution subsidiary, Imperia International Distribution, the company engages in investing in and producing and distributing full-length feature films. Along with its equity interest in the widely anticipated "All That I Need" (http://www.allthatineed.net), released in theaters last December and now on DVD, Imperia's film properties include its feature film "Say it In Russian," (http://www.sayitinrussianmovie.com) starring Faye Dunaway, Steven Brand, Rade Sherbedgia, Agata Gotova, Musetta Vander and Steven Berkoff; "Brothers," by Tarquin Gotch ("Home Alone"); its MMA movie, "Never Submit"; and the award-winning "Autograph" television series (http://www.autograph.tv), which airs on the Colours Television Network. Through its subsidiary, Muller Media, Inc. (Pink Sheets:MLMD), the company also produces "Whiskers," by Jordan Klein ("Flipper," "Splash," "Cocoon").
Imperia Entertainment, Inc.
Big Screen Entertainment Updates from Cannes Market
Big Screen Entertainment Group (OTC:BSEG) is pleased to report that initial distribution efforts of its motion picture, "The Mirror" at this year's Cannes International Film Market are underway and going well. Film buyers in all categories including theatrical exhibition, video and DVD outlets, cable and free TV, and video on demand from all major foreign territories responded positively to the Kelly LeBrock starring murder mystery.
"Midway through the market the numbers coming in are right on track with the company's goal to recoup its investment on international sales alone," stated Michael Manasseri, BSEG's Senior VP who attended the first week of the market in Cannes, France with Phil Amato, one of the film's executive producers.
The Mirror is currently in post-production at Big Screen's facilities at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, California. The film is scheduled for its North American domestic release this fall.
The new trailer that has been playing at the Cannes Market can be viewed at: http://www.themirrorfilm.com/trailer_test.html.
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
Big Screen Entertainment Group (BSEG) is a full service entertainment company designed to develop, produce, purchase, exhibit and distribute products in all media formats, including motion pictures, television, music and publishing.
Big Screen Entertainment Group
Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles to Mark 30th Anniversary of Saga; Celebrities, Props, Entertainment, Contests, Exhibits, Will Make L.A. 'Destination: Star Wars'; Event Extended to Five Days: May 24 to 28, 2007
To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars, Lucasfilm Ltd. and Gen Con LLC will throw the largest party ever for fans of the saga, taking over the entire Los Angeles Convention Center in May 2007 for five days filled with live entertainment, celebrities from all six movies, special film and video presentations, an exhibit of movie props and costumes, exclusive merchandise sold at a 24-hour-a-day store, pop culture tributes, immersive events, costume contests, and scores of additional activities.
Star Wars Celebration IV will fill the L.A. Convention Center from Thursday, May 24 to Monday, May 28, 2007. Admission to the first day of the event will be for worldwide members of the Official Star Wars Fan Club, many of whom will help plan and run special programming themselves. The convention will be open to the general public from Friday through Monday, Memorial Day.
"Generations of fans have loved Star Wars, many passing along the 'Star Wars gene' to their children," said Steve Sansweet, Director of Content Management and head of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm. "This is the first chance to celebrate all six movies in the saga -- George Lucas' complete story -- as well as the vibrant future of Star Wars. If you've ever been to one of our Celebrations -- or if you haven't been before -- this is the one not to miss."
Celebration III, a four-day event held in Indianapolis in April 2005, attracted more than 34,000 fans from all over the world. "We started getting questions about a possible Celebration IV even while the last convention was running," Sansweet noted. "So we're determined to far outstrip anything we've done before, both in size and scope, as well as introduce many first-time activities and lots of exclusives."
Lucasfilm is also working on other Star Wars-related events in the Los Angeles area just prior to Celebration IV, "so we're expecting Southern California to become 'Destination: Star Wars' from the weekend before through Memorial Day weekend," Sansweet said.
The convention announcement was made jointly by Lucasfilm Ltd. and Gen Con LLC. Gen Con will once again manage the convention on behalf of Lucasfilm and the Official Star Wars Fan Club. The Celebration IV announcement is being made a year in advance to give fans worldwide a chance to plan for a week-long "Destination: Star Wars" blow-out in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is the ideal site for a 30th Anniversary convention, Sansweet said, since there are many Star Wars roots in the area. It was also the location of the first official Star Wars fan gathering, the 10th Anniversary Convention. Star Wars opened on May 25, 1977, on just 32 theater screens in North America, including Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard.
One of the highlights for fans at a Star Wars convention is the chance to buy unique merchandise, including an exclusive, limited-edition action figure. Because this has led to bottlenecks and long lines in the past, the Celebration IV store will be bigger than ever, self-service, well-stocked with merchandise, have plenty of check-out lanes ... and be open 24 hours a day from the opening of the show on Thursday until the close on Monday!
"Gen Con is thrilled to be working again with Lucasfilm on this very special event," said Peter Adkison, owner of Gen Con LLC, producer of Gen Con Indy(R) and other Gen Con events. "Together I know that we will produce a convention that will not only meet, but exceed, fans' expectations. With Lucasfilm 100% behind this show, it's going to be the biggest party in the history of the franchise. We are particularly focused on dramatically improving the selection and service in the Celebration store."
Specific details about programming, guests, activities, entertainment and exclusive merchandise at Celebration IV will be released as they are confirmed closer to the convention. The main place to check for updates is http://starwars.com, the official site. Online ordering for tickets to the event and for discounted hotel rooms is scheduled to begin late summer/early fall. There will also be information on getting around Los Angeles, traveling to and from the Convention Center, and on shuttle buses available for convention-goers who are staying in the city.
Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion picture and television productions, the company's global businesses include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound; LucasArts Entertainment; Lucas Licensing; Lucasfilm Animation; and Lucas Online. Lucasfilm's feature films have won 19 Oscars and its television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards.
Gen Con LLC, Gen Con Indy(R), and Gen Con So Cal(TM) are wholly owned by Peter Adkison, founder of Wizards of the Coast. Now in its 39th year, Gen Con Indy has become the largest annual consumer games convention in North America. Each year, game enthusiasts converge to share a common enthusiasm and a long weekend of interactive game play, to participate in game-related events and meet celebrity guests. With more than 80,000 attendees each year and more new product introductions than any other consumer game convention in the U.S., Gen Con Indy is an annual destination for fans of fantasy, science fiction, anime, and all categories of tabletop and electronic games.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lassie Comes Home to the Silver Screen on September 1; 11th Feature Film for the World's Most Favorite Dog; Roadside Attractions and Samuel Goldwyn Films to Release the Movie Theatrically
The Weinstein Company and Genius Products Bring Lassie Home From the Tribeca Film Festival
Lassie comes home to the big (and little) screen! Roadside Attractions and Samuel Goldwyn Films will release the new critically acclaimed feature film, "LASSIE" in theaters on September 1. The Weinstein Company and Genius Products, Inc. (OTCBB:GNPI) acquired the rights at this year's Tribeca Film Festival to distribute "Lassie" on DVD and television. The joint announcement was made by Classic Media's CEO, Eric Ellenbogen, Howard Cohen, Co-President, Roadside Attractions and Meyer Gottlieb, President, Samuel Goldwyn Films along with The Weinstein Company Co-chairman, Harvey Weinstein, and Genius Products President and CEO, Trevor Drinkwater.
Written and directed by BAFTA Award-winner, Charles Sturridge (Fairytale, Longitude, Shackelton), "LASSIE" has been heralded as "a new classic" by the BBC. Legendary actor Peter O'Toole, a seven-time Academy Award nominee, and recipient of the 2003 Honorary Oscar, stars as the Duke of Rudling. Academy Award nominee Samantha Morton (Sweet and Lowdown, Minority Report) stars as Sarah Carraclough and independent film favorite Peter Dinklage (Elf, The Station Agent) stars as Rowlie. Additional cast members include, Steve Pemberton, John Lynch, Jemma Redgrave and Jonathon Mason as Lassie's young owner, Joe Carraclough.
"This is a beautiful and moving new version of the classic tale that emphasizes virtues like loyalty, honesty and respect for animals," said Roadside Attractions' Howard Cohen. "It's the kind of film that parents and children can be excited about seeing together."
Drinkwater stated, "I have always been a big fan of Classic Media, whose rich portfolio of timeless brands continues to entertain children and families from generation to generation. We are proud to be distributing this classic rendition of Lassie, one of Classic Media's most revered properties."
Glen Basner stated, "We are so excited to have bought another gem at the Tribeca Film Festival and to be in business with Classic Media."
Eric Ellenbogen, added, "Lassie is one of entertainment's most enduring and successful properties. Classic Media is thrilled to have such outstanding partners to distribute her eleventh feature film."
Based on Eric Knight's best-selling book, "Lassie Come-Home," the film is set on the eve of WWII in a Yorkshire mining town. The Carraclough family is forced to sell Lassie to the Duke of Rudling when the family falls on hard times. When Lassie finds herself transported five hundred miles away to live in the Duke's remote castle in northern Scotland, she is determined to defy the odds and return to her home and the boy she loves. So begins an incredible adventure, set against a stunning series of British landscapes that sees Lassie facing dangers natural and human and finding help in unexpected places as she makes her way across the country, to reach home in time for Christmas.
Cohen negotiated the theatrical deal on behalf of Roadside and Goldwyn. Drinkwater negotiated the deal on behalf of Genius, and Glen Basner, president, international for The Weinstein Company, and Genna Terranova, acquisitions executive, negotiated the deal on behalf of TWC.
ABOUT LASSIE
Lassie is one of entertainment's most successful franchises with eleven feature films and more than 691 half-hour TV episodes to her credit. The original Lassie movie was followed by a series of sequels with Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney, Roddy McDowell and Jimmy Stewart. Lassie's two-time Emmy Award-winning TV series is one of the longest running programmes in television history and has been seen in more than 50 countries around the world. This June, "The World's Most Famous Dog" embarks on a five month national tour to promote her latest feature film and new pet food line, Lassie Natural Way.
ABOUT GENIUS PRODUCTS, INC.
Genius Products, Inc. (OTCBB:GNPI) produces and distributes an ever-expanding library of home entertainment products, including DVDs and CDs. Sold in retail outlets nationwide under such well-known brands as Wellspring, Sundance Channel Home Entertainment(TM), NBC News, and Baby Genius(R), the company's products are distributed through the Genius Products Branded Distribution Network, an extensive distribution network that extends throughout the U.S. to mass, drugstore, supermarket and specialty retailers. Genius Products recently released on home video The Weinstein Company smash hits HOODWINKED, the animated family comedy which ranked #1 in consumer sales in its debut week; DERAILED, starring Jennifer Aniston and Clive Owen, which ranked #1 in rentals in its debut week; WOLF CREEK, an Australian horror film; and the Oscar nominated film, MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS, starring Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins.
Genius Products boasts a premiere management team comprised of seasoned executives, formerly with major Hollywood studios, who have steered the company into the forefront of the industry through their landmark distribution deal with The Weinstein Company.
Upcoming films planned for release by Genius Products include films by The Weinstein Company such as THE MATADOR, starring Pierce Brosnan; DOOGAL, a comical animated adventure with the voices of Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, Whoopi Goldberg and William H. Macy; TRANSAMERICA, starring Felicity Huffman; David Zucker's hilarious new sequel, SCARY MOVIE 4; THE LIBERTINE, starring Johnny Depp; and LUCKY NUMBER SLEVEN, a Weinstein Company presentation released theatrically by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) starring Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis and Lucy Liu. Potential new releases include a sequel to SIN CITY, SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS, CLERKS II and the highly anticipated film, BOBBY.
ABOUT ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
Roadside Attractions is an independent film distribution company committed to championing films that entertain, delight, and enlighten audiences of all kinds. The company works with filmmakers to devise innovative marketing strategies that encourage audiences to see films that are not typical studio fare. Previous theatrical releases include the hilarious comedy film SARAH SILVERMAN: JESUS IS MAGIC, the Oscar nominated SUPER SIZE ME, Richard E. Grant's WAH-WAH and upcoming releases include the controversial THE ROAD TO GUANTANAMO and Bobcat Goldthwait's STAY with Samuel Goldwyn Films.
ABOUT SAMUEL GOLDWYN FILMS
Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major, independently owned and operated motion-picture company. The company develops, produces, and distributes innovative feature films and documentaries, working with world renowned and emerging writers and filmmakers. Goldwyn is consistently committed to filmed entertainment offering original voices in uniquely told stories.
Upcoming theatrical releases include the Sundance favorite STAY, directed by Bob Goldthwait. Recent releases include the Academy Award nominated THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, Eytan Fox's WALK ON WATER, which has become the highest grossing Israeli film in the United States, as well as the Oscar nominated SUPER SIZE ME, directed by Morgan Spurlock with Roadside Attractions.
The company earned 11 Academy Award nominations for MASTER AND COMMANDER, 5 Independent Spirit Awards for RAISING VICTOR VARGAS and numerous other festival prizes.
ABOUT CLASSIC MEDIA
Classic Media manages some of the world's most recognizable family properties across all media including feature films, television, home video and consumer products. The company's extensive library features a diverse collection of popular animated and live-action characters such as: Lassie, Casper the Friendly Ghost, The Lone Ranger, Underdog and Rocky & Bullwinkle.
Classic Media is currently in production on a live-action/CGI Underdog feature film with Spyglass Entertainment and Disney, an animated Sherman & Peabody project with Sproketdyne Entertainment and a live-action The Lone Ranger movie with Columbia Pictures and Academy Award-winning producers Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher (Gladiator, Stuart Little) through their Sony-based Red Wagon Productions.
Boris Introduces New Version of Continuum Complete for Autodesk® Sparks®
Integrated visual effects run on Autodesk Media & Entertainment systems products architecture
Boris FX, the leading developer of integrated effects technology for video and film production, today announced version 1.3 of Boris Continuum Complete (BCC) pursuant to the Autodesk Sparks program. This comprehensive suite of native filters extends the capabilities of Autodesk Burn®, Autodesk’s Discreet® Inferno®, Discreet® Flame®, Discreet® Flint®, Discreet® Fire®, and Discreet® Smoke® products. This Linux-based solution is based on the Autodesk Sparks Program Application Programming Interface (API) for developing custom plug-ins.
“Boris Continuum Complete for Autodesk Media & Entertainment systems products was designed to ease effect creation in high-end compositing situations, giving the artist the ability to generate masks and perform motion tracking directly within the product’s interface,” comments Peter McAuley, senior product manager, Boris FX. “Included is a preset manager, which not only comes with hundreds of preset effects, but also gives the artist the ability to load and save all of the parameter settings for use on other projects or systems, including graphics workstations that have been set up with BCC in other host environments such as Autodesk Combustion® software.”
Continuum’s intuitive filters expand the capabilities of Autodesk Media & Entertainment software’s world-renowned visual effects solutions with OpenGL acceleration and powerful integration features. BCC is available in two volumes, which may be purchased separately. Volume I includes more than 70 filters in four categories, Colors and Blurs, Effects, Lights and Wipe Transitions. Among the highlights are sophisticated glows and OpenGL-based generators that simulate real-life lighting such as lens flares, glints and glares. Other cutting-edge filters include DeNoise, DeInterlace, Witness Protection and dozens more.
Volume II will be available in Q2 2006 and will include an additional 80 filters in four categories, Distortion and Perspective, Generators, Keys and Mattes and Time. Highlights include auto-animating procedural generators that create realistic caustics, clouds, smoke, rain, textures, and stars. Temporal effects feature state-of-the-art optical flow technology to smoothly retime clips. Sophisticated image processing filters include raster and vector image displacement maps. Geometric primitive shapes such as a cube, sphere, or cylinder can be manipulated in 3D space.
New Features include:
-Support for Autodesk Burn networked rendering
-Support for 32 and 64 bit architecture
-Better support for OpenGL-based filter effects
-Linux systems support
Each volume features hundreds of presets, online documentation and a minimal learning curve to streamline effects creation. Continuum offers animatable apply modes, integrated motion tracking, and high-quality keying. Most filters include a separate RGB input for fast masking. For more sophisticated masking, the integrated PixelChooser creates channel or region-based masks; combined channel and region-based mattes define precisely which pixels a filter affects.
Pricing and Availability
Volume I of Boris Continuum Complete for Autodesk Media & Entertainment systems products is available now through the Boris FX worldwide reseller channel and direct through Boris FX. Volume II is expected to be available Q2 2006. Each volume is $5000 US SRP. Both volumes may be purchased together for $7500 US SRP. Users who purchase Volume I, may add Volume II for $2500 US SRP when it is available. Trial versions of all Boris solutions can be downloaded at www.borisfx.com.
About Boris FX
Founded in 1995 in Boston MA, Boris FX is the leading developer of integrated graphics and effects technology, delivering 3D compositing and vector graphic products for the broadcast, post production, film and multi-media industries. Since the company's inception, Boris products have grown to serve over 200,000 artists worldwide. A great part of its success lies in the ability to tightly integrate and leverage technologies through strong partnerships with industry-leading manufacturers including Adobe®, Apple®, Autodesk®, Avid®, Canopus®, Discreet®, Eyeon®, in-sync®, Incite®, Leitch®, Matrox®, Media 100®, Quantel®, Sony Pictures Digital®, and Ulead®.
For details, visit www.borisfx.com.
Boris FX, the leading developer of integrated effects technology for video and film production, today announced version 1.3 of Boris Continuum Complete (BCC) pursuant to the Autodesk Sparks program. This comprehensive suite of native filters extends the capabilities of Autodesk Burn®, Autodesk’s Discreet® Inferno®, Discreet® Flame®, Discreet® Flint®, Discreet® Fire®, and Discreet® Smoke® products. This Linux-based solution is based on the Autodesk Sparks Program Application Programming Interface (API) for developing custom plug-ins. “Boris Continuum Complete for Autodesk Media & Entertainment systems products was designed to ease effect creation in high-end compositing situations, giving the artist the ability to generate masks and perform motion tracking directly within the product’s interface,” comments Peter McAuley, senior product manager, Boris FX. “Included is a preset manager, which not only comes with hundreds of preset effects, but also gives the artist the ability to load and save all of the parameter settings for use on other projects or systems, including graphics workstations that have been set up with BCC in other host environments such as Autodesk Combustion® software.” Continuum’s intuitive filters expand the capabilities of Autodesk Media & Entertainment software’s world-renowned visual effects solutions with OpenGL acceleration and powerful integration features.
BCC is available in two volumes, which may be purchased separately. Volume I includes more than 70 filters in four categories, Colors and Blurs, Effects, Lights and Wipe Transitions. Among the highlights are sophisticated glows and OpenGL-based generators that simulate real-life lighting such as lens flares, glints and glares. Other cutting-edge filters include DeNoise, DeInterlace, Witness Protection and dozens more. Volume II will be available in Q2 2006 and will include an additional 80 filters in four categories, Distortion and Perspective, Generators, Keys and Mattes and Time. Highlights include auto-animating procedural generators that create realistic caustics, clouds, smoke, rain, textures, and stars. Temporal effects feature state-of-the-art optical flow technology to smoothly retime clips. Sophisticated image processing filters include raster and vector image displacement maps. Geometric primitive shapes such as a cube, sphere, or cylinder can be manipulated in 3D space. New Features include: -Support for Autodesk Burn networked rendering -Support for 32 and 64 bit architecture -Better support for OpenGL-based filter effects -Linux systems support Each volume features hundreds of presets, online documentation and a minimal learning curve to streamline effects creation. Continuum offers animatable apply modes, integrated motion tracking, and high-quality keying. Most filters include a separate RGB input for fast masking. For more sophisticated masking, the integrated PixelChooser creates channel or region-based masks; combined channel and region-based mattes define precisely which pixels a filter affects. Pricing and Availability Volume I of Boris Continuum Complete for Autodesk Media & Entertainment systems products is available now through the Boris FX worldwide reseller channel and direct through Boris FX. Volume II is expected to be available Q2 2006. Each volume is $5000 US SRP. Both volumes may be purchased together for $7500 US SRP. Users who purchase Volume I, may add Volume II for $2500 US SRP when it is available. Trial versions of all Boris solutions can be downloaded at www.borisfx.com.
''Laugh Now, Cry Later'' 'Cause You're Getting a Sneak Peek of Ice Cube's Latest Album
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (NYSE:CCU)
-- Rapper Offers New Music Exclusively to Clear Channel Radio Listeners Through Sneak Peek -0-
WHAT: Ice Cube's latest album drops Tuesday, June 6 but Clear Channel
Radio's Online Music and Radio Unit is giving fans exclusive
access to "Laugh Now, Cry Later" through its on-demand
streaming program Sneak Peek. Ice Cube's new album features
Snoop Dogg, Lil' Jon, Dub C and Kokane and will be available on
39 Clear Channel Radio station Web sites.
WHEN: Begins streaming on-demand Tuesday, May 30 through Monday,
June 5.
WHERE: Log onto http://www.clearchannelmusic.com for more information.
WHY: Check out the album's 20 tracks before it is available anywhere
else!
Research Shows 74% of Hispanics Tuned into Television and 65% Radio when Asked about their Last 7 Days Media Habits
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c37654) has announced the addition of "Hispanic Markets - Report on the Media Habits of South Florida's Hispanic Market" to their offering.
Latin Review is an ongoing survey. The publication provides information on demographics and consumer behavior across a broad variety of topics such as communication, internet usage, money remittances, financial services, property ownership and credit and media habits, among others. Latin Review 2006 is the latest release of this publication, showing the findings of 420 South Florida Hispanics from Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Demographic analysis for key nationalities (Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Cuba, Central America, and other South American countries) is made across all topics surveyed.
Latin Review 2006 is the second edition of this survey which studies the Hispanic communities in the US and key Latin American markets. It reports on the media habits of South Florida's Hispanic markets. The publication clearly shows hispanic media tuning preferences and covers South Florida's media habits including TV, radio, printed and online news, and magazines. The research shows that 74% of Hispanics tuned into television and another 65% radio when asked about their last 7days media habits. In contrast, less than 40% mentioned to have read news, either online or printed.
Key topics covered:
-- General media habits in the last 7 days: print, radio, TV and cable, magazines
-- Specific media habits in the last 7 days:
-- Printed and online newspapers by publisher
-- Radio stations
-- T.V. and cable channels
-- Free community flyers and newspapers
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c37654
Sling Media Releases New Version of SlingPlayer Mobile Compatible with Windows Mobile Smartphone Edition Devices
Sling Media, Inc.:
-- Public beta launched today giving Slingbox owners the ability to watch and control their home television on many of the hottest Windows Mobile smartphones including Motorola Q, T-Mobile SDA and the i-mate SP5m
Sling Media, Inc., a digital lifestyle products company, today announced a public beta program for its new version of SlingPlayer(TM) Mobile for devices based on the Windows Mobile Smartphone Edition operating system. Now Slingbox(TM) owners can watch and control their home TV from any network-enabled mobile phone or handheld computer (PDA) powered by Windows Mobile. The beta version of SlingPlayer Mobile for Windows Smartphone software is available today as a free download from Sling Media's web site, http://www.slingmedia.com, as part of the public beta program. This new software is compatible with devices that run Microsoft's Windows Mobile Smartphone Edition version 5.0.
"The Slingbox has created a whole new phenomenon in television viewing," said Blake Krikorian, Sling Media CEO & co-founder. "With SlingPlayer Mobile, we continue to make it easier to extend your living room TV experience to wherever you happen to be and ensure that you never miss that pivotal play or big news event and that you always know the score."
Complete TV Experience
SlingPlayer Mobile gives consumers their entire home TV experience, including local channels, local sports teams, video on demand, pay per view, etc. Any program that you can watch on your sofa back home, you can now watch via your Windows Mobile-based device. In addition, SlingPlayer Mobile users can also control their home digital video recorder (DVR) to watch recorded shows, pause, rewind, and fast forward live TV, or even queue new recordings while on the road.
At the completion of the public beta period, SlingPlayer Mobile will be available for $29.99 and includes a free 30-day risk free trial. There are no monthly or recurring charges for the use of the software. Users simply need a network connection to access their home television experience, whether that is 3G cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB.
Compatible with smartphones such as the Motorola Q, T-Mobile SDA and the i-mate SP5m, Slingbox owners have their pick of the most popular and new wireless devices on the market. A full list of compatible devices is available at http://www.slingmedia.com/mobile.
About Slingbox
The Slingbox is a breakthrough consumer electronics product that enables consumers to watch their living room TV programming from wherever they are by turning virtually any Internet-connected Windows-based laptop or desktop and any Windows Mobile-based device into a personal TV. The Slingbox redirects, or "placeshifts," a single live TV stream from a cable box, satellite receiver, or DVR to the viewer's PC-located anywhere in the home or anywhere in the world, via the Internet.
About Sling Media
Sling Media, Inc. is a digital lifestyle products company creating a family of consumer electronics solutions that are a natural extension of today's digital way of life. The first member of the Sling Media family is the award-winning Slingbox(TM), a device that allows consumers to access their living room television experience at any time, from any location, using a variety of different displays including laptops and desktop PCs, PDAs and smartphones. The Slingbox is available from leading retailers nationwide and through Sling Media's own website. For more information on Sling Media or the Slingbox, visit http://www.slingmedia.com.
Sling Media, Inc.
SPORTS & AUTOS
AAA Advises Motorists to Steer Clear of ``Fuel-Saving'' Additives That Promise More Than They Can Deliver
With the retail price of a gallon of gas hovering near the three dollar mark across most of the United States, motorists looking to stretch fuel dollars by boosting their vehicles' fuel efficiency may be left feeling an added pinch in the pocketbook if they decide to experiment with gasoline additives that promise big fuel economy gains, warns AAA.
"Some gasoline additives improve engine drivability by removing deposits from fuel injectors and other engine components, and others effectively deal with moisture in the fuel system," says John Nielsen, Director of AAA's Approved Auto Repair Network. "However, products whose primary claim is a major boost in fuel economy are another matter. Over the years, AAA has evaluated many such formulas, and has yet to discover one that can be proven to provide significant fuel-savings for motorists."
"Fuel-saving" gasoline additives are sold at auto supply stores, on the Internet and through multi-level marketing organizations. Some are liquids, while others come in tablet, capsule or pellet form - all are added to the gas tank during a fill up. Additive marketers often state the fuel saving effects will not become apparent until the product has been used for several tanks of fuel, and all of the companies require ongoing use of their product to maintain the "benefits."
Manufacturers of "fuel-saving" additives also often claim their product has been tested and registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "This is true," says Nielsen, "but the procedures they cite are mandated by the EPA before any fuel additive can legally be sold in the United States. The tests only prove the additive will not harm a vehicle's fuel system or increase the amount of pollution its engine emits; they do not address a product's effect on gas mileage."
Ironically, the EPA does have a test that can measure the effectiveness of any "fuel-saving" additive - the same Federal exhaust emission and fuel economy test used by vehicle manufacturers to certify new vehicles sold in the United States. Any maker of a "fuel-saving" product can hire an approved independent testing laboratory to perform back-to-back EPA tests of the same vehicle, with and without the "fuel-saving" additive, to generate scientifically valid figures that will support their claims. To date, AAA has not found one manufacturer of a "fuel-saving" additive that has done so.
Realistically, says AAA, the most practical and effective way to truly save on fuel is for a driver to modify his or her driving behavior.
"Adjusting one's driving style and routinely maintaining your vehicle are two very effective ways to save fuel," says Nielsen. "If drivers modify their habits and simply drive less aggressively, they will see an immediate improvement in their car's gas mileage." Other tips to improve fuel efficiency are to keep your tires properly inflated, remove any unnecessary baggage/weight from the vehicle, carpool when possible, and use the household's most fuel-efficient vehicle as much as possible.
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its more than 49 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully-tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at: http://www.aaa.com. National and state by state, daily retail fuel prices are available at http://www.fuelgaugereport.com .
AAA news releases can be downloaded from http://www.aaa.com/news
Tecstar Automotive Group to Bring Big Horsepower to Legendary Hot Rod Power Tour; Detroit Muscle to Dominate Cruise up East Coast
A group of custom vehicles from Quantum's Tecstar Automotive Group (Nasdaq:QTWW) will star in the cross country Hot Rod Power Tour from June 3-10, 2006. Seven high profile vehicles ranging from a Chip Foose-designed 2006 Ford Stallion Mustang to a 550HP C6 Corvette and an 1100+ HP Nova will trek up the east coast from Orlando, Fla., to Englishtown, N.J.
"The Hot Rod Power Tour was tailor-made to demonstrate the complete range of capabilities available from Quantum's Tecstar family of companies," said Jeff Beitzel, COO of QTWW. "From concept to production, we provide the solutions that OEMs, governments and commercial organizations need. Whether it's a factory produced natural gas pickup truck, a fuel cell powered army vehicle, a transportable hydrogen refueling station, or specialty and limited edition vehicles, our technology leads the way with products and supportive services that provide solutions that work for our customers."
The group includes Classic Design Concepts, Quantum Power and Performance, Regency, Unique Performance Concepts and Wheel to Wheel Powertrain. Vehicles on the tour will include the Quantum Power and Performance C6 Corvette with a 550 horsepower motor under stylish new bodywork, a Rotrex Supercharged Silverado RST pickup from Regency and a Classic Design Concepts "GLASSBACK(TM)" supercharged six cylinder 2006 Ford Mustang. Wheel to Wheel will drive an Antonov Mustang with a new two-speed transmission Rotrex Supercharger and an 1100+ HP dual Rotrex Supercharged 1972 Chevrolet Nova. Unique Performance will bring a big block '69 Foose Camaro and Foose Stallion Mustang.
"Each of our companies is committed to making the highest quality performance products that provide years of continued reliability and can be seamlessly integrated before or after a customer receives their vehicle," added Tecstar Automotive Group Power Tour Coordinator Jon Moss. "That versatility will be clear when anyone sees our impressive array of Detroit iron. We're hitting the road to show the world that we deliver custom high performance, no matter the marque, scope of the job or challenge to overcome."
Quantum Power and Performance with Rotrex Supercharger Kits, engineered by Wheel to Wheel Powertrain, is the official Supercharger Sponsor of the 2006 Hot Rod Power Tour. The Rotrex packages are renowned for their sophistication, strength and silent operation.
About Classic Design Concepts
Classic Design Concepts (http://www.classicdesignconcepts.com) is one of the industry's top aftermarket parts and vehicle systems manufacturers. Specializing in design, engineering and manufacturing, it offers distribution and manufacturing parts and packages for low to medium volume manufacturers.
About Quantum Power and Performance
Quantum Power and Performance Group (http://www.qpponline.com) is a combination of Classic Design Concepts, Wheel to Wheel Powertrain and other Quantum-Tecstar companies that develops, engineers and maintains a wide variety of high quality aftermarket parts and accessories.
About Regency Conversions
Regency Conversions (http://www.regencyrep.com) is the number one specialty vehicle manufacturer in the U.S., producing approximately 5,000 vehicles annually through 250 affiliated dealerships nationwide.
About Unique Performance Concepts
Unique Performance Concepts (http://www.uniqueperformance.com) builds limited edition signature series high performance vehicles, including programs involving Carroll Shelby and Chip Foose. The vehicles are distributed through select dealers throughout the United States.
About Wheel to Wheel Powertrain
Wheel to Wheel Powertrain (http://www.w2wpowertrain.com) is an industry leader in vehicle, chassis and engine design for all OEM manufacturers. Some of their services include full vehicle builds, testing and validation, product engineering and fabrication and total vehicle design.
About Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide
Quantum and its subsidiary, Tecstar Automotive Group, are leaders in powertrain engineering, system integration, and manufacturing of packaged fuel systems and accessories for specialty vehicles and applications including fuel cells, hybrids, alternative fuels, hydrogen refueling, new body styles, mid-cycle vehicle product enhancements and high performance engines and drive trains for OEMs and consumers of aftermarket parts and accessories. Quantum also designs and manufactures hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.
Quantum has product commercialization alliances with General Motors, AM General, and Sumitomo. Quantum's customer base includes General Motors, Toyota, Opel, Hyundai, Suzuki, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, AeroVironment and the United States Army. More information can be found about Quantum's products and services at http://www.qtww.com.
Summer Safety Alert from the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute
As the nation begins to enjoy the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute would like to reinforce the importance of all-terrain vehicle safety.
Summer marks a time when children have more free time to enjoy many activities, including riding ATVs. Parental supervision is a key element to a child's safety and children under the age of 16 must be supervised at all times when operating an ATV. Parents literally hold the key to their children's safety. Every ATV has an ignition key, and when a parent or guardian controls the key, they control the use.
There are approximately seven million ATVs in use in the United States being operated by more than 15 million Americans. It is important that all riders understand the importance of safe and responsible use of ATVs. Almost 90 percent of youth ATV-related injury incidents occur when a youth is operating an adult-sized ATV, meaning that the engine size is greater than 90 cubic centimeters. Every child under the age of 16 should be supervised and should never be permitted to ride an adult-sized ATV.
Consumer Product Safety Commission data show that over 90 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned against behaviors. The ATV Safety Institute has eight Golden Rules of ATV safety that address these behaviors and apply to all riders: -0-
1. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
2. Never ride on public roads -- another vehicle could hit you.
3. Never rider under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
5. Ride an ATV that's right for your age. The guidelines are:
Age 6 and older Under 70cc
Age 12 and older 70cc to 90cc
Age 16 and older Over 90cc
6. Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
7. Ride only on designated trails, and at a safe speed.
8. Take an ATV RiderCourse; Call Toll-Free at 800.887.2887, or go
To reach out with important safety information to the vast number of current and potential all-terrain vehicle riders, the ATV Safety Institute has posted a web-friendly version of its 'Ride Safe, Ride Smart' video on the http://www.atvsafety.org home page for viewing or free download. A VHS copy is also available for a nominal fee.
This eight-minute video demonstrates the importance of getting a proper start in ATV riding, whether you ride ATVs for recreation or for business. Two families are profiled; both sets of parents lead by example, emphasizing riding an ATV that's right for your age, wearing proper protective gear, supervising young riders, and respecting the environment. They also recommend taking an ATV RiderCourse to get the most from your ATV.
The ATV Safety Institute encourages families to watch this fun, informative video together, so they may prepare for a safe, fun summer. For more information on ATV safety or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse(SM) nearest you, visit http://www.atvsafety.org or call 800.887.2887.
About the ATV Safety Institute
The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute(R), a not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America(R), was formed in 1988 to implement an expanded national program of all-terrain vehicle safety education and awareness. The ATV Safety Institute's primary goal is to promote the safe and responsible use of ATVs, thereby reducing accidents and injuries that may result from improper ATV operation by the rider. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse(SM) nearest you, visit http://www.atvsafety.org and click on "Online Enrollment," or call 800.887.2887.
Uniden America Sponsors Latest Rookie Sensation at the Indianapolis 500; Uniden Champions Thiago Medeiros on Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Uniden America Corporation, a leading manufacturer of wireless consumer electronics, today announced its proud partnership with rookie phenomenon Thiago Medeiros as the driver of the #18 PDM Racing Panoz Honda for this year's Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28.
While this weekend will mark his first Indianapolis 500, Medeiros is already a seasoned driver as the 2004 Indy Racing League Infiniti Pro Series Champion. A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Medeiros made a name for himself by rallying from a crash earlier in the week to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.
"Uniden is thrilled to partner with Medeiros as he races to win the prestigious 2006 Indianapolis 500," said Larry Johannes, senior director of marketing for Uniden America Corporation. "As America's prime sports car racing event, the Indianapolis 500 represents the ultimate partnership opportunity for our company as we look to boost our brand visibility with the growing racing fan base."
Uniden is a well-known brand in the racing community with its sponsorship of #19 Daytona Prototype driven by Memo Gidley in the Rolex Sports Car Series.
About Uniden
Uniden America Corporation, the North American subsidiary of Japan-based Uniden Corporation, manufactures and markets wireless consumer electronic products including cordless telephones, business telecommunications systems, VOIP telephones, Bearcat(R) scanners, FRS/GMRS radios, marine radios, CB radios, and other wireless personal communications products. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Uniden sells its products through dealers and distributors throughout North, Central and South America.
Uniden America Corp.
Cup Champion Bobby Labonte Racing Into Supermarkets; Labonte and His Family Featured on Limited-Edition Cheerios(R) Boxes; Honey Nut Cheerios(R) Packages Feature Labonte and Richard Petty
Bobby Labonte, driver of Petty Enterprises' No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge, will soon be racing into Supermarkets throughout the country on limited-edition boxes of Cheerios(R) and Honey Nut Cheerios(R). Labonte, the 2000 Cup Champion, unveiled the new packages today at an event at Speed Street, the annual racing festival in Charlotte.
Specially marked 15-ounce Cheerios packages welcome Labonte and his family to the Cheerios Racing Family. Specially marked 20-ounce Honey Nut Cheerios packages feature Labonte and "The King" Richard Petty, who drove the No. 43 to 200 wins during his career.
"This is a unique honor, not only for me, but for our whole family. It will be fun to see ourselves on the breakfast table every morning," said Labonte, posting one top-five and three top-ten finishes through the first ten races of the season. "It is also an honor to appear on the package with The King. His racing records are legendary and I'm privileged to drive the famed No. 43 for Petty Enterprises."
Petty, who won seven series' championships during his career, is also excited to appear on the Honey Nut Cheerios package. "To think that my picture will be on the box is a thrill for me and my grandkids will really enjoy it." said Petty. "It's a great way to welcome Bobby to the General Mills and Petty Enterprises family."
The 2006 season marks the tenth year that General Mills' brands including Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Hamburger Helper, Bugles, and Chex Mix, have been part of NASCAR and the seventh season of sponsorship with Petty Enterprises. For more information about Cheerios Racing, visit http://www.cheerios.com/racing.
About General Mills:
General Mills, with annual net sales of $12.5 billion, is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products. Its global brand portfolio includes Betty Crocker; Pillsbury; Green Giant; Old El Paso and more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands, more than 30 of which generate annual retail sales in excess of $100 million. Included in the U.S. portfolio are some of the nation's most popular brands including Cheerios, Wheaties and other Big G cereal brands; Yoplait and Colombo yogurts; Betty Crocker desserts and dinner mixes; Betty Crocker and Nature Valley snacks; Totino's frozen pizza and snacks and Progresso ready-to-serve soups. General Mills is also a leader in the bakeries and foodservice business as a major supplier of baking and other food products to the foodservice and commercial baking industries. For more information, visit our web site at http://www.generalmills.com.
Wi-Fi TV Inc. and Collectible Concepts Group Inc. Sign Strategic Relationship to Deliver Collectible Sports Videos and Products on Wi-Fi TV Global Platform
NASCAR, NFL, NHL, NBA Licensed Products and Exclusive Sports Videos to Be Offered by Wi-Fi TV Inc.
Wi-Fi TV Inc. (PINKSHEETS: WTVN) and Collectible Concepts Group Inc. (OTCBB: CCGI) announced today that they have signed a Strategic Relationship under which Wi-Fi TV Inc. will utilize its global distribution platform www.Wi-FiTV.com to sell collectible Sports products and online videos.
"Collectible Concepts will make all of its Sports collectible products available through Wi-Fi TV and will also offer exclusively on Wi-Fi TV specially created collectible product packages and hundreds of hours of CCGI online collectible Sports videos," stated Paul Lipschutz, President of Collectible Concepts Group Inc.
"We chose the Wi-Fi TV platform for exclusive delivery of our catalog of rare Sports videos because of Wi-Fi TV's ten year history of delivering video content over the Internet, and because of Wi-Fi TV's unique platform which brings TV to the Internet. In addition, every product which is licensed and sold by Collectible Concepts will be part of the launch of Wi-Fi TV's Shopping Cart which is the first ever online cart tied-in with live TV channels," Mr. Lipschutz further stated.
"Wi-Fi TV will be creating a Collectible Concepts TV Channel which will coincide with the Collectible Concepts themed portion of the Wi-Fi TV Shopping Cart. We will be the exclusive home to Collectible Concepts on-demand programming, including rare sports videos," stated Alex Kanakaris, Chairman of Wi-Fi TV Inc.
"Wi-Fi TV and Collectible Concepts will work together to derive as much revenue and generate as much interest as possible in the whole line of Collectible Concepts products and videos. Their collection of NASCAR, NFL, NHL, NBA, L.A. Lakers, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force licensed products and other unique items will be a natural fit for the many categories of topics which make up the Wi-Fi TV platform," stated Mr. Kanakaris.
"We see this as a long-term relationship. As Wi-Fi TV adds live TV channels and as Collectible Concepts adds products, both companies will benefit from the strategic alliance," Mr. Kanakaris concluded.
About Collectible Concepts
Collectible Concepts Group, Inc. develops and markets unique licensed sports and entertainment collectible merchandise for specialty, mass retail and online distribution. Nationally recognized in direct response marketing, replica design, mass-market distribution and E-commerce marketing, Collectible Concepts and its products are renowned both for quality and authenticity. Licenses include over 25 colleges and universities, including: The National Basketball Association (NBA), The National Hockey League (NHL), Arena Football, and others. For more information, visit: www.collectibleconcepts.com or www.otcfn.com/ccgi.
About Wi-Fi TV Inc.
Wi-Fi TV can be seen over the Internet in the United States, Latin America and globally. More than 200 channels of live TV programming, Country and Category specific breaking news and free voice over IP phone calls are available at www.Wi-FiTV.com. Premium services are offered exclusively to Wi-Fi TV members. Subscriptions are available for $3.95 per month or $24.95 per year on a prepaid basis. There is also a 14-day free trial so users can make sure that Wi-FiTV.com works on their computer.
Wi-Fi TV Inc. has opened a new content and technology demo room for the press in Newport Beach, California.
SOURCE: Wi-Fi TV, Inc.
DOD
Troops Find Gratitude, Entertainment at Indianapolis 500
About two dozen soldiers and Marines watched intently as Indy car pit crews changed tires and gassed up their cars during the fourth annual Checkers/Rally's Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge here yesterday. Before the competition began, the servicemembers were warmly welcomed as they walked to their seats on the track. "Before the start of this, ... we walked the track to this area, and the people stood like a wave clapping for the troops as they walked over here to watch the competition," Keith Sirois, president and chief executive officer of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., said. "I think what it gives them is that understanding that the people in this country really do support them and what they are doing." It was all part of the annual "Carb Day" festivities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Sirois' company is an "America Supports You" corporate team member and an "Operation Gratitude" corporate sponsor.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program that highlights grassroots and corporate support of the nation's servicemembers. Indianapolis Motor Speedway joined the organization last year. Operation Gratitude is a California-based grassroots troop-support organization that has sent more than 125,000 packages since its creation in March 2003. "(The Indianapolis 500) is really an icon of American culture," Carolyn Blashek, Operation Gratitude's founder, said. "To have Operation Gratitude be a part of it -- we are all about patriotism and love of country and serving those who serve our country -- it really is a great honor." In addition to hosting the servicemembers, Checkers/Rally's used its track-based food stands to collect support messages on "Thanks to the Troops" post cards. The company expects at least 10,000 cards to be signed this weekend.
They are part of Operation Gratitude's Patriotic Drive to collect personal, convenience and snack items, and personal notes for packages for troops serving overseas. "People think it's really great that we're (collecting messages). They really appreciate the support, and they've been happy to join in," Shelley Kinser, a local models, said about her experience collecting messages for Checkers/Rally's. "We actually have had some people that have said they just got back from Iraq that are sending messages over there saying, 'You'll be home safe too. I just got back,'" she added. Sirois, a former sailor, said he appreciates opportunities like the Patriotic Drive and hosting the soldiers and Marines. "I understand the difference between the military then and the military now," he said, referencing his father's Navy career. "It's a very different military today, and these folks very much deserve everything we can give them." In addition to collecting messages this weekend, the restaurant chain also is collecting items in 750 of its stores across the country. The Patriotic Drive began May 8 and ends June 14.
This will allow enough time for Operation Gratitude to pack and ship the 40,000-50,000 boxes the donations are expected to fill by July 4, Blashek said. While models from local agencies were busy asking Checkers/Rally's customers to write messages to troops, the servicemembers in attendance got a visit from a top supermodel. Linda Evangelista took a break from the Pit Stop Challenge to pose for pictures with the troops. "It keeps the morale high." Lance Cpl. Chris Offringa, of Company A, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, said of Evangelista's visit. "To have a supermodel (pose for pictures), I think for anybody is just fantastic." The servicemembers later attended a concert by popular bands the B-52s and Third Eye Blind at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Allen Warden, of the Army's Armor Center, at Fort Knox, Ky., said the event was a great opportunity for the soldiers and Marines. "Look at these guys; every one of them has a smile on his face. (You) can't beat that," he said.
There will be no backyard barbecues here to celebrate Memorial Day
There won't be reunions with family or cold drinks while pitching horseshoes. A few will stay up late enough to catch live ball games from the United States or a part of the Indianapolis 500, but most servicemembers will just want to sleep. Memorial Day for most Americans at home means the beginning of the summer season and a three-day weekend. But for most Americans here, Memorial Day will be a regular day at war. When troops here have time, what they do will be closer to the ideal of Memorial Day that the veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic envisioned in 1868. Then, the idea was to remember the more than 600,000 Americans killed in the Civil War. In the intervening years, America remembered the dead from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and many other places.
To the combat battalions, brigades and divisions based here, Memorial Day means remembering friends they will never see again. "It is not lost on me the sacrifices the men and women have made over here," said Army Maj. Gen. James D. Thurman, commander of Multinational Division Baghdad. "I know every one of them, and I've missed very few memorial services. It's a part of the family when we lose somebody." The general spoke about calling the wife of a servicemember who had been killed by an improvised explosive device. "I wanted her to know we all felt her loss and ask if there was anything we could do," he said. He said the Army has never been more motivated. In his 31 years of service, he said, he has never seen a more capable force than the one he commands now. The general spoke of a cavalry staff sergeant who lost his right leg above the knee to an IED. He went to the combat support hospital to speak with the soldier and pin a Purple Heart on him. "The soldier said, 'Sir, I don't need a Purple Heart. I did this for my country.' I pinned the medal on him with tears in my eyes," Thurman said. "I got ready to leave, and I asked him if there was anything I could do for him. He told me to keep going after the people who did this,\ and know 'that as soon as I get a new leg I'll be back over here with you.' "That's the quality of soldiers we've got," Thurman said. "And Americans should remember that."
Bush Attributes Progress in Iraq to American, Coalition Troops
The formation of a democratic government in Iraq marks a significant victory for the cause of freedom in the Middle East and a hard-earned victory for American servicemembers who have sacrificed for their nation, President Bush said today. "America is free because of generations of young Americans who have been willing to sacrifice to defend the country they love, so their fellow citizens could live in liberty," Bush said in his weekly radio address to the nation. Bush singled out the sacrifice of one American, Army 1st Lt. Rob Seidel, a 2004 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., who gave his life in Iraq earlier this month. "Rob grew up in Maryland and, as a child, he and his family made frequent visits to the Civil War battlefield at Gettysburg (Pa.)," Bush said. "And, from his earliest days, he dreamed of serving in the U.S. Army." Seidel deployed to Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division and was killed by a bomb in Baghdad. "His father says this about Rob," Bush said. "'He loved his family and believed in God, and he loved his country, and he was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of his country.'" Seidel's sacrifice wasn't in vain, Bush said. "In recent days in Iraq, we've seen what their sacrifices have made possible," adding that it was just a week ago when the new prime minister announced the formation of a national unity government.
Bush said British Prime Minister Tony Blair brought back encouraging news after a visit to Baghdad to meet with Iraq's new leaders. "Prime Minister Blair told me that Iraq's new leaders are determined to rid their country of terrorism, unite Iraqis as one people, and deliver peace and prosperity for all their citizens," he said. Blair's report underscores the significance of progress in Iraq, which is a victory not only for coalition forces, but also for Iraqis, Bush said. "It is a victory for millions of Iraqis who defied the terrorists and cast their ballots in three elections last year," Bush said. "It is a victory for the Iraqi security forces who fought and bled for this moment and now have a democracy worthy of their sacrifice." The new government in Iraq also struck a blow to terrorists worldwide "who fought the arrival of a free and democratic Iraq with all the hateful power they could muster," Bush said. "Now, a day that they feared has arrived. The terrorists are now fighting a free and constitutional government." America will stand by the Iraqi people and their new leaders in a joint determination "to defeat this enemy," Bush said. As Americans pay tribute to servicemembers over Memorial Day weekend, Bush urged people to remember Seidel and others who have "given their lives for freedom, liberated the oppressed, and left the world a safer and better place." "The best way to honor America's fallen heroes is to carry on their fight, defend our freedom, and complete the mission for which they gave their lives," he said. Bush noted that he was to speak today to the West Point graduating class and visit with "the brave men and women who will soon take their own place in the defense of our freedom."
NEWS
SUMMARY OF BENEDICT XVI'S APOSTOLIC TRIP TO POLAND:
MAY 26 - 27
- Visit to John Paul II's Home Town and to Shrine of Kalwaria
OTHER NEWS:
___________________________________________________________
MARY, SCHOOL OF FAITH
- At 5.15 p.m. today, Benedict XVI arrived by helicopter at the Polish city of Czestochowa to visit the Shrine of the Virgin of Jasna Gora, Poland's most famous Marian shrine, where John Paul II confided his pontificate to the Mother of God.
The image of the Virgin of Jasna Gora is decked with new vestments, in fulfillment of a vow to mark the 350th anniversary of the defense of her shrine against Swedish troops by Fr. Augustin Kordecki, and as an _expression of gratitude for the life of John Paul II on the 25th anniversary of the birth of the "Solidarnosc" trade union. The image's golden crowns were blessed and offered by John Paul II on April 1 2005, the eve of his death.
At 6 p.m., having visited the convent of the shrine, which is under the care of the Pauline Fathers, the Holy Father met with religious, seminarians and representatives from Catholic movements and institutes of consecrated life.
In his address to the them, Pope Benedict began by affirming that "Mary, the Mother of the Lord, is among us. Today it is she who leads our meditation; she teaches us how to pray. Mary shows us how to open our minds and our hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit, Who comes to us so as to be brought to the whole world."
"Mary sustained the faith of Peter and the Apostles in the Upper Room, and today she sustains my faith and yours," said the Pope. "Faith is contact with the mystery of God. ... It is the gift, given to us in Baptism, which makes our encounter with God possible. God is hidden in mystery; to claim to understand Him would mean to want to confine Him within our thinking and knowing, and consequently to lose Him irremediably. With faith, however, we can open up a way through concepts, even theological concepts, and can 'touch' the living God."
"In the Upper Room the Apostles did not know what awaited them. They were afraid and worried about their own future. ... Mary, 'she who believed in the fulfillment of the Lord's words,' ... taught perseverance in the faith. By her own attitude she convinced them that the Holy Spirit, in His wisdom, knew well the path on which He was leading them, and that consequently they could place their confidence in God."
"Many of you here present have experienced this secret call of the Holy Spirit and have responded. ... It was Jesus who called you, inviting you to a more profound union with Him."
"Do you remember," the Holy Father asked the religious, "your enthusiasm when you began the pilgrimage of the consecrated life, trusting in the grace of God? Try not to lose this first fervor, and let Mary lead you to an ever fuller adherence."
He cried: "Dear men and women religious, dear consecrated persons! Whatever the mission entrusted to you, ... maintain in your hearts the primacy of your consecrated life" which, "lived in faith, unites you closely to God, calls forth charisms and confers an extraordinary fruitfulness to your service."
Turning to address seminarians, the Pope recommended they reflect "on the way Mary learned from Jesus! From her very first 'fiat,' through the long, ordinary years of the hidden life, as she brought up Jesus, ... she 'learned' Him moment by moment. ... On your journey of preparation, and in your future priestly ministry, let Mary guide you as you 'learn' Jesus. Keep your eyes fixed on Him. Let Him form you, so that in your ministry you will be able to show Him to all who approach you."
"The vitality of your communities," Benedict XVI told representatives of the new movements in the Church, "is a sign of the Holy Spirit's active presence! It is from the faith of the Church and from the richness of the fruits of the Holy Spirit that your mission has been born. ... Believe in the grace of God which accompanies you and bring it into the living fabric of the Church, especially in places the priest or religious cannot reach."
"You are nourished," he continued, "by different schools of spirituality recognized by the Church. Draw upon the wisdom of the saints, have recourse to the heritage they have left us. Form your minds and your hearts on the works of the great masters and witnesses of the faith, knowing that the schools of spirituality must not be a treasure locked up in convents or libraries.
"The Gospel wisdom, contained in the writings of the great saints and attested to in their lives, must be brought in a mature way, not childishly or aggressively, to the world of culture and work, to the world of the media and politics. ... The authenticity of your faith and mission, which does not draw attention to itself but truly radiates faith and love, can be tested by measuring it against Mary's faith. ... Remain in her school!"
"God is love," the Holy Father concluded, "These were the words that I placed at the beginning of the first Encyclical of my pontificate. ... This is the most important, most central truth about God. To all for whom it is difficult to believe in God, I say again today: 'God is love.' Dear friends, be witnesses to this truth."
At the end of the meeting, Benedict XVI returned by helicopter to Krakow where, after dinner, he appeared at the balcony of the archbishop's palace to greet people gathered in the street below, following a custom of John Paul II when he visited Krakow.
"I know," he told them, "that on the second of each month, at the time my beloved predecessor died, you meet here to commemorate him and pray for his elevation to the honors of the altar. May this prayer be of support to those who concern themselves with his cause [of beatification] and enrich your hearts with grace."
"Despite his death, he - young in God - is among us, he invites us to reinvigorate the grace of faith and renew ourselves in the Spirit."
PV-POLAND/CLERGY:MOVEMENTS/CZESTOCHOWA VIS 060527 (1030)
VISIT TO JOHN PAUL II'S HOME TOWN AND TO SHRINE OF KALWARIA
- At 9.30 a.m. today, having celebrated a private Mass in the chapel of the archbishop's palace in Krakow, the Holy Father travelled by car to Wadowice, the home town of John Paul II.
The Pope visited the basilica of the Immaculate Conception, where Karol Wojtyla was baptized, before going on to see the house in which he was born. On May 18, 1984, in honor of the late pontiff's 64th birthday, the house was converted into a museum. Benedict XVI visited the apartment in which the Wojtyla family lived, which is now used as an exhibition space for photographs recording Karol Wojtyla's life as priest, bishop and Pope.
At 11 a.m., the Pope met with local inhabitants in Wadowice's Rynek Square, in front of the basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
Following a greeting from Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, archbishop of Krakow, the Pope delivered his address. "I wished to stop precisely here, in the place where his faith began and matured," he said referring to his predecessor, "to pray together with all of you that he may soon be elevated to the glory of the altars."
The Holy Father then recalled how John Paul II would often refer to the baptismal font of the church of Wadowice where, on June 20, 1920 he received the Sacrament of Christian initiation, and for which he had "special veneration." This, said Pope Benedict, is "the key to understanding the consistency of his faith, the radicalism of his Christian life and the desire for sanctity that he continuously manifested."
"His love for the Church was born in the parish of Wadowice. In it he experienced the sacramental life, evangelization and the formation of a mature faith. For this reason, as a priest, as a bishop and as Pope, he treated parish communities with such great care. In the spirit of that same solicitude, during the visit 'ad limina,' I asked the Polish bishops to do everything possible to ensure that the Polish parish would truly be an 'ecclesial community' and a 'family of the Church'."
The Holy Father then recalled another "characteristic of the faith and spirituality of John Paul II, which is united to this place. ... The deep attachment of the inhabitants of Wadowice to the local image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. ... This memory helps us arrive at the source of the conviction that nourished John Paul II: the conviction regarding the exceptional place that the Mother of God had in his life, a conviction that he himself, filled with devotion, expressed in the motto 'Totus tuus.' Until the last moments of his earthly pilgrimage he remained faithful to this dedication."
"In the spirit of this devotion," the Pope concluded, "before this image I wish to give thanks to God for the pontificate of John Paul II and, like him, I ask that Our Lady watch over the Church which by the will of God has been entrusted to me to guide. I also ask all of you to pray for me just as you prayed for your great fellow countryman."
At the end of the meeting, the Holy Father travelled by car to the Shrine of the Virgin of Kalwaria. The shrine, dedicated to the Passion of Jesus and the Virgin of Sorrows, takes its name from the Calvary of Jerusalem. Its 15 kilometer-long Via Crucis is the only Way of the Cross to be included among UNESCO's world heritage sites. As a youth Karol Wojtyla used to make frequent pilgrimages there.
After visiting the shrine, Benedict XVI delivered a brief greeting to the community of Friars Minor living in the convent of the shrine, and to the faithful gathered there. The Pope recalled how, during his first journey to Poland, Pope John Paul II had visited this shrine and had dedicated his address to the topic of prayer. "At the conclusion he said: 'I ask you to pray for me here during my life and after my death.' Today, I wanted to pause for a moment in the chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary and, with gratitude, to pray for him as he requested. Following the example of John Paul II, I also turn to you, kindly asking that you pray for me and for all the Church."
During his return journey to Krakow, the Pope visited the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Langiewniki. He paused in prayer before the tomb of St. Faustina Kowalska where Karol Wojtyla frequently came to pray when he was a worker and later as a clandestine seminarian in the 1940s. Benedict XVI also visited the basilica where he met with 800 sick people.
PV-POLAND/.../WADOWICE:KALWARIA VIS 060527 (790)
OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
The Holy Father appointed:
- Msgr. Lajos Varga of the clergy of the diocese of Vac, Hungary, pastor of Paszto, as auxiliary of the diocese of Vac (area 8,800, population 1,116,000, Catholics 640,000, priests 222, permanent deacons 5, religious 191). The bishop-elect was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1950 and ordained a priest in 1974.
- Fr. Pablo Virgilio Siongco David of the clergy of the archdiocese of San Fernando, Philippines, professor of Holy Scripture in the archdiocesan seminary, as auxiliary of the same archdiocese (area 2,180, population 3,060,000, Catholics 2,855,000, priests 165, religious 212). The bishop-elect was born in Betis, Philippines in 1959 and ordained a priest in 1983.
NEA/.../VARGA:DAVID VIS 060527 (120)
President Bush Discusses Global War on Terror
Arie Crown Theater at Lakeside Center -- McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Thanks for the warm welcome. It's great to be back in Chicago, home of the mighty Chicago White Sox. (Applause.) World champs. I said that because the Mayor is here -- (laughter) -- who, by the way, is one of the finest mayors in our country. Mayor Daley, thank you for being here. (Applause.) He's a huge Chicago White Sox fan. When I had the White Sox to the White House to congratulate them on the world championship -- winning the world championship trophy, there was the Mayor, beaming
The other team here isn't doing quite so well these days. (Laughter.) As a matter of fact, I had the honor, though, of throwing out the first pitch in the Chicago Cubs home opener against Cincinnati, and they won that game 16 to 7. (Applause.) You know, when you're President, sometimes you get blamed for a lot of things. (Laughter.) So I want to assure all the Cubs fans here that the last time I saw them play, they were undefeated. (Laughter and applause.)
I really appreciate being invited here by the National Restaurant Association. Thanks for having me. You know, Laura and I don't eat out as much as we used to. (Laughter.) But we do appreciate your industry's contribution to the country.
I appreciate your leadership in Washington on really important issues like tort reform, and tax relief, and immigration reform. I'm going to spend a little time today talking about immigration reform. But the main reason I've come today is to talk to you about a watershed event that took place this weekend in Iraq. On Saturday, in Baghdad, Iraqis formed a new government, and the world saw the beginning of something new -- constitutional democracy at the heart of the Middle East. (Applause.)
And if you like, after my remarks I'd like to answer some of your questions. So be thinking of them.
But before I get there, I do want to thank Ed Tinsley. He's a West Texan, and like me, he married a woman from Midland, Texas. It's the best decision Tinsley ever made, and it's the best decision I ever made. Laura sends her greetings to you all. She's a fine First Lady, and I'm lucky she said, yes, when I asked her to marry me. (Applause.)
I appreciate Steven Anderson, the President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. I appreciate sharing the stage with Denny Hastert. He is an excellent Speaker of the House. He is dependable, reliable, smart, capable. Do you realize that he will have served, come June 1st, longer than any other Republican Speaker in our nation's history? And the reason why, he knows what he's doing. (Applause.)
And I appreciate Congressman Ray LaHood and Congresswoman Judy Biggert for joining us, as well, today. They're here looking for a ride back to Washington on Air Force One. (Laughter.) I appreciate all the state and local officials for coming, too.
Our economy is strong and it's growing. And the restaurant industry plays a vital role in this prosperity. National unemployment is 4.7 percent. That's lower than the average of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. People are working. We've added more than 2 million jobs in the last two-and-a-half years. And one of the main reasons why is because the National Restaurant Association members are employing people. The NRA -- National Restaurant Association -- estimates that more than 12.5 million people work at 925,000 restaurants across our country. That makes restaurants the largest private employer in our land. (Applause
You not only help people put food on the table, but you provide many Americans with their first job, with a start. You teach people the importance of showing up on time, and working hard and meeting the needs of our customers. You're also America's largest employer of immigrants. And you know how essential it is that we have an immigration system that is safe, orderly and fair. (Applause.) And I agree with you, and that's why I laid out a vision for comprehensive immigration reform that would accomplish five key goals.
First: The United States will secure our border by deploying thousands of new Border Patrol agents and giving those agents the best technology available to do their job.
Secondly: You can't secure our border with thousands trying to sneak in, and therefore, this country needs a temporary worker program that will allow foreign workers to enter our country legally on a temporary basis to meet the needs of our economy and take the pressure off our border. (Applause.)
Third: We must create a reliable system for verifying documents and work eligibility so we can better enforce our immigration laws at the workplace.
Fourth: We will find a rational middle ground to resolve the legal status of the millions of people who have been here for quite a while -- without granting amnesty. (Applause.)
And fifth: We will uphold the great American tradition of the melting pot so America can remain what it always has been: one nation under God. (Applause.)
The reforms I proposed regarding guest workers are really important for your industry. Your association estimates that restaurants will add -- will need 1.9 million new workers over the next 10 years, which means if you need workers -- your need for workers will be growing faster than the American labor force. So you understand why effective immigration reform must include a practical and lawful way for businesses to hire foreign workers when they can't fill those jobs with Americans. The restaurant industry has firsthand experience with immigrants and immigration law. And I appreciate your strong stand on Capitol Hill for comprehensive reform. (Applause.)
And here's where we are. The House passed a bill last -- an immigration bill last December, and the Senate is working hard on its version of the bill. The Senate needs to complete its bill now, so that the House and Senate can work out their differences and pass a comprehensive reform bill that I can sign into law. (Applause.)
We face challenges at home and we face challenges abroad. So I've come to talk to you about an historic event that took place halfway around the world this weekend. This Saturday in Baghdad, the new Prime Minister of Iraq announced a national unity government. This is a free government under a democratic constitution, and its formation marks a victory for the cause of freedom in the Middle East. (Applause.)
In three elections last year, millions of Iraqis cast their ballot in defiance of the terrorists. And now they have a government of their own choosing under a constitution that they drafted and they approved. As this new unity government takes office, it carries with it the hopes of the Iraqi nation, and the aspirations of freedom-loving people across a troubled region.
The unity government has strong leaders that will represent all of the Iraqi people. I called them this weekend to congratulate them. I thanked them for being courageous and strong and standing for the belief that liberty will help transform their troubled nation.
The new government is led by Prime Minister Maliki. He's a Shia. He's an Iraqi patriot who for years was part of the resistance to Saddam Hussein. He's shown courage and wisdom by surrounding himself with strong leaders who are committed to serving all the people. Prime Minister Maliki said this weekend, "Just as we did away with the tyrant and the days of oppression and despotism, we will do away with terrorism and sabotage, backwardness, poverty, and ignorance." The Iraqi people are blessed to have a leader like Prime Minister Maliki, and I'm proud to call him, ally and friend. (Applause.)
Iraq's new government has another strong leader in its President, President Talabani. He's a Kurd who distinguished himself by his service in the transitional government and in his long fight against Saddam Hussein. He's proved that he's not afraid to take the lead. He's made clear that a democratic Iraq must reject sectarian violence as strongly as it rejects terrorism. He says, "It's our duty, all of us, to work hand-in-hand to protect our people and to support Iraqi unity."
Iraq's new government has another able leader in Speaker Mashhadani. He'll preside over Iraq's new Council of Representatives. The Speaker is a Sunni who originally opposed America's presence in Iraq. He rejects the use of violence for political ends. And by agreeing to serve in a prominent role in this new unity government, he's demonstrating leadership and courage.
It was said to me that he wouldn't have taken my phone call a year ago. He's now taken it twice. (Applause.) He says Iraq's new leaders must govern by common vision. This common vision is critical to the new government's success.
Although Iraq's new leaders come from many different ethnic and religious communities, they've made clear they will govern as Iraqis. They know that the strategy of the terrorists and the insurgents is to divide Iraq along sectarian lines. And the only way the enemy will be defeated is if they stand and act as one.
The government is still a work in progress, and overcoming longstanding divisions will take time. Iraq's new leaders know they have a great deal of work ahead to broaden the base of their government and to unite the people. They also understand that representing all Iraqis and not just narrow sectarian interests, they will be able to make a decisive break with the past and make a future of progress and opportunity for all their people a reality. (Applause.) The unity government must now seize its moment and pursue a common agenda for the future.
This weekend, Prime Minister Maliki laid out his plan for a new Iraq. He promised to work for a sovereign Iraq that will assume responsibility for the security of its people. He committed himself to a free Iraq that will uphold international standards of human rights and respect the role of women in Iraqi society. He pledged to work for a prosperous Iraq that welcomes foreign investments and accelerates reconstruction and lays the foundations for economic growth and opportunity. He declared he would lead a transparent Iraq, where government is open and accountable, and corruption is not tolerated. And he vowed to work for a peaceful Iraq that is the enemy of terror, a friend to its neighbors, and a reliable partner in the community of nations.
The Prime Minister promised that he will soon fill the remaining positions in his government, and announced the details of his plans to build his new country, his new Iraq. As his government moves forward it can draw on many strengths of the Iraqi nation. Iraqis are among the most highly educated and skilled people in the Middle East. They have abundant natural resources, including fertile soil, abundant water, and large reserves of oil. And they're rich in cultural and historical and religious sites that one day could draw millions of tourists and pilgrims from across the world. Iraq's new leaders understand that so long as they remain united there is no limit to the potential of their country. (Applause.)
The unity government opens a new chapter in the relationship between the United States and Iraq. The new Iraqi government does not change America's objectives or our commitment, but it will change how we achieve those objectives and how we honor our commitment. And the new Iraqi government -- as the new Iraqi government grows in confidence and capability, America will play an increasingly supporting role. To take advantage of this moment of opportunity, the United States and our coalition partners will work with the new Iraqi government to adjust our methods and strengthen our mutual efforts to achieve victory over our common enemies.
At my direction, the Secretaries of State and Defense recently traveled to Baghdad to meet with the Prime Minister and other leaders. And now the new government has been formed, I've instructed those Secretaries to engage Iraq's new leaders as they assess their needs and capabilities, so we will be in the best position to help them succeed. Iraqis are determined to chart their own future. And now they have the leadership to do it. And this unity government deserves American support, and they will have it. (Applause.)
Our nation has been through three difficult years in Iraq. And the way forward will bring more days of challenge and loss. The progress we've made has been hard-fought, and it's been incremental. There have been setbacks and missteps -- like Abu Ghraib -- that were felt immediately and have been difficult to overcome. Yet we have now reached a turning point in the struggle between freedom and terror.
Two years ago, al Qaeda's leader in Iraq wrote a letter that said, "democracy is coming," and this would mean "suffocation" for al Qaeda and its allies. The terrorists fought this moment with all their hateful power -- with suicide attacks, and beheadings, and roadside bombs -- and now the day they feared has arrived. And with it has come a moment of great clarity: The terrorists can kill the innocent, but they cannot stop the advance of freedom. (Applause.)
The terrorists did not lay down their arms after three elections in Iraq, and they will continue to fight this new government. And we can expect the violence to continue, but something fundamental changed this weekend. The terrorists are now fighting a free and constitutional government. They're at war with the people of Iraq. And the Iraqi people are determined to defeat this enemy, and so are Iraq's new leaders, and so is the United States of America. (Applause.)
The path to freedom is always one of struggle and sacrifice. And in Iraq, our brave men and women in uniform have accepted the struggle and have made the sacrifice. This moment would not be possible without their courage. The United States of America is safer because of their success, and our nation will always be grateful to their service. (Applause.)
For most Iraqis, a free, democratic and constitutional government will be a new experience. And for the people across the broader Middle East, a free Iraq will be an inspiration. Iraqis have done more than form a government; they have proved that the desire for liberty in the heart of the Middle East is for real. They've shown diverse people can come together and work out their differences and find a way forward. And they've demonstrated that democracy is the hope of the Middle East and the destiny of all mankind.
The triumph of liberty in Iraq is part of a long and familiar story. The great biographer of American democracy, Alexis de Tocqueville, wrote: "Freedom is ordinarily born in the midst of storms. It is established painfully among civil discords, and only when it is old can one know its benefits." Years from now people will look back on the formation of a unity government in Iraq as a decisive moment in the story of liberty, a moment when freedom gained a firm foothold in the Middle East, and the forces of terror began their long retreat. (Applause.)
Thank you all very much. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you all. I'll be glad to answer some questions if you've got some. Tinsley said it would be helpful if I answered some questions. (Laughter.)
(Audience interruption.)
THE PRESIDENT: Let's see -- you got one? Yes, sir.
Q I was just wondering, being a small business owner, one of the things we really appreciate about your administration was the tax cuts for small business. And I was just wondering, are those going to be permanent?
THE PRESIDENT: His question is about tax cuts and whether they'll be permanent. First of all, a lot of Americans don't really understand that when you cut taxes on individuals, you cut taxes on a lot of small businesses. Many small businesses are sub-chapter S corporations or limited partnerships, which end up paying their taxes based upon the individual income tax rates. And so when you reduce taxes on everybody who pays taxes, you're really helping the small business sector. And why that's -- that's an important part of our economic recovery policy because small businesses create 70 percent of the new jobs in America.
So thank you for recognizing the -- thank you for reminding people here the importance of those tax cuts for small business, and also, by the way, there was some incentives in our economic recovery package that encourage you to buy equipment. And when you buy equipment, somebody has got to make the equipment. When somebody makes the equipment, it means somebody is more likely to be able to find a job not only at your place of work, but the equipment manufacturer's place of work.
And so his question was, are you going to allow the tax cuts to expire. See, they weren't permanent. My answer is, in order to make sure this economic recovery is lasting and real, the tax cuts need to be made permanent. And the Speaker agrees with me, you'll be happy to hear. (Applause.) It's important for Congress to understand that when there is any uncertainty in the tax code it will make it less likely someone is willing to invest in a small business and expand their businesses. Uncertainty in the tax code creates uncertainty in the investment community, or when people make investments.
So we're absolutely committed to making the tax cuts permanent. The argument you'll hear is, well, how can you possibly balance the budget if you make the tax cuts permanent? I guess the reverse of that is, we want to raise your taxes to balance the budget. Unfortunately, that's not the way Washington works. The way Washington works is they will raise your taxes and figure out new ways to spend the money and not balance the budget. (Applause.)
The best way to balance the budget is to keep pro-growth economic policies in place. I think you're going to find a report coming out this summer to be very interesting -- in other words, last year, by the way, we exceeded the estimated revenues by about $100 billion. The economy is cranking. When the economy works, people are employing people, and when people are making money, they pay more taxes. Right now, it looks like that the revenues coming into our treasury are greater than anticipated this time around, too.
And so the best way to reduce our deficit is to keep pro-growth economic policies in place -- hence, permanent tax cuts -- as well as being wise about how we spend your money. And the best way to be wise about how we spend your money is to set priorities. And my priority is to make sure our troops have what it takes to defend the United States of America. (Applause.)
Q Mr. President, my daughter's name is Jamie. She's a 16-year-old girl. What advice or recommendations would you give to her and to other youth of our country to help make our country a better place?
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. I would say that -- to Jamie, listen carefully to that universal admonition to love a neighbor like you'd like to be loved yourself. You know, I get an interesting perspective of America. I, of course, get to see the incredible folks who wear our nation's uniform. It's unbelievably inspiring to meet men and women who have volunteered to serve our country in a time of war. And not only do I get to meet them, I get to meet their families. I also get to meet the entrepreneurs of America, people who are willing to risk time, effort and money to grow a business. And as a result, we've got a great -- we've got fat wallets, relative to the rest of the world.
But the true strength of the country lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens. That's the really unbelievable strength of America. I get to meet people all the time. I met two youngsters today, Chinese Americans, who volunteered to go down to help the Katrina victims. Nobody told them to do it. There was no government law that said, you're going to go down and love your neighbor. They heard the call.
And so my advice is to tell your daughter that she can be a part of a changing America by helping somebody who hurts, feed the hungry, find shelter for the homeless. America's strength lies in the armies of compassion that exist all across the United States of America.
And so I thank you for your question. (Applause.)
Yes.
Q Thank you, Mr. President. First, I want to tell you, thank you, how much we love your brother.
THE PRESIDENT: I had nothing to do with it. (Laughter.) Thank my mother. (Laughter.)
Q He has been very good to the restaurant industry.
THE PRESIDENT: He has been eating a lot, I noticed. (Laughter.)
Q You said that, not me. (Laughter.) Mr. President, with mandated health care beginning to sweep the nation, and we're seeing it pop up on the state level, do you see the association health plan passing, hopefully, before you're out of office? And where do you see mandated health care going for the business industry?
THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I think that the government has a -- the federal government has a responsibility, particularly on two fronts, when it comes to health care. One is to take care of the elderly. Lyndon Johnson signed that bill, and it said the federal government will provide health care for the elderly, called Medicare. And thanks to the Speaker's leadership and others here, we reformed Medicare so it actually meets the needs of our seniors.
My attitude is, if you made a commitment to the seniors, make it a good commitment, make it work. And we didn't have prescription drug benefits as a part of Medicare. And yet, we're willing to pay for the surgery for an ulcer, for example, but not the drugs to prevent the ulcer from happening in the first place.
Secondly, we got to -- made a commitment to the poor, and that's through Medicaid, as well as community health centers. These are facilities -- and the Speaker and I have been working on this -- to expand community health centers throughout America so the poor and the indigent can get primary care in these facilities and not at your local emergency rooms.
Now, I also believe -- (applause) -- but I believe the best health care system beyond that means making sure we strengthen the doctor-patient relationship. And that is -- that's not a mandate, that's just a practical way to view medicine.
And so how can you do that? Well, one is to promote health savings accounts, which we are doing. Health savings accounts are unique products that enable a small business owner and/or an individual to be able to purchase a catastrophic plan -- low-premium catastrophic plan, high-deductible catastrophic plan -- coupled with a tax-free savings account. Now, that's important because it means that you're in control of your account. The person, the customer, the consumer is in control of making health care decisions.
One of the problems we have when it comes to cost is that we have the third-party payer system. Somebody else pays the bills, and, therefore, there is no consumerism, so to speak, involved in health care.
Secondly, we got to recognize that certain individuals don't have the capacity to be able to buy health insurance like big companies can do and, therefore, it erodes the capacity of small businesses to be able to maintain their purchasing power. In other words, if it costs you a lot of money to buy the insurance plan, you're not going to pay for your insurance, see. And right now our small businesses are being penalized because they're not allowed to pool risk across jurisdictional boundaries. A solution to that is association health plans. The Speaker got it passed out of the House. It got killed by the trial lawyers in the United States Senate.
To answer your question, yes, I hope to get it out. It's a practical way of making sure that small businesses aren't mandated, but have got choice in the marketplace. That's what I'm trying to tell you. I believe in choices in the marketplace. I believe in empowering people to make rational choices. In order to have a health care system that helps control costs and where people can make rational decisions, there needs to be transparency in pricing.
I know when I go to restaurants, I got a menu, see, and they say, here's what it costs you. That's not the case in most health care decisions. Is it? I don't -- I haven't seen a lot of price postings. So we're working -- we're using federal leverage through Medicare and the Veterans Administration, for example, to say, if you're doing business with the federal government, post your prices and the quality of service you're getting, so consumers can start making rational decisions in the marketplace. When you've got rational decision-making based upon price, it's going to help control cost, which is very important for your industry.
Third, this is an industry -- the health care industry is one that's kind of lagging behind when it comes to information technology -- the docs are still writing our prescriptions with longhand. Or sometimes when you're in a hospital and you're going from place to place, you're carrying files, right? And they've been written out in longhand. Well, it's not a very efficient use of a person's time; plus, most doctors can't write. (Laughter.) And therefore, costs are higher than they should be in medicine. So we're working to make sure that information technology is spread throughout the medical industry.
Again, the federal government has got a good chance to help leverage our position. We're a major provider of health care. And therefore, we ought to be using our position to start off helping the industry write a common language. Part of the problem in medicine is that there's not a common language, and therefore, it's hard to have a smooth information technology system throughout the medical industry. Our goal, by the way, is for every American to have a electronic medical record. And -- but, by the way, with a guarantee of privacy.
And finally, one reason why you're having trouble buying health care is because these lawsuits are running good docs out of practice. Do you realize there are over 1,500 -- (applause) -- there are over 1,500 counties in America without an OB/GYN. And part of the argument is if we got a health care system that is accessible and affordable, then we got to do something about these junk lawsuits. Again, the Speaker got a good medical liability bill out of the House of Representatives, but the trial lawyers defeated it in the United States Senate. And if you really want to help the country and make sure you've got affordable health care, get a hold of your United States senators who are voting against meaningful medical liability reform, and help us get a bill passed. (Applause.)
That's a long answer -- it's a long answer because I wanted to show you we've got a comprehensive plan that runs the opposite of a federal government being the decider at all costs. I don't believe we ought to federalize medicine, I believe we ought to localize medicine. And the most local medicine is between the doctor and the patient. (Applause.)
Q Good morning, Mr. President. My name is Robert Carter from Toronto, Canada, and my question is regarding border restrictions between our two countries. Given the impact on tourism, do you feel that it's necessary to continue increasing border restrictions between Canada and the U.S.?
THE PRESIDENT: What he's referring to is, right after 9/11, the Congress passed legislation that said there will be a new -- a border -- an identification card between -- travel between our countries. And you can understand why our nation reacted the way -- I hope you can understand the way our nation reacted the way we did after 9/11. I mean, we were -- we analyzed all aspects of our security. We were -- we said we were going to do everything we can within the law to protect ourselves. And Congress passed some new laws to make sure that we knew who was coming in the country and who was leaving the country. And I supported those laws.
And now we're working with your government to make sure that the identification cards that will be used between our two borders are compatible not only with our needs, but your needs. I spoke to Prime Minister Harper about this subject. He's very aware and worried about a identification card that would be difficult to get into the hands of Canadians and it would make it difficult for Canada to continue to attract conventions. And so to answer your question, yes, we ought to have a system that is compatible with both our countries' needs.
The difference between -- and by the way, it's very important for the Canadians to understand there's a difference in the debate going on between the northern border and the southern border. The southern -- and by the way, it's important for Americans to understand the language of this debate must never say that Canada and/or Mexico are the enemies of the United States. They're friends of the United States. They're our friends and neighbors. (Applause.)
And so the issue this gentleman is referring to really is, how do we make sure we have a system that enables the legal people to come back and forth, I guess is the best way to describe it. And we're working on it to make sure that whatever documents are needed will not be restrictive, but nevertheless informational, I guess, is the best way to put it.
Thanks. (Applause.)
Yes, sir. Okay, you're next. Yes.
Q President Bush -- from Crown Point, Indiana. First of all, I want to say you're doing a fine job.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, leave it at that, will you? (Applause.) Thank you. That kind of makes your question not very credible when you say something like that. (Laughter.) But I'll accept it anyway.
Q My question is, is there a realistic, yet aggressive timetable and strategy to get our reliance off of Middle East oil and go to a different fuel source, or ways that the United States can prosper?
THE PRESIDENT: No, that's a great question. One of the things that should be evident to the American people now is that we live in a global world, and when demand for hydrocarbons increases in places like China and India, it causes our gasoline prices to go up. In other words, a global economy is such that when demand rises faster than international supply, the price of crude goes up -- which is the feed stock for gasoline. And so the American people see firsthand what it means to be in a global world which is dependent up on fossil fuels, hydrocarbon.
And so, the realistic timetable is as soon as possible. And I do think it's realistic. And here's -- what he's saying is how quick can we get off oil, all right? Well, most oil is consumed in America because of our automobiles. And the question then is, how quickly can we diversify the automobile fleet from one that is gasoline-only to one that become a mix, for example, of gasoline and ethanol. And we're making pretty good progress. If you really think about, for example, the penetration of ethanol in the Midwest, it's been amazing over the last couple of years. Indiana people, you're beginning to get E85 pumps. E85 means 85 percent of the fuel you buy at an E85 pump is ethanol. We've put tax incentives in place to encourage the construction of ethanol refineries, and they're beginning to grow quite dramatically.
Some people say, well, you've got ethanol pumps, but doesn't it make it difficult to use it because the cars are not compatible? That's not true. There are 5 million automobiles on the road today that are flex-fuel vehicles. In other words, they can use ethanol and/or gasoline, or a combination of both. So the technologies to make our automobiles ethanol-compatible are around. As a matter of fact, you may have a flex-fuel vehicle and just don't know it.
The question then is, how do we -- do we have enough feedstock into the ethanol business to be able to really get major penetration? And that's where we're spending some money. Because we got corn, but sometimes you got to eat corn. And sometimes your pigs and cows have got to eat corn. And so pretty soon we're going to run into a bind when it comes to corn for ethanol and corn for other means and other needs. And so we're spending quite a bit of money at the federal level, and have been for a couple of years, to see whether or not we can develop new technologies to make ethanol out of other feedstocks, like switch grass or wood chips.
They say we're getting pretty close to that. I can't give you a specific timetable. I know we're getting close to a battery that can go into a hybrid vehicle. Hybrid vehicles are good things -- that switches between electricity and gasoline. And the next breakthrough is going to come to a vehicle that doesn't switch between electricity and gasoline until you've driven your first 40 miles. In other words, you'll have a battery that will be able to last for 40 miles before your car has to kick into gas -- gasoline. And that's going to help save a lot of -- that will help reduce demand for oil.
Longer-term -- and this is -- this is a longer -- that's within five years, they tell me, as well. But over the next 10 years, my hope is that we have hydrogen become a technology that is commercial and applicable, so you're really driving automobiles with hydrogen as a fuel source, not gasoline. And we're spending a lot of money on that. We've spent over a billion dollars to accelerate technologies to do that.
In the short-term, in order to -- by the way, it doesn't answer your question, how do you get off oil, but it does answer, how do we help consumers in America -- I view rising gasoline prices as like a tax. It certainly affects small businesses. And one way to do it is to make sure we've got ample supplies of gasoline available. You realize, we haven't built a new refinery since the 1970s. If Congress is that concerned about the price of gasoline, it seems like they ought to give us flexibility so we can permit expansions and/or new refineries so that we can keep the price -- (applause.)
It's a long-winded answer, but it's a problem that requires a strategy in which we spend money on research and development and on a variety of fronts.
Another example is clean coal technologies. It's conceivable that relatively -- well, within a period of time, it's not -- in my lifetime, let's put it that way -- that we can have coal fired plants that have got zero emissions. Now, that's important for people to know that it's possible. We've spent about a billion there, as well, to achieve this breakthrough, because we've got 250-some odd years of coal reserves in the United States. I think we ought to be using nuclear power. It is renewable and it produces no emissions. (Applause.)
We're spending money on technologies to make sure we can reprocess spent fuels. In other words, we're working on a variety of fronts. I don't know the timetable -- as soon as possible. And the reason why is, is that our national security issues oftentimes rest with countries that have got oil, and they don't like us, see.
And so the faster we're off oil, the better off we're going to be from an economic security perspective, and a national -- and I probably surprised you when I got up at my State of the Union and said, we've got a problem, we're addicted to oil. You know, I'm from Texas, and all that. But I believe it, and I know it. And so I'm going to work with members from both political parties to expedite research and development so we've got new technologies to achieve this important objective. (Applause.)
Yes, ma'am.
Q Thank you. Alana Foster (ph), Westport, Connecticut. Speaking of oil-producing countries that are not friendly to the United States right now, I'm very concerned about what's going on in Venezuela and Bolivia and all, the coalition of Hugo Chavez. I wondered what your strategy was going to be, or what you're working on in that respect.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. I am going to continue to remind our hemisphere that respect for property rights and human rights is essential for all countries in order for there to be prosperity and peace. I'm going to remind our allies and friends in the neighborhood that the United States of America stands for justice; that when we see poverty, we care about it and we do something about it; that we care for good -- we stand for good health care.
I'm going to remind our people that meddling in other elections is -- to achieve a short-term objective is not in the interests of the neighborhood. I will continue to remind people that trade is the best way to help people be lifted from poverty; that we can spend money -- and we do in the neighborhood -- but the best way for there to be growth is to encourage commerce and trade and prosperity through the marketplace.
I want to remind people that the United States stands against corruption at all levels of government, that the United States is transparent. The United States expects the same from other countries in the neighborhood, and we'll work toward them.
We'll continue to work with forces like the Central -- countries like the Central American countries, where we passed a free trade agreement called CAFTA, to remind the people in that area that relations with the United States will be beneficial to their people. There's a lot of things we're doing.
Thank you very much. I'm concerned -- let me just put it bluntly -- I'm concerned about the erosion of democracy in the countries you mentioned. (Applause.)
Q Hi -- Orlando, Florida. Let me first say, it's an honor to hear you speak. And I'm a proud supporter. I just had a quick question. Yesterday, at the keynote address, Ted Koppel mentioned that there is a growing lack of trust between government and the American people. How would you address this statement?
THE PRESIDENT: He said there's a growing lack of trust between our government and the American people?
Q Yes, he did.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think I would say that there's an unease in America now, and the reason why is because we're at war. And war is more difficult -- particularly this kind of war, where it's on our TV screens every day. And I can understand why people are uneasy. Americans care about human life. We have a great compassion for people all around the world. And so when people read or see that the enemy has run a suicide bomber into a village or a marketplace and innocent people died, it breaks their heart. So there is an unease about America.
Hey, listen, we got an amazing economy -- it's strong, and yet there's an uneasiness. And that's what happens in war. And let me just share my thoughts about this with you. If I didn't think we'd succeed, I wouldn't stay. And if I didn't think it was important that we succeed, I wouldn't stay. And the reason it's important is that we must understand that we're in a global war against a totalitarian group of people who will kill innocent life there or here in order to achieve an objective. That's just the lessons of September the 11th that I refuse to forget. (Applause.)
In Iraq, the enemy has made it clear -- this is their words, not mine; I quoted the man -- the al Qaeda guy in Iraq -- those weren't my -- I didn't make up those quotes. That's that he said. And by the way you need your President and your Commander-in-Chief to take the words of the enemy seriously. And they have said it's just a matter of time -- (applause.) They have said it's a matter of time for the United States to leave, that democracies are soft, that capitalist societies are weak. And their view is that if they kill enough innocent people, we will tire and leave. That's what they said.
They've also said we're going to stop the elections. They will try to sow sectarian violence in order to make it difficult for a democracy to succeed in Iraq. And the reason why they want us to leave is because they want safe haven from which to launch attacks -- not only against the United States, but modern Muslim nations in the Middle East. That's what they want to do.
Their vision -- they have a vision. They have an ideology that is the opposite of ours. They don't believe in freedom to dissent and freedom to worship. Matter of fact, they've taken a great religion and, in my judgment, have twisted it to meet their own needs. (Applause.)
If somebody said, well, what do you think life would be like with these folks, just remind them what life was like in Afghanistan under the Taliban. There was no dissent, and if you did, you were whipped. Young girls didn't go to school. They have a backward vision of the world, but they do have a vision, and they want to spread that vision. And we stand in the way of spreading that vision -- we and a coalition of nations that are bound together to promote democracy and freedom. That's what -- and democracy worries them.
My quote in the speech was this guy's words -- democracy will be a setback. That's why I said, the formation of this government, under a constitution drafted and approved by the Iraqis, is a setback, because it's -- they said, we will defeat this democracy. But they're not going to defeat the democracy. The only way they defeat the democracy is if we -- is if we let them defeat the democracy, we don't stand with this young government.
Again, I know that -- I know there's concern about -- from the American people that we can't win. See, most Americans want us to win. Most Americans want to succeed. And there's questions about whether or not the strategy will do so. (Applause.)
And I can understand why people are concerned about whether or not our strategy can succeed, because our progress is incremental. Freedom is moving, but it's in incremental steps. And the enemy's progress is almost instant on their TV screens. And, of course, I get briefings from our commanders on the ground. I want to assure you that the information -- I make my mind up based not upon politics or political opinion polls, but based upon what the commanders on the ground tell me is going on. (Applause.)
I do want to share with you -- thanks for bringing this up. It's not exactly the question. (Laughter.) I'll share with you some of my thoughts about why it's important to have a democracy, liberty prevail in the Middle East. You know, our policy up until now was, let's just hope everything's fine. If it looked okay on the surface, then let's just don't rock the boat. Let's get our energy sources and everything will be all right.
But that's not what was happening. Beneath the surface, there was a -- discontent and hopelessness and despair was beginning to take hold. And as a result, this group of killers sprung up, and they were able to recruit and train sophisticated suiciders. And they killed over 3,000 of our people.
I felt it was important for us to address not only the short-term needs of the country, which means stay on the offensive and bring them to justice before they hurt us again, but also the longer-term needs of the country by addressing the root cause of the resentment and hatred. And in my judgment, the best way to defeat the totalitarian vision of the enemy is with an ideology that has worked, that is bright and is hopeful, called freedom and liberty, expressed through democracy.
Now, I know there are some people in our country who say, why worry? Well, the reason why worry is because we have a duty to lay the foundation of peace for a generation to come. And I'm confident we can succeed. And I will tell you two examples of this, of why I'm confident. One, think of all the lives lost in Europe during World War I and World War II, American lives lost. You all know some of them. You know neighbors who had a grandfather or a father who went over -- called up, went overseas to -- and fought in Europe and lost their lives.
But today, after nearly a century of violence and death and destruction, Europe is whole, free, and at peace. And it's important for America to ask the question, why is that the case? Well, democracies don't war with each other, and democracies have taken hold in Europe.
The second example I like to bring up is from World War II, as well, and that is what's happened to our former enemy, the Japanese. Prime Minister Koizumi is coming to our country soon. I'll be sitting down to the table with a friend talking about issues like North Korea, or thanking him for having 1,000 troops in Iraq, or worrying about the spread of pandemic disease, or talking about how we can help the young democracy, Afghanistan. And I find it amazing that the President of the United States is sitting down talking about peace with the head of a country that my dad went to war with, and your dads and grandads went to war with.
And what happened between the brutal attack on our country -- that, by the way, killed fewer people at Pearl Harbor than we lost on September the 11th -- and today, when we're talking about keeping the peace? Japan adopted a Japanese-style democracy. One thing history teaches -- and by the way, if you look back at some of the written word when Harry Truman had the vision of helping this country recover from the war and become a democracy, a lot of people were saying, it's a waste of his time; hopelessly idealistic, they would say. But he had faith in certain fundamental truths. One truth is, everybody desires to be free. Freedom is universal. It's not just a right for America. (Applause.)
And the second truth is, proven after 60 years of time, that freedom has the capacity to convert an enemy to a friend. And as I said in my remarks, I believe that this is an historic moment in Iraq, and that some day people will be looking back on this period of time saying, thank goodness the United States of America didn't lose its faith in certain fundamental values, and we laid the foundation of peace. (Applause.)
And it's hard work. It's hard work to go from a tyranny to a democracy. And I understand why people are concerned. I understand it. Listen, I meet with -- the hardest job of the President is to meet with families of the fallen. And it's a -- it's my duty. But almost to a person, they say, whatever you do, Mr. President, complete the mission, lay the foundation of peace so my child had not died in vain. And I give them that assurance every time I meet with them. (Applause.)
Yes.
Q I'm from Munster, Indiana. I was wondering, sir, if we were to be attacked by a biological weapon, or if there was an outbreak of the avian flu, would we be prepared?
THE PRESIDENT: Good question. We are working to be prepared. His question is, if there is a catastrophic event that is beyond the magnitude of a natural event, such as a biological attack and/or a attack of pandemic flu, would we be prepared.
Well, first step is to recognize that it's a possibility and start preparing, which we're doing at the federal level. Yes, we've got a good strategy -- now, whether or not it would work to perfection, you hope you never have to find out.
One of the classic cases -- one of the classic dilemmas we're trying to resolve is that most -- it's against the law to put federal troops in to enforce the law. It's posse comitatus, you know? I'm not a lawyer, but nevertheless, that's what the lawyers tell me. However, states can use their Guard to do law enforcement activities. And the fundamental question is, if there's an event big enough, should the federal government be able to prevent state authority -- should there be an automatic declaration of a state of emergency that will enable me to rally federal troops to keep the law?
We haven't resolved that issue yet, but that's one of the dilemmas on a catastrophic event that ends up exceeding the boundaries of -- that would make it not a local event. But we're working hard on it. We've spent a lot of time on pandemic flu, which, by the way, has got the same -- a biological attack would have the same applications as to how you -- how do you isolate the incident, how do you isolate the spread of disease, how do you rally local authorities to make the right decisions about public facilities.
Mike Leavitt is in charge of this, the health aspect of this response. He's been traveling the country, working with local and state response plans, and it's a big job to get ready for it. I appreciate your question.
Q Arlington, Texas.
THE PRESIDENT: Oh, yes.
Q Home of your Texas Rangers.
THE PRESIDENT: The mighty Rangers. They never -- they still don't have --
Q They're in first place, that's good. My question is about --
THE PRESIDENT: I thought with change of ownership they'd go all the way, you know? (Laughter.)
Q My question is about health care reform.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes.
Q You mentioned health care reform, catastrophic health care reform, Americans with Disabilities, as well. Under the umbrella of that, it doesn't seem that there is much addressed in terms of dental care, even though that is part of health care, I would think. And the second part of that question is, will you see Al Gore's new movie? (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: Doubt it. (Laughter and applause.) But I will say this about the environmental debate, that my answer to the energy question also is an answer to how you deal with the greenhouse gas issue, and that is new technologies will change how we live and how we drive our cars, which all will have the beneficial effect of improving the environment.
And in my judgment, we need to set aside whether or not greenhouse gases have been caused by mankind or because of natural effects, and focus on the technologies that will enable us to live better lives and at the same time, protect the environment.
Not sure how to answer your question on dentistry, frankly. I'll take a look at it. Yes, drop your address off.
Chef, how are you doing, buddy?
Q Doing very good. I'm doing very good, sir.
THE PRESIDENT: You know how I could tell you were chef?
Q I don't know. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: Yes.
Q Thank you. On behalf of -- I'm from Tampa, Florida. And on behalf of all the cooks and chefs in our country, I have to say you're running it the way a chef would run the country, and we're proud of you, first of all.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, sir. (Applause.)
Q You have created a lot of jobs, and our industry is just, like you said, it's cranking, and we're loving every minute of it. My biggest concern, sir, is 2008 is coming. Do you have a plan for -- to keep your policies in place and keep them going? And would Jeb ever consider -- we like him -- even though we're the home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, we don't have everything, but would Jeb ever consider --
THE PRESIDENT: Playing for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays?
Q Hell no. (Laughter.) For our country. For our country, sir.
THE PRESIDENT: You better ask Jeb. Look, I said something about it the other day. Somebody asked me about him. I said, look, I think he'd be a great President. But it's -- he said he's not going to run in 2008, and I think you've got to take him for his word. He's been in public life now for eight years, and I think he wants a breather.
But thank you for your kind words. You go back and write him a letter, you know. He's a -- he's a good man. Look, my -- here's the thing about Washington that -- the rhetoric needs, in my judgment, toned down up there so that we're able to attract good people, both Republican and Democrat, to run for public office. (Applause.) You know, it's one thing to disagree, but it's another thing to disparage people. And we just -- we don't need that kind of language, in my judgment, in order to attract good people to public service.
And there's too much politics in Washington these days. There really is. And so my worry is, not so much about Jeb, but when people take a look at Washington and say, why mess with it? Why do I want to put my family through it all? And my advice to them is, one, it's worth it. But my advice, also, to all of us in public office is not to demean somebody because you don't agree with them. At least, in the debate, be considerate of the other person's point of view.
And the immigration debate is one where America needs to start, in my judgment. I'm very worried about the tone of this debate. We are a land of immigrants. One of the great things about America is we've been able to assimilate people from all around the world into becoming Americans. And that debate -- if that debate tends to divide this country, or cause people to wonder about their worth as an individual, it will be a debate of -- it will be a debate that will be harmful.
Now, I understand the emotions of this issue. It's a tough issue for members to vote on. I happen to believe my comprehensive plan is the way to go. But if somebody doesn't agree with me, I'm not going to debase them in the public arena. And so whether the debate is immigration, or tax, or Iraq, it's really important, in my judgment, for us to conduct this debate with dignity. And that will help answer your question as to whether or not people are going to be wanting to run for office.
You know, my buddies in Texas take a look at Washington and say, why are you even up there, man? Come on home. (Laughter.) What are you doing that for? My answer is, I love my country. Public service is noble and necessary. I'm glad I ran for President. And I'll try to do my part to elevate the tone and hold people -- and treat people with respect, whether they agree with me or not.
I've got to go back to Washington. God bless. Thanks for coming. (Applause
Joint Statement by President Bush and Prime Minister Blair
The United States has no closer ally than the United Kingdom. U.S. and U.K. forces are fighting terror in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the globe. The Prime Minister and the President discussed ways to strengthen defense cooperation.
Additionally, the leaders recognize that as American and British soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are right now standing together in harm's way, we must plan for the future capabilities that will enhance our ability to cooperate. Both governments agree that the UK will have the ability to successfully operate, upgrade, employ, and maintain the Joint Strike Fighter such that the UK retains operational sovereignty over the aircraft. Further, both governments agree to protect sensitive technologies found within the Joint Strike Fighter program. Together, we are working out the details, while remaining committed to these principles.
Finally, the President and Prime Minister have a shared view that we need to continue to strengthen and deepen the relationship between our defense establishments to achieve fully interoperable forces and to leverage the respective strengths of U.S. and U.K. industries. The Prime Minister and President look forward to new ways we can achieve that goal.
Papa John's Forecasts a ''Sizzlin' Summer'' with New Sizzlin' Steak and Chicken Fajita Pizzas; ''100 Days of Sizzlin' Summer'' Promotion Offers Hot Deals at www.papajohns.com
Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) promises to make the upcoming summer months sizzle with the introduction of its new Sizzlin' Steak and Sizzlin' Chicken Fajita pizzas and lots of giveaways at http://www.papajohns.com.
Beginning this week and for a limited time only, customers can get a large Sizzlin' Steak or Sizzlin' Chicken Fajita pizza for just $11.99, on pan crust just a dollar more. The Fajita pizza features a new southwestern flavored pizza sauce with a side cup of salsa verde for dipping.
"This summer it is all about flavor and choice," said Catherine Hull, Papa John's vice president of strategy and brand marketing. "By bringing fajita pizza to the table or poolside, Papa John's has successfully combined two consumer favorites, pizza and fajitas, into one great pizza. By offering the fajita pizza with chicken or steak, we will please lots of palates this summer."
As the "100 Days of Sizzlin' Summer" begin, Papa John's and Coca-Cola make winning easy with an online sweepstakes. By registering at http://www.papajohns.com, customers are eligible to win prizes including a new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster, big screen TV packages from Circuit City, travel from American Airlines, and grill sets from Home Depot. To spice up the deal, instant win gift cards, from nationally recognized brands like Gap, Old Navy and Cabela's may be won by playing the "Sizzlin' Summer" online sweepstakes game.
And just to make the fiesta of fun even hotter, once registered, each time they play customers receive promotional codes for savings and special offers like free Papa John's Sweetreats, breadsticks, Cheesesticks and Coca-Cola beverages with the purchase of any large specialty pizza at regular menu price.
"The Sizzlin' Summer online sweepstakes offers our customers the chance to score big with Papa John's and other great brands," said Jim Ensign, Papa John's vice president, marketing communications. "We believe these value-added offers will help more customers discover the benefits of ordering pizza online, a key focus area for Papa John's."
Playing the promotion each day is entertaining, too. Registrants just need to reveal the same pizza topping under three out of nine pizza boxes to win. Plus, throughout the promotion, visitors to http://www.papajohns.com can get offers from their favorite local "Sizzlin' Summer Destinations" like local sports venues, movie theaters and hotels.
Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John's is the world's third largest pizza company. For seven years running, consumers have rated Papa John's No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national QSR chains in the highly regarded American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John's at http://www.papajohns.com.
Papa John's International, Inc., Louisville
Radio Address by President Bush to the Nation
The following is a transcript of a radio address by President Bush to the nation:
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This Memorial Day weekend, Americans pay
tribute to those who have given their lives in service to our Nation.
America is free because generations of young Americans have been willing to
sacrifice to defend the country they love, so their fellow citizens could
live in liberty.
This weekend, I am visiting some of the brave men and women who will
soon take their own place in the defense of our freedom -- the 2006
graduating class at West Point. This was the first class to arrive at West
Point after the attacks of September the 11th, 2001. Each of them came to
West Point in a time of war, knowing all the risks and dangers that come
with wearing our Nation's uniform. And the reality of that war has
surrounded them since their first moments at the Academy. Thirty-four times
since they arrived at West Point, they have observed a moment of silence to
honor a former cadet fallen in the war on terror.
One of those former cadets was First Lieutenant Rob Seidel, a 2004 West
Point graduate who gave his life in Iraq earlier this month. Rob grew up in
Maryland, and as a child he and his family made frequent visits to the
Civil War battlefield at Gettysburg, and from his earliest days he dreamed
of serving in the U.S. Army. He deployed to Iraq with the 10th Mountain
division and was killed by a bomb in Baghdad. His father says this about
Rob: "He loved his family, and believed in God, and he loved his country,
and he was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of his country."
We live in freedom because of young Americans like Lieutenant Rob
Seidel. And in recent days in Iraq, we've seen what their sacrifices have
made possible. A week ago, the new Prime Minister of Iraq announced the
formation of a national unity government. British Prime Minister Tony Blair
recently visited Baghdad to meet with Prime Minister Maliki and Iraq's new
leaders, and this week he came to the United States to give me his
impressions. Prime Minister Blair told me that Iraq's new leaders are
determined to rid their country of terrorism, unite Iraqis as one people,
and deliver peace and prosperity for all their citizens.
The formation of a democratic government in Iraq marks a victory for
the cause of freedom in the Middle East. It is a victory for millions of
Iraqis who defied the terrorists and cast their ballots in three elections
last year. It is a victory for the Iraqi Security Forces, who fought and
bled for this moment, and now have a democracy worthy of their sacrifice.
And it is a victory for the American, British, and other coalition forces
who removed a murderous dictator who threatened the world. Because of their
courage and sacrifices, Iraq has a free government that will be a strong
and capable ally in the global war on terror.
The new government in Iraq is also a defeat for the terrorists, who
fought the arrival of a free and democratic Iraq with all the hateful power
they could muster. Now, a day that they feared has arrived. The terrorists
can kill the innocent, but they cannot stop the advance of freedom. We can
expect the terrorists to continue bombing and killing, but something
fundamental has changed: The terrorists are now fighting a free and
constitutional government. They are at war with the people of Iraq. The
Iraqi people and their new leaders are determined to defeat this enemy, and
so is the United States of America.
This Memorial Day weekend, we remember First Lieutenant Seidel and the
brave Americans of every generation who have given their lives for freedom,
liberated the oppressed, and left the world a safer and better place. And
the best way to honor America's fallen heroes is to carry on their fight,
defend our freedom, and complete the mission for which they gave their
lives.
Thank you for listening.
Avian Flu Talk: Human Transmission of Bird Flu Virus Confirmed; All Citizens Urged to Immediately Prepare for Pandemic
As warned previously by the members of the Avian Flu Talk online forum, the bird flu virus is quickly becoming more adaptable to humans as evident by the growing clusters now being reported. This is to be expected as the bird flu virus is an influenza strand, which means that it will soon mutate into a highly contagious human form as the normal flu does each year. The problem is that this new bird flu strain is the deadliest known virus in human history.
This new supped-up flu is a lethal killing machine as being witnessed in North Sumatra where 7 of 8 family members have now died. This particular cluster has an alarming fatality rate of over 80%. The implications of a highly contagious human strain of this virus are unimaginable and very difficult to comprehend for most. As stated, since this is an "influenza virus," by nature we can soon expect it to become highly contagious to humans. This appears to be taking place now in Asia.
During a pandemic flu crisis such as this, you can expect all services such as utilities, gas and water to be disrupted. In addition, there will be no deliveries to stores and restaurants, which is why buying extra food and water is very important.
All of those who depend on medication should immediately request a future emergency supply from their physician today. Failure to do this may prove to be irresponsible.
If you would like additional assistance, you can now receive help 24 hours a day by simply visiting an online discussion forum that provides real time discussion. People from all around the world are working together on this new website forum and we strongly encourage all of those who have not already done so to immediately visit this new pandemic flu portal at: www.Avianflutalk.com.
SOURCE: Avian FluTalk
REBA McENTIRE GETS A JUMP START ON SPRINGSpring 2006 “REBA” Line to Hit Dillard’s Stores in Late February
“'REBA' is a reflection of my style. I personally picked each color, each fabric, and each print to
represent what spring means to me. ‘REBA’ for spring is a contemporary, smart, casual look
that truly reflects the way I live. ” Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire, multi-award winning singer, TV actress and Broadway star, continues to cultivate her role as fashion designer with her Spring 2006 “REBA” collection. Available at 148 Dillard’s stores nationwide as well as on www.dillards.com, the Spring 2006 collection marks the one year anniversary of the launch of the “REBA” line.
This Spring Reba delves into a more playful sense of style with colors and patterns ranging from feminine florals to preppy stripes. She has added more beautiful dresses, sexy tops and romantic skirts, while still offering classic suiting options. Available in sizes 4-16 with price points ranging from $35 to $175, the Spring collection is also sprinkled with personal details that inspire Reba including covered buttons, crystal beading, detailed stitching, and flirty hemlines. From month to month Reba ensures women will be looking and feeling their best.
January – “At First Glance” – A collection of wardrobe basics such as pants, blazers and knit separates in black and neutral tones, with accent pieces rich in coral and turquoise – perfect for a winter retreat.
February – “Aquarius” – Lush blue and green hues complement the flowy tunics and dresses, and the structured a-line skirts, button down shirts and striped pants.
March – “Sense and Sensibility” – Lightweight silk gauze tops and floral dresses in mints and pink tones are paired with knit separates with lace detail.
April – “Bali” – Pops of orange, lime and violet in exotic mosaic prints and knit and silk tops are balanced by black and white basics.
Since its inception, the line has illustrated Reba’s innate understanding of a busy woman’s lifestyle with clothing that meets the diverse needs of a modern woman’s day – going from work to PTA meetings to soccer games and cocktail parties. Reba is devoted to creating clothes that feel as great as they look, and is highly involved in every aspect of design from picking out comfortable, movable fabrics to providing input on the sophisticated tailoring to create a flawless silhouette. In addition, Reba has also added signature details to her line like vented sleeves, stays in the pants to prevent the hem from slipping under your heel, and delicate crystal beading to add a touch of sparkle.
REBA McENTIRE LAUNCHES LIFESTYLE COLLECTION
New Women’s Line "Reba" to Hit Dillard’s Stores Spring 2005
(Nashville, TN, October 4, 2004) – Reba McEntire, multi-award winning singer, TV actress and Broadway star, and Dillard’s (NYSE: DDS), Little Rock based retailer, are partnering to launch Reba’s new women’s sportswear collection – ‘Reba’. The collection will launch in Spring 2005 at 147 Dillard’s stores nationwide as well as on www.dillards.com. ‘Reba’ represents the first time that Reba McEntire has created a clothing line.The debut of ‘Reba’ is a natural result of both partners’ understanding of today’s modern woman. For Dillard’s and for Reba, it reflects a desire to help women simplify their time-stressed lives and easily find a personal style.
Reba wanted to develop a sophisticated, versatile collection reflecting her own sense of style, for women who share her time constraints and active lifestyle. "I like to wear what feels good. If I feel good in what I’m wearing, I have more confidence whether I’m going on stage, to a meeting or out with my family. I know what works for me and I want to translate that into what will work for other women too," said Reba McEntire, who is fully involved in all aspects of the design process with Icon Creations, a New York City based fashion design firm. "The ‘Reba’ collection is designed to give women clothing that works from moment to moment, season to season, for all her separate feelings."
Dillard’s felt ‘Reba’ would be a strong addition to its significant fashion presence. “‘Reba’ is a natural extension of our women’s fashion offerings. Our philosophy has always been to provide our customers with the best selection, in a place she knows and trusts,” remarked Alex Dillard, President, Dillard’s, Inc.
Concentrating on mix-and-match pieces, the ‘Reba’ collection includes career wear, casual wear, novelty wear, sportswear and knit separates of superior workmanship in sizes 4-14 with price points ranging from $48 to $289. The line was designed from the inside out, where emphasis was placed on making clothing that would feel as luxurious as it looks. The color stories for the spring lines include rich, dark tones as well as eye-catching feminine hues such as titanium, pistachio and feather blue, which effortlessly coordinate together. Details and embellishments include covered buttons, bold hemlines, detailed stitching and seaming, and personal designs that inspire Reba.
The first ‘Reba’ collection will be in stores in March 2005 with new retail deliveries occurring biweekly thereafter.
About Reba McEntire:
Over the course of her 25+ year career, McEntire has established herself as country music's leading lady, rising to become the best-selling female country singer of the 20th century with more than 48 million records sold. Mc Entire is an established movie and television actress, having starred in the cult classic "Tremors,” "One Night at McCool's,” "North" and "The Little Rascals” and most recently on television in her hit sitcom, “Reba,” now in its fourth season. McEntire is also a successful author, having published her New York Times Best Seller autobiography “Reba: My Story” and “Comfort from a Country Quilt: Find New Inspiration and Strength and Old-Fashioned Values,” a collection of personal essays, which have exceeded sales of 1 million copies combined. Spring 2005 marks the first time McEntire will be making her move into fashion with the launch of her new fashion collection “Reba” in Dillard’s stores nationwide. McEntire currently divides her time between her home in Nashville, Tennessee and the television set of "Reba" in Los Angeles.
About Dillard’s Inc.:
Dillard's, Inc. ranks among the nation’s largest fashion apparel and home furnishings retailers with annual revenues exceeding $7.8 billion. The company focuses on delivering maximum value to its shoppers, with fairly priced merchandise complemented by exceptional customer service. Dillard's stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, including products sourced and marketed under Dillard's exclusive brand names. The company comprises 329 stores, spanning 29 states, all operating with one name - Dillard's.
