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MONSTER HOUSE and OPEN SEASON Presentations Highlight Company's Diversity and Quality of Work

Sony SXRD 4K Projector Featured in Imageworks Booth #1506

Master Artist Karl Gnass Featured in Imageworks Booth for 9th Consecutive Year of Popular Drawing Classes

Academy Award(R) winning digital production studio Sony Pictures Imageworks is set to showcase its innovative and diverse range of CG work and digital effects at SIGGRAPH 2006, the 33rd annual international conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques.

"This has been a very productive year for Imageworks in terms of our four active production pipelines: live action visual effects, performance capture, all CG animation and 3D stereoscopic work," said Tim Sarnoff, president of Sony Pictures Imageworks. "We're proud to share examples of each pipeline with SUPERMAN RETURNS, MONSTER HOUSE and Sony Pictures Animation's first CG-feature, OPEN SEASON."

Imageworks is a participant in every aspect of the conference including the prestigious Electronic Theater program, panels, courses and special sessions.

On the Show Floor

Imageworks will be presenting materials this year in booth #1506 on the Sony SRX-R105 SXRD 4K projector. As one of four models in the SXRD 4K projector line-up, the SRX-R105 provides an image resolution of over 8.8 million pixels at a brightness of 5,000 lumens, with stunning contrast and accurate color reproduction. These products provide high-quality, high-resolution projection in applications from visualization and simulation to digital cinema.

In its ninth consecutive year, Imageworks will present the popular life drawing class "Master Life Drawing and the Art of the Dynamic Pose" with Master Instructor Karl Gnass, author of "Spirit of the Pose: Sketchbook 1" in the Imageworks booth #1506. Gnass has been teaching drawing for over 35 years and has worked with Imageworks for the past 10 years instructing artists at the facility each week in his life drawing class.

"Master Instructor Karl Gnass has been teaching life drawing classes at Imageworks every week since 1996," said Sande Scoredos, executive director of training and artist development. "His life drawing classes not only improve aesthetics and animation skills but also increase powers of observation, communication, and visualization. These studio art classes are considered a staple of the Imageworks Training & Artist Development core curriculum and are available to everyone at Imageworks."

Electronic Theater

This year, Imageworks has been honored with two selections for screening in the jury-selected Electronic Theater: "MONSTER HOUSE: There Goes the Neighborhood" by visual effects supervisor Jay Redd and "OPEN SEASON: Separating the Trees from the Forest" by visual effects supervisor Doug Ikeler.

Monster House is currently in theaters; OPEN SEASON debuts nationwide September 29.

  Courses   Imageworks will be offering two courses:    "The Art of OPEN SEASON"   

Sunday, July 30   8:30am - 12:15pm (Hall C)  

Presented by visual effects supervisor Doug Ikeler, animation supervisor Sean Mullen, and CG supervisors Max Bruce and Darren Lurie, this session will offer a detailed behind-the-scenes view of how a team of digital artists and technicians worked closely with a team of talented traditional storytellers and artists to create the first feature animated film from Sony Pictures Animation. The course will demonstrate how the most advanced technology and tools were developed from concept to screen.

  "Performance-Driven Facial Animation"   Wednesday, August 2   8:30am - 5:30pm (Room 205)  

Parag Havaldar, software architect, will cover the tracking, cross-mapping, and model derivation technologies used on MONSTER HOUSE. Current and forthcoming motion-capture techniques and application case studies from recent and current projects will be presented.

  Panels   Imageworks executives will be participating in the following panels:

    "Is a Career in Computer Graphics Possible?"   

Part 1: Skills & Training   Tuesday, August 1   10:30am - 12:15pm (Room 210)  

The first part of this course will be presented by Ken Muryama, director of Digital Production for Imageworks, and will cover skills and training on topics such as the need to stay current with technology, what new employees are expected to know, if training departments in the industry are keeping up with employees and what the overall benefits are to keeping employees trained.

  "Is a Career in Computer Graphics Possible?"   

Part 2: Dedication & Expectation   Wednesday, August 2   3:45pm - 5:30pm (Room 210)  

Presented by Jenny Fulle, executive vice president of production and executive producer for Imageworks, this session will cover the expectations of companies, employers, researchers, artists and students and what the industry can do to make sure that sane and stable jobs exist in computer graphics.

  Special Session   "Sounding Off: How Voice Talents Bring 

Characters to Life in a CG Film"   Wednesday, August 2   4:45pm - 6:45pm (Hall B2)  

Mary Hidalgo, casting director for Sony Pictures Animation, will participate in a special session panel that will discuss how major studios and talents use different approaches and techniques to integrate voice performance with computer graphics to create emotionally resonant computer-generated characters and stories.

Additional Appearances

Imageworks artists will also be participating in educational panels and presentations in various booths including:

  Autodesk Maya Master Classes   "SuperToon Body & Face Rigging"   

Monday, July 31   9:00am - 12:30pm (Westin Bonaventure Waterfront Hotel)   

Presented by Senior Technical Animator Joe Harkins    

"Hyper Real Creature Anatomy Foundation"   

Thursday, August 3   8:30am - 12:30pm (Westin Bonaventure Waterfront Hotel)   

Presented by Character Set-up Supervisor Erick Miller    Autodesk Booth # 1706   

August 1, 2 and 3   12:00pm   Senior Flame artist Todd Mesher will present material 

from CLICK and    SUPERMAN RETURNS.    August 1, 2 and 3   2:00pm   T. 

Dan Hofstedt, co-animation supervisor on MONSTER HOUSE, will discuss    

how Maya was used in the making of the film.    Maxon Booth # 603   

August 1, 2 and 3   1:00pm   Apryl Knobbe, digital paint lead on 

OPEN SEASON, will discuss how Cinema    4D was used during the making of the film.    

Side Effects Booth # 1731   August 1 and August 2   10:30am   

Darren Lurie, CG supervisor on Open Season, and David Stevens, effects    

animation supervisor from Open Season, will discuss how Houdini was used    

for the film.    About Sony Pictures Imageworks   www.imageworks.com  

Sony Pictures Imageworks Inc., is an Academy Award(R) winning, state-of-the-art digital production studio dedicated to the art of visual effects production and character animation. Imageworks' production environment facilitates four diverse pipelines including live action visual effects and character work, Imagemotion(TM) performance capture, all CG animation and Imageworks 3D stereoscopic. The company has been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with Oscars(R) for its work on SPIDER-MAN(R) 2 and the CG animated short film THE CHUBBCHUBBS!, as well as nominations for THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, SPIDER-MAN(R), HOLLOW MAN, STUART LITTLE and STARSHIP TROOPERS. Imageworks continues to raise the level in the visual effects and character-animation industry, becoming a major force by providing leading edge technology to its world-class artists.

Current projects include SUPERMAN RETURNS, CLICK, MONSTER HOUSE (also in Imageworks 3D), GHOST RIDER, SPIDER-MAN(R) 3 and BEOWULF, as well as the first two features from Sony Pictures Animation -- OPEN SEASON (also in IMAX 3D) and SURF'S UP!

Posted by monte at 11:54 AM | Permalink

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Playboy Model Heather Lutz Deals With Blonde Bimbo Stereotype

 MySpace pin-up girl and Playboy model Heather Lutz, star of the upcoming new ABC reality show "One Ocean View," is experiencing the pitfalls of sudden fame -- stereotyping.

Although the Pennsylvania native is thrilled with the opportunities she has as a result of her MySpace and Playboy layouts, she still contends with the dumb blonde cliche. Lutz responds to being described in the New York Post as an "attention-craving Playboy nudie girl." Lutz says, "I was in Playboy and I was nude, but I don't think I'm any more attention-craving than most people. I mean, who doesn't like getting attention."

Hardly the ditzy blonde, Lutz holds a Kinesiology degree from Penn State where she was consistently on the Dean's List.

Lutz originally created a flurry of attention with her MySpace page, which features the once-brunette tomboy and straight-A student as a flirty farmer's daughter who champions animal rights.

MySpace boasts 17.47 million unique visitors per month, over 50,000 of which visit Lutz.

Playboy discovered Lutz and invited her to be immortalized as one of their "Girls of MySpace" in the June 2006 issue and upcoming DVD. As a result, Lutz signed on with ABC's "One Ocean View."

Lutz now has the daunting task of sorting through offers that typecast the 27 year-old beauty. The new reality star and model sees herself as the host of a twenty-something TV show, but for now she's happy to kick back and enjoy "One Ocean View."

"One Ocean View," a new reality series from "The Real World" producers Jonathan Murray and Joey Carson, follows hot singles during a hot summer on Fire Island. Skin is in starting Monday, July 31 at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Posted by monte at 11:52 AM | Permalink

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INSIDE MAN: Disponible en DVD agosto 8, 2006 de Universal Studios Home Entertainment

‘Una inigualable película de suspenso y robo’. Jim Ferguson, ABC-TV

Ganadores al Oscar (R) Denzel Washington (Training Day, Man on Fire) y Jodie Foster (Flightplan, Silence of the Lambs), y el nominado al Oscar (R) Clive Owen (Derailed, Sin City) encabezan el elenco de la intensa película, llena de acción y crimen, Inside Man. Disponible en DVD el 8 de agosto del 2006 de Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Producida por el ganador del premio de la Academia Brian Grazer (A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man) y dirigida por el director nominado al Oscar (R) Spike Lee (Malcolm X), Inside Man electrifica con emocionantes palpitaciones mientras un determinado detective, un astuto asaltante de bancos y un misterioso hombre de negocios se encuentran en una encrucijada mortal con vidas en peligro mientras el tiempo corre rápidamente. Llena de brillantes situaciones, y una conclusión impresionante que tendrá a toda la audiencia adivinando hasta el final, el DVD de Inside Man tiene un valor de $29.98 SRP.

Qué dicen los críticos de INSIDE MAN
Inside Man ha sido una de las mejores películas del año, ganando aprobación en todo el país. Shawn Edwards de Fox Televisión escribió: “Empieza con un ingenioso chisporroteo y termina con una explosión impresionante.” Pete Hammond de Maxim alaba Inside Man como “Un fascinante juego de gato y ratón,” y el Wall Street Journal la declaro como “Una película de suspenso que esta encima del dinero.”

UNA BÓVEDA DE UN BANCO LLENO DE SORPRESAS
El DVD de The Inside Man esta lleno de extras que proveen escenas detrás de cámaras con la emocionante historia de la creación de la película y las profesionales decisiones que Spike Lee, el director, tuvo que enfrentar.

-- Más de 25 minutos de escenas borradas
-- Numero 4 – Spike Lee y Denzel Washington se sientan y discuten su cuarta y más reciente colaboración
-- La producción de The Inside Man
-- Comentario Especial del director Spike Lee

SINOPSIS
Denzel Washington y Jodie Foster, ganadores al premio de la Academia y Clive Owen, nominado al premio de la Academia protagonizan esta intensa y explosiva película de crimen y suspenso. El asalto de banco perfecto, pronto se convierte en juego de vida o muerte entre un genio criminal (Owen), un detective determinado (Washington), y un hombre de negocios con un secreto (Foster). Mientras los minutos pasan, y la situación se pone mas tensa, un paso en falso podría significar un desastre total para cualquiera de ellos. Del aclamado director, Spike Lee, viene la película de suspenso que le tendrá al borde de la silla y que el Wall Street Journal ha nombrado “una película de suspenso que esta encima de dinero.”

Para más información favor visitar: http://www.theinsideman.net.

ELENCO & REALIZADORES
Director: Spike Lee
Escrita Por: Russell Gewirtz
Producida Por: Brian Grazer
Productores Ejecutivos: Daniel M. Rosenberg, Jon Kilik, Karen Kehela Sherwood, Kim Roth
Director de Fotografía: Matthew Libatique, ASC

Diseño de Producción: Wynn Thomas
Edición Por: Barry Alexander Brown
Música Por: Terence Blanchard
Diseño de Vestuario: Donna Berwick
Elenco: Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer, Willem Dafoe, Chiwetel Ejiofor

INFORMACION TECNICA DVD
Fecha de Estreno: August 8, 2006
Copyright: 2006 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Precio: $29.98 SRP
Numero de Selección: 28847 (Widescreen); 30125 (Full screen)
Duración: 2 Horas y 9 Minutos
Layers: Dual
Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen (1:66:1/1:85:1); Full Screen (1:33:1)
Clasificada: R (for language and some violent images)
Información Técnica: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; French Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; Subtítulos: Inglés, SDH Español y Francés

Para artes finales visite nuestro portal de Internet en http://www.ushepublicity.com o envíe una solicitud por fax a Universal Studios Home Entertainment Publicity al (818) 866-0226.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment es una unidad de Universal Pictures, una división de Universal Studios (http://www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios es parte de NBC Universal, una de las compañías de medios y entretenimiento líderes en el mundo en el desarrollo, producción y mercadeo de entretenimientos, noticias e información dirigida a una audiencia global. Formada en mayo del 2004 a través de la combinación de NBC y Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal posee y opera un importante portafolio de cadenas de noticias y entretenimiento, una destacada compañía de cine, significativas operaciones de producción de televisión, un grupo líder de estaciones de televisión y los renombrados mundialmente parques temáticos. NBC Universal es propiedad en un 80% de General Electric, con un 20% controlado por Vivendi Universal.

Posted by monte at 11:46 AM | Permalink

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Renowned Mexican sports journalist and commentator Raúl Orvañanos joins Fox Sports en Español and Fox Sports Latin America

Fox Sports en Español announced today the addition of Mexican commentator and sports journalist Raúl Orvañanos to its team of on-air personalities. Effective immediately, Orvañanos will take over as the new host of “Fox Gol Mexico,” which airs Sundays at 7:00 p.m. PT/10:00 p.m. ET, and will play a pivotal role in the network’s exclusive and live telecasts of the Copa Toyota Libertadores and Copa Nissan Sudamericana, as well as contribute to the network’s news programs “Diario Fox Sports” and “Palabra del Deporte.”

“We are proud to welcome Raúl Orvañanos to the Fox family,” said David Sternberg, executive vice president and general manager for Fox Sports en Español. “Raúl’s extensive experience in sports journalism, coupled with his strong following among our viewers, makes him the perfect addition to our already strong team of on-air commentators and personalities. We look forward to working with Raúl to continue to deliver the highest quality, Spanish-language sports news and programming available, both in the United States and across the Spanish-speaking Americas.”

Spanning both radio and television, Orvañanos’ illustrious career has put him front and center of some of the most important and prestigious sporting events over the last two decades, including Copa América, European Cup, the Summer Olympics from 1980 to 1996, and eight World Cups, the most of any Mexican sports journalist worldwide. A veteran sports producer, host and commentator, he possesses an in-depth knowledge of sports and tremendous creativity which has enabled him to develop a variety of soccer-related programs for television and radio, including “Solo DFútbol“ and “La Jugada,” which airs in the United States on Galavision. Orvañanos is currently the official commentator for the Mexican National Team and contributes two columns each week for Mexican newspaper, El Record.

About Fox Sports en Español
Fox Sports en Español features more than 1,500 hours of live, exclusive sports programming in Spanish and, with few exceptions, English SAP each year, including the Copa Toyota Libertadores, Copa Nissan Sudamericana, InterLiga and the FIFA Club World Cup soccer tournaments; the Major League Baseball playoffs, All-Star Game and World Series; and Championship boxing from Mexico and the U.S. The channel reaches nearly 9 million cable and satellite households in the U.S.

Fox Sports en Español is distributed by Fox Cable Networks Group and operated by Fox Pan American Sports LLC, an international sports programming and production entity jointly owned by Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst and News Corporation's (NYSE: NWS) Fox Sports International. For more information, visit Fox Sports en Español online at fse.tv.

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Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" is a monumental worldwide phenomenon that has been called the most important book in decades. With more than 60.5 million copies in print, it has been a fixture on bestseller lists virtually non-stop since it was released by Doubleday in 2003. Along with its success, the book has generated more than its fair share of criticism and controversy. Some of these critics are tying themselves in knots fretting about every little detail of the book.

Dr. Judith P. Shoaf of the University of Florida decided to take on "The Da Vinci Code" another way. With tongue firmly in cheek, Shoaf has written "The Da Vinci Barcode," a clever and refreshing parody of Dan Brown's popular book. She decided to have some fun with Dan Brown's sometimes confusing work.

"The Da Vinci Barcode" presents a look at an alternate universe where, as in Brown's novel, fact and fiction are intertwined. "Everything in this book was meticulously researched," says Shoaf, who holds a PhD in French and Medieval Studies from Cornell University. "However, any time I found that the actual facts didn't fit my story, I ignored them." Her parody makes fun of two of Brown's premises. First, her hero is a professor of Symbology, like Brown's Robert Langdon -- but here Symbology is the "science" of commercial barcodes, not of religious symbols. Secondly, whereas Brown's hero and heroine are looking for the long-hidden and highly controversial relics of the body of Mary Magdalen, Shoaf's characters are well aware that there are plenty of sets of Mary Magdalene's bones in French churches.

Shoaf constructs her own quest for meaning, involving the role of saints and symbols in human life, the genetic code, and the mystery of twinship. Instead of a high spiritual quest; however, her characters are looking for the lowliest of symbols, the little bar code label that contains data about an item that is for sale. This cheerful parody will have you looking at "The Da Vinci Code" in a whole new light.

Posted by monte at 11:40 AM | Permalink

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Singer/Songwriter's Sophomore Album Is a Follow-Up to Her Stellar Debut "One Moment More"  "Before releasing 2004's acclaimed 'One Moment More,' Smith charmed country fans with her rendition of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene.' On 'Shores,' she delivers more sweetly robust roots-pop songs in a soprano as gorgeously pure and clear as Alison Krauss' or Patty Griffin's." -- USA Today On the heels of her critically acclaimed Vanguard Records debut, singer-songwriter Mindy Smith is back with her highly anticipated sophomore CD, "Long Island Shores," a nod to her family and her heritage growing up in Smithtown, New York. The album is scheduled for release on Oct. 10th. "Long Island Shores" retains the raw, emotional intimacy of Mindy's songs and haunting vocals but adds some sharp edges both musically and lyrically, broadening the landscape of Mindy's storytelling. Mindy co-produced this record with Steve Buckingham and Lex Price along with additional production by Roger Moutenot. Smith's debut album, "One Moment More" featured the hit single, "Come to Jesus," which earned her critical accolades and went on to sell close to 300,000 copies. She recorded a version of "Jolene," the first single on the much-praised Dolly Parton tribute album, "Just Because I'm a Woman," which included contributions from Norah Jones, Sinead O'Connor, Melissa Etheridge and Alison Krauss. She made her national debut on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," performed on Lifetime's "Women Rock" Television Special, had a video in top rotation at CMT and was part of VH1's "You Oughta Know" Program. She went on to perform on Conan O'Brien and was featured on National Public Radio. The album took on a life of its own with several songs being heard on national television shows such as HBO's "Six Feet Under" and the WB's "Smallville" and "Summerland." The press was effusive in its praise of the Nashville-based singer-songwriter. "One of the most buzzed-about albums of the new year," raved USA Today, while Rolling Stone said simply, "Smith's voice is marvelous." Harp magazine called her "a contender if ever there was one," while The New York Times enthused, "...excellent debut album." Mindy also co-wrote with John Scott Sherrill the current Alison Krauss single, "If I Didn't Know Any Better."

Posted by monte at 11:37 AM | Permalink

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 "When I started working with KC Porter," says singer-songwriter Tracy Lyons in her signature Irish lilt, "he really pushed me, and I went to this place I'd never sung from before." GRAMMY® winning Porter, who produced much of Tracy's new album "I Will," says, "Her sweetness, her gentle spirit, creates a tone that penetrates deep into your soul, like a soft storm of sorts. There's so much emotion, yet with a beautiful and kind delivery."

"I Will" was released on July 25th on West 57th Street Entertainment, recently launched by music industry veterans Mason Munoz and Louis Levin, with offices in New York City and Weston, CT. The ten-song disc -- to be distributed through Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA) -- leads with the first single "Don't You Know," a Porter-produced track that gets under your skin on first listen, and has been added by AAA stations nationwide. Additional cuts were produced by Canadian Juno Award winner Greg Kavanagh, and the album was mixed by venerable GRAMMY winning engineer Ed Cherney.

Other stand-out tracks include title song "I Will" and "Save Me," the latter dealing with Lyons' focus on environmental health issues. Of that song, Porter says, "Music can change the world in so many ways, and uplift the spirit. Tracy is one of the few voices really speaking out in support of the need to respect the environment, the need for change in that area."

"I Will" follows up "Surrender," released in 2002 on Vapor Records, which prompted Billboard Magazine to write, "With the impressive debut 'Surrender,' singer/tunesmith Tracy Lyons proves that she has a knack for wrapping strong words in a velvet glove." That album's single "Love Hurts" drew national radio attention, and led to opening act appearances with Kenny Loggins, Dave Mason, Shawn Colvin and Los Lonely Boys, among other artists, and to the headliner slot on the "green"-themed summer 2004 tour "SHOW: The Sustainable Energy Roadshow," which played major festivals throughout California.

The official Tracy Lyons website launches today, Thursday, July 27th. Fans will be able to sample new music and view a short documentary about the artist including interviews and live footage.

Following several years honing her skills living and working in Northern California, the now Los Angeles-based Lyons says, "the more naked you are with your emotions, the more you can connect with other people." On her new album "I Will," she does just that.

For more information visit www.tracylyons.com

Posted by monte at 11:13 AM | Permalink

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According to theBIGresearch Consumer Intentions & Actions Survey of over 8,000 consumers as of July 12, confidence rebounds with 39.5% confident/very confident in chances for a strong economy, up almost four points from last month, but still four points below last year (43.9%). And, this uptick in confidence also has consumers less worried about political/national security issues. This month, 18.1% report that they remain concerned, down about a point from last month, and even with last year.

More than two in five consumers, though, contend they've become more practical and realistic in purchasing, up two points from June (39.9%) and more than four points from last year (37.4%). Mirroring the rise in practicality, this month more also insist they're focusing on needs over wants... the majority (52.0%) say so, a rise from 49.8% in June and 44.3% in '05.

26.9% of the respondents say they plan to increase savings in the next three months, up from 26.2% in June. "Pay down debt" is still the financial priority among 35.9%, relatively even with last month and down almost a point from last year (36.6%). "Pay with cash more" and "decrease overall spending" also stable from last month.

With the national average for regular unleaded gas topping off at $2.963/gal (AAA, 7/12/06), one-fifth of motorists say they'll alter driving habits at $3/gal, though it only took prices of $2.25 to $2.75/gal to change the patterns of 31.8% behind the wheel. Another fifth responded that prices at the pump will not influence them to change their habits.

78.2% of the younger crowd (18-34 year olds), which includes students and young families, cite that rising gas prices are crunching their budgets, which is significantly more than the 70.6% of those 55+ who say the same. 77.8% of middle-aged drivers (35-54 years) contend that gas prices are having no major impact on spending.

The 90 Day Outlook improves month-over-month in July for many categories, according to the BIGresearch Diffusion Index (those who say they'll spend less subtracted from those who'll spend more). But this month's bump in consumer confidence wasn't enough to boost most spending intentions year-over-year:

Posted by monte at 11:02 AM | Permalink

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www.laurelcanyonthebook.com

www.modsandrockers.com

Los Angeles-based journalist Michael Walker, author of LAUREL CANYON: THE INSIDE STORY OF ROCK AND ROLL's LEGENDARY NEIGHBORHOOD (Faber and Faber/FSG), will make a special appearance Saturday Aug. 5 at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood in conjunction with the 2006 Mods & Rockers Film Festival, running now through August 31. It is a free-admission event open to all the public.

Walker will give a one-hour talk adapted from his new best-selling book about the remarkable music scene that blossomed in the 60s and 70s in Laurel Canyon, the rustic neighborhood just above the Sunset Strip where Crosby, Stills and Nash first sang together and the cream of L.A.'s rock royalty lived and played in the 60s and 70s.

Residents of Laurel Canyon included Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash, Frank Zappa, John Mayall, Jackson Browne, Carole King, Jim Morrison, the Mamas and the Papas, the Byrds and many other influential musicians of the era.

With so many of the baby-boom's leading musical lights living there, says Walker, "it was inevitable that some masterpieces of '60s and '70s rock and pop music would be created in Laurel Canyon." Crosby Stills and Nash's classic "Our House" was inspired by Graham Nash's love affair with Joni Mitchell at her Laurel Canyon cottage "with two cats in the yard."

LAUREL CANYON has spent two months on the Los Angeles Times Book Review bestseller list and was featured in Rolling Stone and Salon. The book has helped fuel a multi-generational rediscovery of the music and culture of the 1960s and 1970s, as evidenced by this summer's sellout tours by the Rolling Stones, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Bob Dylan, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Walker will speak from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Egyptian's Steven Spielberg Theatre. A reception and booksigning will follow; copies of LAUREL CANYON will be available for purchase.

The Mods & Rockers Film Festival has been presented every year since 1999 by The American Cinematheque. This year's edition running 6 weeks (July 13-August 31) is the largest ever rock 'n' roll film festival held in the US. It is co-produced and hosted by its co-founder -- humorist, producer & Sirius Satellite Radio host Martin Lewis.

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  SPECIAL EVENTS/MARATHONS

  * METAL OF HONOR -- THE IRONWORKERS OF 9/11 -- PRESENTED WITH LIMITED
    COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTION
    Premieres Tuesday, September 5 (9:00 - 10:30 PM, ET/PT) with LIMITED
    COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTION. Encores Tuesday, September 5 (10:30 PM -
    Midnight, ET/PT) and Saturday, September 9 (9:00 - 10:30 AM, ET/PT).

    On September 11, 2001, there were many heroes. Much attention has been
    paid to the firefighters and the police officers that gave their hearts,
    souls and in many cases, their lives on that fateful day, but there is
    another group whose story remains untold ... the New York City
    ironworkers. Without them, the rescue and recovery efforts at the World
    Trade Center would not have been possible. Spike TV presents METAL OF
    HONOR, which chronicles the incredible story of the courageous New York
    City ironworkers who risked their lives following the tragic events of
    September 11.

  Miniseries Premiere!

  * BOSTON PD
    Premieres Friday, September 29 (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); part two
    Friday, September 29 (11:00 PM - Midnight), ET/PT.

    This four-part action packed documentary miniseries that follows the
    lives of Boston Police officers on and off the job. Boston PD takes a
    rare glimpse into the daily routines of cops fighting crime in some of
    the city's worst neighborhoods. In the series, viewers see how the most
    routine traffic stop can lead to anything; and how a simple question to
    a young man standing on a street corner can turn into an all-out chase
    and take down, leading to the confiscation of a lethal weapon. Viewers
    will also get an inside look into how the work impacts the personal
    lives of the cops across different police units and how they find ways
    to cope.

  * SEASONED
    Premieres Monday, September 4 (10:00 - 11:30 PM, ET/PT); encores Sunday,
    September 10 (9:00 - 10:30 AM, ET/PT).

    From producer Jon Stewart and the director of the Emmy-Award winning
    documentary "Journeys With George," comes this look at that intensely
    loyal, often misunderstood, and always optimistic creature known as a
    "Diehard Football Fan." In 2005-2006, filmmaker Aaron Lubarsky spent one
    wild season with some long-time supporters of the Minnesota Vikings to
    explore just how fanatical these fans really are.

  * THE PLAYBOOK FOR: BEATING THE SYSTEM
    Premieres Wednesday, September 27 (11:30 PM - Midnight, ET/PT); encores
    Saturday, September 30 (1:00 - 1:30 AM, ET/PT).

    Donald Faison (Scrubs, Clueless) hosts THE PLAYBOOK, the ultimate guide
    for guys designed to show them how to navigate the trickiest situations,
    scenarios and circumstances. The latest edition, THE PLAYBOOK: BEATING
    THE SYSTEM, is a lesson in the plays and patterns on how to put one over
    "on the man".

  * CSI LABOR DAY MARATHON
    Telecasts Monday, September 4 (9:00 AM - 10:00 PM, ET/PT).

    To celebrate Labor Day, the sixth season of CSI: CRIME SCENE
    INVESTIGATION premieres on Spike TV Monday, September 4 (8:00 - 9:00 PM,
    ET/PT).

  * THE PASSION OF MEL GIBSON - MOVIE MARATHON
    Telecasts Sunday, September 3 (1:00 PM - 1:30 AM, ET/PT).

    Spike is celebrating Mel Gibson and his passion for action with a Mel
    Gibson movie marathon. The lineup is as follows:

       1:00 - 5:00 PM, ET/PT
       BRAVEHEART (1994, Action/Drama)
       William Wallace is a Scottish rebel who leads an uprising against the
       cruel English ruler, Edward the Longshanks, who wishes to inherit the
       crown of Scotland for himself. When he was a young boy, William
       Wallace's father and brother, along with many others, lost their
       lives trying to free Scotland. Once he loses another of his loved
       ones, William Wallace begins his long quest to make Scotland free
       once and for all, along with the assistance of Robert the Bruce.
       Starring Mel Gibson.

       5:00 - 7:00 PM, ET/PT
       LETHAL WEAPON (1987, Action)
       Martin Riggs is an L.A. cop with suicidal tendencies and Roger
       Murtaugh is the unlucky police officer with whom Riggs is assigned.
       Together they uncover a huge drug-smuggling operation, and as their
       success rate grows so does their friendship. Starring Mel Gibson and
       Danny Glover.

       Premiere!
       7:00 - 9:30 PM, ET/PT
       LETHAL WEAPON 2 (1989, Action)
       A pair of odd-couple cops must protect a mob accountant from South
       African drug smugglers, whose chief operates with diplomatic
       immunity. Starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.

       9:30 - 1:30 AM, ET/PT
       BRAVEHEART (1994, Action/Drama)

  ORIGINAL SERIES

  * THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 4: THE COMEBACK
    New episodes premiere Thursdays (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT). Encores
    Saturdays (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT) and Mondays (11:00 PM - Midnight,
    ET/PT and 2:00 - 3:00 AM, ET/PT).

    Sixteen former UFC fighters, eight middleweights and eight
    welterweights, have gathered in Las Vegas for a new season of the wildly
    popular series, THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 4: THE COMEBACK. The special twist
    to season four is that the winning middleweight and welterweight
    fighters are both guaranteed a title fight and a six-figure cash prize.
    UFC President Dana White will host, and UFC Legends Georges St. Pierre,
    Mark Dellagrotte and Randy Couture will serve as advisers to this
    season's fighters.

  * BLADE: THE SERIES (TV-14)
    New episodes premiere Wednesdays (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT). Encores
    Wednesdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT), Sundays (2:00 - 3:00 AM, ET/PT)
    and Mondays (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).

    The season finale of Spike TV's first original scripted drama, BLADE:
    THE SERIES, premieres Wednesday, September 13 (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).
    BLADE: THE SERIES stars Kirk "Sticky" Jones (Over There, The Shield) as
    the title character who is half-man, half-vampire and employs his
    extraordinary powers in a crusade to save mankind from the demonic
    creatures who walk the night. Set in Detroit, Blade investigates the
    vampire house of Chthon. Along the way he forms an uneasy alliance with
    Krista Starr, portrayed by costar Jill Wagner (Punk'd, Monk), a former
    military veteran who becomes entrenched in the world of vampires while
    investigating the murder of her twin brother.

  * UFC UNLEASHED
    Telecasts Thursdays (9:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT) and Wednesdays (9:00 -
    10:00 PM, ET/PT).

    This one-hour series features the greatest moments from the UFC(R)'s
    vast library of fight footage. The show includes classic bouts never
    before seen on television except on pay-per-view.

  * TNA WRESTLING: iMPACT! (TV-14)
    New episodes premiere Thursdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT); encores
    Saturdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).

    The new wrestling alternative, "TNA: iMPACT!" delivers a distinct brand
    of high-risk, athletic entertainment. Viewers are drawn in by TNA's
    philosophy of less talk and more action and the technically advance
    six-sided ring. TNA's roster integrates well-known wrestling superstars
    like Sting, Christian Cage, Jeff Jarrett, and Team 3D with the world's
    best up-and-coming talent, such as AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Samoa
    Joe, and Monty Brown.

  * DISORDERLY CONDUCT: VIDEO ON PATROL
    Telecasts Fridays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT), Saturdays (9:00 - 10:00
    PM, ET/PT), and Sundays (1:00 - 2:00 AM, ET/PT and 3:00 - 4:00 AM,
    ET/PT).

    Spike TV takes viewers for a ride in this adrenaline-packed series with
    all new outrageous video footage pulled from precincts across the
    country.

  * MXC (TV-14)
    Telecasts Monday - Saturday (1:00-1:30 AM, ET/PT) and Saturdays
    (10:00 - 11:00 AM, ET/PT).

    Spike TV's acclaimed original comedic series, is described as a wacky
    combination of "Fear Factor," "Jacka**," "Iron Chef," with a touch of
    "Mystery Science Theater 3000." Using the actual footage from one of the
    most popular primetime Japanese reality game shows, Takeshi's Castle,
    MXC is re-written to create an entirely new comedic storyline. The
    series is not dubbed and there is not a single trace of literal
    translation from the original show.

  * GAME HEAD (TV-14)
    New episodes premiere Saturdays (12:00 - 12:30 AM, ET/PT).

    Spike TV presents a weekly showcase on the world of video games.

  * SPIKE'S MOST AMAZING VIDEOS -- NEW ORIGINAL EPISODES (TV-14)
    New episodes premiere Saturdays (8:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT) as part of
    Slammin' Saturday Night.

    Featuring rescues, shootouts, and explosions, Spike's Most Amazing
    Videos delivers a combination of real and rare footage for some of the
    most heart-pounding and unbelievable moments ever captured on film.
    Hosted by Stacey Keach.

  MOVIE PREMIERES

  * LETHAL WEAPON 2 (1989, Action)
    Premieres Sunday, September 3 (7:00 - 9:30 PM, ET/PT); encores Tuesday,
    September 26 (9:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT)

    World Television Premiere!
  * THE RUSSIAN SPECIALIST (2005, Action)
    Premieres Sunday, September 17 (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT)

    A Russian ex-hitman is called back to Russia for one last job. This time
    against his former employees, the Russian mob. Starring Dolph Lundgren.

    Broadcast Premiere!
  * HERO (2002, Action)
    Premieres Wednesday, September 20 (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT)

    A series of Rashomon-like flashback accounts shape the story of how one
    man defeated three assassins who sought to murder the most powerful
    warlord in pre-unified China. Starring Jet Li.

  * GOODFELLAS (1990, Action/Drama)
    Premieres Saturday, September 30 (7:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT)

    The story of Irish-Italian American, Henry Hill, and how he lives
    day-to-day life as a member of the Mafia. Based on a true story, the
    plot revolves around Henry and his two unstable friends Jimmy and Tommy
    as they gradually climb the ladder from petty crime to violent murders.

  ACQUIRED SERIES

  * THE SHIELD
    Telecasts Sundays (Midnight - 1:00 AM, ET/PT).

    The story of in inner-city Los Angeles police precinct where some of the
    cops aren't above breaking the rules or working against their associates
    to both keep the streets safe and their self-interests intact.  Starring
    Emmy Award(R) winner Michael Chiklis and Catherine Dent.

  * CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (TV-PG)
    Telecasts Monday - Friday (7:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT), Monday - Friday
    (Midnight - 1:00 AM, ET/PT), Mondays and Fridays (9:00 - 10:00 PM,
    ET/PT).

    CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION revolves around a team of forensic Crime
    Scene Investigators in the Las Vegas police department's Criminalistics
    Bureau. By relentlessly analyzing every detail at the scene of a crime,
    no matter how seemingly irrelevant or grotesque in nature, the team has
    science and experience on their side to solve the case. The series
    stars William Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, Gary Dourdan, George Eads,
    Jorja Fox and Paul Guilfoyle.

  * THE THREE STOOGES (TV-PG)
    Telecasts Saturdays and Sundays (9:00 - 10:00 AM, ET/PT).

    Larry, Moe and Curly are on Spike TV, showcasing their extremely
    physical and sometimes controversial brand of slapstick humor that made
    them one of the most famous comedy troupes in history.

  WEEKEND PROGRAMMING

  * WEEKEND POWERBLOCK
    Spike TV puts sexy car enthusiast Courtney Hansen in the driver's seat
    as host of the network's "Power Block" lineup, a weekend (Saturdays Noon
    - 2:00 PM, ET/PT and Sundays 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, ET/PT) two-hour block
    of auto related programming.

       Saturdays
       Noon - 12:30 PM, ET/PT
       HORSEPOWER TV
       Host Joe Elmore and tech expert Mike Galley work out of their
       to-die-for performance garage sharing speed secrets on how to
       transform everyday cars into road burners and how to get the most out
       of them on the street and at the strip. This series captures the
       performance lifestyle taking viewers to America's best events,
       rallies and races.

       12:30 - 1:00 PM, ET/PT
       MUSCLE CAR
       Celebrating America's love affair with these fabled '60's and 70's
       era muscle cars, the series focuses on finding, restoring and
       modifying iconic Detroit iron like the Pontiac GTO, the Hemi Cuba,
       the Boss Mustang and the Chevelle SS.

       1:00 - 1:30 PM, ET/PT
       XTREME 4X4
       Hosted by Ian Johnson and Jessi Combs, this series features hardcore
       4x4 build-ups and off-road truck projects, plus extreme action events
       - rock crawling, desert racing, sand drags, mud racing, and trail
       riding adventure.

       1:30 - 2:00 PM, ET/PT
       TRUCKS!
       This how-to/new vehicle series addresses the light truck market with
       special emphasis on pickups and sport utility vehicles.  From the
       wildest jet drag trucks and monster trucks to the world's most
       radical 4x4 rock crawlers and customs, each episode takes viewers
       step-by-step modifying, customizing, restoring and testing classic
       and sport trucks, off-roaders and race trucks.

       Sundays
       11:00 - 11:30 AM, ET/PT
       HORSEPOWER TV

       11:30 AM - Noon, ET/PT
       MUSCLE CAR

       Noon - 12:30 PM, ET/PT
       XTREME 4X4

       12:30 - 1:00 PM, ET/PT
       TRUCKS!

  * FILMS OF FURY
    Every Saturday in September, Spike TV features a different high-flying,
    hard-hitting, action-packed martial arts movie.  The schedule is as
    follows:

         Saturday, September 2
         2:00 - 4:00 PM, ET/PT and 2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT
         BLOODSPORT (1988, Drama, TV-14)
         Based on a true story, this martial arts adventure takes place
         behind the Hong Kong walls for the secret competition that settles
         the World Championship of the sport. While Frank Dux is trying not
         to be knocked down inside the ring, government agents try to track
         him down outside the ring. Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.

         Saturday, September 9
         2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT
         Premiere!
         BLACK BELT JONES (1974, Action)
         When a Karate instructor finds his school under attack by the L.A.
         Mob, his students get a chance to put their newly acquired skills
         to the test.  Starring Jim Kelly.

         Saturday, September 16
         2:00 - 4:00 PM, ET/PT and 2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT
         Broadcast Premiere!
         THE BLINDSWORDSMAN: ZATOICHI (2003, Action)
         The blind masseur/swordsman comes to a town in control of warring
         gangs, and while bunking with a farming family, he meets two women
         with their own agenda.  Starring Takeshi Kitano.

         Saturday, September 23
         2:00 - 4:00 PM, ET/PT and 2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT
         HERO (2002, Action)

         Saturday, September 30
         2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT
         ART OF ACTION (2002, Documentary)
         This in-depth documentary gives a behind-the-scenes look at the
         history of the martial arts film--from its rebellious beginnings to
         the high-flying epics of today. Host Samuel L. Jackson takes you
         through the best moments of 100 films, including CROUCHING TIGER,
         HIDDEN DRAGON, CHARLIE'S ANGELS and more.

Posted by monte at 09:11 AM | Permalink

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'World of Legend' and 'Magical Land' to be brought to mobile gaming handsets

Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd. (NASDAQ:SNDA) , a leading interactive entertainment media company, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) , a global leader in wireless communications, today announced an agreement designed to improve the way games are experienced and enjoyed on mobile devices in China. According to the agreement, Motorola will launch exclusive mobile versions of Shanda's popular World of Legend and Magical Land online role playing games on specially customized Motorola E680g handsets.

"The cooperation with Motorola will further expand Shanda's user base from a PC to a mobile platform, giving users more flexible choices to access our leading game content still supported by our superior unified operating system," stated Mr. Tang Jun, President of Shanda. "We will continue to provide gamers with reliable, high-quality service combined with a fun and entertaining gaming experience. We are pleased to be partnering with Motorola and look forward to a successful partnership."

Dressed as a World of Legend character and standing in front of larger-than-life pictures of Motorola products and World of Legend and Magical Land characters, Ian Chapman-Banks, Motorola's North Asia general manager of marketing and business development for mobile devices, expressed his delight at the partnership, saying, "Motorola is dedicated to providing China's gamers with a superior mobile gaming experience, and that has to include the very best in content. Shanda's World of Legend and Magical Land are perhaps the most popular games this country has ever seen, and it is only fitting that they make their mobile debut with Motorola."

Both Motorola and Shanda were quick to point out that the two online mobile games are not merely new versions or extensions of the PC games. Instead, they can run in conjunction with PCs and interact, with users being able to transfer points, weapons, and other assets between their handsets and their PCs. World of Legend and Magical Land will be available exclusively for download on MIDC (Monternet's "My E680g Zone") and CMCC MagicBox (China Mobile's platform for game downloads) for a period of six months. Related content like sounds, wallpapers and screensavers can be downloaded exclusively from MIDC.

In addition to the games announcement, the two companies announced a series of co-branding initiatives, including preloaded Shanda content on Motorola's new E680g gaming handsets, promotion of the handset within the PC versions of World of Legend and Magical Land, and cross-brand packaging. Shanda will make its on-line, off-line and Internet Cafe resources available to Motorola, as well as share Shanda's registered user database for promotional purposes.

About Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd.

Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd. (NASDAQ:SNDA) is a leading interactive entertainment media company in China. Shanda offers a portfolio of diversified entertainment content including some of the most popular massively multi-player and casual online games in China, along with online chess and board games, a network PC game platform and a variety of cartoons, literature works and music. Shanda's interactive entertainment platform attracts a large and loyal user base. Each user can interact with thousands of others and enjoy the interactive entertainment content that Shanda provides. Interaction enriches your life. For more information about Shanda, please visit http://www.snda.com/

About Motorola

Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of Seamless Mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you get and stay connected simply and seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering "must have" products, "must do" experiences and powerful networks -- along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $35.3 billion in 2005. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit www.motorola.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the companies and the industry. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the statement regarding design features and inter-operability between the mobile versions of the games with the respective PC versions and user experience of the games. These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. Although the companies believe that their expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they cannot assure you that their expectations will turn out to be correct. Important risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to be materially different from expectations include but not limited to the risk that the mobile versions of the games are not well received by users, that Shanda is unable to develop mobile versions of the games that can be operated in conjunction with the respective PC versions or the proposed cooperation is otherwise not successfully executed and the risks set forth in Shanda's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchanges Commission, including Shanda's annual report on Form 20-F.

Source: Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd.

Posted by monte at 09:10 AM | Permalink

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Mariah, Shakira and Marc Anthony Headline at the Taj Mahal in the Coming Month

 Friday night's sold out show featuring teen sensation actress and singer Hilary Duff at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort leads into the most exciting month-long entertainment schedule the Taj has ever posted, including a newly-added second show featuring Mariah Carey.

The top-selling female performer of all time, Mariah Carey will perform on August 17th and August 19th at the Taj Mahal. The Saturday, August 19th show has recently been added due to high demand for what promises to be a unique performance by the platinum-selling artist currently leading radio and television hit-lists with her #1 adult R&B single "Fly Like a Bird." The Taj Mahal's Mark G. Etess Arena is the smallest and most intimate venue that Mariah is scheduled to play during the United States stops on her current tour.

Also in August at the Taj Mahal, Marc Anthony will perform with special guests Marco Antonio Solis and Laura Pausini on August 6th; VH1 Classic's Decades Rock Live! show will feature The Pretenders, Incubus, Kings of Leon, Shirley Manson and Iggy Pop on August 11th; and legendary jazz-rock icons Walter Becker and Donald Fagen of Steely Dan will share the bill with Michael McDonald and his band on August 26th.

As September begins, the bilingual singer-songwriter Shakira will perform at the Taj Mahal with special guest Wyclef Jean for two shows on September 1st and September 2nd. The Friday, September 1st show is already sold out.

"Trump Taj Mahal will host two shows by Mariah and two shows by Shakira in only two weeks," said Steve Gietka, Vice President of Entertainment at Trump Entertainment Resorts. "We have taken our entertainment lineup to a new level as we continue opening new amenities in the Taj Mahal because we are constantly working to create the ultimate entertainment experience for our customers."

Show tickets are available at the Trump Taj Mahal box office or http://www.ticketmaster.com/.

For more information on the Trump Taj Mahal, please visit http://www.trumptaj.com/.

Source: Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc.

Posted by monte at 09:09 AM | Permalink

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DoD Identifies Army Casualty
            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a
soldierwho was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.



            Spc. Andrew Velez, 22, of Lubbock, Texas, died on July 25
in Sharona, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related injury.  Velez was
assigned to the Corps Support Battalion, Theater Support Command, Fort Irwin,
Calif.



            This incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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


            Capt. Jason M. West, 28, of Pittsburg, Pa., died on July 24
in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when he encountered enemy forces using small arms fire. 
West was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg,
Germany.

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


            Capt. Jason M. West, 28, of Pittsburg, Pa., died on July 24
in ArRamadi, Iraq, when he encountered enemy forces using small arms fire. 
West was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg,
Germany.

 DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

            Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Swanson, 25, of Rose Haven, Md.,
died on July 22 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries sustained when his patrol
encountered enemy forces small arms fire.  Swanson was assigned to the 2nd
Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany

CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense



_CONTRACTS



DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY



            HUPP Aerospace*, New Have, Ind., is being awarded a maximum
$20,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for parts kit, seal replacement
to
support the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.  This is an
indefinite-delivery,
indefinite-quantity contract exercising option period four of a
five-year
contract.  Proposals were Gateway-solicited and two responded. 
Contract funds
will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The date of
performance
completion is July 31, 2007.  Contracting activity is Defense Supply
Center
Richmond, Richmond, Va. (SP0420-02-D-0087).



_NAVY



            InterSystems Corporation (ISC), Cambridge, Mass., is being
awarded
an estimated  $14,750,960 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity,
firm-fixed-price, commercial type contract to provide cache' enterprise
multi-server platform specific licensed database software for the
Department
of Defense, Health Affairs, Composite HealthCare System (CHCS).  ISC is
the
manufacturer of the digital software multi user multi processor system
application/database platform on which CHCS is built.  The contract
includes
five one-year option periods which, if exercised, would bring the
cumulative
value of this contract to an estimated $63,018,104.  Work will be
performed in
Cambridge, Mass., and is expected to be completed July 24, 2007 (July
2012
with options).  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the
current
fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured because it
is a
sole source acquisition.  The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center
Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-06-D-6259).



            Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a
$6,300,000
modification to previously awarded contract for procurement of long
lead time
special hull treatment material in support of USS Texas (SSN 775) post
shakedown availability.  Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and
is
expected to be completed by December 2007.  Contract funds will not
expire at
the end of the current fiscal year.  The Supervisor of Shipbuilding,
Conversion and Repair, Groton Conn., is the contracting activity.



_ARMY



            DRS Test & Energy Management Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was
awarded
on July 25, 2006, a delivery order amount of $6,900,000 as part of a
$6,900,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for direct support electrical
systems
test sets components.  Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., and
is
expected to be completed by July 26, 2007.  Contract funds will not
expire at
the end of the current fiscal year.  This was a sole source contract
initiated
on June 23, 2006.  The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock
Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-06-G-0001).



* Small Business

Experts with the Military Child Education
Coalition are working to help military children deal with the death of a
parent through a new initiative: "Living in the New Normal; Supporting
Children through Trauma and Loss."

"In the schools, the children are able to enjoy a predictable
environment. The educators are certainly able to assist children in very
compassionate and caring ways," Patty Shinseki, a member of the coalition's
Board of Directors, said.

The primary loss military children experience when a parent dies is
often compounded by secondary losses, such as the need to relocate, the
loss of the familiar military community and culture, and changes to their
support network and friends, Shinseki wrote in a recent article.
Shinseki chairs the committee working on the initiative. She said MCEC is
grateful for the volunteers working on the project.

"The bottom line is that death is such a tough topic," committee member
Marlene Lee said. "It makes people uncomfortable. It's difficult to
talk about. It's something a lot of people avoid. ... How do you take this
really tough, really uncomfortable topic that needs to be discussed and
break that communications down in a way that helps educate people?"

Lee is an expert in "thanatology," the study of death, dying and
grieving. Her book, "The Hero in My Pocket," is aimed at children affected by
the loss of a member of the armed forces. "Whether we like it or not,
we have to talk about issues related to death, dying and, as
importantly, positive recovery," Lee said.

Karla Shinners, a counselor and expert in risk prevention for children,
said the project will provide guidance to people around children who
experience such a loss. "How do you explain it to the whole class if this
child has experienced a loss?" Shinners said. "How long should the
child be away from school? Should you send them right back to the
classroom, or should they stay home for a little while? Should the child attend
the memorial service?

"We have to look at the factors as to how to make that best decision to
help a child," she said.

The initiative promotes "an environment of resilience and
non-victimization of the military child," said Army Maj. Jeff Bergmann, who teaches
psychology at the U.S. Military Academy, at West Point, N.Y. He is also
a member of the program's committee.

"Since I'm in the military, I ... educate the officers, noncommissioned
officers and the future leadership about resources available from MCEC
and specifically this initiative, 'Living in the New Normal,' because
it's going to become increasingly important based on the global war on
terrorism," he said.

The death of a military members leads to transition and dramatic change
in families' and children's lives, retired Army Dr. (Col.) Stephen J.
Cozza said. Also a member of the committee, Corza is associate director
for child and family programs at the Center for Traumatic Stress, a
part of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, in
Bethesda, Md.

"During that change, there are certain vulnerabilities that families
and children may be exposed to," Cozza said. "They have to figure out how
to tolerate and reestablish their families in new places or new
situations with the loss of a loved one."

Cozza said MCEC wants to support such children and families so they
come out on the other end healthy, happy and adapted. "Part of what we
want to do is to help rally the resources around children," he said. "MCEC
is naturally well-suited for that because the educational setting is
the setting of kids. The teachers will be the ones that kids spend most
of their days with."

Cozza said he'd like to develop a transition packet that parents,
children and schools can complete that transfers information from one school
to the next. "The worse-case situation would be that a child goes to a
new school and no one is aware of the special challenges or changes
that have that have occurred in that family," he said.

He said some educators don't recognize that a child's behaviors,
difficulty in learning or emotional state may be related to adverse events in
their life.

Shinseki said the program will lead to a system of resources for
educators and parents. "Some of the themes we're following acknowledge the
wonderful positive attributes of our children."

DoD Announces Units for Next Operation Iraqi Freedom Rotation

            The Department of Defense announced today additional major
units
scheduled to deploy as part of the next Operation Iraqi Freedom
rotation.
This announcement involves four Army brigades and two Marine Regimental
Combat
Teams consisting of approximately 25,000 service members.  This is a
follow-on
announcement to the Nov. 7, 2005,
[http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2005/nr20051107-5075.html] and
June 20,
2006,
[http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2006/nr20060620-13303.html] press
releases identifying other units for deployment. The scheduled rotation
for
the forces identified in this announcement will begin in late-2006.



            Force levels in Iraq continue to be conditions-based and
will be
determined in consultation with the Iraqi government.  Deployment
decisions
are made at the recommendation of military commanders in Iraq.  Based
on
ongoing assessments of the conditions on the ground, changes may be
made that
could affect units now being identified and advised to prepare to
deploy  as
has occurred in the past.



            This rotation continues the U.S. commitment to OIF, yet is
flexible and adaptable in order to meet the evolving requirements for
the
mission in Iraq.



            For Operation Iraqi Freedom, the major units announced
today
include:



            1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas



            4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas



            Regimental Combat Team 2, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina



            Regimental Combat Team 6, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina



            1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart,
Georgia has
been placed in a prepare-to-deploy status for possible deployment later
this
year.



            Additionally, the Secretary of Defense approved a request
by the
Commander of Multi-National Forces-Iraq (MNF-I) to extend the
deployment of
the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team operating in Iraq for up to 120
additional days.



            The Department recognizes the continued contributions of
the 172nd
Stryker Brigade Combat Team and their family members.  This extension
reflects
the continued commitment of the United States to the security of the
Iraqi
people.



            The individual services will announce the smaller,
supporting
units for this rotation.

In consultation with the new Iraqi Government, commanders continue to
assess
the situation to ensure sufficient forces levels to best support the
Iraqi
government.  U.S. force rotations may be tailored based upon changes in
the
security situation.  Iraqi security forces continue to develop
capability and
assume responsibility for security in Iraq.

Posted by monte at 08:57 AM | Permalink

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Spirent Communications PLC - Blocklisting Interim Review

BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN   To: The FSA   Date: 28 July 2006    Name of applicant:           SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC  Name of scheme:              SPIRENT EXECUTIVE SHARE OPTION SCHEME, 1995  Period of return:            From: 1 JANUARY 2006   To: 30 JUNE 2006  Balance under scheme from previous        2,386,034 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p return:                                   EACH  The amount by which the block scheme has  3,500,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p been increased, if the scheme has been    EACH increased since the date of the last return:  Number of securities issued/allotted      1,753,775 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p under scheme during period:               EACH  Balance under scheme not yet issued/      4,132,259 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period:                EACH  Number and class of securities originally 3,000,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p listed and the date of admission:         EACH DATED 29 SEPTEMBER 2000                                            3,000,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p                                           EACH DATED 28 MAY 2004                                            3,500,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p                                           EACH DATED 14 MARCH 2006  Total number of securities in issue at    970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period :                   EACH   Name of contact:                           Warren Nash  Address of contact:                        Spirent Communications plc                                            Spirent House                                            Crawley Business Quarter                                            Fleming Way                                            Crawley, RH10 9QL  Telephone number of contact:               01293 767676  SIGNED  Warren Nash BY      Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised         officer, for and on behalf of         Spirent Communications plc         Name of applicant     If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be                              liable to prosecution.   BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN   To: The FSA   Date: 28 July 2006    Name of applicant:             SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC  Name of scheme:                U.S EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN  Period of return:              From: 1 JANUARY 2006  To: 30 JUNE 2006  Balance under scheme from previous        1,237,364 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p return:                                   EACH  The amount by which the block scheme has  NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return:  Number of securities issued/allotted      NIL under scheme during period:  Balance under scheme not yet issued/      1,237,364 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period:                EACH  Number and class of securities originally 435,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH listed and the date of admission:         DATED 5 JUNE 2001                                            3,500,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p                                           EACH DATED 1 NOVEMBER 2001                                            7,000,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p                                           EACH DATED 18 NOVEMBER 2002                                            1,800,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p                                           EACH DATED 6 DECEMBER 2004  Total number of securities in issue at    970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period :                   EACH   Name of contact:                           Warren Nash  Address of contact:                        Spirent Communications plc                                            Spirent House                                            Crawley Business Quarter                                            Fleming Way                                            Crawley, RH10 9QL  Telephone number of contact:               01293 767676  SIGNED  Warren Nash BY      Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised         officer, for and on behalf of         Spirent Communications plc         Name of applicant    If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be                              liable to prosecution.   BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN   To: The FSA   Date: 28 July 2006    Name of applicant:          SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC  Name of scheme:             SPIRENT GLOBAL ALL EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN  Period of return:           From: 1 JANUARY 2006   To: 30 JUNE 2006  Balance under scheme from previous       814,444 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH return:  The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return:  Number of securities issued/allotted     NIL under scheme during period:  Balance under scheme not yet issued/     814,444 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH allotted at end of period:  Number and class of securities           1,000,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p originally listed and the date of        EACH DATED 18 NOVEMBER 2002 admission:                                          700,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH                                          DATED 6 DECEMBER 2004  Total number of securities in issue at   970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period :                  EACH   Name of contact:                           Warren Nash  Address of contact:                        Spirent Communications plc                                            Spirent House                                            Crawley Business Quarter                                            Fleming Way                                            Crawley, RH10 9QL  Telephone number of contact:               01293 767676  SIGNED  Warren Nash BY      Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised         officer, for and on behalf of         Spirent Communications plc         Name of applicant    If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be                              liable to prosecution.   BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN   To: The FSA   Date: 28 July 2006    Name of applicant:          SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC  Name of scheme:             NETCOM AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK OPTION PLAN  Period of return:           From: 1 JANUARY 2006   To: 30 JUNE 2006  Balance under scheme from previous       4,200,894 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p return:                                  EACH  The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return:  Number of securities issued/allotted     2,674,007 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p under scheme during period:              EACH  Balance under scheme not yet issued/     1,526,887 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period:               EACH  Number and class of securities           3,291,399 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p originally listed and the date of        EACH DATED 3 SEPTEMBER 1999 admission:                                          1,739,130 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p                                          EACH DATED 8 JULY 2002                                           6,722,689 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p                                          EACH DATED 8 OCTOBER 2002  Total number of securities in issue at   970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period :                  EACH   Name of contact:                           Warren Nash  Address of contact:                        Spirent Communications plc                                            Spirent House                                            Crawley Business Quarter                                            Fleming Way                                            Crawley, RH10 9QL  Telephone number of contact:               01293 767676  SIGNED  Warren Nash BY      Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised         officer, for and on behalf of         Spirent Communications plc         Name of applicant    If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be                              liable to prosecution.   BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN   To: The FSA   Date: 28 July 2006    Name of applicant:           SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC  Name of scheme:              ZARAK AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK OPTION PLAN  Period of return:            From: 1 JANUARY 2006   To: 30 JUNE 2006  Balance under scheme from previous        2,690,996 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p return:                                   EACH  The amount by which the block scheme has  NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return:  Number of securities issued/allotted      NIL under scheme during period:  Balance under scheme not yet issued/      2,690,996 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period:                EACH  Number and class of securities originally 3,895,474 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p listed and the date of admission:         EACH DATED 14 NOVEMBER 2000  Total number of securities in issue at    970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period :                   EACH   Name of contact:                           Warren Nash  Address of contact:                        Spirent Communications plc                                            Spirent House                                            Crawley Business Quarter                                            Fleming Way                                            Crawley, RH10 9QL  Telephone number of contact:               01293 767676  SIGNED  Warren Nash BY      Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised         officer, for and on behalf of         Spirent Communications plc         Name of applicant   I If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be                              liable to prosecution.   BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN   To: The FSA   Date: 28 July 2006    Name of applicant:           SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC  Name of scheme:              SPIRENT SAVINGS RELATED SHARE OPTION SCHEME  Period of return:            From: 1 JANUARY 2006   To: 30 JUNE 2006  Balance under scheme from previous        68,185 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH return:  The amount by which the block scheme has  NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return:  Number of securities issued/allotted      NIL under scheme during period:  Balance under scheme not yet issued/      68,185 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH allotted at end of period:  Number and class of securities originally 200,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH listed and the date of admission:         DATED 31 DECEMBER 2003  Total number of securities in issue at    970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period :                   EACH   Name of contact:                           Warren Nash  Address of contact:                        Spirent Communications plc                                            Spirent House                                            Crawley Business Quarter                                            Fleming Way                                            Crawley, RH10 9QL  Telephone number of contact:               01293 767676  SIGNED  Warren Nash BY      Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised         officer, for and on behalf of         Spirent Communications plc         Name of applicant    If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be                              liable to prosecution.   BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN   To: The FSA   Date: 28 July 2006    Name of applicant:              SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC  Name of scheme:                 SPIRENT STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN  Period of return:               From: 1 JANUARY 2006  To: 30 JUNE 2006  Balance under scheme from previous return: 4,453,686 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p                                            EACH  The amount by which the block scheme has   NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return:  Number of securities issued/allotted under 589,855 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p scheme during period:                      EACH  Balance under scheme not yet issued/       3,863,831 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period:                 EACH  Number and class of securities originally  3,720,930 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p listed and the date of admission:          EACH DATED 1 OCTOBER 2003                                              3,703,703 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p                                            EACH DATED 2 OCTOBER 2003  Total number of securities in issue at the 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 end of the period :                        p EACH   Name of contact:                           Warren Nash  Address of contact:                        Spirent Communications plc                                            Spirent House                                            Crawley Business Quarter                                            Fleming Way                                            Crawley, RH10 9QL  Telephone number of contact:               01293 767676  SIGNED  Warren Nash BY      Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised         officer, for and on behalf of         Spirent Communications plc         Name of applicant    If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be                              liable to prosecution.      BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN   To: The FSA   Date: 28 July 2006    Name of applicant:           SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC  Name of scheme:              CAW AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK OPTION PLAN  Period of return:            From: 1 JANUARY 2006   To: 30 JUNE 2006  Balance under scheme from previous        836,399 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH return:  The amount by which the block scheme has  NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return:  Number of securities issued/allotted      2,914 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH under scheme during period:  Balance under scheme not yet issued/      833,485 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH allotted at end of period:  Number and class of securities originally 1,300,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p listed and the date of admission:         EACH DATED 15 AUGUST 2002                                            115,394 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p                                           EACH DATED 28 AUGUST 2002  Total number of securities in issue at    970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period :                   EACH   Name of contact:                           Warren Nash  Address of contact:                        Spirent Communications plc                                            Spirent House                                            Crawley Business Quarter                                            Fleming Way                                            Crawley, RH10 9QL  Telephone number of contact:               01293 767676  SIGNED  Warren Nash BY      Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised         officer, for and on behalf of         Spirent Communications plc         Name of applicant   If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution.                        This information is provided by RNS             The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

HERC Products Incorporated Provides Summary of Major Activities Since Delisting

HERC Products Incorporated (PINKSHEETS: HERC) today provided a summary of events since delisting as a reporting company in keeping with its strategy of cost controls, new revenue streams and recapitalization.

Unaudited Results

HERC finished 2004 and 2005 with losses of approximately $1,330,000 and $20,000 respectively. The improvement in results from 2004 to 2005 is the result of cost cutting of internal operations, the cost cutting associated with delisting of the Company's stock and improvement in gross profit margins as the result of developing new lines of business.

Unaudited Partial Results Through June 2006 and Accounting Changes

HERC has revenue through June 30, 2006 of approximately $2,800,000. This revenue represents an increase of more than 30% over the same period in 2005. HERC has also implemented a new accounting software program approved by the Defense Department as a result of new staff and financing arrangements. The Company expects the new system on line before the end of the 2006 third quarter.

New Debt Financing

The factoring agreement with Marquette Capital, where interest exceeded 27%, was replaced with a new facility with Perryville & Broadway Holdings (Perryville). The facility has provided $491,544. The interest rate is 18% and is convertible to Herc Common Stock at prices between $0.03 and $0.10. Warrants were included to purchase up to 5,640,000 shares of Herc Common Stock at prices between $0.03 and $0.10. $40,000 was converted to 1,333,333 shares in January of 2006.

Stock Sales and Other Debt

HERC has sold Common Stock in the Company to individuals associated with one another as former employees of BAE-Marine Engineering Services. These individuals are now associated with or employed by HERC in the development of current lines of business and new lines of business. $380,000 was used to purchase Common Stock at a price $0.013 per share resulting in 29,230,769 new shares being issued.

An expanded credit line agreement is under review, to be serviced by Perryville. The credit line will consolidate the prior Perryville financing and additional new monies for a line of credit financing package on behalf of the Company, as may be required, totaling up to $1.2 million.

Navy Approvals

Herc had its chemical cleaning formula approved by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) for use by ships personnel, contractors and Ship Repair Facilities.

A NAVSEA approval was received for testing of a new technology to preserve pipes, plenums and tanks. An application for the new product was conducted on the USS Ogden in October of 2005. Additional test applications are pending.

Herc received notice that its patent for the cleaning of Counter Measure Washdown Systems has been issued.

Acquisitions and Licenses

Herc agreed to terms to purchase all of the assets of Sperco Incorporated of Oldsmar, Florida. Terms for the purchase include an earn-out based on a percentage of revenue that does not exceed more than 50% of the profit each year over 2 years. Sperco is a contracting company that provides water and wastewater construction and rehabilitation to municipalities in Florida.

Herc also established licenses of the Company's patents in Jacksonville, Florida, Yuma, Arizona and Latin America.

New Offices and Location Changes

Herc has opened new offices in Pascagoula, Mississippi to service the Gulf Coast and Yulee, Florida to service the Atlantic Coast marine business. The Company also expanded the San Diego office based on the hiring of the tank department manager from Continental Maritime of San Diego/Northrop Grumman (CMSD/NG). CMSD/NG made the decision to close their tank-cleaning department during 2006. Herc, having had a teaming agreement with CMSD/NG to support that department, is working to obtain the personnel from that department throughout the remainder of the year and assume as much of the revenue as possible.

The Company expects to provide greater detail and additional information in a letter to shareholders that will be posted on the Company's website at www.hercprod.com and mailed or emailed to those shareholders that have provided their information to the Company in the near future. The Company is updating its website and will soon utilize that space to keep shareholders informed of current events of the Company.

This press release contains forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, each of which speaks only as of the date made. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which are disclosed in the Company's previously filed SEC reports.

HERC Products Incorporated provides pipe cleaning, environmental tank cleaning and other corrosion control services utilizing its proprietary and patented chemistry and processes. HERC's patented chemistry and processes are currently used in cleaning marine, fire protection, potable water, chemical feed line, wastewater treatment and other systems.

Windmill International Denies Any Wrongdoing -
Virginia-Based Firm Refutes Inaccurate Information in a
Recent Associated Press Story

 Virginia-based financial
services company Windmill International, Ltd. responded
today to the allegations and misinformation contained in an
Associated Press story. The story claims the firm is being
named in a sealed whistleblower suit for their interaction
with Custer Battles, a company formerly banned by the
government from doing business in Iraq.

Associated Press journalist Deborah Hastings indicated she
had obtained a copy of the sealed suit.

Windmill founder Douglas Combs responded to the story by
saying, "Any allegation of wrongdoing on the part of
Windmill or its principals in this civil suit is baseless
and absolutely untrue. We're confident that after reviewing
the evidence we are willing to provide, any third party
would confirm and understand there was no acquisition of
Custer Battles, or Danubia Global, or a conspiracy to
circumvent a government suspension. I'm disappointed the AP
chose to publish a sensational story based on allegations
rather than fact."

In response to the apparent leak of the sealed suit to the
press, Windmill General Counsel Chris Johnson said, "We have
not been notified of any suit. The only information we have
is the claim Ms. Hastings made in her story. We are
particularly disappointed to note that such supposedly
sealed documents have been given this type of publicity with
the effect of unfairly discrediting our company and
principals."

Windmill confirmed that Custer Battles shared a mutual
interest in providing a low-cost alternative service
supporting US government operations by utilizing talented
well-trained Eastern European (NATO) personnel. Custer
Battles and later Danubia Global when it purchased Custer
Battles were among several companies Windmill considered,
but did not acquire, when pursuing this business strategy.

Windmill approached Air Force Deputy General Counsel Steven
Shaw as part of its consideration to better understand the
ramifications of the suspension against Custer Battles and
its principals in a potential collaboration with Windmill.
After reviewing the commercial aspects of the deal and
following the single meeting with Mr. Shaw, Mr. Combs
personally informed Mr. Shaw via email that Windmill would
not pursue any interest in Custer Battles or its principals.

Unfortunately, in June of 2005 while still in preliminary
discussions with Danubia Global, Windmill prematurely
released from its Bucharest office a press notice focused on
a project in Eastern Europe where it was incorrectly
mentioned that Windmill purchased a share in Danubia Global
- the information was wrong and an employee was terminated
for disseminating the flawed release without authorization.
Danubia Global has since issued its own statement denying
Windmill's ownership of Danubia Global.

Board meeting minutes, personal interviews and e-mails given
to The Wall Street Journal all confirm that Windmill had
never acquired either Custer Battles or Danubia Global and
certainly did not create any avenues for them to bypass the
government-imposed restriction on contracting in Iraq.

Windmill International is confident it will be found
innocent of all allegations and stands ready to provide
documentation to support any potential investigators in
their inquiry.

Mr. Combs added, "I understand the desire to root out those
defrauding the government - the problem here is they have
the wrong company. As a former enlisted infantry Marine, I
want the guys in Iraq to get the best of all we have to
give. That's what makes this allegation so distasteful to
me. I look forward to working in partnership with the
government to ensure there was no wrongdoing by Windmill or
its principals, to get this mischaracterization behind us."

Windmill International, Ltd. is an offshoot of Windmill
International Singapore, established in 1972, conducting
business globally, where Mr. Combs was partner for more than
9 years. As founder of Windmill International, Ltd. in the
US, Mr. Combs has led the company in providing high-quality
financial and government services focused in Central and
Eastern Europe.

 

 

This Week on MoneyTV, 7/28 MoneyTV is the nationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews by hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman with company CEOs, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures. Free information packages from the featured companies can be requested by sending an email to info@moneytv.net. The television program can also be viewed online immediately at www.moneytv.net. Featured companies on this week's show include: Atlantis Holding Corporation CEO Robert Thompson spoke of the company's diversity and announced a new company division in 3-D presentations. XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX) CEO Tom Djokovich spoke of the company's marketing efforts in China. Tasco Holdings International, Inc. C.O.O. Brian Pockett announced the development of a stem cell extraction kit.   Highlighted Links http://www.moneytv.net Baltia Air Lines, Inc. (OTCBB: BLTA) Baltia Air Lines, Inc. CEO Igor Dmitrowsky discussed fuel prices and their relationship to airline profitability. Sage Global Solutions, Inc. CEO Henry Davidson announced the company has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Dragon International Group Corporation (OTCBB: DRGG) spokesperson Marc Siegel announced the company has entered into an agreement to distribute pharmaceutical packages in India. Swiss Medica, Inc. CEO Raghu Kilambi announced the company has initiated distribution of their products in non-retail channels. Nova Energy, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: NVNG) Senior Consultant William Howe discussed domestic energy and new exploration technology. Viewers of MoneyTV can receive free information in the mail about featured companies by calling the toll-free phone number on their TV screen. The weekly television program debuted in 1996 and is broadcast nationally in the USA to 70 million U.S. homes on Saturdays at 11:00 AM ET, Sundays at 8:30 AM PT, 8:30 AM ET, 9:30 AM ET, 3:30 PM ET and Mondays at 6:30 PM ET. MoneyTV is broadcast to 45 million TV homes in Western Europe, Wednesdays at 7:30 PM. MoneyTV is also broadcast on UPN-TV in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Sundays at 8:00 AM. A complete menu of TV listings is available at the MoneyTV web site, http://www.moneytv.net MoneyTV television program, Copyright MMVI, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3- to 4-month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $11,500.00 to $17,250.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by the producers, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV.

 

 

 

Atlas America, Inc. to Report Operating Results for the Fiscal Quarter Ended June 30, 2006 and to Host Earnings Conference Call Atlas America, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATLS) announced today that it will release its results for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2006 after market hours on Thursday, August 3, 2006, and invites investors and other interested parties to listen to the live webcast of its quarterly conference call on Friday, August 4, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. This call is being webcast live and can be accessed by investors and other interested parties from the home page of the Company's website at www.atlasamerica.com. For those unavailable to listen to the live broadcast, the replay of the webcast will be available following the live call on the Atlas Pipeline Partners website and telephonically beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET on August 4, 2006 until midnight ET on September 5, 2006, by dialing 888-286-8010, passcode: 25269127. Atlas America, Inc. is an energy company engaged primarily in the development and production of natural gas in the Appalachian Basin for its own account and for its investors through the offering of tax advantaged investment programs. For more information, please visit our website at www.atlasamerica.com, or contact investor relations at bbegley@atlasamerica.com. Certain matters discussed within this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although Atlas America, Inc. believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include financial performance, regulatory changes, changes in local or national economic conditions and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the SEC, including quarterly reports on Form 10Q, reports on Form 8-K and annual reports on Form 10-K.

 

 

 

VNU SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE CHANGE TO PRIVATE COMPANY STATUS

New Supervisory Board Members Appointed at EGM;

VNU Acquires Preferred Shares, Squeeze-Out Procedure to Start

 

Haarlem, the Netherlands – VNU, a leading global information and media company, announced that it has changed its legal name to VNU Group B.V. from VNU N.V., as shareholders approved its conversion into a private company at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) here today.

Shareholders approved the conversion of VNU from a public company (naamloze vennootschap) into a private company with limited liability (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid), along with related amendments to the company’s Articles of Association. The conversion was made official with the execution of a notarial deed following the conclusion of the EGM.New Supervisory Board Members Appointed

VNU also announced that, during the meeting, which was held at VNU’s Haarlem headquarters, the following new members were appointed to the company’s Supervisory Board:

• Mr. J.A. Quella (representative of The Blackstone Group L.P.);
• Mr. J.A. Attwood, Jr. (representative of The Carlyle Group);
• Mr. D. F. Akerson (representative of The Carlyle Group);
• Lord C. Hollick (representative of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.);
• Mr. R.J. Bressler (representative of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P.),

The new Supervisory Board members replace Messrs. R. Reid of The Blackstone Group, E.P.S. Merrill of The Carlyle Group, M.J. Connelly of The Carlyle Group, S. Brown of KKR and G.R. Taylor of Thomas H. Lee, all of whom were appointed to the Supervisory Board during the company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on June 13, 2006, and resigned their positions at the conclusion of today’s meeting. The other current members of the 12-person Supervisory Board will retain their positions. Each board member has a term that expires at the conclusion of the company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in 2010.

All other shareholder proposals, which can be found at www.vnu.com/cg/shareholdersMeeting, were adopted during today’s meeting.Acquisition of Preferred B Shares

After today’s EGM and prior to VNU’s conversion into a private company, VNU, in view of its proposed new financing structure (see VNU press release of July 10, 2006), acquired all of the preferred B shares in its share capital from Valcon Acquisition B.V. (Valcon).

Valcon declared its public offer for VNU unconditional on May 21, 2006 and now holds or controls approximately 99.5% of VNU's share capital. Valcon anticipates that it will initiate a squeeze-out procedure (uitkoopprocedure), as referred to in the Dutch Civil Code, on or about Monday, July 31, 2006, to acquire all of the company’s remaining ordinary shares.About VNU

VNU is a global information and media company with leading market positions and recognized brands in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), business publications (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Computing, Intermediair) and trade shows. The privately held company is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and New York, USA. VNU employs nearly 41,000 people and had total revenues of EUR 3.5 billion in 2005. For more information, visit www.vnu.com.

 

 

China Digital Communication Group Added to China Small Cap Index

China Digital Communication Group (OTCBB: CHID), one of the fastest growing battery components manufacturers in China, announced today that it has been added as a component of the Ludlow China SmallCap Index.

China Digital CEO Ran Liang said, "We're pleased to be part of the Ludlow China SmallCap Index. This further enhances our visibility in the American capital markets and provides us with useful exposure to investors."

About Ludlow Capital

Headquartered in Manhattan, Ludlow Capital is a full service investment banking company that assists companies and institutional investors by arranging private equity financing and secondary public offerings.

The Ludlow Small Cap China Index is a basket of some of the top U.S.-traded OTC and small cap Chinese stocks. The index provides institutional and individual investors a gauge for tracking the day-to-day performance of small cap Chinese stocks in a diversified basket. The index is designed for investors who have a long-term bullish outlook on China's emerging market. The Ludlow China Index is owned and operated by Ludlow China Fund, Inc., based in New York City.

About China Digital Communication Group

China Digital Communication Group has two wholly owned subsidiaries, Shenzhen E'Jenie Science and Technology Development Co. Ltd. and Galaxy View International. E'Jenie manufactures and sells advanced high-quality lithium-ion battery shell and cap products to all major lithium-ion battery cell manufacturers in China and has recently begun manufacturing complete batteries. E'Jenie's products are used to power mobile phones, MP3 players, laptops, digital cameras, PDAs, camera recorders and other consumer electronic digital devices. Galaxy View, through its subsidiary Sono Digital, is a leading supplier of third-generation (3G) communications technology and equipment in China. China Digital Communication Group is continuing its expansion, while seeking distribution partners and acquisitions in new global markets, including the United States. For more information, visit http://www.chinadigitalgroup.com or contact Roy Teng of China Digital, (310) 461-1322, e-mail: info@chinadigitalgroup.com.

An investment profile on China Digital Communication Group may be found at http://www.hawkassociates.com/chinadigital/profile.php.

For investor relations information regarding China Digital Communication Group, contact Frank Hawkins or Ken AuYeung, Hawk Associates, at (305) 451-1888, e-mail: info@hawkassociates.com. An online investor kit including press releases, current price quotes, stock charts and other valuable information for investors may be found at http://www.hawkassociates.com and http://www.americanmicrocaps.com.

Forward-looking statement: Except for the historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, factors relating to future sales. These forward-looking statements may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, uncertainties in product demand, risks related to doing business in China, the impact of competitive products and pricing, changing economic conditions around the world, release and sales of new products and other risk factors detailed in the company's most recent annual report and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

Flip4Mac WMV Support for Intel Macs Now Available Version 2.1 Software Release Features Support for Intel Macs and Faster Windows Media Encoding for PowerPC Mac Users Telestream, the media encoding specialist, today announced availability of Flip4Mac™ WMV version 2.1 software. Release highlights include universal support for Apple's Intel-based Macintosh systems and significantly faster Windows Media encoding for PowerPC Mac users. The Flip4Mac WMV update is free and available for download on Microsoft and Flip4Mac websites. "We are pleased to offer Intel support for the large base of Mac users who have been eager to receive this release since our announcement in April," said Barbara DeHart, Vice President, Flip4Mac Products. "Considerable buzz has been generated throughout the Mac community as is evidenced by the immense number of users who offered to participate in our beta testing process." Flip4Mac WMV is comprised of a collection of QuickTime™ components that enables Mac OS X users to play, import and export Windows Media® files using QuickTime-based applications. In addition to universal support for Intel-powered Macintosh systems, version 2.1 includes significantly faster export optimizations for PowerPC Mac users. PowerPC users will see encode speeds four to six times faster with version 2.1. "The Flip4Mac WMV 2.1 release gives users total control over their export speeds," comments Derrick Freeman, Video Streaming and Compression Specialist at GeniusDV and Flip4Mac beta tester. "Our clients need solutions that can speed up their workflows, and the v2.1 release gives them the faster export speeds they need. When higher quality output takes precedence over speed, the flexible export settings in Flip4Mac WMV produce the results that our clients are looking for." Additional new features in Flip4Mac WMV v2.1 include: multi-language audio support in the WMV player; overlay when importing Windows Media content in trial mode; support for Web authors to disable save as feature in embedded streams and improved support for MMS servers and live streams. The Flip4Mac WMV family includes free playback of Windows Media files and a range of import and export capabilities priced from $29 to $179. In January, Microsoft began free distribution of Windows Media Components for QuickTime, powered by Flip4Mac. Since that time, millions of Flip4Mac downloads have occurred. The free version 2.1 update is available for download on www.microsoft.com and www.flip4mac.com. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. About Flip4Mac (www.flip4mac.com) Exporting and importing media in the formats users require shouldn't be a hassle. Telestream's Flip4Mac digital media tools for the Macintosh make it easy. Since its beginning in 1998, Telestream, the company that pioneered high-quality media exchange over IP networks, has recognized the vital need for seamless access to media in any format across any network -- in a way that is transparent to any user's workflow. With Flip4Mac digital media tools for the Macintosh, Telestream leverages its expertise in media encoding, transcoding, and digital workflows to enable an all-Macintosh workflow for media professionals. About Telestream (www.telestream.net) Telestream products have set the standard with the world's leading media and entertainment companies, corporations, and government institutions for the encoding, organizing, and delivery of digital media. Customers rely on Telestream products for convenient, cost-effective, and robust digital media access and exchange over IP networks. The company's core workgroup and enterprise solutions and newer Flip4Mac tools for the Macintosh streamline digital media workflows for content owners, creators, and distributors in any industry segment. Telestream and its team of video experts are located in Nevada City, the "video valley" region of Northern California. The company is privately held. About GeniusDV (www.GeniusDV.com) Located in Orlando, Florida, GeniusDV is a Digital Video Editing Training Center. Classes include training on Avid Express HD, Final Cut Studio and After Effects software applications. GeniusDV also offers a one day video streaming and compression training class, and Flip4Mac WMV Studio Pro HD is one of the software applications featured in the class. The company also offers video streaming consulting services.       July 28, 2006 11:06:00 AM ET Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. Announces Pricing and Receipt of Commitments to Purchase 1.35 Million Shares of Common Stock in a Private Placement Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRZO) today reported that it has received commitments to purchase 1.35 million shares of the Company's common stock (or approximately 5.4% of the fully diluted shares outstanding) from institutional investors at a price of $26.00 per share in a private placement ("Private Placement"), a 3.7% discount to the Company's close price on Nasdaq the day prior to pricing. Upon closing, the net proceeds from the Private Placement, after the placement agents' fees, will be approximately $33.7 million. The Company intends to use these proceeds from the Private Placement to fund a portion of its 2006 capital expenditures program, including its drilling programs in the Barnett Shale and onshore Gulf Coast areas and for other corporate purposes. Paul F. Boling, Carrizo's Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, commented, "This new financing will significantly improve liquidity for the Company and provides additional funding for our 2006 capital expenditures program, including the continued aggressive development of our Barnett Shale play and our ongoing acreage acquisition program in the other shale plays." Additional information will be included in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, expected to be filed soon with the SEC. Statements in this news release, including but not limited to those relating to testing, sales, potential production and other effects of the Company's wells, the Company's or management's intentions, beliefs, expectations, hopes, projections, assessment of risks, estimations, plans or predictions for the future including potential effects or timing, timing of completion and drilling of wells, effect of offering, use or proceeds, closing of offering and other statements that are not historical facts are forward looking statements that are based on current expectations. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements include the completion of the closing of the offering, the results and dependence on exploratory drilling activities, operating risks, oil and gas price levels, land issues, availability of equipment, weather and other risks described in the Company's Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2005, and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The securities described herein have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

 

 

July 28, 2006 11:09:00 AM ET

Electro Energy Joins Plug-In Hybrid Development Consortium Electro Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: EEEI), a developer and manufacturer of advanced rechargeable batteries, announced today that it has joined the Plug-In Hybrid Development Consortium (www.hybridconsortium.org). The Consortium, founded in August 2005 by Raser Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: RZ), Pacific Gas and Electric (NYSE: PCG), Maxwell Technologies (NASDAQ: MXWL), and Electrovaya (TSX: EFL), brings together component suppliers working to accelerate the commercial production of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Consortium members cooperate to identify specifications, develop compatible technologies and deliver innovative new system solutions that make affordable plug-in hybrids possible. EEEI's proprietary bi-polar rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (BP-NiMH) battery currently powers a prototype plug-in hybrid vehicle which is an adapted Toyota Prius, developed in cooperation with a Consortium member, the California Cars Initiative (CalCars). The Company's demonstration vehicle made news this spring when it appeared at several high-profile events, including one that took place in May in Washington, D.C., as national gas prices soared. A number of senators and representatives, including members of the House Science Subcommittee on Energy, test-drove the car and learned first-hand of the substantial fuel savings it promises. Electro Energy's vehicle is capable of driving 20 to 25 miles on a single battery charge without using any gasoline, the equivalent of over 100 miles per gallon of fuel economy. Further driving range is possible in the normal hybrid operating mode. Experts estimate that PHEV electrical energy costs would be less than 3 cents per mile in all-electric mode, compared to 12-14 cents per mile for gasoline priced at about $3 per gallon.   Highlighted Links http://www.hybridconsortium.org http://www.electroenergyinc.com "We are delighted to welcome Electro Energy as a member of our organization," said David West, Vice President Marketing for Raser Technologies. "EEEI has collaborated with Consortium member CalCars throughout this year to incorporate its innovative battery technology into a prototype PHEV. The Company has contributed to significant achievements in just 11 months." Michael E. Reed, CEO of Electro Energy, said, "We are very pleased to join the creative companies that have formed the Plug-In Hybrid Development Consortium. Their innovative leadership has become a primary driver for a new kind of vehicle that will greatly improve fuel economy for consumers, reduce air-polluting emissions and reduce our imports of foreign oil. Electro Energy is proud to be counted among them." About Electro Energy Inc. Electro Energy Inc., headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut, was founded in 1992 to develop, manufacture and commercialize high-powered, rechargeable bipolar nickel-metal hydride batteries for use in a wide range of applications. Its Colorado Springs operation supplies aerospace-grade high quality nickel cadmium batteries and components for satellites, aircraft and other specialty applications. EEEI is also developing high power lithium rechargeable batteries utilizing the Company's proprietary bi-polar design. EEEI has recently acquired significant manufacturing assets near Gainesville, Fla., to accelerate commercialization of its battery technology. For further information, please visit www.electroenergyinc.com. Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the companies, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other things, the following: general economic and business conditions; competition; unexpected changes in technologies and technological advances; ability to commercialize and manufacture products; results of experimental studies; research and development activities; changes in, or failure to comply with, governmental regulations; and the ability to obtain adequate financing in the future. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factors disclosure contained in certain of Electro Energy Inc.'s Securities and Exchange Commission filings available at http://www.sec.gov. Pursuant to a December 1, 2004 agreement, Consulting For Strategic Growth I, Ltd. ("CFSG1") provides Electro Energy with consulting, business advisory, investor relations, public relations and corporate development services, for which CFSG1 receives a fixed monthly fee for the duration of the agreement. Independent of CFSG1's receipt of cash compensation from Electro Energy, CFSG1 may choose to purchase the common stock of Electro Energy and thereafter sell those shares at any time it deems appropriate to do so. For more information, please visit www.cfsg1.com.       July 28, 2006 10:15:00 AM ET Southern Community's Annual Report Is a Winner; Bank Competes in International Contest, and Wins... Again  Every year since 2002, Southern Community Bank and Trust (NASDAQ: SCMF) (NASDAQ: SCMFO) has entered their annual reports in the League of American Communications Professionals (LACP) Vision Awards, an international annual report competition. And every year, they've won a top honor. Over the last two years, since the bank has grown to over $1 billion in assets, it has competed in a category against some of the largest financial institutions in the world... and won. Southern Community recently received an Honor Award for its 2005 annual report. Other winners in the category included SunTrust, Korea Exchange Bank, Washington Mutual and Credit Suisse. Unlike most competitions for printed communications, the LACP awards focus on content as well as design. Southern Community's annual report excelled in this category, garnering a perfect score for the second year running for its narrative content. "We aim to create the same kind of relationship with our shareholders in our annual report that we have in our daily dealings with our customers," said Cameron Jordan, Vice President of Marketing. "Our annual report is personal, friendly and filled with the faces and the stories of people in every part of the bank who are united in their commitment to putting the customer first, in major decisions and daily details." The bank's prize-winning annual reports have all been designed and produced in conjunction with The Bloom Agency of Winston-Salem. "Southern Community Financial Corporation and The Bloom Agency's annual report is, overall, superb," said Christine Kennedy, LACP Managing Director. "The book's overall creativity is excellent, and it does a great job delivering a clear message about Southern Community, its mission, recent accomplishments, and prospects for the future." Celebrating its tenth year, Southern Community Financial Corporation is headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and is the holding company of Southern Community Bank and Trust, a community bank, with 20 banking offices throughout the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Southern Community Financial Corporation's common stock and trust preferred securities are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbols SCMF and SCMFO, respectively. Additional information about Southern Community is available on its website at www.smallenoughtocare.com. The Bloom Agency, based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a full-service marketing, advertising and public relations firm specializing in providing tailored solutions for its clients regardless of the communication need. League of American Communications Professionals (LACP) was established in 2001 in order to create a forum within the public relations industry that facilitates discussion of best-in-class practices within the profession while also recognizing those who demonstrate exemplary communications capabilities. Visit LACP on the Worldwide Web at www.lacp.com.

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Gingrich said in an interview Saturday that Bush should call a joint session of Congress the first week of September and talk about global military conflicts in much starker terms than have been heard from the president.

"We need to have the militancy that says 'We're not going to lose a city, " Gingrich said.

 We need to have the militancy that says 'We're not going to lose a city, " Gingrich said.

Gingrich said in the coming days he plans to speak out publicly and to the administration from his seat on the Defense Policy Board about the need to recognize that America is in World War III.

He lists wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, last week's bomb attacks in India, North Korean nuclear threats, terrorist arrests and investigations in Florida, Canada and Britain, and violence in Israel and Lebanon as evidence of World War III.

He said Bush needs to deliver a speech to Congress and "connect all the dots" for Americans.

He said European leaders and some in the Bush administration who are urging a restrained response from Israel are falling short of what needs to be done "because they haven't crossed the bridge of realizing this is a war."

Once that's accepted, he said, "Israel wouldn't leave southern Lebanon as long as there was a single missile there. I would go in and clean them all out, and I would announce that any Iranian airplane trying to bring missiles to resupply them would be shot down. This idea that we have this one-sided war where the other team gets to plan how to kill us and we get to talk, is nuts."

Gingrich was in the area for fundraisers for Congressman Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, 2nd District GOP challenger Doug Roulstone, and the state Republican party.

There is a political element to his talk of World War III. Gingrich said that public opinion can change "the minute you use the language" of World War III. The message then, he said, is, "OK, if we're in the third world war, which side do you think should win?"

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This is not the last century so the below announcement should never have been the big deal it was made out to be. The press is running around like they smell blood in the water on the story.

Lance Bass, the former 'N Sync heartthrob, reveals that he is gay, in an exclusive interview with People.

"I knew that I was in this popular band and I had four other guys' careers in my hand, and I knew that if I ever acted on it or even said (that I was gay), it would overpower everything," says Bass, referring to bandmates Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez, and Justin Timberlake.

"I didn’t know: Could that be the end of ’N Sync? So I had that weight on me of like, ‘Wow, if I ever let anyone know, it's bad.' So I just never did," he says speaking about his sexual orientation for the first time with People.

Now, after years of keeping his personal life private, the Mississippi-bred, Southern Baptist-reared Bass, 27, is publicly revealing what he first shared with his friends, then his shocked family.

"He took years to really think about how he was going to tell everyone," says his close buddy Fatone, 29, who was the first 'N Sync bandmate to find out Bass is gay. "I back him up 100 percent." Adds Bass’s longtime pal, actress Christina Applegate: "I've always accepted him as who he is. It's about his own serenity at this point."

Having pursued acting, producing and – most memorably – space flight after ’N Sync went on hiatus in 2002, Bass now is looking ahead to new beginnings. He is in a "very stable" relationship with model-actor-Amazing Race winner Reichen Lehmkuhl, 32, and is developing an Odd Couple-inspired sitcom pilot with Fatone in which his character will be gay.

Mostly, though, he’s just enjoying the relief that comes with the culmination of a long, at times emotionally fraught journey.

"The thing is, I’m not ashamed – that’s the one thing I want to say," he explains of his decision to come out. "I don't think it's wrong, I'm not devastated going through this. I'm more liberated and happy than I’ve been my whole life. I'm just happy."

As for why he's talking about this now Bass says, "The main reason I wanted to speak my mind was that (the rumors) really were starting to affect my daily life. Now it feels like it's on my terms. I'm at peace with my family, my friends, myself and God so there's really nothing else that I worry about."

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The company hosted its annual "LG - Life's Good" summer line show at the New York City venue where Michael Ahn, chief executive of LG Electronics North American Headquarters, updated guests on progress in the company's key products categories - Digital Displays, Digital Media, Home Appliances and Mobile Phones.

"LG continues to strengthen its premium brand image, and develop products and technologies that enrich peoples' lives on a daily basis," Ahn said. "Our 'Life's Good' marketing theme embodies our commitment to creating leading-edge technologies and design that enhance the way we live, work and interact with each other."

"Here at Madame Tussauds', we are surrounded by leaders and entertainers that have inspired us and made a positive impact on the world. Like these individuals, we endeavor to impact and enhance the lives of our consumers. Through our dedication to research and development, design and style, and of course, to innovation and technology, we continue to develop products that make peoples' lives better."

Ahn highlighted progress in key areas, including brand, revenue and market leadership:

Brand: Since the official U.S. brand launch in 2003, LG has increased its aided awareness from 33 percent in 2004 to 65 percent in 2005, demonstrating the company's success of the "Life's Good" campaign, as well as its premium brand positioning.

This year, the company launched a new broadcast and print advertising campaign, highlighting its three product divisions, and announced the exclusive three-year title sponsorship of the LG SKINS GAME, one of professional golf's most prestigious events. Further enhancing its brand in the United States are premium products and technologies - such as its flat-panel HDTVs with integrated high-definition digital video recorders, the TV Refrigerator with WeatherPlus(TM), the LG SteamWasher(TM) and the all-new "Chocolate" mobile phone.

Sales: Ahn explained that LG Electronics continues to see impressive growth across all divisions. For the first half of 2006, brand revenues grew by 11 percent from the first half of last year. For the full-year 2005, LG revenues in the United States, Canada and Mexico increased by more than 17 percent, with sales totaling $9 billion.

Market Leadership: "We are dedicated to bringing premium products to consumers, and continue to make great strides in establishing and maintaining our leadership position across all divisions," Ahn said. For example, LG continues to be the fastest growing mobile phone brand in North America according to Strategy Analytics, Inc. and is the largest provider of CDMA handsets worldwide. Supporting continued momentum for LG mobile phones are unique new mobile phone designs and features coming to the United States this fall, Ahn said.

In digital appliances, the company's goal is to consistently deliver technologically advanced, functional and stylish home appliance innovations, such as the Panorama(TM) French Door Refrigerator with ice and water dispenser, and LG Range with blue interior which offers the industry's largest available capacity oven for a 30-inch range. LG's channel expansion strategy continues to grow with strategic partnerships with Best Buy and The Home Depot, as well as its regional retailer relationships, where LG continues to offer its full line of home appliances. Worldwide, LG Electronics maintains its position as the number one global provider of room air conditioners, microwave ovens and vacuum systems, and is the leader in premium kitchen and laundry systems.

As the world's largest producer of flat-panel displays, LG continues to capitalize on its technology leadership for the U.S. market, Ahn said, explaining that the long-term winners will be those like LG Electronics that possess core technologies in-house. Combining style and functionality, LG has the only LCD and plasma HDTVs with built-in high-definition digital video recorders. Further, LG continues to maintain its number one position in the U.S. digital storage market led by its Super Multi optical drives (including its new Blu-Ray drive), while continuing the growth of its LCD computer monitor business.

At yesterday night's pre-holiday season preview, the company showcased its broad product portfolio, including its digital displays, digital media, home appliances and mobile phones.

ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS USA, INC.

Based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., LG Electronics USA, Inc., (LGEUS) is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $45-billion global force in consumer electronics and mobile communications. In the United States, LGEUS sells a wide range of digital display and digital media products, digital appliances and mobile phones under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit http://www.lgusa.com/ .

ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS, INC.

LG Electronics, Inc., is a global leader in consumer electronics and mobile communications. The company has more than 72,000 employees working in 77 subsidiaries and marketing units around the world. LG Electronics is the world's largest producer of CDMA mobile phones, residential air conditioners, optical storage devices and home theater systems. With total worldwide consolidated revenues of more than US$45 billion (2005), LG Electronics comprises four business units: Mobile Communications, Digital Appliance, Digital Display and Digital Media. For more information, please visit http://www.lge.com/ .

Website: http://www.lge.com
http://www.LGusa.com

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 The Nintendo Fusion Tour promises to be one of the hottest tickets of the year. The cross-country tour, produced by Live Nation, will be headlined by Hawthorne Heights and will include up-and-comers like Relient K, Emery, Plain White T's and The Sleeping. In addition, each location will showcase the best new and upcoming Nintendo games, including a sneak peek at Nintendo's amazing Wii console.

The tour schedule is below. Information is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information about the Nintendo Fusion Tour, log onto nintendofusiontour.com.

  Sept. 27  Columbus, Ohio   Sept. 28  Indianapolis   Sept. 29  Detroit   Sept. 30  Cleveland   Oct. 1    Covington, Ky.   Oct. 4    Philadelphia   Oct. 5    Worcester, Mass.   Oct. 7    Pittsburgh   Oct. 8    New York   Oct. 9    Norfolk, Va.   Oct. 10   Winston-Salem, N.C.   Oct. 11   Myrtle Beach, S.C.   Oct. 12   Orlando, Fla.   Oct. 13   Atlanta   Oct. 14   Jacksonville, Fla.   Oct. 15   Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.   Oct. 17   Jonesboro, Ark.   Oct. 18   New Orleans   Oct. 19   Houston   Oct. 20   Dallas   Oct. 22   Phoenix   Oct. 24   Anaheim, Calif.   Oct. 25   Los Angeles   Oct. 26   San Francisco   Oct. 27   San Diego   Oct. 28   Las Vegas   Nov. 2    Spokane, Wash.   Nov. 4    Denver   Nov. 5    Kansas City, Mo.   Nov. 6    St. Paul, Minn.   Nov. 7    St. Louis   Nov. 8    Milwaukee   Nov. 9    Des Moines, Iowa   Nov. 10   Champaign, Ill.   Nov. 11   Chicago 

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- Acquisition Expands Metro Fiber Footprint to 75 Markets, 30 States & District of Columbia -

Time Warner Telecom Inc. (NASDAQ:TWTC) , a leading provider of managed voice and data networking solutions for business customers, today announced it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Xspedius Communications, LLC., a privately held company which provides telecommunications services to businesses across the U.S.

Under the terms of the agreement, Time Warner Telecom will pay total consideration of $531.5 million, consisting of $212.5 million in cash and $319 million in shares of Time Warner Telecom's Class A Common Stock. The company will assume no debt in the acquisition.

Xspedius is a metro fiber-based provider of integrated communications services primarily to enterprise businesses as well as carrier customers. Xspedius provides a comprehensive suite of high quality services, including metro Ethernet, local and long distance voice, data and dedicated Internet access services, in 43 markets across 18 states and the District of Columbia.

"This acquisition significantly broadens the already extensive nature of our local assets and national capabilities," said Larissa Herda, Chairman, CEO and President of Time Warner Telecom. "The marketplace continues to validate our long-held view of the value of last mile connectivity to enterprise customers. This strategic acquisition further expands our network reach and market density for serving multi-location and multi-city enterprise customers, increasing the number of markets we serve from 44 to 75, and enhances our ability to further fuel our enterprise growth."

"For the full year 2007, we expect Xspedius' stand alone operations to generate approximately $230 to $250 million of revenue, $40 to $50 million of Modified-EBITDA(1) and $20 to $25 million in Unlevered Free Cash Flow(2) before synergies and integration costs," said Mark Peters, Time Warner Telecom's Chief Financial Officer. "We expect to achieve significant annualized cost synergies of approximately $40 to $50 million within 12 to 18 months of closing, and expect $40 to $50 million in one-time investments to integrate the business. These integration costs include investments to interconnect our network assets in order to overlay our product portfolio to drive additional enterprise revenue growth." Time Warner Telecom expects to achieve the cost synergies by leveraging existing local and regional operating structures and optimizing network capabilities and costs.

The stock consideration is subject to a 20% symmetrical collar adjustment. This adjustment is based on the average share price of Time Warner Telecom's Class A common shares for the 20 trading days prior to closing as compared to $14.57. The consideration will be adjusted for a stock price decrease in the form of additional cash and stock, or for a stock price increase by decreasing the stock consideration.

"We are looking forward to being an investor in Time Warner Telecom," said Jim Lynch, representative of majority Xspedius owner, Thermo Capital Partners, and Chairman of Xspedius Communications. "Time Warner Telecom is clearly an innovative market leader. I am impressed with their ability to serve the enterprise customer with a broad range of services, their market success, and the scalability of their business model. This combination creates significant synergies and will enhance Time Warner Telecom's overall growth rate."

"The Xspedius team is enthusiastic about the opportunity to partner with Time Warner Telecom," said Paul Pierron, President and CEO of Xspedius. "The enhancements this merger brings will provide our customers new and expanded service opportunities. The combination of these two companies solidifies Time Warner Telecom's position as a leading national provider of network services to enterprise customers."

Closing is expected within six months, and is subject to customary conditions, including the receipt of applicable federal and state regulatory approvals. The transaction has been approved by the required majority consent of equity holders of Xspedius Communications and does not require a Time Warner Telecom shareholder vote.

Evercore Partners acted as financial advisor to Time Warner Telecom, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Faegre & Benson acted as legal advisors. Brown Brothers Harriman acted as financial advisor to Xspedius Communications and Taft, Stettinius & Hollister acted as legal advisor.

Time Warner Telecom plans to conduct a webcast conference call on July 28, at 8:00 a.m. MDT (10:00 a.m. EDT). To access the webcast and the financial and statistical information to be discussed in the webcast, visit www.twtelecom.com under "Investor Relations."

About Time Warner Telecom

Time Warner Telecom Inc., headquartered in Littleton, Colo., provides managed network services, specializing in Ethernet and transport data networking, Internet access, local and long distance voice, VoIP and security, to enterprise organizations and communications services companies throughout the U.S. As a leading provider of integrated and converged network solutions, Time Warner Telecom delivers customers overall economic value, quality, service, and improved business productivity. Please visit www.twtelecom.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this press release concerning the outlook for 2006 and beyond, including without limitation anticipated revenue, cash flow, capital expenditures and expected integration costs and synergies related to the acquisition, the effects of the acquisition on Time Warner Telecom as well as the timing and expected completion of the transaction, are forward-looking statements that reflect Time Warner Telecom management's views with respect to future events and financial performance. These statements are based on Time Warner Telecom management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include the risks summarized in the Company's filings with the SEC, especially the section entitled "Risk Factors" in its 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K and risks that the Company may not be able to achieve the anticipated revenue, cash flow, cost savings and other synergies and other benefits related to the acquisition, that capital expenditures and integration costs for the acquired business may exceed those projected, and that the acquisition may not be completed on the schedule contemplated or at all. Time Warner Telecom undertakes no obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

(1) The Company uses a modified definition of EBITDA to eliminate certain non-cash and non-operating income or charges to earnings to enhance the comparability of its financial performance from period to period. Modified EBITDA (or "M-EBITDA") is defined as net income or loss before depreciation, amortization, accretion, asset impairment charge, interest expense, interest income, investment gains and losses, income tax expense or benefit, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, and, beginning the first quarter of 2006, non cash stock-based compensation.

(2) The Company defines un-levered free cash flow as Modified EBITDA less capital expenditures.

Important Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, Time Warner Telecom Inc. intends to file a registration statement and other materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Security holders affected by the business combination transaction referenced in this press release are strongly advised to read, when they become available, the prospectus and related materials regarding the business combination transaction referenced in this press release, as well as any amendments and supplements to those documents because they will contain important information.

Investors will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement and other materials, when they become available, as well as other filings containing information about Time Warner Telecom and the transaction, without charge, at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/. These documents may also be obtained for free from Time Warner Telecom by directing a request to Time Warner Telecom, 10475 Park Meadows Drive, Littleton, CO 80124. Attention: Investor Relations.

Source: Time Warner Telecom Inc.

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With the Advent of the 300 Millionth American, JOHNSON'S(R) Ushers in a Unique Way to Bring Together a Whole New Generation of Moms

According to a recent survey* of moms who gave birth in the past four years, 85 percent spend their free time online and more than one-third find support from other moms online. Recognizing that today's generation of moms seeks and shares parenting information in new ways, JOHNSON'S(R) Baby has announced the creation of a first of its kind blog directory. This directory will help facilitate the conversations currently taking place between moms in the blogosphere and enable more moms to join the ongoing dialogue.

The yet-to-be-named blog directory is designed to help moms find other mom bloggers through keyword content searches and tags, as well as similar interests, number of children and region of the country. It will also offer additional exposure to existing bloggers by bringing their blogs to a whole new audience of readers and providing tips on how best to promote their blog. The directory will provide tools for moms who want to start blogging but do not know how to begin. With the blog coach, moms can easily set up their own blog and quickly become part of the conversation.

"As our population grows and we prepare to welcome the 300 millionth American, JOHNSON'S(R) recognizes that today's moms are connecting in entirely new ways," said Bridgette Heller, Global President, JOHNSON'S(R) Baby. "While previous generations congregated on a daily basis at the park bench to discuss the parenting issues of the day, today's moms have found a new place. The blogosphere, open for conversation day or night, is the modern mom's park bench. Our research shows that what mom bloggers want most is a way to find and connect with other moms. With this mom blogger directory, we are bringing moms together to share and support, converse and communicate -- enabling unprecedented conversations to take place."

In order to build a directory that would be appealing and relevant, JOHNSON'S(R) conducted in-depth research with moms who blog. Eighty five percent of moms surveyed blog about their children and experiences as a parent, and many moms are looking for information on parenting and children in the blogs they read. The research revealed that these moms, who view blogging as a creative outlet, want to make even more connections that will allow them to share anecdotes about their children, discuss the many challenges they face as parents, and 'meet' individuals with similar experiences.

As part of the development process, JOHNSON'S(R) recruited a panel of top mom bloggers to serve as advisors. The advisory board members were integrally involved in all aspects of the planning and development process.

"The opportunity to play a role in the development of JOHNSON'S(R) blog directory has been an incredibly valuable experience. It's given me the chance to help shape this service into one that is relevant and easy to use," said Chris Jordan, advisory panel member, mom of seven and owner of the blog, Notes from the Trenches. "Blogging has been a personally rewarding experience, and if I can help to bring more moms like me into the blogosphere, or make it easier for those who are looking to read blogs that are relevant to their lives, I've been successful."

The blog directory will go live in Fall 2006. Visit Baby.com/BlogHer and we'll alert you when it goes live.

About JOHNSON'S(R) Baby

JOHNSON'S(R) Baby is manufactured and marketed by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company, a division of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. develops and markets baby care, wound care and skin care products that address the needs of the consumer and health care professionals and incorporate the latest innovations. The portfolio includes heritage brands JOHNSON'S(R) Baby and BAND-AID(R) Brand as well as leading skin care brands such as AVEENO(R) and CLEAN & CLEAR(R).

  * The online survey included 400 participants and was conducted from April     20-24, 2006.  Respondents were required to be US residents, females and     18 years of age or older.  JOHNSON'S(R) funded the survey

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85-Supercenter Chain to be Sold to Metro AG

 Michael Duke, Vice-Chairman of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., announced today that the company has agreed to sell its German retail business to Metro AG. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"As we focus our efforts on where we can have the greatest impact on our growth and return on investment strategies, it has become increasingly clear that in Germany's business environment it would be difficult for us to obtain the scale and results we desire," said Duke. "This sale positions us to increase our focus on the markets where we can achieve our objectives."

"We appreciate the contributions our German associates have made to build up our business in Germany," Duke added. "We will work closely with Metro to have a smooth transition."

The Company expects to incur a pre-tax loss related to this transaction of approximately US$1 billion for the Company's second quarter of fiscal year 2007.

Wal-Mart's international operations comprise 2,700 stores in 14 countries outside the United States. In the past year, the company became majority owner of Seiyu in Japan, completed its acquisition of Sonae in Brazil, and expanded into six new markets including Northern Ireland, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Combined with its U.S. and SAM's CLUB divisions, Wal-Mart operates more than 6,600 retail outlets globally with sales of US$312 billion last year.

Wal-Mart Germany operates 85 Supercenters employing 11,000 associates. Wal-Mart entered the German market eight years ago with the acquisition of the Wertkauf and Interspar hypermarket chains. The transaction is subject to approval by the competent anti-trust authorities.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States. The Company has operations in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and NYSE Arca, formerly the Pacific Stock Exchange, under the symbol WMT. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com .

This press release contains a statement that Wal-Mart believes is a "forward-looking statement" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that is intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by that Act. That forward- looking statement discusses the loss the Company expects to incur with respect to the transaction discussed in this press release and is identified by use of the word "expects" in the statement. That forward-looking statement is subject to certain important risks and other factors that could cause the amount of the loss incurred to differ materially from the amount discussed in the forward-looking statement, including whether the transaction is closed, whether, in order to obtain regulatory approvals of the transaction or for other reasons, the terms of the transaction are modified, the timing of the transaction's closing, and the amount of any transaction-related costs and liabilities ultimately incurred by the Company. The forward-looking statement included in this release is made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update the forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Source: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

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www.coca-cola.com brand site launched simultaneously in 26 countries and 6 languages

The Coca-Cola Company today announced it has re-launched www.coca-cola.com as its new Coca-Cola brand site. The site is based on the core creative idea of "The Coke Side of Life", the Company's new global marketing platform for brand Coca-Cola, and will invite visitors around the world to participate in the evolution of the brand's heritage. At the same time the Company's corporate website has changed its address to www.thecoca-colacompany.com. Under this site, users will continue to find corporate information, including company news, investor information, corporate responsibility efforts and career opportunities.

Launching the new Coca-Cola brand website continues the commitment of the Company to establish a multimedia platform for "The Coke Side of Life" campaign. "Throughout Coke's history, we have seen people use the brand, its icons and heritage as a creative source," said Marc Mathieu, senior vice president for Global Core Brands, The Coca-Cola Company. "In the 60's, it was Andy Warhol, today it's people all over the world on the internet developing their own interpretations of the brand. We believe the independent creative process is a vital part of our heritage. With this site we want to give a further opportunity for these imaginative minds to be part of our creative process."

As part of its launch, the content on the site will be driven by a series of bi-weekly and monthly challenges to consumers around the world, which will be posted on www.coca-cola.com. The goal of the site is to develop organically into a global user generated content portal with three key differentiators from other consumer marketing sites: First, visitors are given a theme/challenge to focus their creativity and are provided tools to develop their ideas; second, winners of the challenges are rewarded for their input, and; third, users gain access to a truly global community which is invited to judge their entries. These features will allow visitors to have a more inclusive role in the Company's creative process.

"The site will differentiate Coca-Cola from traditional company sites in that it will consist primarily of user-generated content," said Tim Kopp, vice president of Global Interactive Marketing, The Coca-Cola Company. Although based on the creative direction of "The Coke Side of Life" originally developed by Wieden and Kennedy, the Company plans to populate the site by users rather than by agencies. "We realize we will need time to familiarize people with the site and are looking to learn from and build this together with the user," added Kopp.

To initiate interest and build on the present brand strategy, the first challenge is for consumers to create a 'bottle film' based on a personal interpretation of "The Coke Side of Life". Winners will receive prizes to help further their creativity. First prize includes a computer, digital camera and editing software valued at approximately $5,000. After the finalists have been chosen by their peers, a panel of experts from around the globe will judge the top entries and award the prize. This month's challenge will be judged by experts from Wieden and Kennedy, who created the original 'bottle films' for Coke. In the future, the panels will change depending on the nature of the challenge.

AKQA developed the new site in partnership with a team from Coca-Cola: "We're incredibly excited about the pipeline of digital innovation that The Coca-Cola Company will deliver and the role of the consumer to help shape groundbreaking ideas," said Ajaz Ahmed, Chairman of AKQA.

This new brand site will continuously evolve over time. The Company plans to develop the site by adding new countries and new areas. The Company wants to tap into the passion of its users on-line and link its unique global product reach with its internet activities.

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company markets four of the world's top five soft drink brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light soft drinks, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees and sports drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate exceeding 1.3 billion servings each day. For more information about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit our corporate website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com

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  Beginning on Sunday, July 30, Benedict XVI will pray the Angelus from his summer residence at Castelgandolfo. General audiences will be held regularly in the Vatican from Wednesday, August 2.

 - 26: Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, secretary for Relations with States, participates as an observer at the International Rome Conference on Lebanon.

Posted by monte at 06:43 AM | Permalink

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A recent comScore Media Metrix release of its monthly analysis of consumer activity at top online properties and categories, reports that Internet users from more than 35 countries worldwide visited the official World Cup site at fifaworldcup.yahoo.com, which received an average of nearly 4 million daily visitors worldwide. 4.3 billion pages were viewed by fans around the world from June 9 - July 9. And, American interest in the World Cup Tournament drove the Online Gambling category into the top ten gaining category list, making it the second-highest gainer during the month of June.

Online video and community sites continued to gain popularity in June, says the report, as Youtube.com became the 58th most-visited site on the Web with 13.4 million visitors, and MySpace.com visitation grew 2 percent, while many of the Web's largest sites were flat or down for the month.

Peter Daboll, CEO of comScore Media Metrix, said "Sites offering opportunities for social interaction continue to dominate the ratings... NBC's partnership with Youtube is a clear indication that marketers recognize the power, reach and marketing potential of online video..."

The average U.S. visitor spent more than 44 minutes on the (World Cup) web site. Although only 25 percent of total worldwide visitors to the site were from the U.S., Americans viewed 52 pages per day, and viewed 80 pages per day from workplace computers.

Not coincidentally, U.S. traffic to Online Gambling sites, which includes sites like Sporting Bet PLC (which had 1.8 million visitors in June, an 81-percent increase versus May), increased as fans went online to place World Cup bets. The Online Gambling category represented the second-biggest category-gainer, attracting 23.3 million U.S. visitors in June, a 13-percent increase versus May.

In June:

• Yahoo! Sites remained the number one property, attracting more than 128 million unique visitors
• Time Warner Network held its number two position with more than 120 million unique visitors
• ESPN, with a 10-percent increase in unique visitors, climbied four spots to number 32
• With the end of the school year, youngsters spent more time surfing the Internet, as reflected in increases to Disney Online, jumping from number 30 to number 19
• Americans, sharing their summer vacation experiences, pushed Photobucket.com into the top 50 at number 47, attracting just under 14 million unique visitors

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TSOTSI (Rated: R)

Miramax Home Entertainment proudly presents Tsotsi, the Academy Award® winner for Best Foreign Language Film, 2005, on DVD July 18. Tsotsi is the riveting, emotionally-charged film about the struggle of power, rage and redemption in the gritty streets of Johannesburg. Tsotsi (Johannesburg street slang for ‘thug’) is a young, violent gang leader living in the Johannesburg slums. Having grown up impoverished, with a violent father and a desperately sick mother, Tsotsi neither loves nor trusts anyone. After Tsotsi shoots a young woman and steals her car, he realizes he has also accidentally kidnapped the victim’s infant child. The complications from this act begin Tsotsi’s self-discovery and his road to personal redemption.

THE SUITE LIFE OF ZACK & CODY: Taking Over the Tipton (Rated: TV-G)

Walt Disney Home Entertainment presents THE SUITE LIFE OF ZACK & CODY: TAKING OVER THE TIPTON, available for the first time on DVD July 18, 2006. In Boston’s swanky, totally cool Tipton Hotel, outrageous 11 year old identical twins Zack and Cody live the “suite” life when their mom gets a job as a singer in the hotel lounge, and the kids move in and take over. The boys treat the Tipton like their own personal playground, often taking new friends London and Maddie along for the ride. With superstar guests Jesse McCartney and Zac Efron (“High School Musical”), the hotel is full of mischief and mayhem. This family comedy features a never-before-seen episode and the bonus featurette “Hanging With Cole and Dylan” with guest star Jesse McCartney.

THAT’S SO RAVEN: Raven’s Makeover Madness (Rated: TV-G)

Walt Disney Home Entertainment presents THAT’S SO RAVEN: RAVEN’S MAKEOVER MADNESS, on DVD July 18, 2006. From the #1 show on the Disney Channel, THAT’S SO RAVEN: RAVEN’S MAKEOVER MADNESS contains four individual episodes, including a bonus never-before-seen episode and an all-new trivia game featuring Raven and the cast. Raven gets herself into hysterical situations as her life gets made over with a dream internship in the fashion industry, while she struggles with her new boss and wins a bedroom makeover.

BABY EINSTEIN: Baby’s Favorite Places (Not rated)

Moms who enjoyed introducing their little ones to words around the house with the Baby Wordsworth™ titlewill now love helping them explore beyond the front yard with Baby’s Favorite Places, available nationwide onJuly 25, 2006. The Baby Einstein Company and Academy Award® winning actress, Marlee Matlin, have come together again, to release the second title in a collection created to expose little ones to the idea that communication can take on many forms, including verbal, written and sign. Recommended for children one year and up, Baby’s Favorite Places provides parents with a fun and engaging way to interact with their littleones and discover the world together from a baby’s point of view.

SCORPIUS GIGANTUS (Rated: R)

For the first time on DVD comes Scorpius Gigantus, a fantastic thriller in the tradition of “Starship Troopers.”

In a top-secret high-tech laboratory, scientists work to create super vaccines based on the genetics of scorpions,those notoriously resilient creatures that have been on earth for far longer than man. When the project is usurped by the military in order to create advanced bio-weaponry, something goes horribly wrong. Now the mutated,indestructible insects are on the loose, a threat to man’s very position at the top of the food chain. The only thing in their way – a military Delta Force team, determined to stop the creatures before evolution takes a nasty turn for the worse.

ASPHALT WARS (Rated: R)

Available to own on DVD for the first time: in the tradition of “The Fast and the Furious” and “Blood In, Blood Out” comes Asphalt Wars. Reno, a young mechanic, dreams of joining the professional racing circuit. He spends his days at this uncle’s garage and his nights conquering the world of illegal street racing. When he is given the chance to be the getaway driver in a lucrative but dangerous gang heist, he accepts and expects to earn the money he needs to make his dreams come true. But when Reno enters the dark world of the gang, he finds that the choice that he expects to bring him success only brings violence and trouble.

August 2006

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THE SHAGGY DOG (2006) (Rated: PG)

Walt Disney Home Entertainment presents The Shaggy Dog, the fresh, funny update of one of Disney’s most beloved family comedy classics, on DVD August 1st . Starring the ever-popular Tim Allen (“The Santa Clause,”  TV’s “Home Improvement”), The Shaggy Dog follows the hysterically hairy adventures of Deputy D.A. Dave Douglas (Allen), a workaholic trial lawyer and sometimes distant dad, who by a strange accident turns into a big shaggy dog. The fur flies as Dave comically tries to adjust to a whole new way of looking at the world, and discovers how much a family really means to him. The “Bark Along Feature” is a Disney first: some for the family dog to enjoy as well as the family. This special feature combines fun dog-themed footage with two audio track options: for the canines in the family to enjoy, there is a “barking and woofing” audio track, and for the humans in the family, an alternate audio track that features a new version of the song “Woof There It Is” with new lyrics created especially for The Shaggy Dog. Bonus features also include: deleted scenes; bloopers and outtake goof-ups from the set; and director/producer feature audio commentary.

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DISNEY LEARNING ADVENTURES: Winnie The Pooh – ‘Shapes’, ‘Words’ (Not Rated)

Awarded a 2005 Parent’s Choice Award for Winnie The Pooh 1,2,3s and Winnie The Pooh ABCs, Walt Disney Home Entertainment presents two all-new Disney Learning Adventure titles, WINNIE THE POOH: SHAPES  AND SIZES and WINNIE THE POOH: WONDERFUL WORD ADVENTURE, each available on Disney DVD August 1st . Developed by Disney and leading educators, these new DVDs help build the fundamental skills a child should have prior to entering pre-school or kindergarten. Featuring Winnie The Pooh and his friends, including Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet and Rabbit the DVD integrates entertaining stories with cognitive learning based themes to help educate young audiences.

8/22

LITTLE EINSTEINS: MISSION CELEBRATION (Not Rated)

Disney’s Little Einsteins: Mission Celebration! takes preschoolers on thrilling adventures in the real world where they help solve an important mission and learn along the way. Leo, June, Quincy, Annie and their musical ship, Rocket, guide the way in three interactive musical adventures. This fun-filled DVD features a bonus game, “You’ve Got A Mission,” and includes a never-before-seen episode, “The Birthday Machine.”

From the remarkable series from Disney and the award-winning Baby Einstein Company.™

8/29

BROTHER BEAR 2 (Rated: G)

It’s good to be a bear in the all-new animated movie Brother Bear 2, the hilarious sequel to Walt Disney Pictures’ wildly successful Brother Bear (a Theatrical hit and a top-selling DVD title in 2004), on Disney DVD August 29. An exciting film about enduring friendships and following one’s heart, Brother Bear 2 welcomes back the human-turned-bear Kenai and the young cub Koda, plus Rutt and Tuke the wisecracking moose. New to the wild tundra are Rutt and Tuke’s comical paramours the “moosettes,” plus the outrageous Sha-Woman, and Kenai’s childhood friend and love interest Nita. Music superstar and Grammy® Award-winner Melissa Etheridge performs three sensational songs for Brother Bear 2, including two new songs written by Melissa Etheridge specifically for the film. Acclaimed rising musical star Josh Kelley (top-ten hit “Amazing” and new album “Almost Honest”) performs, with Melissa Etheridge, the moving end-credit song.

8/29

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES: The Complete Second Season (Rated: TV-14)

The juicy second season of the six-time Emmy® and three-time Golden Globe® Award-winning show “Desperate Housewives” is available on DVD with DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON – THE EXTRA JUICY EDITION. All the delicious plot twists of the second season and all 24 darkly comic episodes of America’s hottest primetime soap are included, along with hours of scintillating bonus features, including a revealing unaired storyline only available on the DVD.

8/29

THE TICK: vs. SEASON ONE (Not Rated)

For the first time ever, the animated, hilarious adventures of that big blue, somewhat confused superhero “The Tick” will be available on DVD. The Tick Season One features The Tick and his hapless sidekick Arthur in the original animated series’ twelve sidesplitting episodes. A sly and comic satire of superheroes, “The Tick” features clever humor and outrageous characters in the mold of such animated hits as “The Simpsons” and “King of the Hill.” Available for $34.99 (2-disc DVD) on August 29, 2006 from Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

8/29

DARKWING DUCK: Volume One (Not Rated)

Available for the first time ever on Disney DVD. When average citizen Drake Mallard dons a mask, hat and cape, he becomes the swashbuckling crimebuster, Darkwing Duck. With the help of his loyal but often clueless sidekick, Launchpad McQuack, he patrols the city of St. Canard. It gets even better when he adopts his orphan niece, Gosalyn, who wants to help out with the crimebusting. It’s animated fun for one and all. Includes the series pilot episode.

8/29

TALESPIN: Volume One (Not Rated)

Available for the first time ever on Disney DVD. Ace cargo pilot Baloo is teamed with feisty Kit Cloudkicker, pitted against a band of air pirates led by Don Karnage. Louie the ape is a music-loving nightclub owner. They find mystery, intrigue, and humor in the exotic setting of Cape Suzette, a huge bustling city in a tropic zone. It’s animated fun for all. Includes the series pilot episode.

September 2006

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LOST: The Complete Second Season (Rated: TV-14)

Touchstone Television’s Golden Globe® Award and six-time Emmy Award®-winning hit show “Lost” returns to DVD with an all new, must-own DVD box set, LOST: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON -THEEXTENDED EXPERIENCE. This sizzling 7-disc DVD box set includes every thrilling second-season pisode and features bonus materials found nowhere else except on DVD. As the world of “Lost” expands, more and more thrilling discoveries occur, including the breath-taking appearances of the “Taillies,” passengers from the back half of the plane; and “the Others,” the super-human, mysterious and dangerous inhabitants of the island.

Such key storylines as the 108 minutes frequency, “the numbers” cryptic number sequence, the ominous Dharma Initiative Symbol and more are all found in the Second Season.

9/

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COMMANDER IN CHIEF: Inaugural Edition Part Two (Rated: TV-14)

The second installment of the first season of the critically acclaimed series “Commander In Chief” features episodes 11-18 as well as bonus material and will be available on September 5th. Academy Award© winner Geena Davis (Best Actress, “The Accidental Tourist” 1988; nominated Best Actress “Thelma & Louise” 1991) stars as Mackenzie Allen, the first woman President of the United States. While breaking new ground as the first female leader of the free world, “Mac” faces tremendous challengers, both personal and political, unknown to any previous Commander In Chief. Her family adjusts to their new life as the “first family,” and Mac has an ongoing conflict with foes led by the Speaker of the House (Donald Sutherland). Amidst constant struggles and fiery political battles, Mac perseveres with integrity and poise.

9/

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KINKY BOOTS (Rated: PG-13)

Miramax Home Entertainment presents the hilarious comedy Kinky Boots, an outrageously fun film from the creator of “Calendar Girls,” on DVD September 5. Inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots delivers the laughs in a high-heeled tale of a conservative shoe factory that turns to an over-the-top way to stay in business – by manufacturing the most sexy, provocative leather boots on the market. In the tradition of “The Full Monty,”

Kinky Boots presents a winning concoction of whacky characters and good-natured laughs in a movie that won over audiences at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in 2006.

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5

TWITCHES (Rated: TBD)

All-new to Disney DVD, experience a captivating journey with the Bewitched Edition of the hit Disney Channel Original Movie, Twitches. Tia and Tamera Mowry star as young “twin witches” who use their newfound magical powers to fight the evil force of Darkness and save Conventry – the mystical world where they were born. Filled with spellbinding twists and turns, the sisters embark on an enchanted adventure the whole family will love. Starring Tia and Tamera Mowry (TV’s “Sister Sister”).

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5

ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN/RETURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN (Rated: G)

The Disney family film classics ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN and RETURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN will be available on a special “2-movie” DVD on September 5. Available for $19.99 (S.R.P.) from Walt Disney Home Entertainment. In ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN, 13 year old Tony Malone (IakeEisenmann, “Tom & Huck”) and his 11-year old sister Tia (Kim Richards), orphaned by the loss of their foster parents, live in a children’s home. Their incredible psychic powers attract rich and powerful Aristotle Bolt (film legend Ray Milland), who adopts them in order to exploit them. Running away, the children are pursued by their captors and the police. They discover that they are actually castaways from another planet, who must find the safe haven of Witch Mountain. With Eddie Albert (TV’s “Green Acres”) and Donald Pleasence (“Fantastic Voyage”).

RETURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN, the exciting sequel to “Escape To Witch Mountain,” automobiles mysteriously fly and humans float in thin air as sinister masterminds Christopher Lee (“Lord of theRings: The Two Towers,” “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones”) and screen legend Bette Davis unleash a diabolical plan. The entire city of Los Angeles teeters on the brink of nuclear disaster when the greedy criminals manipulate Tony’s (Iake Eisenmann) supernatural powers for their own devious gain. But the youth’s sister Tia (Kim Richards) and a streetwise band of truants join forces in a desperate attempt to save the city from destruction.

9/

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DISNEY PRESCHOOL HALLOWEEN: Sing Along Songs – Happy Haunting (Rated: G)

Available for the first time on DVD. Favorite Disney characters sing, dance, and play in this tune-filled sing-along songs treat. Fun and easy on-screen lyrics are perfect for preschool children, who will have a ball when Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy – and other favorite Disney friends – throw a party inside Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. There's plenty to do: pumpkin carving, bobbing for apples, cooking with Goofy – even trick-ortreating in Toontown. But most of all, there’s lots of singing and dancing to silly spooky songs of the season.

9/12

THE WILD (Rated: G)

What kind of animals would escape from the zoo and go to the wilderness on a rescue mission? They’re the hilarious characters from The Wild, coming to DVD on September 12 from Walt Disney Home Entertainment.

Featuring an all-star vocal cast and cutting-edge computer animation, The Wild is an outrageous adventure that follows a mixed-up team of lovable animals in a hysterical comedy that the whole family will love. Available for $29.99 (S.R.P.) on DVD. The Wild boasts a rip-roaring, all-star cast of vocal talent. Kiefer Sutherland (TV’s “24”) stars as Samson, the lion leader, Greg Cipes is Samson’s son Ryan, Jim Belushi (TV’s “According To Jim”) is Benny the street-savvy squirrel, Janeane Garofalo (TV’s “The West Wing”) is Bridget the quick-witted giraffe, Richard Kind (“The Producers”) is Larry the dim-witted anaconda, William Shatner (TV’s “Boston Legal”) is Kazar the scheming wildebeest, Patrick Warburton (“The Emperor’s New Groove,” TV’s “Seinfeld”) is Blag, the clumsy wildebeest side-kick, and celebrated comic Eddie Izzard (“Ocean’s Twelve”) is Nigel, the caustic koala.

9/12

GREY’S ANATOMY: The Complete Second Season (Rated: TV-14)

Experience all 27 sexy and exciting episodes of ABC’s hit show “Grey’s Anatomy” with GREY’S ANATOMY:

THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON -UNCUT, a 6-disc DVD box set filled with over 5 hours of revealing,exclusive bonus features including THREE extended episodes. In the second season, TV’s hottest doctors aren’t just making their rounds, they’re finding their way in life, love and relationships. Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), Derek (Patrick Dempsey), Christina (Sandra Oh) and the other doctors and interns struggle to stay human in a high-pressure environment. It’s the drama and intensity of medical training mixed with the funny, sexy, painful lives of interns who discover that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white.

9/12

THE MIRACLE MATCH (Rated: PG)

Based on a true story, The Miracle Match is a thrilling, dramatic account of one of the greatest upsets in sports history: the 1950 soccer match between the United States and Great Britain. There is as much drama off the field as on it, as the players prepare for what seems a one-sided match. But the feisty U.S. team, against overwhelming odds, defies the doubters and defeats the heavily favored British squad. Starring Gerard Butler (“The Phantom of the Opera”), Wes Bentley (“The Four Feathers”), Jay Rodan, Gavin Rossdale (musical band ‘Bush’), Zachery Ty Bryan (TV’s “Veronica Mars”), Patrick Stewart (“X-Men: The Last Stand”), John Rhys-Davies (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy).

9/12

GOAL! THE DREAM BEGINS (Rated: PG-13)

Based on a true story, The Miracle Match is a thrilling, dramatic account of one of the greatest upsets in sports history: the 1950 soccer match between the United States and Great Britain. There is as much drama off the field as on it, as the players prepare for what seems a one-sided match. But the feisty U.S. team, against overwhelming odds, defies the doubters and defeats the heavily favored British squad. Starring Gerard Butler (“The Phantom of the Opera”), Wes Bentley (“The Four Feathers”), Jay Rodan, Gavin Rossdale (musical band ‘Bush’), Zachery Ty Bryan (TV’s “Veronica Mars”), Patrick Stewart (“X-Men: The Last Stand”), John Rhys-Davies (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy).

9/12

Disney Princess Jewelry Gift Sets: Princess Stories and Sing Along Songs Sets (Rated: PG-13) DISNEY PRINCESS STORIES VOLUME ONE: A GIFT FROM THE HEART JEWELRY GIFT SET features a collectible Princess bracelet. The journey of fun begins with a treasure chest of beloved stories starring Ariel and Jasmine, and two stories featuring Belle and Cinderella. Little princesses will fall in love with this engaging experience that combines the magic of storytelling with the wonder of “let’s pretend.” As their tales unfold, children will meet their favorite Disney Princesses, and take part in wonderful adventures. DISNEY PRINCESS SING ALONG SONGS VOLUME ONE: ONCE UPON A DREAM JEWELRY GIFT SET features a collectible Princess necklace. In this magical DVD, Disney Princesses perform their most cherished songs from Disney's award-winning classics. Imaginations will soar as young viewers sing, dance, and pretend along with Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, and more Disney Princesses. Then, all the Princesses join together to sing the wonderful song, “If You Can Dream.”

9/19

STICK IT (Rated: PG-13)

From the writer of the hit comedy “Bring It On,” Touchstone Home Entertainment presents Stick It, the fun and irreverent comedy that turns the competitive world of women’s gymnastics on its head, on DVD September 19.

When a rebellious gymnast’s in-your-face attitude collides with the strict nature of the sport, her coach and her teammates, she earns their respect by doing what she does best: tossing out the rules. Stick It stars Missy Peregrym (TV’s “Life As We Know It,” “Dark Angel”) as Haley Graham, the film’s defiant athlete, and features veteran Hollywood star Jeff Bridges (“Seabiscuit,” “The Big Lebowski” and many more) as Haley’s no-nonsense coach. Written and Directed by Jessica Bendinger. DVD bonus features are: ”Buttaharas” – outrageous bloopers and outtakes; “Skinny Fat” – deleted scenes with optional filmmaker commentary; Missy Elliott music video “We Run This (Stick It Edit);” “Crowded” music video; “Hardcorps” featurette about real stunt double gymnasts; “The Elites”-gymnastics routines from some of the world’s best gymnasts; “The Judges

Table” – uneven bar routines with optional filmmaker commentary; and audio commentaries with writer/director Jessica Bendinger, actresses Missy Peregrym and Vanessa Lengies, and the film’s cinematographer and editor.

Stick It will be available for U.S. $29.99 (SRP), Canada $35.99 (SRP).

9/19

STAY ALIVE (Rated: PG-13 & Unrated editions)

The Blood Countess is out of the videogame and in the house, stalking her prey! Hollywood Pictures Home Video presents Stay Alive, the thrilling, chilling movie about a notorious video game that becomes horrifyingly real, on DVD September 19. Stay Alive features Frankie Muniz (TV’s “Malcolm In The Middle”) and a cast of fresh young Hollywood star talent, who try to not become fresh meat for the terrifying Blood Countess, a videogame villainess with a real-world taste for teenagers. Bonus features are: Visual Effects Reel – a display of the film’s special effects from pre-visualization to final composition; and Feature Commentary with the film’s writer and director. Stay Alive will be available in both a Theatrical fullscreen version and separate unrated widescreen version. Each available for U.S. $29.99 (SRP), Canada $35.99 (SRP) on DVD.

9/26

POWER RANGERS: MYSTIC FORCE – THE BLOCKBUSTER (Rated: TV-Y7 FV)

Coming to DVD for the first time, hang on tight for legendary entertainment with The Power Rangers in Power Rangers: Mystic Force: Dark Wish – The Blockbuster. The complete Dark Wish saga unfolds in this spectacular, full-length blockbuster DVD. The Power Rangers heroic crusade for good vs. evil is put to the ultimate challenge when a wicked mystic army drains all color and hope from Earth. Now the five teens chosen to fulfill their destiny and become powerful, protective warriors have lost their power and must fight to restore it.

Join the next generation of Power Rangers as their most thrilling, action-packed adventure is captured on screen with awesome special effects and extraordinary space creatures, both good and bad.

October

10/

3

THE LITTLE MERMAID: SPECIAL EDITION (Rated: G)

Walt Disney Home Entertainment proudly opens the vault to debut a spectacular new two-disc Special Edition of the most-requested Disney DVD title ever, the Academy Award® winning (1989 Best Song and Best Original Score), THE LITTLE MERMAID. The first time ever on a two-disc DVD, the eighth addition to Disney’s acclaimed “Platinum Collection,” this highly-anticipated release is accompanied by an expansive Walt Disney Company-wide celebration, including a huge continuing partnership with Disney Consumer Products (DCP) that builds on the overwhelming popularity and success of 2005’s Cinderella Home Entertainment and Consumer Products campaign.

10/10

THE FOX AND THE HOUND: The 25th Anniversary Edition (Rated: G)

This highly acclaimed classic blends vibrant animation and breathtaking action to tell the story of two best friends who didn’t know they were supposed to be enemies. The fun and adventure begin when a lonely widow adopts an orphaned fox cub named Tod. The mischievous fox soon meets up with Copper, an adorable hound puppy. As the innocent pair grow up together, they become inseparable friends. But the day soon arrives when their friendship is put to the ultimate test. With timeless values such as love, courage and respect for life, The Fox And The Hound has captured an honored place among Disney’s most beloved and endearing animated classics.

10/10

SCRUBS: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON (Rated: TV-14)

J.D. (Zach Braff), Elliot (Sarah Chalke), Turk (Donald Faison), Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) and the laugh-packed cast are back on DVD in the Emmy winning comedy “Scrubs” with Scrubs: The Complete Fourth Season. This laugh-filled DVD features the funniest guest stars yet – including Heather Graham, Colin Farrell and Chuck Woolery – in the biggest season yet, when J.D. moves out on his own and Elliot gains more confidence than ever and leaves Sacred Heart Hospital. The DVD box set is bursting with exclusive bonus features and includes the original hit music from the season.

10/10

BAD SANTA: The Director’s Cut (Unrated)

For the first time on DVD, Dimension Home Video presents the Director’s Cut of the hilarious film Bad Santa.

This exclusive version is Director Terry Zwigoff’s (“Art School Confidential,” “Ghost World,” “Crumb”) cut of the film, which also features a new audio commentary track from Mr. Zwigoff and Editor Robert Hoffman. This hilarious comedy hit stars Billy Bob Thornton (“The Bad News Bears;”“Monster’s Ball;” “The Alamo;” Academy Award® winner, Best Screenplay, “Slingblade,” 1996) as Willie T. Stokes, the incorrigible “Bad Santa,” a department store Santa of uproarious bad holiday cheer.

November 2006

11/14

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey Saves Santa and Other Mouseketales (Not Rated)

Come inside Mickey’s magical clubhouse with the “Sensational Six” – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto. They’re ready for adventure and learning-based fun in Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey Saves Santa And Other Mouseketales, the laugh-filled animated preschool series, available for the first time on Disney DVD on November 14. The debut of “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” on the Disney Channel enjoyed the highest ratings ever for a Playhouse Disney premiere.

December 2006

12/

5

DISNEY DVD GAME WORLD: Disney Princess & Disney Dogs Editions (Not Rated)

Walt Disney Home Entertainment announces an exciting, all-new innovation in Disney DVDs: Disney DVD Game World. Combining the traditional fun of classic board games with interactive and immersive 3-D game environments, these DVD games are perfect for families who want to enjoy time together. Inspired by the favorite characters from Disney’s most popular films and the worlds they live in, the DVD games feature multilevel boards and thousands of mini-games, trivia questions, and activities for up to 4 players. Because the games use virtual game pieces and spinners and play on standard and mobile DVD players, they can also be enjoyed during holiday travel on flights or long road-trips. The first two titles in the Disney DVD Game World series are: DISNEY PRINCESS EDITION, where players get the chance to become a Disney Princess, and DISNEY DOGS EDITION, where players can adopt their favorite Disney dog to compete in the race to win the Blue

Ribbon Challenge.

--End of Release Schedule -

Posted by monte at 07:57 PM | Permalink

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

Content is King

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INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

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First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX and NBC and now there is MBN ® Now associate with Mounte Broadcasting Network

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MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

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SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

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More exciting changes coming each day

NASCAR Driver Matt Kenseth Helps Gatorade Break Ground on New Manufacturing Facility in Mayes County, Oklahoma

Site Will Be Company's Ninth Plant, Built to Satisfy Increased Demand for Gatorade Thirst Quencher and Propel Fitness Water

NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth joined Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry and officials from The Gatorade Company to break ground today on a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Mayes County, Oklahoma.

The facility, which will be the company's ninth plant, will produce both Gatorade Thirst Quencher and Propel Fitness Water, and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2007. Parent company PepsiCo announced earlier this year that a new manufacturing facility was needed to help keep up with growing demand for the country's No. 1 sports drink and No. 1 enhanced water.

Today's ceremony was given a twist by Kenseth, the 2003 Nextel Cup Champion and spokesman for Gatorade, who drove a bulldozer onto the site to kick-off the official groundbreaking.

"This is an exciting day for us and we've been looking forward to celebrating this occasion with Pryor, Mayes County and the entire state of Oklahoma," said Gatorade president Chuck Maniscalco. "The Pryor area is a wonderful community with excellent resources and an important transportation hub in the South Central Region. We are happy to call this area home to our new plant."

The facility, which is expected to bring 280 jobs to the area, was welcomed by local and state elected officials.

"This is great news for Mayes County and the entire state of Oklahoma," said Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry. "We worked very hard to bring this new plant and its good-paying jobs to our state, and we're excited about the positive economic impact they will have here. This announcement demonstrates once again that Oklahoma is a great place to do business and can compete with anyone when it comes to economic development."

Construction on the facility is expected to continue through approximately September 2007. The new Gatorade plant will be located on 160 acres in the town of Pryor on Highway 69A at MidAmerica, west of the existing Covalence (formerly Tyco) plastics plant. The development will have a collective size of approximately 1.4 million square feet which will include a 300,000 square-foot production facility and a 1.1 million square-foot warehouse/distribution center.

Other Gatorade manufacturing facilities are located in Atlanta, Ga.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Dallas, Texas; Mountain Top, Pa.; Kissimmee, Fla.; Oakland, Calif.; Tolleson, Ariz. and Wytheville, Va.

Gatorade(R) Thirst Quencher, the nation's leading sports drink, is backed by 40 years of research and Propel(R) Fitness Water is the nation's number one enhanced water and the pioneer of the fitness water category. Gatorade is scientifically formulated and athletically proven to quench thirst, replace fluids and electrolytes and provide carbohydrate energy to enhance athletic performance. Gatorade is the official sports drink of the NFL, NBA, WNBA, AVP, NHL, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and numerous professional, collegiate and amateur teams and events throughout the world, including University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. Gatorade is manufactured by QTG (Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade), a division of PepsiCo. For more information, please visit http://www.gatorade.com/ .

Source: Gatorade

MichiganToday.net and Michigan Today Network (MTN) Announce Live Broadcast Coverage of the 2006 PGA Buick Open On-Location at the Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club, Grand Blanc, Michigan

MichiganToday.net is proud to announce that Michigan Today Network (MTN) will offer live internet radio broadcast coverage of the 2006 Buick Open from the MTN Broadcast Central Media Center on location at the Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club, in Grand Blanc, Michigan, starting at noon July 31 to August 6, 2006. MTN Sports LIVE Hosts Rich Curbelo, Cathy Gniewek, Bob Laura and Susan Kramer will provide extended coverage including exclusive interviews with the PGA's top players on Michigan Today Network (MTN) only available at MichiganToday.net: http://www.michigantoday.net/ .

Tiger Woods just announced he will compete at the Buick Open next week coming off his recent win at the British Open. The world's top-ranked golfer will compete against U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy, Chris DiMarco, Jim Furyk, John Daly and Mike Weir. Two-time defending champion Vijay Singh, who also won the Buick Open in 1997, is also expected to be in the field. The players will be competing for a tournament record $4.8 million purse, including a first prize of $864,000 and a new Buick.

"MichiganToday.net is very proud to participate in Michigan's premier PGA Championship by providing live real-time coverage of the action and exclusive interviews with the top players throughout the 2006 Buick Open," said Cathy Gniewek, President, MichiganToday.net. "There is so much excitement building into next week's 2006 Buick Open as Woods just became the first player to win back-to-back British Opens since Watson in 1982-83. Warwick Hills offers a comparatively short course with fairly open greens and without particularly tight fairways making the 2006 Buick Open an especially competitive and thrilling event," said Gniewek.

About MichiganToday.net and Michigan Today Network (MTN)

MichiganToday.net is Michigan's own multimedia online magazine offering a wide variety of topics all about Michigan! Discover exciting features by veteran award winning journalists and experts on automotive, careers, happenings, issues, today's living, money, people, sports, travel and more! MichiganToday.net produces original programming and documentaries specifically about Michigan and offers services including full video, audio and live real- time streaming of Michigan events. (For more information, please contact: marketing@michigantoday.net .)

Michigan Today Network (MTN) is Michigan's own radio broadcast network offering classic rock 24 hours a day seven days a week broadcast in up to HD quality sound only available on MichiganToday.net. Michigan Today Network (MTN) will be phasing in six new musical formats in the near future including Michigan's own music channel showcasing Michigan talent! Get all the music you want in one place exclusively on The Michigan Today Network only available at MichiganToday.net: http://www.michigantoday.net/ .

Michigan Today Network (MTN) Sports LIVE Radio Show with Rich Curbelo regular programming airs weekly on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. MichiganToday.net Sports LIVE column with Rich Curbelo brings you daily sports updates and exclusive interviews from your favorite Michigan teams. For all the latest sports news, exclusive interviews and features all about Michigan, discover Michigan's leading online publication -- MichiganToday.net: http://www.michigantoday.net/ .

MTN offers talk show programming on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. including Career Corners with Linda Sweeney, Financial FYI with Bob Laura and Weekend Happenings with Cathy Gniewek and Susan Kramer.

MichiganToday.net and Michigan Today Network (MTN) are proud to bring the best of Michigan to our ever expanding statewide, national and international audience. MichiganToday.net and Michigan Today Network (MTN) are just a click away, anytime, any place and they are all about Michigan!

  MichiganToday.net can be located at:  http:/// www.michigantoday.net .    About the 2006 Buick Open: 

The 2006 Buick Open is scheduled for July 31 - Aug. 6 at Warwick Hills in Grand Blanc, Michigan offering a record purse of $4.8 million. The defending champion is Vijay Singh, who became only the second player in tournament history to successfully defend his Buick Open title. For Buick Open tickets or information call 1 (800) 878 OPEN or go to http://www.buickopen.pgatour.com/ .

Be Proud of Your Michigan!

Source: MichiganToday.net

England's 2006 World Cup Fans Are Worst Behaved, According to Survey of Adults in Five European Countries

Alcohol chiefly blamed, while peer pressure, racism and lack of accountability cited by many

-- A new poll of adults in five European countries, conducted during and after the 2006 World Cup in Germany, shows that England is widely considered as having the worst behaved and most troublesome fans. Almost one-third (31%) of European adults cite England as the country that had the most fans arrested or warned by police at the games this year, followed by Germany at a distant second place (7%).

These are some of the results of a Harris Poll conducted online by Harris Interactive(R) between July 6 and 16, 2006 among 10,172 adults, ages 16 years and over from France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain.

Overall, a vast majority (83%) of adults in these five countries say they watched the 2006 World Cup matches. Just over one quarter (26%) of the British themselves think of their fans as the worst behaved. Spain in particular agrees, with 45 percent of them suggesting that English fans are the worst behaved of all nations attending the World Cup. Germans (27%) take a neutral stance and say that no one nation in particular experienced a significant number of arrests.

Alcohol is thought to be the predominant reason behind "hooliganism" and bad behavior at the World Cup, with a large majority (81%) of adults feeling that this is a contributing factor. Not insignificant, peer pressure (50%), racism (48%), and lack of accountability for one's actions (46%) are also perceived as underlying factors.

                                 TABLE 1                  2006 WORLD CUP: DID YOU VIEW ANY MATCHES           "Have you watched any of the 2006 World Cup Matches?"    Base: All adults in five European countries                                         Country           Total      Great      France     Italy      Spain      Germany                      Britain   %         %          %          %          %          %   Yes      83         75         85         93         71         90   No       17         25         15          7         29         10    Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding.                                     TABLE 2    2006 WORLD CUP FANS - PERCEIVED VOLUME OF ARRESTS & POLICE WARNINGS "During the 2006 World Cup, which nation's fans do you think had the most  arrests and police warnings for bad behavior at the games themselves in                                 Germany?"    Base: All adults in five European countries                                              Country                          Great               Total      Britain    France    Italy     Spain  Germany                  %          %         %         %         %         %   England       31         26        25        29        45        33   Germany        7         11         6         6         5         7   Poland         4          5         1         2         1        11   Holland        1          1         2         1         *         2   Other    Countries     6          4         7         6         4         4   No one    nation has    had a    significant    number    of arrests    and police    warnings     17         18        12        18        10        27   Not Sure      34         35        47        38        35        16    Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding.    * = Less than 0.5%.                                     TABLE 3             2006 WORLD CUP - MAIN FACTORS CAUSING HOOLIGANISM   "What do you think are the main contributing factors towards football                      "hooliganism" and bad behavior?"    Base: All adults in five European countries                                Great                     Total     Britain  France   Italy    Spain    Germany                       %         %        %        %        %        %   Alcohol            81        87       74       76       86       80   Peer Pressure      50        35       83       33       29       68   Racism             48        47       73       42       33       47   Lack of    accountability    for one's    actions           46        41       39       60       59       30   Ignorance          44        51       31       70       35       30   Drugs              37        27       41       45       43       27   Easy to be    anonymous         35        23       30       38       50       34   Boredom            24        18       16       26       10       51    Note: Multiple-response question    Methodology 

Harris Interactive(R) conducted this online survey across Europe between July 6 and 16, 2006 among a national cross section of 10,172 adults (France (2,117), Germany (2,059), Great Britain (1,943), Italy (2,098) and Spain (1,955)), ages 16 years and over. Figures for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, income and region were weighted where necessary to align with population proportions. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online.

All surveys are subject to several sources of error. These include: sampling error (because only a sample of a population is interviewed); measurement error due to question wording and/or question order, deliberately or unintentionally inaccurate responses, nonresponse (including refusals), interviewer effects (when live interviewers are used) and weighting.

With one exception (sampling error) the magnitude of the errors that result cannot be estimated. There is, therefore, no way to calculate a finite "margin of error" for any survey and the use of these words should be avoided.

With pure probability samples, with 100 percent response rates, it is possible to calculate the probability that the sampling error (but not other sources of error) is not greater than some number. With pure probability samples of 10,172 adults, one could say with a ninety-five percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/-1 percentage point. Sampling error for individual countries would be +/-3 percentage points. However that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

These statements conform to the principles of disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is the 13th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world. The company provides research-driven insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll, one of the longest running, independent opinion polls and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what could conceivably be the world's largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online. Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States, Europe and Asia offices, its wholly-owned subsidiary Novatris in France and through a global network of independent market research firms. The service bureau, HISB, provides its market research industry clients with mixed-mode data collection, panel development services as well as syndicated and tracking research consultation.

Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge Sponsorship Program Debuts in the United States With Newport's 12-Metre Regatta

 In 2005 PANERAI successfully launched in the Mediterranean the "Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge" in partnership with CIM, the Mediterranean International Committee, and AIVE, the Italian Classic Yachts Association. Regattas are held yearly at some of the most celebrated European yachting locations, which include Antibes, Argentario, Mahon, Imperia and Cannes, where thousands of passionate sailors take part with the sole purpose of appreciating the cultural heritage of these great masters of the sea.

In 2006 PANERAI chose to expand its program by adding the renowned Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta in the pristine Caribbean waters (April 20-25), the fascinating 12-Metre Regattas in Newport, RI (July 28-30) and Nantucket, MA (August 16-18), along with the traditional Opera House Cup Regatta in Nantucket, MA (August 18-20).

"Being PANERAI and deeply in love with the sea we couldn't confine our horizon to the Mediterranean. We had to consider an expansion in order to encounter the passion and tradition of the American sailing community," explains Angelo Bonati, Chief Executive Officer of OFFICINE PANERAI. "For this reason it came natural to help sponsor U.S. regattas, beginning with the Robert H. Tiedemann 12-Metre Regatta produced by The Museum of Yachting with support from the International Twelve-Metre Class Association."

PANERAI is a brand of values, which arise from its origins: Florence, city of art. It is a characteristic expression of Italian craftsmanship with historic tradition whose values are still current today, strengthened by the great attention PANERAI devotes to the quality of its creations and by the depth of technical experience that is expressed through its production. "The watchmaker's work is as precious and rare as the one of the axe master building a classic yacht," adds Bonati. "Whether we are dealing with yachts or watches, the men who create them and those who own them are both animated by the same emotions."

Today PANERAI is one of the most prestigious brands in haute horlogerie and its history represents a proud example of research, innovation and tradition, as well as being irrevocably linked with great nautical exploits and the sea.

Source: Panerai North America

Dr Pepper And Earvin 'Magic' Johnson Announce 23 Finalists In Nationwide 'Pepper Your Community' Volunteer Contest

Vote for Your Favorite Finalist Now Through August 11

Grand-Prize Winners Will Earn $23,000 for Their Charity of Choice

 Hometown heroes hail from small towns and big cities, and come from all walks of life. They freely donate their most precious assets, time and energy, to make the world a better place. As of today, 23 hometown heroes have been selected as finalists in the Dr Pepper "Pepper Your Community" contest. Each finalist is guaranteed a donation in their honor to their local charity of choice, and America can now vote and select two grand-prize winners who will receive $23,000 for their local charity of choice.

The finalists were selected from thousands of entries by an independent panel of judges and, starting today and running through August 11, consumers can go to the Dr Pepper "Pepper Your Community" site to vote for their favorite finalist. To vote, simply go to DrPepper.com and click on the link for "Pepper Your Community." The two finalists who receive the most votes will be named the grand-prize winners and will have $23,000 donated to their charity of choice. They also will be given the opportunity to meet Earvin "Magic" Johnson. The remaining 21 finalists will each receive $2,300 for their favorite charity. The grand-prize winners will be announced on August 25, 2006.

"When we began this program, we knew there were many amazing people across the country who give of themselves day in and day out to help their communities; however, the quantity and quality of the entries received was overwhelming and made choosing only 23 finalists very challenging," said Andrew Springate, vice president, Dr Pepper brand marketing for Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages. "The 23 finalists selected truly represent the spirit of volunteerism with their dedication to bettering their communities. They demonstrate Dr Pepper's 'There's More to It' attitude on a daily basis."

   Dr Pepper "Pepper Your Community" Contest Finalists:      *  Amazing Kids - John-Henry L. of Gardnerville, NV      *  Appalachia Mission of Hope - Ann W. of McKee, KY      *  Blackland Prairie Playground Foundation - Anne H. of Wylie, TX      *  Burleson Community Theater - Debbie P. of Burleson, TX      *  Children Need Both Parents, Inc. - Ronald S. of Grand Rapids, MI      *  Community Alliance for Progressive Positive Action - Loni G. of         Williamsport, PA      *  Creative Planet School of the Arts - Bill R. of Duarte, CA      *  Friends of Choate Park - Kari M. of Medway, MA      *  Greene County Humane Society - Shawn G. of Bellville, WI      *  Healthy Communities of Lyon and Storey Counties - Cara C. of Silver         Springs, NV      *  LifeShock - Carrie F. of Portland, OR      *  Louisiana Pepperplex Board - Don S. of New Iberia, LA      *  Manhattanville My Soldier - Juan S. of Purchase, NY      *  Pasadena Habitat for Humanity - Dawn A. of Houston, TX      *  Scott Lake Athletic Club, Inc - Martin M. of Miami, FL      *  Second Chance Animal Rescue - Lynn B. of Vandalia, IL      *  Special Olympics - Marianna V. of San Jose, CA      *  The Durham Eagle Athletic Association - Don J. of Durham, NC      *  Urban Neighborhood Educational Technology for You, Inc - Geneva J.         of Bronx, NY      *  VIA Positive Thinking Foundation - Sandra I. of Warrensburg, MO      *  Women's Community Housing - David B. of Minneapolis, MN      *  Youth Uprising Center - Olis S. of Oakland, CA      *  YouthCare - Mike K. of Seattle, WA  

"Each day, thousands of people dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others and making their communities a better place to live," said Johnson. "I'm proud to be associated with a program that rewards volunteers for their efforts and that will help give an extra boost to the charitable organizations that need it the most."

For more information on the "Pepper Your Community" program and the 23 selected finalists, visit: http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/drpepper/getpeppered/index_p2.php

About Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper is a leading brand in the beverage portfolio of Plano, Texas- based Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages (CSAB), a subsidiary division of Cadbury Schweppes plc (NYSE:CSG) . CSAB is one of the largest producers of soft drinks and premium beverages in the Americas. CSAB's brand portfolio includes Dr Pepper, 7UP, Snapple, Mott's Apple Juice, RC Cola, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist Soda, Canada Dry, Hawaiian Punch, Schweppes, Diet Rite, Clamato, Mr & Mrs T Mixers, Holland House Mixers, Rose's, Mistic, Yoo-hoo, Orangina, IBC, Stewart's, Nantucket Nectars and other well-known consumer brands. For additional information on CSAB and its products, visit http://www.cadburyschweppes.com/csab .

About Magic Johnson Enterprises

Magic Johnson Enterprises is the parent company of the Magic Johnson business empire and steers the direction of the brand for business development and expansion. The company handles asset acquisitions, endorsements, licensing, personal appearances, multi-cultural marketing and business-to- business relationships. Magic Johnson Enterprises specializes in urban business development with a variety of business ventures.

Source: Dr Pepper

Competitors Showcase Gymnastics/Acrobatics and Dance on Cantering Horses at USEF/AVA National Championships July 27-30

Team and individual events an eye-popping treat for spectators; admission is free for the whole family

 The nation's best equestrian vaulters will perform eye-popping gymnastics and dance freestyle routines atop cantering horses at this year's USEF/AVA National Championships. Nationally ranked vaulters and their equine partners from New Jersey to California will gather to compete for coveted U.S. titles at the 2006 Championships July 27-30, 2006 at the Industry Hills Expo Center's Grand Arena in the City of Industry, Calif. Admission is free!

"Those who have never witnessed this unique and entertaining equestrian sport will consider seeing it an experience of a lifetime," said Nancy Stevens-Brown, American Vaulting Association (AVA) president. "This weekend our sport will showcase some of the best human and equine talent in the world, and anyone who values athletic prowess and nerves of steel will thoroughly enjoy this one-of-a-kind spectator event."

For a complete day-by-day schedule of events, photos and videos of the sport, go to http://www.americanvaulting.org/ and look under "National Championships" for a link to the complete schedule and directions.

Competitors include world and national vaulting champions, as well as the vaulting team, four women and three men who have qualified to represent the United States at next month's FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Aachen, Germany. Competing for the "A" level team championship will be three teams that vied for the single US team slot at WEG: the FAME vaulters (with team members from Southern California's Venice Beach and Sun Valley, as well as from Northern California and New Jersey), currently ranked #1, will compete against both the Woodside Vaulters (Woodside, Calif.) and the Diamond Bar Vaulters (Diamond Bar, Calif.).

In the men's division, 31-year-old six-time men's national champion and 1998 Men's Vaulting World Champion Devon Maitozo (Venice Beach, Calif.) will compete against teammate and former National Champion Blake Dahlgren (Sun Valley, Calif.) and Kenny Geisler (Diamond Bar, Calif.), Todd Griffiths (Simms, Montana) and Chris Littmann (Agoura Hills, Calif.), all of whom will be representing the United States at WEG.

In the women's division, WEG selection trials winner and USEF #1 ranked female vaulter Megan Benjamin, 18, from Saratoga, Calif., will defend her two-time national championship title against competitors including Elizabeth Osborn (Woodside, Calif.), Mary McCormick (a Tennessee native currently training in Northern California) and Ali Divita (Redwood City, Calif.), ranked second, third and fourth among women vaulters in the nation, respectively.

Equestrian vaulting, one of only seven equestrian disciplines recognized by the Federation Equestre International (FEI), is the only equestrian sport that combines gymnastics and dance on a moving horse.

Source: American Vaulting Association

Poker Players Thrown From Airplane as They Bust Out of InterPoker.Com's Airborne Poker Tournament 15,000 Feet Above the Las Vegas Desert

Amateur Player Nick Grudzien Outlasts Poker Pro Phil Laak to Win the InterPoker.com Loser's Leap Extreme Poker Challenge and a Seat at the 2006 Caribbean Poker Classic in St. Kitts

 As if putting up $10,000 for a chance to sit down at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) wasn't big enough thrill for poker pro Phil Laak, today he and four InterPoker.com players embarked on the most adrenaline inducing poker tournament to ever be held in Sin City. Just days before the main event at the WSOP, and at 15,000 feet above Las Vegas, Laak, Nick Grudzien, Jamie Glasser, Fraser Linkletter and Patrick Neary went head to head in an electric game of Extreme Poker, in which four losers were literally thrown out of the plane -- with a parachute of course.

"Extreme Poker is all about keeping your cool under extreme duress -- and I can't think of a more stressful situation than knowing that you must fall 15,000 feet from a moving aircraft if your opponent calls your bluff," said Peter Marcus, spokesperson for InterPoker.com and creator of Extreme Poker. "Trying to concentrate in a bustling casino during the World Series of Poker is tough -- but after taking a bad beat and plunging to the desert below, the main event should be a walk in the park for our InterPoker players.

After fifteen minutes of flying, online qualifier Patrick Neary was the first to bust out and be pushed out the door. Minutes later, Nick Grudzien called an all-in move from Phil Laak, and sent the Unabomber packing his chute and freefalling above the desert.

"The pressure in this game was unbelievable, knowing that if someone called my bluff, I would have to jump out of a plane," said Laak. "Now that I'm done, I want to get right back up there and do it again."

Grudzien made quick work of his remaining two opponents, and emerged from the plane the latest Extreme Poker champion. After landing with the plane and thanking his competitors, Grudzien promptly re-boarded the plane for a personal skydiving adventure. As the newest Extreme Poker Champion, Grudzien not only has earned a place in the Extreme Poker Hall of Fame, alongside pros such as World Poker Tour event winner Juha Helppi and 2002 WSOP Main Event winner Robert Varkonyi, he will also receive a buy in and all expense paid trip to the 2006 Caribbean Poker Classic in St. Kitts, a package valued at $13,000.

"Everything about this tournament was extreme -- the height, the heat of the Vegas desert and the amazing skill of my competitors," said Grudzien. "I can honestly say this has been one of the toughest tournaments of my life, and I am grateful to InterPoker.com for giving me the opportunity to come to the World Series of Poker and participate in Loser's Leap, as well as the chance to unwind and play some poker in the Caribbean later this year."

Later this week, Grudzien will test his luck and put his skills to the test and he competes against over 6,000 poker pros and online qualifiers and the biggest World Series of Poker in history.

About InterPoker

Founded in 2002, InterPoker has quickly become one of the largest and most respected online poker rooms. Owned and operated by InterCasino, one of the oldest, most awarded and largest online casinos in the world, InterPoker partners with NETELLER.com, a publicly traded company on the London AIM exchange to transfer funds securely and conveniently, ECash Direct, one of the most reliable and trusted e-commerce applications in the world, which has processed more than $43 Billion in uncompromised electronic transactions for customers in more than 240 countries and industry software leader CryptoLogic, Inc., one of the few gaming software companies certified to strict standards similar to land-based gaming.

Built for Extreme Expectations -- Club Car Introduces All-New 4x4 Utility Vehicles

 -- Club Car has combined safety and comfort with power and agility to create the XRT1550 series utility vehicles that will please outdoor enthusiasts as well as those with demanding outdoor chores. The XRT1550 series features rugged, automotive-inspired styling, which complements the vehicles' powerful engines, true all-wheel-drive capability and spacious seating.

Automotive Styling

With its stylized grill, rounded hood and heavy-duty side panels, this series of utility vehicles is in a class by itself. The XRT1550's body was designed by specialists in the automotive industry, and the result is an exciting departure from traditional design standards.

Exclusive Features for Safety, Strength, Versatility

Great looks are just the beginning. The XRT1550 series features the exclusive IntelliTrak technology with the industry's only fully automatic, All-Wheel-Drive system. By continually sensing driving conditions, IntelliTrak automatically engages and disengages All-Wheel-Drive without requiring the driver to stop, shift gears, push buttons or lock differentials.

In addition, the XRT1550 series offers more feature options than any other utility vehicle. With choices of bench or bucket seats, standard or heavy duty suspension, mud or all terrain tires, Honda gas or Kubota diesel engines, the XRT was designed with the individual in mind. For superior riding comfort, the XRT1550 series offers a 2-seater vehicle and a 4-seater vehicle. Each seat is equipped with a retractable seat belt, and the entire passenger area is protected by Club Car's standard certifies Roll Over Protective Structure.

The XRT1550 series offers two engine options - a 20 hp, 614 cc Honda V Twin gas engine or 20 hp, 719 cc Kubota diesel engine. Both offer superior strength and deliver maximum durability to handle any job, from transporting hunters with gear through mountainous terrain to hauling riders and equipment across the farm.

Designed for maximum strength and long life, XRT1550 features a rust- proof, aircraft-grade frame and a total payload capacity of more than 3/4 ton. What's more, the fully independent front suspension, swing arm rear suspension, and automotive-style four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes contribute to the vehicle's overall durability.

  Additional features of the XRT1550 include:    -- 800 - 1,050 lbs. bed load capacity, based upon standard or heavy-duty       suspension    -- Roomy cargo box (48" x 49.8" x 10.9")    -- Adjustable tilt steering column    -- 25" Mud tires (all terrain tires also available)    -- 12" floor-to-ground clearance    -- The industry's best warranty (limited two-year, 2,000 hour coverage)  

The MSRP on the XRT1550 is $9,400 for the gas engine and $10,750 for the diesel engine. The XRT1550 SE (gas) is $11,850 and $13,000 (diesel). For more information on the XRT1550 series or to find a local dealer, visit http://www.clubcar.com/ .

About Club Car

Club Car ( http://www.clubcar.com/ ) manufactures a wide range of electric- and gasoline-powered vehicles for the golf, utility, transportation, private owner and rough terrain markets. Based in Augusta, Ga., Club Car is part of the Compact Vehicle Technologies Sector of Ingersoll Rand, a leading diversified industrial company providing products, services and integrated solutions to industries ranging from transportation and manufacturing to food retailing, construction, and agriculture. With a 100-year-old heritage of technological innovation, Ingersoll Rand helps companies worldwide to be more productive, efficient and innovative. For more information, please visit http://www.ingersollrand.com/ .

Acura TL Becomes First U.S. Model Exported to China by Japanese Luxury Nameplate

Number One Acura Seller Goes On-sale in September

Acura took a major step forward in its global plans with the export of the first U.S.-made Acura vehicle to China, the company announced today.

Scheduled to go on-sale beginning in September at newly constructed Acura dealerships in key metropolitan areas of China, the first shipment of TL performance luxury sedans was off-loaded at the port of Shanghai earlier this week. Designed, developed and assembled in the United States, the sporty TL is the number one selling Acura model in the U.S., and will be sold alongside the top-of-the-line RL luxury sedan.

"We are excited about Acura's expansion to China this year and look forward to launching the brand in Japan in 2008," said John Mendel, senior vice president automobile operations. "China is one of the fastest growing markets in the world and we are confident that Acura will be at the forefront of China's luxury automobile market."

Sales of three thousand Acura vehicles are projected during the first twelve months of operation.

The Acura TL is assembled exclusively in the United States in Marysville, Ohio and is also exported to Canada and Mexico.

About Acura in the United States:

Acura celebrated its 20th anniversary in the United States on March 27, 2006 and offers a full line of technologically advanced luxury performance vehicles through a nationwide network of more than 260 dealers throughout the United States. The 2007 Acura lineup features five distinctive models, the RL luxury sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbo-charged RDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the award-winning MDX luxury SUV. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com.

Source: Acura

Ford Motor Company, Ford Global Technologies, LLC and UGS Establish Commercial Innovation and Software Marketing Alliance to Jointly Develop New Commercial Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Technology

Ford Motor Company and Ford Global Technologies, LLC Select UGS to Be the First PLM Commercial Software Company to Work With Ford's Innovation Acceleration Center

UGS Corp., a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, Ford Motor Company and Ford Global Technologies, LLC (FGT), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford that manages all intellectual property and technology commercialization matters for Ford Motor Company, today announced an alliance which will focus on accelerating the delivery of PLM commercial products that enable innovation within the vehicle development process. The new PLM solutions will help Ford and other UGS customers to be more innovative. UGS is the first PLM commercial software company to work with the Ford Innovation Acceleration Center.

Through the Ford Innovation Acceleration Center, based in Dearborn, Mich., Ford, and FGT work to reduce cycle time and bring better vehicles to market faster. The alliance between UGS, Ford, and FGT further demonstrates UGS' commitment to work with customers to bring innovative customer-focused automotive PLM solutions to market more quickly on a global basis.

This alliance in itself is innovative, allowing Ford and FGT to collaborate with UGS to provide early input to the development of new PLM solutions and to gain immediate access to the new technology, while UGS is able to more quickly bring new commercial PLM software to market. Each party will bring valuable technology know-how and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to working together to create and market new commercial technologies.

"The fact that Ford, one of the most innovative companies in the world, and FGT have selected UGS to be the first PLM software provider to work in the Ford Innovation Acceleration Center shows the trust and confidence Ford has in the hard work and excellent results of the Ford-UGS team," said Tony Hemmelgarn, executive vice president, Global Ford Account, UGS. "UGS shares Ford's deep-rooted commitment to innovation and therefore is the perfect choice to be the first PLM technology provider to work with Ford and FGT in the Ford Innovation Acceleration Center."

UGS has been a key PLM supplier to Ford since 1996, and currently provides PLM solutions to Ford's Product Development, Powertrain Systems, Powertrain Operations, Vehicle Manufacturing Operations and Customer Service Units for all Ford(R) vehicle brands. NX(TM) software, UGS' comprehensive digital product development solution; Teamcenter(R) software, UGS' digital lifecycle management solution; and Tecnomatix(TM) software, UGS' digital manufacturing solution, are all currently deployed within Ford's extended global enterprise.

Last month, Ford Motor Company honored UGS with the Ford Q1 Certification. Ford Q1 Certification designates UGS as a preferred supplier of engineering software products and support, and recognizes the company for achieving excellence in four critical areas: capable systems, continuous improvement, ongoing performance and customer satisfaction. The Q1 certification is the highest commendation Ford gives to its suppliers.

About Ford

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

About Ford Global Technologies, LLC

Ford Global Technologies, LLC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company based in Dearborn, Mich., that manages all intellectual property and technology commercialization matters for Ford Motor Company. FGT has offices globally and supports all Ford brands and automotive services worldwide. For more information on FGT and technology available for licensing, visit http://www.fordbetterideas.com/ .

About UGS

UGS is a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services with nearly 4 million licensed seats and 46,000 customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, UGS' vision is to enable a world where organizations and their partners collaborate through global innovation networks to deliver world-class products and services while leveraging UGS' open enterprise solutions, fulfilling the mission of enabling them to transform their process of innovation. For more information on UGS products and services, visit http://www.ugs.com/ .

Note: UGS, Transforming the process of innovation, Tecnomatix, Teamcenter and NX are trademarks or registered trademarks of UGS Corp. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. FORD is a trademark or registered trademark of Ford Motor Company Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. All other trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks belong to their respective holders.

The statements in this news release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding the expected benefits of the announced alliance, the successfulness of the technology developed and other statements identified by forward looking terms such as "may," "will," "expect," "plan," "anticipate" or "project," are forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, including, among others, risks relating to loss or downsizing of customers, competition, international operations and exchange rate fluctuations, changes in pricing models, and intellectual property. UGS has included a discussion of these and other pertinent risk factors in its annual report on Form 10-K most recently filed with the SEC. UGS disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Test Drive the New '07 Hyundai Santa Fe; Spin Wheels in the F-150 Roush Stage 3; Learn About Ethanol, Hydrogen, Hybrids and Other New 'Green Machines'; Catch Spy Shots of the Next Nissan Sentra SE-R; and Learn About VW's Niche Strategy on TheCarConnection.com

 Not all that long ago, Korea was a synonym for "cheap and cheesy," but the first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe started people thinking twice. Now there's a new, 2007 model heading to dealer showrooms and TheCarConnection.com (http://www.thecarconnection.com/ ) has the first review. See if the new crossover/SUV will keep Hyundai's momentum going in this week's issue.

Want the ultimate performance truck? You may want to check out the Ford F-150 Roush Stage 3. Don't miss the review on TheCarConnection.com.

Other reviews this week include the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche, all-new Jeep Compass, and a preview of the 2007 BMW 335i Coupe.

Then get a sneak peek at the 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R to see if it's fast and furious enough to take on the competition.

Visit the British Motor Show for a look at some very hot new cars, including several ready to make the jump to this side of the Atlantic.

Interested in ethanol? Looking to cut your fuel bills with a hybrid? Don't make a move until you check out TheCarConnection.com's complete guide to Green Machines. It's everything you need to know about high-mileage, low- emission cars, trucks and crossovers.

Ready for a remake, Volkswagen has a grand strategy coming that includes some exciting new niche products, including the all-new EOS hardtop convertible. Get the inside story on TheCarConnection.com.

In business news, find out about the latest setback for Ford Motor Co.

Then see why, despite all the talk about a grand GM/Nissan/Renault deal, automakers remain wary about alliances.

Let TheCarConnection's OnSite Mechanic address all your repair problems.

And don't forget to enter the Third Speeders' Excuses Contest. Let us know the best line that ever got you out of a ticket. There are some great prizes for the best excuses.

Posted by monte at 06:24 PM | Permalink

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IMAX's 2007 Film Slate Gets Boost With One of the Year's Most Anticipated Motion Picture Events

-- IMAX Corporation and Sony Pictures Entertainment today announced that Columbia Pictures' highly-anticipated new action adventure Spider-Man(R) 3 will be simultaneously released at theatres throughout the world and at IMAX(R) theatres on May 4, 2007. The third installment of the phenomenally successful Spider-Man(R) franchise will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R).

Spider Man(R) 3 will be directed by Sam Raimi, who also directed the first two blockbuster installments of the Marvel Comics superhero, Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2, which reunites the cast led by Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and James Franco. To date, the Spider-Man series has surpassed $1.6 billion in worldwide box office receipts.

"The simultaneous IMAX release of Spider-Man 3 allows us to celebrate one of the most anticipated motion picture events of the year in an exciting event format," said Rory Bruer, President, Domestic Distribution, Sony Pictures Releasing. "Spider-Man 3: The IMAX Experience will give fans of Spider-Man an opportunity to experience the next exhilarating installment of the series in an unforgettably unique and immersive way."

"Spider-Man is one of the world's most popular motion picture franchises, and we are thrilled to include the latest chapter as part of our 2007 lineup," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "Moviegoers loved Spider-Man 2 in IMAX theatres, and with a larger theatre network for Spider-Man 3 - we estimate that well over 100 IMAX theatres in North America will exhibit the film vs. 63 for Spider-Man 2 - we will be able to garner an even wider audience, significantly increasing the earning potential for the IMAX release. We are confident that the success of our remaining 2006 slate combined with the early announcements for 2007 will continue to drive exhibitor interest in the IMAX theatre business."

"We are delighted to team up with our friends at Columbia Pictures to bring this beloved superhero back to IMAX theatres," said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "Our 2007 film slate is taking shape earlier than any previous year, and we believe this clearly highlights the increasing value studios see in the IMAX theatre network as it continues to grow worldwide. Spider-Man is ideally suited to the immersive power of The IMAX Experience, and we look forward to next May when moviegoers will be able to continue the journey with the next chapter of the Spider-Man story."

Spider-Man 3 marks the third motion picture agreement between Sony Pictures Entertainment and IMAX. The studio previously released Spider-Man(R) 2 to IMAX theatres in 2004 and is scheduled to release Open Season, the first feature from Sony Pictures Animation, in IMAX(R)3D on Spetember 29, 2006.

A complex web of secrets, vengeance, love and forgiveness, Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man(R) 3 is a riveting adventure that will transport worldwide audiences to thrilling new heights on May 4, 2007.

In Spider-Man(R) 3, based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. As Spider-Man basks in the public's adulation for his accomplishments and he is pursued by Gwen Stacy (Bryce Dallas Howard), who rivals M.J. for his affections, Peter becomes overconfident and starts to neglect the people who care about him most. His newfound self-assuredness is jeopardized when he faces the battle of his life against two of the most feared villains ever (Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace), whose unparalleled power and thirst for retribution threaten Peter and everyone he loves.

Spider-Man(R) 3 reunites cast and filmmakers from the first two blockbuster adventures including Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Rosemary Harris and J.K. Simmons, under the leadership of director Sam Raimi and producers Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad and Grant Curtis. Joining the ensemble cast are Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, James Cromwell and Theresa Russell.

Columbia Pictures Presents A Marvel Studios/Laura Ziskin Production Spider-Man(R) 3 starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons and James Cromwell. The film is directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2). The screenplay is by two-time Oscar(R) winner Alvin Sargent (Ordinary People, Spider-Man 2) and the screen story by Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi and based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The producers are Laura Ziskin (Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2), Avi Arad (Spider-Man, X-Men) and Grant Curtis (Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2). The executive producers are Joseph M. Caracciolo (Spider-Man 2 and Charlie's Angels(R)) Kevin Feige (Spider-Man 2, X Men 2) and Stan Lee.

  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 technology. IMAX DMR(R) (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), The IMAX Experience(R) and An IMAX 3D Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com.

  About Sony Pictures Entertainment   ---------------------------------  

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/.

  About Columbia Pictures   -----------------------  

Columbia Pictures, part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.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

Posted by monte at 06:10 PM | Permalink

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Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

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

Content is King

Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne

To come here you have to be able to read.

Monte says to ability to read is the most powerful weapon in the world

MBN®

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

sales@montebubbles.net

Banner ads and other advertisements can now be purchased thru eBay: Item number: 220003013686

Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.

First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX and NBC and now there is MBN ® Now associate with Mounte Broadcasting Network

( MBN unofficially the sixth largest supplier

of NEWS by and American company

averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

MBN® is proud to announce Dear Monte: talktomontebubbles@montebubbles.net

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

More exciting changes coming each day.

Rolling Stones European Tour Kicks Off 'Listen Live Now!'

African TV Network Premieres With 'Freedom Inside The Walls' July 31 in Baltimore, MD Market

Beaulieu Vineyard(R) Featured Wine for 3rd Consecutive Year at the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy(R) Awards

________________________________________________________

Rolling Stones European Tour Kicks Off 'Listen Live Now!'

New Technology Allows Fans to Listen to Their Favorite Acts Live in Concert Via Phone

The Rolling Stones are giving fans around the globe exclusive access to their remaining European concerts by being the first act or artist to utilize a new technology called Listen Live Now!. With the desire to give all their fans an opportunity to experience each show, the band's 'A Bigger Bang' tour will become the first live concerts to be fee-cast over any and all telephone lines. Listen Live Now! is a Los Angeles-based company formed to expand the experience of live performance beyond the immediate venue, offering a when-you-absolutely-have-to-be-there opportunity for fans craving participation in the live events of their favorite acts.

The live fee-cast will begin Friday, July 28 at the Rolling Stones' Paris show and continue through the band's Sept. 3 concert in Horsens, Denmark. Fans can tune in from any phone (mobile or land line) and listen live for a fee of $1.99 USD per seven-minute feed direct from the soundboard. Under existing proprietary technology, up to one million fans will be able to listen in on selected concerts.

As Listen Live Now! events are scheduled, customers accessing the service's website will be provided with options of artists, venues and times to which they may dial a number initiating a seven minute feed of an event of choice. Opportunity to access concerts and instructions as to how to access specific concerts can be obtained on the internet at www.listenlivenow.com. Fans can experience a free demo of the revolutionary new music experience by dialing (800) 741-3693. Cingular cell phone users are able to dial #106 to access Listen Live Now! options. Fans can also purchase access to concerts by calling in the U.S. 1-877-784-2777, outside the U.S. 1-760-438-0100, from 8AM to 5PM daily PDT.

Listen Live Now! currently has over 30 venues under contract and is in negotiation with other venues and major artists throughout the world. By visiting the website (WWW.LISTENLIVENOW.COM) fans can indicate which acts they wish to hear on Listen Live Now! and to designate desired concerts as well.

African TV Network Premieres With 'Freedom Inside The Walls' July 31 in Baltimore, MD Market

African TV Network will debut in the Baltimore, MD television market July 31 with a broadcast of the popular African documentary "Freedom Inside The Walls."

This original broadcast will be seen on cable Channel 82 in Baltimore County on Monday and Saturday at 7pm, also on Baltimore City cable channel 79 Monday and Saturday at 7pm, and on Washington, DC cable channel 77 at 5pm on Monday and Saturday.

"Freedom Inside The Walls" was shot in the African nations of Benin, Kenya and Malawi. The documentary provides disturbing footage of prison conditions in these countries, conditions which are common to many other prisons in Africa. More than one million people are in prison in Africa.

"The program highlights the challenges poor people encounter while trying to get justice under their legal systems," Clement Afforo, founder of the African TV Network, said.

African TV Network plans to bring a wide variety of television programming produced in Africa to America's east coast. "We feel Africa suffers here from an extreme lack of accurate media coverage. Most Americans have a negative view of Africa, but that's mostly because they know very little about the continent's peoples and cultures. When we bring Africa's popular television programs to the U.S., people discover a much more accurate picture of this dynamic, exciting, and important region of the world," Afforo said.

Currently the network has scheduled a variety of comedies and soaps along with news, sports, and public affairs coverage. All programming originates from Africa.

The core audience for programs on the African TV Network are the growing communities of African immigrants living in the United States. Large audiences of African-Americans and Caribbean communities have also shown intense interest.

Advertising availabilities for upcoming shows can be viewed and reserved by contacting the network through their site at http://www.africantvnetwork.com/. "You'll find our spot rates are very affordable and packed with value. We do this so local businesses can easily afford to reach our important new audiences," Afforo said.

Beaulieu Vineyard(R) Featured Wine for 3rd Consecutive Year at the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy(R) Awards

Georges de Latour Private Reserve First Toast of Emmy Winners

 Beaulieu Vineyard, a leader in Napa Valley with over 100 years of excellence in winemaking, will once again be the featured wine of the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy(R) Awards Governors Ball, to be held on August 27, 2006 at the Shrine Auditorium, immediately following the Emmy telecast. This is the third consecutive year that BV wines will be poured at this event, as well as the Creative Arts Awards, which will be held at the Shrine one-week prior, on August 20, 2006.

To celebrate the occasion on August 27, Beaulieu Vineyard will pour the signature Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet, the first private reserve Cabernet produced and a benchmark in California winemaking since the first vintage in 1936. Named for the winery founder, Georges de Latour Private Reserve was recently hailed as "the best wine made in America" by renowned food and wine writer, John Mariani. Limited in production, with a suggested retail price of $100 per bottle, this is the first time that "Georges" has been poured at the Emmys.

"Once again, this is a tremendous honor for Beaulieu Vineyard," said Jeffrey Stambor, Senior Winemaker. "We pride ourselves on making some of the best wines in America. Georges de Latour Private Reserve has been poured for presidents and princes and now we're delighted to toast the best talent in America with this wine."

The 2004 Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Chardonnay will join the 2002 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon at the table and will be paired with Master Chef Joachim Splichal's impressive menu for the Governors Ball, the official celebration of the 58th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Beaulieu Vineyard, established in 1900, is a benchmark Napa Valley winery with a tradition of quality and innovation. Founded by French immigrant, Georges de Latour, BV set early standards for excellence in premium winemaking that subsequent generations of vintners continue to maintain. BV holds a unique place in the history of California wineries and is one of the most collected American Cabernets. For more information about Beaulieu Vineyard, visit www.bvwines.com .

Beaulieu Vineyard wines are produced by Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, which is part of Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks business. DC&E also produces and markets Sterling Vineyards, the wines of the Chalone Wine Group, Sterling Vintner's Collection, Solaris, Blossom Hill and The Monterey Vineyard, as well as the French wines of Barton & Guestier. DC&E is also a leading importer of classified Bordeaux in the U.S. and F.E. Trimbach wines from Alsace. A collection of burgundy estate-bottled wines and several other fine European wines complement the selection. Diageo's broader business includes: Smirnoff Vodkas and flavored malt beverages, Guinness, Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur, Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey and Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, as well as many other of the world's leading premium drinks brands.

Source: Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines

Lights, Camera, Anaheim!

Life@50+ AARP's National Event & Expo October 26-28, 2006

 AARP will bring its annual Life@50+ AARP's National Event & Expo to Anaheim, October 26-28, 2006. This national event for AARP members, friends and their families will have something for everyone with three unforgettable days and nights filled with non-stop activity, fun, and excitement at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Over 25,000 AARP members from all over the United States are expected to flock to the popular destination to participate in this unique expo and entertainment weekend to experience top-notch entertainment, interactive exhibits; and lifestyle, education and feature sessions with noted experts and celebrities. This national event will feature politicians, entertainers, exhibits, lectures, and health and fitness activities. Come to hear: widely acknowledged as today's preeminent NFL studio personality, Terry Bradshaw, award winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, legendary evening news anchor Dan Rather, famed movie star Raquel Welch, musician, actress, and entrepreneur Queen Latifah speaking with one of the greatest voices of contemporary literature, Maya Angelou, and many more. Take in concerts featuring headline entertainers Elton John, Bill Cosby, and Jose Feliciano.

Daily highlights will include AARP University, lifestyle and feature sessions presenting dozens of celebrities and experts who will offer insights, entertainment and expertise on everything from TV sports to finding love after 50; a celebration of movies for grownups; and morning fitness sessions with Tae Bo guru Billy Blanks and fitness celebrity Denise Austin.

There will also be an extensive interactive exhibition floor with over 350 exhibiting companies featuring new and future technologies, travel and leisure destinations, and a host of other products and services -- all under one roof! There will be music, fitness, and fun for all.

Thursday, October 26

AARP will open the festivities with Dan Rather captivating everyone with his authority, experience, and perspective that he offers on world events. Also featured will be a welcome from the Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The doors will open with more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit space with something for everyone. Lifestyle sessions will begin with comedian Carl Reiner kicking off AARP Celebrates Movies for Grownups sessions; Finding Love after 50 with Orange County Register columnist Tom Blake; and Daniel Luce, Corporate Manager of Pharmacy Affairs with the Walgreen Company will discuss Getting the Most Out of Your Relationship with Your Local Pharmacist. The afternoon feature session will take place with admired actress Raquel Welch. Opening day will end with a "Welcome to Southern California" party featuring the music of Papa Doo Run Run. Evening entertainment will introduce AARP Studio 50+ Nightclubs featuring three distinctive locations, sounds, and bands including Splash, Motor City Magic, and Latin Fusion.

Friday, October 27

The day will begin with morning fitness featuring Billy Blanks, creator of his martial arts/aerobics hybrid, Tae Bo. The exhibit hall will open at 9:00 a.m. and the first feature session will be with famed news anchor and reporter Connie Chung. Lifestyle sessions will include Comedy, Cubicles and Corporate Life with Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert; Friendships Keep you Young with Keith Ferazzi, known as one of the world's most "connected" individuals by Forbes is CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight, a consulting and training company; a lifestyle session by Billy Blanks; Sonia Manzono, a first-generation American of Latin descent joined Sesame Street in the 1970's as "Maria", will share her insights on Taking Care of Our Parents; B. Smith, former fashion model, turned restaurateur, television host, author, entrepreneur and entertainer will reveal her Recipe for Success; and Dr. Reed Tuckson will deliver remarks on How to be an Effective and Savvy Health Consumer: Making the Right Decisions to Meet "Your" Individual Needs. The afternoon feature session will feature widely acknowledged NFL personality, Terry Bradshaw on Why Not Your Best? The evening will end with entertainment from comedian Bill Cosby and special guest Jose Feliciano.

Saturday, October 28

Begin the day with fitness guru Denise Austin and plan to attend the closing show featuring Dr. Maya Angelou, one of the great voices of contemporary literature and a remarkable Renaissance woman, joined by Queen Latifah, entertainment conglomerate -- musician; television and film actress; talk show host; a label president; an artists' manager; an author and entrepreneur, as they share Women Who Were Inspirational in Our Lives. Lifestyle sessions will continue with Rosemary Gibson, healthcare expert and author discussing Playing it Safe: 10 Tips for Healthy Visits to the Doctor and Hospital; and Craig Wilson, USA Today feature writer, presenting The Trials and Tribulations of Writing a Newspaper Column: Are they Laughing in Nebraska? AARP's fourth 2011 council will be led by famed and award winning documentary director Ken Burns. The Council, launched in 2002 will remain in existence through 2011 and is a unique blend of political, academic, social and cultural expertise of diverse individuals who are now or have previously placed their imprint upon the American fabric and the baby boomer generation.

Additional lifestyle sessions will close out the day with Professor Akbar Ahmed, American University in Washington DC, "the world's leading authority on contemporary Islam" according to the BBC, and ordained rabbi, author and speaker, Dr. Hillel Levine leading a session Interfaith Dialogue: Building Bridges Between Islam and Judaism; and Kevin Panetta, from Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau will be joined by music historian and radio personality from Boston's WGBH, Ron Della Chiesa to share insights about Boston, 2007 site for Life@50+ AARP's National Event & Expo. The day will close with Ruby Dee, long-time star of the stage and screen, speaking on The Advocacy of Life. Ending the three days will be a spectacular concert by Elton John -- one of the top-selling solo artists of all time with over 200 million records sold worldwide.

ALL THREE DAYS

Each day throughout the three-day event, attendees can attend the AARP University, the center of education where members and guests can benefit from informational and interactive programs, and will enhance their knowledge on the hottest AARP research, issues, and programs related to people 50+. The faculty is composed of AARP experts and leading authority speakers from profit, nonprofit and government sectors. The campus is located at the Anaheim Convention Center, the Anaheim Marriott, and the Hilton Anaheim. AARP University Workshops are a new addition to AARP University. The AARP University Workshops are small interactive discussions and specialized hands-on programs focused on special subjects, issues, needs, trends, or skills relevant to the professional or personal needs of people 50+.

Additionally, the exhibit hall will be open daily and will showcase health and fitness, personal finance, advocacy, travel and entertainment and community service. Back by popular demand for the third year, AARP will show feature length films, as well as some shorts, from independent and foreign film makers throughout the three-day event at the film festival better known as AARP Celebrates Movies for Grownups.

Life@50+ AARP's National Event & Expo will be open to members, friends and family. Members and non-members can register by fax or mail or on-line through www.aarp.org/events or call the toll free number, 800-883-2784 and for international callers, 972-349-7613. Special rates are available for exhibit, program and entertainment packages starting at $15 for members and $27.50 for non-members for the daytime program. Preferred seating for both the Bill Cosby with Jose Feliciano concert on Friday, October 27th and for the Elton John concert on October 28th have sold out. Still available are $25 reserved seating concert packages for one evening or $50 for reserved seating for both evenings. Additionally, attendees can sign up for several optional tours exclusively run for Life@50+ attendees to experience Anaheim. These include Disneyland, Glitz & Glam Hollywood Tour, Seaside Shopping, Newport by Bike, Richard Nixon Library, Historic LA and Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hollywood Behind the Scenes, Crystal Cathedral, and more.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, www.aarp.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Source: AARP 

BET Foundation Returns to St. Louis for Women's Health Forum on August 5 at the Missouri Black Expo

Featured Activities Include Jeanette Jenkins & Charley Johnson Fitness Session; Panel of Health Experts & Advocates; and Free Health Screenings for Forum Attendees

 BET Networks' non-profit entity, the BET Foundation returns to St. Louis to host its highly anticipated event, "A Healthy BET: Women's Health Forum: A Conversation About Our Health" on Saturday, August 5 from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Central Time at the America's Center. BET joins a list of exciting event sponsors including General Mills and Honey Nut Cheerios, AstraZeneca, Missouri Foundation for Health, Majic 104.9, 100.3 The Beat and Gospel 1600 KATZ.

The event will focus on addressing the various health issues and disparities that specifically impact African-American women; and provide a unique platform with vital health information and activities to motivate attendees to adopt healthy lifestyles. Through the Women's Health Forum, the BET Foundation seeks to encourage the African-American community in St. Louis to take control of their health by empowering them with the key resources necessary to instill positive change.

The one-day event coincides with the renowned local Missouri Black Expo and will include an early morning master workout session led by "A Healthy BET" spokesperson and fitness expert Jeanette Jenkins; a Honey Nut Cheerios Cereal-sponsored breakfast; specifically-tailored workshops; a Q&A panel discussion; free health screenings; and a special performance by national recording gospel artist Karen Clark-Sheard. The event is free and open to women of all ages. All interested individuals are required to register in advance through websites http://www.ahealthybet.com/ or http://www.missouriblackexpo.com/.

Here are more details and a complete schedule for the "A Healthy BET" Women's Health Forum:

  EVENT:       A Healthy BET: Women's Health Forum: A Conversation About                Our Health hosted by the BET Foundation, along with event                sponsors General Mills and Honey Nut Cheerios Cereal,                Missouri Foundation for Health, AstraZeneca, Majic 104.9,                100.3 The Beat and Gospel 1600 KATZ    DATE/TIME:   Saturday, August 5 at 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.    LOCATION:    America's Center; 701 Convention Plaza; St. Louis, MO; 63101    FORUM   SCHEDULE:    * 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Registration, Opening Program and                  morning refreshments                * 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: Master Fitness Class with Jeanette                  Jenkins and Charley Johnson                (*Events held in the America's Center Atrium - 2nd Level)                **1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Health Panel Discussion and Special                  Presentations                **10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Health Fair sponsored by BET                  Foundation                (**Inside the Missouri Black Expo, Main Stage - Entrance Fee                   Required)    ABOUT BET FOUNDATION 

The BET Foundation is a non-profit organization created to raise public awareness to the numerous health-related challenges within African-American communities. Established in 2003, the Foundation takes a pioneering step in addressing one of the leading behavioral-attributed health concerns among African-American women and families, obesity-related health concerns. Through specifically-tailored initiatives and targeted campaigns, the BET Foundation aims to insure that African Americans live longer and healthier lives. The initiatives of the BET Foundation include public service announcements (PSAs); targeted programming segments; seminars and health forums; health brochure materials; a dedicated toll-free hotline and website; and a nationwide Healthy BET Fitness Challenge contest to provide the tools and knowledge necessary for communities to develop long lasting healthy lifestyle habits. In 2005, the BET Foundation launched the Summer Camp for Girls aimed a providing girls ages 10-12 with a fun camp experience while learning how to live a healthier lifestyle. For more information, please visit http://www.ahealthybet.com/.

ABOUT GENERAL MILLS

General Mills, with annual net sales of $10.8 billion, is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer food products. Its global brand portfolio includes Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Haagen-Dazs, Old El Paso and more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands, more than 30 of which generate annual retail sales in excess of $100 million. General Mills is also a leading supplier of baking and other food products to foodservice and commercial baking industries.

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, with healthcare sales of $23.95 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory, oncology, and infection products. In the United States, AstraZeneca is a $10.77 billion healthcare business with more than 12,000 employees. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global) as well as the FTSE4Good Index.

ABOUT MISSOURI FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH

Established in 2000 through the for-profit conversion of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri, MFH is the largest non-governmental funder of community health activities in the state. MFH is in its fourth year of grantmaking, issuing more than $167 million in grants and awards to date. It is dedicated to serving the uninsured, underinsured and underserved in 84 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis.

Source: BET Networks

Fila USA Official Outfitter of the Music Lounge Suite During Lollapalooza 2006

Fila Vintage Hits the Music Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago Aug. 4-6

 Fila USA, in association with Hard Rock Hotel Chicago and title sponsor ck one, will be the exclusive apparel sponsor in the first-ever VIP retreat to Chicago during the Lollapalooza Festival, Aug. 4-6, 2006. The ck one Music Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel Chicago will serve as a "home base" for artists, media and celebrities, offering everything from daytime lounging to exclusive gifting to after-hours parties hosted by DJs and bands.

Media partners XM Satellite Radio and International Music Feed (IMF) will provide continuous on-site coverage from the music lounge. All media and artists attending Lollapalooza are invited to take advantage of this special facility for interviews, preparation (green room provided) and an escape from the summer heat.

The Fila Suite

Inside the Fila suite, VIP guests will be able to relax and recharge while experiencing Fila's Vintage and exclusive limited edition Settantatre Collections, an archive tribute to 1973 when the luxury Italian brand made its debut in sport. Currently only available to celebrities and artists, ck one Music Lounge guests will be among the first to receive Fila Vintage track jackets, pants and athletic shoes.

Late Night at the Music Lounge @ HRHC

Each evening of the festival, the Music Lounge will host exclusive VIP events at 10 p.m. in the Fender ballroom. Programming will be announced shortly, and updates will be posted daily at ckonemusiclounge.com

The lounge will be transformed to match ck one's rock 'n' roll minimalist aesthetic. Custom brand experiences will be created throughout the space, as well as special programming designed to capitalize on the artists who will be in Chicago for the festival.

Special guest DJs will spin records on turntables fueled by Fila. Lollapalooza artists will have the option to have transportation to and from the Music Lounge courtesy of Fila during the festival.

In 2005, Lollapalooza attracted 65,000 attendees over the course of two days. This year, the concert has expanded to three days and will take place on 69 acres of Chicago's Grant Park. More than 120 artists will perform, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kanye West, Common, Manu Chao, Wilco, Death Cab for Cutie, Panic! At the Disco and Matisyahu.

  ck one Music Lounge Overview    Dates:     Aug. 4-6, 2006    Venue:     Hard Rock Hotel Chicago              230 N. Michigan Avenue, two blocks east of Grant Park    Hours:     Daily from 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.    Access:    VIP/press only.    Sponsors:  ck one, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, China Grill, Fila,              International Music Feed, XM Satellite Radio, Red Bull, Xbox,              Kabala Cards, Alternative Clothing and Oasys Mobile.    About Hard Rock Hotel Chicago 

As Hard Rock's first urban property, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago opened on New Years Eve 2003. The hotel occupies the fully restored historic landmark 1929 Carbide and Carbon Building located near the center of downtown. Hard Rock Hotel Chicago has 379 guest rooms and also contains 15 meeting rooms with a total of 8,396 square feet of meeting space. Acclaimed restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorows China Grill serves up world cuisine in a luxurious multi-level dining experience. Hard Rock Hotel Chicago also boasts the new Rock Shop located on Michigan Avenue, which is a fashion hot spot for all movers, shakers and music fanatics. Hard Rock Hotel Chicago is one of 12 properties in the Hard Rock portfolio of four- and five-star hotels that offer guests the ultimate rock star experience -- luxurious style and substance with a unique rock n roll edge. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by The Rank Group Plc (RNK.L). For more information on Hard Rock, visit www.hardrock.com.

About Fila USA

Fila was conceived in 1911 in Biella, in the shadows of the Italian Alps. The brand made a dramatic debut as an elite performance brand in 1973. Over the years the brand has drawn attention from the elite likes of Bjorn Borg, Reinhold Messner, Alberto Tomba, and current U.S. Open Champion Kim Clijsters. Fila offers its distinctive luxury goods in eight categories, ranging from performance collections to sport couture.

Fila is a subsidiary of Sport Brands International (SBI), which creates, develops, produces and distributes athletic brands including Fila and the Jackson Hole, Wyoming-based Cloudveil. The Fila brand has its most vital market penetration in the Americas, Europe and Asia. SBI is a privately held entity with global operations in Milan, Italy; New York, New York; and Sparks, Maryland. Research and development facilities are additionally located in Montebelluna, Italy. To learn more about the brand, visit www.fila.com.

The ck one Music Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel Chicago is independently produced by the BMF Media Group and not affiliated with the Lollapalooza Festival.

www.ckonemusiclounge.com

Source: Fila USA

 WTMO Telemundo Orlando Hosts Second Annual Feria de la Familia

Telemundo Orlando is proud to invite the Hispanic Community of Central Florida to La Feria de la Familia, an annual event that focuses on the Latino family. This year's event will take place Saturday, July 29th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. La Feria de la Familia is a one-of-a-kind event for the Orlando area that attracted over 15,000 guests last year. This family-focused event offers information and resources, services, food, entertainment, and fun activities for the entire family.

Alfonso "Poncho" de Anda, of Telemundo's morning show Cada Dia con Maria Antonieta will share the stage as master of ceremonies with the news team of Telenoticias Puerto Rico, Jorge Rivera Nieves and Ivonne Solla. The Telenoticias Orlando news team and Giorgina Pinedo, anchor of Entre Nos, will also be onsite. Grammy-nominated salsa artist Michael Stuart, among others, will provide musical entertainment. Katherine Harris, Republican candidate for Senate also announced that she will be visiting this year's Feria.

Telemundo Orlando is proud to offer the community a first class event where every family member will find something fun, entertaining and diverse! Feria de la Familia will be hosted in over 60,000 square feet of exhibitors' space. The area is covered and air conditioned, making it the perfect place for families to gather during the hot summer days.

  Event:       FERIA DE LA FAMILIA   Date:        July 29, 2006 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)   Location:    Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee.                Hwy 192, Exit 244 - Florida Turnpike                Admission and parking FREE.  

WTMO Telemundo Orlando is owned by ZGS Communications, a Hispanic-owned broadcasting company headquartered in Arlington, Virginia that owns and operates the largest group of Telemundo affiliate television stations. WTMO prides itself on its commitment to service, local programming, community outreach, and the celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage. Telemundo, a U.S. Spanish-language television network, is the essential entertainment, news, and sports source for Hispanics. Broadcasting unique national and local programming for the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, Telemundo reaches 93% of U.S. Hispanic households in 142 markets through its 16 owned- and-operated stations, 36 broadcast affiliates and nearly 684 cable affiliates.

Source: WTMO Telemundo Orlando

Starz Edge Gets Pumped for the X Games With the 'Excessive X Marathon'

Marathon on Aug. 2 Features the Extreme Sports Show 'Chilli Factor,' Movies 'Riding Giants,' 'Lords of Dogtown,' and More

Starz Edge takes it to the extreme in celebration of the arrival of the summer X Games in Los Angeles, Aug. 3 through the 6. The "Excessive X Marathon" will start Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 9 a.m. (ET/PT) with a day-long marathon of the extreme sports show "Chilli Factor" leading up to a night of extreme movies.

The "Excessive X Marathon" begins at 9 a.m. (ET/PT) on Starz Edge and includes the following programs (all times are ET/PT):

  - 9 a.m. -- 8:30 p.m. -- "Chilli Factor" -- Twenty-three episodes of the     extreme magazine series brings cutting-edge youth culture right to your     doorstep.  This show takes you into the lives of top skaters,     snowboarders, surfers, bmx'ers and motocrossers and gives you a look at     the exciting culture of extreme sports.    - 9 p.m. -- "Riding Giants" -- This over-the-edge documentary details the     origins and history of surf culture.  The story follows the men who     pioneered surfing and whose lives were dedicated to "riding the giants,"     which are dangerous waves of sixty feet or more.    - 10:45 p.m. -- "Lords of Dogtown" -- The true story of the birth of the     modern skateboarding culture, as a group of Southern Cal teens in the     1970s perfect their outrageous moves on the sidewalks and empty swimming     pools of Los Angeles.  The film's cast includes Heath Ledger, John     Robinson, Emile Hirsch, William Mapother and Rebecca De Mornay.    - 12:35 a.m. -- "Warren Miller's Impact" -- True to his reputation, Warren     Miller delivers the adrenaline in this extreme sports documentary.     Watch as skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes in varied locales such     as Snowmass, Colorado and Davos, Switzerland.  The action and     entertainment never stops in Warren Miller's library of extreme sports     films.    Starz Edge defies expectation.  Flicks and picks for the new generation.    About Starz Entertainment Group 

Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) is a premium movie service provider operating in the United States. SEG offers 16 movie channels including the flagship Starz(R) and Encore(R) brands with approximately 14.6 million and 26.4 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment Group airs more than 1,000 movies per month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced services including Starz HDTV, Starz On Demand and Vongo(SM). Starz Entertainment Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation that is attributed to Liberty Capital Group, www.starz.com

Kenneth Feld, Chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment Receives International Circus Industry's Top Honor

Owner and Producer of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R) Inducted into the International Circus Hall of Fame

 On Saturday, July 22, 2006, Kenneth Feld, Chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment, Inc. and owner/producer of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey was inducted into the International Circus Hall of Fame in Peru, Indiana. Feld became the Hall of Fame's newest circus inductee when he was presented with the honor at the Annual Circus Greats Awards Dinner and Induction Ceremony appropriately held inside a circus big top at the Peru museum (former home to the American Circus Corporation).

"It's an honor to be inducted into the International Circus Hall of Fame and join my father and so many others who have contributed to making Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey truly The Greatest Show On Earth," said Kenneth Feld. "This honor reaffirms the responsibility I have, along with my daughters, to maintain the high quality, family-focused productions which continue to define Ringling Bros."

Feld was among nine nominees who were considered and voted upon this past spring by the Hall of Fame's Circus Greats Review Council and Induction Board. Feld was subsequently elected to the owners/management/administrative category of circus greats.

Kenneth Feld's induction comes nearly twenty years after his late father, Irvin, was inducted into the International Circus Hall of Fame (1987). With Kenneth Feld's induction, the number of individuals, families and troupes honored in the Hall of Fame now reaches an elite 163. Other circus greats enshrined in the Hall of Fame include aerialist Lillian Leitzel, animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams, clowns Emmett Kelley and Lou Jacobs, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey founder and great, P.T. Barnum.

"We are very pleased to induct Kenneth Feld into the Circus Hall of Fame. The Feld family has had a major impact on the American circus," said Thomas Dunwoody, executive director of the International Circus Hall of Fame.

Kenneth Feld, 57, is chairman and chief executive officer of Feld Entertainment, Inc., a global enterprise whose productions have appeared in 50 countries on six continents and are viewed by approximately 25 million people each year. Considered the world's largest live entertainment company, Feld Entertainment's productions include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus and its three touring circus units; Disney On Ice; Disney Live!; and launching in Fall 2006, Doodlebops Live! The company also owns and operates Hagenbeck-Wallace, a scenic design shop in Palmetto, FL which designs and builds sets for all Feld Entertainment productions; a train operations center that maintains the two mile-long Ringling Bros.(R) circus trains; and Feld Consumer Products which develops and markets concessions products.

Kenneth Feld of Potomac, MD, was a sophomore at Boston University when his father, entertainment impresario Irvin Feld, purchased Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R) from John Ringling North and celebrated that event by staging a signing ceremony at the ancient Roman Colosseum in Rome, Italy. After earning a business management degree in 1970, Kenneth Feld began what he called his "graduate education" by working alongside his father to learn, first-hand, all facets of Ringling Bros., as well as the live entertainment industry.

Highlights of the Felds' innovations included creating second and third touring units of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, modernizing the creative and business practices of the circus, and launching Disney On Ice in 1981 and Disney Live! in 2004. In 1999, Kenneth also introduced American audiences to Barnum's Kaleidoscape, the first Ringling Bros. production under a canvas big top since 1956.

Kenneth Feld's expertise and forward thinking also led to the formation of the Las Vegas extravaganza featuring master illusionists Siegfried & Roy at the Mirage Hotel, where the production ran until 2004. Siegfried and Roy's show revolutionized the live entertainment industry in Las Vegas due to its high quality spectacle and instant public and media rave reviews -- paving the way for other big-budget Las Vegas productions.

After Irvin Feld's death in 1984, Kenneth became the corporation's chief executive officer and producer of the company's expanding variety of live family spectaculars. Kenneth Feld has also produced Broadway shows, including Barnum, Big and Fool Moon, with the latter wining a special Tony Award(R) in 1999.

Feld's numerous circus credits have included introducing scores of "first time in America" artists and performing techniques from former Soviet Union republics, Mongolia and other one-time communist bloc nations; importing large and versatile Mainland Chinese acrobatic troupes to the United States; and showing North American audiences the constantly expanded animal training feats and varied presentation of late circus great and international superstar Gunther Gebel-Williams.

Feld's vision also goes beyond entertainment as evidenced by his unparalleled commitment to saving the endangered Asian elephant species. In 1995, Feld established the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation(R) (CEC). Located in central Florida, this 200-acre, $5-million, state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to the research, reproduction and retirement of the Asian elephant. Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation has the largest sustainable population of captive Asian elephants in the Western hemisphere. On April 6, 2006, Ringling Bros. welcomed Mable, the 20th elephant calf and rare second generation born into the Ringling Bros. breeding program. The Center has become a global focal point for the worldwide study of Asian elephant behavior and reproduction.

In addition to his commitment to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation, Feld has announced more than $300,000 in funding to the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoological Park supporting Asian elephant research projects and a partnership with the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas, allowing the Zoo to acquire -- through the company's companion elephant program -- a male Asian elephant from the Ringling Bros. CEC.

Kenneth and his wife, Bonnie, are the proud parents of three daughters, Nicole, Alana and Juliette. Since 2004 Feld has been allied with his daughter, Nicole, 28, in co-producing new editions of The Greatest Show On Earth(R) -- making Nicole the third generation of the Feld family to assume stewardship of Ringling Bros.

ABOUT FELD ENTERTAINMENT

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create unforgettable memories, with 25 million people in attendance at our shows annually. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in 50 countries and on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Disney On Ice(SM), and Disney Live! Recognizing the uncertain future facing the endangered Asian elephant, Feld Entertainment established the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation(R) (CEC) in 1995 -- a respected leader in the reproduction, research and retirement of the Asian elephant. For more information, visit http://www.feldentertainment.com/.

Forget Grand Theft Auto, Give me Space Invaders Any Day!

 The latest state of the art computer games are no match for simplistic old favourite Space Invaders, according to results of a new survey released by smile the Internet Bank on 20 July.

The survey of 2,000 computer buffs shows how early, uncomplicated console games like Space Invaders and Pacman leave the latest high-graphic best sellers such as Grand Theft Auto and Tomb Raider trailing.

Space Invaders remains the best game of all time for 8 out of 10 people (80%), while ghost-eating Pacman was the favourite of 1 in 10 (11%).

The survey of technology boffins was carried out by the internet bank smile, which has signed up as the first sponsor of GCap Media's Capital Radio podcasts, featuring broadcasts from the Johnny Vaughan breakfast show, Flirty at 9.30 and Richard Bacon.

Friendly furry animal Sonic the Hedgehog was voted the favourite of 4%, and Outrun was top gear for a further 2% of computer gaming enthusiasts.

Other favourites cited from a past generation of computer games include Donkey Kong (2%) and Super Mario Brothers (1%).

Space Invaders was originally released in 1978 and is ranked as one of the most influential video games ever created. Though simplistic by today's standards, it along with other contemporary games such as Pong and Manic Miner was one of the forerunners of modern video gaming.

David Newman, Director of Marketing at smile said: "I can remember the first time around when the arrival of rows and rows of blocky animated invaders from space captured the public's imagination along with my own. Retro gaming is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance with classic titles like Pac-Man and Asteroids appearing on mobile phones.

"There are so many technological advancements and gadgets these days, I personally could not live without my iPod. It enables me to listen to my podcasts whenever and wherever I like."

MTV Launches Biggest Ever Global Competition for the MTV Video Music Awards, 'Global MTV VMA'06 Video Diary Competition'

Competition Winners from Around the World to Film Their Own Video Diaries of Their VMA Experience for Broadcast on MTV's Broadband Services & Web Sites

MTV: Music Television today announced the launch of an unprecedented global competition for the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA), the hottest ticket of the summer honoring the best in music videos. Alongside the competitions running in the United States, MTV will broadcast internationally a "Global MTV VMA'06 Video Diary Competition" on-air and online starting July 26 across 25 MTV channels reaching 90 countries from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The competition will give 25 pairs of winners the ultimate experience at the 2006 VMAs, marking the biggest ever competition around the VMA franchise on a global scale. The 23rd annual awards show will take place on Thursday, August 31 at 8PM ET/PT from Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

MTV viewers worldwide can enter the competition through www.mtv.tv/vma by describing their ultimate New York experience and why they are the best fan to win this amazing opportunity. The competition winners and their guests will receive VIP tickets to the 2006 VMAs; roundtrip flights to New York City, courtesy of American Airlines; three night hotel accommodations at the Chelsea Savoy Hotel; an excursion at the new "Top of the Rock" observation deck at Rockefeller Center; dinner at Tony's DiNapoli Times Square Restaurant; a tour of The Museum of Modern Art; all on-the-ground transportation; and $300 spending money.

In addition, while in New York, all 25 pairs of winners will be charged with the task of filming their own video diaries of their VMA experience. The footage that they shoot (camera and microphone will be provided) will then be used on local MTV Web sites and broadband services so that viewers everywhere can check out the winners' video journal entries.

"It is great to be able to promote our network's flagship event through our many channels around the world," said Kathy Flynn, Senior Vice President, Production Events, MTV and VH1. "The MTV Video Music Awards is the world's biggest end of summer bash, and to run a competition of this caliber is the perfect way to invite our international fans to get in on the action."

"We are always looking for new ways to give our viewers a multi-screen experience," said Cristian Jofre, Senior Vice President, Creative and Marketing, MTV Networks International. "In this case, 25 lucky pairs of winners will receive VIP treatment at the VMAs. They'll be able to capture their experiences via video diary, and then share it with the rest of the world through our global network of Web sites and broadband services."

The "Global MTV VMA'06 Video Diary Competition" winners will be chosen from the following participating regions: Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, Serbia & Montenegro, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

For complete details and competition rules, log on to www.mtv.tv/vma.

For more information on the competition prizes, log on to American Airlines (www.aa.com), the Chelsea Savoy Hotel (www.chelseasavoy.com), Top of the Rock (www.topoftherocknyc.com), The Museum of Modern Art (www.moma.org), and Tony's DiNapoli Times Square Restaurant (www.tonysnyc.com).

The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.3 billion people via MTV's global network of 50 channels reaching 481.5 million households around the world as well as through syndication. Its convergent and original online programming will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV's 43 Web sites around the world.

The return of the VMAs to New York marks the 13th time that the star- studded music awards show will be held in the city and the 10th time at the Radio City Music Hall. Host, performers, nominees and presenters for the 2006 VMAs will be announced soon.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 129 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 122 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Source: MTV

Paramount Pictures' and Nickelodeon Movies' 'The Spiderwick Chronicles' to Begin Production in Montreal on September 12

Freddie Highmore and Sarah Bolger to Take Lead Roles

 Paramount Pictures will enter principal photography on "The Spiderwick Chronicles," a fantasy film based on the best-selling series of books, in Montreal on September 12. Mark Waters ("Mean Girls," "Freaky Friday") will direct the film, which will star Freddie Highmore and Sarah Bolger.

In the movie, when the three Grace children -- troubled Jared; his bookish twin, Simon; and their sister, Mallory, a fencing jock -- move to the ancient Spiderwick mansion, they are at first none-too-enchanted by the rundown Victorian ... until they discover a Brownie, an enchanted creature, living in the walls. They soon find a book -- "Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You" -- that will open their eyes to the invisible, odd, and sometimes dangerous world of goblins, boggarts, fairies, and sprites that is all around them. When they cross paths with the monstrous ogre Mulgarath, they realize quickly that he will stop at nothing to get his hands on the Field Guide.

Highmore will play both twins, Jared and Simon. Highmore received praise for his performances in "Finding Neverland" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and will soon appear in "A Good Year" for director Ridley Scott and take the lead role of "August Rush" for director Kirsten Sheridan.

Bolger will play Mallory. Bolger stunned audiences with her performance in the acclaimed drama "In America." She will next star in "Stormbreaker."

Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies present a Kennedy/Marshall and a Mark Canton production, "The Spiderwick Chronicles," directed by Mark Waters. The screenplay is by John Sayles, based on the books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. Credits are not yet final.

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is a global entertainment company that produces and distributes filmed entertainment through the Paramount Motion Picture Group which includes Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks SKG, Paramount Vantage, and Paramount Classics. PPC operations also include Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Digital Media Group, Paramount Studios and Worldwide Television Distribution 

The Walt Disney Company to Acquire Leading Indian Children's Channel, Hungama TV & Makes Strategic Investment in UTV Software Communications

 The Walt Disney Company today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Hungama TV, a leading Indian children's television channel, and take an equity interest in media company UTV Software Communications Limited, in each case subject to regulatory approval. Once final, the acquisition will continue to firmly establish The Walt Disney Company's strategic presence in a rapidly growing media market, where local content production is key.

''India is a long-term strategic priority for The Walt Disney Company. The acquisition of Hungama TV, and the investment in UTV will significantly advance our presence in India and allow us to develop a strategic relationship with one of the country's leading integrated media companies,'' said Andy Bird, President, Walt Disney International.

''Not only will we be acquiring a great channel asset, The Walt Disney Company will also be able to participate in UTV's diversified media businesses and bring to UTV our global media and synergy expertise, including developing and distributing high quality family friendly content in nearly 200 countries worldwide and expanding related franchises across film, television, music, merchandise, new media and live entertainment,'' added Mr. Bird.

''Television is and will continue to be the major growth engine in building franchise affinity in India. Integrating Hungama TV into The Walt Disney Company's existing India channel portfolio of Disney Channel, and Toon Disney/Jetix, will allow Disney to fortify its already strong presence in India's children's television market,'' said Rich Ross President, Disney Channel Worldwide.

''Disney's global portfolio of kids' channels seeks to strengthen connections with kids and families in India and each market we're in by developing local creative content that represents and reflects the lives of kids there,'' said Ross.

''Hungama TV has proven its appeal to Indian children and families with compelling entertainment choices and has in a brief period built a strong management team and staked out a leadership position in the competitive children's television environment,'' said Ronnie Screwvala, Chairman & CEO, UTV Software Communications Limited. ''We are also delighted that Disney has chosen to make a strategic investment in UTV which will augment our business in India and around the world,'' he added.

Zarina Mehta, currently Chief Operating Officer of Hungama TV, will work with the Disney team on the organizational and operational integration of Hungama TV into Disney's portfolio of kids' channels.

Launched in September 2004, Hungama is a 24-hour Hindi-language entertainment cable channel for children and is consistently one of the top-rated channels in India's children's market.

Disney currently reaches over 107 million television homes in India through a program block on the terrestrial network and Disney Channel and Toon Disney/Jetix reached approximately 30 million homes on cable and satellite in India and together rank number two in the market. Toon Disney is number one in South India.

UTV has a diversified set of businesses, which includes television and film production and distribution, animation production, and other services.

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) , together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with four business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment and consumer products. Disney is a Dow 30 company, had annual revenues of nearly $32 billion in its most recent fiscal year, and a market capitalization of more than $62 billion as of July 14, 2006.

About Disney Channel

Disney Channel offers an unparalleled blend of quality Disney entertainment and distinctive, originally produced programmes that kids love and families trust and enjoy including Disney's movies and series, sitcoms, family dramas and live action adventure stories. The channel's multi-genre programming is designed to serve India's preschool, kids and family viewers

About Toon Disney in India

Toon Disney, a 24-hour basic cable channel geared towards kids age 2-11 with a core of kids age 6-9, showcases a variety of Disney's classic and contemporary animated series and movies plus the fantastical action/adventure programming under the Jetix brand. India's Toon Disney programming is available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and English.

About Hungama TV

Hungama TV is India's first made in India 24-hour entertainment channel for kids, with localized content, in India's national language, Hindi. Positioned as a general entertainment channel targeted at kids between the age group of 4 -14 years Hungama TV has multi genre programming like drama, action, game shows besides animation to appeal to all sub segments. Hungama TV's core philosophy is to provide entertainment where kids are part of the programming and marketing initiative making it a channel for, of and by the kids. UHE (United Home Entertainment -- a separate company floated by Ronnie Screwvala and UTV) is its holding company. More information on Hungama TV log on to http://www.hungamatv.com/ .

About UTV Software Communications Ltd.

Incorporated in 1990, UTV has today emerged as one of India's leading and most respected integrated media and entertainment companies. Listed on the Indian Stock Exchange, it has grown from a Television Production house, into an integrated media company with leadership position in Television, Motion Pictures and Broadcasting -- through its kids channel -- Hungama TV. UTV has established its presence with offices across Asia, UK and USA and is known as a brand for creative and execution excellence.

About the Acquisition

The Walt Disney Company has announced an agreement to acquire 100% of Hungama, a leading Indian children's cable television channel, and purchase a minority equity stake in UTV Software Communications Ltd., a listed, diversified Indian media company that owns Hungama. Both transactions are subject to certain conditions and regulatory approval.

Source: The Walt Disney Company (Asia Pacific) Limited

Kids Flip For Nicktoons

Network Uses Flip Books To Promote New Shows and Teach Kids About Animation

Nicktoons Network is giving kids everywhere a chance to learn about animation by handing out flip books that play back full-motion clips from two new original animated shows with a simple flip-of-a-thumb.

The flip books will be distributed free to kids all summer long through the Nicktoon Networks very first cross-country mobile tour, at Comic-Con International and during the Nicktoons Network Animation Festival at Nicktoons Studios. "Nicktoons Network is excited to provide kids with a fun interactive experience that helps teach them about the art of animation," said Sue Kim, a Nicktoons Network representative. "The flip books showcase scenes from two of our premiere original animated properties Skyland and Kappa Mikey."

Originally invented in 1882 flip books create the optical illusion of motion when images stacked in sequential stages of movement are flipped. Recognized as one of the earliest forms of interactive multimedia on record, flip books are now coming back into style as an innovative new marketing tool. "In this age of high tech interactive multimedia, the simplicity of flip books is not only refreshing, but its illusion is even more captivating than ever," said Jeffrey Kay, President of Flippies, manufacturer of the custom flip books. "What better way for Nicktoons Network to capture kids attention and deliver clips from their new shows while teaching the fundamentals of animation then through the use of a flip book."

Companies or individuals interested in creating their own custom flip books can visit Flippies online at http://www.flippies.com/ for more information.

About Nicktoons Network:

Nicktoons Network is the fastest growing kids' network and offers a 24- hour schedule featuring programming such as Kappa Mikey, Corneil and Bernie and Martin Mystery, as well as a roster of hits that have defined kids' and animation lovers' TV, including The Angry Beavers, Yakkity Yak, Invader Zim, Spongebob Squarepants, The Fairly OddParents and Jimmy Neutron. Nicktoons Network is a part of the MTV Networks expanded suite of channels available for digital distribution. The new channels include MTV Hits, MTV Jams, Nicktoons Network and VH1 Mega Hits, expanding and strengthening MTV Networks' digital offerings to thirteen services. Nicktoons Network currently reaches 39 million homes via cable, digital cable and satellite, and can be seen on Cablevision, Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, Cox Communications, DirecTV, DISH Network and Time Warner Cable. Nicktoons, and all related titles and logos are property of Viacom, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.nicktoonsnetwork.com/.

About Flippies:

New York based Flippies, Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of custom flip books. Flippies applies patent pending production techniques, technology, creativity and passion to the development of high quality custom flip books for marketers, publishers and enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.flippies.com/.

Warner Bros. & Apple Bring Television Favorites to the iTunes Music Store

Popular Sitcom 'Friends,' Sci-Fi Epic 'Babylon 5' & the Previously Unreleased 'Aquaman' Pilot Now Available on iTunes

-- Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group and Apple(R) today announced that classic hit programming from Warner Bros.' vast television library is now available for purchase and download on the iTunes(R) Music Store (www.itunes.com). The new content features favorites such as the hugely popular sitcom "Friends," sci-fi epic "Babylon 5" and some of the most popular sketches from "MADtv," as well as animated classics including "The Jetsons" and "The Flintstones." iTunes offers over 150 TV shows for $1.99 per episode for viewing on a computer or iPod(R).

Also available is the never-before-seen pilot episode of "Aquaman" -- a grounded, contemporary reinterpretation of DC Comics' Aquaman mythology from the acclaimed writing/producing team of Alfred Gough and Miles Millar ("Smallville").

"Making our television content available to iTunes consumers is an important step in our digital distribution strategy," said Simon Kenny, president, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. "This deal fits perfectly with our philosophy of providing consumers with access to our world-class entertainment properties across the widest selection of platforms and devices available."

"We're thrilled to add hit programming from Warner Bros. as we continue to grow our video catalog with the best current and classic television programming," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "iTunes is the world's most popular online video store with over 35 million videos sold."

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

Pricing and Availability

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

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

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

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

Source: Apple Computer, Inc.

Just How Big is the 'PartyPoker.com Monster?'

Huge! It's the Largest Freeroll Series in the History of Online Poker!

The PartyPoker.com Monster Starts With $11.2 Million in Freerolls, $5 Million in the Prize Pool...and it Keeps Growing!

 There's a monster on the loose in poker. And it is very, very BIG.

The "PartyPoker.com Monster" has been unleashed, the largest and most exciting freeroll series in the history of online poker, slated to enrich more than 40,000 cash winners over the next 11 months. 32 $100,000 Weekly Freerolls and eight Monthly $1 million tournaments, followed by a Grand Final with a massive $5 million prize pool that is expected to keep growing! The PartyPoker.com Monster begs to be called the behemoth of freeroll poker tournaments-a beast that will change the game forever.

It marks the first time any poker site has offered prizes of this scale and on such a regular basis, making the PartyPoker.com Monster so big, it will simply ECLIPSE all others.

With stakes of this size, it could only be PartyPoker.com behind it. The world's largest poker room will conclude the PartyPoker.com Monster in June 2007 with the Monster Grand Final, a land-based event where six players will compete for the monster of all payouts.

But before that ever happens, thousands of people will get a piece of the monster.

PartyPoker.com will host Daily Monster Qualifying Tournaments, Monster Jackpot Tables and Players PartyPoint qualifiers from which six players will rise to the Monster Grand Final.

To take part in this Monster promotion, players must first enter a qualifier and then progress through four different rounds. PartyPoker.com is currently hosting the first of 32 Monster Weekly $100,000 freerolls. Players may qualify by:

1) Playing in Monster Jackpot Cash Games. When a Jackpot hits, everyone playing at that Game/Limit qualifies for a Monster Freeroll.

2) Playing in Monster Sit&Go Tournaments. Win the Sit&Go and qualify for a Monster Freeroll.

3) Playing in Monster Scheduled Tournaments. Place in the top three and qualify for a Monster Freeroll.

4) Being one of the top PartyPoints earners. PartyPoker.com will regularly set a goal; the players that meet that goal will qualify for a Monster Freeroll.

Anyone can qualify to play in all 32 Monster Weekly $100,000 Freerolls. Players can qualify up to 32 times the first week and immediately register for all of the Monster Weekly $100,000 Freerolls. Each week players will play for $100,000 and the chance to move on to one of eight Monster Monthly $1,000,000 Freerolls.

"We have seeded the first $5 million of prize money, but that is only the beginning," said Warren Lush, PartyPoker.com spokesman. "The prizes start huge and then just get bigger and bigger; the more people who play, the bigger the Grand Final prize pool will be - the biggest in history. Nothing can stop the world's largest freeroll series - it just keeps growing. We just don't know how big it will get! We invite people to come back regularly to discover just how huge the Monster has become at Partypoker.com ."

About PartyPoker.com

Founded in 1997, PartyGaming Plc is the world's leading online gaming company and owns and operates PartyPoker.com, 'The World's Largest Poker Room.' PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker PRTY.

www.partygaming.com

Source: Partygaming PLC

Caesars Palace Celebrates Its 40th Annivesary With a Colossal Toga Party Featuring Celebrity Host Jenny McCarthy and Music By Otis Day and the Knights

On Wednesday, August 2, Caesars Palace will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a toga party at the legendary resort's outdoor Roman Plaza amphitheater. This historical event will be hosted by actress Jenny McCarthy and feature a live performance by Otis Day and the Knights, the band that rocked "Shout" during the toga party scene in National Lampoon's Animal House. Following the musical set, toga-clad partygoers will be invited to an after party at PURE Nightclub. Guests who arrive in a toga* will be granted free admission to both the outdoor concert, sponsored by VEGAS Magazine and Hendrix Electric Vodka, and the after party at PURE. Doors to the outdoor concert open at 7:30pm and PURE will open at 10pm.

When Caesars Palace opened its doors on August 5, 1966 the standard of luxury and magnificence for the hotel and casino industry was changed forever. Its opulent Roman-Grecian world of fantasy captured international attention as the first deluxe themed resort casino if its kind. With imported marble statuary, cocktail servers costumed as "goddesses," a dining experience fit for royalty and nightly performances by the world's greatest entertainers, Caesars Palace immediately became the industry standard for the ultimate luxury resort experience. Forty years later, Caesars Palace has expanded to almost five times its original capacity. The 85-acre resort features 3,340 guest rooms and suites, the largest poker room in the city, a world-class health and beauty salon and a 4.5 acre pool and garden complex, two dozen restaurants and the world renowned Forum Shops at Caesars. In March 2003 Caesars Palace opened its 4,100-seat Colosseum spotlighting international performers Celine Dion, Elton John, and Jerry Seinfeld. The Roman Plaza, a 4,000-seat outdoor amphitheatre plays hosts to a variety of outdoor sporting events, concerts and private functions.

* (All guests must be age 21 or older and have valid photo ID. Admission limited to venue capacity. Management reserves all rights).

PhotoVu(TM) Announces Compatibility With Google(TM)'s Picasa(TM) Beta and Picasa Web Albums

Allowing Picasa Users to Easily Display and Share Their Photo Collection

 Today PhotoVu, the leading wireless digital picture frame company, announced compatibility with the latest beta software of Picasa(TM). Additionally, using RSS technology, the PhotoVu frame can directly download photos from Picasa Web Albums, letting friends and family easily display and share their published photos.

"For a typical PhotoVu customer who has tens of thousands of photos, they need a photo management solution that is fast and efficient, and we've found that Picasa is 'best in class' when it comes to the speed of accessing and organizing large volumes of photos," said Mark Van Buskirk, Partner, PhotoVu. "The response from our early beta customers has been extremely positive and we look forward to making Picasa compatibility a standard feature when the full version is formally released."

Current PhotoVu customers on the software update plan can now download the Picasa compatible software upgrade directly to their PhotoVu digital picture frame.

About the PhotoVu Frames

All PhotoVu digital picture frames require no additional image manipulation or software installation. Consumer and business users can display tens of thousands of digital photos or other digital signage content stored on any Windows(R) or Macintosh(R) computer, or RSS enabled photo sharing website. An optional 60GB USB removable hard drive or 2GB USB key drive is also available for stand-alone operation. All features and operations, including displaying photo collections organized by Picasa or Apple(R) iPhoto(TM) photo management software, are controlled remotely from any computer's web browser on the network.

About PhotoVu's Compatibility with Picasa

PhotoVu is not affiliated in any way with Picasa, Google, Inc., Apple, Inc., or any of the other entities mentioned in this release. In order to use PhotoVu digital picture frames with any third party software management program or service there may be additional fees required. PhotoVu does not endorse or guarantee interoperability with any photo management program or photo sharing service. A broadband Internet connection with external gateway access is required to access photo sharing and downloading services.

About PhotoVu

PhotoVu(TM), located in Boulder, CO, is a custom manufacturer of wireless digital picture frames which allow the display of digital content, on the wall, throughout any home or business. Purchased directly and only at www.photovu.com, customers can create their own personalized product from a broad selection of custom frames and matting.

PhotoVu is a trademark of PhotoVu, LLC. All other trademarks or registered marks are the property of their respective owners.

Modavox to Launch Three New 24/7 Video Networks Three Emerging News Media and Niche Communities Added to the VoiceAmerica(TM) Network Through Business Partnership

-- A dynamic business partnership has formed between MagnaBand.Net, a leading internet video news network, and Modavox, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: MDVX) utilizing its VoiceAmerica(TM) Network ( http://www.voiceamerica.com/ ), one of the worlds leading live internet talk-radio operations. Together these two internet media powerhouses combine to bring cutting edge internet streaming audio/video technologies and programming directly into offices and homes of a forecasted 400 million plus hi-speed internet subscribers.

"Our desire was to reach out to a global audience with instant delivery of timely information which is fresh and cutting edge," states David Ide, CEO of Modavox. "Early adopters of emerging technologies are tipping the demand for news, entertainment, education, and information to be available through all portable devices. This partnership with Modavox and MagnaBand.net merges the distribution solution with news and information at the click of a button."

Starting on August 15, 2006, VoiceAmericaFinance.com, VoiceAmericaJustice.com, and VoiceAmericaVotes.com will be distributed through the VoiceAmerica(TM) Network featuring the news and information content of MagnaBand.net's ItsAboutFinance.tv, VoteAcrossAmerica.com and JusticeSystem.tv. These sites feature news, celebrity news, market reports and interviews of Chief Executive Officers who are driving innovation across the American business landscape.

About MagnaBand:

MagnaBand.net is an online television broadcasting network community committed to mass media as a platform to raise and discuss the burning issues of the day. Founded by partners Carol Davis and well known Attorney Mark Geragos in 2000, it is the first network of its kind in the United States and features the longest continuously running television broadcasts on the web. Currently, the network broadcasts news media daily across these sites: http://www.itsaboutfinance.tv/ , http://www.thejusticesystem.net/ , http://www.justicesystem.tv/ and http://www.voteacrossamerica.com/ .

About Modavox:

Modavox, Inc. ( http://www.modavox.com/ ), a pioneer in internet broadcasting, producing and syndicating online audio and video, offers innovative, effective and comprehensive online tools for reaching targeted communities worldwide. Through patented Modavox Central(TM) technology, Modavox delivers content straight to desktops and internet-enabled devices. Through proprietary StreamSafe(TM), WebcastWizard(TM) and Stream Syndicate(TM) tools, Modavox provides managed access for live and on-demand internet broadcasting/syndication; content management; and Rich Media Advertising, event management, enterprise communications and distance learning.

Family Room Goes Live ``Day of the Dead'' Remake

Emmett/Furla Films, a wholly owned subsidiary of Family Room Entertainment Corporation (OTCBB:FMLY), is pleased to announce that principal photography has commenced on the remake of the 1985 George Romero classic zombie pic, "DAY OF THE DEAD."

The picture stars: Mena Suvari ("AMERICAN BEAUTY"), Ving Rhames ("DAWN OF THE DEAD"), and Nick Cannon ("DRUMLINE"). Steve Miner ("HALLOWEEN H2O"& "LAKE PLACID") will direct the film. Jeffery Reddick ("FINAL DESTINATION") has penned the script. "DAY OF THE DEAD" will be produced by Millennium's Avi Lerner and Boaz Davidson, Emmett/Furla Films's Randall Emmett and George Furla along with Taurus Entertainment's James Dudelson. Taurus' Robert Dudelson will executive produce the picture along with Emmett/Furla's M. Dal Walton, III and Millennium Films' Trevor Short and Danny Dimbort. Paul Mason and Jordan Rush, who brought rights-holder Taurus Entertainment to Millennium and Emmett/Furla, will also executive produce.

In this terrifying remake of the George Romero classic, a group of scientists, military personnel and civilians find themselves battling for their lives against a plague of flesh eating ghouls. When a band of survivors seek shelter in an underground military bunker, they find themselves trapped with an even greater danger that lurks inside.

About Family Room Entertainment

Family Room Entertainment Corporation, with its subsidiaries, Emmett Furla Films Productions ("EFFP"), Emmett Furla Films Distribution ("EFFD") and EFF Independent (EFFI"), is a publicly held company trading on the NASDAQ Bulletin Board under the symbol "FMLY." Family Room Entertainment develops, produces and performs production related services for the entertainment industry. Family Room Entertainment's goal, through EFFI and EFFP, is to facilitate relationships (and as such, provide production related services) between creative talent (including writers, actors and directors) and companies who produce, finance and distribute motion pictures. FMLY derives its income from producer fees, production consulting and service fees and royalties as well as its participation in the profits of the various pictures it produces.

The FMLY co-founders, Randall Emmett and George Furla, believe that they have the expertise and contacts within the entertainment industry, specifically in the competitive development, production and distribution arenas, to profitably acquire content, package product by adding value to the content with top quality talent and arrange with third parties to produce and finance motion pictures which are in the moderate to higher level budgets, which can be distributed by those with the expertise to effectively do so to a mass worldwide audience. However, there is no assurance that any motion picture, which has not yet been released, will be released, that a change in the scheduled release dates of any such films will not occur or, if such motion picture is released, it will be successful.

Forward Looking Statement:

Safe Harbor: Statements contained in this news release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause results to differ materially from those projected.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "ACT"). In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words "plan," "confident that," "believe," "expect," "intend to" and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the ACT and are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, competitive factors, the ability to successfully complete additional financings and other risks.

Family Room Entertainment Corporation 

 I-Tunes Could Be Apple's ''Trojan Horse'' in the Home Audio-Video Market, Says ABI Research

According to ABI Research, Apple's iTunes service has the potential to outstrip its formidable iPod business and may allow it to enter the home audio and video markets ahead of its competitors.

Apple released its latest earnings statements last week, and surprised the markets with the continuing depth of its iPod penetration, which exceeded most analysts' expectations. Sales of iPod accessories, both from Apple and from third parties such as Bose and JVC, are booming as well, including high-quality home "docking station" systems.

Research director Vamsi Sistla says, "The battle for portable devices has already been won by iPod (unless Microsoft's strategy for its Zune platform succeeds) but in the home and mobile markets, the prize is still up for grabs. iTunes could be a 'Trojan Horse' through which Apple can enter the home market sooner than the competition."

The key to this opportunity is consumers' growing interest in digital media connectivity in the home. "I think we will soon see more line-powered consumer audio devices--high-end audio devices with AV receivers, and multi-room audio systems--adding support for iTunes to their current support for iPod," Sistla suggests.

With over a billion files downloaded from iTunes so far, computers all over the world are brimming with music, speech and video, often organized by iTunes client software into playlists and catalogues. Leveraging all that content, which users have already paid for and want to hear on a good home audio system or watch on a digital-ready TV, creates a huge opening for consumer electronics vendors.

That could happen through a standard personal computer. Or, it could be implemented through a dedicated "media center" PC. Apple offers this already with the combination of its Mac Mini (now Intel-based) and Front Row networking software; and now, Sistla affirms, "The field is wide open for PC manufacturers and other vendors of home CE systems to capitalize on what should be a large and dynamic market."

ABI Research's new study, "Home and Portable Audio Device Markets" (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/market_research/AUDI), assesses home audio and portable devices with an emphasis on multi room audio systems, high-end AV receivers, and iPod accessories within the home. Detailed forecasts of shipments, ASPs and revenue are provided. It also features analysis of the portable audio device market, with emphasis on iPod and iTunes, and the future of home and portable audio technologies. The study forms part of the Consumer Electronics Research Service (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Consumer_Electronics_Rese arch_Service). (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations supporting annual research programs, intelligence services and market reports in broadband and multimedia, RFID and M2M, wireless connectivity, mobile wireless, transportation and emerging technologies. For information visit http://www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.

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Drum Corps International World Championship Marching into a Movie Theatre Near You

One Night - LIVE Simulcast

From The 2006 DCI World Championship Quarterfinals at

Camp Randall Stadium, University of Wisconsin at Madison

EXPERIENCE THE EXCITEMENT at 104 Movie Theatres

Nationwide on THURSDAY, AUGUST 10TH

On Thursday, August 10th, the world's 17 most elite and exclusive marching music ensembles for students will march onto the big screen in a special one night Big Screen Concerts(SM) event. The 2006 Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championship Quarterfinals will be presented live via satellite in 104 movie theatres nationwide from the field of the University of Wisconsin's Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis.

This exclusive event, presented by National CineMedia, is the only LIVE broadcast of the Championship Quarterfinals and will be presented in High-Definition and 5.1 audio in select AMC, Cinemark , Regal Entertainment Group and Georgia Theatre Company movie theatres nationwide on August 10th at 6:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. CT / 4:00 p.m. MT / 3:00 p.m. PT. Tickets are available for $18.00 online at http://www.bigscreenconcerts.com or at participating box offices. (For a complete list of theatre locations, please visit the Web site.)

Drum Corps International's Summer Music Games Tour of more than 140 events across the U.S. and Canada is one of the world's largest touring musical attractions. Now in its third year, the 2006 DCI World Championship Quarterfinals will feature the top 17 Division I drum corps performing in their entirety with highlight clips of the six corps that performed prior to the live simulcast. Drum corps competing in the 2006 DCI Championship World Championship Quarterfinals include:

Blue Devils - Concord, CA

Blue Knights - Denver, CO

Blue Stars - LaCrosse, WI

Bluecoats - Canton, OH

Boston Crusaders - Boston, MA

The Cadets - Allentown, PA

Capital Regiment - Columbus, OH

Carolina Crown - Ft. Mill, SC

The Cavaliers - Rosemont, IL

Colts - Dubuque, IA

Crossmen - Allentown, PA

Esperanza - San Diego, CA

Glassmen - Toledo, OH

Madison Scouts - Madison, WI

The Magic - Orlando, FL

Mandarins - Sacramento, CA

Pacific Crest - Diamond Bar, CA

Phantom Regiment - Rockford, IL

Pioneer - Milwaukee, WI

Santa Clara Vanguard - Santa Clara, CA

Seattle Cascades - Shoreline, WA

Southwind - Lexington, KY

Spirit from JSU - Jacksonville, AL

"This is the third year that the DCI World Championship Quarterfinals are being shown on the big screen, and the legions of drum corps fans across the country have consistently made DCI events some of the biggest alternative shows we've ever presented," said Dan Diamond, vice president of digital programming at National CineMedia. "The excitement and appetite for this unique form of American entertainment is overwhelming - and it's great to be able to use our Digital Content Network technology to bring it to fans that might otherwise miss out on the chance to see their local corps compete."

"This year's DCI World Championship Quarterfinals are gearing up to be one of the most exhilarating competitions in the history of DCI. Each participating Corps has been tirelessly practicing for this heated championship event," says Drum Corps International's Ed Dempsey. "Big Screen Concerts provides fans throughout the nation the opportunity to experience the heart pounding excitement of live competition as if they themselves were sitting on the 50-yard line," adds Dempsey.

About National CineMedia, LLC

National CineMedia, LLC is a venture of AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark USA, Inc. and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), three of the world's leading theatrical exhibition companies. The company develops pre feature entertainment; cinema and lobby advertising products; comprehensive meeting and event services; and alternative forms of entertainment content for distribution across the approximately 13,000 screens operated by its owner theatre circuits and other theatre affiliates. Over 11,000 of these screens are part of NCM's Digital Content Network (DCN), the world's largest in-theatre digital distribution network. The network provides content and advertising to 150 markets, including 49 of the top 50, reaching 525 million movie patrons annually. For additional information, please go to http://www.ncm.com.

About Drum Corps International (DCI)

From modest beginnings more than three decades ago, Drum Corps International (DCI) has developed into a powerful, nonprofit, global youth organization with far-reaching artistic, educational and organizational influence. DCI is now recognized as the world leader in producing and sanctioning competitive marching music and related stadium events for youth. For additional information on DCI's Summer Music Games Tour, Drum Corps International or the competing groups, go to http://www.DCI.org or contact Drum Corps International at (630) 628-7888. Drum Corps International is located at 470 South Irmen Drive, Addison, IL 60101.

Drum Corps International  

Ckrush's LiveMansion.com and ``LiveMansion: The Movie'' Spotlighted in Variety, One of the Entertainment Industry's Most Influential Sources; Company's Film Project Garners Industry Buzz as First-Ever Feature Film Produced by Online Community

Ckrush, Inc. (OTCBB:CKRH), a cutting-edge media group capitalizing on the convergence of entertainment and digital technologies, has announced that its revolutionary concept to integrate social networking with film production for its project, "LiveMansion: The Movie," has been the focus of increasing industry attention, including coverage in Daily Variety, one of the entertainment industry's most influential news sources.

Ckrush's "LiveMansion: The Movie" is the world's first feature film to be produced by an online social network.

"We are thrilled that Daily Variety was the first to take notice of our new endeavor," said Jeremy Dallow, President of Ckrush. "Recognition by a leading entertainment publication reinforces our vision of what the future of multimedia entertainment holds."

Members from the LiveMansion.com social community will be virtual producers, voting for the director, the cast and various other aspects of the movie. Part of an extensive promotional campaign, Ckrush has established a series of competitive milestone events where members campaign and vote for the coveted positions, creating a reality show-type drama reminiscent of Fox's "American Idol."

The movie concept begins on LiveMansion.com, a fully interactive social networking site with unique user-personalized home pages where members can edit profiles, post pictures and blogs, receive mail and keep a detailed list of friends. Beyond the typical social networking sites currently in use, members can create their own virtual mansion with dozens of rooms that explore their interests with other like-minded members.

The Variety article, "Indie Banner Socializing," can be found at http://www.variety.com.

About Ckrush, Inc.

Ckrush, Inc. is a cutting edge entertainment and digital media group capitalizing on the global convergence of the traditional entertainment industry and the "participatory pop culture" revolution of online communities and digital technology. The Company produces feature films, sports programs and other content that target young adults, a highly-coveted entertainment industry demographic comprised of 70 million-plus consumers with an estimated spending power in excess of $200 billion annually. Ckrush feature films slated to be released in 2006 include, "Beer League," starring Artie Lange; "TV the Movie," starring Steve O and Wee Man of "Jackass" fame; and National Lampoon's "Pledge This," starring Paris Hilton. Ckrush also promotes and distributes televised sports events and other programming through pay-per-view, video-on-demand and retail channels. For investor-specific information about Ckrush, Inc., including recent news and stock price data, please visit http://www.trilogy-capital.com/tcp/ckrush/quote.html. For General Investor Information, please visit http://www.trilogy-capital.com/tcp/ckrush/. For additional information, visit http://www.ckrush.net.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on management's current expectations or beliefs, and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive, technological and/or regulatory factors; acquisitions of dispositions of business assets; and the potential impact of future decisions by management. More detailed information about these factors may be found in filings by Ckrush, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ckrush, Inc. is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Explore New Depths of Middle-earth With EA's The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II, The Rise of the Witch-king(1); Award-Winning Game Franchise Announces Expansion Pack

Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS) officially announced today that they will continue to expand The Lord of the Rings(TM) universe with The Lord of the Rings(TM), The Battle for Middle-earth(TM) II, The Rise of the Witch-king(1). As the expansion pack to the fan favorite, The Lord of the Rings(TM), The Battle for Middle-earth II(TM), this Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game will enhance every existing feature and offer players the chance to command the rise of evil in Middle-earth while experiencing the epic battles that took place before those depicted in the N