MBN, Monte Bubbles Network

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

 

 Content is King

 

Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne May 14, 2006

MBN

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN news

 

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

Info@montebubbles.net

Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.

First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX

and NBC and now there is MBN

( unofficially the sixth largest supplier

of NEWS by and American company

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

BROADCAST NEWS COMING SOON

VIA PODCAST

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

 

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

 

More exciting changes coming each day.

Watch for the MBN Politically incorrect SUV

 

MONTEBUBBLISM : You know your wedding is in trouble when the restaurant you choose to cater your wedding reception doesn’t know the difference between Beef Stroganoff and Beef Wellington

FYI: RACECAR SPELLED BACKWARD IS RACECAR

© Disney/Pixar: Streetsmarts promoting the feature film “CARS”

 

Rolling Stones Car  in gallery section at bottom of todays posting

 

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

ROADMASTER SHIPS FM MODULATORS

HEAR MP3 MUSIC THROUGH YOUR CAR RADIO

Imperia Entertainment Launches New Web Site for Feature Film ``Say it in Russian''

Kids Get Up and Active with New Active Learning Console; GestureTek and PLAYSKOOL Announce a New Gesture Recognition Fullbody Learning Application That Puts Kids on TV

E3Expo 2006 Hosts More Than 60,000 Industry Professionals; E3Insider.com Doubled Consumer Visits During E3Expo

ECD Systems Announces Winner of First Annual Independent Game Developers Showcase; E3 2006 Attendees Choose 21-6 Productions as Inaugural Showcase Champion

Ziff Davis Launches Gazerk.com Search Site For PC and Video Gamers
Vertical search engine provides comprehensive results from across the Internet

Yedang online`s dance game `Audition'invades the Japaness game market by joining hands with Nexon Japan

Left Behind Games Hosts the First Public Showing of LEFT BEHIND: ETERNAL FORCES at the 2006 E3 Expo

Best Buy to Acquire Majority Interest in Jiangsu Five Star; Fourth-Largest Chinese Retailer of Appliances and Consumer Electronics Provides Best Buy with Immediate Presence in Fast-Growing Global Market

Foremost Artists, Technologists, Theorists, and Cultural Producers Converge in Silicon Valley

Retired Autoworkers Clarify 'Made in America' Slogan

Level Field Institute Campaign Attacks Foreign Manufacturers' Claims

'Survivor' Finale Free on VOD Thanks to GM

CBS, Comcast Usually Charge Consumers 99 Cents a Show

Fox Finally Joins iTunes Crowd

But Can We Download 'American Idol'? Perhaps Soon

Yahoo CEO Terry Semel: TV Model Outmoded

FINAL DRAFT™AV VERSION 2.5.1 RELEASED

FEATURE FILM: JUST MY LUCK

Red-Carpet Launch Celebration of the Musical Phenomenon HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

Toyo Tires(R) Launches 'Gettin' Sideways Sweepstakes' Celebrating 'The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift'

SPORTS & AUTOS

Audi R8 Makes a Winning Comeback in USA

FSI technology helps Audi achieve comprehensive victory

 Capello and McNish extend championship lead

Bolton Leads $900,000 Wal-Mart FLW Tour Event on Kentucky Lake

20-Pound, 9-Ounce Catch Gives Local Pro Nearly 5-Pound Advantage

DOD

Deployed Moms Prepare to Celebrate Mother's Day Away

NEWS AND NEWS IN SPANISH

Dandole Alas a Tu Exito/Giving Flight to Your Success."

Mind' Key to Minding Weight - Change In Thinking Can Make Dieting Easier!

Swiffer and Supermodel Cindy Crawford Announce First-Ever Swiffer Amazing Women of the Year

Harry Ferguson's Pioneering Spirit Being Maintained Today by Massey Ferguson

Strata Oil and Gas (OTC BB: SOIGF) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved a two-for-one forward stock split of its common stock to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 10th, 2006. Trading will begin on a split-adjusted basis on May 12th, 2006.

Bombardier Signs Japan Air Commuter for Another Q400

All Aboard! for "Limitless Growth"

AuctionCities.com Announces Limited Time Offer -- Free Private Label Program

League of California Cities Statement Regarding May Revise Proposal

NEWSWEEK POLL: Fifty-Three Percent of Americans Feel Collecting a Database of U.S.-Based Calls Goes Too Far in Invading Privacy

Loudeye renueva su acuerdo con Microsoft para proporcionar sus ofertas al almacén MSN Music en Europa

____________________________________________

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

ROADMASTER SHIPS FM MODULATORS

– HEAR MP3 MUSIC THROUGH YOUR CAR RADIO

 

High-Quality Roadmaster VRFM FM Modulators Plug into Your Car’s Cigarette Lighter to Wirelessly Broadcast MP3s, WMAs, and iPod Music through Your Car Radio

Roadmaster USA Corp. www.roadmasterusa.com, the leading automotive company providing mobile & home audio equipment, auto accessories, and car care products, announced today that it has begun shipping the Roadmaster VRFM series of FM Modulators that plug into your car’s cigarette lighter to play your favorite MP3, WMA, iPod, CD, or MP3 player music through your car’s radio. The Roadmaster VRFM FM modulators convert audio signals into an FM signal, which is then transmitted over an unused FM frequency or station selected by the listener. The VRFM can transmit this high-quality music from an SD card, USB or audio input device, including MP3 players, USB memory key, and CD and DVD players. It can even play any MP3 and WMA music saved on an SD Card or USB Memory.

High-Quality Stereo Sound

Roadmaster FM Modulators make it easy to listen to all your tunes saved on your computer, laptop, or MP3 Player in your car with excellent stereo sound at a low price. Just save your MP3 collection on a USB memory key or SD card and plug it into the Roadmaster FM Modulator; or simply plug your MP3 player or other device directly into the FM Modulator for instant music that you can listen to for hours.

VRFM6 – Low-Cost Entry-Level FM Modulator

Starting at only $19.99, the VRFM6 (Roadmaster’s entry-level model), connects to all audio devices, including MP3 players, CDs and DVD players, through its audio input to wirelessly broadcast high-quality music through the car radio. The LED displays 15 FM frequencies, from which you can select the appropriate radio channel frequency to play your music. The VRFM6 uses 12 volt wire-free transmission and a 3.5mm stereo input. The channel selector features an up and down key.

VRFM7 – with USB Slot and MP3 Decoder

The next product in the line, the VRFM7, is priced at $29.99 and includes an MP3 decoder, USB slot, Aux in, and frequency push button, as well as all the standard features. The Dual-Function Buttons offer selections for Play, Stop, Volume, and Track Change. The VRFM7W is Plug ‘N Play ready for your MP3s and WMA music, which you can play from a USB memory drive.

VRFM8 – with Versatile Ratchet Neck & Shuffle/Random Play Features

The Roadmaster $34.99 VRFM8 includes all previous FM Modulator features, plus Dual Function Buttons for Shuffle/Random, Last Song Played, Last FM Channel, Play, Stop, Volume, and Track Change Controls. The Ratchet Neck style provides more flexibility with 6 versatile positions that you will find makes for ease of use in any vehicle. VRFM9 – Top of the Line with USB, SD Card Slots and Song Name Read-outs

The top of the line Roadmaster FM Modulator, the VRFM9 (priced at $69.99), includes a read-out of the name of each song, SD and USB slots, Dual Function buttons for Shuffle/Random, Last Song Played, Last FM Channel, Play, Stop, Volume, and Track Selection. It automatically plays MP3s and WMAs from USB memory drives, as well as SD cards. In addition to song titles, the easy-to-read LCD also shows pre-set FM stations.

Priced between $19.99 - $69.99, the VRFM FM Modulators are available immediately through most major superstores, retailers, and car dealerships. For more information, see the website: www.roadmasterusa.com.

About Roadmaster

Roadmaster USA Corp. is a leading after-market manufacturer of mobile & home audio equipment, automobile accessories and car care products. Roadmaster is one of the largest importers of automotive speakers in the U.S. and is North America’s market leader in 12 volt and DC powered cooling and warming products.
 
Founded in 1996, Roadmaster USA distributes to mass market, automotive, and home improvement chains, warehouse clubs, and sporting goods chains. Its product line includes affordable, high quality 12V accessories, portable electronics, home electronics, lighting accessories, car care products, and many other products under a variety of brand names, including Thermos, Roadmaster and VR3. See www.roadmasterusa.com for more info.

 

Imperia Entertainment Launches New Web Site for Feature Film "Say it in Russian''

Imperia Entertainment, Inc. (Pink Sheets:IPRE) announced today that it has launched its film web site for its feature movie, "Say it in Russian," at http://www.sayitinrussianmovie.com. A trailer and poster should be posted on the web site no later than May 17th, the opening day of the Cannes Film Festival.

About "Say it in Russian"

"Say it in Russian" is a full length feature film, shot on 35mm. It is a romantic adventure, shot in Paris, Moscow and Los Angeles, starring Faye Dunaway, Rade Sherbedgia ("Snatch"), Steven Brand ("The Scorpion King"), Alex Nesic ("Sleeper Cell") and introducing Agata Gotova, with supporting roles played by Steven Berkoff ("Beverly Hills Cop"), Musetta Vander ("O'Brother Where Art Thou"), Elya Baskin ("Moscow on the Hudson") and Oleg Vidov ("Red Heat"), among others. It is directed by Jeff Celentano ("Gunshy", Primary Suspect") and edited by David Rawlins ("The China Syndrome," "Saturday Night Fever").

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," directed by Jeff Celentano ("Primary Suspect," "Gunshy") and edited by David Rawlins ("Saturday Night Fever"), "Brothers," by Tarquin Gotch ("Home Alone"), "Never Submit," a movie about mixed martial arts, and the award winning Autograph television series (http://www.autograph.tv) which airs on the Colours Television Newtwork. Through its majority owned subsidiary, Muller Media, Inc. (Pink Sheets:MLMD) it also produces "Whiskers," by Jordan Klein ("Flipper," "Splash," "Cocoon").

Kids Get Up and Active with New Active Learning Console; GestureTek and PLAYSKOOL Announce a New Gesture Recognition Fullbody Learning Application That Puts Kids on TV

-- Interacting with Their Favorite TV Characters!

GestureTek Inc., world leaders in computer vision for gesture based control of information and entertainment systems, announced today that Hasbro, Inc.'s PLAYSKOOL division has licensed GestureTek's comprehensive video gesture control patent and technology to produce the ION EDUCATIONAL GAMING SYSTEM (E.G.S.). Utilizing GestureTek's gesture-based control engine, and their rapid development game production capabilities, the ION E.G.S. will inspire kids to get up and get active alongside characters from some of their favorite TV shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, Blues Room, LazyTown and Dora the Explorer from Nickelodeon. The ION E.G.S. will be released later this year and GestureTek is excited to be showing it at the E3 expo, in Los Angeles - California, May 10th - 12th, 2006 - KENTIA HALL Booth #6736.

With ION E.G.S., kids, ages 4 to 7, see themselves on the family TV screen, as they move their entire bodies to participate in learning adventures focused on core preschool and elementary skills. A small camera built into the console's base places the child onscreen and literally "in" the game -- right next to some of today's popular TV show characters. GestureTek's patented, motion-capture technology translates body motion into game play, enabling kids to control the action with their bodies rather than through traditional game controllers.

"With childhood obesity on the rise, Gesture Recognition is a logical evolution in educational gaming for children. Globally, our technology has been thrilling and entertaining people in both public and private installations since well before the movie `Minority Report' popularized the concept of gesture control. We are very pleased and excited to work with HASBRO to create a learning environment for kids that will enable active participation in edutainment. The ION E.G.S. is sure to be a winner in today's market place," says Bill Leckonby, CEO of GestureTek Inc.

"Parents shopping learning toys will find that the ION system is a more active and more engaging option than many of the other stationary learning products currently available," said Brian Goldner, chief operating officer of Hasbro. "Not only have we delivered a product offering a different approach to learning, we've created a system that kids will absolutely love."

More on the ION E.G.S.

ION E.G.S. from PLAYSKOOL energizes kids with games, requiring coordination, balance and physical activity as they learn core skills like letters, numbers, colors, math, reading, spelling, cooperation and problem solving. The ION E.G.S. comes with a camera and plugs directly into a TV. The console runs on AC power via an adaptor that comes standard with the system. PLAYSKOOL obtained exclusive rights to develop and manufacture the ION E.G.S. and related products that are protected by a patent owned by GestureTek, Inc. The GestureTek patent encompasses a video image base control system that uses cameras to capture people's images, allowing them to control a video game using gestures alone.

Slated for store shelves nationwide in August, the ION E.G.S. will retail for approximately $99.99 and comes with one Active Learning Disc with four sample games starring popular Nickelodeon characters. The product will launch at retail with four Active Learning Discs featuring Nickelodeon characters as well. Parents can choose between titles with learning content appropriate for kids ages 4 to 5 or 5 to 7. Each disc contains five games, and every game has three levels, allowing kids to increasingly strengthen their understanding of letters, numbers, colors, and other pre-literacy and math skills. Active Learning Discs will retail for an approximate retail price of $14.99 each.

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.

About GestureTek

GestureTek (formerly known as Jestertek) is the world leader in computer vision for gesture based control of information and entertainment systems and displays. For over 15 years GestureTek's gesture recognition technology has been employed in a wide array of applications and environments where the user is either stepping on or into interactive floor or wall projections, pointing at a display from any distance, or having their real-time actual video image immersed on the screen. Public installations and kiosks appear in multiple markets: museum and science centers, military control rooms, clean rooms, location based entertainment facilities, retail locations, physical rehabilitation programs, interactive billboards, and interactive floors and windows. Consumer applications include home PC, console gaming, toys and mobile devices. GestureTek headquarters are in Silicon Valley, with additional offices in Toronto, Ottawa, New York City and Asia.

 

E3Expo 2006 Hosts More Than 60,000 Industry Professionals; E3Insider.com Doubled Consumer Visits During E3Expo

The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3Expo) drew 60,000 industry professionals to the Los Angeles Convention Center, and E3Insider.com, the trade event's official consumer news site, attracted double the number of consumers from 2005, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) said today. This year's combination of on-site and virtual E3Expo experiences amplified the show's reach well beyond the walls of the convention center, resulting in the most exposure in E3Expo history.

"E3Expo is the one and only venue where all of the world's leading interactive entertainment companies convene to launch the industry's next evolution," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the ESA, the trade association that represents U.S. computer and video game publishers and owns E3Expo. "E3Expo remains the most important gathering of interactive entertainment industry professionals on the planet, offering attendees unparalleled networking and business opportunities."

In 2006, E3Insider.com (http://www.e3insider.com) received nearly 1.5 million consumer visits during the three days of the show. The site offered consumers around the globe a live E3Expo experience on the web. E3Insider.com provided game enthusiasts virtual admission to E3Expo with comprehensive and immersive show and exhibitor news, including 360-degree tours of action on the exhibit floor, and DVD-quality E3TV video broadcasts available for download of invite-only exhibitor events and behind-the-scenes action at the LACC.

The educational conference and workshop program at E3Expo sold out in 2006 with nearly 2,000 conference attendees. Sessions featured a faculty of more than 175 industry leaders who shared their unique experiences and insight with attendees. E3Expo 2007 is scheduled for May 16-18, 2007, in Los Angeles.

About E3Expo

E3Expo is the world's premiere trade show for computer and video games and related products. The show, now in its twelfth year, is owned by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the Internet. For more information, please visit http://www.e3expo.com or http://www.theesa.com.

ECD Systems Announces Winner of First Annual Independent Game Developers Showcase; E3 2006 Attendees Choose 21-6 Productions as Inaugural Showcase Champion

ECD Systems, the innovator in anti-piracy and copy protection software, has announced that 21-6 Productions, Inc., is the winner of its first annual Independent Game Developers Showcase. E3 2006 attendees voted for 21-6 Productions' TubeTwist as the best indie game following two days of intense competition between four finalists at the exposition this week.

21-6 Productions beat out the competition this morning at E3 with its science themed puzzle game, TubeTwist. Flashbang Studios, LLC, took home second place while Rabidlab came in third and Virtue Games garnered fourth place. The four finalists' games featured ECD's Digital Armor copy suppression software that protected each game without impacting game play. 21-6 Productions will take home a gameplay-optimized demo PC as well as a free license for Digital Armor protection against revenue-eroding piracy.

"The passion and innovation demonstrated by all the participants indicates the level of commitment and creativity that independent developers have for their craft," said ECD Systems CEO Jack Hart. "We continue to support their dedication by creating software that helps them protect their games, now and in the future."

In 21-6 Productions' winning game, a renowned scientist in charge of Project TubeTwist has gone missing. In an attempt to find the professor, the gamer must reconstruct the scientist's experiments and solve the mystery of her disappearance. The overall goal of the game is to construct a machine that will guide the professor's famous Macroton devices from their starting positions to a final reactor tube where their energy will be extracted and stored for later use. Over thirty different tubes of various shapes and sizes must be combined to complete the machines including spirals, switches, anti-gravity devices, twisty turns, and precipitous drops.

"We are honored to be a part of ECD's showcase, which has provided us with both exposure and revenue-saving copy suppression technology that helps ensure the financial success of independent games," said 21-6 Productions president Justin Mette. "While at E3 we received invaluable feedback directly from gamers and we wish to thank ECD for the opportunity to have our game played by thousands in only a few days."

ECD's Independent Game Developers Showcase is designed to bring greater visibility to the games currently being marketed by independent developers. The copy protection software maker launched the showcase at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) earlier this year, where they partnered with indie developer Broken Attitude Studios. As part of the launch, the companies debuted a demo version of Broken Attitude's forthcoming title, Transient Shift, which demonstrated that ECD's copy protection software does not negatively impact the gaming experience.

About ECD Systems, Inc.

The technology leader in protecting valuable title assets during entire product life, ECD Systems, Inc. was founded in 1999. ECD is focused on providing robust protection for independent to large publishers against the theft of digital content throughout the life cycle of a product. ECD has developed unique patent-pending technologies that combine to form the Digital Armor(TM) solution that protects a product from its earliest transfer from design studio to design studio, internal and external product testing and review, mastering and replication and finally, protection for when the product is in the hands of the end-user. By providing life-cycle product protection, ECD has taken a major step in preventing unplanned or unauthorized product releases. Additional information can be found at http://www.ecdsystems.com.

LEWIS PR

Ziff Davis Launches Gazerk.com Search Site For PC and Video Gamers
Vertical search engine provides comprehensive results from across the Internet

Ziff Davis Game Group, the nation's leading publisher of videogame magazines and websites, today launched the beta version of Gazerk.com (http://www.gazerk.com/), a vertical search site for gamers. Gazerk.com uses Kosmix search technology to provide users a multi-dimensional view of search results, placing Web content into categories specifically relevant to gamers: game reviews, cheats, screenshots, etc. This reduces the number of steps it takes gamers to find the most relevant content, and presents useful information users may not have considered otherwise. The site is designed to be fast, clean, and simple, delivering comprehensive results quickly and efficiently from across the entire Web.

"The gaming space lends itself well to vertical search," said Ira Becker, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the 1UP Network. "Gamers think of Web content in terms of specific categories. So Gazerk provides them search results in a view organized around the way they search – by content category, such as screenshots or cheats. We chose Kosmix to power the search engine because it's the most powerful search categorization technology on the market."

Gazerk.com combines search algorithms with human expertise, leveraging both Kosmix's best-of-breed search technology and Ziff Davis Game Group's editorial authority. As a result, Gazerk.com provides gamers the most comprehensive resource for finding all types of gaming content on the whole Web.

About Ziff Davis Game Group
Ziff Davis Game Group, a division of Ziff Davis Media Inc., is the largest publisher of electronic gaming magazines and websites in the United States, reaching over 11 million gamers online and over 17 million gamers in print. The Game Group publishes Electronic Gaming Monthly, which has the highest readership of any independent gaming magazine, covering the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Revolution, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS, and all relevant and emerging game systems; Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, the #1 publication for passionate PlayStation and PSP gamers; Computer Gaming World, the longest running and most respected publication for core PC gamers; 1UP.com, the online home for gamers looking for exclusive editorial content and advanced social networking; GameVideos.com, the only site hosting any and all video related to gaming culture; FileFront.com, the leading destination for gaming-related file downloads; and GameTab.com, the industry's most powerful game news and reviews aggregator.

About Kosmix (http://www.kosmix.com)

Kosmix has created a fundamentally new approach to search based on the development of patent-pending algorithms and technology that present a multi-dimensional view of relevant search results. The company was founded in 2004 by Venky Harinarayan and Anand Rajaraman, who also co-founded Junglee, a provider of database technology for helping consumers find products on the Internet, which was acquired by Amazon in 1998. Kosmix has filed more than 10 patents and has indexed more than 3.2 billion URLs. Based in Mountain View, Calif., Kosmix is privately funded. Lead investors include Cambrian Ventures and Lightspeed Venture Partners.

 

Ziff Davis Game Group, a division of Ziff Davis Media Inc., is the largest publisher of electronic gaming magazines and websites in the United States, reaching over 11 million gamers online and over 17 million gamers in print. The Game Group publishes Electronic Gaming Monthly, which has the highest readership of any independent gaming magazine, covering the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Revolution, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS, and all relevant and emerging game systems; Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, the #1 publication for passionate PlayStation and PSP gamers; Computer Gaming World, the longest running and most respected publication for core PC gamers; 1UP.com, the online home for gamers looking for exclusive editorial content and advanced social networking; GameVideos.com, the only site hosting any and all video related to gaming culture; FileFront.com, the leading destination for gaming-related file downloads; and GameTab.com, the industry's most powerful game news and reviews aggregator. Kosmix has created a fundamentally new approach to search based on the development of patent-pending algorithms and technology that present a multi-dimensional view of relevant search results. The company was founded in 2004 by Venky Harinarayan and Anand Rajaraman, who also co-founded Junglee, a provider of database technology for helping consumers find products on the Internet, which was acquired by Amazon in 1998. Kosmix has filed more than 10 patents and has indexed more than 3.2 billion URLs. Based in Mountain View, Calif., Kosmix is privately funded. Lead investors include Cambrian Ventures and Lightspeed Venture Partners.

Yedang online`s dance game `Audition'invades the Japaness game market by joining hands with Nexon Japan

- Publishing the game `Audition' through Nexon Japan
- The fever of `Audition' is just about to begin in Japan.

- Publishing the game `Audition' through Nexon Japan- The fever of `Audition' is just about to begin in Japan.

Online dance battle game `Audition, blowing up the fever of online dance in Asian countries such as China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, gives an advanced notice of Korean dancing wave by launching the `Audition'in Japan.

The Online dance game `Audition', which has published by Yedang Online (CEO : KIM NAM CHUL http://www.ydonline.co.kr) and developed by `T3 Entertainment(CEO : KIM KI YOUNG http://www.t3.co.kr), will service in Japanese game market through Nexon Japan.

On the 11th of May today, Yedang Online separate the individual booth for Audition made MOU with Nexon Japan for publishing in Japan in the condition of total 800 thousand dollars license fee and 25% of royalty.

In the Chinese market, where the `Audition' is serviced commercially, there are more than 70 million registered users and more than 550 thousand con-connected users. And even in the Taiwanese market, currently on beta testing service of game `Audition' just launched last April, there are already 1.5 million registered users and in excess of more than 45 thousand con-connected users. The online dance game `Audition' places itself as the most popular game in Asia market drastically.

Reports announce that the potential of Japanese market would be 10 times greater than that of Korean market owing to the increasing expectation about online games and the improvements of infrastructure

The director of Ydonline`s overseas marketing department `Mr.Jay Park' says "If we launch the localized `Audition' on the portal site where the Nexon Japan has formed the base so far, we can expect a remarkable booming Korean wave thorough the online dance in this rapidly growing Japanese Online game market"

Nexon Japan has a plan to open closed beta service of game `Audition' on July and has confidence in launching the game successfully through the marketing and promotions of utilize most famous pop stars.


Dell Takes 'The Last Stand' With Giveaway of a Collector's Edition X-Men XPS Gaming Computer; Exclusive Online Viewing of New X-Men Movie Preview Available at www.dell.com/x-men

Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) is leading an effort to promote one of this summer's most anticipated blockbusters, "X-Men: The Last Stand," with the sweepstakes giveaway of a collector's edition XPS gaming desktop and an exclusive online viewing of a seven-minute preview of the new movie.

Beginning at midnight CDT today, the online preview will be available at http://www.dell.com/x-men. The site -- with information and photos from the movie and about XPS products -- is active now and counting down to when the preview will be available.

Twentieth Century Fox is first running the preview following the season finale of "That 70s Show." It will then be exclusively available at the Dell site until midnight Friday.

Also on the site is the opportunity to enter a sweepstakes to win Dell's XPS X-Men: The Last Stand Collector's Edition computer system. The system, based on a next-generation XPS gaming desktop, is custom painted with images from "X-Men: The Last Stand." It is valued at about $10,000. Entries for the sweepstakes will be accepted through June 18.

A preview of the X-Men collector's edition computer, and future XPS gaming designs and concepts, were unveiled this week at E3, the Entertainment Electronics Expo, in Los Angeles.

XPS desktop and notebook computers are armed to the teeth with the latest technology and tailor made for pure-adrenaline gaming performance. They are some of the most powerful notebook and desktop computers on the planet, and ruggedly cool with certain chassis flame painted and some inspired by jet-engine designs. The products have won numerous awards, including the XPS 400 and 600 desktops, and M1710 notebook earning Editors Choice awards from PC Magazine.

"X-Men: The Last Stand" opens worldwide May 26.

About Dell

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they trust and value. Uniquely enabled by its direct business model, Dell sells more systems globally than any computer company, placing it No. 25 on the Fortune 500. Company revenue for the last four quarters was $56 billion. For more information, visit http://www.dell.com. To get Dell news direct, visit http://www.dell.com/RSS.

Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc.

Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

Left Behind Games Hosts the First Public Showing of LEFT BEHIND: ETERNAL FORCES at the 2006 E3 Expo

Left Behind Games (OTCBB:LFBG) debuted one of the world's first high-quality Christian video games, LEFT BEHIND: ETERNAL FORCES, at this year's Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles. The real time strategy (RTS) title took center stage during a press conference on Wednesday, May 10, in the NVIDIA booth.

The press conference featured Left Behind Games CEO Troy Lyndon presenting the first public live demo of the exciting new RTS game scheduled for release during the second half of 2006. LEFT BEHIND: ETERNAL FORCES is based on the wildly popular Left Behind book series published by Tyndale House Publishers.

LEFT BEHIND: ETERNAL FORCES will be showing throughout E3 in the NVIDIA booth and in Kentia Hall meeting room suite #7532.

ABOUT LEFT BEHIND GAMES:

Left Behind Games Inc. was founded in October 2001 for the purpose of developing games based upon the intensely popular Left Behind series. The mission of Left Behind Games is to become the world's leading independent developer and publisher of quality interactive entertainment products that perpetuate positive values and appeal to mainstream, Christian and gamer audiences, while remaining committed to increasing shareholder value and pursuing the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in all business affairs. For more information, visit http://www.leftbehindgames.com

The Bohle Company for Left Behind Games

Best Buy to Acquire Majority Interest in Jiangsu Five Star; Fourth-Largest Chinese Retailer of Appliances and Consumer Electronics Provides Best Buy with Immediate Presence in Fast-Growing Global Market

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) has agreed to acquire a majority interest in Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co., Ltd. (Five Star), China's fourth-largest appliance and consumer electronics retailer. This transaction, consistent with the company's previously announced strategy for global expansion, will provide Best Buy with an immediate retail presence in China through Five Star's 136 stores throughout eight of China's 34 provinces. Together with Five Star's knowledgeable, established management team, Best Buy hopes to accelerate its understanding of customers and retail operations in the world's fastest-growing market. The transaction has received the necessary Chinese government regulatory approvals, including a business license that was granted on May 11, 2006. The transaction is expected to close in June 2006.

"Best Buy is pleased to be entering China's retail market with Five Star's management team as our partners. They are strong leaders with considerable customer insights and strong local networks. We are very encouraged by the relationships that have already been forged between our two companies," said Robert Willett, CEO of Best Buy International. "This relationship complements our other efforts to learn about the Chinese retail environment. In addition to our new work with Five Star, we are moving forward with our plans to open our first Best Buy retail store in China this year."

"Five Star and Best Buy share the desire to bring great consumer electronics products and services to Chinese customers. We look forward to this exciting new chapter that our two companies will write together," said Wang Jian Guo, chairman of the Five Star board of directors. "We believe that we can continue to enhance our customers' experience as we benefit from Best Buy's expertise in retail operations, IT and supply chain."

"We have a high regard for Mr. Wang and the culture he helped establish at Five Star. His entrepreneurship and leadership will be critical as we further develop our relationships and presence in China," said Weimin Lu, chairman and general manager of Best Buy China. Mr. Wang, a native of Jiangsu province, will remain the chairman of Five Star's board of directors.

Mr. Willett added, "We appreciate the significance of this transaction and are grateful for the support of this venture by local and national Chinese government officials."

About the Transaction

Upon closing, Best Buy will hold a majority ownership interest in Five Star for an investment of US $180 million, including an injection of US $122 million in capital. The remaining interests in Five Star will continue to be owned by its current employees and management team. The transaction is expected to be neutral to Best Buy earnings in fiscal 2007.

Five Star was founded in 1998 as a wholesale business and opened its first retail store in Nanjing in 2001. Five Star has more than 12,000 company employees, and headquarters in Nanjing, Jiangsu. Five Star's current management team, including the company's founder, will remain with the company. Five Star's stores will continue to operate under the current brand.

Five Star's 2005 revenue was nearly US $700 million, an increase of more than 50 percent from the prior year. Five Star's most significant product categories include air-conditioning, video and audio products, appliances, and digital communication devices.

Best Buy's International Growth Strategy

Consumer electronics sales in China are projected to be nearly U.S. $100 billion in 2010 and are projected to grow in the double digits for the next decade. Best Buy already operates three offices in China (located in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzen) and has well-established relationships with manufacturers that are seeking to gain broader distribution in both China and North America.

Best Buy previously announced that it intends to open its first Best Buy-branded store in Shanghai. Additional details about that new store have yet to be disclosed.

Best Buy's expansion outside of the United States began in November 2001 with the acquisition of Future Shop Ltd., Canada's leading consumer electronics retailer. The company launched a dual-branding strategy in Canada in fiscal 2003 with the introduction of the Best Buy brand, providing customers with a choice of in-store experiences and product mixes. Today, the company operates 119 Future Shop stores and 44 Best Buy stores in Canada.

"Our experience in Canada is helping us to build an array of global capabilities, such as supply chain, IT and sourcing, that will assist with our expansion into China. We are encouraged by the significant opportunity to leverage our recent investments for both top-line and bottom-line growth," said Mr. Willett. "International growth is an important part of our long-term plans."

Mr. Willett continued, "Our decision to move forward with the Five Star transaction was a careful one, and the outcome of building a strong relationship with Mr. Wang and his team. The mutual respect gained from our interactions reinforced our confidence in this venture."

About Best Buy Co., Inc.

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) is an innovative Fortune 100 growth company that continually strives to create superior customer experiences. Through more than 940 retail stores across the United States and in Canada, our employees connect customers with technology and entertainment products and services that make life easier and more fun. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services. A Minneapolis-based company, our operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com and BestBuy.ca), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca), Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com), Pacific Sales (pacificsales.com) and Audio Visions (avisions.com). We support our communities through employee volunteerism and grants from The Best Buy Children's Foundation.

Best Buy Co., Inc., Minneapolis

Media Contact:

Foremost Artists, Technologists, Theorists, and Cultural Producers Converge in Silicon Valley

At 13th International Symposium on Electronic Art

Highlights Major Art Exhibit Opening of Over 200 Artworks

The most progressive artists, cultural producers, media theorists, and curators from around the world will be gathering in the cradle of innovative thinking -- Silicon Valley -- to share and discuss the latest ideas and practices involving new media and contemporary art. This year, San Jose, California has the distinction of hosting the 13th International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA2006) August 7-13, coinciding with the inauguration of ZeroOne San Jose: A Global Festival of Art on the Edge. ZeroOne San Jose is launching as a milestone festival and is expected to be held biennially. The Symposium and Festival will play host to the unveiling of an 80,000 square foot exhibition for contemporary artworks as well as providing the site for a city-wide installation of 38 interactive projects and eight shipping containers of curated works from countries along the Pacific Rim. The symposium includes presentations by 70 artists including keynote address by renowned Raqs Media Collective from New Delhi, India.

Joel Slayton and Steve Dietz, Co-Chairs and Directors of ZeroOne San Jose/ISEA2006 collaborated on a new model for Symposium presentations and participation, which will allow the public to join the discussions online both before and during the Symposium. This innovative structure is designed to enable lively, free conversations across disciplines, ideologies, and philosophical frame-works. As many as 3000 attendees from 50 countries are anticipated in San Jose with more participating online from remote locations.

Each week an online forum introduces a new theme + session abstracts. The process is simple and anyone is free to access, read, and comment on them. This orientation is intended as a break from the tradition of reading academic papers and the formalities of panels at standard conferences and symposiums. A pre-symposium publishing model has been adopted to further the goal of reserving the time spent at the symposium for questioning, debate, and provocation. All papers will be published in a combination of print and online media. A special edition of Leonardo will focus on Pacific Rim components of Symposium and Exhibition, as well as a pre-symposium Pacific Rim New Media Summit themes and outcomes. Additional papers will appear in Intelligent Agent and on the ZeroOne San Jose website.

Registration for ISEA2006 is on-line at: http://01sj.org.

Cost is $350 and an Early Bird discount of $100 is available through June 15.

Registration also includes a 20% discount on all event tickets.

About ISEA2006 and Inter-Society for the Electronic Arts

The Inter-Society for the Electronic Arts (ISEA) is an international non-profit organization fostering interdisciplinary academic discourse and exchange among culturally diverse organizations and individuals working with art, science and emerging technologies. Every two years, cities worldwide bid to host ISEA's International Symposium on Electronic Art. Prior host cities include Helsinki, Paris, Sydney, Montreal, Chicago, Manchester, and Nagoya.

About ZeroOne San Jose: A Global Festival of Art on the Edge

ZeroOne San Jose: A Global Festival of Art on the Edge is an innovative, ground-breaking biennial art festival in the Silicon Valley designed to show exhibits, performances, workshops, and events that have been created using the newest developments in contemporary art practice. Festival and symposium attendees have the opportunity to make live contact with the most distinctive, astonishing and startling contemporary art of the new millennium. The festival will take place throughout downtown San Jose from August 7-13, 2006. For more information, visit http://01SJ.org.

 

SOURCE: ZeroOne San Jose

Retired Autoworkers Clarify 'Made in America' Slogan

Level Field Institute Campaign Attacks Foreign Manufacturers' Claims

As Americans continue to buy cars from Asian transplants, a new group is launching an ad campaign aimed at getting the U.S. population to return to domestic makes.

A TV spot encourages Americans to buy from the Big Three automakers

In a TV spot, the organization, known as Level Field Institute, explains that its campaign aims to tell "the truth about foreign automakers' made-in-America ad claims." The $1 million print and broadcast buy, which the group says was funded by retired employees, will look to sway car buyers in Detroit, Washington and other major cities.

A spokesman for the group said money for the campaign came from "a number of corporate and individual funders," but he declined to say if the United Auto Workers or the Big Three U.S. automakers were among them.

"Our goal is to raise awareness about why 'Made in America' still matters to our economy and our future competitiveness," said Jim Doyle, president of Level Field Institute.

The ads were created by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, one of Washington's big Democratic ad firms, which also handled Ford Motor Co.'s ad push in January. That campaign spoke of Ford's commitment to "retake the American roadway." Those "Rebirth" ads began just after Ford announced 14 plant closings and 30,000 layoffs.

Implicit in the Level Field spot is a warning that retirees, who have already seen benefit cutbacks, could be more dramatically affected by declining revenues at Ford, General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler.

"It seems like every automaker these days claims their cars are made in America," the TV ad explains. "But the truth is U.S. automakers still employ 8 of 10 auto workers. ... Four-hundred-thousand American workers that help support about 4 million other jobs. That's why the retiree supporters of Ford, GM and Chrysler encourage you to visit our Web site and see how what you drive drives America."

'Survivor' Finale Free on VOD Thanks to GM

CBS, Comcast Usually Charge Consumers 99 Cents a Show

Thanks to General Motors Corp.'s sponsorship, "Survivor" fans in select markets who miss the show's season finale on CBS will still be able to watch the game's final machinations by ordering the episode for no additional charge through Comcast's video-on-demand platform.

The GM-sponsored 'Survivor' VOD offering is the next step of a CBS-Comcast partnership.

The deal marks the next step of a CBS-Comcast partnership, which launched earlier this year. Currently, CBS owned-and-operated TV stations offer episodes of "CSI," "NCIS," "Survivor" and the "Amazing Race" on Comcast on Demand for 99 cents. This will be the first time an advertiser has fully sponsored on-demand prime-time broadcast programming.

"We are pleased that through this GM sponsorship we are able to expand our partnership with Comcast," Jo Ann Ross, CBS president-sales said in a statement. "Technology continues to allow us to partner with our clients in new and exciting ways."

Comcast Digital Cable subscribers in Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit and Philadelphia will be able to watch both "Survivor Finale" and "Survivor Reunion" on VOD for free. The program will air with only three commercials -- one before, one at the midpoint and one at the conclusion of the program. The programs will be available on VOD from May 15, the day after the original broadcasts on CBS, through Aug. 31.

The ads direct viewers to the GM Showroom, an on-demand destination that provides short- and long-form videos, along with in-depth product walk-arounds of various GM vehicles. GM views VOD much as it does its online activity, as an effective tool for educating consumers.

"The digital format gives us the opportunity to present our product in the comfort of a consumer's family room," a GM spokesperson said. "It's advantageous for us to let people see our cars on their flat-screen TV, accompanied by the TV's stereo sound."


GM has had a relationship -- including product-integration deals -- with Mark Burnett's "Survivor" since its very first season. "This move will strengthen our relationship with [the program] and at the same time provide us with a new way to encourage 'Survivor' viewers to visit us in the GM Showroom as On Demand users," Betsy Lazar, executive director-media and advertising operations, GM, said in a statement.

CBS and Comcast see this kind of deal with advertisers as a natural outgrowth of their partnership. "We're offering advertisers new ways to reach very targeted and engaged audiences," Charlie Thurston, president, Comcast Spotlight, said in a statement.

Fox Finally Joins iTunes Crowd

But Can We Download 'American Idol'? Perhaps Soon

Fox programming will finally land on iTunes following a deal between Apple and Fox Entertainment Group, thanks to a deal that marks the largest single launch of new programming to the iTunes site to date.

Fox finally joins its rivals on iTunes, but its blockbuster 'American Idol' won't be available yet..

ABC and NBC were quick to offer their shows on iTunes, but Fox waited until it was sure the structure of the repurposing of content was in the best interests of the network and affiliates, Peter Levinsohn, president of Fox Digital Media, told Advertising Age.

The network recently reached an agreement with station affiliates to allow them to share the benefits of new-media initiatives. That deal also paves the way for Fox to make deals with Comcast to have its programming on the cable operators' video-on-demand platform. Comcast has already said it will soon have deals with ABC and Fox. It already offers shows from NBC and CBS. Fox also has VOD programming available on corporate sibling DirecTV.

"We obtained complete flexibility of the business model as well as the amount of content and the types of transmission, whether that be cable, satellite or Internet," Mr. Levinsohn said.

Mr. Levinsohn said a rumored deal to make parts of "American Idol" performances available online was close. "We'd love to do it but the rights haven't been cleared yet."

The iTunes deal puts 16 series on the downloading service this week, including "24," "Prison Break" and "The Shield." Shows from Fox, FX, Speed, FuelTV and the 20th Century Fox Television library are included.

The addition brings the number of TV shows on iTunes to 90, according to a statement from Apple. Each program will cost $1.99, the standard fee for video programming on iTunes.

Yahoo CEO Terry Semel: TV Model Outmoded

Days before the broadcast upfront, Yahoo CEO Terry Semel predicted the broadcasters' single source of ad revenue -- CPM-based buys against particular shows -- will be the medium's biggest downfall in the new age of digital media.

The Internet, he told New Yorker media writer Ken Auletta at a breakfast series sponsored by the Newhouse School and The New Yorker, benefits from having two sources: search and branded. The Internet also, he noted, has the advantage of built-in accountability and return on investment.

"Did you ever hear of a single person who saw that auto ad on TV, stood up, put on his coat and went to the dealer and said, 'I want to buy that car I saw on TV'?" he asked. Additionally, he said, TV at this point doesn't offer any real way to know who's actually watching those ads. He called the new-media company a "media-exchange company" and said 20th-century media companies had great content and distribution but 21st-century media companies have great content -- licensed or aggregated --as well global distribution and technology, which is really the distinguishing factor.

He recalled Apple CEO Steve Jobs asking him how Yahoo could have the largest music product on the Web. Yahoo has the same content others do -- mostly audio files and music videos -- but adds personalization tools, ratings reviews and the ability to e-mail playlists to friends. "Technology enables us to make it a richer, more personalized experience."

While Microsoft buying a piece of Yahoo would be "quite possible," he said, it wasn't likely and the conversation "never came up." Talks of a collaboration instead focused on search -- "Can we be partners win search, can we own some of your search?" Mr. Semel recalled Microsoft asking. "That would be like buying our right arm and not our left."

Mr. Semel didn't have optimistic advice for Microsoft's new search platform, which it is launching after shedding Yahoo, which had provided its search marketing. "You have no chance," he said of Microsoft. "You begin with no data and not a single advertiser in your system." He said Yahoo had not yet joined Google in bringing an antitrust case against Microsoft's decision to make MSN search the standard in the coming version of Internet Explorer 7, but said his company favors open access.

Mr. Semel spent a long time addressing Mr. Auletta's final question about the role Yahoo played in helping the Chinese government identify and prosecute dissidents. He said the situation was "terrible" but that there's not a lot Yahoo can do about it on its own. He appealed to the other media organizations, including Time Inc. -- Time Managing Editor Jim Kelly and former Time Inc. Editor in Chief Norman Pearlstine were both present -- to keep reporting from China and said Yahoo appealed to the White House to put the issue on the agenda for President Hu's recent visit.

"Governments change governments," he said.

FINAL DRAFT™AV VERSION 2.5.1 RELEASED

Maintenance Release Improves Product Stability

Final Draft, Inc., (www.finaldraft.com) today announced the immediate availability of Final Draft AV 2.5.1, an update to its dedicated multi-column script processor specifically designed for writing commercials, corporate videos, documentaries, presentations, DV shorts, etc. This release includes many improvements to product stability. Current Final Draft AV 2.5 users can download the 2.5.1 update for free. Registered users of previous versions of Final Draft AV may upgrade to Version 2.5.1 for $49.00 (USD). Final Draft AV 2.5.1 is available worldwide for $199.00 (USD). The software includes versions for both Macintosh and Windows.

In other related news, Final Draft AV received Videomaker Magazine’s 2005 award for Best Production Planning Software.

About Final Draft, Inc.

Final Draft, Inc. was founded in 1991 to develop a scriptwriting program that allows the writer to concentrate on the creative process and not on Hollywood's stringent formatting rules. Since then, Final Draft has become the Hollywood professional's choice and the world's #1-selling scriptwriting program.

Final Draft is the software of choice of such industry giants as Alan Ball, Tom Hanks, Oliver Stone, J.J. Abrams and James Cameron.

Television shows such as “The Sopranos,” “Lost,” “Entourage” and “Desperate Housewives,” feature films such as “Cold Mountain,” ” Lost in Translation,” “The Incredibles,” “Sideways,” “Batman Begins” and any of the “Lord of the Rings,” “Harry Potter” and recent “James Bond” movies are all the results of scripts written with Final Draft.

Final Draft, Inc. is the recipient of the first Script P.I.M.P. Screenwriter’s Choice Award and the WriteMovies Award for Technical Achievement.

The company's headquarters is in Calabasas, California. More information about the company and its products is available at www.finaldraft.com.

 

Final Draft and Final Draft AV are registered trademarks of Final Draft, Inc.

 

JUST MY LUCK

 

Ashley Albright (LINDSAY LOHAN) is the luckiest woman in the world, a

person to whom all the good things in life have come far too easily. She can pick a

lottery ticket at random and hit the jackpot. In New York, the world’s busiest city,

Ashley never has to wait for a cab. And she has a terrific job as an account exec at a

prestigious public relations firm. Everything goes Ashley’s way. And now, she’s been

given a great opportunity to advance her career: she is to plan a masquerade ball in

downtown Manhattan for record mogul Damon Phillips (Faizon Love) and his company.

Jake (CHRIS PINE), on the other hand, is a bad luck magnet. His skies are

always raining; his pants are always on the verge of splitting at the seams. His job is

cleaning toilets at a bowling alley. But even a steady bombardment of catastrophes

doesn’t dim Jake’s dreams. He thinks he may have his chance at the brass ring with his

discovery of a rock band McFly. If Jake can keep his bad luck at bay for just one night,

he’ll sneak into a masquerade ball and get McFly’s CD into the hands of music titan

Damon Phillips.

On this night when dreams can be made or broken, fate brings Ashley and Jake

together on the dance floor. Instantly taken with one another, they share an electrifyingly

kiss – and with that one kiss, their luck switches places.

Suddenly, Ashley’s dress rips. Her heel breaks. Her good luck seems to have

finally run out. Jake, in his rush to catch Phillips before he leaves, ends up saving the

record mogul’s life and earning with that one simple twist of fate, the chance to make all

his dreams come true.

As Ashley desperately races to regain the luck she blithely took for granted, she

begins to see that it’s not so much having good luck but what you do with it that counts,

and that her greatest chance of redemption lies with the guy who holds the key to her

sudden change of fate.

Lindsay Lohan shot to worldwide attention after having grown up before the

camera – from her feature film debut as precocious estranged siblings in “The Parent

Trap” to the acclaimed comedies “Freaky Friday” and “Mean Girls.” JUST MY LUCK’s

Ashley Albright represents the actress’ first adult lead. “It’s a great story about coming

of age and I thought it would be the perfect part for me to transition into adult roles,” says

Lohan.

“Ashley has got her head on straight and she’s determined, which I think is great,”

Lohan continues. “But she has never been tested; she has never known what it’s like to

really work for something and through that experience learn what life is.”

“Lindsay has such a warm and likable screen presence that you can’t begrudge

her character’s initial good fortune,” says co-screenwriter Amy B. Harris. “When Ashley

is down on her luck and her life is literally falling down around her, Lindsay is able to

bring a real sense of fun and broad physical comedy while still showing vulnerability.”

Director Donald Petrie felt Lohan’s performances in “Freaky Friday” and “Mean

Girls” revealed a budding comedienne within her striking beauty. “Lindsay has a

sparkling comedic talent,” he says. “Her ability to make physical comedy flow so

naturally while also being funny and charming, makes her an absolute joy to have in front

of the camera.”

Petrie has directed numerous actresses in breakout comedic roles, such as Kate

Hudson in “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” Sandra Bullock in “Miss Congeniality,” and

Julia Roberts in “Mystic Pizza.” “I loved those movies,” says Lohan. “I love comedy

and I really wanted to work with Donald on this film.”

Lohan found some of the physical comedy more challenging than she’d

imagined. “You don’t realize how hard it can be until you’re actually there,” she says.

“You’re reading the script and you say, ‘Oh, that’ll be so much fun to do,’ but then you

perform the action or stunt, and that’s the hard part. But it’s fun when you can just let go

and free yourself. It’s like therapy in a way.”

Lohan’s on-screen leading man, Chris Pine, appreciated Petrie’s flair for physical

comedy. “You know when Donald gives you direction that he knows exactly what he’s

doing.”

Pine (“Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement”) plays Jake, who works at a rock-

‘n’-roll bowling alley while nurturing dreams of someday making it as a record producer.

“Jake is a guy from a small town who finally made it to New York City and is swimming

upstream with thunderstorms and lightning to make it,” Pine says.

“Jake is an unlucky schlub of a guy who, once it all turns around, you still believe

will be dashing and charismatic without being arrogant about his good fortune,” adds co-

producer Marjorie Shik.

Pine came to the filmmakers’ attention during video tests of young actors, from

which he immediately stood out. “Donald saw something in Chris’s eyes that was about

heart and warmth,” remembers producer Arnold Rifkin. “He approached the role with a

wonderful, admirable spirit.”

“I think the saving grace of Jake is that he’s honest and optimistic,” Pine says.

Jake’s relationship to 10-year-old Katy (Makenzie Vega, the young Nancy in “Sin City”)

adds a dimension to his character that makes him instantly likable. “Jake has accepted

his rather unfortunate plight in life,” says producer Rifkin, “being broke, looking after his

young neighbor and cousin, Katy and helping her with her homework. He’s not angry.

He has no concept of fate. He didn’t look for luck. He’s just assumed Murphy’s Law.”

“Katy’s his best friend,” says Pine. “In fact, she’s his only friend. Jake’s luck is

so bad that he has no friends his age. Their relationship was easy for me to relate to

because I have a wonderful sister I’m really close to who also happens to be named

Katie.”

Missi Pyle, who is best known for her roles in the Tim Burton films “Charlie and

the Chocolate Factory” and “Big Fish,” plus the comedy hit “Dodgeball: A True

Underdog Story,” plays Ashley’s boss, Peggy Braden, head of the prestigious PR firm,

Braden & Co. Making sure Peggy’s needs are met is just one of the tasks at hand during

Ashley’s big night at the masquerade ball, which must go smoothly for record producer

Damon Phillips, played by Faizon Love (one of Santa’s helpers in “Elf”). All the New

York glitterati are there. But closing in is Jake who is gambling it all on getting the CD

of the band McFly into the right hands.

“In order to get into this big, beautiful Masquerade Ball, Jake has to pretend he’s

a male dancer,” Pine says. “Jake is not physically inclined in the least, and neither am I,

so it’s a nightmare to say the least.” But it all turns around when Jake is pushed onto the

dance floor with Ashley. Moments before, Ashley had been warned by a fortune teller,

Madame Z (Tovah Feldshuh), that those who don’t appreciate their good luck risk losing

it forever. Ashley brushes off the advice, and joins Jake.

“It’s a bit of a lark for her,” says co-producer Shik. “She figures, ‘Sure, I’ll dance

with this guy, why not?’ It’s nothing to her but for Jake’s character it’s a really daring

moment because he’s been turned down so often. They just dance and get caught up in

that moment and of course, kiss.”

“In that moment our luck passes,” Pine adds. “My bad luck passes to her and her

good luck passes to me and all of a sudden I’m not accident-prone,” he says.

Though he’s enchanted with Ashley, Jake also has a now-or-never shot at getting

to Damon Phillips. “He’s desperate to stay with this girl he’s probably fallen in love

with,” says Pine, “yet he only has moments to get the McFly CD to Damon Phillips, and

happens to save Damon’s life in the process. The next day he has his own office and the

band is signed and playing the radio – all because he kissed Ashley. Jake’s struck dumb

because nothing ever goes his way.”

Ashley’s best friends are Dana and Maggie, played by Bree Turner (“Bring it On

Again”) and Samaire Armstrong (“The O.C.,” “Entourage”), respectively. “Dana’s a bit

older,” says Turner, “and has been working a little, so naturally she’s wondering, ‘Wait a

minute! You get all of these things and I’ve been working my butt off and I should have

it.’ They’re not horrible to each other, but it’s just baffling to work so hard and not have

the luck to get ahead, whereas Ashley gets everything she could ever hope for with very

little effort.”

Samaire Armstrong plays Maggie, who keeps her friends together through thick

and thin. “She really believes in the bond between all of her friends and cares a lot about

that,” Armstrong says. “She’s a struggling musician and doesn’t want any kind of

success if it means compromising her friendships.”

“There’s a nice dynamic between the three with Ashley being the most well-

rounded,” Turner says. “Maggie is the extreme of sweetness and I’m a bit more of the

other extreme, hard-edged and intense.”

Peggy Braden, Ashley’s sophisticated boss, is played by Missi Pyle. Peggy is

“likably mean,” says Pyle. “She’s a fun character.” Adds Lohan: “On paper she’s like a

bulldog, no heart, cold. But Missi brings such a vulnerability to her character that makes

it so much funnier.”

“Peggy is a very tightly wound woman,” Pyle says. “Her shoes are tight;

everything she does is sort of severe and bottled up.” When Ashley sets her up on a date

with her neighbor, Antonio (played by Latin pop icon Carlos Ponce), Peggy’s inner self is

unleashed. “Everyone is shocked because Peggy is so uptight and Antonio is so easy-

going, yet they really hit it off,” says Pyle.

The band Jake manages is played by real life British band McFly. With two solid

hits in the UK, McFly (comprised of lead singer Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie

Poynter and Harry Judd) was brought to the attention of filmmakers through music

supervisor Lisa Brown. “Petrie had a hand in choosing the songs, going through McFly’s

older and new works,” says co-producer Shik. “He wanted to use the band’s big hit in

the UK, ‘Five Colors in Her Hair,’ as a signature song in the film.”

As Jake and McFly’s stars ascend, Ashley’s descends. After losing everything,

she’s forced to move in with her friends Dana and Maggie. But someone else takes an

interest in her sudden bad luck. Not realizing it’s the girl he kissed at the party, Jake

takes the newly destitute and unlucky Ashley under his wing and gets her his old job at a

bowling alley.

“He meets up with Ashley for the second time when he sees her at this diner,”

explains Pine. “This poor girl is trying to get a coffee but can’t even afford that. It’s one

of those moments of shared pain where you see someone going through what you’ve

been through, what you went through as a kid and Jake wants to help her out in any way

he can. And of course, she’s great to look at, which never hurts.”

As Ashley closes in on the truth of her fate, she must brace herself to discover that

the one to whom she gave all her good luck is the same boy with whom she has fallen in

love. “Ashley takes advantage of the fact that she is so lucky and doesn’t really

recognize how much she had before,” says Lohan. “She then has to go through the

hardships of struggling and having to get a normal job working at a bowling alley to

figure out that nothing is really worth having unless you’ve worked for it. And she finds

love in the midst of it all.”

“Sometimes what makes us happy is not what we were looking for,” adds co-

screenwriter I. Marlene King.

JUST MY LUCK was shot in locations in New Orleans (prior to when the tragic

hurricane devastated the city) before moving to Manhattan to capture the exteriors of

Ashley’s world.

The filmmakers searched for interiors that would bring to mind the style and

energy of New York City. The first location was a high-rise office building on busy

Pydras Street in the Business District standing in for Braden & Co., the PR firm where

Ashley works. Production designer Ray Kluga referenced the New York offices of high-

powered public relations firm to capture the energy of Ashley’s workplace environment.

To create the Rock ‘N’ Bowl, where Jake works and McFly serves as the popular

house band, the filmmakers found inspiration and a living set at New Orleans’ Mid-City

Lanes Rock ‘N’ Bowl. This provided myriad backgrounds for the montage which shows

Ashley, who also takes a job there when her luck spirals downward, armed with a plunger

and gas mask cleaning out toilets, and performing an array of unglamorous custodial

tasks.

Ashley and her boss, Peggy Braden, are jailed as a direct result of Ashley’s

plummeting luck. The filmmakers, needing a realistic jail setting, set their sights on

Jefferson Parish Correctional Facility, just outside New Orleans. State officials sealed off

a section of the working prison to allow the crew to shoot in an authentic environment.

The historic State Palace Theatre, adjacent to New Orleans’ French Quarter, mirrored

London’s Apollo Hammersmith concert arena for the filming of a live McFly concert in

front of thousands of screaming fans (extras recruited locally in New Orleans).

Kluga’s biggest challenge was bringing to life the all-important masquerade ball,

where Ashley and Jake have their life-altering kiss. The event is to be Ashley’s ultimate

expression of style, where she must live up to her boss’ enormous expectations and wow

even the most sophisticated member of New York’s glitterati. For this event, Kluga and

Petrie used the Beaux Arts interior of New Orleans’ historic FNBC Bank Building near

the French Quarter to stand in for the New York Palace.

Kluga transformed the massive space with marble columns and grandiose

chandeliers with lots of color throughout. “My idea was to use striking jewel tones,”

Kluga says, “unlike the typical idea of what a Manhattan nightclub looks like – which is

generally sleek and grey. Because we were doing a masquerade party, I wanted to

incorporate strong dashes of color. The movie starts out very light, white and neutral.

But then, you get into this magic scene and suddenly the colors begin to pop. It’s an

explosion of shapes and exciting things.”

Ashley’s vision for the masquerade ball was an atmosphere where “anything can

happen.” The massive interior was divided into sections: a VIP area; a place for record

company execs to present their artists; and an area with giant projection screens where

the latest rock videos are showcased. “We created private corners that have veils of

fabric so that you get a sense of ‘what’s going on in these dark corners?’” Kluga

describes. “We built in lighting to all of the furniture, up-lighting so the people sitting in

the banquettes would be artfully backlit.”

To match the lush interiors, costume designer Gary Jones needed a drop-dead

gorgeous ensemble for Lohan, who is at the peak of her winning streak on the night of the

ball. Director Petrie wanted to make sure Lohan’s eyes were visible behind her mask (it

is, after all, a masquerade ball). “We had to find a way to make a mask that would not

hide or bury her eyes so far behind it that we would lose her,” says Jones. He designed a

headpiece using beige ostrich and rooster feathers; and a mylar silver, gold and beige

horse-hair veil to match her Balenciaga dress.

Lohan, a fashion enthusiast, relished the opportunity to bring her sensibilities to

Ashley’s wardrobe and immediately clicked with Jones. “He’s amazing,” she says. “We

worked together on everything. We started way before we even started prepping for the

movie, just bringing in clothes and having fun. It was nice for me to get to play a

character that is into fashion.”

At the film’s start, Ashley’s “lucky look” is quickly established. “She is this

pristine, dressed-in-white, almost impermeable person who can walk through the streets

of New York and never get a drop of anything on her,” says Jones. “She wears a white

Versace cashmere coat in the opening shots of the movie. Underneath is a sheer top in a

creamy white color with gold threads and a great silk charmeuse skirt. Very pale, high-

heeled Valentino boots, a pale Valentino purse and a white cashmere pashmina complete

the look. She starts out in white and in shades of white and continues that way until she

loses her luck.”

To create that pristine, untouchable sparkle, makeup artist Kimberly Greene

patterned Ashley’s masquerade makeup after the 1940s Varga girls with bright lips and

eyeliner. “She was literally born under a lucky star and everything she does is just

perfect and gorgeous,” Greene describes. “She knows the right make-up, the right hair,

the right outfits – everything comes to her very easily.”

Greene also found the task of making Lohan’s eyes “visible but hidden” a

challenge. “We wanted to see her and not see her; make it gorgeous and beautiful but

also make it a masquerade,” Greene says. The final look chosen for the masquerade ball

is Italian-themed, inspired by traditional Venetian masks. Greene used Swarovski

crystals and swirls of gold traced around Ashley’s eyes. “The look starts out flawless,”

Greene says. “But when she loses her luck, everything becomes smeary. We see a

physical transformation which helps to sell the idea that her luck has really gone sour.”

The newly-unlucky Ashley wears a hodgepodge of clothes that reflect her

unfortunate turn of events. “She starts borrowing clothes from other people, which puts

her in a lot of color and a lot of different kinds of clothing that she would never have

worn as Ashley, the successful and lucky young woman,” says Jones. “Her ‘borrowed

look’ is a mish-mash of sorts and takes her into a palette of bright colors, casual clothing

and jeans. Her hair and makeup become clean and simple, with a natural prettiness

showing through.”

Ashley’s look hits rock bottom as she gets doused with real mud. “It was funny

because Donald Petrie likes to shoot shots from every possible angle, especially the mud

scene,” Lohan recalls. “And we repeated it several times and there came a point where I

said, you know what? I’m just gonna put my head back in and let’s just do it again while

I’m already muddy.” Greene put in a bid to help Lohan through it by offering up face

mask mud instead of real mud, but Lohan refused, “I was like, fine, let me just do it,” she

says, laughing.

In March 2005, the production moved to New York City to shoot exteriors.

Making themselves visible to the public proved tricky with Lohan’s rapidly ascending

profile as a prime target of the paparazzi. “Some days there were as many as 30 or 40

paparazzi on the set,” co-producer Ellen H. Schwartz says. “The crew often had to erect

physical barriers to preserve a comfortable shooting environment and eye-line for the

actors.”

Many of the film’s pivotal scenes take place in some of the city’s famous

landmarks and vistas, which give the film a cosmopolitan look. Central Park and Times

Square were vital set pieces to the action, with the film’s finale set at the always romantic Grand Central Station.

For the climactic concert scene finale, set at the then-uncompleted Hard Rock

Café in Times Square, the crew dressed the outside marquis for the movie concert scene.

This enabled the filmmakers to capture a nighttime exterior of the famous, brightly lit

landmark. The production team managed to get the massive Reuters video board,

adjacent to the Hard Rock, to play fictional McFly concert promos which ignited a few

British tourists familiar with the band into thinking their favorite band had finally hit

America.

ABOUT THE CAST

With her low voice, her deep auburn hair, green eyes and freckles, LINDSAY

LOHAN (Ashley Albright) has always been a standout in a sea of blue-eyed blondes.

Lohan became the first red-headed child ever to be signed by Ford Modeling Agency.

She became instantly recognizable in ads for The Gap, Jell-O, Pizza Hut and Wendy’s.

After a stint as Ali Fowler on the daytime drama “Another World,” Lohan was

hand-picked by then first-time director Nancy Meyers, to play the estranged, plucky

twins in Disney’s remake of “The Parent Trap,” co-starring Dennis Quaid and Natasha

Richardson. “The Parent Trap” was a modest commercial success, earning her

widespread critical acclaim, and a Young Artist award for Best Leading Young Actress in

a Feature Film, as well as Blockbuster Entertainment and Young Star award nominations.

Disney signed Lohan for a three-movie deal, and in the year 2000, Lohan returned

to television to play opposite Bette Midler in “The Bette Show.” When she took a break

from acting, Lohan’s music career began to take off; Estefan Enterprises made a five-

album production deal with her in September 2002, and she signed a recording contract

with the reactivated Casablanca Records.

At the same time, Lohan took on another Disney project, the remake of “Freaky

Friday,” for director Mark Rodgers. The film also starred Jamie Lee Curtis as Lohan’s

mother. The film was a wild success, and critics were charmed by the performances from

Lohan and Curtis (who went on to receive a Golden Globe® nomination for her work). In

addition, Lohan won the 2004 MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Female, as

well as a Saturn award nomination and another Young Artist award nomination.

In 2004, she reunited with “Freaky Friday” director Mark Waters, to star in

“Mean Girls,” the Tina Fey (“Saturday Night Live”) adaptation of Rosalind Wiseman’s

non-fiction book. The satirical high-school comedy-drama opened to glowing reviews,

and grossed $86 million in the U.S. The same year she starred in “Confessions of a

Teenage Drama Queen,” also for Disney.

Lohan returned to her Disney fan base again for 2005’s “Herbie: Fully Loaded,”

co-starring Matt Dillon and Michael Keaton. The actress will next be seen in Robert

Altman’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” opposite Meryl Streep, scheduled for release

June 9, 2006. She has just completed filming the independent Emilio Estevez film,

“Bobby,” with Elijah Wood and Demi Moore. She is currently filming “Chapter 27”

with Jared Leto.

Lohan is considered "triple threat" (actor/model/singer) and began by showcasing

her singing talents through her films; for the “Freaky Friday” soundtrack, she sang the

closing theme, “Ultimate”; she also recorded four songs for the “Confessions of a

Teenage Drama Queen” soundtrack.

Lohan's debut album, “Speak” was released in December 2004, and peaked at

number four on the Billboard 200. By early 2005, it was certified Platinum. Its video was

nominated for Best Pop Video at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards. "Rumors"

eventually earned a Gold certification.

Lohan was born on Long Island, New York and separates her time between Los

Angeles and New York.

CHRIS PINE (Jake Hardin) is one of the busiest young actors in Hollywood.

His first big break came when he starred in “The Princess Diaries: Royal Engagement” as

the young Lord Nicholas Devereaux. Pine recently wrapped “Smokin’ Aces” for

director Joe Carnahan (“Narc”). Pine also has upcoming appearances in such diverse

films as “Confession,” directed by Jonathan Meyers and “The Bulls,” a new project

directed by Eric Stoltz.

Pine has been featured on television in guest star roles on the hit shows “Six Feet

Under,” “CSI: Miami,” “The Guardian,” and “ER,” and he appeared in the television

movie “Surrender Dorothy,” opposite Diane Keaton. With an extensive background in

theatre, Pine has performed numerous classic roles at the Williamstown Theater Festival,

University of California, Berkeley and various theater companies in the Los Angeles

area.

FAIZON LOVE (Damon Phillips) is best known for his turn as one of Santa’s

helpers in “Elf,” opposite Will Ferrell. He first gained popularity when he starred in

“Blue Crush,” playing a boisterous NFL player visiting Hawaii with an unexpected desire

to learn how to surf. In “Wonderland,” Love played the ominous bodyguard of Los

Angeles' real-life nightclub and drug kingpin Eddie Nash (Eric Bogosian) in the flashy

retelling of L.A.'s infamous Wonderland Avenue murders. He was also seen in “The

Fighting Temptations” as a prison warden.

Large both in actual physical stature and in presence, Love moved to New York

City from Newark, New Jersey upon graduating from high school. As a student, Love

was encouraged by an English teacher who invited the young man to perform before the

class at the end of the day if his studies were in order. This fostering of his creativity led

to bigger and better things for the performer, who landed a role in the Off-Broadway play

“Bitter Heart Midtown” at the Harlem National Black Theatre within his first year in

NYC. A modernized take on Charles Dickens' “Great Expectations,” the play was a good

start for the actor, who had an early TV appearance in an episode of the CBS series

“WIOU” in 1990. In 1992, Love was called in to replace Robin Harris when the

comedian died suddenly, providing a voice for the animated feature “Bebe's Kids.”

Moving towards more mainstream fare, Love was featured in “The

Replacements,” a comedy set during an NFL strike. Here he played a celebrity bodyguard

turned football player, and reached a wider audience with his appropriately goofy

portrayal. He also caught the attention of co-star Jon Favreau, who cast Love a supporting

role as Horrace, Ruiz's (Sean Combs) muscle in “Made,” writer-director Favreau's

portrait of two dim-witted wannabe made men from L.A. (Favreau and Vince Vaughn)

who get mixed up in real-life organized crime in New York City. The actor was quickly

added to Favreau's regular ensemble of players (Love's hilarious outtakes are one of the

highlights of the film's DVD edition).

MISSI PYLE (Peggy Braden) starred in the 2005 hit, Charlie and the Chocolate

Factory,” opposite Johnny Depp, and she also starred alongside Anna Faris in NBC’s

“Blue Skies.”

Pyle appeared in another Tim Burton tale, “Big Fish,” and gave memorable turns

in “Soul Plane,” and “Along Came Polly.” Pyle was also a standout in “Dodgeball: A

True Underdog Story” (2004), playing a powerhouse foreign dodgeball champ for first-

time director Rawson Marshall Thurber. She appeared in the recent comedy hits “50 First

Dates,” and “Bringing Down the House.”

Born Aschley Kay Pyle, her parents dubbed her ‘Little Missi’, a nickname that

stuck throughout her life and career. She grew up in Houston, Texas, but moved to

Germantown, Tennessee at the age of 12 with her mom and new stepfather. Around this

time, Pyle became interested in acting and attended Germantown High School, one of the

top three performing arts high schools in the country. Her career was laid out for her.

She attended the prestigious North Carolina School of the Arts and after graduation,

moved to New York to pursue a career in theater. One of her first roles was opposite

John Malkovich in Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater Company’s “The Libertine.”

After moving to Los Angeles, Pyle guest starred on television shows such as

“Mad About You,” “The Drew Carey Show” and “Friends” before landing a feature role

in Jim Brooks’ As Good as it Gets. She is also known for her standout turn in “Galaxy

Quest” opposite Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver.

Pyle has just recently finished filming “Mojave Phone Booth” with Annabeth

Gish, and “Stormbreaker” with Ewan McGregor and Mickey Rourke.

McFLY(as themselves) is a young guitar band that has taken England by storm

and now hopes to do the same in America. Taking their name from the Michael J. Fox

character Marty McFly in the “Back to the Future” trilogy, McFly is a rapidly rising boy

band with influences ranging from The Beach Boy to the Beatles. Unlike most boy bands

today, McFly write their own songs and play their own instruments.

In 2005 they won a Brit Award as best international pop act, recorded with Roger

Daltry of The Who for a Teenage Cancer Trust release, went to Uganda and had a charity

single in England for Comic Relief, had the UK’s biggest arena tour and went to Japan to

co-headline Live-8.

McFly's first single, “5 Colours In Her Hair,” entered the UK singles chart at

number one in April 2004 and stayed there for two weeks. In July 2004 their second

single, “Obviously,” also reached the top, but only for one week. This was followed by

the album “Room On The 3rd Floor” debuting at number one in the UK albums chart,

beating The Beatles, and putting McFly in the “Guinness Book of World Records” as the

youngest ever band to achieve such a feat.

Mcfly is fronted by co-lead singers Tom Fletcher (vocals, guitar) and Danny

Jones (vocals, guitar) and joined by Dougie Poynter (bass, vocals) and Harry Judd

(drums). The guys write their own songs and have also co-written four other number-ones

for other acts.

Mcfly’s American album was released May 2 and features songs from their first

two UK albums including the songs they do in the movie.

SAMAIRE ARMSTRONG (Maggie) was most recently seen as Emily on the

popular HBO series “Entourage.” Entertainment Weekly called her one of the breakout

stars of the show and named her as a “Breakthrough of the Year” for 2004, and for her

recurring role on “The OC,” to which she returned in April 2006. She most recently

finished work on the female lead in “It’s A Boy Girl Thing” for Elton John’s production

company Rocket Pictures, and she has the female lead in the thriller “Stay Alive.”

Armstrong can also be seen as one of the new faces of Candies and this fall she'll be seen

in a small celebrity cameo in “Rise,” which stars Lucy Liu.

While studying at the University of Arizona, Armstrong decided she might like to

try acting as a career. She packed up her things and moved to Los Angeles where she was

soon cast in a recurring role on the critically acclaimed NBC series, “Freaks and Geeks.”

That role was followed shortly thereafter by guest-starring roles on, “Judging Amy,”

“Party of Five,” “That's Life,” “ER,” and pivotal role in a particularly creepy episode of

the “X-Files.” She made her feature film debut in the comedy “Not Another Teen

Movie.”

Armstrong spends some of her spare time designing a line of clothing, "NARU,"

which has been admired by other members of "Young Hollywood" and featured in

magazines like Vogue, Elle, W, Elle Girl, YM, Cosmogirl and InStyle and is currently

being sold in small boutiques in Los Angeles.

 

BREE TURNER (Dana) has been dubbed one of the “Next Generation” by The

Hollywood Reporter. She recently wrapped “Firehouse Dog” for Regency Enterprises,

directed by Todd Holland. She was most recently seen in the motion picture, “Bring it

On Again,” for which she was nominated for a 2004 DVD Exclusive Awards Best

Actress.

This past fall, Turner guest starred on the popular Jerry Bruckheimer series, “Cold

Case,” and on the drama, Las Vegas. She has appeared in the new series “Love

Monkey,” and on “Sex, Love & Secrets.” Her film work has included “Sorority Boys”

and “The Wedding Planner,” opposite Jennifer Lopez and got her first break on “Deuce

Bigelow: Male Gigolo.”

Turner began her career as a trained dancer, appearing in the opening title

sequence of “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” and as a dancer in “The Big Lebowski.” She

has also danced in high profile commercials for Hyundai, Gap, and Dr. Pepper.

On stage, Turner starred in the critically acclaimed production of “The Pages of My

Diary I’d Rather Not Read” at The Hudson Mainstage in Los Angeles. She played Ivy, a

successful business woman but frustrated write-aholic who’s filled up the pages of her

diary but has yet to publish a word.

Born and raised in Northern California, Turner came to Los Angeles to attend

UCLA wile pursuing acting and dance.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

DONALD PETRIE (Director, Producer), a graduate of the American Film

Institute, landed his first career break when Steven Spielberg viewed his film “The

Expert” and hired him to direct an episode of “Amazing Stories.”

Petrie made his feature film directorial debut with the critically acclaimed

“Mystic Pizza,” the film best known for launching Julia Roberts’ career. His other

feature film credits include “Welcome to Mooseport,” starring Ray Romano and Gene

Hackman; “Grumpy Old Men,” starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau; “The Favor”

starring Elizabeth McGovern and Brad Pitt; “Miss Congeniality,” starring Sandra

Bullock, and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” starring Kate Hudson and Matthew

McConaughey.

I. MARLENE KING (Screenplay, Story) whose credits include “Now and

Then,” starring Demi Moore, Melanie Griffith, Rosie O’Donnell, Christina Ricci, and

Thora Birch and the acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe nominated HBO movie, “If

These Walls Could Talk,” is about to helm her first feature film, “Rain Falls.” Union

Square Entertainment is financing the picture, which is set to begin filming in May 2006.

“Rain Falls,” an ensemble drama, explores the lives of two couples who are best friends

in suburban America. On the outside it is a predictable world of pretenses and white

picket fences, but behind closed doors the couples search for more in the secret world of

swinging.

King also scripted and produced the acclaimed pilot, “Saving Graces,” starring

Lauren Ambrose for the WB network.

AMY B. HARRIS (Screenplay) was a writer/producer on the Emmy®-winning

HBO series "Sex and the City." During her tenure on the series, it won three Golden

Globes and an Emmy for Best Comedy Series. She then went on to write and produce the

HBO show "The Comeback" starring Lisa Kudrow. Prior to her work on "Sex and the

City," Harris was a member of the editorial staff of Vanity Fair magazine. She also

consulted for several campaigns on both the federal and state level.

On the feature side, Harris has worked on the Regency project "Head Hunters."

Currently she is writing "Switch" for Universal Studios.

JONATHAN BERNSTEIN (Story) is the author of Pretty In Pink: The Golden

Age Of 80s Teen Movies (St. Martin's Press) and the forthcoming Dictionary Of British

Slang (Canongate, 2006). His screen credits include “Max Keeble's Big Move” (Disney,

2001) and the recent “Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector,” starring Larry the Cable

Guy.

MARK BLACKWELL (Story) is the cofounder of Nylon, an international

fashion and entertainment magazine. He was Senior Editor of Spin magazine from 1990-

94 and Editorial Director of Raygun Publishing from 1994-98, overseeing such pop

culture titles as Raygun, Bikini, and MTV Europe's “Blah Blah Blah.” In his magazine

work he has written features on hundreds of music and film luminaries (including the

Rolling Stones, U2, R.E.M., Kiss, nine inch nails, Marilyn Manson, Dr. Dre, Johnny

Cash, Oasis, Green Day, Cameron Diaz, Adam Sandler, Tom Hanks, Public Enemy,

Bjork, the Cure, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, Ice-T, and Wayne Newton...just to name a few).

Blackwell was Editor of 1998's On The Road With Patti Smith, a photography

book by Michael Stipe of R.E.M. - and was U2's official biographer on their 1997-98

PopMart tour, traveling around the world with the band and interviewing them

extensively.

He has also contributed cartoons and photographs to magazines worldwide. His

prize-winning portrait of Elvis Presley made from jellybeans was hung for a time in

Graceland and he once appeared on “Live With Regis and Kathie Lee” displaying his

award-winning sculpture of Godzilla constructed entirely out of cheese.

Blackwell's first movie, which he co-wrote, was the 2001 Walt Disney Pictures

comedy “Max Keeble's Big Move.” He is currently working on a book and recording a

CD with his band Phoney, as well as writing and producing several other movie projects.

JAMES GREER (Story) is the author of the forthcoming novel Artificial Light

(Akashic, 2006) and of Guided by Voices: A Brief History: Twenty-One Years of Hunting

Accidents in the Forests of Rock 'n' Roll (Grove, 2005). Greer collaborated with Jonathan

Bernstein on the recent “Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector,” a comedy from

Lionsgate.

ARNON MILCHAN (Producer) is widely renowned as one of the most prolific and

successful independent film producers of the past 25 years, with over 100 feature films to his credit. Born in Israel, Milchan was educated at the University of Geneva. His first business venture was transforming his father’s modest business into one of his country’s largest agro-chemical companies. This early achievement was a harbinger of Milchan’s now-legendary reputation in the international marketplace as a keen businessman.

Soon, Milchan began to underwrite projects in areas that had always held a special

interest for him – film, television and theater. Early projects include Roman Polanski’s

theater production of “Amadeus,” “Dizengoff 99,” “La Menace,” “The Medusa Touch” and the mini-series “Masada.” By the end of the 1980s, Milchan had produced such films as Martin Scorsese’s “The King of Comedy,” Sergio Leone’s “Once Upon at Time in America” and Terry Gilliam’s “Brazil.”

After the huge successes of “Pretty Woman” and “The War of the Roses,” Milchan

founded New Regency Productions and went on to produce a string of successful films

including “J.F.K,” “Sommersby,” “A Time to Kill,” “Free Willy,” “The Client,” “Tin Cup,” “Under Siege,” “L.A. Confidential,” “The Devil’s Advocate,” “The Negotiator,” “City of Angels,” “Entrapment,” “Fight Club,” “Big Momma’s House,” “Don’t Say a Word,” “Daredevil,” “Man on Fire,” “Guess Who,” “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” and “Big Momma’s House 2.”

Upcoming projects include: “My Super Ex-Girlfriend,” a comedy starring Uma

Thurman, Luke Wilson, Anna Farris, Eddie Izzard, Rainn Wilson and Wanda Sykes, and

directed by Ivan Reitman; “The Fountain,” a sci-fi fantasy starring Hugh Jackman and

Rachel Wiesz, directed by Darren Aronofsky; “Firehouse Dog,” a family comedy starring

Josh Hutcherson, Bruce Greenwood, Dash Mihok, Steven Culp and Bree Turner, directed by Todd Holland; “Jumper,” a sci-fi action-adventure starring Thomas Sturridge, Jamie Bell, Teresa Palmer, directed by Doug Liman; and “Dallas,” based on the television phenomenon.

Along the way, Milchan brought on board two powerful investors and partners who

share his vision: Nine Network and Twentieth Century Fox. Fox distributes Regency movies in all media worldwide (excluding an output arrangement Regency has in Germany), including on U.S. pay television, and international pay and free television.

Milchan also successfully diversified his company’s activities within the sphere of

entertainment, most specifically in the realm of television through Regency Television

(“Malcolm in the Middle,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” “Living with Fran,” “Thief” and

“Windfalls”). Regency recently acquired a stake in Channel 10, BabyFirstTV, and an Israeli TV network. In addition, Regency holds television rights to Sony Ericsson Women’s Tennis Association events.

ARNOLD RIFKIN (Producer) produces film and television projects through his

Santa Monica-based production company, Cheyenne Enterprises LLC. Since the

company’s inception in January 2000, Cheyenne has produced such feature films as

“Bandits,” “Hart’s War,” “The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course,” “Tears of the Sun,”

“Hostage” and “16 Blocks.”

Cheyenne is in development on “Die Hard 4.0” at Twentieth Century Fox. In

conjunction with Ascendant Pictures, Cheyenne is in pre-production on “Black Water

Transit,” with Sam Bayer directing and screenplay adaptation by Doug Richardson; and

“Deal,” by Joe LiSuzzo & Scott Forsyth and Glenn Gordon Caron (TV’s ‘Medium,”

“Moonlighting”). Later this year, Cheyenne will begin shooting “True Believers,” to be

directed by Hideo Nakata (“The Ring Two”); and Mark Bomback’s “The Tourist,” to be

directed by Marcel Langenegger.

In television, Cheyenne Enterprises has been equally prolific starting with Sam

Shepard’s “True West,” which aired on Showtime; the animated series “Gary the Rat,”

on Spike TV (which featured the voice of Kelsey Grammer and was co-produced with

Grammer’s Gramnet); and the critically-acclaimed series “Touching Evil” on USA

Network, executive produced by Cheyenne and the Hughes Brothers (“From Hell”).

Before founding Cheyenne Enterprises, Rifkin had been a talent agent for over 20

years. He started his career at Rifkin-David and was a founding partner of Triad Artists.

In 1992, Triad Artists was acquired by the William Morris Agency and Rifkin was named

worldwide head of the WMA Motion Picture Department. In 1996, he became president

of the agency where he remained until September 1999. In January 2000, Rifkin formed

Cheyenne Enterprises, LLC.

In addition to his work in the creative community, Rifkin sits on the Board of

Directors at the American Cinematheque and serves as the co-chair of the Producers

Program at the UCLA School of Theatre, Film & Television, where he has been teaching

for 12 years.

JOSEPH CARACCIOLO, JR. (Executive Producer) began his career in film as

a production manager on director Sidney Lumet’s “Running on Empty” and “The

Verdict.”

Caracciolo produced “Hide and Seek,” Twentieth Century Fox’s hit psychological

thriller starring Robert DeNiro and Dakota Fanning, “Uptown Girls,” also starring

Dakota Fanning and Brittany Murphy; the Twentieth Century Fox thriller, “Swimfan,”

directed by John Polson.

Caracciolo’s other feature film credits include James Foley’s “Glengarry Glen

Ross,” Jon Amiel’s “Copycat,” and “The Man Who Knew Too Little,” John Waters’

“Serial Mom,” “Pecker” and “Cecil B. Demented.”

 

DEAN SEMLER, ACS/ASC (Director of Photography) won both the Academy

Award and the American Cinematographers Society Award for his work on Kevin

Costner's epic, “Dances with Wolves.”

Semler's extensive list of credits also includes “Stealth,” “The Longest Yard,”

“The Alamo,” “Bruce Almighty,” “Triple X,” “We Were Soldiers,” and “Dragonfly.”

Previously, Semler shots “Gone Fishin',” “Waterworld,” “The Cowboy Way,” “The

Three Musketeers,” “The Last Action Hero,” “Super Mario Bros.,” “The Power of One,”

“City Slickers,” “Young Guns,” “Young Guns II,” “Impulse,” “K-9,” “Cocktail,”

“Farewell to the King” and “Dead Calm” which won an Australian Film Award. Semler

also lensed the cult hits “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome” and “The Road Warrior.”

In 1997, Semler was inducted into the Australian Cinematographers Hall of Fame.

In 2002 he received the Order of Australia for services in the arts as an internationally

acclaimed cinematographer and, in 2003 was awarded the Centenary Medal for

contribution to the Australian Society.

RAY KLUGA (Production Designer) was the art director on “Miss

Congeniality,” “Stepmom,” “You’ve Got Mail,” “Two Weeks Notice,” and “Head of

State.” He is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and divides his time between New

York and Los Angeles.

DEBRA NEIL-FISHER, A.C.E. (Editor) collaborated with Donald Petrie twice

before, on “Welcome to Mooseport” and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” Her credits

include the television movies “Heat Wave” and series “Boomtown,” the character-based

feature dramas “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “The War” and “Up Close and Personal,” and

the horror films “Teaching Mrs. Tingle” and “Dr. Giggles.” Recently, she has developed

a reputation as a skilled comedy editor, most notably on the first two “Austin Powers”

films.

GARY JONES (Costume Designer) has designed for a wide range of feature

films, including “The Princess Diaries” and “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal

Engagement,” “Spider-Man 2,” “Raising Helen,” “Heartbreakers,” “Desperate

Measures,” “Vanya on 42nd Street,” “Guilty as Sin,” “The Mosquito Coast” and “Trip to

Bountiful.”

Jones has enjoyed a long creative collaboration with famed costume designer Ann

Roth, and together they worked on films including “Primary Colors,” “The English

Patient,” “Sabrina,” “Consenting Adults,” “The Mambo Kings,” “Just Cause” and

“Dressed to Kill.” In 1999, Jones and Roth shared an Academy Award nomination for

“The Talented Mr. Ripley.”

TEDDY CASTELLUCCI (Composer) scored the motion pictures “The Longest

Yard,” “Rebound,” “50 First Dates,” “Mr. Deeds,” “Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy

Nights,” “Big Daddy,” “The Animal,” “The Guest,” “Good Advice,” “Deuce Bigalow:

Male Gigolo,” “Repli-Kate,” “Little Nicky” and “The Wedding Singer.” As a studio

musician, his long list of recording and performing credits include such diverse artists as

Michael Jackson, Jackson Browne, Boz Scaggs, Smokey Robinson, Olivia Newton-John,

Michael Bolton, Natalie Cole, Brian Wilson, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Wynton

Marsalis, Dizzy Gillespie and Lionel Hampton. He will next compose “Click” with

Adam Sandler.

 

©2006 by Regency Entertainment (USA), Inc. and Monarchy Enterprises S.a.r.l. All rights reserved.

Property of Fox. Permission is hereby granted to newspapers and periodicals to reproduce this

text in articles publicizing the distribution of the Motion Picture.

All other use is strictly prohibited, including sale, duplication, or other transfers of this material.

This press kit, in whole or in part, must not be leased, sold, or given away.

 

Red-Carpet Launch Celebration of the Musical Phenomenon HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

Screening at the Historic El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood

WHO: The primary cast from the ratings juggernaut: Zac Efron (Troy),

Vanessa Anne Hudgens (Gabriella), Ashley Tisdale (Sharpay), Lucas

Grabeel (Ryan), and Monique Coleman (Taylor). Rosanna Arquette

(TV's What About Brian), Lisa Rinna (TV's Dancing with the Stars)

Dina and Ali Lohan, Marilu Henner, Miley Cyrus (TV's Hannah

Montana), Madylin Sweeten, Sawyer Sweeten, and Sullivan Sweeten

(TV's Everybody Loves Raymond), Rob Pinkston (TV's Punk'd) and

Princess Catherine Oxenberg as well as others will join the cast

and Walt Disney Home Entertainment to celebrate the DVD debut.

WHAT: On Saturday May 13, the entertainment industry sensation

High School Musical will be screened at a gala, red-carpet

event at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.

WHEN: Saturday, May 13

5:30 pm - Press Check-In

6:30 pm - Red carpet arrivals at the El Capitan Theatre.

7:30 pm - Screening of High School Musical

WHERE: The El Capitan Theatre

6838 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA

About the High School Musical DVD

High School Musical, the contemporary movie musical that has captivated kids, tweens and families as part of the blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, and is the highest-rated original programming in the history of the network, will debut on Disney DVD, May 23, 2006. A "break into song" production, the comedic High School Musical follows two teens, Troy and Gabriella, who must learn to believe in themselves and follow their dreams, despite the polarization of high school cliques. Allowing fans to experience even more, the DVD will include two versions of the film -- the original telecast version and an exciting sing-along version which displays lyrics on screen during all musical numbers, so audiences can learn the words of the film's chart-topping songs.

"High School Musical" is an entertainment industry sensation. A contemporary musical comedy, (as of April 14) it has aired ten times (January 20-March 24) on Disney Channel. Over the course of its ten telecasts, the movie has delivered 34 million unique Total Viewers, 18.8 million Households, 10.0 million Kids 6-11 and 10.5 million Tweens 9-14.

The High School Musical soundtrack from Walt Disney Records has been certified double platinum by the R.I.A.A. The duet, "Breaking Free" is a platinum single and four additional singles, including the rhythmic "Get'cha Head in the Game," "What I've Been Looking For," "We're All in this Together," and "Start of Something New" are all gold. An exciting "High School Musical Special Edition" 2-CD soundtrack will be released on the same day as the DVD's debut, May 23, 2006.

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Toyo Tires(R) Launches 'Gettin' Sideways Sweepstakes' Celebrating 'The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift'

Toyo Tires(R) announces the "Gettin' Sideways Sweepstakes" to celebrate Universal Pictures' upcoming release "The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift." From the producer of the worldwide blockbuster hits "The Fast and The Furious" and its sequel, "2 Fast 2 Furious," comes the latest installment of the adrenaline-inducing series built on speed -- "The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift." Set in the sexy and colorful underground world of Japanese drift racing, the newest and fastest customized rides go head-to-head on some of the most perilous courses in the world. In "The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift," Toyo Tires(R) will have its greatest visibility to date with Toyo tires placed on many of the vehicles featured in the film. Universal Pictures will release "The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift" June 16, 2006 nationwide.

To celebrate "The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift" and Toyo's involvement with the film, the company is holding the national "Gettin' Sideways Sweepstakes." The Grand Prize will be a red Mitsubishi Evo 9 styled after one of the cars featured in the film. This car will turn heads wherever it goes, and of course, runs on super sticky Toyo Proxes 4(TM) ultra-high performance tires. A lucky Second Place winner will lay claim to a one-off movie-themed "Toyo Tires" Les Paul guitar made by Gibson. This glowing red and black electric guitar will surely be a collectible, while its rich, distinctive sound would be coveted by any musician.

During the sweepstakes promotion, which lasts from May 1, 2006 through July 31, 2006, purchasers of any four Toyo tires will receive an assortment of Meguiar's(R) NXT Car Care Products. According to Dana Zamalloa, Senior Marketing Communications Manager, Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corporation, "Toyo's association with 'The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift' is big, and we are celebrating by having a sweepstakes promoting the movie, which will be remembered by people for a long time."

For more information on signing up for the "Gettin' Sideways Sweepstakes," go to a tire dealer selling Toyo Tires(R) or log on to toyosweeps.com. During 2006 Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corporation celebrates its 40th anniversary. Toyo manufactures and distributes a complete line of high performance and original equipment replacement tires for passenger car, light truck, commercial truck, bus, off-road and construction applications.

About the film

From the producer of the worldwide blockbuster hits "The Fast and The Furious" and its sequel, "2 Fast 2 Furious," comes the latest installment of the adrenaline-inducing series built on speed -- "The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift." Set in the sexy and colorful underground world of Japanese drift racing, the newest and fastest customized rides go head-to-head on some of the most perilous courses in the world.

Sean Boswell (Lucas Black) is an outsider who attempts to define himself as a hot-headed, underdog street racer. Although racing provides a temporary escape from an unhappy home and the superficial world around him, it has also made Sean unpopular with the local authorities. To avoid jail time, Sean is sent to live with his gruff, estranged father, a career military-man stationed in Tokyo.

Now officially a "gaijin" (outsider), Sean feels even more shut out in a land of foreign customs and codes of honor. But it doesn't take long for him to find some action when a fellow American buddy, Twinkie (Bow Wow), introduces him to the underground world of drift racing. Sean's simple drag racing gets replaced by a rubber-burning, automotive art form -- with an exhilarating balance of speeding and gliding through a heart-stopping course of hairpin turns and switchbacks.

On his first time out drifting, Sean unknowingly takes on D.K., the "Drift King," a local champ with ties to the Japanese crime machine Yakuza. Sean's loss comes at a high price tag when he's forced to work off the debt under the thumb of ex-pat, Han (Sung Kang). Han soon welcomes Sean into this family of misfits and introduces him to the real principles of drifting. But when Sean falls for D.K.'s girlfriend, Neela (newcomer Nathalie Kelley), an explosive series of events is set into motion, climaxing with an ultimate high stakes face off.

"The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift" is directed by Justin Lin ("Better Luck Tomorrow," "Annapolis") and written by Chris Morgan ("Cellular"), Kario Salem ("The Score") and Alfredo Botello. The film is produced by Neal H. Moritz ("xXx," "S.W.A.T.") and executive produced by Clayton Townsend ("The Skeleton Key," "The 40 Year-Old Virgin").

This film has not yet been rated. Please consult www.filmratings.com for further information.

About Universal Pictures

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

Source: Toyo Tires

Web site: http://www.toyoeditor.com/
http://www.universalstudios.com/

 

SPORTS & AUTOS

Audi R8 Makes a Winning Comeback in USA

* FSI technology helps Audi achieve comprehensive victory

* Capello and McNish extend championship lead

* Five-year-old Audi R8 beats latest sports-prototypes

Dindo Capello (Italy) and Allan McNish (Scotland) extended their American Le Mans Series lead when they steered their "factory" Audi R8 home to victory in the inaugural Grand Prix in Houston (US state of Texas) on Friday night. It was the 62nd victory for the most successful Le Mans prototype from 78 races.

With the Audi R10 TDI currently being prepared in Europe for the 24 Hours of Le Mans (17/18 June), Capello and McNish successfully reverted to the Audi R8 featuring FSI petrol direct injection technology first pioneered in 2001. Having scored a historic win in the 12 Hours of Sebring with the diesel-powered Audi R10 TDI, the Anglo-Italian combination reminded its rivals about the efficiency of the Audi FSI technology.

Capello started the Audi Sport North America Audi R8 from fourth on the 23-car grid but quickly forced his way in to second place as dusk changed to full darkness in the race that began at 2000hr.

Excellent pit-strategy enabled McNish, who had taken over from Capello after 53mins, to "leapfrog" the LM P2 Porsche of Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas and in to the lead following the opening scheduled pit-stops. McNish made a second and final pit-stop for fuel after 97mins, re-taking the lead with 40mins to run.

The five-year-old Audi R8 proved to be not only reliable and efficient. The Audi, which Capello had swept to a fastest race lap 0.234secs quicker than in qualifying, had set a searing pace around the 1.7-mile, 10-corner temporary "street" circuit constructed in Houston's Reliant Park, eventually claiming a comprehensive fivelap victory.

The third round of the American Le Mans Series is at Mid-Ohio (US state Ohio) next weekend (19-21 May). McNish has never driven at this 2.25-mile road course while Capello knows the undulating course from 2001 and 2002.

Quotes after the race in Houston

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): "We are very happy that the R8 can still win races despite being further handicapped by the regulations. Reliability and the FSI technology were yet again key factors. Congratulations to the team which had the right strategy and the drivers who did no mistakes on this difficult track."

Dindo Capello (Audi R8 #2): "Our race speed was good from the start which gave me confidence. The R8 was amazing allowing me to even set a faster time than in qualifying! I quickly closed the gap on Sascha Maassen and was faster than him. But I was losing time behind him so our strategy to make a pit-stop early was correct."

Allan McNish (Audi R8 #2): "Possibly one of the hardest races for the Audi R8 on a very demanding, bumpy and slippery circuit -- not ideal for a car originally designed for Le Mans. Dindo was superb, the team very clever with its pit-stops in a very tough race. I'm proud to have achieved another win for the Audi R8."

Dave Maraj (Team Director, Team Audi Sport North America): "It was a great all-round team performance. Dindo and Allan drove fast but cleanly while our pit-stop strategy worked to perfection. We forced the pace and our rivals ultimately broke. The Audi R8 remains a phenomenal machine and I'm proud to have achieved this latest victory as a 'factory' team."

The results in Houston

1 Capello/McNish (Audi R8) -- 143 laps

2 Gavin/Beretta (Chevrolet) -- 5 laps

3 Fellows/O'Connell (Chevrolet) -- 5 laps

4 Enge/Turner (Aston Martin) -- 6 laps

5 Lamy/Sarrazin (Aston Martin) -- 6 laps

6 Weaver/Leitzinger (Lola-AER) -- 9 laps

Source: AUDI AG

Bolton Leads $900,000 Wal-Mart FLW Tour Event on Kentucky Lake

20-Pound, 9-Ounce Catch Gives Local Pro Nearly 5-Pound Advantage

Yamaha pro Terry Bolton of Paducah, Ky., caught a five-bass limit weighing 20 pounds, 9 ounces to lead 10 finalists into the last day of the $900,000 Wal-Mart FLW Tour event on Kentucky Lake presented by Pedigree. If Bolton retains his lead Saturday, he will pocket $100,000 and collect valuable points leading toward a berth in the $1.5 million Wal-Mart FLW Tour Championship.

While some anglers' catches have fluctuated over the last three days of competition, Bolton has improved his catch by more than a pound each day. He weighed in 17 pounds, 2 ounces on opening day and 19 pounds, 5 ounces on day two.

"Today, when I first started, the wind was terrible," said Bolton, who has two FLW Outdoors wins and 32 top-10 finishes to his credit, including 19 on Kentucky Lake alone. "You have to have confidence and believe in what you are doing."

Bolton's efforts have been predominantly focused on ledges using a jig fished on heavy fluorocarbon line.

"There's one little sweet-spot on a ledge," he said. "I'm going to the places where I know there are fish."

Ranger pro Steve Kennedy of Auburn, Ala., ended the day in second place with five bass weighing 15 pounds, 15 ounces.

"I grew up fishing ledges on Eufaula and West Point," said Kennedy, who won the 2003 FLW Tour stop on Kentucky Lake. "We don't get too many opportunities to fish ledges, so I need to make the best of it."

Rounding out the top five pros are Yamaha pro Gary Yamamoto of Mineola, Texas (five bass 15 pounds, 2 ounces); Yamaha pro Curt Lytle of Zuni, Va. (five bass 13 pounds, 13 ounces) and Team Castrol pro David Dudley of Lynchburg, Va. (five bass 13 pounds, 6 ounces).

Tyrone Phillips of Little Rock, Ark., earned a $20,000 victory in the Co-angler Division with five bass weighing 12 pounds, 15 ounces. The majority of his fish were caught on a Zoom paddle-tail worm while fishing with Yamamoto.

"We went into an area that made the wind obsolete," said Phillips, who also collected a $500 Wal-Mart gift card and $500 in Castrol products for his first FLW Tour victory. "We fished a 300-yard-long bank and only about 100 yards of it held fish. I caught three good ones and Gary got his limit there. We went to another area, and I caught one on a crankbait."

With only four fish in the livewell and time running out, Phillips' chances for a five-bass limit were looking bleak.

"We stopped just outside the check-in point on our way in," he said. "And I caught my last fish with 10 minutes left."

Rounding out the top five co-anglers are Andy Montgomery of Blacksburg, S.C. (four bass 11 pounds, 10 ounces, $10,000); Brian Hickey of Cadiz, Ky. (five bass 10 pounds, 1 ounce $9,000); George Polosky of Alliance, Ohio (five bass 9 pounds, 1 ounce $8,000) and 18-year-old Stetson Blaylock of Benton, Ark. (two bass 4 pounds, 8 ounces, $7,000).

The 10 remaining pros will take off at 6:30 in the morning from Kentucky Dam Marina. Saturday's weigh-in will be held at the Wal-Mart store located at 310 West Fifth Street in Benton beginning at 4 p.m.

The community is invited to attend the free Family Fun Zone Saturday outside the weigh-in tent in the Wal-Mart parking lot. The Family Fun Zone, which opens at noon, features interactive displays, product samples and games for the entire family to enjoy.

The full field competes in the two-day opening round for one of 10 slots in Friday's competition based on their two-day accumulated weight. Weights are cleared for day three, and co-angler competition concludes following Friday's weigh-in. The top 10 pros continue competition Saturday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from days three and four.

In FLW Tour competition, pros and co-anglers are randomly paired each day, with pros supplying the boat, controlling boat movement and competing against other pros. Co-anglers fish from the back deck against other co-anglers. The total purse for the Kentucky Lake tournament is $900,000, including $10,000 through 50th place in the Pro Division. In addition to this purse, Tyson has released three tagged "Power Bass" worth $5,000 each into Kentucky Lake. Any pro or co-angler competing in the tournament is eligible to catch these "Power Bass" and claim the cash award.

This is the most lucrative FLW Tour season to date with a $7.6 million purse, including four $900,000 events and two $1.25 million open events during the regular season. Each event leads up to the $1.5 million Wal-Mart FLW Tour Championship and Outdoor Show presented by Castrol, which will be held Aug. 2- 5 on Logan Martin Lake in Birmingham, Ala. The prestigious championship hosted by Birmingham, Pell City and St. Clair County features 48 pros, 48 co- anglers and bass fishing's largest guaranteed cash award -- a $500,000 first- place prize for the winning pro. Held in conjunction with the tournament is a world-class outdoor show featuring more than 140 exhibits.

Coverage of the Kentucky Lake tournament will be broadcast to 81 million FSN (Fox Sports Net) subscribers in the United States on June 25 and July 2 as part of the "FLW Outdoors" television program. "FLW Outdoors" airs Sunday mornings at 11 Eastern time. "FLW Outdoors" is also broadcast internationally to more than 350 million households in such countries as Germany, China, South Africa, Australia, Malaysia, Russia, Hungary and the United Kingdom, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoor-sports television show in the world. Additionally, FLW Outdoors is proud to provide tournament coverage to more than 800,000 servicemembers stationed around the world in 177 countries and aboard Navy ships through broadcasts on the American Forces Network.

Kellogg's will present the sixth and final stop of the FLW Tour's regular season on Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, N.Y., June 21-24.

Named after the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, Forrest L. Wood, FLW Outdoors administers the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Series, Stren Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail presented by Abu Garcia, Stratos Owners' Tournament Trail, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye League, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Series, Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series and Wal-Mart FLW Striper Series. These circuits offer combined purses exceeding $37.9 million through 249 events in 2006.

Wal-Mart and many of America's largest and most respected companies support FLW Outdoors and its tournament trails. Wal-Mart signed on as an FLW Outdoors sponsor in 1997 and today is the world's leading supporter of tournament fishing. For more information about Wal-Mart, visit http://www.wal-mart.com/.

 

 

DOD

Deployed Moms Prepare to Celebrate Mother's Day Away

 

Spending Mother's Day thousands of miles away from their kids is going to be no picnic for more than 7,400 military moms deployed in support of the war on terror. Many say they're planning their own celebrations thinking of their children and calling home, and for some, taking comfort in knowing they're helping make their children's futures more secure. Whether it's their first Mother's Day away from their children or another in a long line of missed holidays, several of the more than 5,600 active-duty and almost 1,800 reserve-component mothers deployed for operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom told American Forces Press Service they're planning to make the most of it. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Denise Mix, a paralegal with Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, shipped off a gift to her own mother several weeks ago and plans to follow up with a telephone call this weekend.

But, she said, she knows it will be particularly tough not spending Mother's Day with her own children, ages 9, 13 and 14. "It's going to be hard," she said, remembering a missed Mother's Day two years ago, when she was deployed to Baghdad. The only mother in her unit at the time, Mix said her fellow sailors "tried to take care of me." This year, Mix said, she'll try to do the same for other deployed moms and remind them "they've made a positive choice" by serving their country. "There's no reason to feel bad if you're having a hard day," she said. "You go with your emotions and know that (supporting the terror war) is the right thing to do." At some point during the day, Mix plans to retreat to what she calls her "family corner," a section of her desk where a filing cabinet is covered with family pictures. She'll open the gift from her son that arrived earlier this week -- a teacup and specialty teas, according to the shipping label mailers are required to fill out. But her biggest gift "will be being able to call home and tell them I'm thinking about them," she said. Air Force Maj. Nicole Ogburn, deployed to Baghdad, will miss the traditional Mother's Day extravaganza her four children treat her to every year. "It starts Friday, and we do the whole weekend," she said. "Mama gets to say what we do. There's no cleaning, no cooking.

They bring me breakfast in bed. We just have a lot of fun." This year, Ogburn expects Mother's Day to be pretty much business as usual in the Multinational Force Iraq Surgeon's Office, where she's a nurse. She'll go to church and maybe indulge in a piece of cake during her big meal. But the highlight will be calling her mother, in Lawton, Okla., and her husband and children in Illinois, just outside Scott Air Force Base. And to help her feel closer to them, she'll spend time in her sleeping trailer on the embassy grounds, embellished with the Mother's Day gift she's already enjoying. It's a huge 9-foot-long banner of family photos, constructed by her husband so she can open a new panel of photos each week she's deployed. "It's the one thing that would mean so much to me because I love them so much," Ogburn said. "It's us together, with the kids, as they were growing up, on vacations. You name it; it's there. It's awesome." As difficult as it is to be away from home, Ogburn said her deployment has given her a new appreciation for life and those she loves. "It's a constant reminder of how short life can be and how important the people you love are," she said. Ogburn said she takes consolation in knowing she's really not missing Mother's Day. "When I go home, every day will be Mother's Day for about a month," she said. "That's how my kids are. I have awesome kids." Army Sgt. 1st Class Cynthia Hernandez, a broadcast journalist deployed to Afghanistan with the 354th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, remembers her last deployment, when all mothers in her unit received flowers on Mother's Day 2003. "It was a really nice gesture," she said.

"You have a nice meal and wait until you can call home." This year, Hernandez said, she's been missing her 18-year-old daughter Stacey more than ever. But she's looking forward to making a surprise trip home to San Antonio in two weeks to attend her high school graduation. "I'm taking a lot of comfort in that," she said. "It's a great feeling to be a mother, and I'm blessed to have the daughter I have." Hernandez' coworker, Army Spc Carina Garcia, is facing her first Mother's Day away from her 12-year-old son, a prospect that's proving to be even harder for him than her. "He's a little bummed that I'm not there," she said. "He makes things at school with his class for Mother's Day to bring home, but can't give it to me. And every year on Mother's Day, he likes to spoil me all day long." Garcia recognizes she won't be quite as spoiled this year.

She's hoping to throw a cookout with her unit and to look through the five cards she's already received from her son and friends. She keeps them tucked under her pillow, along with a few other special notes, to look at each night just before going to sleep, she said. For her own mother, she mailed home a unique Mother's Day gift: a camel carved out of marble, picked up at a local Arab market. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Christine Buckley, deployed to Djibouti with Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, is becoming something of an old hand at spending Mother's Day away from her kids. After six years in the Navy, the personnel administrator has celebrated just two in person with her sons, ages 8 and 6. Buckley said she's not expecting anything like the Mother's Day she used to treat her own mother to, with breakfast in bed and "spoiling her rotten" the rest of the day. This year, as her mother cares for Buckley's older son in Rhode Island, Buckley plans to call home and hopes a package will arrive in the mail in time for the May 14 mail call. A friend deployed with her already bought her a Mother's Day card, so she'll have something to enjoy, just in case the package doesn't arrive in time, she said. Being on shore duty during Mother's Day might make it a little more difficult than when she's at sea, she said.

"But I'm a social butterfly, and I usually don't get down in the dumps," she said. "I'll do fine." Although she's expecting a quiet Mother's Day this year during her deployment to U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Paige Meads said she won't be surprised if she hears a lot of Mother's Day greetings. At age 43, she's one of the oldest members of Port Security Unit 305, but she thinks it's her motherly instincts that earned her the nickname "Momma Meade." "I've always been a caretaker," she said. "And that's probably an asset to the unit. It's helped morale." And while she's playing temporary mom to her fellow Coast Guardsmen, Meads will have to make due with a phone call home to her real-life children, ages 17 and 19. "This will be the first year they won't be able to come pick me up and smother me with gracious gifts and love," she said. Meads said she takes comfort in knowing she's making them proud, particularly with her decision to join the military at age 39. This year, she plans to "hang around Camp America," her barracks compound, and hopefully throw something on the grill. "It will be okay," she said. "I have a lot of people here who are my friends." Like Meads, Army Sgt. Michelle Harrison, also deployed to Guantanamo Bay, says she takes consolation knowing that she's setting an example for her two children, ages 18 and 14.

This year will be the first year she's spent the day without them, except for one time she left them to spend it with her own mother. While the Maryland National Guard soldier won't be with them this Mother's Day, she said her deployment to U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is the best gift she could ever give them. "I may be here serving, but I know what I'm here doing is for the betterment of my children and my mother," she said. "What I'm doing here allows them to do anything that God puts on their hearts, without fear or threat." Harrison plans to call home to talk to her children tomorrow night and to spend a quiet Mother's Day that starts with church services, then dinner, then watching a video in her barracks room. But she insists she won't be feeling sorry for herself. "Most people hope for world peace, and in some small way, I'm doing something to protect world peace," she said. "And knowing that I didn't just sit around and hope for peace is showing them that I did a part. I'm showing my children by example what's important."

NEWS & NEWS IN SPANISH

Today Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), in conjunction with The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), kicks off its annual educational travel award program -- "Dandole Alas a Tu Exito/Giving Flight to Your Success."

Through this national educational initiative, Southwest Airlines will provide roundtrip tickets to students with socio-economic need and who travel away from home to pursue a higher education. "We received an overwhelming response from students when we launched the program last year. Our goal is to continue furthering educational opportunities and the retention of college students," said Christine Ortega, Southwest Airlines' Multicultural Community Affairs Manager. "We want to encourage students to complete their college journey and keep them connected to those who matter most -- 'la familia'." Of the more than 300 students who applied last year, 44 were selected and honored with the Lanzate! Premio Universitario/Take Off! Higher Education Award. Although the students' backgrounds were different, they all shared a common bond -- to achieve a higher education and maintain close family ties.

In this year's program, each student is eligible to win one or two roundtrip tickets for the student and/or parent to use when traveling to/from the university. The complimentary airline ticket(s) can be used throughout any of the 62 destinations that Southwest serves. To be eligible, the student must apply online at http://www.hacu.net . A selection committee of national education advocates and community leaders will determine the winners based on specific criteria, including but not limited to the following: * Must be a student in good standing at a two- or four-year college or university. * A 2.5 or higher GPA. * All majors are eligible to apply. * Applications must be completed online by June 19, 2006 which includes a: * 300-500 word essay using good writing skills to answer two of the following questions: * What are your challenges in working toward a higher education? (Mandatory question) * If you could have someone travel with you to your college or university, who would that be and why? * How do you believe that obtaining air travel to the university would benefit you and your family? Travel award recipients will be notified in August 2006. "HACU is thrilled to be a part of another year of the SWA scholarship program," said Antonio Flores, President and CEO of HACU.

"Last year's entries touched our review panel and illustrated the need our Hispanic students have to make their families a part of their educational experience. Distance is one of many obstacles any student leaving home for school faces, but this program helps them overcome at least this one obstacle." According to a report by the Pew Hispanic Center, experts on Hispanic college students believe attainment levels would improve if students were more willing to travel longer distances to colleges well suited to meet their needs. "Based on the research used to develop this program, we saw an opportunity to link students and families together. We want to make sure Latino college students complete their education and have a chance to reconnect with family," Ortega said. "The students will face many challenges in college, and a visit with family will inspire them to keep going and graduate."

Additional information regarding the travel award program from Southwest Airlines and HACU can be found at http://www.hacu.net or contact the following: * Lorena Blanco, HACU's Director of Development and Marketing, at (210) 576-3224 or lblanco@hacu.net ; or * Christine Ortega, Southwest Airlines' Multicultural Community Affairs Manager, at 1-866-387-6646 or christine.ortega@wnco.com . HACU, which has its national headquarters in San Antonio, Texas represents more than 450 colleges and universities, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which collectively serve more than two-thirds of all Hispanic higher education students in the United States. HACU's international membership includes leading higher education institutions in Latin America and in Spain. Southwest Airlines, the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 62 airports in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates almost 3,100 flights a day and has almost 32,000 Employees systemwide. http://www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines Public Relations of Southwest Airlines, +1-214-792-4847

'Mind' Key to Minding Weight - Change In Thinking Can Make Dieting Easier!

According to the National Institutes of Health, at least 34% of Americans are overweight. According to a study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of Americans having weight-loss surgery more than quadrupled between 1998 and 2002. Millions of people are struggling with weight issues and need an approach that will last a lifetime. Franciene Marie Zimmer, PhD, has spent a lifetime researching obstacles of achieving weight goals. She is announcing the release of two books that will help anyone with weight issues. NO GAIN! NO PAIN! A Mindful Approach to Weight Loss Management (ISBN: 1-4259-0315-0) is an inspirational and insightful preparation for a lifetime of weight management success. Franciene takes you on a journey and walks you through the obstacles of everyday living. Self-love and positive affirmations are critical elements to a successful outcome.

How you feel and what you say are the instructions your body listens to and follows, which ultimately directs your destiny. Learning new ways to say what you mean and understand how you feel will ultimately lead to ways your body responds. Some of the topics covered in this book include: self-love, body image, genetics, cravings, and food as a substitution. She offers her own personal strategies; what works for her. For those who want to journal toward your weight goals, Franciene has written a companion to NO GAIN! NO PAIN! Understanding that many people do not know how to journal, prompted her to write the book, JOURNAL WITH EASE! The Mindful Approach to Weight Management (ISBN: 1-4259-2563-4). This journal is timeless, so you may begin when you are ready and refer to it for guidance as you travel on your journey. She offers Self-Reflection messages to inspire thoughts, feelings and ideas. She also offers a personal Tip to consider, and Self-Talk statements to say out-loud as you feel the meaning of the message while manifesting your destiny. This journal offers week-by-week suggestions, and outlines daily considerations for ongoing lifelong weight management. Both books come in soft cover and in e-book format and are available at bookstores and online.

To order direct from AuthorHouse, http://www.nogainnopainbook.com or 1-888-280-7715 Franciene has been a nurse for 21 years during which she has researched obstacles of achieving weight goals. The nursing profession has allowed her to listen to many people express their frustration with many weight loss programs. On completion of her doctorate in the science of Natural Health, she began educating the public using a holistic approach to help them achieve wellness. Franciene is a public speaker and wellness educator. She has written these books with a deep empathy to those struggling with weight issues. Her interest in mind-body concepts has encouraged her to advocate the use of mindful awareness, as presented in her books. Contact: Franciene Marie Zimmer, Ph.D. (828) 495-8292 fmzimmer@usadomains.net # # #

Swiffer and Supermodel Cindy Crawford Announce First-Ever Swiffer Amazing Women of the Year

Swiffer and Crawford to Honor Five Everyday Women Who Have Made Remarkable Contributions to Their Local Community

After an exciting nationwide search, Swiffer(R), the revolutionary cleaning system and supermodel Cindy Crawford have chosen the first-ever Swiffer Amazing Women of the Year. After a rigorous nomination period and a public online voting process, these five women have been chosen for their amazing contributions to their family, career and local community.

Crawford was selected as a Swiffer Amazing Woman because of her work and dedication to the Little Star Foundation, a charity dedicated to providing lifetime opportunities for children with cancer, and her ability to successfully balance her young family and thriving career. As part of the honor, Swiffer will donate $25,000 to the Little Star Foundation in Crawford's name.

"Honoring women who are making a difference in their communities is something I am thrilled to be a part of," said Crawford. "As a wife and mother, I know it takes a lot of dedication to balance a healthy work and home life. I am honored to help pay tribute to women who have transformed the world they live in while still juggling their work and personal life."

Just as Swiffer has transformed cleaning, these amazing women have transformed the world around them. Swiffer products provide a real clean, allowing people to achieve balance by giving them time to do things that matter most to their heart. The following women have been chosen as Swiffer's Amazing Women of the Year and Swiffer will be donating $5,000 in their name, to the charity of their choice:

* Heidi Adams is a wife, a mother of 27-month old twins, and in her spare

time runs Planet Cancer, a community of young adults with cancer. At age

26, she was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma and discovered a lack of

support for young adults suffering with cancer and as a result founded

Planet Cancer.

* Kathy Redmond is the single parent of 5 year old son, Adam, who was born

with a three chamber heart and has undergone three major heart

surgeries. Kathy is very active in politics and has assisted state

representatives in writing rape shield legislation. Additionally Kathy

founded the National Coalition of Violent Athletes and is within two

courses of completing her master's degree.

* Lynn Price is a single mother of four and the founder of Camp To Belong

in Denver, Colorado. She grew up in the foster care system, and at age

eight learned that she was a foster child, that her parents were not her

biological parents and that she had a sister who had been placed in a

separate foster home. As a result, she created a summer camp that

brings together siblings who have been separated through foster care.

There are now eight camps around the country reuniting more than 2,000

siblings.

* Jennifer Singer, mother of two, spends her time helping thousands of

at-home moms worldwide laugh and commiserate through her Web site,

MommaSaid.net. Each year, she sponsors a holiday for at-home moms,

Please Take My Children to Work Day, which has been officially

proclaimed by several governors this year so far. As the author of "14

Hours 'Til Bedtime", she dedicates time at her local elementary school

encouraging kids to write. And she's doing it all between Cub Scout den

meetings and raising money for the Endometriosis Association.

* Yvette Corporon is a mother of two and an award-winning producer and

writer for a syndicated entertainment television show. In her spare

time, Yvette is co-founder of Role Mommy, a lifestyle initiative

dedicated to today's working moms. Role Mommy brings together working

moms from all walks of life for camaraderie, comfort and inspiration.

Yvette believes the decision that motherhood and career can go

hand-in-hand as long as you strike a balance.

For more information on these women log on to

http://www.swifferamazingwomenoftheyear.com.

"We are thrilled to introduce these inspiring women to the world. Their passion, dedication and hard work is something we can all learn from," says Glenn Williams, Swiffer spokesperson. "Finding time to balance a family and career as well as time and effort to give back to their local community is something that these women have made a priority. We are honored to salute them."

Used in more than 40 million households worldwide, Swiffer continues to revolutionize the way people clean their homes. After seven years, the original Swiffer Sweeper has been redesigned to make it even easier to keep your floors clean everyday. The Swiffer Sweeper now features a new look with a transparent handle and larger head to enhance its overall performance. With its lightweight, maneuverable pole the Swiffer Sweeper is quicker and easier than traditional cleaning methods.

Each starter kit contains one sweeper, two dry sweeping cloths and two wet mopping cloths. For more information, visit http://www.swiffer.com.

About Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG)

Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R), Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Mach3(R), Bounty(R), Dawn(R), Pringles(R), Folgers(R), Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R), Oral-B(R), Actonel(R), Duracell(R), Olay(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Wella, Gillette(R), and Braun. The P&G community consists of almost 140,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

SOURCE Swiffer

Harry Ferguson's Pioneering Spirit Being Maintained Today by Massey Ferguson

A tractor that revolutionised world agriculture when it was launched 60 years ago came face to face today (Friday, 12 May) with one of its modern-day descendants.

The meeting of the Ferguson TE20 tractor - affectionately known as the "little grey Fergie" - and Massey Ferguson's current flagship MF 8480 tractor, took place outside London's Claridge's hotel following the re-creation of the famous staircase descent made within Claridge's some 60 years ago by inventor and engineer, Harry Ferguson, during an event staged to launch the TE20 tractor onto world markets.

Today, the man in the driving seat of the Ferguson TE20 tractor as it descended Claridge's stairs was Ferguson tractor enthusiast, Tim Joiner, who is also the Lord Mayor of Westminster.

It was Tim Joiner who gained Claridge's approval for a re-run of the event on behalf of Ferguson tractor enthusiasts' association, Friends of Ferguson Heritage.

"As 2006 marks the 60th anniversary of the production of the first Ferguson TE20 tractor in the United Kingdom, it seemed appropriate to celebrate the event by re-creating Harry Ferguson's famous staircase descent," explained Councillor Joiner.

The key to the global success of the Ferguson TE20 tractor was its unique implement attachment system which effectively turned the tractor and implement into a single working unit, replacing the previous cumbersome trailed method of implement operation.

Acclaimed as one of the most important engineering developments of the 20th century, the Ferguson System, as it was known, revolutionised agriculture, producing major advances in the efficiency of global food production. In doing so, it achieved Harry Ferguson's lifelong ambition of helping farmers affordably mechanise all aspects of crop production to better and more economically feed the world.

Although the last Ferguson TE20 tractor was produced in 1956, Harry Ferguson's spirit of innovation and engineering excellence lives on all modern tractors, including Massey Ferguson's current range of tractors and harvest machinery, proudly maintaining a 60-year pedigree.

That is why the giant MF 8480 was on the pavement outside Claridge's to acknowledge the importance of its pioneering ancestor.

Standing side by side, there appears to be a world of difference between the two tractors. Although Harry Ferguson would have recognised the three-point implement connection system used on the MF 8480, he would have been amazed at the MF 8480's maximum power output of 315hp - around 290 more horsepower than his TE20.

As a technological pioneer, Harry Ferguson would have been intrigued also by the MF 4840's electronic control, monitoring and recording systems that allow data from the tractor to be transferred to the office computer.

Speaking on behalf of Massey Ferguson at the Claridge's event, Jeremy Burgess commented that Harry Ferguson would have been proud that the spirit and principles for which he stood 60 years ago were still very much alive within Massey Ferguson today, continuing his vision of helping farmers the world over work more precisely, effectively and efficiently to produce food of the highest possible quality at the lowest possible price.

AGCO Corporation, headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, is a global manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and related replacement parts. AGCO products are distributed in more than 140 countries. AGCO offers a full product line including tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage, tillage equipment and implements through more than 3,600 independent dealers and distributors around the world. AGCO products are distributed under the various well-known brand names AGCO®, Challenger®, Fendt®, Gleaner®, Hesston®, Massey Ferguson®, New Idea®, RoGato®r, Spra-Coupe®, Sunflower®, Terra-Gator®, Valtra®, and White™ Planters. AGCO provides retail financing through AGCO Finance. In 2005, AGCO had net sales of $5.4 billion.

Please visit our website at www.agcocorp.com. and www.masseyferguson.com.

Strata Oil and Gas (OTC BB: SOIGF) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved a two-for-one forward stock split of its common stock to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 10th, 2006. Trading will begin on a split-adjusted basis on May 12th, 2006.

"This forward stock split is intended to enhance trading liquidity and broaden share ownership," said Manny Dhinsa, president of the company.

Strata's Peace River Oil Sands project is located directly to the southwest of Blackrock's Seal project. Blackrock was just purchased by Shell Canada in a friendly $2.4 billion cash offer.

Production in the Peace River Oil Sands area, which was once thought to require expensive thermal operations, has now been shown to be viable using cold production technology (CHOPS). Strata's scientific team has analyzed data from 21 existing wells that have been drilled on Strata's leases and an additional 165 wells in the area surrounding them.

The company has announced that it has engaged a Calgary-based petroleum exploration firm to assist in the planning, permitting and execution of a core hole drilling program on its 100%-owned Peace River Oil Sands project. The company's scientific team has recommended initiation of aggressive exploration on its wholly owned 26,000 acre oil sands package. The Peace River oil sands region of Alberta is estimated to contain more than 188 billion barrels of oil [Alberta Department of Energy, Cold Heavy Oil Production With Sand In The Canadian Heavy Oil Industry, Dr. Maurice Dusseault, March 2002].

"We believe the upside on our Peace River leases is substantial. Strata is uniquely positioned to provide exceptional shareholder returns in a rising oil market, and to provide greater exposure to petroleum prices by maximizing our in-place resource per common share," says Mr. Dhinsa. Strata Oil & Gas is a junior petroleum exploration company, with its head office located in Calgary, Alberta.

Strata Oil & Gas is a trademark of Strata Oil & Gas Inc. This announcement contains forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, limited operating history, risks related to petroleum exploration, limited access to operating capital, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. More information is included in Strata's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission which may be accessed through the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov.

SOURCE: Strata Oil & Gas Inc.

Bombardier Signs Japan Air Commuter for Another Q400

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Japan Air Commuter (JAC), a team member of Japan Airlines (JAL) Group, has ordered an eleventh Bombardier Q400 high-speed turboprop airliner.

Based in Kagoshima, JAC is Japan's largest regional airline and carried 1.44 million passengers in its 2005 fiscal year.

"The Bombardier Q400 is truly an extraordinary and revolutionary aircraft," said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. "It has near-jet speeds but the operating costs of a turboprop; in fact, it has the lowest operating costs of any regional aircraft."

"The high speed of the Bombardier Q400 aircraft gives us an opportunity for high utilization while observing the opening hour restrictions at the airports we serve," said Takayuki Nagatsuka, President, Japan Air Commuter. "The high utilization combined with the aircraft's low trip and low seat-mile costs make a significant contribution to the aircraft's economics. And our passengers appreciate the aircraft's speed, quietness and comfort."

The order from JAC continues to confirm the resurgence in the turboprop market. As of January 31, 2006, 730 Q Series aircraft had been delivered to customers around the world.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2006, were $14.7 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD).

SOURCE: Bombardier Aerospace

All Aboard! for "Limitless Growth"

AuctionCities.com Announces Limited Time Offer -- Free Private Label Program

AuctionCities.com (OTC: AUCC) announces that it will be offering a FREE version of its innovative "Private Label" program for a very limited time.

Michael S. Berman, President and CEO, announced today, “We are rolling out of the station and welcoming all passengers (online auctioneers) to get on board the express train with our 'Private Label' on-line auction program. I just read where Eric Schmidt, CEO of industry giant, Google, stated at a press briefing at Google’s Mountain View, CA headquarters, ‘There is a surprising, if not bizarre (fact that) more competition in auctions can actually produce more revenue, rather than less.’" Schmidt also went on to say, "There is room for (Microsoft and Yahoo) and more to succeed." Mr. Schmidt later said Google appears to be benefiting from a "limitless growth model" that shows no signs of ending. Schmidt went on to say, "More users, more advertisers, and more content will serve to create further demand." Berman continued to say, “We believe Schmidt’s statements tend to validate the idea that we have for a nimble, feature rich and content rich auction site that integrates many innovative tools that enable buyers and sellers to find each other more easily.” AuctionCities.com is making the new Private Label auction stores available at http://www.auctioncities.com/page/personal/private_label. This introductory offer is currently scheduled to end on June 15, 2006, so AuctionCities.com encourages you to take advantage of this generous offer before it’s too late.

In the recent Mountain View press briefing, Google CEO Eric Schmidt also said, "If this all comes together it will work as a continuous cycle," noting that more users, more advertisers, and more content will serve to create further demand.

Schmidt said the revolution in advertising that allows Web sites to generate revenue simply by driving traffic to their sites "seems to be turning power relationships on their head." Users are in control of the information they search for, he said, and this is turning economic relationships around.

AuctionCities.com CEO Berman continued, "This paradigm shift is one factor that is opening the door for companies like AuctionCities.com. We are uniquely positioned to grow dynamically with this shift where users of information will use the most effective means to get whatever they're after. The user doesn't care about the size of the company; they are after the reliability, ease of use and speed of the service provider. This is why AuctionCities.com believes we are positioned for explosive growth in the coming months and years."

About AuctionCities:

AuctionCities.com is an automated buying and selling web site with thousands of items listed in hundreds of categories enabling buyers and sellers to interact in real time. AuctionCities.com prides itself in offering a fun, safe and secure way to do business on the Internet.

SOURCE: AuctionCities.com Inc.

League of California Cities Statement Regarding May Revise Proposal

The League of California Cities today issued the following statement regarding Gov. Schwarzenegger's proposed May revision to the FY 2006-07 budget.

"This is a good budget for California cities, and the millions of Californians who rely on city services for public safety, safe streets and transportation systems, parks, recreation programs, clean drinking water and other essential public services.

"Coming one week after the governor's leading role, with state legislative leaders, in the Legislature's passing of the $37.3 billion infrastructure investment package, this budget shows yet again that Gov. Schwarzenegger values the partnership he has built with cities and local government. Cities will benefit from a number of specific proposals. These include the early repayment of $920 million in Proposition 42 funds that were borrowed from transportation projects; $98 million proposed reimbursement to local governments of state mandated programs, $23.3 million increased funding for the COPS (a total of $200 million); and a number of other items (see details below).

"The League of California Cities strongly supports the governor's efforts to pay down the state deficit. The governor is showing true leadership in his efforts to exercise fiscal discipline, and to strike a balance between the need for additional services with the need to reduce the state's deficit.

"City officials are required to produce and live with a balanced budget, and as a result make tough budget choices every day. We believe our state is stronger when all levels of government are living within their means."

Specific Appropriations Benefiting California Cities

Transportation

Early repayment of $920 million in Proposition 42 transportation funds that had been borrowed in FY 2004-05. This amount includes $254 million for local streets and roads (half for cities, half for counties).

Mandates

-- Early repayment of mandates. This came with the Prop 1A deal to allow

repayments of suspended mandates over a 15-year period starting in 2006 -

2007. Governor's budget includes 2 years worth of payments, for a total of

$170 million.

-- Mandates payment claims for FY 2005 - 06 of $90.3 million included in

budget.

-- Commission on State Mandates. Appropriation of $270,000 to reform the

state mandates reimbursement process.

 

Economic Recovery Bonds

-- May Revise specifies $1 billion payment on the economic recovery

bonds. The budget proposes to move up the repayment date from 2010 to

2009, and thus would undo the "triple flip" funding mechanism approved by

voters under Prop. 57 one year earlier than the previous projection.

 

Public Safety

 

-- COPS Funding. Increased funding of $21.3 million for COPS program

(Citizens' Options for Public Safety). These funds provide additional

police officers and sheriffs' deputies, and support jail operations and

district attorneys.

-- Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act. Increased funding of $21.3

million to restore funding to FY 2000-01 level. This funding will expand

community-based programs that have proven effective in reducing crime and

delinquency among at-risk youth and juvenile offenders.

-- Booking fees -- now a "jail access fee." Counties to receive $40

million to replace the booking fee subventions that were provided prior to

05-06 (same as in January Budget version), and statutory language to create

a new trust fund in each county for local detention facilities, to ensure

local governments have modern facilities in which to house detainees.

 

Environmental Quality/Resources

-- Levee Repairs. $8.8 million increase in General Fund money in order

to repair and prevent damage to levees, habitat, utility lines, roads,

private residences, and other property in counties that have been declared

eligible for federal emergency funding.

-- Channel and Levee Improvements. $100 million from the General Fund to

pay a substantial portion of the outstanding claims by local flood control

agencies for reimbursement by the state on a cost-sharing basis for all

rights of way and relocation costs for channel improvement and levee

projects.

 

Other Items of Interest to Local Governments

-- Local hospitals. $14.5 million for positions in hospitals around the

state dedicated to surge capacity planning, training and exercises. Also,

$4.5 million for local health departments for the prevention of pandemic

influenza outbreaks.

 

-- Housing. Proposes $75 million in Prop. 63 funding to construct

housing for individuals with mental illness who are chronically homeless.

-- Public Safety -- Meth Enforcement. $20 for Meth Enforcement teams for

allocation on a regional basis.

-- Public Safety. $50 million to award competitive grants for the

implementation and assessment of multi-agency projects designed to curb

recidivism among mentally ill offenders.

-- California State Library. $7 million general fund increase and $7

million for Interlibrary loan program.

-- Senior citizen's renter's tax assistance program. and senior citizens

property tax deferral program.

-- Public Health. Influenza Pandemic -- $6.7 million to prepare for and

respond to a pandemic influenza, including $4.5 million for local health

departments to support activities related to the prevention of a pandemic

influenza outbreak.

 

SOURCE: League of California Cities

NEWSWEEK POLL: Fifty-Three Percent of Americans Feel Collecting a Database of U.S.-Based Calls Goes Too Far in Invading Privacy

57 Percent Say Administration Has Gone Too Far in Expanding Presidential Power; 50 Percent Say History Will View Bush as a Below Average President

71 Percent Are Dissatisfied With the Way Things Are Going in the U.S.; President's Approval Remains Low at 35 Percent

A majority of Americans polled, 53 percent, believe that reports that the NSA has been secretly collecting the phone records of U.S. citizens since the 9/11 terrorist attacks to create a database of calls goes too far in invading people's privacy, according to the new Newsweek Poll, while 41 percent feel it is a necessary tool to combat terrorism. In light of this news and other actions by the Bush-Cheney administration, 57 percent of Americans say they have gone too far in expanding presidential power, while only 38 percent say they have not.

Only 35 percent of Americans approve of the way the president is handling his job -- down one percentage point since the last Newsweek Poll. Seventy-one percent of Americans are dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States at this time, an all time high in the Newsweek Poll, while only 23 percent are satisfied. When asked how history will view George W. Bush, an overwhelming 50 percent of Americans polled said he will be viewed as a below average president. Since his re-election in 2004, 47 percent feel his performance has stayed the same, while 48 percent feel it has gotten worse.

Eighty-six percent of those polled identified the situation in Iraq and new information about the decision to go to war as an important reason why they think Bush's job performance has gotten worse. Eighty-four percent feel the size of the federal budget is an important factor. Eighty percent of Americans polled say the administration's response to Hurricane Katrina had an adverse effect on his performance. Seventy-six percent of Americans attribute Bush's worsening job performance to the recent increase in gas prices. Seventy-three percent feel that the administration's handling of immigration issues were to blame. Seventy-two percent feel that the authorization of a warrantless wiretapping program has made his performance worse. Fifty-nine percent of Americans polled say that criminal charges against Bush political allies like Tom DeLay and Jack Abramoff influenced his performance. And 52 percent say that the indictment of Scooter Libby and the continuing investigation of Karl Rove in the Valerie Plame case negatively affected their opinion of Bush's job performance level.

Since the March 16-17, 2006 Newsweek Poll, Bush's approval ratings on the domestic front have dropped considerably