Emmy Award(R)-Winning Epic Tales of the Supernatural Produced by Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment :'Amazing Stories: The Complete First Season'
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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
Emmy Award(R)-Winning Epic Tales of the Supernatural Produced by Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment :'Amazing Stories: The Complete First Season'
SPORTS AND AUTOSNASCAR RaceDay - Built by the Home Depot Drives SPEED'S Popularity with Fans, Sponsor and Television Audience; New Live-Audience, Pre-Race Format Delivers More Than 20 Percent Ratings Boost; 60 Percent Gain with Younger Audience
Enova's Hybrid Drive System Powers Fuel Cell Bus at World Cup Soccer TournamentCase IH, Ferrari Teaming Up for Grand Prix Events
Hibdon Leads Final Wal-Mart FLW Tour Qualifier of 2006 Records fall as Gagliardi poised to capture Land O'Lakes Angler of the Year title on Lake Champlain
Spirit of Innovation Name Pleases Goodyear Chairman Innovation a Critical Part of the Company's Evolution
Trump Million Dollar Invitational Features High Drama and High Payouts Dramatic Shootout for $1 Million Premieres on ESPN on July 2 at 1 p.m. ET
Shaun Livingston of Los Angeles Clippers to Appear at Sport Chalet Store in Arcadia, CA
NEWS AND NEWS IN SPANISH
Russell Simmons to Use Hip-Hop to Register 10,000 Potential Voters in the Philadelphia Area Congressman Fattah, Mayor Street and Gov. Rendell Join Simmons on Non-Partisan Voter Registration Effort
De los integrantes de la Cultura Pop
A Safari C(Cubed) da Cedar Point Communications Foi Selecionada para Introduzir os Serviços de Comunicações por Voz Flow em Trinidad
Company's Biggest-Ever Transaction Successful: Bayer and Schering Optimistic About Their Common Future
________________________________________
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
Emmy Award(R)-Winning Epic Tales of the Supernatural Produced by Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment :'Amazing Stories: The Complete First Season'
All 24 Thrilling, Star-Studded Episodes Appear on DVD July 18, 2006 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Two-dozen classic and thrilling episodes of "Amazing Stories: The Complete First Season", digitally remastered and presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound for the first time ever, materialize on DVD July 18, 2006 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. This extraordinary Emmy(R) Award-winning anthology series was created as a showcase for "modern day campfire stories" that would astonish and surprise viewers. Directed by and starring some of Hollywood's top talent, each episode in this groundbreaking series creates a self-contained fantasy world that will leave viewers wide-eyed, awestruck and breathlessly awaiting the next timeless story.
Produced by Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment, "Amazing Stories: The Complete First Season" spotlights the talents of some of Hollywood's best-known directors including Danny DeVito, Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese, Robert Zemeckis, Burt Reynolds, Timothy Hutton, and Spielberg himself, with outstanding performances from Kiefer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, Tim Robbins, Kevin Costner and John Lithgow (in an Emmy(R)-winning star turn). "Amazing Stories: The Complete First Season" won five Emmys(R), having been nominated for twelve including an Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series nomination for Steven Spielberg. The four DVD set features 25 deleted scenes and is priced at $49.98 SRP. Preorder close is June 13, 2006.
Synopsis
Enter the extraordinary, supernatural world of Steven Spielberg with all 24 episodes of the complete first season of "Amazing Stories". Created by and featuring some of the greatest talents in Hollywood, these original tales delivered a groundbreaking and imaginatively unique show every week. Digitally remastered and presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound for the first time ever, the DVD release includes out-of-this-world deleted scenes you won't want to miss!
FEATURE TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD
Street Date: July 18, 2006
Pre-Order Close: June 13, 2006
Copyright: 2006 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $49.98 SRP
Selection Number: 25263
Running Time: 10 Hours 21 Minutes
Layers: DVD-9
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 (Full Frame)
Rating: Not Rated
Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 5. 1 Surround; English SDH; Spanish
Subtitles
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.
THE JOESTER LORIA GROUP CONTINUES TO DO THE "DEW" FOR MOUNTAIN DEW AT LICENSING 2006 INTERNATIONAL
The Joester Loria Group, a premiere licensing and marketing agency founded by industry experts Debra Joester and Joanne Loria, plans to announce the expansion of its successful licensing and merchandising program for Mountain Dew, during Licensing 2006 International, June 20 - 22 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, booth #1533.
Mountain Dew has been part of the Pepsi-Cola franchise since 1964 and has dominated the teen and young adult beverage category for the past decade. In 2006, Mountain Dew will build on the successful launch of its cutting-edge line of "Mountain Dew Gear," young men's and junior's apparel, in leading trend specialty retailers such as PacSun, Hot Topic and Spencer Gifts. The line will continue to stay current with the hottest trends influencing the marketplace today, including tattoo; "inked;" graffiti; and action sports.
"Mountain Dew licensed products are inspired by the high-energy, `push-the-limits' attitude that resonates with core Dew consumers," stated Joanne Loria, Executive Vice President of The Joester Loria Group. "We are thrilled to continue to build the Mountain Dew line with licensing partners and promotions that understand and appeal to this unique audience."
The Joester Loria Group will leverage PepsiCo's ongoing marketing efforts for Mountain Dew with retail and product support in 2007. Promotional tie-ins with the Dew Tour, the action sports event series and the House of Dew, a fully stocked Mountain Dew themed house that travels nationally, are underway.
Spring 2007 Mountain Dew will burst onto the home scene with "House of Dew," the ultimate Dew dorm collection. Licensed products will include bedding, bath accessories, furniture, lamps, floor coverings, wall décor and more. Additional efforts include Mountain Dew protective lip balm by Added Extras. Positioned as the cool alternative for skate boarders, snowboarders and other sports enthusiasts, Mountain Dew lip balm will be available in specialty and sporting goods stores as well as convenience and drugstores.
About Pepsi-Cola North America
Pepsi-Cola North America (http://www.pepsi.com), headquartered in Purchase, N.Y., is the $4 billion beverage division of PepsiCo, Inc. (http://www.pepsico.com) in the United States and Canada. Its U.S. brands include Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Twist, Pepsi ONE, Pepsi Blue, Wild Cherry Pepsi, Pepsi Vanilla, Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Code Red, Mountain Dew LiveWire, Mug, Sierra Mist, Slice, Aquafina, SoBe and Dole single-serve juices. The company also makes and markets North America's No. 1 ready-to-drink iced teas and coffees via joint ventures with Lipton and Starbucks, respectively.
About The Joester Loria Group
The Joester Loria Group, http://www.joesterloriagroup.com, is a full-service licensing and marketing agency providing its clients with a full array of services, including: strategic planning, competitive analysis, implementation of licensing strategy, management of publicity and advertising and marketing for licensing programs. The Joester Loria Group represents DaimlerChrysler Corporation for Jeep and Chrysler; American Greetings for Care Bears; PepsiCo North America for Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Aquafina; BBC's Little Robots; Contender Entertainment's Peppa Pig; Baked Goods Leader Entenmann's Products; HIP Design's Animal Soup and Bad Alice; award winning pre-school property Baby Genius and Zippo.
LITTLE ROBOTS Brings Together All The "Key Parts" In The
Preschool Property's Licensing Show Debut
Backed By New Master Toy, Publishing & Home Entertainment Partners, Tiny & Friends
Are Ready To "Make It Together" In 2006
–With key partners in place, the parts fit together nicely for one of the hottest new properties to enter the preschool marketplace – LITTLE ROBOTS. Distributed by BBC Worldwide, the property that encourages teamwork has assembled an amazing team of its own as it makes its debut at Licensing International 2006. Poised for U.S. success, the popular series is set to showcase an initial lineup of partners in the toy, publishing and home entertainment categories, including Grosset & Dunlap a division of Penguin Young Readers Club (publishing), Playmates Toys (master toy) and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. All deals were brokered on behalf of BBC Worldwide by The Joester Loria Group, the exclusive North America licensing agency for the LITTLE ROBOTS property.
LITTLE ROBOTS has been a broadcast success since its debut in August 2005 on Cartoon Network. 13 additional episodes of the show were recently ordered for a second season bringing the total number of episodes to 65. Produced by Create TV & Film, LITTLE ROBOTS follows the fun-filled adventures of Tiny Robot and his friends, as they use their talents, creativity and cooperative spirits to create a home on a metal junk heap.
The LITTLE ROBOTS brand centers around the core values of imaginative play, teamwork, exuberance and creativity. Each of the characters possesses his/her own personality and strengths, and the brand's key message explores a "let's make it together" attitude designed to encourage children to work together.
"BBC Worldwide is delighted to have such experienced partners supporting the LITTLE ROBOTS brand in the US market," said Julia Posen, Head of International Licensing. "We are looking forward to launching a range of fantastic product across the key categories from 2006 onwards."
Debra Joester, President of The Joester Loria Group added, "LITTLE ROBOTS is a unique and exciting property that highlights creativity, enthusiasm and teamwork among preschoolers everywhere. The brand lends itself to a fun and imaginative licensing program, and we are delighted to have aligned LITTLE ROBOTS with some of the best companies in their respective industries. This fall will be a very exciting time for all of as product begins to hit shelves in the U.S."
At Licensing International 2006, the following LITTLE ROBOTS licensing initiatives will be unveiled.
Playmates Toys
The master toy licensee for North America, Playmates Toys' full line of toys and other products will launch in Fall 2006, incorporating the humor, creativity, and cooperative spirit of the LITTLE ROBOTS world with toys that help promote imagination, problem-solving skills and hand/eye coordination. The line will feature a wide variety of products, including basic figures, talking plush, a robot builder, vehicles and more.
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
As exclusive home video distributor in the U.S. and Canada, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will debut the first-ever LITTLE ROBOTS home video title in Fall 2006. The title, which will feature episodic content from the popular television series, will be supported by a four-week mall promotion during Holiday 2006. LITTLE ROBOTS will also be included in Fox's annual curriculum program to 25,000 schools.
Penguin Young Readers Group
As publishing partner for LITTLE ROBOTS, Penguin Young Readers Group will create a line of books, starting with two 8x8 story books – Little Robots: Tiny's New Moon and Little Robots: Robot Race Day – debuting at retail in Spring 2007.
###
About LITTLE ROBOTS:
LITTLE ROBOTS is a trademark of Create TV & Film Limited. LITTLE ROBOTS is based on the book by Mike Brownlow, published by Ragged Bears Publishing. © 2003 Create TV & Film Limited. For more information about the program, visit http://www.littlerobots.com
About BBC Worldwide:
BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximize the value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the licence payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights. In 2004/05 BBC Worldwide returned £145 million to the BBC from its six business operations: TV Channels, TV Sales, BBC Magazines, Home Entertainment, Children's and New Media.
About Create TV & Film Ltd.:
Create TV & Film Ltd, producers of the global pre-school animation hit LITTLE ROBOTS™ (currently airing in 80 countries), as well as the multi-award winning DVD movies based on the best-selling children's brand BIONICLE®, is part of the media and rights owning company Create Media Ventures Ltd (CMV). Specializing in the creation and management of intellectual properties across a broad range of platforms, including television, non-theatrical film/DVD, video, books, new media and associated merchandising, CMV also offers expertise in brand development and exploitation for non-media clients in such areas as mobile telephony, interactive gaming and specialist interest channels. CMV is currently developing a new children's comedy/musical animation series, HIPSTER & JACK, in a joint venture with 19 Entertainment.
About Playmates Toys, Inc.:
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2006, Playmates Toys, Inc., is among the most well respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in both the creation of innovative and imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises.
Among the company's best-known proprietary brands are the unique water-filled "Water Babies®" dolls as well as the category leading "Amazing" brand of interactive dolls and special feature plush toys. Core licensed character and entertainment brands include Disney® Princesses and classic characters, Disney Fairies, BBC Worldwide's "Little Robots," Universal Studios'/Peter Jackson's "King Kong," DIC's
"Strawberry Shortcake," and 4Kids Entertainment/Mirage Licensing's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." From its offices in Hong Kong, China and the United States, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 60 countries worldwide. Playmates Toys, Inc., is a division of Playmates Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong-based company whose stock is traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
About Penguin Group:
Penguin Group (USA) is the U.S. affiliate of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks including Berkley Books, Dutton, Frederick Warne, G. P. Putnam's Sons, Grosset & Dunlap, New American Library, Penguin, Philomel, Plume, Puffin Books, Riverhead Books and Viking, among others. The Penguin Group is part of Pearson (FTSE: PSON; NYSE: PSO). Pearson is an international media company with market leading businesses in education, business information and consumer publishing. For more information, visit http://www.pearson.com.
About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC:
A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on VHS and DVD as well as video acquisitions and original productions. Each year the Company introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets -- from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce - throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.
About The Joester Loria Group
The Joester Loria Group, http://www.joesterloriagroup.com, is a full-service licensing and marketing agency providing its clients with a full array of services, including: strategic planning, competitive analysis, implementation of licensing strategy, management of publicity and advertising and marketing for licensing programs. The Joester Loria Group represents DaimlerChrysler Corporation for Jeep and Chrysler; American Greetings for Care Bears; PepsiCo North America for Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Aquafina; BBC's Little Robots; Contender Entertainment's Peppa Pig; Baked Goods Leader Entenmann's Products; HIP Design's Animal Soup and Bad Alice; award winning pre-school property Baby Genius
Licensing 2006 International: The Crystal Ball to Retail Trends for 2007
In the ever-diversifying marketplace, licensed products represent $175 billion(a) in retail sales worldwide and bring new excitement to consumer products goods categories across the board. The world's leading manufacturers, brand owners and retailers come together at Licensing 2006 International, June 20-22, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, to initiate many of the deals that will bring such products to market in 2007 and beyond.
With expectations of more than 23,000 attendees from over 100 countries, Licensing 2006 International -- the global marketplace for leveraging brand equity -- will feature more than 500 exhibitors representing more than 6,000 intellectual properties -- the most comprehensive presentation of brands in one place at one time, anywhere in the world. The exhibitor roster includes Fortune 500 consumer brands, Hollywood's top movie studios, publishing giants, artists and designers, even not-for-profit organizations. This year, returning exhibitors are being joined by nearly 200 new exhibitors, including such high profile companies as soccer's most famous representative -- Pele, American Greetings, General Mills, Lucas Films, Manchester United, Microsoft and Nintendo, the U.S. Postal Service and more -- all of whom have come to realize that the show is the place for key players to gather, make deals and network all under one roof.
"Licensing International is the crystal ball to the development of innovative, interesting and distinctive consumer product goods that drive worldwide retail sales year after year," says Georgiann DeCenzo, vice president, U.S. Licensing Group, Advanstar Communications. "It's the launch pad for some of the world's most successful branding programs, for both new brands and the extension of classic properties alike."
According to Charles Riotto, president, The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA), in today's competitive marketplace, brand, trademark and copyright owners must extend their reach among consumers, and manufacturers and retailers must leverage the distinctiveness and emotional connections that a strong brand or entertainment property can bring to the retail marketplace. "The worldwide business of licensing helps to accomplish that." LIMA is the official sponsor of Licensing 2006 International.
Now in its 26th year, Licensing International continues to be a platform for the important stories that define this multi-billion dollar industry.
-- An exhibitor roster featuring the biggest names in entertainment, including 4 Kids Entertainment, A&E Television Networks, Discovery, Disney, MGM, New Line Cinema, DreamWorks SKG, Nickelodeon, Sesame Workshop, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and more.
-- High-profile consumer brands such as Honda, Jelly Belly, Sea World/Shamu, USA TODAY, Hallmark, Procter & Gamble, Jeep, Betty Crocker, Kellogg's, Ford, Mattel, Hasbro, Pepsi and more.
-- The largest ever Art & Design Licensing Gallery, featuring original designs and artwork from more than 200 exhibitors.
International Impact
As worldwide soccer works to gain its foothold in America, licensing takes over as team captain. FIFA World Cup, AC Milan, Manchester United and now Pele are incorporating licensing strategies into the marketing mix to take soccer beyond the grassroots level it has established in the U.S. market to the next level of embedded cultural icon. And as Licensing International takes place in the midst of World Cup Soccer, attendees will be treated to a "live" feed of the on-field action on big screen projection.
Sports Licensing
Sports licensing generated an estimated $18 billion(a) in worldwide retail sales in 2004. Beyond the soccer field, returning exhibitors include the two fastest growing sports in America: NASCAR and the Professional Bull Riders Association. Also, the first-ever "Sports Licensing Summit" produced by the National Sports Marketing Network (NSMN), the exclusive professional trade organization for sports business professionals across the country, will offer a full day of high-powered discussion on trends and best practices among the top sports licensing decision-makers representing the highest echelon of sports including ESPN Consumer Products, NASCAR, NBA, NFL, NHL, PGA, World Series of Poker, WWE, and the United States Olympic Committee.
Video Games Licensing
As the competition in the videogame industry continues to heat up, the major players are all looking for that cutting edge to differentiate themselves at retail. It's not enough to just launch an exciting new console or feature the hottest game; it's about establishing a brand presence that drives consumer loyalty. It's become more than just the game itself that is driving sales -- it's the overall brand image that's attracting the consumer. That's why the biggest players in the industry, including Microsoft (Xbox), Nintendo and Sega, are making their presence known on the show floor this year. They're all looking to protect their brands and extend their equity through licensing in programs that generate brand awareness and help translate intellectual properties into the lifestyle experiences that impact consumer purchasing. Sega has plans for a big celebration of Sonic the Hedgehog's 15th anniversary.
Entertainment/Characters
As the largest category in licensing with more than $60 billion(a) in worldwide retail sales, entertainment encompasses both the blockbuster movies and small screen hits, exciting new characters as well as the classics. Entertainment is going digital. With the explosion of digital technology, entertainment properties are the driving force in the battle for content. From classic characters to the latest blockbusters from movies and television, entertainment properties are providing much of the downloadable content for digital -- and especially mobile -- hardware. Though the entertainment category is the launching pad for the latest blockbusters, much has been made in the last few years of the franchising of the movie business with such multiple successes as "Star Wars," "Shrek," and "Spiderman." The trend continues with the newest installments of "Fantastic Four" and "Superman" movies as well as "Pirates of the Caribbean" this summer. All of the major film studios including Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Disney Consumer Products, DreamWorks, LucasFilms, MGM, New Line Cinema, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Universal Studios Consumer Products, and Viacom are returning this year to showcase their hottest new and classic properties for 2007. Also on hand are major TV production companies including Sesame Workshop, Nickelodeon and HIT Entertainment.
Digital & Mobile Licensing (Digital Media)
In 2004, retail sales of licensed online and interactive products generated $5.09 billion. Whether making a call on a cell phone, listening to music on an iPod, watching TV or a DVD, or surfing the net, consumers now rely on digital and mobile devices for communication, entertainment and work. And the communications industry is relying on licensing to provide much of that content. Because of the high concentration of content providers at Licensing International, iMPACT! -- Digital and Mobile Licensing Summit returns to Licensing International for a second consecutive year. This one-day symposium for entertainment, consumer brand, licensing and technology companies will explore the challenges and opportunities of mobile and digital licensing and help learn how to best take advantage of this profitable phenomenon through branded content, viable business models, advertising, and licensing strategies.
Corporate Brand Licensing
The Brands and Trademarks category of licensed products generated $35.5 billion(a) in worldwide retail sales in 2004, making it the second largest category in the multi-billion dollar licensing industry. Acknowledging licensing as a highly effective and lucrative marketing tool and revenue driver, year after year corporate America expands its presence at the most productive place to showcase their brands, Licensing 2006 International. According to Licensing International's 2005 attendee research, 6,000 visitors came to Licensing International specifically to connect with companies offering corporate brands and trademarks. Among the many corporate brands to be represented at this year's show are American Greetings, AT&T, Procter & Gamble, Ford Motor Company, Daimler Chrysler, General Mills, Crayola and more. As more and more corporate brand owners realize the power of licensing, it becomes increasingly important for brands of all sizes to understand how to best develop suitable licensing programs. No brand is too small to take advantage of the licensing industry.
Food & Beverage Licensing
Corporate brands and trademarks licensing generated $35.5 billion(a) in worldwide retail sales in 2004. Of the major licensing categories, food and beverage brands continue to be among the fastest growing segments in licensing. Licensing International's 2005 attendee research shows that nearly 5,000 of last year's attendees indicated they were expressly interested in meeting with companies offering food and beverage brands. And many of the corporate brands who exhibit are looking for food manufacturers with whom to partner. Among the food and beverage brands to be represented at this year's show are the Campbell Soup Company, Hostess, Kellogg Company, Pepsi, Pringles, Snapple, M&Ms/Mars and more. The Licensing Company will be exhibiting, and with their representation of Jelly Belly and Kahlua, many delicious new pairings are bound to be in the offing.
Art Licensing
The business of licensing has changed the way artists market their work, redefining the commerce of art from single sales to the generation of ongoing royalty-based revenue streams to the tune of $18.6 billion(a) in worldwide retail sales in 2004. The Licensing Art and Design Gallery has grown from 20 art and design licensing exhibitors in 1994 to a major force on the show floor, showcasing the craft of more than 200 artists and designers. Through licensing, art and design work is transformed into a brand and marketed to produce paper goods, textiles, home furnishings, stationary, giftware and more that help generate brand awareness as well as that all important revenue stream. Licensing also plays an important role in the diversification of the retail marketplace with distinctive consumer product goods that consumers find appealing in defining their own styles. Among the more than 200 artists and designers expected to exhibit at this year's show are five of the top eight art licensors, according to "LICENSE" Magazine's 2005 Industry Annual report: Thomas Kinkade, The Flavia Company, Lassen International, Art in Motion, Paul Brent Designer and many more. American Greetings Corp., the largest publicly traded manufacturer of social expression products and the creator and owner of Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears and Holly Hobbie, will be on the floor for the first time seeking outbound licensing opportunities for these popular children's properties.
While attendees walk the show floor in search of the next big thing, it's important for them to gain the knowledge that will enable them to make such deals. Advanstar Communications and LIMA are teaming up once again to host Licensing University, a series of power-packed seminars that will provide insights, analysis and actionable "how tos" for participants at all levels of experience. At the center of the largest gathering of licensing and consumer product innovators from around the world, Licensing University is the only opportunity to learn from the best, in the best setting.
Licensing 2006 International is produced by Advanstar Communications Inc. (http://www.advanstar.com), a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for the Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports industries. Licensing International is sponsored by LIMA, the worldwide trade organization for the licensing industry. LIMA works together with licensors and licensees for the advancement of professionalism in licensing through research, national and international seminars, trade events and publications. For more information, please visit http://www.licensing.org.
(a) "LICENSE" Magazine's 2005 Industry Annual Report
Fre
Nicky Hilton and Warner Bros. to Unveil Unique Partnership for Tweety; ``Tweety Designed by Nicky Hilton'' to Debut in Dedicated Retail ``Pop-Up'' Shops
WHO:
Warner Bros. Consumer Products and one of the country's hottest,
young celebrity designers, Nicky Hilton, announce at Licensing
Show 2006 an innovative partnership to create high-end,
Tweety-inspired fashion apparel and accessories.
WHAT:
A unique new venture called "Tweety Designed by Nicky Hilton" that
brings the celebrity designer together with the world's most
stylish yellow canary, Tweety, to create an exclusive line of
products.
In the spring of 2007, "Tweety Designed by Nicky Hilton" will
debut in select U.S. markets at dedicated retail "Pop-Up" shops,
for an exclusive run.
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 20
10:00 a.m.
WHERE:
Licensing Show 2006
Jacob Javits Convention Center
655 West 34th Street at 11th Avenue, NYC
Booth #'s 3019 and 3219
-- Nicky Hilton Available for Interviews and Photo Opportunities --
LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and (C) Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to be Simultaneously Released as IMAX(R) Film in July 2007
Fifth Installment of Popular Harry Potter Franchise Marks First IMAX Title for 2007 Film Slate
IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - the third Harry Potter film to be converted into IMAX's format - will be simultaneously released to both IMAX(R) and conventional theatres on July 13, 2007. The film is based on the best-selling J.K. Rowling book and is the fifth installment of the widely successful Harry Potter film series. The last installment of the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire which opened on November 18, 2005, shattered numerous IMAX 2D box office records and grossed more than $20 million in IMAX theatres worldwide.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is Warner Bros. Pictures' thirteenth title scheduled to be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering) technology. Warner Bros. Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the film to IMAX theatres worldwide.
"The Harry Potter series has been a huge success in IMAX theatres, and we are delighted to combine this next exciting installment with The IMAX Experience to offer Harry Potter fans another magical adventure for 2007," said Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "The IMAX theatre network is a proven source of incremental revenue that we believe will grow exponentially as more IMAX theatres continue to open around the world."
"We're delighted to be working with Warner Bros. Pictures on our 2007 film slate this early in the year," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "The last two Harry Potter films we released to IMAX theatres grossed a combined $34 million, demonstrating the strong worldwide appeal of Harry Potter and The IMAX Experience. This new title gives us a powerful kick-start to next year's film slate."
"We are proud of our partnership with Warner Bros. and producer David Heyman, and we're excited that once again Warner Bros. Pictures will be delivering a film that lends itself perfectly to The IMAX Experience," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "As we explore the possibility of converting some of the picture into IMAX(R) 3D, we expect to have an even broader audience base for the release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in 2007."
About IMAX Corporation
----------------------
Founded in 1967, IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies and the newest distribution window for Hollywood films. IMAX delivers the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3D, and IMAX DMR(R) technology. IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) makes it possible for virtually any 35mm film to be transformed into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences. As of March 31, 2006, there were 266 IMAX theatres operating in 36 countries.
IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX DMR(R), IMAX MPX(R), and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com.
This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on management assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Important factors that could affect these statements include the timing of theatre system deliveries, the mix of theatre systems shipped, the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses on film production and distribution agreements, the performance of films, the viability of new businesses and products, and fluctuations in foreign currency and in the large format and general commercial exhibition market. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Source: IMAX Corporation
T-Mobile Sidekick 3 Debuts to Hollywood's Elite
Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson, and Paris Hilton Join T-Mobile at the Hottest Launch Event of the Year to Celebrate the Highly Anticipated T-Mobile Sidekick 3
T-Mobile USA, Inc. unveiled the T-Mobile(R) Sidekick(R) 3, the next generation of its iconic T-Mobile Sidekick device, at an exclusive, invite-only launch event last night at the Palladium in Hollywood. An elite crowd of A-list stars such as Nicole Richie, Mischa Barton and Serena Williams got the first look at the sleeker 'ultimate communications device' -- a social lifeline that incorporates enhanced communications features to enable individuals to stay connected on their terms.
To kick off the hottest launch event of the year, T-Mobile brought to life an ultimate "Dream World", transforming an indoor space and creating an outdoor environment of fantasy with topiary animals, colorful light projections and even real grass and trees; where spontaneity, imaginations and fun ran wild in celebration of the T-Mobile Sidekick 3. Guests also were encouraged to bring in their old wireless devices and recycle them through the T-Mobile Get More, Give More recycling program. Net proceeds from the recycling program benefit T-Mobile Huddle Up, a nationwide community outreach program which helps kids from single-parent families in high-need, urban communities connect to positive people, places and programs.
For guests' aural pleasures, Scottish rockers The Futureheads opened a night of electrifying performances with headliners She Wants Revenge hitting the stage and bringing the house down with an exciting performance. A playground complete with swings, a slide and sandbox let celebrities such as Kristin Cavallari and Nick Cannon experience the carefree thrill of childhood again, while carnival games gave guests a chance to play and win prizes as they walked along the boardwalk. Rachel Bilson, Hilary and Haylie Duff admired the new T-Mobile Sidekick 3 while Jessica Simpson and Eva Longoria gossiped together. Best friends Mischa Barton and Nicole Richie danced the night away to DJ AM spinning on the turntables. Paris Hilton posed in the photo booth as Travis Barker, Snoop Dogg and Joaquin Phoenix lounged nearby under the watchful eyes of the girls swinging gracefully above the bar.
"Just in time for summer, the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 is an ideal device to kick-start fun summer plans and instantly connect to friends," said Chidam Chidambaram, vice president, Marketing, T-Mobile USA, Inc.
The T-Mobile Sidekick 3 has a new sleek design that is 20 percent smaller than its predecessor, and features a new trackball for easy one-handed navigation and integrated Bluetooth technology for wireless headset use. The device is also enhanced with a new MP3 player, built-in support for the three major instant messenger (IM) clients (AIM(R), Yahoo! (R) Messenger and MSN Messenger) and integrated support for EDGE, providing faster download speeds for customers' favorite social networking site and all other Web sites. A built-in megapixel camera captures those moments that only happen once in a lifetime.
Existing T-Mobile customers will be the first to be able to purchase the T-Mobile Sidekick 3. For an initial 12-day period beginning on Wednesday, June 28, limited quantities of the in-demand all-in-one communications device will be available exclusively to current T-Mobile USA post-paid customers -- through the company's online handset upgrade program accessible through www.sidekick.com, and in person at two designated T-Mobile retail stores.* T- Mobile Sidekick 3 will be available to the general public at T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.sidekick.com beginning on Monday, July 10.
* Upgrade eligibility requirements apply. T-Mobile Retail Stores that
will offer T-Mobile Sidekick 3 to walk-in T-Mobile customers are located
at 307 Madison Ave. (at 42nd St.) in New York City and 335 Wilshire
Blvd. in Santa Monica, Calif.
About T-Mobile USA Inc.
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is a member of the T-Mobile International group, the mobile telecommunications subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom AG. T-Mobile USA's GSM/GPRS voice and data networks in the United States (including roaming and other agreements) reach more than 268 million people. In addition, T-Mobile operates the largest carrier-grade, commercial wireless broadband network in the United States, providing Wi-Fi access at more than 7,400 public locations throughout the country, with further Wi-Fi access being made available at over 27,000 international roaming locations. For more information, visit the company Web site at www.t-mobile.com. T-Mobile(R) is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG.
Source: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Airborne Inks Deal to Bring Growing Trend in Web Comics to Mobile Phones
Online Animated Series 'CTRL+ALT+DEL' and 'Least I Could Do' ('LICD') Make the Leap From the Web to Mobile Later This Year
Airborne Entertainment, a subsidiary of CYBIRD Co., Ltd., announced today a licensing deal with Blind Ferret Entertainment to bring popular web comics "CTRL+ALT+DEL" and "Least I Could Do" ("LICD") to mobile phones. A complete suite of mobile products capturing the humor and originality of both strips will be created by Airborne, starting with wallpapers, ring tones and ringback tones.
"CTRL+ALT+DEL" and "LICD" have both emerged as huge success stories in the growing world of online comics with a combined 48 million site views monthly. Of those users, 88% are males between the ages of 18 and 34, and members of Generation Z, considered the hi-tech generation. "Both comics have a considerable reach, and extending these properties into the mobile world is sure to be a tremendous hit with fans," said Randy Waxman of Blind Ferret.
"Web comics are an ideal medium to bring to mobile because of the fervent fan base, unique characters and limitless supply of hilarious content," said Airborne President Andy Nulman. "Combine that with Airborne's creativity and experience with properties like 'Family Guy' and you can understand why we are so excited by this deal. My teenage sons are a lot more familiar with these web comic characters than they are with classic comic names like Spiderman or Superman."
"CTRL+ALT+DEL" (www.ctrlaltdel-online.com) is a comic strip about two roommates and the video games around which their lives revolve. Focusing on geek culture, video games and fanaticisms, "CTRL+ALT+DEL" even ventures into the extremes with a healthy dose of good old-fashioned insanity. "LICD" (www.leasticoulddo.com) is an unapologetic politically incorrect and sometimes raunchy look at the sex-filled lives of five 20-something friends as they tackle work, relationships and each other, all from the viewpoint of a somewhat obsessed narcissist.
The content is expected to be available later this year on all major carriers.
Airborne Entertainment Inc. A subsidiary of CYBIRD Co., Ltd., Airborne Entertainment is a leading provider and publisher of premier mobile entertainment content and applications, including games, images, video, ringtones, ringbacktones and informational content. Airborne's product portfolio consists of original and popular branded properties including, Family Guy(TM), Maxim ToGo(TM), SPEED TV Mobile(TM), NHL Mobile(TM), mary-kateandashley(TM), the Sprouse Bros(TM)and Robotech(TM). Airborne's products are available across wireless carriers in North America and Europe and the company provides retailers and branded destinations the ability to reach mobile consumers directly via premium and promotional channels. For more information, visit www.airborne-e.com.
Blind Ferret Entertainment is an independent television and media production company with several series currently being produced. Blind Ferret's projects reach out to various target audiences and also include web, print and film entities.
Source: Airborne Entertainment
Virgin Mobile USA Launches Penny-Texting Offer With Campaign to Save the Penny
New Text Bundles Feature 'Penny-Texting' - 1,000 Text Messages for $9.99 per Month - In An Offer to Make Abe Lincoln Proud
Only National Wireless Service to Offer 1-cent Text Messaging Without a Long-Term Contract
As part of its ongoing efforts to Serve the Greater Good, Virgin Mobile USA, a leading U.S. youth wireless service, has taken on a valiant mission -- to give the long-neglected penny a purpose. Through its newly launched text messaging offers, customers can use the power of copper to purchase valuable SMS text bundles -- some as low as just 1-cent per text for 1,000 messages.
"When it comes to the language of the youth market, text is the new talk," said Dan Schulman, chief executive officer at Virgin Mobile USA. "We know that our customers are absolutely passionate about texting, and Penny Texting satisfies their desire for great messaging value. It was extremely important to us to develop innovative, value-added text offers alongside our newly relaunched voice pricing in response to what our users want."
While pennies have long since lost most of their purchasing power in the U.S. economy, support from the "lovers of Lincoln" remains high. A 2002 national poll found that 65% of Americans are in favor of keeping the penny in circulation -- findings confirmed by a report later that same year from the General Accounting Office (GAO). Virgin Mobile's new text bundles give pennies a bold new purpose -- one that Virgin Mobile will further support with a national advertising campaign and petition drive heralding this forgotten currency.
"For too long the penny has been relegated to menial positioning - crammed into preppy loafers, cast into fountains and piled into canisters next to convenience store cash registers," explains Howard Handler, chief marketing officer at Virgin Mobile USA. "There are even forces in the U.S. government looking to do away with the penny altogether. By giving our customers the ability to communicate with friends and family for just a penny per text through our $9.99 monthly offer, we're restoring the nobility and true purpose of America's favorite coin."
Fingers Get Busy with Expanded Text Offerings and Promotions
Virgin Mobile USA has debuted three monthly text bundles:
- $1.99 for 50 text messages
- $4.99 for 200 text messages
- $9.99 for 1,000 text messages - just a penny per message, the best value
for heavy users
In addition, Virgin Mobile customers can now send or receive picture messages from virtually any capable cell phone for 10 cents, through a limited promotion that expires July 24, 2006. The regular price for picture messages is 25 cents to send or receive.
For light texters not ready to commit to bundles, Virgin Mobile has also improved its per-text SMS pricing. Customers can now send or receive a text message for 5 cents each.
With the launch of these new offers, Virgin Mobile users now have the value and the vehicle for fueling their texting habits. Earlier this year, Virgin Mobile launched the Switch_Back handset to give nimble fingers an easier tool for texting and talking. The Switch_Back is the only handset in the industry with a full QWERTY keyboard available for under $150 without a long-term contract. Featuring a fun, eye-catching design, Switch_Back is perfect for texting, IM, email, picture messaging and more.
Kevin Federline Kicks Off Drive to Make Penny a Coin To Be Reckoned With
To support its quest to save the penny and give the coin a bold new purpose, Virgin Mobile will kick off its "Save the Penny" campaign on June 21st in New York City's Times Square -- with special VIP's performer and rapper Kevin Federline and Virgin Group founder and chairman Sir Richard Branson on hand to help spread the word.
A custom-designed truck manned by Virgin Mobile's penny ambassadors will scour the streets of Manhattan to find those committed to standing up for the noble coin and making a donation to several charities focused on giving young people a voice. New Yorkers can throw a penny into the truck or put their own John Hancock on a petition to the U.S. government, opposing factions working to try to eliminate the penny from U.S. currency. The campaign is designed to let our leaders know that this historic symbol of American commerce is beloved and must not be discontinued.
And it doesn't stop there. Virgin Mobile will drive the truck full of pennies to Washington, D.C., to send our lawmakers a message about the value of this much-maligned currency. All of the pennies collected will then be donated to The RE*Generation, a Virgin-sponsored pro-social initiative dedicated to connecting young people with organizations working on the front lines of activism.
"Virgin Mobile users are known for making their voices heard and standing up for what they believe in," comments Handler. "We are certain that their energy will carry this campaign forward to help save the penny from extinction."
About Virgin Mobile USA, LLC:
Launched nationally in July of 2002, Virgin Mobile USA, LLC is the nation's first wireless network created for and defined by youth. Virgin Mobile is a joint venture between Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Sprint Nextel, which operates one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless networks in the United States. The country's first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Virgin Mobile's four million customers have access to a service portfolio that includes multiple voice pricing options, a full range of handsets and a broad array of messaging, music and mobile content offerings -- without long-term contracts. In addition, J.D. Power and Associates has recognized Virgin Mobile for providing "An Outstanding Customer Service Experience" under its Certified Call Center Program.(SM)
Virgin Mobile phones are available at more than 25,000 stores, with Top-Up cards available at more than 80,000 locations nationwide. Virgin Mobile products can also be purchased online at www.virginmobileusa.com or by calling Virgin Mobile At Your Service (1-888-322-1122).
Source: Virgin Mobile USA
Web site: http://www.virginmobileusa.com/
Sony Gives 'Full House' New Meaning With Whole-Home Entertainment System
Audio/Video Can Be Distributed to Up to 13 Rooms
Sony Electronics is to answering the needs of the home construction market with the addition of a new whole-home, high performance A/V entertainment system targeted at the semi-custom and custom home markets.
Building on the success of Sony's New Home Solution line of installation-ready products, the expandable system (NHS-3020) fills the home with a range of advanced home entertainment options covering distribution, control, source and display.
The new system includes discrete control and the support of audio and video content for a 7.1 surround sound home theater, and up to 12 additional rooms of audio and video.
The solution incorporates five sources: a 400-disc DVD changer, a 400-disc CD changer, a combination DVD recorder and VCR, a 5-disc DVD player and an AM/FM tuner. With the ability to play each source independently, the system can store a total of 406 DVDs and 400 CDs. By including all of these source devices, separate movies or music can be played back in any of the connected rooms.
Up to three additional components can be added to customize the system. Extra sources can include two HD sources, such as an HD cable or satellite box and Blu-ray Disc(TM) player, as well as a standard definition source like a security camera.
"This whole-home solution provides custom and semi-custom builders and integrators the ability to separate themselves from the competition, offering homebuyers an integrated solution that is ready to use when they move-in," said Neal Manowitz, director of marketing for Sony Electronics' Consumer Systems and Applications division. "Our New Home Solutions have been instrumental in expanding installed-AV beyond the traditional custom installation market."
Having been programmed, pre-wired and built into a Middle Atlantic(TM) rack, the entire system comes ready to incorporate into a home. Removing thousands of dollars in integration cost, the integrator simply pre-wires the home using standard wiring and then plugs in the system. A choice of Sony's industry leading high-definition televisions, such as the BRAVIA(TM) LCD TV, Grand WEGA(TM) rear projection TV or the VPL-VW100 SXRD(TM) based projector, is included.
Additionally, a pre-programmed LCD touch-screen remote for the home theater and in-wall LCD keypads with separate remote make the system easy to use for the homebuyer from virtually any room in the home.
To address the needs of the new home construction market, Sony is providing a one-year limited warranty with in-home diagnostic service and advance exchange when necessary, along with and also a dedicated toll free hotline for consumers to call with operational questions.
The system is currently shipping with an estimated installed price to new homebuyers ranging from $20,000 to $40,000. More information about this system is available online at www.sony.com/newhome.
Source: Sony Electronics Inc.
The Truth About Speed Racer Revealed - All New, Original Speed Racer Animated Promos Debut Online This Summer Followed by a New Toy Line Celebrating the 40th Anniversary!
With 2006 being the 40th Anniversary of Speed Racer, the rumor mill is a buzz with mutterings of a live action movie from the Wachowski brothers. But while Speed Racer fans await the good news, the folks at Art Asylum (http://www.artasylum.com/), in conjunction with Speed Racer Enterprises, are bringing out a new toy line packaged with all new, original animated promotional shorts that will be comprised of fresh story lines and characters for this cutting-edge, yet classic property.
With the help of Jeff Nodelman of ANImagic, Heavenspot, and producer/writer "Tramp" of Supreme Team Productions, this summer Speed Racer fans will be treated to an exciting new adventure that will be launched on the new
http://www.speedracerlives.com/ website to help kick off the 40th anniversary celebration. The site also contains behind the scene trailers, downloadable music, and a free 3D, multi-level online video game where high score winners will be eligible for prize packages, direct from Art Asylum. To preview the trailer, go to http://post.creativegroup.tv/Ani_SRTrailer.
website to help kick off the 40th anniversary celebration. The site also contains behind the scene trailers, downloadable music, and a free 3D, multi-level online video game where high score winners will be eligible for prize packages, direct from Art Asylum. To preview the trailer, go to ."We're going all out for the 40th Anniversary of Speed Racer," said Art Asylum's Adam Unger. The New York-based toy manufacturer will create the unique product line based on of the classic Speed Racer animated television property. "The new Speed Racer animated promos are unlike anything you've seen in the past, and really brings Speed Racer into the 21st century, while paying homage to the Classic Speed Racer," said Unger. The 40th Anniversary line will include toys, cars, collectibles, and music. DVD's of the new animation will be packaged with the toy line hitting retail stores in fall 2006. Additionally, a follow-up soundtrack will hit stores in the fourth quarter of 2006, with all new music from some of today's hottest, up-in-coming artists.
"Art Asylum is the perfect company to create a high-octane toy line in commemoration of Speed's 40th Anniversary celebration," said Speed Racer Enterprises EVP, James Rocknowski. "We expect that our loyal fans will be very impressed and excited with the new line and the hard driving animated promos and we anticipate an entirely new generation of Speed Racer fans to jump on board."
Source: Art Asylum
Web site: http://www.artasylum.com/
http://www.speedracerlives.com/
http://post.creativegroup.tv/Ani_SRTrailer
Three Days Grace Enter Billboard's Top 10 With New Release One-X With Sales of More Than 78,000
1st Single 'Animal I Have Become' #3 at Active Rock Radio, #7 at Modern Radio, Amongst the Great Gainers at These Respective Formats!
Highest Rock Debut This Week!
Jive Recording Artist Three Days Grace are set to break all their previous records with first week sales of more than 78,000 with their new release, One-X, the band, have 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 in the Top 5 and climbing on the Alternative, Active, and Rock radio charts. The song also hit #3 rock song on AOL last week. The video is also Top 5 on FUSE and was just winner of FUSE's Oven Fresh.
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 finish their tour with Staind mid-June, at which time they hit the US again with fellow Canadian rockers, Nickelback on June 30th in Cincinnati, OH.
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).
Web site: http://www.jiverecords.com/
http://www.threedaysgrace.com/
Walt Disney Pictures' THE GAME PLAN Statement Regarding Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon injury yesterday during a football practice in preparation for his upcoming role as a professional quarterback in the Disney comedy, THE GAME PLAN. Johnson will undergo surgery Friday in Miami by world-class orthopedic surgeon Dr. John W. Uribe. Production has been put on hiatus and will continue when he can resume his role in the film.
"While this is a set back for our production schedule, we completely support him as he recuperates and look forward to resuming production when Dwayne is fully recovered," said Nina Jacobson, President of Walt Disney Motion Picture Group.
In a prepared statement Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson said ... "I approached this role trying to be as true to the character as possible and the fact is professional athletes train hard and get hurt. My injury, while serious, is unfortunately common with this type of activity. I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support that I have received from Disney, and all those involved with this film. I anticipate that with some TLC, pizza and a lot of donuts, I will be making a speedy recovery and will be able to get myself, and everyone who has been working so hard on this production, back to the business of doing what we love most, making movies."
George Harrison's Living In The Material World to be Reissued in CD and Deluxe Limited Edition CD/DVD Packages by Capitol/EMI
Remastered CD Adds Two Bonus Tracks; Deluxe Edition's DVD Features Previously Unreleased and Rare Archival Film and Audio Clips
In Stores: September 26, 2006
Capitol/EMI Music Catalog Marketing is proud to announce the reissue of George Harrison's Living In The Material World album on September 26, 2006.
The CD will be issued in two formats. Both packages will contain the album, which has been re-mastered at Abbey Road Studios from the original analog tapes. The new version also includes two additional tracks, "Deep Blue" (originally a B-side from 1971) and "Miss O'Dell" (the B-side to "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)").
The single-disc package's jewel case will contain a 12-page booklet with lyrics and extra photographs. The special limited edition package will house the CD and a companion DVD with an expanded 40-page booklet. The set's exclusive DVD features:
* Rare footage of George performing "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On
Earth)" from his 1991 Japanese tour with Eric Clapton.
* A mini-feature edited from film commissioned by George in 1973 of the
album's production in Britain and America.
* Previously unreleased versions of "Miss O'Dell" and "Sue Me, Sue You
Blues" set to visuals of unseen archival material.
Historical Notes -- Kevin Howlett
Living In The Material World was George's second solo album of new songs following the Beatles' break-up in 1970 and its lyrical focus revealed his continuing mission to explore spiritual themes. Many people would hear his message. Five weeks after its release in May 1973, the LP and its single 'Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)' simultaneously occupied the number one positions on the US albums and singles charts.
The success of the album continued a winning streak that had begun with the release of All Things Must Pass. Featuring the worldwide number one 'My Sweet Lord', the triple LP set had topped the US album chart at the beginning of 1971. Later that year, George masterminded two remarkable concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York to help raise awareness and money for the starving refugees from Bangladesh. The commercial success of the Concert For Bangladesh live album was emphatic and unprecedented -- another triple LP box set that was a best seller around the world -- and it won an 'Album of the Year' Grammy Award.
For Living In The Material World, George assembled a core group in the Apple Studio in London consisting of Nicky Hopkins and Gary Wright on keyboards, Klaus Voormann on bass and Jim Keltner on drums. They recorded backing tracks which received varying degrees of enhancement through subsequent overdubs. The most complex musical arrangement on the album is heard on the title track. Having played together at the Concert For Bangladesh, Ringo Starr and Jim Keltner perform their 'double drums' on 'Living In The Material World' and the brass parts were played by Jim Horn with help from Klaus Voormann on tenor saxophone. The gentler sections of the song feature tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussein and Jim Horn on flute and recorders.
The slide guitar playing heard throughout All Things Must Pass had quickly become associated with the George Harrison 'solo' sound and it is equally prominent on Living In The Material World. The exquisite dual harmony slide guitar parts on 'Give Me Love' were integral to that track's gentle power and on 'Sue Me, Sue You Blues', George revealed a bluesy side to his playing -- more bottleneck than Hawaiian in its style.
The four gentle ballads -- 'Be Here Now', 'The Day The World Gets Round', 'The Light That Has Lighted The World' and 'Who Can See It' -- are heartfelt reflections on how to live a spiritual life in the turmoil of the material world -- 'where there's so little chance to experience soul'. The joyous 'Don't Let Me Wait Too Long' picks up on the 'really want to see you' theme of 'My Sweet Lord'. The spiritual nature of these songs is mirrored in the artwork on the gatefold LP sleeve, which featured an illustration from the Bhagavad-Gita.
At the foundation of Living In The Material World are George's unwavering sincerity and integrity. These are rare qualities in mainstream popular music and should be treasured and nurtured wherever they are discovered. This is a welcome and timely re-issue.
Source: Capitol/EMI Music Catalog Marketing
Hatchling Studios Unveils Expansion Into 2D Animation With Two New Properties
'Store 118' and 'Modred's Isle' Tapping Into Burgeoning Mobile Media Following Web Success of 'Norman Rockwell Code' Film Spoof
Following the success of several 2D projects for Liberty Mutual, Prudential Securities and the popular web comic Ctrl+Alt+Del, CGI animation studio Hatchling Studios announced the development of "Modred's Isle" and "Store 118," two animated short series targeted exclusively at mobile media distribution.
"Modred's Isle," which will debut in July, is a parody of the reality-based TV shows that are very popular in the US. It features a team of villains, a team of heroes, and one unwitting human who thinks he is going on a standard game show with a fantasy theme, only to find himself in the midst of real-life battles between Trolls, Orcs, Faeries, and Wizards. The series is the collaborative creation of Hatchling CEO Marc Dole and Director Zack Pike. Pike is also the Creator and Director of Hatchling's 3D short film "The Toll," which will debut in summer 2006.
"Store 118" follows a group of co-workers as they are forced to deal with the monotony and frustration that comes from working retail in the nation's largest mega-store. The series was co-developed by Dole and Pike.
Premiering on the web the same day as The Da Vinci Code, "The Norman Rockwell Code" is a 35-minute film spoof of the global best-seller. Highlighted in "The Must List" in Entertainment Weekly, the film has garnered over half a million hits since its bow. The film is available for viewing at http://www.thenormanrockwellcode.com/.
By expanding the company's roster to include "traditional" 2D animation, Dole plans to diversify the company's artistic palette. Hatchling is building its 2D staff for upcoming projects and is in discussions with studios and networks about other potential projects that would utilize both 2D and 3D animation.
ABOUT HATCHLING STUDIOS
Hatchling Studios is a full service digital animation company founded in 1999 by Marc Dole, a former Director of Computer animation for a stop-motion animation company. Hatchling has developed properties for a broad range of mediums, including:
- Feature Films
- Short Films
- Mobile Content
- Television
- Direct-to-Video
- Webisodes
Hatchling Studios has also provided cutting-edge 3D animation for such corporate clients as Bose, Fisher-Price, Reebok and Sierra Mist.
Source: Hatchling Studios
J, Epic, and Legacy Records Join in the Release of the Ultimate Luther Vandross
Career Spanning CD Features Two Previously Unreleased Tracks With Sixteen
Classic Recordings
First Ever Collection of J and Epic Hits
-- Celebrating the extraordinary
artistry and impact of the legendary superstar, J, Epic, and Legacy Records
will join in the release of The Ultimate Luther Vandross on August 22nd. A
first-of- its-kind, career spanning collection, the eighteen-track album is
drawn from the multi-talented singer/songwriter and producer's recordings
for both J Records and Epic Records. The CD will include two previously
unissued cuts, "Shine" (produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis), the first
single from the album and "Got You Home." "Shine" is already being blasted
on the airwaves as radio stations across the country have jumped the gun
and added it prior to its official impact date of June 19th. The
overwhelming response from radio programmers includes comments from "it's
the hottest adult song of the year" to "it's another great record from
Luther!"
The Ultimate Luther Vandross features all of Luther's chart topping
singles including the Grammy-winning No. 1 pop/R&B smash, "Dance With My
Father," the title track for Luther's 2003 platinum-plus J Records album;
1989's Grammy-winning Epic hit, "Here And Now" and "Endless Love," Luther's
1994 million-selling duet with Mariah Carey. The CD also includes J hits
"Take You Out" and "I'd Rather" and Epic '80s and '90s singles, "Never Too
Much," "Give Me The Reason," "Any Love" and "Power Of Love/Love Power."
The powerhouse album also reprises such Vandross classics as "A House
Is Not A Home," "Wait For Love" and "Superstar/Until You Come Back To Me"
alongside key album cuts such as Luther's 2003 duet with Beyonce, the cover
of the Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway classic "The Closer I Get To You," "Buy
Me A Rose" and "Think About You," all taken from Luther's last studio
album.
Luther Vandross was undeniably one of the most significant vocalists of
our time. Since the 1981 platinum-selling release of Never Too Much,
Luther's recording career spanned over two decades and resulted in a
lifetime of chart topping hits. Through the 1980's, he recorded a string of
platinum albums, including Forever, For Always, For Love, Busy Body and The
Night I Fell In Love. He scored his first Grammy Award in 1989 with "Here
And Now." 2003's Dance With My Father received 4 Grammy Awards and has
generated worldwide sales exceeding 3 million copies. Collectively,
Luther's body of work has sold in excess of 30 millions records worldwide,
winning eight Grammy Awards, numerous Soul Train, BET, NAACP Image Awards
and American Music Awards.
The release of The Ultimate Collection just over a year after his death
is a solid reminder of the creative genius, soulful magic and sheer
artistry of Luther Vandross, an unforgettable presence and one of the most
influential vocalists of our time.
SOURCE J Records
Lifetime Orders New Docu-Film 'Karaoke Superstars' a Real-Life Drama About Four Young Women Struggling to Fulfill Their Dreams Who Take to the Stage in a High-Stakes Karaoke Contest
Two-hour Docu-Film from Go Go Luckey Productions ('Laguna Beach,' 'Rollergirls') to Premiere This November on Lifetime
Four twenty-something women enter a suspenseful karaoke competition in an attempt to change their lives, find their voices and discover their true potential in the Lifetime docu-film "Karaoke Superstars," it was announced today by Jessica Samet, Senior Vice President, Reality Programming and Libby Beers, Vice President, Original Movies. Set in the obsession-driven Southern California karaoke scene, the two-hour docu-based movie is from Gary and Julie Auerbach's Go Go Luckey Productions, the executive producers of "Laguna Beach" and "Rollergirls."
"Gary and Julie are truly pioneering storytellers who have created cutting edge and groundbreaking television. We're thrilled to be partnering with them on this innovative project," said Samet. Added Beers, "The four women profiled in the docu-film have each reached a turning point, where they want to explore new possibilities for themselves. This is an exciting, upbeat drama about finding empowerment, friendship and personal transformation."
"We're very excited to be doing "Karaoke Superstars" with Lifetime. Deep inside, many Americans want to be superstars -- if only for a few minutes -- and karaoke gives you that," said Gary Auerbach.
Each contestant's life story unfolds as she prepares for the qualifying preliminary rounds, the semi-finals, and the big showdown to determine the winner. They include:
* A makeup artist and a single mother, Cherene is still heartbroken over
the break-up of her marriage. Through karaoke she is recovering her
inner strength and vows to build a better future for herself and her
daughter.
* For Michelle, a hair dresser and personal trainer from Wisconsin,
karaoke helped her overcome her shyness and discover a natural talent
for performing.
* Kristina, a paralegal by day, lost 60 pounds and exited an abusive
relationship thanks to singing in karaoke competitions. She dreams of
recording her own CD.
* After Kristin's hopes of becoming a professional dancer came to nothing,
she turned to karaoke. Calling it a great "confidence booster," she
works as a popular karaoke jockey and wants to sing with a rock band.
As the tension mounts during the competition and the night for the grand finale arrives, the lives of all four women intertwine in unexpected ways.
"Karaoke Superstars" is a production of Go Go Luckey Productions for Lifetime Television. Go Go Luckey Productions is a multi-faceted production company that focuses on hybrid, reality, and scripted television and film. Headed by Gary and Julie Auerbach, the company operates as a collaboration of reality producers, one-hour television writers, and feature filmmakers. Go Go Luckey is responsible for producing many successful shows including MTV's "Laguna Beach," A&E's "Rollergirls" and USA's docu-movie, "Great American Christmas," among many others, set to air in 2006-2007. Go Go Luckey's ground- breaking cinematic style and in-scene narrative story-telling has changed the face of alternative programs forever. This enables them to produce reality and scripted television and features with a completely new look and feel that differentiates them from traditional network shows or studio films.
Executive Producers are Gary Auerbach and Julie Auerbach. Co-Executive Producers are Sandy Guthrie and Scott B. Supervising Producer is Jessica Reynolds. The docu-movie is directed by Tina Gazzero.
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
Web site: http://www.lifetimetv.com/
POW! Entertainment 'Stan Lee Presents ... '
POW! Entertainment Inc. announced today that it is well on its way to becoming a major content provider for the Entertainment Industry. POW! has already developed a substantial portfolio of numerous new Stan Lee projects that are currently in various stages of development with entertainment giants like Robert Evans, Paramount, IDT (Condor and Mosaic), Ringo Starr, MTV, Playboy, SciFi Channel, VIBE, Jeff Franklin (Lightspeed), Michelle Rodriguez -- now appearing in the ABC's "Lost" (Tigress), the reality show producer Bruce Nash (Who Wants to be a Superhero?), JJ Armes, Cinder Block, Valcom, Vidiator (Drifter, Accuser, Stripperella), Celebrities in Action, and more. (The term "development" can include all the activities required between the inception of the idea for a project through its ultimate production and release). Additionally, Stan Lee has conceived and materialized scores of original story ideas for POW!
POW! has attracted the attention of major motion picture studios, television networks, animation studios, "A-list" actors, directors, producers and writers along with publishers, video gaming and telecommunication giants, all of whom are vying for unique content with broad appeal. The word is out that POW!'s prolific founder Stan Lee has been creating at an unprecedented rate and this past year has been extremely productive. POW! has entered into numerous multi-layered negotiations and deals with members of the top echelon of the Entertainment Industry for the licensing rights to develop and produce a multitude of POW!'s exclusive Stan Lee creations.
POW! concurrently is staying on the cutting edge of technology and is not only utilizing traditional entertainment platforms for its properties but has also inked a deal to provide content for worldwide cellular phone applications via a new channel that is called "Stan Lee's POW! Mobile".
POW!'s various projects ranging in scope from animated to live action, include feature films, feature-length DVDs, TV series, Video Games, Mobisodes, Webisodes, and a reality show pilot.
Since POW!'s inception, the Company has essentially been concentrating on building a library of properties consisting of both original Stan Lee creations and Stan Lee co-creations with other top talent. The POW! model is structured so that as each property is produced and subsequently released, the Company is positioned to generate revenues from licensing, not unlike an annuity, in perpetuity. To date, POW! has built up a large portfolio of proprietary intellectual properties. We are not only very pleased with the quantity but we feel the quality surpasses many of Stan's stellar earlier works.
While Stan Lee, in conjunction with other top talent, continues creating a flow of new and exciting superhero adventures, POW! with its strategic partners, is engaged in finalizing the production of the projects currently in the pipeline. POW! now has reached the critical mass of material which we felt was needed in order to have enough product to begin a systematic and steady stream of releases. POW!'s goal, now that it has a foundational portfolio of original Stan Lee material, is to continue the creative process utilizing additional top talent to develop these franchises sufficiently to insure product availability for the future. POW! is not limiting itself to just traditional platforms for its brand, but plans to develop and distribute across all platforms and in all geographies while Stan, as only he can, will continue creating new and exciting basic treatments for additional POW! franchises.
To date, Stan Lee and his team of talented artisans have done a brilliant job for POW! They have created a plethora of first rate characters that we believe are diversified enough to generate broad appeal across multiple demographics, but at the same time have their own unique identities in today's competitive market place. If you were impressed with any of Stan Lee's earlier co-creations like Spider-Man(R)(1), The Incredible Hulk(R)(1), X-Men(R)(2), The Fantastic Four(R)(1), Iron Man(R)(1), Daredevil(R)(1), Silver Surfer(R)(1) and Dr. Strange(R)(1), for Marvel, you should be thoroughly ecstatic as POW! releases Stan Lee's newest cast of innovative and contemporary superheroes.
POW!'s Chief Operating Officer and award winning producer Gill Champion states, "As 2006 continues to unfold, I am pleased to let our shareholders know that Stan Lee's new POW! Entertainment superheroes have been enthusiastically received and alliances are forming for their anticipated successful exploitation into the broad consumer based markets. POW! is focused on developing complete franchises for each property by utilizing multiple venues uniquely oriented across all platforms to improve and maximize our margins.
From my 25-plus years of executive experience in global entertainment, marketing, retail and licensing, I see that there are several factors that give POW!'s new projects an advantage over competitive projects; First is Stan Lee's undisputed track record of having created or co-created many of the most successful character franchises of our time. Secondly, Stan Lee's unique talent and ability to create popular and enduring characters has amassed a Stan Lee fan base numbering into the tens of millions. This enormous fan base possesses a tremendous pent-up demand for new Stan Lee releases and POW! Entertainment now has them. Thirdly, POW!'s strategy, when feasible, includes combining Stan Lee's popularity with a variety of 'A-List' actors, writers, directors and producers to further enhance POW!'s projects. Thus far, Stan Lee's reputation and track record have resulted in POW! attracting a number of major talents to participate in POW's current projects. Finally, Stan Lee, who is credited with the title 'Father of the Modern Day Superhero', has continually created characters that have gone on to become extremely successful 'franchises' (i.e. they lend themselves to sequels, licensing to other media, to merchandising and to other ancillary opportunities). These factors among others increase POW!'s ability to secure distribution and production partnerships with major studios and to obtain investor participation if needed."
2005 was a foundational building year for POW! and we are now poised to begin decades of production with subsequent releases from our portfolio of proprietary properties which we feel will ultimately become known as "The Best of Stan Lee."
Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from the historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements which explicitly describe such risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements labeled with the terms "believes," "belief," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "will," or "plans" to be uncertain and forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company's reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(1) These are the registered trademarks and characters of Marvel
Characters, Inc.
Source: POW! Entertainment Inc.
Primal Scream Comes to Columbia Records
Scottish Psychedelic Rock Band's New Album, 'Riot City Blues,' Set For Release On Tuesday, August 22
The groundbreaking Scottish rock band Primal Scream has come to Columbia Records under the aegis of Steve Lillywhite, Senior Vice President of A&R for the label and Grammy-winning Producer of the Year. Primal Scream's new album, Riot City Blues, will be released stateside on Columbia on Tuesday, August 22.
The UK release of Riot City Blues debuted at #5 on the UK album charts upon its recent release. The US version of Riot City Blues will feature new bonus tracks.
Riot City Blues was recorded over the course of 10 intense days of non- stop music-making last June live on the floor of London's Olympic Studios by Bobby Gillespie (vocals), Andrew Innes (guitars, banjo and mandolin), Martin Duffy (piano, harmonium, Hammond B-3 organ and harmonica), Gary "Mani" Mounfield (bass) and Robert Young (guitars and harmonica).
The band's scorching sounds were augmented by Will Sergeant (Echo & the Bunnymen) playing lead guitar on "When The Bomb Drops," Warren Ellis (Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds) playing fiddle on "Hell's Comin' Down," Alison Mosshart (The Kills) on backing vocals on several cuts.
The sessions for Riot City Blues were produced by Martin "Youth" Glover (Killing Joke, Crowded House, The Verve) with two tracks -- "We're Gonna Boogie" and "Hell's Comin' Down" -- produced by Primal Scream's own Andrew Innes.
After finishing the raw sessions in London, Primal Scream took the tracks to Los Angeles where, in another 10 day rush of creativity, the album was mixed by David Sardy at Village Recorders.
Primal Scream performed at the Isle of Wight Festival on June 10. The band is slated to support The Who and headline the Hyde Park Calling Festival on July 2 and perform at T in the Park on July 9.
Tracks on Riot City Blues include the raucous first single, "Country Girl," "Nitty Gritty," "Suicide Sally & Johnny Guitar," "When The Bomb Drops," "Little Death," "The 99th Floor," "We're Gonna Boogie," "Dolls (Sweet Rock and Roll)," "Hell's Comin' Down," and "Sometimes I Feel So Lonely."
Primal Scream filmed a rockin' risque video for "Country Girl," lensed by the acclaimed director Jonas Akerlund (Madonna, U2, Smashing Pumpkins, The Prodigy), in Los Angeles earlier this year.
Formed in 1984 by Jesus & Mary Chain drummer Bobby Gillespie, Primal Scream released a pair of albums -- Sonic Flower Groove (1987) and Primal Scream (1989) before the group's landmark opus Screamadelica took home the first-ever Mercury Music Prize in 1991 and profoundly shaped the UK's pop musical landscape for more than a decade with its hallucinatory blend of dance, dub, techno, acid house and rock.
Riot City Blues is the first new full-length studio album from Primal Scream since 2002's Evil Heat.
http://www.columbiarecords.com/
Source: Columbia Records
Web site: http://www.primalscream.net/
http://www.columbiarecords.com/
Handmark(R) Announces New Tetris(R) Game Pak 2
New Retail Edition of Top-Selling Bundle Includes Updated Version of Tetris, the Most Popular Video Game of All Time, Along With Sudoku Master, JAMDAT Bowling, Aces Texas Hold'em(TM) - No Limit and More
Handmark(R), a global leader in mobile media, today announced that the new Tetris(R) Game Pak 2 will be available at retailers June 30. This new version of the perennial bestseller offers new games and significant updates for the Palm OS(R) and Windows Mobile(TM) Pocket PC platforms and is now, for the first time, available for Windows Mobile Smartphone and BlackBerry(R) operating systems.
"Handmark is focused on bringing Tetris Game Pak 2 to more mobile users and platforms than ever before," said Douglas Edwards, Handmark cofounder and chief marketing officer. "Palm and Pocket PC users have made the original Tetris Classic Game Pak(TM) a top-selling Handmark title. Now Windows Mobile Smartphone and BlackBerry users can join the fun. The new version of Tetris, the perfect puzzle game, has been optimized for color BlackBerry handsets and the new Motorola Q in addition to the Palm(R) Treo(R) 700w and 700p."
Tetris Game Pak 2 will be a available at most major electronics, computer, and office supply stores in CD ($39.99) and MMC ($49.99) versions. The individual games are also available for purchase from Handmark.com.
Pocket Express(TM) users can easily download and install the new Tetris game, or any of the other great new games directly to their smartphone from the "Get Games" tile found under the "Extras" tab in the new Pocket Express Third Edition. This makes a great option for users who don't regularly sync their device. Learn more about this option at http://express.handmark.com/ .
With something for everyone, Tetris Game Pak 2 makes an excellent addition to any mobile smart device. This new collection of six must-have games includes:
Tetris
Tetris is the most popular electronic game of all time with over 60 million players. After its humble beginnings in Russia, this timeless puzzle game became a worldwide phenomenon enjoyed by all. Because of its unique yet simple randomness, it is always a fresh experience and never the same game twice. New Tetris variants introduce exciting and enjoyable new ways to play. As easy to learn as it is addictive, it will keep both the casual and seasoned pro entertained for hours.
JAMDAT Bowling
A bestseller on mobile phones, this all-new smartphone version takes mobile bowling to the next dimension! Enjoy 3D Graphics. Sophisticated controls for aim, ball spin and power and realistic physics deliver the feel and fun of bowling. Features user-selectable ball, lane, and pin style, cool sound effects and music. Play a single or 3-game series alone or against friends in 4-player "Hot-Seat" multiplayer. In-game screens cheer and taunt your strikes, spares, gutter balls and more*. Bowl the perfect mobile game -- JAMDAT Bowling.
Aces Texas Hold'em(TM) - No Limit
Texas Hold'em is one of the most popular card games in the world. This fast and furious game is fun for players of all levels. Its simple concept of having two cards in your hand and five community cards makes it easy to learn, but it's been called one of the hardest games to master. Now you can play any time you have the urge to face this formidable Hold'em opponent.
Sudoku Master
The ultimate Sudoku game with over a billion unique Sudoku puzzles, beautiful interface, advanced pencil marks, customization, statistics, image puzzles, hints and more. Enter puzzles from anywhere and solve them in Sudoku Master -- solve any Sudoku puzzle with lightning speed!
Blackjack
No time for a trip to Vegas? Now you can play this casino classic on your mobile smart device wherever and whenever you choose. Can you outsmart the dealer and come up with a cool 21? Brush up on your skills or go for the big jackpot without having to break the bank.
Backgammon
Experience the challenge and exhilaration of playing this all-time favorite against your handheld! In order to win you must move all 15 of your checkers into your own inner board and then bear them off before your opponent does. Handmark Backgammon also features the ability to set the level of difficulty by player, playing with or without the doubling cube and the Crawford Rule.
System Requirements
Palm OS: Palm OS 4.0** or higher with at least 8 Megabytes of free memory
Windows Mobile Pocket PC: Pocket PC 2003, Windows Mobile 5
Windows Mobile Smartphone: Windows Mobile 5
Research in Motion BlackBerry: OS 4.0 or higher, 71xx, 72xx, 75xx, 77xx, 87xx series device.
* All features may not be available on all handsets.
**Aces Texas Hold'em No Limit requires Palm OS 5.0 or higher.
About Handmark
Handmark is a global leader in the development and distribution of mobile content solutions. The company's flagship Pocket Express(TM) wireless service bundle offers consumer-friendly access to news, reference and infotainment content on mobile phones as well as BlackBerry, Palm Treo and Windows Mobile wireless handhelds. The company also holds key mobile content distribution patents including Java-based push technology for wireless devices; has technology and distribution relationships with CNN International, The Associated Press, Oxford University Press, Hasbro, MobiTV, TV Guide, JAMDAT Mobile and Zagat Survey as well as all major U.S. Mobile Operators; and dominates the market for mobile software sold through retail channels.
Handmark has R&D facilities in Gothenburg, Sweden; Kansas City, Missouri; and Dallas, Texas, with sales offices in Kansas City, San Francisco, Stockholm, and London. For more information, visit http://www.handmark.com/ .
About JAMDAT Mobile
JAMDAT Mobile Inc. is a global publisher of wireless entertainment applications, including games, ring tones, images and other content. JAMDAT's application portfolio is based on original and licensed intellectual properties and includes JAMDAT Bowling, Tetris(R), Downtown Texas Hold 'Em, Lemonade Tycoon(R), Bejeweled(R), Doom RPG(R) and Scrabble(R). JAMDAT distributes its applications through wireless carriers around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.jamdat.com/ .
Handmark is a registered trademark, Pocket Express, tools & toys for a mobile generation, the Handmark logo, and associated trade dress are trademarks of Handmark, Inc. All rights reserved. Tetris (R) and (C) 1985- 2005 Elorg, a Tetris Holding Company. Licensed to the Tetris Company. Game Design by Alexy Pajitnov. Logo Design by Roger Dean. All Rights Reserved. Sublicensed to JAMDAT Mobile, Inc. and Handmark, Inc. Game Technology (C) 2006 JAMDAT Mobile Inc. JAMDAT, JAMDAT Mobile and the bubbles logo are the trademarks or registered trademarks of JAMDAT Mobile Inc. JAMDAT Bowling (C) 2006 Electronic Arts Inc. Electronic Arts, EA, the EA logo, JAMDAT, JAMDAT Mobile and the bubbles logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All right reserved. Aces Texas Hold'em is a trademark of Concrete Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Sudoku Master and RealDice are Trademarks of Real Dice Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and/or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Source: Handmark
Web site: http://www.handmark.com/
http://www.jamdat.com/
SageTV Releases Wireless Media Extender, Bringing PVR, Music & Photos to Any Room Without Cabling
Add-on to SageTV Media Center
SageTV, LLC today released a wireless media extender that allows any TV in the home to utilize the capabilities of the SageTV Media Center without the need to run wired networking to each TV. This fanless, noiseless, half-sized set-top unit combines with the SageTV Media Center software to provide an affordable whole- home PVR, music and photo distribution system with no monthly subscription fees, additional PVR boxes or expensive PC upgrades. An optional SageTV Placeshifter license also enables users to access their entire digital media library on any PC away from home.
Any Room, Any Media
Every TV equipped with a SageTV Wireless Media Extender or the wired SageTV Media Extender released last year has access to all live or recorded TV, music, and photos on the home network from the same SageTV Media Center interface. In addition, users in different rooms can record multiple programs of their choice at the same time without installing a PVR on every TV or being forced to use a single TV for all recordings. Users can also watch different programs or access different media on different TVs simultaneously. The system can support up to five SageTV Media Extenders per home.
Easy To Use
The new SageTV Wireless Media Extender plugs into the television's S-video or composite input and connects with the SageTV Media Center over an 802.11b/g wireless or wired network. (An Ethernet jack on the unit also enables wired connectivity.) The previously released SageTV Media Extender, designed for users who already have a wired home network connection near their TV, connects to the TV in the same way and plugs into the home network. Both versions offer playback support for MPEG1/2/4, AVI, DivX, XVID, VOB, and WMV video and MP3, MP2, WMA and WAV audio.
Full-Featured PVR
With SageTV Media Center's PVR functionality, users can record a single show or whole season of their favorite television programs on their PCs; pause, rewind and fast-forward live or recorded cable, satellite or antenna TV shows; and record multiple shows on multiple tuners simultaneously. Integrated 14-day U.S., Canadian and European program guides eliminate the need to switch to a separate online application to plan one's TV viewing and recording. The optional placeshifting feature makes live or recorded TV, music and photos available from any PC with a high speed Internet connection, whether users are in a hotel, office, airport, Wi-Fi cafe, at the pool or beach, or simply visiting family in another city.
Low-Cost PC-Based System
The combined SageTV Media Center and Media Extender system enables users to set up a whole-home media center for a few hundred dollars, compared to thousands of dollars for other whole home solutions. There is no need to subscribe to a monthly digital video recording service, purchase additional digital video recorder boxes to add more recording capability, or purchase a new PC with Microsoft Media Center Edition to get PVR and media management control.
Specifications, Pricing and Availability
SageTV Wireless Media Extender costs $159.95 and is available immediately at http://www.sagetv.com/ . The wired SageTV Media Extender costs $109.95. Both versions come with a remote control, ethernet and A/V cables and power cord. Requirements include SageTV Media Center for Windows or Linux Version 5.0.3 or later; a wired or 802.11b/g wireless network connection; and a TV with an S-video or composite input as well as left and right audio input jacks.
SageTV, the core PVR/Media Center application, costs $79.95. SageTV Placeshifter, the option that allows media access on any PC away from home, costs $29.95. For a limited time, SageTV Media Center and SageTV Placeshifter can also be purchased as a $99.95 package.
Minimum PC requirements for SageTV Media Center with one SageTV Wired or Wireless Media Extender include an Intel Pentium III, Celeron or AMD Athlon 600 MHz or VIA 800 MHz computer with Linux or Microsoft Windows 98SE, 2000 SP3 or higher, ME or XP (Home, Pro or MCE) and 128MB RAM (256MB recommended). For system requirements for multiple Media Extenders, see http://www.sagetv.com/extender.html .
About SageTV
SageTV, LLC, is a pioneer in personal video recording and home media center technologies that combine television, music, a wide variety of media and networking into a complete, easy-to-use home media experience. SageTV Media Center, the company's flagship product, is the first PVR/media center solution designed for both PCs and TVs that runs on either Windows or Linux, supports multiple tuners, networking and intelligent recording. SageTV was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. For more information, visit http://www.sagetv.com/ .
Source: SageTV, LLC
eToys Unveils Its 'Best Summer Toys List' for Sizzling Summer Fun
The toy experts at eToys, the online children's product superstore with more than 10,000 products, just released their list of the hottest summer toys guaranteed to help keep kids cool this summer -- from the latest Super Soakers to Major League sports sets and even a Fun 'N Foam Factory!
With eToys' picks, tots can splash in their Baby Hideaway Pool, while older kids skip through the Ultimate Beach Ball Sprinkler, followed by a ride on their 2006 Huffy Green Machine. They can find buried treasure in the dirt using their Little Digger, but parents won't have to worry about the mess as the Slip 'N Slide Splash Factor gives kids a fun place to clean off after a hard day of play.
"Our newest list features toys that will definitely keep youngsters entertained this summer by turning their backyards into mini amusement water parks, without the costly tickets, long lines and deafening whistles," remarked Michael Wagner, eToys CEO. "Summer is truly a time for children to soak in fresh air, use their imaginations, and enjoy endless hours playing outside. Our toy picks encourage active outdoor play, making this summer one to remember."
The eToys 2006 Best Summer Toys List:
* Baby Hideaway Pool (Aqua Leisure)
* Little Tikes: Ultimate Beach Ball Sprinkler (Little Tikes)
* Dora the Explorer or Barbie: Junior Roller Skate Kit (Bravo Sports)
* Little Digger (MADD International)
* Madd Jumpster (MADD International)
* Slip 'N Slide Splash Factor (Wham-O)
* 2006 Huffy Green Machine (Huffy Corporation)
* Super Soakers: Mount Tikisoki Water Volcano (Hasbro)
* Super Soakers: Max Infusion Arctic Shock (Hasbro)
* Fun 'N Foam Factory (Buzz Bee Toys)
* MLB Pitching Machine (Franklin Sports)
About eToys Direct
eToys Direct offers thousands of toys, custom dolls, video games and baby products to online and catalog shoppers through its popular web sites and its strategic retail partnerships. The company owns eToys (www.etoys.com) and the My Twinn doll company (www.mytwinn.com) and operates KBtoys.com (www.kbtoys.com) under a long-term licensing agreement. eToys Direct provides a toy and video game solution to its online and catalog partners, supplying category management, full-featured content, inventory control, order fulfillment and customer support. Additionally, the company's wholly owned subsidiary, Silvestri Inc., (www.silvestriinc.com) offers retailers nationwide wholesale gifts and designs for the home from nationally known artists. eToys Direct is based in Denver.
Source: eToys Direct
Web site: http://www.etoys.com/
Stickam and Anime Expo Join Forces to Offer Exclusive Access to World's Hottest Anime/Manga Convention With Live, Video Broadcast From the Show Floor
Breakthrough Application Brings Live Streaming Video of Event's Hottest Presentations to Internet Users
Can't make it to Anime Expo(R) (AX) this year? For the first time ever, fans across the globe can experience the action live from the Main Events Hall with Stickam(TM), the Internet's most powerful video communications player. The live feed from Anime Expo(R) will be available completely free on www.AXBackstage.org and Stickam.com to fans everywhere -- all with nothing to download or configure.
Taking place July 1-4, 2006 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, AX is North America's largest show dedicated to Japanese animation. Hosted by the Society for Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA), some of the highlights to be broadcast from the Main Events Hall include:
* Opening and Closing ceremonies
* The famous "Masquerade" featuring cos-players (costume players/live
impersonators stars from Anime and Manga)
* AX Idol
* The SPJA Charity Auction
* And much more!
"There is a natural connection between the technology savvy anime audience and Stickam(TM), and we are excited to be working with the show to broadcast live from inside the Main Events Hall," said Hideki Kishioka, CEO of Advanced Video Communications, creator of Stickam(TM). "For fans who are unable to attend the show, Stickam(TM) will be offering the next best thing and we are excited to help Anime Expo broaden its reach to fans across the world."
With over 60,000 users, the Stickam(TM) media player is the first Web tool to combine video, photo, music and chat functions in one application. What is truly revolutionary about Stickam(TM), is that users can "stick" the player on virtually any modifiable Web site such as a blog or MySpace profile page enabling them to communicate more powerfully than ever before.
"The partnership with Stickam(TM) brings the convention experience to a whole new level. For fans that are unable to attend the nation's largest Anime/Manga convention, they will have the ability to be a part of the 15th Year Anniversary celebration!" states Liyin Liang Vice Chair for Anime Expo(R) 2006.
About Anime Expo(R)
Located in Anaheim, California - Anime Expo(R), the North America's 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 (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(R).
More information can be found at its official website (http://www.spja.org/).
About Stickam(TM)
Stickam(TM) is the Internet's most powerful, free video communications player offering live streaming video and video conferencing with unlimited bandwidth. The download-free Stickam(TM) player allows consumers to easily add dynamic, live video to their personal Web pages, blogs and auction sites by simply cutting and pasting the Stickam(TM) JavaScript or HTML code into the appropriate area of the site of their choice. Consumers can also upload pre-recorded video, music and photos to their Stickam(TM) players for site visitors to access at their convenience. The video can be viewed by virtually anyone and will play on any operating system including Linux, Windows and Mac. Stickam(TM) is a product of Los Angeles-based Advanced Video Communications. (http://www.stickam.com/)
Web site: http://www.axbackstage.org/
http://www.stickam.com/
http://www.anime-expo.org/
http://www.spja.org/
Kevin Bacon and Christina Applegate to Appear in New Print Campaign for Hanes
Kevin Bacon Makes Some Music for Hanes Perfect T; Christina Applegate Finds Comfort and Style in the Hanes Perfect T
Hanes, the No.1 apparel brand in the United States, today announced that it will launch a collection of new print ads within the successful "Look Who We've Got Our Hanes On Now" ad campaign. Kevin Bacon and Christina Applegate, both of whom have already been featured in recent TV spots, are the latest celebrities in the Hanes campaign line-up, which has also featured celebrities Jennifer Love Hewitt, Matthew Perry, Damon Wayans and basketball great, Michael Jordan, in both print and television advertisements.
Created by The Martin Agency of Richmond, Virginia, each new print ad in the campaign captures each celebrity's personality -- comfortable with themselves and in their Hanes -- in a fun and energetic way. Beginning June 26, the new print ads will run nationwide in Lifestyle and Entertainment books.
"Through our newest collection of print ads, we're tapping some of today's most stylish celebrities, notably Kevin Bacon and Christina Applegate, to showcase how the Hanes perfect T inspires their own personal style," said Sidney Falken, Hanes Brand Champion. "The 'Look Who' campaign continues to influence consumers' individual style with new apparel that is anything but basic."
Hanes again will bring to life the tagline, "Look Who We've Got Our Hanes On Now," with new print ads featuring Kevin Bacon as he writes and plays music on his guitar, while wearing the Hanes perfect T. Underscored by the tagline "Perfect On Stage and Off," Bacon is shown wearing the Hanes perfect T with jeans, sweats and under a sports jacket paired with dress pants, demonstrating how men can dress the Hanes perfect T up or down to create their own sense of personal style. In addition, consumers are prompted to log onto http://www.hanes.com/, to learn more about Kevin's style and to listen to music from his band, The Bacon Brothers.
The second group of print ads features a playful and beautiful Christina Applegate having fun around the home with her dog and displaying her personal sense of style in the new, colorful Hanes perfect T. The ad features Christina dressing the Ts up and down, as the perfect T covers both the casual and dressier facets of a woman's wardrobe.
Hanes is a leading brand of intimate apparel, underwear, sleepwear, socks, shoes and casual apparel. Hanes is a flagship brand of Sara Lee Branded Apparel. Sara Lee Branded Apparel is currently a part of Sara Lee Corporation, which in February 2005 announced a transformation of its business portfolio to focus on food, beverage and household products. At that time, Sara Lee announced its intent to spin off as an independent, publicly held company its Americas/Asia apparel business, Sara Lee Branded Apparel, a move that is expected to be completed by September 2006.
Web site: http://www.hanes.com/
Inventor of 2D-to-3D Conversion Used for 'Superman Returns' Unveils Improved 'Super-Fast' Technology for Next Time
When Superman returns to theaters on June 28 -- with some scenes in 3D on IMAX screens -- he does so with the help of inventor and computer graphics pioneer David M. Geshwind, President of Three-Dimensional Media Group, Ltd. (http://www.3dmg.com/). 3DMG has licensed two US Patents to enable IMAX's conversion of 20 minutes of Warner Bros. "Superman Returns" to spectacular 3D.
However, while Superman may be faster than a speeding bullet, time constraints prevented IMAX from converting the entire movie.
"With only a few weeks between the completion of a 2D film and its release, there is not enough time to economically convert a two-hour film to 3D using our original process. We have been working on solving that problem, and have developed advanced patent-pending technology that permits an entire film to be converted to 3D for simultaneous 'day-and-date' release with the 2D version," says Geshwind.
Geshwind believes 3D conversion offers a "unique opportunity to bring blockbusters back into theaters with something new to offer. Consider the box-office that a relatively low-cost re-release in 3D of 'Star Wars' 'E.T.' 'Indiana Jones' 'Harry Potter' 'Lord of the Rings' 'The Matrix' or even 'The Ten Commencements' would bring to theaters.
"Conversion of such library films can be done at a slow pace, but what excites me is the ability to show an entire new film in 3D on the same day as the 2D release," says Geshwind. "We look forward to licensing the first production with our new technology soon."
While "Superman Returns" is the first widespread public use of Geshwind's 3D patents, he first demonstrated his patented ChromaSynthesis(TM) and StereoSynthesis(TM) processes in the early 1990s to enhance a segment of the original (1939) King Kong, adding both color and 3D depth.
Geshwind, who holds seven other patents in media technology, with others pending, originally developed StereoSynthesis as a low-cost alternative to virtual reality, and to "adapt the huge resource of existing 2D media for 3D systems. The effective use of 3D adds greatly to the 'suspension of disbelief' that is key to entertainment. We will bring this same realism to other fields to enhance medical imaging, educational materials, scientific visualization, TV, games, the desktop, advertizing, and anywhere else digital displays are utilized."
3DMG has licensed IMAX to use US Patent 4,925,294, a "Method to Convert Two-Dimensional Motion Pictures for Three-Dimensional Systems", and US Patent 6,590,573. The license agreement was reached through the patent law firm UNIPAT.ORG. Geshwind conducts independent R&D in media tech through Digital Media Group, Ltd. (an affiliate of 3DMG). These technologies are available for licensing through UNIPAT and include: ChromaSynthesis, internet protocols, intelligent search, interactive video, bandwidth compression, educational technology, improved HDTV, and personalized
Digital Media Group, Three-Dimensional Media Group, 3DMG, ChromaSynthesis and StereoSynthesis are (TM) and/or (SM) to David M. Geshwind
Source: 3DMG.com
Web site: http://www.3dmg.com/
http://www.unipat.org/
Sony Style Stores Entertain Families With Young Children With the Help of Popular PBS KIDS(R) Show, 'It's a Big Big World'
On any given weekend at high end fashion malls nationwide, children have stood by as their parents ogle the latest in consumer electronics at the local Sony Style retail store. Starting this Saturday, it will be the kids' turn.
Sony Electronics, Big Big Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment have joined together to bring the popular PBS KIDS show "It's a Big Big World"(TM) to the 30-plus Sony Style stores.
For each of the next three Saturdays, ending July 8 from 10 to 11 a.m., children can watch an exclusive episode of "It's a Big Big World," dance to Snook's -- the series' loveable sloth -- favorite songs, and have their pictures taken. They will also receive a magnetic frame to show off their "It's a Big Big World" photo, a bookmark from the show, and a special cushion given out for viewing the show at the store.
"From the beginning, we designed the Sony Style store to create an experience that's both educational and fun," said Dennis Syracuse, Sony Electronics' senior vice president of Sony retail stores.
From June 20 to July 10, children whose parents purchase a Cyber-shot(R) digital still camera and/or Handycam(R) camcorder at the store or online at www.sonystyle.com will receive an exclusive "It's a Big Big World" Fisher Price(R) View-Master(R), correlating image reel, and a music CD with three songs from the show. Detailed information is available at www.sonystyle.com/bigbigworld.
A showcase for the company's most innovative electronics and entertainment offerings, the Sony Style stores provide consumers hands-on experience with Sony's family of products, through multiple demonstration areas.
Sony Style Stores Entertain Families With Young Children With the Help of Popular
Now totaling 32, Sony Style store locations include: The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas; Westfield Shoppingtown Garden State Plaza, Paramus, N.J.; Westfield Shoppingtown West County, St. Louis; Fashion Center at Pentagon City, Arlington, Va.; South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, Calif.; Beverly Center, Beverly Hills, Calif.; Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, Calif.; The Mall at Millenia, Orlando, Fla.; Providence Place, Providence, R.I.; The Dallas Galleria, Dallas; Copley Place, Boston; The Houston Galleria, Houston; and The Gardens, Palm Beach, Fla.
They also include large destination stores on Madison Avenue in New York and at the Metreon in San Francisco.
Web site: http://www.sonystyle.com/bigbigworld
Web site: http://www.sonystyle.com/retail
HarperCollins Children's Books Announces 'Narnia ... Beyond the Wardrobe' Educator Sweepstakes
Winner to Visit Set of 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian' Movie
HarperCollins Children's Books announced today the "Narnia ... Beyond the Wardrobe" Educator Sweepstakes. Beginning June 21, 2006 and running through January 31, 2007, the contest offers the chance for a unique behind-the-scenes look at the making of the next blockbuster film in the Narnia franchise, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" from Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, coming to theaters in Summer 2008. This contest is open to all educational professionals ages 18 and over.
One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive a five (5)-day/four(4)-night trip to the set of the forthcoming feature film "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian." The prize package includes roundtrip economy airfare for two, ground transportation to and from the airport, and room accommodations based on double occupancy rates. Approximate retail value of this prize is $5000.
Five (5) First Prize winners will each receive an American Express(R) Gift Cheque in the amount of $500 and a library of HarperCollins Children's Books worth $250.
Ten (10) Second Prize winners will each receive a Staples(R) Gift Certificate in the amount of $250 and a library of HarperCollins Children's Books worth $100.
To enter the sweepstakes, educators simply complete a quick Narnia Educators Questionnaire online (http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/narniasweeps) and follow the instructions to register for the HarperCollins Teachers and Librarians Newsletter. Entries will be accepted from June 21, 2006 until January 31, 2007.
The HarperCollins Teachers & Librarians Newsletter will keep educators up-to-date on books from HarperCollins Children's Books that can play an important role in the classroom, library, or curriculum. Every month the newsletter provides information about new and award-winning titles, starred reviews, teaching resources, exclusive author interviews, and more! As a special bonus, recipients are eligible to receive promotional giveaways created just for educators-like free teachers' editions, classroom kits, and discussion guides for many of our most popular titles.
Winners will be selected at random from entries received. No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents (excluding residents of Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. territories and possessions) Age 18 or over as of June 21, 2006. Entries must be received by January 31, 2007. Visit http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/narniasweeps to view the Official Sweepstakes Rules and Regulations.
The Chronicles of Narnia(R), Narnia(R) and all book titles, characters and locales original to The Chronicles of Narnia are trademarks of C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. Use without permission is strictly prohibited.
HarperCollins Children's Books is one of the leading publishers of children's books. Respected worldwide for its tradition of publishing quality, award-winning books for young readers, HarperCollins is home to many children's classics -- "Charlotte's Web," "The Chronicles of Narnia," "Goodnight Moon," "Where the Sidewalk Ends" and "Where the Wild Things Are;" popular series -- "A Series of Unfortunate Events" and "The Princess Diaries." HarperCollins Children's Books is a division of HarperCollins Publishers, one of the leading English language publishers in the world and a subsidiary of News Corporation (NYSE:NWS) (NYSE:NWS.A) . Headquartered in New York, HarperCollins has publishing groups in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australasia. You can visit HarperCollins on the Internet at http://www.harpercollins.com/.
Source: HarperCollins Children's Books
Web site: http://www.harpercollins.com/
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/narniasweeps
Jewelry Television To Acquire Shop At Home Network Assets
The E. W. Scripps Company (NYSE:SSP) and Jewelry Television today reached agreement on a transaction that will result in Jewelry Television acquiring certain assets of the Shop At Home television network.
Jewelry Television will pay Scripps $17 million for fixed assets, including Shop At Home's building and real estate, satellite uplink facilities, information technology systems, the network's call center, Web site and production studios.
Jewelry Television also intends to assume a number of agreements that Shop At Home has with broadcast television stations and operators of cable and satellite television systems to carry the network's programming.
The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of June.
As a result of the Jewelry Television transaction, Scripps is revising the estimated charge it expects to record during the second quarter related to the Shop At Home divesture. The company now expects to record an after-tax charge of between $35 million and $45 million compared with the previously anticipated charge of up to $60 million.
In a separate press release today, Jewelry Television announced that it intends to continue scaled down operations of Shop At Home and will retain a number of the network's employees. Shop At Home employees retained by Jewelry Television will still be eligible for severance packages and career transition services from Scripps.
The transaction with Jewelry Television does not include the five Shop At Home-affiliated broadcast television stations that Scripps owns and operates in San Francisco, Boston, Cleveland, Raleigh-Durham, N.C., and Bridgeport, Conn. Scripps has retained the services of a broker and is actively seeking a buyer for the stations.
In the meantime, as part of the transaction, the five broadcast television stations will air a combination of Shop At Home and Jewelry Television programming.
Forward-looking statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements related to the company's businesses that are based on management's current expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties, including changes in advertising demand and other economic conditions that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. The company's written policy on forward-looking statements can be found on page F-5 of its 2005 SEC Form 10K.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect events for circumstances after the date the statement is made.
About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE:SSP) is a diverse and growing media enterprise with interests in national cable networks, newspaper publishing, broadcast television stations, electronic commerce, interactive media, and licensing and syndication.
The company's portfolio of media properties includes: Scripps Networks, with such brands as HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Fine Living, Great American Country and HGTVPro; daily and community newspapers in 18 markets and the Washington-based Scripps Media Center, home to the Scripps Howard News Service; 10 broadcast TV stations, including six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC affiliates and one independent; leading online search and comparison shopping services, Shopzilla and uSwitch; and United Media, a leading worldwide licensing and syndication company that is the home of PEANUTS, DILBERT and approximately 150 other features and comics.
Source: The E. W. Scripps Company
Web site: http://www.scripps.com/
New 'PROFESSIONAL POKER TOUR' Will Feature 250 Poker All-Stars in Weekly Series Beginning July 5 on Travel Channel
WHAT: The highly anticipated PROFESSIONAL POKER TOUR(TM) (PPT) from the
creator of the phenomenally successful WORLD POKER TOUR(R) (WPT),
will showcase poker's 250 leading stars in a new and exciting
format, destined to ratchet up televised poker to a whole new
level. The action-packed new series will thrill fans with great
strategy, cool moves and hot stars.
WHEN: Tune in to the PROFESSIONAL POKER TOUR on July 5 at 9 pm on the
Travel Channel.
WPT: The PROFESSIONAL POKER TOUR will bring to TV viewers the cream of
the crop, 250 of the top poker players in the world. The first
season of jam-packed action will stretch over 24 weeks,
spotlighting a stellar lineup of poker's All-Stars -- champions
from the WORLD POKER TOUR(R) (WPT), World Series of Poker, and
European poker tournaments.
The shows take the viewers through the tournament start to
conclusion, focusing on one featured table each day of the event.
However, every time a player goes "All-In" anywhere in the room,
cameras rush to the table to catch the action. As many as
15 tables will get their moment in the sun with "All-In" action
throughout the preliminary rounds.
Enticed by five "free-roll" tournaments with a total of
$2.5 million in prize money provided by the PPT, the game's legends
and new young idols face off in four grueling quarters of
tournament play and one championship round. Famous poker faces
include Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Johnny Chan, Annie Duke, Phil
Hellmuth, Gus Hansen, Men "The Master" Nguyen, Chris Moneymaker,
Antonio Esfandiari, Bobby Baldwin, Daniel Negreanu, Jennifer
Harman, David "Devilfish" Ulliott, Samy Farha, Mel Judah, Scotty
Nguyen, Erick Lindgren, Phil "The Unabomber" Laak, Huck Seed, Tom
McEvoy, Layne Flack, Carlos Mortensen, Chip Reese, Erik Seidel,
Lyle Berman, Kathy Liebert, T.J. Cloutier, and Linda Johnson.
The Final Table is distinctive as well. Players at the Final Table
must beat the 90-second clock in making their play or surrender
their hand. A player may invoke his "time bank allowance" to
extend that time period only once during the Final Table play.
Another unique feature of the PPT includes a royal blue Final Table
felt, instead of the traditional green.
www.media.worldpokertour
The Biggest Brand in Comedy Relaunches the Biggest Web Presence in Comedy: National Lampoon.com; Twice Webby-Nominated Site Features Work of Xylem Interactive and JamboWorks
June 19, 2006 Features Outrageous Original Content and More Comedy Links Than a Rap Star's Necklace
National Lampoon announced today the re-launch of its twice Webby-nominated NationalLampoon.com. In addition to being THE place for comedy fans to linger and languish, nationallampoon.com also serves as the gateway to the new National Lampoon Humor Network, a gateway to 28 comedy sites under the National Lampoon umbrella.
Along with NLHN affiliate content links, NationalLampoon.com will continue to feature its award-winning NL Original content, including the first-ever "comedy blogosphere." NL Blogs will feature humor -- from the funniest online writers, Max Burbank and John Saleeby, to well-known comedy authors Harmon Leone ("Republican Like Me") and Rubin's own ("Saddam Dump"). Even Paul Goebel (Comedy Central's "Beat the Geeks") will join in with his humorous take on Hollywood. In the coming months, NL.com will reach out to its renowned National Lampoon alumni and have them blog as well. The blogs will also feature the "National Lampoon College Party School Rankings" hosted by college party maniac Mitch Higgins. NL Blogs will also feature special guest comedy character bloggers, this month showcasing former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein.
NationalLampoon.com will continue to build upon its slate of original animation and videos, adding National Lampoon Shows, a group of serial, episodic shorts that will play throughout the year. Some of the shows include: "Spin Cycle" by Mike Clemente, a completely twisted look at current events; the return of NL.com's award-winning, cut and paste animation "News Flash"; and in July the "National Lampoon's Animated Sketch Show" debuts, featuring National Lampoon's very own performance troupe combined with cutting edge animation. NL.com Editor-in-Chief Scott Rubin says, "We're going to use it to skewer American idols, offend people and generally blaze new trails in international comedy."
"Since our web site is where the humor that made the original magazine famous lives and breeds," Rubin continues, "it is important that we continue to grow our 'NL Originals.' In the last year we've had tremendous success taking pieces originally developed for the web and producing them for other media." A few examples:
-- The NL.com feature piece "Rocky Debruso's Guide on 'How to Beat Your Kids'" is being turned into a motion picture with Half Shell Entertainment.
-- The NL.com feature piece, "The 72 Virgins Terrorists will find in Heaven" is being published as a book.
-- "The Secret League of Legionnaires," an NL original animation created by NL contributor Marc M, is currently being made into a pilot for Comedy Central.
Finally, National Lampoon has reinvigorated its NL Originals section with a new, young writing staff and plans to return to its roots in creating the most cutting edge, smart and funny content on the web. The new staff includes: Online humor titan, writer/animator Tristan Farnon (Rotten.com, LeisureTown.com); recent Harvard grad and NL.com's first female staff writer, Tai Austin; John Hallman, former contributor to College Humor and McSweeneys; and former Scott Rubin assistant Phil Haney, who will serve as AV producer.
The new site features a bold new look designed by the award-winning design firm Xylem Interactive. "We felt with the additions of NLHN, the largest online humor undertaking in history, and the NL blogosphere, we needed a cutting edge design and content management system to match the creative scope of the new site," said Rubin. Xylem, for its part, has worked with mega-brands including Boeing, Giant Bicycles, McDonald's, match.com and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
JamboWorks developed the back end of the website, programming a cutting edge, customized content management system (CMS). The new CMS allows users to navigate throughout NL.com in a much more intuitive way. In addition, JamboWorks has developed a new publishing tool, JamboZine, which, using JamboWorks' award-winning Joomla! Platform, allows NL.com's writers to update the site without the need of technical assistance.
"For the first time, magazine content can be updated immediately and easily," says Mitch Pirtle, CEO of JamboWorks. "The days of paying high contractor fees or employing expensive technical staff to make minor updates are over. JamboZine is easy to use, powerful, flexible, scalable and will have future integration with our other products as they are made available." Pirtle adds, "JamboZine will help National Lampoon save money on software and people, and most importantly let them get back to what they do best -- content."
One of the first movers in the Internet space for comedy, NationalLampoon.com originally launched in 1999. They have had 70 million unique visitors to the site during that time -- more people than voted for Taylor Hicks for American Idol OR for George Bush for president in the last election. Nominated for the Webby Award(R) for Best Humor Site 2001 and 2005, NL.com's feature and animation pieces commenting on the 9/11 disaster were honored and edified by entry into the Smithsonian Institute. NL.com's 2004 parody of moveon.org -- moveonplease -- is considered one of the most successful Internet parodies in history.
Rubin concludes, "I believe that between the NLHN affiliate content, the best humor bloggers on the web and enhanced National Lampoon Original content, NationalLampoon.com will become the center of the online comedy universe."
About JamboWorks, LLC
JamboWorks, LLC (http://www.jamboworks.com) is a turn key online application service provider that has been successful in creating flagship websites for National Lampoon, Corry Publishing, Bear Stearns, Sesame Workshop and many others. Founded and managed by open source entrepreneurs and Joomla! developers Mitch Pirtle, Andrew Eddie, Arno Zijlstra and Louis Landry, JamboWorks is a market leader in sophisticated web application development, testing innovative ideas with their award-winning software. JamboWorks is an international company based in New York City.
About National Lampoon
National Lampoon, Inc. is active in a broad array of entertainment segments, including feature films, television programming, interactive entertainment, home video, audio CDs and book publishing. The Company also owns interests in all major National Lampoon properties, including National Lampoon's Animal House, the National Lampoon Vacation series and National Lampoon's van Wilder. The National Lampoon Network serves over 600 colleges and universities throughout the United States. The network reaches as many as 4.8 million students, or nearly one in four of all 18 to 24 year old college students. In addition, the Company operates a humor website, http://www.nationallampoon.com, the modern-day successor to the legendary National Lampoon magazine, plus the National Lampoon Humor Network and http://www.TogaTV.com, its first broadband, video-on-demand service, on the Internet. The Company has four operating divisions: National Lampoon Network, Entertainment Division, Publishing Division and Licensing Division.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are based on the Company's current expectations, forecasts and assumptions. In some cases forward-looking statements may be identified by forward-looking words like "would," "intend," "hope," "will," "may," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "continue" or similar words. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the Company's expectations, forecasts and assumptions. These risks and uncertainties include risks and uncertainties not in the control of the Company, including, without limitation, the current economic climate in the United States and other risks and uncertainties, including those enumerated and described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, whose filings are available on the SEC's website at Sec.com. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
TV Guide Channel(R) Launches New Weekly Hidden-Camera Series 'TRAPPED IN TV GUIDE' Friday, August 4; Sitcom Star Tracey Gold Hosts Weekly One-Hour Show Catching Everyday People in Iconic Sitcom Scenes While It's All Caught-on-Tape
TV Guide Channel(R), a leading entertainment network providing original programming to nearly 80 million homes, will give television fans the chance to see how regular, unsuspecting people react as they are unknowingly "trapped" in some of the funniest scenes from TV when the network launches TRAPPED IN TV GUIDE. Hosted by Tracey Gold ("Growing Pains"), TRAPPED IN TV GUIDE premieres on Friday, August 4 at 8:00PM ET/PT.
"TV Guide Channel is excited to give viewers the opportunity to re-live memorable moments from classic and current TV hits with a hilarious, all-new original series," said Ryan O'Hara, President of TV Guide Channel. "TRAPPED IN TV GUIDE is right in-line with what TV Guide Channel is all about - TV for TV fans - and further demonstrates how our network has evolved into a destination channel for viewers."
During each one-hour episode of TRAPPED IN TV GUIDE, everyone is aware of the prank except for the innocent target. With the use of hidden cameras, this person is unknowingly caught in the middle of their very own iconic television situation as their patience is tested and nerves are frayed. The series includes episodes featuring unforgettable scenes from television classics and current hits such as "Seinfeld," Desperate Housewives," "The X-Files" and "I Love Lucy."
TRAPPED IN TV GUIDE is executive produced by Barry Poznick and John Stevens for Zoo Productions.
About TV Guide Channel
TV Guide Channel reaches nearly 80 million homes and is the premier television entertainment network for viewers seeking the latest information on the best programs, hottest stars and latest trends on television. Headquartered in the heart of Hollywood at its TV Guide Studios, the network combines original programming with comprehensive program listings information - all of which deliver on viewers' need for an entertaining and easy guide to what's on TV. TV Guide Channel is owned and operated by TV Guide Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.
About Gemstar-TV Guide
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the "Company") (NASDAQ: GMST) is a leading media, entertainment and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at http://www.gemstartvguide.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties related to the transformation of our TV Guide magazine publishing business; timely availability and market acceptance of products and services incorporating the Company's technologies and content; our investment in new and existing businesses, including TV Guide magazine, TV Guide Spot and TV Guide Mobile; the impact of competitive products, services and pricing; ongoing and potential future litigation; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Note to Editors: GEMSTAR, TV GUIDE, TV GUIDE CHANNEL, AND TV GUIDE SPOT are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. The names of other companies, products and services used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
TV Guide Channel(R) Launches New Weekly Hidden-Camera Series 'TRAPPED IN TV GUIDE' Friday, August 4;
Sitcom Star Tracey Gold Hosts Weekly One-Hour Show Catching Everyday People in Iconic Sitcom Scenes While It's All Caught-on-Tape
Sitcom Star Tracey Gold Hosts Weekly One-Hour Show Catching Everyday People in Iconic Sitcom Scenes While It's All Caught-on-TapeTV Guide Channel(R), a leading entertainment network providing original programming to nearly 80 million homes, will give television fans the chance to see how regular, unsuspecting people react as they are unknowingly "trapped" in some of the funniest scenes from TV when the network launches TRAPPED IN TV GUIDE. Hosted by Tracey Gold ("Growing Pains"), TRAPPED IN TV GUIDE premieres on Friday, August 4 at 8:00PM ET/PT.
"TV Guide Channel is excited to give viewers the opportunity to re-live memorable moments from classic and current TV hits with a hilarious, all-new original series," said Ryan O'Hara, President of TV Guide Channel. "TRAPPED IN TV GUIDE is right in-line with what TV Guide Channel is all about - TV for TV fans - and further demonstrates how our network has evolved into a destination channel for viewers."
During each one-hour episode of TRAPPED IN TV GUIDE, everyone is aware of the prank except for the innocent target. With the use of hidden cameras, this person is unknowingly caught in the middle of their very own iconic television situation as their patience is tested and nerves are frayed. The series includes episodes featuring unforgettable scenes from television classics and current hits such as "Seinfeld," Desperate Housewives," "The X-Files" and "I Love Lucy."
TRAPPED IN TV GUIDE is executive produced by Barry Poznick and John Stevens for Zoo Productions.
About TV Guide Channel
TV Guide Channel reaches nearly 80 million homes and is the premier television entertainment network for viewers seeking the latest information on the best programs, hottest stars and latest trends on television. Headquartered in the heart of Hollywood at its TV Guide Studios, the network combines original programming with comprehensive program listings information - all of which deliver on viewers' need for an entertaining and easy guide to what's on TV. TV Guide Channel is owned and operated by TV Guide Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.
About Gemstar-TV Guide
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the "Company") (NASDAQ: GMST) is a leading media, entertainment and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at http://www.gemstartvguide.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties related to the transformation of our TV Guide magazine publishing business; timely availability and market acceptance of products and services incorporating the Company's technologies and content; our investment in new and existing businesses, including TV Guide magazine, TV Guide Spot and TV Guide Mobile; the impact of competitive products, services and pricing; ongoing and potential future litigation; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Note to Editors: GEMSTAR, TV GUIDE, TV GUIDE CHANNEL, AND TV GUIDE SPOT are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. The names of other companies, products and services used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
SPORTS AND AUTOS
NASCAR RaceDay - Built by the Home Depot Drives SPEED'S Popularity with Fans, Sponsor and Television Audience; New Live-Audience, Pre-Race Format Delivers More Than 20 Percent Ratings Boost; 60 Percent Gain with Younger Audience
NASCAR RaceDay - Built by The Home Depot(R), SPEED Channel's definitive NASCAR pre-race show hosted by John Roberts and NASCAR drivers Jimmy Spencer and Kenny Wallace, is much more than a television show for SPEED. It's a unique opportunity to come face to face with fans, sponsors and viewers in a meaningful way throughout the season.
SPEED officially renamed the popular pre-race show from NASCAR This Morning to NASCAR RaceDay at the start of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. Since then, the overall Nielsen household ratings for NASCAR RaceDay have increased more than 20 percent, with younger audiences (men 18-34) showing nearly a 60-percent increase from a year ago.
"The energy level at the stage keeps growing and growing," said Chris Long, SPEED VP of Studio Production. "We work very closely with our track partners to create a tremendous live-event environment, which in turn makes for an entertaining television show. NASCAR RaceDay is the total pre-race package for SPEED."
The Home Depot, title sponsor for NASCAR RaceDay, finds the dual purpose attractive, with an active presence at many of the NASCAR tracks.
"We're always looking for ways to differentiate The Home Depot while providing exciting programs that appeal to our customers and associates," said Roger Adams, senior vice president of Marketing, The Home Depot. "The format of NASCAR RaceDay - Built by The Home Depot is consistent with the passion and excitement we have for the sport and allows us an additional touch point with the NASCAR fan base."
Complementing the increased television audience, the pre-race show has established a growing viewer base of fans that watch the show each week at the on-track SPEED Stage. The activity never stops on the NASCAR RaceDay set. Whether it is through popular music, program sampling on the 8-foot by 11-foot SPEED television screen, special SPEED guests, the SPEED Girls or something as simple as a SPEED T-shirt giveaway, NASCAR RaceDay strives to continuously engage on-site viewers.
"First and foremost, the fans on-site at NASCAR races are there to see the action on the track," said Bill Osborn, SPEED SVP of Marketing and On-Air Promotion. "As the home of NASCAR TV, we want to engage those fans as the excitement builds toward each event ... not only with our live television programs, but with all of the activity SPEED provides at the stage leading up to SPEED programs and during commercial breaks."
Already the definitive NASCAR pre-race show, NASCAR RaceDay will continue to look for ways to offer even more to the at-track and television audiences.
"The biggest compliments I have received come from drivers and crew members in the garage," said Wendy Venturini, who conducts the weekly "Real Deal" long-form interviews on NASCAR RaceDay. "It's always reassuring to be complimented by the younger generation of drivers like Dale Jr. and Carl Edwards, but when Mark Martin or Jack Roush take the time to reassure me of my knowledge and presence in the garage, I know I have earned their respect."
SPEED, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2006, is the nation's first and foremost cable network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 71 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest-growing sports cable networks in the country, the home to NASCAR on SPEED and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services.
Enova's Hybrid Drive System Powers Fuel Cell Bus at World Cup Soccer Tournament
Enova Systems, (OTCBB:ENOV) (AIM:ENV) (AIM:ENVS), a leading developer and manufacturer of electric, hybrid and fuel cell digital power management systems, confirmed today that its Hybrid Drive components are currently being used in the Hyundai state-of-the-art fuel cell bus and two Hyundai Tucson fuel cell powered vehicles, introduced at the World Cup Soccer tournament in Germany.
Hyundai is an official sponsor of the World Cup Soccer tournament through 2012. At this year's event, Hyundai has 32 buses in use. The flagship of Hyundai's 32 buses is its hybrid fuel cell bus powered by Enova's 240kW Induction Motor and High Voltage Motor Control Unit. Additionally, the Tucsons contain Enova's 80kW Induction Motor and Control Unit.
"Our alliance with Hyundai has been critical to the development of hybrid systems such as the ones being used in the fuel cell bus and Tucsons. We are working with Hyundai on many projects and are pleased that this bus is getting excellent exposure at one of the world's biggest venues," stated Mike Staran, Enova's Vice President of Marketing.
The fleet of vehicles is deployed within the 12 Host Cities and the 32 Team Base Camps to transport the 32 teams, the match officials, FIFA and Organizing Committee (OC) delegates, and official visitors.
"We want the players and officials to feel relaxed and comfortable when they travel. The buses will also symbolize the tournament wherever they go," observed OC Vice President Wolfgang Niersbach.
About Enova Systems, Inc.
Enova Systems is a leading supplier of efficient, environmentally friendly digital power components and systems products. The Company's core competencies are focused on the development and commercialization of power management and conversion systems for mobile and stationary applications. Enova applies unique "enabling technologies" in the areas of alternative energy propulsion systems for light- and heavy-duty vehicles as well as power conditioning and management systems for distributed generation systems. The Company develops, designs and produces drive systems and related components for electric, hybrid-electric, and fuel cell powered vehicles. For further information, contact Enova Systems directly, or visit its Web site at http://www.enovasystems.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to Enova Systems and its products that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "should," "could," "project," "plan," "seek," "intend," or "anticipate" or the negative thereof or comparable terminology and statements about industry trends and Enova's future performance, operations and products. These forward-looking statements are subject to and qualified by certain risks and uncertainties. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in Enova Systems' periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Enova's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. This forward-looking information should be considered only in connection with the aforementioned risk factors. Enova assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements.
Case IH, Ferrari Teaming Up for Grand Prix Events
RACINE, Wis., June 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Agricultural equipment industry leader Case IH and Ferrari will make history as they pair up for the first time at two Formula 1 racing events in North America. Ferrari team cars will feature prominent Case IH decals during the Grand Prix of Canada in Montreal, June 25; and the U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis, July 2.
Mario Ferla, president, Case IH, called it "a great opportunity" for Case IH to share the global stage with world-renowned Ferrari. Both are readily identified by their powerful products and with their signature red color, as well as for setting the standard of excellence in their respective industries.
"We are elated that Fiat (FIA.MI; NYSE: FIA), Ferrari's majority owner, has allowed its logo to be replaced on the Prancing Horse's Formula 1 cars. This sends a strong message about the importance of Case IH, also a member of Fiat Group," Ferla said. The Ferrari team is lead by Michael Schumacher, the seven-time world drivers' champion, and Felipe Massa. The Ferrari Formula 1 team has won a record 14 Constructors' Championships, including six consecutive titles during 1999-2004.
Case IH is a global leader in agricultural equipment. With headquarters in the United States, Case IH has a network of dealers and distributors that operates in over 160 countries. Case IH provides agricultural equipment systems, flexible financial service offerings and parts and service support for professional farming operations through a dedicated network of professional dealers and distributors. Productivity enhancing products include tractors; combines and harvesters; hay and forage equipment; tillage tools; planting and seeding systems; sprayers and applicators; and site specific farming tools.
Source: Case IH
Web site: http://www.cnh.com/
http://www.caseih.com/
Hibdon Leads Final Wal-Mart FLW Tour Qualifier of 2006
Records fall as Gagliardi poised to capture Land O'Lakes Angler of the Year title on Lake Champlain
Stretching more than 100 miles from Whitehall, N.Y., across the Canadian border to the Richelieu River in Quebec, Lake Champlain is an impressive body of water famous for its exceptional smallmouth bass fishing, and Wednesday it proved that its world- class reputation is well deserved by shattering the Wal-Mart FLW Tour's single-day catch, weight and limits records.
With 200 pros and 200 co-anglers representing 38 states, Japan and Canada in the field, Lake Champlain yielded 1,878 bass weighing 4,887 pounds, 11 ounces on opening day of the tour's final qualifier of 2006. Additionally, 347 competitors (194 pros and 153 co-anglers) caught five-bass limits. These are all new FLW Tour record, and the number of fish weighed also ranks as an overall FLW Outdoors record. The weight ranks second overall behind the 2006 Stren Series tournament on Lake Amistad in which anglers weighed 5,071 pounds, 8 ounces of bass. The number of limits also ranks second overall, trailing the 2006 Stren Series tournament on Lake Shasta, which produced 349 limits.
Lake Champlain's largemouth bass fishery also took center stage Wednesday as Chevy pro Dion Hibdon of Stover, Mo., grabbed the lead with five largemouths weighing 20 pounds, 13 ounces.
"In order for me to even have a shot at making the championship, I knew I would have to take some chances," said Hibdon, a former FLW Tour champion who entered the tournament ranked 75th in the standings. "I'm swinging for the fence and hopefully it won't be a foul ball."
Hibdon figures if he makes the crucial top-10 cut Thursday he has an outside chance of finishing the season ranked 48th or better, thus earning a trip to the $1.5 million Wal-Mart FLW Tour Championship in Birmingham, Ala., Aug. 2-5 for a shot at a top award of $500,000 cash - the sport's largest.
While most of the field targeted chunky smallmouths, Hibdon rolled the dice, making an hour-long run south of the launch to catch largemouth bass on a jig. "I caught at least 30 fish today," he said. "And there is no doubt I'll have to whack them again to make the cut. This lake is too good."
Asked how the wind might affect his game plan, Hibdon said he would make his run regardless. "I don't have a choice," he said.
Trailing Hibdon in by 1 pound, 9 ounces is Tony Couch of Buckhead, Ga., in second with three largemouth bass and two smallmouth bass weighing 19-4.
Couch also made a long run south, but unlike Hibdon, he says he'll stay close if the wind blows. He caught his largemouth bass while flipping matted grass with a Zoom Super Hog. His smallmouth bass came on a watermelon red Zoom Super Fluke.
Rounding out the top five pros are BFGoodrich Tires pro and defending Lake Champlain champion Scott Martin of Clewiston, Fla. (five bass, 18-13); RJ Bennett of Roseville, Calif. (five bass, 18-10) and Thanh Le of Davie, Fla. (five bass, 18-8).
If history is any indication, it will take exactly 32 pounds, 13 ounces to land a spot in the top 10. That is the exact weight it took during the tour's last two stops on Lake Champlain, in 2002 and again in 2004. Interestingly, the top-50 weights were the same each of these years as well at 29 pounds, 12 ounces - a testament to the stability and consistency of the quality smallmouth fishery.
There is a lot at stake this week in the regular-season finale presented by Kellogg's and hosted by the Champlain Shores Visitors and Convention Bureau. Not only is the final $100,000 winner's check of 2006 on the line, but so are trips to the FLW Tour Championship and the prestigious Land O'Lakes Angler of the Year title, which carries its own hefty reward of $65,000, including a new Ranger boat powered by Evinrude or Yamaha.
"I feel pretty good," said Team Folgers pro Anthony Gagliardi, who led the Angler of the Year race coming into the tournament and is poised to capture the title Thursday after landing five smallmouth bass weighing 16-1 and finishing 48th on opening day. "Things are kind of bunched up right now and that's fine by me."
The Prosperity, S.C., pro notched a $200,000 win at the Chevy Open on Lake Murray earlier this year and has yet to finish below 49th place this season. As long as he finishes at least 35 places ahead of veteran Tyson pro Jim Moynagh of Carver, Minn., and 36 places ahead of Yamaha pro Matt Herren of Trussville, Ala., he'll earn enough points to win.
To his credit, Moynagh has earned top-10 finishes in two out of his last three tournaments and is no stranger to the top 10 on Lake Champlain. In fact, he finished third on the lake in 2002, and he is currently sitting in 62nd place with five bass weighing 15-11. Herren has also earned two top-10s this season and is currently in 33rd place with five bass weighing 16-8. Gagliardi's best finish on Lake Champlain is 81st.
Tylenol Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels pro Gabe Bolivar, who made his mark in the Stren Series Western Division before qualifying for the FLW Tour, is on pace to win the Gain Rookie of the Year award. He also had an outside shot at the Angler of the Year title. He is currently in 121st place, however, with five bass weighing 13-12.
In the Co-angler Division James Schneider of Albany, N.Y., leads the field with two smallmouth bass and three largemouth bass weighing 17-3. He fished with pro Gerald Beck of Lexington, N.C., who caught five bass weighing 15 pounds, 8 ounces and is currently in 67th place.
"This is my first time in the lead, and it's exciting," said Schneider, who works as an orthopedic surgeon when he's not chasing bass. "Having a good first day gives you a lot of confidence, but I'm going to have to have another good day to make the cut. There are a lot of good co-anglers here."
Rounding out the top five co-anglers are Bill Gift of Alix, Ark. (five bass, 16-6); Rob Newell of Tallahassee, Fla. (five bass, 16-5); Judy Israel of Clewiston, Fla. (five bass, 16-2); and Moo Bae of West Friendship, Md. (five bass, 15-13).
Israel is the first woman to ever win an FLW Tour event and the tour's leading female money winner.
Couch earned the day's Snickers Big Bass award of $750 in the Pro Division with a 5-pound, 12-ounce largemouth while Jeff Stegner of Fair Grove, Mo., claimed the Snickers Big Bass award and $375 in the Co-angler Division with a 5-pound, 4-ounce bass.
Anglers will take off at 6:30 each morning from Plattsburgh Boat Basin located at 5 Dock Street in Plattsburgh. Thursday's weigh-in will also be held at Plattsburgh Boat Basin beginning at 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday's weigh-ins will be held at the Wal-Mart store located at 25 Consumer Square in Plattsburgh beginning at 4 p.m.
The community is invited to attend the free Family Fun Zone Friday and Saturday outside the weigh-in tent in the Wal-Mart parking lot. The Family Fun Zone, which opens at 2 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday, features interactive displays, product samples and games for the entire family to enjoy.
Anglers compete in the two-day opening round for one of 10 slots in Friday's competition based on their two-day accumulated weight. Weights are cleared for day three, and co-angler competition concludes following Friday's weigh-in. The top 10 pros continue competition Saturday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from days three and four.
In FLW Tour competition, pros and co-anglers are randomly paired each day, with pros supplying the boat, controlling boat movement and competing against other pros. Co-anglers fish from the back deck against other co-anglers.
Coverage of the Lake Champlain tournament will be broadcast to 81 million FSN (Fox Sports Net) subscribers in the United States on Aug. 27 and Sept. 3 as part of the "FLW Outdoors" television program. "FLW Outdoors" airs Sunday mornings at 11 Eastern time. "FLW Outdoors" is also broadcast internationally to more than 350 million households in such countries as Germany, China, South Africa, Australia, Malaysia, Russia, Hungary and the United Kingdom, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoor-sports television show in the world. Additionally, FLW Outdoors is proud to provide tournament coverage to more than 800,000 servicemembers stationed around the world in 177 countries and aboard Navy ships through broadcasts on the American Forces Network.
Named after the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, Forrest L. Wood, FLW Outdoors administers the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Series, Stren Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail presented by Abu Garcia, Stratos Owners' Tournament Trail, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye League, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Series, Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series and Wal-Mart FLW Striper Series. These circuits offer combined purses exceeding $37.9 million through 249 events in 2006.
For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournament programs, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000.
Wal-Mart and many of America's largest and most respected companies support FLW Outdoors and its tournament trails. Wal-Mart signed on as an FLW Outdoors sponsor in 1997 and today is the world's leading supporter of tournament fishing. For more information about Wal-Mart, visit Wal-Mart.com.
Source: FLW Outdoors
CONTACT: Dave Washburn, vice president of communications of FLW
Outdoors, +1-270-252-1607
Web site: http://www.flwoutdoors.com/
http://www.wal-mart.com/
Spirit of Innovation Name Pleases Goodyear Chairman
Innovation a Critical Part of the Company's Evolution
Goodyear Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Keegan said he could not have been more pleased with the name that Uniontown, Ohio, resident Matthew Harrelson suggested for the company's newest airship . . . Spirit of Innovation.
"Innovation has been a critical part of our evolution as a company, from innovation of our new product offerings to innovation in everything we do," Keegan told an audience of several thousand people today at the company's airship base southeast of Akron. "The fact that the American public agreed with their votes is further proof that innovation is becoming synonymous with Goodyear."
In suggesting the name Spirit of Innovation, Harrelson, a chemistry teacher at Hudson High School, wins the use of the Goodyear blimp for a day as the grand prize of the company's "Name the Blimp" contest.
"I personally will be very interested in what you plan to do with the blimp for a day, Matthew," Keegan quipped to Harrelson, who was present at the christening ceremonies along with his wife Kristi and daughters Kaitlin and Kendra.
The airship was officially christened Spirit of Innovation by Keegan's wife Lynn, and Lesa France Kennedy, the president of International Speedway Corporation and a member of the NASCAR Board of Directors.
"I have great admiration for Lesa and what she has accomplished in her professional career," Keegan said. "She was recently singled out as The Most Influential Woman in Sports Business. Her innovative approach to growing ISC into a leader in sports entertainment was the driving force in bringing NASCAR racing to several new high profile markets including Chicago and Kansas City. And her vision of innovation in Daytona turned NASCAR's flagship track into the most fan-friendly speedway in the world. She was the perfect choice to help us christen the airship."
The "Name the Blimp" contest kicked off on April 10th when the Company unveiled the new airship without a name, but bearing the world's largest blank nametag. After receiving more than 21,000 unique name submissions, a panel of judges narrowed the list to ten finalists. America and a panel of Goodyear representatives then voted on the finalists.
Keegan said the airship's new name, "would serve as a constant reminder" to all of the Goodyear associates of the importance of innovation to the future success of the company.
Goodyear and Innovation
Since Charles Goodyear first discovered the process for vulcanizing rubber in 1843 and opened the door for the broad use of rubber in consumer products, the name Goodyear has been synonymous with innovation. From the early days when Goodyear introduced the first tubeless automotive tire and the first American-made synthetic rubber tire, the company has been leading the industry in technological advancements and design innovations. In recent years, Goodyear has accelerated its release of innovative new products that feature relevant technologies and deliver real-life benefits to consumers. Included is the pioneering TripleTred Technology(R) for confident handling in any weather conditions. Goodyear's most recent cutting-edge introductions have incorporated the use of the latest high-tech materials, including the use of DuPont(TM) KEVLAR(R) in its Wrangler(R) and Fortera(R) tires featuring SilentArmor Technology(TM) and DuPont(TM) KEVLAR(R) and carbon fiber in its new Eagle with ResponsEdge Technology(TM).
DuPont(TM) and KEVLAR(R) are trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
The Goodyear Airship Program
Goodyear's blimp program began in 1925, when the Company built its first helium-filled public relations airship, the Pilgrim. In 1928, then-Chairman P.W. Litchfield began the tradition of naming its North American-based blimps after winners of the America's Cup yacht race. The tradition continued over most of the program's 80-year history, with just a few exceptions. A list of winners from past America's Cup races whose names Goodyear selected for its airship fleet includes: Stars & Stripes, Columbia, Ranger, Rainbow, Enterprise, Resolute, Reliance, Defender, Vigilant, Volunteer, Mayflower, Puritan, and America. Within the past 40 years, Goodyear has selected other non-Cup winner names to grace the sides of its blimps. Those names included Europa, Spirit of Akron, Spirit of Goodyear and Eagle.
About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Goodyear is the world's largest tire company. The company manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 90 facilities in 28 countries around the world. Goodyear employs about 80,000 people worldwide. For more information on Goodyear's tires, go to http://www.goodyeartires.com/.
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Trump Million Dollar Invitational Features High Drama and High Payouts
Dramatic Shootout for $1 Million Premieres on ESPN on July 2 at 1 p.m. ET
As Donald Trump announced the 10 U.S. Pro Golf Tour players who would battle it out for the $1 Million first prize, you could see the knees knocking and the hearts pounding. The gallery huddled around the first tee could feel the tension as well. This was golf drama at its most frenetic.
The golfers would play nine holes, and hole-by-hole one was eliminated, some by skills challenges. When three remained on the second-to-last hole, Trump said to them, "I have good news and bad news. The bad news is one of you will not have a chance to play for the million. But two of you will be standing on the next and final hole and one of you will be a millionaire."
Who received the million dollar check from Donald Trump?
The dramatic finish, along with all the action from the Trump Million Dollar Invitational Presented by TaylorMade, will be telecast on ESPN on Sunday, July 2, 2006 from 1-3 p.m. ET. The event will re-air on ESPN2 on July 12, 2006 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. ET.
For more information, visit the event's web site at http://www.trumpmilliondollar.com/ .
Source: Trump Million Dollar Invitational
Shaun Livingston of Los Angeles Clippers to Appear at Sport Chalet Store in Arcadia, CA
Sport Chalet, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPCHA) (NASDAQ:SPCHB) , is proud to announce that Shaun Livingston of the Los Angles Clippers will be appearing on Saturday, June 24, 2006 at the Sport Chalet store located at Westfield Santa Anita Shopping Mall, 400 S. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, California 91007. He will sign autographs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This appearance is sponsored by REEBOK.
On Sunday, June 18, 2006, the first 200 customers who purchased any Reebok or Clippers merchandise at the Sport Chalet store in Arcadia received a wristband that can be redeemed for an autograph by Shaun Livingston at that same location on Saturday, June 24th. Wristbands will be available while supplies last and only those customers with a wristband are guaranteed an autograph. Customers may bring in one personal item and may purchase one Clipper or REEBOK item for signing.
About Shaun Livingston
Shaun was born in Peoria, Illinois. He led Peoria Central High School to Class AA state titles in 2003 and 2004 and was named Illinois Mr. Basketball in 2003. He is the fourth Illinois Mr. Basketball to make the jump from high school straight to the NBA. Shaun currently plays Guard for the Los Angeles Clippers. His 2005-2006 season statistics with the Clippers are: 5.8 points per game, 3.00 rebounds per game, and 4.5 assists per game.
About Sport Chalet, Inc.
Sport Chalet, founded in 1959 by Norbert Olberz, is a leading operator of full service specialty sporting goods stores in California, Nevada and Arizona. The Company offers over 40 services for the serious sports enthusiast, including backpacking, canyoneering, and kayaking instruction, custom golf club fitting and repair, ski & snowboard rental and repair, SCUBA training and certification, SCUBA boat charters, team sales, racquet stringing, and bicycle tune-up and repair throughout its 40 locations. The address for Sport Chalet's website is www.sportchalet.com.
Source: Sport Chalet, Inc.
Web site: http://www.sportchalet.com/
NEWS AND NEWS IN SPANISH
Russell Simmons to Use Hip-Hop to Register 10,000 Potential Voters in the Philadelphia Area
Congressman Fattah, Mayor Street and Gov. Rendell Join Simmons on Non-Partisan Voter Registration Effort
Using the power of popular music to reach young people, Russell Simmons, co-founder and chairman of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, also co-founder and president of the organization, announced today that HSAN's voter registration campaign will return this year to Philadelphia and the surrounding area.
In addition to Simmons and Dr. Chavis, U.S. Representative Chaka Fattah, Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street and Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell will support the non-partisan voter registration, with Simmons setting a goal of 10,000 new registrants. The program will build on HSAN's previous voter registration efforts in the Philadelphia area that took place in 2003 and 2004. Simmons will launch the campaign at the Hip-Hop Summit National Town Hall Meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12th at the University of Pennsylvania's Irvine Auditorium.
"I am pleased to join Russell Simmons in working to use hip-hop as a tool to empower our youth," Congressman Fattah said. "Regardless of party affiliation or ethnicity, true empowerment comes when we can combine the desire for obtaining a high-quality education with an understanding that the ability to exercise the right to vote is not only a privilege, but a necessity."
Simmons, co-founder of the hip-hop label Def Jam and founder of the Russell Simmons Music Group, said the program in Philadelphia will yield tangible results for people across the United States.
"We are excited about returning to the City of Brotherly Love, where we first linked registering young voters to the power of hip-hop culture," he said. "In that tradition, we will have an important dialogue at the Hip-Hop Summit National Town Hall Meeting on Community Empowerment across a wide range of issues affecting the quality of young people's lives throughout America."
"Hip-hop is about putting truth to power," he added, "and we will not be silenced."
Mayor Street, who has worked in partnership with HSAN since 2003 to energize young voters, said the registration effort is of vital importance. "Nothing is more important than the involvement of all our citizens in the civic process," Street said. "Our ancestors earned it, and now we must respect it, protect it and use it."
"I am proud to support the Hip Hop Summit," Gov. Rendell added. "Empowerment and voter registration efforts such as this make our communities stronger."
Dr. Benjamin Chavis, co-founder, president and chief executive of the Hip- Hop Summit Action Network, predicted monumental change in America through widespread registration of young voters.
"The Hip-Hop Summit National Town Hall Meeting in Philadelphia will be one of the most important gatherings of the 21st century," said Chavis. "If we register millions of youth throughout the United States and get them to the polls in 2006, 2007 and 2008, they will change the face and political landscape of America."
"We need both political and economic empowerment, and we must work toward this end with the fever and enthusiasm of an old-time civil rights revival coupled with the energy and mass appeal of hip-hop," Chavis added.
In addition to the national town hall meeting taking place on July 12th and the after-party celebration following at the Diamond Club at Citizens Bank Park, other events leading up to the summit will be announced later this week.
Founded in 2001, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network is dedicated to harnessing the cultural relevance of hip-hop music to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy and other societal concerns fundamental to the well-being of at-risk youth throughout the United States. HSAN is a non-profit, non- partisan national coalition of hip-hop artists, entertainment industry leaders, education advocates, civil rights proponents and youth leaders united in the belief that hip-hop is an enormously influential agent for social change which must be responsibly and proactively utilized to fight the war on poverty and injustice.
Source: Hip-Hop Summit Action Network
De los integrantes de la Cultura Pop
- JWT Worldwide celebra unas charlas con Martin Sheen, Arianna Huffington, y Michael Patrick King, dirigidas por el responsable creativo de JWT, Craig Davis
JWT Worldwide, la principal agencia de publicidad de los EE.UU. y la cuarta a nivel mundial, ha reunido hoy al actor y activista político Martin Sheen, al productor ejecutivo de Sex and the City, Michael Patrick King, y a la cofundadora y editora de HuffingtonPost.com, Arianna Huffington, en el 53 Festival Anual Internacional de Publicidad de Cannes para llevar a cabo un seminario sobre cómo la publicidad puede mejorar su apuesta y competir con otras formas de medios que están creando grandes ideas para dirigir la cultura popular.
Bajo el título "From the Makers of Pop Culture", el seminario, moderado por el responsable creativo de JWT Worldwide, Craig Davis, se celebrará en el Debussy Theater de Cannes (Francia).
"Cada vez más, la publicidad está compitiendo con grandes producciones, como películas, televisión, contenido web, arte, libros, porno y música", explicó Davis. "Martin, Michael y Arianna han realizado cada uno de ellos grandes contribuciones en lo que respecta a la cultura popular para que sea más popular y quizá más cultural que lo normal en publicidad. ¿Qué es lo que la industria de la publicidad puede aprender de su éxito? ¿Qué es lo que hace que una idea tome forma en una cultura? ¿Por qué algunas ideas se forjan para capturar buena parte del tiempo de la audiencia y de las implicaciones? ¿Cómo puede la publicidad convertirse en parte de la cultura popular, en lugar de ser un reflejo de la misma?".
Sheen, que interpretó el papel del Presidente Josiah Bartlett en The West Wing, y King, que produjo, dirigió y escribió episodios de Sex and the City interpretando al personaje principal, Carrie Bradshaw, han participado los dos en la "gran idea" de televisión, interpretando los modelos de un papel icónico con un alcance sin precedentes y una aparición destacada. Se conoce a Huffington como la "Uber-blogger", debido al éxito de su blog, con una gran influencia y lectura, disponible en HuffingtonPost.com, y que le ha servido para que la revista Time le incluya en su lista de 100 Personas Que Modelan el Mundo.
"Estoy muy contento de formar parte de una conversación que pretende servir para comprender cómo las ideas se convierten en fuerzas culturales, y cómo la publicidad puede implicarse de forma eficaz en el entorno de medios de rápidos cambios", comentó Huffington. "Estas charlas tratan sobre la exploración de nuevas formas de resonancia con los consumidores".
Acerca de los participantes
Martin Sheen, que ya ha interpretado tanto a John F. Kennedy como a Robert Kennedy, era la elección perfecta para interpretar el papel del Presidente Josiah Bartlett en The West Wing, que ya lleva siete temporadas en emisión a través de la cadena NBC. Por ese papel, ha recibido cinco nominaciones a los premios Emmy por su interpretación del Papel Principal en las series de Drama, habiendo conseguido también un Globo de Oro como Mejor Interpretación de un actor en un Drama de TV, además de dos galardones SAG Awards por su Mejor Interpretación como actor masculino en series de Drama. Es un veterano activista político que ha rechazado de forma contundente todos los alegatos.
Arianna Huffington es la cofundadora y editora del innovador grupo de blogs HuffingtonPost.com. También es una columnista nacionalmente sindicada de Tribune Media, que ha publicado 10 libros, y coanfitriona de la celebración de las mesas redondas políticas de Left, Right & Center en la radio pública. Su libro más reciente lo escribió en 2004: Fanatics and Fools: The Game Plan for Winning Back America.
Michael Patrick King trabajó como productor ejecutivo de Sex and the City. Por su trabajo como escritor en la serie, fue nominado a tres premios Emmys y dos galardones Writers Guild Awards. Como director, estuvo dos veces nominado a los premios Emmy, ganado en una ocasión. En los cinco últimos años de la serie, escribió la presentación de la temporada y los episodios finales. En la actualidad se encarga del desarrollo de nuevos proyectos de TV.
Acerca del moderador
Craig Davis es el responsable creativo de JWT Worldwide. Desde que entró a formar parte de JWT hace dos años, ha liderado la transformación creativa de la agencia, introduciendo un nuevo punto de vista de la red y nuevos estándares creativos, además de disponer de un talento mejorado. Ha sido una clave en la consecución de la cuenta global HSBC, ayudando a asegurar el lanzamiento de la red 3G de Vodafone. Antes de entrar a formar parte de JWT, Craig fue director creativo ejecutivo regional de Saatchi & Saatchi en Asia/África, donde se encargó de que la agencia se convirtiera en la principal red creativa de la región. Ha sido elegido Principal Persona de Publicidad del Año en Asia por Campaign Brief Asia, y una de las 100 principales personas de publicidad a través de Advertising Age. Craig ha sido miembro del jurado de Clio, One Show, D&AD y de muchas otras ceremonias de premios, y es uno de los jueces del año de Cannes Titanium.
Acerca de JWT
JWT, que celebra su 142 aniversario este año, está considerada como la mayor agencia de publicidad de los EE.UU., y la cuarta mayor agencia de servicios completos a nivel mundial. Su compañía pariente es WPP (Nasdaq: WPPGY).
A Safari C(Cubed) da Cedar Point Communications Foi Selecionada para Introduzir os Serviços de Comunicações por Voz Flow em Trinidad
Cedar Point Communications, a líder em tecnologias de comutação integrada de VoIP para a indústria de comunicações a cabo, anunciou hoje que o serviço FLOW, da Columbus Communications Trinidad Ltd. está implantando o Sistema de Comutação por Multimídia (Multimedia Switching System) da Cedar Point para a disponibilização de serviços de comunicações por voz em Trinidad.
FLOW é a marca que representa todo o conjunto de serviços oferecidos pela Columbus Communications Trinidad Ltd. A Columbus planeja lançar o seu serviço de televisão digital a cabo em áreas selecionadas a partir de junho. A companhia recebeu uma ampla concessão em fevereiro para a provisão de TV a cabo, Internet e serviços de telefonia em Trinidad.
"A FLOW tem grande satisfação em se associar a Cedar Point para disponibilizar um serviço de telefonia robusto e confiável para os nossos clientes em Trinidad", disse John Reid, presidente da Columbus Communications Trinidad.
"À medida que a FLOW começa a implantar os produtos competitivos de telefonia", disse Dave Spear, vice-presidente executivo de estratégia e desenvolvimento de mercado para a Cedar Point, "antecipamos que a simplicidade da implantação e das operações da exclusiva arquitetura integrada da SAFARI C(Cubed), possibilitará que eles introduzam rapidamente os serviços de comunicações por voz de alta qualidade e altamente confiáveis, que os auxiliará a atrair e reter assinantes".
A única operadora totalmente integrada de comutação VoIP que incorpora todos os componentes que perfazem a infra-estrutura de comutação por voz, a SAFARI C(Cubed) disponibiliza a evolução integral para características baseadas em SIP e uma arquitetura de Subsistema de Multimídia por IP (IMS, em inglês). A SAFARI C(Cubed) oferece desempenho superior e confiabilidade, reduzindo significativamente as despesas com capital e custos de integração de sistemas e de operações para os operadores a cabo que estejam oferecendo serviços de telefonia, ao mesmo tempo aumentando a integridade, segurança e privacidade de rede.
A SAFARI C(Cubed) está qualificada como PacketCable(TM) e com arquitetura preparada para o futuro, que possa se encaixar dentro de uma infra-estrutura de rede de núcleo IMS, possibilitando que os operadores de rede alavanquem seus investimentos iniciais em equipamento para comunicações por voz, enquanto introduzem serviços como: vídeo conferência e aplicações fixa-móveis. Novas aplicações podem ser integradas dentro da SAFARI C(Cubed), ou poderá ser acessada através de servidores de aplicações de terceiros.
Sobre a Cedar Point Communications
Os comutadores de multimídia e de voz totalmente integrados da Cedar Point Communications aprovisionam os operadores de sistema a cabo com alternativas de voz sobre IP rentáveis e menos complexas, para opções de telefonia distribuída a cabo por software. O Sistema de Media Switching SAFARA C (Cubed) da Cedar Point é uma solução qualificada como PacketCable(TM) que suporta circuito legado e serviços de voz PacketCable(TM), bem como a entrega atualmente de capacidades IMS centrais que suportam a migração antecipada para uma arquitetura IMS de redes convergidas. A companhia está sediada em Derry, New Hampshire. Para informações adicionais, por favor, visite http://www.cedarpointcom.com/.
PacketCable(TM) é uma marca comercial da Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
Company's Biggest-Ever Transaction Successful: Bayer and Schering Optimistic About Their Common Future
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- Higgins to be Management Board Chairman of Bayer Schering Pharma AG
- Kostlin, Rubin, Riemann and Baumann will join the Management Board
- Wenning to become Supervisory Board Chairman of Bayer Schering Pharma AG
- Erlen will be Supervisory Board Vice Chairman
- Extraordinary Stockholders' Meeting of Schering AG in September
Following the success of Bayer's takeover offer for Schering, the two companies are confident about their common future. "We will combine two successful pharmaceutical companies to form a single, even more powerful unit and create a leading global enterprise," said Bayer Management Board Chairman Werner Wenning at a joint news conference on Wednesday in Berlin. "Schering is in excellent shape," added Schering Executive Board Chairman Dr. Hubertus Erlen. "Together with Bayer we now want to become even better. And the chances of achieving this are good." The two chairmen announced initial details of the upcoming integration process. An extraordinary stockholders' meeting of Schering AG is planned for September. After that the future "Bayer Schering Pharma," headquartered in Berlin, will be led by a new Board of Management chaired by Arthur Higgins, who will also continue to head up the entire Bayer HealthCare subgroup.
Also on the Management Board of Bayer Schering Pharma will be Dr. Ulrich Kostlin and Prof. Marc Rubin from Schering, along with Dr. Gunnar Riemann and Werner Baumann from Bayer. Kostlin will assume responsibility for the Primary Care, Gynecology and Andrology, and Diagnostic Imaging product groups, and will represent the business in Europe, Asia and Japan. Riemann will head up the Oncology, Hematology and Cardiology, Dermatology, and Specialty Therapeutics business units and also assume responsibility for the North and South America regions. Rubin will serve as head of Research and Development in the new company, while Baumann will become head of Central Administration and Organization. In this function, Baumann will continue to be responsible for the entire Bayer HealthCare subgroup. On the Board of Bayer Schering Pharma he will also hold responsibility for Production and Human Resources. All the members of the Board of Management of Bayer Schering Pharma will at the same time be members of the Bayer HealthCare Executive Committee.
The three other current members of the Schering Executive Board - Dr. Karin Dorrepaal, Prof. Rainer Metternich and Dr. Jorg Spiekerkotter - have decided not to serve on the Board of Management of Bayer Schering Pharma. The present Executive Board of Schering AG will remain in office until the extraordinary stockholders' meeting and assist with the integration.
Schering Executive Board Chairman Erlen will remain available to the new company. Wenning said he is pleased Erlen has agreed to join the Supervisory Board of Bayer Schering Pharma AG as one of its Vice Chairmen. Due to the importance of the merger, Wenning himself plans to take over the chairmanship of the new company's Supervisory Board.
Bayer already holds 88 per cent of Schering's outstanding shares
The acquisition of Schering is the Bayer Group's biggest-ever transaction. The previous evening Bayer already announced the final result of the first acceptance period for the takeover offer. Bayer now controls 88 per cent of Schering's outstanding shares. Of this figure, about 42 per cent were acquired either on the stock market or directly, while a further 46 per cent were tendered under the public takeover offer. Wenning emphasized that all the remaining stockholders of Schering have the opportunity to tender their shares to Bayer - also at a price of EUR 89 per share - during the additional acceptance period, which runs from June 23 until July 6.
Regarding the turbulent final round of the struggle for Schering, Wenning commented: "We are convinced that from our point of view we have done the right thing. This is backed up by the facts." He said Bayer has clearly exceeded the 75 per cent minimum acceptance threshold it set itself and will be paying an acquisition price only slightly above its original offer. Assuming Bayer is able to acquire all the remaining shares for EUR 89 each, the total transaction volume would rise from EUR 16.5 billion to just under EUR 16.9 billion. This represents an increase of approximately 2.5 per cent. "A transaction of such dimensions and long-term significance for Bayer surely justifies this additional outlay," said Wenning, adding that he is confident the additional expense can be more than offset through improvements in the performance of the combined business. "That is one of the reasons why I find the discussion about further job cuts unnecessary."
Wenning explained that Bayer had communicated openly and transparently right from the beginning and throughout the offer period. "We complied with the legal rules for such transactions at all times, behaved fairly, explained our strategy in full and laid our cards on the table for everyone to see." Addressing the criticism voiced in some circles that Bayer responded much too slowly to Merck's share purchases, he said Bayer, too, purchased substantial share packages outside of the takeover offer within a very short time. Unlike Merck, however, Bayer required the approval of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as it wanted to pay more than the original offer price. Although the SEC acted swiftly, it still took several days for this approval to be granted.
Wenning: Equality principle in German takeover law requires further substantiation
Wenning therefore appealed to lawmakers to further substantiate the principle of equality in German takeover law. "While we were obligated to proceed according to a detailed set of rules, Merck was able to operate more or less freely in competition with us. I am convinced that the law needs amending in this respect." Bayer's CEO stressed, however, that the company is very satisfied with the process as a whole, with the work of its advisers, the cooperation shown by the authorities, and with the end result.
Wenning said the planning for a rapid integration process is already well advanced, with great importance to be placed on transparency and fairness, in keeping with the company's style. This involves in particular an open dialogue with the employees' representatives. "We have always shown in the past that we can work out good solutions together through constructive and purposeful cooperation - solutions that take into account the interests of the employees, the company and the stockholders alike," said Wenning. "The integration of Schering is not intended to produce winners on one side and losers on the other."
Wenning confirmed that Bayer Schering Pharma will be headquartered in Berlin, as previously announced. He said the name clearly shows that due account is being taken of the great tradition of the Schering brand in conjunction with the Bayer brand. "Bayer Schering Pharma is destined to become a national champion in pharmaceuticals and to take its place among the world's top ten suppliers of specialty pharmaceuticals." Based on 2005 figures, the new company will have sales in excess of EUR 9 billion, making it the biggest pharmaceutical company in Germany.
Erlen: Merger of Bayer and Schering presents a great opportunity
Schering Executive Board Chairman Erlen said he is relieved that Bayer's friendly takeover of Schering has succeeded. "The acquisition adds considerable value for our stockholders and presents a great opportunity to create a powerful, world-class pharmaceutical company based in Berlin," he declared. Bayer Schering Pharma will be an attractive partner for patients and physicians in its specialized fields. The two companies' businesses complement each other well and share the same strategic alignment. One example of this is oncology, explained Erlen. The merger will not only enable the new company to grow more quickly overall. "We will also raise efficiency in research and development, enabling us to create new therapies for diseases for which there are currently no effective treatments."
Erlen said that despite the need for synergies, the merger will also open up many opportunities for the employees, too, in the medium to long term. "The expertise and experience of Schering's employees will not be lost in the integration process. We have outstanding products and are working on highly promising projects."
"At our stockholders' meeting in April," Erlen remarked, "I said that our dream of an independent Schering had unfortunately come to an end. But I have a new dream: Bayer Schering Pharma can become a powerful, global pharmaceutical specialist. I look forward to that."
