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June 30, 2006

Los Angeles Dodgers/Oakland Postgame Alert

June 30, 2006

Los Angeles 6, LA Angels 1 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Los Angeles Record: (41-38)
LA Angels Record: (35-44)

Winning pitcher - Brad Penny (9-2)
Losing pitcher - Bartolo Colon (0-4)


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 Los Angeles013000020 6130
 LA Angels000100000 181


LAD HR - A. Ethier (5)
LAA HR - None

Arizona 6, Oakland 4 at McAfee Coliseum
Arizona Record: (38-42)
Oakland Record: (42-37)

Winning pitcher - Claudio Vargas (7-4)
Losing pitcher - Brad Halsey (3-3)
SV - Jorge Julio (7)


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 Oakland000003010 480


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ANIME EXPO® 2006 ROARS INTO THE ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER


 
Pre-Registration Lines Fly By with Record Breaking Numbers As Many Anticipate the Most Celebrated Event of the Industry
 

Lines flew by as happy pre-registered attendees completed their badge pick up process at the nation's largest Anime/Manga convention¹s 15th year anniversary at the Anaheim Convention Center July 1-4, 2006.  More information is available at
http://www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org/> .

With a sold out Exhibit Hall, record breaking pre-registration numbers and a host of celebrated Guests of Honor.  Anime Expo® has raised the bar once again with many premieres (U.S. premiere of Fullmetal Alchemist: The Movie ­ Conqueror of Shamballa and Patlabor2 The Movie by Bandai Visual USA Inc.), AXBackstage as the official virtual gateway for the convention (with live streaming video by Stickam, video reports, news and updates), the AX I-Show (a new AX communication technologies and opportunities for attendees and artists) and events such as the Masquerade, AX Idol and the SPJA Charity Auction.

A host of high profile industry celebrated talents such as CLAMP, Seiji Mizushima, Vic Mignogna, Laura Bailey, Mick Takeuchi , Yutaka Izubuchi, Tomoki Kyoda, Koge-Donbo, Romi Park, Hiroshi Nagahama, Atsuko Nakajima,yozuca*, Mana, Noboru Ishiguro, Toru Furuya and Crispin Freeman join in on the 15th Anniversary Celebration.,

Individuals can now register via online (www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org/> ) or on site at the Anaheim Convention Center for Anime Expo® 2006.

About Anime Expo® Located in Anaheim, California - Anime Expo®, the North America¹s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the
industry to conduct business. AX 2006 will be held July 1 ­ 4, 2006 at the Anaheim Convention Center. More information can be found at its official website (www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org/> ).

About SPJA

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more
popularly known by its entertainment property ­ Anime Expo®.  More information can be found at its official website (www.spja.org <http://www.spja.org/> ).
 

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Beating the Rising Cost of Family Travel by Renting a ResortQuest Vacation Home

 

- Getting the Most Out of Scarce Summer Travel Dollars -

 This summer, the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) predicts that with "historically high gas prices" and "air travel and hotel demand (rising) even as hotel room rates and air fares go up" travelers (especially families) will "have to economize to compensate" especially on food and entertainment costs. And a recent American Automobile Association (AAA) study found that the average family of four will spend nearly ten percent more on restaurants, attractions and hotel rooms this year. Factor in a 31% increase in gas prices, and families will need to cut costs wherever they can.

Renting a vacation home from ResortQuest is a great way to beat these rising summer travel expenses since travelers can share the same house for one rate (in Hilton Head, for instance, a water view home that sleeps up to twelve people can be rented by three families for $3000, which equates to $1000 per family for the week) and also enjoy the many services a home rental includes - kitchen, laundry, entertainment, parking, often free local calls, and more - that cost extra at hotels.

Here's how to reap those savings.

Families who rent a home can supply their own groceries and by using their private fully equipped kitchen or deck-side barbecue, prepare some of their own meals during vacation, avoiding long waits and expensive restaurant/room service charges. They can also avoid all those hotel "extras" (like laundry services) since most homes have conveniences such as a washer and dryer. And there's rarely any surcharge for long-distance phone calls.

They will also get more space for less cash. Vacation rental properties come in every price range (starting as low as $99 per night) and can run from a one-bedroom condominium to a home with eight or more bedrooms, allowing kids and parents to have their own space with only one lodging rate. And for extra savings kids can sleep on pull-out couches, in sleeping bags or on cots, and Mom and Dad can still have privacy and a non-cartoon devoted TV in their own bedroom. The popular practice of sharing a larger vacation home with another family can bring costs down even more.

Rental vacation homes can include bonuses such as private pools and whirlpool spas, tennis courts, and pool tables or game and entertainment rooms (often with VCRs/DVD players and stereos.) Tennis and golf privileges may also be available for free or at a reduced rate.

Families can get $50 in gas if they book a ResortQuest home as part of the ResortQuest Gas Up & Go promotion. Here's how it works: Once full payment is made, the guest will be directed to an online site to obtain two $25 certificates valid for a three-week period (one week prior to arrival through one week after departure to allow for travel time.) To learn more about the ResortQuest Gas Up & Go offer, call toll-free: 877-582-1847 in the Eastern US or 866-503-4809 in the West, or visit ResortQuest online at http://www.resortquest.com/GasE (East) or http://www.resortquest.com/GasSki (West.)

About ResortQuest

ResortQuest, the nation's leading vacation property management company, provides a one-stop resource in North America's premier resort destinations (http://www.resortquest.com/). ResortQuest is the largest marketer and management company of vacation condominiums and home rentals in the U.S. and Canada, based on a portfolio of nearly 17,000 vacation rental properties with a combined real estate value estimated at approximately $7 billion. ResortQuest employs more than 4,000 people and is owned and operated by Gaylord Entertainment Co. (NYSE:GET) , one of the largest and fastest growing companies in the hospitality and entertainment industries, based in Nashville, Tenn., that also owns and operates Gaylord Hotels and the Grand Ole Opry. For more information, visit http://www.resortquest.com/ or http://www.gaylordentertainment.com/.

Source: ResortQuest

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Remarks by President Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi In Photo Opportunity With Mrs. Bush, Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley

/ -- The following is a transcript of remarks by President Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi in photo opportunity with Mrs. Bush, Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley:

  Graceland   Memphis, Tennessee    10:38 A.M. CDT  

PRESIDENT BUSH: It is such a joy to be here to Graceland. It's my first visit.

  PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI:  My first visit, too.    PRESIDENT BUSH:  The Prime Minister's first visit.  

PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: It's like a dream, with President Bush and Presley's daughter.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you all for greeting us. You're awfully kind to be here.

  PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI:  You look like Elvis.    MS. LISA MARIE PRESLEY:  (Speaks Japanese.)  

PRESIDENT BUSH: The visit here is an indication of how well-known Elvis was around the world. A lot of people are still singing Elvis Presley songs here in the states and there's a lot of people who love Elvis Presley in Japan, including the Prime Minister. This visit is also a way of reminding us about the close friendship between our peoples.

And, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for agreeing to come here. A lot of Americans are thrilled you're here, particularly at Graceland. It means a lot to our country that you would be that interested in one of America's icons, Elvis Presley.

  PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI:  My birthday is the same as Elvis.    PRESIDENT BUSH:  You and Elvis were born on the same day?    PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI:  January 8th.    PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI:  Even now, I often listen to Elvis CDs.    PRESIDENT BUSH:  Still listen to Elvis CDs?    PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI:  Sure.    PRESIDENT BUSH:  You're a pretty good Elvis singer.    PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI:  I'm not impersonator.  (Sings Elvis songs.)  

PRESIDENT BUSH: I thought you were going to do "Blue Suede Shoes." Thank you

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Ferrari Racing Team - Ferrari Beverly Hills and Silicon Valley Teams Up to Compete in American Le Mans Series

 Team Ferrari Silicon Valley enters an all-new racing team into the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), beginning its first competition this season on July 1st at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT. The team is managed by Risi Competizione is adding a new corporate team member this year: Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE:AMD) , a leading global technology company and Official Technology Partner of the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team.

According to owner, Giacomo Mattioli, his Ferrari teams have played competitive roles in racing since 1994, beginning with the Ferrari Challenge Series, the only manufacturers' series fully sanctioned by Grand Am. "Ferrari has always been known for its high performance, high technology and successful racing ventures," said Mattioli. "We've stepped up to ALMS because it is the most prestigious and competitive professional sport car racing in the U.S., and we know we have the abilities to compete on the highest of levels."

With technology playing such an important role in Ferrari's successful racing efforts worldwide, AMD's participation with Team Silicon Valley is a logical choice. "Both AMD and Ferrari share a passion for innovation, competition and excellence," said Bill LaRosa, corporate vice president, North America, AMD. "Technology is at the forefront of motorsports," LaRosa continued. "As a technology leader headquartered in the Silicon Valley, and in line with our Ferrari technological partnership in Formula One, we are excited to support Ferrari's role in ALMS and the Ferrari of Silicon Valley Racing Team."

Recognized as the world's premier professional sports car Championship, ALMS has one of the richest racing traditions in all the motor sports, including the 24 hours of Le Mans. Silicon Valley and R. Ferri Competizione will compete in seven ALMS events in North America, beginning with Lime Rock (July 1st) and including Salt Lake (July 15), Portland (July 23), Road America (August 20), Mosport (September 3), Petit Le Mans (September 30) and Laguna Seca (October 21).

Team Silicon Valley will begin its 2006 season at Lime Rock with two European drivers, Toni Markus Vilander of Kankaanpaa, Finland and Ralf Kelleners of Dusseldorf, Germany.

  *  Vilander holds six wins in Italian F3 racing and numerous Italian      Championship podium spots.  He began racing karts in 1987 and earned      "best Rookie" driver in 2002 for the Italian Championship, having      placed 2nd at both Magione and Mugello that year.    *  Kelleners is a three time "Touring Car" European champion and is a past      winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans GT2 class.  While racing Ferraris he      has earned several podium spots in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, as well as      the "fastest qualifying lap" in a Ferrari 333 SP.  Kelleners has been      racing since 1986.    About AMD 

Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE:AMD) is a leading global provider of innovative microprocessor solutions for computing.

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It's Official ... USA Out! Bench Warmer Girls In!!

 

Bench Warmer Scores With 2006 'Soccer Series' Trading Cards in Honor of World Cup

-- Who says USA doesn't care about World Cup Soccer? Bench Warmer, the hot trading card company, features sexy yet tasteful photos of over 400 beautiful models. Now shipping ... the "Soccer Series", is the 12th series of collectible cards released from Bench Warmer, it includes 90 different base cards and randomly inserted highly coveted authentic soccer jersey swatch cards, authentic soccer ball piece cards, authentic autograph cards and "Kiss" cards (with actual lip prints).

Fans everywhere are celebrating the stunning Bench Warmer models as they honor the international pandemonium of the World Cup. You don't need to be a soccer fan to be a fan of beautiful women!

This nearly sold out highly anticipated new series features celebrity models Cindy Margolis, Christy Hemme, Nikki Ziering, Brande Roderick, Sandra Taylor, Holly Madison and Jaime Bergman. These celebrities are amongst over 60 additional gorgeous models from the world of film, TV and print. Very rare individual cards of popular celebrities have fetched upwards of $700.00 on eBay!

"What is more American than baseball cards and pin-up girls? Men have been looking at beautiful women since the dawn of time, and they have also been looking at trading cards for nearly a century. By keeping Bench Warmer tasteful, they are teen-safe and can be sold anywhere," Bench Warmer Owner Brian Wallos states with conviction.

Loyal Bench Warmer collectors total in the tens of thousands who purchase the high quality collectible cards on eBay, 1000 retailers nationwide including Tower Records, Hastings, as well as sports collectible, trading card and comic book shops. Bench Warmer sales for 2005 exceeded 1 million dollars at wholesale and the World Cup edition will contribute to sales double that number in 2006.

For additional information on Bench Warmer Trading Cards, and to check out the smokin' hot models featured on the World Cup 2006 "Soccer Series" trading card collection, visit www.BenchWarmer.com. See for yourself why the Bench Warmer slogan is ... "Trading Cards Have Never Looked So Good!"

* Digital images, product samples, and eBay printouts will be furnished upon request

  Source: Bench Warmer 

 

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

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'06 BET AWARDS Stakes Claim as Cable's Top Awards Show by Again Flexing Impressive Muscle With Viewers

When BET Networks first launched an awards show concept in 2001, the telecast instantly became a hit with viewers. Tuesday's 2006 BET AWARDS show was no exception, scoring an impressive 4.92 rating within BET's coverage universe which translates to 6.6 million viewers (4.1 million households) watching the salute to superlatives in music, film and sports. Those numbers catapulted the BET Awards to the Number 1 position among cable telecasts of awards shows this season, topping the MTV Movie Awards, TV Land Awards and TNT's carriage of the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Among African-Americans, the '06 BET AWARDS now stands as the Number 1 cable telecast of all time with a gigantic 31.94 rating among Black households.

Tuesday's premiere is also the most-watched program in BET's 26-year history, tied with the 2005 BET AWARDS. Encore showings of the '06 BET AWARDS are set for Friday, June 30 8 p.m. ET/PT; and on Tuesday, July 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

BET's lead-in and post-show programming also delivered impressive results. The 106 & PARK LIVE FROM THE RED CARPET pre-show cranked out a 1.7 rating (1.4 million households, 1.4 million viewers), easily its most-watched telecast in nearly five years. The BET NEWS BLACK CARPET wrap-up show sizzled with a 2.5 rating (2.1 million households, 2.9 million viewers) to become the most- watched BET News program over the past year.

"This show was filled with so many amazing performances and unforgettable moments, I would have trouble calling out my personal favorite," said BET Chairman and CEO Debra Lee. "For our viewers, this has easily become the most popular of all awards shows. It's a fantastic way for BET to celebrate the greatness of African-Americans."

BET President of Entertainment Reginald Hudlin added, "Have Prince and Stevie Wonder ever performed together in public before? No. Has Janet Jackson ever reunited with her Good Times cast before? No. Has Eminem ever rapped an exclusive verse just for a television show? No. These are just a few of the historical moments that happened on the BET Awards."

BET rolled out a star-filled affair featuring plenty of first-time winners and along side familiar faces. R&B legend Prince captured his first-ever BET Award in the category of Best Male R&B Artist; as did newcomer Chris Brown as Best New Artist; rapper T. I. for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist; and Kirk Franklin as Best Gospel Artist. Brown capped his BET Awards coming-out party by also landing the BET.com Viewers' Choice Award voted on both prior to and in real time during the telecast. This hotly-contested category generated an eye- popping 567,025 votes via the BET.com website, and another 115,616 text message votes through the new BET Mobile service.

Soulful diva Mary J. Blige was a two-time winner for Best Female R&B Artist and for Video of the Year (Be Without You) in a tie with rapper Kanye West's collaboration with actor Jamie Foxx on Gold Digger. The West-Foxx tandem also picked up BET hardware for Gold Digger in the Best Duet/Collaboration category.

Hosted by actor/comedian Damon Wayans, the night featured songstress Chaka Khan as BET Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; and actor/activist Harry Belafonte as recipient of the BET Humanitarian Award. BET also unveiled the first-ever BET 'J' Cool Like That Award, named for the re-launched channel formerly named BET Jazz. R&B crooner Anthony Hamilton was the inaugural winner of that honor.

  The following is a complete list of winners from the 2006 BET AWARDS:    Best Male Hip-Hop Artist       T. I.   Best Female Hip-Hop Artist     Missy Elliott   Best Male R&B Artist           Prince   Best Female R&B Artist         Mary J. Blige   Best Gospel Artist             Kirk Franklin   Best New Artist                Chris Brown   Best Duet/Collaboration        Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx (Gold                                   Digger)   Best Group                     Destiny's Child   Best Actor                     Terrence Howard   Best Actress                   Taraji P. Henson   Male Athlete of the Year       LeBron James (Basketball)   Female Athlete of the Year     Venus Williams (Tennis)   BET 'J' Cool Like That         Anthony Hamilton   Video of the Year (tie)        Mary J. Blige (Be Without You)                                  Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx (Gold                                   Digger)   BET.com Viewers' Choice        Chris Brown (Excuse Me Miss)    ABOUT BET NETWORKS 

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 81 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, the Number 1 Internet portal for African Americans; BET Digital Networks -- BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; and BET Mobile, a service venture into the lucrative world of ring tones, games and video content for wireless devices.

 

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

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USS Intrepid Celebrates All Things American for the Fourth

The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in
Seal of the PentagonNew York City is celebrating the Fourth of July with its third annual
Red, White and Blue Festival.

Located in Hudson River Park, the Intrepid will offer all types of
patriotic activities between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on July 2, Denise Downing, the museum's director of public relations and event programming, said.
Visitors to the museum will enjoy make-and-take arts and crafts,
temporary tattoos, as well as patriotic coloring sheets and puzzles as part of the education station.

The education station is being expanded from last year's offering, and
museum educators will be on hand to answer questions, Downing said.
"They'll be ... really, really, working with the families who sit down to
take part in this to answer any questions and teach them the importance
of Independence Day," she added.

In addition to the museum's usual displays and the education station,
there will be an apple pie eating contest and prizes for the most
patriotic outfit.

The pie-eating contest, held on the flight deck at noon, is a big deal
that draws the attention of professional "eaters", Downing said. "We
have to, unfortunately, tell them that it's more for fun."

Contestants compete in four age categories - under 5, 6-11, 12-17 and
over 18. The object is to see who can eat a slice of pie the fastest,
but there's a twist.

"We give each of them ... a slice of pie and they have to eat it with
no hands," Downing said. "In order to win, they have to finish their
slice of pie, take their plate and turn it upside down over their head.

"The first plate to hit the first head is the first-prize winner," she
added. Contestants are allowed to use their hands to get the plate from
the table to their head.

Prizes are usually awarded to the three fastest eaters.

To make the patriotic festival complete there also will be patriotic
music. Visitors will hear everything from "America the Beautiful" to Tom
Petty's "American Girl." It's the national anthem, however, that
Downing said is the best part of the music.

Downing said the weekend, part of the Intrepid's Summer Salute to
Heroes, is a very patriotic weekend aboard the museum. Fireworks and
barbecues are still big, but people also are looking for something educational
and even a little heroic. That fits with the Intrepid's mission of
"Honoring our heroes, educating the public, inspiring our youth," she
added.

"We see a lot more people taking road trips with their families and
staying within the country to visit those sites that are important to our
nation's history," Downing said. "We've noticed we've become a really
top destinations for families (during the Fourth of July weekend)."

The Summer Salute to Heroes began with Fleet Week during Memorial Day
weekend and will conclude with firefighter, Coast Guard and police
appreciation weekends throughout August, Downing said. It ends with the
Hometown Hero Essay Contest that invites residents of the tri-state area to
nominate their hometown hero in one of four categories.

The deadline for the contest has not been decided yet but will be
posted on the Intrepid's Web site when it is, Downing said.

A ticket to tour the museum, a World War II aircraft carrier, grants
visitors access to the festival as well. Admission for active duty
servicemembers is free.
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SUPERMAN RETURNS :Warner Bros. Pictures

 

(C)WB

 

 


Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure Superman Returns, a soaring new chapter in the saga of one of the world’s most beloved superheroes.

 

 

 

 

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While an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman (Brandon Routh) faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth), has moved on with her life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Or has she? Superman’s bittersweet return challenges him to bridge the distance between them while finding a place in a society that has learned to survive without him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In an attempt to protect the world he loves from cataclysmic destruction, Superman embarks on an epic journey of redemption that takes him from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space.

 

 

 

 

   

 

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Producers: Jon Peters, Bryan Singer, Gilbert Adler

Director: Bryan Singer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cast: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, James Marsden, Frank Langella, Eva Marie Saint,
Parker Posey, Sam Huntington, Kal Penn and Kevin Spacey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Superman Returns will be released on June 30, 2006 by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(C) Warner Brothers, all rights reserved

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Crazy Frog Racer" European Video Game Sensation Launches in North America by Graffiti Entertainment Subsidiary of Signature Devices

Graffiti Entertainment LLC (www.graffitientertainment.com), interactive game publishing subsidiary of Signature Devices, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SDVI) (www.signaturedevices.com) has launched the PC version of the video game in North America that features Europe's most outrageously popular animated character, "Crazy Frog" (www.crazyfroggame.com).

The high-speed, high-octane Crazy Frog Racer game (www.crazyfroggame.com) is licensed from Mercury Games Ltd. It is based on the phenomenal success of the animated cell phone ring-tone frog-like character "The Annoying Thing™" that is aggravating his way into mainstream popularity -- starting with 12 million ring-tone downloads worldwide. The Crazy Frog Axel F single tune has reached number one in over 20 countries. Its album received 2.5 million pre-orders in the United Kingdom alone. The Crazy Frog Racer video game that is being introduced here was this past Christmas' number one seller in the Playstation and All Formats in the UK.

According to Mercury games, the licensor, as part of its North American debut, the Cartoon Network is running the Crazy Frog music video that features the Axel F Tune. It has already been the most requested song on Disney Radio for several weeks. Over 60 merchandise items that range from MP3 players, radios, and plush toys have been introduced to US retailers, such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Target. Jamster, where the phenomena started, provides content for the US market.

"Our ability to acquire publishing rights from superior developers, especially those with a franchise character as well known and popular as Crazy Frog, clearly demonstrates how rapidly we have made the transition from developing games for some of the best known publishers, to becoming an integrated developer and publisher of world-class interactive entertainment games for the most popular platforms," says Ken Hurley, CEO of both Signature Devices and Graffiti Entertainment." We are extremely pleased that Mercury Games selected us to publish its Crazy Frog Racer game throughout North America. We are delighted to work with them to build the Crazy Frog brand franchise by successfully marketing the Crazy Frog Racer game here."

The Crazy Frog Racer game features the wild amphibian and his friends in a madcap ride through cities and underground chaos, blasting opponents while grabbing zany power ups, and super boosts. Its special features include:

--  Over 8 playable characters, including the one and only Crazy frog and     unlock many more!      --  Twelve twisting tracks and 3 arenas including the environment from the     Axel F Crazy Frog video.      --  Six different modes of play, including: Championship, Single Race,     Pursuit Mode, Time Trial, Battle Mode and Target Mode.      --  An abundance of bonders and power ups, including bear traps, spring     fist, crazy rocket, mace chain, and brick wall!      --  Low age rating -- suitable for all audiences.     
"Crazy Frog Racer" is the third video game the company will market since forming its publishing subsidiary a few months ago. It previously announced worldwide publishing rights to "Mazes of Fate," a chaotic world of dark dungeons and wicked warfare for the Game Boy® Advance hand-held video game system; and "Strike Force Red Cell," a counter-terrorist game where terrorists are fought in a real world first person shooter environment for the PC and XBOX 360 Console.

 

About Signature Devices and Graffiti Entertainment:

Sunnyvale, CA-based Graffiti Entertainment, LLC, (www.graffitientertainment.com) is a full service developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for PCs and advanced entertainment consoles. It creates, develops and publishes trend-setting titles with mass-market appeal. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Signature Devices, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SDVI) (www.signaturedevices.com) that creates, develops and manufactures advanced information technology, including computer systems, software and electronics products. Founded in July of 2002 by veteran developer, Kenneth Hurley, one of the company's premiere technologies includes a blend of hardware and software for Image generation technology.

Forward-Looking Statements:

The information in this Press Release includes certain "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor provisions of Federal Securities Laws. Investors are cautioned that such statements are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including the future financial performance of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations or any of its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events, or circumstances after the date of this release except as required by law.

 

 

 

 

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ESPN is hoping to become the MySpace of the sports world. In September,

 In September, it will unveil as part of ESPN's Sports Nation property the tools for fans to create profiles, contribute to sports blogs, post opinions and link to favorite articles.

John Zaccario, VP-digital media sales and marketing at ESPN, revealed the plans to advertisers at a pre-NBA Draft party in Chelsea that also featured an appearance by NBA great (and ESPN basketball analyst) Bill Walton. "We want to make the sports fan the center of ESPN's universe," Mr. Zaccari said. ESPN will allow users to personalize their home pages and participate in blogs and discussions around favorite teams and sports.

'Team sponsorships'

ESPN plans to sell "team sponsorships" around the community-driven elements of its website, much like the sponsorships individual professional teams ink with marketers. For example, a particular beer marketer could be the official beer of the New York Yankees on ESPN.

ESPN also unveiled its digital plans for "Monday Night Football," coined "Monday Night Surround." ESPN.com's editor in chief, John Papanek, said the network would cover the game "the way ABC covered the Super Bowl -- with fleets of trucks and armies of crews." "Monday Night Surround" will feature scouting reports, news and games within a game, where fans from the opposing teams register and battle each other for fan supremacy through trivia, IQ contests, debates and betting contest created and hosted by Page Two columnist Bill Simmons.

Network executives also detailed Scream, ESPN's new broadband player, and reported that ESPN 360 managed 40,000 simultaneous streams of World Cup play. ESPN 360 is only available to 8 million subscribers but ESPN launched a free trial of the service June 26.


Mr. Walton took the stage for what was promised to be a half-hour question-and-answer session, but the long-winded basketball star-turned-analyst didn't get around to answering many queries; he instead regaled digital media buyers with stories of his formative and basketball playing years, critiqued this year's NBA Finals and yet, somehow, managed to work praise for ESPN into nearly every subject he approached.

He likened Ed Erhardt, ESPN's president-customer sales and marketing, to former Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach and explained how the Miami Heat came from behind to win an NBA Championship victory: "[It happens] when you have the talent, when you have the best guys -- and that's what we have at ESPN."

"We got our money's worth tonight," Mr. Erhardt quipped as he closed the show and thanked Mr. Walton.

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Auto Club Offers Tipsy Tow Service for Independence Day

  

 The Automobile Club of Southern California will offer its free Tipsy Tow service to help keep drinking drivers off the road during the Fourth of July holiday period. The service is available from 6 p.m. on Monday, July 3 until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Tipsy Tow is available in the 13 Southern California counties served by the Auto Club.

Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver may call 1-800-400-4AAA for a free tow home of up to seven miles. Callers simply tell the Auto Club operators, "I need a Tipsy Tow," to receive the free tow and ride home. A regular Auto Club-contracted emergency road service truck will be dispatched.

Callers need to keep in mind that the service excludes rides for passengers, is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver, and the destination is limited to the driver's residence. Reservations are not accepted. Drivers can expect to pay the rate charged by the tow truck contractor for rides farther than seven miles.

"We want motorists to be aware of the high crash risk from drinking and driving associated with holidays -- especially party-oriented ones like July 4th -- and encourage the public to think twice about getting behind the wheel if they have been drinking," said Steven Bloch, Ph.D., senior traffic safety analyst for the Auto Club.

 

"It takes only one or two drinks to slow physical and mental skills and affect vision, steering, braking, judgement and reaction time," Bloch said. "We hope drivers are aware that the CHP and law enforcement agencies are likely to be using extra patrols to look for drinking drivers during holidays."

Bloch said 183,000 Californians -- or an average of more than 500 per day -- were arrested for driving under the influence in 2004. Safety and education efforts by the Auto Club and other groups have helped dramatically lower the number of DUI arrests since 1982, when 345,000 were arrested for DUI. Statewide annual alcohol-related fatal and injury crashes have also decreased sharply, from 49,000 in 1981 to slightly more than 22,000 in 2004. "We'd like to see these numbers reduced even further, particularly the high numbers during the holidays," added Bloch.

Drinking drivers frequently don't plan for other ways to get home because they are concerned about retrieving their vehicle. They cite the expense of taxis and time inconvenience as the major reasons they don't use alternative transportation, according to the Auto Club. Tipsy Tow provides motorists with a safe ride home for themselves and their vehicles instead of driving while intoxicated.

People convicted of driving under the influence could lose many of the most important things in their lives, such as family, job, dignity and money. The Auto Club estimates that a first time DUI conviction can cost about $12,000 in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and insurance costs.

The Auto Club advises:

--  At social events, designate non-drinking drivers who can get everyone     home safely. --  Call a friend or family member for a ride if you have been drinking. --  Keep a cab company telephone number in your wallet so you can call for     a ride home. --  As a party host, offer a variety of non-alcoholic drink alternatives     and provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers. --  Take the car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too     much to drink.     
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Gnarls Barkley Announces More Summer Tour Dates as "ST. ELSEWHERE" Continues to Climb Charts; Album Hits #8 on the Billboard Top 200

Energized by the success of their fiery set at London's O2 Wireless Festival this past weekend, recording marvels Gnarls Barkley are pleased to announce a host of new U.S. tour dates.

The group's acclaimed debut album "ST. ELSEWHERE" broke into Billboard's Top 200 at #8, selling over 337,000 copies in just over 6 weeks. The album remains #1 in digital sales.

Gnarls Barkley is often represented by the groundbreaking and notorious sound architect Danger Mouse (Grammy-winning producer for Gorillaz, "The Grey Album," et al) and psychologically complex vocalist Cee-Lo (founding member of the Atlanta hip hop crew Goodie Mob).

The intriguing duo will kick off their U.S. Summer tour with two night stands at The Fillmore in San Francisco on July 18th/19th and the Avalon in Los Angeles on July 23rd/24th. Both shows sold out in a matter of hours. In addition, they have added stops in Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Detroit, Boston and New York City. Gnarls Barkley is also set to perform live at two upcoming U.S. festivals -- Chicago's Lollapalooza on August 5th, and the Austin City Limits Festival on September 15th. (See below for full itinerary).

Gnarls will also be performing at renowned international festivals including Japan's Fuji Rock and Switzerland's Montreux Jazz.

Gnarls Barkley will be back on the small screen August 14th with an appearance on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman" where they are expected to gratify fans with another galvanizing performance of their hit single "Crazy."

To get exclusive presale tickets, please visit www.myspace.com/gnarlsbarkley

GNARLS BARKLEY North America - Summer 2006   JULY 18, 19      San Francisco, CA      The Fillmore 20          Costa Mesa, CA         Pacific Amphitheatre 23, 24      Los Angeles, CA        The Avalon  AUGUST 2           Minneapolis, MN        First Ave 3           Chicago, IL            House of Blues (Lollapalooza pre-party) 5           Chicago, IL            Lollapalooza 7           Detroit, MI            State Theatre 11          Boston, MA             Avalon 12          Philadelphia, PA       Electric Factory 17          New York, NY           Central Park Summerstage  SEPTEMBER  15          Austin, TX             Austin City Limits Festival 

 

 

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Servicemembers Killed in Iraq; DoD Identifies Previous Casualties

.
Seal of the PentagonThree soldiers and a Marine were killed in action over the past two days in Iraq, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified three earlier Iraq casualties.

A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier who was part of a dismounted
patrol was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion south of Baghdad.

Near Balad, a soldier assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th
Infantry Division, was killed and another was wounded yesterday by a
roadside bomb while conducting a combat logistics patrol.

A soldier from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team died yesterday from small-arms fire in Mosul.

On June 28, a Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 died in action while operating in Iraq's Anbar province.

The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Aaron M. Griner, 24, of Tampa, Fla., died in Helmand Province,Afghanistan, on June 28, of injuries sustained when his vehicle struck a mine during combat operations.  Griner was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
(Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.


            Cpl. Jeremy S. Jones, 25, of Omaha, Neb., died on June 27 of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device during dismounted combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq.  Jones was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.



Meanwhile, the Defense Department identified three earlier Operation Iraqi Freedom casualties:

- Army Pfc. Michael J. Potocki, 21, of Baltimore, died June 26 of injuries suffered in Asad, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces small-arms fire. Potocki was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division,
Baumholder, Germany.


- Army Sgt. 1st Class Terry O.P. Wallace, 33, of Winnsboro, La., died June 27, of injuries suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near his Humvee during combat operations in Taji. Wallace was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.


- Marine Pfc. Rex A. Page, 21, of Kirksville, Mo., died June 28 from wounds suffered during combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

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NASA UPDATES

nasa

 

NASA ISSUES HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE STATUS REPORT

NASA engineers successfully activated the Advanced Camera for Surveys at 9:12 a.m. EDT Friday aboard the agency's Hubble Space Telescope.


Checkout was completed at 10:20 a.m. EDT with science observations scheduled to resume Sunday, July 2.

"This is the best possible news," said Ed Ruitberg, deputy associate director for the Astrophysics Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. "We were confident we could work through the
camera issue, and now we can get back to doing more incredible science with the camera."

Engineers began uploading commands to the instrument Thursday, June
29, in an effort to restore operational status. A pre-programmed
observing timeline for normal camera science operations will begin
executing at approximately 8 p.m. EDT on July 2.

Engineers received indications on Monday, June 19, that power supply
voltages were out of acceptable limits, causing the camera to stop
functioning. The instrument was taken off line, so engineers could
study the problem and determine the appropriate remedy. Hubble
observations continued using other onboard science instruments.

The third-generation Hubble instrument consists of three electronic
cameras, filters and dispersers that detect light from the
ultraviolet to the near infrared. Astronauts installed the camera
during a servicing mission in March 2002. It was developed jointly by
Goddard, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore; Ball Aerospace,
Boulder, Colo.; and the Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore.


For information about the Hubble Space Telescope, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/hubble

NASA AWARDS ENGINEERING AND SCIENTIFIC SERVICES CONTRACT

NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland has selected ASRC Aerospace,
Inc., of Greenbelt, Md., to provide engineering and scientific
services.

ASRC will provide on-site support services for technical, engineering
and scientific tasks in the areas of aeronautics, microgravity
science, space exploration, space power and propulsion, related
science and technology activities.

This is a performance-based, indefinite-quantity, indefinite-delivery,
cost-plus-award-fee, small business set-aside contract. The maximum
value of the contract is $250 million over a possible five-year
period, consisting of a two-year base period, followed by three
one-year options.

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/home

NASA NAMES NEW ROCKETS, SALUTING THE FUTURE, HONORING THE PAST

NASA announced on Friday the names of the next generation of launch
vehicles that will return humans to the moon and later take them to
Mars and other destinations. The crew launch vehicle will be called
Ares I, and the cargo launch vehicle will be known as Ares V.

"It's appropriate that we named these vehicles Ares, which is a
pseudonym for Mars," said Scott Horowitz, associate administrator for
NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, Washington. "We honor
the past with the number designations and salute the future with a
name that resonates with NASA's exploration mission."

The "I and V" designations pay homage to the Apollo program's Saturn I
and Saturn V rockets, the first large U.S. space vehicles conceived
and developed specifically for human spaceflight.

The crew exploration vehicle, which will succeed the space shuttle as
NASA's spacecraft for human space exploration, will be named later.
This vehicle will be carried into space by Ares I, which uses a
single five-segment solid rocket booster, a derivative of the space
shuttle's solid rocket booster, for the first stage. A liquid
oxygen/liquid hydrogen J-2X engine derived from the J-2 engine used
on Apollo's second stage will power the crew exploration vehicle's
second stage. The Ares I can lift more than 55,000 pounds to low
Earth orbit.

Ares V, a heavy lift launch vehicle, will use five RS-68 liquid
oxygen/liquid hydrogen engines mounted below a larger version of the
space shuttle's external tank, and two five-segment solid propellant
rocket boosters for the first stage. The upper stage will use the
same J-2X engine as the Ares I. The Ares V can lift more than 286,000
pounds to low Earth orbit and stands approximately 360 feet tall.
This versatile system will be used to carry cargo and the components
into orbit needed to go to the moon and later to Mars.

NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, manages the Constellation
Program and the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville,
Ala., manages the Exploration Launch Projects office for the
Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, Washington.

For information about NASA's exploration efforts, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION STATUS REPORT: SS06-031

The Expedition 13 crew welcomed a Russian resupply ship this week and
prepared for the arrival of Space Shuttle Discovery.

Discovery's launch is scheduled for 3:49 p.m. EDT Saturday.
Discovery's STS-121 mission will return the station to three crew
members for the first time since 2003, when European Space Agency
astronaut Thomas Reiter joins crew members Jeff Williams, flight
engineer and Pavel Vinogradov, commander.

To get ready for STS-121 spacewalks, the crew flushed cooling loops in
the Quest airlock and U.S. spacesuits, configured airlock systems and
tools and reviewed robotic arm procedures. They checked out a
ship-to-ship communications system that will be used for
conversations with Discovery's crew during rendezvous and
disconnected the station's Common Cabin Air Assembly heat exchanger.
That device will be returned to Earth aboard Discovery along with
other equipment in the Italian-built Leonardo Multipurpose Logistics
Module. Discovery will use Leonardo to bring about 5,000 pounds of
supplies to the station.

The crew also completed a mid-mission session of the renal stone
experiment by collecting urine samples and logging all of the food
and drinks consumed over a three-day period. Each crewmember is
taking either potassium citrate, a drug found to be useful in
preventing kidney stone formation on Earth, or a placebo. Crews in
space are at risk for kidney stones because of their loss of bone
density.

ISS Progress 22, the unpiloted Russian cargo spacecraft, brought 2.5
tons of fresh produce, other foodstuffs, food, fuel and supplies to
the station on June 26. After the cargo ship was fully connected with
station systems, flight controllers in Moscow completed a routine
thruster test, and Vinogradov removed its Kurs automated rendezvous
hardware.

The next station status report will be issued on Friday, July 7, or
after the STS-121 mission.

For more about the crew's activities and station sighting
opportunities, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station



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­ Children¹s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) was selected by Anime Expo® (www.anime-expo.org as the recipient of the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA-www.spja.org) Charity Auction

held on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m at the Anaheim Convention Center during the highly anticipated event¹s 15th Anniversary Convention Celebration.

The SPJA Charity Auction, held during Anime Expo® over the 4th of July Weekend at the Anaheim Convention Center, is traditionally a well-received event that offers highly prized art pieces (many which are created specially for the convention and the Charity Auction), donated by the
Convention¹s very own special Guests of Honor (Special Industry Celebrities from Japan or the U.S. that have contributed greatly to the Anime and Manga Industry including voice actors, directors, animators, artists, etc.), many of which sell at prices reflecting the rarity and artistic form of the pieces. 


Some of the Guests of Honors attending Anime Expo® 2006 that will hopefully be providing items at the Charity Auction are world famous Manga artists CLAMP, Koge Donbo and Mick Takeuchi.

The Anime Expo®, in its 15th year, will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center July 1-4, 2006. The event, sponsored by SPJA, is a forum for enthusiasts and industry involved in Anime, Manga, Games and Culture of Japan. It is the largest convention of its kind in the U.S. for Japanese
animation fans and industry professionals. The expo is expected to attract 55,000+ attendees from around the world.

Individuals can now register via online (www.anime-expo.org  for Anime Expo® 2006, or register at the Anaheim Convention Center during Convention hours.

About CHOC


Making a mark in pediatric healthcare for more than 40 years and named by Child Magazine as one of the Top 25 children's hospitals in the country, Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) is exclusively committed to the health and well being of children through clinical expertise, advocacy
and outreach. CHOC's growing healthcare network includes two state-of-the-art hospitals in Orange and Mission Viejo, several community clinics, a residency program that trains tomorrow's pediatricians, three centers of excellence - Heart, Cancer and Neuroscience, and a Research Institute that brings advanced treatment to our patients. CHOC was recently awarded with
the "Excellence in Patient Safety & Health Care Quality Award" from Aetna, Blue Shield of California, CIGNA HealthCare of California, and UnitedHealthcare. For more information about CHOC, visit www.choc.org


<http://www.choc.org/>  or call 714-997-3000.

About Anime Expo®


Located in Anaheim, California - Anime Expo®, the North America¹s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry.  This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the
industry to conduct business. AX 2006 will be held July 1 ­ 4, 2006 at the Anaheim Convention Center. More information can be found at its official website (www.anime-expo.org



About SPJA


The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more
popularly known by its entertainment property ­ Anime Expo®.  More information can be found at its official website (www.spja.org 
 

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Imagen Entertainment Industry Awards Announces 2006 Nominees

 The 21st Annual Imagen Awards' 2006 Nominees were announced Thursday, June 29 by Lorenzo Lamas, star of CBS daytime drama The Bold and The Beautiful, at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Conference Center in North Hollywood. The Imagen Awards Gala is scheduled for August 18 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The Imagen Awards, will be presenting in 16 categories. Imagen was established in 1985 to encourage and recognize the positive portrayal of Latinos in all media, and to increase Latino representation at all levels of the entertainment industry.

Nominees include: Andy Garcia and Antonio Banderas for Best Actor -- Film; Jessica Alba and Cameron Diaz for Best Actress -- Film; Andy Garcia, Robert Rodriguez and Fernando Meirelles for Best Director; The West Wing, Epitafios and The George Lopez Show for Best Primetime Series; Jimmy Smits and George Lopez for Best Actor -- Television; Constance Marie and Rosa Blasi for Best Actress -- Television; Freddy Rodriguez and Carlos Bernard for Best Supporting Actor -- Television and Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego Go, and High School Musical for Best Children's Programming.

Special awards were also announced. Talented director and choreographer Kenny Ortega will receive the Creative Achievement Award and producer Gregory Nava will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award & the President's Award to Susan Whiting, CEO of Nielsen Media Research. The Imagen Board of Directors elected to add a National Leadership Award which will be given to Chicago Congressman Luis Gutierrez.

  Further details can be found on the website: www.imagen.org.  Source: : Imagen Foundation 

Web site: http://www.imagen.org/

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Pete Yorn Schedules Special In-Store Performances At All Stops Along His First-Ever Acoustic Tour

 

With Shows Selling Out Along Tour Itinerary, Singer-Songwriter Sets Up Free Performances At Local Independent Record Stores Across The Country

Pete Yorn In-Store Performances To Be Recorded For Limited Edition CD Series "Live From..."

New Pete Yorn Album, 'Nightcrawler,' In Stores Tuesday, August 29

In response to venues selling out for his very first acoustic tour, Columbia Records artist Pete Yorn is scheduling special free afternoon mini-concerts day-of-show at local independent record stores at every city along his tour route (see full itinerary following).

The set lists for each of Pete's in-store performances will uniquely vary from location to location. Each of Pete's in-store performances will be recorded for a limited edition souvenir CD series, "Live From...," to be sold exclusively at the local independent record store originally hosting the mini- concert.

The complete list of local independent record stores participating in Pete Yorn's "Live From... " mini-concert/CD recording series follows.

Pete launched his free in-store mini-concert series at Rhino Records in Claremont, California on June 20.

Fans pre-ordering Pete Yorn's upcoming album, Nightcrawler, at Pete's in- stores and concerts will receive a special limited edition six-song EP, "Westerns." Pete calls Nightcrawler the final installment in a musical trilogy that began in 2001 with his debut album, musicforthemorningafter, and continued through 2003's Day I Forgot.

"I've been in this lonesome cowboy phase for a while," Pete told Billboard.com. "I've been really inspired by guys like Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash. 'Westerns' has a twang to it and is a real departure for me, but Nightcrawler is most definitely the rock record."

Pete Yorn's very first acoustic tour began June 22 at Soho in Santa Barbara and ends August 12 at the fabled Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey (see itinerary following).

Yorn's "You & Me" Acoustic Tour gives fans a rare opportunity to catch the critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter performing his classic repertoire and new material up-close-and-personal in a series of small, intimate venues.

Pete's upcoming acoustic tour will provide fans with an exclusive preview of songs from his upcoming, third, full-length studio album, Nightcrawler, now slated for release on Red Ink/Columbia on August 29.

"I encourage you all to rise up and UNITE this summer and join me as I embark on my first ever nationwide acoustic tour (with friends)," wrote Pete to his fans on his website (http://www.peteyorn.com/). "I will be showcasing selections from the new record, as well as plenty of songs from the old catalogue."

From the beginning of his career, singer/songwriter/rocker Pete Yorn has been the topic of numerous critical accolades. Rolling Stone, who picked Pete as one of the magazine's "Ten to Watch in 2001," gave Pete's debut album, musicforthemorningafter, a four-star (****) rating calling the album " ... atmospheric, gently lit by sunlight and regret." Pete's debut album was certified RIAA gold as of April 24, 2002.

USA Today observed "The latest last great hope for the ailing singer/songwriter genre may vaguely resemble a young Springsteen ... His insinuating melodies and lean ... driving graceful arrangements evoke R.E.M.'s early work. It's impossible to pigeonhole Yorn's music ... inspired quirkiness makes him, if not the future of rock 'n' roll, at least a promising new disciple."

Pete Yorn has toured actively since the release of musicforthemorningafter and has shared bills with the Foo Fighters, Semisonic, Coldplay, REM, and others. He was the headline artist on the inaugural MTV2 Handpicked Tour and played drums on a set of Stooges covers with Iggy Pop, Mike Watt, and the Hives' Mike Vigilante and Pelle Almqvist at the second annual Shortlist Prize for Artistic Achievement at Los Angeles' Henry Fonda Theater.

Day I Forgot, Pete's eagerly-awaited successor to musicforthemorningafter, was released in April 2003 to widespread critical acclaim and debuted at #18 on the Billboard 200 best-selling album chart.

Pete Yorn's last release, Live from New Jersey, a stunning full-length performance recorded live at the Community Theater in Morristown, New Jersey, on October 29, 2003, was released in January 2004. Like Yorn's concerts themselves, his live album was a treasure trove for fans as well as an ideal introduction to the scope of Pete's music.

  Pete Yorn - "You & Me" Acoustic Tour Itinerary     Date   City/State         Venue               In-Store   6/30   Lawrence, KS       The Bottleneck      Kief's /2429 Iowa Street   7/1    St. Louis, MO      Blueberry Hill      Vintage Vinyl/6610 Delmar                                                  Blvd   7/2    Madison, WI        The Annex           The Exclusive/508 State St.   7/5    Indianapolis, IN   Music Mill          Luna Music/1315B E Locust                                                  St.   7/6    Columbus, OH       The Basement        The Singing Dog/1644 N. High                                                  St.   7/7    Louisville, KY     Phoenix Hill Tavern Ear Xtacy/1534 Bardstown Rd   7/8    Buffalo, NY        Town Ballroom       New World Records/765                                                  Elmwood   7/10   Rochester, NY      Water St Music Hall Record Archive/1880 East                                                  Avenue   7/11   Portland, ME       Asylum              Bull Moose/151 Middle Street   7/12   Boston, MA         Paradise Lounge     Newbury Comics/33 Newbury St   7/13   Baltimore, MD      Sonar               Record & Tape Traders/736                                                  Dulaney Valley   7/15   Raleigh, NC        Cat's Cradle        Schoolkids/2712-100                                                  Hillsborough St   7/17   Nashville, TN      Exit/Inn            Grimey's/1604 8th Ave S.   7/18   Atlanta, GA        Smith's Olde Bar    Criminal Records/466                                                  Moreland Ave   7/19   Birmingham, AL     The Nick            Lasers Edge/2825 18th St So.   7/21   Council Bluffs, IA Whiskey Roadhouse   Homers/ 1114 Howard St   7/22   Minneapolis, MN    The Varsity Theatre Electric Fetus/2000 4th Ave                                                  S.   7/24   Denver, CO         The Walnut Room     Twist and Shout/303 E.                                                  Alameda Av   7/25   Boulder, CO        Fox Theatre         Barts/1015 Pearl Street   7/26   Salt Lake City, UT Club Sound          Graywhale/248 S 1300 E   7/28   Seattle, WA        Crocodile Cafe      Easy Street/20 Mercer Street   7/29   Portland, OR       Doug Fir Lounge     Music Millennium  / 801 NW   23rd   7/31   San Francisco, CA  Great Am Music Hall Rasputin/2401 Telegraph Ave   8/1    San Diego, CA      The Casbah          Lou's/434 N Coast Hwy 101   8/2    Phoenix, AZ        Martini Ranchi      Zia/1940 W Chandler Blvd   8/7    Rockville, MD                          Olsson's/12350 Parklawn Dr.   8/8    Alexandria, VA     Birchmere   8/9    Richmond, VA       Alley Kats          Plan 9/3012 W. Cary Street   8/11   Philadelphia, PA   Northstar           AKA/27 N 2nd Street   8/12   Asbury Park, NJ    Stone Pony          Vintage Vinyl/51 LaFayette                                                  Rd. 

Source: Columbia Records

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As Summer Heats Up, Alliance to Save Energy Offers Tips for Beating the Heat, Saving Money on Home Energy Bills

www.ase.org/consumers

The time of year when temperatures can reach the triple-digits has arrived. To help consumers beat the heat by reducing home energy costs while remaining cool and comfortable, the Alliance to Save Energy offers home energy-efficiency tips that can curb the $5,000 that the average household will spend on energy this year. With this summer threatening to be one of the hottest on record, it pays to cut home energy bills by up to 30 percent with energy-efficiency technologies and smart energy practices, while also decreasing related pollution. Here are some simple ways to beat the heat and reduce home cooling costs:

 

--  Maintain your AC equipment with a professional "tune-up," and clean or     replace filters monthly.      --  For central air conditioning systems, purchase the highest Seasonal     Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) that you can afford.      --  Bigger is not always better.  Poorly sized air conditioning units can     inflate your energy costs, so check with your contractor or local air     conditioning system retailer to properly size your unit.      --  Install a ceiling fan. ENERGY STAR-certified ceiling fans provide     additional cooling and help reduce AC usage and cooling costs.      --  Fight your local "heat island" effect by planting leafy trees around     your home, installing reflective tiles on your roof.      --  Forgetful? A programmable thermostat automatically coordinates indoor     climates with your daily and weekend patterns, reducing cooling bills by up     to10 percent.      --  To cut your related energy bills by 30 percent, look for the ENERGY     STAR label, the symbol for energy efficiency, when shopping for room air     conditioners, major appliances, lighting, home office equipment, windows,     and electronics.  Find retailers near you at www.energystar.gov.      --  Install appropriate insulation for your climate and seal air leaks to     increase your comfort, make your home quieter and cleaner, and reduce your     cooling costs up to 20 percent.  See www.ase.org/taxcredits for details.      --  Switch to cold water for laundry to save up to $63 a year.      --  No more peeping Toms.  Close blinds or shades on the south- and west-     facing windows during the day or install shading devices such as trellises     or awnings.      --  Use dimmers, timers, and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor     lighting.      --  4 for the planet.  Replacing four 75-watt incandescent bulbs with 23-     watt compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) that use about two-thirds less energy     and last up to 10 times longer saves $190 over the life of the bulbs.      --  Activate "sleep" features on computers and office equipment that power     down when the equipment is not in use for a while.  Turn off equipment     during long periods of non-use to cut costs and improve longevity.      --  Watch out for energy vampires! Your idle (turned off) electronics and     appliances -- TVs, VCRs, cable boxes, CD players, cassette decks, and     microwaves -- continue to consume electricity to keep display clocks lit     and memory chips and remote controls working -- costing consumers $4     billion annually.  ENERGY STAR products use less energy in the off mode.     
Many additional tips and free resources for all types of home and vehicle energy use can be found on the Alliance's consumer web site www.ase.org/consumers "Tips to Lower Your Energy Bills" and other sections. English and Spanish information on the federal tax credits for homes and vehicles is available at www.ase.org/taxcredits.

The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental, and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, economy, and national security.

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Hanley Wood Purchases PROFESSIONAL DECK BUILDER Magazine and DeckExpo

Hanley Wood, LLC announced today the purchase of PROFESSIONAL DECK BUILDER Magazine and DeckExpo from Dempsey Management Services. The magazine is a controlled circulation publication with 26,500 deck, dock and railing contractors, distributors, dealers and suppliers. DeckExpo, launched in 2003, is a 25,000 sq ft exhibition attracting 1,700 decking contractors.

PROFESSIONAL DECK BUILDER will join the Remodeling Group of publications under Group Publisher Rick Strachan. DeckExpo will be managed by Hanley Wood's Exhibitions Division under Rick McConnell, Vice President, Hanley Wood Exhibitions.

"This is a valuable acquisition for Hanley Wood," says Strachan. "PROFESSIONAL DECK BUILDER is the only trade publication exclusively dedicated to the deck, dock and railing industry and the products and advertisers complement our existing publications." Deck building is a strong market segment, with approximately 33 million decks in the U.S. and 4% of households building or replacing a deck every year.

DeckExpo and PROFESSIONAL DECK BUILDER are the official exhibition and magazine of the North American Deck and Railing Association. NADRA participates in the programming of the exposition by developing certification programs. NADRA and Hanley Wood have signed a 25-year long partnership agreement to continue these designations.

"The acquisition of DeckExpo is a tremendous addition to Hanley Wood and the Exhibitions Division," says McConnell. "It validates our company's continued commitment to the building and construction industry and further broadens the scope of opportunities for our customers. DeckExpo is a strategic fit with our current shows -- the Remodeling Show, International Pool & Spa Expo and the four annual JLC Live events."

"We believe this is the best decision for the magazine, the show and for NADRA," says Terry Dempsey, President of Dempsey Management Services. "Hanley Wood's reputation is sterling and they are the leading publisher for construction pros."

PROFESSIONAL DECK BUILDER will be located in Hanley Wood's Vermont office where JOURNAL OF LIGHT CONSTRUCTION and COASTAL CONTRACTOR are also based. The magazine will publish six times in 2007.

DeckExpo will be located in Hanley Wood's Dallas office. The 2007 exhibition will take place in February 2007 at the Las Vegas Hilton.

About Hanley Wood

Hanley Wood, LLC, is the premier media company serving housing and construction. Through five operating divisions, the company produces award-winning magazines and Web sites, marquee trade shows and events, rich data and custom marketing solutions. The company also is North America's leading provider of home plans.

Founded in 1976, Hanley Wood is a $240 million company owned by JPMorgan Partners, LLC, a private equity affiliate of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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Fourth of July Passenger Travel Expected to Increase at Los Angeles International and Ontario Airports

Airport Officials Remind Passengers Fireworks Are Banned on Aircraft

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) expects to serve more than 900,000 travelers over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Friday, June 30 through Tuesday, July 4, an increase of one percent over the holiday period last year.

With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, airport enforcement officials reminded passengers that fireworks -- including sparklers and bottle rockets -- are prohibited in airport sterile areas, in the cabins of aircraft, and in checked baggage. The 2005 Congressionally-imposed ban on carrying onboard cigarette lighters remains in effect. TSA screeners confiscate hundreds of lighters from travelers each day at LAX.

To avoid airport delays, officials recommend passengers to print their boarding passes using home or office computers or check-in at automated kiosks located in the ticketing lobbies. For up-to-the-minute airport, traffic and parking conditions, LAX AiRadio (530 on the AM dial) now provides live programming covering the latest traffic and airport conditions. Motorists picking up arriving passengers are advised to use the free 24-hour LAX Cell Phone Waiting Lot, while awaiting a call from their arriving party in the Central Terminal Area (CTA). The cell phone waiting lot is located at 9011 Airport Boulevard about one-half mile from the CTA.

This year LAX travelers can use the new Valet Parking Lot opposite Terminal 4 on the lower/arrivals level. The rate is $38 per day or $10 per hour up to the daily maximum. Alternative fuel vehicles with stickers permitting their operation in the freeway carpool lanes park at the rate of $30 per day, the rate charged in other Central Terminal Area Lots.

Overall, this year's summer passenger traffic from Memorial Day to Labor Day at LAX is expected to be 18.7 million -- a slight increase over last summer's 18.5 million

Ontario International Airport (ONT) expects 130,000 travelers to go through the Inland Empire airport during the five-day holiday weekend, an increase over the 102,000 passengers from the same period last year. ONT is forecast to set another record this summer with nearly two million travelers, up five percent over last year's 1.9 million passengers.

For more travel tips, visit lawa.org on the Internet.

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NASA SELECTS CONSORTIUM FOR EDUCATION COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

nasa
NASA's Office of Education Minority University Research and Education Program selected a consortium of three organizations to administer its Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology Project: the Hispanic College Fund, the United Negro College Fund Special Programs
Corporation, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

The project is directly tied to the agency's major education goal of strengthening NASA's and the nation's workforce. Through this and NASA's other college and university programs, the agency will identify and develop the critical skills and capabilities needed to achieve future missions. The maximum annual value of this award is $1.75 million, with a total possible performance period of three
years.

The project will offer one-year competitive scholarships to freshmen,
sophomores and juniors to provide up to one-half of tuition and fees,
not to exceed $10,000 per academic year. It also provides a stipend
to participate in an internship. The project will assist participants
in establishing mentoring relationships and provide tutoring to help
support the academic programs.

"NASA's Office of Education is excited about providing opportunities
that inspire, engage, educate, and employ our nation's next
generation of explorers and innovators. We look forward to this
partnership between NASA and the consortium," said NASA's acting
Assistant Administrator for Education John Hairston.

The project is focused on engaging students from underserved and
underrepresented groups to enter science, technology, engineering and
mathematics. Students who major in fields related to NASA's science
and technology interests could be eligible to receive support from
the project. For information about NASA's education programs, visit:

http://www.education.nasa.gov

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79th Oscar® Rules Approved by Academy

 

Beverly Hills, CA — The governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences approved the rules for the 79th Academy Awards® at their Tuesday evening session this week, endorsing a series of changes that the organization’s president, Sid Ganis, characterized as “constructive but not earthshaking.”

The biggest change in fact was not technically a rule change at all, but a procedural one, instituting a two-stage process in determining the nominations in the Foreign Language Film Award category. The new approach will allow New York-based Academy members to participate for the first time in selecting the nominations for the category.

Foreign Language nominations for 2006 will be arrived at in two phases overseen by two essentially distinct screening committees. The Phase I committee will be the same several-hundred-member Los Angeles-based group that has viewed the roughly 60 annual submissions in past years and selected the five nominees from the field. For the 2006 Awards though, the Phase I committee will arrive at a nine-country shortlist.

The Phase II committee, made up of ten randomly selected members of the original committee, ten Los Angeles-based members not on the original committee, and ten New York-area members, will view the shortlisted films in a three-day bicoastal marathon and select the nominees from that field.

In addition to allowing New York members to participate, which they have long expressed an interest in, Ganis said “the principal reason for the two-phase selection process is to see if we can permit busy working members to participate in the process without them having to commit to several months’ worth of screenings.”

In another change for the Foreign Language award, entries submitted in the category no longer must be in an official language of the country submitting the film. So long as the dominant language is not English, a picture from any country may be in any language or combination of languages.

“That may sound like a profound change,” the Academy’s executive director Bruce Davis said, “but it actually addresses a situation that has cropped up only once before in our history, and may not arise again this century. Last year the Italians wanted to submit a picture that was clearly made by Italian artists, and which qualified for the category in every other way except one: there was no Italian language in it. All the dialogue was in Middle Eastern languages.

“The rules clearly prohibited that, but the situation didn’t seem fair to us. So if the Taiwanese want to send us a picture with exclusively Portuguese dialogue this year, we’re ready for them.”

In other rules-related actions, the board increased the annual number of nominated achievements in the Sound Editing category from three to five, and approved the elimination of the 25-year tradition of the “bake-off” for the category. Sound Branch members will now nominate five films in the category by preferential ballot, the system used in many other categories.

Other modifications of the rules include normal date changes and minor “housekeeping” changes.

Rule changes in the Documentary and Short Film categories were approved by the board earlier this year. In the Documentary categories, the rules refined the respective multi-city theatrical rollout requirements for the two categories, adding a four-city rollout requirement for short documentary films and doubling the number of cities to eight for feature-length documentaries. In addition, new rules change the voting system for feature documentaries from an averaged-point system to a preferential system.

In the Short Film categories, the rules no longer prohibit multiple entries from a producer or producing team.

Rules are reviewed annually by branch and category committees. The Awards Rules Committee then reviews all proposed changes before presenting its recommendations to the Academy’s Board of Governors.

Academy Award® nominations will be announced in January at the Academy. The 79th Annual Academy Awards Presentation will be telecast live from the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center by the ABC Television Network on Sunday, February 25, 2007.

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The Devil wears Prada:SYNOPSIS

 

(C) Fox

In the dizzying world of New York fashion, where size zero is the new 2, six is the new 8, and a bad hair day can end a career, Runway Magazine is the Holy Grail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Fox

 

Overseen with a finely manicured fist by Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) – the most powerful woman in fashion – Runway is a fearsome gauntlet for anyone who wants to make it in the industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(C) Fox

 

To make Runway the fashion bible of New York and therefore the world, Miranda has let nothing stand in her way … including a long line of assistants that didn’t make the cut. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 (C) Fox

 

It’s a job no self-respecting person can survive, yet it’s an opportunity a million young women in New York would kill for.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(C) Fox

 

A stint as Miranda’s assistant could blast-open the doors for recent college graduate Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(C) Fox

 

 

More college drab than haute couture, she stands alone among the small army of “Clackers” on staff at Runway – superslim fashion divas clacking their stilettos down the halls of the magazine’s Manhattan headquarters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(C) Fox

 

But when Andy comes in for the job, it dawns on her that making it in this industry will take more than drive and determination.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(C) Fox

 


And her ultimate test stands before her in head-to-toe Prada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(C)Fox

Miranda can spin the fashion world like a basketball but has a devil of a time finding and keeping a good assistant. Andy is completely wrong for the job. But she has something the rest of them don’t: she refuses to fail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(C) Fox

 

(C) FoxTo become the perfect assistant, Andy will need to make herself over in Miranda’s image. Soon, much to her boyfriend’s (Adrian Grenier) dismay, she can talk the talk, walk the walk (in flawless Manolo’s) and never again confuse Dolce with Gabbana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

(C) Fox                                                                                                                                      But the more of life she sees through Miranda’s eyes, the more she begins to grasp that Miranda’s world is a fabulous but lonely one – and that sometimes great success depends on great sacrifice…but at what cost?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                    (C) Fox

                                                                                                                                                    In the dizzying world of New York fashion, where size zero is the new 2, six is the new 8, and a bad hair day can end a career, Runway Magazine is the Holy Grail. Overseen with a finely manicured fist by Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) – the most powerful woman in fashion – Runway is a fearsome gauntlet for anyone who wants to make it in the industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(C) FoxNOTE: SOME CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



TM and ©2006 Twentieth Century Fox. All rights reserved.

 

(C) Fox
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.

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The All-New Supercharged Jaguar XKR Coupe and Convertible - Exhilaration Defined

Jaguar is proud to announce its


new supercharged sports cars -- the 2007 Jaguar XKR Coupe and Convertible.
Making its global debut at the 2006 London Motor Show on July 18, 2006, the
all-new XKR takes the Jaguar experience to new heights.


     Designed in parallel with the naturally aspirated 2007 XK Coupe and
Convertible, the new supercharged XKR makes intelligent use of practical,
modern technology such as its industry-leading aluminum monocoque body
structure. In fact, the new XKRs' aluminum chassis are significantly
lighter and stiffer in both Coupe and Convertible form than the steel
counterparts they replace.


    A 420bhp, 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine makes the Jaguar XKR capable
of rapid 0-60 mph performance in just 4.9 seconds (XKR Coupe) and produces
an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.


    Both XKR Coupe and Convertible exhibit enhanced performance styling
cues such as a sportier new grille and front bumper design, a vented hood
and distinctive aluminum-effect side power vents. Its unique option 19- or
20-inch alloy wheel designs and standard quad-exhaust system also add to
its overall presence.


    "The new supercharged XKR captures perfectly the essence of what makes
a Jaguar XK so special," commented Bibie Boerio, Jaguar Cars managing
director. "It is a perfect combination of refined Grand Tourer and serious
performance sports car that delivers a truly rewarding and exhilarating
driving experience."


    Building on the excellence of the 2007 XKs introduced in 2005, the 2007
XKR is the epitome of a contemporary sports car and perfectly illustrates
Jaguar's philosophy of building beautiful, fast cars. It combines beauty
with power, and style with dynamism to deliver a world-class performance
automobile.


    All-new 2007 Jaguar XKR At-A-Glance Highlights


    * New supercharged Jaguar XK sports car - the XKR, available as a Coupe
or Convertible
    * All the attractions and attributes of the XK, but amplified in the
'R' to complement the extra power and performance
    * 4.2-liter, supercharged V8 engine developing 420bhp and 413 lb.-ft.
(560Nm) of torque
    * 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.9 seconds and 155 mph (electronically
limited) top speed
    * All-aluminum construction means a lighter, stiffer vehicle, which
improves handling and agility.
    * Uprated springs and dampers, and recalibrated Computer Active
Technology Suspension (CATS) system for enhanced ride and handling
    * Class-leading six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-
mounted shift paddles for ultra-quick gear shifts in milliseconds
    * Active Exhaust System to ensure cruising speed refinement, but
purposeful V8 roar under hard acceleration
    * Subtle XKR exterior styling enhancements include a sportier grille
and front bumper design, vented hood, unique aluminum-effect side power
vents and new wheel designs
    * Enhanced interior includes unique aluminum 'weave' design on the
fascia (polished burl walnut is optional at no extra cost) and XKR sports
seats
    * Intuitive controls and driver-focused technologies are available --
including Keyless Entry, Keyless Start, advanced Touchscreen and Active
Front Lighting
    2007 XK / 2007 XKR SPECIFICATIONS

                          2007 XK                        2007 XKR
                   Coupe         Convertible        Coupe         Convertible

    Engine         AJ-V8         AJ-V8              Supercharged  Supercharged
                   DOHC 32v      DOHC 32v           AJ-V8 DOHC    AJ-V8 DOHC
                   V8            V8                 32v V8        32v V8
    Maximum Power
     (bhp SAE)     300           300                420           420
    Maximum Torque
     (lb.-ft.)     310           310                413           413
    Transmission   6-speed ZF    6-speed ZF         6-speed ZF    6-speed ZF
                   automatic     automatic          automatic     automatic
    Brakes         4-wheel       4-wheel            4-wheel       4-wheel
                   disc/ABS      disc/ABS           disc/ABS      disc/ABS
    Weight         3,671 lbs     3,759 lbs          3,814 lbs     3,924 lbs
    Performance
     (0-60 mph)    5.9 sec       6.0 sec            4.9 sec       5.0 sec



    * Provisional test figures are subject to change.

    ** The 2007 XK was launched in the U.S. market in April 2006.
    From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars in 1922,
Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the world's premier manufacturers of
luxury sedans and sports cars and with that, one of the most recognized
commercial brands. The company's vision is simple: To produce beautiful
fast cars that are desired the world over. The company operates two
manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom and is fully engaged in
environmental programs, community work and brand awareness exercises such
as motorsports.

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El Festival Internacional Latino de Cine en Nueva York regresa con una excitante lista de estrellas del Momento

Presentando Peliculas Internacionales y domesticas, Paneles industriales, eventos especiales, y un fin de semana familiar!

Boletos a la venta empezando el 5 de Julio

El Séptimo Festival Anual Internacional Latino de Cine en Nueva York (NYILFF) anuncia el regreso de nuevas películas e eventos excitantes de lo mejor en lo nuevo del cine Latino Americano hecho en los Estados Unidos y Latino América. El festival de este año incluye muchos de los más exitosos Latinos en la industria del cine incluyendo a Roselyn Sanchez, Diego Luna, y Edward James Olmos. El festival correrá desde el 25-30 de Julio en varios teatros en Nueva York, incluyendo el Regal Union Square Stadium 14 (Broadway con la calle 13), The Florence Gould Hall (55 Este Calle 59), The Lighthouse Internacional, Ames Auditorium (111 Este de la Calle 59) y Imaginasian Theater (239 Este Calle 59).

NYILFF es más que un festival de cine. NYILFF exhibe mas de 60 películas domesticas e internacionales, documentales, y eventos especiales como la Noche Dominicana, Cine bajo las Estrellas, La Nueva Exhibición de Música de NYILFF, La Vanguardia de NYILFF, y el Fin de Semana Familiar de NYILFF. Los seis días de eventos resaltan la diversidad de cada detalle de la cultura entre la comunidad Latina.

“Siempre ha sido nuestra misión proveer un atmósfera de apoyo y oportunidad para los creadores de cine Latino de alrededor del mundo, “ dijo el director ejecutivo de NYILFF Calixto Chinchilla. “Este año el festival se enfoca en algunos temas que están afectando a cada segmento de la comunidad y cultura Latina. Queremos divulgar un conocimiento de las contribuciones que los Latinos han hecho a la sociedad Americana.”

NYILFF se siente honrado que HBO haya regresado como el auspiciado oficial del festival. “HBO ha estado fuertemente comprometido en su apoyo y promoción del talento y creatividad de la comunidad Latina por muchos años,” afirmó el director del Desarrollo de Mercadería de HBO, Adrion Porter. “ Nuestra relación de termino largo con NYILFF, especialmente con la Competencia de Cinematografía Latina, demuestra el compromiso y el papel principal que el festival toma en el desarrollo y promoción del talento Latino.”

Encabezando la apertura del festival esta la película del Director Carlos Bolado, SOLO DIOS SABE (ONLY GOD KNOWS), con la participación estelar de Diego Luna, Alicia Braga, José Maria Yazpik, y Cecilia Suárez. SOLO DIOS SABE es la segunda película que el director mexicano Bolado dirige después de su debut en 1998 con la película que recibió 7 Premios Oscares Mexicanos: BAJO CALIFORNIA: EL LIMITE DEL TIEMPO. Luna (Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN) hace el papel de un periodista mexicano que le ofrece ayuda a una estudiante brasilera (BRAGA) que se quedó sin pasaporte en Tijuana. Las pasiones se encienden cuando los dos viajan por un camino que nunca olvidaran.

El festival también presentara el primicio mundial de YELLOW, dirigido por Alfredo de Villa y protagonizada por Roselyn Sanchez, DB Sweeney, Manny Perez, Jaime Tirelli, y Bill Duke. Una película sobre el sueño americano, YELLOW es la historia de una jovencita de desea ser bailarina (Sanchez) y quien a pesar de los obstáculos logra sus sueños en Nueva York. Heineken auspicia la presentación y la fiesta que le sigue. La audiencia y cinematógrafos tendrán la oportunidad de participar en discusiones que ayudaran el entender el proceso creativo y negociante del mundo del cine.

La noche de clausura del festival presentará el ganador del Gran Premio de Jurado y Audiencia del Festival Sundance 2006. Un Estreno Clásico de Sony Pictures, QuinceaÑera es dirigido por Richard Glatzer y Wash Westmoreland, y incluye las actuaciones de Emily Rios, Jesse Garcia, Araceli Guzman-Rico, y Jesus Castanos-Chima. La tradición, la sexualidad juvenil, y el género humano chocan cuando las preparaciones son hechas para una fiesta de quince años. Cuando el cumpleaños de quince años se acerca rápidamente, las preocupaciones de Magdalena son por su vestido de quinceañera, la limosina Hummer, y sobre todo su novio. Auspiciado por Maybelline New York*GARNIER, QuinceaÑera, lleva a la audiencia por la experiencia de las festividades mientras combate uno de los temas mas candentes que afectan a muchas jovencitas Latinas hoy en día.

Otras películas que serán resaltadas durante el festival serán:

Cine Domestico Incluye:
E.S.L (ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE) dirigido por Youssef Delara
JUST LKE THE SON dirigido por Morgan J. Freeman
PUSH dirigido por Dave Rodriguez
SPLINTER dirigido por Michael D. Olmos
THE VIRGIN OF JUAREZ deicide por Kevin James Dobson
WELCOME BACK TO THE BARRIO dirigido por Jaime Mariscal

Cine Internacional Incluye:
A DIOS MOMO dirigido por Leonardo Ricagni
AGUA CON SAL dirigido por Pedro Perez- Rosado
CASI CASI dirigido por Tony Valles y Jaime Valles
LADRONES Y MENTIROSOS dirigido por Ricardo Méndez Matta
MALAS TEMPORADAS dirigido por Manuel Martin Cuenca
TUMBA Y TUMBAO dirigido por Steve Carillo y Eduardo Ortega del Rio

Para ver una lista de todas las películas y sus horarios, por favor visite nuestra pagina en el internet http://www.NYLatinofilm.com

EVENTOS ESPECIALES

Noche Dominicana
La Noche Dominicana es una tradición popular y hogareña que NYILFF espera con anticipación cada año. Este año la Noche Dominicana será auspiciada por Chivas Regal y la Alianza Dominicana de Profesionales en América. Esta noche incluirá varias grandes películas de los nuevos y sobresalientes talentos que la comunidad Dominicana ha contribuido a la cultura Americana y sociedad de Nueva York. La presentación estelar de la noche será una película de corto metraje presentada por los Comunicadores Públicos Latinos. La película se titula: LA REPUBLICA DE BEISBOL: LOS GRANDES DOMINICANOS DEL JUEGO AMERICANO dirigida por Daniel Manatt. La película es una historia que muestra las pasiones de la primer generación de jugadores que jugaron béisbol en Republica Dominicana.. Es una historia de los héroes que vencieron la pobreza, brutalidad gubernamental, y el racismo que enfrentaron en América al lograr sus sueños.

NYILFF FAMILY WEEKEND
Este año NYILFF presenta el Fin de Semana Familiar que lo estará auspiciando el Cartoon Network. Habrá varias actividades para que la disfruten los niños de todas las edades. Las actividades incluyen películas que toda la familia puede disfrutar, muñecos animados, música en vivo cortesía de WKTU 103.5, helados gratis cortesía del Tío Louie G., juegos, concursos, regalos y premios, y bebidas gratis cortesía de Coca-Cola. El Fin de Semana Familiar de NYILFF tomara lugar en JCC de Manhattan, 334 Amsterdan Ave., NY, NY 10023.

La Excibicion de Musica de NYILFF
Este ano la exhibición de música de NYILFF será presentado por Mun2 y la incluirá la presentación estelar de la nueva sensación musical de R&B de Artista Records, Paula Deanda.

CINE BAJO LAS ESTRELLAS

La presentación de este año “ West Side Story” es presentado por Turner Classic Movies y auspiciado por el Presidente del Condado de Manhattan, Scott Stringer, y WKTU. Esta noche de “ Cine Bajo Las Estrellas” te llevara al los tiempo cuando los Sharks y Jets reinaban las calles de Nueva York.

VANAGUARDIA DE NYILFFEste año NYILFF se enorgullece en traer alguna de la programación con el apoyo de Art For Change, La Asociación de Artes Hispanas, El Museo de la Ciudad Nueva York y Chica Luna Productions por el programa Vanguardia de NYILFF (Julio 26-28). Nosotros estamos orgullosos de traer cine, música, y discusión al vecindario de East Harlem. El programa se enfocara en ofrecerle a la comunidad una recepción gratis, un panel de activistas jóvenes, favoritos de pasados eventos de NYILFF, y cerraremos viendo y celebrando el 10 aniversario de “Galante, Siempre, Galante: The Young Lords” con la invitada especial cinematógrafa Iris Morales e otros invitados.

Para ver una lista de todas las películas y sus horarios, actividades especiales, y para obtener boletos para el festival por favor visite nuestra pagina en el internet http://www.NYLatinofilm.com o llame a la línea de NYILFF al (212) 726-2358. Los boletos estarán a la venta después de 5 de Julio.

AUSPICIADORES DE NYILFF
NYILFF 2006 esta presentado por HBO y es hecho posible con ayuda adicional de Turner Broadcasting Systems Inc. Maybelline New York * Garnier, Heineken, American Airlines, Amsterdam Hospitality, Daily News/VNY, Metro Newspaper, WNBC, Time Warner Cable of NY & NJ, Telemundo y 103.5 WKTU-FM. “Benefactor Partners” incluyen Chivas Regal, MTV Networks, Screen Actors Guild, Independence Community Bank, AIM Tell-A-Vision, El Especial/El Especialito, nocheLatina.comy Zipcar. NYILFF también es posible gracias al apoyo del NYC Latin Media & Entertainment Commission. Gracias en especial a Time Warner Inc. por auspiciar el NYILFF Future Filmmaker Contest para estudiantes de la escuela secundaria. NYILFF Family Weekend es presentados por Cartoon Network y hecho posible con la ayuda adicional de Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Children’s Museum of Manhattan, The Coca-Cola Company, 103.5 WKTU-FM y Uncle Louie G.

Sobre NYILFF
Lanzado en 1999, el New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) ha crecido rápidamente como el festival más grande del cine Urbano Latino en el país. NYILFF muestra el trabajo de los mejores nuevos talentos en el cine Latino de los Estados Unidos y Latino América. Su misión es apoyar los cinematógrafos, ofrecer una variedad de imágenes que representan la experiencia Latina y celebrar la diversidad e espíritu de la comunidad Latina. Los programas anuales de NYILFF incluyen el festival, un Tour, una sesión para escritores de cine, la exhibición de música y la competencia de películas pequeñas en colaboración con HBOy auspiciando por Time Warner.

HBO(R) is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

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MoneyTV, Week of 6/30

-- MoneyTV is the nationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews by hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman with company CEOs, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures.

Free information packages from the featured companies can be requested by sending an email to info@moneytv.net.

The television program can also be viewed online immediately at www.moneytv.net.

Featured companies on this week's show, produced "On-Location" at The American Stock Exchange in New York, include:

Baltia Air Lines, inc. (OTCBB: BLTA) CEO Igor Dmitrowsky spoke of the Fly America Act, which requires U.S. federal and state government agencies to use U.S. carriers when they are available for overseas travel.

 

Highlighted Links
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DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

    Seal of the Pentagon

        The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.





            Pfc. Rex A. Page, 21, of Kirksville, Mo., died June 28 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. 


Hewas assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif

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AOL Announces Nominees for 2006 'TV's Top 5! Viewer Awards'

  Vote for TV's Best Moments from the Past Year at aol.com/television

   Nominees Include 'Desperate Housewives', '24', 'Lost', 'The Late
       Show with David Letterman', 'The Sopranos' and Many More



The nominees for the 2006 "TV's Top 5! Viewer Awards" honoring television's most talked-about moments from the past year in unique categories such as Best Trainwreck Moment, Best Steamy Smooches Moment and Best Creature Comforts Moment were announced today by AOL. The finalists and winning moments are determined solely by fan voting, which opens today at 6 PM (EST) on the Web at AOL.com/television (http://www.aol.com/television).

Beginning today at http://www.aol.com/television, fans can view all the nominated moments and vote for their favorite in each category. The five finalists, one from each category, will be announced on Monday, August 7. Voting will then re-open to determine the season's best moment of all. The winning clip will be revealed on Monday, August 21. This is the fifth year that AOL(R) Television has celebrated the year in TV by letting the fans pick the best moment.

The following are TV's Top 5! Nominated Moments for 2006:

BEST TRAINWRECK MOMENT:

-- Mrs. Perrin has a meltdown on "Trading Spouses"

-- Andre sobs uncontrollably on "Project Runway"

-- Isaac Mizrahi gets hairy on E!'s "Live From the Red Carpet"

-- Donald Trump flirts with his own daughter on "The View"

-- Paula goes off on Simon "American Idol"

BEST OH SNAP! MOMENT:

-- Nate has a seizure on "Six Feet Under"

-- Edgar dies of nerve gas on "24"

-- Tony gets shot by Uncle Junior on "The Sopranos"

-- Michael kills Ana Lucia and Libby on "Lost"

-- Chris Daughtry is eliminated on "American Idol"

BEST CELEB DID WHAT?! MOMENT:

-- Ellen flips a bird on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno"

-- Reese feuds with Biff on "The Late Show With David Letterman"

-- Jennifer Garner accidentally reveals her baby's sex on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno"

-- Letterman tears apart Bill O'Reilly on "The Late Show With David Letterman"

-- Star gets hit by a football on "The View"

BEST CREATURE COMFORTS MOMENT:

-- Leno gets bugged out on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno"

-- The world's ugliest dog shows up on "Last Call With Carson Daly"

-- A family of super dogs wow the crowd on "Live With Regis & Kelly"

-- A dog catches a Frisbee while on his hind feet on "The Late Show With David Letterman"

-- Ellen gets a great big puppy hug on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"

BEST STEAMY SMOOCHES MOMENT:

-- Kate surprises Jack with a kiss on "Lost"

-- Carlos makes a tantalizing offer to Lynette on "Desperate Housewives"

-- Jim lets Pam know how he feels on "The Office"

-- Derek and Meredith give into their passion on "Grey's Anatomy'"

-- Joy smooches Meredith before she leaves "The View"

The nominees have all been featured on TV's Top 5!, AOL Television's daily recap of the best five moments of the previous day based on fan response and input from AOL Television's editors. Fans can view these moments at aol.com/television and give feedback on their favorite clip of the day. The nominees are among the most viewed and highest rated moments from the past year.

"We really enjoy bringing the annual 'TV's Top 5! Viewer Awards' to television viewers and this year will be no exception with the great selection of nominated moments," said Jim Hughes, Executive Director, AOL Television. "Giving fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite clips allows users to truly drive the program and control not only the winner but the overall experience."

Last year's winning moment was from the Best Tearjerker category and "The Late Show with David Letterman," featuring a dog that could bark "I love you." Other categories from 2005 included Best Oops!, Sidesplitter and Risky Business moments. Nominees included clips from "American Idol," "Desperate Housewives," "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "Lost" and featured celebrities including Tom Cruise, Britney Spears, among others.

AOL Television, available on the Web at http://www.aol.com/television, is a leading online resource for TV fans who want to be informed, engaged and entertained. In addition to its marquee feature, TV's Top 5!, other AOL Television offerings include sneak peeks and exclusive video from today's most popular shows; polls, message boards where TV fans can voice their opinions; as well as AOL(R) Alerts and Reminders to help ensure viewers don't miss their favorite programs.

About AOL

AOL and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United States. Web brands include the AOL.com(R) website, AIM(R), MapQuest(R) and Netscape(R). AOL offers a range of digital services in the areas of education, safety and security, communications and music. The company also has operations in Europe and Canada. AOL LLC is a majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and is based in Dulles, Virginia.

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eBay Leads The Way For Auto Online Users

A deeper look at Online auto viewers and advertisers, including demographics, ad sizes, styles and delivery.

Top 10 Online Automotive Destinations Week ending June 11, 2006 US, Home and Work

Brand or Channel

Unique Audience (000)

Active Reach (%)

eBay Motors

5,404

4.05

MSN Autos

1,659

1.24

AOL Auto

1,451

1.09

Kelley Blue Book

1,363

1.02

AutoTrader.com

1,318

0.99

Edmunds.com^

1,127

0.84

Primedia Automotive Network

1,094

0.82

AAA

1,062

0.8

Ford^

696

0.52

Jumpstart Automotive Media

661

0.49

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView

 

Demographic Data for Automotive Category Month of May 2006 US, Home and Work

 

Target

Unique Audience (000)

Unique Composition (%)

Total

 

51,394

100

Male

 

28,882

56.2

Female

 

22,512

43.8

Age

2 - 11

801

1.56

 

12 - 17

2,941

5.72

 

18 - 24

2,842

5.53

 

25 - 34

7,678

14.94

 

35 - 49

18,776

36.53

 

45+

25,243

49.12

 

55+

11,750

22.86

 

65+

4,147

8.07

HH Income

$ 0 - 24999

2,722

5.3

 

$ 25000 - 49999

11,282

21.95

 

$ 50000 - 74999

13,795

26.84

 

$ 75000 - 99999

10,017

19.49

 

$ 100000 - 149999

8,628

16.79

 

$ 150000+

4,167

8.11

 

No Response

782

1.52

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView

Data on the Automotive Industry Week ending June 11, 2006 US, Home and Work

Top 20 Advertisers

 

Impressions (000)

Share of all Impressions

General Motors Corporation

122,799

23.7%

Toyota Motor Corporation

90,544

17.5%

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

70,644

13.6%

Ford Motor Company

50,956

9.8%

Suzuki Motor Corporation

17,838

3.4%

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

15,871

3.1%

Volkswagen AG

15,584

3.0%

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

15,077

2.9%

Mazda Motor Corporation

14,141

2.7%

Hyundai Motor Company

8,143

1.6%

BMW AG

5,556

1.1%

Toyota of Orlando

4,555

0.9%

Yamaha Motor Corporation, Ltd.

4,437

0.9%

Kia Motors Corporation

3,680

0.7%

Bob Dance Automotive

2,652

0.5%

AutoNation, Inc.

2,531

0.5%

Bombardier

2,275

0.4%

CarMax, Inc.

2,080

0.4%

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

2,007

0.4%

Deere & Company

1,997

0.4%

Total

517,672

100.0%

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

 

Top Ad Sizes

 

Dimensions

Impressions (000)

Share of all Impressions

Leaderboard

(728x90)

172,015

33.2%

Medium Rectangle

(300x250)

91,225

17.6%

Wide Skyscraper

(160x600)

69,730

13.5%

Rectangle

(180x150)

45,346

8.8%

Button #1

(120x90)

24,548

4.7%

Non-Standard Dimension

 

22,618

4.4%

Button #2

(120x60)

17,206

3.3%

Unspecified

 

16,892

3.3%

Large Rectangle

(336x280)

13,397

2.6%

Full Banner

(468x60)

13,107

2.5%

Micro Bar

(88x31)

10,767

2.1%

Half Banner

(234x60)

6,677

1.3%

Skyscraper

(120x600)

5,981

1.2%

Vertical Banner

(120x240)

3,866

0.7%

Square Button

(125x125)

1,842

0.4%

Square

(250x250)

1,337

0.3%

Vertical Rectangle

(240x400)

1,076

0.2%

Total

 

517,630

100.0%

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

 

Ad Delivery Types

 

Impressions (000)

Share of all Impressions

Inline

506,505

97.9%

Pop-Up

8,385

1.6%

Floating/Overlay

1,041

0.2%

Interstitial

1,030

0.2%

Pop-Under

667

0.1%

Total

517,628

100.0%

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

Note: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance reporting data reflects advertising activity served on pages accessible via the World Wide Web and not within AOL's proprietary service.

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Vatican News

 


 
SUMMARY: JUNE 29 - 30
 
- The Strength of God Counteracts Human Weakness
- Angelus: Call for Peace in the Holy Land
- Holy Father Hopes to Visit Turkey
- Metropolitan Archbishops Who Received the Pallium
- Exalted Values Are the Soul of Peoples
- Archives on Pontificate of Pius XI to Open in September
- Audiences
- Other Pontifical Acts
 
___________________________________________________________
 

THE STRENGTH OF GOD COUNTERACTS HUMAN WEAKNESS


  In the Vatican Basilica today, Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles, the Pope presided at a Eucharistic concelebration with 27 metropolitan archbishops from 17 countries, upon whom in the course of the ceremony he imposed the pallium. Today also marks the 55th anniversary of Benedict XVI's own priestly ordination.
 
  In keeping with tradition, the Mass was attended by a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, led this year by Ioannis (Zizioulas), metropolitan of Pergamo and president of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between Catholics and Orthodox, and including Kallistos (Timothy Ware), bishop of Diokleia and assistant to the archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, and the archimandrite Dionysius Papavasileiou.
 
  In his homily, the Pope recalled how Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God and how, on this basis, his special task was conferred upon him "through three images: the rock that becomes the foundation stone or cornerstone, the keys, and the image of binding and loosening."
 
  Benedict XVI then highlighted the fact that Jesus, having made His promise to Peter, starts out towards Jerusalem and the Cross. "The Church - and in her Christ - also suffers today," he said. "In her, Christ is once again scorned and beaten; once again an attempt is made to push Him out of the world. Once again, the little ship of the Church is shaken by the winds of ideologies ... and she seems condemned to sink under the waters. And yet, it is precisely in the suffering Church that Christ is triumphant. Despite everything, faith in Him always reacquires new strength."
 
  The Lord "remains in His ship, in the little vessel of the Church," the Pope added. "In the same way, Peter's ministry reveals, on the one had, the weakness of man's faculties, but at the same time the strength of God. It is precisely in the weakness of men that the Lord shows His strength."
 
  Peter's task, the Holy Father continued, was also "never to let this faith become mute, but ever to reinvigorate it, even before the cross and all the contradictions of the world."
 
  After mentioning Peter's three denials, Benedict XVI said: "through this fall, Peter - and with him the Church in all times - must learn that one's own strength is not enough to build and guide the Church of the Lord. No one can manage it alone. However capable and able Peter many seem, at the first moment of trial he failed."
 
  "For all those who have responsibility in the Church; for all those who suffer the confusion of these times; for the great and the small: Lord, protect us always and anew and thus raise us up when we fall and take us into Your good hands."
 
  The Lord also entrusted Peter, Pope Benedict said, with the task of "presiding over universal communion, and of maintaining it present in the world in the form of unity, a unity that is also visible."
 

  After greeting the metropolitan archbishops appointed in the course of the last year, who received the pallium during today's ceremony, the Pope also addressed some words to the delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate: "I thank Patriarch Bartholomew I and the Holy Synod for this sign of fraternity, which expresses the desire and commitment to progress more rapidly along the road to the full unity invoked by Christ for all His disciples. We share the burning desire once expressed by Patriarch Atenagora and by Pope Paul VI: to drink together from the same chalice and to eat together the same bread, which is the Lord Himself. On this occasion, we again implore that this gift be granted us soon."


 HML/CHURCH:UNITY/STS. PETER:PAUL                                VIS 060630 (630)
 
ANGELUS: CALL FOR PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND
 
 Following today's Mass, Benedict XVI appeared at the window of his study in order to pray the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square below.
 
  "Today," said the Pope, "we solemnly honor Sts. Peter and Paul, 'Apostles of Christ, pillars and foundation of the City of God.' ... Their martyrdom is considered as the actual moment of the birth of the Church of Rome. ... Their blood mixed together in a single act of witness to Christ. ... For this reason, the Bishop of Rome, successor of the Apostle Peter, has a special ministry to carry out, serving the doctrinal and pastoral unity of the People of God, scattered all over the world.
 
  "In this context," the Holy Father added, "we can better grasp the significance of the rite we renewed this morning during Mass in St. Peter's Basilica: the imposition of the pallium upon certain metropolitan archbishops, an ancient liturgical sign expressing the special communion of these pastors with Peter's Successor. ... And there is another reason that makes our joy even greater today, the presence in Rome, for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, of a special delegation sent by Bartholomew I, ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople;" a gesture that expresses "the fraternal bond that exists between our Churches."
 

  After praying the Angelus, the Pope remarked upon the situation in the Middle East. "I am following events in the Holy Land with concern," he said, "and I pray that all those who have been abducted may soon be returned to their loved ones. I appeal to Israeli and Palestinian leaders that, with the generous help of the international community, they may seek responsibly for that negotiated end to the conflict, which alone can ensure the peace to which their people aspire."


 ANG/PETER:PAUL:HOLY LAND/...                                             VIS 060630 (310)
 
HOLY FATHER HOPES TO VISIT TURKEY
 
 - Following today's Angelus, the Pope received in audience a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, led by Ioannis (Zizioulas), metropolitan of Pergamo. The delegation has come to Rome for the occasion of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.
 
  The Pope expressed his satisfaction for the fact that the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between Orthodox and Catholics will hold its plenary in Belgrade in September, presided by metropolitan Ioannis.
 
  "Dialogue thus resumes its path and enters a new phase," said the Holy Father in English. "Spontaneously we find ourselves wanting to pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten and inflame our hearts, strengthening our common will to respond, insofar as it depends on us, to the Lord's ardent prayer: 'Ut unum sint;' in this way, may the disciples of Christ, united in faith, together proclaim His Gospel to the whole world, so that, believing in Him, all will be saved."
 

  The Holy Father also recalled that he had received an invitation from the Turkish authorities, the Patriarchate and the local Catholic community in Turkey to make an apostolic pilgrimage to that country in November for the Feat of St. Andrew, and expressed the hope that he would be able to undertake the visit.


 AC/.../ECUMENICAL DELEGATION                                           VIS 060630 (220)
 
METROPOLITAN ARCHBISHOPS WHO RECEIVED THE PALLIUM
 
 Given below is a list of 27 metropolitan archbishops received in audience today by Benedict XVI, accompanied by members of their families. Yesterday, in the course of a Eucharistic celebration held in the Vatican Basilica, they received the pallium:
 
1. Cardinal Jorge Liberato UROSA SAVINO, archbishop of Caracas, Venezuela.
 
2. Cardinal Crescenzio SEPE, archbishop of Naples, Italy.
 
3. Archbishop Louis CHAMNIERN SANTISUKNIRAN of Thare and Nonseng, Thailand.
 
4. Archbishop Jose Belisario DA SILVA, O.F.M., of Sao Luis do Maranhao, Brazil.
 
5. Archbishop Jabulani NXUMALO, O.M.I., of Bloemfontein, South Africa.
 
6. Archbishop Jorge Enrique JIMENEZ CARVAJAL, C.I.M., of Cartagena, Colombia.
 
7. Archbishop Tommaso VALENTINETTI of Pescara-Penne, Italy.
 
8. Archbishop Fabriciano SIGAMPA of Resistencia, Argentina.
 
9. Archbishop Odon Marie Arsene RAZANAKOLONA of Antananarivo, Madagascar.
 
10. Archbishop George Hugh NIEDERAUER of San Francisco, United States.
 
11. Archbishop Jose Luis MOLLAGHAN of Rosario, Argentina.
 
12. Archbishop Cornelius Fontem ESUA of Bamenda, Cameroon.
 
13. Archbishop Daniel N. DiNARDO of Galveston-Houston, United States.
 
14. Archbishop Antonio Javellana LEDESMA, S.J., of Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.
 
15. Archbishop Jose Serofia PALMA of Palo, Philippines.
 
16. Archbishop Sylvain LAVOIE, O.M.I., of Keewatin-Le Pas, Canada.
 
17. Archbishop Joviano DE LIMA JUNIOR, S.S.S., of Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.
 
18. Archbishop Luigi CONTI of Fermo, Italy.
 
19. Archbishop Franc KRAMBERGER of Maribor Slovenia.
 
20. Archbishop Ignazio SANNA of Oristano, Italy.
 
21. Archbishop Francois-Xavier MAROY RUSENGO of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo).
 
22. Archbishop Jean-Pierre KUTWA of Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
 
23. Archbishop Andrea MUGIONE of Benevento, Italy.
 
24. Archbishop Orlando BRANDES of Londrina, Brazil.
 
25. Archbishop Georges PONTIER of Marseille, France.
 
26. Archbishop Donald William WUERL of Washington, United States.
 

27. Archbishop Wojciech ZIEMBA of Warmia, Poland.


 .../LIST METROPOLITAN ARCHBISHOPS/...                             VIS 060630 (290)
 
EXALTED VALUES ARE THE SOUL OF PEOPLES
 
 This morning, Benedict XVI received the Letters of Credence of Mario Juan Bosco Cayota Zappettini, the new ambassador of Uruguay to the Holy See.
 
  "Over its history," said the Pope in his address to the diplomat, "Uruguay has gradually adopted the Christian ideals of justice and peace. In the bosom of the country, different concepts of man and his destiny coexist peacefully and in mutual respect, without this diminishing the sincere and real appreciation for the religious dimension and, in particular, for the mission of the Church."
 
  "The most exalted values, rooted in the hearts of individuals and in the social fabric, are like the soul of peoples, rendering them strong in adversity, generous in loyal collaboration, and hopeful in building a better future ... in which everyone without exception has the opportunity to achieve their full dignity as human beings.
 
  "For this reason," the Holy Father added, "we look with concern at certain tendencies that seek to limit the inviolable value of human life itself, ... or to disassociate it from its natural environment, which is that of human love in marriage and the family. The Church clearly promotes a generous and hope-giving 'culture of life,' and not only for strictly religious reasons."
 
  "Supporting the family, helping it to carry out its indispensable duties, also means gaining in social cohesion and, above all, respecting the rights of the family, which cannot be relinquished in the face of other forms of union that seek to usurp them."
 
  The Pope then turned to consider the "huge problem of poverty and marginalization," which represents "an urgent challenge for leaders and those in charge of public institutions." He also referred to "new possibilities and new risks" arising from globalization, which must be faced "with the broadest possible agreement among nations."
 
  Globalization, he said, "is an opportunity to create a network of understanding and solidarity among peoples, without reducing everything to merely commercial or pragmatic exchanges." In this network there should be room "for the human problems of each place and, in particular, of emigrants forced to leave their own land in search of better living conditions; something which at times has grave consequences on the individual, family and social spheres."
 
  The Church, which considers charity to be "an essential dimension of her being and her mission, selflessly demonstrates her ... concern for the needy of all conditions and origins. In this task, she collaborates with various entities and public institutions so that no one seeking support may be lacking a friendly hand to help them overcome their difficulties.
 

  "To this end," the Pope concluded, "she offers personal and material resources, but above all human closeness which seeks to alleviate the deepest poverty, solitude and abandonment, in the knowledge that 'a pure and generous love is the best witness to the God in Whom we believe and by Whom we are driven to love'."


 CD/URUGUAY/CAYOTA                                                               VIS 060630 (500)
 
ARCHIVES ON PONTIFICATE OF PIUS XI TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER
 
Benedict XVI has decreed that from September 18 - when the Vatican Secret Archives and other archives of the Holy See resume activities after the summer vacation - all documents relative to the pontificate of Pope Pius XI (February 6, 1922 - February 10, 1939) be made available to researchers.
 

  According to a communique made public today, signed by Frs. Marcel Chappin S.J. and Sergio Pagano B., respectively keeper of the Historical Archives of the Secretariat of State and prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives, "this opening, which had already been desired by John Paul II, ... makes available to historical research, within the limits of the regulations, all documentary sources up to February 1939 conserved in the various series of archives of the Holy See, and principally in the Vatican Secret Archives and in the Archives of the Second Section of the Secretariat of State (formerly the Congregation for Extraordinary Ecclesiastical Affairs)."


 .../ARCHIVES PIUS XI/CHAPPIN:PAGANO                               VIS 060630 (180)
 
AUDIENCES
 
- The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
 
 - Woon Walter, ambassador of Singapore, on his farewell visit.
 
 - Grygorii Fokovych Khoruzhyi, ambassador of Ukraine, on his farewell visit.
 
 - Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, apostolic nuncio to Indonesia, accompanied by members of his family.
 

  This evening, he is scheduled to receive in audience Cardinal William Joseph Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.


 AP/.../...                                                                                            VIS 060630 (80)
 
OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
 

- The Holy Father appointed Fr. Arulappan Amalraj, former rector of the Good Shepherd Seminary of Coimbatore, India, as bishop of Ootacamund (area 7,312, population 1,465,000, Catholics 85,116, priests 116, religious 584), India. The bishop-elect was born in Nilgiris, India in 1953 and ordained a priest in 1980.


 NER/.../AMALRAJ                                                                          VIS 060630 (60)
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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY:June 30,2006

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MTV Channels and Network LIVE Celebrate the Anniversary of Live8 Anniversary Special, Live8: What A Difference A Day Made, to Premiere From 2nd July Across MTV's Global Network Reaching 480 Million Homes Worldwide Includes New Commentary From Live8 Founder Bob Geldof One Year on From the G8 Summit

Pirates of the Caribbean Hope to Find Treasure at the Box Office Betting Trends at Sportsbook.com Show Pirates beating Superman Returns

Calling All MySpace Members! See Your Name in Lights! The First 10,000 MySpace Members to Add the 'Mooby's Presents: Clerks II' Page to their Friends List Will Have Their Names Added to the Ending Credits of the Highly Anticipated Release of 'Clerks II' - in Theaters July 21st

More Americans Know That The Dixie Chicks Have a #1 Hit Than the Name of the US Secretary of Defense Beginning Monday, July 10 Viewers Can Test Their Pop Culture Knowledge With VH1's New Original Series 'World Series of Pop Culture' Interactive Show Components Include Online and Mobile Game Play and Full Episodes Available on VSPOT Cleveland's Own Ray Cash Set to Perform and Sign Autographs at Cleveland Musical Landmark, Nikki's

MobiTV Announces Immediate Availability of Its Mobile Television Service on the Windows Mobile PlatformMobiTV Enables Consumers to Watch Live and Made-for-Mobile Television Content on Windows Mobile Powered Devices Outsider Pictures Launches Eclectic Slate

Families of Flight 93 Receives an Additional $250,000 from Universal Pictures In Association with Universal Studios Home Entertainment's DVD release of "United 93"

Peer Impact Announces Major Studio Motion Pictures and Television Shows Now Available From Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Bros. Entertainment

Peer Impact Now Offers Movies and Television for On-Demand Rental to Enhance Their Innovative Entertainment NetworkService Becomes First Legitimate P2P Model to Offer Content from Three Major Studios and First-Ever to Offer Major TV Shows for Download Rental

MTV Networks & Apple Bring More Music, Comedy & Entertainment Programming to the iTunes Music Store The Acclaimed, Powerful and Unforgettable Story That Defined a Moment of Heroism in Our HistoryUnited 93Based on the Searing Events of 9/11 That Shook the World Coming to DVD September 5, 2006 From Universal Studios Home Entertainment'United 93 fully honors what was original and spontaneous and brave in their refusal to go quietly.' - David Denby, The New Yorker Usable Products Company Releases Mobile Music & Video Benchmark,Usability of mobile music and video underwhelming

The Bob Dylan Show Takes the Field With an All New Lineup! BOB DYLAN & HIS BAND Jimmie Vaughan w/ Lou Ann Barton Junior Brown plus Elana James & The Continental Two 'America's Got Talent' Mystery Man Fulfills Fantasies Off-Broadway

Visiware Brings 'The Fast and The Furious' to Interactive TV Gaming Inspired by Universal Pictures', 'The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift,' the Game Marks the Third Title Under Worldwide Licensing Agreement With Universal Studios Consumer Products Group :Available Now on Playin'TV in North America and in the Rest of the World This Summer.

Spike TV's Blade Premieres With 2.5 Million Viewers Most Watched Original Series Premiere In Network History #1 Entertainment Show on Cable for the Night With Men 18-34 & 18-49

12th Annual Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival Brings Together the Country's Largest Gathering of African-Americans to Celebrate Black Music and Launch a New Initiative: Essence Cares! A call to Action to Secure Our Youth

Call for Submissions for 2007 Game Developers Conference Now Open July 28 is Deadline to Apply to Speak at Industry-Leading Conference Dedicated to Videogame Creation

Navarre's FUNimation Channel and Optical Entertainment Network Sign Distribution Agreement :Houston residents to have access to top-rated anime programming through FUNimation Entertainment's 24-hour, digital channel

SAIC Captures Top Honors at the 2006 Telly Awards

________________________________________

Vince Gill Will Release 4-CD Set of New And Original Songs October 17

THESE DAYS Features Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Diana Krall, Gretchen Wilson, Del McCoury, Amy Grant, Phil Everly, Lee Ann Womack, Trisha Yearwood, Emmylou Harris, John Anderson & Many Other Musical Guests

In an unmatched outpouring of virtuosity and energy, Vince Gill has created a 4-CD set of 43 new and original songs that MCA Records will release Oct. 17 under the title THESE DAYS. The collection is an artistic tour de force that displays Gill's mastery of lyrics and musical styles, ranging from traditional country and bluegrass to jazz and rock.

"I started looking at all these songs I had," the amiable superstar explains, "and going, 'Shoot, I want to record that song, and I want to record that song.' I just kept checking with the other musicians to see if they were available. I had no deadlines, no rules or anything like that. So I just kept trying songs."

To accompany him on this ambitious undertaking, Gill turned both to artists he knew and had worked with before and to those whose music he admired at a distance. "I never try to fill up my records with famous people," Gill says. "I try to fill them up with the most talented people I can find on the face of the earth." By the time the project was completed, that group included Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Diana Krall, Rodney Crowell, Phil Everly, the Del McCoury Band, Emmylou Harris, John Anderson, Lee Ann Womack, Jenny Gill, Amy Grant, LeAnn Rimes, Gretchen Wilson, Guy Clark, Trisha Yearwood, Bekka Bramlett, Michael McDonald, steel-guitar master Buddy Emmons and many other musical standouts.

Initially, Gill planned to pare down the songs he'd recorded to a single album. Then, in one of the studios he used, he spotted some Beatles memorabilia and recalled that the Fab Four had routinely released multiple albums within the same year.

Gill took the idea to Luke Lewis, Universal Music Group Nashville Co- Chairman, who totally supported his notion of multiple releases. In fact, Lewis came up with an even more radical strategy: he told Vince to go and record more songs that explore his passion for acoustic sounds and release a 4-CD set. And that's exactly what happened.

Gill co-produced THESE DAYS with famed keyboardist John Hobbs and sound engineering whiz Justin Niebank.

Source: MCA Records

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

Country Music Icon Willie Nelson Joins XM Satellite Radio to Relaunch Traditional Country Channel

XM's 'Hank's Place' to Re-open Under New Management as 'Willie's Place' on July 10

XM Satellite Radio, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than 6.5 million subscribers, announced today that country music legend Willie Nelson will join XM to launch "Willie's Place" (XM 13), XM's traditional country music channel, formerly known as "Hank's Place." In his new role as "proprietor" of "Willie's Place," Nelson will provide creative direction for the channel, as well as contribute exclusive programming to "Willie's Place" and other XM commercial-free music channels. "Willie's Place" will begin broadcasting July 10.

"I've been a fan of XM and Hank's Place since the very beginning. They put a lot of thought and hard work into making the channel sound as good as it does, so I feel privileged to be a part of it," said Willie Nelson.

"It's an honor to have an American music icon like Willie Nelson take the reins of our traditional country music channel," said Eric Logan, executive vice president of programming, XM Satellite Radio. "Like the channel itself, Willie embodies the heart and soul of country music. His involvement further underscores XM's commitment to country music nationwide with the most country channels and innovative content for country fans."

In addition to changing the channel name, XM is building new studios for "Willie's Place" in Carl's Corner, TX, located in the Willie Nelson's BioDiesel Truck Stop. "Willie's Place" will begin broadcasting live from Carl's Corner in 2007.

"Willie will be a great addition to the channel and I know we'll have a great time down in Carl's Corner," said Eddie Kilroy, on-air personality for Hank's Place.

This announcement comes just a few days in advance of Willie Nelson's Annual Fourth of July Picnic concert. XM will air Willie's legendary concert, now in its 33rd year, on its progressive country channel X Country (XM 12) Tuesday, July 4 from 12 noon until 12 midnight ET. XM on-air hosts Jessie Scott and Eddie Kilroy will broadcast live from the concert site at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.

In addition to Willie Nelson and the Family, other artists scheduled to appear include: Kris Kristofferson, David Allen Coe, Ray Price, Billy Joe Shaver, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Leon Russell, Randy Rogers Band, Harmonic Tribe, Shooter Jennings, Paula Nelson, Noel Haggard, Folk Uke, Stoney LaRue, Titty Bingo, Johnny Bush, Del Castillo, Bonnie Bishop, Pauline Reese, The Mothertruckers, The Geezinslaws, James Hand, Freddy Powers and Bill McDavid, No Justice, Jimmy Lee Jones, Mike Graham and Heather Myles.

About XM Satellite Radio

XM is America's number one satellite radio service with more than 6.5 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2006 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: the most commercial-free music channels, sports, talk, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information.

XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan and Porsche, is available in more than 140 different vehicle models for 2006. XM's industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. For more information about XM hardware, programming and partnerships, please visit http://www.xmradio.com/.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements in this press release include demand for XM Satellite Radio's service, the Company's dependence on technology and third party vendors, its potential need for additional financing, as well as other risks described in XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.'s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 3-3-06. Copies of the filing are available upon request from XM Radio's Investor Relations Department.

Source: XM Satellite Radio

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

MTV Channels and Network LIVE Celebrate the Anniversary of Live8

Anniversary Special, Live8: What A Difference A Day Made, to Premiere From 2nd July Across MTV's Global Network Reaching 480 Million Homes Worldwide

Includes New Commentary From Live8 Founder Bob Geldof One Year on From the G8 Summit

One year on from the historic Live8 concert, MTV Networks International is celebrating the first anniversary of the momentous music event by airing a new special called Live8: What A Difference A Day Made, through a partnership with Network LIVE. An estimated three billion people from all over the world watched Live8, billed as the greatest show on earth, where the creme of the world's music artists came together to perform with one message -- make poverty history. Beginning 2nd July 2006, in recognition of the day that music changed the world, MTV Networks will premiere the 90-minute special to its network of 50, reaching 480 million households around the world in major markets including US, Japan, UK, France, Germany and Latin America. In addition to providing viewers the chance to relive the music spectacular of Live8, Bob Geldof will introduce the programme by giving a retrospective on how far we have travelled since the historic event and why it's important to remember one year later.

The programme is a selection of highlights from most inspirational performances and presentations that took place across 10 cities including London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Ontario, Tokyo, Johannesburg, Philadelphia, Moscow and Edinburgh. Live8: What A Difference A Day Made relives the moments when U2, Coldplay, Black Eyed Peas, Green Day, Madonna, Youssou N'Dour and Dido, Robbie Williams, Pink Floyd, R.E.M., Paul McCartney and others captured the hope and optimism of the world and rallied the crowds to fight against poverty in Africa and to lobby the G8 leaders to makes promises on debt relief, AIDS drugs, trade tariffs and education.

Live8: What A Difference A Day Made, distributed by Network LIVE, will air on MTV's channels in the lead up the G8 Summit 2006 on 15 July in St Petersburg, Russia where G8 leaders are expected to discuss international issues such as global energy security, infectious diseases and education. Live8 was executive produced by Network Live CEO Kevin Wall.

MTV has a long history of providing a platform in support of pro social issues, and regularly offers its audiences opportunities for direct dialogue with world leaders. In 2005 in the week leading to the G8 Summit and Live8 concerts UK Prime Minister and Chair of the G8 summit Tony Blair and Live8's leading force Bob Geldof took tough questions on African poverty, debt relief and Bush policies on climate control from MTV viewers representing 24 countries around the world -- including 7 African nations.

In addition, MTV's pro-social activities include the award-winning Staying Alive campaign. Launched in 1998, Staying Alive is a multimedia global HIV and AIDS prevention campaign that challenges stigma and discrimination associated with HIV AIDS as well empowers young people to protect themselves from infection. The Emmy award-winning campaign consists of documentaries, public service announcements, youth forums and Web content. Staying Alive provides all its television programming rights-free and at no cost to 3rd party broadcasters globally to get crucial prevention messages out to the widest possible audience.

For more information on Live8 and the issues it was set up to address, please visit www.live8live.com.

About MTV Networks International

MTV Networks International includes the premier multimedia entertainment brands MTV: Music Television, VH1, Nickelodeon, TMF (The Music Factory), VIVA, FLUX, IFILM, The Box, Paramount Comedy and Game One seen in 480 million households in 171 territories and 28 languages via 122 locally programmed and operated TV channels and 100 Web sites. The company's diverse holdings also include interests in television syndication, digital media, publishing, home entertainment, radio, recorded music, licensing & merchandising and two feature film divisions, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. MTV Networks is a unit of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) .

About Network LIVE:

Launched in July 2005, Network LIVE is the #1 provider of live digital entertainment, offering fans unparalleled access to the artists they want -- when and how they want it -- via broadband, TV, radio, wireless, theatrical and retail. Its best-in-class, multi-partner network provides unprecedented reach for live offerings through broadband, satellite radio, satellite television, digital movie theatres and mobile phones throughout the U.S. and the world. Network LIVE combines the energy and immediacy of the live moment with a level of access to live entertainment that can only be delivered to audiences across an on-demand digital network.

 

Source: Network LIVE

Web site: http://www.live8live.com/

Pirates of the Caribbean Hope to Find Treasure at the Box Office

Betting Trends at Sportsbook.com Show Pirates beating Superman Returns

On July 7, Johnny Depp will reprise his Academy Award(R) nominated role as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. The highly anticipated follow-up to Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is expected to draw large crowds across the U.S. during its opening weekend. Sportsbook.com, the world's largest online sportsbook and casino, has posted odds on the film's opening weekend U.S. gross suggesting the sequel will surpass the success of the first Pirates.

The first Pirates movie grossed more than $305 million in the U.S. and today, industry experts are predicting even higher box office returns for the sequel. Casting Johnny Depp in the lead role certainly helps. Since the start of his film career in the early 1980s, Depp's movies have grossed over $2.5 billion worldwide. The return of heartthrobs Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightley alongside Depp adds to the star power of Pirates 2. The film's director is Gore Verbinski, whose directing credits include the first Pirates of the Caribbean and The Ring.

According to the latest betting trends from Sportsbook.com, bettors are expecting Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest to eclipse Superman Returns, the season's first major release, at the box office. More than 97% of bets have been wagered on Pirates 2 to gross more than $90 million during its opening weekend, compared to just over 23% of bets wagered on Superman Returns, opening today, to earn more than $89.5 million during its opening weekend.

Sportsbook.com continues to offer bettors the exciting new option of wagering on the opening weekend gross of major film releases throughout the year along with exclusive industry background information to help bettors make their choice.

"Box office battles are a blast to watch." said Alex Czajkowski, Marketing Director, Sportsbook.com. "Everybody bets and movie buffs love to wager on the fortunes of Hollywood's self-proclaimed blockbusters. It will be fun to see whether Pirates 2 can beat the Man of Steel."

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

- US Opening Weekend Gross 07/07/06 - 07/09/06: US$ in Millions

- Over 96.5 (-170)

- Under 96.5 (+130)

Betting Trends

--------------

US Opening Weekend Gross - US$ in Millions

Superman Returns - $89.5 million

--------------------------------

Over 23.19%

Under 76.81%

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - $90.0 million

----------------------------------------------------------

Over 97.66%

Under 2.32%

 

About Sportsbook.com:

Sportsbook.com is the largest sportsbook and casino on the planet, where millions of adult Americans bet on sports, play poker and enjoy blackjack and other casino games online in a regulated and licensed jurisdiction. Named the "Best US Sports Book" by the industry's top magazine, eGaming Review, Sportsbook.com has been leading the online gaming industry since 1996. Dwarfing its nearest competitors in the US, Sportsbook.com has been the first to achieve every significant industry milestone, from record turnover to active users to number of bets--achieving a peak of fifteen bets per second. As the US online gaming leader, the firm and it's products have been featured on CBS 60 Minutes, CNN, ESPN, Wall Street Journal, Barrons, Financial Times, USA Today and in every major newspaper in the US.

Sportsbook.com is the flagship brand for Sportingbet PLC, , the world's leading publicly traded online gaming company. Sportingbet PLC, headquartered in London, England, has been voted number one in the industry for two years in a row by the authoritative eGaming Review Power 50 Survey.

Source: Sportsbook.com

Calling All MySpace Members! See Your Name in Lights!

The First 10,000 MySpace Members to Add the 'Mooby's Presents: Clerks II' Page to their Friends List Will Have Their Names Added to the Ending Credits of the Highly Anticipated Release of 'Clerks II' - in Theaters July 21st

The Weinstein Company announced today that beginning tomorrow, Friday June 30, 2006, MySpace members will have the chance to have their names permanently listed in the ending credits of the highly anticipated release of "Clerks II." The first 10,000 people to add the "Mooby's Presents: Clerks II" page to their friends list will automatically be permanently added to the ending credits of the film, both in theaters and on DVD. The film is a sequel to Kevin Smith's ("Chasing Amy," "Dogma," "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back") 1994 Sundance hit "Clerks" and again stars the hilarious foursome including Dante Hicks (BRIAN O'HALLORAN), Randal Graves (JEFF ANDERSON), Jay (JASON MEWES) and Silent Bob (KEVIN SMITH), and their new sexy manager Becky Scott (ROSARIO DAWSON). "Clerks II" is a Weinstein Company presentation that will be distributed in theaters nationwide on July 21, 2006 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). The online interactive agency Deep Focus, assisted in securing the promotion.

Kevin Smith stated, "I've been a total MySpace junkie since March of this year, and have given up countless hours to the ten-at-a-time art of friend-approving. For MySpace to let "Clerks II" into their "top 8," so to speak, is not only a major coup for the movie -- it's like being able to say that I know Tom personally. Even though, y'know, I don't."

Harvey Weinstein stated, "MySpace is the perfect partner for this innovative and exciting outreach that gives thousands of people the chance to have their name in the credits of a feature film. We cannot think of a better way to get Kevin's longstanding fan base excited about the sequel."

ABOUT CLERKS II

Ten years ago, best friends Dante Hicks (BRIAN O'HALLORAN) and Randal Graves (JEFF ANDERSON) were New Jersey mini-mall clerks slacking off together in their early 20s. Now, Kevin Smith checks back in to see what kind of changes have rocked their lives -- in work, romance and their eternally raucous life philosophy. What he discovers is that never before have so many, still done so little while having so much fun doing it. Now working in the fast-food universe at Mooby's, Dante and Randal have managed to maintain, and even hone, their in-your-face attitudes, agile skill with vulgarities and unbridled love of screwing with the customers. But they're also faced with such shocking new prospects as marriage, leaving Jersey and finding real careers.

Smith pushes his nothing-is-sacred humor right to the edge and then takes a leap as Dante and Randal invade the world of Mooby's fast food restaurant, where the slogan is "I'm Eating It." Behind the counter, where the only other employees are an uber-nerd (TREVOR FERHMAN) and an entirely too sexy manager (ROSARIO DAWSON), Dante and Randal are free to offend anybody and everybody who, so much as orders fries, in their inimitably irreverent way. But, even as riotous debates rage between them over such burning matters as George Lucas v. Peter Jackson v. Jesus, change is on the horizon. When Dante announces that he's going to leave Jersey forever and marry Emma Bunting (JENNIFER SCHWALBACH), Randal plots a going-away party so shocking it will draw the police, the fire department and potential protests from PETA, while altering their lives forever.

The Weinstein Company and View Askew Productions present "Clerks II," written and directed by Kevin Smith. Scott Mosier and Smith produced the film, with Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein and Carla Gardini serving as executive producers. The film features cameos by Jason Lee, Ben Affleck, Kevin Weisman ("Alias") and the comedians Wanda Sykes and Earthquake. It also features the triumphant return of Leonardo, New Jersey's inimitable duo Jay (JASON MEWES) and Silent Bob (KEVIN SMITH).

For more information on "Clerks II" visit http://www.clerks2.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/therealkevinsmith

Source: The Weinstein Company

Web site: http://www.clerks2.com/
http://www.myspace.com/therealkevinsmith

More Americans Know That The Dixie Chicks Have a #1 Hit Than the Name of the US Secretary of Defense

Beginning Monday, July 10 Viewers Can Test Their Pop Culture Knowledge With VH1's New Original Series 'World Series of Pop Culture'

Interactive Show Components Include Online and Mobile Game Play and Full Episodes Available on VSPOT

64% of Americans could identify the Dixie Chicks as the Country music group with a #1 hit album while only 46% of Americans knew that Donald Rumsfeld is the United States Secretary of Defense. More participants also knew that Jennifer Aniston is dating Vince Vaughn than knew that former Vice President Al Gore's new movie, "An Inconvenient Truth" is about global warming. These results are part of a recent VH1 telephone poll measuring 18-49 year olds' knowledge of pop culture and hard news.

Viewers will be given a chance to test their own pop culture savvy when VH1 and Entertainment Weekly debut the new original series "World Series of Pop Culture on Monday-Friday, July 10-14 at 10PM* Beginning July 20, the series will air Thursdays at 10PM*.

From the executive producer of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," "The World Series of Pop Culture" is the ultimate pop culture competition designed for teams from across the country to display their astounding range of knowledge about everything music, television and film in pursuit of a $250,000 grand prize, provided by Alltel Wireless. NY1 News anchor Pat Kiernan and Inside Edition's Lisa Guerrero host the series.

The search for the country's best pop culture gurus began in March with regional qualifying competitions in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta. From the thousands who auditioned only 15 teams of three players each were chosen to compete for "The World Series of Pop Culture" championship. The 16th and final team was cast online where they qualified by taking VH1's very own "Pop Culture IQ Test." All 16 teams faced off at New York City's famed Ziegfeld Theater and competed in the biggest team trivia challenge ever.

Here's how the game is played: once the first category is revealed, the teams will have 30 seconds to deliberate before sending a teammate to the microphone to play for that entire category. The chosen players will each get one question per round, and each category will contain ten rounds of questions of increasing difficulty. Within a round, a player is eliminated if he or she answers the question incorrectly and his opponent answers it correctly. The first team to beat its opponents in three categories, and eliminate all their players, will win and move on to the next round. In the very end, one team will be crowned the champions of "The World Series of Pop Culture."

VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel (http://vspot.vh1.com/) will host full episodes and supplemental exclusive show content following each on-air broadcast. VH1 Games has developed an online companion game and VH1 Mobile will offer in-show trivia for viewers to participate from home via their mobile phones.

Viewers can log onto http://www.vh1.com/ learn more about "The World Series of Pop Culture."

VH1's "The World Series of Pop Culture" is executive produced by Michael Hirschorn, Jim Ackerman and Matt Hanna of VH1 and Michael Davies for Embassy Row.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in nearly 84 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH Uno and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at http://www.vh1.com/.

VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.

Entertainment Weekly, a winner of four National Magazine Awards (two for General Excellence, one for Design and one for Special Interest) is America's leading consumer magazine of entertainment and popular culture. The magazine is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Inc., and has a guaranteed circulation rate base of 1.725 million reaching an audience of 11 million readers.

Source: VH1

Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://vspot.vh1.com/

Cleveland's Own Ray Cash Set to Perform and Sign Autographs at Cleveland Musical Landmark, Nikki's

 

Who: Cleveland Hip-Hop Star Ray Cash

What: BBQ Block Party, performance and autograph signing in

celebration of new album, "C.O.D. (Cash On Delivery)"

Where: Nikki's (11701 Buckeye Road, Cleveland, OH 44120)

When: Thursday, June 29, Beginning at 3pm (MEDIA CALL: 3pm)

Thursday, June 29, beginning at 3PM sharp, there will be an exclusive performance and autograph signing/BBQ block-party at Nikki's Music Store (11701 Buckeye Road, Cleveland, OH 44120) to celebrate the release "C.O.D. (Cash On Delivery), the new album from Cleveland's own Ray Cash.

Ray Cash burst onto the scene in 2006 and quickly became one of the most critically acclaimed lyricists/hip-hop artists of the year. XXL Magazine touted Ray Cash as their #1 draft pick of 2006 and he has made the top lists of critics everywhere. With the hit single, "Bumpin' My Music" featuring Scarface, burning up the radio airwaves, Ray Cash is set to accept the torch passed to him and become the new face of Cleveland urban music.

http://www.raycash.com/

http://www.columbiarecords.com/

Source: Sony Urban Music

Web site: http://www.columbiarecords.com/
http://www.raycash.com/

MobiTV Announces Immediate Availability of Its Mobile Television Service on the Windows Mobile Platform

MobiTV Enables Consumers to Watch Live and Made-for-Mobile Television Content on Windows Mobile Powered Devices

MobiTV, Inc., the global leader in television and digital radio services for cellular, WiFi and broadband enabled devices, today announced the immediate availability of the MobiTV(R) service for Windows Mobile powered phones and devices. Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphones feature full-screen viewing, a home-like electronic programming guide and much more.

"We already support over 100 different mobile devices and are excited to offer this new version for Windows Mobile powered devices," said Ben Feinman, director of product management for MobiTV. "Windows Mobile is particularly well-suited for multimedia and the experience is amazing. We think everyone needs to see it to believe it."

"Windows Mobile enables people to have a single device that goes beyond email and can be customized to suit their active lifestyle," said James Pratt, lead product manager, Microsoft Corporation. "The combination of Windows Mobile and MobiTV delivers a rich multimedia experience empowering people to take their favorite entertainment with them wherever they go."

"At Handango, our customers expect to find the latest and greatest mobile content for their devices, which is what our exclusive release of MobiTV's Windows Mobile applications provide," said Randy Eisenman, president and chief executive officer of Handango. "The MobiTV subscription application, which utilizes the Handango Mobile Billing API, is a great way to stay entertained while on the go. We are excited to partner closely with MobiTV by powering its storefront with the Handango Commerce Engine, as well as providing our customers with yet another outstanding Windows Mobile product."

MobiTV and Microsoft recently demonstrated the MobiTV service on Windows Mobile-powered devices, as well as on the Microsoft Windows Media platform for the launch of MobiTV's new PC service.

Available on new and popular devices including the Sprint 6700, Cingular 2125, Motorola Q and Palm's Treo 700w, consumers of MobiTV on Windows Mobile powered devices can access a broad range of channels from top-tier content providers. For a complete list of content partners or to sign up for MobiTV for Windows Mobile devices, please visit www.mobitv.com. The MobiTV service for Windows Mobile is also available at www.handango.com.

About MobiTV

MobiTV, Inc. is the first mobile television and digital radio service provider for cellular, WiFi and broadband enabled devices worldwide. The MobiTV(R) service for mobile is available in the US through Sprint, Cingular and Alltel; in the United Kingdom through 3 and Orange UK; to Canadian customers through Bell Canada, Rogers and TELUS Mobility; through America Movil in Latin America; and other regional carriers around the world. MobiTV can be accessed on laptops via the AT&T WiFi network. The Emmy(R) Award winning service has more than one million paying subscribers and offers many popular TV channels from content providers such as MSNBC, ABC News Now, CNN, Fox News, Fox Sports, ESPN 3GTV, NBC Mobile, CNBC, The Discovery Channel, TLC and The Weather Channel, along with cartoons, music videos, comedy and more. Founded in 1999, MobiTV is a privately-held company headquartered in Emeryville, CA. For more information please visit www.mobitv.com.

NOTE: MobiTV and the MobiTV logo are trademarks, service marks, and/or registered trademarks of MobiTV, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. All other trademarks, service marks, and product names used herein are the property of their respective owners.

Source: MobiTV, Inc.

Web site: http://www.mobitv.com/
http://www.handango.com/

 

Outsider Pictures Launches Eclectic Slate

Outsider Pictures has officially launched onto the world cinema scene: the start-up distributor has just announced its initial line-up of theatrical releases. Founded by ex-studio marketing and distribution execs Paul Hudson and Peter Peterson, Outsider is a theatrical distribution company set to focus on the release of distinctive independent feature films and documentaries in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Outsider's first film released will be Buzz, set to debut this August. Written and directed by Spiro Taraviras, Buzz is a documentary about the life of famed screenwriter A.I. Bezzerides, who wrote Kiss Me Deadly, On Dangerous Ground, and They Drive by Night. Francois Truffaut declared Bezzerides "the first noir screenwriter in Hollywood."

Three Dollars will follow, directed by Robert Connolly and starring David Wenham, Frances O'Connor and Sarah Wynter. The film revolves around Eddie (Wenham), a man with a wife, a sick child, a childhood sweetheart, a strong sense of moral courage, and exactly three dollars to his name. Connolly's story of a decent man in an indecent world illustrates how many people in modern society are just one paycheck away from the street.

Slated for a mid-September release is Jimmy and Judy. Written and directed by Randall Rubin and Jon Schroder, the film stars Edward Furlong, Rachael Bella and William Sadler. Jimmy and Judy is the story of a hellish Romeo-and-Juliet romance between a couple of teens who meet and fall dangerously in love. As they hit the road together, the two take on drug dealers, sexual mischievousness, violence, and a whirlwind of trouble brought on by one bad decision after another.

Rounding out the 2006 slate is the award winning documentary Five Days in September -- The Rebirth of an Orchestra, directed by Barbara Willis Sweete. The doc follows the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in their first five days with new conductor, Peter Oundjian, and features appearances and performances by Yo-Yo Ma, Renee Fleming and Emanuel Ax.

"We're really excited about our eclectic slate," says Peterson. "There is a strong interest in documentaries and independent films in the U.S. right now, and we are going to try and capitalize on that."

"Movies have always been our passion," says Hudson, "and Outsider Pictures allows us to play a part in bringing independent and foreign films to theatres across the country."

Already on Outsider's slate for 2007 is These Foolish Things, written and directed by Julia Taylor-Stanley and starring Anjelica Huston, Lauren Bacall, and Terance Stamp. Set against a backdrop of the impending Second World War, it follows three ambitious young thespians as they stumble though the pitfalls of London's theatrical establishment in a rags to riches story.

Through the Eyes of Another, (Gli Occhi dell'altro) written and directed by Gianpaolo Tescari, stars Johan Leysen, Lucrezia Lante della Rovere and Hossein Taheri. In Eyes, "another" is a Kurdish refugee taken into the home of David, a wealthy professor, and Barbara, a choreographer. Before long, this educated and liberal couple succumbs to the more bestial forces of jealousy, racial intolerance and xenophobia. Winner of the Best Actress award at last years Taormina Film Festival.

Debt (Deuda), an Argentinean documentary directed by Jorge Lanata, opens with the interview of an eight-year-old girl who reveals she hasn't eaten in five days. The film becomes a frenetic search for who is responsible and an investigation into how this could happen.

Outsider Pictures is involved in the acquisition of feature films for theatrical, home video and television distribution and also acts as sales agent for motion pictures. Outsider is dedicated to realizing, without compromise, the inspiring vision of independent filmmakers and is committed to bringing moviegoers the most original stories from around the world. The company plans to release 6-8 films a year, building its slate of titles through an acquisitions program and creative relationships with filmmakers from around the world.

Source: Outsider Pictures

Web site: http://www.outsiderpictures.us/

Families of Flight 93 Receives an Additional $250,000 from Universal Pictures

In Association with Universal Studios Home Entertainment's DVD release of "United 93"

Today, the Families of Flight 93 announced that Universal Pictures has continued its support of the Flight 93 National Memorial with a contribution of $250,000. The news accompanies the announcement of Universal Studios Home Entertainment's release of "United 93" on DVD on September 5, 2006. The contribution will support the Flight 93 National Memorial project, established to build a national park honoring the passengers and crew of Flight 93 who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, saving countless lives on the ground.

"We are extremely grateful for Universal Pictures' continued generosity and efforts to raise awareness of the story of Flight 93, especially as the fifth anniversary of 9/11 approaches," said Hamilton Peterson, President of Families of Flight 93. "Hopefully, the film 'United 93,' Universal's contributions, along with additional private and federal funds, will encourage others to come forward to help us permanently honor our loved ones, the 40 heroes of Flight 93."

"The selfless actions and unflinching courage of United 93's true heroes is as inspiring as it is humbling," said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. "We are extremely proud to stand with their families in honoring and preserving their legacies by supporting the Flight 93 National Memorial."

For information about the Flight 93 National Memorial and the selected design, or to learn how to contribute, please visit www.honorflight93.org.

About Families of Flight 93

The 15-member Board of Directors of Families of Flight 93 is an Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to assist and support the development and management of the Flight 93 National Memorial.

About the Flight 93 National Memorial

On September 24, 2002, Congress passed the Flight 93 National Memorial Act. The Act created a new national park unit to commemorate the passengers and crew of Flight 93 who, on September 11, 2001, courageously gave their lives thereby thwarting a planned attack on our Nation's capital. The Memorial is near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 crashed on September 11, 2001.

The Flight 93 National Memorial project made history as the first national park designed entirely through an open, public design competition. The year- long, international competition received more than 1,000 submissions created by professionals and members of the general public.

A diverse jury comprised of family members, community representatives and design professionals chose the winning design because it most completely exemplifies the mission of the memorial. The final design selection for the Flight 93 National Memorial, announced September 7, 2005, was created by Paul

Murdoch Architects of Los Angeles. The design can be viewed online at www.flight93memorialproject.org.

When completed, the Flight 93 National Memorial will encompass 2,200 acres of land, of which almost 1,300 acres will be dedicated to the design features, and 900 acres will be protected through partnerships and scenic easements. The National Park Service is the steward of the Flight 93 National Memorial.

About Universal Pictures and United 93

Universal Pictures and StudioCanal Present in Association With Sidney Kimmel Entertainment A Working Title Production of A Paul Greengrass Film: United 93. The casting is by Amanda Mackey CSA, Cathy Sandrich Gelfond CSA, John Hubbard, Dan Hubbard. The music is by John Powell; line producer is Mairi Bett. The costume designer is Dinah Collin. The production designer is Dominic Watkins. The editors are Clare Douglas, Christopher Rouse ACE, Richard Pearson. The director of photography is Barry Ackroyd BSC. The executive producers are Debra Hayward and Liza Chasin. The film is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lloyd Levin and Paul Greengrass. United 93 is written and directed by Paul Greengrass. www.united93movie.com.

Source: Families of Flight 93

Web site: http://www.united93movie.com/
http://www.flight93memorialproject.org/
http://www.honorflight93.org/

Peer Impact Announces Major Studio Motion Pictures and Television Shows Now Available From Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Bros. Entertainment

Peer Impact Now Offers Movies and Television for On-Demand Rental to Enhance Their Innovative Entertainment Network

Service Becomes First Legitimate P2P Model to Offer Content from Three Major Studios and First-Ever to Offer Major TV Shows for Download Rental

Wurld Media, Inc. the creator of the legitimate peer-to-peer (p2p) service, Peer Impact, announced today that select movies and television titles from Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Bros. Entertainment are now available via digital download on their revolutionary entertainment network in the US market. This announcement follows Peer Impact's previously announced agreement, with NBC Universal to include their catalog of movie and television event titles for on-demand rental, also now available on the service, making Peer Impact the first p2p model to offer content from three major motion picture studios.

Another "first" in Peer Impact's video offering, launched today, is the availability of television episodes for rental from both the Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Bros. libraries. This unprecedented model allows consumers to download television shows such as The Loop, Firefly, The Dukes Of Hazzard and Babylon Five for a full 24-hour viewing period with prices as low as 99 cents per episode. Movie rentals are also available and include current and library titles for $2.99 to $3.99 through the service's new version of software platform, known as Peer Impact 3.0, which adds a video component to the already diverse content offering previously available.

As major content providers continue to address the growing demand for online distribution methods, Peer Impact presents a unique and innovative solution by enabling users to legally download and share licensed content while protecting both the license holders and the consumer. The addition of major movie and television titles is a true complement to Peer Impact's deep and diverse catalog of music and video games.

"This is another step in our overall strategy to bring the world's premiere content to our audience on emerging digital platforms," said Peter Levinsohn, President, Fox Digital Media. "Through this deal, we can enjoy the benefits of peer-to-peer technology, while offering yet another legitimate alternative to illegal pirate networks."

"People are increasingly turning to the Internet to view all forms of video, including episodic TV series and movies," said Jim Wuthrich, Senior Vice President, Digital Distribution. "Our association with Peer Impact continues to expand the number of options available to our fans to receive and view our content."

"With the inspired growth and continued expansion of the digital entertainment marketplace, it is important to address the concerns of content publishers and work with them to provide innovative, safe and legal channels to reach the consumer," said Gregory Kerber, chairman and CEO of Wurld Media. "We are thrilled to join forces with Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Bros. in addition to NBC Universal on this major initiative and look forward to announcing expanded services with these content partners in the future as we continue with our aggressive expansion of digital entertainment offerings."

Peer Impact provides a secure, high quality environment for rental and purchase of digital content, including music, video games, and with this announcement, for the first time, major film and television titles. For the benefit of both users and content publishers, all originating files are placed on the p2p network by Wurld Media, providing protection from corrupt, unwanted or illegitimate files.

As with all digital content traded over Peer Impact, users earn Peer Cash rewards for their participation in distributing videos on the network -- essentially acting as part of a virtual supply chain. Users can also earn for recommending video purchases to others. Peer Impact's unique "grid distribution" technology allows consumers to receive very large files at incredible speeds and their novel business model, allows users to earn cash back for acting as "paid redistributors" of content purchased over the network. Users simply leave their computers on and the Peer Impact software running, and if they are selected as a source of fulfillment for purchases on the network, they receive Peer Cash that may be used toward future purchases.

About Wurld Media, Inc.

Founded in September of 1999, Wurld Media Inc. is a privately held company based in Saratoga Springs, New York. In 2005, Wurld Media launched Peer Impact, the first legal peer-to-peer (p2p) network to have successfully secured distribution agreements with all four major record labels, as well as a growing list of leading independent music labels. The company is continuing to expand its service to include the leading publishers from the video game, motion picture and audio book industry to complement its existing digital media marketplace. Peer Impact is unique in that it offers users cash back for sharing approved content over its network. Members essentially act as "paid redistributors" of legal content and can earn credit toward future purchases of digital media through the Peer Impact network. For more information, please visit http://www.wurldmedia.com/ or http://www.peerimpact.com/.

About Fox Entertainment Group

Fox Entertainment Group (FEG) is a unit of News Corporation (NYSE:NWS) (NYSE:NWS.A) . It is principally engaged in the development, production and worldwide distribution of feature films and television programs, television broadcasting and cable network programming. The Company's studios, production facilities and film and television library provide high-quality creative content, and the Company's broadcasting and cable networks provide extensive distribution platforms for the Company's programs. Fox Digital Media is a division of FEG dedicated to setting distribution strategy and licensing programming from all FEG divisions to new, digital outlets.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group

The Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group was founded in 2005 to bring together all of the Warner Bros. Entertainment businesses involved in the digital delivery of entertainment content to consumers, including home video, online, wireless, games and anti-piracy and emerging technologies operations. WBHEG is a strategic recognition of the ongoing changes in the way consumers view entertainment product and seeks to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios to make the Studio's content available to audiences through as many channels, platforms and devices as possible.

Source: Wurld Media, Inc.

Web site: http://www.wurldmedia.com/
http://www.peerimpact.com/

MTV Networks & Apple Bring More Music, Comedy & Entertainment Programming to the iTunes Music Store

MTV Networks and Apple(R) today announced that new television programming from Spike TV, Nick at Nite, TV Land, Logo, MTV and The N is now available on the iTunes(R) Music Store (www.itunes.com). Adding to the hit MTV Networks content already on iTunes, this new round of programming available for purchase and download crosses virtually every genre and includes Spike TV's brand-new action series "Blade: The Series," MTV's prank-comedy show "Viva La Bam" and TV Land's "Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg." MTV Networks' programming has been a huge success on iTunes since debuting earlier this year, with COMEDY CENTRAL's "South Park" alone selling over one million episodes. iTunes now offers over 150 TV shows for $1.99 per episode for viewing on a computer or iPod(R).

"At MTV Networks, our brands create some of the most vibrant, entertaining and pop culture-defining programming today," said Nicholas Lehman, executive vice president, MTV Networks Digital Media. "We're excited to add more of our diverse programming to iTunes and to connect a broad digital audience with our bold entertainment content."

"MTV Networks' programming has been a hit with customers since launching on iTunes earlier this year," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "iTunes is the world's most popular online video store with over 35 million videos sold, and we continue to expand the catalog of great television content now with over 150 network and cable programs available."

MTV Networks' shows on iTunes include first-time offerings from Spike TV, Nick at Nite, TV Land, Logo and additional content from MTV and The N. The new programming includes full seasons of hits from:

-- Spike TV: "Blade: The Series," the network's first original scripted

action-adventure/drama, builds upon New Line Television/Marvel

Studio's successful movie trilogy and brings the main character into

new story lines. The two-hour premiere episode will be offered for

free, exclusively on iTunes today through July 11. "TNA: iMPACT,"

the wrestling alternative that delivers high-risk athletic

entertainment, integrating well-known superstars with the best up-

and-coming talent. "Disorderly Conduct," an adrenaline-packed series

with outrageous video footage pulled from police precincts across

the country.

-- TV Land: "Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg," hosted by legendary

comedian, producer and director David Steinberg, is a one-on-one

comedy forum where celebrated performers including Larry David,

Martin Short, Bob Newhart, Jon Lovitz and George Lopez open up about

their personal lives and careers.

-- Nick at Nite: "Fatherhood," the animated comedy series based on Bill

Cosby's best-selling book of the same name; "Hi-Jinks", the hit

hidden-camera series where adults play good-natured pranks on kids

of all ages.

-- Logo: "Noah's Arc," the first season of the network's original

drama/comedy series; "U.S. of ANT," a reality series following the

irreverent comedian ANT; and "Wisecrack," a stand-up comedy series.

-- MTV: "Viva La Bam," documenting the comical and chaotic life of

skateboarding pro and "Jackass" star, Bam Margera.

-- The N: "Beyond the Break," a drama series about the competitive

world of surfing, where four passionate women pursue their dreams of

becoming professional surfers.

With Apple's legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as integrated video and podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, seamless integration with iPod and groundbreaking personal use rights, the iTunes Music Store is the best way for Mac(R) and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and videos online. The iTunes Music Store features a selection of over 9,000 music videos, Pixar and Disney short films, a variety of hit TV shows, and more than three million songs from the major music companies and over 1,000 independent labels.

Pricing & Availability

iTunes 6 for Mac and Windows includes the iTunes Music Store and is available as a free download from www.apple.com/itunes. Purchase and download of songs and videos from the iTunes Music Store requires a valid credit card with a billing address in the country of purchase. Television shows are available in the US only, and video availability varies by country. Television shows are $1.99 (US) per episode, and music videos and short films are $1.99 (US) each.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award- winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 120 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of digital services, with all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with audiences through robust consumer products businesses and more than 100 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services, and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby its programming services can be seen worldwide.

NOTE: Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iTunes and iPod are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Apple Computer, Inc.

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

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

The Acclaimed, Powerful and Unforgettable Story That Defined a Moment of Heroism in Our History

United 93

Based on the Searing Events of 9/11 That Shook the World Coming to DVD September 5, 2006 From Universal Studios Home Entertainment

'United 93 fully honors what was original and spontaneous and brave in their refusal to go quietly.' - David Denby, The New Yorker

"United 93," the acclaimed, powerful and unforgettable story of a diverse group of people who banded together in the face of danger and valiantly refused to surrender, comes to DVD on September 5, 2006 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Directed and written by Paul Greengrass ("The Bourne Supremacy," "Bloody Sunday"), this grippingly honest, unflinching and profoundly moving film salutes the heroism of the 40 people aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on the day of one of the worst terrorist attacks on American soil: September 11, 2001. Painstakingly researched with the full support and involvement of the families of the passengers and the crew members who lost their lives as well as the flight controllers and other military and civilian personnel who experienced the events of the day, "United 93" is not only a riveting and inspiring portrait of courage and determination but also the first major motion picture to address the events of September 11th. The "United 93" DVD includes a 50-minute documentary containing intimate interviews that focus on the families and the actors discussing the emotional challenges of bringing the personalities of passengers and the flight crew members to life in a way that conveys what director Greengrass calls "a believable truth" of what happened during the 91-minute flight.

The DVD is priced at $29.98 SRP and pre-order close is August 22, 2006.

Hailed by critics as a major motion picture achievement, "United 93" is the best-reviewed film of the year: "Unmissable" said Richard Corliss, Time Magazine; "Spellbinding" raved Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal; "United 93 left me shaken, moved and filled with respect," from Roger Ebert, "Ebert and Roeper;" and "The film honors the men and women of United 93, and the honor they bestowed upon their country," said Gene Shalit, "Today Show."

Told in real time, building on official records to reconstruct the shocking events of the day, "United 93" is the story of the desperate struggle onboard the aircraft as well as the actions of the flight controllers on the ground who watched in shocked and chaotic disbelief. As Kenny Nacke, brother of passenger Louis J. Nacke, II shared, "These individuals need to be honored, cherished and remembered."

BONUS MATERIALS INCLUDE A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE FAMILIES

The DVD edition of the film includes a candid 50-minute documentary, "United 93: The Families and the Film." Eight families whose loved ones perished on the flight and the actors who portray them share their very personal insights and conversations on the real people on board United 93. Heart-wrenching, thought-provoking and always honest, the emotional challenges, complete commitment and ultimately triumphant achievements are presented with insight, sensitivity and probing intelligence as the relationships established between the families, actors and filmmakers coalesce.

SYNOPSIS

Honest, unflinching and profoundly moving, "United 93" tells the unforgettable story of the heroic passengers and crew members who prevented the terrorists from carrying out their plans for the fourth hijacked plane on September 11, 2001, a day that became a defining moment in our nation's history. As on-ground military and civilian teams scrambled to make sense of the unfolding events, 40 everyday people who sat down as strangers found the courage to stand up as one. It's an unforgettable tribute to real-life heroes.

For more information please visit: < www.united93movie.com >

CAST & FILMMAKERS

Director: Paul Greengrass

Written By: Paul Greengrass

Produced By: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lloyd Levin

Director of Photography: Barry Ackroyd

Production Designer: Dominic Watkins

Edited By: Clare Douglas, Richard Pearson

Costume Designer: Lorraine Carson, Dinah Collin, Liz McGarrity

Original Music By: John Powell

Cast: Christian Clemenson, Trish Gates, Polly Adams, Cheyenne Jackson,

Opal Alladin, David Alan Basche, Denny Dillon

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

DVD

Street Date: September 5, 2006

Pre-Order Close: August 22, 2006

Copyright: 2006 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Price: $29.98 SRP

Selection Number: 26570 (Widescreen); 26571 (Full Screen)

Running Time: 1 Hour 51 Minutes

Layers: Dual (Single Sided)

Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen (1:66:1/1:85:1); Full Screen (1:33:1)

Rating: R

Technical Info: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; English DVS Dolby Digital 2.0

Stereo; Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; French Dolby Digital 5.1

Surround; English SDH, French, Spanish

For artwork or screeners, please log on to our Web site at < www.ushepublicity.com > or fax your request to Universal Studios Home Entertainment Publicity at (818) 866-0226.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (< www.universalstudios.com >). Universal Studios is a 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, 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% owned by Vivendi.

 

< www.united93movie.com >

Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Web site: http://www.ushepublicity.com/
http://www.united93movie.com/
http://www.universalstudios.com/

Usable Products Company Releases Mobile Music & Video Benchmark

Usability of mobile music and video underwhelming

Usable Products Company, leading usability design and research for the global mobile and wireless industry, releases today "Mobile Music & Video User Experience Benchmark" study of Amp'd Kyocera Angel, Sprint LG Fusic, and Verizon Samsung SCH-a950.

"Despite polished visual design, usability participants had a terrible time purchasing and playing video and music on mobile phones," states Scott Weiss, CEO, Usable Products Company. "In their rush to market, these services forgot basic usability principles."

Verizon's V Cast service was a mixed bag. Participants found its video slow, but it was the best overall of the three video services. V Cast video had the quickest completion times, highest success rates and best user satisfaction scores. These triumphs resulted from the catalog's simplicity combined with purchase process clarity. Amp'd and Sprint video users had difficulty finding media within the catalogs and were confused during purchase transactions. However, V Cast Music required too many steps at the purchase stage and the Samsung SCH-a950 repeatedly ran out of memory, resulting in slow task completions -- averaging more than five minutes -- compared to less than three minutes for Sprint LG Fusic users.

Both LG's Fusic and Samsung's SCH-a950 had external controls for playing music while the handset was closed. Success rates for external controls were 62% and 67%, respectively. Weiss noted, "If more than a third of consumers fail at using these phones as media players, the phones will flop in the market."

This 132-page report includes:

-- 73 charts, including time to complete, success rates, and user

satisfaction.

-- 27 pages of analysis pinpointing user interface problems.

-- 11 Best Practices describing top usability issues and how to avoid

them.

-- 33 video clips showing usability challenges.

-- Photographic diagrams mapping steps users took to purchase and play

media on each of the three phones.

The Mobile Music & Video Benchmark is available for immediate purchase. Usable Products helps clients increase revenue and customer loyalty through improved ease of use. Usable Products, a privately held company, was formed in 1996. Source: Usable Products Company

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

The Bob Dylan Show Takes the Field With an All New Lineup!

BOB DYLAN & HIS BAND Jimmie Vaughan w/ Lou Ann Barton Junior Brown plus Elana James & The Continental Two

The Bob Dylan Show has just announced the third annual tour of America's minor league baseball parks. In the past two years, nearly a half-million fans have enjoyed a night under the stars with The Bob Dylan Show. The acclaimed tour was named "Most Creative Tour Package" by industry-leader Pollstar Magazine, but the true measure of success lies in the fan experience. "You Can't Beat Fun At The Old Ballpark," was the headline in the Chicago Sun Times. The Nashville Scene reported that the show "felt more like a backyard party than a rock concert." The Boston Globe ranked the tour amongst "the most relaxed, enjoyable shows of the year." The Minneapolis Star-Tribune called the event "A Grand Slam!"

Columbia Records will release a new Bob Dylan studio album, "Modern Times," on August 29th. Performing on this tour with his band, Bob Dylan continues to experience one of the most creative and prolific periods of his career. Multiple Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a Kennedy Center Honor (the highest honor of artistic achievement given in the United States) are just a few of the many awards bestowed upon Bob Dylan. In the past decade, hundreds of concert performances around the world have all found Bob Dylan to be in prime form. Recent performances with his new band have garnered rave reviews and played to capacity crowds. Last year saw the critically acclaimed release of No Direction Home, the first feature-length film biography of Bob Dylan, directed by Martin Scorsese. The year before, Bob Dylan published Chronicles: Volume One, the first in a series of the artist's self-penned personal histories that spent over 20 weeks on the New York Times best seller list.

Joining The Bob Dylan Show this summer will be two modern legends of the electric guitar -- Texas-style. Guitar Player Magazine calls Jimmie Vaughan "a virtual deity ... a living legend." His younger brother Stevie Ray Vaughan cited Jimmie as the biggest inspiration in his own career. As a founding member of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmie sparked a rhythm-and-blues revival that continues unabated today. Veteran roadhouse singer Lou Ann Barton will be joining his band for this summer's trek. Austin-based Junior Brown must be seen to be believed. He plays a demonic hybrid "guit-steel" instrument, a combination 6-string electric guitar and pedal steel guitar, a device he cooked up one night in a dream. It sounds like nothing you've ever heard. Throw in a vocal style reminiscent of Ernest Tubb and you have one of the most unique styles in American music. Opening up each night's lineup of music will be Elana James, who fronted the country swing trio Hot Club of Cowtown and is now touring with her new band The Continental Two.

DON'T BE LATE!

All tickets are priced at $49.50. Kids 12 and under get in FREE with each adult ticket holder. There is no baseball game on the day of the show.

Date Venue / Market / Team On-Sale Date

August 12 Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, MI July 8 at 10:00AM

Home of The Whitecaps

August 13 Cooper Stadium in Columbus, OH July 8 at 10:00AM

Home of The Clippers

August 15 Applebee's Park in Lexington, KY July 8 at 10:00AM

Home of The Legends

August 17 Lake Olmstead Stadium in Augusta, GA July 8 at 10:00AM

Home of The GreenJackets

August 18 Ernie Shore Field in Winston-Salem, NC July 8 at 10:00AM

Home of The Warthogs

August 19 Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick, MD July 8 at 10:00AM

Home of The Frederick Keys

August 20 Falconi Field in Washington, PA July 15 at 11:00AM

Home of The Wild Things

August 23 First Energy Stadium in Reading, PA July 15 at 10:00AM

Home of The Phillies

August 24 McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, RI July 15 at 10:00AM

Home of the Red Sox

August 26 Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, MA July 8 at 10:00AM

August 27 Merchantsauto.com Stadium in Manchester, NH July 8 at 10:00AM

Home of The Fisher Cats

August 29 New Britain Stadium in New Britain, CT July 15 at 10:00AM

Home of The Rock Cats

August 30 Frontier Field in Rochester, NY July 15 at 10:00AM

Home of The Red Wings

Sept. 1 Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, NY July 15 at 10:00AM

Home of The Hudson Valley Renegades

Sept. 2 Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY July 15 at 10:00AM

Home of the Baseball Hall of Fame

Sept. 3 Medlar Field at Lubrano Park in University Park, PA

Home of The Spikes July 22 at 10:00AM

Sept. 5 Memorial Stadium in Fort Wayne, IN July 22 at 10:00AM

Home of The Wizards

Source: Columbia Records

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

'America's Got Talent' Mystery Man Fulfills Fantasies Off-Broadway

"Who is that guy?"

That's the question that has been circulating around water coolers and chat rooms ever since Leonid the Magnificent's heartfelt plea Wednesday night on the popular TV show "America's Got Talent."

It turns out that this mystery man, who stole America's heart on television's hot, new talent search, has been wowing the ladies off-Broadway in a new interactive comedy called THE FANTASY PARTY. Billed as NYC's #1 Girls' Night Out Event, The Fantasy Party is the latest offering from the producers of the long-running dinner comedy, Tony n' Tina's Wedding.

The Fantasy Party, which is a popular Bachelorette party and girls'-night- out event in the Big Apple, features a drag queen MC, adult games, pole- dancing lessons and, of course, Leonid the Magnificent.

In addition to being one of the show's favorite male dancers, Leo, as he is known to the cast and crew, performs a jaw-dropping adult version of his hula hoop routine that always ends with thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the audience of female admirers.

"He's a bit of an enigma," says Raphael Berko, one of the show's producers. "I only know three things about him. He comes from Siberia, he is one of the nicest people I've ever met, and the women just love him."

Berko, who also plans to take The Fantasy Party to Las Vegas, added that Leo is temporarily on leave from the show while taping "America's Got Talent," but he looks forward to his return.

The Fantasy Party performs Saturdays at 10:15pm at the Edison Hotel, 221 West 46th Street in New York City. More information is available at www.fantasypartynyc.com.

Electronic images available upon request.

Link to Leo the Magnificent's plea to the audience on "America's Got Talent": http://us.video.aol.com/video.full.adp?mode=0&pmmsid=1672338&referer=http%3A// television.aol.com/franchise/top5.adp

Source: The Fantasy Party

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

Visiware Brings 'The Fast and The Furious' to Interactive TV Gaming

Inspired by Universal Pictures', 'The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift,' the Game Marks the Third Title Under Worldwide Licensing Agreement With Universal Studios Consumer Products Group

Available Now on Playin'TV in North America and in the Rest of the World This Summer.

Further to the license agreement between Visiware and Universal Studios Consumer Products Group to bring the excitement of Universal Pictures properties to interactive TV gaming, Visiware has driven its latest game, "The Fast and the Furious," to the starting line.

Inspired by Universal Pictures' summer action film, "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift," this sporting arcade game challenges players to experience the exciting atmosphere of the underground Tokyo drift (a form of racing that replaces simple drag racing with a rubber-burning, automotive art form that consists of an exhilarating balance of speeding and gliding through a heart-stopping course of hairpin turns and switchbacks) racing world -- all on their television screens. The game features three different modes in which the goal is to become the new Drift King. In "Drift King" mode, players race head-to-head against one to three opponents. In "Pursuit" mode, players must prevent their opponents from catching their car, while in "Time Attack" mode, players strive to set the fastest lap time. Authentic sound effects and images from the film are featured in the game.

"We are happy to be partners with a group that has really made efforts to understand the interactive TV gaming market," said Laurant Weill, chairman of Visiware. "It is a pleasure to work with Universal's creative and professional team, especially on such an exciting project as 'The Fast and the Furious.' We believe this is the best racing game available to date on interactive TV."

"The new film is an adrenaline ride, and Visiware embraced the challenge of creating an innovative racing game for iTV," said Bill Kispert, vice president, interactive, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. "Whether racing against the clock, or fender to fender with an opponent, it's fantastic that players can become armchair racers -- and experience 'The Fast and the Furious' brand -- all with a click of their TV remote controls."

Added Jon Dakss, director of interactive TV, NBC Universal, "Visiware continues to push the boundaries of gameplay on the iTV platform. This game has wonderful balance, and will appeal to racing fans and casual gamers alike."

"The Fast and the Furious" is the third game released by Visiware in collaboration with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. The first two games developed under the partnership were based on King Kong -- including a quiz game and an arcade game -- with Playin'TV players responding extremely favorably to the latter for its addictive gameplay. Visiware will develop additional games based on Universal properties over the next six months.

All of the games developed under the deal will be broadcast on Visiware's Playin'TV channel, available today in 77 countries on 33 networks. Interactive television games are accessed by consumers via television set top boxes.

About "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.

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").

About Universal Studios Consumer Products Group

Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is responsible for global licensing and retail strategies as well as building brand recognition of the extensive catalogue of NBC Universal properties. Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is a unit 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, 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% owned by Vivendi.

About Visiware

Visiware is the world-leading provider of interactive TV games with it's Playin'TV product reaching more than 120 million people in 45 million households in 77 countries and via 33 networks. Playin'TV has an extensive game catalogue, featuring more than 150 titles in various genres: classics such as Scrabble; card and board games (Solitaire, Blackjack, Backgammon, Chess); action and adventure; sports (Tennis, Golf, Football); strategic games; puzzles and educational games. All games addressed to casual players and suitable for all ages.

 

Spike TV's Blade Premieres With 2.5 Million Viewers

Most Watched Original Series Premiere In Network History

#1 Entertainment Show on Cable for the Night With Men 18-34 & 18-49

The premiere of Spike TV's first original scripted action-adventure offering "Blade: The Series" on Wednesday, June 28 (10:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT) drew record ratings for the network with a 2.0 HH rating and 2.5 million viewers, the highest premiere in network history for an original series.* Additionally, "Blade: The Series" was the #1 entertainment show for the night with Men 18-34 and 18-49.

"Blade: The Series" tallied triple-digit gains in all key male demos versus last year including up +517% in M18-34 (2.6 rating, 680,000 viewers), up +472% in M18-49 (2.2, 1.17 million), up +277% in viewers (2.5 million), and up +247% in household rating (2.0, 1.8 million).

"We promised action and adventure with our first scripted series and really delivered," said Doug Herzog, president, Spike TV. "Our targeted audience of men came through for us with big numbers. 'Blade: The Series' serves as a launch pad for future original scripted shows."

Additionally, starting today, iTunes users can download a FREE copy of the two-hour premiere of "Blade: The Series" through July 11. The one-hour weekly series' second episode premieres on Wednesday, July 5 (10:00 - 11:00 PM ET/PT). New episodes will be available for purchase on iTunes the day after their premiere on Spike TV.

"Blade: The Series" features Kirk "Sticky" Jones in the title role as Marvel's immortal half-man, half-vampire who uses his superhuman powers and skills to fearlessly battle the demonic creatures of the night in a blood- drenched crusade to prevent their rise over mankind. The series also stars Jill Wagner as double-agent "Krista Starr," Neil Jackson as "Marcus," Blade's chief nemesis and head of the Chthon House; Jessica Gower as "Chase," a seductive vampire who is devoted to Marcus; and Nelson Lee as "Shen," a technology genius and Blade's confidante.

"Blade: The Series" is based on the Marvel Super Hero and Produced by New Line Television. Bill McGoldrick, Vice President, Original Programming and Lisa Ullmann, Director of Original Programming, are executives in charge of production at Spike TV. Jim Rosenthal and Jon Kroll of New Line Television, Ari Arad, Executive Vice President, Marvel Studios, Avi Arad and David Goyer (Blade films, Batman Begins) all serve as series executive producers.

Spike TV is available in more than 90 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

* Previously was The Ultimate Fighter Season 3 Premiere (4/06).

Source: Spike TV

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

12th Annual Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival

Brings Together the Country's Largest Gathering of African-Americans to Celebrate Black Music and Launch a New Initiative: Essence Cares! A call to Action to Secure Our Youth

The 12th Annual Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival taking place this Fourth of July weekend (July 1, 2 and 3) in Houston, TX, will convene the country's largest gathering of African-Americans to celebrate Black music and launch Essence Cares!, a national initiative to secure the future of Black youth. Known as the "Party with a Purpose," the Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival features performances by the largest assembly of Black musical talent in the world, augmented by community-oriented Essence Empowerment Seminars led by the country's most prominent African-American leaders.

The Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival will feature: Queen of Hip-Hop Mary J. Blige and the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire, who will kick off the musical extravaganza on July 1 alongside LL Cool J, comedienne Mo'Nique and Gospel singer extraordinaire Yolanda Adams. Another stellar lineup of artists will appear on July 2 including: Jamie Foxx; Chris Brown; New Edition and Bobby Brown Reunion; Doug E. Fresh & The Pioneers of Hip-Hop featuring Slick Rick, Sugar Hill Gang, MC Lyte, Biz Markie, Whodini and Dana Dane. Closing out the Festival on July 3 will be: Cedric the Entertainer; Charlie Wilson; Keyshia Cole; Maze featuring Frankie Beverly; Toni Braxton; and many others. Some of the Essence Empowerment Seminar participants include Angela Davis, The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Danny Glover, The Reverend Al Sharpton, New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Marian Wright Edelman, Nas, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Honorable Louis Farrakhan.

 

NEWS: The "Party with a Purpose" Features the Biggest Assembly of Black Musical Talent in the World and Empowerment Seminars with the Nation's Most Prominent African-American Leaders

 

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: Essence Communications Inc.

The Coca-Cola Company is the Festival's presenting sponsor for the ninth consecutive year. The Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival's major sponsors are Budweiser/Bud Light, Kraft Foods, Chevrolet, McDonald's and Verizon Communications. In addition, Level, Southwest Airlines, U.S. Army and Wells Fargo will serve as official sponsors for the Festival. The Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival is produced by Essence Festivals LLC in association with Festival Productions of New Orleans. Essence Festivals LLC is a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI). ECI is also the publisher of ESSENCE magazine. ESSENCE, after 36 years, continues to be the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women.

Source: Essence Communications Inc.

Call for Submissions for 2007 Game Developers Conference Now Open

July 28 is Deadline to Apply to Speak at Industry-Leading Conference Dedicated to Videogame Creation

The call for submissions to present lectures, roundtables, tutorials, and poster sessions at the 2007 Game Developers Conference (GDC) is now open. GDC, the premier professional conference for creators of videogames and interactive entertainment, will take place at San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center March 5-9, 2007. Abstracts can be submitted via the official GDC website; the deadline for doing so is Friday, July 28.

The topics which a prospective speaker can address range from game production and business to programming, art, design, and audio. Each abstract will be rated by the Game Developers Conference advisory board before final decisions are made on specific sessions later this year. The 2007 GDC advisory board consists of a number of senior industry figures including Cerny Games' Marc Cerny, Factor 5's Julian Eggebrecht, Atari's Paul Steed, Eidos' Julien Merceron, Microsoft Game Studios' Laura Fryer, Shiny Entertainment founder David Perry, Electronic Arts' Louis Castle, and many others.

"The rallying cry for GDC 07 is 'Take Control,' and we're asking game industry professionals to explicitly detail their challenges and victories in creating next generation and industry-broadening games," said Jamil Moledina, executive director of the Game Developers Conference. "Now more than ever, developers are empowered to create and distribute a broad range of games, be they casual, online, independent, small footprint mobile, or epic blockbuster console or PC adventures -- using a broader range of financial and organizational tools and partners -- and GDC presents the leading forum to share these opportunities as a unified creative industry."

Many enhancements have been made to the submission process for GDC 2007. Some of the useful aids on the GDC site to help prospective speakers craft the most compelling entries include:

* A video presentation featuring advisory board member David Perry walking

through the details of what the board is looking for, who the target

audience is and what makes a successful presentation

* A more refined submission interface featuring a specific list of speaker

expectations

* A sample submission representing one of the highest-ranking talks at GDC

2006

For further information, or to begin the submission process, please visit http://www.gdconf.com/abstracts

About the CMP Game Group (www.cmpgame.com)

A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the CMP Game Group offers market-defining content, and drives community through the Game Developers Conference, GDC London, the London Games Summit, the Serious Games Summit D.C., GDC Mobile, GDC Europe, Game Developer magazine, the Webby Award winning Gamasutra.com, the Independent Games Festival, the Game Developers Choice Awards, and GDCTV. For more information, please visit www.cmpgame.com.

About CMP Technology (www.cmp.com)

CMP Technology is a marketing solutions company serving the technology industry. Through its market-leading portfolio of trusted information brands, CMP has earned the confidence of more technology professionals than any other media company. As a result, CMP is the premier provider of access, insight and actionable programs designed to connect sellers and buyers in ways that yield superior return on investment. CMP Technology is a subsidiary of United Business Media

(http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/), a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $3 billion.

Source: CMP Game Group

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

Web site: http://www.gdconf.com/abstracts

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

Navarre's FUNimation Channel and Optical Entertainment Network Sign Distribution Agreement

Houston residents to have access to top-rated anime programming through FUNimation Entertainment's 24-hour, digital channel

FUNimation Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation (NASDAQ:NAVR) and the market share leader for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States, announced today that the company has finalized a distribution agreement with Optical Entertainment Network (OEN), the leading provider of IPTV and broadband services optimized for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH). The agreement makes the FUNimation Channel(SM) part of the FISION service, OEN's line-up of 400 IPTV channels available in the Houston area. The FUNimation Channel is a 24-hour digital channel featuring programming from top anime brands in the United States and will be added to OEN's FISION lineup in the fall of 2006.

"We are excited with the progress that the FUNimation Channel has made in the last few months," said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment. "Optical Entertainment has designed an offering that will provide the Houston area with a great line-up of alternative programming. Houston area residents will now be able to get top-rated anime programming through our 24-hour digital channel."

"FUNimation's top rated anime programming will be a great addition to our existing line-up of channels and we are thrilled by their belief in our offerings," said Jo-lynn Foo, VP of Programming at OEN. "Offering high quality programming is critical and we believe that the top-quality anime product will be very successful for us."

OEN created FISION, the first and only integrated service for IPTV, Internet, Voice, Video-On-Demand (VOD) and other broadband applications, specifically to deliver on the superior video quality and virtually unlimited bandwidth of FTTH technology and the only service to make all of its content available for license to other communities in the US and abroad. OEN has acquired programming agreements for IPTV distribution from top television networks and will deliver 400 television channels, including over 50 channels of High Definition Television (HDTV) to subscribers, the most channels deployed anywhere to date.

FUNimation is working with OlympuSAT, a leading distributor of independent digital programming networks, for the distribution of the FUNimation Channel. OlympuSAT is the exclusive distributor of the FUNimation Channel, which is now available to video service providers across the nation.

About Navarre Corporation

Navarre Corporation (NASDAQ:NAVR) is a publisher and distributor of physical and digital home entertainment and multimedia products, including PC software, CD audio, DVD and VHS video, video games and accessories. Since its founding in 1983, the company has established distribution relationships with customers across a wide spectrum of retail channels which includes mass merchants, discount, wholesale club, office and music superstores, military and e-tailers nationwide. The company currently provides its products to over 18,000 retail and distribution center locations throughout the United States and Canada. Navarre has expanded its business to include the licensing and publishing of home entertainment and multimedia content, primarily through the acquisitions of Encore Software, Inc., BCI Eclipse Company, LLC, FUNimation Productions, Ltd. and The FUNimation Store, Ltd. For more information, please visit the company's web site at http://www.navarre.com/ .

About FUNimation Entertainment

FUNimation(R) Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation (NASDAQ:NAVR) , is the leading company for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States. FUNimation is known for acquiring top-rated anime series from Japan and for developing some of North America's most popular anime series. The company has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution.

About Optical Entertainment

Optical Entertainment Network is a Houston, Texas based company providing the first major market deployment of Video, Internet and Voice to residential and commercial customers over a system specifically designed to optimize fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology. OEN has signed the largest number of IPTV carriage agreements to date, acquired directly with programming networks and has developed a business model that will enable it to license content to other FTTH communities around the US and overseas. The company is a platinum member of the FTTH Council. More information can be found at the company's website at http://www.fision.net/ .

Source: Navarre Corporation

Web site: http://www.navarre.com/
http://www.fision.net/

iPOP! New York 2006 Brings Talent Managing and Modeling Agency Representatives Together With Aspiring Models, Actors, Singers and Dancers

International Presentation of Performers Heads to New York to Star Search for the Brightest Modeling, Acting, Singing, and Dancing Talent in America

iPOP! (International Presentation of Performers, at http://www.ipopconvention.com/), is pleased to announce iPOP! NY which will take place during a four day convention from July 3-6th, 2006 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square in New York City. More than 1,200 child and teenage models, actors, singers and dancers are confirmed to attend with an additional 800 parenting chaperones in tow. iPOP! participants will get an opportunity to sing, dance, act and model in front of the most respected entertainment industry types. 200 agents, managers, casting directors, record labels and other industry personnel will be attending. iPOP!, created with the innovation of successfully merging fashion and modeling with the music and entertainment industry, has become the largest and most well respected event for aspiring talent to attend. The best actors, singers, dancers and models will flock to New York City where they will have the opportunity to be seen and evaluated by top executives in the talent agency and entertainment industry. This will be the second year that the iPOP! convention will be held at the Marriott Hotel in New York. iPOP! was launched last July 2005 and had its inaugural winter competition in Los Angeles in January 2006.

iPOP! Executive Director, Joseph Beauchamp said, "We're thrilled to be back in New York City for iPOP! NY 2006. There is no place in the world that better exemplifies today's young acting, singing, dancing and modeling talent than here on Broadway. We're hoping that this year's iPOP! singers, dancers, actors and models will eventually find homes in Broadway theatres just down the street from this competition. The group of talent assembled this year is fantastic. The modeling agents, singer, actor and dancer managers, producers and talent scouts attending iPOP! are definitely going to discover plenty of talent."

This year modeling and talent agency agents and managers from Sony BMG, Clear Channel Radio, Abrams Artists, DNA Models, Elite Models, WKTU Radio, Atlantic Records, IMG Models, MGM Casting, Handprint Talent Agency, Untitled Management and Abrahms Artist Agency will be attending as well as many others from major agencies throughout the country including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.

Billed as a unique training program, iPOP! provides participants hours of one-on-one acting, singing, dancing and modeling training with top professionals in all mediums of entertainment. iPOP!'s goal is to prepare aspiring performers to meet perspective modeling agents, singer and dancer managers and actor casting directors. Last year's attendees successfully landed lucrative modeling assignments and performance bookings across the country. Participants also gained representation by the biggest agencies Hollywood and New York has to offer. It is a "must-attend" event for any aspiring model, actor, singer or dancer.

John Robert Powers is one of many modeling and acting schools that fully supports iPOP! and its vision. The school franchise will be sending many aspiring young talent to attend the convention in Los Angeles.

iPOP! Executive Director, Joseph Beauchamp has organized a strong team of experts in the field of modeling, acting, singing and dancing to run iPOP! New York 2006. Joining him will be Tiffany Rochel who is a consultant to talent academies in developing curriculums, growth strategies and marketing materials for modeling, acting and etiquette. Tiffany also contributes as a writer for her "Ask Tiffany" column on AskTiffany.com, where she advises aspiring entertainers on what it takes to make it in the modeling and acting industries.

Overseeing iPOP!'s Fashion Show this year will be special guest, Michael Maddox, an expert in the field of fashion and modeling. Maddox has produced and directed major fashion shows for over 17 years for Betsey Johnson, DKNY, and Donna Karen and has worked the top leading agencies such as LA Models, IMG New York, Wilhelmina, and NY Models. In addition to organizing the runway shows, Maddox will host master classes in runway techniques and fashion at this year's iPOP!. His shows will include designs from Sterling Capricio, Dulce De Leche, Angela Dean Designs, Thomas "TJ" Walker and YMI Jeans. iPOP! is fortunate enough to have Sterling Capricio contribute his provocative fashion designs to the evening as well. His style is a unique mix of performance art and couture. Drawing from his musical background as a former guitar player in a rock band, Capricio splices edginess and vulnerability with the uncanny creating a signature style he labels, Gothic-Soul. He has designed for celebrities including Patricia Arquette, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Daryl Hannah and Tyra Banks.

YMI Jeanswear will also be featured. A leader in the junior's denim industry, YMI Jeanswear International creates unique clothing for fashion-forward, young contemporary and junior women and pre-teen girls. Designing and manufacturing jeans, jackets, tops, bottoms and skirts, YMI is available in better national department stores including Dillards, Nordstrom and Macy's. The YMI name, a play on words asking "why am I?", relates to all young women and girls seeking the freedom to be what they want to be. YMI Jeanswear is a definitive leader in the junior's sportswear market today.

YMI Jeanswear will also be hosting a booth at iPOP! in the Teen Lounge Center at the Marriott Marquis. Here YMI will be offering all the iPOP! participants an opportunity to purchase YMI Jeans products such as jeans, t-shirts, handbags, hats and accessories at discounted prices.

Celebrity designer Angela Dean will also be contributing to this year's iPOP! Fashion Show. Madonna, Paula Abdul, Natalie Cole, Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker, Lil Kim and Mary J. Blige have all been dressed in striking Angela Dean creations that have graced the red carpets of many of Hollywood's star-studded events and countless magazine publications.

Angela Dean's Deanzign Designer Collections lines consist of Deanzign Couture (custom, limited edition, luxury line), DZ Fashionista (young, trendy consumer, bridge line), and will eventually include DZ Men (high quality, fashion forward, bridge line) and Deanzign Home, (flat ware, bedding and accessories). iPOP! NY is lucky to have her on board.

For the iPOP! men, Michael Maddox will be borrowing the designs of legendary men's designer, Thomas "TJ" Walker. His designs have graced the pages of such prominent publications as: Forbes, Details, Code, Black Enterprise, Elle, Source, Vibe and Women's Wear Daily. He has designed for such illustrious companies as DKNY, Converse, Groove, Menace, MKO Man and Target Stores' private label programs. Thomas "TJ" Walker's newest venture is as partner and Vice President of Product Development and Design for Caballo Clothing Company which will be officially released in Fall 2006.

Also for the men will be the intoxicating designs of Dulce de Leche. This menswear company is mostly known for their famous shirts, swimwear and dress pants. Dulce de Leche was established in Miami in 2002 by a team of four very creative designers. Their line is now showcased in some of the finest stores in the United States and South America. Dulce de Leche is one of the premiere sponsors of Macy's Passport and has been singled out as designer of the year by Gen Art and Out Magazine and was singled out in People magazine as well as one of the best Latin American designing teams.

iPOP! is also pleased to announce the creative choreography team of Jeri Slaughter and Paul Morente as choreographers for the iPOP! New York showcase to be held on Thursday, July 5th. With a degree in dance and theatre, this pair has collectively amassed credits and accolades that have made them ingenious innovators in their field. They have appeared in dozens of commercials, sharing the stage with artist such as Janet Jackson and Jennifer Lopez and most recently worked on Christina Aguilera's last world concert tour and her "Dirrty" music video which garnered nominations and wins at the VMAs. As actors and dancers, Slaughter and Morente have had guest-starring roles in top shows like "Friends" and "Will and Grace" and are currently developing a sitcom.

For more information about iPOP! please refer to the official iPOP! website at www.ipopconvention.com.

Source: iPOP!

SAIC Captures Top Honors at the 2006 Telly Awards

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) today announced that the company has won three 2006 Telly Awards, including a Silver Telly, the highest honor awarded.

The Telly Awards are the premier awards for television, film and video honoring outstanding production companies, advertising agencies, television stations and corporate video departments. The competition receives over 10,000 entries each year. Past winners include PBS, Sony BMG, J. Walter Thompson and The Walt Disney Studios.

SAIC received the Silver Telly for a 12-minute video on the company's extraordinary response in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The video detailed the company's mobilization of a rapid response team to ensure that SAIC employees and customers in the Gulf Coast received the support they required immediately following one of the nation's worst natural disasters in history.

"I'm extremely proud of the accomplishments of our corporate video team," said Arnold Punaro, SAIC executive vice president for Government Affairs, Communications and Support Operations. "SAIC's Corporate Creative Services team did a stellar job in telling the SAIC story. I am especially pleased with their work in highlighting the company's support for SAIC families and customers affected by Hurricane Katrina."

SAIC also won two Bronze Telly awards for outstanding achievement -- one for a 4-minute version of the Katrina video and one for "SAIC: From Science to Solutions," which provides an overview of the company's key business areas by showcasing SAIC scientists, engineers and managers at work.

SAIC is the largest employee-owned research and engineering company in the United States, with more than 43,000 employees in over 150 cities worldwide. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006, the company reported annual revenues of $7.8 billion. SAIC engineers and scientists solve complex technical problems in national security, homeland security, energy, the environment, space, telecommunications, health care, and logistics. SAIC: FROM SCIENCE TO SOLUTIONS(TM)

Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements or industry results to be very different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended January 31, 2006, and such other filings that the Company makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

Source: SAIC

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

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NEWS: June 30, 2006

 

Long Term Care Experts on Call; Army of 200 Will Help Companies Help Aging Employees

To Dairy or Not To Dairy ... That is the $2 Billion Lactose Intolerance Market Question McClatchy and Tribune Introduce New Name for Former KRT News Service

Bankrate: Mortgage Rates Soar Ahead of Fed Meeting

Big Brothers Big Sisters, ESSENCE Magazine Issue Call to Action for African-American Male Mentors; Critical Need, Critical Shortage Driving Effort

Motorists Encouraged to Put Safety First This Fourth of July PennDOT, State Police Offer Safe-Driving Tips

__________________________________________________________-

Long Term Care Experts on Call; Army of 200 Will Help Companies Help Aging Employees As the American workforce ages, employees need a new health benefit: long term care insurance. But with benefits budgets already stretched, few companies can afford it. Now there's a solution, an educational program from LTC Financial Partners, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance brokerage. The program costs the employer nothing while helping employees get the protection they and their families need.

It's a win-win proposition all around. Through free guidance, employees learn how to protect their assets and livelihoods with sound long term care policies. They also learn about available tax breaks and employee discounts that make the coverage more affordable. Companies benefit through increased employee satisfaction and output. Cameron Truesdell, CEO of LTC Financial Partners, points to productivity losses that cost American industry an estimated 20 billion dollars per year. "Nearly a quarter of the workforce is called upon for some kind of caregiving," he says. "That takes time and attention from the job, and it's not necessary if there's insurance to provide professional care."

The free help is called the Long Term Care Outreach and Education Program(TM), or LTCOEP(TM). It's provided by an army of 200 top experts mobilized by Truesdell's organization. The experts are on call to companies of all sizes -- for presentations, question-answer sessions, and advice by phone. Information and a request form may be found at www.LTChotline.com

Organizations already taking advantage of the program include Weyerhaeuser, Brookstreet Securities, and Highmark Inc. of Pennsylvania.

"We're on a mission to make long term care insurance as common as auto insurance," says Truesdell. "Just about everyone needs it because we're living longer and we're more susceptible to downtime." In addition to offering live help, the 200 experts will supply information for company newsletters.

LTC Financial Partners works with affiliates in the financial and legal fields, and represents multiple leading carriers including John Hancock, MetLife, Allianz, Prudential, MedAmerica, Penn Treaty, Physicians Mutual, and UnumProvident.

Source: LTC Financial Partners LLC

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

To Dairy or Not To Dairy ... That is the $2 Billion Lactose Intolerance Market Question

Lactose intolerance -- that bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, and diarrhea that afflicts millions of Americans -- is big business, with sales of no- and low-lactose dairy products expected to surpass $500 million by the end of 2006. In addition, sales of dairy-alternatives, such as soy and rice milks, will reach nearly $1.4 billion, according to No- and Low-Lactose Foods and Beverages, a new report from Packaged Facts.

With the increasing prevalence (real or perceived) of consumers with decreased lactase activity, as well as more dairy product marketers investing in the technology to make innovative no- and low-lactose dairy products, Packaged Facts projects that the retail market for no- and low-lactose dairy products will reach $827 million by 2010. This projection reflects an annual growth of 16%. Similarly, the market for dairy-alternative products will rise to nearly $2 billion, as this market sector appeals to both lactose-intolerant and dairy-allergic individuals.

While in the past many lactose intolerant individuals painstakingly avoided dairy products, they are now returning to the market, thanks to newer lactose-free dairy product options and educational efforts launched by the dairy industry and federal government.

"As the number of lactose-free ice creams, cheeses, and cultured dairy products begins to grow, consumers are eagerly returning to dairy for both nutrition and taste," said Don Montuori, the publisher of Packaged Facts. "Consumers appreciate the available lactose-free choices and we expect that newer lactose removal technologies will bring on a wealth of new products along with new marketers willing to dive into this high-growth market."

No- and Low-Lactose Foods and Beverages examines the evolution of the industry, analyzes new product trends, offers competitive profiles of key industry players, and looks at consumer trends and behaviors surrounding the growing usage of lactose reduced and lactose-free foods and beverages. Priced at $1,995, this report can be purchased directly from Packaged Facts by visiting: http://www.packagedfacts.com/pub/1302985.html. It is also available at MarketResearch.com.

About Packaged Facts

Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes market intelligence on a wide range of consumer industries, including consumer goods, food and beverage, and demographics. Web site: http://www.packagedfacts.com/pub/1302985.html
http://www.packagedfacts.com/
http://www.marketresearch.com/

McClatchy and Tribune Introduce New Name for Former KRT News Service

The McClatchy Company and Tribune Media Services, a subsidiary of Tribune Company, today announced a change in the name of the Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services (KRT). Effective immediately, the entity will be known as the McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

With the close of the sale of Knight-Ridder, Inc. to McClatchy, the Sacramento-based media company becomes Tribune's partner in operation of the joint venture formerly known as KRT.

The McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT) provides news stories, feature articles, photos, graphics, illustrations, caricatures, themed content packages and paginated products. With contributions by more than 60 newspapers in the United States and abroad and material produced by its own staff in the United States and Europe, MCT supplies content to 1,200 media clients worldwide. MCT is also a major provider of content to online information services.

The MCT products are marketed worldwide by Tribune Media Services, the content-licensing unit of Tribune Company.

"McClatchy is excited about this opportunity to join Tribune in the operation of this distinguished media service," said Howard Weaver, the McClatchy Company's vice president for news. "We are committed to maintaining the high journalism standards that have characterized the KRT service for so many years, and to finding ways to make the service a more valuable resource for our customers."

"The need for the type of content MCT provides its clients is only going to grow over the next several years," said David D. Williams, president and CEO of Tribune Media Services. "We're delighted to have McClatchy as our partner in enhancing the service and in reinforcing its position as a leading supplier of editorial material to media organizations around the world."

McClatchy and Tribune said they anticipated no changes in the way MCT aggregates and distributes content to its clients.

About The McClatchy Company

On June 27, 2006, The McClatchy Company acquired Knight-Ridder, Inc. At the time, Knight Ridder published 32 daily newspapers in 29 U.S. markets, with a circulation of 3.4 million daily and 4.5 million Sunday, along with a variety of investments in internet and technology companies.

As part of that announcement, McClatchy said it planned to sell 11 of the acquired newspapers that do not fit with the company's longstanding operating strategies and acquisition criteria, and to sell the St. Paul Pioneer Press due to anticipated antitrust concerns involving McClatchy's Minneapolis Star Tribune. On June 27, 2006, McClatchy completed the sales of the Duluth (MN) News Tribune; the Grand Forks (ND) Herald; the Aberdeen (SD) American News; and the Ft. Wayne (IN) News-Sentinel and a 75% interest in the Fort Wayne Joint Operating Agency.

Upon completion of the remaining divestitures, McClatchy will include 32 daily newspapers and approximately 50 non-dailies. Papers added through this transaction include The Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and The Charlotte Observer. They will join McClatchy's 12 papers serving cities including Minneapolis, MN; Sacramento, CA; and Raleigh, NC. In addition, McClatchy combined with Knight Ridder has an expanded network of valuable internet assets.

SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this press release regarding the transactions between McClatchy and each of Knight Ridder, MediaNews, Hearst, Sound Publishing Holdings, Inc., Philadelphia Media Holdings LLC and The Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company Inc., the expected timetable for completing the remaining transactions, future financial and operating results, benefits and synergies of the transactions, future opportunities for the company and any other statements about management's future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," estimates and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including: the ability to consummate the remaining transactions, the ability of McClatchy to successfully integrate Knight Ridder's operations and employees; the ability to realize anticipated synergies and cost savings; and the other factors described in McClatchy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2005 and the final Prospectus/Proxy Statement/Information Statement contained in McClatchy's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-133321). McClatchy disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this document.

About Tribune Media Services and Tribune Company

Tribune Media Services (TMS), a subsidiary of Tribune Company, is a leading provider of information and entertainment products for print, electronic and on-air media in the United States and abroad. It distributes TV and movie listings and related editorial content under the TMS and Zap2it brands; syndicates comics, editorial cartoons, features and opinion columns; creates and distributes a variety of online information products; licenses editorial content from national periodicals; and manages national advertising networks. TMS also markets news, features, information graphics and multimedia content to media clients around the world through the McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information, visit http://www.tms.tribune.com/ .

Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) is one of the country's top media companies, operating businesses in publishing and broadcasting. It reaches more than 80 percent of U.S. households and is the only media organization with newspapers, television stations and websites in the nation's top three markets.

 

Web site: http://www.tms.tribune.com/

 

Bankrate: Mortgage Rates Soar Ahead of Fed Meeting

Fixed mortgage rates increased for the third consecutive week as higher interest rate expectations take hold. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage jumped from 6.83 percent to 6.93 percent, the highest since April 17, 2002, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. The 30-year fixed rate mortgages in this week's survey had an average of 0.34 discount and origination points.

The average 15-year fixed rate mortgage, popular for refinancing, rose to 6.57 percent. On larger loans, the average jumbo 30-year fixed rate has cleared the 7 percent threshold by a healthy margin, climbing to 7.11 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were also on the move. The average 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rocketed to 6.59 percent, and the average one-year ARM increased from 6 percent to 6.09 percent.

Mortgage rates were largely unchanged from late April to mid-June. But the past three weeks have seen fixed mortgage rates rise nearly one-quarter percentage point. Typically, interest rate moves by the Federal Open Market Committee don't have a direct impact on fixed mortgage rates, and that has been the case for much of the past two years. But in recent weeks, fixed mortgage rates have climbed as bond investors come to grips with accelerating inflation and the prospect that the Fed will continue to raise interest rates. Mortgage rates are closely related to yields on long-term government bonds. With the yield on ten-year Treasury notes, the benchmark for fixed mortgage rates, roughly equal to what the fed funds rate will be following the Fed's meeting, further rate hikes may mean more of the same for mortgage rates.

Fixed mortgage rates have moved up notably in the first half of this year. As 2005 came to a close, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.28 percent, meaning that the monthly payment on a loan of $165,000 was $1,019.16. With the average 30-year fixed rate now 6.93 percent, the same loan originated today would carry a payment of $1,090.00. Despite recent increases, fixed mortgage rates remain an attractive refinancing alternative for adjustable rate borrowers facing sharp payment adjustments.

SURVEY RESULTS

30-year fixed: 6.93% -- up from 6.83% last week (avg. points: 0.34)

15-year fixed: 6.57% -- up from 6.45% last week (avg. points: 0.31)

5/1 ARM: 6.59% -- up from 6.49% last week (avg. points: 0.3)

Bankrate's national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets.

For a full analysis of this week's move in mortgage rates, go to:

http://www.bankrate.com/mortgagerates

The survey is complemented by Bankrate's weekly forward-looking Rate Trend Index, in which a panel of mortgage experts predicts which way the rates are headed over the next 30 to 45 days. This week, the majority of respondents, 63 percent, predict mortgage rates will rise further in the next 30 to 45 days. Of the remainder, 25 percent forecast a retreat in mortgage rates while just 12 percent think rates will remain unchanged.

For the full mortgage Rate Trend Index, go to: http://www.bankrate.com/RTI

 

About Bankrate, Inc.

 

Bankrate, Inc. (NASDAQ:RATE) owns and operates Bankrate.com, a leading Internet consumer banking marketplace. Bankrate.com is a destination site of personal finance channels, including banking, investing, taxes, debt management and college finance. It is the leading aggregator of more than 300 financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, new and used auto loans, money market accounts and CDs, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans and online banking fees. Bankrate.com reviews more than 4,800 financial institutions in 575 markets in 50 states. In 2005, Bankrate.com had over 46 million unique visitors. Bankrate.com provides financial applications and information to a network of more than 75 partners, including Yahoo! (NASDAQ:YHOO) , America Online (NYSE:TWX) , The Wall Street Journal (NYSE:DJ) and The New York Times (NYSE:NYT) . Bankrate.com's information is also distributed through more than 400 national and state publications. In addition to Bankrate.com, Bankrate, Inc. also owns and operates FastFind, an internet lead aggregator and MMIS/Interest.com, which publishes mortgage guides and financial rates and information.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, ESSENCE Magazine Issue Call to Action for African-American Male Mentors; Critical Need, Critical Shortage Driving Effort

ESSENCE magazine and Big Brothers Big Sisters have joined hands in a landmark recruiting effort to secure needed male mentors for African-American youth. ESSENCE will launch the initiative July 1 - 3 during its Empowerment Seminars at its annual Essence Music Festival, at Reliant Park in Houston. The goal of the initiative, according to ESSENCE, is to rally an expected 250,000 festival attendees to demonstrate their love and concern for African-American children by committing to work with trusted national organizations, in particular Big Brothers Big Sisters, to mentor and strengthen African-American youth.

The Festival, known as "the party with a purpose," is the nation's largest annual African-American event as well as the largest gathering of musical talent in the world.

"With all of us standing together, linking arms and aims, we will create a new future for the many vulnerable African-American children," said Susan Taylor, Editorial Director, ESSENCE Magazine. "The ESSENCE family is so looking forward to working with Big Brothers Big Sisters."

"The shortage of adult, caring male mentors, particularly African-American men, is a threat to our communities," said Judy Vredenburgh, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the largest youth mentoring organization in the country. "We need to break the cycle of violence our young people see in their lives and help them fulfill the promise and possibilities they so rightly deserve. We know that the Big Brothers Big Sisters form of mentoring can do that. That's why we are thrilled to partner with ESSENCE Magazine in its ESSENCE Cares! initiative."

Other prominent individuals and organizations that will lend support to the African-American male mentoring recruitment effort are:

* Thomas Dortch of 100 Black Men of America, an organization devoted to

improving the quality of life within black communities and enhancing

educational and economic opportunities. 100 Black Men of America

will be organizing fraternal groups at the festival to enlist two

million African-American men to mentor boys, including enlisting men

for BBBS.

* Alpha Phi Alpha, the African-American fraternity that has supplied

voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of

color around the world, with whom BBBS has a longstanding

partnership.

* The Twenty-First Century Foundation, an organization whose mission is

to advance strategic Black philanthropy.

The ESSENCE Cares! initiative features a lineup of speakers and performers including: Yolanda Adams, John Hope Bryant, Common, Angela Davis, Michael Eric Dyson, Thomas W. Dortch Jr., Marian Wright Edelman, Danny Glover, Bruce Gordon, Congressman Alexander Green, The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Jamie Foxx, Terrence Howard, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Mathew Knowles, Queen Latifah, Congresswomen Barbara Lee, Sheila Jackson Lee and Maxine Waters, Donnie McClurkin, Mo'Nique, Marc Morial, Shemar Moore, Nas, Kevin Powell, Jill Scott, Reverend Al Sharpton, Iyanla Vanzant, Reverend Dr. Renita Weems, Terrie Williams and many others.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth services for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. In 2005, Big Brothers Big Sisters served 234,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia, PA. To volunteer or donate, visit http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org/.

About ESSENCE

With more than seven million readers, ESSENCE is the pre-eminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women. Published by Essence Communications, Inc., it is the leading source of cutting-edge information relating to every area of African-American women's lives. For 35 years, ESSENCE has celebrated personal achievement, chronicled social movement, documented struggles, showcased beauty, defined and set trends and illustrated the incredible journey of a resilient and splendid race.

Source: Big Brothers Big Sisters

Web site: http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org/

 

Motorists Encouraged to Put Safety First This Fourth of July

PennDOT, State Police Offer Safe-Driving Tips

With millions of people expected to travel this Fourth of July weekend, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police are urging motorists to drive safely and prevent accidents.

"Two of the biggest steps motorists can take to ensure safety are to wear their seat belts and never drink and drive," PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., said. "Another step to increase highway safety this holiday is to avoid aggressive driving. We encourage all drivers to share the road and be respectful to their fellow drivers."

During last year's Fourth of July holiday, 23 people lost their lives and more than 1,000 crashes were reported.

"We repeat the seat belt safety message every holiday, but it's evident that some people aren't paying attention," said Colonel Jeffrey B. Miller, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. "I urge every driver and passenger to buckle up before they start any trip."

According to PennDOT, there were eight fatalities during the 2005 holiday in which the person was not wearing a seat belt.

In addition to seat belts, PennDOT urges motorists to never drink and drive. Of the more than 1,000 crashes last year, 151 were alcohol-related and 12 people were killed in alcohol-related accidents.

Another important safety tip is to turn on your car's headlights and follow the posted speed limits in work zones. Even though workers may not be present, there are still barriers or lane changes in effect that require caution and reduced speeds.

PennDOT urges motorists to follow these tips:

* Pay full attention to the road whenever you get behind the wheel.

Avoid distractions.

* Don't tailgate. Always maintain a safe distance between vehicles.

* Always signal your intentions in advance. Use turn signals.

* Use headlights during times of low visibility.

* When traveling long distances, take frequent breaks and rotate drivers

to reduce fatigue.

* Provide children with only soft books or plush toys and keep vehicles

free of unnecessary items. Hard toys or other objects can cause

injuries in the event of a sudden stop or crash.

* On multi-lane roads, state law says motorists must drive on the right

and pass on the left.

* In the event of a minor accident, involved drivers should immediately

drive their vehicles to a safe place, out of the flow of traffic.

For more information, visit PennDOT's Web site at http://www.dot.state.pa.us/.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Web site: http://www.dot.state.pa.us/

 

 

 

 

 

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SPORTS AND AUTOS: June 30, 2006

Trump Million Dollar Invitational On ESPN

Phonak Wishes its Cycling Team "Bonne Chance" for the Tour de France - Leader Floyd Landis and Team to Spread the Message of Better Hearing Across the Country - and Beyond Leading Edge Rocket Racing Announces Chief Pilot; F-16 Pilot Co-Founders Select Fellow Pilot, Korey 'Axe' Amundson as Chief Pilot

Farmers' Almanac TV (TM) to Offer Cutting-Edge Internet Video Reports From the First-Ever Special Olympics USA National Games

Greek Football Team Wins International Finals Of The Budweiser Cup Stunning Victory over Team Portugal Gives Greek Football Club 6v6 Championship

Odds to Win 2006 Tour de France From PinnacleSports.com

Ahoy, Sprogs! Volvo Warns Less Than Two Weeks Left in Global Treasure Hunt!

Hunt Part of Volvo's Promotion With Disney for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest; visit www.volvocars.us/thehunt

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Trump Million Dollar Invitational On ESPN The US Pro Golf Tour, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greens Worldwide, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: GRWW) , announced today that the excitement, drama and heartbreak of who wins $1 Million in the Trump Million Dollar Invitational can be seen Sunday, July 2, from 1-3 ET on ESPN and again Wednesday, July 12, from 2:30-4:30 ET on ESPN2. The Trump Million Dollar Invitational will also be syndicated worldwide.

On May 21, 2006, the US Pro Golf Tour sent 85 of its top players to Canouan Island in The Grenadines to take part in the Trump Million Dollar Invitational -- Presented by TaylorMade. After a 54 hole qualifier with 100 aspiring professional golfers, ten finalists from the USPGT, survived the pressure of a nine-hole shootout, hole-by-hole, under the watchful eye of Billionaire entrepreneur Donald J. Trump. Nine would fall -- one was left standing, holding a check presented by Mr. Trump worth $1 Million.

Watch the excitement build on ESPN Sunday, July 2nd, from 1 to 3 p.m.

About the U.S. Pro Golf Tour, Inc.

The U.S. Pro Golf Tour, Inc. is the country's premier intermediary professional golf tour. Our tour-caliber events feature former PGA golfers, players preparing for the Champions Tour, non-exempt professionals on the Champions Tour, celebrity challengers and professionals 18 and older gearing-up for the PGA Tour. The U.S. Pro Golf Tour also conducts a Pro-Net competition for players with handicaps of all skill levels, 18 years and older, competing for substantial prize money in a tour-event atmosphere. All tournaments are week-long events, and feature junior clinics, Pro-Am's, media coverage, entertainment, electronic leader boards and hospitality, with local market charities benefiting from the events. The U.S. Pro Golf Tour is televised nationally on FOX Sports Net through its 22 regional sports channels. For more information on the U.S. Pro Golf Tour, phone 252.264.2064, or visit our website, www.usprogolftour.com. The U.S. Pro Golf Tour, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Greens Worldwide, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: GRWW) (www.grwwsports.com)

About Winnercomm

Winnercomm is a Tulsa, Oklahoma-based cross media and production company that is the largest independent provider of network programming to the ESPN Networks. Winnercomm services include visual communication, television production, programming, interactive media, image management and broadcast design.

About Innovative Media Solutions, LLC

Innovative Media Solutions, LLC (IMS), based in Manhattan Beach, CA, develops unique, compelling and custom designed integrated media programs for major corporations to reach specific and very targeted demographics. IMS creates dynamic value-added events that effectively blend the use of TV, print, radio, online, database development, event marketing and hospitality. The unique synergy of IMS strategic resources empowers sponsors and advertisers to maximize their investments by transcending common advertising clutter and delivering focused product or service messages to the right audience at the right time.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Forward-looking statements deal with the Company's current plans, intentions, beliefs and expectations. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed from time to time in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

346 Woodland Church Road

Hertford, NC 27944

252.264.2064

Source: Greens Worldwide, Inc.

Web site: http://www.grwwsports.com/
http://www.usprogolftour.com/

 

Phonak Wishes its Cycling Team "Bonne Chance" for the Tour de France - Leader Floyd Landis and Team to Spread the Message of Better Hearing Across the Country - and Beyond

On July 1, the Phonak Cycling Team will set out to win the 3653.6 kilometre-long Tour de France, the world's most prestigious and difficult cycling race. From the tip of Strasbourg to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the Phonak Cycling Team will spread the message of better hearing across the country and - through its worldwide audience - well beyond national borders. Phonak has its attention particularly focused on previous Paris-Nice winner Floyd Landis to demonstrate his abilities as Team Leader during the race. The 30-year-old recently finished the Dauphiné Libéré, an important training run for the Tour de France due to its similarity to the Grande Boucle and achieved a second place in the time trial.

"In preparation for the Tour de France, Floyd Landis kept a highly regimented cycling schedule with selective races and rigorous training in the US over the past year," said General Team Manager John Lelangue. "After obtaining three victories in four tours, Floyd Landis is well positioned to win the competition."

"Together with thousands of fans around the globe, we look forward to following the race results of the Phonak Cycling Team," said Valentin Chapero, CEO of the Phonak Group. "During each stage of the Tour de France, our ambassadors will deliver the important message of better hearing worldwide. We wish them all the best."

Through its advanced hearing solutions, Phonak Hearing Systems improves the hearing and communications abilities of millions, thereby making a substantial improvement in their quality of life. The international sport of cycling is a significant venue for raising awareness of better hearing, since both cycling and hearing connect people across borders.

More than 22 per cent of the European adult population is hearing impaired, yet only one in six people who would benefit from using a hearing aid actually wear one. It is estimated that there are 28 million hearing impaired people in the USA, or one person out of ten. In the developed world alone, the number of hearing-impaired people will reach 215 million in 2015, whereas in developing countries the number is twice as large.

About Phonak

The Phonak Group (SWX: PHBN), headquartered in Stäfa, Switzerland, specializes in the design, development, production and global distribution of technologically advanced wireless and hearing systems. As one of the top technology companies in the industry worldwide and with a global staff of over 3,400 employees, Phonak is a major player in the hearing health care market. By combining its expertise in hearing technology with a strong distribution network in over 70 countries, Phonak, along with its customers and business partners, contributes significantly to the quality of life of many people worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.phonak.com.

Source: Phonak Holding AG

Leading Edge Rocket Racing Announces Chief Pilot; F-16 Pilot Co-Founders Select Fellow Pilot, Korey 'Axe' Amundson as Chief Pilot

Leading Edge Rocket Racing(TM), LLC today announced the selection of F-16 Pilot, Korey "Axe" Amundson as their Chief Pilot. Mr. Amundson will take the controls of the team's Mark-1 X-Racer(TM) early next year in racing competition.

"I'm thrilled and honored to fly the Mark-1 X-Racer for Team Leading Edge(TM). Racing a liquid-fueled rocket-powered airplane will be challenging and exciting!" said Mr. Amundson. "I'm looking forward to bringing the skills, spirit and conviction of a fighter pilot into a completely new venue. The average American never gets to see us in action, pitting our skills against other pilots. Now, they can!"

Korey Amundson, call sign "Axe", comes from a rich history of aviation and cutting edge development; his uncle was instrumental in the launching of the U2 and SR-71 programs. After graduating in 1994 from the United States Air Force Academy with a BS in Civil/Environmental Engineering, he served for three years as a Civil Engineer on active duty before he began a military flying career. In the last nine years, Korey has accumulated over 1,600 flying hours in military aircraft, including the T-38, F-15, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Included in this flying time are 600 hours of instruction, evaluation, and combat. During his career, Mr. Amundson has accepted every opportunity to take his military flying experience to new levels. As a result, he has developed a repertoire of acrobatic and precision flying skills through both incentive rides and various film projects. For example, he worked with veteran filming pilots and IMAX to film aerial flyby scenes for the IMAX production entitled "NASCAR, THE IMAX EXPERIENCE 3D", which hit theaters in early 2004.

For Team Leading Edge's co-founders and fellow F-16 pilots, "Bobaloo" Rickard and "Dagger" Grantham, choosing a chief pilot was not a difficult decision. "Axe's ability to push the envelope of his aircraft as well as his dedication and enthusiasm for new projects were the deciding factors for his selection as chief pilot," Rickard states. Grantham adds, "We've literally had a bird's eye view of his awesome development in the skies above Arizona each week. He's smart, he's daring and most importantly, he's competitive. Axe will be the 'flying' force behind our championship team."

About Leading Edge Rocket Racing(TM) -- Leading Edge Rocket Racing(TM), LLC is The Rocket Racing League's(TM) first independent race team. The premier Rocket Racing team is co-founded by F-16 pilots Robert "Bobaloo" Rickard and Don A. "Dagger" Grantham, Jr.

Rickard served in the active duty Air Force for more than 13 years piloting the F-16. He was awarded "Instructor Pilot of the Year" for two separate Fighter Wings while on active duty. Rickard is a graduate of the US Air Force Fighter Weapons School, the most challenging and prestigious doctorate-level flying course in the world. He currently leads the Rickard Consulting Group, Inc., which provides technical expertise on a wide range of tactical flying programs in the public and private sectors.

Grantham is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and served for 16 years as an Air Force F-16 Instructor/Evaluator Pilot as well as an Advance Agent for Air Force One. In 2002, Grantham became one of only three officers in the history of the Air Force One Advance Agent program to be decorated for outstanding achievement as an Advance Agent.

Team Leading Edge(TM) will take possession of their first rocket powered Mark-1 X-Racer later this year.

Leading Edge Rocket Racing(TM) and Team Leading Edge(TM) are trademarks of Leading Edge Rocket Racing, LLC.

For More information about Team Leading Edge(TM) and the Rocket Racing League(TM), visit: http://leadingedgerocketracing.com/ and http://www.rocketracingleague.com/ .

Source: Leading Edge Rocket Racing, LLC

Web site: http://leadingedgerocketracing.com/
http://www.rocketracingleague.com/

 

Farmers' Almanac TV (TM) to Offer Cutting-Edge Internet Video Reports From the First-Ever Special Olympics USA National Games

Using cutting-edge video technology, "Farmers' Almanac TV" (TM) will offer friends and families of athletes competing in the first-ever Special Olympics USA National Games the opportunity to view daily reports on the games via the Internet. The Special Olympics USA National Games will be held from July 2 through July 7, on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa.

Special Olympics' fans will also have the chance to show their support for the athletes in an online forum especially created for the event. The forum can also be used by on-site coaches, volunteers and others at the Ames, Iowa games, to share details about how individual athletes are faring in specific competitions.

Both the daily video reports and the forum may be viewed by visiting http://www.farmersalmanactv.com/ .

The Special Olympics USA National Games' coverage by "Farmers' Almanac TV" (TM) is part of a journey through Iowa and other states and regions of North America, to videotape stories for the second season of the television series of the same name. Season one of "Farmers' Almanac TV" (TM) is currently airing on public television stations throughout the US. The series is distributed by American Public Television, and presented for distribution by PBA 30, Atlanta's PBS station.

This new 30-minute magazine style series is the result of a licensing agreement between "Farmers' Almanac TV" (TM) and the "Farmers' Almanac" (TM), which is a timeless, trusted, and treasured publication that dates back to 1818. With a 21st century focus on 'living the tradition,' "Farmers' Almanac TV" (TM) aims to educate and entertain audiences who are hungry for helpful information in over a dozen lifestyle categories, including gardening, cooking, wellness, weather, and household hints.

More than 3,000 Special Olympics athletes from all 50 US states will compete in the Special Olympics USA National Games' 12 Olympic-style sports and, in the process, will promote the achievements and abilities of persons with intellectual disabilities to all of America.

For more information about Special Olympics USA National Games visit http://www.2006nationalgames.org/ .

For more information about Farmers' Almanac TV's coverage of the event, please visit http://www.farmersalmanactv.com/ .

For more information about the cutting-edge Internet video technology "Farmers' Almanac TV" (TM) is using to provide daily reports from the games, visit http://www.brightcove.com/.

Source: Farmers' Almanac TV

Web site: http://www.farmersalmanactv.com/
http://www.2006nationalgames.org/
http://www.brightcove.com/

Greek Football Team Wins International Finals Of The Budweiser Cup

Stunning Victory over Team Portugal Gives Greek Football Club 6v6 Championship

Eight Greek football players participated in and won the 2006 Budweiser Cup international finals on June 28 in Stadium Cologne in Germany. The Greek football team defeated Portugal 2-1 in the championship match.

The team included: Tsoukas Konstantinos, Foskolos Antonios, Iosifidis Dimitrios, Paraskevas Konstantakopoulos, Kritikos Sylianos, Kontzinas Konstantinos, Siamantas Konstantinos, Kousioris Dimitrios and manager Sophia Triantafillou.

"Representing Greece and winning the Budweiser Cup finals was a dream come true," said Sophia Triantafillou, Team Greece's manager. "It was an absolute thrill to play in a real World Cup stadium and experience the greatest sporting event in the world. This was the opportunity of a lifetime and one we will never forget."

The 2006 Budweiser Cup International Finals featured teams from Argentina, England, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Portugal, United Arab Emirates and the United States.

The Greek team sailed through the opening round, and defeated the United Arab Emirates in the semi-finals.

"It was an experience to meet fellow football players from around the world," said Triantafillou. "We all share a passion for the sport and enjoyed competing against each other."

Budweiser Cup was a global six-on-six football tournament involving players from around the world. Teams advanced to the world championship by winning a national qualifying tournament. In addition to playing on the same pitch as World Cup players, teams competing in the Budweiser Cup experienced the comforts that go along with being a football star including: round-trip airline tickets to Cologne, first-class hotel accommodations and tickets to two World Cup matches.

"The FIFA World Cup(TM) represents the pinnacle of international football, but few recreational players ever experience it firsthand," said Bruce Hudson, senior director of international sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "With Budweiser Cup, we offered football fans the thrill of representing their country in an actual FIFA World Cup(TM) stadium. It doesn't get any better than this."

Anheuser-Busch has been a FIFA World Cup(TM) partner since 1986. The 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM) is Anheuser-Busch's sixth consecutive tournament as a major event sponsor, serving as a symbol of the brand's commitment to soccer. Budweiser recently announced the extension of its sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup through the 2010 and 2014 tournaments.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.8 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer, and a 27 percent share in Tsingtao, the No. 1 brewer in China. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired U.S. and Global Companies lists in 2006. Anheuser-Busch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and is America's top recycler of aluminum cans. For more information, visit http://www.anheuser-busch.com/ .

 

Odds to Win 2006 Tour de France From PinnacleSports.com

-- The biggest question entering this year's Tour de France is which cyclist will emerge from the crowded pack to claim the yellow jersey Lance Armstrong has held for the past seven years. With the 93rd edition of cycling's most prestigious race beginning this weekend, PinnacleSports.com has released odds on which rider will win the 2006 Tour de France.

The largest sports betting site on the Internet, PinnacleSports.com has calculated individual odds on 30 individuals participating in the grueling three-week long race. Italian cyclist Ivan Basso, who finished second to Armstrong last year, has been inserted as the odds-on favorite to win the Tour de France at 11/10 odds. PinnacleSports.com lists five-time Tour runner-up Jan Ullrich with the second-best odds to win his first yellow jersey at 9/4 odds. Spaniard Alejandro Valverde, who's known for his prowess in the mountain stages, is listed at 11/1 to emerge victorious, followed by Kazakh rider Alexander Vinokourov at 13/1. Meanwhile, Floyd Landis (14/1) and Levi Leipheimer (30/1) are solid contenders to become only the third American to capture the Tour de France title in the race's illustrious history. Other riders that should compete for the championship include: Cadel Evans (25/1), Yaroslav Popovych (30/1), George Hincapie (35/1) and Francisco Mancebo (50/1).

"Without Lance Armstrong returning to defend his title, this year's Tour de France appears to be a two-horse race between last year's runner-up and third place finisher," said Simon Noble of PinnacleSports.com. "While any number of riders could challenge for the title, Basso and Ullrich are two skilled cyclists supported by excellent teams that should help guide them into cycling history. Although Landis and Leipheimer are both underdogs, they could both be in contention in the final stages as both excel in mountains which are crucial in the Tour de France."

Current Odds: *All Odds Subject to Change*

Odds to Win 2006 Tour de France

Ivan Basso 11/10

Jan Ullrich 9/4

Alejandro Valverde 11/1

Alexander Vinokourov 13/1

Floyd Landis 14/1

Cadel Evans 25/1

Levi Leipheimer 30/1

Yaroslav Popovych 30/1

George Hincapie 35/1

Francisco Mancebo 50/1

Iban Mayo 73/1

Andreas Kloeden 85/1

Michael Rasmussen 85/1

Damiano Cunego 100/1

Oscar Pereiro 100/1

Andrey Kashechkin 100/1

Carlos Sastre 100/1

Haimar Zubeldia 100/1

David Millar 100/1

Denis Menchov 100/1

Georg Totschnig 100/1

Paolo Savoldelli 100/1

Valdimir Karpets 100/1

Santiago Botero 100/1

Gilberto Simoni 100/1

Danilo Di Luca 100/1

Bobby Julich 100/1

Joseba Beloki 100/1

Eddy Mazzoleni 109/1

Aitor Gonzalez 150/1

For a complete list of odds, please visit http://www.pinnaclesports.com/ .

 

About PinnacleSports.com

 

PinnacleSports.com ( http://www.pinnaclesports.com/ ) is the Internet's largest sports betting site, serving customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. Founded in 1998, PinnacleSports.com was the first sports book to introduce reduced margin wagering, using a -105 pricing model that gives bettors up to 50% better value on wagers than traditional bookmakers. With low minimum bet requirements and the highest maximum limits on the web, PinnacleSports.com has earned an industry-leading reputation for providing consistent value to the player, professional customer service and the quickest payouts online. Fully licensed and regulated in Curacao, the company offers a secure environment for sports betting, racing and casino gaming.

Source: PinnacleSports.com

PinnacleSports.com

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

Ahoy, Sprogs! Volvo Warns Less Than Two Weeks Left in Global Treasure Hunt!

Hunt Part of Volvo's Promotion With Disney for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest; visit www.volvocars.us/thehunt

Arrrrrrrrrr, or rather, Carrrrrrrr, mateys! Individuals nationwide have less than two weeks to join the global multi-media treasure hunt Volvo Car Corporation is conducting as part of a promotional tie-in with Disney's forthcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. As part of the initiative, Volvo has buried a pirate-themed XC90 V8 SUV somewhere in the world and is asking wanna-be pirates to find it.

The online hunt runs through July 12. Until July 11, individuals can visit their local Volvo retailer to pick up a free treasure map. Once online, they are asked to go to www.volvocars.us/thehunt to register for the world's first hunt for a buried vehicle. Treasure hunters then will participate in a challenging, engaging and fun-filled online adventure to solve a series of online clues and puzzles. Participants can share clues and tips for the hunt on the official blog at http://spaces.msn.com/vcnathehunt.

The buried one-of-a-kind, Volvo XC90 features a variety of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest-inspired elements, including menacing graphics from the film, black leather seats, custom painted 20 inch wheels and more.

Once registered online, individuals will have puzzles emailed to them on a regular basis. Those who solve the puzzles correctly will continue to receive clues. Individuals can join at any time through July 11, and can catch up with other participants if they correctly answer the puzzles. As the contest progresses, the puzzles will become increasingly harder to solve, with the final online clue e-mailed July 12. Volvo Car Corporation will then select seven finalists from around the world who correctly guess the answer to the final online clue.

On August 4, those finalists will be flown with a guest to the secret car burial location. Each finalist will then set-off on a manic on-the-ground search for the buried vehicle. The first treasure hunter to unearth the SUV gets to keep it.

To participate, individuals must visit their local Volvo retailer to pick up a treasure map. Winners will only be eligible if they can produce the original treasure map upon conclusion of the hunt.

In addition to the United States, other Volvo regions participating in the hunt include the United Kingdom, Japan, Spain and Austria.

Volvo's promotion of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest grew out of the partnership with Disney for the worldwide Volvo Ocean Race. The Volvo ship bears the name of the same boat in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, "The Black Pearl." The Ocean Race began in Vigo, Spain on Nov. 12, 2005 and ended in Gothenburg, Sweden on June 17, 2006.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest opens in U.S. theaters July 7.

About Volvo Cars of North America

Volvo has been building cars with Safety in mind for over 75 years. The current 2006 model line-up of Volvo Cars includes: the award-winning new S40 and its wagon counterpart the all-new V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan -- including the award-winning performance sedan -- S60 R and the performance wagon version -- V70 R; the S80 luxury sedan; the versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); and the soon-to-be released new Volvo C70, the convertible with the innovative retractable hardtop.

Source: Volvo Cars of North America

Web site: http://www.volvocars.us/thehunt

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June 29, 2006

CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Unanimously Recommends Addition of a Second Dose of Chickenpox-Containing Vaccine to Childhood Immunization Schedule

Merck's VARIVAX® and PROQUAD® are the only chickenpox-containing vaccines available in the U.S.

 

 Merck & Co., Inc. today announced that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) unanimously voted to recommend that children 4 to 6 years of age receive a second dose of varicella vaccine for the prevention of chickenpox.  The Committee also recommended that children, adolescents and adults who received only one dose of varicella vaccine receive a second, "catch-up" dose, which can be accomplished through routine health-care visits and school- and college-entry requirements. 

Merck's VARIVAX® [varicella vaccine live (Oka/Merck)] and PROQUAD® [measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (Oka/Merck) virus vaccine live] are the only vaccines to protect against chickenpox in the United States.  VARIVAX is indicated for vaccination against varicella in individuals 12 months of age and older and PROQUAD is indicated for simultaneous vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella in children 12 months to 12 years of age.  Chickenpox is highly contagious, easily spread, and sometimes can have serious complications - such as severe skin infections, pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) that may result in hospitalization, or in rare cases, death. 

"While use of the one-dose regimen of the chickenpox vaccine has significantly reduced cases of chickenpox, we believe we can still do more," said Keith Reisinger, M.D., medical director, Primary Physicians Research.  "Because clinical data has shown that a two-dose regimen can potentially further lower the risk of infection, the ACIP's recommendation that children receive a second dose of the varicella vaccine makes it more likely that most American children can have even greater protection against this potentially serious disease."

Chickenpox Remains a Serious Health Concern
Prior to the introduction of VARIVAX in 1995, an estimated four million people1 were infected with the chickenpox virus each year in the U.S., with 11,000 requiring hospitalization.2 In 1996, the ACIP and the CDC added the varicella vaccine to the list of recommended childhood vaccinations.   PROQUAD was licensed in 2005 and provides an opportunity to administer simultaneous vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, thus reducing the number of injections children receive and increasing varicella vaccination coverage to the national levels of coverage against measles, mumps and rubella, which is currently estimated to be 93 percent for children 19 to 35 months of age.  Vaccination coverage rates for varicella still vary widely across states, from 70 to 94 percent in children age 19 to 35 months; in 2004, an estimated 12.5 percent of children were not vaccinated.  Vaccination with VARIVAX or PROQUAD may not result in protection of all healthy, susceptible children, adolescents, and adults.

"Merck is proud that the use of our vaccines has contributed to the reduction in the incidence of chickenpox over the past 11 years," said Mark Feinberg, M.D., Ph.D., vice president of Policy, Public Health and Medical Affairs, Merck Vaccines.  "With widespread use of two doses of varicella vaccine, we hope to see fewer chickenpox outbreaks, especially in schools, and to we hope to see additional decreases in the number of children susceptible to the disease." 

The ACIP also voted to recommend that a second dose of varicella vaccine be included in the CDC Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.  Since 1994, the VFC program has provided vaccines to children who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured or Native American. 

Eligible children may receive recommended vaccines through VFC once the CDC contracts for the purchase of the vaccine.

Two Doses of Varicella Vaccine Lowered Risk of Developing Chickenpox in Clinical Studies 
In a randomized, controlled study in 2,216 children 12 months to 12 years of age that compared one dose of varicella vaccine (VARIVAX) to two doses over a 10-year observation period, the estimated vaccine efficacy was 94.4 percent for one dose and 98.3 percent for two doses.  During the 10-year observation period, this translates into a 3.3-fold lower risk of developing chickenpox more than 42 days after vaccination in children receiving two doses than in those who received one dose (2.2 percent vs. 7.5 percent, respectively).  In this trial, 99.6 percent of children 12 months to 12 years of age who received two doses of varicella vaccine (VARIVAX) three months apart achieved a protective level of antibodies six weeks after vaccination compared to 85.7 percent of those who received only one dose.   The duration of protection of VARIVAX is unknown.

Among 981 children who received two doses of VARIVAX three months apart and who were followed for 42 days after each dose, the two-dose regimen was generally well tolerated, with a safety profile generally comparable to that of the one-dose regimen.  The incidence of injection-site complaints (primarily redness and swelling) observed in the first four days following vaccination was slightly higher post second dose (overall incidence 25.4 percent) than post first dose (overall incidence 21.7 percent), whereas the incidence of systemic complaints in the 42-day follow up period was lower post second dose (66.3 percent) than post first dose (85.8 percent).

Since 1964, the ACIP, a panel of 15 immunization experts, has provided guidance and counsel to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC on the most effective means to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.  The Committee writes recommendations regarding vaccine use among the pediatric population along with schedules regarding the appropriate periodicity, dosage, and contraindications applicable to the vaccines.  In addition to varicella and human papillomavirus as recommended by ACIP earlier today, the ACIP currently recommends vaccines for routine use in children to prevent diphtheria, Haemophilus influenza type b, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, meningococcal disease, mumps, pertussis, pneumococcal disease, polio, rotavirus, rubella and tetanus.  Merck makes vaccines to help protect against nine of these 16 diseases.

Select Important Information about VARIVAX
VARIVAX is indicated for vaccination against varicella in individuals 12 months of age and older.  Children 12 months to 12 years of age should receive a 0.5-mL dose administered subcutaneously.  If a second 0.5-mL dose is administered, it should be given a minimum of three months later.  Adolescents and adults 13 years of age and older should receive a 0.5-mL dose administered subcutaneously at elected date and a second 0.5-mL dose 4 to 8 weeks later.

VARIVAX is contraindicated in certain individuals, including those with: a history of hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including gelatin; a history of anaphylactoid reaction to neomycin; blood dyscrasias, leukemia, lymphomas of any type, or other malignant neoplasms affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic systems; an immunodeficient condition or receiving immunosuppressive therapy; active, untreated tuberculosis; active febrile illness; or those who are pregnant.

In children, adolescents, and adults monitored for up to 42 days, the adverse effects most frequently reported were as follows: fever, injection-site complaints, varicella-like rash (injection site), and varicella-like rash (generalized).

There are insufficient data to assess the rate of protection of VARIVAX against the complications of chickenpox (e.g. encephalitis, hepatitis, pneumonia) in children.

In a study in which children received two doses of VARIVAX three months apart, the two-dose regimen of VARIVAX was generally well tolerated, with a safety profile generally comparable to that of the one-dose regimen.  The duration of protection from varicella infection after vaccination with VARIVAX is unknown; however, long-term efficacy studies have demonstrated continued protection up to 10 years after vaccination.  Vaccination with VARIVAX may not result in protection of all healthy, susceptible children, adolescents, and adults.

Select Important Information about PROQUAD
PROQUAD is a combined attenuated live virus vaccine indicated for simultaneous vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox in children 12 months to 12 years of age.  No clinical data are available on the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of PROQUAD in children less than 12 months of age.  PROQUAD may be used in children 12 months to 12 years of age if a second dose of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is to be administered.

At least one month should elapse between a dose of a measles-containing vaccine, such as M-M-R® II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live), and a dose of PROQUAD.  If for any reason a second dose of varicella-containing vaccine is required, at least three months should elapse between administration of the two doses.

PROQUAD should not be administered to certain individuals, including those with: a history of anaphylactic reactions to neomycin; a history of hypersensitivity to gelatin or any other component of the vaccine; blood dyscrasias, leukemia, lymphomas of any type, or other malignant neoplasms affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system; an immunodeficient condition or receiving immunosuppressive therapy; active untreated tuberculosis; an active febrile illness (>101.3°F); or those who are pregnant.

In clinical trials with PROQUAD involving children 12 to 23 months of age, the most frequently reported injection-site adverse experiences (>1% of children) were pain/tenderness/soreness, erythema, swelling, ecchymosis, and rash. The most frequently reported systemic vaccine-related adverse experiences (>1% of children) were fever (>102°F), irritability, measles-like rash, varicella-like rash, rash (not otherwise specified), upper respiratory infection, viral exanthema, and diarrhea.

In a clinical trial involving 799 healthy 4- to 6- year-old-children who had received M-M-R II and VARIVAX at least one month prior to entry, 399 received PROQUAD and placebo, while 205 received M-M-R II and placebo concomitantly at separate injection sites.  Another 195 healthy children were administered M-M-R II and VARIVAX concomitantly at separate injection sites.  In the clinical trial described above, the rates of adverse experiences of injection-site reactions, nasopharyngitis, and cough, were generally similar among the three treatment groups.

Vaccination with PROQUAD may not offer 100 percent protection from measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella) infection.

The duration of protection from measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella infection after vaccination with PROQUAD is unknown.

About Merck
Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first. Established in 1891, Merck currently discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines to address unmet medical needs. The Company devotes MMR® II is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A. extensive efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching programs that not only donate Merck medicines but help deliver them to the people who need them. Merck also publishes unbiased health information as a not-for-profit service. For more information, visit www.merck.com

Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. The forward-looking statements may include statements regarding product development, product potential or financial performance. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Merck undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Merck's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements in Item 1 of Merck's Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, and in its periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, which the Company incorporates by reference.

PROQUAD® and VARIVAX® are registered trademarks of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A.

MMR® II is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A.

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Decline in annual incidence of varicella-selected states 1990-2001. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2003;52(37);884-885, page 884.

2 Galil K, Brown C, Lin F, Seward J. Hospitalizations for varicella in the Unites States, 1988 to 1999. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 2002;21(10):931-935, page 932

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CBS televised Rockstar Supernova is scheduled to begin it's taping for its first episode scheduled to air on July 5, 2006.

 (C) CBS
During the month of June, contestants have been rehearsing and preparing for the taping.  It is rumored that the winner is already known.  Similar to other reality shows, the winner or expected winner is often known long before the show is televised. 
Prior to its broadcast premiere on CBS on July 5th, Rock Star: Supernova will premiere only on MSN the morning of July 3, available on demand at the official series Web site (http://rockstar.msn.com/).
"Rock Star: Supernova" -- is produced by Mark Burnett Productions and seen last season by more than 6 million TV viewers each week.  Last season's production produced by Mark Burnett.
Productions was "Rock Star:  INXS". 
 

MSN Presents the Ultimate in Online Rock 'n' Roll: "Rock Star: Supernova" Premieres July 5 Only on MSN

Exclusive online programming and special live events mark the return of the hit CBS series.

 MSN today announced the premiere of online programming for "Rock Star: Supernova," the new season of the hit reality series returning to CBS in a special 90-minute broadcast on Wednesday, July 5 at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT. Before its broadcast premiere, "Rock Star: Supernova" -- produced by Mark Burnett Productions and seen last season by more than 6 million TV viewers each week -- will premiere only on MSN(R) the morning of July 3, available on demand at the official series Web site (http://rockstar.msn.com/).

For the first time, weekly behind-the-scenes episodes containing all original footage will be streamed exclusively on the Web on MSN. Just as in season one, four types of content will be available each week: extensive and immersive behind-the-scenes unscripted drama (produced exclusively for MSN); one performance show and one results show (both produced exclusively for CBS); and extensive original wireless content. The MSN behind-the-scenes unscripted drama will allow viewers to learn what it takes for the contestants to choose their songs and prepare for their weekly performances, and to follow the characters as they develop and grow under enormous pressure. It will be available at http://rockstar.msn.com/, enabling on-demand viewing via streaming. In addition, a sneak peek at the trailer, video interviews with Supernova, the rockers' bios and much more as part of the MSN-exclusive online content will be available on the site.

The second season of "Rock Star" features an all-star lineup of rock musicians who have joined forces to form a new supergroup called Supernova. Drummer Tommy Lee of Motley Crue, former Metallica guitarist Jason Newsted and former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke will be casting for a lead singer from a pool of 15 contestants selected in auditions across the U.S.

MSN content, which greatly increased the reach of the show last season by streaming more than 20 million videos and receiving millions of votes for contestants in the competition, will again offer visitors a close-up and personal experience of life in the rock 'n' roll fast lane. Programming will include original behind-the-scenes video footage, replays of contestant performances, music downloads, contestant profiles, photo galleries, stories about Supernova, and contestants' blogs on MSN Spaces. Online viewing of the TV show and online voting for contestants will be available only on MSN Video.

"'Rock Star' is a like a force of nature -- it's an enormously exciting project that has millions of fans, and it allows us to show how compelling interactive online entertainment content can be," said Rob Bennett, general manager of Entertainment and Video Services for MSN. "This season we're doing lots of fabulous programming around 'Rock Star' to enrich the TV viewers' experience and to provide visitors to MSN with the kind of off-the-charts entertainment experiences we've promised. Anyone who loves loud music and spends time online will want to catch all the rock 'n' roll action of 'Rock Star: Supernova.'"

"Rock Star" on the Road

Also new this year are MSN "Live Like a Rockstar" events, which will be kicked off at the legendary Roxy Theater in Los Angeles on July 13 with live performances by The Panic Channel, a new band featuring former members of Jane's Addiction, and an opening act. Exclusive scenes of the new season of "Rock Star" will be screened at the show, and radio station Star 98.7 will feature live remote broadcasts from the event to promote MSN entertainment content and build traffic to the "Rock Star" Web site. This major event will also be presented in Chicago, Boston and New York on dates to be announced. Tickets are available only via promotional offerings to "Rock Star" fans, who may also participate in a variety of contests on the MSN "Rock Star" site.

"MSN is really turning up the volume and creating a lot of excitement for the return of 'Rock Star,'" said Mark Burnett, creator and executive producer of "Rock Star: Supernova." "The show's popularity last season had a lot to do with the fantastic online experience MSN provided visitors to the site. This is what entertainment today is all about: synergy across multiple platforms. MSN is playing a huge role in bringing interactive entertainment and a wide range of rich content to broadband. We're thrilled to collaborating with MSN on this breakthrough series."

The Dream of Being a Star Rocker Comes True

Last season on "Rock Star," the rock sensation INXS auditioned for a new lead singer. Canadian heartthrob JD Fortune was selected to front the band, which has since recorded and released a new CD, "Switch," that debuted in the Billboard Top 20 and is currently going gold and platinum in countries around the world. INXS' hit single, "Pretty Vegas," has helped the band sell out every concert on its North American tour.

Dave Navarro and Brooke Burke return to host "Rock Star: Supernova." In one of several changes being made for the second season of the series, a music celebrity or rock legend will appear as a guest on the show each week. The winner of the competition will record an original CD with Supernova, to be co- written and produced by Butch Walker, Rolling Stone Magazine's 2005 "Hot Producer of the Year." The CD will be released in the fall and will be supported by a worldwide tour in early 2007.

"Rock Star: Supernova" will air on CBS Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT. Exclusive episodes on MSN will be available every Monday on demand at http://rockstar.msn.com/.

About Mark Burnett Productions

Mark Burnett Productions (MBP) is a leading production company in the world of prime-time nonfiction television. MBP revolutionized television with hits such as "Eco-Challenge," "Survivor," "The Apprentice," "The Contender" and "Rock Star." MBP also successfully reintroduced product placement as an integral part of each of its shows and has garnered a total of 33 Emmy nominations since 2001. Mark Burnett was listed as the #1 Most Valuable Player by TV Guide and in Time Magazine's Top 100 most influential people in the world today.

About MSN Video

MSN Video is one of the largest video-only streaming services on the Web, watched by more than 11 million unique users per month. In addition to streaming news, entertainment and sports video clips from more than 45 content partners, MSN Video presents a broad array of live events to online audiences worldwide. More than 50 top advertisers support MSN Video, which is available to consumers at no charge. MSN Video is available on the Web at http://msnvideo.com/ to consumers in the U.S. MSN Video is also live in Australia, Canada and Japan, and in Spanish in the U.S.; the service also is in beta testing in the U.K.

About MSN and Windows Live

MSN attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live(TM), a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services. Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase on Nov. 1, 2005; these and future beta updates can be found at http://ideas.live.com/. Windows Live is available at http://www.live.com/. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/. MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NOTE: Microsoft, MSN and Windows Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Microsoft Corp.

 

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

 

Rockstar SuperNova on CBS this summer

CBS's ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA TO SELECT LEAD SINGER FOR THE NEW BAND -- SUPERNOVA -- FORMED BY DRUMMER TOMMY LEE (Motley Crüe) WITH BASSIST JASON NEWSTED (Metallica) AND GUITARIST GILBY CLARKE (Guns N' Roses)

 

New Lead Singer To Be Chosen From 16 Hopefuls When The Second Edition Of CBS's ROCK STAR Returns Summer 2006

 

 (C) CBS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Album To Be Produced By Butch Walker (Rolling Stone Magazine's 2005

"Hot Producer Of The Year")

 

CBS and Mark Burnett Productions announced today that legendary musicians from some of the biggest American rock bands have joined forces to form a new band, Supernova, and will use CBS's ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA as the competition to determine the new lead singer. that legendary musicians from some of the biggest American rock bands have joined forces to form a new band, , and will use CBS's ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA as the competition to determine the new lead singer.

that legendary musicians from some of the biggest American rock bands have joined forces to form a new band, , and will use CBS's ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA as the competition to determine the new lead singer.

 

Supernova will feature drummer Tommy Lee (Motley Crüe), Jason Newsted (Metallica) and Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses). The second edition of CBS's ROCK STAR will premiere on the Network this summer.

After the winning singer is selected on CBS's ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA, the band will record an original album, to be co-written and produced by Butch Walker (hit songwriter/producer for Avril Lavigne, Pink) that will be released in the fall before the band embarks on a world tour starting in early 2007.

 

"I've toured with both Gilby and Jason. They're incredible musicians and I've always wanted to play with them," said Tommy Lee.  "Starting a new band with old friends on worldwide television is going to be a blast, and we're going to pull out all the stops to find the most charismatic and musically talented lead singer to front Supernova. I love breaking the rules."

 

           Bassist Jason Newsted , " is a fantastic opportunity for me to play with guys I've respected for a long time. It gives us a chance to be innovators. This is a new thing. It's never been done before. We're going to break new ground musically and on television. The anticipation is building in me every day. This is a supergroup in the truest sense." Lead guitarist and co-writer Gilby Clarke proclaimed, "Rock n' Roll is so alive and I'm so excited to be a part of CBS's ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA. This is television history. Where else can you raid three historic bands to form one great band? I can't wait for the summer to begin."

, " is a fantastic opportunity for me to play with guys I've respected for a long time. It gives us a chance to be innovators. This is a new thing. It's never been done before. We're going to break new ground musically and on television. The anticipation is building in me every day. This is a supergroup in the truest sense." 

 

Butch Walker will join the project as co-writer and producer of the new album. “Working with the dudes from Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crüe and Metallica sounds like nothing but trouble, so I'm in!” declares Walker.I'm looking forward to whoever the new lead singer is going to be so the guys can start corrupting their mind…!"

 

Dave Navarro and Brooke Burke will return as hosts, with Burke returning to the stage for introductions and Navarro returning to the judges' couch for input and evaluations.  "Last year, doing ROCK STAR: INXS was the greatest summer job of my life," Navarro affirmed.  "This year, I'm on the couch with my friends Tommy Lee, Gilby Clarke and Jason Newsted as they choose Supernova's lead singer."

 

This summer's edition of CBS's ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA will also feature some format twists with a different music celebrity or rock legend each week. Said Navarro, "Friends of mine, like Slash, Macy Gray, Moby and Rob Zombie, will join us and throw in their two cents about who should stay and who should go." 

 

In the first season of CBS's ROCK STAR, rock sensation INXS found their new lead singer in Canadian heartthrob J.D. Fortune.  Since the show, INXS has taken to the studio and the road, releasing their massive hit single "Pretty Vegas" and selling out every concert in their North American tour.  Their new CD, "Switch," debuted in the Billboard Top 20, and is currently going gold and platinum in countries around the world.

  

 

"Millions dream of becoming a rock starour show actually makes that happen," said Mark Burnett, creator and executive producer of CBS's ROCK STAR. "The winner of CBS's ROCK STAR will not only play in huge stadiums before sold out crowds, they will do it alongside legendary musicians from three of America's biggest, all-time rock bands who have sold a combined total of a quarter of a billion albums: Motley Crüe, Guns N' Roses and Metallica. 'Fronting Supernova is the ultimate rock ‘n' roll dream and it's about to come true."

 

Tommy Lee rose to stardom as a founding member of Motley Crüe. One of the most successful rock bands in history, Motley Crüe has sold over 40 million albums while also becoming the poster boys of rock star decadence. Most recently, Lee released his third solo album, Tommyland: The Ride, and announced a documentary project with award-winning filmmaker Bruce Sinofsky. His candid 2004 memoir, Tommyland, landed on The New York Times best-seller list.

 

Jason Newsted is a six-time Grammy winner and was a longtime member of the legendary band Metallica, one of the most successful musical acts of all time (100 million albums sold worldwide). After his departure from Metallica, Newsted created the band Echobrain and, in 2003, he began touring with Ozzy Osbourne while also playing bass for the iconic techno-thrash band, Voivod.

 

 

Gilby Clarke was the guitarist for the iconic rock band, Guns N' Roses (90 million albums sold), traveling on their legendary and infamous three-year "Use Your Illusion" world tour. He also worked with Michael Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Jeff Beck, MC5 and on the Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert. He was a recipient of the MTV Video Vanguard Award.

 

Butch Walker is best known as the songwriter, musician and producer behind hit songs for Avril Lavigne, Pink, Bowling for Soup and for Tommy Lee's recent solo album, Tommyland: The Ride. His song "My Happy Ending" went to Number One for Avril Lavigne and was the key track in her nine-time platinum album Under My Skin, leading to him being named by Rolling Stone magazine as "Hot Producer of the Year" in 2005. Pink's new album, I'm Not Dead, features two Butch Walker compositions.

 

CBS' ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA is produced by Mark Burnett Productions.  Mark Burnett, David Goffin, Lisa Hennessy, Dave Navarro, Tommy Lee and Carl Stubner are executive producers.  Conrad Riggs and Eden Gaha are co-executive producers.
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Lady In The Water

(C) WB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(C) WB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PAUL GIAMATTI as Cleveland Heep and BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD as Story star in Warner Bros. Pictures' sci-fi fantasy suspense thriller "Lady In The Water." PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE USED SOLELY FOR ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, PUBLICITY OR REVIEWS OF THIS SPECIFIC MOTION PICTURE AND TO REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF THE STUDIO. NOT FOR SALE OR REDISTRIBUTION.

Frank Masi

 

 

(C) WB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD as Story stars in Warner Bros. Pictures' sci-fi fantasy suspense thriller "Lady In The Water," also starring Paul Giamatti. PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE USED SOLELY FOR ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, PUBLICITY OR REVIEWS OF THIS SPECIFIC MOTION PICTURE AND TO REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF THE STUDIO. NOT FOR SALE OR REDISTRIBUTION.

Frank Masi

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Conjoined Twins from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Still Serious But Stable

Conjoined Twins from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Still Serious But Stable
Since the successful separation of conjoined twins Regina and Renata Salinas Fierros after a marathon of surgeries, June 14-15, 2006, performed by a team of 80 medical professionals received worldwide attention, we have not heard much from Childrens Hospital until now.
Currently, "the twins are still listed in serious condition, but with stable vital signs.  They are still being cared for in our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit" according to Steve Rutledge, Director of Communications, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. 
When asked if there was any idea how long they would be in intensive care, Rutledge shared "And no, we don't know how long they'll be in the PICU at this point.
An earlier press release from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles after their surgery communicated expectations.
Following surgery, Regina and Renata are being cared for in the 20-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the hospital. The care of the children and their family will be headed by Niurka Rivero, M.D., and another large team of nurses, respiratory therapists and physicians in the “…crucial…” 24-48 hours following surgery, according to Randall C. Wetzel, MB, BC, FCCM, FAAP, chief of the Department of Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine at the hospital. Children in the PICU are treated by pediatric intensivists, some of whom are double and triple board certified with expertise in cardiology, pulmonology and anesthesiology in addition to training in general pediatrics and critical care medicine. Regina and Renata were considered the ideal age to undergo the surgery, says Dr. Stein. “Their tissues and bones at this age tend to be both firm and pliable enough – and also of a reasonable size – to manipulate them easily,” according to Dr. Stein. “If the surgery were not performed, the twins’ anatomy would begin to limit their quality of life over time – taking away their individuality, their ability to walk and to develop normally. There are psycho-social issues of separation and identity involved in separating conjoined twins more than one-year-old.”
We have seen the differences in optimism dramatically change from one day to the next from having use of arms to being able to walk and possibly even have children.  Like many, we are hoping they improve quickly and are able to live healthy lives. 
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This Letter of Apology" was written by Lieutenant General Chuck Pitman, US Marine Corps, Retired:

    
 For good and ill, the Iraqi prisoner abuse mess will remain an issue. On the one hand, right thinking Americans will abhor the stupidity of the actions while on the other hand, political glee will take control and fashion this minor event into some modern day massacre.  

 

 I humbly offer my opinion here:  

 

 I am sorry that the last seven times we Americans took up arms and sacrificed the blood of our youth, it was in the defense of Muslims (Bosnia, Kosovo, Gulf War 1, Kuwait, etc.).  

 

 I am sorry that no such call for an apology upon the extremists came after 9/11.  

 

 I am sorry that all of the murderers on 9/11 were Islamic Arabs.  

 

I am sorry that most Arabs and Muslims have to live in squalor under savage dictatorships.

I am sorry that their leaders squander their wealth.

I am sorry that their governments breed hate for the US in their religious schools, mosques, and government-controlled media.  

 

I am sorry that Yassar Arafat was kicked out of every Arab country and high-jacked the Palestinian "cause."

I am sorry that no other Arab country will take in or offer more than a token amount of financial help to those same Palestinians.

I am sorry that the U.S.A. has to step in and be the biggest financial supporter of poverty stricken Arabs while the insanely wealthy Arabs blame the USA for all their problems.  

 

I am sorry that our own left wing, our media, and our own brainwashed masses do not understand any of this (from the misleading vocal elements of our society like radical professors, CNN and the NY TIMES).

I am sorry the United Nations scammed the poor people of Iraq out of the "food for oil" money so they could get rich while the common folk suffered.  

 

I am sorry that some Arab governments pay the families of homicide bombers upon their death.

I am sorry that those same bombers are brainwashed thinking they will receive 72 virgins in "paradise."

I am sorry that the homicide bombers think pregnant women, babies, children, the elderly and other noncombatant civilians are legitimate targets.

I am sorry that our troops die to free more Arabs from the gang rape rooms and the filling of mass graves of dissidents of their own making.

I am sorry that Muslim extremists have killed more Arabs than any other group.

I am sorry that foreign trained terrorists are trying to seize control of Iraq and return it to a terrorist state.

I am sorry we don't drop a few dozen Daisy cutters on Fallujah.  

 

I am sorry every time terrorists hide they find a convenient "Holy Site."

I am sorry they didn't apologize for driving a jet into the World Trade Center that collapsed and severely damaged Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church - one of our Holy Sites.  

 

I am sorry they didn't apologize for flight 93 and 175, the USS Cole, the embassy bombings, the murders and beheadings of Nick Berg and Daniel Pearl, etc....etc!

I am sorry Michael Moore is American; he could feed a medium sized village in Africa.  

 

America will get past this latest absurdity. We will punish those responsible because that is what we do.  

 

We hang out our dirty laundry for the entire world to see. We move on. That's one of the reasons we are hated so much. We don't hide this stuff like all those Arab countries that are now demanding an apology.

Deep down inside, when most Americans saw this reported in the news, we were like - so what? We lost hundreds and made fun of a few prisoners. Sure, it was wrong, sure, it dramatically hurts our cause, but until captured we were trying to kill these same prisoners. Now we're supposed to wring our hands because a few were humiliated?

Our compassion is tempered with the vivid memories of our own people killed, mutilated and burnt amongst a joyous crowd of celebrating Fallujahans.

If you want an apology from this American, you're going to have a long wait!  You have a better chance of finding those seventy-two virgins.

  Chuck Pitman  

Lieutenant General, USMC

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VIVID ENTERTAINMENT SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH PULSE DISTRIBUTION


 Vivid Entertainment Group, the world’s leading producer of adult films, has signed an exclusive U.S. retail distribution agreement for its DVDs with Pulse Distribution, a fast-growing Chatsworth, California firm headed by industry veterans James Kohls and Mark Hamilton.
The agreement takes effect on August 1st, at which time Vivid’s dedicated retail distribution staff will move to Pulse from Larry Flynt Publications (LFP), which has handled Vivid’s retail distribution since August 2002.
“We’ve looked at our options going forward and I think that working with Jim Kohls and Mark Hamilton makes the most sense for us. We think they have a great track record and feel that they are the best guys to handle our product,” said Steven Hirsch, co-chairman of Vivid.  “We have had an excellent relationship with LFP and we hope to work with the company on other projects in the future.” 
Pulse has quickly become a leading source for top quality straight and gay adult movies. The company handles a variety of adult brands across all media formats and represents studios with a wide range of styles, from feature films to gonzo releases. Mr. Kohls formerly served as president of the LFP distribution arm.
About Vivid:
The Vivid Entertainment Group is the world’s leading adult film company.  Founded in 1984, Vivid pioneered the “Vivid Girl” concept, under which top adult film stars are signed to exclusive agreements that are styled on the old Hollywood contract star system.  Vivid has always placed heavy emphasis on high quality erotic film entertainment for the couples market.  It has created wide brand-name awareness through its films and through a licensing and marketing program that extends to advertising, apparel, book publishing, virility supplements, condoms, snowboards, calendars, comic books and a variety of other products. Most recently, the company licensed an upscale nightclub in The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. The company is known for its innovative technological advances such as full function DVDs, a fast growing wireless program that is already active in 20 countries and its popular website www.vivid.com. Vivid is a major supplier of content for pay-per-view networks in North America and internationally. The best selling hardcover book How to Have a XXX Sex Life: The Ultimate Vivid Guide, was co-authored by the Vivid Girls and published by HarperCollins. For more information contact rm@vivid.com
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Recent Posts

info@montebubbles.net

(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recent Posts

 

(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

info@montebubbles.net

 

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El Juego de las Estrellas de las Grandes Ligas de béisbol regresa a Fox Sports en Español por tercer año consecutivo

Por tercer año consecutivo, Fox Sports en Español brindará la emoción del Juego de las Estrellas de las Grandes Ligas de Béisbol (MLB) al público de habla hispana en los Estados Unidos. La edición numero 77 del “Clásico de verano” que enfrentara a los mejores peloteros de la Liga Americana y de la Liga Nacional, será transmitida en vivo y de forma exclusiva en español el martes 11 de Julio desde el PNC Park de Pittsburgh, la transmisión iniciara a las 8:00 p.m. Hora del Este/5:00 p.m. Hora del Pacífico con un espectacular programa previo.

Esta transmisión exclusiva, está apoyada en parte por más de 10 anunciantes dentro del cual figura la división Chevrolet de General Motors como el patrocinador principal. Fox Sports en Español adquirió los derechos exclusivos del Juego de las Estrellas de las Grandes Ligas de Béisbol en el 2004 por medio de un acuerdo de tres años con Fox Broadcasting Company, convenio similar al cual la cadena tiene para televisar en Español la postemporada de MLB desde el 2001 y que por supuesto se repetirá en este 2006.

"Nos sentimos orgullosos de ser la única cadena de televisión en los Estados Unidos que ofrece nuevamente a los fanáticos deportivos latinos la cobertura en español del Juego de las Estrellas de las Grandes Ligas de Béisbol”, expresó David Sternberg, vicepresidente ejecutivo y director general de Fox Sports en Español. "En el transcurso de los últimos dos años, nuestras transmisiones del Clásico Veraniego han registrado aumentos en las índices de audiencia y de las ventas publicitarias gracias en parte a la popularidad del béisbol entre los latinos. Con más de 55 jugadores de origen hispano nominados para participar este año, anticipamos no sólo que podremos acercar mucho más a los televidentes a sus jugadores y equipos favoritos sino que también ofreceremos la perfecta introducción a nuestra cobertura exclusiva en español de las rondas de eliminación de la MLB y la Serie Mundial en octubre”, añadió Sternberg.

El show previo al partido, será de media hora de duración y presentado por el comentarista de Fox Sports en Español y ex-toletero de los Astros de Houston y los Atléticos de Oakland José Tolentino, junto con Luís Rodríguez, Pepe Mantilla y Francisco Rivera quienes conjuntamente proveerán los pormenores antes, durante y después del partido.

Mientras la Liga Nacional posee una ventaja de 40 ganados por 34 derrotas sobre la Liga Americana, la Liga Americana ha logrado victoria consecutivas desde 1997 con excepción del 2002 en el cual se dio un histórico empate.

Acerca de Fox Sports en Español

Fox Sports en Español transmite más de 1,500 horas de programación deportiva en español, en vivo y en exclusiva. Dicha programación incluye la transmisión en exclusiva de la Copa Toyota Libertadores, la Copa Nissan Sudamericana y el torneo Interliga; Además de partidos del Juego de las estrellas, la postemporada y la Serie Mundial del Béisbol de las grandes ligas, además de grandes carteleras boxísticas a nivel mundial. El canal tiene un alcance de más de 7 millones de hogares por cable y satélite en Los Estados Unidos.

Fox Sports en Español es distribuido por Fox Cable Networks Group y operado por Fox Pan-American Sports LLC, una compañía de producción y programación deportiva internacional, propiedad conjunta de Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst y Fox Sports International de News Corporation (NYSE: NWS). Para más información, visite el website de Fox Sports en Español fse.tv.
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Otorgan a Univision Online 13 premios Promax/Bda por impacto mercadotécnico y diseño promocional

Univision Online, Inc., subsidiaria de Univision Communications Inc. (NYSE:UVN), anunció en el día de hoy que le fueron otorgados 13 premios en la 51ra. Competencia Anual de los Premios Promax/BDA 2006, que distinguen los mejores trabajos de Mercadotecnia, Promoción y Diseño en los medios electrónicos.

La abrumadora victoria es particularmente impresionante, pues este año marca la primera vez que Univision Online participa en la competencia, enfrentándose a lo mejor de lo mejor en el sector. Los Premios Promax/BDA son un reconocimiento al ingenio e iniciativas mercadotécnicas de Univision Online en la creación de marca y conocimiento por parte de la audiencia, para Univision.com y Univision Móvil.

Promax/BDA es una asociación global sin fines de lucro, dedicada a fomentar el papel y efectividad de los profesionales de la promoción, mercadotecnia y diseño en los medios electrónicos. Esta asociación mundial de profesionales representa a más de 500 canales de televisión, a las cadenas más relevantes de transmisión convencional y por cable de los Estados Unidos, así como a 3,000 miembros individuales de 70 naciones.

“Estos premios no son sólo un honor, sino que resaltan aún más la innovadora capacidad de producción y las habilidades de Univision Online en la creación de promociones efectivas de plataforma múltiple que ejerzan un impacto en nuestra audiencia, y generen resultados para los anunciantes”, expresó Javier Saralegui, Presidente de Univision Online.

Univision.com está logrando niveles sin precedentes de tráfico, con aproximadamente un millón de visitas diarias, y una audiencia de casi 10 millones de visitantes únicos por mes. Las cifras de tráfico están totalmente acreditadas por el Media Rating Council (MRC). Univision.com, con su contenido exclusivo en español, su interactividad y sus promociones de plataforma múltiple, espera un enorme crecimiento de tráfico este año.

Univision Online recibió 4 Premios de Oro, 6 de Plata y 3 de Bronce:

Premios Promax Norteamérica 2006:

Cadenas de televisión
1. Promociones de Aplicaciones Interactivas: Univision Móvil “Laura Pausini” -- ORO
2. Sitio Web-- Información: Univision.com “Entérate” – ORO
3. Promociones de Aplicaciones Interactivas: Univision Móvil – PLATA
4. Promoción de Ventas en el Aire: Univision.com “Prueba de 7 días para el Día de San Valentín” --PLATA
5. Publicidad en línea: Univision.com “Banner de Video, Premio Lo Nuestro” -- PLATA
6. Promoción Televisiva -- Sitio Web: Univision.com Sports “Fanático del Fútbol” -- PLATA
7. Sitio Web -- Cadena: Univision.com -- PLATA

Premios de Diseño BDA Norteamérica 2006:

Medios Interactivos
1. Dirección Artística y Diseño: Promo para Medios Interactivos (In-House) - Univision Móvil “Latin GRAMMY(R)” – ORO
2. Sitio Web -- Corporativo: Univision.net – ORO
3. Promociones de Aplicaciones Interactivas: Univision Móvil “Estrellas del Futuro” -- BRONCE
4. Promo para sitio Web: Univision.com “Nueva Sección de Autos” -- BRONCE
5. Sitio Web -- Noticias: Univision.com “Noticias” -- BRONCE

Entretenimiento General, In-House
6. Gráficos Informativos: Univision Móvil “Laura Pausini” -- PLATA

A principios de este año, Univision Online también ganó 3 premios en la Competencia Promax/BDA Latinoamérica 2006.

1. Material de New Media: Univision Móvil “Alejandro Sanz” -- PLATA
2. Diseño de New Media: Univision.com “Dove Game” -- BRONCE
3. Diseño de sitio Web: Univision.com “Premios Juventud” -- BRONCE

Sobre Univision Online

Univision Online, Inc. es la división interactiva de Univision Communications Inc. (NYSE: UVN), la principal compañía de medios de comunicación en español en Estados Unidos. Univision Online es propietaria y operadora del destino de Internet en español más importante en Estados Unidos, ubicado en http://www.univision.com, y es una subsidiaria y propiedad completa de Univision Communications Inc. Sus operaciones incluyen Univision, la cadena de televisión en español más vista en EE.UU., con cobertura del 98% de los hogares hispanos del país; TeleFutura, una cadena de televisión en español con contenido de interés general que fue lanzada en el 2002 y ahora llega al 86% de los hogares hispanos de EE.U.U.; Galavisión, la cadena de televisión por cable en español líder en el país; el Grupo de Televisión Univision, propietario y operador de 62 estaciones de televisión en los principales mercados hispanos de EE.UU. y Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, el grupo radial en español líder del país, propietario y/u operador de 69 emisoras de radio en 16 de los 25 principales mercados hispanos y de 4 emisoras de radio en Puerto Rico; Univision Music Group, que incluye los sellos discográficos Univision Records, Fonovisa Records, La Calle Records y 50% del capital accionario de Disa Records, con base en México, además de las empresas editoriales Fonomusic y America Musical Publishing. Univision Communications también tiene un 50% de participación en TuTv, una empresa conjunta formada para emitir en EE.UU. los canales de televisión paga de Televisa, y una participación sin derecho a voto del 14.9% en Entravision Communications Corporation, compañía pública de medios de comunicación en español. Univision Communications tiene su sede principal en Los Ángeles, el centro de operaciones de sus cadenas de televisión en Miami, y estaciones y oficinas de ventas de televisión y radio en las principales ciudades de Estados Unidos.

Para mayor información, por favor visite http://www.univision.net.
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Internet TV coming to China?

BEIJING--A technology that allows television programming to be delivered over the internet is stirring interest among marketers in China. Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), which allows anyone with a computer and a broadband connection to view digital video online, could give marketers a new way to connect with consumers. But it could also run into government road blocks, warn media experts.

A smattering of internet-savvy youngsters in China already use IPTV to download TV shows and movies--often pirated--from the web. But slowly, legitimate alternatives are emerging that offer a potential new medium for advertising.

The most prominent new entrant is Beijing-based United ITV, which launched a subscription-based monthly IPTV service in April. The company has already initiated talks with marketers about possible ad placements for both its paid and free online channels, although none have inked deals so far, according to Song Lin, United ITV's president and chief operating officer in Beijing.

Chaired by veteran tech executive James Ding, two-year-old United ITV is the only private company in China licensed by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) to produce its own content for online delivery. Only two other state-owned companies, Shanghai Media Group and China Central Television (CCTV) can claim such IPTV licenses.

The IPTV license allows United ITV to provide programming from an expanding library of foreign TV and movie titles from Japan, South Korea and the U.S., a far cry from the staid fare of traditional state-run television and even the riskier programming on provincial channels.

More foreign content
Indeed, the medium of IPTV offers a way around the restrictions that limit foreign content to less than 50% of total on-air programming (the exceptions are certain areas of southern China, hotels with at least three stars and foreign residential compounds). No such restrictions hold for content broadcast over the internet.

"We'll have programming that's very different with content that's not available for traditional TV. That's one advantage we have as an IPTV channel operator," said Mr. Lin.

Granted, foreign pay-TV channels would probably not be permitted to rebroadcast 100% of their regular programming over IPTV in China, because they lack the necessary regulatory approval and license. But United ITV is discussing plans to co-program IPTV channels in conjunction with American channels.

Besides its for-pay features, the company is also developing its own free 24-hour TV channel. A separate channel, called Mogo, supplied through a partnership with an outside content provider, will feature short, lifestyle-oriented how-to videos discussing topics like wine appreciation or how to make a great cup of coffee.

Doubts about government support
Meanwhile, initial forays into IPTV by Shanghai Media Group and CCTV were considered disappointing and there are doubts about the technology's prospects in China.

"IPTV is a hot area in China right now, but I think it will be very difficult to make it successful in China. Personally, I don't think it's going to work, it's going to cross 'the party' too much. The government doesn't support it, they want to supervise their citizens' media access," said Shaun Rein, managing director at China Market Research Group in Shanghai. "There are a few areas that I don't advise foreigners to invest in here and media is one of them. You shouldn't forget that this a Communist country."

United ITV "are the ones that will succeed if anybody can," said Quinn Taw, Beijing-based chief strategy officer for WPP Group's media division, GroupM. Although no GroupM advertisers have signed deals with IPTV operators in China, the industry is "closely watching" the development of IPTV in China, he said.

At WE Marketing Group, Managing Director Josh Li said marketers he works with also are holding off investing in IPTV for the moment, preferring to wait until the medium is more developed, but he also believes IPTV has a "bright future" in China on the marketing side.

That said, he added, it faces some significant challenges in the near-term. Unlike free terrestrial TV services, for example, most IPTV services are likely to be sold on a subscription basis.

"In this new business model, how the commercial content can be integrated is a problem. Audiences will be reluctant to view a lot of commercials if they paid for programs," he said. "People are still trying to find out what's the best way of selling products or brands in interactive media."

To avoid annoying viewers, United ITV plans to feature TV spots only on its free channels. For channels, it will run short segments that play while a movie is buffering or place ads in the frame surrounding the video screen.

Web users young and affluent
Another issue for marketers is that the current audience for IPTV in China is negligible, although it has potential. In 2005, China had 111 million internet users, including 64.3 million with broadband connections, according to the China Internet Network Information Center.

Internet users' demographics appeal to marketers. Thirty-five percent of online Chinese are aged 18-24, and 19% are between 25 and 30. Plus, web users tend to be college-educated and relatively affluent.

United ITV's Mr. Lin said his company will focus on IPTV viewers aged 18-35, most of whom are male. "Advertisers try so hard to get to these people, because they seldom watch traditional TV."

Although traditional TV claims 400 million vieewers, young, white-collar office workers often don't get home before 9pm, so "they miss prime time every day," he said.

Their parents, he added, may spend upwards of five hours a day watching traditional TV, but are budget-conscious and less likely to be swayed by advertisements.

Besides terrestrial and cable channels, United ITV will have to compete with pirated digital content already available over the internet. It will produce its own free news channel, but the rest of its offerings will require customers to pay monthly subscription fees.

The company has two packages, $2.47/month for one movie and one entertainment IPTV channel, or a flat fee of $3.70/month for unlimited video on demand service.

IPTV technology hase some benefits. Because it allows for fairly easy digital tracking of audiences, advertisers can gather better information about the location, age and gender of consumers watching particular shows. With traditional TV, advertisers must do far more guesswork, allocating marketing dollars based on the viewing habits of a small number of sample households across China.

Branded content
In China and elsewhere, IPTV is expected to usher in programming formats different than traditional TV, as its providers have greater latitude to produce short, niche-oriented programs focused on hobbies or recreations, since they don't need to worry about attracting a big enough audience in one geographic location.

Advertisers would likely welcome such a shift, since it might help them target audiences. "Brands want to tie themselves closely to people's lifestyles and passions," said Mr. Taw. Rather than being limited to traditional commercials, he believes IPTV is likely to lend itself to new types of marketing such as video magazines, product placements, or infotainment.

"The opportunity is for brands to sponsor and subsidize a lifestyle platform for high value customers--seamless engagement, entertainment and payment---via Internet TV, mobile and live events," said Scott Silverman, regional director, Asia/Pacific for the U.S.-based ad agency Godfrey Q & Partners in Beijing.

Another element for viewers, he added, "would be to offer them free or discounted viewing of programs in exchange for them selecting brands they'd be interested in engaging with, interactive banners/jump sites of brands for them to opt in with, 'brands on demand.' The data capture in itself would justify the investment."
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Heiarii Signs with Kemp Talent Agency; Tahitian Born Singer/Dancer Delivers a Cutting Edge Electronic Pop-Dance Album with His CD Debut of ''Dance!''

 

 Hollywood-Allure recording artist Heiarii has signed with the Sharon Kemp Talent Agency of Beverly Hills for representation in the field of television commercials. "To me, acting in a commercial is the same as acting in a movie or performing on stage," Heiarii said. "You have to be believable and entertaining in everything you do."

 

Heiarii's first American CD "Dance!" received rave reviews and the artist was recently voted Best Pop Artist of 2005 by All Access Magazine. Heiarii is currently in the studio working on two new CDs: His first Christmas CD called "Christmas Cool" and a CD of traditional Polynesian songs he learned while growing up in his native Tahiti.

Heiarii was born in Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia, where he taught himself the English language and eventually began singing at the age of six. It didn't take him long to make a career decision and by the time he turned 15 he was singing and dancing his way into the Winners' Circle at every major competition he could enter. Heiarii came out the winner in Tahiti's Search for Stars Contest, Original French Song Contest, and was voted Tahiti's Most Promising Singer and Best Male Vocalist in Hawaii. Whether he sang in English or French, Heiarii's angelic voice touched people everywhere. Heiarii sang his hit "You Took My Heart Away" to 400+ people in attendance at a TAXI road rally and left them in tears with his strong performance.

Kenny Kerner (legendary producer for KISS, Gladys Knight, Jose Feliciano and Badfinger) teamed with British producer/engineer Cameron Leonard-Schroff to deliver Heiarii's contemporary, cutting-edge electronic pop-dance CD filled with creative beats, pounding rhythms and soaring melodies. In addition to a killer cover of the KISS classic, "I Was Made For Loving You," "Dance!" boasts four ballads that truly showcase this artist's amazing voice: "You Took My Heart Away," "Love Is To Set Free," "Haunting My Heart," and "Mon Paradis," a song about his native Tahiti sung in French.

info@luckmedia.com

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All-Time NFL Great Warren Sapp Signs HipHopSodaShop Development Deal with H3Enterprises, Inc.

 H3Enterprises, Inc. (OTC: HTRE) today announced the signing of an Area Development Agreement with Super Bowl Champion Warren Sapp of the Oakland Raiders to open HipHopSodaShops throughout Central Florida and Jacksonville.

H3Enterprises (http://www.h3inc.com) is the creator of the HipHopSodaShops, which combine the urban swell of hip-hop music, Pro-Ball, healthy fast food, CyberSports, merchandising, and pre-loadable cash cards into the hottest phenomena to hit America since the cultural evolutions of Planet Hollywood(R), Hard Rock Cafe(R), and Starbucks(R).

"The HipHopSodaShops can be one of the most positive things to ever happen to our communities," stated Sapp. "I can't think of a better way of giving back than putting my money to work on my own turf for my own people while helping H3's powerful new enterprises flourish all over the world."

Mr. Sapp is the latest member in an impressive list of cultural heroes that include Ben Gordon, Juelz Santana, Joakim Noah, and Juvenile. They signed on to create the best in food and entertainment for the HipHop Generation as well as a wealth of new jobs and educational opportunities. NBA star Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls and HarlemHipHop sensation Juelz Santana recently became the principal partners in the flagship HipHopSodaShop store in Harlem. The grand opening will be this summer in New York City.

Founder and president of H3Enterprises, Brian "H3" Peters stated, "Warren Sapp brings a tremendous amount of energy and financial strength to TeamH3. His level of commitment to bringing joy and hope to all of our people is truly gratifying, and all of us associated with HTRE really look forward to working side-by-side with such a charismatic and influential personality. Warren Sapp is a champion in every sense of the word."

"It is my job and good fortune to make Brian's dream a reality throughout my home state, and to further promote the HipHopSodaShops to all of my friends and fellow athletes," Sapp concluded. HTRE has tapped into 5 different multi-billion dollar markets and has already created a phenomenon that can only expand dramatically from its cultural epicenter.

Safe Harbor: Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking'' statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, such as statements relating to plans for future expansion and other business development activities. Such forward-looking information is subject to changes and variations which are not reasonably predictable and which could significantly affect future results and other factors discussed in filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Pirates 2 "Deads Mans Chest" Credits and pictures

WALT DISNEY PICTURES (C) Disney, Inc

PRESENTS

A GORE VERBINSKI FILM

FOR INTENSE SEQUENCES OF ADVENTURE

VIOLENCE, INCLUDING FRIGHTENING IMAGES.

© Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pirates.movies.com

 

 

WALT DISNEY PICTURES

Presents In Association with

JERRY BRUCKHEIMER FILMS

A GORE VERBINSKI Film

 

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN’S CHEST

Directed by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GORE VERBINSKI

Written by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TED ELLIOTT

& TERRY ROSSIO

Based on Characters Created by . . . . . . TED ELLIOTT

& TERRY ROSSIO

and STUART BEATTIE

and JAY WOLPERT

Based on

Walt Disney’s

“PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN”

(C) Disney inc.

Produced by . . . . . . . . . . . . . JERRY BRUCKHEIMER

Executive Producers . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIKE STENSON

CHAD OMAN

BRUCE HENDRICKS

ERIC McLEOD

Director of

Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . DARIUSZ WOLSKI, ASC

Production Designed by . . . . . . . . . RICK HEINRICHS

Edited by. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CRAIG WOOD

STEPHEN RIVKIN, A.C.E.

Costume Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PENNY ROSE

Visual Effects Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . JOHN KNOLL

Music by. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HANS ZIMMER

Music Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BOB BADAMI

Casting by. . . . . . . . . . . . . . DENISE CHAMIAN, CSA

UK Casting by . . . . . . . . . . . PRISCILLA JOHN, CDG

Unit Production Managers . . . . . . . . . . ERIC McLEOD

DOUGLAS C. MERRIFIELD

First Assistant Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . PETER KOHN

DAVID H. VENGHAUS, JR.

Second Assistant

Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAVID H. VENGHAUS, JR.

JEFFREY OKABAYASHI

Associate Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAT SANDSTON

ILM Animation Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . HAL HICKEL

ILM Visual Effects Producers . . . . . . . NED GORMAN

JILL BROOKS

 (C) Disney, Inc.

 

CAST

Jack Sparrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JOHNNY DEPP

Will Turner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ORLANDO BLOOM

Elizabeth Swann. . . . . . . . . . . . . KEIRA KNIGHTLEY

Norrington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JACK DAVENPORT

Davy Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BILL NIGHY

Governor Weatherby Swann. . . . . JONATHAN PRYCE

Pintel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LEE ARENBERG

Ragetti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MACKENZIE CROOK

Gibbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KEVIN R. McNALLY

Cotton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAVID BAILIE

Bootstrap Bill . . . . . . . . . . . STELLAN SKARSGÅRD

Cutler Beckett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TOM HOLLANDER

Tia Dalma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NAOMIE HARRIS

Marty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARTIN KLEBBA

Mercer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAVID SCHOFIELD

Captain Bellamy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALEX NORTON

Scarlett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LAUREN MAHER

Short Sailor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NEJ ADAMSON

Large Sailor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JIMMY ROUSSOUNIS

Sunburned Sailor. . . . . . . . . . . MORAY TREADWELL

Leech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SAN SHELLA

Fisherman (Montage) . . . . . . . JIM CODY WILLIAMS

Cannibal Warrior . . . . . . . . . . . MICHAEL MIRANDA

Frightened Sailor . . . . . . . . . . LUKE DE WOOLFSON

Very Old Man. . . . . . . . . . . . . DERRICK O’CONNOR

Skinny Man. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GEORGES TRILLAT

Crippled Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ISRAEL ADURAMO

Irish Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GERRY O’BRIEN

Maccus/Dutchman . . . . . . . . . . . . DERMOT KEANEY

Koleniko/Dutchman . . . . . . . . . . . . CLIVE ASHBORN

Shrimper (Montage) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROBBIE GEE

Cannibal Boy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NEIL PANLASIGUI

Sailor/Edinburgh. . . . . . . . . . . . MATTHEW BOWYER

Burser/Edinburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MAX BAKER

Quartermaster/Edinburgh. . . . . . . . . . . STEVE SPEIRS

Wyvern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JOHN BOSWALL

Palafico/Dutchman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . WINSTON ELLIS

Jimmy Legs/

Dutchman . . . . . . . . . . . . CHRISTOPHER ADAMSON

Clacker/Dutchman. . . . . . . . . . . . . ANDY BECKWITH

Ogilvey/Dutchman . . . . . . . . . . JONATHAN LINSLEY

Shrimper’s Brother. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SYLVER

Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SIMON MEACOCK

Cannibal Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . NATSUKO OHAMA

JOSIE DAPAR

Giselle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VANESSA BRANCH

Edinburgh Cook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAVID STERNE

Scuttled Ship Helmsman . . . . . . . . . . . DAVID KEYES

Cannibal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANTHONY PATRICIO

Carruthers Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BARRY McEVOY

 (C) Disney, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deckhand/Edinburgh . . . . . . . . . MICHAEL ENRIGHT

Sweepy . . . . . . . . HERNANDO “SWEEPY” MOLINA

Turkish Prisoners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JOHN MACKEY

SPIDER MADISON

BUD MATHIS

Turkish Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARCO KHAN

DAVID ZAHEDIAN

FAOUZI BRAHIMI

Torch Native. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JONATHAN LIMBO

Native Bridge Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALEX CONG

Ho-Kwan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HO-KWAN TSE

Headless. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REGGIE LEE

Lejon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LEJON O.STEWART

Parrot Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHRISTOPHER S. CAPP

Stunt Coordinator . . . . GEORGE MARSHALL RUGE

Assistant Stunt

Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . DANIEL W. BARRINGER

“Jack Sparrow” Stunt Double . . . TONY ANGELOTTI

“Will Turner” Stunt Doubles . . . . . . . ZACH HUDSON

MARK AARON WAGNER

“Elizabeth Swann” Stunt Double . . . . . . LISA HOYLE

“Norrington” Stunt Double/

Sword Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THOMAS DUPONT

Lead Utility Stunt Double . . . . . . . . KIRK MAXWELL

 (C) Disney Inc.

Stunts

JIM STEPHAN RICHARD L. BLACKWELL

HUGH AODH O’BRIEN WEBSTER WHINERY

J. MARK DONALDSON JACK WEST

MARC SHAFFER TRAMPAS THOMPSON

TOM MORGA JEFF WOLFE

THEO KYPRI CRAIG SILVA

KOFI ELAM PAUL ELIOPOULOS

KURT LOTT JAY CAPUTO

MARK NORBY ROB MARS

JAYSON DUMENIGO YOSHIO IIZUKA

DAVID WALD CLAY FONTENOT

NORBERT PHILLIPS ANTHONY KRAMME

THOMAS ROSALES, JR. DEREK MEARS

MARK DEALESSANDRO MICKEY GIACOMAZZI

PHILIP TAN JIM PALMER

BRIAN J. WILLIAMS VICTOR QUINTERO

KIANTE ELAM PHIL CULOTTA

RUSSELL TOWERY GENE HARTLINE

JP ROMANO GREG ELAM

JOEY ANAYA KEITH CAMPBELL (C) Disney inc,

JON VALERA JOHN ROBOTHAM

KOFI YIADOM SONJA JO McDANCER

STACY HOWELL KORI MURRAY

CARYN MOWER NOBY ARDEN

ANDREW STEHLIN AUGIE DAVIS

SALA BAKER ROBERT ALONZO

ROEL FAILMA AARON TONEY

XUYEN VALDIVIA JOHN DONOHUE

JOSEPH SOSTHAND DEAN GRIMES

GARY STEARNS ANDY DYLAN

DENNEY PIERCE ALEX CHANSKY

BRIAN BENNETT STEPHEN POPE

HENRY KINGI, JR. JEREMY FRY

DON LEE CHRISTOPHER LEPS

CASEY O’NEILL BRYCEN COUNTS

SAM HARGRAVE LINCOLN SIMONDS

DANE FARWELL BRIAN DUFFY

Jack’s Crew

Moises. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FELIX CASTRO

Kursar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIKE HABERECHT

Matelot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RUDOLPH McCOLLUM

Tearlach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GERARD REYES

Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M. SCOTT SHIELDS

Ladbroc . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHRIS “SULLY” SULLIVAN

Crimp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CRAIG THOMSON

Quartetto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRED TOFT

Creature Concepts by

CRASH McCREERY

Conceptual Consultant

JAMES WARD BYRKIT

 (C) Disney Inc.

  Associate Costume Designer . . . . . . JOHN NORSTER

Production Supervisor . . . . . . . THOMAS C. HAYSLIP

Production Controller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JULIE JONES

Production Coordinators . . . . . . . . . . . ZOILA GOMEZ

ROBERT MAZARAKI

Assistant Production Coordinators. . . ANNIE SCHULTZ

CARRIE B. JONES

Travel Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . VICKIE M. HSIEH

Second Second

Assistant Directors. . . . . . . . . . JEFFREY SCHWARTZ

STEVEN F. BEAUPRE

Script Supervisor. . . SHARRON REYNOLDS-ENRIQUEZ

Supervising Art Director . . . . . . . . . . . JOHN DEXTER

Art Directors . . . . . . . . . WILLIAM LADD SKINNER

BRUCE CRONE

WILLIAM HAWKINS

Assistant Art Directors . . . . . . . . . . . NICK NAVARRO

DOMENIC SILVESTRI

ROBERT WOODRUFF

ERIC SUNDAHL

DARRELL L. WIGHT

GARY DIAMOND

Set Decorator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHERYL A. CARASIK

Construction Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . GREG CALLAS

Set Designers

MARK HITCHLER CLINT WALLACE

MAYA SHIMOGUCHI WILLIAM TALIAFERRO

LAUREN POLIZZI LUIS G. HOYOS

A. TODD HOLLAND ROBERT FECHTMAN

RICHARD REYNOLDS

Props Set Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BILLY HUNTER

Conceptual Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAREK GOGOL

MATT CODD

TIM FLATTERY

Illustrators

MAURO BORRELLI JAMES CARSON

NATHAN SCHROEDER WIL MADOC REES

WARREN MANSER

Model Makers/Sculptors . . . . NAAMAN MARSHALL

DANIEL R. ENGLE

Model Maker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JASON MAHAKIAN

Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . DIANNE CHADWICK

Art Department Administrator . . . CARLA S. NEMEC

Researcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MAX DALY

2nd Art Department

Administrators . . . . SHARI KARSTENSEN-RATLIFF

KYRA L. KOWASIC

Production Accountant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JEFF DASH

First Assistant Accountants . . . . . . . . JOHN SEMEDIK

DAVID ATKINSON

Construction Accountant . . . . . LISA M. KITTREDGE

SPFX Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LESLIE COOGAN

Post Production Accountant . . . TANYA NIENHOUSE

Second Assistant Accountants. . . . . . KATHY DONNO

ERNST W. LAUREL

ANNA BELARO

JENNIFER LOBBAN

LISA IMHOFF

MATT DEMIER

DAX A. CUESTA

STEPHANIE SHELLEY

Payroll Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DEBI WEST

SAG Payroll Accountant . . . . MICHAEL GOLDBERG

Assistant Payroll Accountants . . . . DEBRA BURGESS

CHRIS SAMPLE

Executive in Charge of

Production for JBF . . . . . . . . . . KRISTIEANNE REED

Post Production Supervisor . . . . TAMI R. GOLDMAN

Post Production Coordinators. . YVETTE GONZALEZ

HEIDI PSYK

VFX Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHRISTOPHER S. CAPP

First Assistant Avid Editor . . . . . . . SIMON MORGAN

Additional Film Editor . . . . . . . . . . LANCE PEREIRA

Assistant Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KINDRA MARRA

ALAN Z. McCURDY

Apprentice Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . DYLAN M. QUIRT

Post Production Assistants. . . . . . . KNAR KITABJIAN

TRANEL BLAND

 (C) Disney Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location

Manager (U.S.) . . . . . . . . LAURA SODE-MATTESON

Location Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VAL KIM

Assistant Location Manager . . . . . . . . . . . LINDA KAI

Camera Operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARTIN SCHAER

JOSH BLEIBTREU

Camera Operator/Steadicam. . . DAVID LUCKENBACH

First Assistant Camera . . . . . . . . . . TREVOR LOOMIS

JOHN ELLINGWOOD

NINO NEUBOECK

DONNY STEINBERG

Second Assistant Camera . . CHRISTOPHER J. GARCIA

RODNEY SANDOVAL

JAMES GOLDMAN

STEVEN CUEVA

JAY C. HAGER

Film Loader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREG KURTZ

Camera Department Assistants . . . . . . . RYAN RAKEL

JOSEPH SUTERA

Aerial Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAVID PARIS

Aerial Unit Director

of Photography . . . . . . . . . . DAVID B. NOWELL, ASC

Aerial First Assistant Camera . . . . . . ANDREW SYCH

Underwater Director

of Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PETER ZUCCARINI

Underwater First Assistant Camera . . . PETER MANNO

ANDREW FISHER

SEAN GILBERT

Underwater Second

Assistant Camera . . . . . . . . . . ROBERT SETTLEMIRE

Libra Head Technician. . . . . . . . . . . . . JOHN BONNIN

Camera Technician . . . . . . . . . DARYL HAMBLETON

Costume Supervisor (Location) . . . KENNY CROUCH

Costume Supervisor (LA) . . . . JESSICA PAZDERNIK

Costume Coordinator (Location). . . LUCY BOWRING

Costume

Coordinator (LA) . . . . . . . RENEE LEVY HAZELTON

Costumers

SCOTT R. HANKINS MARK F. HOLMES

STACY M. HORN MARINA MARIT

CIARA McARDLE SUZY ROBERTSON

JAVIER ARRIETA BRYAN BIRGE

TESS INMAN JIMMY JAY

MATT JEROME NOEL D. LEONARD

PHILIP MATTHEWS ADAM ROACH

NIKI SPINA

(C) Disney inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Buyer (UK). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROS WARD

Assistant Buyer (UK) . . . . . . . . . GEORGINA WOODS

Buyer (LA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROSALIDA MEDINA

Chief Cutters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . CELEST CLEVELAND

LUCY DENNY

DOMINIC YOUNG

Tailors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LEO ARELLANES

WILLIAM B. RODDEN

Seamstresses

ELAINE MANSOURI BARBARA OHREN

GLORIA BERRA GLORIA CASTRO

HASMIG KARAGIOSIAN SEDA TUFENKJIAN

Costume Propmaker . . . . . . . . . . . . DAVID BETHELL

Costume Leather Maker . . . . . . . . . KELVIN FEENEY

Workroom Coordinator. . . . . . . JULIE MURNAGHAN

Head Agers/Dyers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLARE CARTER

STEVEN A. GELL

GILDARDO TOBON

Agers/Dyers

ADA AKAJI CHANDRA M. MOORE

TYRA YOULAND TONI KEHAULANI REED

JASON RAINEY MARIA J. SMITH-BYRD

SARAH MOORE CHARLOTTE HOBBS

Milliners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JOSEPH COLLINS

BETHAN LAND

ROBYN SIMMS

JILL TOMOMATSU

Costume Construction . . . . . . . . . . RICHARD De ATH

Assistants to the Costume Designers . . SOPHIA SPINK

GORDANA GOLUBOVIC

JORDANA FINEBERG

Make-Up Effects Created by

VE NEILL

CREATIVE MAKE-UP CONCEPTS

Make-Up Effects Supervisor . . . . . . . .JOEL HARLOW

Sculptors/Painters . . . . . . . . . . . .SCOTT STODDARD

RICHARD REDLEFSEN

Silicone Prosthetic Supervisor . . . .STEVE BUSCANO

Mold Shop Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GIL LIBERTO

Mold Maker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A.J. BEUNOT

Foam Latex Supervisor . . . . . . . . . .MARK VINIELLO

Mechanical Supervisor . . . . . . . .RUSSELL SHINKLE

Head Lab Technician . . . . . . . . . . .FRANK IPPOLITO

Lab Technicians

MIKE ROSS CHRIS GARNASS

PETE KELLEY ELIZABETH SILVERMAN

BETHANY GRUENENFELDER BRIANA DORNER

KERI KILGO LAURA HILL

Dental Prosthetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RICHARD SNELL

Facial Hair Pieces Created by . . . . . . . .JOHN BLAKE

Tattoos Designed by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KEN DIAZ

Make-Up Department Head . . . . . . . . . . . . .VE NEILL

Key Make-Up Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOEL HARLOW

Additional Make-Up Supervisor . . . . . . . . .KEN DIAZ

Make-Up Artists

RICHARD SNELL JOHN BLAKE

JANE GALLI RICHARD REDLEFSEN

Additional Make-Up Artists

LESLIE DEVLIN ROBIN BEAUCHESNE

ANNE MAREE HURLEY BRIAN PENIKAS

JOHN DAVID SNYDER NIKOLETTA SKARLATOS

GARRETT IMMEL HEATHER PLOTT

HEATHER KOONTZ KRISTIN RYALS

LESA NEILSON MARTHA CALLENDER

ELIZABETH HOEL DEAN JONES

CORINNA LIEBEL ROBERT D. MAVERICK

KEN NIEDERBAUMER STEPHEN PROUTY

KELCEY FRY JAMES ROHLAND

JAY WEJEBE ALEX PROCTOR

Make-Up Provided by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .M·A·C

Special Effect Contact Lenses

by . . .PROFESSIONAL VISIONCARE ASSOCIATES

Contact Lens Coordinator . . . . . .CRISTINA P. CERET

Contact Lens Painter

& Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TYSON FOUNTAINE

Contact Lens Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . .LAURA HILL

Dental Special Effects for

Johnny Depp . . . . . . . . .DR. RICK GLASSMAN, DDS

Make-Up Production Assistant . . . . . .JED DORNOFF

Chief Hairstylist . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MARTIN SAMUEL

Key Hairstylist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LUCIA MACE

Background Supervisor . . . . . . . . .GLORIA P. CASNY

(C) Disney inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hairstylists Key Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .J. MICHAEL POPOVICH

KIMI MESSINA COLLEEN LABAFF Best Boy Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN D. MILLER

NATASHA ALLEGRO HAZEL CATMULL Dolly Grips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .HECTOR GUTIERREZ

BARBARA CANTU CATHERINE CHILDERS EUGENE L. RIVERA

TAMMY KUSIAN ANN MARIE LUDDY Grips

NORMA LEE RANDA SQUILLACOTE RICHARD JONES JON JACOB FUNK

ANTHONY WILSON CAMMY LANGER RYAN PACHECO CHAD C. BARROW

RENEE DIPINTO AUDREY L. ANZURES STEVEN SERNA MICHAEL R. DUARTE

MICHAEL MOORE LYNDA K. WALKER TONY WIDMER

DIANNE PEPPER FRANCINE SHERMAINE Rigging Key Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . .JERRY SANDAGER

CYNTHIA ROMO MARIA VALDIVIA Best Boy Rigging Grip . . . .CHARLES “CHIP” HART

JULIA L. WALKER MIIA KOVERO Rigging Grips . . . . . . . . . . . .MICHAEL E. PACHECO

KARL WESSON PATRINA O’CONNOR CLAYTON FOWLER

LISA MARIE ROSENBERG ALPERT M.K. HINIKER

DAVID GONZALEZ

Hair Dept. Production Assistant . . . .MARY SAMUEL ALAN DOWNS

Technocrane Operators . . . . . . . .KENNY RIVENBARK

Unit Publicist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MICHAEL SINGER CRAIG STRIANO

Still Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . .PETER MOUNTAIN BRIAN McPHERSON

Production Resources . . . . . . . . . . . .DAVID LEENER STEVE OLSEN

Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VANESSA BENDETTI

Special Effects Coordinators . . . . . . . . .ALLEN HALL

Sound Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LEE ORLOFF, C.A.S. MICHAEL LANTIERI

Boom Operators . . . . . . . . .KNOX GRAHAM WHITE On-Set Foreman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDREW WEDER

JEFFREY HUMPHREYS Shop Supervisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .THOMAS PAHK

Cableman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MIKE ANDERSON JAMES REEDY

Sound Technician for Mr. Depp . . . .KEENAN WYATT Shop Foreman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JIM ROBERTS

Rigging Foreman . . . . . . . . . . .DONALD R. ELLIOTT

Chief Lighting Technician . . . . . .RAFAEL SANCHEZ Gimbal Foreman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MARK HAWKER

On-Set Foremen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BOB WILLIAMS

Best Boy Electric . . . . . . . . . . . .JAREK GORCZYCKI CORY FAUCHER

SCOTT FISHER

Electricians Purchaser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RYAN FAUST

SCOTT SPRAGUE ALEXANDER J. CASTILLO

JERRY EUBANKS PATRICK R. HOESCHEN On-Set Technicians

LEE AUERBACH CHRIS WEIGAND JEFF OGG JEFF KHACHADOORIAN

CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT HARRISON M. PALMER ANTE DUGANDZIC DOUG PASSARELLI

DAVID ELLIS ED O’BRIANEN LAWRENCE DECKER JEFF ELLIOTT

JOSEPH LIVOLSI TOM SEYMOUR

Dimmer Board Operator . . . . . . . .JEFFREY M. HALL FREDRICK APOLITO FRANKIE LUDICA JR.

Rigging Chief Lighting Technician . .RODGER MEILINK JAY B. KING LOUIE LANTIERI

Rigging Best Boy DANIEL OSSELLO BOB SLATER

Electric . . . . . . . . . .MORTEN “MORTY” PETERSEN JIM ROLLINS LEO L. SOLIS

TRACY REEDY HARRY KING HURST II

Riggers LARRY ZELENAY

SEAN M. HIGGINS KEVIN “BK” BARRERA

ERIC SANDLIN ISMAEL “IZZY” GONZALEZ Gimbal Unit Technicians . . . . . .THOMAS PELTON II

KEVIN BLAUVELT MICHAEL WALSH CRAIG “TEX” BARNETT

CARSON MARINE DANA M. ARNOLD MARK KOIVU

MARC MARINO HENRY EDGAR OBRAINT III JORDON SNOWHOOK

RICK CRANK

Fixtures

SCOTT GRAVES GREG ETHEREDGE

GEORGE LOZANO FFILIP BOLTON

CHRISTOPHER PRAMPIN JAY GALBO

CREDITS

(C) Disney inc.

 

CREDITS

Rigging Shop Technicians Foley Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . .MATTHEW HARRISON

ROBERT ALIDON RUBEN GARCIA JAMES LIKOWSKI

JOE LOVE JOEL MITCHELL F. HUDSON MILLER, MPSE

RAYMOND HOFFMAN MATTHEW J. McDONNELL Assistant Sound Editors . . . . . . .DOUGLAS PARKER

CHRIS BAILEY PAUL DAMIEN MELISSA LYTLE

PETER DAMIEN PHILIP DIGLIO Foley by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DAN O’CONNELL

DARRYLL B. DODSON SHAUN GLENDENNING JOHN CUCCI

JACK JENNINGS BRIAN BARNHART Foley Mixers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JAMES ASHWILL

ROY GOODE JEFF MILLER RICHARD DUARTE

STEVE MOORE RICHARD PERRY ADR Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DOC KANE

CARLOS M. RODRIGUEZ JAMIE REEDY ADR Recordist . . . . . . . . .JEANNETTE BROWNING

CRAIG REEDY STEVEN SCOTT WHEATLEY ADR Voice Casting . . . . . . . . . . .BARBARA HARRIS

Additional Sound Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JIM BOLT

Pre-Rigging Technicians Stage Recordists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TIM GOMILLION

CHAD VAN BAALBERGEN JOEL P. BLANCHARD DENNIS ROGERS

ROBERT CABAN CHRIS CLINE MATT PATTERSON

MICHAEL E. DOYLE KEVIN HARRIS Stage Engineers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BILL STEIN

KURT HARRIS PAUL PAVELKA

Special Effects Sound Services by

Office Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . .JASON COLUMBUS BUENA VISTA SOUND STUDIOS

Special Effects Production

Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JULIE HOOKER BAKER Mixing Services by

Special Effects Craft Service . . . . .MICHAEL DEKEN 20TH CENTURY FOX STUDIOS

AGUSTIN TORAL

OSCAR ORONA Additional Mixing Services by

SKYWALKER SOUND

Supervising Sound Editor/Designer

CHRISTOPHER BOYES Mix Technicians . . . . . . . .BRIAN D. MAGERKURTH

JUAN PERALTA

Supervising Sound Editor TONY SERENO

GEORGE WATTERS II JURGEN SCHARPF

Re-Recordists . . . . . . . . . . . . .RONALD G. ROUMAS

Sound Mixers NATHAN NANCE

PAUL MASSEY

CHRISTOPHER BOYES Property Masters . . . . . . . . . .KRISTOPHER E. PECK

JERRY MOSS

Sound Effects Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KEN FISCHER

ADDISON TEAGUE Assistant Property Masters . . . . .MICHAEL HANSEN

SHANNON MILLS RICK CHAVEZ

TIM NIELSEN Armourer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CHUCK ROUSSEAU

BRENT BURGE Property Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BRAD GOOD

MELANIE GRAHAM MICHAEL D. GIANNESCHI

Supervising JULIE GILCHRIST

Dialogue Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TERI E. DORMAN MIKE CUNNINGHAM

Dialogue Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DAVID ARNOLD Property Painter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NICK JOHN

GLORIA D’ALESSANDRO Prop Shop Foreman . . . . . . .THOMAS R. HOMSHER

ULRIKA AKANDER Prop Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GREGORY BRYANT

Supervising ROBIN REILLY

ADR Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JESSICA GALLAVAN BRYSON H. GERARD

ADR Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LISA J. LEVINE Property Dept. Coordinator . . .ZACHARY M. HEATH

JULIE FEINER Shipping Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . .MARK DAVIES

HOWELL GIBBENS Assistant Shipping

MICHELLE PAZER Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .“LJ” LAURENT JEAN

Assistant Sound Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . .DEE SELBY

Supervising Foley Editor . . . . . .VICTORIA MARTIN Leadman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ERNEST M. SANCHEZ

On-Set Dressers . . . . . . . . . . . .CAROL ANN NAPIER

MARILYN MORGAN

Set Dressers

CHRISTOPHER CASEY CHRISTOPHER KENNEDY

DEAN LAKOFF STEVEN LIGHT-ORR

RYAN RITTMILLER CHARLIE MONTOYA

CHRIS PETERSON MICHAEL SEAN O’DONNELL

Drapery Foreman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .STEVEN BAER

Buyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WENDY WEAVER

KATHLEEN ROSEN

Gang Boss . . . . . . . . .CRAIG ALLEN ZIMMERMAN

Set Decorating Coordinator . . . . . . . .ROBIN MOORE

General Foremen . . . . . . . . .PETER “PACO” ALVAREZ

RICHARD HOFFENBERG

STEVE THAYER

Lead Welding Foreman . . . . . . . . .ARTHUR CLEVER

Location Foreman . . . . . . . . . . . .RICHARD MARTIN

Welding Foreman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ERNIE ALVAREZ

Lead Paint Foreman . . . . . . . . .GIOVANNI FERRARA

Paint Foremen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ADRIAN VALDES

MIKE VALDES

Toolman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LEO “NOOSE” MOUNEU

Labor Foremen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RAUL ROSARIO

GEOVANNI CAMPOS

Lead Plaster Foreman . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MICKY CRUZ

Lead Sculptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JAMES MILLER

Lead Model Maker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HOUSE

Construction Foremen

RICHARD BIRCH PHIL COFFMAN

STEVEN FEGLEY JOHN FORWALTER

STEPHEN GINDORF TEDD KEITH

HENRY MENDOZA PETE OLEXIEWICZ

JAMES ONDREJKO MICHAEL O’NEAL

KENNETH RICE DENNIS RICHARDSON

BERT RODRIGUEZ DAVE ROZO

DALE SNYDER STEVE SOLA

THOMAS A. WHITE

Propmakers

LEN BORGGREBE JOHN BRYANT

JOHN BULLARD ROBERT COYLE

GREG ELIOT JEFF GOLDBERG

STEVEN KALLAS DAVID KEIR

JUSTIN LAPRESLE CALVIN MANGUM

ED MIRASSOU CHRIS PEREZ

JAMES REYNOLDS PAUL ROBERTS

BRUCE SARTORIUS SHAWN STEPHENSON

TOMMY STURGEON JIM THOLEN SR.

ROBBIE WATTS DAVID WHITTAKER

Welders

GABRIEL BENAVIDEZ JEFFERY BERRINGTON

CLINT FEGLEY DAVID BOUCHER

SAMUEL DEAN GREG DIGGINS

RICK FIGALAN TERRY HAMBELTON

DARREN McCORMICK RON PEAKE

Stand-By Painter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A.J. LEONARDI JR.

Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN BUGARCIC

ANDREW CARTER

FRANCESCO “FRANCO” FERRARA

DANA ROSEN

GEORGE STUART

Model Makers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFFERY COBOS

RALPH COBOS

ARTURO GUZMAN

LUIS RODRIGUEZ

Sculptors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TRAVIS CRAVEN

YANN DENOUAL

KEVIN MARKS

STEVE PINNEY

CHRIS TOWLE

Plasterers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JASON SOLES

JACK WORDEN

Greensmen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CRAIG AYERS

FRANK CAPPIELLO

RENEE VAN DEN BERGHE

MIKE NEEDHAM

CLYDE “LOA” WONG

Laborers

ROB ALVAREZ ALAN F. CAUTHRON

JOE GARCIA EDWARD “ALEX” GIRON

ARMANDO GONZALEZ JOSE OLIVA

JOHN POKIPALA CARLOS SCALLY

TOMMY SCRIBNER MAX SOTO

JESSE VERETTE

Video Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DAVE DEEVER

Marine Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DAN MALONE

Marine Foreman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BRUCE A. ROSS

Picture Boat Coordinator . . . . . . . .J. WILFRID WHITE

Marine Office Coordinator . . . . . . .CARRIE ROSLAN

Asst. Marine Office

Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . .KRISTEN McLAUGHLIN

Water Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MIKE BRADY

TIM CALVER

JAMES MITCHELLE CLYDE

KRIS A. JEFFREY

Boat Captains

DANIEL C. BAILEY JAKE T. HICKS

JOHN MILLER DAVID PEARSALL

O.B. PETTIT DANIEL V. TREFTS

ROBERT WONG STEVE WROE

Dock Master . . . .DOUGLAS “KINO” VALENZUELA

Marine Technicians . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MIKE BRIDGER

DOUGLAS P. SILVERSTEIN

CURT SIVERTS

Sailmaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IAN McINTYRE

Assistant Sailmaster . . . . . .CHARLES HAMBLETON

Black Pearl Captain . . . . . . . . . .MICHAEL WATKINS

Black Pearl First Mate . . . . .LANCE M. BROZOZOG

Black Pearl Technician . . . . . .GLENN “KIWI” HALL

Black Pearl Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . .LISA L. BURNSIDE

JIM BARRY

Master Ship Technician . . . .COURTNEY ANDERSEN

Ship Technicians

PETER MARSHALL JENNIFER REILLY

PRAIRIE PIPES JAMES L. BRINK

LEAH KEFGEN SHANNON SMITH

DVD/EPK Field Producers . . . . . . . . . . . .JACK KNEY

STEPHEN MORRISON

Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .HATTRICK CATERING

Key Craft Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TED YONENAKA

Craft Service Assistant . . . . . . . . . . .LEA ANDERSON

Executive Assistant to Mr. Bruckheimer . .JILL WEISS

Assistants to Mr. Bruckheimer . . .JOHN CAMPBELL

DAN CAMINS

CHRISTINA NORTHRUP

STEPHANIE DECOURCEY

Assistant to Mr. Verbinski . . . . .LINDSAY GREITZER

Assistant to Mr. Elliott

& Mr. Rossio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN LEE SMITH

Assistant to Mr. Stenson . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAUL LYONS

Assistant to Mr. Oman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SARAH LIN

Assistant to Mr. Hendricks . . . . .KARITA BURBANK

Assistant to Mr. McLeod . . . . . . .DANA KRUPINSKI

Assistant to Ms. Reed . . . . . . . . . . .ROBBIE SALTER

Assistant to Mr. Merrifield . . . . .LAURA SCHWARTZ

Executive Assistant

to Mr. Depp . . . . . . . . . . . . .CHRISTI DEMBROWSKI

Assistant to Mr. Depp . . . . . . . .STEPHEN DEUTERS

Assistant to Mr. Bloom . . . . . . .MICHAEL LAGNESE

Assistant to Ms. Knightley . . . . . . .DEREK DIBIAGIO

Assistant to Mr. Rush . . . . . . . . .STEPHEN J. YOUNG

Mr. Depp’s Stand-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SCOTT SENER

Mr. Bloom’s Security . . . . . . . . . . . .GUY FRIEDMAN

Mr. Bloom’s Trainer . . . . . . . . .ANTONIO DI CECCO

Dialogue Coach . . . . . . . . . . . .BARBARA BERKERY

Dialect Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CARLA MEYER

PETER LADEFOGED

Casting Associate . . . . . . . . . . .SCOUT MASTERSON

Casting Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANGELA DEMO

Production Secretaries . . . . . . . . . .OSCAR J. FLORES

MICHAEL LACORTE

Set Staff Assistants

MARIKE ZOE JAINCHILL KEVIN BERLANDI

TASHA PROTHRO FRANCINE DICHIARA

BRANDY D. POLLARD

Production Assistants

MARY SMITH PATRICK WYMORE

PETER JABLONSKI PEDRO CHAVEZ

ALLISON MEADOWS PARKER PHILLIPS

KRISTOPHER GIFFORD SARAH CONTANT

LINDSEY GARY JEREMY WORTZMAN

MEGAN ROMERO JOANNA CALLAS

BECKS WELCH JESSICA C. DIMARTINO

Film Runners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CHRISTY BUSBY

MATTHEW HAGGERTY

Studio Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LAURA GARY

Assistant Script Supervisor . . .STACIE LIVINGSTON

Technical Advisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PETER TWIST

Transportation Coordinator . . . . . . . .DAVE ROBLING

Transportation Captain . . . . . . . . .JEFF WOODWARD

LA Captain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FRANK ROUGHAN

Transportation

Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . .THOMAS R. SWEENEY

Mr. Depp’s Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . .BUCK HOLLAND

TERRY REECE

Drivers/Operators

GLEN MARYGOLD MICHAEL ALLEGRO

THOMAS BARR O’DONNELL WILL DREHER

TOM PROVENZANO BRUCE ROZENBERG

CLINT COYLE ROBERT ENRIQUEZ

THOMAS M. MAWYER CURTIS RANDOLL

NEIL SCOGNAMIGLIO MAXIM APERIAN

VAUGHN BLADEN STEVE BURING

SCOTT FAIR GARY GRAY

MARK HOLMES JIMMY JONES

SCOTT A. KENNEDY MICHAEL W. McCLURE

DENNIS V. McKEEHAN LEO MOUNEU

TONY MOURADIAN DAVID MOIR

ALAN L. MYERS JAMES PERRY

SANDRA POWELL RICK PURDY

BILL M. PULUTI BRETT ROUND

MARVIN LAROY SANDERS PETER SCHWIETZER

ROBERT R. SEGLETES MIKE SHAW

JAMES SHERWOOD GORDON A. SPENCER

 (C) Disney inc.

 MICHAEL A. STEVENS MICHAEL P. SULLIVAN

STEVE SURABIAN JOHN E. THOMAS

JORGE VASQUEZ LAUNI VARBEL

JOHN R. WOODWARD ROGER YOUDS

PAUL JOHN YOUDS

Extras Casting . . . . . . . . . . . .SANDE ALESSI, C.S.A.

KRISTAN BERONA

JENNIFER ALESSI

Extras Casting Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . .J.R. KEHOE

Animal Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BOONE NARR

Head Trainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MARK HARDEN

Trainers

JOE SUFFREDINI URSULA BRAUNER

PHIL SMITH PATRICIA PEEBLES

MARK JACKSON MICHAEL BOYLE

DENNIS GRISCO CODY SMITH

APRYL CROSBY

First Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JONAS C. MATZ

DAVID O’DELL

ROBERT ALLEN

Supervising Music Editor . . . . . . . . .MELISSA MUIK

Music Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JULIE PEARCE

Assistant Music Editor . . . . . .KATIE GREATHOUSE

Additional Music by

LORNE BALFE TOM GIRE

NICK GLENNIE-SMITH HENRY JACKMAN

TREVOR MORRIS JOHN SPONSLER

GEOFF ZANELLI

Featured Musician . . . . . . . . . . . .MARTIN TILLMAN

— cello

Supervising Orchestrator . . . . . . . . .BRUCE FOWLER

Orchestrations by (C) Disney inc.

WALT FOWLER RICK GIOVINAZZO

KEN KUGLER SUZETTE MORIARTY

Music Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BOOKER WHITE

WALT DISNEY MUSIC LIBRARY

Score Recorded & Mixed by . . . .ALAN MEYERSON

Additional Recording by . . . . . . .SLAMM ANDREWS

JEFF BIGGERS

AL CLAY

On-Camera/Pre-Record

Musicians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CRAIG EASTMAN

JAMES S. LEVINE

MICHAEL LEVINE

FRANK MAROCCO

Orchestra Conducted by . . . . . . . . . .PETE ANTHONY

Orchestra

Contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SANDY DE CRESCENT

PETER ROTTER

Ambient Music Design . . . . . . . . . . . . .MEL WESSON

Technical Music Assistants . .THOMAS BRODERICK

LARRY MAH

PETER OSO SNELL

GREG VINES

MATT WARD

Score Recorded

at . . . . . . . . .SONY SCORING STAGE, Los Angeles, CA

Scoring Stage Crew . . . . . . . . . . .ADAM MICHALAK

GREG LOSKORN

MARK ESHELMAN

BRYAN CLEMENTS

Music Production Services . . . . . . .STEVEN KOFSKY

Music Mixed

at . . . . . . . . . .REMOTE CONTROL PRODUCTIONS

Studio Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . .CZARINA RUSSELL

Featured Vocalist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DELORES CLAY

Choir Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JENNY O’GRADY

Choirs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .METRO VOICES

THE CHOIR OF THE KING’S CONSORT

Choir Conducted by . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ALISTER KING

Choir Contractor . . . . . . . . . . . . .ISOBEL GRIFFITHS

Choir Recorded by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GEOFF FOSTER

Choir Recorded at . . . . .AIR LYNDHURST STUDIOS

ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS

Production Coordinator

for Mr. Zimmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDREW ZACK

Main Titles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .METHOD

End Titles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SCARLET LETTERS

Negative

Cutter . . . . . . . . .BUENA VISTA NEGATIVE CUTTING

Color Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KURT SMITH

Digital Intermediate Provided by . . . . . . .COMPANY 3

Executive Producer/Colorist . .STEFAN SONNENFELD

On-Line Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DYLAN CARTER

Digital Intermediate Producers . . . . . . .ERIK ROGERS

DES CAREY

Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MISSY PAPAGEORGE

Dailies Colorist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MARK OSBORNE

Dailies Assistant Colorist . . . . . . . .ADRIAN DELUDE

Digital Intermediate Assistant . . . . . . . .DAN GOSLEE

Digital Intermediate Technologist . . . .MIKE CHAIDO

Original Negative Preparation

for DI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .US COMPUTAMATCH INC.

Special Visual Effects and Animation by

INDUSTRIAL LIGHT & MAGIC

a Lucasfilm Ltd. Company

San Francisco, California

Digital Production Supervisor . . . . . . . .DAVID MENY

Compositing Supervisor . . . .EDDIE PASQUARELLO

TD Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PATRICK MYERS

Creature Development

Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JAMES TOOLEY

Digital Model Supervisors . . . . .GEOFF CAMPBELL

BRUCE HOLCOMB

STEVE WALTON

Additional Visual Effects Supervisors . .BILL GEORGE

ROGER GUYETT

Visual Effects Art Director . . . . . .AARON McBRIDE

Visual Effects Associate Producer . . . .LORI ARNOLD

Associate Animation Supervisor . . . . . . . .MARC CHU

Sequence Supervisors

THOMAS FEJES NEIL HERZINGER

JEFF SUTHERLAND CHAD TAYLOR

SUSUMU YUKUHIRO JASON SNELL

JACK MONGOVAN MARIO CAPELLARI

IAN CHRISTIE MICHAEL HALSTED

SHAWN HILLIER POLLY ING

KATRIN KLAIBER FRANCOIS LAMBERT

KIMBERLY LASHBROOK ROBERT MARINIC

TOM MARTINEK TORY MERCER

GREG SALTER DOUG SMYTHE

DAMIAN STEEL JEFF WOZNIAK

Animators

STEVE NICHOLS JAMY WHELESS

PETER DAULTON ISMAIL ACAR

GEORGE ALECO-SIMA CHARLES ALLENECK

SCOTT BENZA MICHAEL BERENSTEIN

SAMATI BOONCHITSITSAK DERRICK CARLIN

MICKAEL COEDEL SEAN CURRAN

JENN EMBERLY C. MICHAEL EASTON

CAMERON FOLDS LESLIE FULTON

TIMOTHY HEATH GEOFF HEMPHILL

KEITH JOHNSON PAUL KAVANAGH

MAIA KAYSER PETER KELLY

RONNIE KIM MAKOTO KOYAMA

PATRICIA KRAUSE SCOTT KRAVITZ

NADINE LAVOIE JONATHAN LYONS

KEVIN MARTEL THAI NGUYEN

RICK O’CONNOR JAKUB PISTECKY

MARK POWERS ELLIOT ROBERTS

TOM ROTH DAVID SHIRK

ANDREW SCHNEIDER DAVID SIDLEY

GREG TOWNER DELIO TRAMONTOZZI

CHI CHUNG TSE TIM WADDY

CHRIS WALSH HUCK WIRTZ

ANDY WONG STEPHEN WONG

SYLVIA WONG ROLAND YEPEZ

JOHN ZDANKIEWICZ

Digital Artists

MIMI ABERS JON ALEXANDER

JOEL ARON OKAN ATAMAN

TRANG BACH LANCE BAETKEY

AL BAILEY KEN BAILEY

KATHARINE BAIRD MICHAEL BALOG

MISTY BARBOUR CASEY BASICHIS

MICHAEL BAUER KATHLEEN BEELER

JEFFREY BENEDICT DUNCAN BLACKMAN

MATTHEW BLACKWELL STELLA BOGH

ARON BONAR TIMOTHY BRAKENSIEK

SAM BREACH TRIPP BROWN

JASON BROWN T.J. BURKE

MICHAELA CALANCHINI CARTER COLIN CAMPBELL

MARSHALL CANDLAND TAMI CARTER

MARK CASEY JOE CEBALLOS

LANNY CERMAK PETER CHESLOFF

TERRY CHOSTNER PAUL CHURCHILL

BRIAN CLARK ZACHARY COLE

TIM COLEMAN JAY COOPER

MICHAEL CORDOVA MARTIN COVEN

KEVIN COYLE CASEY DAME

MICHELLE DEAN PETER DEMAREST

KARIN DERLICH DAVID DEUBER

NATASHA DEVAUD RICHARD DUCKER

LEANDRO ESTEBECORENA DAN FEINSTEIN

BRIAN FLYNN CHRISTIAN FOUCHER

AIDAN FRASER ALEC FREDERICKS

DAVID FUHRER WILLI GEIGER

HOWARD GERSH MAURIZIO GIGLIOLI

GREG GILMORE JEREMY GOLDMAN

SUSAN GOLDSMITH MARIA GOODALE

DAVID GOTTLIEB BRYANT GRIFFIN

CAMERON GRIFFIN BRANKO GRUJCIC

TYLER HAM CRAIG HAMMACK

TREVOR HAZEL DAVID HIRSCHFIELD

ADAM HOWARD JEN HOWARD

PAUL HUSTON CYRUS JAM

MICHAEL JAMIESON SARAHJANE JAVELO

SCOTT JONES GREG KILLMASTER

WOONAM KIM DREW KLAUSNER

ED KRAMER ERIK KRUMREY

JEROEN LAPRE KELVIN LAU

KERRY LEE SUNNY LEE (C) Disney inc.

SEUNG HUN LEE JOHN LEVIN

JOSHUA LIVINGSTON LUKE LONGIN

ANDREA MAIOLO GREG MALONEY

DAVID MARSH KEVIN MAY

VICKY McCANN WILL McCOY

REGAN McGEE JENNIFER McKNEW

JOSEPH METTEN LAUREN MORIMOTO

DAVID MORRIS KATIE MORRIS

MICHELLE MOTTA MELISSA MULLIN

MYLES MURPHY KEN NIELSEN

TIMOTHY NAYLOR JENNIFER NONA

BRETT NORTHCUTT KAORI OGINO

MAGGIE OH MASAYORI OKA

HIROMI ONO KHATSHO ORFALI

KEVIN PAGE SCOTT PARRISH

BENOIT PELCHAT BRUCE POWELL

JANET QUEN SCOTT PRIOR

TRACEY ROBERTS ELSA RODRIGUEZ

ALAN ROSENFELD ANDREW RUSSELL

JUAN-LUIS SANCHEZ MIKE SANDERS

STEVE SAUERS FREDERIC SCHMIDT

RENE SEGURA JERRY SELLS

ANTHONY SHAFER JOHN SIGURDSON

JASON SMITH SCOTT SMITH

JAMES SOUKUP SAM STEWART

CHRIS STOSKI DAVID SULLIVAN

HENRI TAN MASAHIKO TANI

STEPHANIE TAUBERT RENITA TAYLOR

MEGHAN THORNTON ALEX TROPIEC

KATE TURNER BRUCE VECCHITTO

ERIC VOEGELS JOHN WALKER

DAVID WASHBURN PATRICK WASS

TALMAGE WATSON GREGORY WEINER

ERIN WEST JOHN WHISNANT

JEFF WHITE DOUG WRIGHT

SIMON WICKER BARRY WILLIAMS

KEVIN WOOLEY KEIJI YAMAGUCHI

DANIEL ZIZMOR

Digital Models

LEIGH BARBIER SCOTT BONNENFANT

SIMON CHEUNG CATHERINE CRAIG

GUS DIZON DAVID FOGLER

JOHN GOODSON FRANK GRAVATT

JACK HAYE REBECCA HESKES

JUNG-SEUNG HONG LANA LAN

JEAN-CLAUDE LANGER LENNY LEE

SCOTT MAY TERRY MOLATORE

MARTIN MURPHY GIOVANNI NAKPIL

RUSSELL PAUL SUSAN ROSS

MARK SIEGEL KIM SMITH

JOSEPH SUEN LARRY TAN

HOWIE WEED SUNNY LI-HSIEN WEI

RON WOODALL

Visual Effects Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GREG HYMAN

Lead Location Data Capture . . . . . .MARLA NEWALL

Visual Effects Coordinators

AMBER KIRSCH PAULA NEDERMAN

DAVID GRAY JULIE CREIGHTON

AMY SPANNER BRIAN BARLETTANI

 

Model & Miniatures Unit Supervisors

CARL MILLER PAT SWEENEY

CHARLIE BAILEY MARK ANDERSON

GEOFF HERON

Model & Miniature Unit

CARL ASSMUS CAROL BAUMAN

GREG BEAUMONTE DON BIES

LANCE BRACKETT MARTY BRENNEIS

THOMAS CLOUTIER BRYAN DEWE

ROBERT EDWARDS JON FOREMAN

JOE FULMER STEVE GAWLEY

NELSON HALL PEGGY HRASTAR

DAVID JANSSEN ROD JANUSCH

RICHARD MILLER WENDY MORTON

DAVID MURPHY BUCK O’HARE

MICHAEL OLAGUE LORNE PETERSON

CHUCK RAY DENNIS ROGERS

MITCH ROMANAUSKI

Research and Development

TOMMY BURNETTE BRICE CRISWELL

DON HATCH JULIAN HODGSON

ZORAN KACIC-ALESIC CARY PHILLIPS

NICO POPRAVKA PHILIP SCHNEIDER

STEVE SULLIVAN ALAN TROMBLA

Production & Technical Support

COURTNEY WARD MELISSA DE SANTIS

SUSAN MACKE SEBASTIAN FELDMAN

LOUISE HELENIUS JAMES MILTON

NICK PROVENZANO RYAN SMITH

DANIEL CAVEY SHANE O’CONNOR

ILM Senior Staff . . . . . . . . . . . .LYNWEN BRENNAN

CHRISSIE ENGLAND

MARK MILLER

CLIFF PLUMER

Additional Visual Effects

Visual Effects Supervisor . . . . . . .CHARLES GIBSON

ASYLUM

Senior Visual Effects

Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NATHAN McGUINNESS

Compositing Supervisors . . . . . . .JOHN FRAGOMENI

PHIL BRENNAN

Visual Effects Producer . . . . . . .KIMBERLY COVATE

Visual Effects Coordinator . . . . . . . . .FRANK SPIZIRI

Compositors . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY RAFAEL BARRIOS

STEVE MUANGMAN

HILARY SPERLING

ANDREW MUMFORD

JOHN STEWART

Rotoscope/Paint Supervisor . . . . . . . .ELISSA BELLO

Rotoscope/Paint Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JAMES LEE

ERIC EVANS

CG Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SEAN FADEN

Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AARON VEST

  

 

(C) Disney inc.

 

CREDITS

Matte Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TIMOTHY CLARK

THE ORPHANAGE INC.

Visual Effects Supervisor . . . . . . . . .RYAN TUDHOPE

Visual Effects Producer . . . . . . . . . . .PAUL HETTLER

Digital Production Manager . . .LESLIE VALENTINO

Computer Graphics Supervisor . . . . .KIRK McINROY

Digital Artist . . . . . . . . . . .DANIELA CALAFATELLO

Compositor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ALEX PRICHARD

The Creative and Technical Team at

METHOD

 

CIS HOLLYWOOD

 

Visual Effects Supervisor . . . . . . . . . .BRYAN HIROTA

Visual Effects Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . .LISA MAHER

Visual Effects

Production Manager . . . . . . . . . . .JULIA GAUDETTE

Digital Compositing

Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PATRICK KAVANAUGH

Color and Lighting Supervisor . . . . . . . .DIANA MIAO

Compositors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TOM DAWS

MATHIAS FRODIN

DAVID REY

MATT WILSON

CG Animator . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GARY ABRAHAMIAN

PACIFIC TITLE AND ART STUDIO

Visual Effects Supervisor . . . . . . . .DAVID SOSALLA

ExecutiveProducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOE GARERI

Digital Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . .JAMES D. TITTLE

Inferno Compositors . . . . . . . . . . .BRIAN HANABLE

CESAR ROMERO

Digital Compositors . . . . . . . . . . . .OZZIE CARMONA

JIM O’HAGAN

PATRICK KEENAN

TOM LAMB

ROBERT MONTGOMERY

Previsualization by

PROOF, INC.

 

Previs Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RICH LEE

Previs Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SCOTT MEADOWS

MARC CHU

PEI PEI YUAN

ROBIN ROEPSTORFF

MICHAEL MAKER

CARIBBEAN UNIT

Additional 2nd Assistant

Director—Bahamas . . . . . . . . . . . . .CLARK CREDLE

Second Assistant

Director—Dominica . . . . . . . . . . . . .GEOFF DIBBEN

Make-Up Lab Technicians . . . . . .STEVE BUSCAINO

CHRIS GARNAAS

FRANK IPPOLITO

MIKE ROSS

Make-Up Artists

TYM BUACHARERN MARTHA CALLENDER

LEO COREY CASTELLANO FIONAGH CUSH-KEPLAR

GABRIEL DE CUNTO KRIS EVANS

GARRETT IMMEL HEATHER KOONTZ-EATON

HEATHER PLOTT ALEX PROCTOR

JILL ROCKOW MICHELLE VITTONE-McNEIL

Tattoo Illustrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KENTRO YAHO

Tattoo Make-Up Artist . . . . . . . . . . .RICK STRATTON

Hairstylists

LAUREL VAN DAYKE LINDA DE ANDREA

LANA HEYING CAMILLE FRIEND

YVETTE PEREZ GIANNA SPARACINO

PINKY CUNNINGHAM TERESSA HILL

ROBIN MAGINSKY DAY

Hair P.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAXINE GIBSON

Prop Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MORRIS WILLIAMS

NATE HENFIELD

Set Dressing Assistant . . . . . .A. BROOKE BRUNSON

Assistant Production

Coordinators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KELLY DETAMPLE

 (C) Disney inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BARRETT LEIGH

KATHLEEN SWITZER

Production Secretaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GAIL WOON

RACHEL JENNER-YOUNG

ROHAN COOKE

VALINA ETIENNE

MARVA BROWN

Production Assistants

SIOBHAN C. ANTONI JAMES McKAY

MEGAN CALLENDER DARRY WARRINGTON

ANDREA ANSELM SHAUN REID

SEAN TOUSSANINT MARY SAMBA BRUNEY

CURTICE ST. JOHN MAYFIELD JOSEPH

MICHEL RODGERS ROHAN TONEY

LUCIANN WILSON

Production Interns . . . . . . .DOMINQUE LOCKHART

VIDYA BARTLETT

HARVEYANN NEWBOLD

Shipping Coordinators . . . .LEROY V. CHARLES “WADIX”

TELLY ONU

AMIE BOWE

Co-Shipping Coordinator . . . . . . . .MARVA BROWNE

Broker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JASON MORANCIE

Shipping Assistants . . . . . . . . . . .TAMEE FERGUSON

RYAN CARROLL

Extras Casting . . . . . . . . . . . .THOMAS GUSTAFSON

KATE BURGESS

Extras Casting Assistants . . . . . . .BRADLEY GRANT

JENNIFER M. MERRIMAN

SAMANTHA WILLIAMS

GARY YOUNG

Casting Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VAL CUFFY

IRVINCE AUGUISTE

Location Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ROBIN HIGGS

STEVE HART

ALAN TOUSSAINT

Assistant Location

Managers . . . . . . . . . .MARTINA LOUISE CARROLL

PAUL TOULON

RICHARD ROBERTS

Location Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN SMART

RICO BAILEY

DAVID COTE

JANET MAYCOCK

CASSIUS CRUICKSHANK

BAIN GOLSON

Location Runner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RONALD BRUNO

Marine Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ED NYERICK

Assistant Marine Coordinators . . . . . . . .RICK HICKS

J.P. GENASI

Marine Logistics Coordinator . .MICHAEL DOUGLAS

DiveSafety Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BRIAN KAKUK

Water Safety Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . .ALEX KRIMM

Water Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NEIL ANDREA

CHUCK HOSACK

DURK TYNDALL

DAN WEBB

LARRY RIPPENDROEGER

Boat Captains

CARLOS “CUAKS” APEY M. EUGENE FLIPSE III

GARY LOWE MARTY McNARY

LAWRENCE OTT JAY ALBURY

CHRIS McGEOUG KEVIN MULRINE

 (C) Disney inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIMON WORLEY GLEN YRIGOYEN

CHRIS PAPAJOHN BRAD THOMPSON

MARK ALBURY WILLIAM BRAITHWAITE

ROBERT CORDES JUSTIN GAPE

BRANDFORD JONES ADAM LONG

RON PAGLIARO DAVID ROSE

PETER ROSE MICHAEL BRACKIN

WILLIAM DEBREO EDGAR COREA

TRAVIS COREA BRIAN CRUICKSHANK

VERBIN SUTHERLAND ROGGER THOMAS

REYNOLD WILLIAMS

Sail Handlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PETER BAILEY

LOUIE S. LAMBIE

MERELITA REVEL

Local Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JAMES HUGHES

Technicians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CHARLES GRANT

DENNIS “FACEMAN” GURLEY

Shipwrights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CHUCK HANDY

MARK McLELLAN

Location Accountants . . . . . . . . . .ROBERT GEORGE

SHAUNA KROEN

JAMES BREITHAUPT

First Assistant Accountants . .PHAEDRA CHARLTON

SANDY YEARY

MICHELLE RAMEZ

HOPE WHITE

Second Assistant Accountants

KRISTIN KRUGER COLEEN “COCO” AIELLO

MICHELLE WRIGHT LORRAINE PROCTOR

ESTER SKANELL

Construction Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . .ANIL PATADE

Payroll Accountants . . . . . . . . . . . .JUDITH WALDER

RICK J. ROESCH

Accounting Clerks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ERICA CURRY

ERICKA McINTOSH

SILE PINARD-BYRNE

MARK BILAS

Transportation Captains . . . . . . . . . . .RON KUNECKE

TONY LOGUZZO

JIM ALFONSO

LIONEL HOWARD

Local Captains . . . . . . . . . . .GREGORY AUGUSTINE

RONALD CHARLES

Office Administrator . . . . . . . . .JENNER ROBINSON

Transportation Secretaries . . . . .JACQUELINE DAVIS

CHRISTON AZZILLE

MAHALA ANDRE

Craft Service Assistant . . . . . . .RENDAL MUNNINGS

Housing Coordinators . . . . . . . . . . . . .BASHIE ALLIE

LISA ALLEN

Housing Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . .ALLYSON GIRAUD

LAURA HADAWAY

Sound Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SAM GRAY

SECOND UNIT

Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CHARLES GIBSON

First Assistant Director . . . . . . . . .PHILIP HARDAGE

Second Second Assistant Director . . .ERIC GLASSER

Director of Photography . . . . .PATRICK LOUNGWAY

First Assistant Camera . . .STEPHEN BUCKINGHAM

JOHN GAZDIK

Second Assistant Camera . . . . . .MATTHEW C. BLEA

LORNA LESLIE

Libra Head Techs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LANCE MAYER

TIM DEAN

AARON YORK

Grips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GARY SCHWAB

EVAN NELSON

SCOTT A. FEBBO

Gaffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL

BRIAN TILDEN

Aerial Platform Technician . . . . . . .RICHARD JONES

Electrician . . . . . . . . . . . . .STEVE “ZIGGY” ZIGLER

Property Master . . . . . . . . . .JAMES “STITCH” CRISP

Script Supervisor . . . . . . . . . .SAMANTHA KIRKEBY

Video Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DAVE SCHMALZ

MIKE LEWIS

Set Production Assistants . . . . .INDIA SALVY GUIDE

DENNIS BRITTON, JR.

SECOND UNIT/DOMINICA

Director . . . . . . . . . . . .GEORGE MARSHALL RUGE

First Assistant Director . .GARY ROMOLO FIORELLI

Second Assistant Director . . . . . . . . .GEOFF DIBBEN

Director of Photography . . . . . . . .JOSH BLEIBTREU

Camera Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IAN FOX

1st Assistant Camera . . . . . . . . .DONNY STEINBERG

DAN TEAZE

2nd Assistant Camera . . . . . . . . . . . .STEVEN CUEVA

ROBERT SETTLEMIRE

Key Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY BERTELSON

Best Boy Grip . . . . . . . . . . .LAWRENCE ESCOBEDO

Props Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . .BRYAN D. GAROFALO

Video Assist . . . . . . . . .M. SCOTT BLYNDER, C.A.S.

Stand-By Painter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JIMMY DIGGS

Production Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . . .BECKS WELCH

DIONE WOOD

Stunt Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JESSICA HART

Special Thanks to

 

JONATHAN PALMER

IRVINCE AUGUSISTE

KEVIN MONROE

DOUG CARTER

VICKI GABOR

HARRY HUMPHRIES

NICHOLAS L. TETA

HARRY MARGARY PUBLISHERS

© CORBIS

BRIAN CURY, EarthCam, Inc.

 

MUSIC

“Two Hornpipes”

Written by Skip Henderson

 

Soundtrack Available on

 

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN:

DEAD MAN’S CHEST

Available on

ALL VIDEO GAME HANDHELD PLATFORMS

 9C) Disney inc.

 

 

 

 

AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION

MONITORED THE ANIMAL ACTION.

NO ANIMAL WAS HARMED IN THE MAKING

OF THIS FILM. (AHA 01082)

 

 

FILMED ON LOCATION IN THE BAHAMAS

 

THIS FILM WAS SUPPORTED BY AN

INCENTIVE PROVIDED BY

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE BAHAMAS

 

ALSO FILMED ON LOCATION IN THE

COUNTRIES OF

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

and DOMINICA

 

GFCI Shock Protection by

BENDER

 

Production Equipment Provided by

LEONETTI COMPANY

 

Camera Support Provided by

 

J.L. FISHER, INC.

Camera Cranes and Dollies by

CHAPMAN/LEONARD STUDIO EQUIPMENT

 

Filmed with PANAVISION®

Cameras and Lenses

 

Prints by

TECHNICOLOR®

 

MPAA #42793

 

Copyright ©2006 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.

All Rights Reserved

 

This motion picture was created by Second Mate Productions, Inc. for purposes of copyright law in the United Kingdom.

 

JERRY BRUCKHEIMER FILMS™, JERRY

BRUCKHEIMER FILMS Tree Logo™ and JERRY

BRUCKHEIMER FILMS Moving Image Design® are all trademarks. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use is prohibited.(C) Disney inc.

 

Distributed by

BUENA VISTA PICTURES DISTRIBUTION

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Boris FX to Exhibit at SIGGRAPH 2006 Boris Blue; real-time 3D motion graphics solution, shown at SIGGRAPH 2006

Boris FX to Exhibit at SIGGRAPH 2006 Boris Blue; real-time 3D motion graphics solution, shown at SIGGRAPH 2006 

Boris FX, the leading developer of integrated effects technology for video and film, will demonstrate the new Boris Blue solution at the SIGGRAPH 2006 exhibition held in Boston MA from August 1st through 3rd on stand 2525. The award-winning Boris Blue delivers legendary Boris 3D creativity with real-time performance to accelerate effects production workflows. Based on Boris Red, Blue takes 3D to the next step and addresses the needs of video editors and compositors who want to create stunning 3D looks for their projects without the complex learning curves and render times associated with 3D applications.

Boris Blue - Groundbreaking Performance
Perfect for post facilities with client-supervised sessions or demanding deadlines, Boris Blue’s real-time capabilities near eliminate render times and massively accelerate effects production. Boris Blue delivers real-time processing of 2D and 3D effects as well as real-time streaming of moving video and audio media within effect compositions. Blue users can easily adjust effect parameters during playback, a “front room” capability that is ideal for working side by side with clients. The fast export to disk; including hardware rendered anti-aliasing, motion blur, and 3D shadow, provide significant time savings.

Purpose Built for Compositing and Effects Production
With Boris Blue, users can realize the wildest of ideas. The breadth and depth of features reinforced by real-time performance allow for brilliant effects creation in record time.
Highlights include:

•Real-time performance; optimized for use with NVIDIA graphics cards, Blue provides high quality, real-time performance for 2D and 3D effects creation.
•3D Particle creation; use any shape, including 3D objects, as a particle. A single emitter can include multiple particle types. Design fire, smoke and sparks using sprite particles or use particles to animate a background.
•Materials offer per pixel lighting controls and texture-bump-reflection mapping. Users can easily simulate textured, metallic, or shiny reflective looks that respond realistically to 3D scene lighting.
•Image Processors include utility tools such as luma and color adjustments as well as chromakey. Stylize effects: edge detection, tinting, and toning. 2D image distortions such as bulge, ripple, and wave. Transition effects such as burnt film, erosion, and curtain wipes.
•Vertex Deformers provide true 3D warping of objects and can be applied to all shapes.
•Generators include animatable noise based effects such as Clouds, Marble, and Electricity.
•Extrude text, spline primitives, freehand spline drawings, or imported EPS files. Bezier spline controls allow users to define custom contours for bevels and extrusion depth faces of extruded shapes.
•Import 3D Model; users can import 3D models for use in Blue compositions, preserving individual geometry groups as well as texture and bump maps which can be edited in Blue.
•Bitmap to Vector Trace allows users to quickly and precisely trace pixel-based images to create vector spline media which can then be extruded.
•Type On title containers allow for true 3D hardware accelerated animation of individual text characters within a single editable text block.

Pricing and Availability
Boris Blue is available through the Boris FX worldwide reseller channel and direct through Boris FX for $1995 US SRP or bundled with the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 for $3495.00 US SRP and NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GTX for $2295.00 US SRP.

Please contact Janice Dolan at janice@zazilmediagroup.com for Boris Blue imagery.

Boris FX Special Event During SIGGRAPH 2006
Boris FX will be hosting a wine tasting for customers and members of the press on Wednesday August 2nd from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Boris FX loft offices located five minutes from the convention center (381 Congress St). To register, please email Janice Dolan at janice@zazilmediagroup.com
.
About Boris FX
Founded in 1995 in Boston MA, Boris FX is the leading developer of integrated graphics and effects technology, delivering 3D compositing and vector graphic products for the broadcast, post production, film and multi-media industries. Since the company's inception, Boris products have grown to serve over 125,000 artists worldwide. A great part of its success lies in the ability to tightly integrate and leverage technologies through strong partnerships with industry-leading manufacturers including Adobe®, Apple®, Autodesk®, Avid®, Canopus®, Discreet®, Eyeon®, in-sync®, Incite®, Leitch®, Matrox®, Media 100®, Sony Pictures Digital®, and Ulead®. For more information, visit www.borisfx.com.

 

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ANNAPOLIS in release now.

The Intense Action-Filled Drama of America’s Military Elite

 

(C)  Disney INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James Franco and Tyrese Gibson

Fight For Honor And Country On DVD June 27

ANNAPOLIS

Includes Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes, Making-Of Featurette,

Exclusive Boxing And Fight Choreography Extras,

And Filmmaker Audio Commentary

 

At Annapolis, 50,000 apply, 1,200 are accepted, but only the best survive. Now, the dramatic and patriotic film ANNAPOLIS comes to DVD for the first time, accompanied by never-before-seen bonus features. Featuring hot Hollywood talents James Franco (“Spider Man,” “Spider Man 2,” “The Great Raid”) and Tyrese Gibson (“Four Brothers,” “2 Fast 2

 (C) Disney inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furious”), this action-packed story steps inside the United States’ most elite military academy and follows one man’s determination to join the best of the best. Young Jake Huard (Franco) has believed all his life that he has what it takes to succeed there, but Lt. Cole (Gibson), his superior officer and a battle seasoned Marine, is determined to test his limits, and make him prove his worthiness to defend his country.

The exclusive bonus features for ANNAPOLIS are: deleted scenes with optional filmmaker commentary; “Plebe Year: The Story of Annapolis” – a behind-the-scenes look at making the film; “The Brigades” – an in-depth look at the actors’ boxing training, the fight choreography and boxing sequence camera techniques; and audio commentary with the director, writer and editor. Available in separate widescreen and full screen editions.

The top-notch cast of ANNAPOLIS also stars Jordana Brewster (“The Fast and The Furious,” “The Faculty”) and Donnie Wahlberg (“Saw II,” TV’s “Band of Brothers”). A must-have film that arrives in

time for Independence Day, ANNAPOLIS is available on June 27 for U.S. $29.99 (S.R.P.), Canada

$35.99 (S.R.P.) from Touchstone Home Entertainment.

(ANNAPOLIS BONUS FEATURES

DELETED SCENES

• With optional filmmaker commentary

PLEBE YEAR: THE STORY OF ANNAPOLIS

• A behind-the-scenes look at making the film

THE BRIGADES

• An in-depth look at the actors’ boxing training, the fight choreography and the boxing

sequences’ camera techniques

FILMMAKER AUDIO COMMENTARY

• Audio Commentary with the director, writer and editor.

STREET DATE: June 27, 2006

Suggested retail price: U.S.$29.99, Canada $35.99

Rated: U.S.: PG-13 For Some Violence, Sexual Content And Language.

Canada: PG For Coarse Language, Violence

Bonus materials not rated or subtitled.

Feature run time: Approximately 104 minutes

Aspect ratio: Widescreen 1.85:1 enhanced for 16x9 TV screens

(or separate) Fullscreen 1.33:1 formatted 4x3

Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Languages: English audio. Spanish, French subtitles.

Close captioned for the hearing impaired.

Written by David Collard. Directed by Justin Lin.

Touchstone Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized industry leader. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax, Dimension and Buena Vista videocassettes and DVDs.

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Oakland Athletics Postgame Alert

June 29, 2006

Oakland 6, San Diego 5 at PETCO Park
Oakland Record: (42-36)
San Diego Record: (41-37)

Winning pitcher - Ron Flores (1-1)
Losing pitcher - Scott Cassidy (4-4)
SV - Chad Gaudin (2)


 123456789 RHE
 Oakland021000020 6111
 San Diego000002102 591
 101112131415161718 RHE
 Oakland00001 6111
 San Diego00000 591

OAK HR - J. Payton (4)
SD HR - M. Bellhorn (6) A. Gonzalez (11)
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(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recent Posts

 

 

(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DHAP Digital Partners with TiVo to Showcase the 2007 Lexus ES 350 in the First-Ever Interactive DVR Advertising Application

DHAP Digital announces the
successful launch and extensive use of the Lexus Vehicle
Configurator for the TiVo(R) Series2(TM) Digital Video
Recorder.  The Lexus Vehicle Configurator showcases the 2007
Lexus ES 350, allowing users to configure a vehicle, request
an email or printed brochure about the vehicle, and locate a
nearby dealer.  The application leverages the sophisticated
interactivity of the Build Your Lexus Configurator
application DHAP developed for lexus.com and extends a
subset of that functionality to an innovative new platform.

The Configurator is built on TiVo's Java-based Home Media
Engine (HME), which enables developers to create robust
consumer applications that run on TiVo's Series2 DVRs.
Running under TiVo's "Music, Photos, Products And More"
menu, the application invites TiVo users to learn more about
the Lexus ES 350 without interrupting the television viewing
experience as traditional advertising does.  By creating an
"opt-in" advertising experience, Lexus ensures users can
fully engage with the information and return to it as they
choose.

"We're always looking for innovative new touchpoints to
interact with Lexus owners and enthusiasts," said Deborah
Meyer, Lexus Vice President of Marketing. "Our configurator
products, both on the web and on TiVo, provide us the
opportunity to have a more sophisticated conversation with
our customers in their own environment and at their own
pace."

"We were pleased to work with Lexus to develop the TiVo
Configurator," said Philip Dzilvelis, President of DHAP
Digital. "DHAP and Lexus share a passion for creating
exciting new experiences, and we approached that challenge
with intelligent project management and agile development
techniques. We were also pleased to work with such a broad
and talented team of partners - TiVo, Lexus agency of record
TeamOne and fulfillment partner Rastar contributed valuable
input and helped enable us to extend the Configurator to a
new platform."

The Lexus TiVo Configurator provides seamless integration
with the Lexus Dealer Locator and Lexus Sales Lead Processor
web services, also developed by DHAP Digital, and introduces
a key subset of the web-based configurator features to the
TiVo audience.  As part of the development process, DHAP
also utilized and extended TiVo's Java Bananas User
Interface (BUI) toolkit.

Robin Pisz, Lexus National Interactive and Relationship
Marketing Manager, adds "We rely on DHAP's expertise in
doing things that have never been done before and doing them
absolutely meticulously. The TiVo Configurator is an
exciting new venture for us and we're pleased that customers
have responded so positively to our initial efforts.  We
look forward to collaborating with DHAP to provide
increasingly rich interactive experiences to Lexus customers
and enthusiasts in the future."

The Lexus TiVo Configurator debuted in mid-May 2006 and is
available to TiVo's Series2 DVR Broadband subscribers.

About DHAP Digital, Inc.

DHAP Digital, Inc. (http://www.dhapdigital.com) develops,
implements, maintains and supports custom Internet-based
software solutions and back-end technologies that help
clients to achieve their business goals.  DHAP Digital's
project managers, architects and developers assist with the
strategic evaluation, selection and deployment of
technology; designing, building and deployment of custom
application software; and integrating with off-the-shelf and
legacy proprietary systems. The company has an impressive
record of delivering solutions to Fortune 500 and other
corporate customers across a wide spectrum of industries.
DHAP Digital serves as a partner amongst their clients'
trusted advisors and vendors in the areas of strategic
technology consulting, application and systems architecture,
software and system development, quality assurance testing,
systems deployment, and internet application infrastructure
support. DHAP Digital is a profitable, privately-held
company in business since 1998.  For more information, visit
http://www.dhapdigital.com.

About Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing,
sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota,
Lexus and Scion in the United States, marketing products and
services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus
and Scion dealers in 49 states. Established in 1957, TMS and
its subsidiaries also are involved in distribution
logistics, motorsports, and research and development.

About TiVo Inc.

Founded in 1997, TiVo pioneered a brand new category of
products with the development of the first commercially
available digital video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading
consumer electronic retailers, TiVo has developed a brand
which resonates boldly with consumers as providing a
superior television experience. Through agreements with
leading satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates
its full set of DVR service features into the set-top boxes
of mass distributors. TiVo's DVR functionality and ease of
use, with such features as Season Pass(TM) recordings and
WishList(R) searches, has elevated its popularity among
consumers and has created a whole new way for viewers to
watch television. With a continued investment in its
patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way
consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly
becoming the focal point of the digital living room, TiVo's
DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on
the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and photos.
With innovative features, such as TiVoToGo(TM) transfers and
online scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers
experiencing "TiVo, TV your way.(R)" The TiVo(R) service is
also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing
solutions for the television industry, including a unique
platform for advertisers and audience measurement research.
The company is based in Alviso, Calif.

NOTE: TiVo, Series2, "TiVo, TV your way," Season Pass,
WishList, TiVoToGo and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or
registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. and its subsidiaries
worldwide.

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Scientists Find Antarctic Ozone Hole to Recover Later Than Expected

nasa
 
 
     Scientists from NASA and other agencies have concluded that the ozone hole over the Antarctic will recover around 2068, nearly 20 years later than previously believed.
    Researchers from NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) have developed a new tool, a math-based computer model, to predict the timing of ozone hole recovery. Their findings will be published tomorrow in Geophysical Research Letters.
    The Antarctic ozone hole is a massive loss of ozone that occurs each spring in the Southern Hemisphere. The ozone hole is caused by chlorine and bromine gases in the stratosphere, an upper layer of the atmosphere, that destroy ozone in an annually recurring process that takes place in the unique meteorological conditions of the Antarctic stratosphere. Those gases come from human-produced chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons.     "The Antarctic ozone hole is the poster child of ozone loss in our atmosphere," said lead author Paul Newman, a research scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. "Over areas that are farther from the poles like Africa or the continental U.S., the annually averaged levels of upper atmospheric ozone are only three to six percent below natural levels. But, over Antarctica, ozone is 70 percent lower in the spring. This new method allows us to more accurately estimate ozone-depleting gases over Antarctica, and how they will decrease over time, reducing the ozone hole area."
    For the first time, a model combines estimates of future Antarctic chlorine and bromine levels based on current amounts as captured from NASA satellite observations, NOAA ground-level observations, NCAR airplane-based observations, with anticipated future emissions, the time it takes for the transport of those emissions into the Antarctic stratosphere, and assessments of future weather patterns over Antarctica.
    The model accurately reproduces the ozone hole area in the Antarctic stratosphere over the past 27 years. Using the model, the researchers predict that the ozone hole will recover in 2068, not in 2050 as currently believed.
    International agreements such as the Montreal Protocol, approved in 1987, limit production of ozone-depleting substances. Later changes to those international agreements have completely eliminated legal production of most of these chemicals, though there will be continued emissions of previously produced and stored amounts of those chemicals that are not destroyed or recycled.
    The researchers also show that the ozone hole has not yet started to significantly shrink, something they predict will not start to occur until 2018. Newman's team also further indicated that greenhouse gas-forced climate change will have only a small impact on the Antarctic stratosphere and recovery of the ozone hole.
    The upper ozone layer is important because it blocks 90-99 percent of the sun's ultraviolet radiation from making contact with Earth. This solar radiation can cause skin cancer, genetic damage, eye damage and can impact marine life.     "My job is to track ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons around the globe on a weekly basis," said Steven Montzka, a research chemist in the Global Monitoring Division at NOAA's Earth Systems Research Laboratory in Boulder, and co-author of the paper. "We make calculations with that information to determine how gases containing chlorine and bromine that have life spans in the atmosphere ranging from 45 to about 300 years, are affecting ozone. This new prediction model is a very useful step forward to refining our understanding of ozone hole recovery time scales."
    The researchers included ozone data from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) on NASA's Earth Probe TOMS satellite, gas measurements from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) aboard NASA's Aura satellite, temperature information from NOAA's polar orbiting series satellites, and data captured by NOAA ground stations and weather balloons to create the new prediction model.
    To view related Antarctic ozone hole images on the Web, visit:    
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DoD Identifies Army Casualty

Seal of the Pentagon
            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a
soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.



            Sgt. 1st Class Terry O.P. Wallace, 33, of Winnsboro, La.,
died on June 27, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations in Taji, Iraq.  Wallace was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry
Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

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Woo Hoo Woo Hoo Hoo. Vonage this morning formally introduced a little widget - it's calling it the V-Phone - that users plug into a USB to instantly convert their laptops into telephones.

The company had leaked details including pictures of the device - which is supposed to lead the company to salvation in the business market - a couple of days ago to some favored media, which were also invited to an unveiling "event" yesterday afternoon. The advance-publicity strategy backfired by giving most everybody a chance to get ready to collectively thumb their noses.

For anyone who hasn't seen a picture of it yet, the V-Phone looks like a standard flash drive with a little jack for an earpiece/microphone. It looks like that because that's what it is - a 256K flash memory stick (with a bright orange case, no less) with Vonage software loaded aboard and a standard 2.5 mm jack.

The idea isn't even original - other VoIP competitors have been offering similar devices. You plug the thing into a PC and - presto - you have a Vonage phone connection anyplace you can get broadband.

Vonage's theory is that its little widget is just the thing to replace those expensive devices called cellphones. The V-Phone "saves money on costly roaming charges on cellphones or hotel phone bills. Parents of teenagers who use laptops can save money on home and cellphone bills by giving kids the V-Phone as a more affordable way to communicate by phone. College students who frequently change residences can benefit from the V-Phone's unparalleled portability."

About the nicest commentary TelecomWeb news break has seen about the V-Phone so far was one that derisively called the thing a "doohickey." At TelecomWeb news break, we're going to call it the "Vonage Shtick."

For starters, in case Vonage hasn't noticed, roaming charges are pretty much a thing of the past in the wireless industry, particularly on the type of plans bought by business travelers. So are long distance charges. Vonage is right about the outrageous fees some hotels charge even for local phone calls - that's why we use our cellphones.

And, of course, cellphones are portable, far more portable than the laptops needed to use the Vonage Shtick - and, of course, anyone who wants to call or be called when his or her laptop isn't online still needs to pay for a cellphone. You don't have to boot up your laptop to use the cellphone. Vonage seems to assume that business travelers are going to be sitting still in their hotel rooms - and perhaps getting free broadband (or else the VoIP economic model gets a bit muddy) - chatting on the phone for hours.

If you don't want lots of the latest features, such as built-in movie cameras, cellphones are free or practically so. The Vonage Shtick costs $40 plus a $9 activation fee, by the way.

One could argue that the monthly charge for Vonage service - say, $25, although TelecomWeb news break knows how to get it cheaper - doesn't count in the cost of the Vonage Shtick, because Vonage Shtick users will simply take their home (or office) phone numbers with them. This presupposes that they've disconnected their TDM service and that nobody at home wants to use the Vonage line. But it is true that Vonage's $25 for unlimited calling is cheaper than most cellphone plans if you like to talk a lot.

To be fair, TelecomWeb news break does note that if the Vonage Shtick user is traveling overseas, the economics do seem to work if really extensive calling to the United States is involved - say, anything more than about 20 hours per month of long distance. Otherwise, for the same VoIP-over-best-effort Internet quality, it would be cheaper to use eBay's Skype.

The Vonage Shtick debut came a few days after an appearance earlier this week by Vonage Founder and Chairman Jeffrey Citron at the Convergence 2.0 conference in New York City. Citron didn't address any of the issues surrounding Vonage's disastrous IPO nor did Citron didn't mention the word "profit." But after his keynote, Citron told reporters Vonage is firm in its resolve to spend between $360 million and $380 million a year to boost its subscriber base. That, of course, is a majority of the money from the IPO.

As the Vonage theme song goes: Woo Hoo Woo Hoo Hoo.

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AVRev.com Announces Their List of Top 100 Rock Bands of All



Announcement coincides with AVRev.com's tenth year as the
Internet's leading online audio/video publication


To celebrate their
pending tenth anniversary on July 1, 2006, AVRev.com has
compiled its list of the Top 100 Rock Bands of All Time.
Unlike past lists that are based on mere opinion, the
AVRev.com "Top Rock Bands" list uses the same type of
analytical tools employed by sports franchises and applies
them to rock bands to objectively determine which bands are
the best. Among the categories considered were: U.S. Sales
(100 points), Songs/Songwriting (100) Technical Ability
(100), Live Performance (50), Consistency vs. Longevity (50)
and Random (50). Random is a category that allows a judge to
vote on how likely he or she is to want to hear a band's
songs on their iPod playlist.

Topping the list with a total of 525 points was Led
Zeppelin. All of the judges gave Led Zeppelin high marks not
only for their songs/songwriting ability, but also their
consistency as a band through the years.

The Top Ten is as follows:

1. Led Zeppelin - 525 points
2. The Beatles - 514 points
3. Pink Floyd - 506 points
4. The Jimi Hendrix Experience - 503 points
5. Van Halen - 496 points
6. Queen - 493 points
7. The Eagles - 479 points
8. Metallica - 468 points
9. U2 - 455 points
10. Bob Marley and the Wailers - 454 points

The 100 band nominees range from the usual suspects that
make up classic rock playlists but also include more
out-of-the-box sleeper bands from the 1950s through today's
most popular bands. The list doesn't include solo artists
such as Michael Jackson or Elvis.

Voting on the list was done by an esteemed panel of judges
including: former Dire Straits guitarist Jack Sonni,
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
professor Ken Lopez, Xhifi desktop speaker company president
Howard Schilling as well as AVRev.com founder and publisher
Jerry Del Colliano, Jr. and AVRev.com's music editor Charles
Andrews.

A downloadable form allows you to create your own list and a
link on the page allows you to email AVRev.com the names of
bands you would have liked to have seen in the nominee list.

Results for the entire 100-band list of nominees can be
found at http://www.avrev.com/bands.

About Audio Video Revolution

Continuing with the Audio Video Revolution tradition,
ModernHomeTheater.com will include attractive home theater
showcases, How-To articles, DVD and feature film reviews -
all this is free for Internet users. For interested
builders, installers and architects, ModernHomeTheater.com
is currently seeking new homes to showcase in upcoming
issues.

 



 Band
1 to 100
1 to 50
1 to 550
 
U.S.
Sales
Songs
Technical
Ability
Innovation
Live
Performance
Consistency
Random
Play
Total
1.Led Zeppelin99959893484847525
2.The Beatles100987899454747514
3.Pink Floyd97919296484339506
4.The Jimi Hendrix Experience68959999494647503
5.Van Halen91879793444242496
6.Queen84919191454645493
7.The Eagles98958468424745479
8.Metallica92848787463933468
9.U290847378484636455
10.Bob Marley and the Wailers 59927293444747454
11.The Police71919172384444451
12.The Doors82877588394336450
13.Stone Temple Pilots61868587434044446
14.Rush75749877434235444
15.Genesis67848381414238436
16.Prince and the Revolution58878479454042435
17.Yes52759489463840434
18.Earth Wind and Fire73889168393935433
19.The Bee Gees78887673353939428
20.The Rolling Stones94896668413228418
21.The Beach Boys66817389343338414
22.Soundgarden43788386404142413
23.The Who65758473443734412
24.Steely Dan49848587293740411
25.James Brown and the JBs9898993444242408
26.AC/DC96736850403736400
27.Fleetwood Mac89797554373628398
28.Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young62798163393834396
29.The Allman Brothers39758677413937394
30.ZZ Top76717548424139392
31.
Aerosmith95787247373527391
32.Cream28778784473235390
33.Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band93686250483728386
34.The Grateful Dead60626985463330385
35.
Guns 'N Roses87737651342931381
36.Pearl Jam81545589423126378
37.Boston83677457373029377
38.Dire Straits57737853363531363
39.King Crimson7609684443536362
40.Parliament Funkadelic27727882373530361
41.Red Hot Chili Peppers63686859412928356
42.Bon Jovi85747331392924355
43.
Dixie Chicks80535985263317353
44.Foreigner86706645332923352
45.David Bowie and The Spiders From Mars30717375383331351
46.The Talking Heads37716966383433348
47.Jethro Tull50617175362628347
48.
The Band21717764393834344
49.The Beastie Boys69534088363027343
50.Nirvana77534588372517342
51.Rage Against The Machine45608267263426340
52.
Sly and the Family Stone42746785202327338
53.The Clash31586189353033337
54.Tool44498560363328335
55.Journey88597633292623334
56.No Doubt53826043303727332
57.Creedence Clearwater Revival70665740313232328
58.Deep Purple38657753363125325
59.Alice In Chains48536674252631323
60.Orbital8536488364132322
61.Little Feat22667756403129321
62.Duran Duran51745761232925320
63.Living Colour24448575382231319
64.Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention5618581293126318
65.The Carpenters74615254192829317
66.Audioslave29717752302631316
67.
The Pretenders26626172393124315
68.Primus23458866382727314
69.
Blondie34655765323129313
70.Black Sabbath54556062332619309
71.Lynyrd Skynyrd79525145342917307
72.Sex Pistols16654195372824306
73.Isaac Hayes and the Movement15707051393327305
74.R.E.M.64544755293520304
75.Traffic20617659333024303
76.Buffalo Springfield17666559353228302
77.Derek and the Dominos11747749312831301
78.The Jackson Five18865152273530299
79.The O'Jays33666243313231298
80.Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes25686241323029287
81.Underworld2686148403631286
82.
Thievery Corporation1695356313936285
83.Motley Crue72555629232425284
84.Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company56514652292425283
85.Blind Faith19596655262428277
86.The Animals10645352343429276
87.The Roots12417976242811271
88.The Velvet Underground4506469273021265
89.The Kinks13535260303123262
90.Radiohead32545047312720261
91.The Scorpions47465635272425260
92.Kansas55435344282015258
93.Iron Maiden36386252292218257
94.Motorhead6435264362329253
95.Judas Priest40316546262221251
96.The Orb3495462222623239
97.The Cure41422858203110230
98.Coldplay46434137271916229
99.Slayer14317245271818225
100.Black Eyed Peas35333640342016214


 

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Bush Reacts to Supreme Court Ruling on Military Tribunals

Seal of the PentagonThe U.S. government is evaluating today's Supreme Court ruling against military tribunals for detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to find the best avenue forward, President Bush said today.

The Supreme Court ruled 5-3 this morning that "the military commission
at issue lacks the power to proceed because it violates both the
(Uniform Code of Military Justice) and the four Geneva Conventions in 1949."

Bush, speaking today at a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister
Junichiro Koizumi, reacted to questions about to the decision in Handan
v. Rumsfeld. The high court issued its ruling during Bush's meeting
with Koizumi, so the president acknowledged that he had benefit of only a
"drive-by briefing" before commenting publicly about it.

The United States takes the ruling seriously, and will work with
Congress to determine if there's a legislative way forward that complies with
the Supreme Court decision. "People are looking at it right now to
determine how we can work with Congress if that is available to solve the
problem," he said. "I want to find a way forward."

Bush reiterated that he would like to find a way to ultimately close
the Guantanamo Bay facility. "I have told the people that I would like
for there to be a way to return people from Guantanamo to their home
countries, but some of the people need to be tried in our courts," he said.

Regardless of how the issue proceeds, Bush insisted that the Supreme
Court ruling "won't cause killers to be put out on the street."

"I am not going to jeopardize the safety of the American people. People
have got to understand that," he said. "These people were picked up off
of a battlefield, and I will protect the people and at the same time
conform with findings of the Supreme Court."

President Bush established the military commissions in November 2001 to
try non-U.S. citizens implicated in acts of terrorism against the
United States.

The process has been on hold, however, since three detainees committed
suicide June 10.

The decision affects only 10 of the 450 detainees at Guantanamo Bay.
The 10 faced commissions on charges of violating the law of war. Charges
had been prepared for four other detainees, but they had not yet been
arraigned, a defense official said.

Among the detainees charged is Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a former driver and
bodyguard for al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Hamden was picked up in
Afghanistan in late 2001 and has been detained at Guantanamo Bay since
2002.

Hamdan challenged the legality of the U.S. government trying him for
alleged war crimes before a military commission under a presidential
order. Hamdan argued that he was entitled to a court-martial convened under
the U.S. Code of Military Justice or a civilian trial before a federal
judge.

The last time the United States used the military commission process
was during World War II.
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Missing World War II Airmen are Identified


        Seal of the Pentagon    The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that nine airmen missing in action from World War II have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.



            The nine are 2nd Lt. Hugh L. Johnson Jr., Montgomery, Ala.; 2nd Lt. Byron L. Stenen, Northridge, Calif.; 2nd Lt. John F. Green, Watertown, N.Y.; 2nd Lt. John M. Meisner, Pembroke, Mass.; Staff Sgt. Walter Knudsen, Sioux City, Iowa; Cpl. John A. DeCarlo, Newark, N.J.; Cpl. Robert E. Raney, Monon, Ind.; Cpl. William G. Mohr, Mt. Wolf, Pa.; and Cpl. Michael J. Pushkar, Mahanoy City, Pa. All were assigned to the U.S. Army Air Forces.



            The individually identified remains of Stenen, Green, Meisner, Mohr and Pushkar, as well as the group remains representing all nine crewmen, are being buried today at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington,  D.C. Johnson, Knudsen and Raney will be buried elsewhere.



            On the morning of Oct. 9, 1944, the crew took off on a training mission from Nadzab, New Guinea, in their B-24D Liberator.  The aircraft was not seen again, and it was speculated that it had encountered bad weather.



            In early 2002, the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby reported the discovery of two dog tags by villagers from a World War II crash site in Morobe Province. 

Specialists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) traveled to Papua, New Guinea, in November 2002 to investigate several World War II aircraft losses.  The team interviewed the two villagers who gave them the dog tags, then surveyed the site where aircraft wreckage and human remains were found.



            A joint team of JPAC and Papua, New Guinea specialists mounted a full-scale excavation at the site January through February 2003, when they recovered additional human remains and crew-related artifacts from the wreckage field.  JPAC scientists and Armed Forces DNA Identification
Laboratory specialists used mitochondrial DNA as one of the forensic tools to help identify the remains.  Laboratory analysis of dental remains also confirmed their identification.

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DBL DISTRIBUTING, INC. PUBLISHES NEW 1,104 PAGE SUMMER CATALOG

DBL DISTRIBUTING, INC. PUBLISHES NEW 1,104 PAGE SUMMER CATALOG 

Consumer Electronic Retailers Have One-Stop Shopping at Their Fingertips With The New DBL Distributing Inc 1,104-Page Summer Catalog.  

 

DBL Distributing, Inc., one of the largest distributors of consumer electronics in the United States, today announced the release of their new 1,104 page summer catalog to dealers nationwide. This comprehensive summer buying guide is considered one of the consumer electronics best resources for wholesale consumer electronics to date. DBL projects that categories such as personal & portable, home theater, custom install and photo/video will prove be the best sellers of the summer among the 2,500 new products and 20 new vendors in this shopping resource for retailers. In addition, DBL has decreased the price on over 1,500 items providing retailers with cost effective restocking options during the busy summer and back to school seasons.

“Our catalog was sent out to over 87,000 retailers nationwide,” explains David Lorsch, DBL’s President and CEO. “With over 2,500 new products, 1,500 price drops, and 22 new manufacturers, we have produced the ultimate “just in time” resource for consumer electronics retailers. In addition, we have improved our website to enable our customer to make a purchase at the click of a button.”

Well-known companies such as Patriot Memory, Blue Ant and Emphasys are the new additions to DBL’s widespread list of manufacturing partners. Furthermore, the Pro Audio category has been strengthened with the addition of AKG Acoustics and CAD Professional Microphones. DBL customers are now provided with more buying options than ever before. With the marketplace ever changing, a diverse selection of products gives DBL a large advantage in the marketplace. DBL’s new catalog offers a
Well-known companies such as Patriot Memory, Blue Ant and Emphasys are the new additions to DBL’s widespread list of manufacturing partners. Furthermore, the Pro Audio category has been strengthened with the addition of AKG Acoustics and CAD Professional Microphones. DBL customers are now provided with more buying options than ever before. With the marketplace ever changing, a diverse selection of products gives DBL a large advantage in the marketplace. DBL’s new catalog offers a complete mix of consumer electronics, accessories and related products, from F connectors to high definition plasma televisions.   DBL has gone to great lengths to focus on the buying needs of their customers and deliver exactly what their customers require in a distribution partner. The continuous expansion of products and categories has further solidified DBL’s position as a premier wholesale distributor of consumer electronics and accessories in the United States. Plans for additional expansion are always on the horizon as DBL solidifies its position as a driving force in the distribution channel.

Bruce Kuperman, DBL’s executive vice president of sales, calls out several new features of this catalog. “87,000 catalogs were mailed this week, with new products, product lines and better quality pictures. Our goal is to make each catalog easier to use. We strive to make sure that each customer looks to our catalog as the only solution for restocking, custom install and special orders. We feel that we have accomplished this with our new catalog while being able to provide the broadest range of competitively priced brand name product solutions in the industry.”

The DBL Catalog is mailed free of charge to most Independent Consumer Electronics and Photo Retailers throughout the United States. The DBL Catalog is also available without wholesale pricing so that dealers may use it as a sales aid to their customers. The “No Price Retail Version” is unbranded which allows DBL’s customer’s to use DBL’s product mix as an extension of their own. Both DBL Catalogs are published three times each year.

About DBL Distributing, Inc.


DBL Distributing, Inc. is one of the nation’s top distributors of consumer electronics accessories and related products, with more than 30,000 retail customers nationwide. Headquartered in a custom-built 144,000 square foot facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, DBL carries more than 16,000 products from more than 340 quality manufacturers. DBL offers same day shipping for order placed by 5:00pm MST, a best price for 1 or 100 piece policy and a have no minimum order policy. DBL’s business strategy proves that customers come first. For more information please visit

http://www.dbldistributing.com

or contact them at 800.733.6766.



For further information:
 
Contact DBL Distributing, Inc. Corporate Communications

 

DBL’s 1,104-page consumer electronics catalog, published and circulated to 87,000 CE retailers nationwide.

 

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Anne of the Thousand Days" Headlines "Great To Be Nominated"

The 1969 Best Picture nominee “Anne of the Thousand Days” will be screened from an original IB Technicolor print as the next feature in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Great To Be Nominated” series. Based on the Maxwell Anderson play, the film, which depicts the romance between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, will be shown on Monday, July 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Oscar®-nominated actress Genevieve Bujold, director Charles Jarrott and associate producer Richard McWhorter will participate in a panel discussion following the screening.

Obsessed with producing a male heir, Henry VIII begins a romance with the barely-18-year-old Anne Boleyn. “Anne of the Thousand Days,” which won the Oscar for Costume Design (Margaret Furse), received a total of 10 Academy Award® nominations, including Best Picture (Hal B. Wallis, producer), Actor (Richard Burton, as King Henry VIII), Actor in a Supporting Role (Anthony Quayle, as Cardinal Wolsey), Actress (Bujold, as Anne Boleyn), Art Direction (Maurice Carter, Lionel Couch; Set Decoration: Patrick McLoughlin), Cinematography (Arthur Ibbetson), Music – Original Score for a motion picture, not a musical (Georges Delerue), Sound (John Aldred) and Writing – Screenplay based on material from another medium (screenplay by John Hale, Bridget Boland; adaptation by Richard Sokolove).

Oscar-nominated cartoon short “Walking” by Ryan Larkin will be shown prior to the screening. Larkin was the subject of the 2004 Oscar-winning animated short “Ryan” (2004) by Chris Landreth.

Passes for “Great To Be Nominated” are still available at a cost of $30 for film buffs wishing to see the rest of the series. A $5 discount is available for those who wish to renew their passes from Parts One and/or Two of the series. Inclusive of “Anne of the Thousand Days” there are 8 screening dates remaining in Part Three.

Tickets for each individual screening may be purchased at a cost of $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased by mail, in person at the Academy during regular business hours or, depending on availability, on the night of the screening when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. Curtain time for all features is 7:30 p.m., and pre-show elements will begin at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call (310) 247-3600.

 

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Recent Posts

info@montebubbles.net

(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recent Posts

 

(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

info@montebubbles.net

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NASA'S MICRO-SATELLITES COMPLETE TECHNOLOGY VALIDATION MISSION

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NASA's three orbiting micro-satellites known as Space Technology 5 have completed their planned 90-day mission.

 The mission team is shutting down the spacecraft to conclude operations on Friday, June 30.

The mission primarily focused on flight testing miniaturized
satellites in the harsh environment of space and evaluating their ability to make research-quality scientific measurements.

The satellites were launched on March 22. Each fully fueled satellite weighed approximately 55 pounds when launched and is about the size of a 13-inch television.

A major milestone of the mission was reached when the spacecraft
assumed a constellation formation on May 24. The satellites lined up
in nearly identical orbits, like three pearls on a necklace,
approximately 220 miles apart. Reaching formation required seven
maneuvers using miniaturized micro-thrusters. Each spacecraft has a
single micro-thruster the size of a quarter to perform both attitude-
and orbit-adjustment maneuvers.

The mission demonstrated the benefits of using a constellation of
spacecraft to perform scientific studies of the beautiful auroral
displays that occur near Earth's polar regions. The spacecraft
simultaneously traversed electric current sheets and measured the
magnetic field using miniature magnetometers.

"Taking measurements at the same time in different locations allowed
scientists to better estimate the thickness of current sheets and how
they vary over time," said Guan Le, mission project scientist at
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. "This could not
have been done with a single spacecraft, no matter how capable."

The mission validation team demonstrated the sensitivity of miniature
magnetometers, and suitability of the satellites for supporting
scientific measurements. Over the next few months, the team will
process the mission's magnetometer data, complete its assessments of
the performance of the satellite constellation and report initial
findings.

The mission also demonstrated an innovative communications technology.
The satellites used miniature spacecraft radio transponders for
space-to-ground communications and tracking. The transponders were
coupled with conventional and computer-optimized or -evolved
antennas. The transponders and antennas performed flawlessly.

The satellites' miniature power system demonstrated a high level of
performance. All spacecraft lithium ion batteries stayed above 90
percent charge, even during some tests intentionally designed to use
them. The high-efficiency solar arrays on all three spacecraft
produced more power than predicted prior to launch, and their
batteries performed to expectations.

During the final days of the mission, the emphasis was on
demonstrating ground system technologies. The ground system is highly
automated to reduce the cost of operating multiple spacecraft as a
single constellation rather than operating them individually. This
type of ground system will help pave the way for an affordable means
of simultaneously flying from 10 to hundreds of micro-satellites.

The project was developed and tested at Goddard. It is part of the New
Millennium Program, which develops and tests high-payoff technologies
that provide future science mission capabilities with reduced cost
and risk. Each flight acts as a test track for competitively-selected
technologies, mission objectives and operations concepts. New
Millennium is managed for NASA by the agency's Jet Propulsion
Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.

For information about the Space Technology 5 mission's technology and
detailed results, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/st5

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ROADMASTER ANNOUNCES VR3 CAR STEREO


  
3-IN-ONE PLUG N’ PLAY
WITH SD CARD SLOT, USB PORT & AUDIO INPUT
 
Listen to MP3s, iPods, MP3 Players, DVD Players, & CDs

 in Your Car

 Roadmaster USA Corp. www.roadmasterusa.com, the leading automotive company providing mobile & home audio equipment, auto accessories, and car care products, announced today the Roadmaster VR3 Car Stereo (Model VRCD400SDU).  Designed to fit easily in your dashboard, the VR3 Car Stereo is a 3-in-one plug n’ play stereo, featuring an SD card slot, USB port, and Auxiliary Audio Input port for the flexibility to play your entire music collection in your car any way you’d like.  The VR3 Car Stereo plays music saved on many different formats, including downloaded MP3 and non-DRM WMA files, iPods, MP3 Players, DVD Players, and CDs, etc.  A remote control is also included for easy navigation.

 

Displays Song and Artist Titles Automatically


 

The Roadmaster VR3 car stereo lets you listen to all your MP3 and WMA music saved on your computer, laptop, or MP3 Player while on the road.  Just save your music on a USB flash memory key or SD card and plug it directly into the VR3 car stereo; or simply plug your MP3 player, iPod, DVD Player or other device into the Audio Input port of the VR3 for instant music.  The VR3 is compatible with ID3 Tag Display, so your MP3 music info (including music titles and artists) will automatically appear on the dashboard when playing.

High-Quality Stereo Sound


 

Roadmaster designed the VR3 Car Stereo with all the power of their high-end car stereos.  It features 180 watts total maximum power (4x45 watts), 4 x 21 Watt RMS, single din format, and 6.5” Full Range Speakers.  In addition to MP3, WMA, and iPods, the VR3 also plays traditional CDs and has a built-in AM/FM radio tuner with preset equalization and 30 preset stations with 4 speaker channels.  To protect sensitive electronics, the USB slot has an anti-dust cover and built-in electrostatic discharge.  And to protect your car stereo from theft, the face plate is easily detachable and re-attachable. 

Priced at $139, the Roadmaster VR3 Car Stereo Model VRCD400SDU is 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.

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Welcome Juan ... National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia Handpicks Successor to Beloved Icon

New Face of Juan Valdez to Continue Tradition of Environmentalism, Sustainability and Quality of 100% Colombian Coffee

In a bold yet smooth move, the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia announced today it handpicked a successor to carry on the tradition of Juan Valdez, the dapper, yet self-effacing front man for Colombia's coffee growers. The new face of Juan, along with his mule Conchita, will once again travel the world extolling the virtues of handpicked 100% Colombian coffee and the demanding commitment to quality and environmental stewardship it takes to grow the "richest coffee in the world."

His name is Carlos Castaneda, a humble grower or "cafetero" from a long family tradition of cultivating coffee in a small village fittingly named Andes. Like the Juan Valdezes before him, Carlos Castaneda will serve as Colombia's iconic coffee ambassador to the world, and as a reminder to coffee drinkers that while their tastes have become more demanding over the years, Colombian Coffee has remained rich and smooth, grown on small farms by cafeteros using sustainable practices and handpicked at the peak of perfection and synonymous to quality.

"For more than 45 years, Juan Valdez has represented the passion, hard work, and stewardship of all Colombia's coffee growing families and has ventured far from home to tell the world about the time-honored traditions of handpicked 100% Colombian Coffee," said Federation CEO Gabriel Silva. "Our passion is his passion, and our heritage is to bring coffee drinkers the rich taste and authentic spirit of handpicked 100% Colombian Coffee."

With his white hat, gentle smile and ever-present mule, Juan Valdez has become a true friend to coffee devotees around the world -- as well as one of the most recognized and respected images of all time. Juan Valdez was elected Ad Week's 2005 Advertising Icon of the Year and this year will be inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame. Juan Valdez and Conchita have appeared on television, in movies, in print and in person to demonstrate how the painstaking process of cultivating coffee high in the lush mountains with great care and "personal" attention yields a unique beverage that is sought the world over.

Two Year Search Yields Handpicked Successor

Selecting a man to bear the name Juan Valdez was more than a simple casting call. The man chosen to assume the role not only had to look the part, but also had to embody the same values and uncompromising commitment to quality, land, community and family that all Colombian coffee growers share. The Federation conducted a rigorous two yearlong search starting from a database of 380,000 coffee growers, Traversing every corner of Colombia's vast coffee territory -- the most ecologically diverse in the world encompassing three cordilleras of the Andes, candidates from 14 separate regions and 87 towns were pre-selected. Through a process of interviews, activities and training, the Federation narrowed the field of hundreds down to a select group of individuals who could truly represent Colombia's family of more than 560,000 rural cafeteros and their centuries-old coffee culture. In the end, one man stood above the rest as the individual who could convey the proud heritage of Juan Valdez and the Colombian cafeteros to the world.

Carlos Castaneda, the new face of Juan Valdez, is a 39-year old rural coffee grower from the village of Andes in the Antioquia region of Colombia. A husband and father of three children, he comes from a long line of coffee growers, including grandparents, parents, and his extended family. He is currently mentoring his oldest son on the centuries-old coffee growing and cultivation traditions on his family's small four hectare farm.

"The history of Juan Valdez is not a story or fable," said Silva. "Colombia is a land like no other. Our coffee is grown high in the mountains in difficult, but fertile earth by a people with a special connection to the land. The history of Juan Valdez is part of the culture and identity of the Colombian people. In this sense, all coffee growers are Juan Valdez."

Juan Valdez will be touring Colombia before making his official debut in the United States. Coffee drinkers who want to learn more about 100% Colombian Coffee, The Federation or Juan Valdez can visit www.juanvaldez.com.

About The National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia

The National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia is a non-governmental, non-profit organization entirely owned by more than 560,000 Colombian coffee growers. Established in 1927, it was the first institution to bring together all the coffee growers in a democratic organization, with the purpose of raising the standard of living for the coffee farmers and their communities through the cultivation and worldwide promotion of Colombian Coffee.

For more than 75 years, the Federation has promoted a sustainable coffee economy. Revenues from the sale of Colombian coffee products go back to the coffee growers and their families. The Federation invests in social programs that have improved the standard of living for more than 2 million people in Colombia's rural coffee communities. Throughout the years, the Federation has been instrumental in developing thousands of miles of access roads, a safe and adequate water supply, schools, electrification, housing, health centers, and a number of coffee processing facilities.

Historically, Colombia has set the highest international standards for the quality of green coffee, with the Federation in charge of monitoring and controlling the quality of all Colombian coffee exports. The Federation also conducts research to improve product quality as well as farming and processing techniques through environmentally sound means at the most advanced coffee research facility in the world, Cenicafe.

 

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

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TABLEAUX VIVANTS:Living pictures’ yesterday and today

 

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TABLEAUX VIVANTS

 

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‘Living pictures’ yesterday and today

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Laguna Beach, California — The art form known as tableaux vivants, or living pictures, originated centuries ago in Europe.

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There, in settings varying from cathedrals to village parishes, nativity scenes–usually fashioned from wood, papier mache or cardboard–made biblical events meaningful to the general public, many of whom were unable to read in those bygone days.

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Through the centuries, living pictures moved into the streets and town squares. The range of topics expanded, too, from the realm of religion into mythology, history, art, literature and even politics.

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When presented outdoors, such visual offerings–called pageants even then–were mounted on wagons and hauled through the streets and around spacious areas such as public squares. Spectators mostly stood alongside the pageant route, much as they do at modern-day parades.

 

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These pageants, often presenting as many as 30 elaborately costumed displays, were well established in Europe as far back as a thousand years ago. By then it had become common to mark the arrival of an important visitor (a king, perhaps) with a pageant specially created for the occasion.

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Not all pageants were on dry land. Some were mounted on barges floating on rivers or in harbors. Florence and Amsterdam were among early settings for such aquatic presentations.

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Royal travelers weren’t the only VIPs treated to such spectacles; nor did pageants remain exclusive to Europe. In 1842, for example, when Charles Dickens visited New York City, he was honored with a presentation of “frozen” re-creations of scenes from some of his novels.

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The art form known as tableaux vivants, or living pictures, originated centuries ago in Europe. There, in settings varying from cathedrals to village parishes, nativity scenes–usually fashioned from wood, papier mache or cardboard–made biblical events meaningful to the general public, many of whom were unable to read in those bygone days.

fa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The art form known as tableaux vivants, or living pictures, originated centuries ago in Europe. There, in settings varying from cathedrals to village parishes, nativity scenes–usually fashioned from wood, papier mache or cardboard–made biblical events meaningful to the general public, many of whom were unable to read in those bygone days.

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One biblical scene that was popular centuries ago is the traditional finale for the Pageant of the Masters. Since 1936, with just two exceptions, each year’s Pageant has closed with a living re-creation of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous fresco, “The Last Supper.” The two exceptions were in 1973, when the program featured Titian’s interpretation of the same scene and 1999, when the Pageant ended with Salvador Dali’s “The Sacrament of the Last Supper.”

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One biblical scene that was popular centuries ago is the traditional finale for the Pageant of the Masters. Since 1936, with just two exceptions, each year’s Pageant has closed with a living re-creation of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous fresco, “The Last Supper.” The two exceptions were in 1973, when the program featured Titian’s interpretation of the same scene and 1999, when the Pageant ended with Salvador Dali’s “The Sacrament of the Last Supper.”

 fa

 

One biblical scene that was popular centuries ago is the traditional finale for the Pageant of the Masters. Since 1936, with just two exceptions, each year’s Pageant has closed with a living re-creation of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous fresco, “The Last Supper.” The two exceptions were in 1973, when the program featured Titian’s interpretation of the same scene and 1999, when the Pageant ended with Salvador Dali’s “The Sacrament of the Last Supper.”

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Those responsible for building and painting the sets, making the costumes and meeting other material requirements “way back when” had to tackle the same challenges confronting the current Pageant’s wardrobe, makeup and scene-building experts. It’s easy to imagine that cast members centuries ago faced a formidable challenge matched by their current counterparts: that of remaining motionless. (People posing on wagons lumbering through city streets or on rocking waterborne barges must have had a particularly tough time trying to keep still.)

Of course, there are also some differences between then and now, conspicuous among them being the element of lighting. In pre-electricity days, pageants had to be presented during the daytime hours. By contrast, the Pageant of the Masters features such highly technical lighting effects that a daytime performance would be unthinkable, since natural illumination would wash out the special effects that are critical in making today’s re-creations look exactly like the original works.

Although countless improvements have been introduced through the years, the Pageant’s famous living pictures still have the same basic objective as those of centuries ago: that of presenting a spectacular feast for the eyes and mind.

The Pageant of the Masters will be performed nightly from July 7 through September 1, with the Celebrity Gala Benefit Performance to be held on Saturday, August 26. Tickets for A Passion for Art, the 2006 Pageant of the Masters are $15 - $80 (depending on seat location and night of the week). Pageant of the Masters ticket holders may present their stub at the Festival of Arts front gate for free admission. For further information, call 949-497-6852, or toll free 800-487-3378.

The Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters are sponsored in part by Mercedes-Benz Dealers of Southern California, Fidelity Investments, KOST Radio 103.5, Adelphia and the Ritz-Carlton

of Laguna Niguel. Special Events media sponsor is the Pennysaver. The Festival of Arts is a nonprofit organization that produces the Festival of Arts – California’s Premier Fine Art Exhibition and the Pageant of the Masters. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at www.LagunaFestivalofArts.com.

 

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The event is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Proceeds support the arts and art education in and about Laguna Beach.

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Century 21 Real Estate LLC Presents: 2006 CENTURY 21(R) Mascot Home Run Derby(R) Competition

 

Major League Baseball(R) Team Mascots Step Up to the Plate for Pittsburgh-area Boys & Girls Club During 2006 MLB(TM) All-Star Week(TM)

In a league of their own, eight Major League Baseball team mascots will take their turn at bat in the fifth- annual CENTURY 21 Mascot Home Run Derby event on Saturday, July 8 at 10 a.m. (EDT) at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center located in Pittsburgh. The event is part of John Hancock All-Star FanFest(R) and is one of the Major League Baseball All-Star Week main attractions.

Each mascot will be matched randomly with a child representative from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA. Similar to the CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby competition, whose winner receives $250,000 towards a home, one lucky child will win a CENTURY 21 Dream Clubhouse when his or her Major League Baseball mascot partner captures the 2006 CENTURY 21 Mascot Home Run Derby title.

  The line-up of home run hitting mascots includes: *     * TC(TM) -- Minnesota Twins    * Paws(TM) -- Detroit Tigers    * Junction Jack(TM) -- Houston Astros    * Lou Seal(TM) -- San Francisco Giants    * Pirate Parrot(TM) -- Pittsburgh Pirates    * The Orioles Bird(TM) -- Baltimore Orioles    * Freebird(TM) -- St. Louis Cardinals    * Wally the Green Monster(TM) -- Boston Red Sox  

The CENTURY 21(R) System's own feathered mascots Nestor and Houser will also be in attendance to cheer on those competing for the CENTURY 21 Mascot Home Run Derby(R) crown.

Last year, TC(TM), mascot for the Minnesota Twins(R), took the CENTURY 21 Mascot Home Run Derby title, enabling Adrianne Scott, 9, from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan's Howard B. Bloomer Club, to win her very own CENTURY 21 Dream Clubhouse.

As the "Official Real Estate Organization of Major League Baseball(R)," Century 21 Real Estate LLC, also serves as title sponsor of the CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby competition which ESPN and ESPN Deportes will televise live from PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Monday, July 10 beginning at 8:00 p.m. (EDT). This popular exhibition of home run hitting skill will decide the grand-prize winner of the 2006 CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby All-Star Sweepstakes which offers $250,000 toward the purchase of a home.

Century 21 Real Estate LLC (http://www.century21.com/) is the franchisor of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, providing comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the CENTURY 21 System. The System is comprised of 7,800 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in more than 40 countries and territories worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE:CD) .

CENTURY 21(R) is a registered trademark licensed to Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights (including Home Run Derby) are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. CENTURY 21 is the official real estate organization of Major League Baseball.

This program is available through participating CENTURY 21 offices and does not require the listing or purchase of real estate through a CENTURY 21 office as a condition of participation. Sweepstakes promotions and promotions which offer or advertise benefits to consumers are currently unavailable under the anti-sweepstakes laws of Fla., Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico and the real estate commission interpretations of the laws of Mo. and Okla. Sweepstakes entries could be considered consumer benefits under such laws. In addition, consumer benefits may not be conditioned upon doing business, that is, listing with or purchasing through a particular real estate office in the states of Kan., N.J., Ohio and R.I. and in Md., in connection with lotteries/games of chance.

* participants subject to change

Source: CENTURY 21

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Let 'Financial Freedom' Ring ... RICH DAD POOR DAD Reclaims #1 Slot on the New York Times Bestseller List

RICH DAD POOR DAD -- a book about financial independence -- celebrates Independence Day weekend with a bang with recent return to #1 slot on the New York Times bestseller list

 As our country prepares to celebrate its 230th year of independence, Robert Kiyosaki, best-selling author of the Rich Dad Poor Dad series of personal finance books, says that most people are anything but free. Americans have become slaves to their jobs, their credit cards, their mortgage and car payments -- and, for many people, the American Dream has become an American nightmare.

"My rich dad said, 'You're never truly free until you have financial freedom,'" says Kiyosaki, whose books -- and ideas -- rock the foundation of conventional thinking about money and investing. And while Independence Day may cause people to pause and contemplate freedoms for a day, Kiyosaki thinks about freedom, writes about it and talks about it ... every day of the year.

And the fact that the mega-bestseller and cornerstone of the Rich Dad series of books -- Rich Dad Poor Dad written by Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter and published in 1997 -- has reclaimed the top spot on the New York Times 'Advice, How-To, and Miscellaneous' bestseller list more than nine years after its initial publication is testimony to the relevance, timeliness and power of the Rich Dad messages. This marks the first time a book -- and one of the very few books that have held a spot on the New York Times list for over five years -- has returned to that list's #1 spot nearly a decade after its release.

The popularity of the Rich Dad series, published in the United States by Warner Business Books, a division of Hachette Book Group USA, is a global publishing phenomenon with over 26 million copies sold worldwide in 97 countries and 46 languages. Rich Dad Poor Dad is the bestselling personal finance book of all time.

Rick Wolff, Vice President and Executive Editor, Warner Books comments: "Even years after its first publication, Rich Dad Poor Dad's message of financial literacy and freedom continues to build strong momentum. That's absolutely clear from the book regaining its perch as a Number One New York Times bestseller. Rich Dad Poor Dad is more than just a book about personal finance -- this is a book that literally changes people's lives for the better."

Kiyosaki is thrilled to be back in the #1 slot on the New York Times list and believes it is a result of a message that is as important today as it was nine years ago. His one regret? "I still can't believe that our schools don't teach children anything about money." Kiyosaki admits that while money may not be the most important thing in life, it does affect everything that is important: health, education and quality of life. And, ultimately, freedom.

Kiyosaki's co-author and business partner, Sharon Lechter, says, "The Rich Dad story is truly one of hope -- the story of millions of people, around the world, who have applied the Rich Dad principles in their lives and created financial freedom for themselves and their families." Lechter, a CPA and a life-long advocate of financial education, adds that "now more than ever we must ensure that our children have the financial tools to not only survive, but to thrive in the economic world they face."

The popularity of Rich Dad Poor Dad is not based solely on its compelling premise. Ongoing promotion and marketing efforts continue to fuel sales momentum for Rich Dad Poor Dad and the Rich Dad series. In December 2005, Robert Kiyosaki and his wife and business partner Kim taped a new television special for PBS titled 'Rich Dad's Guide to Wealth' which continues to air on PBS stations nationwide. In addition, Robert Kiyosaki is a headline speaker along with Donald Trump and other celebrities like Magic Johnson and George Foreman at the Learning Annex's Real Estate Wealth Expos in cities across the United States, which can draw anywhere from 25,000 - 60,000 attendees.

On the publicity front, recent appearances by Robert Kiyosaki on ABC-TV's 20/20, Fox News Channel's The O'Reilly Factor, and NBC's Weekend Today, as well as an upcoming interview with Daystar Television Network's Celebration, contribute to the popularity of the Rich Dad books. In addition, Kiyosaki is in the midst of year-long runs as a columnist for both Entrepreneur magazine and Yahoo! Finance.

What's next for the Rich Dad series? Filming of the television show Rich Dad Today begins in August and hits airwaves later this year ... Rich Dad Minutes on radio in hundreds of cities across the U.S. and the launch of yet another new brand, Rich Family, created to complement the newest Rich Dad brand, Rich Woman. In addition, Sharon Lechter will team up with Rich Dad Advisor Garrett Sutton for the latest book in the series: Rich Dad's Real Estate Advantages: Tax and Legal Secrets of Real Estate Investors (Publication Date: October 2006).

  Here are a few of the Rich Dad Rules for Financial Independence:    * Understand the difference between an asset and a liability. 

An asset is something that puts money in your pocket -- whether you work or not. A liability is something that takes money out of your pocket. Most people buy liabilities (thinking they're assets) and remain stuck in the rat race.

* Don't believe that having "more money" will solve your money problems.

Most people make more money, buy the bigger house and car, and end up with more debt and bigger money problems. It's not how much money you make, it's how much money you keep - and how hard you make that money work for you.

* Make your first investment an investment in yourself -- get financial education.

The more you learn and understand about money and investing, the better choices and decisions you'll make. Financial education will also train your mind to see what your eyes don't -- and you'll find 'deals' that others miss.

In turbulent economic times people look for new financial answers. This Fourth of July may be the time to declare your independence from financial struggles and start listening to -- and acting on -- some new financial ideas.

For Kiyosaki the choice is a simple one: "Take control of your finances -- or work hard all your life."

Warner Books is a division of Hachette Book Group USA. The Rich Dad series is the cornerstone of Warner Business Books, one of the publishing industry's most successful business and personal finance imprints. The series includes Rich Dad Poor Dad, Rich Dad's CASHFLOW Quadrant, Rich Dad's Guide to Investing, Rich Dad's Rich Kid Smart Kid, Rich Dad's Retire Young Retire Rich, Rich Dad's Prophecy, Rich Dad's Success Stories, Rich Dad's Guide to Becoming Rich Without Cutting Up Your Credit Cards, Rich Dad's Who Took My Money and Rich Dad's Before You Quit Your Job. Two books targeted to a younger audience, Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens and Rich Dad's Escape from the Rat Race are published by Little Brown & Company.

The Rich Dad Company www.richdad.com (CASHFLOW Technologies, Inc.) is an education company and teaches personal finance and business to people throughout the world through books, seminars and educational products including the popular board game CASHFLOW(R) 101. This past spring, the company launched the Rich Woman brand with the book Rich Woman by Kim Kiyosaki. In the fall of 2006 a book by Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump -- Why We Want You To Be Rich, Two Men - One Message -- as well as the latest book in the Rich Dad series, Rich Dad's Real Estate Advantages: Tax and legal Secrets of Real Estate Investors written by Sharon Lechter and Garrett Sutton -- will hit bookstores. Another new brand, Rich Family, will be launched with a book by Sharon Lechter slated for November 2006. The Rich Dad Company, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, was founded in 1997 by partners Robert Kiyosaki, Kim Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter.

Source: Warner Business Books

 

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

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Academy’s Science and Technology Council Celebrates Vitaphone Technology

The Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present a two-night celebration of the 80th anniversary of Vitaphone sound technology on July 25 and August 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater. The Vitaphone sound-on-disk system, the product of a risky venture undertaken by Western Electric and the Warner brothers (Henry, Sam, Albert and Jack), was among the first synchronized sound technologies that were ushered in the “talkie” revolution.

On Tuesday, July 25, in commemoration of the technology’s premiere, the Council will present the Vitaphone Corporation’s complete sound-on-disk program as it was experienced on August 6, 1926 at the Warner Theater in New York City. The evening, to be hosted by preservationist Bob Gitt from the UCLA Film and Television Archive, will feature “Don Juan,” starring John Barrymore, and several original Vitaphone short subjects:

Address by the Hon. Will H. Hays, president of the Motion Picture Producers and
    Distributors of America, Inc.;
Overture Tannhaüser, by Richard Wagner, performed by the New York Philharmonic
    Orchestra, Henry Hadleyconducting;
Concert violinist Mischa Elman, performing a humoresque by Dvorák and a gavotte
    by Gossec, with accompanist Josef Bonime;
Roy Smeck, the “Wizard of the Strings,” playing popular music on Hawaiian guitar,
    ukulele, harmonica and banjo;
Marion Talley, youthful prima donna of the New York Metropolitan Opera Company,
    performing “Caro nome” from  Verdi’s Rigoletto;
Efrem Zimbalist and Harold Bauer playing the theme and variations from Beethoven’s
    “Kreutzer” sonata;
Giovanni Martinelli, tenor of the New York Metropolitan Opera Company, performing
    “Vesti la giubba,” from Leoncavallo’s I Pagliacci; and
Anna Case in “La Fiesta,” with The Dancing Cansinos, accompanied by the
    Metropolitan Opera Chorus and the Vitaphone Symphony Orchestra, Herman
    Heller conducting.

Also on July 25, the Council will premiere its exhibition “In Synch: The Birth of Vitaphone.” The exhibition will showcase Vitaphone rarities and will highlight the people, inventions and developments surrounding the revolutionary technology. “In Synch: The Birth of Vitaphone” will be housed in the foyer of the Linwood Dunn Theater and will be open to the public through December 3. It may be viewed whenever the Academy presents public programming at the Dunn.

On Tuesday, August 1, the Council will present a second evening of restored sound-on-disk classics, including a number of vaudeville, comedy and musical shorts. The evening will feature:

Willie and Eugene Howard in “Between the Acts at the Opera” (1926)
Shaw and Lee in “The Beau Brummels” (1928)
“Harry Wayman and His ‘Debutantes’” (1928)
Edgar Bergen in “The Office Scandals” (1930)
Ray Mayer and Edith Evans in“The Cowboy and the Girl” (1928)
Spencer Tracy in “The Hard Guy” (1929)
“The Opry House” (1929)
Van and Schenck (1927)
Norman Thomas Quintette (1929) in “Harlem Mania” (1929)
Burns and Allen in “Lambchops” (1929)
“Baby Rose Marie, the Child Wonder” (1929)

Tickets for each of the Vitaphone evenings are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with valid ID. They may be purchased in advance by mail, in person at the Academy’s headquarters in Beverly Hills during regular business hours, or on the night of the event when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Academy’s headquarters are located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. The Linwood Dunn Theater is located at 1313 North Vine Street in Hollywood. For more information, call (310) 247-3600.

 

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Realscan 3D Gives Bite to Disney's Underdog

Cutting-Edge Scanning House Helps Bring Classic Character to Big Screen by Solving Problem of Scanning Live Animals

Realscan 3D (www.realscan3d.com), the industry leader in high resolution, high color structured light 3-D scanning, today announced their involvement on the forthcoming Disney film "Underdog". Realscan 3D provided the production with animation-ready precision digital doubles of the lead character, "Shoeshine", Underdog's alter-ego, and the heads and muzzles of the cast dogs in the film. Realscan also created a digital double of the film's villain, Simon Barsinister, played by Peter Dinklage.

For the film, Realscan 3D solved a common problem facing productions -- how to provide an accurate digital replica of a live animal. Traditional systems require the subject to remain at rest for approximately 30 seconds while the scanner acquires a single pass. Realscan's NexGen(TM) scanning pipeline captures the subject in a fraction of a second allowing for the acquisition of live animals.

"Our NexGen scanning pipeline allows productions to overcome the barriers of traditional scanning," said Frank DeMarco, CEO of Realscan 3D. "The digital doubles Realscan creates equal the actual volume of the objects scanned and possess accurate texture placement. In this case, the digital double of Shoeshine is indistinguishable from the live action hero."

Realscan 3D added value to the production by creating high quality scans that were then provided to the two visual effects houses working on the production. This eliminated the need for the production to invest further resources into modeling facsimiles of the talent and provides a consistent look for the film's digital doubles regardless of the vendor handling the shot.

"The days of productions throwing darts at a board -- relying on artistic interpretations of talent -- are over," said Joel Thornton, CTO of Realscan 3D. "Productions can now take accurate digital assets created by Realscan and provide them directly to multiple FX houses across the project, saving valuable time and money while achieving unprecedented results."

Realscan 3D is a Los Angeles-based effects company specializing in the creation of film quality digital doubles using structured light 3D scanning. Increasingly recognized as the premier 3D scanning boutique for film, television and video game productions, Realscan 3D has created digital doubles for a wide variety of film productions and companies, including Walt Disney Pictures' "Sky High"; Jerry Bruckheimer Films' "Deja Vu" and "National Treasure"; FOX Television's "American Idol"; Nintendo; and Wal-Mart.

Source: Realscan 3D

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The Who hace historia en "Hard Rock Presents Hyde Park Calling"

--

El domingo 2 de julio, Hard Rock presentará Hyde Park Calling, una obra maestra más para la historia del rock. Por primera vez, una de las mejores bandas de rock del mundo, The Who, permitirá emitir su disco en directo mediante una descarga de pago por visión a beneficio de varias organizaciones benéficas apoyadas por Double O charity de Pete Townshend, entre ellas: Teenage Cancer Trust, Michael J. Fox Foundation (investigación sobre el Parkinson), Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (para los niños más desfavorecidos) y Robin Hood Foundation (que financia y apoya las organizaciones de lucha contra la pobreza en Nueva York).

Por sólo 99 céntimos, podrán descargarse no sólo tres canciones, que la banda ha puesto a disposición en fechas de giras anteriores, sino el disco completo, en http://www.thewholive.tv.

Hard Rock Cafe, que está promocionando el concierto en Hyde Park, también emitirá el vínculo en directo en sus cafeterías de Nueva York, Chicago, Orlando, Hollywood (Fla.), Hollywood (CA), Roma, Barcelona y París.

"Ninguna banda se ha comprometido con emitir por web música en directo de su espectáculo completo. Ninguna banda ha prometido que todos los beneficios de la emisión web se destinen a obras benéficas. Ninguna banda se ha comprometido con ofrecer a sus fans una forma de acceder a sus eventos en directo desde cualquier parte del mundo y poder descargar y comprar CD y DVD de alta calidad de cualquier espectáculo con la garantía de que los beneficios se destinarán a obras benéficas", dijo Pete Townshend. "Se espera que la gira mundial de Who genere una suma de siete o incluso ocho dígitos para organizaciones benéficas, y que los fans de Who en cualquier parte del mundo pueden sentirse orgullosos de ser los principales benefactores en este círculo de buena voluntad".

"Para los que no se unan a nosotros en Hyde Park, el concierto de este fin de semana puede verse en los mejores Hard Rock Cafes de todo el mundo. Estamos encantados con asociarnos con The Who en este innovador proyecto", dijo Hamish Dodds, director general y consejero delegado de Hard Rock International. "Es estupendo que la banda ponga sus conciertos a disposición de sus fans y, al mismo tiempo, ayude a algunas de las principales organizaciones benéficas del mundo desde una retransmisión online".

Hard Rock Presents Hyde Park Calling es el primer evento de la gira Ambassadors of Rock de Hard Rock, una serie global de conciertos que celebran la música y el 35 aniversario de Hard Rock International. Están previstos conciertos adicionales para este verano en Chicago, Osaka, Tokio, Japón, Caracas, Hollywood (Fla.), Orlando y Nueva York. El evento en Londres en el popular Hyde Park contará con la presencia de Roger Waters el sábado y The Who el domingo.

Acerca de Hard Rock International

Con 121 potentes locales Hard Rock Cafes, 11 hoteles y casinos y 2 casinos en más de 41 países, Hard Rock International es una de las marcas más conocidas a nivel mundial. Iniciada con una guitarra de Eric Clapton, Hard Rock posee la mayor colección de recuerdos musicales, que se exhibe en los distintos locales de todo el mundo. Hard Rock también es una marca conocida por todos los productos que ofrece relacionados con la moda y la música, los escenarios Hard Rock Live y su galardonado sitio web. Hard Rock International, Inc. es propiedad de The Rank Group Plc (RNKL). Para más información acerca de Hard Rock, visite http://www.hardrock.com.

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MSN Presents the Ultimate in Online Rock 'n' Roll: "Rock Star: Supernova" Premieres July 5 Only on MSN

Exclusive online programming and special live events mark the return of the hit CBS series.

 MSN today announced the premiere of online programming for "Rock Star: Supernova," the new season of the hit reality series returning to CBS in a special 90-minute broadcast on Wednesday, July 5 at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT. Before its broadcast premiere, "Rock Star: Supernova" -- produced by Mark Burnett Productions and seen last season by more than 6 million TV viewers each week -- will premiere only on MSN(R) the morning of July 3, available on demand at the official series Web site (http://rockstar.msn.com/).

For the first time, weekly behind-the-scenes episodes containing all original footage will be streamed exclusively on the Web on MSN. Just as in season one, four types of content will be available each week: extensive and immersive behind-the-scenes unscripted drama (produced exclusively for MSN); one performance show and one results show (both produced exclusively for CBS); and extensive original wireless content. The MSN behind-the-scenes unscripted drama will allow viewers to learn what it takes for the contestants to choose their songs and prepare for their weekly performances, and to follow the characters as they develop and grow under enormous pressure. It will be available at http://rockstar.msn.com/, enabling on-demand viewing via streaming. In addition, a sneak peek at the trailer, video interviews with Supernova, the rockers' bios and much more as part of the MSN-exclusive online content will be available on the site.

The second season of "Rock Star" features an all-star lineup of rock musicians who have joined forces to form a new supergroup called Supernova. Drummer Tommy Lee of Motley Crue, former Metallica guitarist Jason Newsted and former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke will be casting for a lead singer from a pool of 15 contestants selected in auditions across the U.S.

MSN content, which greatly increased the reach of the show last season by streaming more than 20 million videos and receiving millions of votes for contestants in the competition, will again offer visitors a close-up and personal experience of life in the rock 'n' roll fast lane. Programming will include original behind-the-scenes video footage, replays of contestant performances, music downloads, contestant profiles, photo galleries, stories about Supernova, and contestants' blogs on MSN Spaces. Online viewing of the TV show and online voting for contestants will be available only on MSN Video.

"'Rock Star' is a like a force of nature -- it's an enormously exciting project that has millions of fans, and it allows us to show how compelling interactive online entertainment content can be," said Rob Bennett, general manager of Entertainment and Video Services for MSN. "This season we're doing lots of fabulous programming around 'Rock Star' to enrich the TV viewers' experience and to provide visitors to MSN with the kind of off-the-charts entertainment experiences we've promised. Anyone who loves loud music and spends time online will want to catch all the rock 'n' roll action of 'Rock Star: Supernova.'"

"Rock Star" on the Road

Also new this year are MSN "Live Like a Rockstar" events, which will be kicked off at the legendary Roxy Theater in Los Angeles on July 13 with live performances by The Panic Channel, a new band featuring former members of Jane's Addiction, and an opening act. Exclusive scenes of the new season of "Rock Star" will be screened at the show, and radio station Star 98.7 will feature live remote broadcasts from the event to promote MSN entertainment content and build traffic to the "Rock Star" Web site. This major event will also be presented in Chicago, Boston and New York on dates to be announced. Tickets are available only via promotional offerings to "Rock Star" fans, who may also participate in a variety of contests on the MSN "Rock Star" site.

"MSN is really turning up the volume and creating a lot of excitement for the return of 'Rock Star,'" said Mark Burnett, creator and executive producer of "Rock Star: Supernova." "The show's popularity last season had a lot to do with the fantastic online experience MSN provided visitors to the site. This is what entertainment today is all about: synergy across multiple platforms. MSN is playing a huge role in bringing interactive entertainment and a wide range of rich content to broadband. We're thrilled to collaborating with MSN on this breakthrough series."

The Dream of Being a Star Rocker Comes True

Last season on "Rock Star," the rock sensation INXS auditioned for a new lead singer. Canadian heartthrob JD Fortune was selected to front the band, which has since recorded and released a new CD, "Switch," that debuted in the Billboard Top 20 and is currently going gold and platinum in countries around the world. INXS' hit single, "Pretty Vegas," has helped the band sell out every concert on its North American tour.

Dave Navarro and Brooke Burke return to host "Rock Star: Supernova." In one of several changes being made for the second season of the series, a music celebrity or rock legend will appear as a guest on the show each week. The winner of the competition will record an original CD with Supernova, to be co- written and produced by Butch Walker, Rolling Stone Magazine's 2005 "Hot Producer of the Year." The CD will be released in the fall and will be supported by a worldwide tour in early 2007.

"Rock Star: Supernova" will air on CBS Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT. Exclusive episodes on MSN will be available every Monday on demand at http://rockstar.msn.com/.

About Mark Burnett Productions

Mark Burnett Productions (MBP) is a leading production company in the world of prime-time nonfiction television. MBP revolutionized television with hits such as "Eco-Challenge," "Survivor," "The Apprentice," "The Contender" and "Rock Star." MBP also successfully reintroduced product placement as an integral part of each of its shows and has garnered a total of 33 Emmy nominations since 2001. Mark Burnett was listed as the #1 Most Valuable Player by TV Guide and in Time Magazine's Top 100 most influential people in the world today.

About MSN Video

MSN Video is one of the largest video-only streaming services on the Web, watched by more than 11 million unique users per month. In addition to streaming news, entertainment and sports video clips from more than 45 content partners, MSN Video presents a broad array of live events to online audiences worldwide. More than 50 top advertisers support MSN Video, which is available to consumers at no charge. MSN Video is available on the Web at http://msnvideo.com/ to consumers in the U.S. MSN Video is also live in Australia, Canada and Japan, and in Spanish in the U.S.; the service also is in beta testing in the U.K.

About MSN and Windows Live

MSN attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live(TM), a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services. Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase on Nov. 1, 2005; these and future beta updates can be found at http://ideas.live.com/. Windows Live is available at http://www.live.com/. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/. MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NOTE: Microsoft, MSN and Windows Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Microsoft Corp.

 

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

 

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Consumer Confidence Down; Bargain Hunters Up

According to the BIGresearch Consumer Intentions & Actions Survey, in June the confidence in the economy declined for the third straight month to 36.1%, an almost 3 point decline from May (38.7%) and a ten point drop from 2005 (46.3%).

Key survey findings between June 7th and the 14th are reported as:

  • Confidence in the economy declined for the third straight month
  • Practical consumers seeking value priced alternatives for summer fun
  • The employment outlook for remaining 2006 is mixed
  • Drivers lower guard slightly concerning prices at the pump
  • 90 day spending intentions are cooling off

(The report suggests that the dip in confidence is not entirely attributable to the situation overseas, with fewer than one in five say they've been worrying more about political and national security issues. But, almost half of consumers say they've been focused on needs over wants, about even with May and an almost five point increase from '05 (45.0%).

Compensating for the extra dollars spent fueling their vehicles, says the report, consumers have become less conservative with their finances over the past 90 days...36.2% report in May that they've made paying down debt a financial priority. Decreased overall spending remains flat at 32.0%, while those increasing their savings are five points lower at 25.9%. Pay with cash more often increases slightly to 22.9%.

For June, 57.9% of investors say they would definitely/probably invest in the stock market, declining from 62.9% in May. Investors planning to buy lower two points to 9.0%, while those planning to sell down half a point to 5.4%.((

In June about one in four consumers say the cost of fueling their autos is having "no major impact" on spending, up a point from May, but down about 15 points from June '05 (40.4%). Automakers, furniture dealers and electronics retailers beware, concludes the report. More than one in five (23.3%) insist that pump prices are pushing them to delay high-dollar durables purchases, up from May (22.4%) and last year (14.9%).

Drivers scrimping and saving in order to fuel their vehicles. More than two in five (42.9%) are simply taking fewer shopping trips, 37.8% are buying closer to home, one-third (32.6%) are on the prowl for sales and specials, while close to one-quarter are clipping coupons (24.4%) or opting for store brands/generics (23.5%).

90 day spending intentions are cooling off, according to the BIGresearch Diffusion Index (those who say they'll spend less subtracted from those who'll spend more). All categories are down from May as well as '05:(

Retail Merchandise Categories - 90 Day Outlook (June 06 compared to May 06 and June 05)

Category

May 06

June 05

Children's

DOWN

DOWN

Women's Dress

DOWN

DOWN

Women's Casual

DOWN

DOWN

Men's Casual

DOWN

DOWN

Shoes

DOWN

DOWN

HBC

DOWN

DOWN

Dining Out

DOWN

DOWN

Sporting Goods

DOWN

DOWN

Toys and Games

DOWN

DOWN (

CDs/DVDs/Videos/Books

DOWN

DOWN

Decorative Home DOWN

DOWN

DOWN

Electronics

DOWN

DOWN

Men's Dress

DOWN

DOWN

Groceries

DOWN

DOWN

Home Improvement

DOWN

DOWN

Lawn & Garden

DOWN

DOWN

Home Furniture

DOWN

DOWN

Furnishings

DOWN

DOWN

Linens/Bedding/Draperies

DOWN

DOWN

Source: BIGresearch, June 2006

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SIRIUS and Variety Will Launch Radio News Bureau



Up-to-the-minute box office reports and breaking news and views on
movies, TV, and entertainment SIRIUS to air Variety Radio News multiple
times each hour every day

SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) and Variety, the "show business
bible," today announced the launch of a radio news bureau, based in
Variety's Los Angeles offices, that will provide the latest in
entertainment news to SIRIUS' national radio audience multiple times each hour of
every day.


Launching this fall, Variety Radio News will broadcast regular reports
on SIRIUS' Los Angeles channel 150. With contributions from veteran
Variety reporters and editors and SIRIUS' national reach, listeners will
now be able to hear the latest from the worlds of film, TV, publishing
and online media, as well as industry gossip, anywhere they are,
including as they drive to and from work and industry functions.

Variety is recognized throughout the world as the entertainment
industry's newspaper of record, covering the global media and entertainment
marketplace in 84 countries. With its seasoned editorial team and the
largest newsgathering staff in the industry, Variety delivers breaking
news, exclusive "scoops," box office reports, plus film and TV production
charts.

"Variety delivers an insider's view on film, TV, music, the internet,
and publishing with concise and provocative insight," said Scott
Greenstein, SIRIUS President, Entertainment and Sports. "Variety Radio News
will become as indispensable to the industry as the magazine itself, and
also make it possible for anyone in the country to be as up-to-date as
any movie insider. Whether it's on the way to work, a screening, or
anywhere life takes them, SIRIUS will put Variety right there with them."

Peter Bart, Variety Editor-in-Chief, said: "Variety chose SIRIUS as our
partner because of its already strong credibility in the entertainment
world and SIRIUS' unrivaled ability to reach a national audience. There
is clearly an appetite for news from the world of media and
entertainment that is both timely and credible. It is our intention to get it
first and also get it right."

About SIRIUS

SIRIUS delivers more than 125 channels of the best programming in all
of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free
music channels in satellite radio, offering 67 music channels available
nationwide. SIRIUS also delivers 61 channels of sports, news, talk,
entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite
Radio Partner of the NFL, NBA and NHL and broadcasts live play-by-play
games of the NFL, NBA and NHL. All SIRIUS programming is available for
a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95.

SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in
more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City,

Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at
shop.sirius.com.

SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge,
Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep(R), Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln-Mercury,
Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Rolls Royce, Scion, Toyota, Porsche,
Volkswagen and Volvo. Hertz also offers SIRIUS in its rental cars at
major locations around the country.

Click on http://www.sirius.com to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase
a SIRIUS radio and subscription.

Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to,
expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance
with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical facts
and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve
estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results
to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety
by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Among the key factors that have a direct bearing on
our operational results are: our dependence upon third parties, including
manufacturers of SIRIUS radios, retailers, automakers and programming
partners, our competitive position and any events which affect the
useful life of our satellites.

About The Variety Group/Reed Business Information (RBI)

The Variety Group, Daily Variety, Daily Variety Gotham, Weekly Variety,
Variety China, and Variety.com, are all owned by Reed Business
Information (RBI), the largest business publisher in the U.S. RBI and is a
member of the Reed Elsevier Group plc (NYSE: RUK and ENL) -- a leading
publisher and information provider operating in the science and medical,
legal, education and business-to-business industry sectors.





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The Department of Defense announced today these deaths


Seal of the Pentagonwhile supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.



            Staff Sgt. Joseph F. Fuerst, III, 26 of Tampa Fla., died in Panjway District, Afghanistan, on June 24, when his HMMWV came in contact with enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire during combat operations.  Fuerst was assigned to the Army National Guard's 53rd
Infantry Brigade, Pinellas Park Fla.

A U.S. soldier and a Marine were killed June 27 while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, U.S. military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified two servicemembers
killed in action earlier.

The Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed when a roadside bomb north of Baghdad struck his vehicle, and the Marine died from wounds suffered in enemy action while operating in Anbar province.

The names of the servicemembers are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Meanwhile, the Defense Department announced the identities of two soldiers who were recently killed in the war on terror:

- Army Sgt. Terry M. Lisk, 26, of Fox Lake, Ill., died June 26 of injuries sustained in Ramadi, Iraq, when his unit received indirect fire from enemy forces during combat operations. Lisk was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany.

- Army Staff Sgt. Joseph F. Fuerst III, 26, of Tampa, Fla., died June 24 in Panjway district, Afghanistan, when his Humvee came in contact with enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire. Fuerst was assigned to the Army National Guard's 53rd Infantry Brigade,
Pinellas Park, Fla.

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The World Pizza Champions Announce: Team Appears Primetime on ABC's "Master of Champions"

"

Hollywood, CA June 26, 2006 The World Pizza Champions will be appearing on the new ABC show - "Master of Champions" July 6th, 2006 at 8pm.

The show consists of 6 groups of of competitors who face off in three different competitions, with the winner of each competition decided by the studio audience. The winners move on to the final round where the Panel of Champions decide who is the "Master of Champions".

Chris Leary, syndicated radio show host and sports reporter and commentator, is host, and Lisa Dergan- Podsednik is co-host. Baseball legend Steve Garvey and Olympic Gold Medalists Oksana Baiul and Jonny Moseley make up the Panel of Champions.

Finally it Will be Settled - Who is "America's # Pizza Team"?

The World Pizza Champions will be competing head to head against arch rivals, the U.S. Pizza Team. Be sure to tune in and see, once and for all, who is "America's #1 Pizza Team"!

More on Master of Champions...





Join our Revolutionary "How To" Pizza Site.

Join our revolutionary "How To" pizza site and be one on one with experts in the pizza industry. Learn how to make/work Sauce, Dough, Appetizers, Take & Bake, Desserts, Pizza Ovens, Fundamentals and much more.

Our site contains real live videos of real live operators in their actual kitchens showing you their secrets, industry experts and consultants will give you tips and techniques to help build your business, and if you are thinking of competing at the World Pizza Games, then this is where you can learn from Gold Medal winners.

Most importantly you will see these all demonstrated, not just a recipe on paper. Think of it as getting a one on one training session from the experts for a fraction of the cost. Content is provided from across the USA and the World, giving you access to different points of view, styles and techniques.

Click Here for More Info...


About the World Pizza Champions

Professionals of the Pizza Industry

The World Pizza Champions are made up of members Michael Shepherd of Michael Angelo's Pizza in Kenton & Rushsylvania, Ohio; Tony Gemignani & Ken Bryant of Pyzano's Pizzeria in Castro Valley, CA; Joe Carlucci of Famous Joe's in Danbury,CT; Siler Chapman of Pizza Works in Fort Mills, SC and Sean Brauser of Romeo's Pizza in Medina, OH.

Each member has earned the highest awards in several different categories in the pizza industry. They are considered by many pizza operators worldwide as professionals and pioneers.

Team members have appeared on the Today Show, Tony Danza Show, The Tonight Show, The Ellen Show, ESPN, the Food Network, Good Morning America, BBC Radio, and numerous industry magazine covers.

They have come together to form an affiliation to promote their restaurants and their skills. Individually each of them have performed on shows across the nation, but now they plan to tour the world as a team. The World Pizza Champions perform and/or compete at numerous festivals, fairs, sporting events, and food shows all year long.

America's #1 Pizza Team, The World Pizza Champions, will be in a town or on a TV near you.

The World Pizza Champions Sponsors

 

We would like to thank our Team Sponsors


Tony Gemignani would like to thank his individual sponsors 

Michael Shepherd would like to thank his individual sponsors 

Joe Carlucci would like to thank his individual sponsors 

Siler Chapman would like to thank his individual sponsor 

Sean Brauser would like to thank his individual sponsor

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Tina's Inc. Issues Allergy Alert 0n Undeclared Walnuts in "Tina's Monster Banana Muffins" 6 Oz. and "Tina's Mini Banana Muffin 3pk"

Contact:
Tina's Inc.
(714) 630-4123

Tina's Inc. of Anaheim, California is recalling "Tina's Monster Banana Muffins" 6 oz. and "Tina's Mini Banana Muffin 3pk" because they contain undeclared walnuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to walnuts run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

"Tina's Monster Banana Muffins" 6 oz. and "Tina's Mini Banana Muffin 3 pack only were distributed in Western United States.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product.
The recall was initiated after a consumer complaint was reported to the firm and on subsequent examination it was discovered that a product containing walnuts was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of walnuts.

Consumers who have purchased "Tina's Monster Banana Muffins" 6 oz. and "Tina's Mini Banana Muffin 3pk"are urged to return them to the place of purchase for full refund. Consumers with question may contact the company at 1-714-630-0650.

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Eastern Corridor Under Water :American Red Cross Urges Flood Safety While Providing Food and Shelter to Evacuees

Eastern Corridor Under Water :American Red Cross Urges Flood Safety While Providing Food and Shelter to Evacuees

Almost one month into this year's hurricane season intense rain has soaked much of the east coast, with the possibility of more rain expected in the next twenty-four hours. Throughout the past week, heavy rain and rising waters have produced flooding from Virginia to New England. Mandatory evacuations have been issued in some areas, while some residents are voluntarily seeking dry ground.

More than 40 American Red Cross shelters are open to provide food and accommodations to nearly 1500 people throughout the affected areas. Since flash floods are a potential threat that may cause more residents to leave their homes, additional Red Cross shelters are opening hourly and others are on standby to provide a safe dry haven to those in need. As thousands more evacuate their homes, the Red Cross will work with local chapters and community partners across the Mid Atlantic and New England to open as many shelters as necessary over the next several hours.

Red Cross preparedness experts urge residents to never underestimate the power of water and heed evacuation orders when issued. Flash floods can develop very quickly and the rapid accumulation can be extremely dangerous. Practicing good flood safety can help save lives.

  * Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around     and go another way.    * Never attempt to drive through water. Water can be deeper than it     appears, and water levels can rise very quickly.    * Floodwaters can erode roadways, and a missing section of road -- even a     missing bridge -- will not be visible with water running over the area.    * Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water. Many     flood-related deaths are caused by people attempting to drive through     floodwaters.    * Avoid walking through floodwaters; six inches of moving water can sweep     most people off their feet.    For more tips on flood safety, please visit http://www.redcross.org/.  

The American Red Cross has helped people mobilize to help their neighbors for 125 years. Last year, victims of a record 72,883 disasters, most of them fires, turned to the nearly 1 million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross for help and hope. Through more than 800 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people each year gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world. Almost 4 million people give blood -- the gift of life -- through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of more than 180 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY:June 29, 2006

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

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

  (C)MBN 2006

Content is King

 

Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne

To come here you have to be able to read.

Monte says to ability to read is the most powerful weapon in the world

MBN®

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news

 

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

sales@montebubbles.net

 

Banner ads and other advertisements can now be purchased thru eBay: Item number: 220003013686

 

(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 200 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® is proud to announce Dear Monte: talktomontebubbles@montebubbles.net

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

 

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

 

More exciting changes coming each day.

Watch for the MBN® Politically incorrect SUV

 

MONTEBUBBLISM: You know a politician has been in office to long when he can nolonger remember it was the people he was elected to serve.

 

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGYFrantic Films Soars With Superman

 Suntimes.com Now Accessible on Mobile Devices Reflects Next Step in Sun-Times News Group's Strategy to Make Content Readily Available Across Multiple Distribution Platforms

CBS and RealNetworks Enhance TV on the Web with Launch of 24/7 Live 'BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS' Video Service New Service Strengthens 'Big Brother' 24/7 Experience; Chat, Blogs, Message Boards, and Polls Make it Easy for Fans to Connect

Second-Annual Hot Stove, Cool Music: The Fenway Park Sessions Adds Howie Day, American Idol Semi-Finalist Ayla Brown, Cowboy Mouth and Furvis to All-Star Performance Line Up :Red Sox GM Theo Epstein To Lead July 12 Charity Concert Benefiting the Foundation to Be Named Later: Tickets on Sale Now

Poison's 20th Anniversary Celebration Continues With Expanded Capitol/EMI Catalog Releases Poison's Multi-Platinum Albums Look What The Cat Dragged In, Open Up And Say ... Ahh! and Flesh & Blood Remastered With Bonus Tracks in Expanded 20th Anniversary Editions Poison's '20 Years Of Rock' Tour Tearing Up the Road Through August In Stores: August 1, 2006

 Corinne Bailey Rae Launches Debut Album With U.S. Tour and Series of National Television Appearances, Including 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno' Tonight VH1, VH1 Soul and VH1.com 'You Oughta Know' Cross-Platform Campaign Kicks Into High Gear With 'Put Your Records On' Upped to Gung Ho Rotation at VH1 Corinne Bailey Rae Debuts at #17 On the Billboard 200

Upcoming C4-Sports Show to Host Sports Book Summit Sony, Panoram Technologies, Cobalt Entertainment, and Harris Will Demonstrate New Technologies for Sports Books and Fantasy Services

'When Do We Eat?' Available on DVD on August 22, 2006 'I Loved It. Totally Charming. Magical. A Classic Holiday Comedy.' Cathleen Falsani, Chicago Sun Times Best Screenplay San Diego Film Festival Best Comedy San Francisco World Film Festival

 Solidica Awarded Technology Gold Award at 2006 Sensors Expo Cutting edge wireless sensor technology combined with an ultra-rugged, tamperproof enclosure yields Best of Show Highest Honor

The Who Makes History at Hard Rock Presents Hyde Park Calling

Tribune TV Stations to Air 'Two and a Half Men' Hit CBS Comedy Will Debut Off-Net in Fall 2007; Syndication Agreement Includes Rights to Stream Video on Station Websites

Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment Spawns TV Reality Show

Singer/Songwriter Lisa Loeb to Host 2006 'Netflix Rolling Roadshow' Netflix Brings Famous Movies to Famous Places With Interactive-Themed Screening Events at Original Film Sites

Small Businesses Now Have Greater Exposure on Search Engines Helping Them Increase Sales to Qualified Customers! Homestead Technologies, Inc. Launches Full-Service Search Engine Advertising that Guarantees Qualified Customers to Business Websites and Eliminates Costly, Time-Consuming Efforts and Unpredictable Results

DIRECTV Entertainment Package Now In 415,000 Verizon Customers' Homes All-Digital Service Beats Cable on Value; Gives Calling and Data Customers a Triple-Play Option for as Little as $91 a Month

LiveDeal.com's Free Local Online Classifieds Marketplace Ideal for Local Antique Stores Who Want to Increase Web Presence At No Cost Top 10 Local Online Classifieds Site Provides Antique Store Owners an Innovative Way to Reach New Customers and Drive Traffic into Their Stores

 American Video Classics, Movie Soundtracks and Pearl Jam on VH1 Classic This Independence Day VH1 Classic Counts Down Viewer Choices for Top 20 Movie Soundtracks of All Time Throughout 4th of July Weekend Beginning Saturday, July 1 at 10 AM 'VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam' Makes its VH1 Classic Debut on Tuesday, July 4 at 9 PM

Mobestar Trials Lads Lounge, Targets 100,000 New Customers in TV Campaign

Ten Superscape Mobile Games Come to Metro PCS Customers

Creator of Islamic Superheroes Recognized With Prestigious Cartoon Award

NVIDIA Professional Graphics Offer Customers Enhanced Performance and Features on Mobile and Desktop Workstations NVIDIA Quadro(R) FX Solutions Redefine Performance with Improved Features for High-Quality Graphics

Live Nation Offers Purchasers of Korn: Live on the Other Side DVD An Exclusive Ticket Offer to This Summer's Family Values Tour

Games Industry Veteran Jim Merrick Named President and CEO of Mobliss, Mobile Entertainment Publisher

AVRev.com Announces Their List of Top 100 Rock Bands of All Time

Announcement coincides with AVRev.com's tenth year as the Internet's leading online audio/video publication

NAMI Honors the CBS Television Network Public Service Campaign on Depression

Seagate Wins 2006 World Class Award From PC World

Seagate Portable Hard Drive Earns Number Five Spot in Best 100 Products of 2006 for Innovative Storage Technology

RadioShack Introduces Exclusive Line of Remote Control Toy Cars Based on the Disney*Pixar Movie 'Cars'

Limited Edition 1:16 Scale RCs and 1:64 Scale ZipZaps Micro RCs Based on Characters From the Hit Movie Disney*Pixar 'Cars' Available at Most RadioShack Stores Nationwide, Online at RadioShack.com

Pam Anderson's Naked Crusade for PETA Helps Push her to new Number One on List.Web Users continue love affair with American Idol reject Elliott Yamin, who sees biggest jump this week.The Lycos 50 for Week Ending June 24, 2006

C-SPAN Uncovers the Hidden Corridors Under the Capitol Dome in Original TV Series, The Capitol:Complementing July 4th celebrations, The Capitol airs July 6-8 featuring a never-before-seen on TV look at the history, art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol Building

SPYMAC ANNOUNCES “CLUB 4 FREE” PROMOTION:Get 6 Months of Club for Free - Sign up 5 Friends for a Free Trial.Socialize with Over 1 Million Spymac Members through Blogs, Postings, Photos, Movies & Music

TELECOM NEW ZEALAND USES DORADO SOFTWARE TO MANAGE NEW IP VPN SERVICE ON MPLS NETWORK

MapQuest's New Multi-Stop Route Builder Feature Provides Cost-Efficient Planning for Summer Travels

Received VK Conformer with your Pro Tools purchase…Upgrade to VK2 for only $500.00 (a massive $495 saving!)

Virtual Katy Flies Through Time With Doctor Who Sound editor Douglas Sinclair looks to VK to accelerate audio post

SECRETARY OF ENERGY APPOINTS JADOO POWER
TO HYDROGEN TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

AOL CityGuide Picks the 2006 'Top 11 Booms with a View' for Fourth of July

AOL Teams with Fusion to Launch Groundbreaking Action Sports Network on the Web: Lat34.com

_______________________________________

Frantic Films Soars With Superman Superman Returns showcases Frantic's largest visual effects project to date

Frantic Films, one of Canada's leading production and post-production companies for film and television, will culminate 18 months of visual effects (VFX) work with the release of Warner Bros. Pictures' SUPERMAN RETURNS.

Frantic delivered 140 VFX shots for the blockbuster, which officially opens on June 28. Having previously worked with director Bryan Singer on X2: X-Men United, Frantic was again enlisted for six major sequences. In the process, the company used their current proprietary software and created new VFX technology for Singer's epic vision.

The company also helped redefine the deadly potential of Kryptonite. Frantic used Image Savant's Spore technology alongside their own custom particle renderer to make organic lighting effects and particle-dense representations of Kryptonite's inherent instability. The company created spontaneously growing Kryptonite crystals by building a custom 3ds Max script, which was adapted for use by the film's other VFX teams.

Frantic hit new levels of nautical realism in two scenes -- the Atlantis Project and the Metropolis Disaster -- by developing innovative ocean surface software. Based on a statistical model of ocean waves, the program accurately reproduced natural oceanic flow; early results had producers and industry professionals debating whether the shots were real footage or CGI.

At a late stage in post-production, Frantic was asked to recreate Krypton's destruction for the film's main titles. For this full-CGI scene, Frantic rendered up to 700 million particles per frame to detail the explosion. Amazingly, this sequence was conceived and delivered in less than five weeks.

About Frantic Films

Consistently on the cutting edge of VFX production, Frantic Films has established a reputation as one of North America's most dynamic and successful creative resources. With offices in Los Angeles, Vancouver and Winnipeg, Frantic offers accessible and localized consultation for all elements of film production. Frantic Films strives to move creative ideas from concept to completion by offering a wide array of services: from previz and look development to custom software solutions and postproduction visual effects. For more information, visit http://www.franticfilms.com/.

Source: Frantic Films

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

Suntimes.com Now Accessible on Mobile Devices

Reflects Next Step in Sun-Times News Group's Strategy to Make Content Readily Available Across Multiple Distribution Platforms

The Sun-Times News Group ("STNG") today announced that http://www.suntimes.com/ can now be easily accessed on mobile devices. Beginning today, the website content is available in a format designed to be read on smaller screens for all Web-enabled cell phones and handheld data devices.

Fred Lebolt, vice president of new media for STNG, said, "Making http://www.suntimes.com/ accessible on mobile devices is another step in our strategy of making our content easily available across many distribution platforms. Whether in print, online, or now on mobile devices, we can effectively reach multiple audiences with compelling content, and connect those audiences to our advertisers."

In recent months, STNG has announced a series of initiatives designed to leverage the strength of its news content and the breadth of local information it provides by expanding its distribution resources to reach audiences across the Chicago area. These include the creation of STNG Wire, a Web-based, 24- hour news and headline service used by major Chicago media outlets. The Group has also partnered with La Raza Newspaper to provide Hispanic-focused content, in both English and Spanish, to STNG Wire subscribers. In addition, the Group announced a partnership between The Chicago Sun-Times and WMAQ-TV/NBC5, which allows both news outlets to share information and resources in serving their audiences.

The suntimes.com site is being mobilized by Unified Mobility Corporation (unifiedmobility.com), which is responsible for the mobile editions of media properties across the country.

The Sun-Times News Group includes the Chicago Sun-Times, Pioneer Press, Daily Southtown and Star, Naperville Sun, Post Tribune of Northwest Indiana, and suburban newspapers in Joliet, Aurora, Elgin and Waukegan. It is owned by Hollinger International Inc. (NYSE:HLR) .

Source: Hollinger International Inc.

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

 

 

CBS and RealNetworks Enhance TV on the Web with Launch of 24/7 Live 'BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS' Video Service

New Service Strengthens 'Big Brother' 24/7 Experience; Chat, Blogs, Message Boards, and Polls Make it Easy for Fans to Connect

CBS and RealNetworks(R), Inc. (NASDAQ:RNWK) , the leading creator of digital media services and software, today announced that they will offer an exclusive 24- hour-a-day service streaming video from the BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS house, allowing fans to watch live and unedited houseguest activity, much of which never appears on TV.

This service, available through RealNetworks' SuperPass(TM) subscription service, brings TV to the Web in an entirely new way by combining around-the- clock footage with blogs, chats, message boards, polls and other interactive features that build on the drama and excitement of the BIG BROTHER television experience.

The webcast premieres on Thursday, July 6, immediately following the East coast broadcast of the show at 8:00PM ET. Subscribers to the 24/7 video stream can watch any one of four live camera feeds from the BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS house or catch all of the action at once with the special quad-cam view, which allows fans to simultaneously see four different video feeds. In addition, Real and CBS are enhancing the BIG BROTHER 24/7 experience with the introduction of new interactive features that bring together the fan community. Fans can interact with one another in BIG BROTHER-focused blogs, chat rooms, message boards, and weekly polls, and get much more information on the show and houseguests.

The entire three-month season of BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS is available through SuperPass. Fans who want to see everything that happens in the house, including things they won't show on TV, can sign up for the webcast via the official BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS website at www.CBS.com and through Real's SuperPass website at www.real.com/bigbrother. Fans can subscribe for $14.99 monthly or $39.99 for a discounted three-month subscription, with a free trial for everyone who signs up.

"Together, CBS and Real are delivering TV on the Web in an entirely new way," said Harold Zeitz, senior vice president of media software and services for RealNetworks. "Real's 'Big Brother' offering begins where reality TV leaves off, blending around-the-clock streaming video with blogs, chat and other fan-friendly features that allow fans to stay immersed in the Big Brother experience."

"The Big Brother web offering is even better this year, with the addition of new ways for fans to interact with each other and stay engaged with the show 24/7," said Brinley Turner, Vice President and General Manager, CBS.com. "We're thrilled to be partnering with Real to enhance the 'Big Brother' experience by enabling fans to check in on houseguests at anytime and watch as the action unfolds."

Subscribers can also access other components of the official CBS BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS website, including: detailed summaries of all the events and challenges that happen during each televised broadcast; popularity and opinion polls; photo galleries; and a houseguest section with complete profiles for each contestant.

In addition to BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS, SuperPass subscribers also have access to a compelling mix of features, including news and entertainment video, free music downloads from the RealPlayer(R) Music Store, free downloadable games, premium Internet radio, Real(R) PhotoVideo for sharing personal photos and video clips, security software, and more.

To preserve the drama for BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS television viewers, CBS may block or delay the webcast for a limited number of real-time events that transpire in the house.

Arnold Shapiro, Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan are the executive producers of BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS for Arnold Shapiro & Allison Grodner Productions, in association with Endemol Entertainment.

ABOUT CBS.com

CBS.com, the official website of the CBS Television Network, has become the top web destination among all Network television websites. CBS.com has been the most trafficked website among its Entertainment competitors with more unique visitors every month for the past two years. With its proven success of intersecting traditional television with new media, CBS.com attracted a record high of more than 12 million unique visitors in May 2004 as a result of the "Survivor: All Stars" finale and online voting for America's Tribal Council. Home to the official websites for all CBS television series, CBS.com's notable sites include "Survivor," "CSI" and "CSI: Miami," "Big Brother," "The Amazing Race" and "Late Show with David Letterman."

ABOUT REALNETWORKS, INC.

RealNetworks, Inc. is the leading creator of digital media services and software including Rhapsody(R), RealPlayer(R) 10, and casual PC and mobile games. RealNetworks has more than 2.4 million paid subscribers to its premium digital media http://www.real.com/. Broadcasters, network operators, media companies and enterprises use RealNetworks' products and services to create and deliver digital media to PCs, mobile phones and consumer electronics devices. RealNetworks' corporate information is located at http://www.realnetworks.com/company.

NOTE: RealNetworks, RealPlayer and SuperPass are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. Other companies or products listed herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: RealNetworks, Inc.

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

Second-Annual Hot Stove, Cool Music: The Fenway Park Sessions Adds Howie Day, American Idol Semi-Finalist Ayla Brown, Cowboy Mouth and Furvis to All-Star Performance Line Up

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein To Lead July 12 Charity Concert Benefiting the Foundation to Be Named Later: Tickets on Sale Now

Organizers of the "Hot Stove, Cool Music" concert series today announced the addition of artist Howie Day, former American Idol semi-finalist Ayla Brown, New Orleans rock band Cowboy Mouth and well-known Boston area rock band Furvis to their all-star performance lineup. The second annual charity fundraiser takes place on Wednesday, July 12 at Fenway Park beginning at 6:00 p.m.

This special benefit concert also features performances by a host of Boston sports, music and entertainment all-stars including Kay Hanley; Buffalo Tom featuring Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein; The Hot Stove All-Stars; The Gentlemen; The Click Five; and Red Sox pitcher Lenny DiNardo. Mike O'Malley, former star of the hit CBS show Yes Dear, will emcee the show. Concert organizers will announce additional artists and special guests as the event approaches.

Howie Day's flawless voice, unforgettable melodies and guitar talent establish him as one of today's most recognizable artists. Day broke into the music scene in 1997 with his independently released and self-financed debut, Australia. By word of mouth alone, the album sold more than 30,000 copies and today sales have surpassed 100,000. Australia went on to earn Day a 2001 Boston Music Award for "Best Debut Album by a Singer/Songwriter" and a 2002 award for "Best Male Singer/Songwriter." In 2003 Day released his second album, Stop All The World Now, which includes the smash hits and fan favorites "Collide" and "She Says."

Wrentham native Ayla Brown is back in the spotlight after wowing audiences this winter as one of the final contestants competing on the popular TV show, "American Idol." She sang her heart out on numbers like "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield and "I Want You to Need Me" by Celine Dion. The multi-talented artist will tour throughout New England this summer before heading to Boston College on a basketball scholarship this fall.

Cowboy Mouth has been rocking the stage for more than a decade with songs like "Everybody Loves Jill," "Hurricane Party," and "Jenny Says." Their most recent album, Voodoo Shoppe debuted earlier this year. Well-known local rockers Furvis, who have been the buzz among the Boston rock scene for the past two years, complete the list of additions. They are currently in the studio at Q Division finishing up their first record with producer Ed Valuskas.

Tickets for Hot Stove, Cool Music: The Fenway Park Sessions are $50, $75 and $100 and are on sale now at redsox.com or by calling the Red Sox ticket office at 877-RED-SOX9. The gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and the entertainment will begin at 6:00 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Epstein's 'Foundation to Be Named Later,' a branch of the Red Sox Foundation. Last year's concert raised more than $300,000 for the Foundation to Be Named Later.

"Hot Stove, Cool Music has become a staple on Boston's entertainment event calendar," said ESPN Commentator and Hot Stove, Cool Music Founder Peter Gammons. "The concert blends two of my passions, music and baseball, while benefiting a very worthy cause. I am grateful to the entertainers, the Boston Red Sox and the sponsors who have given their time and effort to make this event possible. It is yet another homerun for local charities and the Boston sports and music community."

"We wanted to lead-off the second half of the season with a special event, while raising money for important causes," Theo Epstein said. "Combining baseball and music in a city that is passionate about both will yield great rewards for the community. Add in the history of Fenway Park and you have a great event."

About Foundation To Be Named Later

The Foundation To Be Named Later (FTBNL) was launched in Spring of 2005 by Paul Epstein, a social worker in the Brookline Public School system, and his brother, Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein, with the mission of raising funds and awareness for non-profit agencies in the Greater Boston area serving disadvantaged youth.

The chief fundraiser for FTBNL is the Hot Stove, Cool Music Concert Series. In July 2005, the FTBNL benefited from the inaugural summer concert, Hot Stove, Cool Music: The Fenway Park Sessions. In October of 2005, FTBNL distributed its first round of gifts to eight non-profit agencies chosen for their outstanding work with youth. The principal beneficiaries of FTBNL are: BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life), The Home for Little Wanderers, Horizons for Homeless Children, Molo Care, Roxbury Youthworks, Steps to Success, Treehouse Foundation and West End House Boys and Girls Club.

About Hot Stove, Cool Music

Hot Stove, Cool Music is a bi-annual charity concert and musical variety show held at the Paradise Rock Club and Fenway Park. ESPN Commentator and former Boston Globe Baseball Columnist Peter Gammons and Boston Herald Sports Writer Jeff Horrigan created the event in December of 2000. Over the past six years, Hot Stove, Cool Music has raised more than $500,000 for the Jimmy Fund and has become a staple on Boston's entertainment calendar. Last year's inaugural Hot Stove, Cool Music: The Fenway Park Sessions raised more than $300,000 for Theo Epstein's newly formed Foundation to Be Named Later, a branch of the Red Sox Foundation.

Source: The Foundation To Be Named Later

 

Poison's 20th Anniversary Celebration Continues With Expanded Capitol/EMI Catalog Releases

Poison's Multi-Platinum Albums Look What The Cat Dragged In, Open Up And Say ... Ahh! and Flesh & Blood Remastered With Bonus Tracks in Expanded 20th Anniversary Editions

Poison's '20 Years Of Rock' Tour Tearing Up the Road Through August

In Stores: August 1, 2006

As Poison raises the roofs of more than 50 concert venues across the U.S. this summer on the band's VH1 Classic and Live Nation-presented "20 Years Of Rock Tour," Capitol/EMI Music Catalog Marketing is preparing for the August 1 reissue of Poison's first three multi-Platinum albums in expanded 20th Anniversary Edition CD packages. Digitally remastered with rare and previously unreleased bonus tracks, Poison's triple-Platinum 1986 album debut, Look What The Cat Dragged In, the septuple-Platinum Open Up And Say ... Ahh! and the Platinum Flesh & Blood will be released in commemorative 20th anniversary CD packages, honoring the band's exciting and enduring career and their ever-growing tally of more than 25 million albums and DVDs sold around the world.

Poison's 20th anniversary catalog campaign began this spring with Capitol/EMI's April 4 release of a new hits collection, The Best Of Poison: 20 Years Of Rock, which debuted at #17 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart, marking the band's first return to the Top 20 since 1993. The CD packs 18 hits, including the band's explosive new version of Grand Funk Railroad's "We're An American Band," produced by Don Was (Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan). The Best Of Poison: 20 Years Of Rock -- Deluxe Tour Edition was released on May 16, on the eve of the band's national anniversary tour. The expanded CD/DVD package contains the 18-track CD and a companion DVD with the band's most rocking music videos and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of "We're An American Band."

Perhaps VH1's Behind The Music special on Poison, one of the network's highest-viewed specials, said it all, encompassing everything about this band: sex, drugs, fun, violence and rock 'n roll. Poison's Bret Michaels (lead vocals, guitar), C.C. Deville (lead guitar, vocals), Bobby Dall (bass) and Rikki Rockett (drums), crashed hard onto the 1980s LA music scene. Voted Most Popular Band two years in a row by Music Connection magazine, Poison's unheard of mix of rock, Americana, pop and punk musical styles, their over-the-top stage show and blue-collar, hard-working mentality shot the band into Billboard's Top 5 with the 1986 independent release of Look What The Cat Dragged In. The album's singles, "Talk Dirty To Me," "I Want Action," and "I Won't Forget You," all launched into the Top 40. After years of hard work, touring and controversy, radio and MTV finally took notice of the band and their music, propelling Poison into superstardom. Look What The Cat Dragged In peaked at #3 on Billboard's Albums chart and sold more than three million copies.

The band's 1988 follow-up, Open Up And Say ... Ahh! went Platinum two weeks after its release. The single "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" hit #1 on Billboard's Singles chart and the album sold more than seven million units. 1990's Flesh & Blood featured a second Gold single, "Unskinny Bop," and the album went multi-Platinum.

In 1991, amidst inner fighting, alcohol, drug abuse and road stories that would make a porn star blush, guitarist C.C. Deville and singer Bret Michaels collided in an all out fist-fight seconds after leaving the stage of the MTV Music Video Awards (right between Cindy Crawford's high heels and Eddie Van Halen's sneakers). C.C. Deville left the band.

Poison continued to tour arenas and amphitheatres and recorded the Platinum Native Tongue and Crack A Smile. After five years of not speaking, Michaels and Deville met up in 1999 and, with their chemistry and friendship quickly rekindled, the band went into the studio to record Power To The People. One of the most successful reunion tours of all time followed the album's release.

For up-to-date band and "20 Years Of Rock" tour information, please visit Poison's official Website: www.poisonweb.com and Bret Michaels' official Website: www.bretmichaels.com.

All Deluxe Tour Edition CD/DVD packages for The Best Of Poison: 20 Years Of Rock include a code for Poison fans to logon to www.20yearsofrock.com to buy one concert ticket and receive one free ticket for the "20 Years Of Rock Tour" as a thank you to fans. "Poison is bringing the kind of summer tour package that rock fans have been waiting for," said Live Nation Senior Vice President of Touring, Bruce Kapp. "We are so happy that both Poison and Cinderella decided to spend their 20th birthdays on the road -- it's a terrific tour at a great price." To coincide with the bands' 20th anniversaries, and keeping with Poison's tradition of staying loyal to their music and their fans, lawn tickets for each of the outdoor amphitheatre dates are priced at $20 or less.

2006 continues to be "Nothin' But A Good Time" for Poison and their fans as they celebrate 20 YEARS OF ROCK!

* * *

Look What The Cat Dragged In: 20th Anniversary Edition

1) Cry Tough

2) I Want Action

3) I Won't Forget You

4) Play Dirty

5) Look What The Cat Dragged In

6) Talk Dirty To Me

7) Want Some, Need Some

8) Blame It On You

9) #1 Bad Boy

10) Let Me Go To The Show

11) I Want Action [7" single remix] *

12) I Won't Forget You [7" single remix] *

13) Don't Mess Around With Jim *

Open Up And Say ... Ahh!: 20th Anniversary Edition

1) Love On The Rocks

2) Nothin' But A Good Time

3) Back To The Rocking Horse

4) Good Love

5) Tearing Down The Walls

6) Look But You Can't Touch

7) Fallen Angel

8) Every Rose Has Its Thorn

9) Your Mama Don't Dance

10) Bad To Be Good

11) Living For The Minute *

12) Band Interview *

Flesh & Blood: 20th Anniversary Edition

1) Strange Days Of Uncle Jack

2) Valley Of Lost Souls

3) (Flesh & Blood) Sacrifice

4) Swampjuice (Soul-O)

5) Unskinny Bop

6) Let It Play

7) Life Goes On

8) Come Hell Or High Water

9) Ride The Wind

10) Don't Give Up An Inch

11) Something To Believe In

12) Ball And Chain

13) Life Loves A Tragedy

14) Poor Boy Blues

15) Something To Believe In [acoustic version] *

16) God Save The Queen [instrumental demo] * previously unreleased

* = bonus tracks

20 YEARS OF ROCK TOUR (remaining U.S. tour dates)

Presented by VH1 Classic and Live Nation

DATE CITY, STATE VENUE

Jun 29 Lemoore, CA Tachi Casino*

Jun 30 Concord, CA Chronicle Pavilion

Jul 01 San Bernardino, CA Hyundai Pavilion

Jul 02 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Pavilion

Jul 04 Las Vegas The Joint

Jul 06 Oklahoma City, OK Zoo Amphitheatre*

Jul 07 Dallas, TX Smirnoff Music Centre*

Jul 08 San Antonio, TX Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Jul 09 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theater

Jul 11 Nashville, TN Starwood Amphitheatre

Jul 12 Lansing, MI Common Ground Music Festival

Jul 13 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center

Jul 15 Comstock, NE Comstock Rock Festival*

Jul 16 Denver, CO Coors Amphitheatre*

Jul 18 Indianapolis, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center

Jul 19 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center*

Jul 20 Pittsburgh, PA Post Gazette Pavilion

Jul 22 Kansas City, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Jul 23 Cadot, WI Rock Fest/Chippewa Valley Music*

Jul 25 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion

Jul 26 Washington, DC Nissan Pavilion

Jul 28 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre

Jul 29 West Bend, WI Washington County Fair Park*

Jul 30 Columbus, OH Germain Amphitheater

Aug 01 Toronto Molson Amphitheatre*

Aug 02 Buffalo, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts

Center

Aug 04 Clearfield, PA Clearfield County Fair*

Aug 05 Boston, MA Tweeter Center

Aug 06 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center

Aug 08 Wantagh, NY Jones Beach Theater

Aug 09 Hartford, CT Dodge Music Center

Aug 11 Hershey, PA Hershey Park Star Pavilion

Aug 12 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Aug 13 Wildwood, NJ Wildwood Convention Center

Aug 15 Raleigh, NC Alltel Pavilion at Walnut Creek

Aug 16 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Aug 18 Birmingham, AL Verizon Wireless Music Center

Aug 19 St. Petersburg, FL Times Forum*

Aug 20 West Palm Beach, FL Sound Advice Ampitheatre

Aug 22 Orlando, FL Hard Rock Live

Aug 23 Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues*

Aug 25 Atlanta, GA HiFi Buys Amphitheatre

Aug 26 Memphis, TN Mud Island*

Aug 27 Little Rock, AR Riverfest Amphitheatre*

Aug 29 St. Paul, MN Minnesota State Fair*

*Not Live Nation Events

All dates, cities and ticket prices subject to change.

Source: Capitol/EMI Music Catalog Marketing

Corinne Bailey Rae Launches Debut Album With U.S. Tour and Series of National Television Appearances, Including 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno' Tonight

VH1, VH1 Soul and VH1.com 'You Oughta Know' Cross-Platform Campaign Kicks Into High Gear With 'Put Your Records On' Upped to Gung Ho Rotation at VH1

Corinne Bailey Rae Debuts at #17 On the Billboard 200

On July 24th, British singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae will launch her first proper U.S. tour in support of her self-titled debut album, which debuted at #17 on The Billboard 200 with sales of over 40,000 copies. Tonight she'll perform "Put Your Records On," her current single, on "The Tonight With Jay Leno" -- the latest in a string of national television appearances that has included "Good Morning America," "Live with Regis and Kelly" and "The Tavis Smiley Show." Bailey Rae is also scheduled to appear on A&E's "Breakfast With The Arts" on July 16th.

"Put Your Records On" is currently #10 at the Smooth Jazz radio format and #22 at AAA radio. Beginning next week, VH1 will increase the accompanying video to Gung Ho rotation (the channel's highest rotation) -- the newest development in a massive cross-platform VH1, VH1 Soul and VH1.com "You Oughta Know" campaign for Bailey Rae. The video has also been added by MTVU and BETJ. Bailey Rae was recently nominated for the "BETJ Cool Like That" award and was voted "Best New Act" in Mojo's annual readers' poll.

In mid-July, Bailey Rae will be the featured artist for Yahoo! Music's "Critical Eye," part of their Who's Next program. And following her pick as an AOL Breaker, she is featured on AOL and Network Live airing from last month's Rock In Rio show from Lisbon. The concert is available on demand here:

http://music.aol.com/network_live/concert_videos/corinne_bailey_rae/ondemand

In a four-star Critic's Choice album review, People magazine described Bailey Rae's voice as "a sublime instrument -- part Billie Holiday, part Erykah Badu -- that slays you with its sultry allure, quirky charms and jazzy, understated cool." USA Today observed "the newcomer's songs take us on a distinctive, delightful journey ... a gorgeous summer soundtrack."

Reviewing a recent show in London, The Hollywood Reporter said she "commands the stage, whether standing at the microphone or sitting on a stool playing guitar ... A confident and swinging new star." In March, Corinne Bailey Rae became the first female British artist to enter the U.K. album chart at #1 with a debut album of original songs. Her album is currently certified double Platinum there, and Gold in numerous other countries, with worldwide sales already well over one million.

Confirmed U.S. headlining shows are as follows:

July

7/24 Seattle, WA Crocodile Cafe

7/25 Portland, OR Lola's in Crystal Ballroom

7/27 San Francisco, CA Bimbo's 365 Club

7/29 San Diego, CA Brick By Brick

7/31 Los Angeles, CA The Roxy Theatre

August

8/12 Dallas, TX Gypsy Tea Room & Ballroom

8/13 Houston, TX Warehouse Live

8/14 Austin, TX Antone's Nightclub

8/16 Atlanta, GA Vinyl

8/18 Annapolis, MD Ramshead Tavern

8/20 Alexandria, VA Birchmere

8/21 Philadelphia, PA World Cafe Live

8/23 New York, NY Venue TBD

8/25 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club

8/29 Chicago, IL Park West

8/30 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theater

http://www.corinnebaileyrae.net/

Source: Capitol Records

Web site: http://www.corinnebaileyrae.net/

Upcoming C4-Sports Show to Host Sports Book Summit

Sony, Panoram Technologies, Cobalt Entertainment, and Harris Will Demonstrate New Technologies for Sports Books and Fantasy Services

C4-Sports, the first electronic media trade show dedicated wholly to sports technology, announced today that it will be hosting a Sports Book Summit on July 17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The summit will provide a forum for sports books, fantasy services, and entertainment managers to discuss the technological issues that can impact their business, increase revenue opportunities, and enhance the overall experience of visitors to sports book facilities.

"As C4-Sports integrates itself into the sports technology community, we wanted to be cognizant of the challenges that exist in the Las Vegas community, namely the sports book and gaming service industries," said Gene Sanders, general manager, C4-Sports. "This invitation-only summit will directly address the challenges faced by these industries and will offer individuals an opportunity to learn about state-of-the-art technologies that can ultimately help them to enhance the experience of their patrons."

At the Sports Book Summit, regulatory issues impacting sports services such as bandwidth, illegal gambling, and competition from Internet gambling sites will be addressed. Data and content security and digital asset management issues specific to sports books will be explored, as well as alternative technologies for content delivery such as video display screens, digital signage, projection, wireless, and next-generation delivery methods.

"With new technologies, a sports book has the opportunity to become the visual centerpiece of a casino," said John Kaloukian, general manager, Sony Electronics' professional display group. "Sony's SXRD(TM) projection technology gives players more visual information to help them decide how to place their bets. The addition of command and control functionality gives sports books the control to add specific events to the screen in windows of various resolutions and formats, as well as the ability to change out advertising or promotional videos, which represents incremental revenue opportunities."

"Sony and Panoram Technologies have teamed up to show casino operators how to enhance the sports book experience in their casinos through new capabilities of display technologies, like our PixelBlaster, that are magnificent to look at, easily programmable, interactive, reliable, and compatible with key strategic trends that directly affect casinos," said Theo Mayer, president and CEO, Panoram Technologies.

In addition to Sony and Panoram Technologies, other participants at the Sports Book Summit include leaders from the sports book industry including Matt Rose, president of the proposed Ultimate Sports Resort in north Las Vegas, as well as representatives from The Wynn, Mirage/MGM Grand hotels, Excalibur, Harris Corporation, and Cobalt Entertainment.

"The sports business is increasingly being driven by the live broadcasts of games and special events, and our company is focused on helping organizations like sports books make the transition from 2D to 3D to remarkably enhance the viewing experience," said Steve Schklair, founder and CEO, Cobalt Entertainment. "Hollywood studios are already using 3D digital projection and it's just a matter of time until the sporting industry makes the transition, in order to keep up with the rising visual literacy and demands of sports fans throughout the world."

"Harris considers this event an effective vehicle to reach an important market segment and we will be showing audio and video production equipment and providing digital signage for the entire venue," said Rich Hajdu, vice president, graphic and post sales, Americas, Harris Broadcast Communications Division. "This is an opportunity for Harris to showcase our entire portfolio of solutions-based products and we are looking forward to participating at the summit."

For more information about the Sports Book Summit contact Kim Nichols at 410.403.1528 or knichols@c4-events.com. To register for the C4-Sports show online, visit http://www.c4-sports.com/.

About Harris Broadcast Communications Division

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. With headquarters in Melbourne, Florida, the company has annual sales of over $3 billion and more than 13,000 employees - including 5,500 engineers and scientists - dedicated to the development of best-in-class assured communications(TM) products, systems, and services. The company's operating divisions serve markets for government communications, RF communications, broadcast communications, and microwave communications. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at http://www.harris.com/.

About Cobalt Entertainment, LLC

Cobalt Entertainment is a market-leading provider of 3D digital production services and proprietary technology to the film, computer, and broadcast television industries. Its current clients and development partners include NFL Films, Ideal Entertainment, and Dreamworks.

About Panoram Technologies

Panoram Technologies, Inc. develops, markets and manufactures advanced, extreme-resolution display solutions for facilities, workgroups, and single user applications. Panoram's display solutions create visualization environments, which allow users to "see more, understand better and decide quicker." For commercial use, the Company's offerings are enabling project teams in oil/gas, in manufacturing of aerospace and automotive systems, as well as researchers in scientific computing to achieve unprecedented levels of productivity and effectiveness. For military and government applications, Panoram provides an array of systems and solutions that enhance visualizing capabilities for C4ISR as well as tactical field operations. To learn more about Panoram Technologies, visit their Web site at http://www.panoramtech.com/.

About C4-Sports

C4-Sports is the only exclusive exposition and conference dedicated to the sports content industry. Attracting athletic directors, facility managers, sports broadcasters, coaches, and athletes from across the nation, it will provide exhibitors with the unique opportunity to network with these professionals. More than 5,000 sports professionals are expected to converge in Las Vegas on July 17-19 for this dynamic marketplace of sports technologies, products, services, and ideas. More information about C4-Sports is available online at http://www.c4-sports.com/.

Web site: http://www.c4-sports.com/
http://www.harris.com/
http://www.panoramtech.com/

'When Do We Eat?' Available on DVD on August 22, 2006

'I Loved It. Totally Charming. Magical. A Classic Holiday Comedy.' Cathleen Falsani, Chicago Sun Times

Best Screenplay San Diego Film Festival

Best Comedy San Francisco World Film Festival

Hart Sharp Video, Pictures From the Fringe, Sneak Preview Entertainment, and Lantern Lane Entertainment are proud to announce the DVD release of "When Do We Eat?", "the first Passover comedy." Arriving on August 22, 2006 for the suggested retail price of $24.98, the film provides an unpredictable and hilarious look at a Jewish family's Passover Seder. The well-rounded ensemble cast includes veteran actors Jack Klugman ("The Odd Couple") and Lesley Ann Warren ("Desperate Housewives") along with Ben Feldman ("The Perfect Man") and Michael Lerner ("Elf").

Bonus Features

* Director's Commentary -- Salvador Litvak and his wife/co-writer, Nina

Davidovich, give their insights into the making of the film.

* The Rabbis' Mystical Seder -- A conversation between three prominent

rabbis as they analyze the hidden meanings of the film

* Visual Inspiration -- The Szyk Haggadah -- A discussion with the curator

of The Szyk Society concerning Polish artist Artur Szyk, who created

the illuminated Passover Haggadah that inspired the look of the film.

* Deleted Scenes

* Actors Auditions

* Behind The Scenes Footage

Synopsis

"When Do We Eat?" tells story of the "world's fastest Seder" gone horribly awry. It's about an old school dad (Lerner) who's as tough on his sons as his father (Klugman) is on him. On this night, however, one of the boys (Feldman) slips Dad a dose of special, psychedelic Ecstasy in order "to give him a new perspective." Meanwhile, Mom (Warren) brings a handsome stranger to dinner and the kids take sides. By the end of the night, however, Dad's visions turn him into a modern day Moses intent on leading this hungry group to the promised land of family forgiveness. Of course they're all so stubborn, it'd be easier to part the Red Sea.

For more information please visit: www.whendoweeat.com.

CAST & FILMMAKERS

Director: Salvador Litvak

Written By: Nina Davidovich & Salvador Litvak

Produced By: Steven J. Wolfe, Salvador Litvak

Executive Producers: Horatio C. Kemeny

Director of Photography: M. David Mullen, A.S.C.

Production Designer: Bernt Capra

Edited By: Richard Halsey, A.C.E.

Costume Designer: Carin Jacobs

Music By: Mark Adler

Cast: Jack Klugman, Lesley Ann Warren, Michael Lerner, Ben Feldman

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Street Date: August 22, 2006

Pre-Order Close: July 25, 2006

Price: $24.98 SRP

Selection Numbers: 670384

Running Time: 93 Minutes

Layers: Single Layer

Aspect Ratio: 16 X 9 (WIDESCREEN)

Rating: R (For Drug Use, Language and Some Sexual Content)

Technical Info: English 5.1, English 2.0

Source: Hart Sharp Video

Sharp Video

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

Solidica Awarded Technology Gold Award at 2006 Sensors Expo

Cutting edge wireless sensor technology combined with an ultra-rugged, tamperproof enclosure yields Best of Show Highest Honor

Solidica, Inc. was awarded Sensors Magazine's prestigious "Best of Sensors Expo" Gold award for their Chorus(TM) ultra-rugged wireless sensor and condition monitoring technology. Uniquely integrated into a compact rugged package, the sensor measures system health such as temperature, vibration, and three-dimensional acceleration, all while providing integrated GPS and RFID functionality.

The new Chorus(TM) device instantly captures sensor input in the harshest of environments, provides localized embedded signal processing, and transmits user programmable alerts to Solidica's turnkey Pantheon(TM) sensor network, diagnostic, and telematics hardware. This flexible system operates within the framework of multiple commercially common wireless protocols, including the ZigBee and IEEE 802.15.4 standards using 2.4 GHz digital radio and microcontroller technology. In addition to this, the award-winning Chorus(TM) device allows new and/or existing analog inputs to be directly connected, instantly transforming legacy vehicles, equipment, or shop floors into intelligent wireless sensing networks. Solidica reports that field trials of the Chorus(TM) and Pantheon(TM) technology are currently underway for a variety of military and commercial customers.

Dawn White, Solidica CEO notes that, "The Chorus(TM) device is a dramatic example of a merger between Solidica's solid state ultrasonic consolidation fabrication technology and our industry-leading expertise in wireless electronics. It's simply another example of the unique best of breed technology combinations that our customers have come to expect from us."

This most recent synergy appears to not only have award winning potential, but also promises the ability to unlock longstanding electronics design barriers. Illustrating the striking potential of such an approach, Solidica recently unveiled a version of the Chorus(TM) sensor which embeds a sub- millimeter integrated MEMS device directly between the 0.006" fabrication layers of metal during the manufacturing process, enabling truly in-situ health monitoring. The end result is a fully enclosed sensor, impervious to environmental conditions, that cannot be removed, tampered with or easily destroyed; all while providing the latest technology in signal conditioning and wireless transmission capability.

Rick Fortson, Solidica's Vice President of Wireless Technology, notes, "These sensors are so rugged that you could run one over with a truck, heat it to over 180 degrees Fahrenheit, immerse it in battery acid, and it will continue to report accurate data without breaking a sweat."

About Solidica

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI, Solidica is a rapidly growing technology company that provides advanced materials, electronics and solid-state fabrication solutions. Their proprietary Ultrasonic Consolidation technology combines the ability to quickly "grow" dense metal parts, novel material, and injection tools with the option of embedding fibers and advanced electronic elements. The company leverages its expanding internal research and product development resources to provide customers with innovative solutions in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, rapid prototyping/tooling, electronics, and military. Source: Solidica, Inc.

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

 

The Who Makes History at Hard Rock Presents Hyde Park Calling

On Sunday, July 2nd, at Hard Rock presents Hyde Park Calling, a piece of rock history will be made. For the very first time, one of the world's greatest rock bands -- The Who -- will allow their whole live set to be broadcast as a pay-per-view download benefiting various charities supported by Pete Townshend's Double O charity, including: the Teenage Cancer Trust, the Michael J. Fox Foundation (Parkinson's Research), the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (for underprivileged children) and the Robin Hood Foundation (which funds and supports innovative poverty-fighting organizations in New York City).

For just 99 cents, viewers will be able to download not just three tracks, as the band has been making available on previous tour dates, but the entire set from http://www.thewholive.tv/.

Hard Rock Cafe, is promoting the Hyde Park concert, will also broadcast the live link at its Cafes in New York, Chicago, Orlando, Hollywood (Fla.), Hollywood (CA), Rome, Barcelona and Paris.

"No band has ever committed to webcasting live music from their entire show. No band has promised that all profits from webcasting will be passed to charity. No band has ever committed to provide their fans with a way to access their live events from any part of the world, and to be able to download or buy high quality CDs and DVDs of every show in the certain knowledge that the profits will go to charity," said Pete Townshend. "It is hoped that this world Who tour will generate an extraordinary seven- or even eight-figure sum for charitable organizations, and that Who fans everywhere can feel rightly proud that they are the principle benefactors in this circle of good will."

"For those not joining us in Hyde Park, this weekend's concert can be seen at select Hard Rock Cafes around the world. We are thrilled to partner with The Who on this groundbreaking project," said Hamish Dodds, president and CEO Hard Rock International. "It's terrific that the band is making the show available to their fans, and at the same time, helping some great global charities from the online broadcast."

Hard Rock Presents Hyde Park Calling is the first event of Hard Rock's Ambassadors of Rock Tour, a global series of concerts celebrating music and Hard Rock International's 35th anniversary. Additional concerts are planned this summer in Chicago, Osaka, Tokyo, Japan, Caracas, Hollywood (Fla.), Orlando and New York. The London event in the famous Hyde Park will feature Roger Waters on Saturday and The Who on Sunday.

About Hard Rock International

With 121 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes, 11 Hotel & Casinos and two stand-alone Casinos in more than 41 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally-recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by The Rank Group Plc (RNK.L). For more information on Hard Rock, visit http://www.hardrock.com/.

Source: Hard Rock International

Web site: http://www.thewholive.tv/
http://www.hardrock.com/

Tribune TV Stations to Air 'Two and a Half Men'

Hit CBS Comedy Will Debut Off-Net in Fall 2007; Syndication Agreement Includes Rights to Stream Video on Station Websites

-- Tribune Broadcasting, a division of Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) , today announced it has acquired off- network syndication rights to "Two and a Half Men" from Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution. The popular CBS comedy series will air on all Tribune stations beginning in fall 2007.

"The show fits our programming needs very well," said John Reardon, Tribune Broadcasting president. "High-quality off-net sitcoms are valuable properties, so acquiring 'Two and a Half Men' was an easy decision. It's a clear winner that will help drive our local ratings and revenues."

"Two and a Half Men," starring Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer, finished the 2005-06 season, its third, as the number one network sitcom among adults 18-49 and adults 25-54, according to Nielsen. It currently anchors CBS's Monday night prime-time lineup.

"This is the best off-net show to enter the syndication market since 'Everybody Loves Raymond,'" said Marc Schacher, Tribune Broadcasting vice president/programming and development. "Our stations are always looking to refresh their lineups in the valuable fringe time periods. 'Two and a Half Men' should have a very positive impact."

The multi-platform distribution agreement with Warner Bros. includes Internet streaming rights. Tribune stations will be able to offer five episodes of "Two and a Half Men" each week on their websites, free to viewers. This supports Tribune Broadcasting's goal of developing additional revenue opportunities on the Internet, and addresses a growing interest among advertisers to be associated with video on the Web.

Tribune Broadcasting owns and operates 26 television stations concentrated in major markets and Superstation WGN on national cable. The group's combined reach is more than 80 percent of U.S. television households. Tribune Broadcasting also includes Los Angeles-based Tribune Entertainment, a developer and distributor of first-run television programming for the Tribune station group and for national syndication; Chicago's WGN-AM; and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Investment interests include Comcast SportsNet Chicago (25% owned) and TV Food Network (31%).

Source: Tribune Company

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

Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment Spawns TV Reality Show

NBC's SCI FI Channel has announced a July 27, 2006 launch date for Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment's (Pink Sheets: POWN) new Reality Television Show "WHO WANTS TO BE A SUPERHERO?"

POW! Entertainment along with the SCI FI Channel and Nash Entertainment (Meet My Folks, For Love or Money, Who Wants to Marry My Dad?), are producing this new six-episode, one-hour weekly competition reality series that will challenge a lucky few to create their very own superhero and reward the winner with the best reality competition prize yet: immortality!

Each contestant begins with an original idea for a superhero, a self-made costume, and their best superhero mojo. From thousands of hopefuls, Stan Lee chooses 11 lucky finalists who must live together during the entire competition in a secret lair. There they will begin their transformations -- and the competition begins for the opportunity to become real-life superheroes. Over the course of the series, they will test their mettle, try to overcome their limitations, and do what it takes to prove that they truly are super.

The finalists will leave their former lives behind and live as their brainchild heroes 24/7, and Stan Lee in Donald Trump fashion, will be both Judge and Jury. As each week progresses, POW!'s aspiring heroes will be challenged with competitions designed to test their true natures. The superhero contestants will be tested for courage, integrity, self-sacrifice, compassion, and resourcefulness -- all traits that every true Stan Lee superhero must possess.

In the end, only one aspiring superhero will have the inner strength and nobility to open the gates to comic-book immortality. The winner of this six-week competition will walk away with their character immortalized in a new comic book created by Stan Lee himself. And that's not all -- the winning character will also appear in an original SCI FI Channel movie!

Stan Lee and Gill Champion will be credited as Executive Producers along with Co-Executive Producers, Yuka Kobayashi also of POW! Entertainment and Gabriel Grunfeld of G & G Entertainment (Producer - Stepford Wives).

"Who Wants to Be a Superhero?" is yet another POW! Production that is now beginning to hit the streets.

For more information visit: http://www.whowantstobeasuperhero.tv/

Stan Lee, world-famous comic-book and motion-picture icon, founded POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment Inc. (Pink Sheets: POWN), an advanced media and entertainment company, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and intellectual-property specialist Arthur Lieberman, Esq.

Many of Stan Lee's former co-creations -- such as Spider-Man*, the Fantastic Four*, the Hulk*, Daredevil* and the X-Men* -- dominated the comic-book genre and now have successfully transcended to the big screen, breaking all-time box-office records and grossing billions of dollars in revenues.

* These are properties and trademarks of Marvel Characters Inc.

Source: POW! Entertainment Inc.

Web site: http://www.whowantstobeasuperhero.tv/
http://www.powentertainment.com/

Singer/Songwriter Lisa Loeb to Host 2006 'Netflix Rolling Roadshow'

Netflix Brings Famous Movies to Famous Places With Interactive-Themed Screening Events at Original Film Sites

Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) , the world's largest online movie rental service, today announced that Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and television personality Lisa Loeb takes on a new role this summer as host of the 2006 "Netflix Rolling Roadshow."

The 10-city movie tour will screen 10 modern day classics at the locations they helped make famous. Taking place throughout the month of August, the tour will visit such iconic film locations as the baseball field in Dyersville, Iowa, that served as the centerpiece of "Field of Dreams," the spooky Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colo., that was the inspiration for "The Shining," and the infamous Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco Bay, where "Escape from Alcatraz" was made. More information on the tour can be found at www.netflix.com/roadshow.

Ms. Loeb will accompany the "Netflix Rolling Roadshow" as its spokesperson and ambassador. "We are thrilled to have Lisa on the road with us," said Leslie Kilgore, chief marketing officer for Netflix. "Her effervescence, style and pop-culture acumen will no doubt enrich the tour experience and bring great energy and wit to this national event."

A movie lover and pop-culture aficionado, Ms. Loeb will play tour-guide for audiences as the "Netflix Rolling Roadshow" treks through communities large and small across the United States.

"I am very excited to be working with Netflix to host the unique and creative events that make up the 'Netflix Rolling Roadshow'," said Ms. Loeb. "I am looking forward to traveling around the country and sharing my passion for movies with everyone who will attend the screenings. It'll be a great night out with a date, friends and family, or at least a bucket of popcorn."

Ms. Loeb made a big splash on the music scene in the early '90s with her Grammy-nominated song "Stay." Featured in the 1993 film "Reality Bites," the song went on to become a #1 hit on the Billboard charts. During the following decade, Ms. Loeb was a constant on the radio airwaves with such hits as "I Do" and "How." She has released a total of 8 CDs, including the "Best of Lisa Loeb" earlier this year. In addition to her musical career, Ms. Loeb's television credits include the weekly culinary series "Dweezil and Lisa" on the Food Network and, most recently, the unscripted series "#1 Single" on E! Entertainment Television. Ms. Loeb's complete credits can be found at www.lisaloeb.com.

Netflix teamed up with Austin's Alamo Drafthouse to produce the "Netflix Rolling Roadshow." Named by "Entertainment Weekly" as the nation's number one movie theater in 2005, the Alamo specializes in unique movie watching experiences.

About Netflix

Netflix, Inc. is the world's largest online movie rental service, providing more than four million subscribers access to over 60,000 DVD titles. The company offers a variety of subscription plans, starting at $9.99 a month. There are no due dates, no late fees and no shipping fees. DVDs are delivered for free by the USPS from regional shipping centers located throughout the United States. Netflix can reach more than 90 percent of its subscribers with generally one business-day delivery. Netflix offers personalized movie recommendations to its members and has more than one billion movie ratings. Netflix also allows members to share and recommend movies to one another through its Friends(SM) feature. For more information, visit www.netflix.com.

Source: Netflix, Inc.

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

Small Businesses Now Have Greater Exposure on Search Engines Helping Them Increase Sales to Qualified Customers!

Homestead Technologies, Inc. Launches Full-Service Search Engine Advertising that Guarantees Qualified Customers to Business Websites and Eliminates Costly, Time-Consuming Efforts and Unpredictable Results

Homestead Technologies, Inc. (http://www.homestead.com/), provider of website creation software, ecommerce solutions and online marketing products and services for small businesses, today launched SearchLight (http://www.searchlight.homestead.com/), an affordable and efficient way to deliver advertising to small business websites from over 20 different search engines, including Google, Yahoo, MSN, Ask.com and more. Homestead is providing the service to both Homestead subscribers and small business owners who host their websites with other web service providers. Homestead helps small business owners become successful online by making their websites appear more prominently and frequently within appropriate search engine results - enabling potential customers to find their products or services faster and more easily.

"SearchLight solves one of the greatest challenges faced by small businesses online," said Justin Kitch, Homestead founder and CEO. "Small businesses are losing valuable sales because potential customers simply cannot find them online. Their business websites are not visible within search engine results, or they're buried in the results by the national chains, making them virtually non-existent to qualified and motivated customers. This growing trend is having a damaging effect on the success of small businesses as we move into the Internet Era. SearchLight strives to level the playing field with the larger, national businesses that are reaping most of the benefits from internet advertising and eroding the prospects of small, local businesses that make our communities unique."

There has never been a better time for small businesses to participate in online marketing and ecommerce. Jupiter Research expects online retail spending to increase from $81 billion in 2005 to $95 billion in 2006. Larger- sized companies attempting to capture this online retail growth have responded by increasing their advertising spend. The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) recently reported that Internet advertising revenue reached a record high of $3.9 billion in Q1, 2006, with a forecast of steady growth. Small businesses that do not leverage the power of online advertising run a substantial risk of being excluded from the internet's vibrant, global marketplace.

SearchLight Illuminates the Difficult Path to Search Engine Advertising Success

Homestead makes successful search engine advertising easy by eliminating the time and hassle associated with launching and managing a search engine advertising program. Increasing a website's organic or "natural" search ranking is complicated, time consuming and often concludes with varied and unpredictable results. Small business owners attempting to optimize their websites without expertise can encounter a number of unexpected roadblocks: sudden search engine rules that change often and without warning, rule violations that can result in search engine delisting, and lengthy website probation periods for newly registered websites.

Says Ryan Wyrten, owner of cheaptravelconsulting.com, a newly formed travel consultancy, "I've only signed up with SearchLight for about six weeks now, but I've already received a substantial return on my investment. I've attracted about 25-30 visitors per day on the site and fielded three emails from customers in the first week, who've all come from SearchLight. They're not just emails asking for information; they are actually interested in buying, so I've gotten really good, qualified leads."

The Beacon Guiding the Right Customers to Your Website

Homestead SearchLight makes search engine advertising simple and affordable. Professional SearchLight Consultants handle all aspects of managing a customer's advertising, from key word selection and bid management to ad copy development and search engine submission. SearchLight Consultants also provide a personal review session with customers to improve website conversion and help stimulate or increase sales. All SearchLight packages include tracking, reporting and ongoing campaign optimization.

"We've had ups and downs with this business, including sporadic income with long gaps in between. At times there were thoughts of dissolving the business due to the stress that my wife and I have endured," Says Cory Harris, owner of pcexpressmarketing.com, a marketing and event management company. "I'm grateful for Homestead SearchLight because it gave us the ability to reach customers we were unable to reach through other means in the past, and we've now had inquiries and sales from international and domestic customers. We have generated more revenue in the month since we've signed up for SearchLight, than in the past year of operation. I'm not exaggerating, when I say that SearchLight has rejuvenated our business and we're glad that we've persevered."

Pricing & Availability

Homestead SearchLight is available for Homestead subscribers and non- Homestead subscribers who host and manage their websites with other web services providers. Package levels include Starter, Standard and Turbo priced at $29.99, $49.99 and $99.99 per month, respectively. Annual pay-per-click levels for each package start at 240, 400 and 800, with booster packages available for 800, 1,600 and 3,200 for additional annual clicks. SearchLight is billed monthly with a three month minimum commitment. Certain business categories are considered premium, due to the market-value of certain high- demand search terms. Premium Starter, Standard and Turbo packages are $79.99, $134.99 and $269.99. Please visit the SearchLight website located at http://www.searchlight.homestead.com/ for additional information and a list of categories associated with SearchLight premium pricing.

About Homestead Technologies, Inc.

Homestead Technologies, Inc. (http://www.homestead.com/), provides a suite of easy-to-use, non-technical website creation products, ecommerce solutions and online marketing products and services for small businesses that wish to establish or enhance their presence online. Homestead Storefront provides the ultimate "one-stop" ecommerce solution for business owners who want to manage their online businesses professionally, smoothly and efficiently. More than 12 million people have used Homestead's award-winning design, ecommerce, marketing and hosting capabilities to create feature-rich, professional- quality websites in minutes. For over ten years, Homestead has helped small businesses succeed online, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including CNET "Editor's Choice," PC magazine, "Editor's Choice," PC World, "Best of the Web, and Forbes, "Best of the Web." Homestead is based in Menlo Park, California and its services are available at http://www.homestead.com/.

NOTE: Homestead and Homestead Storefront are trademarks of Homestead Technologies, Inc., located in Menlo Park, CA. All other product or company names are used for information or identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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

LG & Jermaine Dupri Get Together to Auction Limited Edition So So Def FUSIC Phone for Charity

Phone Will Be Put on eBay to Benefit the Jermaine Dupri Foundation With LG Matching Funds Raised

Last night, June 27th, LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (LG Mobile Phones) and Jermaine Dupri presented the FUSIC Launch Party. All of Hollywood's finest including Janet Jackson, Dem Franchize Boyz, DJ AM, Jamie Foxx, Missy Elliot, Shaquille O'Neal and many more were on hand for a night of celebration and glamour with a star-studded guest list at a Hollywood hot spot. The celebration continues today with the announcement that Jermaine Dupri and LG will pair up once again to auction off the Limited Edition So So Def FUSIC Phone by LG.

"As much fun as the LG & Jermaine Dupri FUSIC Party was last night, I am very pleased that LG has agreed to help me raise funds to support the Jermaine Dupri Foundation, an organization that I started as a way of giving back to the kids in local communities around the U.S. There is no better feeling to me than being able to raise money to support our future generations," said Jermaine Dupri. "The auction of the Limited Edition So So Def FUSIC Phone by LG allows fans to be able to get special content, including my favorite songs, while helping to raise money for a great cause."

The Limited Edition So So Def FUSIC Phone by LG comes with the same features as the traditional FUSIC including a FM transmitter, microSD memory port, ring tone composer, camera/camcorder, four interchangeable faceplates, and the ability to access your entire music collection on the handset -- but this FUSIC has so much more! Jermaine Dupri added his personal flair to the phone by helping to create the Swarovski crystal design that blings out the front and back of this limited edition phone. The phone also includes So So Def content including videos, songs, and photos and personal content from JD and is appropriately packaged with your very own Afroman doll and blinged out portable speakers.

"We here at LG are excited to continue our relationship with Jermaine Dupri and are proud to match up to $5,000 in donations raised by the auction of the Limited Edition So So Def FUSIC Phone by LG," said senior director of marketing for LG MobileComm USA, Inc. Jon Maron. "We recognize the great work that Jermaine is doing through the Jermaine Dupri Foundation and look forward to helping out in any way we can for this auction and in the future."

To bid on the Limited Edition So So Def FUSIC phone by LG and to find out more information about FUSIC, the party, and the auction please visit www.LifewithLG.com. The phone with be auctioned off on eBay starting June 28, 2006 and all proceeds will go to the Jermaine Dupri Foundation.

ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS, INC.

LG Electronics, Inc., is the leader in consumer electronics and mobile communications. The company has more than 72,000 employees working in 77 subsidiaries and marketing units around the world. LG Electronics is the world's largest producer of CDMA handsets, optical storage devices, residential air conditioners and home theater system. With total revenue of more than USD 35 billion (consolidated USD 45 billion), LG Electronics is comprised of four business units: Mobile Communications, Digital Appliance, Digital Display and Digital Media.

ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is the world's leading manufacturer of WCDMA (UMTS), CDMA. The company provides a total range of wireless solutions, and is rapidly establishing a global presence as it cultivates international market share in 3G handsets. For more information please visit www.lgusa.com.

Background on Jermaine Dupri Foundation

Jermaine "JD" Dupri, President of Urban Music for Virgin Records USA, CEO of So So Def Recordings, Inc., renowned artist and producer understands the need to impart his knowledge and acquired accomplishments back into the youth of America. JD is as committed to producing a hit record as he is in making his voice heard in the community. The many examples of the community service provided by the Jermaine Dupri Foundation include his assistance with victims of Hurricane Katrina from sponsoring two families who relocated to Atlanta, to performing at local charity concerts, providing autographed items for various Katrina-related auctions as well as undisclosed monetary donations and being a part of the BET Telethon. In addition to his work with the Hip Hop Action Network, JD is also a board member of Hip Hop 4 Humanity. Whether through the Jermaine Dupri Foundation or from his personal wallet, JD is very committed to anything that he can do to help underprivileged children. Along with good friend Nelly, JD hosted Atlanta's Biggest Christmas Party in 2004 where they distributed toys to more than 3,000 children from shelters in the Atlanta-metro area. In 2005, JD created limited edition Cartier eyewear with 20% of the proceeds benefited various charities related to Hurricane Katrina.

From sponsoring an Atlanta-based Little League Baseball team to purchasing Christmas gifts, Jermaine "JD" Dupri proves over and over again that he has a heart for the community and is committed to do whatever he can to make a difference in their lives.

The Jermaine Dupri Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and has been established to provide funding to children's organizations that help improve children's quality of life.

Source: LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc.

 

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

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

DIRECTV Entertainment Package Now In 415,000 Verizon Customers' Homes

All-Digital Service Beats Cable on Value; Gives Calling and Data Customers a Triple-Play Option for as Little as $91 a Month

Verizon voice and Internet customers who have had it with cable companies continue to complete their service "triple play" by choosing to bundle DIRECTV all-digital entertainment with their Verizon calling and DSL services, creating one of the best values in telecommunications today.

More than 415,000 Verizon homes now get DIRECTV service, saving as much as $60 a month or more off the non-promotional prices of competing bundles from cable. Verizon reported recently that more than 66,000 Verizon customers discovered the value of the bundle in the first three months of this year.

"We're finding that customers who try DIRECTV love it, not only for the quality of the all-digital picture and the unique sports programming, but because when they bundle it with a Verizon Freedom calling plan and Verizon Online DSL, they get the best value in the marketplace today," said Bob Ingalls, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon.

DIRECTV is available to Verizon customers in all its 28 states and the District of Columbia. When packaged with a calling plan and DSL, the overall cost of the package can be as much as $16 off list prices and bests most non- promotional prices for cable service bundles.

"Our new TV commercials about the young men doing a documentary on why customers choose Verizon drive home the value of a bundle with DIRECTV," Ingalls said. "The commercials boldly remind customers that we offer calling, Internet and TV."

DIRECTV, the nation's leading digital television service, recently received the highest score for customer satisfaction among satellite and cable TV companies rated by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Of the satellite and cable TV companies included in the ACSI survey, DIRECTV posted a significantly higher index score (71) than any other cable or satellite company.

Verizon and DIRECTV signed a marketing agreement two years ago, and Verizon customer service representatives have been vigorously promoting the "triple play" when customers call for voice or Internet service. According to Ingalls, having DIRECTV as an entertainment option is proving very valuable to calling and Internet customers. Although Verizon is building a new all-fiber- optic network of its own and can offer Verizon FiOS TV over that network, the DIRECTV choice remains a popular one for customers and gives them a great alternative to cable in areas where FiOS is not available.

Verizon's best offer for a "triple play" is available in New York and New Jersey, where a Freedom unlimited any-distance calling plan, DSL at 768 Kbps (kilobits per second) and DIRECTV's TOTAL CHOICE(R) PLUS programming package are available for as little as $90.93 a month. Bundle prices are not promotional and do not balloon after a fixed period, like some cable companies' $30-$30-$30 promotional bundles designed to attract customers below the $100 price benchmark. "Our customers love DIRECTV and they love our Freedom calling plans and Internet speed choices, as well," Ingalls said. "They can assemble a bundle that fits their lifestyle and price target, choosing from as many as five Freedom plans, five Internet plans and several DIRECTV and FiOS entertainment plans. That's customized service."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) , a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million customers nationwide. Verizon Business operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks. Verizon Telecom is deploying the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

Source: Verizon

Reality Television Programs are Especially Popular Among Video-on-Demand Users, According To Scarborough Research

Scarborough Research, the leading market research firm for identifying the shopping, media and lifestyle patterns of adults, released an analysis of video-on-demand (VOD) Users* - those consumers who live in households that used VOD during the past month. The analysis found that VOD Users are 27 percent more likely than all consumers to cite reality programs as a television genre that they typically watch. Nationally, seven percent of consumers live in a household that used VOD during the past month.

Music videos (VOD Users are 24 percent more likely to tune in to music videos), News magazines (22 percent more likely than all consumers to watch), science fiction (21 percent more likely) and dramas (18 percent more likely), round out the top television genres among VOD users as compared to the general population.

"Consumer usage of VOD services is gaining momentum across the country and marketers are seeking ways to use it to their advantage," said Carol Edwards, vice president, cable services, Scarborough Research and Arbitron Inc. "As VOD providers seek to broaden their distribution of services and present this as a new advertising platform, understanding VOD users' lifestyles, demographics, television viewing habits, and spending patterns, will enable them to enhance their offering for the consumer and for the advertiser."

Video-on-demand enables consumers to select and watch video content. Consumers can pause, start, stop, fast-forward, rewind, or play programs with similar functionality as they would with a DVD player or VCR. It is primarily available via cable systems. Both premium cable networks (HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, etc.) and basic cable networks are using VOD to expand their audience and provide the viewer more programming options and control.

Today's VOD Users hail from upscale, young families. According to the Scarborough analysis, VOD Users are 27 percent more likely than all consumers to be ages 18-24; 20 percent more likely to have two or more children in the household; and more than twice as likely as all consumers to have an annual household income of $150k+. VOD Users are 27 percent more likely than all consumers to be African-American.

VOD Users are avid consumers of entertainment and information technologies. VOD Users are 50 percent more likely than all consumers to spend 20 or more hours online weekly. They have high-speed Internet connections, and are more likely than all consumers to have a cable modem, DSL or wireless Internet connection. VOD Users are 38 percent more likely than all consumers nationally to have purchased something on the Internet in the past year. Thirty-nine percent of VOD Users use online services for travel reservations and 47 percent of VOD users use on-line services for news. VOD Users are almost three times as likely as all consumers to have purchased pay-per-view (PPV) five or more times during the past year.

When it comes to advertising categories, home improvement is a top category among VOD Users. Seventy-three percent of VOD Users live in a household that has bought hardware, building, paint, or lawn and garden items in the past year. They are 15 percent more likely than all consumers nationally to have spent $3,000 or more on all home improvements in the past year.

SOURCE: Scarborough Research, 2005, Scarborough USA+ (Release 2 2005).

About Scarborough Research

Scarborough Research (www.scarborough.com, info@scarborough.com) measures the lifestyle and shopping patterns, media behaviors, and demographics of American consumers. Products and services include local market consumer insight studies in 80 Top-Tier Markets (comprised of the Top Cities in the US) and 6 Mid-Tier Markets (comprised of smaller U.S. cities), Scarborough USA+ (a national database), Scarborough Multi-Market Database, Hispanic studies, customer relationship management and database integration solutions. With more than 30 years of experience, Scarborough measures more than 1,700 categories and serves a broad client base of more than 3,500 subscribers including marketers, advertising agencies, electronic and print media, broadcast and cable television, radio stations, sports teams and leagues, and out-of-home companies. Surveying more than 210,000 adults annually, Scarborough is a joint venture between Arbitron Inc. and VNU Media Measurement & Information.

Scarborough's Cable Services are sold and serviced by Arbitron Cable, a division of Arbitron, Inc. Nearly 200 cable networks, MSOs, interconnects and cable systems in the U.S. rely on the business solutions provided by Arbitron Cable.

* VOD Users are those consumers who live in households that used VOD

during the past 30 days.

Source: Scarborough Research

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

LiveDeal.com's Free Local Online Classifieds Marketplace Ideal for Local Antique Stores Who Want to Increase Web Presence At No Cost

Top 10 Local Online Classifieds Site Provides Antique Store Owners an Innovative Way to Reach New Customers and Drive Traffic into Their Stores

LiveDeal.com (http://www.livedeal.com/), one of the nation's leading free local online classifieds sites, today announced that its Furniture and Merchandise marketplaces continue to be one of the site's fastest-growing categories and an ideal way for antique store owners to quickly and affordably increase their online presence. With LiveDeal, antiques store owners can build new relationships with local and national customers who use the Web to shop for antiques. In a matter of minutes, antique stores can open a free "Basic Store" on LiveDeal.com and post detailed descriptions and photos of their most desirable merchandise.

According to comScore Media Metrix, LiveDeal.com is consistently one of the top 10 most visited online classifieds sites on the Web. By opening a Basic Store on LiveDeal.com, antique store owners can broaden their reach to the more than one million unique users who visit LiveDeal.com each month looking for merchandise.

"With nearly 75 percent of American adults now online, it's advantageous for antique merchants to have an online strategy," said Steve Chaffin, vice president of marketing for LiveDeal. "But building, maintaining and driving traffic to a Web site can be costly and time consuming for small, independently owned antique stores. LiveDeal's free local online classifieds marketplace is a fast and affordable way for antique store owners to get online and market their most sought-after merchandise, which will ultimately drive more foot traffic into their stores."

Because LiveDeal.com is searchable by zip code or city/state, it's an effective tool for connecting antique stores with interested buyers from their local community. Consumers can research and preview antiques online at LiveDeal.com and then visit stores in person to inspect, purchase and pick-up items. Antique stores interested in reaching a national audience can also take advantage of LiveDeal's e-commerce capabilities and sell items directly through the LiveDeal.com site.

Antique stores can enhance their presence on LiveDeal.com by upgrading from a free Basic Store to a Premium Store for $9.95 a month. Premium Stores feature a company logo or store photo, and useful contact information such as a company phone number, business hours and a map. All merchandise posted by LiveDeal Premium Stores receives the added visibility of being viewed above LiveDeal's Free Listings as a Premium Listing. Antique stores can try LiveDeal's Premium Stores Program at no charge for the first 30 days.

About LiveDeal

LiveDeal is one of the leaders in the free local online classifieds market with more than $5 billion worth of goods listed for sale, in every city and zip code across the U.S. Buyers and sellers come together through the vast LiveDeal.com marketplace, which is ideal for trading items you want to see before you buy, such as pets, automobiles, furniture, appliances, real estate and more. LiveDeal also partners with online and offline media to quickly and cost effectively power their classifieds via its dynamic LiveDeal classifieds platform. LiveDeal was founded in 2003 by Rajesh Navar, an original member of eBay's engineering team, with executives from other pioneering Internet companies. As part of its global expansion, LiveDeal recently launched LiveDeal Canada (livedeal.ca) in partnership with Torstar Corporation. For more information about LiveDeal, see http://www.livedeal.com/.

Source: LiveDeal

American Video Classics, Movie Soundtracks and Pearl Jam on VH1 Classic This Independence Day

VH1 Classic Counts Down Viewer Choices for Top 20 Movie Soundtracks of All Time Throughout 4th of July Weekend Beginning Saturday, July 1 at 10 AM

'VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam' Makes its VH1 Classic Debut on Tuesday, July 4 at 9 PM

VH1 Classic fires up the 4th of July with some American classics: Pearl Jam, viewers' all-time favorite movie soundtracks and All-American videos.

VH1 Classic Crowns "Top 20 Classic Soundtracks" on Saturday, July 1 at 10:00 AM

On Saturday, July 1 at 10:00 AM VH1 Classic presents the "Top 20 Classic Soundtracks" chosen by the VH1 Classic viewers through online voting at www.vh1classic.com. Shot on location at the 7th Annual Maui Film Festival, the 2 1/2 hour countdown hosted by Lynn Hoffman features some of the greatest soundtracks of all time including "Saturday Night Fever," "Fame," "Footloose" and the viewers pick for their favorite soundtrack of all time.

During the countdown Hoffman spoke with three-time Academy Award nominee Joan Allen, who revealed that the soundtrack for "Last Tango in Paris" is her favorite movie soundtrack. Allen was being honored by the Maui Film Festival with the 2006 Galaxy Award. Hoffman also sat down with Patricia Clarkson (Six Feet Under, The Station Agent) who was being honored by the Film Festival with the 2006 Pathfinder Award and said the "Philadelphia" soundtrack featuring Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel and Neil Young was her favorite pick. The special will re-air on Sunday, July 2 at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 3 at 1:30PM and Tuesday, July 4 at 5:00 PM.

VH1 Classic Salutes "All-American Videos" on Saturday, July 1 at 3:00 PM

To help kick-off the July 4 weekend VH1 Classic salutes "All-American Videos" on Saturday, July 1 at 3:00 PM. Hosted by Lynn Hoffman, the special four-hour video salute pays tribute to influential American artists and classic American themed songs including Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA," "American Pie" by Don McLean and James Brown's "Living in America." The special was shot on location at the Hard Rock Cafe in the heart of Times Square in New York City.

"SuperGroup" Sayonara Premieres on VH1 Classic on Sunday, July 2 at 1:00

PM

The season finale of the VH1 series "SuperGroup" airs on VH1 tonight, but rock fans can catch up on VH1 Classic during a marathon of previous episodes beginning at 1:00 PM to see how Ted Nugent, Sebastian Bach, Scott Ian, Evan Seinfeld and Jason Bonham have fared in their attempt to put together a band that must perform live 10 days after meeting. The marathon also includes the VH1 Classic exclusive "SuperGroup" post-shows where the band members gather and discuss what went on behind-the-scenes of each week's episode. The final post-show show debuts on VH1 Classic at 11:00 PM.

"VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam" Sparks on VH1 Classic on Tuesday, July 4 at

9:00 PM

"VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam" premieres on VH1 Classic on Tuesday, July 4 at 9:00 PM and 12 midnight. Pearl Jam performed to a packed house at Avalon in New York City for a taping of VH1 Storytellers on May 31. The band (Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Jeff Ament and Matt Cameron) performed new songs from their latest self-titled album Pearl Jam in addition to past hits. The show will follow in the "Storytellers" format and include questions from fans as well as a new interview with the band about their new album and the stories behind the songs.

Viewers will get a unique opportunity to hear the inspiration behind such hits as "Betterman" and "Alive" and from their new album Pearl Jam, "Worldwide Suicide," "Life Wasted" and "Gone."

For more information on these specials visit www.vh1classic.com.

Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s, including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police and many more.

Source: VH1

Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://www.vh1classic.com/

Mobestar Trials Lads Lounge, Targets 100,000 New Customers in TV Campaign

Mobestar Holdings Plc (LSE: MOBS.L), the mobile community and content specialist, today announced the results of a user trial for its direct-to-consumer mobile glamour content offering - the Lads Lounge. 11,800 users purchased content from the Lads Lounge WAP portal over the two-month trial period.

Customers downloaded a variety of content including wallpapers, picture packs and videos. All Lads Lounge videos and pictures are created at Mobestar's end-to-end mobile content production studio located in Saffron Walden, Essex. Mobestar used push-message advertising only to generate consumer demand during the trial phase.

Mobestar is now planning to promote the Lads Lounge via a TV advertising campaign targeted on three UK digital TV channels, addressing in total five million UK viewers. The company is targeting to win 100,000 regular customers by the year end from this initiative.

About Mobestar

Established in the UK in 2004, Mobestar develops mobile video technology and content solutions that enable mobile network operators and major brands to drive new revenues from their customers over 2.5G and 3G networks. The company has two business divisions: a mobile technology division which develops white label, community-focused solutions based around a patented live video calling platform, and a mobile content division which films, edits and formats video-based content specifically for distribution to mobile devices. Mobestar employs 15 staff, based in Guildford and Saffron Walden. The company registered its shares for public trading on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market on 25 April, 2006, under the symbol MOBS. For further information please visit www.mobestar.com.

Source: Mobestar Holdings Plc

Ten Superscape Mobile Games Come to Metro PCS Customers

Superscape Group plc (LSE: SPS) announces that ten of its 2D and 3D mobile games titles are now available to customers of the Metro PCS network.

Kevin Roberts, CEO, Superscape Group plc said: "Metro PCS has chosen many of our 3D titles for their consumers, including Bop It!, which is one of our newest games. This is a great noisy game to play both on your own or to share around at parties in the 'Pass n' Play mode."

The titles are:

Scuba Solitaire 3D: this game takes the universal appeal of the one person card game and combines it with fantastic 3D graphic effects. The action takes place underwater with the impression that the game is being played on a glass bottom boat. Underwater creatures and breathtaking scenery surround the players in this twist on one of the world's most popular card games.

Bop It 3D: this is a game of physical skill. Players must compete to the beat as commands test their reflexes across three different games, earning points as they go.

Andretti Racing 3D: this game stars the celebrated Mario Andretti and his F1 car. Nine challenging circuits across the globe and three different game modes make this a championship racing event.

JAWS(TM) 3D: based on the blockbuster movie, this is an action-packed game where players strive to stay alive in the face of bloodthirsty attacking sharks. The storylines from the movies and the main characters are featured in the 3D game across fifteen increasingly difficult levels of gameplay.

Ivan Ironman Stewart 3D: a series of off-road challenges across hills, ditches and jumps

Street Hoops 3D: a street-style basketball game with up to seven different opponents, played on some of the best-known street courts.

AMF Xtreme Bowling 3D: a fast-paced bowling game from the number one name in the sport. The game features three levels of difficulty, multiple characters and three different lanes from which to choose.

Evel Knievel Evel-ution 2D: this is an extreme sports stunt game based on the exploits of the world-famous daredevil rider.

Harlem Globetrotters 3D: a pick up and play game based on the world's most famous sporting team

Independence Day 4 3D: a game based on the 20th Century Fox film, players must save the world from alien invaders.

 

About Superscape

Superscape is the world's leading publisher of 3D mobile games. The company was the first in the world to develop and launch international standard (JSR 184) compliant solutions for the delivery of innovative games on mass-market handsets. Superscape is quoted on the London Stock Exchange and has corporate offices in Hook, Hampshire (UK) and San Clemente, California (USA), together with development and production facilities in Moscow.

www.superscape.com

Trademark acknowledgements

AMF(R) Xtreme Bowling(TM) (c) 2005 Vir2L(R) Studios LLC. A ZeniMax Media company. Vir2L(R) and ZeniMax are registered trademarks of ZeniMax Media Inc. AMF(R) and Xtreme Bowling(TM) are registered trademarks or trademarks of AMF(R) Bowling Worldwide.

Andretti Racing 3D, licensed by Global Wireless Entertainment Inc.

Evel Knievel Evel-ution, licensed by Global Wireless Entertainment Inc

Bop It!, licensed by Global Wireless Entertainment

Harlem Globetrotters, licensed by Global Wireless Entertainment Inc.

Independence Day and ID4 (TM) & (c) 2005 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

All rights reserved.

Ivan Ironman Stewart, licensed by Global Wireless Entertainment Inc

JAWS is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. All rights reserved

Street Hoops (c) 2005 Activision, Inc. and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Source: Superscape Group plc

Creator of Islamic Superheroes Recognized With Prestigious Cartoon Award

An award was presented last week to Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa at The Cartoons and Comics Festival in Recife, Brazil in recognition of his creation of the comic book project The 99. The 99 is the world's first superhero team based exclusively on Islamic culture. It is being released for publication through Teshkeel Media Group, a company that Dr. Al-Mutawa founded.

"Although I am honored to be the recipient of such a prestigious award," said Dr. Al-Mutawa, "the real winners here are The 99 themselves. This is a concept whose time has come and one that will forever change the way our children view such things as multiculturalism, cooperation and our own cultural heritage."

The FIHQ award has had its share of illustrious recipients in the past. Included are the late American comic writer, artist and entrepreneur, Will Eisner; Don Rosa, who served as an illustrator for Disney for many years; French cartoonist Jano; as well as Peter Kuper, whose comic illustrations appear regularly in Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, and MAD magazine.

About Teshkeel Media Group, KSC

Teshkeel Media Group, KSC (http://www.teshkeel.com/) is one of the Middle East's leading developers of comics and children's entertainment. Based in Kuwait with offices in New York, the Company fills a void by providing positive, high-quality children's content in the region. The company's multimedia offerings will soon include print and electronic media, films and television. Teshkeel is already working in partnership with global publishers like Marvel, DC and Archie Comics in the Middle East and North Africa. Teshkeel's premier property, The 99, will commence publication in September 2006.

About FIHQ-2006 - Festival Internacional de Humor e Quadrinhos

The FIHQ-2006 is a Cartoons and Comics Festival promoted by the ACAPE - Association of Cartoonists of Pernambuco, together with the FUNDARPE - Culture Foundation of the State of Pernambuco, to continue and expand the activities carried out in the previous seven Festivals.

 

NVIDIA Professional Graphics Offer Customers Enhanced Performance and Features on Mobile and Desktop Workstations

NVIDIA Quadro(R) FX Solutions Redefine Performance with Improved Features for High-Quality Graphics

NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) , the worldwide leader in programmable graphics processor technologies, announces NVIDIA Quadro FX graphics solutions offering customers next-generation architecture, NVIDIA High-Precision Dynamic Range (HDPR) technology and refined vertex and pixel programmability for advanced graphics, are now being integrated into many of the newest mobile and desktop workstations from companies such as Hewlett-Packard.

"Industry-leading NVIDIA Quadro FX graphics are being adopted across a variety of workstation configurations, providing customers with the power, flexibility, and features they need to get the job done," said Dan Vivoli, senior vice president of the Professional Solutions Group at NVIDIA. "Companies, such as HP, with proven track records of delivering high-performance mobile and desktop workstations, continue to redefine performance for customers by offering the latest NVIDIA Quadro FX solutions for professional graphics."

NVIDIA Quadro FX graphics solutions continue to be one of the industry's top choices for professional graphics applications.

-- NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500 -- Delivers up to 33.6GB/sec. memory bandwidth,

512MB GDDR2 frame buffer memory, 256-bit memory interface and support

for 2 ultra-high resolution (3840 x 2400) digital panels

-- NVIDIA Quadro FX 3500 -- Offers a new level of graphics performance and

is fast becoming a standard high-end configuration for major OEMs and

enterprise customers worldwide

-- NVIDIA Quadro FX 1500 -- The first mid-range solution to offer

high-performance coupled with two dual-link DVI connectors, 256MB GDDR3

frame buffer memory and HD video output

-- NVIDIA Quadro FX 560 -- Introduces dual-link DVI, fast DDR3 128MB

graphics memory and HD video output

"HP customers have long taken advantage of the range of NVIDIA Quadro solutions offered in our desktop workstations," said Jim Zafarana, vice president of marketing, Workstation Division, HP. "We are pleased our customers can now get the same professional graphics in the HP Compaq nw9440, the most powerful mobile solution we have ever offered, delivering workstation-caliber processing and graphics performance wherever your work takes you."

The HP Compaq nw9440 mobile workstation comes standard with NVIDIA Quadro FX 1500M graphics with 256MB of GDDR III video memory and delivers the performance, quality, and stability required for the most demanding projects. In addition, the latest desktop solutions -- the HP xw6400 and HP xw8400 workstations -- will offer a range of graphics to suit the diverse needs of HP customers. These include the NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500, NVIDIA Quadro FX 3500, NVIDIA Quadro FX 1500 and the NVIDIA Quadro FX 560 solutions announced in April 2006.

"HP and NVIDIA play an instrumental role in providing the hardware platforms that allow our customers to make, manage, and move their media," said Marc Stevens, vice president and general manager of Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc. "When SOFTIMAGE(R)|XSI(R) -- the leading 3D character animation software -- is paired with NVIDIA Quadro graphics on HP workstations, our customers can count on stable, certified workstations that accelerate the creative process and streamline their workflow."

For more information on these and other NVIDIA Quadro products, please visit www.nvidia.com/quadro.

NVIDIA Corporation

NVIDIA Corporation is the worldwide leader in programmable graphics processor technologies. The Company creates innovative, industry-changing products for computing, consumer electronics, and mobile devices. NVIDIA is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA and has offices throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. For more information, visit www.nvidia.com.

Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, the features, benefits, performance and capabilities of the NVIDIA Quadro FX graphics solutions and the HP Compaq nw9440, HP xw 6400 and HP xw8400 workstations, workstations into which our products are integrated, and our role in the industry are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, delays in ramping new products into production, loss in performance when products are used together, delays in integrating products, changes in customer preferences and demands, acceptance of new products and technologies by the market, development of new technologies, manufacturing or software defects, adoption of a competitor's product instead of one of our products by our customers, general industry trends including cyclical trends in the semiconductor industry, the impact of competitive products and pricing alternatives, changes in industry standards and interfaces, and other risks detailed from time to time in the reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended April 30, 2006. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

NOTE: All company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability, and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Source: NVIDIA Corporation

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

Live Nation Offers Purchasers of Korn: Live on the Other Side DVD An Exclusive Ticket Offer to This Summer's Family Values Tour

Live Nation, a leading live event, venue and digital distribution company focused on creating superior experiences for artists, performers, corporations and fans, has announced a special offer to consumers who purchase the Korn: Live On The Other Side DVD. Those fans of the trend-setting, Grammy-Award winning band will receive a voucher within their DVD allowing them to redeem 2 free Lawn Tickets to the Family Values Tour after purchasing 2 Lawn Tickets. This special offer is for a limited time only. The voucher can be found within the first 70,000 retail units of the DVD. Korn: Live On The Other Side, which is In Stores Now for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Gathering up 50 contest-winners from Europe on their private 757 jet, the band delivers an unforgettable, sold-out performance in New York City. Making the DVD a true collectible, a slew of bonus extras including rare behind-the- scenes footage, never before seen interviews with the band members, music videos and more are featured. The DVD, presented on a special dual layer DVD9, is produced in Hi-Definition video and 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound.

KORN belts out songs from their smash hit album See You On The Other Side as well as songs that made KORN famous including "Blind", "Freak On A Leash", "Here To Stay", "Got The Life" and "A.D.I.D.A.S". Live On The Other Side bonus features include a special 37 minute documentary, "Coming Undone" music video, and even shows the band playing LIVE on the plane (37,000 feet above ground!) as they head out to their concert with those lucky contest winners.

About Live Nation

Live Nation is a leading live event, venue and digital distribution company focused on creating superior experiences for artists, performers, corporations and fans. Live Nation owns, operates or has booking rights for 153 venues worldwide and produced more than 29,500 events in 2005. Live Nation operates more than 60 websites globally. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." For more information regarding Live Nation and its businesses, please visit the company's website at www.livenation.com.

Source: Live Nation


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

Games Industry Veteran Jim Merrick Named President and CEO of Mobliss, Mobile Entertainment Publisher

Mobliss, an Index Group Company, known for powering American Idol SMS voting and bringing entertainment brands like Family Feud(TM) and the New York Times Crossword(TM) to mobile, today announces a new president and CEO. Jim Merrick, a 12-year entertainment industry veteran hits the ground running with firm plans on expanding the company's space in creative mobile entertainment, including beefing up the company's focus in the mobile-phone gaming arena which is one of the fastest growing segments of the $27.5 billion global interactive entertainment industry.

Merrick joins Mobliss after a long history with Nintendo. His diverse roles have included head of software, hardware and brand marketing across Europe, as well as technical director for Nintendo in the US, developing new technologies and leading a support team dedicated to helping licensees develop games for Nintendo systems.

Merrick will oversee all Mobliss operations, which include game licensing and development, mobile messaging and Mobliss' proprietary SMS voting platform.

"Jim's years of experience at one of the world's biggest gaming companies, where he oversaw initiatives in the areas of technology, development and marketing, make him the clear choice to lead Mobliss into the future," said Yoshimi Ogawa, President of Index Holdings.

"Mobile phones are a part of everyday life for millions of consumers. That number just keeps growing," notes Jim Merrick. "Mobliss is a pioneer and already has proven people want to do more than just use phones to chat. They love to play video games and they love to communicate instantly in many different and edgy ways. Growing this is my sole focus."

"Jim's deep and virtually unique background in both technical and marketing expertise should benefit Mobliss greatly," notes well-known industry analyst P.J. McNealy, Senior Analyst at American Technology Research. "The field of mobile gaming and entertainment is a growing market, and the timing of this move looks solid."

Mobliss develops some of the most creative concepts in wireless gaming that incorporate the latest in wireless technology. This includes the first multiplayer cross-carrier game, Family Feud(TM), as well as mobile access to the daily New York Times Crossword. With an experienced track record developing and publishing BREW, J2ME, SMS, MMS, and WAP games, Mobliss connects carriers, game developers and brands.

About Mobliss

Mobliss(R), an Index Group company, has become one of the most trusted names in mobile messaging, mobile gaming, and mobile content delivery. The company offers a full spectrum of proprietary applications, delivery systems, and platforms for brand owners to capitalize on the rapidly growing capabilities of wireless devices. Over the last 5 years Mobliss has been recognized both for introducing some of the world's biggest brands to wireless gaming space, including Family Feud(TM), The Price is Right(TM) and the New York Times Crossword(TM) and powering the record setting SMS voting campaigns for American Idol for the last 4 seasons.

Globally, Index Group holdings link Mobliss clients and services to a worldwide network, encompassing innovations from the Japanese, European, and Chinese markets. Mobliss North American clients and partners include The Coca-Cola Company, FOX, PRIMEDIA, ESPN, Viacom, Yahoo! and FremantleMedia. Mobliss is headquartered in Seattle, Wash. Additional company information may be found at www.mobliss.com.

Source: Mobliss

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

AVRev.com Announces Their List of Top 100 Rock Bands of All Time

Announcement coincides with AVRev.com's tenth year as the Internet's leading online audio/video publication

To celebrate their pending tenth anniversary on July 1, 2006, AVRev.com has compiled its list of the Top 100 Rock Bands of All Time. Unlike past lists that are based on mere opinion, the AVRev.com "Top Rock Bands" list uses the same type of analytical tools employed by sports franchises and applies them to rock bands to objectively determine which bands are the best. Among the categories considered were: U.S. Sales (100 points), Songs/Songwriting (100), Technical Ability (100), Live Performance (50), Consistency vs. Longevity (50) and Random (50). Random is a category that allows a judge to vote on how likely he or she is to want to hear a band's songs on their iPod playlist.

Topping the list with a total of 525 points was Led Zeppelin. All of the judges gave Led Zeppelin high marks not only for their songs/songwriting ability, but also their consistency as a band through the years.

The Top Ten is as follows:

1. Led Zeppelin - 525 points

2. The Beatles - 514 points

3. Pink Floyd - 506 points

4. The Jimi Hendrix Experience - 503 points

5. Van Halen - 496 points

6. Queen - 493 points

7. The Eagles - 479 points

8. Metallica - 468 points

9. U2 - 455 points

10. Bob Marley and the Wailers - 454 points

The 100 band nominees range from the usual suspects that make up classic rock playlists, but also include more out-of-the-box sleeper bands from the 1950s through today's most popular bands. The list doesn't include solo artists such as Michael Jackson or Elvis.

Voting on the list was done by an esteemed panel of judges including: former Dire Straits guitarist Jack Sonni, University of Southern California Thornton School of Music professor Ken Lopez, Xhifi desktop speaker company president Howard Schilling, as well as AVRev.com founder and publisher Jerry Del Colliano Jr. and AVRev.com's music editor Charles Andrews.

A downloadable form allows you to create your own list and a link on the page allows you to email AVRev.com the names of bands you would have liked to have seen in the nominee list.

Results for the entire 100-band list of nominees can be found at http://www.avrev.com/bands.

About Audio Video Revolution

Continuing with the Audio Video Revolution tradition, ModernHomeTheater.com will include attractive home theater showcases, How-To articles, DVD and feature film reviews -- all this is free for Internet users. For interested builders, installers and architects, ModernHomeTheater.com is currently seeking new homes to showcase in upcoming issues.

Web site: http://www.avrev.com/
http://www.avrev.com/bands

NAMI Honors the CBS Television Network Public Service Campaign on Depression

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will honor the CBS Television Network with its Outstanding Media Award for Public Service for the network's CBS Cares public service awareness campaign on depression, during its annual national convention this week.

"CBS Cares has made an extraordinary commitment and contribution to public education about depression," said NAMI executive director Michael J. Fitzpatrick. "The network has helped remove stigma surrounding mental illness. They have encouraged people to get help when they need it -- particularly men, who often are reluctant to do so."

During the past year, CBS Cares has aired 30-second, 15-second and 10- second public service announcements (PSAs) during prime-time hours. They have focused on fighting stigmas associated with the disease and reinforcing understanding that depression is a treatable medical illness.

The PSAs have featured CBS's Greg Gumbel (CBS Sports), Anthony LaPaglia (Without A Trace), Mandy Patankin (Criminal Minds), Danny Pino (Cold Case) and Mike Wallace (CBS News).

The CBS Cares campaign includes the website http://www.cbscares.tv/ developed in partnership with New York Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell, and other leading experts whereby viewers can find general information on depression such as causes, treatments, medication and recommended resources. The Harvard School of Public Health has called it a "breakthrough website."

"CBS Cares has done an amazing job," said NY Presbyterian CEO Herbert Pardes, M.D., a former head of the National Institute on Mental Health. "The website is the most expansive and detailed presentation on depression I have ever come across from a national media network. It is vast in scope, but accessible and understandable for people seeking critical health information. I am certain that many CBS viewers have benefited from the campaign."

"We are honored to have CBS Cares recognized by NAMI," said Martin Franks, Executive Vice President, Planning, Policy and Government Affairs, CBS Corporation. "Serious depression affects millions of Americans, and CBS wants to help them as well as their family members and friends. We are very committed to continuing to bring our viewers information and resources to help them deal with this medical disease."

CBS Cares is highly regarded for leadership in effectively taking on stigmatized and under-served causes. With network PSAs as its fulcrum, the campaign has been built into a public service project, involving every media asset of CBS. In addition to depression, the PSAs have addressed HIV/AIDS, alcohol abuse, breast cancer, child abduction, child abuse, diversity/tolerance, drug abuse, education, literacy, the V-Chip and women's heart disease.

NAMI, the nation's largest grassroots organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people with serious mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, will present the award July 1, 2006 in Washington, D.C.

Source: NAMI

Web site: http://www.nami.org/
http://www.cbscares.tv/

Seagate Wins 2006 World Class Award From PC World

Seagate Portable Hard Drive Earns Number Five Spot in Best 100 Products of 2006 for Innovative Storage Technology

-- Seagate Technology (NYSE:STX) announced today that its Seagate 160GB Portable Hard Drive has been honored with a 2006 World Class Award from PC World, one of the most widely-read computer and business magazines with a total audience of 4.8 million. On newsstands now, the magazine's July issue features Seagate's pioneering mobile storage solution in the fifth-ranked spot overall in the list of "The 100 Best Products of the Year."

The publication's annual World Class Award winners span a wide range of products and services such as remote access software, power notebook computers, portable hard drives, home-theater receivers and online bargain trackers. PC World editors selected the award winners from hundreds of products based on exemplary design, features, performance, innovation and price.

"Our cutting-edge storage solutions are designed to help consumers get the most out of their busy digital lifestyles, whether at home, work or on the go," said Jim Druckrey, senior vice president and general manager, Seagate Branded Solutions. "Winning this World Class Award reflects our legacy of innovation and leadership in delivering the most intuitive, powerful and easy-to-use storage solutions on the market. Seagate continues to make trend-setting products that help set industry standards and raise the bar for creativity."

The Seagate 160GB Portable Hard Drive is the industry's first mobile storage solution with perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR), a technology the company has used to deliver the highest capacity in a 2.5-inch, external hard drive. The company's portable solution provides 30 percent more capacity than comparably sized drives, enabling PC and Mac users to carry a massive array of digital music, photos, videos, games, and business files in a sleek, ruggedized package that weighs less than one pound. The mobile storage solution also leverages the unique properties of PMR technology to deliver more reliable, faster performance, making it ideal for applications withstanding high temperature and extreme operating environments.

The Seagate 160GB Portable Hard Drive also features a robust, internal shock-mounted design and aluminum alloy enclosure to protect its data from drops or inadvertent bumps or jolts. It's powered through a computer's USB port, eliminating the need for a power cord, and delivers a sustained throughput speed of up to 480 Mbps, optimal for transferring large amounts of data. The portable solution includes the award-winning BounceBack Express(R) software, making file and data backups easier and more secure than ever.

About PC World

PC World Communications, Inc., a subsidiary of IDG, is the publisher of PC World, PCWorld.com (www.pcworld.com), and home of the PC World Test Center. The winner of the 2005 Maggie Award for Best Computer Magazine/Consumer, PC World is the most widely-read computer or business magazine with a readership of over 4.9 million (IntelliQuest CIMS 2005: Total unduplicated, combined Average Issue Audience: Business, Home, and Dual Studies). With an average of over 6.4 million unique visitors per month (HitBox, February - April 2006), PCWorld.com, winner of the 2005 Neal Award for Best Web Site, is a leading online resource for technology product buyers and users.

About Seagate

Seagate is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of hard disc drives, providing products for a wide-range of applications, including Enterprise, Desktop, Mobile Computing, Consumer Electronics and Branded Solutions. Seagate's business model leverages technology leadership and world-class manufacturing to deliver industry-leading innovation and quality to its global customers, and to be the low cost producer in all markets in which it participates. The company is committed to providing award-winning products, customer support and reliability to meet the world's growing demand for information storage. Seagate can be found around the globe and at

www.seagate.com.

.

NOTE: Seagate, Seagate Technology and the Wave logo are registered trademarks of Seagate Technology LLC. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. One gigabyte, or GB, equals one billion bytes when referring to hard drive capacity. Accessible capacity may vary depending on operating environment and formatting. Quantitative usage examples for various applications are for illustrative purposes. Actual quantities will vary based on various factors, including file size, file format, features and application software.

Source: Seagate Technology LLC

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

RadioShack Introduces Exclusive Line of Remote Control Toy Cars Based on the Disney*Pixar Movie 'Cars'

Limited Edition 1:16 Scale RCs and 1:64 Scale ZipZaps Micro RCs Based on Characters From the Hit Movie Disney*Pixar 'Cars' Available at Most RadioShack Stores Nationwide, Online at RadioShack.com

-- RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:RSH) has introduced a limited-edition line of remote control cars based on the main characters from Disney*Pixar's "Cars," the new Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios blockbuster summer feature film.

"Cars" presents the tale of Lightning McQueen, a hot shot rookie race car who gets lost in Radiator Springs in Carburetor County. Lovable characters from the movie, including Lightning McQueen, Sally, Mater, and Ramone are represented by three collectible ZipZaps 1:64 scale micro RCs and two 1:16 scale RCs.

Lightning McQueen, Sally, and Mater ZipZaps micro RCs come pre-assembled with working headlights and quick-charge in about one minute, allowing almost continual racing enjoyment. They include a full-function remote and are the perfect size for on-the-go fun. Each ZipZaps model also comes with a collectable trading card.

The two larger scale 1:16 size RCs are patterned after Lightening McQueen and Ramone. These units can reach speeds up to 546 feet per minute. They include an easy-to-use controller with a 65-ft. range and a climbing angle of up to 15 degrees.

The Disney*Pixar's "Cars" ZipZaps micro RCs, retailing for $19.99 each, and 1:16 scale RCs, retailing for $29.99 each, are available while supplies last at RadioShack stores and online at http://www.radioshack.com/ . Additional information, including a virtual showroom, tuning tips, wallpaper and screensaver downloads can be found at http://www.zipzaps.com/ . For more information, customers can also call 1.800.THE.SHACK or visit http://www.radioshack.com/ .

About RadioShack Corporation

Fort Worth, Texas-based RadioShack Corporation is one of the nation's most trusted consumer electronics specialty retailers and a growing provider retail support services. The company operates a vast network of sales channels, including: nearly 6,000 company and dealer stores; over 100 RadioShack locations in Mexico and Canada; and more than 800 wireless kiosks. RadioShack's knowledgeable and helpful sales associates deliver convenient product and service solutions within minutes of where 94 percent of all Americans either live or work. For more information on RadioShack Corporation, visit http://www.radioshackcorporation.com/ . To learn more about RadioShack products and services or to purchase items online, visit http://www.radioshack.com/ .

Web site: http://www.radioshackcorporation.com/
http://www.radioshack.com/
http://www.zipzaps.com/

Pam Anderson's Naked Crusade for PETA Helps Push her to new Number One on List

Web Users continue love affair with American Idol reject Elliott Yamin, who sees biggest jump this week

The Lycos 50 for Week Ending June 24, 2006

Lycos, Inc.(http://www.lycos.com/), an entertainment destination for creators and consumers of quality content, today announced the following information from The Lycos 50(TM), the 50 most popular Internet search results for the week ending June 24, 2006. For a complete list of The Lycos 50(TM) and for in-depth text of The Lycos 50 Daily Report, go to http://50.lycos.com/. Readers of The Lycos 50 can also share their thoughts on Internet trends and pop culture on The Lycos 50 Blog located at http://lycos50.tripod.com/blog/.

Biggest Movers and Shakers over the Past Week Ending June 24, 2006:

1. Used Cars 313 %

2. Anna Benson 233 %

3. LSAT 231 %

4. Wedding Gifts 228 %

5. Wicca 212 %

6. Mary Jo Eustace 209 %

7. Yoga 207 %

8. Rhianna 197 %

9. Rhyme Dictionary 195 %

10. Crystals 193 %

Notes of Interest:

Pamela Anderson (#1) and Paris Hilton (#2) have been hanging out at or near the top slot on The Lycos 50 over the past few weeks, engaging in new projects, continuously keeping them in the news. Anderson's latest crusades involve raising publicity for HIV Testing Day (June 27th), as well as preparing to strip naked with a group of other models in the window of Stella McCartney's London boutique as part of an anti-fur demonstration for PETA. Meanwhile, Paris is gearing up for the release of her new album, which is due later this summer. The first single, "Stars are Blind" was released last week, and is currently riding high on the charts. The song is in the iTunes Music Store's Top 10 most downloaded chart and it was the weekend's most-requested song on a number of Top 40 radio stations across the country. And it appears web users just can't get enough of "American Idol" reject Elliott Yamin (#12) who saw the biggest jump this week, up from number 21 last week.

Other Notes of Interest:

The biggest sporting event in the world is still hanging tough on this week's Lycos 50, with World Cup coming in at number 8 this week. Soccer is down a few points at number 21, but newcomer FIFA enters the 50 at number 42. FIFA -- the Federation Internationale de Football Association -- is the world governing body for the sport. Does the U.S. audience really care about World Cup? Check out a totally irreverent look at World Cup with "Balls," produced in conjunction with Emerson College, only on Lycos TV, available at http://worldcup.lycos.com/. Meanwhile, as the animated Pixar feature "Cars" speeds straight up to the number 18 slot on this week's Lycos 50, the new Adam Sandler comedy "Click," also makes its first-ever appearance on this week's list at number 39. And although it hasn't managed to crack The Lycos 50 just yet, the new "Superman Returns" is causing a big stir online, with search activity up 40 percent over the past week.

The Lycos 50(TM) Top 10 Search Terms for the Week Ending June 24, 2006:

1) Pamela Anderson 6) Spyware

2) Paris Hilton 7) Pokemon

3) RuneScape 8) World Cup

4) Poker 9) Britney Spears

5) MySpace 10) Naruto

About Lycos, Inc.

Lycos, Inc. (http://www.lycos.com/) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Daum Communications Corp., a leading Internet portal and e-commerce destination in Korea with a growing presence throughout the Asian markets. Lycos, Inc. creates and operates search, community and technology lifestyle sites including Lycos.com, Hotbot.com, Wired.com, Tripod.com and Angelfire.com. Other Lycos products and sites include Lycos Mail, Lycos Games, Lycos Planet, Lycos Phone and GetRelevant. Lycos was acquired by Korean Daum Communications Corp. in October 2004 and has its U.S. headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts. Daum Communications Corp. is traded on the KOSDAQ: 035720, http://www.daum.net/.

All other product or service marks mentioned herein are those of Daum Communications Corp., Lycos, Inc. or their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Source: Lycos, Inc.

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

C-SPAN Uncovers the Hidden Corridors Under the Capitol Dome in Original TV Series, The Capitol

Complementing July 4th celebrations, The Capitol airs July 6-8 featuring a never-before-seen on TV look at the history, art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol Building

For Americans that can't make it to Washington, D.C. for the Fourth of July, C-SPAN is taking viewers inside the U.S. Capitol building for a tour they couldn't take even if they were here, as part of the network's July presentation of The Capitol.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:

The Capitol, a three-part, nine-hour series airing on Thursday, July 6 through Saturday, July 8 at 8 p.m. ET, offers a rare look inside a building that reflects the nation's history. Through interviews with historians and Members of Congress, tours, and unprecedented access into the building's public and private spaces, C-SPAN presents a groundbreaking view inside this American icon.

"This is the most extensive look at the history and the art and architecture of the Capitol ever seen on television," said Brian Lamb, CEO of C-SPAN. "The project just made sense for C-SPAN. We've spent 27 years covering events inside this building. Telling the story of the Capitol building helps tell the story of the United States."

The Capitol's highlights include:

-- George Washington's tomb was built in the basement of the Capitol and

remains there today ... empty ... Learn why in part one.

-- Explore the Old Senate Baths located in the crypt, where 19th century

Senators would bathe before engaging in the era's great debates.

-- Exclusive looks as Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) opens the doors to the

Republican Majority Leader's office, located in the oldest section of

the Capitol, and Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) gives a tour of his

personal hideaway space.

-- Locate the bullet holes that remain in the House of Representatives

chamber after a shooting by Puerto Rican nationals in 1954.

The recently debuted series was recorded in high-definition to capture the beauty of the Capitol building. Each part is approximately three hours long and includes taped video segments and studio interviews with historians and viewer phone calls from the series' premiere on May 31. Part one is called, "An American Icon," and explores the history of the Capitol; part two is titled, "The U.S. House of Representatives;" and part three is called "The U.S. Senate."

Photos provided by C-SPAN. To schedule an interview with the series producer, a

Web site: http://www.c-span.org/

SPYMAC ANNOUNCES “CLUB 4 FREE” PROMOTION:

Get 6 Months of Club for Free - Sign up 5 Friends for a Free Trial

Socialize with Over 1 Million Spymac Members through

Blogs, Postings, Photos, Movies & Music

 

 Spymac http://www.spymac.com, the largest Macintosh community with over 1 million members, announced today its “Club 4 Free” Promotion. Anyone can download Spymac Club for free for a 30-day trial (no credit card or personal information required) and if they get 5 friends to do the same, they’ll get 6 months of Club for free (offer available for a limited time). Their 5 friends don’t have to sign-up for a permanent Club account, they only need to apply for the 30-day free Club trial.

Basic Spymac membership is still free as always, but the added Club benefits, such as additional storage space, ad-free viewing, and more, make signing up for Club a great value at only $25/year or 6 months for free with the “Club 4 Free” promotion.

Spymac Club Membership Includes:


- Share files or create a website with 3GB storage
- Send and receive large files with 3GB of email
- Publish movies, pictures and music to the Web with 3GB of Gallery space

- Write and manage your blogs from the desktop with “BlogSpinner”
- Access exclusive Club-only news and features

- Drag-n-Drop Site Creator and other Internet Applications

- Share your bookmarks with friends over the Web
- Browse Spymac ad-free

... and much more!

“Club 4 Free” – “Spread the Word” Icons and HTML Code Generator

Spymac has made it easy for users to sign-up 5 friends to try Club. From within Club, there is an invitation system that will help users invite friends. Icons for “Spread the Word” and “Club 4 Free” are on the top right of every page, making it easy to invite others to join. You can also use the code generator http://www.spymac.com/invites/generate.php to create HTML code you can embed in your forum posts and Web sites telling friends to join.

About Spymac Club


Spymac Club provides everything you need to play, work and live online. Socialize, build relationships and have fun sharing and exploring files, bookmarks, multimedia, schedules and other content with your friends and family. Included in the Spymac Club membership is software for web creation and blogging, free 3GB email account, 25MB of email attachments, virus/spam protection, website space of 3GB (v. 1MB for non-Club members), iTunes integration, large file sharing storage of 3GB (v. 1MB for free), advertisment-free browsing, and Spymac Back-up, Sync, priority technical support, premium news content, screensaver features, and much more.

The “Club 4 Free” promotion is available immediately for a limited time at www.spymac.com. Basic membership is free, with Club membership available for $25/year. For more info, go to the website: www.spymac.com. The Spymac marketplace is supported by the world’s largest Mac site with 1 million members.

About Spymac

Spymac Network Inc. is a New York City corporation with offices in Dusseldorf, Germany and Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Originally launched as a Macintosh enthusiast site, Spymac has now grown to the largest international Macintosh community with nearly one million registered users. Spymac boasts innovative multimedia galleries, the first fully Mac-compatible drag-n-drop homepages, an iPod marketplace, member communities and much more.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TELECOM NEW ZEALAND USES DORADO SOFTWARE TO MANAGE NEW IP VPN SERVICE ON MPLS NETWORK

TNZ Expands RedcellTM Deployment to Configure & Manage New IP Services



Dorado Software, Inc., a leading provider of infrastructure management software, today announced that Telecom New Zealand (TNZ) has deployed a RedcellTM network configuration and security management solution to manage the company’s latest service offering, a low-cost Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) service deployed over a shared Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network. Redcell gives TNZ visibility and control over a distributed multi-vendor network from the core-to-the-edge and out to the customer located network equipment.

TNZ’s new services include IP LAN and VPN services, as well as remote and branch office VPN services and network access. Business IP VPN services are provided under TNZ’s “One Office” product line. The new network is based on the Juniper Networks E-, M- and T-series routing platforms, as well as Cisco customer located network equipment (CLNE), and all this equipment is configured and managed via Redcell infrastructure management software from Dorado Software.

Redcell offers TNZ a single, uniform management system with visibility across the entire multi-vendor network. Telecom New Zealand had previously deployed another Dorado Redcell solution – including Redcell Management Center, Redcell Policy Manager, Redcell NetConfig and Redcell Assure – to manage Juniper Networks E-, M- and T-series routing platforms at the network core and Riverstone equipment at the edge of the company’s NGN (Next Generation Network) serving 325,000 customers. To configure and manage the VPN equipment, TNZ upgraded to the latest version of Redcell and added new Redcell applications including Redcell Inventory Manager and Redcell Change Manager. Redcell Inventory Manager delivers real-time visibility into TNZ’s network inventory and reporting, while Redcell Change Manager provides real-time status of changes in the network and allows proactive management of these changes.

The use of Dorado Software’s Redcell has made the development of an IP VPN over MPLS a practical option for Telecom New Zealand, enabling the company to reduce the costs of traditional circuit switches, and eliminate the need to build multiple overlay networks, as well as boost revenue and competitiveness by delivering new affordable, scaleable and manageable VPN services to enterprise customers.

“The ability to provide our enterprise customers with a leading edge VPN service that is affordable provides us with a significant competitive advantage,” said David McGrath, Investment Manager Data Networks Telecom New Zealand. “Redcell enables the deployment of multiple services over a single MPLS IP based network, saving us on deployment and maintenance costs, and allowing us to pass on these savings to our customers.”

“Dorado Software’s Redcell solution lets Telecom New Zealand view and manage their multi-vendor network, and also the services on the network,” said Simon Mansfield, Vice President Asia Pacific Dorado Software. “By providing one console with the capabilities to both automate manual processes and consolidate the management of the network, Telecom New Zealand can improve the efficiency of the delivery and management services to their customers.

About Telecom New Zealand


Telecom New Zealand is the leading telecommunications provider in New Zealand, providing a variety of networking services throughout the region. It is constantly expanding its capabilities to provide advanced services to businesses and consumers. For more information, visit the TNZ web site at http://www.telecom.co.nz.

About Dorado Software
Dorado Software is the leader in infrastructure management software for uniform access, control and monitoring of heterogeneous network and IT assets. Dorado’s products increase operational efficiencies while they let network administrators quickly deploy new applications and services. For more information about Dorado Software, visit http://www.doradosoftware.com or send email to info@doradosoftware.com

MapQuest's New Multi-Stop Route Builder Feature Provides Cost-Efficient Planning for Summer Travels


Just in time for the busy July 4th travel weekend, MapQuest.com has launched a beta (http://www.mapquest.com/maps-directions/) of its new multi-stop Route Builder feature. This new tool lets travelers save time and money by mapping out their entire journey - and multiple destination stops in between - in one convenient step.

MapQuest's Route Builder feature was the #1 requested feature among the millions of MapQuest consumers. MapQuest.com recently had a record 50 million unique monthly visitors, two and a half times more than the leading competition.*

"Despite record gas prices, most Americans are still planning to drive to their annual Fouth of July and summer vacation destinations," said Jim Greiner, VP and GM, MapQuest. "MapQuest.com continues to be the leading resource for people to find places and get reliable directions. And now the new Route Builder feature lets travelers map out driving directions between multiple stops - saving them time, gas money and frustration."

MapQuest's Route Builder lets users:

-- Add up to 10 location destinations along a route;

-- Search for destination by address or place name;

-- Optimize route to avoid highways or toll roads;

-- Find gas stations, hotels, restaurants, ATMs, and other places along the way;

-- Re-order stops by dragging and dropping and automatically recalculate driving directions;

-- Print, or email route; and

-- Choose to show or hide directions as the route is plotted.

So, whether it's figuring out various stops for the kids' car pool, dropping off deliveries across town or a cross-country field trip to visit Aunt Tilly, hitting as many minor-league ballparks along the way, MapQuest can get users beyond just Point A and Point B.

According to the May 2006 MapQuest Road Trips survey, more than half of Americans are taking road trips this summer, and July 4th weekend ranks highest for road trips at 17%, with Memorial Day and Labor Day tying at 12%.

Other findings from the survey:

-- 72% of those planning to take a road trip this year said that gas prices were affecting their summer travel plans.

-- Nearly one in 10 said they plan to cancel trips altogether to avoid the pain at the pump.

-- But despite the prices, nearly half of Americans (49%) plan to take a road trip this summer nevertheless, according to the report.

-- Travel volume will remain relatively consistent over the summer months, with August as the most popular time for summer travel (29%), followed by July (27%) and June (24%).

-- 25% of Americans were undecided on their summer travel plans.

MapQuest Summer Road trips Survey Methodology

The MapQuest poll was conducted online from May 3-8, 2006, by ICR of Media, PA. ICR interviewed a national sample of 1,023 adults who have online access. In addition to the national sample, 3,000 interviews were conducted in the top 20 US cities.

* comScore Media Metrix, May 2006

About MapQuest

MapQuest helps people find places. MapQuest offers Internet, mobile, business solutions, and published products worldwide. MapQuest.com, both the top mapping and directories site on the Web according to comScore Media Metrix, served more than 50 million users in May, 2006. MapQuest, a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL LLC, is based in Denver, Colorado.

About AOL

AOL and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United States. Web brands include the AOL.com(R) website, AIM(R), MapQuest(R) and Netscape(R). AOL offers a range of digital services in the areas of education, safety and security, communications and music. The company also has operations in Europe and Canada. AOL LLC is a majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and is based in Dulles, Virginia.

Contacts

MapQuest

Received VK Conformer with your Pro Tools purchase…Upgrade to VK2 for only $500.00 (a massive $495 saving!)

As of May 1, 2006, all Digidesign Pro Tools|HD and DV Toolkit 2 purchases come with the option to add VK Conformer for FREE (a $395 value). If you are one of these lucky audio editors then take advantage of the special upgrade offer and make the leap to VK2 for a mere $500.00 USD.

Upgrade to VK2 now for $500.00 USD....
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Motion Picture Editors Guild Members Get $100.00 off VK2

As of May 1, 2006, all Digidesign Pro Tools|HD and DV Toolkit 2 purchases come with the option to add VK Conformer for FREE (a $395 value). If you are one of these lucky audio editors then take advantage of the special upgrade offer and make the leap to VK2 for a mere $500.00 USD. Motion Picture Editors Guild Members Get $100.00 off VK2

Member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild? If so, you are entitled to a $100.00 off the price of VK2. VK2 is the ultimate auto-conform and change management tool for Pro Tools editors. A quantum leap ahead of its peers in processing speed, tracing, and comparison engine techniques, VK2 users can analyze all major formats, preview changes, trace historical elements, rebalance movies, and process up to 2500 picture edits in less than a second. Packaged with all of the change management features you will ever need - VK2 is available to Motion Picture Editors Guild members for a special price of $895.00USD (standard price is $995.00).

Email us for your Editors Guild discount details...

Virtual Katy Flies Through Time With Doctor Who

Sound editor Douglas Sinclair looks to VK to accelerate audio post

Sound editor Douglas Sinclair employs the VK audio post assistant on the hugely successful television show, “Doctor Who”. After a 15-year absence, cutting-edge content creation tools such as Virtual Katy helped the “Doctor Who” sci-fi series make its epic return to the small screen with a slick new look and feel.

The 9-month “Doctor Who” production is followed by several months of post with approximately two and half weeks allotted for audio post per show. The “Doctor Who” team tries to have the picture locked by the time sound post starts, but, this is not always the case. “The futuristic show calls for complex visual effects which are often finalized later in the post process,” comments Sinclair. “This is where VK is a lifesaver.” The tight turn-around times drive the need for super efficient processes and acceleration tools such as VK. For “Doctor Who” trailers and re-caps, Sinclair does one conform using an audio EDL to take care of the dialogue tracks and a second conform pass using a video EDL to take care of the atmosphere and FX tracks - allowing a complex, fast moving program trailer to be assembled very quickly.

Virtual Katy Special Events

Avid/Pro Tools Interface - A Users Perspective

Virtual Katy founder John McKay will be delivering a series of presentations on audio workflows for post during the month of June. John's presentations and demonstrations will focus on how to better integrate your Avid picture and Digidesign sound post tools. To register or receive more information for these events, please email Janice Dolan at: janice@zazilmediagroup.com.

>June 27 - Pro Tools User Group San Francisco
>June 29 - Pro Tools User Group Los Angeles

Test Drive VK Products

Our award-winning VK audio post assistant products are designed to massively accelerate the audio post process for Pro Tools users. Used on everything from feature films to the 30-second spot, users can test drive the fully functioning VK products for 30 days at absolutely, positively, no cost (in other words, you can use it for free). So what are you waiting for?

http://www.virtualkaty.com/downloads/index.php

SECRETARY OF ENERGY APPOINTS JADOO POWER
TO HYDROGEN TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

Jadoo Power President and CEO Selected From More than 100 Submitted Nominees

 

Jadoo Power Systems Inc. (Jadoo) www.jadoopower.com, the leading supplier of portable fuel cell power systems, announced today that Jadoo Power President and CEO Larry Bawden has been appointed to the recently formed Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee (HTAC). HTAC was formed in accordance with the 2005 Energy Policy Act as a key component of President Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative.

As one of 25 committee members, selected from over 100 submitted nominees, Bawden will be asked to give recommendations to the Secretary of Energy regarding Department of Energy’s (DOE) programs, plans and activities, as well as regulatory, economic and environmental issues related to the commercialization of hydrogen-based fuel cell products.

“It is an honor to be selected as a representative on the HTAC. The success of the Hydrogen Economy will be measured in steps,” said Larry Bawden, President and CEO, Jadoo Power. “We believe one of the first steps is designing, manufacturing and selling usable fuel cells to consumers today; thus demonstrating what will be available on a larger scale in the future.”

Following the Energy Policy Act of 2005 guidelines, DOE will deliver a biennial report to Congress containing committee recommendations, providing rationale for the recommendations and describing how DOE will implement those recommendations that are chosen.

Members will elect a chairperson at their first meeting to be held in the coming months and will meet approximately twice per year. Meetings will be announced in the Federal Register.

About Jadoo Power Systems


www.jadoopower.com

Jadoo Power Systems, Inc. is a market-focused company that develops and sells next-generation, portable energy storage and power generation products. Jadoo is financed by Mohr Davidow Ventures, Venrock Associates and Sinclair Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.

For more information about Jadoo Power Systems, please contact:
Jadoo Power Systems, 181 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, CA 956030

AOL CityGuide Picks the 2006 'Top 11 Booms with a View' for Fourth of July


AOL CityGuide names this year's "Top 11 Booms with a View" which recognizes the best Fourth of July fireworks across the country and lets Web users vote on which one deserves top honors this year. Votes can be cast on the Web at http://www.aolcityguide.com or at http://www.aol.com. The winner will be revealed Tuesday, July 4 on the site.

AOL CityGuide is a leading online local entertainment guide with city-specific listings for beaches, theme parks, zoos, patriotic landmarks and much more under the comprehensive Family Activity Planner. AOL CityGuide's Summer Concert Guide, for example, details what's happening in a specific city and how to get tickets, even when they may seem sold out. The City's Best(TM) rankings list top restaurant picks for a variety of cuisine and atmosphere, ranging from a romantic night out or a place to take the kids.

The nominated fireworks displays were selected based on size, location, family-friendliness, accessibility and additional attractions.

AOL CityGuide's 2006 nominees for "Top 11 Booms With a View" are: *

1. New York, NY - Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks at Macy's Fourth

of July Viewing Platform

2. Washington, D.C. - Fourth of July Fireworks on the Mall at

The National Mall

3. Chicago - City of Chicago Independence Eve Fireworks

Spectacular at Grant Park

4. Philadelphia, PA - Sunoco Welcome America at Philadelphia

Museum of Art

5. Orlando, FL - Fourth of July at Walt Disney World at Walt

Disney World Resort

6. Lake Tahoe, CA - Lights on the Lake at South Lake Tahoe

7. St. Louis, MO - Fair St. Louis at St. Louis Riverfront

8. Miami, FL - 4th of July Mega Fest at Bayfront Park

9. San Diego, CA - Big Bay Fireworks Show at San Diego Bay and

Harbor

10. Houston, TX - Chevy's Freedom Over Texas at Eleanor Tinsley

(Buffalo Bayou) Park

11. New Orleans, LA - Go Fourth on the River at Woldenberg Park

* This list is ranked according to votes received through

aolcityguide.com at time of release and subject to change.

A one-stop destination for people who want to know where to go and what to do in more than 300 cities, AOL CityGuide's information offerings focus on restaurants, bars, and events, with detailed information like directions, editorial recommendations, and live event tickets to more than 40,000 events at more than 6,000 venues, making it the most comprehensive ticketing resource online. Formerly known as the Digital City(R) service, AOL CityGuide is available free on the Web through both http://www.aolcityguide.com and http://www.aol.com.

About AOL

AOL and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United States. Web brands include the AOL.com(R) website, AIM(R), MapQuest(R) and Netscape(R). AOL offers a range of digital services in the areas of education, safety and security, communications and music. The company also has operations in Europe and Canada. AOL LLC is a majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and is based in Dulles, Virginia.

AOL Teams with Fusion to Launch Groundbreaking Action Sports Network on the Web: Lat34.com

AOL: Online Network to Feature Events, Breaking News, User-Created Video,

Blogs and In-Depth Coverage of Action Sports

Jeep(R) Brand Signs On as Charter Advertiser


AOL and Fusion Entertainment today announced a joint venture called Lat34.com ( http://www.Lat34.com ), the first comprehensive interactive network dedicated to action sports, including skate, BMX, FMX, surfing, snowboarding and more. This surging category already claims upwards of 100 million U.S. fans.** The new network will emphasize both programmed and user-generated content, including action sports video on-demand, event coverage, action sports athletes up close and in-depth coverage of all aspects of the action sports culture.

Lat34.com - named for the company's location in Los Angeles (34 degrees N/118 degrees W), considered the unofficial home of action sports in the U.S. - is dedicated to bringing the most comprehensive action sports information to the Web. Capitalizing on AOL's leadership in online video, Lat34.com promises dynamic and timely video coverage of action sports wherever they occur. In addition, Lat34.com will offer fans the chance to contribute by uploading their video, photos, blogs and more.

The Jeep(R) brand has signed on as the charter advertiser and is currently running teaser ads for the all-new 2007 Jeep Compass which will be in dealerships later this summer. Jeep Compass is a compact Jeep 4X4 that delivers fun, freedom, utility and capability, and more - all at a great value - making it an ideal advertiser for the action sports enthusiast. Jeep will also be showcasing video ads on the site to highlight new models shortly. Lat34.com will allow advertisers to tap into the strength of the surging action sports category and action sports fans, in turn, will benefit from targeted and relevant ads that address their needs and interests. The network will offer instream advertising opportunities, including pre-roll, ad curtains and banners.

"The action sports world is a passionate, underserved community that, until now, has had to rely on individual sport sites, product driven print publications or scheduled television programming. Lat34.com is a 24/7 broadband network, combining Fusion's quality programming with content submitted by this passionate community," said Jim Bankoff, AOL's Executive Vice President of Programming and Products. "This joint partnership gives action sports fans an unparalleled experience by providing them with a powerful video platform and popular social networking tools, including AIM and AIMPages."

"Fusion Entertainment's extensive library of action sports video footage will be a vital component of Lat34.com," said Doug Allen, CEO, Fusion Entertainment. "Action sports fans want to connect with each other and generate buzz about the sports they love. This new network will provide a forum to share amateur and professional videos and photos."

"Lat34.com creates a central online hub where marketers and advertisers can reach this pivotal audience in a more targeted way," said Jeff Rowe, President and CEO, Lat34.com. "Action sports enthusiasts can be ensured that the marketing and advertising is relevant and appeals to their interests."

Key features of Lat34.com will include:

-- Comprehensive action sports event coverage and calendar, up-to-the-minute action sports news, action sports video on-demand, athlete profiles, action sports movie previews, gear information and connecting fans of specific sports together via AIM social network platform, blogs, meet-up groups and provide tools for uploading video and photos;

-- Video and photo highlights of action sports culture, including fashion, music, movies, local events and links to some of these popular sites;

-- An in-depth action sports database with vertical search capability to access athletes' past stats and current records, events, gear, tricks, movies, sites, etc. built by users;

-- Original programming such as athlete Blogs and profiles, photo galleries and video programming;

-- On-demand footage of various action sports events around the country; and

-- "Trick of the Day" - where users can upload their own video of action stunts and features and enter to win a weekly prize.

Lat34.com, currently in beta, will roll out additional features and content areas throughout the summer.

** American Sports Data Inc., May 2004

About AOL

AOL and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United States. Web brands include the AOL.com(R) website, AIM(R), MapQuest(R) and Netscape(R). AOL offers a range of digital services in the areas of education, safety and security, communications and music. The company also has operations in Europe and Canada. AOL LLC is a majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and is based in Dulles, Virginia.

About Fusion Entertainment

Fusion Entertainment is a full service Hi-Definition video production company which has built a solid reputation as one of the world's largest and most respected providers of action sports programming. Fusion produces and distributes action sports television to over 140 countries and has provided action sports programming domestically to networks such as NBC, ESPN/ESPN2, OLN, Spike TV, MTV/MTV2, FUEL TV, FUSE, USA Network, iNDEMAND INHD and Fox Sports Network. Fusion specializes in the entire spectrum of action sports from exotic adventure travel to event coverage to core lifestyle programming. Fusion is independently owned and has headquarters in Portland, Oregon.

[ Yahoo! ] options

SPORTS AND AUTOS:June 29,2006

SPORTS AND AUTOS

Volvo Names Greatest Treasure Hunters of All Time

Brazil Remains World Cup Favorite at PinnacleSports.com Online Sportsbook Posts Updated Odds to Win 2006 World Cup

Monster.com 2006 All-Star Game Online Ballot on MLB.com Concludes at 11:59 p.m. Tomorrow, June 29

Bob Dylan's XM Radio Show Donated to National Baseball Hall of Fame Library 'Baseball' Episode From Dylan's 'Theme Time Radio Hour' Added to Hall of Fame Archive

Adam Morrison, a Top NBA Draft Choice Is Also Top Choice for People Living With Diabetes in dLife Poll Hot Stix Golf to Custom Fit Celebrities at Prestigious 17th Annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship

DHL Teams Up With New York Mets For 2006 Season Field Refurbishment Initiative :Chicago and South Florida Community Youth Baseball Parks Also to Get Facelift from DHL

Red Sox Shortstop Alex Cora and Volunteers of America Go to Bat for At-risk Youth in Boston

Cingular Giving Lucky Race Fan the Chance To Win Jeff Burton's Pay-Day During Big Race in Daytona Beach

___________________________________________

Volvo Names Greatest Treasure Hunters of All Time

Volvo Holds Treasure Hunt for Buried XC90 V8 as Tie-In to Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Buried treasure wouldn't be as prized if it weren't for the fanatical treasure hunters trying to dig it up. Today, Volvo Cars of North America named the greatest treasure hunters of all time in conjunction with its global, multi-media treasure hunt for a buried Volvo XC90 V8.

The treasure hunt is part of Volvo Cars' official promotion of Disney's upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Individuals nationwide can visit their local Volvo retailer to pick up a free treasure map through July 11. Once online, they are asked to go to www.volvocars.us/thehunt to register for the world's first hunt for a buried vehicle. Once registered, treasure hunters participate in a challenging, engaging and fun-filled adventure to find the pirate-themed car.

"With varying techniques and degrees of expertise, the people on this list have found big bounties," said Volvo Cars spokesperson, Helen Gore. "We hope that our online treasure hunters enjoy the same success -- though we know only a few will make it to the final hunt!"

* Mel Fisher - "After 16 years of hunting, he and his crew found $450

million in treasure on two sunken Spanish galleons near Key West,

Florida."

* Indiana Jones - "The Holy Grail, The Arc of the Covenant, a sacred

Indian stone -- he seeks only the most priceless treasure and bears an

amazing resemblance to another treasure hunter named Han Solo."

* Kathleen Turner & Michael Douglas in Romancing the Stone - "Love and

adventure is treasure, right?"

* That guy on every beach with ill-fitting shorts and a metal detector -

"We're not sure what he's found, but its allowed him to quit his day job

and comb the beach every day. Well done, sir!"

* Your local plumber - "Wedding rings and kitchen sinks. These are a few

of plumbers faaaavorite things."

* Nicholas Cage in National Treasure - "He stole the Declaration of

Independence to get a treasure hunt clue, for Pete's sake!"

* Donald Trump - "Be it real estate or TV shows, he always has his hands

around the treasure chest."

* Kanye West - "Wait, my mistake, 'He aint messing with no gold diggers.'

Wrong list, but a catchy tune nonetheless."

* Joe Montana - "A miner, 49'er to the core. Raised in Pennsylvania, the

land of coal and steel, he traveled west seeking gold in San Francisco,

California. Legend has it, he found it in the way of a few Super Bowl

rings."

* Humphrey Bogart in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre - "This 1940's John

Huston classic tested Bogie's soul in a gold prospecting tale for the

ages."

* Any Finalist in the Volvo Treasure Hunt - "After only two weeks there

are nearly 30,000 entrants and climbing. This quest will be a treasure

hunters' survival of the fittest."

Volvo's promotion of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest grew out of the partnership with Disney for the worldwide Volvo Ocean Race. The Volvo ship bears the name of the same boat in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, "The Black Pearl." The Ocean Race began in Vigo, Spain on Nov. 12, 2005 and ended in Gothenburg, Sweden on June 17, 2006.

To learn more about Volvo's treasure hunt, visit www.volvocars.us/thehunt.

To discuss the hunt, visit http://spaces.msn.com/vcnathehunt.

Source: Volvo Cars of North America

Web site: http://spaces.msn.com/vcnathehunt

Web site: http://www.volvocars.us/thehunt

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

 

Brazil Remains World Cup Favorite at PinnacleSports.com

Online Sportsbook Posts Updated Odds to Win 2006 World Cup

Now that the month-long tournament has reached the quarterfinals, only eight of 32 teams remain in contention for the most prestigious trophy in sports, the 2006 FIFA World Cup. With the hopes of fans pinned on their national teams, leading online sportsbook PinnacleSports.com today announced updated odds on the eight remaining teams capturing soccer's biggest prize.

World Cup favorites before Group play began, Brazil remains the bookmaker's pick to win their sixth world championship at 5/2 odds. After a thrilling overtime victory over Mexico, PinnacleSports.com lists Argentina at 9/2 odds to become World Cup champions along with host-country Germany, who'll face Argentina in the first quarterfinal match Friday. Meanwhile Italy stands at 13/2 to capture their fourth World Cup following their controversial penalty-kick win over Australia. Despite uninspired play in both the Group stage and versus Ecuador, England currently stands at 7/1 to end the country's 40-year World Cup drought. Meanwhile, PinnacleSports.com lists France (11/1), Portugal (14/1) and Ukraine (55/1) as long shots to emerge as world champions.

"Entering the tournament, Brazil was known for its explosive goal scoring ability, but after only allowing one goal in World Cup play, they appear to be equally skilled on the defensive end," said Simon Noble of PinnacleSports.com. "Argentina has become a trendy World Cup pick with experts and bettors, but the young Argentineans next face the grueling task of playing the Germans in front of a hostile Berlin crowd. Although they advanced thanks to a controversial foul call in extra time, Italy, with their exceptional defense led by Buffon in goal, cannot be overlooked for the remainder of the tournament."

PinnacleSports.com is offering the most comprehensive menu of World Cup betting options available online with limits of up to $50,000. For each match Pinnacle Sports will offer three-way betting, low-margin Asian handicaps priced to just 1.5%, exact scores and over/under total goals scored. Bettors will also find a wide variety of in-running action on games, as well as proposition bets on each match. For a complete list of World Cup odds, please visit the soccer section at http://www.pinnaclesports.com/ .

Current Odds: *All Odds Subject to Change*

Odds to Win 2006 World Cup

Brazil 5/2

Argentina 9/2

Germany 9/2

Italy 13/2

England 7/1

France 11/1

Portugal 14/1

Ukraine 55/1

About PinnacleSports.com

PinnacleSports.com ( http://www.pinnaclesports.com/ ) is the Internet's largest sports betting site, serving customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. Founded in 1998, PinnacleSports.com was the first sports book to introduce reduced margin wagering, using a -105 pricing model that gives bettors up to 50% better value on wagers than traditional bookmakers. With low minimum bet requirements and the highest maximum limits on the web, PinnacleSports.com has earned an industry-leading reputation for providing consistent value to the player, professional customer service and the quickest payouts online. Fully licensed and regulated in Curacao, the company offers a secure environment for sports betting, racing and casino gaming.

Source: PinnacleSports.com

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

Monster.com 2006 All-Star Game Online Ballot on MLB.com Concludes at 11:59 p.m. Tomorrow, June 29

Several Races Still Too Close to Call

As the Monster.com 2006 All-Star Game Online Ballot Program for the 77th All-Star Game to be played on July 11th at Pittsburgh's PNC Park concludes tomorrow night at 11:59 p.m. EDT, there are a number of races that are still too close to call.

For the fourth consecutive season, the outcome of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game will impact postseason play, as the team representing the winning league in this year's Midsummer Classic will have home field advantage in the 2006 World Series.

Fans have a real opportunity to make a difference. As of the latest update, in the American League's closest race, Boston's Jason Varitek holds a slight lead over Detroit's Ivan Rodriquez for the starting catcher's spot. NY Yankee Robinson Cano is narrowly ahead of Boston's Mark Loretta and Chicago's Tadahito Iguchi for the starting honors at second base.

In the National League's closest race, the Mets' Jose Reyes has a slim lead over Jack Wilson of the Pirates for the starting shortstop position.

The Major League Baseball All-Star Balloting Program is the largest balloting program in professional sports. The fan balloting program will determine the eight position players from each League who will start the 77th All-Star Game. Ameriquest is sponsoring the 20 million ballots that were distributed at the 29 U.S. Major League ballparks and the 1.9 million ballots that were distributed to 117 Minor League Baseball Clubs that are in-season during the balloting period. MLB International rightsholder Rogers Personal TV is sponsoring in-stadium balloting at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. The in- stadium program concluded at Major League and Minor League ballparks. Monster online balloting concludes on MLB.com and the 30 Club Web sites tomorrow night, June 29th at 11:59 p.m. (EDT).

The 2006 American League and National League All-Star Teams will be unveiled on the Major League Baseball All-Star Game Selection Show Presented By Chevrolet on ESPN live at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 2nd. The show will announce the 16 elected starters, as determined by the fan balloting program, and the 46 pitchers and reserves, as determined by the player ballot, the two All-Star Team managers -- American League manager Ozzie Guillen of the Chicago White Sox and National League manager Phil Garner of the Houston Astros -- and Major League Baseball.

Immediately following the announcement of the American League and National League All-Star rosters, fans will have the opportunity to select the final position player for each League's 32-man roster at MLB.com. The 2006 Monster All-Star Final Vote will provide fans the opportunity to cast their votes from a list of five players from each League over a four-day period.

Also, for the second year, fans will be able to vote for their Final Vote selections on their mobile phone. Both winners of the Monster All-Star Final Vote will be announced after the voting has concluded on Thursday, July 6th at 6:00 p.m. (EDT).

The 77th Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and televised around the world by Major League Baseball International, with pre-game ceremonies beginning at 8:00 p.m. (EDT). ESPN Radio will provide exclusive, national radio coverage, while MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage and MLB Radio will provide exclusive play-byplay coverage of the game on the Internet. XM Satellite Radio will provide satellite radio play-by-play coverage of the XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game.

Source: MLB Advanced Media L.P.

Bob Dylan's XM Radio Show Donated to National Baseball Hall of Fame Library

'Baseball' Episode From Dylan's 'Theme Time Radio Hour' Added to Hall of Fame Archive

-- Bob Dylan is once again headed for Cooperstown.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has added to its archive the "baseball" episode from legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan's critically acclaimed music show on XM Satellite Radio, "Theme Time Radio Hour." The one- hour episode contains Dylan singing an a cappella rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," along with classic baseball calls, such as Curt Gowdy's legendary call of Ted Williams' home run in his final at-bat with the Boston Red Sox, and baseball original compositions, such as Buddy Johnson's "Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball" and "The Ball Game" by Sister Wynona Carr, among others. The "Theme Time Radio Hour" airs weekly on XM and features an eclectic mix of music based around a theme.

The CD will be added to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Library archive, which features more than 10,000 hours of recorded audio and video, and will be available for researchers to access.

Dylan's "Theme Time Radio Hour" airs Wednesdays at 10 a.m. ET on XM Satellite Radio, which is also the official satellite radio network for Major League Baseball (MLB). The recording joins an historic cross-section of baseball-related cultural enterprises in the Hall of Fame Library archive, such as Abbott and Costello's Who's on First, interviews with other cultural icons about their love of baseball, along with a wide collection of sheet music and original baseball-themed recordings.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame Library is open year-round, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Appointments are recommended and can be arranged by calling 607-547-0330. Selected recordings from the Library audio and video collection are available for purchase by calling 607-547-0330.

Open seven days a week the year round, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, the Hall of Fame is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. through Labor Day. Individual one-day ticket prices are $14.50 for adults (13 and over); $9.50 for seniors (65 and over) and for those holding current memberships in the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and AMVets organizations; and $5 for juniors (ages 7-12). Friends of the Hall of Fame members are always admitted free of charge and there is no cost for children six years of age or younger or for active and retired card-carrying military personnel. For more information, visit our Web site at baseballhalloffame.org or call 888-HALL-OF-FAME (888-425-5633).

XM is America's number one satellite radio service with more than 6.5 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2006 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: the most commercial-free music channels, sports, talk, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information.

XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan and Volkswagen/Audi, is available in more than 140 different vehicle models for 2006. XM's industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. For more information about XM hardware, programming and partnerships, please visit http://www.xmradio.com/.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements in this press release include demand for XM Satellite Radio's service, the Company's dependence on technology and third party vendors, its potential need for additional financing, as well as other risks described in XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.'s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 3-3-06. Copies of the filing are available upon request from XM Radio's Investor Relations Department.

Source: XM Satellite Radio; National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Web site: http://www.xmradio.com/
http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/

Adam Morrison, a Top NBA Draft Choice Is Also Top Choice for People Living With Diabetes in dLife Poll

Thousands of America's 21 Million People With Diabetes Name Their Heroes.

With the NBA draft just hours away, it seems that Adam Morrison has also caught the eye of the American public for his outspokenness about diabetes, the very same diabetes that some say may make him a bit of an unknown entity for the NBA. It is unclear where Morrison will fall in the draft this year but with those in the diabetes community, he was the number one vote getter.

Morrison was at the top gaining the admiration of more than 20,000 readers, listeners, and viewers of dLife, America's leading multimedia information source for people living with diabetes. Business giant Lee Iacocca, and comic book kids' authors Kamaal and Malcolm Washington were among The Annual dLife Top 10, Making a Difference in Diabetes. The entire list may be viewed at http://www.dlife.com/.

Morrison enters the NBA Draft as the nation's leading scorer during the 2005-2006 college basketball season, all while managing his diabetes by openly testing his blood sugars and injecting insulin courtside.

"Some days the sugars are up and down and your body just doesn't feel right but it's no excuse," says Morrison. "You gotta just go out there and give it 110 percent, even though you don't feel well." This message has resonated as dramatically with the diabetes community as his athletic skills on the court have resonated with the sports community.

"The range of winners provides some real insight into just how widely the diabetes epidemic impacts our society," says Howard Steinberg, CEO and Founder of LifeMed Media, the parent company of dLife, who also lives with type 1 diabetes. "Adam's public acknowledgment of his chronic disease helped make it very clear that people with diabetes can take control of their condition and not only achieve success in life, but also achieve greatness."

About dLife

dLife provides knowledge, insight, advice and inspiration through dLifeTV; seen Sundays at 7:00 PM on CNBC EST/4:00 PM Pacific, dLife.com, dLifeRadio, and dLifeConnect.

Source: dLife

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

Hot Stix Golf to Custom Fit Celebrities at Prestigious 17th Annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship

Hot Stix Golf, the world's leader in custom golf Tour-fittings will participate for the first time at the 17th Annual American Century Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe the week of July 11-16, 2006. Hot Stix Golf has partnered with NBC Sports to be the exclusive fitting service for the popular Celebrity-Am participants playing in this year's week-long Tahoe Celebrity Golf Week at Edgewater Tahoe Golf Course.

"Using one of our new leading edge mobile fitting centers, Hot Stix Golf will be providing complimentary equipment tune-ups for all the golfers which include loft and lie adjustments for irons, and the complete Hot Stix Woods Tour-Fitting services for all participants," said Chris Dragon, President Hot Stix Golf. "In addition we will offer our exceptional equipment repair, custom building services and new equipment from every leading manufacturer on the Edgewater range at our Mobile Fitting Center. We want the celebrities and avid golfers to experience the best custom Tour-fittings in the world."

The mobile fitting centers fleet, consisting of five units today, travel to premier golf destinations across the US. "The number of Hot Stix Mobile Fitting Centers has doubled this year and we plan to expand with more units over the next two years," said Dragon.

"NBC is excited to have Hot Stix Golf's state-of-the-art equipment repair technology at this year's American Century Championship," said Jon Miller, Sr. VP of NBC Sports. "Having the Hot Stix Mobile Fitting Center on the driving range is going to provide a unique and impactful service for our celebrity and amateur participants."

The most prestigious and richest celebrity tournament championship will be televised by the Golf Channel on July 14th and NBC on July 15th-July 16th. NBC plans to include a vignette on Hot Stix in its coverage. Some of the celebrities set to play in this year's tournament include Michael Jordan, Donald Trump, Charles Barkley, Hines Ward, John Elway, Mike Schmidt and Jack Wagner.

For more information about Hot Stix Golf, visit www.hotstixgolf.com or call (480) 513-1333. American Century Championship information can be found at www.tahoecelebritygolf.com

About Hot Stix Golf

Located in Scottsdale, Ariz., Hot Stix Golf is recognized as the world's leader in custom golf Tour-fittings, matching a golfer's unique swing to the perfect equipment for maximum results. Complete Tour-fitting services are also available onsite at distinguished golf destinations through Hot Stix Mobile Fitting Centers, a fleet of five mobile Tour-fitting facilities that travel yearly throughout the US. Using scientific results to prescribe the exact equipment, Hot Stix Golf's R&D facility tests thousands of pieces of equipment each year including shafts, club heads and even balls, to provide the world's only independent software resource for perfect Tour-fittings. Hot Stix Technologies custom fitting software is also licensed to golf retailers worldwide. Founded in 2000, Hot Stix Golf is a privately held company.

Source: Hot Stix Golf

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

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

DHL Teams Up With New York Mets For 2006 Season Field Refurbishment Initiative

Chicago and South Florida Community Youth Baseball Parks Also to Get Facelift from DHL

DHL, the world's leading express delivery and logistics company, and the Official Express Delivery and Logistics Provider of Major League Baseball, today announced their commitment to refurbishing three additional community baseball parks as part of the DHL national community baseball field refurbishment initiative.

The DHL field refurbishment initiative will begin with a June 28 event where DHL employees together with the New York Mets staff and other volunteers will renovate Field #10 in Flushing Meadow Corona Park in Queens, landscaping, re-sodding the infield, seeding the outfield, replacing fencing, and refurbishing and painting benches. The renovated field will accommodate more than 2,000 boys and girls from the ASOPEC and Dominicana USA youth leagues through the 2006 season.

"After successfully renovating fields in Houston, Phoenix and Atlanta during the 2005 season, DHL looks forward to refurbishing fields in several of our MLB partner markets and giving the gift of baseball back to the youth in the local community," said Kelly Keogh, director of corporate citizenship for DHL. "DHL employee volunteers in each market will turn out to help renovate the youth baseball fields as one of several DHL employee initiatives dedicated to giving back to the communities where we live and work," added Keogh.

Later in the season, DHL will also work with the Chicago White Sox and the Florida Marlins, to provide much needed renovations, refurbishments and enhancements to youth community parks in Chicago and South Florida, respectively. With requirements varying for each field, DHL improvements may include: general landscaping improvement, sprinkler system repair, resurfacing base paths, providing a new pitcher's mound, renovation of dugouts and batting cages, new fencing, painting of bleachers and benches, and installation of new scoreboards and concession stands. At the end of each day, DHL employees will hand over the finalized field to the local youth baseball league, who will be invited to play an exhibition game on the newly refurbished field.

In addition, Louisville Slugger will donate new baseball equipment to outfit youth baseball teams at each field refurbished by DHL, including bats, hanging bat bags, catcher's gear, catcher's mitts, batting helmets, hanging helmet bags, and equipment bags.

DHL is in its second season of a three-year, multi-faceted marketing partnership with MLB and Major League Baseball Advanced Media. In addition to providing both organizations with express delivery and logistics services, DHL also has partnerships with seven MLB clubs including the Atlanta Braves, the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and the San Francisco Giants.

DHL is also the proud sponsor of the "DHL Presents the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month Award" and the "DHL Presents the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Year Award," which recognize the most outstanding relief pitcher each month of the regular season and the most outstanding relief pitcher for the 2006 season as a whole.

About DHL

At DHL, Customer Service is back in shipping. Our mission is to provide the most flexible, personable and enjoyable experience in the shipping industry for our customers.

DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source. DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, and contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide with over 285,000 employees dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations.

Founded in San Francisco in 1969, DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand.

Source: DHL

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

Red Sox Shortstop Alex Cora and Volunteers of America Go to Bat for At-risk Youth in Boston

Boston Red Sox shortstop Alex Cora teamed up with Volunteers of America and area high school students today to highlight the need for positive enrichment programs for at-risk youth in grades 6-8 in the "Heart of the City" of Boston. Cora joined local high school students who are members of the Boston Action Team at the Mildred Avenue Community Center in Mattapan to underscore the increasing need for positive programs for inner city youth and encourage youth to get involved with volunteer activities in and around Boston during the summer. Volunteers of America's programs in Massachusetts support and empower the area's most vulnerable groups, including at-risk youth, adults and adolescents in recovery from substance abuse, and elders in need of affordable housing and mental health services.

"It's important for all of us to get involved supporting causes we believe in," said Cora. "During the school year, the Boston Action Team inspired hundreds of their peers to get involved supporting causes all around Boston, and now they are encouraging youth to spend the summer volunteering to help inner city youth. For those that get involved, it is sure to be a memorable and meaningful summer."

The Action Team, an expanding youth volunteer initiative created and administered by Volunteers of America and the Major League Baseball Players Trust, is training the next generation of volunteers. Action Teams of Major League baseball players and area high school students work together to inspire and encourage youth to get involved helping those in need in their communities. Through the support of Volunteers of America affiliates across the country, Action Teams are currently at work in Boston, Denver, Minnesota and Philadelphia, with plans to expand into New York, Dallas, Detroit, Portland (Maine), Seattle, Oakland and San Francisco for the 2006-07 school year.

"I want to thank Volunteers of America for joining us to help give our city's young people a brighter future," Mayor Thomas M. Menino said. "It is this type of commitment and dedication that will help Boston's young people lead positive lives and keep our city strong and vibrant."

The Major League Baseball Players Trust partnered with Volunteers of America in 2002 to promote the nurturing and well being of America's children and their families. The partnership features the personal involvement of Major League baseball players and their families with a variety of programs conducted by Volunteers of America's local offices throughout the United States. For more information about the Major League Baseball Players Trust, visit http://www.mlbplayers.com/.

Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization that is dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Through thousands of human service programs, including housing and healthcare, Volunteers of America helps nearly 2 million people in over 400 communities. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America's most vulnerable groups, including at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions. Our work touches the mind, body, heart -- and ultimately the spirit -- of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. For more information about Volunteers of America, visit http://www.volunteersofamerica.org/.

Source: Volunteers of America

Web site: http://www.volunteersofamerica.org/
http://www.mlbplayers.com/

Cingular Giving Lucky Race Fan the Chance To Win Jeff Burton's Pay-Day During Big Race in Daytona Beach

Russell Tillson of Virginia Beach Guaranteed of Winning Same Purse as Burton

Once the green flag drops at the Daytona Beach stock car race on July 1, Russell Tillson will be in the stands cheering for Jeff Burton and the No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet harder than anyone else. That's because when Burton wins, he wins. Even if Burton doesn't win, Tillson still wins. Thanks to a unique promotion by Cingular, Tillson is guaranteed of winning the same amount of money that Burton earns during the race, no matter where he finishes in the 43-car field.

Tillson, a lifelong motorsports fan from Virginia Beach, Virginia, was randomly selected for the opportunity to "Win Jeff Burton's Pay-Day" from more than one million entries submitted between February and June. The sweepstakes was part of Cingular's Virtual Crew Chief program that aired during race telecasts on FOX and FX this year, prompting viewers to answer race-specific questions via wireless text messaging or online at foxsports.com, with the results revealed on-air during the race broadcast. Each entrant received one entry into the "Win Jeff Burton's Pay-Day" sweepstakes for every poll response submitted. Consumers could also opt-in to play racing-themed trivia, with each question answered counting for one contest entry. Information about the sweepstakes was provided on Cingular31.com.

"I have always been a big fan of Jeff Burton, but thanks to Cingular, I have an even bigger reason to cheer him on in Daytona Beach this weekend," said Tillson. "Hopefully I can give him a little extra motivation to end up in the winner's circle. I do feel a little guilty that Jeff has to drive 400 miles for his pay-day while all I have to do is watch from the stands."

"I think it's great that Cingular gave race fans a chance to win my pay- day," said Burton, who grew up in South Boston, Virginia. "I'll definitely be thinking about Russell when I cross the finish line in Daytona Beach. This has always been one of my favorite races so hopefully I can help him win a nice amount of cash."

As part of the grand prize, Tillson will get to travel to his first ever Daytona Beach race and root for the bright orange Cingular Chevrolet at one of motorsports' most famous tracks. Tillson will have high expectations for his impending pay-day, as Burton has a history of racing well in Daytona Beach. During his career at the 2.5-mile tri-oval, he has recorded one win, five Top 5 finishes, and seven Top 10 finishes. Regardless of how Burton performs, Tillson is guaranteed an attractive payout. During last year's race, payouts ranged from $368,261 for the winner down to $80,725.

This year marks Cingular's fifth season as a primary sponsor of the No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet and Burton's second year behind the wheel. He currently ranks 6th in the Cup Series point standings, buoyed by three Top 5 finishes and ten Top 10 finishes. For his career he has 17 victories, three poles, 97 Top 5 and 166 Top 10 finishes and finished in the Top 10 in the Cup point standings from 1997-2001.

ABOUT CINGULAR WIRELESS

Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving 55.8 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE:BLS) , has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation -- the ALLOVER(TM) network -- and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is a leader in third generation wireless technology. Its 3G network is the first widely available service in the world to use HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover(R), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com/. Get Cingular Wireless press releases emailed to you automatically

Web site: http://www.cingular31.com/
http://www.cingular.com/

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DOD: June 29,2006

Dear Soldier: The War on Terror as Seen by America's Children

On July 4th, 'Before You Go' Musicians Offer Thanks to WWII Veterans for the Country We Live in Today :Nearly 8 Million Download Tribute to Veterans

__________________________________________

Dear Soldier: The War on Terror as Seen by America's Children

As the war on terror continues and we approach the Fourth of July holiday, leave it to children to provide comfort, hope and a delightful dose of humor.

Recently released "Dear Soldier: Heartfelt Letters From America's Children" (Integrity House), is a compilation of children's letters to deployed soldiers, created and compiled by mother/daughter team, Barbara Warfield Baldwin, Amber Baldwin D'Amico and Dr. Heather Baldwin Duff.

All three are celebrating the recent return of their son and brother from Afghanistan.

"This book is unique because it provides an experience of war through our children's eyes," said Baldwin. "Books have been published featuring soldiers' letters, but not children's, and the letters these kids have written are priceless."

Baldwin and her daughters were inspired to create the book after reading some of the children's letters to be included in care packages they were helping to create for troops.

"Because the children's letters were so compelling," said Baldwin, "we would read them aloud as the packages were being assembled. Their innocent wisdom and humor never failed to brighten and enrich our days.

"We soon started receiving feedback from soldiers telling us how much they appreciated the letters and our own son and brother, who was stationed in Afghanistan, said letters like these meant the world to him while he was deployed."

Letters include comments from children such as:

"Dear Soider, I wish I could be over there with you, because I want to be a solider when I grow up. I have a cousin named John over there with you, if you see him tell him hi."

"You are braver than I'll ever be ... May all your dreams come true. I am proud of all the improvements you have made over there. I hope you never give up on your plans ... God bless you."

A portion of the proceeds from each book will be donated to the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, whose mission is to serve the soldiers, and the families, of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans who have been severely wounded and disabled.

Web site: http://www.mydearsoldier.com/
http://www.saluteheroes.org/

On July 4th, 'Before You Go' Musicians Offer Thanks to WWII Veterans for the Country We Live in Today :Nearly 8 Million Download Tribute to Veterans

:

When songwriter "Dr. Sam" Bierstock discovered that World War II veterans were dying at the rate of 2,000 per day, he teamed up with musician John Melnick to write a song to raise awareness and keep the memories of these heroes alive. "Before You Go" is a moving tribute to veterans that is resonating around the world on the web site http://www.beforeyougo.us/ where the song has been downloaded more than eight million times and people have written to express their appreciation.

"We've been astonished by the gratitude we've received from veterans and their families from all over the world," said Dr. Sam, who also created a patriotic slide presentation to enhance the impact of the song. "People are calling to request a copy of the song so they can play it at special events, at funerals, and for gifts for their loved ones."

A successful musician, songwriter and entertainer renowned for his act "Dr. Sam and the Managed Care Blues Band," Dr. Sam has plenty of experience writing music with a message. But unlike some of his hilarious health care tunes such as "You Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me Blue Shield," the song "Before You Go" elicits tears instead of laughter. For some veterans, it marks the first time anyone has ever thanked them. As one grateful daughter wrote, "No one has ever thanked my father. I wish he were alive today to listen to your song."

Dr. Sam and John Melnick received invitations to perform the song nationwide, including a VetAid event in Atlanta with performers Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Trisha Yearwood and at a Memorial Day parade in Washington, D.C. Dr. Sam says it's his goal to get the song and its message of thanks to every surviving veteran of WWII as well as to their families and descendants. Praise for the song has poured in from many sources, including Governor Pete Wilson of California who noted, "It's a beautiful and moving expression of the admiration and gratitude owed by succeeding generations who are the beneficiaries of the incredible effort, sacrifice, and courage of those who fought and won WWII and literally saved the world from fascism."

Source: Dr. Sam and the Managed Care Blues Band

Web site: http://www.beforeyougo.us/

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NEWS: June 29,2006

New CareerBuilder.com Survey Shows Challenges and Hope for U.S. Veterans Looking for Jobs

Measuring Your Life Expectancy, from the Harvard Health Letter

4th of July Holiday Prompts Water Safety Warning

__________________________________________________

New CareerBuilder.com Survey Shows Challenges and Hope for U.S. Veterans Looking for Jobs

Federal authorities estimate that approximately 250,000 U.S. service members leave active duty annually. According to a new CareerBuilder.com survey, acclimating back into the civilian workforce can be difficult, with nearly one-in-five veterans stating it took them six months or longer to find a job after returning home. One-in-ten reported it took them more than one year. Unemployment amongst veterans in their early 20s is especially high, but employers are offering encouraging news for the job market. Four-in-ten hiring managers plan to recruit U.S. veterans for their open positions in the last six months of 2006.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows nearly one-in-five veterans age 20 to 24 are unemployed, three times the national average. Veterans surveyed said their primary challenges in finding gainful employment are:

-- lack of available jobs in their place of residence (29 percent)

-- employers don't understand how the skills acquired in the military

translate to the civilian world (16 percent)

-- lack of college degree (12 percent)

-- inexperience with effectively communicating skills acquired in the

military to employers via resumes and interviews (11 percent)

 

Some veterans expressed concern over employers potentially showing bias against recruiting former service members. Eleven percent said they don't identify themselves as veterans on their resumes, while 17 percent said they do so selectively when applying to different employers.

Veterans who were able to land work may not necessarily be satisfied with their jobs. Twenty-eight percent of veterans reported they are actively seeking another job, while more than half said they are not actively seeking another job, but would be open to taking a new position if they came across the right opportunity.

Veteran Hiring in Second Half of 2006

Veterans may see more job opportunities in the latter half of the year. Forty-four percent of hiring managers said they will recruit U.S. veterans for their open positions in the last six months of 2006. Thirty-eight percent said they will recruit members of the National Guard.

One-in-five hiring managers will be targeting veterans age 20 to 25 while more than half will be targeting those age 26 to 35. The most popular positions hiring managers will be reaching out to veterans to fill include information technology, engineering, customer service, sales, manufacturing, computer/mathematical and education/library services. In terms of job level, four-in-ten hiring managers will be hiring for professional and technical level positions while one-in-ten will be focused on filling director, manager and team leader positions.

Twenty-five percent of hiring managers reported difficulty in finding veterans that meet their job requirements. Hiring managers recommended that, in addition to functional skills and accomplishments, veterans should highlight their intangible skills when marketing themselves to employers and indicated the following were most critical to their employment needs:

-- ability to work as part of a team (27 percent)

-- disciplined approach to work (26 percent)

-- problem-solving skills and ability to perform under pressure

(13 percent)

-- respect and integrity (11 percent)

-- leadership (10 percent)

 

Online Support to Help Veterans Find Jobs

To assist veterans in their job searches, CareerBuilder.com recently launched a nationwide initiative in conjunction with federal and state government organizations. Together, they created http://operationheroforhire.com/ , a special job site that enables employers who want to recruit veterans to post their jobs for free. The site enables veterans to quickly identify employers who are sensitive to their employment needs and apply for positions in a variety of fields and locations in real time.

In addition to applying online and posting up to five different versions of their resumes, veterans can also tap into a tailor-made online information center on the site with inside tips on how to successfully communicate their military experience and talents to employers in resumes, interviews and more.

"As we celebrate the July 4th holiday, we are reminded of the sacrifices service men and women have made for our country," said Brent Rasmussen, Chief Operating Officer of CareerBuilder.com. "OperationHeroforHire.com provides a resource for employers to quickly reach and provide opportunities to people who fought for us to have them."

Survey Methodology

The CareerBuilder.com survey, "Veteran Hiring," was conducted from June 9 to June 16, 2006. Methodology used to collect survey responses totaling more than 1,000 hiring managers and more than 150 U.S. veterans involved selecting a random sample of comScore Networks panel members. These Web Panel members were approached via an e-mail invitation, which asked them to participate in a short online survey. The results of this survey are statistically accurate to within +/- 3.09 percentage points for the hiring managers and +/- 8.00 percentage points for the veterans (19 times out of 20).

About CareerBuilder.com

CareerBuilder.com is the nation's largest online job site with more than 20 million unique visitors and over 1 million jobs. Owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) , Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) , and Knight Ridder, Inc. (NYSE:KRI) , the company offers a vast online and print network to help job seekers connect with employers. CareerBuilder.com powers the career centers for more than 800 partners that reach national, local, industry and niche audiences. These include more than 170 newspapers and leading portals such as America Online and MSN. More than 250,000 employers take advantage of CareerBuilder.com's easy job postings, 18 million-plus resumes, Diversity Channel and more. Millions of job seekers visit the site every month to search for opportunities by industry, location, company and job type, sign up for automatic email job alerts, and get advice on job hunting and career management. For more information about CareerBuilder.com products and services, visit Web site: http://www.careerbuilder.com/
http://operationheroforhire.com/

Measuring Your Life Expectancy, from the Harvard Health Letter

With the first baby boomers entering their 60s, issues of life expectancy and quality of life are more important than ever. There's plenty of good news for the "abbies" (aging baby boomers): Disability rates are falling, and research shows that older Americans are staying healthy for much longer than ever before, says the Harvard Health Letter.

According to the latest figures, average life expectancy in the United States is 77.6 years, compared with 75.4 in 1990, reports the July issue of the Harvard Health Letter. Furthermore, old age begets older age. Today, a 65-year-old American man can expect to live to 81.6; if he reaches the age of 85, he can expect to live to see 90. Women still outlive men -- although the gap is closing -- but the same demographic pattern holds. Old age adds to life expectancy.

However, compared with people in other countries, Americans aren't doing so well. American males and females rank 12th and 15th, respectively, in life expectancy at age 65. The United States also lags when it comes to years spent in good health. The Harvard Health Letter cites findings of a recent study comparing the health of people ages 55-64 in England and the United States. Americans were found to be less healthy than their English counterparts, with higher rates of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease, and stroke.

The Health Letter article also includes a quiz that uses information on your health habits, personal characteristics, and medical problems to help you determine your life expectancy.

Also in this issue:

* Insect stings

* Tinnitus

* A doctor discusses: Interpreting diabetes tests; avoiding dehydration

The Harvard Health Letter is available from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $28 per year. Subscribe at http://www.health.harvard.edu/health or by calling 1-877-649-9457 (toll free).

Harvard Health Publications also offers a new 44-page report, Bird Flu: How to understand your risk and protect your health. It is available for $16 online only, as a downloadable PDF.

Source: The Harvard Health Letter

Web site: http://www.health.harvard.edu/

4th of July Holiday Prompts Water Safety Warning

Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the California Department of Boating and Waterways are teaming up to warn vacationers this holiday to be very careful on area waterways.

Those who are planning recreational outings on the state's numerous streams, rivers, and reservoirs need to practice extreme caution, not only this holiday weekend, but throughout the rest of the summer. Several swimmers and boaters have lost their lives this year after possibly underestimating the power of the water flow and the effect of the cold temperatures.

The snow melt continues with water levels remaining high as many reservoirs complete their continuous spill of excessive cold run-off water downstream. The continuing high flows are a result of the near record March and April precipitation and a snow pack that was 190% of normal. As the summer progresses the flows will continue to fluctuate or "pulse" up and down with the warming and cooling of the day.

These treacherous conditions can quickly turn an otherwise rewarding recreation experience to one of tragedy. This year's runoff period will be the longest in eight years and water recreationists need to be extra vigilant of conditions and take appropriate safety precautions when recreating in and around the delta, mountain streams, rivers and reservoirs.

Know the Water

-- Kayakers and canoeists need to be prepared for swift water.

-- Lakes and rivers are cold and are very attractive on warm spring days.

Use caution and common sense with young children playing near water.

-- Sudden cold water immersion can trigger cardiac arrest.

-- Cold water can cause hyperventilation contributing to fatigue. When

combined with swift water, even the strongest swimmers are easily

overwhelmed.

-- Cold water can stimulate the "gasp reflex" causing an involuntary

inhalation of air or water.

-- The "gag reflex," a result of cold water immersion, prevents air from

passing in to the lungs causing asphyxiation.

-- Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation.

This may confuse the swimmer causing the victim to swim deeper into the

water.

Know your limits

-- Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool --

people tire more quickly and can get into trouble.

-- Cold water causes impairment leading to fatalities. Cold water reduces

body heat 25-30 times faster than air does at the same temperature.

Wear a life jacket

-- Even the best swimmers can misjudge the water and their skills when

boating or swimming; conditions change quickly in open water. Wearing a

life jacket can increase survival time.

-- Plan ahead; wear a life jacket before entering the water.

-- Be aware that life jackets loose much of their flotation ability in

white water conditions and may not provide the same protection against

drowning in such conditions.

When boating

-- Watch for floating hazards such as limbs, logs, bark and other debris

carried downstream by this year's heavy rainfall and run-off. Keeping

your speed down will allow more time to avoid running into any debris.

-- Watch for submerged hazards such as rocks, logs and other debris not

easily seen as waters recede.

For more information from Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the California Department of Boating and Waterways, visit the following web sites: www.pge.com or www.dbw.ca.gov

Source: Pacific Gas and Electric Company

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

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June 28, 2006

DOD Images

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Army Soldiers provide security as Iraqi army soldiers search for weapons along the Tigris River on the outskirts of Mosul, Iraq, June 21, 2006. The U.S. Soldiers are from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska. DoD

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Army Capt. Bell exits the second level of a garage during a search in Mosul, Iraq, June 24, 2006. Bell is from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock, U.S. Air Force

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Bourgeois, right, teaches a class on traffic stops and vehicle searches to Iraqi police officers at Abu Ghraib Police Station in Baghdad, Iraq, June 24, 2006. Bourgeois, a U.S. Army contractor with the 463rd Military Police Company, is in Iraq to help train the police force.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iraqi army soldiers hand out food, toys and blankets to local citizens during a medical operation in Radwaniya, Baghdad, Iraq, June 24, 2006. The Iraqi soldiers are conducting the operation with U.S. Army Soldiers from Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A contracted security agent from Camp Echo, Iraq, peers out the window of an electrical substation construction site in Shamia, Iraq, June 25, 2006, during a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers inspection of the site. The substation, once complete, will provide electricity to the residents of Shamia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Navy aviation ordnancemen attach crates of ordnance to an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two One during a vertical ordnance offload between the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and the ammunition ship USNS Kiska (T-AE 35)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Civilian contractors and U.S. Army Soldiers from the 257th Engineer Detachment, Arizona National Guard, discuss a well-drilling project June 20, 2006, within the U.S. Border Patrol's Yuma sector in Arizona. The well and two others like it, to be dug near the Mexican border, will improve the water

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ExxonMobil Extends Technology Partnership with Team McLaren Mercedes; Team McLaren Mercedes is One of the World's Premier Formula 1 Racing Teams

 

ExxonMobil has announced a long-term extension of its Technology Partnership with Team McLaren Mercedes to supply the Formula 1 racing team with Mobil 1-branded motor oils and high-performance fuels.

The Mobil 1, McLaren and Mercedes-Benz Technology Partnership began in 1995, producing continuous advances in the technologies used by Team McLaren Mercedes in Formula 1 racing, as the sport concurrently provides the ultimate testing environments for fuels and lubricants and in everyday motoring.

 

 

"We're very pleased to continue our sponsorship and Technology Partnership with Team McLaren Mercedes," said Jerry Kohlenberger, President, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Company. "It's a great fit for our Mobil 1 brand to be aligned with McLaren and Mercedes in a legacy of excellence, as well as providing a good global venue for our brand presence. For ExxonMobil, another key benefit -- apart from winning Formula 1 races with a truly outstanding motorsports team -- is to use our on-track research and testing to develop and deliver new products that benefit everyday drivers under the most demanding driving conditions."

"Our Technology Partnership with ExxonMobil is an integral element to the functioning of the Team McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team, and it is immensely satisfying that we are today announcing a multi-year extension to what has been a productive 12 years," said Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group. "Mobil 1 provides genuine performance enhancements to our car, which can be measured in real time analysis. The 2006 season has seen an increased dependence on the technological capabilities within ExxonMobil, with the change from V10 to V8 Mercedes-Benz engines providing additional challenges, which have been met and we are looking forward to continuing our relationship in the long term."

"The partnership between ExxonMobil, McLaren and Mercedes-Benz is a long-lasting, successful and very productive one," said Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. "Since Team McLaren Mercedes and Mobil became partners the collaboration has always been exemplary. ExxonMobil fuels and lubricants have contributed to the performance of our Formula 1 engines and gearboxes, and we can't imagine a better technology partner. Our successful relationship in motorsport has led to a co-operation in Mercedes-Benz road cars as well. Mobil 1 lubricants are first fill and first choice for all Mercedes-Benz AMG cars and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. We are now looking forward to the long term continuation of our excellent partnership."

 

 In the 12 years of the Mobil 1, McLaren and Mercedes-Benz Technology Partnership the team has competed in 192 Grands Prix, winning 44. The two Drivers' and one Constructors' Formula 1 World Championships have been supported by 43 pole positions, 136 podiums, 227 points finishes and 58 fastest laps.

Additional information about Mobil 1 motor oil and Mobil 1 in motorsports can be found at http://www.mobiloil.com.

ExxonMobil and Mobil 1 are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) or one of its subsidiaries. ExxonMobil is used for convenience only and may include Exxon Mobil Corporation or any of its affiliates.

12 FAST FACTS FROM 12 SUCCESSFUL YEARS

-- The McLaren and ExxonMobil Technology Partnership was announced in 1995.

-- The McLaren-Mercedes and ExxonMobil Technology Partnership has competed in 192 Grands Prix and won 44 times. The Technology Partnership has claimed 43 pole positions, 136 podium finishes, 227 points finishes, 58 fastest laps and 14 one-two finishes so far.

-- During a Formula 1 race, the Mobil 1 engine oil must withstand engine forces greater than 8,500 times the force of gravity (in contrast humans struggle to remain functional above 5 g's).

-- During a race Mobil 1 must perform at temperatures in excess of 300 degrees C (572 degrees F) -- hot enough to melt tin and close to the melting point of lead.

-- Mobil 1 lubricants provide Team McLaren Mercedes with performance advantages between 3 percent and 5 percent.

-- During the 2005 Formula 1 season, Team McLaren Mercedes consumed 50,000 litres of fuel for track work.

-- The fuel has been blended from selected components and additives to strictly comply with FIA regulations and to provide optimum power and performance in the Mercedes-Benz engine.

-- ExxonMobil supplies Team McLaren Mercedes with Mobil 1 engine, gearbox and chassis lubes, in addition to high performance fuel.

-- During a pitstop, approximately 12 litres of fuel will be pumped into the Team McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car.

-- Mobil 1 also supplies the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren super sports car with specially developed fuel and lubricants. The Mobil 1 5W-50 lubricant used is a listed part for the car -- no other lubricant is endorsed by McLaren or Mercedes-Benz.

-- ExxonMobil's Partnership with DaimlerChrysler has seen victories in Formula 1, DTM and the Indy 500.

-- The latest extension to the Technology Partnership between McLaren Mercedes and ExxonMobil makes it one of the longest relationships in Formula 1 motorsport

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DOD IMAGES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld signs his autograph after delivering a keynote address for the Fort Belvoir Senior Noncommissioned Officers Quarterly Leadership Breakfast at the community club on Fort Belvoir, Va., June 27, 2006. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Gary Hilliard, U.S. Army.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 U.S. Army Capt. Cleve Sylvester examines a girl's teeth during a medical operation June 24, 2006, in Radwaniya, Baghdad, Iraq. Sylvester is a physician from Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, which is working with the Iraqi army to provide medical care to local citizens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Edward Taijeron, left, and Capt. Tom Montcalm perform a radio check before conducting an air-assault raid on suspected insurgent sanctuaries in Mushada, Iraq, June 23, 2006. Both Soldiers are from 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry

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Italians Assume Command of CTF 152

Seal of the PentagonItalian Navy Rear Adm. Salvatore
Ruzittu relieved U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Ray Spicer as commander of Combined Task Force 152 today, marking the first time that all three of the major maritime task forces in the region have been commanded by officers from nations other than the U.S. or United Kingdom.

The change of command also marks the first time a non-U.S. officer has
commanded CTF 152, which conducts maritime security operations in the
central and southern Arabian Gulf.

Rear Adm. Shahid Iqbal of the Pakistan Navy and Commodore Peter
Lockwood of the Royal Australian Navy currently command the other two major
task forces, CTF 150, which operates outside the Gulf, and CTF 158, which
operates in the North Arabian Gulf, respectively.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. John Miller, deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces
Central Command/5th Fleet, emphasized the importance of having leaders
from such a broad coalition.

"We simply cannot effectively conduct maritime security operations
without a fully integrated coalition. Coalition participation in maritime
security operations is one of the keys to success throughout the
region," Miller said.

Spicer highlighted the importance of maritime partnerships.

"No country can do this mission alone. Our common national goals in
this challenging area of the world will be achieved only through the
combined operations of coalition forces," Spicer said.

Ruzittu is confident that the Italians are ready to command CTF 152.

"We are fully capable for this challenge, and we'll do our best in
order to lead all units which are going to operate with us, accomplishing
the coalition force maritime component aims and objectives," Ruzittu
said.

Coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions
to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all
commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.
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DoD Identifies Army Casualty


   Seal of the Pentagon         The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier
who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

             Sgt. Terry M. Lisk, 26, of Fox Lake, Ill., died on June 26 of injuries sustained in Ar Ramadi, Iraq when his unit received indirect fire from enemy forces during combat operations.  Lisk was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany.
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Crown Theatres Opens the Doors to Its Eleventh Annual FREE Summer Kids Film Festival

It's that time of year again, and kids across the country can't wait to start enjoying their summer...that, of course, always includes plenty of movies and popcorn!

And that also means it's time for the Crown Theatres FREE Summer Kids Film Festival - a popular community tradition since 1995 - which continues this summer at select Crown Theatres locations starting this month. Now, on any given weekday morning, laughter and applause will fill theatre auditoriums across the country. The eight to ten week festival is ready again to offer a new movie each week for these eager moviegoers. Check your local listings or our website http://www.crowntheatres.com for starting dates.

Zvi Cole, Director of Marketing for Crown Theatres Nationwide, said, "This year's movies include many of the biggest hits from the past year: Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Racing Stripes, Winn Dixie, Cheaper By The Dozen 2, Madagascar, Dreamer, Nanny Mcphee and Curious George. Its terrific fun for the entire family and it's free!

The films are offered to the community free-of-charge as Crown Theatres' way of saying "thank you" to moviegoers who have patronized their local Crown Theatre over the year. As June has started off with a heat wave already, it can also give youngsters a few hours of fun in a cool, air-conditioned environment where they can share one of their favorite films with friends and family.

Check with your local Crown Theatre for dates and time. On certain mornings, events including clowns, jugglers, face painting, coloring, police & fire safety talks will be scheduled. Media sponsors and promotional partners make appearances all summer long such as New Line Cinema, Garelick Farms and State Farm Insurance.

Additional programs offered by Crown Theatres include:

-- Movies For Moms, which provides a dedicated auditorium showing current blockbusters for parents and their children under the age of 2 every Wednesday at 11 AM

-- The Crown Theatres Email Club; one of the best ways to stay informed about current and upcoming movies, showtimes, special offers and much more. Anyone interested can go to crowntheatres.com and sign up - it's free!

Crown Theatres LLC is a 150-screen motion picture theatre circuit, founded in 1991 and based in South Norwalk, CT, with theatres in CT, MD, IL, MN, and NV.

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Oakland Athletics Postgame Alert

June 28, 2006

Oakland 1, San Diego 8 at PETCO Park
Oakland Record: (41-36)
San Diego Record: (41-36)

Winning pitcher - Clay Hensley (5-6)
Losing pitcher - Joe Blanton (7-7)


 123456789 RHE
 Oakland000100000 161
 San Diego10041020X  8120

OAK HR - None
SD HR - M. Cameron (9) M. Piazza (11)

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Recent Posts

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Starz Sets Sail With an Exclusive Look at 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest'

Thirty-Minute Special 'Pirates of the Caribbean - Secrets of the Dead Man's Chest' Premieres as Part of 'Starz on Stars' Showcase of Johnny Depp Films

Starz sets sail on a high seas adventure with Johnny Depp and Walt Disney Pictures' eagerly anticipated action-adventure "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" Thursday, July 6. The night begins with "Blow" at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT), "Finding Neverland" at 11:15 p.m. (ET/PT) and the exclusive special "Pirates of the Caribbean -- Secrets of the Dead Man's Chest" on Friday, July 7 at 1:00 a.m. (ET/PT).

 

©Disney Enterprises, Inc.,

©Disney Enterprises, Inc.,
All rights reserved.

"Pirates of the Caribbean -- Secrets of the Dead Man's Chest" is a 30-minute special hosted by pirates Pintel and Ragetti. The exclusive sneak peek will bring you to the blue waters of the Caribbean and aboard Captain Jack Sparrow's ship for a unique look at the making of the movie featuring interviews with the cast and crew. This special and additional talent wraps will air in conjunction with the "Starz on Stars" showcase of Depp.

Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley reunite in Walt Disney Pictures', in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Films, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," an all new epic tale chronicling the further mis-adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Gore Verbinski from a screenplay written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, Captain Jack sets sail on an all new adventure -- filled with more intrigue, more spectacular special effects and more comedy. "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" sails into theaters Friday, July 7.

 ©Disney Enterprises, Inc.,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ©Disney Enterprises, Inc.,
All rights reserved.

Repeat plays of "Pirates of the Caribbean -- Secrets of the Dead Man's Chest" will air on Starz through the end of July. Go to http://www.starz.com/ for scheduling information.

Starz is where the new hit movies live. Don't just see the big movies, experience them.

About Starz Entertainment Group

Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) is a premium movie service provider operating in the United States. SEG offers 16 movie channels including the flagship Starz(R) and Encore(R) brands with approximately 14.6 million and 26.4 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment Group airs more than 1,000 movies per month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced services including Starz HDTV, Starz On Demand and Vongo(SM). Starz Entertainment Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation that is attributed to Liberty Capital Group, www.starz.com.

Source: Starz Entertainment Group LLC

 

©Disney Enterprises, Inc.,
All rights reserved.

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1st Annual Summer Shoot-Out Benefitting Organizacion Haz La Diferencia Raises Funds for Childrens Orphanages

The Summer Shoot-Out by Organizacion Haz La Diferencia (“Make A Difference”), held it’s First Annual Charity Golf Tournament today at Tustin Ranch Golf Course in Tustin, California. The actual amount raised is still being tallied as of this publishing, but Organizacion Haz La Diferencia founder Emma Salamanca and Tournament Administrator Christine Larsen are pleased with the efforts and how it will brighten the future of the childrens’ orphanages.

- Tustin Ranch Golf Course  

 

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Founder Emma Salamanca began Organizacion Haz La Diferencia two years ago. She was inspired by the charity efforts of Jennifer and Marc Anthony, of which she is their tour manager. This time, she figured I have an idea. “We have the connections. We have the tools. Why not do it to help these kids?” Admittedly, “we have to make a difference.”

Salamanca discovered a need to cover emergency situations for the orphanages. Typical processing time for paperwork of other organizations had previously taken weeks. With the formation of Organizacion Haz La Diferencia, the emergency needs as well as educational needs of the orphans are bridged.

 

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 Salamanca was touched so much that she sponsors orphans Juan Carlos and David. With a tear in her eyes, you could see how touched she was just talking about them, “All the kids are special to us….this is real….when they give you a hug, they give you a real hug.”

Today’s events began with a putting contest and lunch, shot gun start for the golf tournament, cocktails, $100,000 shoot-out, silent auction, dinner banquet, golf awards and live auction. Excellent for a first golf tournament, but then Susan Wan-Ross of Century 21 Superstars was there to advise.

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The benefiting childrens’ orphanages located in Baja, Mexico are Miracle Ranch Children’s Home, www.miracleranch.org, and Orphanage Estado 29, www.estado29.org. The children are sometimes found in the streets or brought there by DIF, a Mexican government organization. There is no government support and over 100 children at Estado 29 alone consider it home, with some being there as many as 10 years.

Miracle Ranch Children’s Home in Valle de las Palmas distinguishes itself by focusing on the Chistian home concept to the orphanage. They focus on cultivating intellectual, physical, spiritual, social and emotional well-being in each child.

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Orphanage Estado 29 was the first orphanage in San Antonio de las Minas, Ensendada, BC, founded in August 1957 by Mexican minister Jose Acosta Zamora. Mariners’ Church in Orange County arranges monthly trips to Estado 29 where volunteers are able to enrich their lives through a life changing experience of eagerly awaiting orphans.

Reasons varied as to why the various participants came out and participated today in the finest golf course in Orange County, classically Ted Robinson designed.

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Putting Contest

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- Tee Box Sponsor Nationwide Beverage Bootling Inc

 

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Ann Schiesser and Randy Checkos greeted golfers with smiles at the first tee with Tee box sponsor Nationwide Beverage Bottling, a provider of Private Labeling for Bottled Water, www.nbbottling.com. They were happy to be out on the golf course on such a sweltering California day.

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Tournament silver sponsor Pyramid Builders with Mike Murphy has been involved in previous charity efforts in Mexico throughout their expansion

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Golf pro Scott Waddle from Southwest Golf made the trek from Arizona. Being experienced with Nike’s First Tee program, he happily agreed to the cause. Waddle is a golf teaching professional at Apache Creek Golf Club, www.apachecreekgc.com, Superstition Springs and Coldwater Golf Club.

Scott Waddle takes his chances

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Guillermo Amador, discovered a change heart through Christ and searches to participate in charity golf tournaments each month. He found this golf tournament by doing an internet search through Google for charity golf tournaments. Amador found it on the KKLA website calendar

Signature Hole 11

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Tournament Organizer Christine Larsen with Organizacion Haz La Diferencia Founder Emma Salamanca

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Richard Marymee first began visting the orphanages to Mexico in August 2002 and now visits monthly with Mariners Church. With only 6 full-time staff, the children seek attention by others. Fortunately, other organizations visit besides Mariners Church.

Marymee recommends for anyone to go “if you want to see a lot of love.” …which is what keeps him and many returning. By giving, they receive so much more.

- Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony Silent Auction Donations

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- Charging with Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer

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Silent Auction

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(C) MBN 2006 (Joyce Chow)

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CBS'S "BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS" --ON-AIR, ONLINE AND ON YOUR CELL PHONE

 

 

CBS Launches the Most Interactive Summer Yet For the New Season of

"Big Brother"

 

Entire Episodes of "Big Brother: All-Stars" Will Be Streamed on CBS.com's New Broadband Channel "innertube" the Day After the Episode Airs on the Network

 

CBS to Offer Mobile Subscribers Around the Clock Coverage of

"Big Brother: All-Stars" Via a Multi-Tiered Interactive Campaign

 

CBS and RealNetworks Join Forces for Another Season of Exclusive 24/7 Live Video Feeds From Inside the Big Brother House, Available Through CBS.com and SuperPass

 

"House Calls:  The Big Brother Talk Show" Returns for Third Season on CBS.com

 

BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS will be on the air, online and on your cell phone this summer when CBS launches a multi-platform campaign that will bring audiences unprecedented coverage of their favorite – and not so favorite- All-Stars from inside the Big Brother house.  BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS premieres Thursday, July 6 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

 

The multi-platform campaign will form an ambitious convergence of the three mediums -- TV, Internet and cell phones -- creatively linked to keep viewers entertained, informed and engaged throughout the summer.

 

            Entire episodes of BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS will be streamed on CBS.com's new broadband channel "innertube" beginning the morning after the episode airs on the Network.  The episodes will be archived on "innertube" for viewing throughout the run of the summer series.

 

For the first time, CBS will offer around the clock coverage of BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS through a mobile subscription package: 

 

 

"BIG BROTHER MOBILE PACK":  Big Brother knows and so will you.  For the mobile subscription package, special producers will be monitoring the action inside the house around the clock to keep fans in the know with video clips, photos, live breaking house alerts and daily insider summaries on their cell phones.  Additionally, fans will have access to exclusive video, picture and text diaries of their favorite Houseguests. The service will be available on most major wireless carriers and fans will be able to subscribe via www.CBS.com and on-air callouts during BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS.

 

Other wireless elements outside of the package, which can also be accessed through www.CBS.com and on-air callouts during the show, include:   

 

 "AMERICA'S VOTE" sponsored by Cingular Wireless: Throughout the season, fans will have the opportunity to cast their votes for scenarios that will impact the outcome of the game for the Houseguests.  Cell phone subscribers can send in their votes via text message on most major wireless carriers.

 

 "AMERICA WINS ON BIG BROTHER" sponsored by Cingular Wireless: Each week, fans will have the opportunity to predict via text message which Houseguest will be the next to be voted out of the game.  After each eviction, one lucky fan who chooses the correct evicted Houseguest will win $10,000.

 

 

        For the sixth year, CBS and RealNetworks®, Inc., will join forces to provide exclusive 24/7 live video streaming from inside the BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS house.  The webcast coverage debuts immediately following the July 6 premiere of BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS and will be accessible through the official BIG BROTHER:  ALL-STARS website at CBS.com and through Real's SuperPass subscription service at www.real.com/bigbrother.     

 

The entire three-month live 24/7 internet feed of BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS is available through SuperPass. Subscribers to the 24/7 video stream can watch any one of four live camera feeds from inside the BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS house or catch all of the action at once with the special quad-cam view which allows fans to see four different video feeds simultaneously. Subscribers will also have access to an exclusive, subscribers-only web chat that will allow fans from across the country to converse about what they see live on the feeds. This year, Real and CBS are enhancing the Big Brother 24/7 experience with Big Brother-focused blogs, chat rooms, message boards, weekly polls and other new interactive features that allow fans to interact with each other and stay engaged with the show 24/7.  

 

 

{As in past years to preserve the drama for BIG BROTHER:  ALL-STARS television viewers, CBS may block or delay the webcast for a limited number of real-time events that transpire in the house.}

 

        Also returning is the popular HOUSE CALLS: THE BIG BROTHER TALK SHOW, a no-charge, half-hour, streaming video daily talk show about the summer reality series seen every Monday through Friday (1:00 PM/ET, 10:00 AM/PT) on CBS.com.

 

HOUSE CALLS is hosted by radio personality Gretchen Massey, host of "The Gretchen Massey Show" broadcast Sunday nights on CBS Radio's 106.9 Free FM, San Francisco, Calif. A guest host will join Massey on HOUSE CALLS each week and former Big Brother Houseguests may be among the guest hosts.  The hosts will interact with viewers through phone calls and e-mails, discuss events that transpire in the Big Brother house, offer prognostications, analyze strategies and interview former "Big Brother" Houseguests as well as current Houseguests following their eviction.

 

       All fans will have access to other key components of the official BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS website on CBS.com, including, detailed summaries of all the events that happen during each televised broadcast; a live 24/7 chat room; popularity and opinion polls; a virtual tour of the BIG BROTHER house; descriptions of the week's challenges; voting history pages; photo galleries; and a houseguest section with complete profiles.

 

      Returning for a second season on CBS.com is the Head of Household Blog in which fans will be able to hear straight from the Head of Household about life in the BIG BROTHER house, what it is like to be under the constant gaze of dozens of cameras and watched live on the Internet 24/7.

 

BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS premieres Thursday, July 6 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.  Following the premiere, BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS will be broadcast each week on Tuesdays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), Thursdays (8:00-9:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) and Sundays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT).  The Thursday broadcast, hosted by Julie Chen, will feature the live eviction of one of the houseguests.

 

Arnold Shapiro, Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan are the executive producers of BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS for Arnold Shapiro & Allison Grodner Productions, in association with Endemol Entertainment.   

 

 

For more information on BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS and the potential 20 houseguests, log on to www.cbs.com.

 

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Which would be a better James Bond Daniel Craig or Jean-Pierre Gillain

MBN One has a accent and one doesn't

 

BBC  

 

 

 

              COMMENTS AT info@montebubbles.net

 

 

 

James Bond fans angered by the decision to cast actor Daniel Craig as 007 have launched a website threatening to boycott the new film Casino Royale.

The web site, www.craignotbond.com, calls on fans "to stop Sony and Eon [Productions] from ruining the future of James Bond by hiring Daniel Craig".

Media criticism

British actor Craig, 37, was announced as the sixth James Bond in October last year.

Best-known for his roles in gangster thriller Layer Cake and the recent Spielberg drama Munich, he has been the subject of media criticism since he made his debut as the secret agent at a lacklustre press conference.

The craignotbond.com website criticises brother and sister producing team, Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, for replacing Brosnan - "the most beloved actor to play Bond since Sean Connery" - with Craig.

"How can a short, blond actor with the rough face of a professional boxer and a penchant for playing killers, cranks, cads and gigolos pull off the role of a tall, dark, handsome and suave secret agent?" the site demands.

"This is what happens when you lose touch with public opinion. By casting Craig, Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson have proven once and for all that they care little for the opinions of Bond fans."

Earlier this week, veteran actor Christopher Lee called on critics to give the new Bond star a chance.

"People should not pass judgment until they have seen the film," said Lee, a former Bond villain and a distant cousin of 007 creator Ian Fleming.

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Afghanistan Land Mine Kills Soldier; Troops Kill Taliban Fighters

A coalition soldier was killed and three
others were injured today when their vehicle struck a land mine in
Afghanistan's Helmand province, and Afghan and coalition forces today killed
12 terrorists at a Taliban compound, military officials reported.

The dead and wounded soldiers' uparmored vehicle struck a land mine
likely left behind from 25 years of war, according to Combined Forces
Command Afghanistan officials.

"We sincerely regret the loss of our fellow soldier today; his
sacrifice will not be forgotten," Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley,
commander of Combined Joint Task Force -76, said. "Our thoughts and prayers
extend to the family of our lost soldier and to the families and comrades
of our wounded soldiers. We hope for a full and speedy recovery."

The command's policy is to withhold the nationality and identity of
casualties until their families are notified.

Millions of land mines lay unmarked across Afghanistan, remnants of a
quarter century of conflict, officials said, adding that this incident
does not appear to be related to extremist activity.

Seal of the Pentagon

Meanwhile, Afghan soldiers assigned to 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 205th
Corps, and coalition forces raided a Taliban compound in Uruzgan
province this morning. They killed 12 Taliban extremists during a firefight with insurgents who were hiding in a Taliban compound.

Two Afghan National Army soldiers suffered superficial wounds from the
battle and were treated at their base camp, officials said. No civilian
injuries were reported.

Officials said Taliban insurgents frequently used the targeted compound
as a meeting place to plan and facilitate attacks against innocent
Afghan civilians and soldiers and coalition forces.

"ANA and coalition forces are rooting out Taliban insurgents in Uruzgan
province and throughout southern Afghanistan," said a Combined Joint
Task Force 76 spokesman. "Taliban extremists have clearly demonstrated
they seek only to terrorize, kill and oppress the Afghan people. ANA and
coalition forces are committed to ridding Afghanistan of this menace to
peace, reconstruction and stability."

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NASA LAUNCHES NEW EDUCATION INITIATIVE FOR MINORITY INSTITUTIONS


nasa
NASA kicked off a new initiative with the United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation on Wednesday. The initiative will give researchers and students from minority institutions direct access to NASA facilities, scientists and capabilities.

Funded by a $3.5 million grant from NASA, the corporation will
establish the NASA Science and Technology Institute for Minority Institutions. The institute will be in the NASA Research Park at the agency's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.

Focused on science, technology, engineering and athematics, the institute will bring together the talent and expertise of
historically black colleges and universities; Hispanic-serving institutions; tribal colleges and universities; and other minority institutions through research-based fellowships, internships, co-ops
and grants.

"I am truly delighted that NASA is partnering with the corporation to
establish this revolutionary new institute." said Ames Director S.
Pete Worden. "This joint venture will give minority students and
researchers access to NASA and the opportunity to collaborate with
researchers in the surrounding community of universities, high-tech
research and development companies."

The goal of the initiative is to provide professional development that
will prepare faculty, students, researchers, visionaries and
entrepreneurs to become highly-skilled science and technology leaders
and managers. The preparation will enable them to compete in the
national and global workforce.

"The establishment of this institute truly demonstrates and highlights
NASA's continuing commitment to promoting science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics excellence in the minority higher
education community," said Aaron R. Andrews, president and CEO of the
corporation.

For information about NASA education programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education
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REMODELERS’ LIVES MADE EASIER WITH NEW POST WRAPS FROM RAILING DYNAMICS

 

Railing Dynamics, Inc. introduces fluted post wraps to its Endurance® maintenance-free products line. The fluted post wrap is available in 3 colors: white, Earth or Sand and in 96” and 120” lengths for use with a new or existing 4”x 4” or 6” x 6” post.

 

As with RDI’s currently offered flat post wraps of the same dimensions and colors, these wraps can be assembled quickly and easily on site. Installation requires no fasteners or adhesive and entails trimming the post wrap to fit then snapping the 4 pieces together. These 100% virgin PVC post wraps are adjustable to allow for imperfections and slight variations in post measurement while eliminating the need for planning or packing out the post. Both styles of post wraps can be purchased in single quantities (1 post wrap consisting of 4 pieces) or, for added value, in boxes of 4 (consisting of 16 individual pieces).

 

According to Customer Service Manager, Joe Russell, “With the simplicity of installation, affordability, color variety and the fact that these post wraps are maintenance-free, people just love them”. RDI’s post wraps can be installed on new or existing posts, making remodeling easier. “Contractors and home owners looking to change or update their look can easily do so without needing to dissemble their entire porch or railing system” said Russell.

 

 

 

 

 

Since 1989, Railing Dynamics, Inc. has been one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of maintenance-free building solutions. RDI’s products include the Endurance® Original, Deck, and ADA continuous handrail lines, Novaline® wood-fiber railing systems, and Strata® Decking. The company’s products are marketed through a nationwide network of preferred distributors, with support from RDI’s national sales force and hands-on factory training.

For more information on Railing Dynamics, Inc., or to find your nearest distributor, call (877) 420-7245 or visit www.rdirail.com.

 

 

 

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Trend-Driving: Radio Disney Launches on mSpot Radio; Radio Disney, Award Winning Music Network, Now Streaming to Mobile Phones for Kids, Tweens and Families

 

Connecting kids and families with great music for 10 years, Radio Disney announces that it has joined forces with mSpot to launch the network on mobile phones. Targeting the lifestyle of millions of mobile listeners, Radio Disney now offers top-rated music, news and entertainment on mobile phones via mSpot Radio's new Radio Disney channel.

"Our venture with mSpot puts Radio Disney into the hands of our listeners by adapting to their on-the-go lifestyles," says Michael Peterson, Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development, Radio Disney. "Both Radio Disney and mSpot are leaders in our respective fields and we're dedicated to connecting listeners with great music and the latest technology."

mSpot Radio is a mobile radio service that streams nearly 100 channels of crystal clear music, news, sports, finance, entertainment, weather and talk radio to mobile phones.

"mSpot is thrilled to add Radio Disney's award-winning content to our line-up," says Daren Tsui, CEO and co-founder of mSpot. "We're always looking for new ways to expand our programming to offer the absolute best mobile radio experience for music lovers of all ages and tastes."

"This alliance is another step in our strategy to keep Radio Disney connected with kids and families, whenever and wherever they are," says Jean-Paul Colaco, President and General Manager, Radio Disney. "mSpot Radio's Radio Disney Channel engages our listeners on a dynamic platform and also introduces us to relevant, new audiences."

For more information on Radio Disney, please go to RadioDisney.com. For information on mSpot, please visit mSpot.com.

About Radio Disney

Celebrating 10 years on the airwaves, Radio Disney has become the number one destination for kids, tweens and families on the radio. Radio Disney has full national coverage in the U.S. through 50 plus terrestrial stations, XM and Sirius satellite radio (channel 115), digital cable (MUSIC CHOICE), XM/DIRECTV (channel 867) and via streaming on RadioDisney.com. Radio Disney is a 24/7 family-friendly network that offers hit music, inspired programming and superstar promotions. Radio Disney has won the "Silver Angel Award for Excellence in Programming"; iParenting's "Media Excellence Award"; Radio Ink's "Reader's Choice Award" for Best Full Time Format; and Media Industry Newsletter's Integrated Marketing Award. The Radio Disney brand extends beyond terrestrial radio with the successful Radio Disney Jams CDs; the RADIO DISNEY NOW! podcast available on iTunes, http://www.RadioDisney.com and Yahoo.com; a branded section in Apple's iTunes store and a 24/7, dedicated on-demand music channel on Verizon/VOD. In addition, Radio Disney can be heard internationally and is currently available in the United Kingdom, Japan, and most of South America.

About mSpot

A pioneer in mobile multimedia entertainment, mSpot partners with movie studios, music labels and media companies to produce and deliver exciting, high-quality music and video services for mobile phones. mSpot Radio, an all-format mobile radio service, offers nearly 100 channels of crystal-clear music, news, sports, finance, entertainment and talk radio from popular sources such as NPR, ESPN, Radio Disney and MarketWatch. mSpot's ground-breaking mobile video service, mSpot Movies, is the only service in the U.S. that streams full-length films, television and concerts to mobile phones. As consumer demand for compelling, high-quality mobile entertainment grows, mSpot will continue to introduce exciting new services, content, and mobile-exclusive original programming. mSpot's music, sports and movie services are available on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network. Founded in 2004, mSpot is a privately held company headquartered in Palo Alto, California and on the Web at http://www.mspot.com.

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First-Ever Federal Freight Locomotive Crashworthiness Standards to Improve Protection for Train Crews


Train crews involved in a locomotive collision will have a better chance of survival with reduced injuries as a result of the first-ever federal freight locomotive crashworthiness standards issued today, according to Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph H. Boardman.

The regulation published today is intended to prevent the locomotive cab from being crushed during a head-on collision with another locomotive, or when it strikes the rear of another train, a shifted load on a train on an adjacent track, or a vehicle at a highway-rail grade crossing, Boardman said.

“This regulation will give engineers and conductors a better chance to walk away from the devastation and destruction of a locomotive collision,” Boardman said. “Train crews deserve the highest level of protection possible.”

The crashworthiness standards include upgraded structural elements such as stronger collision posts and the addition of anti-climbing equipment to keep the locomotive upright and in-line on the tracks after a collision occurs, Boardman said. The interior of the locomotive cabs also will need to be reconfigured to soften many sharp edges and provide better emergency lighting and exits. In addition, fuel tanks will be strengthened to prevent spills that could lead to a fire, he added. The rule changes will be required for locomotives newly manufactured or rebuilt beginning in January 2009.

This federal rule incorporates and expands on effective railroad industry standards first implemented in 1989 that have significantly improved the crash performance of new locomotives. The rule is the result of a collaborative effort by the Locomotive Crashworthiness Working Group of the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC), an ongoing FRA-led cooperative effort that includes representatives of all industry stakeholders.

A copy of the final rule can be found on the FRA web site at www.fra.dot.gov.
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NASA SATELLITE POSITIONING SOFTWARE MAY AID IN TSUNAMI WARNINGS


nasa
University scientists using Global Positioning System software,
developed by NASA, have shown GPS can determine, within minutes, whether an earthquake is big enough to generate an ocean-wide tsunami. This NASA-funded technology can be used to provide faster tsunami warnings.

A team led by Geoffrey Blewitt of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology and Seismological Laboratory, University of Nevada, Reno, demonstrated that a large quake's true size can be determined within 15 minutes using GPS data. This is much faster than current methods.

"Tsunami warning is a race against time," said co-author Seth Stein, Department of Geological Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. "Tsunamis travel at jet speed, so warning centers must accurately decide, within minutes, whether to issue alerts. This has to be done fast enough for the warning to be distributed to authorities in impacted areas so they can implement response plans.


Together with seismometer and ocean buoy data, GPS adds another tool that can improve future tsunami danger assessments."

"We'll always need seismology as the first level of alert for large earthquakes, and we'll need ocean buoys to actually sense the tsunami waves," Blewitt said. "The advantage of including GPS in warning systems is that it quickly tells how much the ocean floor moved, and
that information can directly set tsunami models into motion."

The new method, called GPS displacement, works by measuring the time radio signals from GPS satellites arrive at ground stations located within a few thousand kilometers of a quake. From these data, scientists can calculate how far the stations moved because of the quake. They can derive an earthquake model and the quake's true size, called its 'moment magnitude.' This magnitude is directly related to a quake's potential for generating tsunamis.

As illustrated by the magnitude 9.2-9.3 Sumatra quake of December 2004, scientific methods have difficulty quickly determining moment magnitude for very large quakes. That quake was first estimated at 8.0 using seismological techniques designed for rapid analysis.


Because these techniques derive estimates from the first recorded seismic waves, they tend to underestimate quakes larger than about 8.5. That is the approximate size needed to generate major ocean-wide tsunamis. The initial estimate was the primary reason warning centers
in the Pacific significantly underestimated the earthquake's tsunami potential.

The potential of GPS to contribute to tsunami warning became apparent after the Sumatra earthquake. GPS measurements showed that quake moved the ground permanently more than 0.4 inches as far away as India; about 1,200 miles away from the epicenter. "With signals like
that, an earthquake this huge can't hide," Blewitt said. "We hypothesized that if GPS data could be analyzed rapidly and accurately, they would quickly indicate the earthquake's true size and tsunami potential."

To test the feasibility of their approach, the scientists used NASA's satellite positioning data processing software to analyze data from 38 GPS stations located at varying distances from the Sumatra quake's epicenter. The software pinpoints a station's precise location to within 0.3 inches. Only data that were available within 15 minutes of the earthquake were used. Results indicated most of the permanent ground displacements occurred within a few minutes of the arrival of
the first seismic waves. Their analysis inferred an earthquake model and a moment magnitude of 9.0, very near the earthquake's final calculated size.

"Modeling earthquakes with GPS requires a robust, real-time ability to predict where GPS satellites are in space with exacting precision, which our software does," said Frank Webb, a NASA geologist at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. "This technique improves rapid estimates of the true size of great earthquakes and advances real-time tsunami modeling capabilities."

Results of the study are published in Geophysical Research Letters.

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Univision to Be Acquired by Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, Texas Pacific Group, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Saban Capital Group for $13.7 Billion

Fastest- Growing Media Company in the U.S. Has Leading Position among Hispanic Audiences

Univision Communications Inc. (NYSE:UVN), the leading Spanish-language media company in the U.S., and a group including Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, Texas Pacific Group, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Saban Capital Group, today announced they have signed a definitive agreement under which the group will acquire Univision for $36.25 per share in cash. The transaction is valued at approximately $13.7 billion, including the assumption of $1.4 billion in debt.

A. Jerrold Perenchio, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Univision, said, "I am delighted to announce this blockbuster transaction, which provides a unique opportunity to deliver substantial current value to our shareholders, while establishing a partnership for Univision and its employees with five of the world's preeminent investment firms. This blue-chip group brings to Univision in-depth knowledge of the rapidly changing media landscape and an exceptional track record of supporting growth and enhancing value. The outstanding cash flow multiple our shareholders will receive reflects the extraordinary growth of the Hispanic population, Univision's unique bond with its community and our ability to deliver tremendous audiences to our mainstream advertising partners. I am proud of all the Univision employees who have, along with our partners Televisa and Venevision, contributed to the success and growth of this great company. Univision has a very bright future."

Univision is the nation's fastest-growing media company. Serving the burgeoning Hispanic community - which is growing five times faster than the general population -- Univision has industry-leading market share in its television, radio, music and online businesses. With an unmatched array of assets and a unique connection with Hispanic Americans, Univision is ideally positioned to reap additional benefits from the continued rapid growth of the Hispanic population and increased advertising in Spanish-language media.

Univision's assets include the Univision Network, which ranks as the #1 Spanish-language television network and fifth largest network in the country overall regardless of language. Its sister broadcast network TeleFutura ranks as the #2 Spanish-language broadcast network in key dayparts and demographics, and its cable network Galavision has been the premier Spanish-language cable network for the past decade. Univision's television group is the second largest station group in the U.S. In addition, Univision's radio stations make up the nation's leading Spanish-language radio group, Univision Music Group is the #1 Latin music company in the U.S., and Univision.com attracts an average of nearly 9 million monthly unique visitors, making it by far the #1 internet portal among Hispanics in the country.

The acquiring group said in a joint statement, "Univision is truly a one-of-a-kind property. It is an outstanding media brand with exceptional positions in the fastest-growing markets in the country, world-class assets, strong management, popular programming and unmatched ratings. This transaction presents a unique opportunity to contribute to and participate in the continuing growth of the clear leader in Spanish-language media and to further the company's commitment to serving the Hispanic community. Univision has tremendous long-term growth opportunities in each of its businesses and we look forward to working together to build on its success and enhance its value in the years ahead."

The merger agreement has been approved by the Board of Directors of Univision and is not contingent on financing. The transaction is subject to the approval of Univision shareholders, regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the Spring of 2007.

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Deutsche Bank as well as Bank of America and Wachovia are acting as financial advisors to the buying group. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and Hogan & Hartson LLP are serving as its legal advisors. UBS Investment Bank is acting as financial advisor to Univision and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal advisor to Univision.

Univision Communications Inc.

Univision Communications Inc. is the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States. Its operations include Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 98% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 86% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavision, the country's leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 62 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group which owns and/or operates 69 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 4 stations in Puerto Rico; Univision Music Group, which includes Univision Records, Fonovisa Records, La Calle Records and a 50% interest in Mexico-based Disa Records labels as well as Fonomusic and America Musical Publishing companies; and Univision Online, the premier Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S. located at http://www.univision.com. Univision Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa's pay television channels in the U.S., and a non-voting 14.9% interest in Entravision Communications Corporation, a public Spanish-language media company. Univision Communications is headquartered in Los Angeles with television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States. For more information, please visit http://www.univision.net.

Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC

Madison Dearborn Partners, based in Chicago, is one of the largest and most experienced private equity investment firms in the world. MDP has more than $14 billion of equity capital under management and makes new investments through its most recent fund, Madison Dearborn Capital Partners V, a $6.5 billion investment fund raised in 2006. MDP focuses on management buyout transactions and other private equity investments across a broad spectrum of industries, including basic industries, communications, consumer, financial services, and health care. For more information, please visit the MDP website at http://www.mdcp.com.

Providence Equity Partners Inc.

Providence Equity Partners Inc. is a global private investment firm specializing in equity investments in media and entertainment, communications and information companies around the world. The principals of Providence Equity manage funds with over $9 billion in equity commitments and have invested in more than 80 companies operating in over 20 countries since the firm's inception in 1990. Providence Equity is headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island and also has offices in New York and London.

Texas Pacific Group

Texas Pacific Group (http://www.texaspacificgroup.com), founded in 1992 and based in San Francisco, London and Fort Worth, Texas, is a private investment partnership managing over $30 billion in assets. TPG has extensive experience with public and private investments executed through leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, spinouts, joint ventures, and restructurings. TPG seeks to invest in world-class franchises across a range of industries.

Thomas H. Lee Partners

Thomas H. Lee Partners is one of the oldest and most successful private equity investment firms in the U.S. The firm identifies and acquires substantial ownership positions in growth companies through leveraged acquisitions, recapitalizations and direct investments. Since its founding in 1974, it has invested over $10 billion of equity in over 100 businesses, built companies of lasting value, and generated superior returns for its investors and operating partners.

Saban Capital Group, Inc.

Saban Capital Group, Inc. is a private investment firm specializing in the media and entertainment industries. Based in Los Angeles, SCG was established in 2001 by Haim Saban, founder of Saban Entertainment, a global television broadcasting, production, distribution, merchandising and music company that was sold to the Walt Disney Corporation in 2001 in a $5.2 billion transaction. The firm makes both controlling and minority investments in public and private companies throughout the world, including in Germany's biggest television group, Israel's leading broadcasting network and Israel's national phone company, and adds strategic value through its established relationships and industry experience. In addition, SCG owns and operates a music company, Saban Music Group, which operates an independent music-publishing company

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AMC Scores Highest Ratings in Network History with Premiere of First Ever Original Movie Event, Broken Trail; AMC Original Garners Highest Cable Viewership for 2006

Night One of the Two-Part Original Film - Executive Produced by and Starring Oscar(R) Winner Robert Duvall - Scores Record Breaking 7.63

AMC's premiere of its first-ever original movie event, Broken Trail, delivered all time record ratings for the network on Sunday June 25th , night one of the two-part film. The epic western-themed movie scored a record-breaking 7.63 HH rating and ranked as the #1 cable telecast in 2006 to-date based on HH delivery (6.7 million) and total viewers (9.8 million). In addition, Broken Trail was the second most watched cable movie since 1995, based on HH delivery.

Broken Trail premiered on AMC on Sunday, June 25 and Monday, June 26 at 8:00 pm ET/PT. Nielsen ratings for night two will be released early Wednesday. The heroic western story set in the American West at the close of the 19th century is executive produced by and starring Academy Award(R) winner Robert Duvall, co-starring Academy Award(R) nominee Thomas Haden Church and directed by Emmy award winning director Walter Hill.

Please note the following highlights from the premiere of part one of Broken Trail:

-- The AMC original movie is the #1 cable telecast of 2006 based on HH delivery (6.7 million) and total viewership (9.7 million adults 2+)

-- Broken Trail's HH delivery of 6.7 million established it as the 2nd most watched cable movie since 1995.

-- Broken Trail shattered the network's all time rating high of 2.7 HH Rtg from the 7/17/05 premiere of The High and the Mighty.

The ratings success of Broken Trail is a culmination of a multi-tiered strategy behind the launch of AMC's first original movie. The network's largest-ever marketing initiative was unleashed in support of the film and included nationwide brand presence through advertisements in top tier national print, radio and online outlets, as well as local television, print and outdoor coverage in key AMC markets. An extensive online presence was also created with a Broken Trail mini-site, and leading up to the film's premiere, behind-the-scenes vignettes and trailers ran nationally in select movie theatres. AMC's Broken Trail attracted Ford Motor Co. to sign on as the presenting sponsor where the company will promote its "bold moves" campaign through traditional and non-traditional avenues.

"Broken Trail is the kind of original that easily builds on AMC's heritage of quality movies from every decade," said Ed Carroll, President of AMC. "Our established leadership in the western genre, combined with the first-rate talent on this project, made Broken Trail the ideal vehicle to launch AMC's expansion into high profile originals."

"Broken Trail has been a labor of love and I am very proud of the project, so obviously I am honored by the nation's wide response," stated Broken Trail star and executive producer Robert Duvall. "The Western film genre has helped tell the story of America and it is this style of movie making that will always be ours."

Today's announcement comes of the heals of a number of recent original programming announcements from AMC, including a co-production agreement with BBC for the critically acclaimed drama "Hustle" and the network's first dramatic pilot, "Mad Men," produced and written by Matthew Weiner (The Sopranos) and set in advertising world of the 1960s. AMC's commitment to original programming garnered record ratings growth for 2005 leading to the best year ever in the history of the network. 2005 ranked as the network's strongest year in Primetime HH ratings, Household, and A18-49 & A25-54 deliveries. Additionally, AMC ranked among the top 20 networks in primetime performance of key demos.

Western-themed programming has proved to be successful for AMC. The network's exclusive licensing agreement with Paramount Pictures in 2005 provided the network with 32 of John Wayne's greatest films, including the world premiere of the fully restored, digitally remastered High and the Mighty and Island in the Sky. The premieres of these movies, as well as the premiere of the 20th Anniversary of Clint Eastwood's Pale Rider, ranked among AMC's top ten highest rated telecasts ever. AMC has also aired a number of successful stunts including: 'Best of the West' in June 05, 'Christmas with the Duke' in December 05; and 'Make My Sunday' and 'Make My Saturday' in February 06 and May 06, all of which delivered successful ratings for the network. Ten of AMC's top 25 telecasts ever are Westerns.

**Source: Nielsen Media Research. 2006 (12/26/05-6/25/06) Rank based on HH CVG Rtg, HH delivery (000), A2+ delivery (000) among all individual telecasts on all measured cable networks (ad-supported, pay and other). 1/2/95-6/25/06 rank based on HH delivery (000) among all individual movie telecasts on all cable networks (ad-supported, pay and other).

About AMC

AMC, a division of Rainbow Media's Entertainment Services, which also includes WE tv and IFC Companies, is a 24-hour, movie-based network, dedicated to the American movie fan. The network, which reaches over 88,000,000 homes, offers a comprehensive library of popular movies and a critically-acclaimed slate of original programming that is a diverse, movie-based mix of original series, documentaries and specials. AMC has garnered many of the industry's highest honors, including 14 Emmy awards. AMC is "TV for movie people."

About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC

A leader in the entertainment industry, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation. Rainbow creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic programming with linear networks including national networks - AMC, fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women's Entertainment; its regional programming service - Rainbow Sports Networks; on-demand networks including Mag Rack and sportskool; and the largest suite of high definition channels available anywhere - the VOOM HD Networks. Rainbow's other businesses include its film distribution, production and exhibition division - IFC Entertainment; in addition to its advertising sales division - Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation - and its full service network programming origination and distribution company - Rainbow Network Communications.

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Image Entertainment and Herman World to Release ``The Pee-wee Herman Show'' on DVD; Paul Reubens' 1981 HBO Special was `Playhouse' Precursor; DVD Gets Bow as Classic `Playhouse' Joins Adult Swim Lineup

Image Entertainment and Herman World to Release ``The Pee-wee Herman Show'' on DVD; Paul Reubens' 1981 HBO Special was `Playhouse' Precursor; DVD Gets Bow as Classic `Playhouse' Joins Adult Swim Lineup

Image Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq:DISK), a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming in North America, today announced the release of "The Pee-wee Herman Show" on DVD July 18.

A precursor to the critically lauded, multiple Emmy(R)-award winning television show "Pee-wee's Playhouse", "The Pee-wee Herman Show" was rooted in improvisational theater and conceived by Paul Reubens as an homage to kid's television programs of the 1950's and 60's. During a wildly successful five-month engagement at Los Angeles' Roxy Theatre in 1981, the stage show was taped live for HBO's "On Location" series, bringing "Pee-wee" to a national television audience for the first time.

The inventive production, which incorporates original music, puppets, and the 1959 educational short Lunchroom Manners, prompted The Hollywood Reporter to declare, "Anyone who deliberately avoids the pleasure of seeing THE PEE-WEE HERMAN SHOW would probably be willing to go through life without Christmas, cornbread, Haagen-Dazs(R), and puppies." The 58-minute DVD carries a suggested retail price of $14.99.

Along with Reubens as Pee-wee, the stage cast includes actors that reprised their roles in the `Playhouse' series: Phil Hartman ("Kap'n Karl"), John Paragon ("Jambi the Genie"), and Lynne Stewart ("Miss Yvonne"); Hartman and Paragon also later served as writers for the network show. The production design was the work of maverick graphic artist Gary Panter, who went on to create the unique look and feel of the `Playhouse'.

"The Pee-wee Herman Show" DVD will be released following this summer's long-awaited return of "Pee-wee's Playhouse" to the airwaves. Top-ranked cable network Adult Swim, Cartoon Network's sister network featuring animation and other programming for adults 18-34, will air the original "Pee-wee's Playhouse" series Monday through Thursday at 11 p.m. (ET, PT), beginning July 10.

In 2004, in association with Paul Reubens' Herman World Inc., Image Entertainment released two DVD box sets of "Pee-wee's Playhouse", chronicling the classic show's complete 45-episode 1986-1991 CBS run (including 6 "lost" episodes never before released to home video), and a special edition of the rarely seen "Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special" DVD, which featured Mr. Reubens' audio commentary.

About Image Entertainment:

Image Entertainment, Inc. is a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming in North America, with over 3,000 exclusive DVD titles and approximately 200 exclusive CD titles in domestic release and approximately 300 programs internationally via sublicense agreements. For many of its titles, the Company has exclusive audio and broadcast rights and, through its subsidiary Egami Media, Inc., has digital download rights to more than 1,600 video programs and over 170 audio programs containing more than 2,500 tracks. The Company is headquartered in Chatsworth, California, and has a domestic distribution facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Company's subsidiary Image Entertainment (UK) maintains a content acquisition office in London, England. For more information about Image Entertainment, Inc., please go to http://www.image-entertainment.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to, among other things, our goals, plans and projections regarding our financial position, results of operations, market position, product development and business strategy. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as "will," "may," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," and other terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. All forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause action outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations.

These factors include, among other things, our inability to raise additional working capital, changes in debt and equity markets, increased competitive pressures, changes in our business plan, and changes in the retail DVD and entertainment industries. For further details and a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Unless otherwise required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. -0-

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A soldier assigned to Regimental Combat Team 7 died June 26 from wounds suffered due to enemy action in Iraq's Anbar province, military officials reported yesterday.



Seal of the PentagonThe soldier's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified three Marines killed in action in Anbar province recently:

- Cpl. Jason W. Morrow, 27, of Riverside, Calif., died June 27 from wounds suffered June 26. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.


- Cpl. Paul N. King, 23, of Tyngsboro, Mass., died June 25. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Ayer, Mass.


- Staff Sgt. Raymond J. Plouhar, 30, of Lake Orion, Mich., died June 26. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

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Los Angeles Dodgers Postgame Alert

June 28, 2006

Los Angeles 3, Minnesota 6 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Los Angeles Record: (40-38)
Minnesota Record: (42-35)

Winning pitcher - Johan Santana (9-4)
Losing pitcher - Odalis Perez (4-3)
SV - Joe Nathan (13)


 123456789 RHE
 Los Angeles000000030 351
 Minnesota40002000X  6130


LAD HR - None
MIN HR - T. Hunter (12)

 

 

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Media 100 Ships Version 11 :Enhanced SD and HD workflows increase performance across the Media 100 product line

Media 100, a leading provider of advanced editing systems for the corporate, broadcast, postproduction, and multi-media industries, today announced that Media 100 HD Suite, Media HDe and Media 100 SDe version 11.0 are now shipping. Announced at NAB 2006, the version 11 release offers Media 100 editors 10-bit uncompressed HD and SD editing capabilities, support for broadcast-quality format conversions, and increased system performance by leveraging Mac OS X® and AJA Video OEM solutions. The version 11 release is also a first step towards native integration with the Boris FX product line, bringing the world-class compositing and effects technology seamlessly within the Media 100 interface.

Media 100 version 11 extensive codec support and native HD editing capabilities offer editors a more robust and flexible editing environment. Media 100 editors can mix HD and SD media with real-time format and aspect ratio conversion on input and output, facilitating efficient workflow as well as simple, fast collaboration between other systems and platforms. Thanks to the outstanding performance of Mac OS X® and AJA Video OEM solutions and support for compressed formats, version 11 users can finish their projects faster, using less bandwidth, and less storage.

"Porting the Media 100 technology to the AJA Video OEM solutions is the first step towards a new generation of Media100 products,” said Boris Yamnitsky, founder and CEO, Boris FX. “These efforts will ensure the longevity of the Media 100 systems by providing flexible options and great support for our customers."

Media 100 version 11 highlights include:

Optimized Performance – OS X and AJA Video OEM Solutions
Support for Mac OS X® and AJA Video OEM solutions increases overall software and system performance with; accelerated rendering, superb image quality, and cost effective, flexible configuration options.

Added Audio Support – Embedded SDI Audio
Media 100 version 11 customers with the AJA Video OEM Solutions can bring audio into their system using a single cable, eliminating the need to purchase additional hardware.

Enhanced HD Workflow – Editing Native HD
Support for compressed HD enables Media 100 editors to edit in native HD without having to scale/add expensive storage.

HD Cross-Conversion
The new version 11 release supports hardware-based 1080-to-720 or 720-to-1080 cross conversions for Media HD Suite users.

Flexible Editing Environment - Extensive Codec Support
Media 100 editors can mix various codecs in the timeline and play with superb image quality in real-time. Support for Uncompressed 10-bit and 8-bit 4:2:2; DVCPro, DV, JPEG B, codecs.

Tighter Integration with Boris FX
Moving towards native integration with Boris FX plug-ins streamlines compositing and effects workflows by enabling Media 100 users to access features seamlessly within the user-friendly Media 100 interface.

Compatibility with Media 100 HD systems with HDX hardware
Media 100 version 11 supports Media 100 HD with HDX hardware. Media 100 HD customers who subscribe to Media 100's Platinum Software Updates service ($695 US SRP) will receive version 11 as well as Boris RED 3GL.


Pricing and Availability
Media 100 version 11 is available from Media 100's worldwide Authorized Reseller channel or direct from Media 100. The new Media 100 NLE systems start at $2495 US SRP. Media 100 sw, a software-based companion to existing Media 100 systems, is available for $395 US SRP. Media 100 HD Platinum Software Updates subscribers will be among the first to receive version 11; the free upgrades will be mailed this week.

For more information, please visit the Media 100 web site at www.media100.com.

About Media 100
Media 100, a division of Boris FX, is a leading provider of advanced editing systems for the corporate, broadcast, post production, and multi-media industries. Featuring the most intuitive and easy-to-learn NLE interface, the company’s product lines include Media 100 HD, a hardware-based HD and SD professional editing solution and Media 100 sw, a software-based companion to existing Media 100 systems, built on the familiar Media 100 interface. For more information, visit www.media100.com.

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Superman Soars to a Phone Near You; Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Launches a Mobile Site and Action-Adventure Game for Warner Bros. Pictures' Upcoming Release, ''Superman Returns''

 

 

 2006 Warner Bros. Digital Distribution is today announcing the launch of a mobile (Wireless Application Protocol/"WAP") site and action-adventure game for the highly anticipated feature film "Superman Returns." The site is one of the first of its kind in the U.S. for a major motion picture and the first major domestic direct-to-consumer mobile program created by Warner Bros. Digital Distribution.

The mobile site, available to all mobile subscribers in the U.S. and Canada with text messaging and wireless internet service, gives fans immediate access to "Superman Returns" by simply texting the letter S to the phone number 43892 (GETWB). This unique mobile experience offers promotional and premium content. Promotional items include a free mobile wallpaper, trivia game, and Daily Planet media alerts, providing fans with the latest news and events leading up to the premiere. Subscribers can also enter to win a "Superman Returns" prize pack, browse local showtimes, purchase tickets, and watch video content including theatrical trailers and production journals from director Bryan Singer.

Fans have the option to purchase premium mobile content, including an action-adventure game with five levels of play. The game is set in a future metropolis overridden with criminals and catastrophes. Players assume the role of Superman, racing against the clock to regain the trust of the people and bring peace back to the city. Other premium content includes wallpapers from the new film and ringtones from John Williams' classic "Superman" theme and Rhino Records' "Sound of Superman" concept album. Long time fans are treated to a wide selection of personalized wallpapers and ringtones from the super hero's classic and current films, television, and comic book properties such as "Superman I & II," "Smallville," and "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman."

"The key concept behind our wireless portal is to celebrate the heritage of Superman - from the original comic books published by DC Comics through the classic Superman feature films to catalogue and current television properties, and ultimately, of course, 'Superman Returns,'" said Billy Wright, vice president, global wireless, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. "Melding a timeless brand with emerging technology like mobile enables us to provide a wonderful opportunity for fans to experience the franchise in a whole new way."

Warner Bros. Pictures' "Superman Returns" will soar into theaters across the U.S. on June 28th.

About "Superman Returns"

Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure "Superman Returns," a soaring new chapter in the saga of one of the world's most beloved Super Heroes. While an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman (Brandon Routh) faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth), has moved on with her life. Or has she? Superman's bittersweet return challenges him to bridge the distance between them while finding a place in a society that has learned to survive without him. In an attempt to protect the world he loves from cataclysmic destruction, Superman embarks on an epic journey of redemption that takes him from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents in association with Legendary Pictures, a Jon Peters Production in association with Bad Hat Harry Productions, a Bryan Singer film, "Superman Returns," starring newcomer Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth ("Beyond the Sea," "Blue Crush"), James Marsden ("X2: X-Men United," "The Notebook"), Frank Langella (HBO's "Unscripted"), Academy Award-winner Eva Marie Saint ("North By Northwest"), Parker Posey ("Best in Show"), Kal Penn ("Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle"), Sam Huntington ("Detroit Rock City"), and Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey ("Beyond the Sea," "American Beauty," "The Usual Suspects"). Directed by Bryan Singer ("X2: X-Men United," "X-Men," "The Usual Suspects"), the film is produced by Jon Peters, Bryan Singer and Gilbert Adler. The executive producer is Chris Lee. The co-producer is Stephen Jones. The screenplay is by Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris, and the story is by Bryan Singer and Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris. The director of photography is Newton Thomas Sigel A.S.C.; the production designer is Guy Dyas; the film is edited by John Ottman and Elliot Graham; the costume designer is Louise Mingenbach; and the music is by John Ottman. The film is based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Comics.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group

The Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group was founded in 2005 to bring together all of the Warner Bros. Entertainment businesses involved in the digital delivery of entertainment content to consumers, including home video, online, wireless, games and anti-piracy and emerging technologies operations. WBHEG is a strategic recognition of the ongoing changes in the way consumers view entertainment product and seeks to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios to make the Studio's content available to audiences through as many channels, platforms and devices as possible.

About DC Comics

DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC super heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics' Web site is located at http://www.dccomics.com.

 
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Major MBN Announcement on Advertising and Youtube

We have been trying to figure out a way to place ads on the site that would not be intrusive to the news articles of which people come here to see.

Our banner ads were one way of doing it. We now have decided to place the bulk of our ads in the RECENT POSTS section at the top and bottom of the page.

We hope to keep out news service as people as viewer friend as possible.

And we will soon be adding YOUTUBE for Video.

Thank you from Joyce Chow, William Hoehne, Stephanie Le Gee, Silvia Fienstein, The twins Otto and Wilhelm Von Grotzinger and Matt Eastman for your support.

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Recent Posts

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(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

La gira mundial 'Millennium Jet Art' despega desde Pompano Beach

 

(C)MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

INFO@MONTEBUBBLES.NET

 

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La gira mundial 'Millennium Jet Art' despega desde Pompano Beach

 

- El famoso expresionista internacional Jurgen Prince Von Anhalt crea unas originales piezas de 'Jet-Art' ("Arte a reacción") gracias a la utilización de un reactor Bombardier Challenger.

La primera fase de la gira mundial "Millennium Jet Art" debutará a las 5:30 p.m. del 15 de julio de 2006 en el centro aéreo Anthony Aviation, que se encuentra en el Pompano Beach Air Park. Para celebrar la ocasión, 300 personalidades VIP han sido invitadas para compartir la experiencia de la creación actual de varias de las piezas originales de arte por el famoso expresionista de nivel mundial Jurgen Prince von Anhalt.

Esta ocasión sirve también para mostrar el renacimiento profesional de Jurgen, que se ha abstenido de este medio creativo durante más de una década. En los próximos meses, el Príncipe y su arte estarán de gira por varias ciudades de EE.UU., incluyendo Los Ángeles, Nueva York, Las Vegas y Nashville, además de otros destinos internacionales, como Dubai, Marbella, Londres, París, Roma, Berlín, Beirut, Japón y China.

En lugar de utilizar los métodos tradicionales para la aplicación de la pintura en el lienzo, Jurgen utiliza la técnica de pintado a pincel menos convencional imaginable, un motor a reacción. Para su lanzamiento a nivel mundial, el artista utilizará por primera vez un Bombardier Challenger. La tienda Aero Toy Store de Ft. Lauderdale será el patrocinador de la utilización del reactor. El artista estará atado a una plataforma hidráulica, a unos 50 pies del motor, para conseguir la protección adecuada frente a las fuerzas del reactor, en forma de vientos huracanados. Cuando se encienda el motor, pintará directamente en un gran lienzo reforzado. El calor y la velocidad del motor harán que la pintura se disperse, se mezcle y agarre en el lienzo.

"En cada una de las producciones tengo una visión específica para combinar los colores y las texturas", explicó Jurgen. "He seleccionado colores indígenos para el pulso de las personas y las ciudades en las que he realizado creaciones, por lo que el arte es una parte contextual de los alrededores".

La primera de las creaciones se donará al The Ray G. Anthony Scholarship Fund, cuyo homónimo se encargará también del patrocinio el día del evento. Se servirán delicias italianas, cortesía de Gino De Poli, responsable general de Bice, Palm Beach. Gracias a la gran ayuda de Jet Art, Ree y Dennis Cole y su socio, Peter Leon de Celebrity Realty, Inc. en Ft. Lauderdale, ya se ha decidido la precompra de un número limitado de cuadros de Jet Art, que se crearán con motivo especial del evento

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Honda to Build New Automobile Manufacturing Plant in Indiana

 

- $550 Million Plant to Employ 2,000 Associates and Begin Production in 2008 -

Honda today announced plans to build a $550 million automobile plant on a 1,700-acre tract in Decatur County, Indiana, near Greensburg, 50 miles southeast of Indianapolis. The plant will begin mass production of fuel efficient 4-cylinder vehicles in fall 2008, with an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles and employment of 2,000 associates.

 

The new Indiana plant, Honda's sixth auto plant and 14th major plant overall in North America, will help boost Honda's total North American auto production capacity from 1.4 million units to more than 1.6 million units in 2008, grow Honda's employment in North America to more than 37,000 associates and increase North American capital investment to more than $9 billion.(1)

"Honda's success in America has been based on our strong commitment to our customers," said Koichi Kondo, president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., and chief operating officer of Honda's North America Region operations. "We believe the great state of Indiana has what we need to continue this success -- an outstanding community of people, excellent transportation systems, and the necessary infrastructure to support industry. It is an ideal location in the Midwest both for our network of parts suppliers and as a central location for all of our customers across the country."

In 2005, American Honda achieved record U.S. sales of 1,462,472 new Honda and Acura cars and light trucks, the ninth straight year of record annual sales. In order to meet growing demand, Honda plans to build the new Indiana plant in approximately 24 months, with construction expected to begin in fall 2006.

Honda will announce additional details of its vehicle production plans at a later date. The new plant will have the same type of flexible New Manufacturing System that is found in Honda's other auto plants in the U.S. and Canada, with advanced technologies that provide the flexibility to produce different models more quickly and efficiently. Major processes performed at the Indiana plant will include stamping, welding, painting, plastic injection molding and assembly operations. Hiring plans will be announced in the coming months.

Honda will make a significant commitment to limit the environmental impact of the new Indiana plant. Already, every major Honda plant in North America has met the ISO 14001 international environmental management standards except the new transmission plant in Georgia that opened in May 2006, which is now working toward certification. The Indiana plant will employ advanced methods of energy and emission reduction with the goal to become a "zero waste to landfill" factory.

"Our commitment to the environment is not based just on regulations or testing standards," said Akio Hamada, president of Honda of America Mfg. Inc., and head of Honda's manufacturing operations in the North America Region. "Our goal is that this plant in Indiana will have the smallest environmental footprint of any Honda auto plant in North America."

As part of an infrastructure improvement package developed in cooperation with local and state government officials, the state of Indiana and the community will make various highway improvements in the area, provide site and infrastructure improvements and funds to train new Honda associates.

The Anna, Ohio Engine Plant, Honda's largest engine facility in the world, will provide 4-cylinder engines to the Indiana plant. With annual capacity of 1.15 million engines, the Anna Plant has the flexibility to produce both 4-cylinder and V6 engines, as well as numerous engine and brake components.

Honda first announced its plan to build a new auto plant as part of its May 17 announcement for the advancement of the company's "2010 Vision" for North American automobile operations. In addition to the new auto plant in Indiana, Honda's North American plan also included the following new corporate initiatives:

  *  Construction of a new engine plant in Canada to begin production of      4-cylinder engines in 2008 with an investment of $140 million and      employment of 340 associates.    *  Expansion of U.S. engine, transmission and powertrain component      production in Ohio and Georgia, with additional investment of      $125 million and additional employment of 80 associates.    *  Introduction in the U.S. and Canada in 2009 of a new, more affordable,      dedicated hybrid car.    *  Introduction in the U.S. and Canada within the next three years of new      4-cylinder diesel engine technology that meets U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5      emissions standards.    *  Establishment of a voluntary goal to improve American Honda's Corporate      Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) by five percent over 2005 levels by the      year 2010.  

Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production operations in 1979. Prior to today's announcement, Honda had invested more than $8.5 billion in its North American operations with 13 major manufacturing plants, employment of more than 33,000 associates and the annual purchase of more than $16 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America. Nearly 8 of 10 Honda and Acura cars and light trucks sold in America are produced in North America.

(1) Honda products are produced using domestic and globally-sourced parts

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.


 

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Technologically-advanced game ball has new design, better grip and consistency -



     The NBA is introducing a new Official
Game Ball for play beginning in the 2006-07 season. The new ball,
manufactured by Spalding, features a new design and a new material that
together offer better grip, feel, and consistency than the current leather
ball. This marks the first change to the ball in over 35 years and only the
second in 60 seasons. In 1970, the ball was transitioned from a four panel
to an eight panel ball. NBA Commissioner David Stern, Spalding Group Vice
President Dan Touhey, NBA Sr. Vice President of Basketball Operations Stu
Jackson, Boston Celtics' Forward Paul Pierce, and NBA on TNT analyst and
two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith unveiled the new Game Ball today at the
NBA Store on Fifth Avenue prior to the 2006 NBA Draft.


      The new ball features Spalding's Cross Traxxion(TM) technology, a union
of revolutionary design and breakthrough material. The design is comprised
of two interlocking, cross-shaped panels rather than the eight oblong
panels found on traditional basketballs. As a result, there is more
material coverage. The material is a microfiber composite with moisture
management that provides superior grip and feel throughout the course of a
game. Additionally, the new composite material eliminates the need for a
break-in period, which is necessary for the current leather ball, and
achieves consistency from ball to ball.


    "The advancements that Spalding has made to the new game ball ensure
that the best basketball players in the world will be playing with the best
basketball in the world," said Stern.


    The NBA and Spalding subjected the ball to a rigorous evaluation
process that included laboratory and on-court testing. Every NBA team
received the new ball and had the opportunity to use it in practice. The
ball also was tested in the NBA Development League and was used in
activities during NBA All-Star 2006 in Houston. NBA retired players Steve
Kerr and Mark Jackson participated in testing the new ball as well.


    "Spalding's continual efforts to advance basketball technology have
yielded the optimal ball, one that is worthy of the new Official NBA Game
Ball designation," said Spalding Group President and CEO Scott Creelman.
"We are honored that the NBA collaborated with us to make this change."
    The ball will be used in all NBA events leading up to next season
including summer leagues, preseason and training camps, and NBA Europe Live
presented by EA Sports. All active players will receive a personalized
ball, as will each player selected in the 2006 NBA Draft.


    Fans will have an opportunity to see the new ball tonight during the
2006 NBA Draft televised live on ESPN at 7 p.m. EDT. The ball will hit
store shelves at major sporting goods outlets on October 31 coinciding with
the tip-off of the 2006-07 season. A limited number of new balls will be
available today at the world's only NBA Store on Fifth Avenue in New York
City. Fans can also pre-order their new ball online at NBAStore.com for
delivery at the start of the 2006-07 season.


    As the Official Game Ball supplier of the NBA since 1983, Spalding will
continue to produce the only basketball used during all NBA practices,
exhibitions, games and international competitions. Spalding maintains the
exclusive rights to produce and sell a complete line of NBA and
team-identified basketballs in all sizes including full, junior, youth and
mini.


    About Spalding


    As a Division of Russell Corporation, the Spalding Group consists of
three business units: Spalding in Springfield, MA; American Athletic, Inc.
(AAI) in Jefferson, IA; and Huffy Sports, in Sussex, WI. The three
companies, collectively combined, are now the largest basketball equipment
supplier in the world. Spalding is the official basketball supplier of the
National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball
Association (WNBA), the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA, the
official volleyball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tour, the official
soccer ball of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) and the official
football of the Arena Football League (AFL) and Pop Warner. For more
information, visit http://www.spalding.com


    About the NBA


    The NBA, founded in 1946, is a global sports and entertainment property
that features 30 teams in the United States and Canada. During the 2005-06
season, the NBA distributed 44,000 hours of programming to 215 countries
and territories in 43 languages. The league's worldwide reach can also be
seen with 82 international players on NBA rosters. Domestically, the NBA
televised 142 games on national television this regular season on ABC, TNT,
ESPN and ESPN2, and eclipsed attendance records for the third consecutive
season.


    More than 200 licensees manufacture and promote NBA products, which are
sold in more than 100,000 retail stores in 100 countries on six continents.
Major categories include video games, apparel, sporting goods and trading
cards. The NBA also owns and operates the world's only NBA Store in New
York City and NBAStore.com. The NBA Store receives over 1 million visitors
annually, and features an array of multimedia attractions, including a
fully operational broadcast booth and an official half-court used for
special events, and regularly-scheduled appearances by NBA and WNBA
players, legends and celebrities. NBAStore.com receives over 20 million
visitors each year and offers international stores online in Chinese,
Japanese, French and Spanish.


    As fans witness tremendous performances on the court, some of the NBA's
most significant efforts occur off the court. This past year, the league
launched its most ambitious community outreach endeavor, NBA Cares. Over a
five-year span, players and teams will raise and contribute $100 million
for charity, donate more than one million hours of volunteer service to
communities worldwide, and build more than 100 educational and athletic
facilities where children can learn and play. For more information on the
NBA, visit NBA.com.

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Coors Light(R) presenta a la banda norteña Intocable, ganadora del Grammy, en el teatro Dodge el 8 de julio

 


Intocable, la banda norteña y ganadora del Grammy, se presentará en Phoenix como parte de su Gira Estadounidense Coors Light(R) 2006 que recorrerá 42 ciudades. El concierto, patrocinado por Coors Light, se llevara acabo en el Teatro Dodge el sábado 8 de julio a las 8 p.m.

"Intocable se adapta perfectamente al patrocinio de Coors Light porque su sonido refrescante atrae a los fans de varios géneros de música latina," dijo Paul Mendieta, director de marketing hispano de Coors Brewing Company. "Con el tremendo éxito obtenido por Intocable, esperamos que el concierto sea un acontecimiento muy popular en Phoenix".

El grupo Intocable, originario de Zapata, Texas, ha creado un sonido norteño completamente propio, logrando un gran éxito en México y los EE.UU. Intocable fue el primero en ser difundido por las radioemisoras de música norteña y pop. Desde su primer lanzamiento discográfico en 1994, Intocable ha vendido más de ocho millones de copias de sus CDs y se ubicó en el primer puesto de las listas de Billboard.

Creado por Ricardo Muñoz y René Martínez, Intocable ganó su primer Grammy en febrero del 2005 por el álbum Intimamente, y dos Grammys Latinos en noviembre por su álbum "X-Diez". Entre las canciones más populares figuran "Aire," "Déjate amar" y "Contra viento y marea," el tema central de la novela de Univision que lleva el mismo nombre. Para obtener más información, visite: http://www.grupointocable.com.

Concluyendo en septiembre del 2006, la gira estadounidense Coors Light de Intocable recorrerá 42 ciudades, entre ellas, Denver, San Jose, Phoenix, L.A., Nueva York y Dallas. Para más información sobre boletos para el concierto de Phoenix, comuníquese con Ticketmaster al
480-784-4444.

Acerca de Coors Brewing Company

Coors Brewing Company, subsidiaria de Molson Coors Brewing Company (NYSE:TAP) (TSX:TAP), es la tercera destilería más grande de EE.UU. Entre las marcas de la Compañía en EE.UU. figuran Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Coors, Killian's Irish Red, Keystone, Blue Moon, Coors NA y Zima XXX. Para obtener más información sobre Molson Coors, visite el sitio web de la compañía en http://www.molsoncoors.com

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Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines can now register for a shot at becoming the second Military Idol.

Seal of the PentagonSoldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines can now register for a shot at becoming the second Military Idol.

The Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation program is based on the
premises of Fox's "American Idol."

Contestants - whether they're from an active, Guard or Reserve
component - must be on active-duty military status and assigned to the hosting
installation. There is an exception for soldiers not assigned to the
installation, but they must provide their own transportation.

Competition will run Aug. 1 through Sept. 30 on 33 Army installations
and camps in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Belgium,
Germany and Korea. Local winners will qualify for a chance to advance to
the Armywide finals Oct. 28 through Nov. 6 on Fort Belvoir, Va.

Check with your local installation for a schedule of the Military Idol
competition near you.

Application forms and contest rules are available on the Internet at
www.militaryidol.com. Applications must be submitted to local MWR offices
on hosting installations. Only vocalists need apply - the contest is
closed to musicians, comedians, dancers, poets, etc.

Installation-level prizes include $500 to the winner and a chance to be
among the dozen who will compete during finals week at Fort Belvoir,
along with $500 for the winner's unit funds. Local runners-up will
receive $250 and third-place performers will get $100.

The Military Idol grand prize is $2,000 for the winner with $1,000 for
second place and $500 for third.

Sgt. William Glenn, an Alabama National Guardsman was the first
Military Idol when he was stationed in Darmstadt, Germany. Now in medical hold
on Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., recovering from a spider bite, he plans to
turn over the crown to the second annual Military Idol winner.

"One thing they can't ever take away, and I mean this from the bottom
of my heart: I'm honored to be the very first Military Idol," said
Glenn, a military policeman. "Whether my face ever hits another newspaper or
whatever, I have that honor. That's a proud accomplishment."

Glenn offers advice to Military Idol competitors.
"Have yourself well-prepared when you get ready to come to the
competition," he said. "Even if it's on the installation level, try to get your
music prepared and have a good time and have fun.

"If you are the installation winner and you have to go to the finals,
make sure all your music and everything you need you have instead of
trying to scrounge for it at the last minute," he said. "And get a lot of
good practice time and be comfortable with the song you're singing.

"Find your favorite song, something you do very well with, not just a
popular song."

The 2006 Military Idol contest is sponsored by Armed Forces Vacation
Club.
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DoD Identifies Marine Casualty



Seal of the Pentagon
            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.



            Cpl. Jason W. Morrow, 27, of Riverside, Calif., died June 27 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq, on June 26.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

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Vatacin News

 James the Less: Solid _Expression of Faith
- Plenary Indulgence for World Meeting of Families
- In Brief
- Audiences
- Other Pontifical Acts
- Notice
 
___________________________________________________________
 
JAMES THE LESS: SOLID _EXPRESSION OF FAITH
 
The Apostle James the Less was the subject of Benedict XVI's catechesis at today's general audience, held in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 40,000 people.
 
  The Pope recalled how James the Less "played a preeminent role within the Church in Jerusalem. ... In the apostolic council held there ... he affirmed, together with others, that pagans could be welcomed into the Church without first undergoing circumcision."
 
  "St. Paul," the Pope went on, "names him even before Peter as a 'pillar' of the Church," and "the Jewish-Christians considered him to be their principal point of reference." Together with Peter, he helped "to integrate the original Jewish dimension of Christianity with the need not to impose all the precepts of Mosaic Law upon pagan converts."
 
  "In this way, two significant and complementary results were achieved, both of them still valid: on the one hand, the indissoluble relationship linking Christianity and Judaism was recognized, ... on the other, Christians of pagan origin were allowed to maintain their own sociological identity. ... Thus began a process of reciprocal esteem and respect which, despite unfortunate later misunderstandings, sought by its nature to safeguard the characteristic elements distinguishing each of the two sides."
 
  The New Testament Letter attributed to this Apostle "places much emphasis on the need not to reduce one's own faith to a mere abstract or verbal declaration, but to express it solidly in works of charity. ... He calls us to constancy in trials, ... and to faithful prayer to God for the gift of wisdom, thanks to which we come to understand that the true values of life are not to be found in transitory riches, but rather in knowing how to share our own wealth with the poor and needy."
 

  Following his catechesis, Benedict XVI greeted pilgrims in various languages. Among the groups present were participants in a meeting promoted by the "Family of St. Luigi Orione," for the "Feast of the Pope" the theme of which is: "Many Hearts around the Pope, Evangelizer of Life." The Pope thanked them for this initiative and invited them "to continue bearing witness to the Gospel of life through all your institutions and activities, seeking especially to serve the weak and the needy."


 AG/JAMES THE LESS/...                                                             VIS 060628 (390)
 
PLENARY INDULGENCE FOR WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES
 
 For the occasion of the Fifth World Meeting of Families, due to be held in Valencia, Spain from July 1 to 9, Benedict XVI will concede Plenary Indulgence to those faithful who participate in any of the associated celebrations and in the closing ceremony, according to a decree from the Apostolic Penitentiary made public yesterday afternoon.
 
  The Holy Father will attend the closing ceremony of the meeting and hopes, the decree states, "that the many people from all over the world who come together in Valencia may participate enthusiastically and dutifully in the various initiatives and liturgical celebrations taking place there in favor of the family, and that, having returned to their own homes fortified by the grace of God, they may dedicate themselves generously to moulding their own families and those of their neighbors to the holy rules of the Gospel."
 
  Moreover, the decree continues, the Pope asks the Most Holy Trinity "that great benefit may be forthcoming to the Church; especially through profound reflection on the theme of the family, seat of life and of love, domestic church in which parents transmit to children the priceless gift of faith."
 
  "The Supreme Pontiff," the decree adds, "grants Plenary Indulgence to the faithful under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer in keeping with the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff, with the soul completely removed from attachment to any form of sin), if they participate in any of the solemn functions held in Valencia during the Fifth World Meeting of Families, and in the solemn closing ceremony.
 

  "All other faithful who are unable to participate in that event, may obtain the same gift of Plenary Indulgence, under the same conditions, over the days the meeting is held and on its closing day if, united in spirit and thought with the faithful present in Valencia, they recite in the family the 'Our Father,' the 'Creed,' and other devout prayers calling on Divine Mercy to concede the above-mentioned aims."


 OP/PLENARY INDULGENCE/MEETING FAMILIES                 VIS 060628 (350)
 
IN BRIEF
 
IN ORDER TO MARK THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ERECTION of the ecclesiastical province of Lithuania and the creation of the archdiocese of Kaunas, the Pope has written a message to Metropolitan Archbishop Sigitas Tamkevicius S.J. The ecclesiastical province "suffered under the blows of harsh Soviet persecution," writes the Holy Father, but, "thanks to the never failing help of God, the years of trial saw the blossoming of a real garden of witnesses and martyrs of the faith. After the fall of the communist dictatorship, the Lithuanian people regained their liberty and entered more deeply into the family of nations, bringing with them their own heritage of values."
 

THE OFFICE OF LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF today announced that at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 2, Cardinal Jorge Liberato Urosa Savino, metropolitan archbishop of Caracas, Venezuela will take possession of the tile of St. Mary ai Monti, Via della Madonna dei Monti 41, Rome.


 .../IN BRIEF/...                                                                                  VIS 060628 (160)
 
AUDIENCES

  - This evening, the Holy Father is due to receive in audience Archbishop Robert Sarah, emeritus of Conakry, Guinea, and secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.


 AP/.../...                                                                                            VIS 060628 (40)
 
OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
 
 The Holy Father:
 
 - Appointed Fr. Dominique Lebrun of the clergy of the diocese of Saint-Denis, France, archpriest of the cathedral and dean of Saint-Denis, as bishop of Saint-Etienne (area 3,000, population 575,540, Catholics 442,000, priests 187, permanent deacons 22, religious 284), France. The bishop-elect was born in Rouen, France in 1957 and ordained a priest in 1984. He succeeds Bishop Pierre Joatton, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
 
- Appointed Fr. Jacques Blaquart of the clergy of the diocese of Angouleme, France, vicar general, as auxiliary of the archdiocese of Bordeaux (area 10,000, population 1,288,311, Catholics 1,000,000, priests 288, permanent deacons 16, religious 594), France. The bishop-elect was born in Roumazieres, France in 1951 and ordained a priest in 1982.
 

- Appointed Msgr. Barry Jones, administrator of the cathedral of the diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand, as coadjutor of the same diocese (area 51,780, population 503,631, Catholics 62,715, priests 73, religious 155). The bishop-elect was born in North Canterbury, New Zealand in 1941 and ordained a priest in 1966.


 NER:RE:NEA:NEC/.../...                                                                VIS 060628 (200)
 
NOTICE
 

As previously announced, there will be no edition of VIS tomorrow, June 29, Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul Apostles, and a holiday in the Vatican. Service will resume on Friday, June 30.


 .../.../...                                                                                               VIS 060628 (50)
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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY: JUNE 28, 2006

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

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

(C)MBN 2006

 

  Content is king

 

 

 

Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne, June 28, 2006

To come here you have to be able to read.

Monte says to ability to read is the most powerful weapon in the world

MBN®

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news

 

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

Info@montebubbles.net

 

Banner ads and other size advertisements can now be purchased thru eBay: Item number: 7625089757 (C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

  

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® is proud to announce Dear Monte: talktomontebubbles@montebubbles.net

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

 

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

 

More exciting changes coming each day.

Watch for the MBN® Politically incorrect SUV

 

MONTEBUBBLISM: If you don't want people to hear what you have to say then don't say it.

 

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

Throughout July, Noggin Celebrates 10 Years of Blue's Clues, The Groundbreaking Series That Changed the Way Preschoolers Watch Television

Three Days Grace Have #1 Hit at R&R Active Rock With 'Animal I Have Become' #5 at Modern Rock Radio

Ahoy! Verizon Wireless Brings Exclusive Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Video, Ring Tones, Ringback Tones and Games to V CAST Phones Customers Can Win a Trip to the World Premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: 3 in the 'Create Your Own Adventure' Sweepstakes 30 Seconds To Mars and Bam Margera at MTV2 'All That Rocks' Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre Offers the Ultimate Pirate Experience During Its 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' Run From July 7th - Sept 4th; 24 Hours of 'Pirates' Kicks Off Thursday With Sold-Out Midnight Show

'The Ultimate Fighter 3' Finale on Spike TV is the Most Watched Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) Event Ever Doubles the Viewership of NASCAR Race on FX Head-To-Head Delivers More Men 18-49 and Men 18-34 Than Anything Else on Television in Timeslot

 Pearl Jam Gets Personal During VH1 Storytellers 'VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam' Premieres Saturday, July 1 at 10pm* Fans Can Get an Early Look at a Performance From the Show at VSPOT, VH1's Broadband Channel by Going Online Now at http://vspot.vh1.com

If It's Summer It Must Be Discovery Channel's SHARK WEEK - Returns July 30 With Host Mike Rowe and Seven All-New Specials at 9 PM

The N to Simulcast the Premiere of New, One-Hour Mystery Whistler on 'The Click,' the Network's New Broadband Media Player Friday, June 30

Two-Part Online Companion Series of 'Sneak Peeks' and Exclusive 'Whistler Webisodes' Available at www.the-N.com

Nickelodeon Secures Number One Position as Top Cable Network for Eleventh Consecutive Year and Continues to Build Leadership Position on Digital Platforms Posts Highest Quarterly Linear TV Growth in Two Years and Only Net to Post Gains Among Preschoolers Nick Finishes Second Quarter First in Total Programming Day, Up +3% with Kids 2-11; Nick.com and Nickjr.com Both Increase Traffic by More Than 60% versus Second Quarter '05; TurboNick Hits 160 Million Streams and Has Best Month Ever in June

Piaf: Her Story ... Her Songs Starring Raquel Bitton Lionsgate Films Releases an American Production of a French Icon

Stormbreaker Spy Film Will Feature the Ultimate Gadget: Nintendo DS Video Game System Gets a Starring Role in Hit Series Atlantis: The Last Testament - New Novel Offers Riveting Explanation of Long-Lost Culture and Its Ties to Christ

 It's Time for New Underpants! On August 15, 2006 Scholastic Will Release Best-Selling Author Dav Pilkey's Eighth Epic Captain Underpants Novel Captain Underpants and The Preposterous Plight of The Purple Potty People

TV Land Honors the Life of Aaron Spelling With On-Air and Online Programming Salute

Pop Stars Ami and Yumi Continue Their Rock 'N Roll Adventures as D3Publisher of America Releases Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: The Genie & The Amp Exclusively for Nintendo DS(TM)

New Charity Song Benefits the Lance Armstrong Foundation Austin-based wideawake's Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow inspired by fight against cancer

'Fabulous' Domain Names Available at GoDaddy.com New Partnership Enriches Domain Name Aftermarket Gold Medalist Carries Torch for Kick-Off of 23rd Annual Ethiopian Soccer and Cultural Expo at the Los Angeles Coliseum

 Dr. Phil, Brooks & Dunn, Jeff Foxworthy, Brian McKnight and Allen Toussaint Performing Benefit Concert for New Orleans Police, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Personnel  

Animal Planet and Charter Invite St. Louis-Area Residents to Spend Quality Time With Their Family and Pets as ANIMAL PLANET EXPO Rolls Into Town July 8-9 at Forest Park - Interactive Exhibits and Games Provide Free Fun for the Whole Family, Including the Family Pet! - - Charter to Make $1,000 Donation to the Animal Protection Association of Missouri-

_____________________________________________

Throughout July, Noggin Celebrates 10 Years of Blue's Clues, The Groundbreaking Series That Changed the Way Preschoolers Watch Television Blue's Clues to Take Over Club Noggin in 78 General Growth Malls Nationwide With Appearances by Series Host 'Joe' (Donovan Patton) in Five Markets 'Red, White and Blue' July 4th TV Marathon to Commence Noggin's Month-Long Celebration of Blue's Clues

NOGGIN, the commercial-free, educational network for preschoolers goes "Blue" for the month of July, as the network invites kids and their families to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of Blue's Clues, Nick Jr.'s groundbreaking series that changed the way preschoolers watch television. Throughout July, NOGGIN will pay tribute to everyone's favorite blue puppy with Blue's Clues-themed activities at Club NOGGIN in General Growth (GGP) malls nationwide, in addition to appearances by series host "Joe" (Donovan Patton) in select malls. NOGGIN will also kick off a month-long on-air celebration of Blue's Clues with a "Red, White and Blue" marathon on Tuesday, July 4.

The Club NOGGIN celebration will lead up to the August anniversary of Blue's Clues, when Nick Jr. and NOGGIN will introduce viewers to a new character -- Blue's new brother -- on the hour-long movie Meet Blue's Baby Brother premiering Sunday, August 6, (8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Nickelodeon, Monday, August 7 (10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., ET/PT) on Nick Jr. and August 7 (2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., ET) on NOGGIN. For the first time, the special melds the two worlds of Joe and the classic animated world of Blue's Clues with the puppets on Blue's Room. Meet Blue's Baby Brother will feature a special game of 'Gold Clues' as preschoolers help search for Blue's baby brother and share another milestone with their favorite blue puppy.

"Blue's Clues introduced interactivity to preschool TV," said Angela Leaney, Senior Vice President, Brand Communications, Noggin and The N. "We are excited to celebrate the anniversary of this landmark series with our Noggin viewers both on-screen and at GGP malls across the country."

"GGP malls are passionate about creating and hosting family events and experiences. The 10th anniversary celebration of Blue's Clues is filled with fun and creative activities for both parents and their children to enjoy in the mall," said Melinda Holland, Senior Vice President of Business Development at General Growth Properties.

Blue's Clues will take over Club NOGGIN, the network's interactive educational in-mall experience for preschoolers and their parents. Participating malls will present special Blue's Clues-themed activities throughout the month of July. Club NOGGIN reaches consumers in 78 GGP malls nationwide. Blue's Clues host Donovan Patton is scheduled to appear for "meet and greets" and book readings in the following markets: New York, Chicago, San Jose, Houston and Dallas. Throughout July, GGP and NOGGIN will also launch "Club NOGGIN On the Go!" a take-away extension of Club NOGGIN's in-mall experience for parents to help entertain and educate their kids wherever they are.

Club NOGGIN's Blue's Clues educational curriculum in July will focus on themes from the hit series including:

* Letters: Activity to feature the Blue's Clues book "Alphabet Power"

* Numbers: Activity to feature a Blue's Clues video clip with a

corresponding lesson

* Shapes: Activity to feature an arts and crafts project -- build a

sailboat -- which mirrors a lesson on Meet Blue's Baby Brother

* Colors: Coloring activity based on Meet Blue's Baby Brother

On Tuesday, July 4 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (ET), NOGGIN's "Red, White and Blue" on-air marathon will feature the following Blue's Clues milestones: the three-part special "Meet Joe," where Steve goes to college and viewers are introduced to new host Joe; the half-hour special "Legend of the Blue Puppy" where Blue talks for the very first time; "Blue's 100th Episode Celebration," a retrospective look at the first five seasons with Steve, Joe and Blue; and the 90-minute movie "Blue's Big Musical." The marathon will repeat at 2:00 p.m. (ET) that day.

NOGGIN's "Red, White and Blue" marathon schedule is as follows:

* 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (ET) "Meet Joe" - Steve introduces Blue and their

pals to his younger brother Joe and they play "show and tell" to welcome

and get to know their new friend. Steve, Blue and the gang teach Joe

how to play Blue's Clues, and Joe gets his own handy dandy notebook.

Later, Steve is thrilled to share the news that he's going to college.

Everyone is excited for Steve's new adventure and that Joe will be

staying at the house to play Blue's Clues with them.

* 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (ET) "Legend of the Blue Puppy" - Moona the moon

fairy tells the Legend of Blue and how she was born with a little golden

key, which unlocks a great gift. After much trial and error we find the

lock that Key will fit in and are swept away to a whole new world --

Blue's Room. Blue's greatest gift is that, in her playroom, she can

talk! We talk with Blue and meet new Blue's Room friends -- Polka Dots,

Roar E. Saurus, Frederica, Dress Up Chest, Doodle Board, and Boogie

Woogie.

* 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (ET) "Blue's 100th Episode Celebration" - Steve

visits from college, and he and Joe change from their trademark rugby

shirts to tuxedos to remember the games, songs, laughs and skidoos from

the first five seasons. They introduce the first video montage of the

evening -- "The Places We've Been." Sock Puppet presents "The Laughs

We've Had," Joe and Tickety marvel at how smart the home viewer is in

"The Things We've Learned" and Blue introduces "The Clues We've Found."

After Steve heads back to college, Joe, Blue and their pals look at "The

Things to Come" and think about all the places left to go, the laughs to

be had, things to be learned, clues to be found and songs to be sung.

* 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (ET) "Blue's Big Musical" - Steve, Blue and

their friends plan a big backyard musical called "You Can Be Anything

You Want To Be." When Blue and Tickety Tock rehearse their duet,

Tickety loses her voice! Blue organizes a game of "Blue's Clues" to

find out who will sing with her at such short notice. Hints are

uncovered that lead them to Periwinkle, the new cat in town, who wants

to perform in their show. When Steve and Blue skidoo into a sheet of

music to create a song, they meet G-Clef (Ray Charles) and The Notes

(The Persuasions), who teach them the elements of music. Steve and Blue

learn that notes, rhythm and tempo joined with a little heart and soul

can make a truly original song.

In addition, starting Wednesday, July 5th and throughout the month of July, NOGGIN will air an hour of Blue's Clues with two back-to-back episodes everyday from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. (ET). Each week's episodes will focus on a different educational theme highlighted on Blue's Clues, including science, social and emotional, problem solving, reading and language and math.

Participating General Growth malls and NOGGIN invite parents and caregivers to bring their children (ages three to six) to Club NOGGIN for a FREE, one-hour session where they play educational games and participate in large group activities supervised by a trained activity leader. NOGGIN has created a safe and educational format for the clubs that complement the network's curricular framework and on-air programming. Each session includes interactive songs, video clips, games and a hands-on activity.

General Growth Properties, Inc. is the second largest U.S.-based publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). General Growth currently has an ownership interest in or management responsibility for a portfolio of more than 200 shopping malls in 44 states, as well as ownership in planned community developments and commercial office buildings. The portfolio totals approximately 200 million square feet of retail space and includes more than 24,000 retail stores nationwide. General Growth Properties, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GGP. For more information, please visit the Company Web site at http://www.generalgrowth.com/.

NOGGIN is the commercial-free, educational network for preschoolers owned by Nickelodeon. NOGGIN currently reaches 49 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite TV. NOGGIN, which airs from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (ET), is like preschool on TV with educational programming both on-air and online at http://www.noggin.com/. NOGGIN and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Source: Nickelodeon

Web site: http://www.noggin.com/
http://www.generalgrowth.com/

 

Three Days Grace Have #1 Hit at R&R Active Rock With 'Animal I Have Become'

#5 at Modern Rock Radio

#1 Greatest Gainer

New Release One-X Rocking the Charts With Sales of Over 100,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jive Recording Artist Three Days Grace are breaking all previous personal records with sales of more than 100,000 in just 2 weeks with their new release, One-X. The band entered the Billboard Top 200 charts at #5! Amazing news, as their previous debut-album, which went platinum, never sold more that 34,000 in a single week and only reached #69 on the chart.

"Animal I Have Become", the first single from One-X, is currently #1 this week at active rock at R&R and BDS! Also #5 and climbing on the Alternative Rock radio charts. The song also hit #3 rock song on AOL last week. The video is Top 5 on FUSE and was just winner of FUSE's Oven Fresh. Three Days Grace has had 3 Top 5 singles on both Alternative and Active with their debut album, but "Animal I Have Become" is the band's first #1 single across the board.

One-X follows the band's 2003 self-titled platinum album, which saw Adam, Neil, Brad, and Barry on the road for over 2 years. Currently touring to promote their new release One-X, Three Days Grace will hit the US again with fellow Canadian rockers, Nickelback on June 30th in Cincinnati, OH. The band just finished a highly successful tour with Staind.

According to lead singer Adam Gontier, Animal I Have Become is "my realization that change had to happen, I had to ask for help." With stomping bass lines backing him up, Gontier pleads, "Somebody get me through this nightmare / I can't control myself." Adam's lyrics are both surprisingly open and defiantly delivered in the line: "So what if you can see / the darkest side of me."

Hailing from Canada, Three Days Grace find a way to rock hard, without losing the emotional, real connection they have to their audience. With songs from One-X that unleash sharp, relentless harmonies, matched with razor edged lyrics, the band is poised to take over the music scene once again.

One-X was produced by Howard Benson, mixed by Chris Lord-Alge and mastered by Ted Jensen.

Prior to recording One-X throughout the later part of 2005, the band toured for over 2 years to sold-out crowds in support of their debut platinum album, Three Days Grace, which produced 3 hit singles. "I Hate Everything About You" peaked at #2 on Modern & Active charts and stayed there for 47 weeks. "Just Like You" was # 1 on Billboard New Artist Chart for 3 weeks, and according to Mediabase, was the second most played Rock song of 2004. "Home" entered Top 5 on both Billboard Active and Modern Charts. All three singles received heavy play on Fuse, MTV 2, and Much Music, leading to the band's nomination for Best New Artist in the 2004 Billboard Awards and the 2004 Juno Awards.

Three Days Grace is Adam Gontier (vocals/guitar), Brad Walst (bass), Barry Stock (guitar) and Neil Sanderson (drums).

For more information visit http://www.threedaysgrace.com/

Source: Jive Records

Ahoy! Verizon Wireless Brings Exclusive Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Video, Ring Tones, Ringback Tones and Games to V CAST Phones

Customers Can Win a Trip to the World Premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: 3 in the 'Create Your Own Adventure' Sweepstakes

Verizon Wireless V CAST customers can now go behind-the-scenes with Captain Jack Sparrow through an exclusive Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest interactive multimedia experience. Beginning today, Verizon Wireless V CAST customers can watch video of Captain Jack Sparrow's adventures, an updated teaser trailer, never before seen scenes and interviews with the stars of the film. Customers will also be able to view footage from the red carpet premiere on their V CAST- enabled phones beginning later this week. Verizon Wireless customers with select Get It Now(R)-enabled phones can also play the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest mobile game and check out ring tones, Ringback Tones and wallpaper in the Get It Now virtual store. Customers can visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/pirates to explore all of the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest action.

Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly reunite in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest from Walt Disney Pictures, in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Films. The film is an all new epic tale chronicling the further misadventures of Captain Jack Sparrow. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Gore Verbinski from a screenplay written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, Captain Jack Sparrow sets sail on an all new adventure -- filled with more intrigue, more spectacular special effects and more comedy -- on July 7, 2006.

V CAST: Pirates Video and Music

Exclusively through V CAST, Verizon Wireless customers can preview a movie trailer; download interviews with the film's stars, director and executive producer; view behind-the-scenes clips such as "The Black Pearl," "The Characters," "The Flying Dutchman" and "Pirate Lore," as well as footage of behind-the-scene interviews with Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Tia Dahlma. Fans can view other exclusive video, such as the on-location footage from Dominica and stunts from the movie, including an insider's look at stunts with "The Wheel."

V CAST Music customers who want to download songs from the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest soundtrack can do so either on their V CAST Music- enabled phones or online in the V CAST Music store once the movie opens in theaters, including the following tracks:

1. Davy Jones Music Box (Score)

2. Davy Jones (Score)

3. Dinner Is Served (Score Drums)

4. Dinner Is Served (Score Waltz)

5. A Family Affair (Score)

6. Hello Beastie (Score)

7. I've Got My Eye On You (Score)

8. Jack Sparrow (Score Intro)

9. Jack Sparrow (Score)

10. The Kraken (Score)

11. Tia Dalma (Score)

12. Two Hornpipes Tortuga (Score)

13. Wheel of Fortune (Score)

14. You Look Good Jack (Score)

Get It All with Get It Now: Exclusive Ring Tones, Ringback Tones, Wallpaper and Games

As the movie launches in theatres, Verizon Wireless customers will also be able to download exclusive ring tones from the soundtrack of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, plus remixes from the original Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl soundtrack with the VZW Tones Deluxe application on select Get It Now-enabled phones. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl remixes that will be available as ring tones include:

1. He's a Pirate (Chris Joss Ship Ahoy Mix)

2. He's a Pirate (Chris Joss Ship Ahoy send off Mix)

3. He's a Pirate (Friscia & Lamboy Tribal Treasure Drum Mix)

4. Song Remix He's a Pirate (Friscia & Lamboy Tribal Treasure Mix)

5. Song Remix He's a Pirate (Pelo Verde Mix)

6. Song Remix He's a Pirate (Pete n' Red's Jolly Roger Radio Edit)

7. Song Remix He's a Pirate (Pete n' Red's Jolly Roger Trance Mix)

8. Song Remix He's a Pirate (Tiesto Radio Edit Johnny Depp)

9. Song Remix He's a Pirate (Tiesto Radio Edit)

10. Song Remix He's a Pirate (Tiesto Remix Davy Jones)

11. Song Remix He's a Pirate (Tiesto Remix)

With VZW Tones Deluxe, customers will also be able to download Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Ringback Tones once the movie opens on July 7 that will include soundtrack remixes and voice tones. Ringback Tones from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl will also be available as voice tones and remixes. Ringback Tones are available to Verizon Wireless customers for a monthly fee of $0.99 per month. Each Ringback Tone purchased is $1.99, which provides unlimited use for one year.

Customers can also chose from a variety of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest wallpaper options -- including backgrounds, tattoos and characters from the movie -- by visiting getPIX on their phone, selecting Featured PIX and then Pirates Ring Tones and Graphics on Get It Now-enabled phones. Wallpaper is available for $2.49 per download.

To join in the adventures of Jack Sparrow, Verizon Wireless also offers Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest mobile game for $2.49 monthly access or $6.49 for unlimited use purchase. The game is currently available in the Get It Now virtual store and customers can download it straight from their phone for non-stop mobile Pirates action. In July, Verizon Wireless customers will also have exclusive access to multiplayer game action with the forthcoming title Pirates of the Caribbean: Multiplayer.

"Create Your Own Adventure"

In addition to offering its customers Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest streaming video, tones and wallpaper to download, Verizon Wireless is giving away more than 50,000 prizes -- including a trip to the world premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: 3, two trips to the Caribbean and snazzy LG mobile phones -- in the "Create Your Own Adventure" sweepstakes. The program allows customers to create individual adventures through the story of the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. To enter, simply TXT2WIN(R) and send a TXT Message with the word "DEAD" to 3323. Each message asks players to choose one path over another, with some paths sending them back to the beginning of the challenge, and others allowing them to move on. The grand prize is a five-day, four-night trip for two to the world premier of Pirates of the Caribbean: 3; two first prize winners receive a seven-day, six-night trip for two to the Caribbean and thirty second prize winners will win LG phones. Other prizes include wallpapers, ring tones and more. A two-way TXT Messaging-capable phone is needed to send and receive TXT Messages and standard TXT Messaging rates apply. For a complete list of sweepstakes rules, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/pirates.

How to Get V CAST and Get It Now

V CAST is currently available coast to coast, and runs on Verizon Wireless' broadband network, the most award-winning wireless broadband network in the nation. To get V CAST from Verizon Wireless, customers simply equip their V CAST-enabled phones with a V CAST VPak subscription for $15 monthly access added to their Verizon Wireless calling plan. Unlimited basic video clips are included, but application download fees apply for 3D games, music and premium video. For more information, visit http://www.getvcast.com/.

Verizon Wireless customers with select Get It Now-enabled phones can download applications from the shopping aisles of the Get It Now virtual store. Download charges for Get It Now applications vary and airtime charges apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications. Customers need a Get It Now-enabled phone and Verizon Wireless digital service to access the Get It Now virtual store.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to http://www.verizonwireless.com/.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Source: Verizon Wireless

http://www.verizonwireless.com/pirates
http://www.getvcast.com/

30 Seconds To Mars and Bam Margera at MTV2 'All That Rocks'

30 Seconds To Mars recently bloodied up the Avalon in Los Angeles, CA on June 1st for a special event aptly titled The Kill Costume Blood Ball. Bam Margera introduced the band before a sold out crowd. Fans arrived at the venue dressed up in their best Shining-eque outfit to pay homage to the band's current video for "The Kill." You can see the band with Bam Margera again at this year's MTV2 "All That Rocks" award show airing on the network July 30th at 9:00pm.

From Left To Right: Matt Wachter, Shannon Leto, Bam Margera, Jared Leto, Tomo Milicevic.

30 Seconds To Mars will be on tour through the Fall. Confirmed tour dates as follows:

Wed-Jun-28 Toronto, ON Kool Haus

Fri-Jun-30 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre

Sat-Jul-01 Albany, NY Saratoga Winners

Sun-Jul-02 Washington, D.C. 9:30 Club

Mon-Jul-03 Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony

Fri-Jul-07 Grand Rapids, MI Intersection

Sat-Jul-08 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest

Sun-Jul-09 Cedar Rapids, IA Emerald City

Wed-Jul-12 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue

Fri-Jul-14 Denver, CO Dew Action Sports Tour

Thu-Jul-20 Petaluma, CA Phoenix Theatre

Fri-Jul-21 Reno, NV New Oasis

Tue-Jul-25 El Paso, TX Club 101 (H)

Sat-Jul-29 Kansas City, KS Buzzfest

FESTIVAL APPEARANCES

Sat-Jul-22 Salt Lake City, UT Warped Tour

Sun-Jul-23 Denver, CO Warped Tour

Sat-Aug-05 Chicago, IL Lollapalooza

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

Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre Offers the Ultimate Pirate Experience During Its 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' Run From July 7th - Sept 4th; 24 Hours of 'Pirates' Kicks Off Thursday With Sold-Out Midnight Show

 (C) Disney INC, all right reserved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(C) Disney, Inc. All rights reserved

Yo ho, yo ho, it's a pirate's life for moviegoers at Hollywood's legendary El Capitan Theatre from July 7th -- September 4th as "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," the exciting new adventure from Walt Disney Pictures and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, sails into port for a special engagement accompanied by an exclusive display of props from the film, it was announced today (6/27) by Lylle Breier, senior vice president of worldwide special events for Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. A midnight show on Thursday July 6th (sold out two months in advance) kicks off a round-the-clock, 24-hour "Pirates" marathon, followed by two additional early morning shows -- at 3:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m -- and the day's regularly scheduled shows. El Capitan guests will be treated to a colorful array of props and set pieces from the film including cannons, costumes, treasure chests, Captain Jack Sparrow's ring, and pieces of the Black Pearl and Flying Dutchman ships themselves. Tickets for this special engagement of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" can be purchased at the El Capitan box office, on line at www.elcapitantickets.com, or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6. For groups of 20 or more, call 1-818-845-3110 for special rates and availability.

Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store, located adjacent to the El Capitan Theatre, will also be celebrating the return of Jack Sparrow by offering a "Pirate's Treasure Sundae." This mouth-watering concoction includes an island of butter rum-flavored ice cream surrounded by a sea of rich chocolate sauce. Candy coated chocolate jewels, mounds of whipped cream, and a collectable souvenir bowl add to the fun. The Studio Store will be offering three exclusive "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" pins, which can be viewed by visiting www.disneysodafountain.com.

 (C) Disney, Inc, all rights reserved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(C) Disney,Inc. all rights reserved

 

Commenting on the announcement, Breier said, "Moviegoers and pirate fans are going to have a blast during this special engagement of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' at the El Capitan Theatre. Not only will they be seeing the film digitally projected with state-of-the-art picture and sound, but they'll get a chance to see some very authentic props and set pieces that were actually used in the making of the film. We're very excited to be celebrating this great new film from Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, and we know that the El Capitan is the ideal place to experience this amazing new big screen adventure."

 (C) Disney Inc, all right reserved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(C) Disney inc all rights reserved.

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, and directed by Gore Verbinski, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" stars Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley, along with a colorful cast of pirates, privateers, and adventurers. The film follows the further adventures of the mischievous Captain Jack Sparrow, this time as he tries to settle a blood debt to the legendary Davy Jones, ruler of the ocean depths, and the captain of the ghostly Flying Dutchman. Unless the ever-crafty Jack figures a cunning way out of this pact, he will be cursed to an afterlife of eternal servitude and damnation. Jack's uncertain future interrupts the wedding plans of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, who once again find themselves thrust into Jack's troubles and travels. This leads to complications and confrontations with sea monsters, cannibals, ghost pirates, the Gypsy Queen, and even the mysterious appearance of Will's long-lost father, Bootstrap Bill.

For Further Information

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

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

'The Ultimate Fighter 3' Finale on Spike TV is the Most Watched Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) Event Ever

Doubles the Viewership of NASCAR Race on FX Head-To-Head

Delivers More Men 18-49 and Men 18-34 Than Anything Else on Television in Timeslot

The live finale of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter 3 drew 2.8 million viewers on Saturday, June 24 (9:00 PM - 12 Midnight) making it the most watched UFC event in history. The card was the highest rated Spike original telecast in the network's history in Men 18-49 with a 2.85 rating.

The viewership peaked with 3.4 million and a 4.51 rating in Men 18-34 at 10:15 PM for the thrilling three-round, middleweight war between Kendall Grove and Ed Herman. The Spike TV finale easily outdrew NASCAR's Dodge/ Save Mart 350 on FX which garnered 1.4 million viewers.

Overall, The Ultimate Fighter 3 finale tallied a 2.04 household rating, with a 2.85 in M18-49 (1,493,000 viewers), a 3.81 in M18-34 (1,000,000 viewers) and an average audience of 2.8 million viewers. Spike TV delivered more M18-49 and M18-34 in the time period than any other channel, broadcast or cable.

"You can't get more action than the thrilling conclusion to another fantastic season of The Ultimate Fighter," said Kevin Kay, General Manager, Spike TV.

"We have reached the point when guys across the country say -- 'Did you catch the fight last night?' -- and they are referring to a UFC fight," said Dana White, UFC President.

In what is the frontrunner for the 2006 UFC fight of the year, Hawaii's Kendall "Spider" Grove scored a unanimous 29-28 decision over Portland, Oregon's Ed "Short Fuse" Herman following three rounds of nonstop, breathtaking action in the Octagon. Grove secured the middleweight Ultimate Fighter crown and a six-figure contract with the UFC.

In the light heavyweight title bout, England's Michael "The Count" Bisping scored a second round victory against a determined Josh Haynes from Medford, Ore to also secure a six-figure contract.

In the main event, Kenny "Ken-Flo" Florian scored a dominating first round victory over Canadian Sam Stout. The night's first televised bout had Keith Jardine winning a three-round decision over Wilson Gouveia.

Spike TV, the first network for men, is available in 90 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc.

Source: Spike TV

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

Pearl Jam Gets Personal During VH1 Storytellers

'VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam' Premieres Saturday, July 1 at 10pm*

Fans Can Get an Early Look at a Performance From the Show at VSPOT, VH1's Broadband Channel by Going Online Now at http://vspot.vh1.com

In the midst of their summer tour, Pearl Jam treated a few hundred lucky fans to an intimate performance for a taping of VH1 Storytellers on Wednesday, May 31 at Avalon in New York City. "VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam" premieres Saturday, July 1 at 10pm. MHD: Music High- Definition Channel, MTV Networks' music-centric high-definition channel will simulcast the episode at the same time. Pearl Jam joins Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, Green Day and Bruce Springsteen as the most recent artists to take the stage and share their stories.

The episode treats fans to a unique experience as Pearl Jam performs new songs from their latest self-titled album Pearl Jam in addition to previous hits. In quintessential "Storytellers" form, the band (Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Jeff Ament and Matt Cameron) answer questions from fans and in a new interview give an honest and revealing look at the stories behind the songs. Viewers will get a unique opportunity to hear the inspiration behind such hits as "Betterman" and "Alive" and from their new album Pearl Jam, "Worldwide Suicide," "Life Wasted" and "Gone."

Woven throughout the show are political musings and points of view by the band and a solo acoustic performance by Eddie Vedder of "Here's To The State." The song is a reworking of late folk singer Phil Ochs' song "Here's to the State of Mississippi" with a new title and lyrics directed at President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Evangelist Jerry Falwell and Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez.

VH1's broadband channel VSPOT (http://vspot.vh1.com/) will air Pearl Jam's performance of "Worldwide Suicide" beginning Monday, June 26 -- five days before "VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam" airs on VH1.

* all times ET/PT

"VH1 Storytellers: Pearl Jam" is a production of VH1. Lee Rolontz and Bill Flanagan serve as executive producers.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 87 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and VH Uno. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.

MHD: Music High-Definition Channel from MTV Networks, features original music-based programming for a variety of music genres, including hip hop, rock, country, pop, reggaeton, soul and more, as well as HDTV acquisitions and original content from MTV Networks Music Group's MTV, VH1, and CMT family of services.

Source: VH1

 

Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://vspot.vh1.com/

If It's Summer It Must Be Discovery Channel's SHARK WEEK - Returns July 30 With Host Mike Rowe and Seven All-New Specials at 9 PM

Tagging great whites with satellite devices to track their migration patterns ... testing the strength of chain mail in the middle of a reef shark feeding frenzy ... preparing chum, a mixture of chopped fish parts and blood used to attract sharks -- SHARK WEEK host Mike Rowe (Dirty Jobs) finds out that working with sharks can be extremely dirty work.

Cable television's longest-running programming event, SHARK WEEK first premiered in 1988 and remains a viewer favorite. Last year, SHARK WEEK was watched by 20.6 million people with eight million people tuning in to the premiere special, MythBusters: Jaws Special.

SHARK WEEK kicks off on Discovery Channel Sunday, July 30 with Mike Rowe's two-hour special Dirty Jobs: Jobs That Bite, and ends Friday, August 4 with the one-hour special Dirty Jobs: Jobs That Bite Harder. Mike shows viewers how these jobs help further our knowledge about sharks and shark behavior by, among other things, making and testing shark repellants and chain mail protective suits -- and then diving amid a hungry group of sharks to test them.

SHARK WEEK is produced in conjunction with leading shark researchers around the world, and provides viewers with valuable knowledge about the behavior and characteristics of this diverse and majestic species.

The complete schedule of SHARK WEEK 2006 premieres includes:

* Dirty Jobs: Jobs That Bite (Sunday, July 30, 9-11 PM (ET/PT)) -- To

kick off SHARK WEEK, fearless host Mike Rowe climbs into a shark cage

in South Africa and comes face-to-face with great whites, performs a

shark necropsy, tags great whites for migratory observation, and

creates and tests a shark repellant (on himself!) in the Bahamas.

* Shark Attack Survivors (Monday, July 31, 9-10 PM (ET/PT)) -- This

special exposes the truth about the world's most efficient marine

predator through an examination of shark attack case studies and first-

hand accounts, delivers important information on how to avoid or

survive a shark encounter, and joins forces with shark experts to

reveal the science and psychology behind shark behavior patterns,

explaining how sharks select their prey and why attacks occur.

* Perfect Shark (Tuesday, August 1, 9-10 PM (ET/PT)) -- Is there such a

thing as a perfect shark? Host Mike deGruy, who has filmed sharks for

over 30 years, heads out into the world's oceans, examining the most

streamlined and extreme designs of sharks today. He also looks at

sharks of the prehistoric past, via a CGI-enhanced "virtuarium" that

allows him to conjure up and interact with images of any shark that

ever lived.

* Sharks: Are They Hunting Us? (Wednesday, August 2, 9-10 PM (ET/PT)) --

Animal behaviorist Dave Salmoni, a relative novice around sharks, meets

with shark experts around the world to ask the questions that

"everyman" might have about sharks, including: Are sharks really out

to get humans? Are attacks really on the rise?

* Shark Rebellion (Thursday, August 3, 9-10 PM (ET/PT)) -- The Brazilian

port city of Recife recorded only one shark attack in 75 years. In the

past decade, there have been an astonishing 45 attacks with 16

fatalities. An international team of scientists (including the

University of Florida's Dan Huber) investigates what may have changed

to cause this dramatic increase -- is it the sharks or could it be

human encroachment?

* Dirty Jobs: Jobs That Bite Harder (Friday, August 4, 9-10 PM (ET/PT)) -

- Mike Rowe is back to sink his teeth into another hour of dirty jobs

with sharks. He helps make a fiberglass replica of sharks for

fisherman who release their catch and, in his dirtiest job of SHARK

WEEK, Mike heads to the Bahamas to test a chain mail shark suit -- in

the middle of a feeding frenzy of Caribbean reef sharks.

* Science of Shark Sex (Friday, August 4, 10-11 PM (ET/PT)) -- In this

special, viewers travel to the famed Tiputa pass in French Polynesia,

to study one of the world's greatest concentrations of grey reef

sharks. Since understanding the reproduction of sharks is key to their

preservation, a group of three international scientists set out to

study the grey reef's mating habits, which have never before been

captured on film.

Viewers can learn more exciting facts about sharks online at discovery.com/sharkweek.

SHARK WEEK Executive Producers include: Suzy Geller Wolf, Craig Piligian and Eddie Barbini (Dirty Jobs: Jobs That Bite, Shark Attack Survivors and Dirty Jobs: Jobs That Bite Harder); Maureen Lemire and Vyv Simson (Perfect Shark), Charlie Foley and Phil Fairclough (Sharks: Are They Hunting Us?) and Maureen Lemire and Andrew Waterworth (Shark Rebellion).

Sponsors of SHARK WEEK are Lowes and Sonic Restaurants.

Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in 170 countries and territories with nearly 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 27 network entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Espanol, Discovery Kids en Espanol, Discovery HD Theater, FitTV, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir), Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Real Time. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ:DISCA) (NASDAQ:DISCB) , Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.

For more information and artwork, please log on to http://www.press.discovery.com/

Source: Discovery Channel

 

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

The N to Simulcast the Premiere of New, One-Hour Mystery Whistler on 'The Click,' the Network's New Broadband Media Player Friday, June 30

Two-Part Online Companion Series of 'Sneak Peeks' and Exclusive 'Whistler Webisodes' Available at www.the-N.com

The N, the nighttime network for teens, has announced it will simulcast the premiere of it's new hour-long mystery, Whistler on-air and online on "The Click," the network's new broadband media player, and on The N on Friday, June 30 at 9:00 p.m. (ET). The new series immediately follows a new episode of Beyond The Break (8:30 p.m. (ET), The N's new half-hour summer sun and surf series for teens.

In addition, viewers can log on to the network's website, http://www.the-n.com/ immediately for the two-part online companion series of "Sneak Peeks" and exclusive "Whistler Webisodes." Each online component is a 13-part original series of shorts that will roll-out at the conclusion of each on air premiere. "Sneak Peeks" provides viewers a glimpse of the following week's upcoming episode, while "Whistler Webisodes" serve as a prequel to the series premiere and give viewers the opportunity to catch original narrative content that delves deeper into the series' existing story lines and mystery.

Whistler, a dark and gripping mystery shot on location in Vancouver, BC, is set in the exclusive hilltops of one of the worlds most pristine and high society winter playgrounds. The 13-part series unveils the secrets that lie buried beneath the snow as the puzzling death of an Olympic Gold Medalist begins to unravel.

Things begin to go awry in Whistler, the seemingly perfect world-class mountain resort and home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The series kicks off as the 2006 Olympic Snowboarding Gold Medalist, Beck McKaye (David Paetkau), is discovered dead on the slopes which sends shockwaves throughout the sleepy community. Beck's mysterious accident forever changes the lives of his friends and family -- especially his younger brother, 17-year-old Quinn. Quinn (Jesse Moss) digs deeper into the hidden life of his beloved brother and uncovers a side of Whistler, and its inhabitants, that he's never known.

"Teens love drama and mystery and Whistler combines the best of both in a breathtaking glittery winter playground," said Sarah Tomassi Lindman, Vice President, Production and Programming, The N. "Whistler's riveting storyline is sure to keep teens on the edge of their seats wanting more."

Whistler goes behind the scenes at the five-star Varland Resort and looks beyond the perfectly groomed ski slopes. Whistler pulls no punches in its frank look at life among the classes who live and work in a city that's a world class tourist destination. The Varlands, epitomizing the wealth and power of Whistler, the McKayes, an average middle class family running a tavern for locals, and the Millers, young sisters struggling to make ends meet, all find their lives inextricably intertwined. The locals, rich and poor, young and old, all hide their own secrets, creating an intense, intricate web of desire, deceit and danger.

Meet the Families:

The Varlands -- Adrien Varland plays puppet master with his employees, his second wife Shelby and his son AJ as he attempts to increase his power and wealth and indulge his hedonistic tendencies.

The Millers -- two young sisters left without parents to care for them, Carrie and Nicole must rely on each other and work to make ends meet as they tread into the treacherous waters of money, power and romance.

The McKayes -- Ethan and Jen McKaye struggle to cope with the sudden death of their son while trying to keep Adrien Varland from destroying their family business. Adding to Ethan's problems is his brother Ryan who works for Ethan's nemesis, Adrien Varland.

Co-produced by Toronto-based Blueprint Entertainment and Vancouver-based Boardwatch Productions, in association with Canadian broadcaster CTV, Whistler features an exciting, multigenerational ensemble cast that boasts Canada's newest break-out stars -- such as David Paetkau (LAX, CSI: Miami, Final Destination 2) as the doomed Olympic Gold Medalist Beck McKaye; Jesse Moss (Final Destination 3) as Quinn, Beck's shy, introspective brother; Amanda Crew (Final Destination 3, She's the Man) as Beck's beautiful girlfriend Carrie Miller; Brendan Penny (The L Word) as A.J. Varland, the local bad boy, thrill- seeker and sometimes-friend to Quinn; Haley Beauchamp (Smallville) as Feeney, Quinn's best friend; Holly Dignard (The L Word, Battlestar Galactica, Stargate SG-1) as Nicole Miller, Carrie's older sister and surrogate mom; and Adam J. Harrington(Show Me Yours, The Dead Zone) as Quinn's uncle Ryan.

Established veterans include: Nicholas Lea (X-Files, CSI, Chaos ) as Beck's father and manager Ethan McKaye, Ingrid Kavelaars (Dreamcatcher, Final Run) as Quinn's beautiful mom Jen while Christopher Shyer (Monk, Traffic) rounds out the talented cast as the powerful Adrien Varland, owner of the Varland Resort Complex.

Whistler was created by Executive Producer and Show Runner Kelly Senecal (National Lampoon's Going the Distance, Just Deal), who also wrote the first two episodes. He is joined on the creative front by the Writer/Executive Producer team of Tony Blake and Paul Jackson (She Spies, Charmed, The Pretender) as well as Writer/Co-Producers Russ Cochrane (Last Exit, The N's Radio Free Roscoe, MTV's Undressed) and Alison Bingeman (CSI: Miami, FX: The Series).

Blueprint Entertainment and Boardwatch Productions are the production entities for Whistler with Noreen Halpern and John Morayniss from Blueprint and Sam Feldman and Janet York from Boardwatch acting as Executive Producers for their respective companies.

CTV, Canada's largest private broadcaster, offers a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming. It boasts the number-one national newscast, CTV News With Lloyd Robertson, and is the number-one choice for prime-time viewing. CTV owns 21 conventional television stations across Canada and has interests in 14 specialty channels, including the number-one Canadian specialty channel, TSN. CTV is owned by Bell Globemedia, Canada's premier multi-media company. More information about CTV may be found on the company Web site at http://www.ctv.ca/.

The N, the nighttime network for teens, is a programming arm of MTV Networks and is currently available in 49 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite television. The N's mission is to be the authentic voice for teens and help them figure out their lives with relevant, topical programming on-air and online at the network's web site http://www.the-n.com/. The N airs everyday from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (ET). The N and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Source: The N

 

Web site: http://www.the-n.com/
http://www.ctv.ca/

 

Nickelodeon Secures Number One Position as Top Cable Network for Eleventh Consecutive Year and Continues to Build Leadership Position on Digital Platforms

Posts Highest Quarterly Linear TV Growth in Two Years and Only Net to Post Gains Among Preschoolers

Nick Finishes Second Quarter First in Total Programming Day, Up +3% with Kids 2-11; Nick.com and Nickjr.com Both Increase Traffic by More Than 60% versus Second Quarter '05; TurboNick Hits 160 Million Streams and Has Best Month Ever in June

 Emerging as the leader in the number-one top spot in its eleventh consecutive year, Nickelodeon led basic cable as the top-rated network within the total programming day for the just-completed second quarter of 2006 (3/27/06-6/25/06) among total viewers and across all kids' demos, according to Nielsen Media Research. In addition, the network grew double digits in its multiple media offerings -- including Nick.com and Nickjr.com from year-to-year, and video-on-demand -- and excelled on its broadband, online gaming platforms.

Among the network's primary demo of kids 2-11, the network posted a 3.8/1.3 million K2-11, up +3% over second quarter 2005, and +81% ahead of Cartoon Network (2.1/675,000 K2-11) and +52% ahead of Disney Channel (2.5/801,000 K2-11). With preschoolers, the network also ranked first, averaging a 4.5/560,000 K2-5, up +10% over last year's like time period, ahead of Cartoon Network by +137% (1.9/237,000 K2-5) and +73% versus Disney Channel (2.6/326,000 K2-5). And with tweens 9-14, Nickelodeon remained flat for the quarter, earning a 2.5/526,000 T9-14, but beating its competition by double digits. Among kids 6-11, Nick is up more than one rating point above its closest competitor (Nick earned a 3.5 rating while The Disney Channel averaged a 2.4 rating), equating to a 46% lead.*

Nickelodeon was the only major kid network that posted year to year gains among the preschool (kids 2-5) audience. During its Nick Jr. block (M-F 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.), then net beat kid competitors Disney Channel and Cartoon Network by 187% and 196%, respectively. Nick Jr. maintains the top seven out of 10 preschool programs on commercial TV including Go, Diego, Go! (#1), Dora the Explorer (#2), The Wonder Pets (#3), Blue's Clues (#4), The Backyardigans (#5), LazyTown (#6) and Miss Spider (#7).

Contributing to the Nickelodeon's quarter-to-quarter growth, were several large events including Nickelodeon's 19th Annual Kids' Choice Awards (KCAs). This year's KCAs garnered an average of 3.2 million kids. In its first ever simulcast on TurboNick - a first in awards show history -- the KCAs drove Nick.com to a high traffic day of more than 1.2 million unique visitors. Fairy Idol, a one-hour special based on Nick's The Fairly OddParents, also hit high numbers drawing more than 5 million total viewers and more than 3 million kids.

As Nickelodeon continues to build its leadership in new and emerging media platforms, it has increased usership on multiple media platforms in the kids' space, particularly with its broadband platforms, TurboNick and Nick Jr. Video, and its online sites, Nick.com and Nickjr.com**.

-- TurboNick, Nickelodeon's broadband video service on Nick.com, generated

63.2 million streams in second quarter 2006, up +46% over first quarter

2006. It broke its record for the highest monthly streams with more

than 28 million streams in June 2006, a 33% increase from May 2006.

-- Nick Jr. Video, Nick Jr.'s broadband video service on Nickjr.com,

garnered more than 27 million content streams in second quarter 2006.

Nick Jr. Video is rapidly approaching its 100th million stream since

its launch in August 2005.

-- Nick Jr. Parents TV, the networks broadband service geared towards

parents, generated almost 14.5 million streams for second quarter 2006,

up +14% versus first quarter 2006.

-- For the quarter, Nick.com averaged almost 14 million unique monthly

visitors, which is a +67% increase versus first quarter 2006. In May,

Nick.com attracted more than 14.5 million unique marking the site's

best month ever.

-- Nick.com has also had more than 231 million game plays on the site this

quarter, and Nickjr.com racked in 183 million game plays, up +69% and

+88% respectively over second quarter 2005. "Danny Phantom: Freak For

All" was the number-one game for the quarter recording 7.6 million game

plays on Nick.com, while "Dora's Puppy Adventure" was number-one on

Nickjr.com recording 11.4 million game plays in second quarter.

-- Nickjr.com has had on average approximately 6.2 million monthly unique

visitors this quarter, a +66% increase from second quarter 2005.

During the week of June 19, Nickjr.com accomplished its Best Week Ever,

garnering 2.1 million unique visitors for the week, a +99% increase

over year ago levels.

**Source: Omniture SiteCatalyst 4/1/2006-6/26/2006

-- The network also continues to maintain its leadership position in

Video-on-Demand (VOD). Nick VOD programming (through June 25, 2006) had

19.8 million views, a 74% lift over second quarter 2005 (11.4 million).

The top titles for second quarter included Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob

SquarePants, Go, Diego, Go! and The WonderPets!***

***Source: Rentrak

Nickelodeon, now in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number- one-rated basic cable network for eleven consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

*Numbers based on Nickelodeon total day.

Nickelodeon Programming Hours: M-Th: 6:00 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fr-Sat: 6:00 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Sun: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. (ET/PT)

Source: Nickelodeon

Web site: http://www.nick.com/
http://www.nickjr.com/

Piaf: Her Story ... Her Songs Starring Raquel Bitton

Lionsgate Films Releases an American Production of a French Icon

 Sparrow Productions Inc., the artist management company for French Jazz singer Raquel Bitton, announced today the Lionsgate Films release of Piaf: Her story ... Her songs, starring Raquel Bitton.

Winner of the Special Jury Award for the Most Moving Film Experience at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, Piaf: Her Story ... Her Songs celebrates Edith Piaf's extraordinary life through stories and songs that reflect each major episode of her life from singing in the streets of Paris as a child to becoming the highest paid singer in the world at that time.

Raquel Bitton, who has been internationally praised as the foremost interpreter of Piaf's music, beautifully presents Piaf's songs through a theatrical presentation. Part documentary, part stage performance, Piaf: Her Story ... Her Song, is a passionate tribute to the French icon, written and preformed by Bitton that showcases 16 famous songs fully orchestrated including Piaf's signature songs "La Vie en Rose," "No Regrets," "Milord," and "A Hymn to Love."

Sung in both French and English, Bitton's heartfelt renditions and powerful delivery, along with interviews with Piaf's friends, family and colleagues, take audiences on an intensely moving journey.

"Tears flowed down my eyes," said M. Barber, Miami Herald.

"One of the most memorable events of my 26 years at the Denver International film festival. A touching performance," said Ron Henderson, Director of the Denver Film Society and The Denver International Film Festival.

The DVD also includes "Les Avions sont des Oiseaux" -- a new original song composed by Academy Award(R)-winning composer Francis Lai (Love Story, A Man and a Woman) -- who was one of Piaf's composers and accordionist. Piaf: Her Story ... Her Songs is truly the only film of its kind and a must have for all Piaf fans.

"The great French jazz singer Raquel Bitton has fashioned interpretations of Piaf's songbook that are the best thing since, well, Piaf herself sang them," said Janice Page, The Boston Globe.

About Raquel Bitton

Since immigrating from Marrakech to the United States as a young teenager in 1968, Raquel Bitton has been enthralling audiences with her elegant renditions of the music from the golden era of French Jazz of the 1930's and 40's.

Bitton has crafted numerous sell-out hit shows i.e. "A little bit of Paris," "Piaf: Her Story ... Her Songs" and "Pops goes to Paris" that she has performed in jazz clubs and at grand concert halls with full symphony orchestra's throughout North America including several sold out performances at Carnegie Hall.

With six albums to her credit (Paris Blues her newest release in Feb. 06), Raquel Bitton is internationally recognized as the foremost singer of the music from a romantic period in Jazz that converged in Paris during the 1930's and 40's which produced some of the most gifted composers and performers of this century.

"Magnificent ... , Emotional..., Mesmerizing ... , Piaf and Billie Holiday shared a poignancy in their delivery that few others have mastered; Bitton, here, is one," said Phil Elwood, San Francisco Examiner/Chronicle.

For more information about Raquel Bitton please visit:

www.raquelbitton.com

 

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

Stormbreaker Spy Film Will Feature the Ultimate Gadget: Nintendo DS

Video Game System Gets a Starring Role in Hit Series

 The hot-selling Nintendo DS(TM) will make its motion picture debut in the upcoming teen spy thriller Stormbreaker. Nintendo has signed an agreement with the film's producers that will turn the Nintendo DS into the ultimate spy gadget. Stormbreaker is based on the first in the popular Alex Rider series of books by Anthony Horowitz, which have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.

After the murder of his uncle and guardian, the MI6 British spy agency recruits the reluctant 14-year-old Alex Rider to take over his uncle's mission. Like any good spy, during training he receives his key piece of gadgetry: a Hot Rod Red Nintendo DS. He also gets several game cards that transform his DS into an eavesdropping device, a wiretap detector or a smoke bomb.

"Along with writer Anthony Horowitz, we asked ourselves how the Secret Service would get secret tools into the hands of a 14-year-old spy," says Peter Samuelson, who, with his brother Marc, produced the film. "Nintendo DS is the perfect fit: Alex's spyware hides in plain sight. Audiences will be thrilled to see how it helps Alex get out of a host of heart-pounding predicaments."

Stormbreaker is scheduled for release in the United Kingdom on July 21 by Entertainment Film Distributors, in the United States on Oct. 6 by The Weinstein Company and worldwide from August by leading local distributors.

The film stars Alex Pettyfer as Alex Rider, with Sarah Bolger, Robbie Coltrane, Stephen Fry, Damian Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy, Sophie Okonedo, Missi Pyle, Andy Serkis, Alicia Silverstone, Ashley Walters and Mickey Rourke.

"The agreement is a perfect marriage of two hot entertainment properties," explains George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "And while the Nintendo DS is one of the most versatile gaming systems available, we unfortunately have no plans to make any DS spy-related functions available to the general public."

The worldwide innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo DS(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance and Nintendo GameCube(TM) systems, and upcoming Wii(TM) console. Since 1983, Nintendo has sold nearly 2.2 billion video games and more than 375 million hardware units globally, and has created industry icons like Mario(TM), Donkey Kong(R), Metroid(R), Zelda(TM) and Pokemon(R). A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.

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

Atlantis: The Last Testament - New Novel Offers Riveting Explanation of Long-Lost Culture and Its Ties to Christ

 A fascinating theory about Atlantis is detailed in a new novel by Frank M. Civale, Ph.D. Atlantis: The Last Testament (now available through AuthorHouse) tells the story of these highly advanced people and how one of the most influential characters in history was an emissary from this long-lost culture.

After divers discovered the last writing of the inhabitants of Atlantis, the secrets of this land were revealed. Governed by a Board of Wizards, Atlanteans were taking refuge in their inner cities. The wizards had expected great earth tremors and a turning of the poles, and their scientific advancements allowed them to regenerate their molecular structure. This molecular manipulation lengthened their life spans.

For 15,000 years, the Atlanteans were fully aware of the happenings on earth. Evil was taking over good in the world, and through the generations, they had tried to send emissaries to guide them back to good. According to their faith, the Creator, or the great "I Am," would not open his kingdom until evil was wiped from the earth. The last emissary to help achieve this was Emanuel, known to the world today as Jesus Christ.

When he entered the earth plane, Emanuel was aware of his mission. He was able to perform miracles, such as raising Lazarus from the dead, healing the sick and feeding the multitudes. Although these were typical chores to common residents of Atlantis, they were viewed as holy by humans. As he continued his quest, the Board of Wizards knew that to rid the world of evil, they must battle Lucifer's son, who was gaining control quickly.

The wizards also knew the earth was looking for a male as the savior that was to battle the beast. But the next "Christened One" stunned everyone, as she came to the earth as a woman to save the earth from total annihilation.

A remarkable novel that offers a unique interpretation of the swirling discussion of Atlantis today, Atlantis: The Last Testament is as riveting as it is thought-provoking.

A veteran of the Vietnam War and native of New York, Civale has worked as a carpenter and holds a real estate license. The author of seven novels and a wide variety of children's books, he has lived in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. since 1972.

AuthorHouse is the premier publishing house for emerging authors and new voices in literature. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.

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

It's Time for New Underpants!

On August 15, 2006 Scholastic Will Release Best-Selling Author Dav Pilkey's Eighth Epic Captain Underpants Novel

Captain Underpants and The Preposterous Plight of The Purple Potty People

It's potty time!! This fall, Dav Pilkey's best-selling superhero returns to face his nemesis -- the evil Captain Blunderpants -- with the help of two new superheroes, Great-Granny Girdle and Boxer Boy! On August 15, 2006, Scholastic will release Captain Underpants and the Preposterous Plight of the Purple Potty People with a first printing of one million copies.

When we last saw George and Harold, they were about to take their pet pterodactyl, Crackers, back to the Cretaceous period in the Purple Potty time machine. But things didn't work out quite as they had hoped. They've entered an absurd alternate reality where teachers are nice, kids are allowed to read banned books, and the cafeteria food doesn't smell like dirty diapers. Even worse, they've discovered alternate versions of themselves -- Evil George and Evil Harold -- who plan to unleash some preposterous plans on Piqua, Ohio. Now it's up to George and Harold to defeat the evil twins and THEIR superhero, Captain Blunderpants.

Launched in September 1997 with The Adventures of Captain Underpants, there are currently over 37 million Captain Underpants books in print. Dav Pilkey's last two epic novels, Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 1: The Night of the Nasty Nostril Nuggets and Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 2: The Revenge of the Ridiculous Robo-Boogers debuted at #1 on The New York Times bestseller list. Dav Pilkey lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Dav Pilkey created his first stories as comic books while he was in elementary school. Since then he has written and illustrated numerous award- winning picture books, including Dog Breath, winner of the California Young Reader Medal; The Paperboy, a Caldecott Honor Book; and the Dumb Bunnies series. He is also the author of the Ricky Ricotta series, illustrated by Martin Ontiveros, and The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby, which debuted at #1 on The New York Times bestseller list.

Captain Underpants and the Preposterous Plight of the Purple Potty People

By Dav Pilkey

The Blue Sky Press

August 15, 2006

ISBN (pb): 0-439-37614-9; ISBN (hc): 0-439-37613-0

$4.99 pb; $16.99 hc

Ages 7-10

Source: Scholastic Inc.

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

TV Land Honors the Life of Aaron Spelling With On-Air and Online Programming Salute

 TV Land will celebrate the life and work of legendary producer and show creator, Aaron Spelling -- who passed away on Friday at the age of 83 -- with programming salutes on both TV Land and the network's website, TVLand.com, it was announced today by Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land & Nick at Nite. Spelling, who held the distinction of being the most prolific producer in the history of television, was honored by TV Land when the network presented him with the Pioneer Award during the 2005 TV Land Awards: A Celebration of Classic TV.

"Aaron Spelling was an enormous talent whose keen eye, sharp wit and deep understanding of why people love television made him one of the greatest sources of beloved TV shows in the history of the medium," explains Jones. "Mr. Spelling exuded charm and worked tirelessly to entertain us all. Many of us at TV Land feel so honored to have known him and our deepest condolences go out to the Spelling family, friends and fans as we all mourn the loss of this incredibly gifted man."

On-air, TV Land will re-broadcast two installments of the network's acclaimed 2004 6-part special TV Land Moguls. This Saturday, from 10 AM - Noon (ET/PT), TV Land's weekend original programming block will be dedicated to Spelling with the two installments highlighting many of his achievements. The episodes explore the biggest moguls from the 1970s and spotlight Spelling's rise to prominence in the world of entertainment. It was during that time in which he created some of the biggest hits in television including Charlie's Angels, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Starsky & Hutch and several others. TV Land has already begun airing a memorial spot reminding viewers of his outstanding contributions.

TV Land's website, TVLand.com, will showcase of variety of Aaron Spelling-related highlights that online visitors can access beginning immediately. Among the offerings include:

* A 2005 interview with TVLand.com in which he discusses his life and

career in front of and behind the camera.

* An excerpted scene from his performance, as an actor, in the memorable I

Love Lucy episode entitled "Tennessee Bound," in which he plays a

country bumpkin Lucy and Ricky encounter on a cross-country trip.

* Clips from his acceptance of the Pioneer Award and tributes from

numerous performers, many of whom gained fame and success under his

leadership, at the 2005 TV Land Awards: A Celebration of Classic TV.

* Select moments from TV Land Moguls, in which his rise to the top in the

1970s is traced.

TV Land and all related logos and titles are trademarks of Viacom International, Inc.

Now seen in over 85 million U.S. homes, TV Land's program mix features popular dramas, sitcoms, westerns, Retromercials and a TV-referential interstitial environment, all programmed with a specific audience in mind -- the first generation of Americans to grow up watching television and features all-time Classic hits like All in the Family, I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, and Bonanza.

MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, mtvU, VHI, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, MTV INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 12 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

About Viacom

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Offering programming and content for television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom's world-class brands include MTV Networks (MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Comedy Central, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 120 networks around the world), BET Networks, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, DreamWorks and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com/.

Source: TV Land

 

Web site: http://www.tvland.com/
http://www.nick-at-nite.com/

Pop Stars Ami and Yumi Continue Their Rock 'N Roll Adventures as D3Publisher of America Releases Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: The Genie & The Amp Exclusively for Nintendo DS(TM)

 D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, today announced the release of Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: The Genie & the Amp based on Cartoon Network's (CN) hit original series "Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi"(TM). Inspired by real-life superstar rockers Ami and Yumi, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: The Genie & the Amp chronicles the adventures of two very cool pop stars as they battle across 10 unique time periods such as Ancient Rome and the Wild Wild West to find the musical notes needed to play the ultimate world tour. Players will play as Ami or Yumi as they solve challenging puzzles, battle scary enemies and unlock fun mini-games in single player or multiplayer cooperative modes for up to two players through the wireless feature for the Nintendo DS. Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: The Genie & the Amp is available now in retail stores across North America for the suggested retail price of $19.99.

"The interactive fun and excitement of the 'Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi' show lends itself naturally to the world of video games," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development for D3PA. "Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: The Genie & the Amp has captured the energy and excitement of Ami and Yumi's adventures in one place for gamers of all ages to enjoy."

"D3PA has really captured the musical and fantasy element of the 'Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi' show," stated Christina Miller, VP U.S. Consumer Products for Cartoon Network Enterprises, the global merchandising arm of Cartoon Network. "D3PA has once again successfully transitioned the characters from the television show in the virtual world of video games."

Developed by Sensory Sweep and rated "E 10+" ("Everyone 10 and older" -- with cartoon violence) by the ESRB, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: The Genie & the Amp introduces a brand new gaming genre -- the 'Rock 'n' Roll Brawler'. Players will utilize the dual screen capabilities of the Nintendo DS as they use the top screen to experience the action and use the bottom screen to strum their guitars and trigger special fighting moves. Players can upgrade the girls' health, luck, attack power, or wealth by collecting ingredients to make sushi or play fun mini-games such as Crane Machine to win more money, stylish uniforms and view additional character models.

About Cartoon Network Enterprises

Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, is charged with building consumer product franchises for Cartoon Network, its brands and characters from the channel's growing library of award-winning original programming. CNE also works to secure and support long-term licensee partnerships across all key merchandising categories. The division currently offers consumer product programs for an array of marquee animation franchises including "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends," "Ben 10," "The Powerpuff Girls," "Ed," "Edd and Eddy," "Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi," "My Gym Partner is a Monkey," "Camp Lazlo," "The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy," Adult Swim and more. Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 89 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

About D3Publisher of America, Inc.

D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3, Inc. with headquarters in Tokyo. D3Publisher of America's strategic focus is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for personal computers and the major console platforms including Game Boy(R) Advance, Nintendo GameCube(TM), Nintendo DS(TM), PlayStation(R) game console, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, PSP(TM) portable entertainment system and the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft. For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at http://www.d3publisher.us/

Source: D3Publisher of America, Inc.

Web site: http://cartoonnetwork.com/

Web site: http://www.d3publisher.us/

 

New Charity Song Benefits the Lance Armstrong Foundation

Austin-based wideawake's Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow inspired by fight against cancer

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) announced today that it will benefit from an inspiring new song honoring the courage and spirit of people living with cancer -- and providing music lovers with an easy way to support the fight against cancer. All proceeds from the sale of Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow -- a moving song written and performed by award-winning, Austin, TX-based band wideawake -- will be donated to the LAF and its cancer initiatives. The song is available for download on the iTunes Music Store.

Upon learning of a friend's cancer diagnosis, wideawake lead singer and songwriter Scott Leger penned the song as both a coping mechanism and a tribute. Inspired by the LAF's LIVESTRONG(R) campaign, Leger and the band decided to donate the song to the LAF. "We are so proud to dedicate Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow not only to my friend but also to the millions of people affected by cancer -- those we've lost and those who survive, fight, volunteer, support, research, raise awareness, give and inspire," said Leger.

"Our hope is that the song, much like the LIVESTRONG wristbands, will serve to encourage people everywhere to live life to the fullest, whether they're dealing with cancer or any other challenge."

"This song communicates the desire that people with cancer have to prevail and live life on their own terms. We hope listeners are moved by it and motivated to download and sing along," said Mitch Stoller, Foundation president and chief executive officer. "We are grateful to iTunes and wideawake for providing a meaningful and affordable way for people to join our efforts against cancer."

Funds raised through the sale of Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow will enable the LAF to continue to fulfill its mission of inspiring and empowering people affected by cancer. Since its inception in 1997, the LAF has raised nearly $146 million for cancer survivors, investing approximately $30 million in grants and program partnerships and more than $14.6 million for survivor and testicular cancer-related research projects. The LAF also has invested in the development of survivorship education and resources (online and offline), information and referral services and advocacy initiatives.

The song can be downloaded for 99-cents from the iTunes Music store. (Please copy and paste the below URL into your web browser.)

http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/browserRedi

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) inspires and empowers people affected by cancer. We help people with cancer focus on living; we believe that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. From the moment of diagnosis, the LAF provides the practical information and tools people with cancer need to live life on their own terms. The LAF serves its mission through advocacy, public health and research. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit http://livestrong.org/.

About wideawake

wideawake is an Austin-based rock/pop band which has released two albums independently (Not So Far Away and Bigger Than Ourselves). The band has toured extensively in North America and has shared the stage with Third Eye Blind, Switchfoot, Blue October and Gavin DeGraw. They have become regular favorites during the annual South by Southwest music festival held in Austin and have won multiple awards -- including Best Rock Band, Best Pop Band, Best Songwriting (Leger) and Best Male Vocalist (Leger) -- at the Austin Music Awards. For additional information and tour dates visit http://www.wideawake.com/.

Web site: http://livestrong.org/
http://www.wideawake.com/

'Fabulous' Domain Names Available at GoDaddy.com

New Partnership Enriches Domain Name Aftermarket

GoDaddy.com(R) is pleased to announce a partnership with FabulousDomains which gives the Internet community increased access to a large number of quality domain names.

The agreement allows Go Daddy(R) to sell FabulousDomains' portfolio of premium names on the Domain Name Aftermarket(TM), Go Daddy's auction house. Premium domains are memorable, marketable and often based on popular search terms, giving them greater appeal.

"Domain names are the real estate of the 21st century," said Bob Parsons, GoDaddy.com CEO and founder. "Our Domain Name Aftermarket provides great opportunities to obtain names in demand. This partnership with FabulousDomains broadens the spectrum of top-notch names we can offer our customers."

"FabulousDomains' portfolio fits perfectly into Go Daddy's Domain Name Aftermarket," said Dan Warner, FabulousDomains COO. "The premium names we bring augment Go Daddy's already superior auction site, while they provide our names with excellent exposure."

The Domain Name Aftermarket provides customers a safe, secure and easy-to-use marketplace to either bid on a domain name or post a domain for sale, with commissions lower than major competitors. Go Daddy's Domain Name Aftermarket exchange service has more than one million domain names available for purchase and is the industry leader in terms of transaction volume.

To see the domain names available for auction, visit www.thedomainnameaftermarket.com.

About The Go Daddy Group, Inc.

Go Daddy is a leading provider of services that enable individuals and businesses to establish, maintain and evolve an online presence. Go Daddy provides a variety of domain name registration and Web site hosting services as well as a broad array of on-demand and other services. The Go Daddy Group is the world's largest domain name registrar, with approximately 14.1 million domain names under management as of May 31, 2006 and North America's largest shared Web site hosting provider. During the final six months of 2005, The Go Daddy Group registered approximately one-third of all domain names registered in the top five generic top-level domains, or gTLDs, including .com, .net, .org, .biz and .info.

About FabulousDomains and the Dark Blue Sea Group

FabulousDomains owns over 500,000 high quality, commercially focused, generic keyword domain names. FabulousDomains is operated by the Australian listed company, Dark Blue Sea Ltd. Dark Blue Sea are direct navigation experts, whose suite of products including Fabulous.com (an ICANN accredited domain name registrar), DarkBlue.com (online advertising affiliate network) and Roar.com / PageSeeker.com (its online advertising portals) provide a fully integrated package for the generation, management and monetization of domain name traffic. Approximately 170,000 unique visitors from around the world, directly navigate to one of FabulousDomains' domain names every day, by simply typing the domain name directly into their internet browser. The inherent brandability of FabulousDomains' domain names makes them ideal for small to medium enterprises. Dark Blue Sea is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (code: DBS) and has a Level 1 over-the-counter ADR program through the Bank of New York .

- The Go Daddy Group -

(C) 2006 GoDaddy.com. All Rights Reserved.

Source: GoDaddy.com

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

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

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

Gold Medalist Carries Torch for Kick-Off of 23rd Annual Ethiopian Soccer and Cultural Expo at the Los Angeles Coliseum

The Ethiopian Sport Federation of North America (ESFNA) will launch a week-long soccer tournament and cultural expo with the igniting of the Olympic flame by Ethiopian Olympic gold medallist, Fatuma Roba, at the Los Angeles Coliseum Stadium on Sunday, July 2nd at 5:00 p.m.

The Ethiopian Marathon Group (EMG) will light the Olympic torch and begin running in Little Ethiopia on Fairfax located between Pico and Olympic Boulevards. They will pass the torch to Roba for the last mile. She will light the flame at the Coliseum, marking the start of Ethiopian Cultural Week. Roba captured Africa's first Olympic women's marathon gold medal at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.

Now in its 23rd year, ESFNA prepares a week-long soccer tournament and cultural expo annually in major U.S. and Canadian cities. Over 50,000 Ethiopians are expected to attend the event, traveling from all corners of America, Canada, Europe, Israel and Ethiopia. The event features sports, cultural, culinary and art shows. The full schedule of events includes:

Sunday, July 2: 5:00 p.m. - Opening ceremony, team marches and

dignitaries welcomed

Monday, July 3: 10:00 a.m. - Soccer matches and other events

Tuesday July 4: 10:00 a.m. - Soccer matches, July 4th celebrations,

fashion show and other events

Wednesday, July 5: 9:00 a.m. - Soccer matches, children's soccer #l East

vs. West Game #1

Thursday, July 6: 9:00 a.m. - Soccer matches, Tilahun Gessesse concert,

Ethiopian Conf. Pt. 1, Artists vs. Journalist, black-tie business mixer

Friday, July 7: Ethiopian Day, dignitaries schedule to attend include

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, political

leaders Karen Bass, Yvonne Burke, Herb Wesson, Bernard Parks, Mark

Ridley-Thomas and more. Other events include Quarter Final Matches, Teddy

Afro Concert, Children's Soccer #2, East vs. West Game #2, Ethiopian

Conference Pt. 2

Saturday, July 8: 8:00 a.m. - Championship games, 1:00 p.m. - Award

Ceremony, 5:00 p.m. - Closing Ceremony with many Ethiopian singers

The community is invited to participate in all activities. For further information -- times and locations -- go to the official website: http://www.ethiola3.com/events.html.

Web site: http://www.ethiola3.com/events.html

Dr. Phil, Brooks & Dunn, Jeff Foxworthy, Brian McKnight and Allen Toussaint Performing Benefit Concert for New Orleans Police, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Personnel

Dr. Phil McGraw and a roster of all-star entertainers will join forces for "DR. PHIL AND FRIENDS," a benefit concert on August 10, at the New Orleans Arena. Net proceeds from the event, which is being held under the auspices of the Dr. Phil Foundation and sponsored by JCPenney, will go directly to the families of the New Orleans police, fire fighters and emergency personnel, who gave so much to the people of New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina struck.

Dr. Phil will host the event and recognize these brave first line responders in the recent Katrina tragedy. Country music superstars Brooks & Dunn, who have had 23 #1 singles and won more than 70 major industry awards will headline. Having sold more than 28 million albums, Kix and Ronnie are the top selling country duo of all time. Joining Brooks & Dunn will be best-selling R&B singer Brian McKnight and comedian Jeff Foxworthy, who is the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history. Allen Toussaint, one of the greatest musicians, producers and songwriters to ever hail from New Orleans, will also perform. No one knows the plight of the first responders better than Toussaint who had to temporarily relocate following the loss of his home. His collaborative effort with Elvis Costello, "The River in Reverse," was one of the first major recordings to happen in New Orleans since Katrina.

"These brave men and women have been on the front lines of this incredible Gulf Coast disaster even before Katrina hit land," said Dr. Phil McGraw. "Unlike most of the citizens of New Orleans, the first responders were not given the choice to leave because they had to stay and help evacuate the city. Most of their homes are gone and their surviving family members and loved ones are in other cities. They're fighting an uphill battle not only emotionally, but financially, to get their lives back on track and that's why the Dr. Phil Foundation is proud to be given this opportunity to help give these people a much-needed break."

Tickets to DR. PHIL AND FRIENDS can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations or by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $35 to $500. The latter includes a meet-and-greet with Dr. Phil and other performers.

About the Dr. Phil Foundation

The Dr. Phil Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization committed to supporting organizations and programs that address the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual needs of children and families. Dr. Phil McGraw, psychologist, best-selling author and host of the television series DR. PHIL established the foundation in 2003. For more information, please visit www.drphil.com or www.drphilfoundation.org.

Source: Dr. Phil Foundation

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

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

Web site: http://www.drphilfoundation.org/

Animal Planet and Charter Invite St. Louis-Area Residents to Spend Quality Time With Their Family and Pets as ANIMAL PLANET EXPO Rolls Into Town July 8-9 at Forest Park

- Interactive Exhibits and Games Provide Free Fun for the Whole Family, Including the Family Pet! -

- Charter to Make $1,000 Donation to the Animal Protection Association of Missouri-

Energy, imagination and playfulness abound as St. Louis welcomes ANIMAL PLANET EXPO, an event sure to entertain animal lovers of all ages. Animal Planet and Charter Communications, plus national sponsors the Smart Spot(TM) program from PepsiCo and the makers of Fresh Step(R) litter, invite St. Louis-area residents to bring their families -- along with Fido and Fluffy -- to celebrate the unique sights, sounds and emotional experiences only animals can provide during ANIMAL PLANET EXPO from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday, July 8 and 9, at Forest Park's Cricket Field, located at 5591 Forest Park Drive, St. Louis, MO 63112.

An annual summer tour, ANIMAL PLANET EXPO has been delighting people around the country for eight years, giving families the opportunity to experience animal-friendly family fun, the Animal Planet way. Inspired by the only television network dedicated to the connection between humans and animals, this year's ANIMAL PLANET EXPO has expanded to offer participants an even richer experience than ever before. As they arrive, pet owners will receive a pet emergency preparedness brochure to ensure their pet's safety in an emergency.

From high-flying Frisbee dog shows and interactive animal trivia games, to "ooh" and "ahh" inspiring live animal shows, the Main Stage features flocks of captivating animal entertainment and demonstrations. The Frisbee dog show times are 11 AM, 12 PM, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM, and the Main Stage live animal presentation times are 1 PM and 3:30 PM.

Also part of ANIMAL PLANET EXPO is the not-to-be-missed Discovery Kids' Endurance Experience, a hands-on adventure that allows kids to experience the mental and physical competition of Discovery Kids Channel's wildly popular ENDURANCE series. In Discovery Kids' Endurance Experience kids can compete in a number of challenges that simulate the sights, sounds and physical experience of competing on ENDURANCE, including a climbing wall and a timed "hanging" challenge -- plus, USA Swimming is sponsoring an all-new water-based challenge.

Visitors to Animal Planet Expo Theater will find themselves getting up close and personal with exotic animals like a python, an alligator, a fox, a porcupine or a lemur, as they experience animal wildlife firsthand with a captivating demonstration set in a natural habitat. Theater shows will run every half-hour throughout Saturday and Sunday with the first show at 10:30 AM and the last at 3 PM.

In addition, visitors will see firsthand the clarity of high-definition programming with a sneak peek at Discovery Channel's groundbreaking new ATLAS series in the Discovery HD Theater Dome. Forms to enter for a chance to win a HD television set will be available to fill out while enjoying breathtaking footage of a country like China or Australia as they have never been seen before.

Other activity pavilions to enjoy at ANIMAL PLANET EXPO include the following:

* Animal House -- Get to know even more live animals, while animal experts

introduce exotic species from around the world.

* Safari Snaps -- Download the ultimate digital photo of you with a

virtual version of Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin and Steve Irwin.

* Bug House -- Hear what the buzz is about and learn about a variety of

bugs and butterflies from around the globe.

* Kids' Zone -- Kids can get their faces painted, try the "Happy Gator"

obstacle course and play other fun games.

* Heroes of Animal Planet -- Protect your pet just as the stars of ANIMAL

HEROES: PHOENIX do by creating your own personalized pet tag, and engage

in a unique sniff test from the makers of Fresh Step(R) litter.

* Connection Zone -- Kids play a panda-themed game for a prize, while

adults view demonstrations and take advantage of special offers on the

latest products from Charter.

* Pet Den -- Animal Protection Association of Missouri will provide pet

adoption opportunities and helpful information on how to find the

perfect pet for your family.

* Pet Misters and Watering Holes -- Give your pets the opportunity to

"chill out" and quench their thirst on a hot day.

* Smart Spot(TM) Station -- Kids learn how to eat and live healthier in a

fun and interactive way.

As part of ANIMAL PLANET EXPO, Charter will make a $1,000 donation to Animal Protection Association of Missouri. Charter will also be on-site to provide valuable information about their most innovative new products available to consumers.

St. Louis-area viewers can find Animal Planet on Charter channel 58. Go to http://www.discovery.com/ and click on Animal Planet to find more information on ANIMAL PLANET EXPO.

About Fresh Step(R) litter

Fresh Step(R) litter is a part of The Clorox Pet Products Company, which is a subsidiary of The Clorox Company, headquartered in Oakland, Calif. The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with fiscal year 2005 revenues of $4.4 billion. Clorox markets some of consumers' most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products, Armor All(R) and STP(R) auto care products, Fresh Step(R) and Scoop Away(R) cat litters, Kingsford(R) charcoal briquettes, Hidden Valley(R) and K C Masterpiece(R) dressings and sauces, Brita(R) water- filtration systems, and Glad(R) bags, wraps and containers. With 7,600 employees worldwide, the company manufactures products in 25 countries and markets them in more than 100 countries. Clorox is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees work and live. Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has awarded cash grants totaling more than $62.3 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges; and in fiscal year 2005 alone made product donations valued at $4.9 million. For more information about Clorox, visit http://www.thecloroxcompany.com/. For more information about Fresh Step, visit http://www.freshstep.com/.

About Smart Spot(TM)

PepsiCo, one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, launched the Smart Spot(TM) symbol on select products to make it easier for consumers to identify PepsiCo products that contribute to healthier lifestyles. Products that contain the Smart Spot symbol meet established nutrition criteria based on authoritative statements from the Food and Drug Administration and the National Academy of Sciences. The Smart Spot symbol appears on more than 250 PepsiCo products including Tropicana Pure Premium(R), Aquafina(R) waters, Gatorade(R) thirst quenchers, Baked! Lay's(R) chips, Quaker(R) Oatmeal and Diet Pepsi(R), among many others.

About Animal Planet

Animal Planet, available in more than 88 million homes nationwide, is the only television network dedicated exclusively to the connection between humans and animals. The network brings people of all ages together by tapping into a fundamental fascination with animals through an array of fresh programming that includes humor, competition, drama and spectacle from the animal kingdom. Animal Planet is a property of Discovery Communications, the leading global real-world media company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in 170 countries and territories with nearly 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 27 network entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Espanol, Discovery Kids en Espanol, Discovery HD Theater, FitTV, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir), Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Real Time. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ:DISCA) (NASDAQ:DISCB) , Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.

About Charter Communications

Charter Communications, Inc., a broadband communications company, provides a full range of advanced broadband services to the home, including cable television on an advanced digital video programming platform via Charter Digital(TM), Charter High-Speed(TM) Internet service and Charter Telephone(TM). Charter Business(TM) provides scalable, tailored and cost- effective broadband communications solutions to organizations of all sizes through business-to-business Internet, data networking, video and music services. Advertising sales and production services are sold under the Charter Media(R) brand. More information about Charter can be found at http://www.charter.com/.

Source: Animal Planet; Charter Communications, Inc.

Web site: http://www.discovery.com/
http://www.charter.com/
http://www.thecloroxcompany.com/
http://www.freshstep.com/

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SPORTS AND AUTOS:2006-06-28

Mercedes-Benz to Present 17th Carousel of Hope on Sat., Oct. 28, 2006

World Tour Soccer '06 Offers Soccer On-The-Go for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) System Popular Soccer Franchise Delivers All-New Fast Paced and Engaging Style of Gameplay

Dow Automotive and Audi Sport Making History at Le Mans Pure Exotics Dream Automobile Rentals Adds Convertible Dodge Viper to Fleet

Shamu to Make Big Splash at Daytona Ocean's Top Predator Teams-Up with NASCAR's Top Driver

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Mercedes-Benz to Present 17th Carousel of Hope on Sat., Oct. 28, 2006 :Music Legend Barry Manilow to Headline Event: Clive Davis, Quincy Jones to Be Honored :29 Years After Its Founding, Event Has Raised Over $70 Million for Children's Diabetes Research and Care; Founder Barbara Davis to Once Again Host a Hollywood Who's Who

The Carousel of Hope, the world's premier charity event benefiting childhood diabetes, hosted by Barbara Davis, is set for its 17th gala on Sat., Oct. 28, in Beverly Hills, Calif., at the Beverly Hilton.

The legendary gala will benefit the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes as well as the Los Angeles chapters of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the American Diabetes Association.

For the second time, Mercedes-Benz will be the presenting sponsor and a highlight of the evening will be the auctioning of a 2007 Mercedes-Benz.

Other major sponsors include Leviev, American Airlines, Guess? Inc. and The Beverly Hilton.

Jay Leno will once again be Master of Ceremonies.

The prestigious "High Hopes Award" will be presented to a true music original, Quincy Jones, while music pioneer, Clive Davis, will receive the coveted "Brass Ring Award."

Previous award recipients have included Frank Sinatra, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Stevie Wonder and Sir Sidney Poitier.

Music legend Barry Manilow will headline the 2006 Carousel of Hope with more marquee names to be announced shortly and David Foster is once again the event's Music Director.

Oscar(R) winning actors, Halle Berry, Sir Sidney Poitier and Sir Michael Caine, will also participate in the presentation.

George Schlatter reprieves his role as Producer.

The Carousel of Hope Auction will feature a gallery of the finest contemporary artists, photographers and architects in the world.

Past artists have included Charles Arnoldi, John Baldessari, Harry Benson, Howard Bingham, Ross Bleckner, Patrick Demarchelier, Laddie John Dill, Arthur Elgort, Nancy Ellison, Robert Graham, Jenny Holzer, Steven Meisel, Ed Moses, Alexandra Nechita, LeRoy Neiman, Robert Rauschenberg, David Salle and celebrity artists such as Dennis Hopper.

The biennial galas have featured such entertainers as Elton John, Sting, B.B. King, Ricky Martin, Beyonce, Faith Hill, Josh Groban, Rod Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Neil Diamond, Placido Domingo and Bette Midler.

Since its founding in 1977 by Marvin and Barbara Davis, The Carousel of Hope has raised over $70 million to date on behalf of the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (www.barbaradaviscenter.org) in Denver, Colo., where more than 5,000 children and young adults receive specialized care for diabetes.

The renowned center doubled in size last year with the opening of a new facility.

Source: Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes

Web site: http://www.barbaradaviscenter.org/

 

World Tour Soccer '06 Offers Soccer On-The-Go for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) System

Popular Soccer Franchise Delivers All-New Fast Paced and Engaging Style of Gameplay

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the release of World Tour Soccer '06, available exclusively for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system. Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's London Studios, World Tour Soccer '06 offers a host of quick and thrilling gameplay options as players attempt to take on the world's best from Africa, Asia, North America, South America and Europe, and ultimately dominate the Globe.

Redesigned specifically for the on-the-go gaming capabilities of the PSP system, World Tour Soccer '06 takes soccer fans in a new direction by providing unique, bite-sized gaming sessions in two new arcade-style modes of play, Medal Mode and World Tour Mode. Within those modes, World Tour Soccer '06 features 10 all-new point-based challenges that emphasize the fundamentals of the game such as passing, ball control, possession, and style of play, while also allowing users to advance and unlock the next challenge in a ladder type system.

Hardcore soccer fans seeking a traditional soccer simulation style of gameplay can jump into Exhibition Mode, which features 69 national teams, eight stadiums, and more than 1,650 world renowned players from around the globe. For quick wireless matches, up to four players are supported in Ad Hoc mode. Additionally, a unique game sharing function allows players to share a demo version of the game wirelessly with other PSP systems with only one copy of the game.

"World Tour Soccer '06 is ideal for gamers to pick up and play with its quick-paced, action packed challenges," said Sharon Shapiro, senior director, promotions and sports product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With the PSP's mobile and wireless capabilities, combined with the multitude of new modes and different style of gameplay, World Tour Soccer '06 is sure to appeal to a wide range of players, from hard core soccer fans to gaming enthusiasts."

World Tour Soccer '06 for the PSP system welcomes the talent and brilliant soccer play of Pavel Pardo as its cover athlete and spokesman for the franchise. Pardo's determined defensive abilities and pinpoint shooting accuracy have made him someone to watch on the world's stage. Currently representing Mexico in the 2006 World Cup, Pardo's free-kick to teammate Omar led to Mexico's first goal, reinforcing Pardo's status as one of the team's premier playmakers and solidifying an opening round win against Iraq.

Pavel Pardo's career began in 1993 and has since racked up 115 CAPS with his country, including his participation in the Olympic Football Tournament in Atlanta in 1996, only three short years after his debut. Pardo played in the 1998 World Cup, as well as the 1997, 1999 and 2004 Copa Americas, an annual tournament held in Peru. Upon culmination of the games in Germany this July, Pardo will return to his starring role on Mexico's first division team and one of their most successful clubs, Club America.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates World Tour Soccer '06 "E" for "Everyone". For more information about the ESRB, visit www.esrb.org.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America

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

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Visit us on the Web at www.us.playstation.com.

NOTE: The names and brands of FIFPRO and its Member Associations are trademarks of FIFPRO and/or its player associations. "FIFPRO" is a trademark of the International Association of Football Players Unions. The collective use of real players' names and likenesses is endorsed by FIFPRO and its member associations. All rights reserved.

Source: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

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

Dow Automotive and Audi Sport Making History at Le Mans

Dow Automotive is pleased to share the good news that Audi Sport and Dow Automotive made history over the June 17-18 weekend with the first-ever diesel sportscar win at the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race in Le Mans (France).

Supported by Dow Automotive's diesel particulate filter technology, the No. 8 car driven by the team of Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner earned the checkered flag and the No. 7 car, also from Audi, came in third after starting in the pole position. Both are Audi R10 TDI's. Photos of the winning No. 8 car and the third-place No. 7 car are available at: cwesely@mslpr.de or www.dowautomotive.com.

This partnership demonstrates Dow Automotive's commitment to deliver advanced innovations to the automotive industry. The diesel particulate filter technology used under harsh racing conditions on the Audi R10 TDI can be applied to any light- or heavy-duty diesel engine and filters are currently available for manufacturer evaluation and testing.

This win follows the record-breaking first-place finish for Audi Sport with diesel particulate filter technology from Dow Automotive at the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in March, the first race of the 2006 American Le Mans Series.

Pictures available at: cwesely@mslpr.de or www.dowautomotive.com.

Dow Automotive is a leading supplier of plastics, adhesives, sealants and other plastics-enhanced products for interior, exterior, under-the-hood, vehicle body structure and acoustical management applications. The organisation serves global tier, OEM and aftermarket customers. With offices and application development centers around the world, Dow Automotive provides materials science expertise and comprehensive technical capabilities to its customers worldwide. For additional information about Dow Automotive products and services, visit www.dowautomotive.com. Dow Automotive is a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company

 

Source: Dow Automotive

Pure Exotics Dream Automobile Rentals Adds Convertible Dodge Viper to Fleet

Just in time for the 4th of July holiday, Pure Exotics Dream Automobile Rentals (http://www.pure-exotics.com/) announces the addition of a new all-American convertible Dodge Viper SRT-10 to its rental fleet.

"The Viper is a powerful addition to our expanding exotic car rental fleet," said Jennifer Adeli, Owner and V.P. of Customer Relations. "It has a 500 horsepower 8.3-liter V10 engine, which provides power and performance that rivals our Ferrari 360 and Lamborghini Gallardo."

Reviewers have hailed the Viper as America's original supercar, with 525 lbs of aggressive torque pushing the car to zero-to-sixty performance in less than 4 seconds, this vehicle will provide any driver with the experience of a lifetime. The Viper is one of the most sought-after performance cars in the world for good reason; it's massive power and race car caliber cornering and handling will feel like being on a race track, no matter where it is driven.

The convertible Viper was chosen as the next addition to the Pure Exotics rental fleet because of its appeal to a wide variety of customers. "With the combination of affordability, power, beauty, and the joy of driving a convertible, we expect the Viper to be one of our most popular rentals," according to Adeli.

Pure Exotics will begin immediately taking reservations for the Viper, starting at a reasonably priced $600 per 24 hours. Reservations can be made at http://www.pure-exotics.com/ or by calling 888-2XOTICS.

About Pure Exotics

Pure Exotics Dream Automobile Rentals is headquartered in McLean, Virginia and launched in January 2006 to provide the Washington, DC region and neighboring east coast states with high quality exotic car rentals and short term leases. The company specializes in vehicles of the "dream car" or "super car" category, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Viper and other exceptional vehicles. Pure Exotics provides 5-star service, including door-to-door delivery, free EZ pass tolls, 24 hour roadside assistance, no refueling requirement, and special accommodations including surprise gift deliveries.

Source: Pure Exotics Dream Automobile Rentals

Web site: http://www.pure-exotics.com/

Shamu to Make Big Splash at Daytona

Ocean's Top Predator Teams-Up with NASCAR's Top Driver

Shamu and Jimmie Johnson have a lot in common. Both know a thing or two about speed and strength, Johnson as the leader in the NASCAR Nextel Cup points race, and Shamu as the top predator in the ocean.

On July 1, Shamu teams up with the Daytona 500 champion at the super speedway. In what's sure to be an exciting night of racing, Shamu will be featured in a special paint scheme on the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The paint scheme is part of SeaWorld's introduction of its new Shamu show, "Believe," open now at all three SeaWorld parks.

"All kids love Shamu," said Johnson. "I know I did growing up in San Diego. Saturday night, I'm bringing Shamu to the beaches of Daytona and hopefully introducing him to Victory Lane."

Killer whales may reach speeds up to 30 mph and may weigh more than 10,000 pounds, but Saturday, Shamu will be ready to reach speeds well over 100 mph as he goes for a ride on Johnson's race car.

"We are excited to see the Shamu paint scheme Saturday and fortunate to have Jimmie Johnson and Lowe's help us show race fans how much fun Shamu and SeaWorld are, especially as we launch our new show, which, like racing, is great family entertainment," said Robin Carson, BEC's corporate marketing vice president.

In addition, Lowe's will offer Build and Grow Kids' Clinics when the Team Lowe's Fan Experience visits SeaWorld Orlando Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2 during park hours, and at the more than 1,250 Lowe's stores nationwide, Saturday, July 8 at 10 a.m. The clinics offer young fans the opportunity to build wooden No. 48 race cars featuring the Shamu paint scheme that Johnson will race in Daytona.

"Lowe's is pleased to offer this unique experience to our race fans," said Bob Gfeller, Lowe's senior vice president of marketing. "We are always looking for ways to maximize the racing experience for Team 48 fans and their families."

Lowe's is the official home improvement store of the nine Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC) theme parks nationwide, including SeaWorld in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio.

About Busch Entertainment Corp.

Busch Entertainment Corp., the family entertainment subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc., operates nine U.S. theme parks: SeaWorld parks in Orlando, Fla., San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove in Orlando; Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa.; Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg. BEC and its parks employ nearly 20,000 people nationwide. For more information, please visit http://www.seaworld.com/ .

About Team Lowe's Racing

Lowe's enters its fifth year as primary sponsor of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet Monte Carlo, driven by Jimmie Johnson in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. In 2006, Sta Green(R), Spectracide(R), Shop-Vac(R), Pella(R), Hitachi Power Tools and Kobalt return to the Busch Series, supporting the No. 5 Lowe's Chevrolet driven by veteran Kyle Busch. Lowe's also sponsors the Lowe's Fernandez Racing Pontiac Riley Daytona Prototype for drivers Adrian Fernandez and Mario Haberfeld in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series. Lowe's, the second largest home improvement retailer in the world, also operates one of the largest fan clubs in the sport. For more information on Team Lowe's Racing, visit http://lowesracing.com/ .

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

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NEWS

Smithfield Foods to Acquire Sara Lee's European Meats Business

Worldwide Cost of Living Survey 2006 - City Rankings

Statement of M. Cass Wheeler CEO, American Heart Association, Responding to the Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health:

Young Drinkers, New Immigrants and Deep Pockets Drive Growth in U.S. Spirits Consumption

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Smithfield Foods to Acquire Sara Lee's European Meats Business

Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE:SFD) today announced that it has signed a purchase agreement to acquire the European meats business of Sara Lee Corporation (NYSE:SLE) for $575 million, plus the assumption of pension-related liabilities in an amount not to exceed $39 million. Smithfield intends to complete and finance the acquisition of Sara Lee's European meats business on a stand-alone, non- recourse basis through a 50 percent-owned joint venture with Oaktree Capital Management, LLC.

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory and closing conditions and is expected to close by the end of September.

Smithfield intends to contribute its Jean Caby operations to the joint venture with Oaktree. Group Jean Caby had sales of $372 million in fiscal 2006 and is a major producer of branded and private label processed meats to retail and foodservice customers in France and other European countries.

Sara Lee's European meats business generated $1.1 billion in sales in fiscal 2005 and holds its largest positions in France, Portugal and the Benelux region, with popular European brands such as Aoste, Justin Bridou and Nobre. The company also has a presence in Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.

"This acquisition is an important step," said Robert A. Sharpe II, who will be chief executive officer of the new company. Mr. Sharpe currently is president, international operations of Smithfield. "Our strategy going forward will be to develop leading companies with strong brands directed by dynamic local management," he said.

"The Sara Lee business is well positioned with strong brands and broad distribution and is an important player in processed meats in Western Europe," said C. Larry Pope, president and chief operating officer of Smithfield. "We are pleased to be moving to the next phase with Sara Lee in the acquisition process," he said.

Oaktree Capital Management, LLC is an investment management firm with approximately $30 billion of assets under management in specialized investment strategies. Institutional clients include Fortune 100 United States companies, large public pension funds, university endowments, private foundations and high net worth individuals.

Smithfield Foods has delivered a 24 percent average annual compounded rate of return to investors since 1975. With sales of $11 billion, Smithfield is a leading processor and marketer of fresh pork and processed meats in the United States, as well as the largest producer of hogs. For more information, please visit http://www.smithfieldfoods.com/.

This news release may contain "forward-looking" information within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The forward-looking information may include statements concerning the company's outlook for the future, as well as other statements of beliefs, future plans and strategies or anticipated events, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. The forward-looking information and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks and uncertainties include availability and prices of livestock, raw materials and supplies, livestock costs, product pricing, the competitive environment and related market conditions, operating efficiencies, access to capital, the cost of compliance with environmental and health standards, adverse results from ongoing litigation and actions of domestic and foreign governments.

Source: Smithfield Foods, Inc.

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

Worldwide Cost of Living Survey 2006 - City Rankings

-- Moscow replaces Tokyo as world's most expensive city

-- Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong are the 2nd, 3rd and 4th most expensive

cities respectively

-- Singapore climbs from 34th to 17th position in 2006

-- Mumbai is the most expensive city in India, followed by New Delhi

-- Many US cities have risen in the rankings due to the strength of

the dollar

SINGAPORE, June 26 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Moscow has replaced Tokyo as the world's most expensive city, according to the latest Cost of Living Survey from Mercer Human Resource Consulting, the global leader for HR and related financial advice.

Seoul is in second place, climbing three places since last year. Tokyo moves down two positions in the rankings to take third place, followed by Hong Kong. Asuncion in Paraguay remains the least expensive city in the survey.

With New York as the base city scoring 100 points, Moscow scores 123.9 and is nearly three times costlier than Asuncion, which has an index of 43.5.

Mercer's survey covers 144 cities across six continents and measures the comparative cost of over 200 items in each location, including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. It is the world's most comprehensive cost of living survey and is used to help multinational companies and governments determine compensation allowances for their expatriate employees.

"We have seen significant shifts in the cost of living rankings over the past few years, reflecting a changing global market. For many companies it can now be more expensive to send employees to work in Russia or Korea than places like Japan or Switzerland which are often perceived to be more costly," commented Rebecca Powers, a Senior Consultant with Mercer's international business. She added: "More companies are now sending employees on expatriate assignments, so there is a greater need to keep pace with the cost of living changes. Employers need to be proactive in managing their expatriate programs to ensure they receive a proper return on their investment and employees are compensated fairly."

There have been some significant changes in the rankings this year which are primarily due to exchange rate fluctuations, in particular the strengthening of the US dollar.

Asia

Four of the world's ten costliest cities are in Asia, with Seoul moving up from 5th to second place. While Tokyo has lost its title of the world most expensive city because of currency fluctuations between the Japanese Yen and the US dollar, it still ranks highly and takes third place. Hong Kong is in 4th position.

"Chinese cities have moved up slightly in the rankings as the value of the Yuan renminbi is now pegged to a number of currencies rather than just the US dollar," said Anna Krotova, Senior Researcher at Mercer. Beijing is in position 14 (score 94.9) followed by Shanghai in 20th place (91.2).

"Singapore moved from 34 to 17th position as prices on rents of international standard accommodation have significantly increased during the period from March 2005 to March 2006. In addition, the Singapore dollar has very slightly appreciated against the US dollar," said Neo Siew Khim, Mercer Principal and Human Capital Product Solutions Business Leader, Asia Pacific.

Mumbai moved from 105th place to 68th place (score from 70.8 to 79.9) while New Delhi moved up from 110th place to 73rd place (score from 69.9 to 79). New Delhi and Mumbai's ranking increased significantly due to increasing costs on international standard accommodation. Rents have increased dramatically in Mumbai due to the increase in capital value and an acute shortage of expatriate accommodation.

Australasia

Auckland and Wellington have dropped in the rankings this year to positions 100 and 105 respectively (scores 72.9 and 71.1) due to the significant devaluation of the New Zealand dollar against the US dollar. Sydney is still the most expensive city in the region at 19th place with a score of 91.3. Melbourne occupies 74th place (78.8) while Brisbane is in 99th position (73.2).

The Americas

New York remains the most expensive city in North America and climbs three places to 10th position (score 100). Currency appreciation is the main reason for this, although price increases in fuel and certain consumer goods have also contributed to New York's rise in the rankings. Other high-ranking cities include Los Angeles in position 29 (86.7), San Francisco in 34th place (85) and Chicago in 38th position (84.1). Washington DC takes 83rd place (77). Winston Salem is the cheapest US city surveyed, ranked 124th (66.7).

"The strengthening of the US dollar against the European and other major currencies is a large contributor to the rise of most US cities in the rankings," commented Ms Powers.

Though still relatively inexpensive and benefiting from stable inflation, Canadian cities continue to move up the rankings due to the strength of the Canadian dollar. Toronto is the most expensive city in Canada and moves up from 82nd to 47th place (82.6). Ottawa remains the least expensive Canadian city but has climbed 32 places from 122nd to 90th (75.6).

Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are the most expensive cities in Latin America moving up from 119th and 124th positions to 34th and 40th place respectively. These movements are due to the strong appreciation of the Brazilian Real against the US dollar (more than 20 %), which has occurred as a result of solid economic growth and increased foreign investment over the last two years, together with reduced public debt and high interest rates. In particular, the cost of international-standard accommodation has risen significantly in these cities.

Asuncion in Paraguay remains the least expensive city globally, in 144th position with a score of 43.5. Other cheap cities include Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Caracas in 142nd place (score 54.8.), 138th (56.5) and 136th (57.2) respectively.

Puerto Rico has experienced high inflation during the last year which, together with the strength of the country's currency (US dollar), means San Juan is the costliest city in Central America and the Caribbean in 55th position (score 81.4). San Jose is the least expensive in 134th place (58.1). Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic is in 126th position (65.3) and has dropped 27 places due to the depreciation of the Dominican Peso against the US dollar.

Europe

Moscow is the most expensive city in Europe and in the rest of the world, with a score of 123.9. "Steep accommodation costs have contributed to the city's high ranking, as the recent property boom has driven up rental prices for expatriates," said Ms. Krotova.

London is the second most expensive city in Europe and ranks in 5th position (score 110.6). "While prices have actually increased slightly over the last year, the strengthening of the dollar against the pound means London has dropped two places since last year," said Ms. Krotova.

Other costly European cities include Geneva in 7th place (103), Copenhagen in 8th (101.1) and Zurich in 9th (100.8) -- all have been pushed down one place this year. Oslo remains in 10th place with a score of 100 while St. Petersburg is in 12th position (99.7).

Ms Krotova commented: "The Euro has weakened against a number of currencies, for example the Canadian and US dollars, reducing the cost of living for expatriates in many European countries."

Kiev in Ukraine has moved up from 54th position to reach 21st place (score 89.8). This is mainly due to the appreciation of the local currency, the Hryvna, against the US dollar, together with general price increases. Many other Eastern European cities have dropped sharply in the ranking due to the devaluation of local currencies against the US dollar. For example, Prague has fallen 22 places to rank 50th with a score of 82.1.

Leipzig is Europe's cheapest city in 123rd position with a score of 68.1.

Individual reports are produced for each city surveyed. For further information or to purchase copies of the city reports, visit www.mercerHR.com/costofliving , or call Mercer's Human Capital Product Solutions on +65 6327 3446.

The figures for Mercer's cost of living comparisons are based on a survey conducted in March 2006. The 2006 comparisons are based on a similar survey conducted in March 2005. The information is used by governments and major companies to protect the purchasing power of their employees when transferred abroad. The choice of cities surveyed is based on the demand for corresponding data from companies and governmental organizations.

Mercer Human Resource Consulting is a global leader for HR and related financial advice and services, with more than 15,000 employees serving clients in more than 190 cities and 40 countries and territories worldwide. In Asia Pacific, we have over 2,000 employees across 31 offices in 13 countries and territories. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., which lists its stock (ticker symbol: MMC) on the New York, Chicago, Pacific and London stock exchanges. For more information, visit mercerHR.com .

Exchange rates used in attached table of cost comparisons:

1 GBP = 1.75 USD

1 GBP = 1.46 EUR

 

Mercer Human Resource Consulting

Cost of Living Survey -- Worldwide Rankings 2006

Rankings COL Index

March 2006 March 2005 City Country March March

2006 2005

1 4 MOSCOW Russia 123.9 119

2 5 SEOUL South Korea 121.7 115.4

3 1 TOKYO Japan 119.1 134.7

4 9 HONG KONG Hong Kong 116.3 109.5

5 3 LONDON United Kingdom 110.6 120.3

6 2 OSAKA Japan 108.3 121.8

7 6 GENEVA Switzerland 103 113.5

8 8 COPENHAGEN Denmark 101.1 110

9 7 ZURICH Switzerland 100.8 112.1

10 10 OSLO Norway 100 105.3

10 13 NEW YORK CITY United States 100 100

12 15 ST.PETERSBURG Russia 99.7 99.5

13 11 MILAN Italy 96.9 104.9

14 19 BEIJING China 94.9 95.6

15 22 ISTANBUL Turkey 93.1 93.8

15 12 PARIS France 93.1 102.2

17 34 SINGAPORE Singapore 92 88

18 13 DUBLIN Ireland 91.8 100

19 20 SYDNEY Australia 91.3 95.2

20 30 SHANGHAI China 91.2 90.4

21 17 ROME Italy 89.8 97.3

21 54 KIEV Ukraine 89.8 84.5

21 16 VIENNA Austria 89.8 97.8

24 39 TEL AVIV Israel 89.7 87.6

25 20 HELSINKI Finland 87.8 95.2

25 73 DUBAI United Arab Emirates 87.8 77.8

27 22 DOUALA Cameroon 87.6 93.8

28 29 TAIPEI Taiwan 86.8 90.6

29 44 LOS ANGELES United States 86.7 86.7

30 64 ABU DHABI United Arab Emirates 86 81

31 96 LAGOS Nigeria 85.5 72.8

32 52 BEIRUT Lebanon 85.4 84.6

32 50 HANOI Vietnam 85.4 84.9

34 119 SAO PAULO Brazil 85 66.6

34 50 SAN FRANCISCO United States 85 84.9

36 18 STOCKHOLM Sweden 84.8 96.8

37 56 HO CHI MINH CITY Vietnam 84.2 83.8

38 52 CHICAGO United States 84.1 84.6

39 57 MIAMI United States 83.9 83.3

40 124 RIO DE JANEIRO Brazil 83.5 65.4

41 123 LUSAKA Zambia 83.4 65.6

41 24 AMSTERDAM Netherlands 83.4 93.3

43 45 WHITE PLAINS United States 83.2 86.6

44 63 SHENZHEN China 82.9 81.3

45 26 ABIDJAN Cote d'Ivoire 82.8 93

45 36 DAKAR Senegal 82.8 87.9

47 82 TORONTO Canada 82.6 76.2

48 71 JAKARTA Indonesia 82.4 78.9

48 31 BRATISLAVA Slovak Republic 82.4 89.9

50 28 PRAGUE Czech Republic 82.1 90.8

51 58 ALGIERS Algeria 82 81.9

52 75 ALMATY Kazakhstan 81.9 77.6

53 46 MADRID Spain 81.6 86

54 65 GUANGZHOU China 81.5 80.6

55 74 SAN JUAN Puerto Rico 81.4 77.7

56 87 VANCOUVER Canada 81.2 74.3

56 43 BARCELONA Spain 81.2 86.9

56 33 LUXEMBOURG Luxembourg 81.2 88.2

59 41 ATHENS Greece 81.1 87.2

60 40 GLASGOW United Kingdom 80.7 87.5

61 34 FRANKFURT Germany 80.5 88

62 67 AMMAN Jordan 80.4 80.1

62 32 DUSSELDORF Germany 80.4 88.4

62 27 WARSAW Poland 80.4 91.5

65 37 MUNICH Germany 80.2 87.8

65 24 BUDAPEST Hungary 80.2 93.3

67 61 HONOLULU United States 80 81.4

68 105 MUMBAI India 79.9 70.8

69 47 BIRMINGHAM United Kingdom 79.7 85.8

70 41 BRUSSELS Belgium 79.5 87.2

71 98 CALGARY Canada 79.3 72.5

72 38 BERLIN Germany 79.2 87.7

73 110 NEW DELHI India 79 69.9

74 68 MELBOURNE Australia 78.8 80

75 91 ACCRA Ghana 78.6 73.6

76 70 HOUSTON United States 78.5 79.1

77 49 HAMBURG Germany 78.2 85

78 72 KUWAIT CITY Kuwait 78 78.3

79 48 ZAGREB Croatia 77.7 85.2

80 107 MONTREAL Canada 77.6 70.7

81 54 RIGA Latvia 77.2 84.5

81 95 MEXICO CITY Mexico 77.2 73.1

83 78 WASHINGTON United States 77 77.4

84 80 MORRISTOWN United States 76.8 76.9

84 79 BOSTON United States 76.8 77

86 83 ATLANTA United States 76.3 76.1

87 86 MANAMA Bahrain 76.1 74.5

88 59 CASABLANCA Morocco 75.9 81.6

88 66 LISBON Portugal 75.9 80.2

90 122 OTTAWA Canada 75.6 66.4

91 128 SANTIAGO Chile 74.5 64.8

91 61 LYON France 74.5 81.4

93 108 GUATEMALA CITY Guatemala 74.3 70.4

93 97 CAIRO Egypt 74.3 72.5

93 93 PERTH Australia 74.3 73.5

96 60 TALLINN Estonia 73.7 81.5

97 94 DENVER United States 73.6 73.2

98 88 RIYADH Saudi Arabia 73.5 74.1

99 84 BRISBANE Australia 73.2 74.9

100 89 JEDDAH Saudi Arabia 72.9 73.9

100 69 AUCKLAND New Zealand 72.9 79.6

102 103 SEATTLE United States 71.9 71.4

103 115 MONTERREY Mexico 71.6 67.7

103 102 ST. LOUIS United States 71.6 71.6

105 76 WELLINGTON New Zealand 71.1 77.5

106 76 LJUBLJANA Slovenia 71 77.5

107 119 NAIROBI Kenya 70.9 66.6

108 89 ADELAIDE Australia 70.6 73.9

109 105 KINGSTON Jamaica 70 70.8

110 109 CLEVELAND United States 69.8 70.3

111 112 PORTLAND United States 69.7 68.8

111 81 SOFIA Bulgaria 69.7 76.3

113 111 PITTSBURGH United States 69.4 69.2

114 117 KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia 69.3 67.1

114 103 BUCHAREST Romania 69.3 71.4

116 91 VILNIUS Lithuania 69.2 73.6

117 116 JOHANNESBURG South Africa 69.1 67.4

118 100 LIMASSOL Cyprus 68.7 71.9

118 118 LIMA Peru 68.7 66.9

118 113 BANDAR SERI Brunei 68.7 68.5

BEGAWAN

121 114 PANAMA CITY Panama 68.5 68.3

122 101 DETROIT United States 68.3 71.8

123 85 LEIPZIG Germany 68.1 74.8

124 119 WINSTON SALEM United States 66.7 66.6

125 129 TEHRAN Iran 66.4 64.4

126 99 SANTO DOMINGO Dominican Republic 65.3 72.3

127 125 BANGKOK Thailand 64.9 65.3

128 131 TIANJIN China 63.6 62.5

129 130 BLANTYRE Malawi 63.1 62.7

130 133 BOGOTA Colombia 62.7 62.7

131 127 DACCA (DHAKA) Bangladesh 62.5 62.5

132 132 COLOMBO Sri Lanka 61.4 60

133 126 TUNIS Tunisia 60.7 65.2

134 135 SAN JOSE Costa Rica 58.1 58

135 137 QUITO Ecuador 57.4 54.6

136 138 CARACAS Venezuela 57.2 54.4

137 138 CHENNAI (MADRAS) India 56.7 54.4

138 140 MONTEVIDEO Uruguay 56.5 53.5

139 141 BANGALORE India 56.4 51.7

140 136 KARACHI Pakistan 56.1 56.1

141 143 MANILA Philippines 56 49.8

142 142 BUENOS AIRES Argentina 54.8 50.3

143 134 HARARE Zimbabwe 50.9 58.4

144 144 ASUNCION Paraguay 43.5 40.3

 

Cost of living comparisons in $s -- 2006

Selected cities worldwide

(NB purchases at medium-priced establishments)

London Dublin Paris Rome Amsterdam

Rent of a luxury two bedroom

unfurnished apartment (per

month) 2975.00 1440.36 2280.57 1620.41 1620.41

Bus or subway ride 3.50 1.80 1.68 1.21 1.93

Music CD 20.98 24.61 20.39 25.52 26.39

1 issue of international daily

newspaper 1.93 2.40 2.40 2.40 3.12

1 cup of coffee, including

service 3.33 3.61 2.64 2.64 2.99

Fast food hamburger meal 7.88 7.09 7.21 6.84 7.81

Source: Mercer Human Resource Consulting

 

Cost of living comparisons in $s -- 2006

Selected cities worldwide

(NB purchases at medium-priced establishments)

Berlin Athens Brussels Madrid Prague

Rent of a luxury two bedroom

unfurnished apartment (per

month) 1260.32 1260.32 1140.28 1560.39 1320.32

Bus or subway ride 2.52 0.96 1.8 1.31 0.72

Music CD 21.60 22.80 23.98 24.01 25.27

1 issue of international

daily newspaper 2.52 2.15 2.4 2.99 2.10

1 cup of coffee, including

service 2.99 5.04 2.64 2.77 3.80

Fast food hamburger meal 5.71 8.70 6.60 7.32 5.06

Source: Mercer Human Resource Consulting

 

Cost of living comparisons in $s -- 2006

Selected cities worldwide

(NB purchases at medium-priced establishments)

Warsaw Zagreb Tokyo Beijing Sydney

Rent of a luxury two bedroom

unfurnished apartment (per

month) 1320.32 1320.32 4116.02 2673.21 1931.77

Bus or subway ride 0.75 N.A. 2.31 N.A. 1.86

Music CD 23.66 23.80 21.44 21.14 19.30

1 issue of international

daily newspaper 3.15 N.A. 1.30 4.36 2.85

1 cup of coffee, including

service 3.47 4.11 2.57 4.24 2.61

Fast food hamburger meal 4.88 4.52 5.23 2.56 4.80

Source: Mercer Human Resource Consulting

 

Cost of living comparisons in $s -- 2006

Selected cities worldwide

(NB purchases at medium-priced establishments)

Buenos

New York Aires Johannesburg Vancouver

Rent of a luxury two bedroom

unfurnished apartment (per month) 3497.38 999.25 968.26 1406.77

Bus or subway ride 2.00 0.26 N.A. 1.98

Music CD 18.85 12.04 29.77 18.57

1 issue of international daily

newspaper 1.63 4.55 3.87 3.29

1 cup of coffee, including service 3.96 1.47 2.26 2.85

Fast food hamburger meal 6.00 2.77 3.22 4.88

Source: Mercer Human Resource Consulting

Source: Mercer Human Resource Consulting

Statement of M. Cass Wheeler CEO, American Heart Association, Responding to the Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health:

The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke

The Surgeon General's report provides irrefutable scientific evidence that secondhand smoke is a major risk factor for heart disease -- the nation's No. 1 killer. Armed with this information, we must step up our efforts to enact comprehensive smoke-free workplace policies in all communities. The only way to really eliminate exposure to this serious health risk is to breathe truly clean air.

Tens of thousands of nonsmokers die in this country each year from coronary heart disease as a result of secondhand smoke. Smokers claim they have rights but they do not have the right to expose citizens to deadly toxins and increase their risk for heart disease. Everyone has the right to breathe clean air, but more than 126 million nonsmokers in the US continue to be exposed to secondhand smoke. This includes hospitality workers who are currently forced to inhale secondhand smoke while trying to earn a living.

Many states and municipalities have passed smoke-free air laws without any negative economic impact. Elected leaders must continue to move toward a 100 percent smoke-free nation and do their part to help reduce death and disability from cardiovascular disease. As we build on the momentum, we will be providing clean air to our citizens and more importantly, saving lives.

Source: American Heart Association

Web site: http://www.americanheart.org/

Young Drinkers, New Immigrants and Deep Pockets Drive Growth in U.S. Spirits Consumption

Drawn to a vast and growing array of flavored spirits products as well as new deluxe brands, Americans continued their love affair with the cocktail and its spirituous ingredients last year. Total spirits consumption rose 2.8% in 2005 to 170.3 million 9-liter cases, marking the eighth consecutive year of such increases. These numbers come from a detailed compendium of just about everything you could want to know about domestic spirits consumption, called Adams Liquor Handbook 2006, just published by the Adams Beverage Group.

"Our taste for bright colors and fruity flavors in everything we drink has become the most significant factor in predicting what makes a popular cocktail -- whether we're out socially, attending a business event, or entertaining at home," remarked Charles Forman, vice president and group publisher, Adams Beverage Group. "At the bar, you could say it started with the Cosmo but it's not slowing down. Now it's the Mojito."

Forman pointed out that "mixable" non-whiskies such as vodka, rum and tequila continue not only to grow but also to steal market share from traditional whiskies, probably for this reason. Total non-whiskies gained 3.8% to 125.8 million cases in 2005, according to the new Adams Liquor Handbook. Vodka gained 4.4% to 46 million cases; rum added 1.2 million additional cases to top 22 million for the year; and tequila soared 9% to 9 million cases.

Unsurprisingly, marketers of these products say such growth is jumpstarted primarily by younger, legal-age drinkers who go out frequently and help set the trends the rest of us follow. In addition, America's fast-growing Hispanic communities both share and, as a consequence, help drive some of the most popular drink trends.

Adams Beverage Group's tracking of new launches last year revealed that many of those that did not specifically involve fruit flavors did look to hook consumers of deluxe products, another behavioral well that appears deep and responsive to a targeted appeal. One way this decade-long phenomenon reveals itself is in the growth of higher-priced imports. Imports share increased from 36.4% to 38.9% last year. Consumption of high-end scotches and imported gin rose, even as the scotch and gin categories themselves declined.

"Our thirst for the best actually goes across categories," observed Forman, pointing to increases for super-premium vodka, rum and tequila brands that consumers believe to be the best the marketplace has to offer. "Despite economic conditions, or perhaps sometimes because of them, we're reaching deeper and drinking better and better."

The Adams Beverage Group predicts more of the same, forecasting another spirits consumption gain this year with the 9-liter case total expected to reach 175.9 million cases, up 3.3%. The Adams Liquor Handbook 2006 is a comprehensive source of information on U.S. spirits and sales trends, compiled for professionals in the field. The Handbook includes information on consumption by category and by market, tracks leading brands including imports, and reports historical data. The cost of the publication is $685. The cost of the publication with an interactive CD containing Excel spreadsheets is $850.

 

Source: Adams Beverage Group

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June 27, 2006

Ben Curtis, who won the Booz Allen Classic on Tuesday

Earns his second career PGA TOUR victory in his 82nd event at the age of 29 years and one month.

Set the tournament 36-hole (15-under 127) and 54-hole (19-under 194) records.

Second player to win in wire-to-wire fashion, following Greg Norman in 1984. Rich Beem held the first and second round leads and shared the third round lead during his 1999 victory.

His five stroke victory was the largest at the tournament since Tom Byrum won by five in 1989.

Wins in his third trip to the D.C. area after missing the cut in his first two attempts.

Finished tied for second in greens in regulation, hitting 60 of 72 (83.3%).

Curtis in his career

Career earnings improve to $3,693,030.

Set his career-low 18- (9-under 62), 36- (15-under 127), 54- (19-under 194) and 72-hole (20-264 ) totals.

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MBN's interview with Shane Jenkins, Vice President of the Magic Johnson Foundation, at the Magic Johnson Foundation National HIV Testing Day event

June 27, 2006

 

1-888-AIDS-CARE

(C) MBN 2006

We’re here celebrating National HIV Testing Day, what exactly does that mean to people?

It’s a day where not only here in Los Angeles but in LA county and in different states

that we bring about awareness, education and prevention at the same time we test people.

We now know there’s a lot of individuals that are infected but don’t know it. We want to try and make it popular. Make it cool to come out and be tested. We can really impact the community.

That’s a really good idea, to make it cool to be tested.

That’s why we’re here. We have the radio station out. We’re out in the community on a corner with music, entertainment. The good thing about this is that we try and give them incentive. Not only do you get tested, you get your results and you get a ticket to “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”

What is that (A Midsummer’s Night Dream)?

It’s a basketball game, turned over from Magic Johnson who turned over the torch to Baron Davis and Paul Pierce who are NBA players. They will host a basketball game sponsored at Staples Center on July 9th .

So if I get tested for HIV, I get tickets to go to that?

Yes, so how cool is that?

That is way cool. Do enough people know they can go by coming out here?

We’ve done plenty of press, press releases on our website and we’ve passed out flyers to the community. We’ve done this at this location for the past 3 years, giving the same incentive every year. It’s kind of a ritual now. That’s the whole thing, we’re trying to make it a custom.

Magic Johnson has been a role model for this community. He’s done a lot for chairities and all his work with HIV…you’ve got to hand it to the guy.

Magic Johnson is an excellent guy. He’s a true champion not only to the epidemic but to underserved communities, to minorities.

He wants to be that voice that they don’t have, so that’s what the Magic Johnson Foundation is about. That’s why we were established.

Intially being established when he came out with his status

But then Knowing that there was a void in the community

Not just here in LA but in other cities like Atlanta, New York, Washington D.C., and Cleveland. So we go and touch those communities, not only by doing education and prevention of HIV AIDS, but we also have technology centers. We offer scholarship to students in those areas, in underserved communities. We’re just all over the place doing some good work.

I’m looking at your face, when you stand there and tell us about this you look like you’re so proud to be part of this organization. 

Absolutely. I started 6 years ago. Before I started I was actually a volunteer for a couple of years. I said, you know, this is where I need to be. It is so rewarding, to know that I’m truly making a difference. It’s just the best. It’s an awesome organization to work with, to know that I’m impacting the community, especially a community in which I grew up in.

Tell me more about the Magic Johnson Foundation and what they do.

(C) MBN

We were established in 1991, when Magic Johnson came out with his status, and at that point we were simply a grant making foundation. We were funded community organization kind of like the Minority AIDS project, we were out in the community doing grass roots work, truly informing and educating the community.

Since then we have responded to the need of underserved communities. We have shoclarship program called the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Fund. Program. 

It’s designed for underserved youth for students of color

We’re only looking for a 2.5 GPA. We really want to go but don’t have the resources.

In that program, we offer internships - this is what you think you want to do, and put them out there to see if that’s what they want to do. It’s a 4 year program. As long as you keep your grades and continue to put your paperwork in, we will continue to keep you funded.

We offer laptops and printers to the our scholarship program students.

So they can really have all the resources they need to succeed.

If someone wanted to be part of the scholarship program, how would they find about it?

They can call our office at 310-246-4400, or visit our website at www.magicjohnson.org

They need to be a high school senior when they apply. They have to be in the 12th grade.

And Want to go to a 4 year college or university.

We also have 21 technology centers in 19 different states.

What do you do in your technology centers?

All of them are in housing complex or projects. They’re in communities where there are tons and tons of apartments, so in housing developments. We have one … where there are 3000 residents. Within those residents we have a center where we have computers, printers, we teach classes, to get those individuals aware of the digital divide,

We know a lot of people can’t afford a computer. We know that without the knowledge of the computer, it’s hard to get a job. Students can’t finish their homework can’t do their research to truly succeed in school. We place these centers in those communities so they’ll have that resource for them.

What else is Magic working on. He’s a businessman. He’s got his foundation.

He’s a very busy man that’s working on giving back to the community. 

That’s exactly what he does. 

All of his businesses he’s working on are in local communities. That’s his Starbucks right there.

Do you know his other Starbucks, I’ve heard that one of his Starbucks is the busiest Starbucks in the United States.

Ladera. Absolutely. We’re just embarking on our 100th Starbucks.

100? Wow!

He’s also in the foodchain business

Foodchain business?

It’s kind of like, Magic Sodexho. It’s like Aramark. Do you know at Staples Center how you have food, it’s like that.

We also have home loans centers through Washington Mutual. There’s one right there. 

It’s designed to help individuals get into their homes. You shouldn’t have to be really really well off to afford a home. So we offer home loans and educate individual as to the best way to go about purchasing a home or a condo.

He’s also in to fitness, he has the Magic Johnson 24 Hours Fitness Centers. 

We just opened up the 6th Magic Johnson Theatre.

Is Michael Jordan a role model to him?

You would have to ask him.

It should be the other way around.  Soon he’s going to be the Bill Gates of the African American world.

Absolutely.

They’ll think of Bill Gates, Magic Johnson.

What an awesome title. He’s an incredible person. Not only in this community, but in All of his theatres are in undeserved communities. There’s one in L.A., New York, Atlanta, Cleveland, Houston and Maryland.

Here’s the question everyone wants to know…what is Magic Johnson really like on a personal level, your experience or what you’ve heard?

I would say family. He’s such a family guy. He treats his employees like family. Once you’re family, you want your family to strive to be their best and that’s what we encourage all of our staff to do. He’s an excellent guy.

Some of our scholarship students call him Daddy Earv. Because He’s such a role model to them. He’s just such a family oriented guy. He pushes us as if he’s our uncle, our daddy in order for us to strive and succeed. He’s definitely family to us.

He’s like a modern day Jackie Robinson. Everybody admired Jackie Robinson. Everybody admires Magic(Johnson).  Johnson and Robinson have the very same traits.  They’re great men, and people admire them because they’re great men.

He’s definitely a role model to people like us.

He’s a role model to people like us.  If you look at him and you see what he’s accomplished. He comes from here and he is here now he’s here. Which means, I can do the same thing. All I have to do is work hard enough, and maybe someday I can be like Magic Johnson.  He’s everybody’s role model.

Shane, can I give you a hug?

Absolutely.

This is on behalf of everyone that would love to give one to Magic for all he’s done.

No problem, I’ll be sure to give it to him.

Magic Johnson Foundation, www.magicjohnson.org

LA Stars for A Midsummer’s Night Dream at www.lastars-mnd.com

 

BANNER OF ONE OF THE MANY OF THOSE HELPING MAGIC'S GREAT EVENT

(C)MBN

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Oakland Athletics Postgame Alert

June 27, 2006

Oakland 0, San Diego 3 at PETCO Park
Oakland Record: (41-35)
San Diego Record: (40-36)

Winning pitcher - Chris Young (7-3)
Losing pitcher - Barry Zito (8-4)
SV - Trevor Hoffman (19)


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 Oakland000000000 051
 San Diego10101000X  3100

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Superman Returns this Friday

(C) WB

 

 

 

 

SUPERMAN RETURNS

 Today, Warner Bros. Pictures unveiled the first image from the highly anticipated action adventure Superman Returns, starring newcomer Brandon Routh as the Man of Steel.

 

 

 

 

Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure Superman Returns, a soaring new chapter in the saga of one of the world’s most beloved superheroes. While an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all,

 (C) WB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Superman faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane, has moved on with her life. Or has she? Superman’s bittersweet return challenges him to bridge the distance between them while finding a place in a society that has learned to survive without him. In an attempt to protect the world he loves from cataclysmic destruction, Superman embarks on an epic journey of redemption that takes him from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space.(C) WB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directed by Bryan Singer (X2: X-Men United, X-Men, The Usual Suspects), Superman Returns stars Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth (Beyond the Sea, Blue Crush), James Marsden (X2: X-Men United, The Notebook), Frank Langella (HBO’s Unscripted), Academy Award-winner Eva Marie Saint (North By Northwest), Parker Posey (Best in Show), Kal Penn (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle), Sam Huntington (Detroit Rock City) and Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey (Beyond the Sea, American Beauty, The Usual Suspects).

(C) WB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Warner Bros. Pictures presentation of a Peters Entertainment production, in association with Bad Hat Harry Productions, a Bryan Singer film, Superman Returns stars BRANDON ROUTH, KATE BOSWORTH, JAMES MARSDEN, FRANK LANGELLA, EVA MARIE SAINT, PARKER POSEY, KAL PENN, SAM HUNTINGTON and KEVIN SPACEY.  Directed by BRYAN SINGER, the film is produced by JON PETERS, BRYAN SINGER and GILBERT ADLER.

 (C) WB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The screenplay is by MICHAEL DOUGHERTY & DAN HARRIS, and the story is by BRYAN SINGER and MICHAEL DOUGHERTY & DAN HARRIS. The executive producer is CHRIS LEE. The director of photography is NEWTON THOMAS SIGEL A.S.C.; the production designer is GUY DYAS; the film is edited by JOHN OTTMAN and ELLIOT GRAHAM; the costume designer is LOUISE MINGENBACH; and the music is by JOHN OTTMAN. The film is based upon Superman characters created by JERRY SIEGEL & JOE SHUSTER and published by DC Comics.

 (C) WB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Superman Returns will be released on June 30, 2006 by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

 (C)WB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

will be released on June 30, 2006 by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

(C) WB

 

 PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE USED SOLELY FOR ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, PUBLICITY OR REVIEWS OF THIS SPECIFIC MOTION PICTURE AND TO REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF THE STUDIO. NOT FOR SALE OR REDISTRIBUTION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  (C) WB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David James

(C) WB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SD-S-2959

©2006 Warner Bros.Entertainment Inc. - U.S., Canada, Bahamas & Bermuda. All Rights Reserved.

(C) WB

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Servicemembers in uniform can now watch their favorite World Wrestling Entertainment superstars in action free of charge.



World Wrestling Entertainment is offering all U.S. military personnel
from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Reserves and National Guard a
complimentary ticket to a live WWE event in their local area, provided
they come dressed in uniform with a military ID.

Tickets are available the day of the event. Military personnel can log
onto the World Wrestling Entertainment Web site to view a schedule of
live events in their area.

"This is a program that is now in place that will continue
indefinitely," Gary Davis, vice president of corporate communications for World
Wrestling Entertainment, said.

Davis said he realizes many men and women in the military love World
Wrestling Entertainment, so the company wanted to figure out a way to
show its appreciation for them.

WWE frequently supports U.S. troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan,
Davis noted, and officials decided to do something for servicemembers
stationed worldwide.

"We wanted to do something on a consistent basis for our troops back
home or in different places around the world, where maybe they don't get
a lot of attention because they're not in the line of fire," Davis
said. "But they're still serving a very important purpose for our country."

Regardless of where they are, many servicemembers seek an entertaining
outlet to boost their morale level. Giving free tickets to
servicemembers is a unique way for World Wrestling Entertainment to meet this need,
Davis said.

Offering free tickets isn't the only way World Wrestling Entertainment
supports the troops. WWE superstars pay regular visits to military
bases and hospitals.

Davis said the hospital visits inspired World Wrestling Entertainment
to offer free tickets to servicemembers.

"It was great to go into the hospitals, but we thought, 'Wouldn't it be
kind of fun for the people in the hospitals to actually come out to a
show and actually see an event?'" Davis said.

World Wrestling Entertainment is working with Armed Forces
Entertainment in an ongoing effort to support the U.S. military.

Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment is a nonprofit group that
recruits, schedules, transports and hosts celebrity and up-and-coming
entertainers at military installations overseas.

Art Myers, director of Air Force Services, manages Armed Forces
Entertainment and has served in the Air Force in a military and civilian
capacity for the past 20 years.

"When I was on active duty, I spent five tours in Southeast Asia during
the Vietnam War; I saw how important the entertainment was as far as
enhancing the morale of the troops," Myers said.

A wide range of artists has performed for troops in the past through
AFE, including, Kid Rock, Drew Carey, World Wrestling Entertainment
wrestlers and the Harlem Globetrotters.

Armed Forces Entertainment also is a member of the Defense Department's
America Supports You program, which showcases Americans' efforts to
support servicemembers and their families.

This is not the first time World Wrestling Entertainment and Armed
Forces Entertainment have collaborated on a project. Since 2003, WWE has
worked with Armed Forces Entertainment during the holiday season to bring
some of its most popular wrestling superstars to war zones in Iraq and
Afghanistan.

For four days, the wrestlers connect with servicemembers on the front
lines. The wrestlers sign autographs, talk, sleep, eat and even lift
weights with servicemembers. USA network and UPN network broadcast the
tour, called "Tribute to The Troops," each December.

"It (the tour) really went well; they were overwhelmed, the troops
really liked it," Myers said.

Last year, MSNBC reporter Rita Cosby traveled with World Wrestling
Entertainment during its "Tribute to the Troops" tour in Afghanistan, as
part of a prime-time news special.

World Wrestling Entertainment will host this year's "Tribute to the
Troops" tour in early December.

"It's a very humbling experience to see these men and women in very
difficult living conditions on the front lines, knowing at any moment they
can come under attack, and to see the spirit that they have, and the
positive attitude they have, despite those conditions," Davis explained.

The nationally televised tour combines interviews with the troops and
wrestling matches. The goal is to inform the public about the daily
lives of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and the contributions they're
making, Davis said.

This July, World Wrestling Entertainment is scheduled to visit troops
on a "handshake tour." The tour, called "The Legends and Divas Tour,"
will chronicle legendary wrestling veterans Jimmy Hart and Ron Simmons
and World Wrestling Entertainment "Raw" and "Smackdown" wrestlers Maria
and Ashley as they visit troops in the Middle East.

"We're all looking forward to being able to celebrate our Independence
Day with our troops," Davis said.

Last year, World Wrestling Entertainment also became a corporate team
member of the America Support's You program.

World Wrestling Entertainment hopes to continue offering free tickets
and other support to the men and women in uniform, both home and abroad.

"We're happy that we could identify something that we believe now will
be a consistent way to show our thanks to the troops around the world,
whether they're in the war zone or not," Davis said.
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Los Angeles Dodgers Postgame Alert

June 27, 2006

Los Angeles 2, Minnesota 9 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Los Angeles Record: (40-37)
Minnesota Record: (41-35)

Winning pitcher - Francisco Liriano (8-1)
Losing pitcher - Derek Lowe (6-4)


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 Los Angeles000100100 262
 Minnesota06001200X  9152

LAD HR - N. Garciaparra (10) J. Kent (9)
MIN HR - None
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Swiss Re Economists: Global Growth Is Solid, U.S. Is Close to Trend Growth; Biggest Risk to Outlook Is Still Oil Prices

 Swiss Re's Chief Economist today said that inflation concerns will cause the Fed to raise the federal funds rate to 5.5 percent. Additionally, at the company's Mid-year Economic and Insurance Industry teleconference, Swiss Re's Senior Economist, Thomas Holzheu, asserted that despite record losses, the insurance industry posted solid profits in 2005.

"The Fed will most likely raise rates this week and again in August by 25 basis points because inflation indicators are rising," said Kurt Karl, Chief Economist, Swiss Re. "There is a chance that we will get 50 basis points this week, with a clear indication of the end of tightening for now."

  Karl also noted:    -- Inflation is rising -- core CPI inflation was 2.4 percent      year-over-year in May, up from 2.1 percent in March, and it will      probably rise further. Accelerating wage gains, rising capacity      utilization, a weak dollar and high oil prices are all contributing to      higher inflation.   -- Economic growth is slowing, but not dramatically, and real GDP growth      should be close to 3 percent in the second half of this year and next      year, about where the Fed would like to see it.   -- Next year, if growth is close to 3 percent and core inflation eases      back to 2 percent, as expected, the Fed will likely ease, lowering the      federal funds rate back to 5 percent.   -- The yield on the 10-year Treasury note should remain close to the fed      funds rate -- there is still a lot of liquidity in the world and this      will keep the yield curve flat. An inversion of fed funds and 10-year      T-note is possible, but should be temporary because the economy is in      solid shape.  

Regarding the property and casualty insurance business, Thomas Holzheu, Swiss Re's senior economist for that business sector, said, "2005 was dominated by record losses from hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Nevertheless, the industry showed resilience. Underwriting discipline and the benefits of reinsurance preserved the industry's surplus and profitability. Going forward, the realization of higher catastrophe exposures increases capital requirements and property premium rates.

  Among Holzheu's observations:    -- Insurers and reinsurers worldwide bore a record USD 83 billion of total      insured property cat losses, with Hurricane Katrina alone estimated at      USD 45 billion. US P&C insurers are expected to pay USD 58 billion      losses for last year's natural catastrophes.   -- Despite the unprecedented cat losses, the 2005 combined ratio was      101 percent and is expected to improve in 2006.   -- The industry's ROE for 2005 was 11.6 percent; for 2006, the ROE is      likely to be around 11 percent .   -- In the aftermath of the hurricane season, the pace of premium growth is      likely to pick up slightly as commercial property prices firm.  

PLEASE NOTE: Presentations and other relevant information are available on Swiss Re's Web site, www.swissre.com. A replay of the teleconference is also available on the website.

About Swiss Re

Swiss Re is the world's leading and most diversified global reinsurer. The company operates through offices in over 30 countries. Founded in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1863, Swiss Re offers financial services products that enable risk-taking essential to enterprise and progress. The company's traditional reinsurance products and related services for property and casualty, as well as the life and health business are complemented by insurance-based corporate finance solutions and supplementary services for comprehensive risk management. Swiss Re is rated "AA-" by Standard & Poor's, "Aa2" by Moody's and "A+" by A.M. Best.

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With the Proliferation of Hollywood in the Marketplace, the Opportunities for Character Licensing Are Continually Increasing

 Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c38680) has announced the addition of Character Merchandising in the United States to their offering.

Licensed toys represent one of the most important segments of the character licensing industry. In fact, licensed toys typically represent about 25%-35% of all annual toy sales. Sales are significantly driven by movies, with the two biggest licensing properties in 2004 being Spider-Man 2 and Shrek 2.

Food tie-ins are another lucrative channel for character merchandising license holders. Two examples of agreements include Burger King's promotions using Spider-Man 2 merchandise, and Baskin Robbins offering Shrek's Swirl Sherbet.

With the proliferation of Hollywood in the marketplace, the opportunities for character licensing are continually increasing. The population of pre-schoolers is on the rise, and retailers are looking to character licensing and merchandising to drive sales.

For the purpose of this report, character-merchandising is defined as the use of popular children's characters to promote the sale of consumer goods. Characters themselves typically derive from television, film, toys, books, comics, and computer games. Children (especially the "under tens") are the key audience for character merchandising, although adults are the principal purchasers. Thus, character-merchandising is used by manufacturers to trigger a response among children, who then implore their parents to buy on their behalf.

This report includes the whole gamut of merchandised goods embracing media-led items as follows:

-- media (books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs, computer games)

-- greetings cards and other stationery

-- furniture

-- toys

-- cycles and cycling accessories

-- jewelry

-- character timepieces

-- oral hygiene items

-- clothing and accessories

-- bags, pencil cases, and sporting goods

-- home furnishings and housewares

-- mobile phone accessories such as covers;

-- food and drink

Excluded from this report are celebrity endorsements and theme park admissions.

Companies Mentioned:

Hasbro Properties Group (HPG)

Mattel

The Walt Disney Company

Studio Entertainment

Warner Brothers

HIT Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

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MORE THEN 150,000 SQUARE FEET OF NEW PRODUCTS AND NEW EVENTS AT THE 2006 WESTERN FOODSERVICE & HOSPITALITY EXPO

June 27th, 2006 we attended the media preview, from Saturday, August 26th through Monday, August 28th, the Los Angeles Convention Center will host the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo featuring several new and exciting special events – making this the one trade event not to be missed.

A very important announcement was made at the end of the presentation that deserves to be at the front of this story because it is unheard of in the trade show business. They believe so much in the fact that there is at least one new thing you will walk away from the show that they are offering a Business Benefit Guarantee to any attendee who does not find one new idea, vendor, product, contact or solution at the Show that will benefit their business.

Means they are offering a money back guarantee.

 (C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year’s event is about NEW. Extensive study was done as to how to make this event better then it has been in the past few years.

Since 9-11 food industry shows have been lackluster. This show has taken into account what people in the industry want to see are trying to give it too them. New features include new products that have never been seen or tasted, new international foods being introduced into the US market (40 Exhibitors coming here to display) , new demonstration cooking theaters and a pizza pavilion and competitions, the inaugural Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival, new educational programs, the Ultimate Barista Challenge.

 (C) MBN 2006

The Ultimate Barista Challenge™ taking place on the exhibition floor in a show of coffee creativity flaring, as baristi prepare their own inspired espresso beverages for discerning professional tasting judges. This will delight audience members in a showdown of three flights of espresso frappe, espresso cocktails, beautiful café latte art and finding the definitive Ultimate Barista! In addition, the 4th Annual Culinary and Pastry Competition organized by The Academie Culinaire de France, will take place at the Show.

One of the most exciting new features will be the launch of the inaugural Los Angeles Wine and Food Festival to be co-located with the Expo. The Festival, showcasing covering some 12,000 square feet in exhibition space and 120 booths in excess of 100 wines, dozens of gourmet food companies and specialty items for the wine enthusiast, will be open to trade professionals attending the Expo as well as the general public and will feature two days of wine tasting and gourmet food as well as a Reserve Tasting Event featuring premiere wines and specialty food tasting.

The Reserve Tasting and Gourmet Food Sampling event kick-off for the Festival will take place at the Marriott Downtown Los Angeles on Friday, August 25 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. On Saturday 8/26 and Sunday 8/27, wine tastings and food sampling will be offered in Kentia Hall in the Los Angeles Convention Center, just steps away from the Western Foodservice and Hospitality Expo Show floor. (C) MBN 2006

Attendees of the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo are invited to attend the Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival on 8/26 and 8/27 for only $10 a day and receive a huge discount when signing up for the Reserve Tasting and Gourmet Food Sampling event 8/25. For more information, visit www.lawineandfoodfest.com.

 

( Showing products on display can be allot of fun)

 

Other new initiatives include the New Product Gallery, sponsored by Nation’s Restaurant News which will feature in excess of one hundred new products that will be judged by the industry professional attendees producing winners of the People's Choice Awards. All new products will be displayed on tables within the Expo for close up viewing and, in addition, attendees will have the opportunity to sample (taste) and test new products during a dedicated time each afternoon and then vote on their favorites.

 New food will be highlighted in Demonstration Cooking Theaters throughout the Show floor where chefs will showcase new products, new techniques and menu-enhancing recipes. Local well-known and notable chefs will be front and center in The “Hot Spot” Culinary Demonstration Theater hosted by a notable “foodie” who will answer questions and garner audience participation. Iron Chef Cat Cora, Guy Fieri, host of Guy’s Big Bite on Food Network, Tommy Tang of Let’s Get Cooking and Dave Lawrence, author of Boy Meet’s World. Also new to the food front is a new Pizza Pavilion hosted by Roma Brands as well as an International Arena that will feature dozens of international foods.

The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo will hold an extensive conference program that will focus on the critical issues affecting the restaurant and foodservice industry in finance, technology, and so much more to help attendees grow their business. New to the lineup this year are two special courses presented by The BarFly Group, expert consultants to the industry. The first seminar, Restaurant Rookie Boot Camp is a highly energized session jam packed with a day of learning.

Developed for new restaurant operators, the seminar will focus on tricks of the trade that normally are learned through years of enrollment in the "School of Hard Knocks." The second seminar, Chain and Multi-Unit Operator Summit, will teach participants how to set the foundation for forming, operating and growing a successful chain concept. Pre-registration is required for each seminar.

Several special areas on the Show floor will create an energized and exciting experience for all attendees. The stage will be flanked by 3 large video screens, TV production cameras, and a décor designed to inspire the attendee. Your going to see cooking demonstrations, news from the show and spots showing what exhibitors and sponsors have to offer.

Twenty-first century technology to bring the food business into the future.

 

 

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Doce nuevos casinos online y salas de póquer reciben el sello 'Play It Safe' de eCOGRA

- El organismo con los estándares más elevados de la industria se acerca al objetivo 2006 de disponer de los 100 Sitios Acreditados de Apuestas Online

eCOGRA, (www.ecogra.org) el organismo de normalización de la industria de las apuestas online, ha dado hoy otro paso para conseguir acercarse a su objetivo 2006 de acreditar a 100 casinos online y salas de póquer. Gracias al certificado de 12 sitios adicionales, en la actualidad ya cuenta con 85 sitios que han conseguido el control de administración independiente y el control para recibir el sello "Play It Safe".

Son siete los sitios que cuentan en la actualidad con la gestión de Tusk Investment Corporation en Australia, y son otros cinco los que son puestos en marcha a través del grupo Vegas Partner Lounge y que han recibido el sello "Play It Safe" por su juego justo y mejores prácticas operacionales. Tusk Investment Corporation va a ser adquirida por la compañía de Australia Global Approach Limited el día 1 de julio de 2006 por un valor de 19,37 millones de dólares australianos, y se encarga de la gestión de las siguientes aplicaciones:

Challenge Casino www.challengecasino.com

Golden Reef Casino www.goldenreefcasino.com

Music Hall Casino www.musichallcasino.com

Nostalgia Casino www.nostalgiacasino.com

UK Casino Club www.ukcasinoclub.com

iBig Casino www.ibigcasino.com

Poker Metro www.pokermetro.com

El grupo Vegas Partner Lounge se ha añadido a esta lista de casinos online y salas de póquer acreditadas gracias a los siguientes premios del nuevo sello 'Play It Safe':

28 Vegas Casino www.28vegas.com

Casino France Net www.casinofrancenet.com

Crazy Multiplayer Casino www.crazymultiplayercasino.com

Crazy Poker www.crazypoker.com

Golden Riviera Poker www.goldenrivierapoker.com

"Las principales marcas de los casinos online y de las salas de póquer han reconocido que los jugadores se preocupan por el sello "Play It Safe", y este sello sirve para que los casinos que disponen de él atraigan a más jugadores, creando oportunidades de ingreso adicionales", afirmó el consejero delegado de eCOGRA, Andrew Beveridge. "Aplaudimos a estos operadores por sus labores realizadas, e instamos a los otros a que nos ayuden a conseguir el objetivo de 100 sellos gracias al compromiso de eCOGRA de juego limpio, conducta responsable y protección a los jugadores".

Acerca de eCOGRA

eCOGRA (www.ecogra.org) es un regulador independiente de la industria del juego por Internet que se dedica a proteger a los jugadores de póquer y de casino de todo el mundo. Esta organización sin ánimo de lucro trata los asuntos más importantes que afectan a los jugadores: pagos rápidos, juego justo, servicio eficiente y conducta responsable del operador.

eCOGRA proporciona dentro de un marco internacional la mejor aplicación de los requisitos de funcionamiento y del jugador, aplicados a través de inspecciones, revisiones, y controles continuos realizados por compañías de revisión independientes de todo el mundo. Hasta la fecha han sido 85 sitios los que han cumplido con estos requisitos, habiendo recibido el tan deseado sello "Play it Safe", que alerta a los jugadores sobre los sitios más seguros para jugar en Internet. Para más información sobre cómo eCOGRA realiza las mejoras constantes de las normas para los jugadores de Internet en todo el mundo, visite la página web www.ecogra.org.

Source: eCOGRA Ltd

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Premier Dead Sea Skin Care Company Launches U.S. Operation



Sea of Life(TM) Corporation Targets Spa Industry and Health
Conscious Baby Boomers

Sea of Life(TM) Corporation,
based in the Dead Sea region of Jordan and Israel, has
launched their U.S. sales and distribution operation based
in the San Francisco Bay Area. Paul Gordon, CEO of Sea of
Life U.S., said, "This is a major break through for health
conscious consumers in the United States. Dead Sea minerals
provide dramatic health and skin care benefits. Our company
has patented formulations that bring the benefits of the
Dead Sea in a bottle to consumers. We are focused on
distributing through day spas, destination spas, salons, and
health care professionals."

Sea of Life(TM) has dramatic skin care formulation
breakthroughs based on its nano technology. Gordon stated,
"The nano technology is a quantum leap forward for the skin
care industry. Dead Sea minerals can now be released into
the skin on nano-sized silica carriers that dramatically
increase the concentration and effectiveness of the
minerals. Nano-sized electrolytes can now be slowly released
over time, providing longer term skin care results. Single
applications of our products provide days of moisture
supplement, skin firmness, and reduction of wrinkles . Our
products help solve a very big problem for aging baby
boomers - continuing to look healthy, fit, and young."

"Based on nano technology, we have formulated a complete new
range of Nano Peel of Masks, Breast Firming Cream, an
effective anti-cellulite treatment, natural treatments for
pain (Natural Pain Control), eczema, psoriasis, and stretch
marks (80% less after 30 days). These products will be
formally announced during the summer. We have formulated
nano-sized minerals, antioxidants (that enhance the DNA
repair process of the skin), vegetable extracts, essential
oils, and micro algae (dunaliella, spirulina, rhodella) to
provide the skin with all vital elements to renew,
rejuvenate, moisturize, and reduce wrinkles in the skin with
natural formulations. We have the most advanced formulations
in the market, the largest variety of products, and patent
pending technology. Sea of Life(TM) brings natural nano
technology to skin care with dramatic, visible, and
immediate benefits," said Gordon.

In related news, Sea of Life(TM) has received a
manufacturing license from the Israel Ministry of Health
that facilitates the export of its products to countries
with regulations for cosmetics. Today, Sea of Life(TM) is
the only factory in Israel that can show a fully automated
line of production for mud, while respecting the environment
and strict sanitary requirements. Sea of Life(TM) is the
leading provider of Dead Sea mud in the world.

Sea of Life(TM) is the leading provider of premium Dead Sea
skin care products. The company has a comprehensive line of
over 240 products with patented nano technology formulations
that provide dramatic, visible, and immediate benefits. As
the largest supplier of Dead Sea mud in the world, Sea of
Life(TM) provides unique formulations for cellulite, muscle
and joints, hair and scalp, manicure, pedicure, body, sun
care, and facial applications. Sea of Life(TM) products are
used in over 65 countries by leading spas, salons, and
health care facilities. The therapeutic benefits of Dead Sea
minerals have been well documented for hundreds of years.
Sea of Life(TM) now brings these dramatic benefits to
consumers with unique patented formulations. For more
information, visit http://www.seaoflifedirect.com.
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NASA'S HUBBLE REVEALS TWO DUST DISKS AROUND NEARBY STAR


nasaNASA's Hubble Space Telescope has revealed two dust disks circling the nearby star Beta Pictoris. The images confirm a decade of scientific speculation that a warp in the young star's dust disk may actually be a second inclined disk, which is evidence for the possibility of at  least one Jupiter-size planet orbiting the star.

The disk is fainter than the star because, at the visible wavelengths measured, its dust only reflects light. To see the faint disk, astronomers used Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys' coronagraph, which blocked the light from Beta Pictoris. The images clearly show a distinct secondary disk that is tilted by about four degrees from the main disk. The secondary disk is visible out to roughly 24 billion
miles from the star, and probably extends even farther. The finding appears in the June 2006 issue of the Astronomical Journal.

The best explanation for the observations is that a suspected unseen
planet, up to 20 times the mass of Jupiter and in an orbit within the
secondary disk, is using gravity to sweep up material from the
primary disk.

"The Hubble observation shows that it is not simply a warp in the dust
disk but two concentrations of dust in two separate disks," said lead
astronomer David Golimowski of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
"The finding suggests that planets could be forming in two different
planes. We know this can happen because the planets in our solar
system are typically inclined to Earth's orbit by several degrees.
Perhaps stars forming more than one dust disk may be the norm in the
formative years of a star system."

Computer models by David Mouillet and Jean-Charles Augereau of
Grenoble Observatory in France suggest how a secondary dust disk can
form. A massive planet in an inclined orbit gravitationally attracts
small bodies of rock and/or ice, called planetesimals, from the main
disk, and moves them into an orbit aligned with that of the planet.

These perturbed planetesimals then collide with each other, producing
the tilted dust disk seen in the new Hubble images.

"The actual lifetime of a dust grain is relatively short, maybe a few
hundred thousand years," Golimowski said. "So the fact that we can
still see these disks around a 10- to 20-million-year-old star means
that the dust is being replenished by collisions between
planetesimals."

Astronomers do not know how the massive planet, if it exists, settled
into an inclined orbit. However, computer simulations by multiple
research teams show planet embryos, which start out in a very thin
plane, can, through gravitational interactions, scatter into orbits
that become inclined to the primary disk.

Beta Pictoris is located 63 light-years away in the southern
constellation Pictor. Although the star is much younger than the sun,
it is twice as massive and nine times more luminous. Beta Pictoris
entered the limelight more than 20 years ago when the multinational
Infrared Astronomical Satellite detected excess infrared radiation
from the star. Astronomers attributed this excess to the presence of
warm dust in a disk around the star. The dust disk was first imaged
by ground-based telescopes in 1984. The images showed the disk is
seen nearly edge-on from Earth. Hubble observations in 1995 revealed
an apparent warp in the disk. Subsequent images obtained in 2000 by
Hubble's Imaging Spectrograph confirmed the warp.

The latter study was led by Sara Heap of NASA's Goddard Space Flight
Center in Greenbelt, Md. Heap and her colleagues suggested the
apparent warp may be an unresolved secondary disk tilted about four
degrees from the main disk. Several teams of astronomers attributed
the warp to a planet in a tilted orbit out of the plane of the main
disk.

Astronomers using ground-based telescopes also found various
asymmetries in the star's disk. Infrared images taken in 2002 by the
Keck II Observatory in Hawaii showed that another smaller inner disk
may exist around the star in a region the size of our solar system.
Golimowski's team did not spot the inner disk because it is small and
blocked by the Advanced Camera's coronagraph. This possible inner
disk is tilted in the opposite direction from the disk seen in the
new Hubble images. This misalignment implies the tilted disks are not
directly related. Nevertheless, they both may bolster evidence for
the existence of one or more planets orbiting the star.


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DoD Identifies Marine Corps Casualty

Seal of the Pentagon
            The Department of Defense announced today the death of two   Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

            Cpl. Paul N. King, 23, of Tyngsboro, Mass.

            Staff Sgt. Raymond J. Plouhar, 30, of Lake Orion, Mich.

            King died June 25 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.  He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Ayer, Mass.

            Plouhar died June 26 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
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Create Your Own Music Video Experience With SingingFool.com

SingingFool.com announces the redesign of its site. With the look and feel of a 'social music network' and new interactive features and tools, users can now build their own library of videos, create and publish playlists, and browse other users' collections as well as the best music video collection on the web.

They can use the new 'browse and search' to filter their selections by popularity, genre, era, etc. They can even browse through the lists created by other users. Each video has a thumbnail image making it easy to identify.

Dedicated fans can use the new 'my media' tools to build their own collections. By creating a "VJ Profile" they can access their favorite music videos whenever they log in. Other VJs that save the same song are linked through the title page for each music video allowing people to find others with similar tastes and to explore their collections for new musical discoveries.

VJs who want to express themselves can build playlists and arrange the order of songs to create an emotional experience. For creating music video playlists or "shows," a new drag and drop interface has been introduced which makes it easy and fun to edit shows.

Jed Horovitz, managing member, says, "Groups of friends often congregate around their particular music tastes. The new SingingFool.com was created for those groups to interact online and to expand into international communities centered on music."

Unsigned bands can now upload their videos for free. They can then build their own profile and collections of the music videos they love. The new site also allows them to paste links to those videos in other sites like MySpace, Friendster and iSOUND. "With SingingFool.com reaching millions of music fans every month, this is great exposure for bands and a record label's new best tool for discovering talent," says Horovitz.

Online since 1999, SingingFool.com pioneered the promotional distribution of music videos on the web. The site has over 150,000 registered users who have created hundreds of thousands of their own playlists. SingingFool.com reaches over 5 million unique US visitors and streams over 26 million videos per month. Every video served by SingingFool was provided by the artist or label for the purpose of promoting the release.

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

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Grupo Televisa, S.A. ("Televisa"; NYSE: TV; BMV: TLEVISA CPO) is disappointed about the outcome of the Univision auction.

 Notwithstanding our repeated offers to discuss all aspects of our proposal including price, Univision and its advisers refused to enter into any discussions with us after we submitted our initial bid. Given this action by Univision's board, Televisa has a number of alternatives it is considering.

Moreover, Televisa will vigorously pursue its options to build its potential in the growing U.S. Hispanic marketplace.

Grupo Televisa, S.A., is the largest media company in the Spanish-speaking world and a major participant in the international entertainment business. It has interests in television production and broadcasting, production of pay television networks, international distribution of television programming, direct-to-home satellite services, publishing and publishing distribution, cable television, radio production and broadcasting, professional sports and live entertainment, feature film production and distribution, and the operation of a horizontal internet portal. Grupo Televisa also owns an unconsolidated equity stake in Univision, the leading Spanish-language media company in the United States, and in La Sexta, a free-to-air television venture in Spain.

Source: Grupo Televisa, S.A.

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July Job Market Outlook Remains Strong

 

Five-Week Outlook Shows Most Employers Plan to Expand Workforce

 The July job market will be another strong month with more than 58 percent of employers from both the manufacturing and the service sectors planning to expand employment. These findings are reported in the July report of the Leading Indicator of National Employment (LINE(TM)), a collaborative effort between the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations.

Measured against other leading indicators, LINE provides an accurate, early indication of changing job market conditions. Figure below shows how LINE, in red, has correlated highly with the Bureau of Labor Statistics' not- seasonally-adjusted employment numbers, which come out five weeks after the LINE release.

LINE is an economic indicator that identifies early economic trends and changes in the national job market by surveying human resource (HR) executives at manufacturing and service sector firms. It reports on four employment measures: job expectations, job vacancies, new-hire compensation and recruitment difficulty.

Manufacturing

While lower than June, the employment expectations for July remain strong and are substantially better than in July 2005. LINE's additional measures reinforce the fact that the demand for workers is increasingly strong. HR professionals say they continue to have more vacant positions for both exempt and nonexempt staff, but are having a difficult time finding and recruiting workers with the necessary skills. Despite this shortage of skilled workers, there's been very little pressure to increase new-hire compensation. The large number of vacant positions and strong need for skilled employees do not appear to be having any impact on new-hire compensation. To view the full manufacturing report visit http://www.shrm.org/LINE.

Service

Fifty-eight percent of service sector employers plan to expand their workforce over the next five weeks. This number is down from 66 percent in June, but continues to reflect a strong expansionary job market. Nearly a third of employers reported increases in the number of vacant positions they are actively trying to fill, and nearly 21 percent indicated that it was increasingly difficult to recruit skilled workers -- a five percentage point jump from June.

The SHRM/Rutgers LINE data are collected through a survey of human resource executives at more than 500 manufacturing and 500 service sector firms. The indicator is released at 8:30 am ET on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management. Representing more than 210,000 individual members, the Society's mission is both to serve human resource management professionals and to advance the profession. Founded in 1948, SHRM currently has more than 500 affiliated chapters within the United States and members in more than 100 countries. Visit SHRM Online at http://www.shrm.org/.

The School of Management and Labor Relations at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is a leading center of scholarly and applied research on human resource management issues. The school creates and disseminates knowledge that fosters a better understanding of the nature of employment and work in modern society. The Rutgers Master of Human Resource Management degree is one of the top human resource management programs in the nation.

Source: Society for Human Resource Management

CONTACT: Frank Scanlan, +1-703-535-6043, fscanlan@shrm.org or Will Gray,
+1-703-535-6012, wlgray@shrm.org, both of the Society for Human Resource
Management

Web site: http://www.shrm.org/

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Titan Global Entertainment Annouces the Release of Their Second Generation Web Music Entertainment Portal "Titan Tunes"

Titan Global Entertainment, Inc. announces the release of the second generation web music entertainment portal "Titan Tunes." The "Titan Tunes" portal is the first of a series of portals that will be launched from the "Titan Universe" Entertainment Distribution Center.

"Titan Tunes" is the cornerstone of Titan Global Entertainment's worldwide music presence. The website is designed to provide users with the ability to customize both look and feel, creating a personalized design and a feeling of total control over the experience. The single-page navigation design concept and fixed viewing screen keep all of the controls in the user's hands providing the simplest and most comfortable experience available in the marketplace. This will differentiate the online music store from all others. This general concept will reduce the amount of steps making the purchase process an easy, fast and secure one. Just like iTunes, this site will not only offer a vast selection of music and audio but will take the revolutionary next step and will also feature music video.

Most websites that provide the option for online purchase have a system involving multiple steps. This results in more than half of the consumers (57%) abandoning the shopping cart before finalizing the purchase. Titan Tunes' unique design has differentiated itself from the rest of online music stores reducing the amount of steps. The user is provided a new online buying experience which makes the purchase process an easy, fast and secure one while never leaving the Titan Tunes page.

Titan Tunes will not only sell music and video, but will also sell artists' merchandise of all types from CD/DVDs, clothing lines and other merchandising items such as T-Shirts, hats, jackets and gifts. This merchandise will be provided by Titan artists, independent artists and other licensed third party merchandisers approved by the company.

Titan has acquired music publishing licensing from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI), for the rights to stream and sell music video and audio through the internet.

Jim Pugh, Co-Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Titan Global Entertainment, stated, "This is another completed milestone in the Company's development. The music portal will provide users a full music and music video experience. The portal is currently being loaded with content from all over the world. It will contain a complete selection of international music and music video for all ages. Individuals will be able to access music and music videos for listening, viewing, downloading as well as purchase. Also included in 'Titan Tunes' is the ability to listen live to your favorite radio station as well as delayed broadcast of syndicated radio shows."

Titan Global Entertainment. Inc. is a multi-faceted entertainment company that specializes in audio and video digital distribution through its state of the art web portal -- www.TitanTunes.com, the design, production and sale of four multimedia players (The Omni), traditional record production and marketing through Universal Music Group distribution, television, publishing and artist management. Titan is dedicated to supplying new emerging technologies for music to talented artists of various backgrounds on the worldwide web.

Safe Harbor -- This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, product delivery, the management of growth, market acceptance of certain products and other risks. These forward-looking statements are made in reliance on the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For further information about these factors that could affect Titan Global Entertainment, Inc. future results, please contact the Company directly. Prospective investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations.

 

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THE ART OF KNITTING

 

 TRICOAST STUDIOS STITCHES CRAFTS AND DVD TOGETHER AT VSDA

 

 TriCoast Studios has partnered with Leisure Arts on a series of successful DVD’s called The Art of Knitting which have done over 60,000 units through distribution in craft stores like Michaels, Hancock's, Jo-Ann's etc. Both TriCoast and Leisure will be attending the VSDA conference in Las Vegas this July, which marks the first time this successful craft DVD line will be presented to independent DVD buyers.  

 

TriCoast Studios and Leisure Arts will also be premiering a new series of craft DVDs called In Motion featuring the DVDs Knit Stitches in Motion, Crochet Stitches in Motion, Knit Fashions in Motion, Crochet Fashions in Motion as well as two DVD’s based on hugely popular books, I Can’t Believe I’m Knitting! and I Can’t Believe I’m Crocheting!  These DVD’s cater to the burgeoning eight billion dollar craft industry which has begun to embrace DVD as the premiere method of teaching and entertaining craft enthusiasts.

 

“With 54 million knitters in the US alone, there is clearly a market for The Art of Knitting DVD’s even though they have never been released in DVD stores,” said Marcy Hamilton, CEO of TriCoast Studios.  Special Interest DVD’s are no longer the step-child of entertainment product because the 150 million baby boomers are no longer running marathons and skiing black diamonds.  They are seeking less physically demanding activities, which would explain why a bass fishing DVD was one of the most successful DVDs sold last year.”

 

TriCoast will be hosting special events at VSDA, such as a knitting circle Monday, July 10 – Thursday, July 13 from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. in the main lobby of the convention center.

 

TriCoast Studios was established in1987 by Strath and Marcy Hamilton for the production of the MGM Feature Film Blueberry Hill. Since then, TriCoast’s producers have produced 18 feature films grossing over $200 million in the box office, including Under Siege II.  TriCoast Studios has also physically produced over 350 DVD’s for the major studios and independent distributors, maintains their own authoring and menu design teams, and produced over 100 hours of cable and network television. In addition, TriCoast  Studios has the unique experience of marketing entertainment product for both major motion picture studios and leading independent distributors – with over 500 movie campaigns to their credit, including: Crash, Titanic, Election and Natural Born Killers.

 

TriCoast Studios owns a fully integrated digital facility in Santa Monica California, to serve the production needs of feature films, DVDs, movie trailers, commercials and TV

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SALMA HAYEK, CRISTINA SARALEGUI Y LAURA CERÓN PRESTAN SU CELEBRIDAD PARA LA DETECCIÓN DEL VIH (WWW.HIVTEST.ORG)

 

 

Voces Famosas Urgen al Público a Tomar Acción el 27 de Junio, Día Nacional de la Prueba del VIH

 

– La Asociación Nacional de Personas con SIDA (NAPWA) anuncia una nueva lista de portavoces famosas – Salma Hayek, Cristina Saralegui y Laura Cerón – para que animen a los Latinos en riesgo de contraer el VIH a que tomen la prueba y obtengan sus resultados el día 27 de junio—el decimosegundo Día Nacional de la Prueba del VIH

(www.hivtest.org) y el vigésimo quinto aniversario del primer diagnostico del VIH/SIDA.

 

 

En una serie de anuncios de servicio público, distribuidos nacionalmente por televisión y radio, la popular actriz Salma Hayek, una embajadora de YouthAids, una organización con programas de educación y prevención del VIH/SIDA en más de 60 países, junto con la actriz Laura Cerón (la enfermera Chuny Marquez en la serie ER), y la presentadora de televisión y defensora de causas del VIH/SIDA, Cristina Saralegui, urgen a las personas que visiten alguna clínica de VIH para hacerse la prueba, el día 27 de junio, 2006. Prestando sus nombres y carisma en los anuncios de servicio público y los podcasts (visite www.hivtest.org) para poblaciones impactadas fuertemente por el VIH, estas celebridades esperan generar una respuesta a la campaña del Día Nacional de la Prueba del VIH, de la organización NAPWA, cuyo lema es: Hazte la Prueba, Toma Control.

 

Estudios recientes indican que al final del año 2003, el número total de personas viviendo con el VIH era aproximadamente un millón (entre 1,039,000 y 1,185,000). Basándose en grupos raciales, el 47 por ciento de personas que se estima viven con el VIH son Afroamericanos, el 34 por ciento son Estadounidenses blancos y el 17 por ciento son Hispanos/Latinos. Se creé que aproximadamente una cuarta parte de las personas que viven con VIH no saben que están infectadas, lo cual reitera la necesidad de incrementar los esfuerzos para llevar los servicios de detección del VIH a las comunidades en riesgo.

 

El Director de Movilización Comunitaria de NAPWA, Keith Folger, se siente mocionado sobre el impacto que puede tener el conjunto de celebridades. La campaña usará los anuncios de televisión y radio, al igual que podcasts y el internet, para agregar un toque contemporáneo y nuevo. “Estamos trabajando para crear una sociedad informada—una que adopte la responsabilidad personal de hacerse la prueba” explica Folger. “Hacerse la prueba es rápido y sin dolor, y ahora que esta disponible la prueba rápida, los resultados se obtienen en 20 minutos. El país necesita que más personas escuchen este mensaje y se hagan la prueba el 27 de junio.”

 

La actriz Hayek con un grupo de jóvenes Latinoamericanos le recuerda a la comunidad Latina la importancia de hacerse la prueba y tomar control de su salud. Saralegui recalca su apoyo a este proyecto y es acompañada por estas nuevas portavoces, cada una con grupos de fans que transcienden genero, raza y edad.

 

La formula de utilizar portavoces famosos fue introducida en el 2003 y produjo bastante éxito: más de 285 millones de personas en los Estados Unidos recibieron los mensajes de servicio público, y las visitas a la página web www.hivtest.org aumentaron al 1000%.

 

Sobre NAPWA:

Fundada en 1983, la Asociación Nacional de Personas con SIDA (NAPWA) es la organización nacional de SIDA más antigua en los Estados Unidos y la red nacional de personas viviendo con VIH/SIDA más antigua en el mundo. NAPWA aboga por todas las personas que viven con HIV/SIDA para poner fin a esta pandemia y al sufrimiento humano causado por el VIH/SIDA. NAPWA ha sido, y continua siendo, una voz esencial en el área de VIH/SIDA. La epidemia ha cambiado en las últimas dos décadas y NAPWA ha cambiado con ella. El VIH/SIDA es una amenaza creciente para la salud de los Afroamericanos, Latinos, mujeres, jóvenes y los pobres y marginados.

 

 

Día Nacional de la Prueba del VIH:

El Día Nacional de la Prueba del VIH (NHTD), 27 de junio, es una campaña de movilización y mercadeo social, producida por la Asociación Nacional de Personas con SIDA (NAPWA). La meta de esta campaña es exhortar a las personas a que utilicen los servicios de prevención y de consejería y detección voluntaria del VIH y que reciban tratamiento si resultan VIH positivos. El éxito

logrado por el NHTD en los últimos 11 años, se atribuye a tres elementos fundamentales: Un diseño de movilización comunitaria, un enfoque colaborativo entre diferentes entidades, y la perspectiva única de una organización nacional que aboga por personas con VIH. Cada año, participan en eventos de NHTD miles de departamentos de salud, organizaciones comunitarias, entidades privadas y educacionales, medios de comunicación, e individuos infectados y afectados por el VIH.

 

Sobre YouthAIDS

YouthAIDS es una iniciativa de educacion y prevencion del VIH/SIDA de Population Services International (PSI).

Esta dirigida a jóvenes entre los 15-24 años e incorpora mensajes positivos sobre la abstinencia sexual, el retraso de relaciones sexuales y el uso correcto y consistente de preservativos. YouthAIDS usa diversos medios de comunicación como la música, el teatro y los deportes para alcanzar 600 millones de jóvenes en más de 60 países con mensajes, productos y servicios que salvan vidas. Para ver más información, favor de visitar www.youthaids.org

 

 

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Magic Johnson Foundation Observes National HIV Testing Day by Offering Free Testing for Tickets

COME ON DOWN RIGHT NOW 

 (C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


  WHO:    The Magic Johnson Foundation, Inc.

  WHAT:   The Magic Johnson Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Minority
          AIDS Project, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Diva Foundation and
          100.3 The Beat will observe the 12th annual National HIV Testing
          Day by hosting a free screening for HIV/AIDS.  The event will
          offer free, anonymous, Rapid HIV testing to the public.
          Participants, upon receipt of their results, will earn free
          tickets to Baron Davis and Paul Pierce's A Midsummer Night's Dream
          celebrity basketball game on Sunday, July 9 at the Staples Center.

          National HIV Testing Day occurs annually and encourages at-risk
          individuals to voluntarily receive HIV testing and counseling.
          The screening enables people to protect their health and increases
          knowledge of community resources.  The Centers for Disease Control
          and Prevention estimates that 180,000 to 280,000 people nationwide
          are HIV-positive but are unaware of their status.

  WHEN:   Tuesday, June 27, 10:00-3:00pm

  WHERE:  The Magic Johnson Starbucks parking lot, 1800 W. Slauson Avenue
          Los Angeles

Additional Partners: L.A. Care Health Plan, The Children's Collective, African American Community Development Initiative, T.H.E. Clinic Inc., Watts Healthcare Corporation, Tending to the Temple -- African American Eat 5 A Day Campaign, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and South Central Family Center

About the Magic Johnson Foundation: The Magic Johnson Foundation is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that focuses on addressing and improving the health, educational and social needs of inner-city youth and organizations. The Foundation has made a strong commitment to raise awareness on health and social concerns that threaten underserved communities such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes and obesity. We work to improve the health and well-being of minority and underserved populations through a wide-range of programs that include partnerships with corporations, organizations, national coalitions and the media. For more information please visit http://www.magicjohnson.org/ .

 

Source: The Magic Johnson Foundation, Inc.

 

Web site: http://www.magicjohnson.org/

ABOUT THE MAGIC JOHNSON FOUNDATION

DA

MAGICJOHNSON FOUNDATION

Mission

The Magic Johnson Foundation was established in 1991 as a single-disease organization that worked to raise funds for community-based organizations dealing with HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs. The Foundation has since responded to the growing need to address all aspects of our youth's lives by expanding its mission. This expanded mission emphasizes the Foundation's focus on supporting community-based organizations and developing programs that serve the health, educational and social needs of those residing in inner-city communities.

Purpose

Although there are many worthwhile community-based organizations that are working to improve the quality of life in inner-city communities, govemment cut backs in funding for inner-city programs makes it vital for private sector, new and existing foundations, churches and concerned individuals to step in and fill the void. The Magic Johnson Foundation is committed to helping nonprofit organizations by awarding grants to them and helping them gain exposure to their causes. Our purpose is to allocate grants to, and partner with, nonprofit agencies for the good of our children and our future by raising funds and/or awareness through corporate, foundation, and individual support.

Programs

Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program

The Magic Johnson Foundation has created and established more than 300,800 scholarships to deserving minority high school students who exemplify a strong potential for academic achievement but face social-economic conditions that hinder them from reaching their full potential.

Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Centers

The Magic Johnson Foundation has opened 22 well-equipped technology centers in underserved communities nationwide. The centers serve as an informational outlet to provide youth and adults access to technology and educational resources that will improve academic performance as well as prepare them for the emerging job market. Classes are also offered on entrepreneurship, credit education, financial literacy and home ownership.

HIV/AIDS Clinics and Testing

The Magic Johnson Foundation has teamed up with Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the nation's largest HIV/AIDS medical provider to open four HIV/AIDS clinics. Patients have access to specialists, medications and services they need in order to live a healthy life. High quality care is available for all people living with HIV, regardless of a person's ability to pay. The Foundation also hosts a series of free HIV/AIDS testing events throughout the year in order to generate awareness and health education.

Social Programs for Children

The Magic Johnson Foundation is passionate about providing underprivileged youth with exciting opportunities and memorable moments. The Foundation hosts an annual Children's Mardi Gras for kids to experience carnival rides, petting zoos and live entertainment. The Foundation also brings the magic ofNASCAR to dozens of children interested in learning more about the sport and the race car industry. Last, but not least, the Foundation is proud to host their annual toy drive to provide children with new gifts for the holiday season. For more information please visit http://www.magicjohnson.com

 

 

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Online Industry Leaders Announce New Effort to Use Advanced Technologies to Help Combat Child Exploitation

     AOL, Yahoo!, Microsoft, EarthLink, and United Online Announce   Formation of Technology Coalition at National Center for Missing &                           Exploited Children      NCMEC to Help Industry Disrupt Distribution of Known Images of                           Child Exploitation 


Five major online companies today announced that they are joining with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to launch an aggressive new campaign against child exploitation on the Internet. AOL, Yahoo!, Microsoft, EarthLink and United Online will fund a new Technology Coalition within NCMEC to develop and deploy technology solutions that disrupt the ability of predators to use the Internet to exploit children or traffic in child pornography.

The Technology Coalition will have four principal objectives:

-- Developing and Implementing Technology Solutions: By identifying and developing existing and new technologies that can detect and disrupt the distribution of known images of child exploitation on the Internet.

-- Improving Knowledge Sharing Among Industry: By establishing a centralized clearinghouse for known images of child pornography and other information that network operators can use to combat or block child pornography.

-- Improving Law Enforcement Tools: By researching and developing tools for law enforcement to assist in the location and identification of predators and distributors of child pornography.

-- Research Perpetrators' Technologies to Enhance Industry Efforts: By evaluating the specific and emerging technologies used by child predators to exploit children and conceal their activity.

The participating companies have pledged one million dollars in combined initial funding to establish the Technology Coalition. Beyond financial support, the Coalition companies also agreed to offer the full backing of their collective experience, knowledge, and expertise in helping NCMEC address these issues.

"Child predators take advantage of Internet technologies not only to help distribute images of child exploitation, but also to attempt to conceal their criminal behavior," said Ernie Allen, President and CEO of NCMEC. "These leading companies have a wealth of expertise and technological tools that can help protect children and reduce the proliferation of sexually abusive images of children. Similar tools have been used to protect users from other Internet-related threats, such as spam, phishing and viruses. Now they can also be applied to this fight against child pornographers."

The Coalition's initiatives would be structured to ensure that privacy interests of Internet users are appropriately balanced with its mission to eradicate child pornography.

The participating Coalition companies announced that an organizational conference would be held in July 2006 to draft its charter and to evaluate a timeline for identification and deployment of technologies.

"It may not be possible to eradicate all threats to children online, any more than it is possible to protect children from all threats in the physical world," said John Ryan, Chief Counsel of AOL. "However, by better leveraging 21st century technologies, we believe it is possible to increase the chance that child predators will be caught and provide a deterrent to those who would be tempted to exploit children on the Internet. The proposed Coalition would employ the best minds of the Internet industry to develop deterrent strategies and technologies."

"The unity of action behind this proposal is important because child safety is truly an industry issue," said Elizabeth Banker, Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Yahoo!. "This initiative is an expansion of Yahoo!'s long-term relationship with NCMEC and our industry peers, and we look forward to making real progress through the Coalition."

"Microsoft is steadfast in our commitment to combat all forms of child exploitation on the Internet," said Tim Cranton, Director of Internet Safety Enforcement Programs at Microsoft Corp. "Our partnership with NCMEC and other online industry leaders in this technology initiative is an essential next step in the effort to identify and implement technology solutions that can help protect children from Internet predators and inappropriate online material."

"As the Internet's importance in our daily lives has grown, so has the need for tools and technologies to better protect children from predators," said Dave Baker, Vice President of Law and Public Policy at EarthLink. "By joining with our peers and NCMEC, we can better assist law enforcement and empower the public to help keep children safe."

"This is an extremely important global issue," said Brooke Squire, Vice President, Corporate Counsel of United Online. "We look forward to working closely with our peers and with NCMEC to develop solutions to help protect the children of the world."

About NCMEC

NCMEC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which serves as a national clearinghouse for information and a resource for child protection. It works in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. NCMEC's congressionally mandated CyberTipline, a reporting mechanism for child sexual exploitation, has handled 387,800 leads. Since its establishment in 1984, NCMEC has assisted law enforcement with more than 119,800 missing child cases, resulting in the recovery of more than 102,200 children. For more information about NCMEC, please visit www.missingkids.com or call 1-800-THE-LOST.

About AOL

AOL and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United States. Web brands include the AOL.com(R) website, AIM(R), MapQuest(R) and Netscape(R). AOL offers a range of digital services in the areas of education, safety and security, communications and music. The company also has operations in Europe and Canada. AOL LLC is a majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX) and is based in Dulles, Virginia.

About Yahoo! Inc.

Yahoo! Inc. is a leading global Internet brand and one of the most trafficked Internet destinations worldwide. Yahoo! seeks to provide online products and services essential to users' lives, and offers a full range of tools and marketing solutions for businesses to connect with Internet users around the world. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

About EarthLink

"EarthLink. We revolve around you(R)." As the nation's next generation Internet service provider, Atlanta-based EarthLink has earned an award-winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. Serving over five million subscribers, EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality connectivity, minimal online intrusions and customizable features. Whether it's dial-up, high-speed, voice, web hosting, wireless or "EarthLink Extras" like home networking or security, EarthLink connects people to the power and possibilities of the Internet. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at www.EarthLink.net.

About United Online

United Online, Inc. (Nasdaq:UNTD) is a leading provider of consumer Internet and media services through a number of brands, including NetZero, Juno, Classmates and MyPoints. The company's Communications services include Internet access, email and VoIP. The company's Content & Media services include social networking and online loyalty marketing. United Online is headquartered in Woodland Hills, CA, with offices in New York City, NY; Renton, WA; San Francisco, CA; Schaumburg, IL; Orem, UT; Erlangen, Germany; and Hyderabad, India. For more information about United Online, please visit http://www.untd.com.

America Online is a registered trademark of Time Warner.

EarthLink and the EarthLink logo are registered trademarks of EarthLink, Inc.

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Yahoo! and the Yahoo! logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc.

The names of actual products and services mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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MONTEBUBBLISM: SPORTS

It is alright for you to participate in a sport that many don't understand but if others participate in a sport you don't understand it is allot of BS.
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CLUBJENNA GIRLS MCKENZIE LEE AND SOPHIA ROSSI TO STAR IN FLIRT4FREE.COM’s CHAT ROOM SHOW ON THURSDAY, JUNE 29

CLUBJENNA GIRLS MCKENZIE LEE AND SOPHIA ROSSI TO STAR IN FLIRT4FREE.COM’s CHAT ROOM SHOW ON THURSDAY, JUNE 29

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA -

Two of Jenna Jameson’s hot protégés will star in the popular Flirt4Free.com’s chat room feature show on Thursday, June 29 (5-8 PM PT).

Sophia Rossi, the mainstream supermodel whose face and figure have appeared in national advertising for major brands and who was a former stage dancer for Kid Rock will co-star with McKenzie Lee. Ms. Rossi’s first movie for ClubJenna is the highly anticipated “Sophia Syndrome.”

Ms. Lee is the long-legged brunette dancer from the north of England and winner of AVN’s “Best New Starlet of 2006.” She previously starred as the hostess of a UK cable television show that featured adult stars. British beauty McKenzie takes viewers on an action-packed sexual odyssey in her recently released ClubJenna DVD, “McKenzie Made.”

-

Both ClubJenna Girls said they are excited about this opportunity to connect with fans on a cyber-intimate basis.

About ClubJenna, Inc.

ClubJenna, Inc., is a Scottsdale, Arizona-based management firm and production studio that also develops and markets Internet sites and has a product licensing and merchandising division. Its chairwoman is Jenna Jameson, who has been recognized by Adult Video News as the leading female adult star of all time and is the author of the bestselling memoir, How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale published by HarperCollins/ReganBooks. The CEO of ClubJenna is Ms. Jameson’s husband Jay Grdina, selected by Details magazine as one of the “Fifty Most Influential Men Under Thirty-Seven" and also a top adult film director and actor (using the screen name of Justin Sterling). ClubJenna, Inc. manages Websites for adult headliners, does its own film production and develops and sells products based on the name and likeness of Ms. Jameson. ClubJenna has a roster of top adult stars who perform exclusively in movies for the company, including Ashton Moore, Chanel St. James, Jesse Capelli, McKenzie Lee, Sophia Rossi and Brea Bennett, winner of the Playboy TV “Jenna’s American Sex Star” competition. For further information contact pr@cjidigital.com.

 

 

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JENNA JAMESON WINS TWICE AT F.A.M.E. AWARDS IN LOS ANGELES

Actress in the first Fans of Adult Media and Entertainment (F.A.M.E.) event announced Saturday night during a live show at the Erotica L.A. expo in the Los Angeles Convention Center. She also was selected as Fan Favorite for Hottest Body in the competition.

The awards, which were sponsored by Adam & Eve, Genesis magazine, WantedList and AVN.com, gives fans a chance to vote for their favorite performers, directors and movies.

Jameson, who was named earlier this year as a member of the AVN Hall of Fame, adds the new awards to dozens she has won since her first, when in 1996 she captured AVN Starlet of the Year, the X-rated critics’ organization XRCO Starlet of the Year, and the FOXE Video Vixen Award.

About Jenna Jameson:

According to New York Magazine Jenna Jameson is a "cultural icon." Her book about her life and adventures from the ReganBooks imprint of HarperCollins, How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale, has been a New York Times and Amazon bestseller. Ms. Jameson has debated at Oxford University in England, been profiled by The E! True Hollywood Stories, has made countless radio and television appearances and has appeared in thousands of newspaper and magazine articles. She launched her own multi-media adult entertainment business, ClubJenna, Inc., which was acquired in June 2006 by Playboy Enterprises (NYSE: PLA). She continues to manage the business as a subsidiary of Playboy Enterprises, producing films and directing the careers of the “ClubJenna Girls,” including Brea Bennett, Chanel St. James, McKenzie Lee, Jesse Capelli, Ashton Moore and Sophia Rossi. Jenna has been inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame. For further information visit www.clubjenna.com.

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The Shys Debut "ASTORIA" to Be Released July 11, 2006

"Call in the Cavalry" Video and Song Featured on MTV's "Fast, Inc."

 Freshly inked Sire band THE SHYS (formerly The Gun Shys) are winning fans over in every corner. "Call in the Cavalry," the first single from their new album, is being prominently featured in the new MTV show "Fast, Inc.," as well as the HBO hit series "Entourage." The Shys debut "ASTORIA" is available digitally now and in retail stores July 11, 2006.

 

The Shys have just come off two national tours, most recently with The Vacation and previously with hot UK trio The Subways and have wowed audiences with their live performances. Rolling Stone.com exclaims, "Frontman Kyle Krone is like a prettier Conor Oberst -- but they tear up the stage with their fuzzed-up super-rock like the Who in the early days."

In more Shys news, their CD release show will be on July 10 at Los Angeles's Troubadour and then they'll hit a series of dates in the UK on the Club NME tour for the rest of July before returning to play San Diego's Street Scene with bands like Kanye West, Queens of the Stone Age and AFI on August 4th.

THE SHYS DATES

   Mon    July 10   Troubadour-RELEASE PARTY        Los Angeles, CA    Thu    July 13   Empire (Club NME)               Middlesbrough, UK    Fri    July 14   The Charlotte (Club NME)        Leicester, UK    Sat    July 15   Underground (Club NME)          Stoke, UK    Mon    July 17   Plug (Club NME)                 Sheffield, UK    Tue    July 18   Tokyo (Club NME)                Huddersfield, UK    Thu    July 20   Stealth (Club NME)              Nottingham, UK    Fri    July 21   Barfly                          Liverpool, UK    Sat    July 22   Castle                          Oldham, UK    Sun    July 23   Barfly                          Birmingham, UK    Tue    July 25   Dublin Castle (Club Fandango)   London, UK    Wed    July 26   Metro                           London, UK    Thu    July 27   Old Fire Station (Club NME)     Bournemouth, UK    Fri    July 28   Koko (Club NME)                 London, UK    Fri    Aug 4     Street Scene                    San Diego, CA    Sun    Aug 13    Street Fair                     San Clemente, CA 
www.theshys.com

www.myspace.com/theshysmusic

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ClearSight Network Announces Launch of New Technology Development Subsidiary in Beijing, China


New Engineering Team Promises to Support and Extend ClearSight Product Offerings to Network Administrators Here and Abroad


 – ClearSight Networks, the originator of real-time application and network analysis and specializing in VoIP monitoring and analysis, announced today that that it has opened a subsidiary in Beijing Zhong Guan Cun, China. The new subsidiary, which will be known as ClearSight Networks (Beijing) Ltd., will support the company's product and technology development and allow the company to maintain and increase its technology leadership position, as well as make inroads into the Chinese and Pacific Rim market.

"ClearSight Networks continues to grow and further its commitment to advancing its solutions offerings to the worldwide network community," said Masaru Gomi, president and chief executive officer of ClearSight Networks in Fremont. "This new facility and the extension of our development team clearly demonstrate ClearSight's dedication to its customers and the industry."

The new subsidiary will be led by Sam Li, who has been named president of the company. "As Sam Li leads his development team, we will combine these international efforts with our core technology team here in the United States," said Gomi. "We have created a very strong and very capable worldwide team that offers diversified experiences and capabilities that promise to enhance ClearSight's ability to provide the best of breed solutions to its customers and market."

Initially, ClearSight (Beijing) will employ fifty engineers and support personnel, with plans to increase staffing throughout the next calendar year. "Our new subsidiary in Beijing has a full complement of energetic and creative developers who are committed to helping ClearSight continue to lead the network analysis tools industry," said Sam Li, president of ClearSight Networks (Beijing) Ltd. "In addition, we intend to continue to advance the capabilities of ClearSight's current award winning solutions and add more offerings to our customers."

In addition, ClearSight has added three support engineers in its Fremont, Calif., headquarters. Through the launch of this new subsidiary and increased support staff in the U.S., ClearSight will continue its corporate tradition of excellence and leadership in network management technology.

ClearSight, a leading provider of network monitoring and analysis tools for real-time application troubleshooting, has differentiated itself in the marketplace with the only products that identify network problems at the application layer. The products provide a simple and intuitive user interfaced that allows IT administrators to easily monitor network activity and solve problems quickly and intelligently.

Already, ClearSight's Analyzer has garnered broad attention from industry-leading organizations and publications. In May 2006, the ClearSight Network's Analyzer 5.0 was awarded Network Computing magazine's Well-Connected Award as best network diagnostic tool in the network and systems management category. The award honors notable technology products and services that are identified for excellence through testing in the magazine's Real-World Labs. In January, the product also captured the Frost & Sullivan's 2006 Technology Innovation of the Year Award in the field of network management solutions. Meanwhile, in March, ClearSight Analyzer was named as Network World magazine's "Best of the Tested" as best all around VoIP and Convergence test solution.

For more information about ClearSight or any of its products, or to download a fully-functional, 14-day trial of ClearSight's software, visit the company's Web site at http://www.clearsightnet.com. For more information about ClearSight's efforts in China, visit ClearSight (Beijing) Ltd.'s Web site at http://www.clearsightnet.com.cn.

About ClearSight Networks, Inc.
Founded in 2001, ClearSight Networks' team has focused their technical lives on network analysis. ClearSight has received numerous awards for product ingenuity, ease of use, real time information and creativity. Headquartered in Fremont, California, ClearSight Networks can be reached at (510) 824-6000 or sales@clearsightnet.com.
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Recent Posts

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Nearly One in Five Women Have Either Had or Thought About Having an Affair With Their Boss According to New Lifetime Women's Pulse Poll on State of the Workplace

Three Times More Women Prefer to Work For a Man But Oprah Winfrey is Considered Ideal Boss

Playing Computer Games, Stealing Supplies and Emailing Inappropriate Jokes Top 'Office Crimes'

Nearly Half of Women Think They're Smarter Than Their Boss

Majority Would Keep a Lousy Job For Great Pay and Perks

Twenty Percent Say Job Has Ruined Their Love Life

 You may think America's working women don't steal office supplies, wouldn't dream of sending inappropriate emails, successfully balance work and play and certainly, all revere their Boss as the brightest bulb in the land and would never ever dream of well, you know, going out with him for more than a business meal.

Not according to the results of the latest Lifetime Women's Pulse Poll,(*) a survey of the work place -- the good, the bad and the fashionable -- undertaken in conjunction with the theatrical release of "The Devil Wears Prada" in theatres nationwide on June 30. Based on the best-selling novel, "The Devil Wears Prada" stars two-time Academy Award(R) winner Meryl Streep as high-powered fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly. Anne Hathaway also stars, as Miranda's new assistant, as a small-town girl in her first job out of college, trying to navigate a world she's only glimpsed in print -- while surviving her impossibly demanding new boss.

Just Call Me Mister Boss, To Start

Three times more women would rather work for a man, with Bill Gates (38%) topping the list of ideal male bosses. It seems not everyone wants to be the next "Apprentice" since less than one in ten women (8%) would choose Donald Trump as their ideal male boss. Oprah Winfrey (58%) was far and away the preferred woman boss.

Ah, but there are pitfalls to having a guy as a boss. His asking for help in buying presents for his wife AND girl friend is one thing, but asking a subordinate out on a date might be crossing the line, yet five percent said they'd had affairs with their boss while 12 percent said they thought about one.

Dump Your Purse on the Table, Please

Simply because a majority of women are not presently having an affair with their boss doesn't mean they are completely behaving themselves. Nearly 40 percent play computer games with about a third pocketing office supplies for home use (37%), emailing or telling politically incorrect jokes (31%), shopping online for personal goods (30%) or making personal long-distance phone calls (28%). Just over 13% admitted to catnaps on the job, though didn't specify whether they kept their office door open or closed.

Take This Job and Keep It

Even though a vast majority of women (81%) say they like their current job, a majority would keep a lousy job if the pay were great (62%) or if it came with great perks like free merchandise or travel (58%).

Evil Has Many Shapes

Though a surprising two-thirds of all women say they like their boss, nearly forty percent (38%) would portray their boss as a villain in a movie (Does Lex Luther have a staff?). Happy to voice their distaste, one in five women would gladly pass along an unflattering rumor about their boss and less than one in 10 would actually tell their fearless leader about it. Half insist they are smarter than their boss!

And whatever their opinion, some one in five say that work has ruined their love life, perhaps because half of the women said they'd answer their phone after hours if their boss called, even if they were in the middle of a "hot" date.

Younger Women Have More Fun

Interestingly enough, Gen Y women tended to behave more badly at work, with 61% playing computer games and nearly half shopping online or sending questionable jokes by email. This generational gap also extended to office fashion, with 52% of Gen Y (versus 38% of total sample) saying bare legs were acceptable and 45% (vs. 32%) thinking a solid colored t-shirt proper. There was more generational unanimity on bare midriffs (2% vs 1%) and miniskirts (3.5% vs. 3%) belonging outside company headquarters.

(*)An email invitation was sent to a random sample of LifetimeTV.com

Research Panel members who were adult women aged 18+ living in the

United States. The internet survey link was live for three days from

May 22nd -24th. A total of 919 surveys were completed by Lifetime

viewers who have ever worked outside of the home.

LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment, and Lifetime Online are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

Source: LIFETIME TELEVISION

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Vatican News

- African Church Shares the Challenges of the Continent
- Declaration by Holy See Press Office Director
 
___________________________________________________________
 
AFRICAN CHURCH SHARES THE CHALLENGES OF THE CONTINENT
 
 This morning, the "Lineamenta" (or draft guidelines) for the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops were presented in the Holy See Press Office. Participating in the press conference were Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops.
 
  Cardinal Arinze began by pointing out that, in order to better understand the "Lineamenta," it would be helpful "to reflect briefly on signs of good news about Church life in Africa," to study the problems and challenges in the areas of reconciliation, justice and peace in African societies, and to consider "what the Catholic Church in Africa has done, or can do, to help."
 
  "There are great differences in the situation of the Church in each of the 53 countries on the African continent," he said. "Growth is a fact. Experts tell us that Africa is the continent with the highest annual percentage growth for Christianity in the world. Many more Africans get baptized each year. In some African countries seminaries and sisters' novitiates have more candidates than they can conveniently accommodate. ... Several beatification causes are being promoted, one of the latest being that of President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania."
 
  "But the Church in Africa is not closed in on herself. She shares the joys and hopes, problems and challenges of the wider society in Africa. The painful situation of violence and even war in Somalia, the tragedy of Darfur and the not yet totally resolved situation in the Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to some extent in the Great Lakes region, are causes of concern."
 
  He continued: "The challenge of building up a nation in harmony and peaceful development out of peoples from many ethnic groups put together as a country by colonial masters remains present, as in Nigeria. Moreover, poverty, disease and especially HIV/AIDS, are real threats and have wiped out large numbers or crippled them."
 
  The prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments also noted some positive signs: "a smooth passage from apartheid to democracy in the Republic of South Africa, the opposition party winning elections without tears in Senegal, Ghana, Malawi and Zambia, and significant steps towards greater democratization in several countries."
 
  "The Catholic Church," Cardinal Arinze concluded, "without any pretence at having a political or economic mission, knows that she has to contribute first by preaching the Gospel to call to a conversion of hearts, respect for the rights of other people, repentance and reconciliation, forgiveness and harmony. ... The dioceses in Africa take practical steps to show Christian solidarity to the poor and the needy. Most bishops' conferences have justice and peace commissions. ... Refugees and displaced persons, find the Church as one of the few institutions that care for them and that can put a smile on their faces."
 
  For his part, Archbishop Eterovic affirmed that for this Second African Synod (the first was held in 1994) Benedict XVI, "accepting the advice of the African episcopate," has approved the theme: "The Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace. 'You are the salt of the earth. ... You are the Light of the World'."
 
  Going on to refer to the "Lineamenta," the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops explained that the document is made up of an introduction and five chapters.
 
  The first chapter, entitled "Africa at the Dawn of the 21st Century," gives a brief description of the social, economic, political, cultural and religious situation of the continent, and examines the role of religions, especially the question of relations between Christianity and Islam.
 
  "Jesus Christ, the Word and Bread of Life, our Reconciler, our Justice and our Peace," is the title of the second chapter which highlights how, in the face of today's serious problems, "Jesus Christ also presents Himself as the Savior of African men and women."
 
  Chapter three: "The Church, Sacrament of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace in Africa," explains how in a continent ravaged by wars "the Church is called to play a prophetic role of reconciliation."
 
  "The Witness of a Church Reflecting the Light of Christ on the World," is the title of chapter four of the document, which focuses on the urgent need to educate lay Catholics who, "guided by Christian principles of service, and concerning themselves with the promotion of the common good," may "change the political and social situation in various countries."
 
  The fifth chapter, "Spiritual Resources for the Promotion of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace in Africa," calls on all members of the Church to announce the Gospel, "both with words and with the example of their lives. The source of this spirituality is to be found in liturgical life, especially in the celebration of Mass, adoration of the Eucharist and other forms of prayer of the Church."
 
  Archbishop Eterovic then pointed out that the document containing the "Lineamenta" ends with a questionnaire containing 32 queries and aiming "to facilitate reflection and debate," and lead to "concrete proposals which will then be examined during the synodal assembly." The two synods of the Eastern Catholic Churches (the Patriarchate of Alexandria of the Copts, Egypt, and the Council of the Ethiopian Church) as well as the 32 episcopal conferences of the African continent must send in their replies no later than November 2008.
 

  On this basis, the Secretariat General of the Synod of Bishops, with the help of the Special Council for Africa, will then prepare the "Instrumentum laboris" or working document for the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. "The Holy Father," the archbishop concluded, "will then officially announce the date of its celebration."


 OP/SECOND SYNOD AFRICA/ARINZE:ETEROVIC                VIS 060627 (980)
 
DECLARATION BY HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE DIRECTOR
 
Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls released the following declaration at midday today:
 

  "I have no comments to make on news that has appeared in various organs of the press concerning ongoing contacts between a Holy See delegation and the Chinese authorities."


 OP/HOLY SEE:CHINA/NAVARRO-VALLS                                VIS 060627 (60)
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Soldiers, Marine Killed in Iraq; DoD Identifies Previous Casualties

 Seal of the PentagonTwo U.S. soldiers and a Marine died during  military operations in Iraq yesterday and today, U.S. military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified five earlier casualties.

A soldier assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, died from enemy action in Anbar province yesterday, and a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died today as a result of injuries suffered from a bomb explosion while on a dismounted combat patrol south of Baghdad.

Also, a Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 died from enemy action while operating in Anbar province today.

The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Meanwhile, the Defense Department announced the identities of five soldiers who died recently in Iraq or Afghanistan:

- Army Spc. Channing G. Singletary, 30, of Sylvester, Ga., died June 23 in Baghdad from a non-combat-related cause. Singletary was assigned to the Army National Guard's 122nd Support Center, Savannah, Ga.


- Army Pfc. Devon J. Gibbons, 19, of Port Orchard, Wash., died June 23 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, from injuries suffered April 11 when a roadside bomb detonated near his Bradley fighting vehicle during combat operations in Taji, Iraq. Gibbons was assigned to the 10th
Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.


- Army Sgt. Benjamin J. Laymon, 22, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and Army Sgt. Justin D. Norton, 21, of Rainier, Wash., died June 24 near Baghdad from injuries suffered when they encountered enemy forces small-arms fire and a roadside bomb explosion during a dismounted patrol. They were
assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Calvary Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.


- Army Master Sgt. Thomas D. Maholic, 38, of Bradford, Pa., died June 24 in Ghecko, Afghanistan, when his patrol unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire during a cordon-and-search mission. Maholic was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort
Bragg, N.C.

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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY: June 27, 2006

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

To understand the internet you have to be open to change. (C)MBN 2006

 

 Content is King

 

 

 

Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne June 27, 2006 To come here you have to be able to read.

Monte says to ability to read is the most powerful weapon in the world

MBN®

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news

 

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

Info@montebubbles.net

 

Banner ads  and larger ads can now be purchased thru eBay: Item number: 7625089757

(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

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® is proud to announce Dear Monte: talktomontebubbles@montebubbles.net

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

 

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

 

More exciting changes coming each day.

Watch for the MBN® Politically incorrect SUV

 

 

MONTEBUBBLISM: Today people seem to believe only what they see. The problem with this is that they see very little

 

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

Aerican Public Media(TM) and Chicago Public Radio(R) to Produce and Distribute 'The World's Only Rock 'n' Roll Talk Show'

Compuware DevPartner Studio Wins Best of Tech*Ed 2006 Award Windows IT Media Names Compuware DevPartner Studio the Best of Tech*Ed 2006 Developer Tool

Chefs Bite Back Hits High Note With Guitar Signed by Rolling Stones!

McDonald's Spices Up the Already Hot Celebrity Line-Up at the Essence Music Festival With Idris Elba and Michael Baisden

Batter Up ... Hall of Fame Moments on GSN

GSN Features Baseball Hall of Famers on the Classic Game Show WHAT'S MY LINE

TV Land & Nick At Nite's Family Table Again Partners With The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) At Columbia University to Celebrate Family Day Crystal Media Networks Adds Inventory to RADAR(R) 89

GUBA Launches Online Video Store With Warner Bros. Entertainment's Industry Leading Content

Superb Muzic Productions to Release New Album by Bay Area R&B Artist Bigg Chaly

The DaVinci Code, Black Athena, and Phoenicians

Young Italian Tenor Vittorio Takes America By Storm With His Self-Titled Debut CD Released September 12th on Decca Disc Showcases Powerful Love Songs With a Classical Flair

Aly & AJ Set to Release Deluxe Edition of 'Into The Rush'; New Single 'Chemicals React' World Premieres Thursday on MTV!!

Belo Television Stations Win Five National Murrow Awards, Leading All Station Groups Nationwide

Paris Hilton's "Stars Are Blind" Has Been Added to More Than 125 Pop Stations Nationwide

SIRIUS will provide the most comprehensive live radio coverage in the U.S., airing 10 hours daily from the All-England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club

Christopher Reeve Foundation Announces the Launch of SupermanTag.org Tags Favored by Hollywood Trendsetters Now Available on Official Website

Sony Pictures Television Wants You to Share Your Relationship Story With 'THE GREG BEHRENDT SHOW'

Donn Arden's Jubilee! at Bally's Las Vegas Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Los Angeles Talent Search, June 28th

Bodog.com Sponsors Baron Davis and Paul Pierce's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' A Magic Night of Poker, Players and Stars To Be Held at the Eponymous Avalon and Spider Club in Hollywood

Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular Opens in Stunning New Theater at The Venetian Resort Casino

PartyGaming Plc Launches PartyGammon.com

New Universal Studios Florida Nighttime Show Features Film Director John Landis as Creative Consultant

_____________________________________________________- 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Public Media(TM) and Chicago Public Radio(R) to Produce and Distribute 'The World's Only Rock 'n' Roll Talk Show'

American Public Media(TM) and Chicago Public Radio(R) today announced the production and planned September nationwide distribution of Sound Opinions(SM), a new program about contemporary music and its place in American culture. The program is produced in Chicago by Chicago Public Radio and co-produced and distributed by American Public Media. Sound Opinions airs now on Chicago Public Radio and on Minnesota Public Radio's The Current.

Billed as "the world's only rock 'n' roll talk show," Sound Opinions was created and is hosted by two of the nation's most influential music critics, Jim DeRogatis of the Chicago Sun-Times and Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune. Each week, DeRogatis and Kot debate the latest music, talk to artists, air live performances and deliver pop culture insights.

An earlier version of the program aired in Chicago for more than seven years at Infinity's adult rock station, commercial WXRT-FM.

"We're thrilled that a long-successful commercial radio show has made the big leap to public radio," said Torey Malatia, Chicago Public Radio's president and general manager. "Chicago is a creative capital known for its eclectic and innovative musicians and artists who work in a broad range of genres. Sound Opinions is steeped in this tradition and offers it all up in a sensibility that is unmistakably 'Chicago.' This is what makes the show so irresistible and so engaging for audiences."

"The program's audience is very broad and includes any and all who look to music as a major ingredient of our evolving culture," said Jim Russell, American Public Media's senior vice president and general manager of new program development.

"In a word, Sound Opinions rocks," said Sarah Lutman, American Public Media's senior vice president of content and media. "Chicago Public Radio launched a show with so much spunk and intelligence. We couldn't be happier for this opportunity to co-produce and distribute Sound Opinions."

For Chicago Public Radio, the managing producer of Sound Opinions is Todd Bachman, producer is Matt Spiegel and the executive producer is Torey Malatia. For American Public Media, the executive in charge is Jim Russell. Creative consultant is Steve Nelson, program director for The Current.

About the hosts

Jim DeRogatis has been the pop music critic at the Chicago Sun-Times since 1997. He has also worked as an editor at several music magazines, including Rolling Stone, and is the author of five books about rock 'n' roll, including Let It Blurt: The Life and Times of Lester Bangs, America's Greatest Rock Critic and Staring at Sound: The True Story of Oklahoma's Fabulous Flaming Lips. People living in the Twin Cities will also remember DeRogatis as a former critic for the alternative weeklies Twin Cities Reader and City Pages.

Greg Kot is the pop music critic at the Chicago Tribune and the author of the acclaimed biography, Wilco: Learning How to Die. He has also contributed music criticism to numerous books and magazines, including the Encyclopedia Britannica, Rolling Stone and a dozen other national publications.

American Public Media(TM) is the nation's second-biggest producer of public radio programs, reaching 14.2 million listeners nationwide each week. National programs include A Prairie Home Companion(R), Weekend America(R), Saint Paul Sunday(R), Marketplace(R), Marketplace Money(R), The Splendid Table(R), Speaking of Faith(R) and special reports produced by its national documentary unit, American RadioWorks(R). American Public Media is the national production and distribution division of Minnesota Public Radio(R). Minnesota Public Radio, along with its sister company Southern California Public Radio, belongs to a larger family of companies within American Public Media Group, a national nonprofit organization whose purpose is to develop resources, services and systems to support public media for public service. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be obtained at http://www.americanpublicmedia.org/ .

Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2005/Fall 2005 average

Chicago Public Radio is a community-supported, non-commercial public service broadcasting institution, broadcasting throughout Chicago and surrounding regions at WBEZ 91.5 FM Chicago, WBEQ 90.7 FM Morris and WBEW 89.5 FM Chesterton, Indiana. Each week, more than 600,000 listeners tune in to the station for eclectic and innovative programming, including Chicago Public Radio's original productions like This American Life, the Third Coast International Audio Festival, Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!(R), among others. From news and public affairs to music and arts, the station's distinctive selection of internationally, nationally and locally produced programs reflects the diversity of the community it serves. Chicago Public Radio is on the web at http://chicagopublicradio.org/ , streaming live webcasts and offering podcasts.

Source: American Public Media

 

Web site: http://www.americanpublicmedia.org/
http://chicagopublicradio.org/

Compuware DevPartner Studio Wins Best of Tech*Ed 2006 Award

Windows IT Media Names Compuware DevPartner Studio the Best of Tech*Ed 2006 Developer Tool

-- Compuware Corporation (NASDAQ:CPWR) today announced that Compuware DevPartner Studio has won the Best of Tech*Ed 2006 Award in the "Developer Tools" category. Winners were announced at the Windows IT Media awards ceremony during the Microsoft Tech*Ed Conference in Boston.

"The winners at Tech*Ed 2006 each represent best-in-class technology products. After closely evaluating all entries, our team of editors chose winners based on the products' strategic importance to the market, competitive advantages, value to the customer, and value in the marketplace," said Mike Otey, Technical Director for Windows IT Media.

"DevPartner enhances the capabilities of the Visual Studio Team System by adding software quality and code analysis capabilities for both .NET and unmanaged applications," noted Otey. "Built-in expert coding advice, standards, and best practices guide the developer, ultimately resulting in higher quality code throughout the software development lifecycle. DevPartner can review source code against predefined rules and standards as well as track and optimize system resource usage and identify application performance problem areas."

"This is an extraordinary honor for Compuware," said Larry Angeli, Vice President of Marketing at Compuware Corporation. "This award underscores the innovative leadership our application delivery solutions like DevPartner Studio deliver to enterprises, enabling them to build, test and manage high- quality applications using Microsoft technologies and other technologies as well."

DevPartner Studio includes an award-winning suite of software development and testing features that help Windows application teams build reliable, high- performance applications, components and Web services for Microsoft .NET and native Windows platforms. DevPartner Studio enhances Visual Studio and Visual Studio Team System with advanced capabilities that help development organizations improve software quality, adopt coding standards and best practices, and maximize developer productivity.

Compuware's application delivery solutions help IT organizations consistently deliver high-quality applications to the business. Compuware's approach to application delivery builds quality and performance into the application from the earliest phases of the development life cycle. Using these powerful solutions, IT organizations can more efficiently and effectively deliver outstanding application quality to drive maximum business value.

For more information on Compuware DevPartner Studio, please visit: http://www.compuware.com/products/devpartner/studio.htm

Compuware Corporation

Compuware Corporation (NASDAQ:CPWR) maximizes the value IT brings to the business by helping CIOs more effectively manage the business of IT. Compuware solutions accelerate the development, improve the quality and enhance the performance of critical business systems while enabling CIOs to align and govern the entire IT portfolio, increasing efficiency, cost control and employee productivity throughout the IT organization. Founded in 1973, Compuware serves the world's leading IT organizations, including more than 90 percent of the Fortune 100 companies. Learn more about Compuware at http://www.compuware.com/.

About Windows IT Media

Penton's Windows IT Media, the largest independent Windows IT community in the world, includes flagship print publication Windows IT Pro, three monthly paid subscription print newsletters, 12 direct-request email newsletters, and a Web-site resource for more than 2.5 million IT professionals each month. First published in 1995, Windows IT Pro is the editorial leader in its field and has a paid subscription base of 105,000. The magazine is published in 13 languages and has an international reach into 160 countries. Windows IT Pro UPDATE, the group's flagship email newsletter, is the only e-newsletter to make BtoB Magazine's Media Power 50 list.

Windows IT Media also includes SQL Server Magazine and MSD2D. SQL Server Magazine has 30,000 paid subscribers, more than 250,000 web site visitors monthly, and three email newsletters sent to more than 130,000 opt-in subscribers. MSD2D is a rich online information resource for IT professionals, with a focus on the software developer community. MSD2D has 200,000 email newsletter subscribers. The three publications' Web sites generate more than nine million page impressions. Their email newsletters have more than one million opt-in subscribers. Windows IT Media is the world's leading producer of custom roadshows, paid conferences and paid workshops for Windows and SQL Server IT professionals.

For Compuware Sales or Marketing Information

Compuware Corporation, One Campus Martius, Detroit, MI 48226, 800-521-9353, http://www.compuware.com/

Compuware Press Contact

Source: Compuware Corporation

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

Chefs Bite Back Hits High Note With Guitar Signed by Rolling Stones!

Chefs Bite Back hit a true high note with one of the outstanding auction items for the June 4th event founded by Diane Rose, Chef and owner of Crimson Restaurant. "The Guitar was what I really wanted," said high bidder, Blair Susan Bittner. "I was so excited to get the Rolling Stone Guitar and to be a part of this event to stamp out hunger." Famous local Chefs and Wineries served over 100 guests who came to help in the fight to feed the hungry in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. "All the food and wine was donated," said Diane Rose. "The weather was beautiful and thanks to the donation from our emcee News Reporter of NBC 11, Susan Siravo, the tour of NBC 11 with lunch from Chef Gary Messick of Tapestry and wine from Burrell School was also a big success."

The Patio of Crimson was lively from 2pm until 6pm with signature dishes served by "celebrity Chefs" of Silicon Valley which included Julio Garcia of Picasso's and James Cargill of Rio Adobe in Cupertino. Not surprisingly, there was a constant crowd around the Manrea's station to taste the restaurant's famed dishes. It was a rare opportunity for most to sample the fare of Deanie Fox's award winning pastries. Even Chef Martha Duke of Siena Bistro left her station long enough to bid on and win local winemaker, Marilyn Dorsa's one of a kind Murano glass bracelet which was a hot item on the Silent Auction.

Wines from the local area were served at stations with actual Winemakers there to discuss the wines. Jeff Alexander of Alexander Cellars was on hand to discuss his award winning Zinfandel as well as his new product, Sarticious Gin under the SARTICIOUS SPIRITS label. Diana Jensen of Testaroosa Vineyards brought her award winning wines and said, "We are excited to donate 2003 Garys' Vineyard Syrah for the Silent Auction and this is our third year to participate in this first class event."

Steve and Leanne Troy, locals of Los Gatos, were watching the Silent Auction area to "protect" their bids. They have attended the last three years, "but we never get tired of it and love the exceptional wines." It was Rita Boren's second year. Boren, a local realtor, bid on the hand made necklace from Blue Moon Antiques and stayed close to watch as the Silent Auction results came in so that she wouldn't lose the wine tours she wanted. The surprise of the day, was the Bentley from Silicon Valley Auto Group. The high bidder, Steve Mangold was thrilled to have such a weekend ride, saying, "I am really glad to have the Classic Car washes. I can keep the Bentley clean and shining and maybe talk them into letting me also try an Astin Martin DB9."

The wineries donating tours and tastings, as well as "sold out" bottles of wine included Alexander Cellars, Byington Vineyard & Winery, Clos La Chance Winery, Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards, Silver Mountain Vineyard, Delmuth Vineyards, Ridge Vineyards, Los Gatos Brewery, Sarah's Vineyards, Steven Kent, Thomas Fogarty, and Zayante Vineyard. It was truly a luxurious day with the San Jose Jazz Society providing the music.

The Vice Mayor of Los Gatos, Joe Pirzynski, presented Diane Rose with a Commendation for her outstanding service to the Los Gatos community and thanked the sponsors, Adrian Liu and Friends of Chefs Bite Back and all the chefs and wineries who participated this year. Vice Mayor Pirzynski said, "This event is a signature event in Los Gatos, and we are very thankful for the support of all the local residents and many vendors who make this event such a success year after year, especially Chef and owner of Crimson Restaurant, Diane Rose for hosting it."

About Crimson

Crimson is a restaurant where the California menu is eclectic and imaginative, with a fusion of global flavors. Located just outside charming downtown Los Gatos and pouring the top varietals of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Crimson menus are the creation of Chef Diane Rose. The dining room is adorned properly in drapes of crimson and contrasts of tapestry gold. Romantic and intimate, welcoming and fun. www.crimsonrestaurant.com Reservations 408-358- 0175.

About Second Harvest Food Bank

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is a private non-profit organization that collects and distributes more than 27 million pounds of food each year to low-income children, adults and seniors. The Food Bank currently serves an average of 163,500 individuals each month; nearly 60% are families with dependent children. www.2ndharvest.net or phone: (408) 694-0041.

Source: Crimson Restaurant

Web site: http://www.crimsonrestaurant.com/
http://www.2ndharvest.net/

McDonald's Spices Up the Already Hot Celebrity Line-Up at the Essence Music Festival With Idris Elba and Michael Baisden

WHAT: Like McDonald's, the Essence Music Festival, is a

multigenerational destination of choice for families. As such,

McDonald's is proud to continue its sponsorship of the Essence

Music Festival. In celebration of the African American woman,

McDonald's is bringing Idris Elba and Michael Baisden to the

Essence Music Festival as a special treat for those who visit

the McDonald's booth.

 

Although known for his acting abilities, Elba will be spinning

tracks during his "Ladies Only Show", while Baisden will hold a

book signing session and host his "Michael Baisden Live" show.

Other booth activities include Laurie Ann Gibson demonstrating

the latest dance moves while encouraging fun physical activity,

performances by Algebra as well as NeoSoul recording artist

Raheem DeVaughn and Essence's Angela Burt-Murray and Mikki

Taylor commentate a special fashion show unveiling the latest

looks.

WHO: Idris Elba is more commonly known for his acclaimed performance

as "Stringer Bell" on the HBO hit drama series The Wire and his

leading character role on the HBO special Sometimes in April.

Other film credits include The Gospel and Tyler Perry's Daddy's

Little Girl.

Michael Baisden does it all. As a best-selling author,

motivational speaker, former television talk show host and now

host of one of America's most popular nationally syndicated

radio programs, Baisden keeps it real mixing relationship talk

with the best of old school and today's R&B music.

Laurie Ann Gibson is one of the most sought after choreographers

in the entertainment industry, routinely doing choreography for

the biggest music superstars, including Diddy, Alicia Keys and

Usher. Her credentials also include features in the film Honey

and MTV's Making the Band 3.

Raheem DeVaughn is a true NeoSoul veteran of live performances.

His recurrent appearances in the DC area gave him celebrity

status amongst the local soul community as he made his national

debut with his new album, The Love Experience, in 2005.

Algebra is an up-and-coming NeoSoul artist whose melodic,

enchanting vocals are only trumped by the fact that she

seamlessly orchestrates her own phenomenally talented band,

creating one beautifully harmonic blend of music.

 

WHERE: Essence Music Festival

Reliant Park (McDonald's Booth)

One Reliant Park

Houston, Texas

July 1 - 3, 2006

 

Source: McDonald's

Batter Up ... Hall of Fame Moments on GSN

GSN Features Baseball Hall of Famers on the Classic Game Show WHAT'S MY LINE

Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson, and Ted Williams Episodes Lead Off on GSN July 8

There was a time when baseball's bests used to regularly appear on game shows and more specifically on the classic game show, WHAT'S MY LINE. GSN, the network for games, hits a home run with fans as it replays some of the most memorable guest appearances by baseball legends in July and August.

The Hall of Fame line up begins with a special two-hour block of WHAT'S MY LINE prior to the All-Star break on Saturday, July 8 at 9 AM ET. A half-hour episode with Ted Williams as a guest, leads off followed by Joe DiMaggio at 9:30 AM, Jackie Robinson at 10 AM and Willie Mays at 10:30 AM.

"What a line up, Robinson, Mays, Mantle, Musial, DiMaggio, Berra, and Snider are just a few of the Hall of Famers who are going to be featured on GSN's game show tribute to baseball," said Lou Fazio, Vice President of Scheduling and Acquisitions. "Baseball fans love seeing their heroes of the past appear on WHAT'S MY LINE and we are giving them a chance to see them again this summer."

GSN has unveiled its roster of special WHAT'S MY LINE episodes, featuring appearances by players and managers who are in the Hall of Fame. The following are just a few of the players who appeared usually as "mystery guests" on the classic game show beginning during the 1950's and transitioning to the color episodes in the 1970's. These include Mickey Mantle, Duke Snider, Yogi Berra, Stan Musial, Satchel Paige, Phil Rizzuto (the first "mystery guest" ever on the show), Leo Durocher, Branch Rickey and Casey Stengel. In addition, the episodes include other important figures in baseball and many more former baseball stars. The complete schedule is attached.

The classic editions of WHAT'S MY LINE following the Saturday, July 8 premiere will be aired nightly throughout the month of July and in to August during the black and white overnight time slot at 3:30 AM ET.

The original versions of WHAT'S MY LINE premiered in 1950 and ran for 25 years ending in 1975. John Daly was the original host who was later replaced in 1968 by Wally Bruner. Bruner was followed by Larry Blyden in 1975.

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming and interactive game playing. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN features over 133 hours per week of interactive programming, which allows viewers a chance to win prizes by playing along with GSN's televised games via GSN.com. Now reaching more than 60 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.

Classic WHAT'S MY LINE Episode On GSN Schedule

Saturday, July 8th Featured Guest Original

Air Date

9:00 AM Ted Williams*/Boston Red Sox 5/23/54

9:30 AM Joe DiMaggio*/New York Yankees 9/18/55

10:00 AM Jackie Robinson*/Brooklyn Dodgers 11/20/69 (C)

10:30 AM Willie Mays*/NY-San Francisco Giants 8/20/68 (C)

Date Featured Guest Original

Air Date

Saturday, July 8 Mickey Mantle*/Yankees 5/17/53

Sunday, July 9 Duke Snider*/Dodgers & 9/5/54

Sal Maglie/Giants

Monday, July 10 Yogi Berra*/Yankees 7/2/61

Tuesday, July 11 Roy Campanella*/Dodgers 9/6/53

Wednesday, July 12 Joe Garagiola*/Announcer 10/15/68 (C)

Thursday, July 13 Phil Rizzuto*/Yankees 2/2/50

Friday, July 14 Stan Musial*/Cardinals 3/8/64

Saturday, July 15 Willie Mays*/Giants 7/15/62

Sunday, July 16 Satchel Paige*/Indians 2/11/71 (C)

Monday, July 17 Casey Stengel*/Yankees Manager 4/15/62

Tuesday, July 18 Emmett Ashford/first black umpire 5/29/66

Wednesday, July 19 Vida Blue/A's 5/31/73 (C)

Thursday, July 20 Leo Durocher*/Manager 5/31/53

Friday, July 21 Joe DiMaggio*/Yankees 9/18/55

Saturday, July 22 Cincinnati Reds Team 6/24/56

Sunday, July 23 Terry Tata/umpire 6/11/61

Monday, July 24 Jim Bouton/Yankees 10/22/70 (C)

Tuesday, July 25 Ralph Houk/Yankees 10/23/60

Wednesday, July 26 Russ Hodges/Giants announcer 10/7/62

Thursday, July 27 Jim Piersall/Red Sox 4/28/57

Friday, July 28 Ted Williams*/Red Sox 5/23/54

Saturday, July 29 Willie Mays*/Giants 7/11/54

Sunday, July 30 Jackie Robinson*/Dodgers 11/20/69 (C)

Monday, July 31 Yogi Berra*/Yankees 4/26/64

Tuesday, August 1 Phil Rizutto*/Yankees 2/5/70 (C)

Wednesday, August 2 Denny McLain/Tigers 11/13/68 (C)

Thursday, August 3 Chuck Dressen/Reds 9/28/52

Friday, August 4 Clete Boyer/Yankees & 10/11/64

Ken Boyer/Cardinals

Saturday, August 5 Bobby Murcer/Yankees 8/12/71 (C)

Sunday, August 6 Branch Rickey*/Dodgers owner 9/13/59

Monday, August 7 Al Summers/umpire 3/6/69 (C)

Tuesday, August 8 Gil Hodges/Dodgers 5/26/63

Wed., August 9 Del Webb & Dan Topping/Yankees owners 8/26/56

Thursday, August 10 Ed Hurley/umpire 10/4/53

Friday, August 11 Joe Garagiola*/announcer 6/11/70 (C)

Saturday, August 12 Sal Maglie/Giants 10/7/56

Sunday, August 13 Duke Snider*/Dodgers 1/12/58

Notes: Members of the Hall of Fame appear with an asterisk(*). All episodes Black and White unless noted by (C) which denotes color episodes.

-GSN-

Source: GSN

 

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

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

TV Land & Nick At Nite's Family Table Again Partners With The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) At Columbia University to Celebrate Family Day - a Day to Eat Dinner With Your Children - On Monday, September 25

TVLand.com and NickatNite.com Launch Family Day Pledge Page

2005 Family Day Website Wins Top Honors at Prestigious Broadcast Designers Association/Promax Awards

TV Land and Nick at Nite's Family Table: Share More Than Meals has teamed up with The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University to once again celebrate Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children on Monday, September 25, 2006. Beginning today, people committed to eating together on Family Day can go to FamilyTable.info to register participation for their family, friends and loved ones. Additionally, FamilyTable.info was recognized last week with a Gold Award - the highest honor in its class - in the education category at The Broadcast Designers Association Awards as well as the Silver Promax Award. The BDA Awards are widely recognized as the ultimate accolade for outstanding design contributions in electronic media and the Promax Awards are the industry's top honors for outstanding marketing and promotion in the broadcast and electronic media industries.

CASA's Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children, which was created in 2001, is a national effort designed to promote the benefits that come from the parental engagement fostered in families who dine together regularly. A decade of CASA research has consistently shown that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use illegal drugs. Together, CASA and The Family Table have set a goal of registering millions of Americans to pledge to have dinner as a family on September 25th and, hopefully, use Family Day as a catalyst to make family dinners a regular part of their lives.

TV Land & Nick at Nite's Family Table: Share More Than Meals was created by the two networks in 2003 and seeks to remind its viewers about the emotional and social benefits that come from taking the time to sit down and share with one another. Through a series of promotional spots - which both networks air in regular rotation daily - the networks encourage viewers to experience the benefits of dining together.

"We are so honored to work with CASA again in supporting its efforts to make Family Day a national priority," states Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land & Nick at Nite. "TV Land and Nick at Nite's Family Table is committed to encouraging people to share meals together and our hope is that everyone will register at FamilyTable.info to eat dinner together on Family Day and then use that day as a reminder of the many benefits that come from family dining."

"There is no better media partner for Family Day than Nick at Nite and TV Land," said Joseph A. Califano, Jr., Chairman and President of The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. "Working with the Family Table initiative to encourage Americans to share more than just meals and asking them to pledge their commitment to doing so, proves that TV Land and Nick at Nite really understand that America's drug problem is not going to be solved in courtrooms or legislative hearing rooms by judges and politicians, but rather in living rooms, dining rooms and across kitchen tables -- by parents and families."

TV Land, Nick at Nite and all related logos and titles are trademarks of Viacom International, Inc.

Now seen in over 85 million U.S. homes, TV Land's program mix features popular dramas, sitcoms, westerns, Retromercials and a TV-referential interstitial environment, all programmed with a specific audience in mind - the first generation of Americans to grow up watching television and features all-time Classic hits like All in the Family, I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, and Bonanza.

MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, mtvU, VHI, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, MTV INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 12 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

About Viacom

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Offering programming and content for television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom's world- class brands include MTV Networks (MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Comedy Central, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 120 networks around the world), BET Networks, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, DreamWorks and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at www.viacom.com.

CASA is the only national organization that brings together under one roof all the professional disciplines needed to study and combat all types of substance abuse as they affect all aspects of society. CASA has issued 61 reports and white papers, published one book, conducted demonstration projects focused on children, families and schools at 155 sites in 63 cities and counties in 26 states plus Washington, DC and a Native American tribal reservation, and has been testing the effectiveness of drug and alcohol treatment, in a variety of programs and drug courts. CASA is the creator of the nationwide initiative Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children -- the fourth Monday in September -- that promotes parental engagement as a simple and effective way to reduce children's risk of smoking, drinking and using illegal drugs. To become a CASA member, please visit www.casacolumbia.org and click "Become a Member" or send an e-mail to membership@casacolumbia.org for more information.

Source: TV Land/Nick at Nite

Web site: http://www.nick-at-nite.com/
http://www.viacom.com/
http://www.casacolumbia.org/
http://familytable.info/
http://tvland.com/

Crystal Media Networks Adds Inventory to RADAR(R) 89

Crystal Media Networks continues with its highly successful CMN Prestige RADAR(R) ("Radio's All Dimension Audience Research") Network in the RADAR 89 network audience report. With the release of RADAR 89, CMN Prestige has increased inventory to 10 Minutes per week.

Out of the 56 RADAR rated Networks for RADAR 89, audience to all commercials, Monday-Sunday 6a-12m, CMN Prestige ranks #13 for Adults 25-54. In the Top 10 and Top 25 DMA's CMN Prestige ranks #1 for Adults, Men and Women 25-54 and 18-49 AQH.

In a compositional analysis of RADAR 89, audience to all commercials, Monday-Sunday 6a-12m, Crystal Media Networks' CMN Prestige ranks #1 in the Top 10, Top 25, and Top 50 markets for Adults, Men and Women 25-54 and 18-49; and ranks #1 or #2 for virtually all other demographic breaks.

"We're very pleased to continue to provide advertisers and agencies strong top market audiences on top ranked stations with a female skewing network," stated Pamela Foster, VP/Director of Research.

About Crystal Media Networks

Crystal Media Networks is a multi-media production, sales, and syndication company. Its corporate headquarters are located in Washington D.C., and the company has support offices in New York and Chicago.

About RADAR

RADAR (Radio's All Dimension Audience Research) is a national radio ratings service that measures audiences to radio commercials aired on 56 radio networks operated by ABC Radio Networks, American Urban Radio Networks, Crystal Media Networks, Dial Communications - Global Media, Inc., Jones MediaAmerica, Inc., Premiere Radio Networks, and Westwood One Radio Networks.

Source: Crystal Media Networks

GUBA Launches Online Video Store With Warner Bros. Entertainment's Industry Leading Content

New Service Features Hundreds of Warner Bros. Entertainment Television Shows and Films for Download-to-Own and Rental Via GUBA Website

GUBA (www.guba.com), a leading online multimedia entertainment site, today announced its new video service featuring Warner Bros. Entertainment content. This premium offering allows users to rent and buy, on a download basis, movies and television shows online. With the launch today, GUBA becomes the first US video sharing community to distribute licensed Warner Bros. Entertainment's content online.

GUBA enables its users to search, upload and share video posted to GUBA and Usenet. GUBA transcodes video so that users can view content on a wide range of video formats and portable devices. Now, GUBA enables users to download DRM-protected films and TV shows from Warner Bros. Entertainment.

More than two hundred of Warner Bros. Entertainment's latest movie releases are currently available from GUBA, including Syriana, Good Night and Good Luck, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Everything is Illuminated, as well as catalog titles such as The Matrix, Batman Forever, and Best in Show. TV programming includes Babylon 5, Dukes of Hazzard, The Flintstones and The Jetsons. All video content can be downloaded and played on compatible home computers, streamed to the TV, and loaded onto portable devices.

"GUBA, has been working directly with the Motion Picture Association and has instituted filtering and security measures to ensure the protection of copyrighted films and television content," stated Darcy Antonellis, Executive Vice President, Distribution Technology and Operations, Warner Bros. Technical Operations.

Rental prices start at $1.99 per movie for unlimited views during a 24- hour period. Viewers can buy extra viewing days for reduced fees without the need to download the film again.

GUBA also allows users to buy movies and television shows. Catalog films will retail for $9.99 and new releases, available on the same date that DVDs are released in stores, will retail for $19.99. Television shows will retail starting at $1.79 per episode. Users may keep permanent copies of purchased titles, load purchased titles onto portable devices, and stream purchased and rented content through their home network.

"This new service brings premium studio content to an Internet audience in an easy-to-use and intuitive way, without the necessity of downloading additional software. For years we've been making access to online video easy -- now we're bringing that experience to Warner Bros.'s catalog of films and TV shows," said Tom McInerney, CEO and co-founder of GUBA. "Warner Bros. is a pioneer in Internet distribution and is creating a new online video rental market. Warner has great content that I know our millions of monthly visitors will enjoy."

"We're pleased to open our movie and TV content to GUBA's community through the launch of this service. GUBA's platform is user-friendly and easily accessible which is critical for the emerging online digital distribution market," said Jim Wuthrich, Senior Vice President, Digital Distribution, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group. "With GUBA, more Internet users will be able to legally and securely buy and rent our films and TV series. Warner is committed to providing our programming to fans when, where and how they want it, and this deal is another example of our commitment to do that."

Technical requirements -- GUBA's service uses Digital Rights Management (DRM) copyright protection software developed by Microsoft. Only devices with current Windows Media technology can play Warner Bros. content. This includes most Windows PCs and Windows Media compatible portable devices.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group

The Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group was founded in 2005 to bring together all of the Warner Bros. Entertainment businesses involved in the digital delivery of entertainment content to consumers, including home video, online, wireless, games and anti-piracy and emerging technologies operations. WBHEG is a strategic recognition of the ongoing changes in the way consumers view entertainment product and seeks to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios to make the Studio's content available to audiences through as many channels, platforms and devices as possible.

About GUBA

GUBA is a leading online entertainment destination helping you find digital content that will entertain and captivate you. On www.guba.com you can easily browse, download and share video, and buy feature films and TV shows from quality producers. GUBA has an intuitive search interface that enables rapid download to the PC, iPod, PlayStation Portable, and other portable devices. Users can watch video in Flash, QuickTime, and Windows Media formats, and can stream video in their home network using Windows Media Center and Apple's Front Row.

GUBA accepts video submissions from users in all commonly available formats, indexes video from parts of the Internet that major search engines do not search, and licenses feature films and TV shows from major studios and independent producers.

With GUBA, content producers can publish premium titles using the latest DRM technology, and easily reach Internet viewers on one of the fastest growing online audiences. Content producers can visit http://producers.guba.com/ for more information.

Founded in 1998, GUBA is privately held and is located in San Francisco, California. For more information, please visit www.guba.com.

NOTE: GUBA is a registered trademark of GUBA, LLC. All other trademarks and registered trademarks previously cited are the property of their respective owners.

Source: GUBA, LLC

CONTACT: Adriana Gascoigne of LEWIS PR, +1-415-992-4424, or
GUBA@lewispr.com, for GUBA; or Anna Vrechek of Edelman Public Relations,
+1-323-202-1908, or anna.vrechek@edelman.com, for Warner Bros. Home
Entertainment Group

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

Superb Muzic Productions to Release New Album by Bay Area R&B Artist Bigg Chaly

"Missin' U" Will Be Released on July 18th, 2006: Production by Herb Partlow, Charles Baxter, Jr., Telpher Youman III and J-Platinum

Superb Muzic Productions is proud to announce the debut release from Bay Area R&B artist Bigg Chaly titled "Missin' U."

Bringing it straight from the streets of San Francisco, this artist/writer/arranger delivers a diverse collection of hits on his debut CD on the Superb Muzic label. Laying down tracks since he was a young fella, Charles Baxter, Jr. has always wanted the opportunity to let the world hear his music. And now he expresses himself with a collection of Urban/R&B songs with elements of hip-hop, neo-soul and jazz added to the mix to create the soulful "Missin' U" CD.

 

The CD catches you from the start with the hard driving, yet radio friendly "Do U" which features the Bay Area's own Young Thugg (YT) on the mic. The title track, "Missin' U," is a soulful track that really showcases the writing and arranging skills that Bigg Chaly possesses. "Let It Go" is another standout track that promises to generate great commercial appeal and tells an intricate story about being unfaithful, but in the end, trying to be true to your wife and family first and foremost.

His calling is music and he embraces his songs with a passion only comparable to the sounds heard from some of the most impressive R&B artists in the business. With inspirations from the likes of the late, great Luther Vandross, Lionel Ritchie, Brian McKnight and Will Downing, Bigg Chaly is ready to take the music world by storm.

Track listing will be announced shortly

About Superb Muzic

Superb Muzic Productions is a full-service music production company and label that was established in 1998. The company is located in the San Francisco Bay Area and specializes in Hip-Hop/Rap, R&B, Pop and Contemporary Jazz music genres. For additional info on the Superb Muzic label and its roster of artists, please visit: www.superbmuzic.com

SOURCE: Superb Muzic Productions

The DaVinci Code, Black Athena, and Phoenicians

"The DaVinci Code" taps into people's deeply-held suspicion of authorities. This echoes the real-life controversy described in "Black Athena": has bias led authorities to conceal the actual origin of Greek society and Western civilization? This widely-debated issue may finally have been resolved by the landmark paper presented to the World History Association on June 24, 2006 by Sanford Holst, the world's leading expert on the Phoenicians. Our view of race and diversity may never be the same.

(www.phoenician.org/black_athena.htm)

Almost twenty years ago Martin Bernal's "Black Athena" stunned the academic world by presenting clear proof of racial and cultural bias in that community against Black and Semitic people. It suggested this bias had buried those peoples' valuable contributions to the rise of what has been called Greek civilization. That excluded the Phoenicians and Egyptians from many parts of history.

The presentation by Holst was met with energetic applause from a standing-room-only audience. He revealed in detail how Minoan architecture, arts, commerce and government were strongly shaped by the Phoenicians from the Near East (Asia) and the Egyptians from Africa. Some of our most cherished institutions today, including democracy and the ability to read and write with a simple alphabet, can be traced to these non-European sources.

The line of proof discussed by Holst at WHA was foreshadowed by his earlier book "Phoenicians: Lebanon's Epic Heritage." While written as a popular work for the general public, it nevertheless revealed the rise of the beautiful Minoan society on Crete which has been widely acknowledged as the fore-runner of classical Greek society. His current paper showed the clear debt of Minoans to the Phoenician people who preceded them, supported by evidence drawn from over 30 sources. The wealth of archaeological and historical information he added to this discussion clearly ended the pure-European view of Western civilization.

Holst concluded, "Diversity was present at the beginning of our civilization, and should be a natural part of our society today."

The complete paper and sources are available at www.phoenician.org/black_athena.htm. "The DaVinci Code" is by Dan Brown.

Neotrope(R). http://www.send2press.com/

Source: Sanford Holst

Web site: http://www.phoenician.org/black_athena.htm

Young Italian Tenor Vittorio Takes America By Storm With His Self-Titled Debut CD Released September 12th on Decca

Disc Showcases Powerful Love Songs With a Classical Flair, Including Special Guest Appearance By Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls

Vittorio: Dreams of Rome Premieres this August on GREAT PERFORMANCES on PBS

International recording artist, Vittorio Grigolo, arrives in the U.S. this fall with a stunning self-titled debut album, VITTORIO. Slated for release on September 12th (Decca), the album was one of the highest classical chart debuts ever for a new artist in the UK, landing him in the Top 10 alongside the likes of Andrea Bocelli. Now, this astounding collection of stirring ballads and powerful love songs establishes the 28-year-old as the next male crossover singer poised for stateside success.

Born in Rome but raised in Arezzo, near Florence, Vittorio has developed a reputation as one of the most talented young singers of his generation. Dubbed "Il Pavarottino" ("Little Pavarotti") by the press after Vittorio and Pavarotti appeared together in a performance of Tosca in Rome, Vittorio was well on his way with the kind of career most artists only dream about. At the age of 23, he was the youngest Italian tenor ever to sing at La Scala (Bernstein's West Side Story), and was soon performing Mozart, Verdi and Rossini throughout Europe, Japan, and America.

Word about Vittorio's talents quickly reached Simon Cowell, who was so impressed by Vittorio that he wanted him to be a member of IL DIVO. Vittorio declined Cowell's offer in order to establish himself as a solo artist, while still pursuing his passion for opera. While "popera" artists proliferate left and right, Vittorio has been recognized as uniquely motivated whose ambition is matched only by his talent.

Vittorio and Thirteen/WNET New York's GREAT PERFORMANCES have teamed together for an exciting special taped in Rome for broadcast in August on PBS (check your local listings). VITTORIO: DREAMS OF ROME was shot on location at the Roman ruins of Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, capturing Vittorio in peak concert performance, featuring selections from his debut album along with other opera favorites. Highlights of both the disc and the special include "Maria" from West Side Story, Brit pop music group Keane's "Bedshaped (Cosi), and Stevie Wonder's "All In Love Is Fair."

"He has a voice to die for, very mellow despite all that Italian emotion and expression," says Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, who recorded "Il Mio Miracolo (You Are My Miracle)" with Vittorio for the new album. "He's very young to be a working tenor but you can tell immediately he is the real thing." Adds the music journal Hitsheet, "If the buzz surrounding (him) is anything to go by then 2006 is going to be Vittorio's year."

Source: Universal Music Classics Group

Aly & AJ Set to Release Deluxe Edition of 'Into The Rush'; New Single 'Chemicals React' World Premieres Thursday on MTV!!

Hollywood Records' artists Aly & AJ are putting the finishing touches on the deluxe edition of their gold selling debut album "Into The Rush" to be released August 8. The deluxe package includes three new tracks, "Chemicals React," "Shine," and "Never Far Behind"; as well as two remixed tracks, "Something More" and "Collapsed." The artwork is completely new and the package includes an exclusive fold out autographed poster. A bonus DVD with videos of "Rush," "Chemicals React," and the "Simlish" version of "Chemicals React" is also included. "Simlish" is the language of the beloved EA video game family "The Sims." Aly & AJ recently shot the video for "Chemicals React" with renowned director Chris Applebaum. The video world premieres Thursday, June 29, on MTV.

"Chemicals React" will also be featured in Wal-Mart's Back to School commercial for TV, radio and online. The spots will begin running July 10 for 6 months in the United States.

Aly & AJ are currently on a sold out US tour, garnering reviews like, "Move over, Lindsay and Hilary. Here come Aly & AJ. The sister act is the latest teen sensation to break out of Hollywood" -- The Asbury Park Press. Aly & AJ's complete itinerary is on www.alyandaj.com.

The following is a complete track listing of Aly & AJ's Into The Rush Deluxe Edition:

1. Chemicals React* 10. Speak For Myself

2. Shine* 11. Out Of The Blue

3. Never Far Behind* 12. I Am One Of Them

4. Something More** 13. Sticks And Stones

5. Collapsed** 14. Protecting Me

6. Rush 15. Slow Down

7. No One 16. Do You Believe In Magic

8. On The Ride 17. Walking On Sunshine

9. In A Second

* New tracks

** Remixed tracks

Source: Hollywood Records

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

Belo Television Stations Win Five National Murrow Awards, Leading All Station Groups Nationwide

Top Honors Recognize Outstanding Work By KING-TV in Seattle/Tacoma, KHOU-TV in Houston, WWL-TV in New Orleans and KVUE-TV in Austin

Belo Corp. (NYSE:BLC) announced today that Belo television stations have won five national Edward R. Murrow Awards for 2006, leading all other station groups nationwide in the total number of awards received. The awards recognize KING-TV in Seattle/Tacoma for Overall Excellence, KHOU-TV in Houston for Investigative Reporting and Feature-Hard News, WWL-TV in New Orleans for Continuing Coverage, and KVUE-TV in Austin for Videography. The Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) presents the Murrow Awards annually to honor outstanding achievements in electronic journalism and recognize news organizations that set the standard in the broadcast news profession.

"We are extremely proud that Belo stations have been recognized by the RTNDA with more national Murrow Awards than any other station group in the nation this year," said Dunia Shive, Belo president/Media Operations. "This leadership performance reflects the exceptional commitment of our journalists to delivering outstanding content to their local communities."

This year's awards bring the total number of national Murrow Awards Belo stations have won to 15 since 2000 and 27 since 1976. Belo's wins at the national level this year follow an impressive showing in regional competitions where 10 Belo stations garnered 33 regional Murrow Awards and led all station groups nationwide. Belo stations competed in seven of 13 Murrow regions this year. Regional award recipients automatically compete for the national awards.

Details follow about the national awards given to Belo stations:

* In the large-market television category, KING in Seattle/Tacoma

received an award for Overall Excellence by consistently demonstrating

significant depth, scope and quality in its news coverage, writing and

videography.

* Also in the large-market category, KHOU in Houston was recognized with

two awards. The series of reports entitled, "Playing with Fire,"

compiled by investigative reporter Mark Greenblatt, investigative

executive producer David Raziq, investigative photojournalist Chris

Henao and photojournalist Lynn Roder, won an Investigative Reporting

award for uncovering widespread public safety failures by the Harris

County Fire Marshal's Office at Houston-area schools. The Fire

Marshal's Office had not conducted fire code inspections at hundreds

of public schools in more than 30 years. The investigation uncovered

immediate, life-threatening conditions at many of these schools,

including fire alarms or smoke detectors that were not installed and

other serious violations. This series of reports prompted widespread

reform within the Fire Marshal's Office.

* A second award was given to KHOU in the new Feature-Hard News category

for "Firefighters: Cancer." This feature by reporter Jeremy Desel and

photojournalist Thomas Empey documented the increased cancer risks

Houston Fire Department firefighters face when entering burning

buildings. Within three weeks after this story reported death rates

for firefighters that are four to 30 times higher than the general

public for some types of cancers, the Texas legislature passed a law

giving firefighters line-of-duty death benefits for cancer.

* Also in the large-market television category, WWL in New Orleans was

honored with a Continuing Coverage award for its extraordinary

coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath as the only local

station to stay on the air throughout the crisis. The WWL team

demonstrated considerable determination and resourcefulness in

providing vital news and information despite difficult and often

dangerous situations. Their work has also been recognized with other

major industry awards, including a George Foster Peabody Award, Radio-

Television News Directors Foundation (RTNDF) First Amendment

Leadership Award, National Association of Broadcasters Education

Foundation (NABEF) Service to America Samaritan Award and the

Louisiana State University Manship School of Mass Communication

Manship Prize.

* In the small-market television category, KVUE in Austin was recognized

with a Videography award for its story, "Le Parkour," reported by

photojournalist Todd Rogenthien and anchor Christine Haas. The story

focuses on an innovative new sport that involves using the area's

Texas landmarks as an obstacle course. The video coverage

dramatically follows individuals who have come to Austin from cities

across Texas to stay physically fit by running, leaping and tumbling

across monument walls, stairs, bridges and other structures.

The RTNDA announced a total of 26 national Edward R. Murrow Awards for 24 television stations in the large and small-market television categories this year. The winners in all categories will be honored at the RTNDA Awards Dinner on October 16, 2006, in New York. The Edward R. Murrow Awards have recognized outstanding achievements in electronic journalism since 1971. They promote the spirit of excellence that Edward R. Murrow made a standard for the broadcast news profession.

About Belo

Belo Corp. is one of the nation's largest media companies with a diversified group of market-leading television, newspaper, cable and interactive media assets. A Fortune 1000 company with 7,700 employees and more than $1.5 billion in annual revenues, Belo operates in some of America's most dynamic markets in Texas, the Northwest, the Southwest, the Mid-Atlantic and Rhode Island. Belo owns 19 television stations, six of which are in the 15 largest U.S. broadcast markets. The Company also owns or operates seven cable news channels and manages one television station through a local marketing agreement. Belo's daily newspapers are The Dallas Morning News, The Providence Journal, The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA) and the Denton Record-Chronicle (Denton, TX). The Company also publishes specialty publications targeting young adults and the fast-growing Hispanic market, including Quick and Al Dia in Dallas/Fort Worth, and El D and La Prensa in Riverside. Belo operates more than 30 Web sites associated with its operating companies. Additional information is available at http://www.belo.com/ or by contacting Nancy Del Regno, manager, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, at 214-977-6825.

Source: Belo Corp.

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

 

Paris Hilton's "Stars Are Blind" Has Been Added to More Than 125 Pop Stations Nationwide

Debut Single and Video From Heiress-Turned-Pop Star Is Number One at Yahoo! Music

"Stars Are Blind," the debut single from heiress, actress, and newly minted pop star Paris Hilton continues to burn up at radio and online. After just three weeks, the reggae-tinged track is being played at more than 125 pop stations across the country and is the Number One most requested song at Los Angeles' KIIS FM and New York's influential Z100. The response in Europe has been huge as well, with significant radio airplay in Australia, Canada, and Italy.

"Stars Are Blind" is also the Number One most digitally downloaded song at Yahoo! Music this week and the Number Six most downloaded track on Apple's iTunes music store. In addition, the video, which premiered on June 6th on MTV.com, is driving millions of people online to view it at MTV.com, YouTube (where it has received more than one and a half million plays), and Yahoo! Music, where it is currently the Number Two most viewed artist clip. The video, which features Hilton frolicking on a Malibu beach, was shot by noted director Chris Applebaum, who also lensed Rihanna's "S.O.S." and Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten."

The single was released in Europe on June 2nd and leaked the same day by Ryan Seacrest during his morning show on Los Angeles radio station KIIS FM. Within minutes, it began to pop up on stations across the U.S. The demand led Warner Bros. Records to make the song available to radio for digital delivery ahead of schedule on June 5th.

"Stars Are Blind" is the lead-off single from Hilton's self-titled debut album, which is due for release by Warner Bros. Records later this summer. It features collaborations with top-flight producers Scott Storch, J.R. Rotem, and Dr. Luke, as well as songwriting by pop heavyweights Kara DioGuardi, Billy Steinberg, and Sheppard Solomon.

 

SOURCE: Warner Bros. Records

SIRIUS will provide the most comprehensive live radio coverage in the U.S., airing 10 hours daily from the All-England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club Veteran Sportscaster Tim Ryan to host nightly Wimbledon recap show exclusively on SIRIUS

NEW YORK, June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SIRIUS Satellite Radio

(Nasdaq: SIRI), the Official Satellite Radio Partner of Wimbledon, will for

the second straight year provide the most comprehensive live radio coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships.

From the opening matches today Monday, June 26 through the Women's and Men's Finals on Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9, SIRIUS will provide up to 10 hours of live Wimbledon coverage daily. SIRIUS listeners will hear live point-by-point action from key matches on both Centre Court and the outer courts -- including the Men's and Women's semifinal and final matches in their entirety -- plus courtside reports and highlights, pre- and post-match commentary and up-to-the-minute Wimbledon news.

The programming will air daily from 6 am - 4 pm ET on SIRIUS Sports

Play- by-Play, channel 125 and will be available to SIRIUS subscribers atno extra cost. The SIRIUS broadcast will be part of "Radio Wimbledon,"

produced by TWI from the All-England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club.

In addition to the live coverage of tournament play, Wimbledon

All-Access on SIRIUS will air nightly throughout the tournament from 6 - 7 pm ET exclusively on SIRIUS Sports Action, channel 123. Hosted by veteran sportscaster Tim Ryan, who will be on location in England to cover the tournament, along with regular SIRIUS personality Andrew Bogusch, Wimbledon All-Access on SIRIUS will include a recap of the day's results, interviews with the competitors and previews of upcoming matches.

"The Wimbledon Championships are truly one of the most celebrated

events in sports and we will provide tennis fans with the most

comprehensive radio coverage available in the U.S.," said Steve Cohen, Vice

President of Sports Programming for SIRIUS. "With live on-court action and

detailed analysis of the day's outcomes and upsets, SIRIUS listeners will

be able to experience everything but the smell of Wimbledon's freshly cut

grass courts."

In addition to being the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL,

NBA, NHL, AFL, Wimbledon Championships and Barclays English Premier League

soccer, SIRIUS broadcasts play-by-play for more than 150 college teams,

including the entire NCAA(R) Division I Men's Basketball Championship.

Starting in 2007, SIRIUS will be the official satellite radio home of

NASCAR.

About SIRIUS

SIRIUS delivers more than 125 channels of the best programming in all

of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free

music channels in satellite radio, offering 67 music channels available

nationwide. SIRIUS also delivers 61 channels of sports, news, talk,

entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite

Radio Partner of the NFL, NBA and NHL and broadcasts live play-by-play

games of the NFL, NBA and NHL. All SIRIUS programming is available for a

monthly subscription fee of only $12.95.

SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in

more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City,

Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at

shop.sirius.com.

SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge,

Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep(R), Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln-Mercury, Mazda,

Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Scion, Toyota,

Volkswagen and Volvo. Hertz also offers SIRIUS in its rental cars at major

locations around the country.

Click on http://www.sirius.com to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase a

SIRIUS radio and subscription.

Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to,

expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or

performance with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical

facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve

estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results

to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking

statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their

entirety by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form

10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Securities and

Exchange Commission. Among the key factors that have a direct bearing on

our operational results are: our dependence upon third parties, including

manufacturers of SIRIUS radios, retailers, automakers and programming

partners, our competitive position and any events which affect the useful

life of our satellites.

P-SIRI

 

 

SOURCE SIRIUS Satellite Radio

Christopher Reeve Foundation Announces the Launch of SupermanTag.org

Tags Favored by Hollywood Trendsetters Now Available on Official Website

The Christopher Reeve Foundation (CRF) today announced the launch of www.SupermanTag.org, the official website of the year's hottest philanthropy-based jewelry, the Superman Tag. These dog tags engraved with the official Superman S-Shield bear the Foundation's tagline, "Go Forward" -- words that reflect Christopher's belief that to overcome any adversity in your life, no matter how challenging, you need to Go Forward each day with strength, determination and courage.

The Tags, whose celebrity fans include Wilmer Valderrama, Hilary Duff and Jesse McCartney, have raised more than $800,000 since their introduction last summer. All proceeds from the sale of the Tags continue the vital work of the late Christopher and Dana Reeve, through CRF's ongoing research and quality of life programs benefiting people living with paralysis.

SupermanTag.org offers a cool and dynamic site that features photos of celebrities wearing the Tag, inspirational stories of those who are Going Forward with the help of the Foundation, downloadable banners for websites and personal web pages, and the opportunity to easily buy Tags for yourself and loved ones.

The Foundation has received tremendous support from Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Comics with the creation of the Tag and website. They have provided the Foundation with the use of the S-Shield for the Tag and the name SupermanTag.org for the website.

Euro RSCG 4D, an integrated marketing communications agency, contributed pro bono website design services to create this unique site and Miles Technologies, a top provider of information technology services, donated hosting facilities for the site.

"SupermanTag.org is a wonderful place for people to learn more about Christopher and Dana's inspiring legacy, the everyday heroes who inspired them and how wearing the Tag can support their vision," said Kathy Lewis, President and CEO of the Christopher Reeve Foundation. "We are very much appreciative of the time and services Euro RSCG 4D and Miles Technologies generously donated to create and host this fabulous website, as well as of our partners at Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Comics for providing the use of the S-Shield."

"We are delighted to be working with the Christopher Reeve Foundation for such a worthy cause," stated Cheryl Rubin, Senior Vice President, Brand Management for DC Comics. "We couldn't be more pleased that the Foundation has currently raised over $800,000 from the sale of these tags."

Euro RSCG 4D's Managing Director Jane Barratt added, "We were thrilled to have been a part of the latest efforts of the Christopher Reeve Foundation. This was a great opportunity for us to utilize the skills and passion of our team to further a wonderful cause."

Wear the tag. Tell a friend. Spread the word. Go Forward.

www.SupermanTag.org

About CRF

The Christopher Reeve Foundation is dedicated to finding treatments and cures for spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the lives of people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. For more information, please visit www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.

About Euro RSCG 4D

Euro RSCG 4D is the marketing services division of Euro RSCG Worldwide. The agency has core capabilities in Direct (CRM, DRTV, direct marketing); Digital (interactive); Drive (promotion, event, retail, channel, design, merchandising and brand experience) and Data (modeling and analysis). Euro RSCG 4D consists of over 100 offices in 42 countries, 700 client relationships and 4,000 employees worldwide. Headquartered in New York, Euro RSCG Worldwide is the largest unit of Havas, a world leader in communications (NASDAQ:HAVS) (NASDAQ:- Euronext) (NASDAQ:Paris) (NASDAQ:SA:) (NASDAQ:HAV.PA) .

About Miles Technologies

Headquartered in Moorestown, New Jersey, Miles Technologies' Information Technology & Computer Consulting division provides Installation and support of networks, servers, and workstations. The company provides onsite and remote support, and custom builds servers and workstations to any specifications. Miles Technologies' Application Development division provides ground-breaking custom software solutions for all company procedures, including Contact Management & Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), project management and task control, automated marketing systems, accounting integration, and Sales and Accounting Reporting. www.milestechnologies.com.

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About DC Comics

DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English- language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC Super Heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics' Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.

SUPERMAN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and (C) DC Comics.

Source: Christopher Reeve Foundation

Web site: http://www.christopherreeve.org/
http://www.supermantag.org/
http://www.paralysis.org/
http://www.milestechnologies.com/
http://www.dccomics.com/

Sony Pictures Television Wants You to Share Your Relationship Story With 'THE GREG BEHRENDT SHOW'

You'll Never Look at Relationships the Same After 'THE GREG BEHRENDT SHOW' Premieres Tuesday, September 12, 2006

THE GREG BEHRENDT SHOW has begun casting for on-air guests who are ready to tackle their relationship issues before a live studio audience.

Beginning Tuesday, September 12, 2006, comedian and best-selling author Greg Behrendt will provide a daily dose of relationship advice on his new daytime talk show, THE GREG BEHRENDT SHOW (syndicated, check local listings) from Sony Pictures Television. Behrendt is the co-author of the popular relationship bibles "He's Just Not That Into You" and "It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken."

THE GREG BEHRENDT SHOW is seeking open, honest people who are ready to confront their relationship problems and, with the help of Greg Behrendt, improve their lives. Whether you are going through a difficult breakup or you have a secret you are afraid to reveal or you're a Supermom holding everything together, THE GREG BEHRENDT SHOW wants to hear from you! Please visit www.gregbehrendt.com or send an e-mail to thegregbehrendtshow@msn.com and share your story today. Producers are now booking guests for relationship segments including:

- Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

- Honey, Where'd You Put The Sex?

- Are you Supermom?

- To Tell or Not To Tell

Want to see a live taping of THE GREG BEHRENDT SHOW? Call 310-202-2433 to reserve your VIP seats now!

Sony Pictures Television is one of the television industry's leading content providers. It produces and distributes programming in every genre, including series, telefilms, theatrical releases and family entertainment for network and cable television, as well as first-run and off-network series for syndication. With more than 25 programs on the air, SPT boasts a program slate that includes the top-rated daytime dramas and game shows, landmark off-network series, original animated series and critically acclaimed primetime dramas, comedies and telefilms. Sony Pictures Television, advertiser sales, is one of the premiere national advertising sales companies, handling the commercial inventory in SPT syndicated series and for Indemand's high definition channel INHD. Together, the Sony and MGM film and television libraries constitute the largest collection of its kind in the world. SPT (www.sonypicturestelevision.com) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

Source: Sony Pictures Television

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

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

Donn Arden's Jubilee! at Bally's Las Vegas Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Los Angeles Talent Search, June 28th

Glitz, Glamour and Vegas Showgirls in Hollywood!!!

WHEN: Wednesday, June 28th, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

WHAT: Gorgeous, statuesque (minimum height 5'8") professional dancers and young hopefuls from throughout Southern California will be auditioned as potential showgirls for Donn Arden's Jubilee! at Bally's Las Vegas in celebration of the show's 25th anniversary.

WHERE: Millennium Dance Complex, 5113 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91606

WHY: This year marks the 25th silver anniversary of Jubilee! making it the longest continuously-running show on the Strip. As a part of the anniversary celebration, the show's producers are traveling to several major U.S. cities seeking new talent for the multi-million dollar production that fills Jubilee's! 1,000 seat theater twice nightly.

*Jubilee! burst onto the Las Vegas scene with an initial production budget of $10 million, more than 1000 dazzling costumes and elaborate feather headdresses, 53 songs and set pieces weighing up to four tons. Today, each performance features 100 dancers plus singers and specialty acts on a gigantic stage half the size of a football field and 15 stories tall.

*The show has won virtually every award for excellence in Las Vegas including Best Show, Best Showgirls, Visitors' Choice and Best of Las Vegas six times.

*Now, thousands of showgirls and millions of rhinestones later, Donn Arden's Jubilee! is celebrating twenty-five years of packed houses at Bally's Las Vegas with a nationwide search for new talent to take this extravagant stage production into its second quarter century.

VISUALS: In addition to scores of beautiful hopefuls, several fully costumed Jubilee! showgirl stars will be on hand. Also, B-roll footage of the show and the behind-the-scenes activities will be available.

Source: Donn Arden's Jubilee!

 

Bodog.com Sponsors Baron Davis and Paul Pierce's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' A Magic Night of Poker, Players and Stars

To Be Held at the Eponymous Avalon and Spider Club in Hollywood

Bodog.com, the online gambling and entertainment giant, has signed on as the official sponsor of Baron Davis and Paul Pierce's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" A Magic Night of Poker, Players and Stars Friday July 7th. For this private event, the Avalon and Spider Club in Hollywood will be transformed into a Las Vegas-style casino. Top celebrities, hot NBA players and VIP's will test their luck competing in a Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament. Entrepreneur and CEO of Bodog.com, Calvin Ayers, will host the celebration along with Pierce and Davis and together they will pay special tribute to Magic Johnson.

"We are thrilled to be part of this event that brings together both sports and poker," says Bodog.com's founder and CEO Calvin Ayre. "We often support charities that support education and other services for underprivileged young people such as building schools in Costa Rica through my Calvin Ayre Foundation and the work done by team and player foundations such as Baron, Paul and Magic's organizations."

The All-Star charity weekend will continue with A Midsummer Night's Glam Jam -- a night of music and fashion fusion at the House of Blues on Sunset, as well as, Game Day: celebrity and NBA-sanctioned All-Star basketball games downtown at the Staples Center. The weekend will close with the Champion Celebration Sunday night at a renowned LA hot spot.

The weekend is presented and hosted by L.A. Stars, a charitable event group composed of the Baron Davis Foundation and Paul Pierce's Truth Foundation. Please visit: www.lastars-mnd.com; www.barondavis.com and www.paulpierce.net. A portion of the weekend's proceeds will also go to The Magic Johnson Foundation.

Tickets are on sale to the public at all Ticketmaster locations. For more information please visit: www.ticketmaster.com.

About Bodog.com

Bodog.com, located in San Jose, Costa Rica, is federally licensed by the Costa Rican and UK governments. Bodog.com Founder and CEO Calvin Ayre, recognized as a pioneer of online gambling and a world authority on branding in the digital entertainment industry, was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine's recent best-selling "Billionaires" issue. In March 2006, Bodog.com was ranked #1 for most visited site in Hitwise's "Gambling Sports Betting" category. Bodog.com, valued at over US $1 billion and ranked in the Power 10 online companies by eGaming Review, processed $7 billion in wagers in 2005. The Bodog.com Marketing Conference, www.bodogconference.com, will take place at the Wynn Las Vegas, July 23-26, 2006, attracting the leaders of the online gambling industry. Bodog Entertainment Group also includes a music label, Bodog Music, an online magazine, BodogNation, a television production unit and further properties coming soon. For more information, contact Media Relations at 1-866-892-3371, or pr@bodog.com. BODOG is a registered trademark of Bodog Entertainment Group S.A.

About the Baron Davis Foundation

The Baron Davis Foundation was established in November 2004 to maintain and/or aid educational, social and charitable activities serving the common welfare of youth. The Foundation's mission is to positively impact the quality of life for underprivileged and at-risk youth and their families in the Oakland/San Francisco Bay area, New Orleans and Los Angeles communities. Through the Baron Davis Foundation, Davis has held events and financially supported organizations including the Red Cross, the Lincoln Child Center, A Place Called Home and Grandparents as Second Parents. For more information, visit www.barondavis.com

About the Paul Pierce Truth Foundation

The Truth Fund was founded by the Celtic's Captain in May of 2002 as a vehicle for Paul to make an impact on the lives of disadvantaged youth in the Greater Boston area as well as in his hometown of Inglewood, CA. The mission is to provide educational and life-enriching opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Paul's vision of the Fund is to ensure that opportunities are available for young people to recognize their dreams through mentoring programs, technology and other needs as well as fostering stable and safe environments. One of his long-term goals is to build a mentoring center in Inglewood, CA, where area youth can find life-changing educational tools and guidance. For more information, visit www.paulpierce.net

About the Magic Johnson Foundation

The Magic Johnson Foundation was established in 1991 as a single-disease organization that worked to raise funds for community-based organizations dealing with HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs. The Foundation has since responded to the growing need to address all aspects of our youth's lives by expanding its mission. This expanded mission emphasizes the Foundation's focus on supporting community-based organization and development programs that serve the health, educational and social needs of those residing in minority communities.

Source: L.A. Stars

Web site: http://www.barondavis.com/
http://www.paulpierce.net/

Web site: http://www.lastars-mnd.com/
http://www.bodog.com/

Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular Opens in Stunning New Theater at The Venetian Resort Casino

The world's most celebrated musical now has a home in the Entertainment Capitol of the World.

The Phantom of the Opera - The Las Vegas Spectacular opened June 24, 2006, in a stunning, $75 million production at The Venetian Resort * Hotel * Casino. The production reunites creator Andrew Lloyd Webber with original director Harold Prince, revisiting their musical masterpiece and combining its timeless story and captivating music with the technological advances of the last two decades.

"It's a rare opportunity we have to utilize all of the theatrical advancements of the last 20 years and create an environment that is singularly unique to Phantom," said Andrew Lloyd Webber. "But in the end, it is always the story of Phantom and the universal theme of love and love lost that stays with the audience."

Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular performs Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 7 and 10 p.m., and Sunday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Tickets for Phantom at The Venetian are available by calling the Venetian Box Office at 866-641-7469 or 702-414-7469, or online at www.Venetian.com . Group tickets are available for groups of 15 or more by calling 866-633-0195. For more information please visit the official website: www.phantomlasvegas.com .

The 95-minute production, which includes every song from the original, will see the roles of "The Phantom," "Christine" and "Carlotta" double-cast due to the challenging vocal score and performance schedule of Phantom. Donning the infamous mask for the role of "The Phantom" are veteran stage and opera performer Brent Barrett, seen in the smash Broadway musicals Chicago and Annie Get Your Gun and Tony Award-winner Anthony Crivello, known for his roles on Broadway in Kiss of the Spider Woman and Les Miserables.

Cast as the delicate ingenue "Christine" are Sierra Boggess, who was recently seen in the national tour of Les Miserables and Elizabeth Loyacano whose Broadway credits include Oklahoma! and The Woman in White.

Operatic Diva "Carlotta" will be played by Elena Jeanne Batman, who comes direct from the same role on Broadway, and Geena Jeffries, seen in the same role in the San Francisco company of Phantom.

Phantom comes alive in a custom built theater created by the renowned architects and designers at The Rockwell Group. The extraordinary venue was designed to resemble the famed Opera Garnier in Paris and features a 1-ton chandelier that promises the most spectacular crash in Phantom history.

The most successful theatrical endeavor of all time, The Phantom of the Opera has grossed more than $3.3 billion worldwide since its London premiere in 1986, having played more than 65,000 performances in 20 countries and 110 cities. After the opening, the musical went on to sweep the 1988 Tony Awards, winning seven Tonys, including Best Musical as well as seven Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards. In January 2006, it became the longest-running show in Broadway history, surpassing another of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits, Cats.

Phantom at The Venetian is produced by The Really Useful Theatre Company Inc., Live Nation and BASE Entertainment.

The Phantom of the Opera features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart, additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber and orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber. It was originally produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Theatre Company, Inc.

 

Source: Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular

Web site: http://www.phantomlasvegas.com/
http://www.venetian.com/

PartyGaming Plc Launches PartyGammon.com

PartyGaming Plc (LSE: PRTY), operators of PartyPoker.com, The World's Largest Poker Room(TM), today announces the launch of its new backgammon product, PartyGammon.com. Known as "the game of kings" and requiring skills of timing and calculation, backgammon is one of the world's most popular games and one of its oldest, with variants dating back more than 5,000 years. PartyGaming has now brought this history to the modern world of the internet, enabling new and existing customers to play backgammon, poker and casino all from a single PartyAccount.

"The launch of backgammon, a truly international game of skill, is a natural evolutionary step in our strategy to become the global gaming portal of choice," said Mitch Garber, CEO of PartyGaming. "We are very pleased to add it to our portfolio of games."

PartyGammon.com offers games to play for free or for cash for a variety of gammon versions, including Hypergammon and Nackgammon. As with all the products in the PartyGaming portfolio, customers can access PartyGaming's 24/7 customer support for any questions about getting started or using the product. PartyGammon.com features cutting edge technology and was developed entirely in-house.

Help is at hand for those who don't know how to play as you can learn in minutes at www.partygammon.com.

About PartyGaming Plc

Founded in 1997, PartyGaming Plc is the world's leading online gaming company and owns and operates PartyPoker.com, the world's largest online poker room, as well as EmpirePoker.com. Other online gaming activities include casino, principally through PartyCasino.com, StarluckCasino.com, and also online bingo through PartyBingo.com. PartyGaming Plc is listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. In the year to 31 December 2005, the Group had revenues of $977.7m and generated Clean EBITDA of $583.7m and profit before tax of $324.9m.

www.partygaming.com

Source: Partygaming PLC

New Universal Studios Florida Nighttime Show Features Film Director John Landis as Creative Consultant

First-of-a-Kind Show Opens July 1 and Creates New Way to Experience Hundreds of Memorable Movie Moments

John Landis, director of some of the most popular modern American films of all time, is serving as creative consultant for an ambitious movie-themed nighttime entertainment show at the Universal Studios theme park in Orlando.

The show is called Universal 360 - A Cinesphere Spectacular and premieres July 1. Its creators set out to blend high-tech special effects with some of the most memorable moments in film history.

Universal 360 is a first-ever combination of more than 100 great movies, 360-degree spherical projection, lasers, pyro effects, digital mapping technology -- and four enormous spheres spread across acres of waterfront at Universal Studios Florida. The spheres, which are 30-feet tall and 36-feet wide, float in the park's central lagoon and serve as giant outdoor projection screens. Digital mapping technology allows Universal to project supplemental images and effects on buildings surrounding the lagoon -- transforming entire buildings into walls of flame. The show also features a specially developed soundtrack broadcast through more than 300 outdoor speakers.

"We set out to create a new form of entertainment, an entirely new way to view and appreciate film," said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort. "We are creating a nightly mega- event that will sweep tens of thousands of people at a time into the emotion and drama behind some of America's most popular movie moments."

At the center of the new show are more than 100 films -- from black-and- white classics to newer releases. Editors have selected comedies, dramas, thrillers, horror films and more. And they have combined them into the 15-minute collage that will serve as the centerpiece of the show.

Helping to guide the editing process is Landis, who has directed such popular films as "National Lampoon's Animal House," "The Blues Brothers," "Trading Places," "Coming to America" and "American Werewolf in London."

"We're attempting to take the magic of movies and use new technology to create a spectacular experience that goes beyond just seeing a movie," said Landis. "We want to create something that interacts with you and that happens around you.

"

Landis said the challenge has been to combine scenes from films across the entire range of the art form in such a way as to tell a story and to evoke emotion in the thousands of people who will be watching the new show at any given time.

"I like spectacles -- especially mass spectacles," Landis said. "When they are done well -- whether it's a circus or a political rally or a theme park show -- they can be an amazing communal experience. It's not so easy to create something that touches people emotionally. But we're using the power of many movies and we're editing them together and combining them with great special effects to create what we believe will be a series of very powerful moments."

The Universal Orlando Resort destination ( http://www.universalorlando.com/ ) includes two dramatically distinct and adjacent theme parks, the Universal Studios motion picture and television theme park and Islands of Adventure, Orlando's most thrilling and exhilarating theme park. Universal Orlando also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre dining, shopping, club and live-entertainment venue as well as premier on-site Loews hotels and world-class film and television production facilities.

NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates the No.1 television network, the fastest-growing Spanish-language network, a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.

Source: Universal Orlando

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

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SPORTS AND AUTOS, JUNE 27,2006

SPORTS AND AUTOS

 Allianz Brings the America's Cup to Rockefeller Center Colts QB Peyton Manning Gives New England Youth Football Team an 'At-the-Line Basic Skills Clinic' in Indianapolis

Delphi Targets GM SUV Owners With Premium Navigation Advanced touch-screen system combines original equipment features with aftermarket value to address underserved consumer market

UpSNAP Brings Formula 1 to Mobile Phones Consumers Can Listen to Over 40 Podcasts From the United States Grand Prix at Legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Simulcast to Cover Saratoga Race Course Meet

Red Sox Shortstop Alex Cora and Volunteers of America Team Up to Help At-risk Youth in Boston

_________________________________________

Allianz Brings the America's Cup to Rockefeller Center Gary Jobson's Top Five Tips For Sailing The Open Seas

Allianz, one of the largest and most renowned financial services providers in the world, has brought the racing yacht of the only USA challenger to midtown Manhattan. Allianz executives Blake Moore, CEO of Allianz Global Investors US Retail LLC; Patrick Foley, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America; and Christopher Heidrick, Vice President of Personal Insurance, Fireman's Fund hosted Gary Jobson today at Rockefeller Center. Jobson, aboard the 80-foot carbon fiber yacht currently docked at 30 Rockefeller Center, offered his top five sailing tips for navigating the open seas. Jobson is a Hall of Fame inductee and ESPN sailing commentator.

1. Don't be Afraid to be Innovative

While there are many nifty rules in sailing, there are many times where it pays to be experimental. For example, it is okay at times to have wrinkles in the sail as long as you have the desired shape. If you are overpowered because there is too much wind, I find it acceptable to carry a luff in the sails. When sailing downwind, it often pays to sail by the lee for short periods of time as opposed to losing much distance making extra jibes. I also find that it pays to over shoot a windward mark by a few extra feet so you approach with extra speed and allow for misjudgment.

Like the America's Cup team, Allianz shares a desire for innovation across products and markets, where we can deliver high quality, reliable and affordable solutions and create new experiences that empower individuals to outperform and improve business (the team) performance. Allianz can deliver expertise in the area of equipment failures through its technology practice, Allianz Centre of Technology (AZT) -- which liaised on the design and technology features of the boat -- including forensic examination of failures, maintenance schedule and risk management, which are all areas where Allianz core competencies may provide a competitive edge for an America's Cup boat.

2. No Mistakes - Critical Success Factors

Most often the boat that wins a sailboat race is a team that eliminates errors. Crew practice is often the factor making the difference in making errors in the heat of the battle. Mission -- Fast Yachts, Well sailed -- That don't break! This relates directly to Allianz business forecasters

The America's Cup requires a level of performance between the skipper and the crew which must work seamlessly together in order to be successful. Allianz encourages a similar environment, where the quality and reliability of products and services, combined with an experienced team of experts ensures the very best results are achieved for customers and clients.

Allianz is a sound choice to cover customer's risks and manage their financial provisions, because we are highly recognized for financial strength and have the competence of the second largest asset manager in the world.

3. Define Duties

The happiest boats are sailed by crews who know their exact jobs while they are racing. Before every race, organize a crew meeting to go over everyone's job and state the goal for the day. Then after the day sailing, have another crew meeting to analyze the day, and get everyone ready for the next race.

Success in sailing depends on a collective performance throughout an extended period. The ability to perform is also the key driver for Allianz and is based on a clear strategy, executed by a team of skilled professionals in a concise and proficient manner.

Allianz is committed to serve the customer along their evolving financial goals, based on mutual trust and reliability. Since 1890, Allianz customers have appreciated our efforts to keep commitments on services and performance as promised.

4. Catching a Wave

The best way to catch a wave to is keep the hull perpendicular to a passing wave. Time it so that the boat is upright and there is no pressure on the rudder just as the wave passes under the hull. When steering, head the bow into the deepest troth and steer so that the boat is perpendicular to that wave. Then tell your trimmers whether you intend to head up or bear off to follow the wave.

To achieve their individual goals in insurance and financial matters, people look for a professional partner with a qualified pedigree. In times of change and risk -- just as on a racing yacht -- Allianz and its team of experts are the trusted partner to turn to, striking a balance between managing risks and reaping the reward as well as gauging the climate. Allianz enables the individual to find the best solution for his/her needs, providing products and services that prove their value in moments of truth.

5. Talk with Your Competitors

Often I gain my most valuable information after the race talking with my competitors. It amazes me how much information I can gather after a day of sailing. People like to talk and you should take advantage of the opportunity.

Allianz operates at a global level and shares this major platform -- Allianz operates in 70 countries, with more than 60 million customers.

Allianz provides the individual with expert advice, both through clear and relevant information and through a network of highly qualified staff or intermediaries. Due to their local knowledge, Allianz advisers understand, in depth, the financial needs of customers in every market.

About Gary Jobson

Gary Jobson won the America's Cup in 1977 as the tactician aboard the U.S. yacht Courageous, and has had a long and distinguished career in the racing environment. During his time, Gary has competed and commentated on many America's Cup competitions, a role he will continue to take in this year's event. In addition to his broadcasting responsibilities, Gary is also the Allianz Sailing Ambassador for the 32nd America's Cup helping to promote the sport and the event across the globe. Gary is a contributing writer for Sailing World and Cruising World magazines, an author, movie producer, and considered to be the pre-eminent ambassador for sailing in the U.S.

About Allianz

Allianz Group is one of the largest and most renowned financial services providers in the world. Representing an international network of strong brands with first-class products, we bring together the expertise of specialists in the fields of property and casualty insurance, life and health insurance, asset management and banking. Above all, we are committed to excellence in our daily business -- in relationships with customers, shareholders, employees and society.

Founded in 1890 in Berlin, Allianz is now present in more than 70 countries with over 177,000 employees. At the top of the international group is the holding company, Allianz AG, with its head office in Munich. Allianz Group provides its more than 60 million customers worldwide with a comprehensive range of services in the areas of:

* Property and Casualty Insurance

Allianz offers a wide range of private insurance solutions that can

provide private customers with security and peace of mind. Allianz

offers property and casualty insurance for all businesses and industries

-- from small and mid-size companies to large corporations -- and from

agriculture through service provision to industrial output. In response

to today's ever-changing marketplace, Allianz's specialists worldwide

are working together to develop the best solutions in insurance and risk

management.

* Life and Health Insurance

Allianz invests in private customer's future by providing flexible life

insurance policies, pension plans and long-term care products. For

health care, Allianz offers a variety of solutions -- from complete

private health coverage to complementary health insurance -- designed to

meet the specific needs of one's particular situation. Allianz also

offers attractive products for business customers -- from general

pension funds to solutions for company directors. Allianz offers

everything from assistance with complicated pension management issues to

health insurance products for the firm and its employees.

* Asset Management and Banking

As a global network of investment experts, Allianz Global Investors

offers a wide range of high performance mutual funds and investment

solutions developed by Allianz's network of world-class investment

specialists. The combination of Allianz and Dresdner Bank creates

considerable value added through a wider range of financial products for

customers in Germany, broader sales channels, and greater advisory

capacity and expertise. It also allows more convenient access to private

and company pension products. For multinational clients Dresdner

Kleinwort Wasserstein -- the investment bank of Dresdner Bank with

international reach -- offers a full range of capital markets and

advisory services.

For further information on Allianz, please visit http://www.allianz.com/ .

About Allianz Global Investors

Allianz Global Investors offers access to the institutional expertise of the Allianz-owned investment firms, including PIMCO, NFJ Investment Group, Oppenheimer Capital, RCM, Nicholas-Applegate and PEA Capital. With more than $1 trillion under management, Allianz Global Investors is one of the world's leading asset management companies. Our investment solutions -- including mutual funds, managed accounts and closed-end funds -- represent a broad spectrum of asset classes and investment styles. For more information please visit www.allianzglobalinvestors.com

About Fireman's Fund

Fireman's Fund is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal, commercial and specialty insurance products nationwide. Fireman's Fund is a member of the Allianz Group (NYSE:AZ) , one of the world's largest providers of insurance and other financial services. For more information about Fireman's Fund, visit www.firemansfund.com

About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America

Founded in 1896 and based in Minneapolis, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America is a leading provider of fixed and variable annuities, life insurance policies, long term care insurance products, and health excess of loss insurance products in the United States. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America is one of the primary companies of Allianz AG. Allianz AG employs over 177,000 people worldwide.

 

Source: Allianz

Web site: http://www.allianz.com/
http://www.firemansfund.com/
http://www.allianzglobalinvestors.com/

Colts QB Peyton Manning Gives New England Youth Football Team an 'At-the-Line Basic Skills Clinic' in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Colts -- the NFL's most explosive team in the air over the last two seasons -- have more than 100 pass plays in their playbook. The Mansfield (Mass.) Green Machine, who doesn't have a player over 100 pounds? Just two.

But the Mansfield Mighty Mite league's smallest squad added some firepower to their passing attack as the winners of Upper Deck's Gridiron Trivia Battle. The prize: a once-in-a-lifetime skills clinic from Colts' QB Peyton Manning, who gave the team a sneak peak at his playcalling from scrimmage secrets.

Like Peyton and his dad Archie -- a hall-of-famer for the New Orleans Saints -- the Green Machine team also shares a special father-son quarterback connection: head coach Scott Buchanan was an all-conference QB at Mansfield High in the '80s; his nine-year-old son Chris is the youth squad's starting signalcaller.

Aged nine through 11, the Green Machine beat out teams from 21 states, huddling up to answer the greatest number of trivia questions found on insert cards in exclusive NFL trading card packs. In addition to giving insight into his audibles, Manning participated in a question and answers session with the team today in Indianapolis.

This is the second year Upper Deck has teamed with Pop Warner. To spur participation and connect kids with their on-field idols, the company has given free NFL trading cards to half-a-million Pop Warner players in the U.S.

Additional Green Machine, Manning Connection: In-the-Classroom Honors When asked if there was one skill he wanted Manning to focus on during the clinic with his kids, coach Buchanan noted Manning's knowledge of getting his team to the line, getting them off on the right count.

"At this stage in their football lives, we're just trying to teach these kids the basics: line up in the correct position, remember the play, don't start too early," said Buchanan. "If Peyton can help us with the mental part of the game, maybe give us some intermediate tips he's learned from studying all that film, we'll be set for next season."

Unlike the Colts, who went undefeated for much of the season, the Green Machine did not. However, there was one off-the-field element in which the Green Machine went undefeated this season: their top-level test grades. Every member of the squad achieved the league's all-scholastic scholar award based on their performance in the classroom -- believed to be the only team in the league to accomplish this perfect honors' record.

While at the University of Tennessee, Peyton Manning was a Phi Beta Kappa and an academic All-American, winning the National Football Foundation Burger King-Vincent dePaul Draddy Scholar-Athlete of the Year award.

About the Upper Deck Company

Founded in 1988, The Upper Deck Co. is a premier global sports and entertainment-publishing company that delivers a portfolio of relevant, innovative and multi-dimensional product experiences to collectors, sports and entertainment enthusiasts.

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

Delphi Targets GM SUV Owners With Premium Navigation

Advanced touch-screen system combines original equipment features with aftermarket value to address underserved consumer market

Delphi introduces the Delphi TNR800 (Touch Screen Navigation Radio) to the consumer market, combining advanced DVD-based navigation with AM/FM/CD without giving up the convenience, control and functionality of other connected accessories.

The Delphi TNR800 is uniquely designed for seamless integration and functionality in most 2003-2006 GM light trucks and SUVs including the Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, Trailblazer, Avalanche, Silverado; Hummer H2; GMC Envoy, Yukon, Denali; Buick Rainier; and, Cadillac Escalade. Collectively, these North American vehicles are the best selling in their class, but less than 10 percent were equipped with factory navigation.

The Delphi TNR800 has nearly all the advantages of the original equipment navigation system for these vehicles, including a large, 6.5" easy-to-read touch-screen display that makes inputting destinations or points of interest a simple task. Plus, it provides intelligent map and voice-prompt navigation cues to effortlessly help drivers and passengers get from point A to point B. Unlike conventional aftermarket navigation systems, the TNR800 retains the control and functionality of any installed original equipment accessories like XM(TM) Satellite Radio, On-Star(TM), DVD entertainment and CD changer.

In fact, drivers can control key entertainment functions of the TNR800 through the steering wheel controls they have come to rely on for both safety and convenience. And, because of its vehicle-specific design, the TNR800 can harness speed information, available through the vehicle's computer system, to more accurately navigate a driver through urban environments where large buildings and bridges could obstruct the Global Positioning System satellites.

"Vehicle navigation systems have quickly become an everyday necessity for many consumers," said Joe Damato, Director of Consumer Electronics for Delphi Product and Service Solutions. "Delphi's new TNR800 offers these GM owners the product they have been asking for -- delivering the very best navigation performance without the typical hassles of integrating devices that alter their vehicle interior or limit the control and functionality of important factory-installed options."

The system uses an on-board computer that interacts with the Global Positioning System, vehicle sensors and a DVD map database to help guide travelers using voice prompts to their destination. Plus, it helps pinpoint locations along the way and re-maps directions should a turn be missed. Used as a "personal travel assistant," it can help minimize travel time, make travel more convenient and increase driver and passenger peace of mind.

In fact, in a recent J.D. Power and Associates' 2005 Navigation Usage and Satisfaction Study, consumers rated several vehicles equipped with Delphi's original equipment navigation system consistently higher than average in the areas of information screen ratings and overall appearance.

The TNR800 comes with single DVD-ROM containing "Navteq's" popular and well-respected map database for both the US and Canada, enabling the system to provide a large network of turn-by-turn routable roads. The disc also provides more than 11 million POIs (points of interest) and can be sorted into different categories to make finding the nearest gas station, ATM or restaurant quick and simple.

The TNR800 is offered in three kit configurations. The luxury kit (NA- 40005) supports all 2003-2006 Cadillac Escalade and GMC Denali. The non- luxury kit (NA-40010) supports 2003-2006 Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche, Silverado; Hummer H2; GMC, Sierra and Yukon. An additional non-luxury third kit (NA-40001) was designed to meet the needs of the 2003-2007 GMC Envoy, Chevy Trailblazer, and Buick Rainer. Each kit comes with all needed components for quick and clean installation including the Navigation Radio, GPS antenna, DVD maps (US and Canada), vehicle speed sensor (VSS) wire and splice kit, owner's manual and installation guide.

"Mobile electronics professionals will delight over how easy and fast the TNR800 will install in these vehicles," said Adiel Avelar, Navigation Business Line Manager. "All existing mounting hardware and wiring connections are the same used for the factory-installed radio and do not require special mounting kits, trim plates or expensive and unreliable translation boxes for the vehicle bus to maintain important features and control of factory accessories."

The TNR800 offers a two year parts and labor warranty and will have a Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,999 when it debuts at select retail stores later this month in the US and Canada. For more information about the TNR800 or its authorized distributors, please either call 877-667- 8700 or visit http://www.shopdelphi.com/TNR800 .

For more information about Delphi Corporation (Pink Sheets: DPHIQ), visit http://www.delphi.com/ .

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT

This press release, as well as other statements made by Delphi may contain forward-looking statements within the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that reflect, when made, the company's current views with respect to current events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be, as the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to the company's operations and business environment which may cause the actual results of the company to be materially different from any future results, express or implied, by such forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the ability of the company to continue as a going concern; the ability of the company to operate pursuant to the terms of the debtor-in-possession ("DIP") financing facility; the company's ability to obtain court approval with respect to motions in the chapter 11 proceeding prosecuted by it from time to time; the ability of the company to develop, prosecute, confirm and consummate one or more plans of reorganization with respect to the Chapter 11 cases; risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the company to propose and confirm one or more plans of reorganization, for the appointment of a chapter 11 trustee or to convert the cases to chapter 7 cases; the ability of the company to obtain and maintain normal terms with vendors and service providers; the company's ability to maintain contracts that are critical to its operations; the potential adverse impact of the Chapter 11 cases on the company's liquidity or results of operations; the ability of the company to execute its business plans, including the transformation plan described in the Company's March 31, 2006 press release, and to do so in a timely fashion; the ability of the company to attract, motivate and/or retain key executives and associates; the ability of the company to avoid or continue to operate during a strike, or partial work stoppage or slow down by any of its unionized employees; and the ability of the company to attract and retain customers.

Other risk factors are listed from time to time in the company's United States Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including, but not limited to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and its most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, and current reports on Form 8-K. Delphi disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events and/or otherwise.

Similarly, these and other factors, including the terms of any reorganization plan ultimately confirmed, can affect the value of the company's various pre-petition liabilities, common stock and/or other equity securities. Additionally, no assurance can be given as to what values, if any, will be ascribed in the bankruptcy proceedings to each of these constituencies.

A plan of reorganization could result in holders of Delphi's common stock receiving no distribution on account of their interest and cancellation of their interests. Under certain conditions specified in the Bankruptcy Code, a plan of reorganization may be confirmed notwithstanding its rejection by an impaired class of creditors or equity holders and notwithstanding the fact that equity holders do not receive or retain property on account of their equity interests under the plan. In light of the foregoing and as stated in its October 8, 2005, press release announcing the filing of its Chapter 11 reorganization cases, the company considers the value of the common stock to be highly speculative and cautions equity holders that the stock may ultimately be determined to have no value. Accordingly, the company urges that appropriate caution be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in Delphi's common stock or other equity interests or any Source: Delphi Corporation

UpSNAP Brings Formula 1 to Mobile Phones

Consumers Can Listen to Over 40 Podcasts From the United States Grand Prix at Legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway

UpSNAP, Inc. (NASDAQ:UPSN.OB) , the premier provider of free mobile search and streaming mobile audio entertainment, today announced that it will be offering exclusive on-site Podcast programming from the United States Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The service will be available to all mobile phone users from June 27 through July 4, 2006 and will include reports from the paddock, driver and team interviews, race previews, and updates from all race parties and events.

"Formula 1 racing is one of the most popular sports on the planet, and the United States Grand Prix is the only U.S. race on the F1 schedule. Apart from being at the race, this is the broadest coverage that American Formula 1 fans can get on the race," said Tony Philipp, President and CEO of UpSNAP.

"There is a huge F1 following in America and through UpSNAP's unique mobile audio service, race fans can listen to over 40 different Podcasts covering all aspects of the United States Grand Prix event, directly on their mobile phones," said Brett Johnson, President of FormulaPod.com. "We can bring news, analysis, and interviews to any Formula 1 fan that has a mobile phone.

UpSNAP's premium race service is available beginning June 27 through July 4, 2006, and will provide over 40 Podcast updates during the course of the United States Grand Prix week in Indianapolis. To learn more and to sign up for the service, race fans can text message 'gp' to 27627 on their mobile phone or go to http://www.upsnap.com/race.php. UpSNAP's exclusive Formula 1 coverage is available for $4.99 and offers unlimited access to the entire week of great U.S. Grand Prix coverage.

About UpSNAP, Inc

UpSNAP, Inc. is the leader in mobile search and live mobile audio entertainment. With a rich library of branded multimedia content and true mobile search technology, UpSNAP effectively delivers compelling text and audio mobile content to consumers from major entertainment companies in sports, news, music, and information.

UpSNAP offers both branded and white-label services that can be licensed by wireless carriers, service providers, and content providers who wish to incorporate text and streaming audio capabilities into their existing product and service offerings. Visit www.upsnap.com for more information.

Web site: http://formulapod.com/

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

 

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Simulcast to Cover Saratoga Race Course Meet

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway has come to an agreement with the New York Racing Association to simulcast the entire six week Saratoga Race Course meet beginning July 26. The agreement between the two tracks gives visitors to Saratoga Springs, NY the opportunity to wager and view the popular Saratoga races in two locations just minutes away from each other. Additionally, the convenience of having two Saratoga locations to wager and view the thoroughbred races will provide better service to the summer horse bettors and is expected to raise the overall handle for the Saratoga Race Course meet.

"We are very excited about covering the summer Saratoga Race Course meet and begin a new working relationship with the New York Racing Association. The level of horse racing that NYRA offers is second to none and we're pleased that our loyal and new guests will be able to enjoy their races at our location," said George "Skip" Carlson, Vice President of Racing at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway. "We further anticipate this agreement will build an even greater summer crowd for Saratoga and bring additional tourism dollars to the area," he added. "Nothing beats the experience of being at the races at Saratoga Race Course," said NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward. "But there are many people who have to work during the summer or who can't stay for the entire card. Now, if they can't make it to the track, they can pop in at the Raceway and even advance wager on their selections."

To ensure bettors have a wonderful experience while viewing the Saratoga thoroughbred races at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, the Raceway has developed a special $9.95 lunch buffet in Fortunes restaurant where every table has its own LCD television, and mutuel betting windows and automatic betting machines are conveniently located for easy wagering. The lunch buffet at Fortunes will be offered everyday from 11:30am to 3:30pm, with the exception of Tuesdays, July 26 through September 4. With the addition of the Saratoga Race Course coverage, the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway simulcast schedule will include ten different tracks daily and provide race coverage seven-days a week. Parking and admission are always FREE at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway and wagering on all races is at track prices. Saratoga Gaming and Raceway also offers two different air-conditioned areas to wager on simulcast races.

The first gaming facility to open in New York State, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway boasts over 1,300 state-of-the-art video gaming machines, a full service restaurant with buffet, a fine dining restaurant, three full-service bars, a food court and deli, a point boutique, and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check. Patrons can participate in our player rewards program, Player Extras Club, while visiting the property. The 55,000 square foot gaming floor cost $15 million to construct and employs an additional 300 local residents. Fortunes, our full service restaurant, overlooks the excitement of live harness racing with seating for 400 guests and can accommodate large group events. Video gaming and food and beverage operations at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway are managed by Delaware North Companies Inc., a leading hospitality and entertainment management group headquartered in Buffalo, NY.

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway is located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY. Operating hours for the gaming facility are 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week. Must be 18 years of age or older to play video gaming machines. Please play responsibly. Simulcast races can be viewed Tuesday through Sunday. Live Harness races run Wednesday through Saturday evenings in July, and Tuesday through Saturday evenings in August. Post time for all races is 7:20 p.m. Must be 18 or older to wager on horses. For directions to the facility or further information, please visit our website at http://www.saratogagamingandraceway.com/ or call 1-800-727-2990.

Source: Saratoga Gaming and Raceway

Red Sox Shortstop Alex Cora and Volunteers of America Team Up to Help At-risk Youth in Boston

Volunteers of America and the Major League Baseball Players Trust are working together to highlight the need for positive enrichment programs for at-risk youth in grades 6-8 in the "Heart of the City" of Boston. Boston Red Sox shortstop Alex Cora will join local high school students who are members of Volunteers of America's Boston Action Team on Wednesday, June 28 to underscore the increasing need for positive programs for inner city youth and encourage youth to get involved with volunteer activities in and around Boston during the summer. Volunteers of America's programs in Massachusetts support and empower the area's most vulnerable groups, including at-risk youth, adults and adolescents in recovery from substance abuse, and elders in need of affordable housing and mental health services.

The Action Team, an expanding youth volunteer initiative created and administered by Volunteers of America and the Major League Baseball Players Trust, is training the next generation of volunteers. Action Teams of Major League baseball players and area high school students work together to inspire and encourage youth to get involved helping those in need in their communities. Through the support of Volunteers of America affiliates across the country, Action Teams are currently at work in Boston, Denver, Minnesota and Philadelphia, with plans to expand into New York, Dallas, Detroit, Portland (ME), Seattle, Oakland and San Francisco for the 2006-07 school year.

What: Boston Red Sox Shortstop Alex Cora and Volunteers of America's

Boston Action Team, in conjunction with Boston Centers for Youth &

Families, present: The Mattapan Summer Jam.

Date: Wednesday, June 28

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: The Mildred Avenue Community Center at 5 Mildred Avenue,

Mattapan, MA 02126.

Participating: Boston Red Sox Shortstop Alex Cora; Mayor Thomas Menino;

Volunteers of America's Boston Action Team; Boston Centers for Youth &

Families; and Mattapan youth grades 6-8.

The Major League Baseball Players Trust partnered with Volunteers of America in 2002 to promote the nurturing and well being of America's children and their families. The partnership features the personal involvement of Major League baseball players and their families with a variety of programs conducted by Volunteers of America's local offices throughout the United States. For more information about the Major League Baseball Players Trust, visit http://www.mlbplayers.com/.

Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization that is dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Through thousands of human service programs, including housing and healthcare, Volunteers of America helps nearly 2 million people in over 400 communities. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America's most vulnerable groups, including at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions. Our work touches the mind, body, heart -- and ultimately the spirit -- of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services. For more information about Volunteers of America, visit http://www.volunteersofamerica.org/.

Source: Volunteers of America

Web site: http://www.volunteersofamerica.org/
http://www.mlbplayers.com/

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DOD JUNE 27, 2006

 

Chopper, Inc.'s Billy Lane to Visit Troops in Germany

Custom bike builder Billy Lane will depart on his first USO tour to Germany June 30. During the six-day tour, Lane will spend time with service members and their families at Vogelweh Military Complex as well as participate in July 4th celebrations at Spangdahlem Air Force Base, Baumholder Army Base and Ramstein Air Base. This tour is co-sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment.

Lane has a long-standing respect for the armed forces. During a recent tour of bike rallies across the country, documented in the recently released DVD "Blood, Sweat, and Gears," Lane gave custom bikes to four service members. In addition, he has written two books, "Chop Fiction" and "How to Build Old School Choppers and Bobbers."

After graduating from college with a degree in mechanical engineering, Lane started working on motorcycles and making custom bike parts for his friends as gifts. The demand for Lane's specialty parts led to the formation of Choppers, Inc. in 1995. Lane's bikes and parts also have been featured in numerous magazines and have won several awards.

Since 1941, USO celebrity entertainment has played an essential role in boosting troop morale. With a handshake, signed autograph or simple conversation, entertainers are conveying the thanks of a grateful nation. Some performers who have participated in recent USO tours include Master P and Lil' Romeo, Toby Keith, Gary Sinise, Chely Wright, Montgomery Gentry and La Mafia. Tours are sponsored by AT&T, Inc., the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours.

About the USO: For more than 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE SYSTEMS, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Military Channel, S&K Sales Company and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit our Web site at http://www.uso.org/.

Web site: http://www.uso.org/

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NEWS:JUNE 27,2006

NEWS

Phelps Dodge, Inco and Falconbridge Agree to US$56 Billion Three-Way Combination, Creating One of World's Largest Mining Companies

Johnson & Johnson to Acquire Pfizer Consumer Healthcare; Combination Creates World's Premier Consumer Health Care Company All Cash Transaction is Valued at $16.6 Billion

Mittal Steel Company NV Announces Agreement With Arcelor Merger of Equals Creates World's Leading Steel Company Estimated Synergies of US$1.6 Billion

National Foreclosures Increase Less Than 2 Percent in May According to RealtyTrac(TM) U.S. Foreclosure Market Report Foreclosures Up 28 Percent From Last Year Colorado, Georgia, Texas Post Highest Rates

New ATMs Allow Customers To Make Deposits Without Envelopes or Math; Receipts Provide Digital Images of Deposited Checks and Cash Bank of America starts national rollout this week in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta areas; Detroit Regional Economy Shows No Rebound in May; Reports Comerica Bank's Detroit Business Activity Index

Flynn is In, Again Marina at Port Antonio Renamed in Honor of Film Legend

Renters: Homeownership a Sound Investment, but Many Want Two-Car Garage, Master Bedroom

New Book On Protecting the Space Environment

__________________________________________________

 

Phelps Dodge, Inco and Falconbridge Agree to US$56 Billion Three-Way Combination, Creating One of World's Largest Mining Companies Transaction Creates World's Largest Nickel Producer and Largest Publicly Traded Copper Producer Combines High-Quality, Long-Lived Assets in Regions with Low Geopolitical Risk and Strong Development Pipelines; Enhances Ability to Invest in Long-Term Growth US$900 Million of Estimated Annual Synergies Expected by 2008; Combination Expected to Be Immediately Accretive to Cash Flow and Accretive to Earnings Per Share in 2008 Phelps Dodge Offer for Combined Inco/Falconbridge Is Valued at C$80.13 Per Share; Agreement Enables Inco to Enhance Offer for Falconbridge to C$62.11 Per Share Phelps Dodge Also Announces Up to US$5 Billion Share Repurchase Program

Phelps Dodge Corporation (NYSE:PD) , Inco Limited (NYSE: N; TSX) and Falconbridge Limited (NYSE: FAL; TSX) announced today they have agreed to combine in a US$56(1) billion transaction to create a North American-based mining company that is one of the world's largest. The new company will be named Phelps Dodge Inco Corporation.

Phelps Dodge Inco will be the world's leading nickel producer, the world's largest publicly traded copper producer and a leading producer of molybdenum and cobalt, and it will have a world-class portfolio of growth projects and exciting exploration opportunities. For the quarter ended March 31, 2006, the three companies had combined revenues of US$6.3 billion and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of US$1.9 billion.

The corporate office and the new company's copper division will be headquartered in Phoenix. Inco Nickel, the new company's nickel division, will be headquartered in Toronto.

The Phelps Dodge board of directors also announced, as part of the transaction, a share repurchase program of up to US$5.0 billion to be commenced after closing.

Phelps Dodge Inco will have operations in more than 40 countries and will employ approximately 40,000 people globally. Phelps Dodge Inco will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and will apply for a listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange. As a result of the three-way combination, Phelps Dodge Inco will have a significantly increased weighting in the S&P 500 Index. A Web site with detailed information on the transaction is available at http://www.phelpsdodgeinco.com/ .

J. Steven Whisler, chairman and chief executive officer of Phelps Dodge Corporation, said: "This transaction represents a unique opportunity in a rapidly consolidating industry to create a global leader based in North America-home of the world's deepest and most liquid capital markets. The combined company has one of the industry's most exciting portfolios of development projects, and the scale and management expertise to pursue their development successfully. The creation of this new company gives us the scale and diversification to manage cyclicality, stabilize earnings and increase shareholder returns. At the same time, we are committed to maintaining an investment-grade credit rating throughout the business cycle."

Scott M. Hand, chairman and chief executive officer of Inco, said: "This combination allows Inco's shareholders, in addition to receiving a substantial premium for their stock, to share in the significant synergies both from our agreed merger with Falconbridge and from the combination with Phelps Dodge, and it creates an opportunity for all three groups of shareholders to participate in an exciting, new, diversified industry leader. We believe the Phelps Dodge transaction delivers an excellent value proposition for our shareholders. The new Phelps Dodge Inco also will maintain a very strong commitment to and presence in Canada."

Derek Pannell, chief executive officer of Falconbridge, said: "This is an industry-redefining transaction. Phelps Dodge Inco will have the scale, diversification, market leadership, reserve position, growth profile and balance sheet necessary to create tremendous value for shareholders. It represents a significant premium to Falconbridge shareholders, with ongoing participation in the upside of the three-way combination. We believe this transaction represents a most compelling opportunity for all Falconbridge shareholders."

Terms of the Transaction

Under the terms of the transaction, Phelps Dodge will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Inco for a combination of cash and common shares of Phelps Dodge having a value of C$80.13 per Inco share, based upon the closing price of Phelps Dodge stock and the closing US/Canadian dollar exchange rate on Friday, June 23, 2006. Each shareholder of Inco would receive 0.672 shares of Phelps Dodge stock plus C$17.50 per share in cash for each share of Inco stock. This represents a premium of 23 percent to Inco's market price as of close of trading on June 23 and a 19 percent premium to the value of the existing Teck Cominco Limited unsolicited offer for Inco.

Simultaneous with its entry into the combination agreement with Phelps Dodge, Inco has entered into an agreement with Falconbridge to increase its previously recommended offer for Falconbridge. Under the terms of this enhanced offer, Inco has increased the cash component of the offer from C$12.50 to C$17.50 and the exchange ratio from 0.524 shares of Inco for each share of Falconbridge to 0.55676 shares of Inco for each share of Falconbridge. The board of Falconbridge has unanimously agreed to recommend this revised offer and also approved an amendment of the Support Agreement with Inco to reflect the revised price.

Based upon the value of the consideration offered by Phelps Dodge for Inco of C$80.13 per share, the implied value of the revised agreed offer for Falconbridge including the increased cash component is C$62.11 per share, representing a 12 percent premium to Falconbridge's closing price on June 23, and an 18 percent premium to the existing Xstrata plc unsolicited offer for Falconbridge.

At Phelps Dodge's June 23 closing price of US$82.95, the total enterprise value of the acquisition by Phelps Dodge of the combined Inco and Falconbridge is approximately US$40 billion.

The acquisition of Falconbridge by Inco is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and Inco's tender offer is expected to close in July. Inco anticipates conducting a second-stage transaction to acquire the remaining Falconbridge shares, which is expected to close in August. Upon the closing of the Phelps Dodge-Inco combination, shareholders of Falconbridge who have been issued Inco common shares in the Inco-Falconbridge transaction will be entitled to receive for those shares the same package of cash and Phelps Dodge shares as will other Inco shareholders.

Phelps Dodge strongly supports Inco's agreed offer for Falconbridge and has entered into a definitive agreement under which it will purchase up to US$3.0 billion of convertible subordinated notes issued by Inco to provide Inco with substantial additional liquidity at the time of its purchase of Falconbridge common shares and to satisfy related dissent rights, as needed. The convertible subordinated notes will only be funded in the event the Inco/Falconbridge combination is consummated. The instrument will be redeemable for cash at any time by Inco after the merger with Falconbridge and may be converted at any time beginning six months after issuance by Phelps Dodge at a conversion rate equal to 95 percent of the market value of Inco's common shares plus accrued interest of the security at the time of conversion. The instrument will bear an 8 percent PIK coupon. The issuance of the convertible subordinated notes will be subject to regulatory approval.

Phelps Dodge intends to complete its share repurchase program within the 12 months after closing of the Inco transaction in an amount equal to US$5 billion, less the amount of any convertible subordinated notes purchased by Phelps Dodge.

The transaction between Phelps Dodge and Inco is not conditioned upon the completion of the Inco and Falconbridge combination. Thus, in the event the Inco-Falconbridge merger is not completed, Inco shareholders will receive the same 0.672 shares of Phelps Dodge and C$17.50 per share in cash that they would have received in the proposed three-way combination. Should Inco not complete the Falconbridge transaction, the Phelps Dodge board of directors intends to execute the full US$5.0 billion share repurchase program within 12 months of closing a transaction with Inco.

Inco has agreed to pay a break-up fee to Phelps Dodge under certain circumstances of US$475 million on a stand-alone basis and US$925 million in conjunction with its combination with Falconbridge. Inco has also given Phelps Dodge certain other customary rights, including a right to match competing offers. Phelps Dodge has agreed to pay Inco a US$500 million break-up fee under certain circumstances.

Phelps Dodge has received financing commitments from Citigroup and HSBC that may be drawn upon to fund the contemplated transactions and the up to US$5.0 billion share repurchase program.

Inco has received additional financing commitments from Morgan Stanley, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Royal Bank of Canada, and Bank of Nova Scotia in support of the increased cash component of its revised agreed offer for Falconbridge.

After completion of the transaction, current Phelps Dodge shareholders would own approximately 40 percent of Phelps Dodge Inco, current Inco shareholders would own approximately 31 percent, and current Falconbridge holders would own approximately 29 percent. The transaction, which is subject to Phelps Dodge and Inco shareholder approval, regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, is expected to close in September 2006.

Delivering Significant Value to Shareholders Through Synergies and Growth

The combination of Phelps Dodge, Inco and Falconbridge is expected to result in total annual synergies of approximately US$900 million by 2008. This includes US$550 million in total expected annual synergies from the combination of Inco and Falconbridge.

The net present value of total synergies, at a 7.0 percent discount rate, is approximately US$5.8 billion after-tax.

The combination brings together three companies with unique, complementary skill sets. The synergies previously identified by Inco and Falconbridge will be generated in part by joint operation of facilities in the Sudbury Basin, where there are contiguous, interwoven mines and processing facilities. Consolidation of the district allows feed flow changes that result in production increases and cost reductions. Also, consolidation of management allows for the sharing of best practices.

The inclusion of Phelps Dodge enhances these synergies. Its three-year-old North American One Mine processes are an excellent blueprint for the consolidation of the Sudbury district. In addition, Phelps Dodge brings a focus on technology that can be applied to improve process recoveries and throughput in Sudbury and elsewhere. Also, the larger company will realize savings in procurement and supply-chain management because of its much larger size.

Based on these synergies, the combination is expected to be immediately accretive to cash flow and accretive to earnings per share in 2008, excluding integration and transaction costs.

The new, larger company will benefit from a strengthened financial position to take advantage of future growth opportunities. This increased financial strength, coupled with its combined assets and expertise, will enable it to pursue current and future development projects more effectively.

The combined company will have an impressive list of greenfield and brownfield projects and expansions. Those now in commissioning or in the late stages of construction include Voisey's Bay (nickel), Cerro Verde (copper/molybdenum) and Henderson (molybdenum). Other projects include Safford (copper), Tenke Fungurume (copper/cobalt), Climax (molybdenum), Lomas Bayas (copper), Collahuasi (copper/molybdenum), El Morro (copper), El Pachon (copper), El Abra (copper), Goro (nickel), Koniambo (nickel), and Nickel Rim (nickel).

Management Team and Board of Directors

J. Steven Whisler, 51, chairman and chief executive officer of Phelps Dodge, will be chairman and chief executive officer of the new company. Scott M. Hand, 64, chairman and chief executive officer of Inco, will become vice chairman of Phelps Dodge Inco. Derek Pannell, 60, chief executive officer of Falconbridge, will become president: Inco Nickel and will head the new company's nickel, zinc and aluminum operations. Timothy R. Snider, 56, president and chief operating officer of Phelps Dodge, will hold the same position in the new company. Ramiro G. Peru, 50, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Phelps Dodge, will be the chief financial officer of the new company. Whisler, Snider and Peru will be based in Phoenix. Hand and Pannell will be based in Toronto.

The board of directors of the new company will be composed of 15 members, 11 from the board of Phelps Dodge and four from the boards of Inco and Falconbridge.

Benefits to Canada

Canada will derive benefits not only from the new Phelps Dodge Inco's scale and global reach, but its continuing strong commitment to Canada overall and the local communities in which it operates. As the largest mining company based in North America, Phelps Dodge Inco will have ready access to global capital markets and be well positioned to draw upon its leading market position, combined management teams, technical depth and the expertise of its collective workforce. In Canada, Phelps Dodge Inco will continue to pursue all major capital expenditure projects that Inco and Falconbridge have initiated.

Regarding Canadian employment, Phelps Dodge Inco will not lay off any employees at any of its Canadian operating companies for at least three years after the completion of the transaction, unless those employees are part of an already announced shutdown or reduction in workforce.

Canadians will occupy a majority of management positions of the Canadian businesses at Phelps Dodge Inco. While there will be some head-office workforce reduction, as is natural in any such combination, Phelps Dodge Inco will provide severance and make available appropriate outplacement and/or counseling services. Phelps Dodge Inco has committed to establish the head office of the global nickel business in Toronto. The company will maintain a major nickel research and development facility in Canada, and continue all existing Canadian exploration activities for a period of at least three years. Additionally, Phelps Dodge Inco will abide by any practices or agreements engaged in by Inco or Falconbridge with provincial Canadian governments concerning the export or processing of intermediate ore products.

In local communities, Phelps Dodge Inco will maintain all community and educational programs currently in place. In Ontario, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and New Brunswick, Phelps Dodge Inco has committed to direct resources toward training, education and other initiatives with the specific goal of training potential new employees, as well as enhancing the resources and quality of training available to existing employees. The new company will also maintain and carry forward the practice of environmental protection established over many years by each company, as well as keeping an unwavering focus on worker health and safety.

A World Leader in Metals and Mining

The combined entity will have large-scale production capabilities, significant proven and probable reserves in all of its core commodities and a diversified asset base.

Copper

Pro-forma 2005 copper production for the combined entity was 3.4 billion pounds. Pro-forma 2005 copper revenues were US$11.13 billion. Phelps Dodge Inco will be the world's largest publicly traded copper corporation after the closing.

Nickel

Pro-forma 2005 nickel production for the combined entity was 738 million pounds. Pro-forma 2005 nickel revenues were US$5.8 billion. Upon closing of the transaction, Phelps Dodge Inco will be the world's largest nickel producer.

Molybdenum

Pro-forma 2005 molybdenum production for the combined entity was 68 million pounds. Pro-forma 2005 molybdenum revenues were US$1.89 billion. Phelps Dodge Inco will be the world's second largest producer of molybdenum.

Cobalt

Pro-forma 2005 cobalt production for the combined entity was 14 million pounds. Pro-forma 2005 cobalt revenues were US$210 million. Phelps Dodge Inco will be the world's third-largest producer of cobalt.

Webcast

Management of Phelps Dodge, Inco and Falconbridge will host a webcast for investors today at 9:00 a.m. eastern time, to discuss the details of the transaction. The webcast can be accessed at http://www.phelpsdodgeinco.com/ .

Phelps Dodge is one of the world's leading producers of copper and molybdenum and is the largest producer of molybdenum-based chemicals and continuous-cast copper rod. The company employs 13,500 people worldwide.

Inco is a primary metals company. In business for 100 years, it is one of Canada's best-known companies and largest exporters. It employs 12,000 people around the world at mining operations, production facilities, a research center and through its marketing and sales network.

Falconbridge is a leading copper and nickel company with investments in fully integrated zinc and aluminum assets. Its primary focus is the identification and development of world-class copper and nickel ore bodies. It employs 14,500 people at its operations and offices in 18 countries.

Advisors and Counsel

Phelps Dodge is being advised by Citigroup Corporate and Investment Banking and by HSBC Securities. Phelps Dodge's counsel are Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and Heenan Blaikie LLP. Inco is being advised by Morgan Stanley, RBC Capital Markets and Goldman Sachs. Inco's counsel are Sullivan & Cromwell and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Falconbridge is being advised by CIBC World Markets. Falconbridge's counsel are McCarthy Tetrault LLP and Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson LLP.

Forward-Looking Statements

These materials include "forward-looking statements" (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) including statements regarding, among other things, the benefits of the combination with Inco and the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. All statements other than historical information are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations, speak only as of the date made, and are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified and are beyond our control. Future developments and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements in this documents: (i) the ability to obtain governmental approvals of the combination on the proposed terms and schedule; (ii) the failure of Inco's shareholders to approve the plan of arrangement; (iii) the failure of Phelps Dodge's shareholders to authorize the issuance of Phelps Dodge common shares, the change of Phelps Dodge's name to Phelps Dodge Inco and an increase in the size of Phelps Dodge's board of directors as required under the combination agreement; (iv) the risks that the businesses of Phelps Dodge and Inco and/or Falconbridge will not be integrated successfully; (v) the risks that the cost savings, growth prospects and any other synergies from the combination may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; (vi) the combined company's inability to refinance indebtedness incurred in connection with the combination on favorable terms or at all; (vii) the possibility that Phelps Dodge will combine with Inco only; (viii) the possible impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets resulting from the combination and the resulting impact on the combined company's assets and earnings; and (ix) additional factors that may affect future results of the combined company set forth in Phelps Dodge's, Inco's and Falconbridge's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which filings are available at the SEC's Web Site at (http://www.sec.gov/). Except as required by law, we are under no obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, alter or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Supplemental Data

These materials also include terms used to describe supplemental data. Any such data or terms are not a substitute for any U.S. generally accepted accounting principle measure and should be evaluated within the context of our U.S. GAAP results. Any such references may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. As required by Regulation G, we have posted on our Web Site -- http://www.phelpsdodgeinco.com/ -- a full reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to U.S. GAAP financial measures. Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this news release relating to Phelps Dodge is on a post-FIN-46 basis (i.e., Candelaria and El Abra are fully consolidated with minority interests shown separately rather than a pro rata consolidation).

NOTE: In connection with the proposed combination, Phelps Dodge Corporation ("Phelps Dodge") intends to file a preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A with the SEC. Investors are urged to read the proxy statement (including all amendments and supplements to it) when it is filed because it contains important information. Investors may obtain free copies of the proxy statement, as well as other filings containing information about Phelps Dodge, Inco and Falconbridge, without charge, at the SEC's Web site (http://www.sec.gov/). Copies of Phelps Dodge's filings may also be obtained without charge from Phelps Dodge at Phelps Dodge's Web site

(http://www.phelpsdodge.com/) or by directing a request to Phelps Dodge, One North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-4415, Attention: Assistant General Counsel and Corporate Secretary (602) 366-8100.

Source: Phelps Dodge Corporation, Inco Limited; Falconbridge Limited

Web site: http://www.phelpsdodgeinco.com/
http://www.phelpsdodge.com/

Johnson & Johnson to Acquire Pfizer Consumer Healthcare; Combination Creates World's Premier Consumer Health Care Company

All Cash Transaction is Valued at $16.6 Billion

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) , the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pfizer Consumer Healthcare for $16.6 billion in cash.

The Johnson & Johnson Board of Directors has given approval to the transaction. Closing is subject to customary clearances, including the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and European Union merger control regulation. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2006.

Pfizer Consumer Healthcare's global business of personal care and over-the-counter (OTC) products achieved sales of $3.9 billion in 2005. Worldwide market-leading brands include LISTERINE oral care products and the NICORETTE line of smoking cessation treatments. Other widely recognized and trusted brands include LUBRIDERM, VISINE, NEOSPORIN, SUDAFED, ZANTAC and BENADRYL.

"This combination creates the world's premier consumer health care company," said William C. Weldon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson. "Our consumer business has a long tradition of outstanding performance and a proven track record in growing consumer brands at above-category levels through innovation. This acquisition builds upon our broad base in health care products and our leadership objectives in the consumer, pharmaceutical and medical devices and diagnostics markets."

The Pfizer Consumer Healthcare business adds a diverse portfolio of strong, growing, enduring brands that provide Johnson & Johnson with leadership positions in nine additional categories, including large new segments such as smoking cessation and mouthwash.

The addition of LISTERINE, the world's #1 mouthwash, transforms Johnson & Johnson's oral health care business by more than tripling it into a franchise well in excess of one billion dollars. It further expands the franchise presence in more than 60 markets.

The combined portfolio of OTC brands will solidify the global market-leading position of Johnson & Johnson's OTC franchise. Under the terms of the agreement, Johnson & Johnson will also acquire the U.S. OTC switch rights to ZYRTEC -- Pfizer's once-a-day, non-sedating prescription antihistamine, upon patent expiration.

"We see the consumer health care markets as increasingly attractive growth opportunities as consumers take greater interest in and responsibility for their own health," Weldon said. "In addition, higher levels of disposable income in developing nations are helping drive increased demand for consumer health products."

The Pfizer Consumer Healthcare brands complement Johnson & Johnson's well-known consumer and OTC products, which include BAND-AID, TYLENOL, REACH, SPLENDA and the CLEAN & CLEAR, AVEENO and NEUTROGENA skin care brands. Johnson & Johnson is uniquely positioned to drive continued growth in Pfizer Consumer Healthcare's product portfolio and create new market opportunities through its proven capability of expanding enduring brands geographically and by bringing continuing scientific innovation into consumer brands.

"Being broadly based in health care allows us to leverage our expertise in science and technology across our businesses," Weldon said. "Through this acquisition, we look to benefit both from Pfizer Consumer Healthcare's excellent product portfolio and pipeline and from the valuable skills and experience of its employees."

The acquisition is expected to be accretive to Johnson & Johnson's earnings per share on a cash basis in 2009. The integration will provide significant opportunities to leverage the sales, administration and supply chain of both organizations globally. Additional commentary regarding the financial impact will be discussed during the conference call noted below.

Johnson & Johnson is the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products, as well as a provider of related services, for the consumer, pharmaceutical, and medical devices and diagnostics markets. The more than 230 Johnson & Johnson operating companies employ approximately 116,000 men and women in 57 countries and sell products throughout the world.

NOTE TO INVESTORS

Johnson & Johnson will conduct a conference call with financial analysts to discuss this news release on June 26 at 9 a.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time. A simultaneous webcast of the call for interested investors and others may be accessed by visiting the Johnson & Johnson website at http://www.jnj.com/ and clicking on "Webcasts/Presentations" in the Investor Relations section. A replay will also be available at the website.

(This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Johnson & Johnson's expectations and projections. Risks and uncertainties include: satisfaction of closing conditions and receipt of regulatory approvals for the acquisition; general industry conditions and competition; economic conditions, such as interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approvals; domestic and foreign health care reforms and governmental laws and regulations; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Exhibit 99 of Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2006. Copies of this Form 10-K, as well as subsequent filings, are available online at www.sec.gov or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.)

Source: Johnson & Johnson

 

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

Mittal Steel Company NV Announces Agreement With Arcelor

Merger of Equals Creates World's Leading Steel Company

Estimated Synergies of US$1.6 Billion

Mittal Steel Company NV (NYSE: MT) today announces that it has reached an agreement with Arcelor to combine the two companies in a merger of equals to create the world's leading steel company. The terms of the transaction, which will be effected by way of a tender offer by Mittal Steel for Arcelor shares, have been reviewed by the Arcelor Board which is recommending the transaction to Arcelor shareholders.

The combined group, to be domiciled and headquartered in Luxembourg, will be named Arcelor Mittal.

Under the terms of the revised offer, shareholders of Arcelor will receive 13 Mittal Steel shares and 150.60 euros in cash for 12 Arcelor shares. Mittal Steel is also offering to acquire Arcelor Convertible Bonds (OCEANEs 2017) in a mixed offer of 13 Mittal Steel shares and 188.42 euros in cash for 12 Arcelor Convertible Bonds.

In addition, Arcelor shareholders will have the right to receive a cash and stock mix in any proportion they elect, provided that 31% of the aggregate consideration paid is paid in cash and 69% in stock. The maximum amount of cash to be paid by Mittal Steel will be approximately 8.5 billion euros and the maximum number of Mittal Steel shares to be issued will be approximately 722 million, assuming the conversion of the outstanding Arcelor Convertible Bonds (2017 OCEANEs).

Based on the Mittal Steel share closing price on the NYSE on June 23, the revised offer values each Arcelor share at 40.40 euros. This is an improvement of 2.66 euros, or 7%, over the previous offer announced on 19th May 2006, computed based on the prevailing Mittal Steel share price on the eve of the announcement of each of the offers and not adjusted for the dividend paid. Adjusting for the dividend, the increase would be 10%.

This new offer represents an 82% premium over the closing price and all time high on Euronext Paris of Arcelor on 26th January, the last trading day before the announcement of our initial offer.

Following completion of the transaction and assuming a 100% acceptance rate of the tender offer by Arcelor shareholders, current Arcelor shareholders will own collectively 50.5% of the combined group. The Mittal family will own 43.6% of the capital and voting rights of the combined group.

Mittal Steel's proposal was developed following extensive discussions with Arcelor's management over the last few days, and was submitted to the Board of Directors of Arcelor with the support of Arcelor's management. Following its review of these terms, the Board of Directors of Arcelor has now resolved to recommend the revised Mittal Steel offer to Arcelor shareholders.

As disclosed by Arcelor, the Strategic Alliance Agreement entered into between Arcelor, SeverStal and Mr. Mordashov will terminate automatically upon (1) the proposed SeverStal combination being rejected by holders of 50% or more of Arcelor's capital at the Arcelor shareholders' meeting scheduled for June 30, or (2) Mittal Steel receiving, in its tender offer, more than 50% of the fully diluted capital of Arcelor, including the shares to be issued to Mr. Mordashov under the Strategic Alliance Agreement (corresponding to approximately 73% of the currently outstanding capital).

It remains critical for shareholders of Arcelor to vote their shares at the June 30 meeting against the proposed SeverStal combination.

Arcelor Mittal will have a unique profile with unprecedented scale, scope and synergies:

- Number 1 position in the global steel industry with steel-making capacity of 120 million tonnes

- Pro-forma 2005 annual revenues of US$71.9 billion and EBITDA of US$13.3 billion

- Pro-forma market capitalisation of approximately US$46 billion

- Leading positions in NAFTA, EU, Central Europe, Africa and South America

- Expected synergies of US$1.6 billion from purchasing, marketing and manufacturing efficiencies

- Exceptional raw material resources with a high degree of iron-ore self sufficiency

- Reduced volatility through geographic and product diversification

- Security of long-term contracts through high value-added products

- Low cost profile and high growth prospects from developing markets

- Leading position across a range of key product segments

- Ability to supply customers on a global basis

- Best-in-class corporate governance structure promoting the Arcelor model

- Financial strength to support continued investments and growth initiatives

- A dividend policy representing c30% of earnings over the cycle

It is expected that, as a result of the amendment to the terms of the offer, the closing date for the tender offer, currently scheduled for July 5th, will be postponed by a few days. The new date for the closing of the tender offer will be communicated to the market after approval by the relevant market authorities.

Commenting, Mr Lakshmi N. Mittal, Chairman, said:

"I am delighted that Mittal Steel and Arcelor have agreed to merge. This is one of the greatest days in the history of Mittal Steel and a seminal event in the steel industry that will shape its future. Arcelor is an exceptional company with world class assets and highly regarded management. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of our employees, shareholders, and business partners for their support throughout this process of creating the best steel company in the world.

"This combination is a natural alliance that represents a transformational change towards realising our vision of a more sustainable and stable industry benefiting all stakeholders. It is a winning combination between our two complementary companies, creating the industry leader that will create significant value for our shareholders."

Substantial Synergies:

Based on discussions between both parties, the synergies expected to be achieved through the combination are now estimated at US$1.6 billion, up from the previously estimated US$1 billion. This will be comprised of US$500 million in purchasing synergies, US$570 million in marketing and trading, US$470 million in manufacturing and process optimization, and US$60 in SG&A. Further unquantified synergies are also anticipated from innovation, transfer of knowledge and cost. By the end of the first year, approximately 40% of the synergies are expected to have been achieved on an annualized basis; 30% the following year and the balance thereafter.

Corporate Governance

Certain special governance mechanisms designed to favour integration of Arcelor and Mittal Steel will be put in place for an initial period of 3 years. These mechanisms will apply to both Arcelor and Mittal Steel pending merger of the two entities and then to the resulting combined entity (the "Company"). After the initial 3 years, the Company's corporate governance will be reviewed in order to reflect the best standards of corporate governance for comparable companies, and in particular the NYSE standards, as applicable to foreign private issuers, and the Luxemburg Code of Governance.

Following completion of the tender offer, Mittal Steel, Arcelor and the Company will each be governed by an identical Board of Directors ("BoD") and an identical Management Board ("MB"). Each BoD will be a non-executive board and the day to day management of the group will be entrusted to the relevant MB.

Board of Directors

Each initial BoD will be composed of 18 non-executive members, the majority of whom will be independent. Six members will be nominated by Mittal Steel, three of whom will be independent. Six members will be from the existing Arcelor Board. Three members will be from the Arcelor Board representing existing Arcelor major shareholders. A further three members will be employee representatives.

All directors will be elected by the general meeting of shareholders for a period of three years. All shares in the Company will have identical voting and economic rights.

Chairman and President

Each BoD will appoint a Chairman and a President. Initially, the Chairman position will be held by Mr Kinsch and the President position will be held by Mr Mittal. Upon the retirement of Mr Kinsch, Mr Mittal will assume the role of Chairman and the successor to the Presidency will be proposed by Mr Kinsch.

For a period of 3 years, the agenda of each Company BoD meeting shall be jointly agreed by the Chairman and the President and shall include any matters proposed to be included on the agenda jointly by the Chairman and the President.

Voting

For a period of 3 years, the Mittal family shall vote in shareholders' meeting in accordance with the position expressed by the Company BoD, unless Mr. L.N.Mittal opposes any such decision, in which case the Mittal family shall have the right to vote at such meeting as it sees fit.

Board Committees

Each BoD will appoint two committees:

- an Audit Committee composed solely of Independent Directors;

- an Appointments and Remuneration Committee composed of 4 members, including the President (for as long as there is a President and thereafter an Independent Director), the Chairman and 2 Independent Directors (one nominated by each of Mittal and Arcelor). The Committee will be chaired by an independent director. Decisions will be made by a simple majority vote with no member having a casting vote. This Committee will be in charge of making recommendations to each BoD relating to the appointment of the members of the BoD, and the appointment and remuneration of the members of the MB.

Management Board

Each MB will comprise the current four members from the Arcelor management board plus an additional three members nominated by Mittal Steel's current Board of Directors. Aditya Mittal will join the Arcelor Mittal MB; other Mittal Steel executives will be named to the MB in due course.

During a period of 3 years, the appointment and remuneration of main subsidiaries' CEOs and board members and heads of the main business units and corporate functions will be decided by the Company MB unanimously.

Standstill

The Mittal family has agreed to a standstill at its level of ownership following completion of the Revised Offer and any subsequent offer or compulsory buy-out, or at a ceiling of 45% of the then issued Company shares if and when the Mittal family's holding falls below 45%. The Mittal family will be entitled to cross such thresholds in certain circumstances, such as with the consent of a majority of the independent directors or in case of passive crossing of such thresholds.

 

Lock up

The Mittal family has agreed to a 5-year lock-up, subject to certain exceptions, including the right to dispose of up to 5% of the Company share capital after the 2nd year.

Other provisions

In consideration of the revision of the terms of Mittal Steel's offer and of the corporate governance rules set forth above, Arcelor has agreed not to solicit or enter into, entertain or pursue any discussion or negotiation with any third party relating to, any acquisition proposal relating to Arcelor shares, other than in the context of the filing by a third party of a superior offer taking the form of a takeover bid for the entire share capital of Arcelor.

The agreement does not provide for any break-up fee. However, in the event that shares are issued under the Strategic Alliance Agreement announced by Arcelor on May 26, 2006, the corporate governance rules set forth above shall terminate.

Confirmation of Social Commitments

Consistent with the Arcelor/Mittal model, the combined company will respect fully all of Arcelor's social and industrial commitments, maintain and use reasonable efforts to further expand the role of innovation and R&D, continue to partner with public laboratories and universities, and continue investments to maintain the high performance levels of existing facilities.

There will be no restructuring plan, collective lay offs or other employee reduction plans within Arcelor in the EU as a result of the integration of the Mittal and Arcelor groups over and above Arcelor's announced restructuring plans and in connection with the implementation of the remedy package agreed upon with the EU antitrust authorities.

Arcelor and Mittal Steel intend to continue promoting employee share ownership in line with best corporate practices for continental European listed companies.

Dofasco

Arcelor and Mittal have not been able to reach agreement as to the ultimate disposition of the Dofasco Group. Discussion of this question will continue following successful completion of the tender offer.

The Offer

Mittal Steel expects to formally file the documentation relating to its revised offer with the AFM, the CSSF, the CBFA, the AMF, the CNMV and the SEC shortly, and to publish a supplemental prospectus following the regulatory review.

It is expected that, as a result of the amendment to the terms of the offer, the closing date for the tender offer, currently scheduled for July 5th, will be postponed by a few days. The new date for the closing of the tender offer will be communicated to the market after approval by the relevant market authorities.

The offer continues to be conditional on acceptance of more than 50% of the total share capital and voting rights in Arcelor, on a fully diluted basis; and approval at an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of Mittal Steel Company. In light of the change to the terms of the offer, the Mittal Steel shareholders' meeting, currently scheduled for June 30th, will be postponed to later in July to allow Mittal Steel shareholders sufficient time to become familiar with the terms of the new offer.

The parties will consider jointly the need for a tender offer for outstanding shares of Arcelor Brazil under applicable laws and regulations, in particular in light of the new terms of the transaction.

Stock Exchange Listings

The Company will retain listings on the NYSE and in Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg and Madrid.

Domicile and Headquarters

The new company will be incorporated, domiciled and headquartered in Luxembourg.

Source: Mittal Steel Company N.V.

 

National Foreclosures Increase Less Than 2 Percent in May According to RealtyTrac(TM) U.S. Foreclosure Market Report

Foreclosures Up 28 Percent From Last Year

Colorado, Georgia, Texas Post Highest Rates

RealtyTrac(TM) (www.realtytrac.com), the leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties, today released its May 2006 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, showing 92,746 properties nationwide entering some stage of foreclosure during the month, an increase of less than 2 percent from April 2006, but still a 28 percent increase from May 2005. Report results also indicate a national foreclosure rate of one foreclosure filing for every 1,247 U.S. households during the month.

RealtyTrac publishes the largest and most comprehensive national database of pre-foreclosure and foreclosure properties, with more than 600,000 properties from more than 2,500 counties across the country, and is the foreclosure data provider to MSN Real Estate, Yahoo! Real Estate, AOL Real Estate and Knight Ridder Online.

"Our May numbers echo the recent report by the Mortgage Bankers Association, which noted that delinquency and default activities were lower in the first quarter of 2006," commented James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac. "While our report confirms that the number of properties entering foreclosure is still significantly higher than it was during the same period of 2005, we've now seen two months of decreasing foreclosure rates followed by May numbers that were essentially flat. That three-month trend indicates foreclosure activity has stabilized in most housing markets across the country after spiking sharply at the beginning of this year."

Colorado posts nation's highest foreclosure rate

Colorado posted the nation's highest foreclosure rate for the third month in a row thanks to increasing foreclosure activity in May. The state reported 4,198 properties entering some stage of foreclosure, a 13 percent increase from the previous month and a 41 percent year-over-year increase from May 2005. With one new foreclosure filing for every 436 households, the state's foreclosure rate was 2.8 times the national average.

Georgia's foreclosure rate -- one new foreclosure filing for every 537 households -- moved up to second highest in the nation in May after ranking fifth highest the previous month. With 5,769 properties entering some stage of foreclosure, the state's foreclosure activity increased 12 percent from the previous month and almost doubled from May 2005. Georgia also reported the fifth most foreclosure filings of any state in May.

Texas records most foreclosures, third highest foreclosure rate

Texas reported 14,506 properties entering some stage of foreclosure in May, the most of any state for the sixth month in a row, and a foreclosure rate of one new foreclosure filing for every 555 households -- the nation's third highest and more than two times the national average.

Utah's and Indiana's foreclosure rates remained among the nation's five highest in May despite month-to-month decreases in foreclosure activity. Utah reported 1,112 properties entering some stage of foreclosure, a 22 percent decrease from the previous month and a foreclosure rate of one new foreclosure filing for every 691 households. Indiana reported 3,494 properties entering some stage of foreclosure, a 19 percent decrease from the previous month and a foreclosure rate of one new foreclosure filing for every 723 households.

Florida and California foreclosure activity up from last year

After three straight months of decreases, Florida foreclosure activity increased more than 6 percent in May, with 8,898 properties entering some stage of foreclosure -- the second most of any state. Florida's foreclosure rate of one new foreclosure filing for every 821 households was 1.5 times the national average and continued to register among the nation's 10 highest.

California reported 8,736 properties entering some stage of foreclosure in May, a 1 percent decrease from the previous month but more than twice the number reported in May 2005. Despite the increase, the state's foreclosure rate -- one new foreclosure filing for every 1,398 households -- stayed below the national average for the second month in a row.

The RealtyTrac Monthly U.S. Foreclosure Market Report provides the total number of homes entering some stage of foreclosure nationwide and by state over the preceding month. Data is also available at the individual county level. RealtyTrac's report includes properties in all three phases of foreclosure: Pre-foreclosures -- Notice of Default (NOD) and Lis Pendens (LIS); Foreclosures -- Notice of Trustee Sale and Notice of Foreclosure Sale (NTS and NFS); and Real Estate Owned, or REO properties (that have been foreclosed on and repurchased by a bank).

U.S. Foreclosure Market Statistics by State - May 2006

State State

Rank Name NODs NTSs NFSs LISs REOs Total

-- US 5/2006 22,455 37,186 2,849 10,076 20,180 92,746

35 Alabama 8 125 0 0 233 366

25 Alaska 6 70 0 0 10 86

14 Arizona 406 1,514 0 0 66 1,986

17 Arkansas 26 532 0 0 226 784

15 California 7,794 804 0 0 138 8,736

1 Colorado 219 3,277 0 0 702 4,198

22 Connecticut 676 7 0 0 6 689

48 Delaware 4 0 0 0 5 9

47 DC 0 0 0 0 9 9

8 Florida 0 0 1,042 7,455 401 8,898

2 Georgia 21 3,920 0 0 1,828 5,769

30 Hawaii 88 29 0 0 14 131

26 Idaho 18 150 0 0 25 193

6 Illinois 4,151 1,397 0 0 811 6,359

5 Indiana 1,409 1,134 0 0 951 3,494

38 Iowa 14 1 0 0 160 175

27 Kansas 136 216 0 0 55 407

29 Kentucky 283 17 0 0 218 518

43 Louisiana 18 53 0 0 87 158

51 Maine 4 1 0 0 1 6

39 Maryland 4 253 0 0 3 260

33 Mass. 27 554 0 0 5 586

9 Michigan 177 2,254 0 0 2,635 5,066

36 Minnesota 30 181 0 0 144 355

46 Mississippi 1 10 0 0 45 56

21 Missouri 39 437 0 0 947 1,423

37 Montana 3 54 0 0 8 65

34 Nebraska 8 102 0 0 40 150

7 Nevada 923 167 0 0 13 1,103

49 New Hampshire 0 6 0 0 7 13

20 New Jersey 1,400 378 0 0 167 1,945

16 New Mexico 306 164 0 0 66 536

19 New York 0 0 1,807 2,621 182 4,610

23 North Carolina 788 9 0 0 875 1,672

45 North Dakota 1 0 0 0 19 20

11 Ohio 104 2,710 0 0 2,425 5,239

13 Oklahoma 606 363 0 0 444 1,413

10 Oregon 1,152 458 0 0 49 1,659

24 Pennsylvania 492 1,444 0 0 359 2,295

32 Rhode Island 0 100 0 0 1 101

28 South Carolina 40 51 0 0 448 539

44 South Dakota 0 15 0 0 8 23

12 Tennessee 25 967 0 0 1,450 2,442

3 Texas 149 10,915 0 0 3,442 14,506

4 Utah 395 568 0 0 149 1,112

50 Vermont 2 0 0 0 2 4

40 Virginia 2 272 0 0 72 346

18 Washington 203 1,216 0 0 92 1,511

42 West Virginia 0 60 0 0 11 71

31 Wisconsin 296 227 0 0 109 632

41 Wyoming 1 4 0 0 17 22

 

 

1 for %Change %Change

State State every from from May

Rank Name #HH April 2005

-- US 5/2006 1,247 1.73 28.21

35 Alabama 5365 40.23 1.67

25 Alaska 2386 2.38 -54.50

14 Arizona 1102 16.75 -23.56

17 Arkansas 1496 2.62 -47.59

15 California 1398 -1.17 108.05

1 Colorado 436 13.28 41.44

22 Connecticut 2011 -51.07 -27.17

48 Delaware 38119 -47.06 -71.88

47 DC 30538 -30.77 -65.38

8 Florida 821 6.56 -15.07

2 Georgia 537 12.02 97.03

30 Hawaii 3516 184.78 87.14

26 Idaho 2724 1.58 -30.32

6 Illinois 769 -1.43 29.96

5 Indiana 723 -18.91 46.38

38 Iowa 7043 -4.89 42.28

27 Kansas 2771 -6.65 162.58

29 Kentucky 3380 -13.52 -17.25

43 Louisiana 11919 95.06 -46.44

51 Maine 108649 -53.85 -50.00

39 Maryland 8240 -39.11 10.17

33 Mass. 4474 1.91 44.69

9 Michigan 834 -3.85 62.06

36 Minnesota 5825 -22.32 86.84

46 Mississippi 22658 27.27 -81.58

21 Missouri 1713 42.44 16.35

37 Montana 6340 -13.33 -15.58

34 Nebraska 4790 30.43 72.41

7 Nevada 786 -4.25 74.25

49 New Hampshire 42079 8.33 18.18

20 New Jersey 1702 0.52 -36.58

16 New Mexico 1456 -23.76 -64.69

19 New York 1666 9.35 31.49

23 North Carolina 2105 -9.47 33.02

45 North Dakota 14483 300.00 5.26

11 Ohio 913 7.80 85.06

13 Oklahoma 1058 22.23 45.07

10 Oregon 878 81.91 147.24

24 Pennsylvania 2288 -5.48 -4.45

32 Rhode Island 4355 -9.01 910.00

28 South Carolina 3252 -21.20 -16.30

44 South Dakota 14053 -28.13 130.00

12 Tennessee 1004 -6.54 -24.28

3 Texas 555 4.90 91.95

4 Utah 691 -21.58 35.12

50 Vermont 73596 33.33 -33.33

40 Virginia 8342 17.69 214.55

18 Washington 1583 -7.75 -22.55

42 West Virginia 11896 42.00 12.70

31 Wisconsin 3644 -8.27 98.74

41 Wyoming 10175 22.22 -26.67

 

About RealtyTrac Inc.

Ranked as the third largest real estate site by MediaMetrix, RealtyTrac Inc. (www.realtytrac.com), is the leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties, providing all the resources that home seekers, investors and real estate agents need to locate, evaluate and buy properties below market value. Founded in 1996, RealtyTrac publishes the largest and most comprehensive national database of pre-foreclosure, foreclosure, For Sale By Owner, resale and new construction properties, with more than 1 million properties across the country, property reports, productivity tools and extensive professional resources. RealtyTrac hosts nearly 3 million unique visitors monthly and has been chosen to supply foreclosure data to AOL Real Estate, MSN Real Estate and Yahoo! Real Estate. For more information, visit www.realtytrac.com.

Source: RealtyTrac

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

New ATMs Allow Customers To Make Deposits Without Envelopes or Math; Receipts Provide Digital Images of Deposited Checks and Cash

Bank of America starts national rollout this week in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta areas;

New machines headed to New York City, Phoenix and San Diego markets later this year

Bank of America customers will be able to put checks and cash into ATMs without an envelope or deposit slip when they use new machines moving from a pilot program to a national rollout starting this week in the Washington, D.C., and Atlanta areas, the bank announced today.

Bank of America, which has the largest bank-owned ATM network in the country and the most ATMs that accept deposits, will be installing the new ATMs later this year in the New York City, Phoenix and San Diego areas as part of the 1,500-machine national rollout. The bank began a pilot program in 2003 in Charlotte, and now has a total of more than 60 of the new ATMs in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Later this year, customers using the new machines will be able to get immediate credit for cash deposits and same-day credit for deposits until 8 p.m. in the state the account is located.

Some of the advantages of deposit image ATMs:

- Receipts include an image of each check and a verification of the

amount of cash

- No envelopes or deposit slips. This is more convenient for customers

and helps the environment by reducing the amount of paper used.

- No math - the ATM adds up the deposit

"When customers see an image of their checks on their receipts, they're more confident that the deposit has been accepted and they have assurance in hand," said Kirk Lindsey, Bank of America's ATM executive. "When customers are that comfortable, they're more secure about making deposits at an ATM. Making deposits has never been easier."

Bank of America has a total of 16,700 ATMs nationwide, and more than 12,000 of them accept deposits.

In the past year, the number of deposits at the new ATMs increased by 50 percent on average every day. Customers said they were more likely to make future deposits at the ATMs rather than with tellers.

Now through July, customers can win cash when they make deposits at Bank of America ATMs. Each day, 55 winners will each get $50, and every week, five customers will each win $1,000. For the grand prize, 15 winners who made three deposits on three separate days and in the same account will each win $5,000.

To find the nearest ATM, go to the ATM and banking center locator at http://www.bankofamerica.com/.

About Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk-management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving more than 54 million consumer and small business relationships with more than 5,700 retail banking offices, more than 16,700 ATMs and award-winning online banking with more than 19 million active users. Bank of America is the No. 1 overall Small Business Administration (SBA) lender in the United States and the No. 1 SBA lender to minority-owned small businesses. The company serves clients in 175 countries and has relationships with 98 percent of the U.S. Fortune 500 companies and 79 percent of the Global Fortune 500. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE:BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Source: Bank of America

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

Detroit Regional Economy Shows No Rebound in May; Reports Comerica Bank's Detroit Business Activity Index

The Detroit Area Business Activity Index held at 106 in May. The readings for April and May are the lowest since June 2003. Over the past two months, the Detroit index has been running about 6 percent below the average for all of 2005.

"The Detroit regional economy continued to look pretty soft last month," said Dana Johnson, chief economist at Comerica Bank. "The downsizing of our auto manufacturing sector is the main problem, but elevated gasoline prices, rising interest rates, and slowing national growth are adding to the headwinds holding back activity."

Comerica Bank compiles the Detroit Area Business Activity Index (DABAI) monthly from eight different measures of regional activity which are seasonally adjusted, corrected for inflation, and expressed as an index, with 1996 as base year equal to 100. The Economics Department of Comerica Bank has calculated the DABAI monthly since 1957; depicting Metro-Detroit's economy over seven full swings of the U.S. business cycle.

Comerica Incorporated (NYSE:CMA) is a financial services company headquartered in Detroit, strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth & Institutional Management. Comerica focuses on relationships and helping businesses and people to be successful.

Source: Comerica Bank

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

Flynn is In, Again

Marina at Port Antonio Renamed in Honor of Film Legend

Errol Flynn's love affair with Port Antonio began in the 1940s while he was on a sailing trip destined for the Galapagos. Back then, a storm blew his boat the "Zaca" off course to Jamaica and soon he discovered the island's northeast treasure. Port Antonio became Flynn's home for many years, and as he wrote in his memoir, "After thirty-seven years of wandering, I had found my Grecian isle."

Now, the Marina at Port Antonio has been renamed the Errol Flynn Marina in tribute to the town's most famous resident. "It's amazing that even today Flynn's presence remains an undercurrent in Port Antonio," said William Tatham, Vice President of Cruise and Marina Operations. "The renaming of the Marina is merely an affirmation of what residents and visitors have known for a long time, that his mystique is still very much a part of the fabric of this part of Jamaica."

After his initial visit to the island, Flynn would return to Port Antonio and his 2000-acre Errol Flynn Estates on hiatus between films. While here he would go rafting on the Rio Grande, on shopping trips to the Port Antonio marketplace, picnicking at the nearby Navy Island, and swimming at Boston Beach. For a time he was the proprietor of the Titchfield Hotel, then Port Antonio's grandest hotel. Flynn's mother and father would also join him in Jamaica.

"This endearing tribute to Errol is perfect in so many ways; he loved the sea, and he adored Port Antonio, so this is a wonderful union of his passions," said Flynn's widow Patrice Wymore Flynn, who continues to live at the estate.

The Errol Flynn Marina is a 32-slip yacht complex that accommodates vessels up to 350 LOA with a maximum depth of 17 feet. It also boasts single and three-phase power and shore storage and is an official port of entry with 24-hour customs and immigration. Boat repairs and maintenance are available at the full-service boat yard, which features a 100-ton boatlift, the only one of its kind in the Western Caribbean.

Port Antonio provides the ideal point from which to explore a variety of ports-of-call around Jamaica. It's the closest point in the Caribbean to Cuba, with Santiago just 90 miles to the north, and it is the northern crossroads for vessels sailing through the Bahamas, down the Windward Passage and en route to Las Jardines de la Reina, the Yucatan, Cayman Islands and the Gulf of Mexico.

Source: Errol Flynn Marina

 

Renters: Homeownership a Sound Investment, but Many Want Two-Car Garage, Master Bedroom

Some experts claim the slowdown in the U.S. real estate market is due to rising home prices and interest rate increases, but new research indicates high expectations of homebuyers may play a role as well.

A national survey by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage shows few homebuyers are willing to compromise on certain key characteristics of their first home, which may prolong the time they spend renting.

According to the research, almost nine of every ten renters in the U.S. believe a home is a good financial investment, and almost seven of every ten believe owning a home is very important to their long-term financial success.

"Clearly, renters see homeownership as a key path to financial well-being and stability," said Cara Heiden, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage division president. "That's likely shaped by their exposure to homeownership, and seeing how family members or friends have benefited from owning their own homes."

To Heiden's point, six of every ten renters say the purchase of real estate -- either as a primary residence or as an investment property -- was the best investment their parents ever made, compared to only 4 percent of renters who said the same thing about a stock purchase.

While they understand why and how homeownership is important, not all are willing to compromise on certain amenities to get into their first home and on the path to financial well-being.

Among the renters surveyed who say they want to buy a home, four of every ten are unwilling to buy a home that is smaller than they'd like or one needing significant improvements. Forty-six percent are unwilling to buy at a distance farther from work than they would like; and 70 percent are unwilling to move to a less-desirable neighborhood than they would ideally like.

For financial coach and No. 1 bestselling author David Bach, the research results verify observations he has made during the past few years while speaking to thousands of people across the United States on how to live and finish rich. Bach says these findings reinforce what he calls the "dream home trap."

"Many renters today have a list of 'must-haves' for their first home," said Bach. "It's got to have a kitchen with a dishwasher, a two-car garage, and a master suite with a full-bath and walk-in closets. You can have those things eventually, but it's unlikely that someone who's renting and has no equity can afford that mortgage right out of the gate. Renters need to be told that their first home should not be their dream home, but a stepping stone to their dream home."

Bach believes renters may need to take a step backward when buying their first home. "It's almost always better to cut the renting cycle as soon as you can and to continue to upgrade from there," he said. "Buy what you can afford now, build equity, and move closer to that dream home."

Other key findings from the survey include:

-- Ninety-seven percent of first-time homebuyers would never go back to

renting.

-- Seventy-seven percent of first-time homebuyers believe buying their

home is the best investment they ever made.

-- Nearly 75 percent of first-time home buyers believe that the value of

their home will go up in 2006.

-- Seventy-eight percent of renters believe that it is generally true

that people cannot obtain mortgages without perfect credit, and 52

percent of renters believe that they personally can't get a mortgage

because of credit issues. But 46 percent of the first-time homebuyers

surveyed didn't believe their credit was "excellent" or even "very

good."

-- Fifty-six percent of renters believe that a down payment of 15 percent

or more is required when buying a home, and 55 percent believe that

size of a down payment is a personal barrier for them. But 74 percent

of first-time homebuyers reported they put less than 15 percent down.

About the Survey

Hase Schannen Research Associates, an independent research firm based in Princeton, NJ, conducted a total of 1,218 computer-assisted telephone surveys between Jan. 9 - 22, 2006. This was a random-digit dial sample among U.S. heads of household between the ages of 18 and 70, broken down as follows:

-- Renters who have never owned a home: 300

-- Consumers who have purchased their first home in the past 2 years: 300

-- Consumers who have owned only one home purchase more than two years

ago: 301

-- Consumers who have owned more than one home: 317

The survey ran for approximately 30 minutes and respondents completing the survey received an honorarium of $20. The results of this survey are nationally projectable. The study was commissioned by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Wells Fargo was not identified to participants as the sponsor of this study.

About David Bach and The Great American Homeowner Challenge

David Bach is the author of seven consecutive national best-sellers including four books in his Finish Rich series. His latest book, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner(TM), is the foundation for The Great American Homeowner Challenge(TM), a three-year education effort to inspire 10 million Americans to purchase their first home, a second home or investment property. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is the founding sponsor of The Challenge.

About Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Celebrating its centennial year, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is the nation's No. 1 retail mortgage lender(*) and a leading servicer of home mortgages. As a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., it has a local presence in more than 2,400 mortgage stores and bank branches, plus the capabilities to serve the home financing needs of customers nationwide through its call centers, Internet presence and wholesale lending operations. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage services loans for 6 million customers in all 50 states and is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.

(*) Based on year-end 2005 statistics compiled by Inside Mortgage

Finance - Feb. 17, 2006

The Great American Homeowner Challenge Survey(TM) is jointly owned by FinishRich Media LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., all rights reserved.

The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and The Great American Homeowner Challenge are trademarks of FinishRich, Inc. These trademarks are used under license from FinishRich Media, LLC by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

Source: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

 

New Book On Protecting the Space Environment

-- The publication of Space: The Fragile Frontier, a new book by Mark Williamson, marks a crossroads in space exploration and development.

For the first time, here is a book that extends the ethos of environmental protection -- now commonplace here on Earth -- to the space environment. Its bold suggestions and pragmatic style have already evoked discussions among the space community, which may one day lead to new and more sustainable ways of exploring space.

The author, independent space technology consultant Mark Williamson, is a chartered engineer with more than 25 years' experience in satellite communications engineering, technical management and space consultancy. "This book is not about banning access to space, or making life more difficult for businesses that use its unique resources," says Williamson. "Quite the contrary. It's about protecting the orbital assets used by commercial satellites, preventing contamination of planetary surfaces in the quest for extraterrestrial life, and preserving the cultural heritage of the lunar landing sites for the space tourists of the future."

Space: The Fragile Frontier is the first book to draw together the recognized issues of Earth orbital debris and planetary protection, set them in the context of space law and ethical policies, and encourages a balance between desirable expansion into space and protection of the space environment. By analogy with terrestrial environmentalism, it calls for a sustainable approach to space exploration and development.

Prof. James Van Allen, discoverer of the Earth's radiation belts, writes in his foreword: "This important book provides an authoritative dose of prudence to the flourishing fields of space exploration and space technology ... The four concluding chapters of this comprehensive book are obligatory reading for every person who has a responsible role in space operations and/or space policy."

In addition to presenting the facts, arguments and possible solutions, the book presents opposing scenarios for the future of space exploration and development. They are written, in fictional style, from the perspective of the year 2057 -- the centenary of the Space Age -- offering three different views of our future in space. "It is notoriously hard to predict the future," says the author, "but borrowing the methods of a different genre liberates our minds to consider the 'what-if scenarios' we might otherwise ignore."

Space: The Fragile Frontier is aimed at scientists, engineers and policy- makers; students intending to develop a career in a space-related subject; and anyone with an interest in space exploration and development. You may not agree with everything you read, but it will change the way you think about space and everything that is done there.

Space: The Fragile Frontier (ISBN: 1-56347-776-9) is published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. It can be ordered for $39.95 online at http://www.aiaa.org/ or by calling 800/682-2422.

AIAA advances the state of aerospace science, engineering, and technological leadership. Headquartered in suburban Washington, D.C., the Institute serves over 35,000 members in 65 regional sections and 79 countries. AIAA membership is drawn from all levels of industry, academia, private research organizations, and government. For more information, visit http://www.aiaa.org/.

Source: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

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June 26, 2006

Broadcast Beats Cable Primetime

According to a TVB analysis of Nielsen Media Research figures in the just-completed 2005-06 television season, total broadcast delivered a combined 35.75 primetime HH rating over the season, surpassing last year's 34.78 and beating ad-supported subscription TV's 32.87, an 8.8% advantage.

In the important A18-49 and A25-54 demographics, says the analysis, broadcast delivered a combined 20.36 primetime for the age18-49 rating, surpassing last season's 19.50 and beating ad-supported subscription TV's 15.46, a 31.7% advantage. In addition, broadcast delivered a combined 22.85 primetime A25-54 rating, surpassing last season's 21.89 and beating ad-supported subscription TV's 16.71, a 36.7% advantage.

Considering programming, broadcast accounts for the top 235 programs among all households, the top 217 among the age 25-54 group, and top 184 among ages 18-49.

Ad-Supported Broadcast vs. Ad-supported Subscription TV Aggregate

Primetime Comparisons (Mon.-Sat. 8-11PM/Sun. 7-11PM)

 

2004-2005 Season

2005-2006 Season

Households

Live HH

Rtg.

Live HH

Share

Live + SD

HH Rtg.

Live + SD

HH Share

4 Nets

26.90

43.63

26.86

43.35

7 Nets

30.99

50.25

30.59

49.39

10 Nets

N/A

N/A

33.40

53.95

Independent Bcst**

3.79

6.14

2.35

3.80

Total Ad Supported Broadcast

34.78

56.39

35.75

57.75

Total Ad Supported Subscription TV

32.09

52.04

32.87

53.07

Adults 18-49

Total Ad Supported Broadcast

19.50

52.33

20.36

54.56

Total Ad Supported Subscription TV

15.29

41.02

15.46

41.37

Adults 25-54

Total Ad Supported Broadcast

21.89

52.85

22.85

55.24

Total Ad Supported Subscription TV

16.78

40.52

16.71

40.36

Source: Nielsen Media Research, Galaxy Explorer, Primetime Viewing Sources Report.

Top-rated programs of 2005-06 in Households(Broadcast not only grabbed 100 of the top 100 programs in the 2005-06 broadcast season, it took the next 100, and the next 35. In fact, broadcast was responsible for 576 of the top 586 programs for the season.

Top 25 Rated 2005-2006 Household Broadcast Programs

Rank

Program

Network

US AA %

1

Super Bowl Xl (6:26p)

ABC

41.62

2

Academy Awards

ABC

23.08

3

Rose Bowl

ABC

21.71

4

Fox NFC Championship (6:47p)

FOX

20.77

5

American Idol-Tuesday

FOX

17.72

6

American Idol-Wednesday

FOX

17.24

7

AFC Divisional Playoff-Sa

CBS

16.14

8

Dancing W/The Stars-2/26

ABC

16.02

9

Wntr Olym Thu Prime 2

NBC

15.77

10

CSI

CBS

15.68

11

American Idol Thu Sp-3/9

FOX

15.52

12

Wntr Olym Tue Prime 2

NBC

15.48

13

American Idol Thu Sp-3/2

FOX

15.29

14

CSI - Thanksgiving

CBS

14.62

15

Grey's Anatomy Sp 2-5/15

ABC

14.23

16

AFC/NFC Playoff Gm2

ABC

13.95

17

Desperate Housewives

ABC

13.86

18

Wntr Olym Mon Prime 2

NBC

13.59

19

Wntr Olym Sat Prime 1

NBC

13.46

20

American Idol Thu Sp-2/23

FOX

13.38

21

Wntr Olym Sun Prime 1

NBC

13.30

22

Fox World Series Game 4

FOX

12.96

23

Wntr Olym Mon Prime 1

NBC

12.86

24

Wntr Olym Open Cerem

NBC

12.81

25

Grey's Anatomy

ABC

12.58

Source: Nielsen Galaxy Lightning 9/19/05-5/24/06.(Ad-Supported Subscription TV only.(Programming under 25 minutes excluded

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Sage Products Inc. Issues a Voluntary Recall of Comfort Shield® Perineal Care Washcloths in the U.S. and Canada


Contact:
Sage Products Inc.
1-800-323-2220

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Cary, IL -- June 23, 2006 -- Sage Products Inc., of Cary, Illinois, is initiating a voluntary recall of specific lots of Comfort Shield Perineal Care Washcloth product codes due to contamination with Burkholderia cepacia. See identified lots, below.

-- Cary, IL -- June 23, 2006 -- Sage Products Inc., of Cary, Illinois, is initiating a voluntary recall of specific lots of Comfort Shield Perineal Care Washcloth product codes due to contamination with See identified lots, below.

Code # Lot # Dates shipped
7403 1301 02/10/06 - 02/13/06
7403 1312 02/13/06 - 03/02/06
7403 1312 02/13/06 - 03/02/06
7403 1457 02/24/06 - 03/01/06
7403 1677 05/02/06 - 05/03/06
7408 1848 04/18/06
7503 1999 05/03/06 - 05/16/06
7524 2070 05/01/06 - 05/15/06
7524 2086 05/11/06 - 05/15/06
7905 1766 03/22/06 - 06/12/06
7503-M 1702 04/13/06
7503-M 1995 04/13/06 - 05/19/06

7403 1301 02/10/06 - 02/13/06 7403 1312 02/13/06 - 03/02/06 7403 1312 02/13/06 - 03/02/06 7403 1457 02/24/06 - 03/01/06 7403 1677 05/02/06 - 05/03/06 7408 1848 04/18/06 7503 1999 05/03/06 - 05/16/06 7524 2070 05/01/06 - 05/15/06 7524 2086 05/11/06 - 05/15/06 7905 1766 03/22/06 - 06/12/06 7503-M 1702 04/13/06 7503-M 1995 04/13/06 - 05/19/06

Burkholderia cepacia can cause serious infections including pneumonia and bacterial sepsis in immunocompromised persons, persons with cystic fibrosis (CF), in hospitalized patients in general as well as certain other patient groups. No other lots of Comfort Shield Perineal Care Washcloths from Sage Products are known to be affected by this recall.

can cause serious infections including pneumonia and bacterial sepsis in immunocompromised persons, persons with cystic fibrosis (CF), in hospitalized patients in general as well as certain other patient groups. No other lots of Comfort Shield Perineal Care Washcloths from Sage Products are known to be affected by this recall.

The product was distributed to hospitals, medical centers and long-term care facilities in the U.S. and Canada. There was no known distribution through retail sales. Sage Products initiated this recall after receiving and investigating a Canadian complaint on lot 1457 of off odor. At the present time, Sage Products Inc has received no reports of patient injury. This voluntary recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

Customers who have the affected lots of these products should stop usage, sale and distribution, and should contact Sage Products to coordinate product return and replacement. Product is available for immediate replacement and no stock outage is anticipated. To arrange for product replacement, contact Customer Service at 1-800-323-2220. Return affected product only, to Sage Products Inc, 3909 Three Oaks Road, Cary, IL 60013, attention: Customer Service.

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Walong Marketing Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in G.W. Strawberry Cake and Honey Dew Melon Cake and Asian Taste Dried Sweet Potato

Contact:
Walong Marketing Inc.
1-877-675-8899

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Buena Park, CA -- June 23, 2006 -- Walong Marketing Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in G.W. Strawberry Cake and Honey Dew Melon Cake and Asian Taste Dried Sweet Potato.

Walong Marketing Inc. of Buena Park, California is recalling "G.W. Strawberry Cake," and "G.W. Honey Dew Melon Cake" "Asian Taste Dried Sweet Potato" because it may contain undeclared sulfites. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

"G.W. Strawberry Cake," and "G.W. Honey Dew Melon Cake" and "Asian Taste Dried Sweet Potato" were distributed nationwide via retail stores.

"G.W. Strawberry Cake comes in 7.76-ounce, in a red plastic bag. "G.W. Honey Dew Melon Cake comes in 7.76 -ounce. It is a product of Taiwan. "Asian Taste Dried Sweet Potato" comes in 7 ounce. It is a product of China.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product.
The recalled was initiated after routine sampling by Los Angeles Depart of Food and Drug Administration, and subsequent analysis by the department's food laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in product packages, which did not declare sulfites on the label.

Consumers who have purchased "G.W. Strawberry Cake" and "G.W. Honey Dew Melon Cake" and "Asian Taste Dried Sweet Potato" are urged to return it to the place of purchase for full refund. Consumers with question may contact the company at 1-877-675-8899.

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COMMANDER IN CHIEF The Inaugural Edition-Part 1

COMMANDER IN CHIEF: The Inaugural Edition Part One™ DVD LAUNCH AT THE PACIFIC DESIGN CENTER

 

On Monday, June 26th, Geena Davis and Buena Vista Home Entertainment celebrated the DVD release of Commander In Chief: The Inaugural Edition Part One. The intimate press reception took place at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.

Available for the first time, COMMANDER IN CHIEF: THE INAUGURAL EDITION-Part 1 arrives on DVD. This special two-disc set features the thrilling first ten episodes of this riveting drama, starring Academy Award® winner Geena Davis (Best Actress, The Accidental Tourist 1988; nominated Best Actress Thelma & Louise 1991) who is captivating as President Mackenzie Allen, the first female President of the United States. Geena Davis earned a Golden Globe® Award for her starring role (Best Performance By An Actress In A Television Series “ Drama) in this groundbreaking show.

 

Geena Davis is joined by renowned Emmy Award® winner Donald Sutherland (Best Supporting Actor TV 1995; Cold Mountain,MASH ) and an excellent cast that includes Mark-Paul Gosselaar (TV NYPD Blue), Harry Lennix (Trespass,The Matrix Reloaded), Kyle Secor (TV Veronica Mars,CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), Ever Carradine (My Boss’s Daughter), Matt Lanter (TVPoint Pleasant), Caitlin Wachs (Inspector Gadget 2), and Jasmine Anthony. Commander In Chief is created by Rod Lurie.

When the President of the United States dies in office, his independent Vice President (Davis) ventures into territory no woman has ever entered before. Now, the nations first female Commander In Chief must balance the pressures of running the country and the responsibility of raising a family. While breaking new ground as the first female leader of the free world, Mac faces tremendous challenges, both personal and political, unknown to any previous Commander In Chief. Her family adjusts to their new life as the first family, and Mac endures underhanded attacks led by the Speaker of the House (Donald Sutherland). Amidst constant struggles and fiery political battles, Mac perseveres with integrity and poise. COMMANDER IN CHIEF: THE INAUGURAL EDITION-Part 1 is available for U.S. $29.99 (S.R.P.), Canada $37.99 (S.R.P) from Touchstone Television and Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

 

The Season’s Best New Drama

COMMANDER IN CHIEF

The Inaugural Edition-Part 1

 

Academy Award® Winner Geena Davis Stars

With Emmy®-Winner Donald Sutherland and Superb Cast

 

On DVD June 27

BURBANK, Calif., June 19, 2006 – Available for the first time, COMMANDER IN CHIEF: THE INAUGURAL

EDITION-Part 1 arrives on DVD. This special two-disc set features the thrilling first ten episodes of this riveting drama, starring Academy Award® winner Geena Davis (Best Actress, “The Accidental Tourist” 1988; nominated Best Actress “Thelma & Louise” 1991) who is captivating as President Mackenzie Allen, the first female President of the United States. Geena Davis earned a Golden Globe® Award for her starring role (Best Performance By An Actress In A Television Series – Drama) in this groundbreaking show.

Geena Davis is joined by renowned Emmy Award® winner Donald Sutherland (Best Supporting Actor TV’s “Citizen X” 1995; “Cold Mountain,” “MASH” ) and an excellent cast that includes Mark-Paul Gosselaar (TV’s “NYPD Blue”), Harry Lennix (“Trespass,” “The Matrix Reloaded”), Kyle Secor (TV’s “Veronica Mars,” “CSI:

 

Crime Scene Investigation”), Ever Carradine (“My Boss’s Daughter”), Matt Lanter (TV’s “Point Pleasant”), Caitlin Wachs (“Inspector Gadget 2”), and Jasmine Anthony. “Commander In Chief” is created by Rod Lurie.

  

When the President of the United States dies in office, his independent Vice President (Davis) ventures into territory no woman has ever entered before. Now, the nation’s first female Commander In Chief must balance the pressures of running the