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(C) MBN 2006

Posted by monte at 11:16 AM | Permalink

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Posted by monte at 11:14 AM | Permalink

Irish Singer-Songwriter Tracy Lyons' Second Album "I Will" Was Released July 25th on Mythic Records Through West 57th Street Entertainment

Artist's Official Website Launched Today At www.tracylyons.com

"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

Consumer Confidence Up in Mid-July, But Still Conservative

Consumer Confidence Up in Mid-July, But Still Conservative

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:

Retail Merchandise Categories - 90 Day Outlook (July 06 compared to June 06 and July 05)
*Category*	*June 06*	*July 05*
Children's	UP	UP
Women's Dress	UP	FLAT
CDs/DVDs/Videos/Books	UP	DOWN
Women's Casual	DOWN	DOWN
Men's Dress	UP	DOWN
Men's Casual	UP slightly	DOWN
Home Improvement	FLAT	DOWN
Shoes	UP	UP
HBC	UP	DOWN
Dining Out	DOWN slightly	DOWN
Decorative Home Furnishings	UP	DOWN
Sporting Goods	UP	DOWN
Linens/Bedding/Draperies	UP	DOWN
Toys and Games	UP	UP slightly
Electronics	DOWN	DOWN
Groceries	UP	DOWN
Lawn & Garden	DOWN	DOWN
Home Furniture	UP	DOWN
Source: BIGresearch, July 2006

Posted by monte at 11:02 AM | Permalink

Author of Best-Selling 'LAUREL CANYON' to Appear at Mods & Rockers Film Festival - Saturday Aug. 5

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.

Posted by monte at 09:12 AM | Permalink

Spike TV Highlights - September 2006

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

Shanda and Motorola Launch Exclusive Mobile Content

'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

Mariah Carey Adds Second Show to Trump Taj Mahal's Entertainment Lineup

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

DOD: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

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

Financial & Business News

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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.

Posted by monte at 08:17 AM | Permalink

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Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich says America is in World War III and President Bush should say so.

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?"

Posted by monte at 07:59 AM | Permalink

Lance Bass is Gay: So Who Cares

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."

Posted by monte at 07:48 AM | Permalink

LG Electronics Underscores Product, Technology Leadership in U.S. Market at Exclusive New York Event

LG Electronics celebrated innovation, technology and design at an exclusive event yesterday at Madame Tussauds' Wax Museum, where more than 200 of the world's most famous personalities are celebrated and honored.

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

Posted by monte at 07:16 AM | Permalink

Nintendo News: Nintendo Announces Schedule for Fusion Tour

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

Posted by monte at 07:13 AM | Permalink

Time Warner Telecom to Acquire Xspedius Communications for $531.5 Million

- 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.

Posted by monte at 07:11 AM | Permalink

JOHNSON'S(R) Baby Unveils Plans to Launch a Mom Blog Directory a Whole New Way for Moms to Connect and Communicate in the Blogosphere

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

Posted by monte at 07:10 AM | Permalink

Wal-Mart Announces Sale of German Business

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.

Posted by monte at 07:09 AM | Permalink

Coca-Cola Invites The World To Create On-Line With 'The Coke Side Of Life'

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

Posted by monte at 07:04 AM | Permalink

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(C) MBN 2006

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Posted by monte at 06:56 AM | Permalink

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Posted by monte at 06:53 AM | Permalink

Vatican News

SUMMARY:

- End of Pope's Vacation in Valle d'Aosta
- Papal, Holy See Highlights for 2006: January - July

___________________________________________________________

END OF POPE'S VACATION IN VALLE D'AOSTA

The Holy Father's vacation at Les Combes, in the municipality of Introd in Italy's Valle d'Aosta, where he has been staying since July 11, is due to come to an end this afternoon.

After bidding farewell to Osvaldo Naudin, mayor of Introd, to Bishop Giuseppe Anfossi of Aosta, and to other civil and religious authorities, the Pope is due to travel to the airport of Aosta whence his plane will depart at 5.30 p.m. He is expected to land at Rome's Ciampino airport an hour later and from there to travel to the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo, south of Rome.

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.

BXVI-VACATION/.../LES COMBES VIS 060728 (150)

PAPAL, HOLY SEE HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2006: JANUARY - JULY

(VIS) - Following are highlights of the activities of Pope Benedict XVI and of the Holy See for the months of January through July 2006.

JANUARY

- 1: Message of the Holy Father Benedict XVI for 39th World Day of Peace, on the theme: "In Truth, Peace."

- 7: Holy Father receives in audience a delegation from the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, led by Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick.

- 9: Holy Father receives in audience - in the Sala Regia of the Vatican Apostolic Palace - members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See for the traditional exchange of New Year greetings.

- 16: Holy Father receives in audience a delegation from the Jewish community in Rome, headed by Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni.

- 16: Holy Father receives in audience Filip Vujanovic, president of the Republic of Montenegro.

- 19: Holy Father receives in audience an ecumenical delegation from Finland for the occasion of the Feast of St. Henry, patron saint of that country.

- 19: Holy Father receives in audience Gunther H. Oettinger, minister-president of Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.

- 22: For the 500th anniversary of the foundation of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, Mass in the Sistine Chapel presided by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, attended by the 110 Swiss Guards currently in service and their families. The Mass inaugurates the 500th anniversary celebrations of the world's oldest active military corps.

- 23 - 24: International congress on charity promoted by the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum," its theme inspired by St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians: " ... But the greatest of these is love."

- 24: On the Feast of St. Francis of Sales, patron saint of journalists, publication of Benedict XVI's first Message for the World Day of Social Communications (to be celebrated on May 28), on the theme: "The Media: A Network for Communication, Communion and Cooperation."

- 25: Publication of Pope Benedict XVI's first Encyclical: "Deus caritas est."

- 26: Holy Father receives in audience Lech Kaczynski, president of the Republic of Poland.

- 31: Publication of the Message of Benedict XVI for Lent 2006. The text, dated September 29, 2005, is entitled: "Jesus, at the sight of the crowds, was moved with pity."

FEBRUARY

- 3: Publication of a decree announcing the concession of indulgences to the faithful for the fifteenth World Day of the Sick, to be celebrated on February 11, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

- 9: The Holy Father accepts the invitation of Ahmet Necdet Sezer, president of Turkey, to make an official visit to that country from November 28 to 30, 2006.

- 15: During the course of his weekly general audience, Benedict XVI announces the conclusion of the cycle of catechesis begun by John Paul II and dedicated to the Psalms and Canticles of the Liturgy of the Hours and of Vespers.

- 16: Holy Father receives in audience Fouad Siniora, prime minister of Lebanon.

- 20: Presentation of the Letters of Credence of Ali Achour, the new ambassador of Morocco to the Holy See.

- 24: Holy Father receives in audience Alfred Moisiu, president of the Republic of Albania.

- 27: Publication of the Holy Father's Message to the youth of the world for 21st World Youth Day 2006, on the theme: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

MARCH

- 3: The Holy Father Benedict XVI visits the headquarters of Vatican Radio for the 75th anniversary of the station's inauguration, in 1931 under the pontificate of Pius IX.

- 13: Holy Father receives in audience Mohammed Hosni Mubarak, president of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

- 15: In his weekly general audience, the Holy Father begins a new cycle of catechesis dedicated to the mystery of the relationship between Christ and the Church in the light of the experience of the Apostles and the task with which they were entrusted.

- 18: Beatification of Servant of God Sister Elia di San Clemente (nee Teodora Fracasso, 1901 - 1927), virgin of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, in the cathedral of Bari, Italy.

- 20: Holy Father receives in audience His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni, patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenians, Lebanon, accompanied by members of the patriarchal synod and by a group of pilgrims.

- 24: First Ordinary Public Consistory of the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI for the creation of 15 new cardinals from 11 different countries. With the new additions, the College of Cardinals numbers 193 members, of whom 120 are eligible to vote.

- 30: Publication of the Holy Father's Message for the 43rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, to be celebrated on May 7, fourth Sunday of Easter, on the theme: "Vocation in the mystery of the Church."

- 30: In the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, screening of the film "Karol, un Papa rimasto uomo" (Karol, a Pope Who Remained a Man) in the presence of the Holy Father. The film, dedicated to the life of John Paul II, was written and directed by the Italian director, Giacomo Battiato.

APRIL

- 1: Holy Father receives in audience Their Majesties King Albert II and Queen Paola of the Belgians.

- 2: First anniversary of the death of John Paul II. At 9 p.m., Benedict XVI and Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope's vicar general for the diocese of Rome, preside at the praying of the Rosary in St. Peter's Square. At around 9.37 p.m., the exact moment of John Paul II's demise, the Pope Benedict addresses the crowd from the window of his study overlooking the square.

- 3: At 5.30 p.m. in St. Peter's Square, Benedict XVI celebrates Mass marking the first anniversary of the death of John Paul II.

- 6: Shimon Peres, former prime minister of the State of Israel and Nobel Peace Prize winner, visits His Holiness Benedict XVI.

- 8: Holy Father receives in separate audiences Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, president of the Republic of Togo, and His Imperial and Royal Highness Archduke Otto of Austria.

- 9: Eucharistic celebration presided by the Pope in St. Peter's Square for Palm Sunday, and for 21st World Youth Day which has as its theme this year "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

- 21: Benedict XVI attends a concert organized in his honor by the local authorities of Rome at the city's "Parco della Musica" Auditorium to mark the occasion of the 2759th anniversary of the foundation of the Eternal City, and the first anniversary of his own election to the pontifical throne on April 19.

- 30: Beatification of Servants of God Msgr. Luigi Biraghi (1801-1879) and Fr. Luigi Monza (1898-1954) in the Duomo of Milan, Italy.

- 30: Beatification of Servant of God Fr. Augustine Thevarparampil "Kunjachan" (1891-1973), in Ramapuram, India.

MAY

- 1: Pope Benedict XVI visits the Sanctuary of "Divino Amore" (Divine Love), located south of Rome. He prays the rosary before the image of the Virgin in the old sanctuary before going on to visit the new sanctuary, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1999.

- 3: A concert of popular music performed by the Swiss Guard Band in the Paul VI Hall marks the beginning of the fifth centenary celebrations for the founding of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.

- 5: Holy Father receives in audience Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission.

- 6: In the Vatican Basilica, the Pope presides at a Eucharistic celebration marking the fifth centenary of the foundation of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. Civil and military authorities from Switzerland and other countries participate in the ceremony, as do relatives and friends of the Guards, and military chaplains.

- 8: Holy Father receives in audience Their Royal Highnesses, the Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg.

- 11: Holy Father receives in audience Hugo Chavez Frias, president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

- 13: On the 89th anniversary of the first appearance of the Virgin of Fatima, and the 25th anniversary of the assassination attempt against John Paul II in St. Peter's Square, a copy of the statue of the Virgin Mary from the famous Portuguese shrine returns to the Vatican.

- 13: Holy Father receives Letters of Credence of Valentin Bozhilov, the new Bulgarian ambassador to the Holy See.

- 13: Holy Father receives in audience participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family which is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its foundation. It was established by John Paul II on May 9, 1981.

- 13: Beatification of Servant of God Maria Teresa di San Giuseppe (nee Anna Maria Tauscher van den Bosch, 1855 -1938) in Roermond, Netherlands.

- 14: Beatification of Servant of God Maria della Passione di Nostro Signore Gesu Cristo (nee Grazia Tarallo, 1866 - 1912) in the cathedral of Naples, Italy.

- 15: Holy Father receives in separate audiences Enrique Bolanos Geyer, president of the Republic of Nicaragua, and His Royal Highness Duke Carl von Wurttemberg.

- 18: Holy Father receives Letters of Credence of five new ambassadors to the Holy See: Moukhtar Wawa Dahab from Chad; Amitava Tripathi from India; Domingos Dias Pereira Mascarenhas from Cape Verde; Valeriu Bobutac from Moldova; and Anne Maree Plunkett from Australia.

- 18: Holy Father receives in audience Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, president of the Department for Foreign Ecclesiastical Relations of the Patriarchate of Moscow.

- 18: Holy Father receives in audience Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz, prime minister of Poland.

- 19: Holy Father receives in audience Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.

- 20: Holy Father receives Letters of Credence of Francisco Vazquez Vazquez, the new Spanish ambassador to the Holy See.

- 22: Holy Father receives in audience Branko Crvenkovski, president of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

- 23: Publication of a Letter from Benedict XVI to Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach S.J., superior general of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), for the 50th anniversary of Pope Pius XII's Encyclical "Haurietis aquas" on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

- 23: Holy Father receives in audience Sergei Stanishev, prime minister of Bulgaria.

- 25-28: Holy Father Benedict XVI's apostolic trip to Poland where he visits Warsaw, Czestochowa, Krakow, Wadowice, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, and Auschwitz.

- 28: Beatification of Servant of God Rita Amada de Jesus (1948 - 1913) in Viseu, Portugal.

JUNE

- 2: Publication of the Holy Father's Message for 80th World Mission Day, on the theme: "Charity, Soul of the Mission." The Day is due to be celebrated on October 22.

- 3: Holy Father receives in audience Tony Blair, prime minister of Great Britain.

- 3: In St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father Benedict XVI meets more than 400,000 representatives of ecclesial movements and new communities for the First Vespers of the eve of Pentecost.

- 8: Holy Father receives in audience Norbert Lammert, speaker of the German parliament, the "Bundestag."

- 15: Beatification of Servant of God Fr. Eustaquio Van Lieshout (1890 - 1943) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

- 16: Holy Father receives in audience Oscar Arias Sanchez, president of the Republic of Costa Rica.

- 22: In accordance with Canon 354 of the Code of Canon Law, Holy Father accepts the resignation of Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, requesting him, nonetheless, to remain in office until September 15, with all the faculties inherent to that role. On September 15. the Holy Father will appoint Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., archbishop of Genova, Italy, as the new secretary of State.

- 24: Announcement of a forthcoming apostolic trip by Benedict XVI to Germany from September 9 to 14, where he will visit Munich, Altotting and Regensburg.

- 26: Holy Father receives in audience Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, president of the Republic of the Philippines.

- 29: Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles. Pope presides at a Eucharistic concelebration with 27 metropolitan archbishops from 17 countries, upon whom he imposes the pallium. The day also marks the 55th anniversary of Benedict XVI's own priestly ordination.

- 30: Holy Father receives Letters of Credence of Mario Juan Bosco Cayota Zappettini, the new ambassador of Uruguay to the Holy See.

- 30: Benedict XVI decrees that from September 18 - when the Vatican Secret Archives and other archives of the Holy See resume activities after the summer vacation - all documents relative to the pontificate of Pope Pius XI (February 6, 1922 - February 10, 1939) be made available to researchers.

JULY

- 8-9: Holy Father Benedict XVI makes the third apostolic trip outside Italy of his pontificate, visiting Valencia, Spain, for the occasion of the Fifth World Meeting of Families.

- 11: Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. is appointed as new director of the Holy See Press Office. He is currently director general of the Vatican Television Center and of Vatican Radio, posts he will continue to hold in his new office. The Pope accepts the resignation from the office of director of the Holy See Press Office presented by Joaquin Navarro-Valls, who has held the position since 1984.

- 12: Presentation of the Holy See consolidated financial statements for 2005; the year closed with a surplus of 9.7 million euro.

- 13: Theme announced of the 40th World Peace Day, due to be celebrated on January 1, 2007: "The Human Person: Heart of Peace."

- 20: Benedict XVI proclaims Sunday, July 23, as a special day of prayer and penance for peace in the Middle East.

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

.../ACTIVITIES 2006/... VIS 060728 (2290)

Posted by monte at 06:43 AM | Permalink

World Cup, Gambling and Kids Pushed Web in June

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.

Most Active Countries Visiting the Official World Cup Web Site (Total Worldwide Internet Users All Locations June 9 - July 9 2006)
	Average Page Views per Unique Visitor per Day
Worldwide	35
Mexico	56
United States	52
Portugal	48
Italy	44
Switzerland	44
Argentina	41
Spain	38
Japan	36
France	33
Germany	31
Source: comScore World Metrix

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

Top Ten Gaining Categories by Unique Visitors June 2006 vs. May 2006 (Total U.S. Home, Work and University Internet Users)
	May-06	Jun-06	Pct
	(000)	(000)	Chg
Total Audience	172,120	172,907	0%
Gay/Lesbian	1,776	2,055	16%
Online Gambling	20,652	23,289	13%
Coupons	16,768	18,806	12%
Teens	23,022	25,012	9%
Gaming Information	32,640	35,122	8%
Hotels/Resorts	34,001	36,530	7%
Toys	18,135	19,398	7%
Travel - Information	40,846	43,257	6%
Retail - Movies	23,951	25,223	5%
Classifieds	33,578	35,255	5%
Source: comScore Media Metrix

Posted by monte at 11:49 PM | Permalink

Oakland Athletics Postgame Alert

July 27, 2006

Toronto 2, Oakland 5 at McAfee Coliseum
Toronto Record: (56-46)
Oakland Record: (53-49)

Winning pitcher - Joe Blanton (11-8)
Losing pitcher - Ted Lilly (9-9)
SV - Huston Street (21)

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Toronto	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	2	5	0
Oakland	0	0	0	1	0	3	1	0	X	5	9	0

TOR HR - None
OAK HR - J. Payton (6)

Posted by monte at 09:24 PM | Permalink

Pictures from the Art Show Of Sasha from Rockstar Supernova's house band

He sold 8 pictures

(C) MBN

(C) MBN 2006

Posted by monte at 08:41 PM | Permalink

DISNEY DVD RELEASE SCHEDULE

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

8/

1

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.

8/

1

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

9/

5

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/

5

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/

5

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.

9/

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”).

9/

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/

5

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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INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

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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

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

Columbia Pictures' Spider-man(R) 3 to be Simultaneously Released to IMAX(R) Theatres in May 2007

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

Entertainment, Arts, Fashion & Technology

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

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

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www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

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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

Lights, Camera, Anaheim!
BET Foundation Returns to St. Louis for Women's Health Forum on August 5 at the Missouri Black Expo
Fila USA Official Outfitter of the Music Lounge Suite During Lollapalooza 2006
WTMO Telemundo Orlando Hosts Second Annual Feria de la Familia
Starz Edge Gets Pumped for the X Games With the 'Excessive X Marathon'
Kenneth Feld, Chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment Receives International Circus Industry's Top Honor
Forget Grand Theft Auto, Give me Space Invaders Any Day!
MTV Launches Biggest Ever Global Competition for the MTV Video Music Awards, 'Global MTV VMA'06 Video Diary Competition'
Paramount Pictures' and Nickelodeon Movies' 'The Spiderwick Chronicles' to Begin Production in Montreal on September 12
The Walt Disney Company to Acquire Leading Indian Children's Channel, Hungama TV & Makes Strategic Investment in UTV Software Communications
Kids Flip For Nicktoons
Warner Bros. & Apple Bring Television Favorites to the iTunes Music Store
Just How Big is the 'PartyPoker.com Monster?'
Caesars Palace Celebrates Its 40th Annivesary With a Colossal Toga Party Featuring Celebrity Host Jenny McCarthy and Music By Otis Day and the Knights
PhotoVu(TM) Announces Compatibility With Google(TM)'s Picasa(TM) Beta and Picasa Web Albums
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
Family Room Goes Live ``Day of the Dead'' Remake
I-Tunes Could Be Apple's ''Trojan Horse'' in the Home Audio-Video Market, Says ABI Research
Drum Corps International World Championship Marching into a Movie Theatre Near You
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
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
Warner Home Video and Film Life Ink Exclusive Deal to Distribute High Quality Urban Films on DVD under the ``American Black Film Festival'' Label
Did Dark Horse Comics Rip Off Pendragon's WAR OF THE WORLDS?

________________________________________________________

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.

\

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 New Line Cinema films.

Full of exciting content, including an entirely new faction, completely new single player campaign, and additional units for all six existing factions, The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II, The Rise of the Witch-king, allows players to explore the evil side of Middle-earth. The all new single player campaign's innovative units will help to tell the story of the evil Witch-king's rise to power, domination of Angmar and invasion of the great kingdom of Arnor, home to Aragorn's ancestors. To fully experience the evil side of Middle-earth, gamers can now play as the Angmar faction in skirmish, multiplayer, and War of the Ring modes.

"The Lord of Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II, The Rise of the Witch-king will transport players to a new time and place in Middle-earth while adding strategic depth to the innovative gameplay gamers loved in The Lord of Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II," said Mike Verdu, Executive Producer at EALA. "Fans will love exploring the evil side of Middle-earth as described in Tolkien's fiction and brought to life in the visual style of the New Line Cinema films. This game is set to deliver the ultimate RTS Middle-earth experience."

Experience a whole new depth of strategy and upgraded War of the Ring and Create-A-Hero features. Create-A-Hero's entirely unique Troll class boasts additional weapons and armor that will allow players to have even more freedom in customizing their game play. War of the Ring, a risk-style meta-game, offers upgraded army persistence, a new siege dynamic on the Living World Map, and unified territories that serve as major control points.

An EA Los Angeles (EALA) game developed exclusively for the PC under the EA(TM) brand, The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II, the Rise of the Witch-king includes all new content from J.R.R. Tolkien's original fiction, and allows the player to delve deeper than ever before engaging in battles that go beyond the award-winning movie trilogy. EALA will bring The Lord of the Rings world to life in accordance with an agreement with The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises that grants EA the rights to develop games based on the books, in addition to a separate agreement that allows for games based on the New Line Cinema films.

The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II, The Rise of the Witch-king requires The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II in order to play and will be available Holiday 2006 for the PC. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.

For more information about either title, please visit http://www.bfme2.ea.com. For information or to find artwork for any EA game, please visit EA's press site at http://www.info.ea.com.

(1) Working Title

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for videogame systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS(TM), EA(TM), EA SPORTS BIG(TM) and POGO(TM). In fiscal 2006, EA posted revenue of $2.95 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is http://www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

About Tolkien Enterprises

The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises is the holder of worldwide motion picture, legitimate stage, merchandising, and other rights in J.R.R. Tolkien's literary works The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Tolkien Enterprises has been producing and licensing films, stage productions and merchandise based on Tolkien's works for almost 30 years. Its headquarters are in Berkeley, California, and its website may be found at http://www.tolkien-ent.com.

About New Line Cinema Corporation

Founded almost 40 years ago, New Line Cinema is the most successful independent film company in the world. Its mission is to produce innovative, popular and profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. In addition to the production, marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, the fully-integrated studio has divisions devoted to home entertainment, television, music, theater, merchandising and an international unit. In 2005, New Line partnered with HBO to form Picturehouse, a new theatrical distribution company to release independent films. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line's Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the most successful film franchises in history. New Line is a division of Time Warner, Inc. (TWX).

Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All The Lord of the Rings content other than content from the New Line trilogy of The Lord of The Rings films (C) 2006 The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises ("SZC"). All Rights Reserved. The Lord of the Rings, and the names of the characters, events, items, and places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of SZC under license. All content from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy (C) MMVI New Line Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Warner Home Video and Film Life Ink Exclusive Deal to Distribute High Quality Urban Films on DVD under the ``American Black Film Festival'' Label

In a move furthering home entertainment's new commitment to premiere high caliber films on DVD, Warner Home Video and Film Life Inc., a leader in independent Black and urban-inspired cinema, have announced a partnership that will brand and distribute high quality urban films on DVD. Announcement was made today by Jeff Baker, WHV's Senior Vice President and General Manager of Theatrical Catalog, and by Jeff Friday, Film Life's Founder and CEO.

Per the exclusive arrangement, Warner Home Video will distribute the films under the "American Black Film Festival" label. Spearheading the new initiative for WHV will be Eva Davis, Vice President of Targeted Acquisitions and Marketing, who noted that WHV will leverage its dedicated multicultural marketing and sales expertise to build unique campaigns for the movies distributed under the new label. Davis also said plans call for partnerships with other Time Warner sister companies to co-promote and co-market individual projects.

The ABFF, a property of Film Life, is the leading showcase for the best of contemporary Black cinema. This year, the Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary and was held from July 19-23 in South Beach, Miami, Florida.

Said Davis, "We're very proud to be partnering with the American Black Film Festival. These movies will allow African American filmmakers to display their skills, talent and vision as well as to enjoy the potential of being extremely successful in the DVD marketplace by providing retailers with a slate of appealing and relevant films that meet the needs of their diverse consumer base."

"We're thrilled to partner with Warner Home Video on this exciting new venture," said Friday. "Film Life's mission has always been to make and market movies that go beyond the stereotypical portrayals of the Black experience -- films that enlighten and inspire but also entertain. Jeff, Eva and Warner Home Video share our vision, and we're delighted that they want to develop this DVD label."

About the American Black Film Festival

ABFF, which typically attracts more than 2,500 attendees, celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. The 2006 ABFF program, in addition to the film screenings and awards presentation, includes network and studio premieres, panels, workshops and seminars led by high-level filmmakers, actors, journalists and industry professionals.

Major corporate partners supporting the Festival include HBO, the founding and title sponsor; Wal-Mart Voices of Color as presenting sponsor; AXE Bodyspray, Boost Mobile, Kodak, Lincoln and Time Warner as platinum level sponsors. Among the many past attendees are Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, Richard Parsons, John Singleton, and many others.

One of the event highlights of this year's festival was "A Conversation With Cuba Gooding," featuring the Academy Award(R)- winning actor candidly discussing his craft, his calling and his latest projects with Entertainment Weekly writer Neil Drumming.

About Film Life

Film Life, Inc., is a New York-based marketing, media and production company that is capitalizing on the growing global demand for Black and urban-inspired cinema. Its mission is to become the largest distributor of Black and other urban films in the home entertainment and related digital media markets, while continuing to expand its existing strong base business of producing film-related events and television programming.

Founded in 2002 by Jeff Friday, whose vision of Film Life is to be the leading American brand offering Black movies and related entertainment content, the company is comprised of four divisions that collectively contribute to an integrated corporate vision: Film Life Events, Film Life Pictures, Film Life Television and Film Life Interactive.

About Warner Home Video

With operations in 90 international territories Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

Did Dark Horse Comics Rip Off Pendragon's WAR OF THE WORLDS?

Pendragon Pictures has given formal legal notice to the principals of Dark Horse Comics alleging innumerable replications of images from Pendragon's period accurate movie version of THE WAR OF THE WORLDS. Pendragon's movie, H.G. WELLS' THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, was released in the U.S., Canada and most countries internationally June 7, 2005 and has grossed over two million dollars in sales from U.S. retail stores alone. The complaint accuses Dark Horse, the third-largest comic book publisher in the U.S. and recognized world-leading publisher of licensed comics material, of directly replicating hundreds of images from the Pendragon movie. Both productions are based on the public domain 1898 H. G. Wells novel, but Pendragon alleges that Dark Horse has played foul in replicating camera angles, designs, character likenesses and a myriad of artistic choices for their comic.

Pendragon C.E.O. and Director of H.G. WELLS' THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, Timothy Hines states, "Most of Dark Horse's revenue comes from comics that are based on licensed movies, including BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, SHREK, STAR WARS and ALIEN. These guys are experts at converting film frames into comic books. I was astounded at the degree of similarity between our production and their comic book which came out a year after our movie was disseminated worldwide. We believe its just theft of our artist's hard work -- plain and simple, and we won't let this stand. I invite the public to come to a website we've set up, http://www.martianinvaders.com/ , showing dozens of frames of identical or of striking similarity between Dark Horse's comic and our WAR OF THE WORLDS and decide for themselves."

Pendragon Producer Susan Goforth adds, "We've set up a way for people to vote as to whether or not they see what many who have brought this to our attention see. If Dark Horse wanted to use our images they simply could have licensed our movie. It was hard enough going up against Spielberg and Tom Cruise. It's no surprise that our movie was savaged by the friends and allies of our competitors. Our own distributor was intimidated into not releasing the director's cut of our film, which is actually the final cut, for fear of retaliation from Paramount, so we are just now releasing it ourselves online. Why a giant like Dark Horse would copy us without license is beyond me."

Dark Horse just promoted its comic book version of WAR OF THE WORLDS at Comic-Con San Diego, which ran July 20-23. Comic-Con is the largest comic book convention in the U.S., and was attended by all the major movie studios and comic book publishers. Pendragon Pictures is selling its true to the book movie version of H. G. WELLS' THE WAR OF THE WORLDS online through http://www.buywowdvd.com/ .

ABOUT PENDRAGON PICTURES: Pendragon Pictures is an independent motion picture and distribution company who's primary product is a movie adaptation of H.G. WELLS' THE WAR OF THE WORLDS (http://www.pendragonpictures.com/WOTWKEY.html ). Unlike the updated and reset Spielberg/Cruise version of a similar title, Pendragon's WORLDS is a dead-on to the book accurate adaptation. Through retail outlets in Canada, U.S., Japan and Australia, and from internet sales, Pendragon's H.G. WELLS' THE WAR OF THE WORLDS has grossed several million dollars. Pendragon's next production is a futuristic robot action adventure film called CHROME.

Did Dark Horse Comics Rip Off Pendragon's WAR OF THE WORLDS?

URL: http://www.martianinvaders.com/

Posted by monte at 05:36 PM | Permalink

Recent posts

(C) MBN 2006

Recent Posts

(C) MBN 2006

Posted by monte at 05:18 PM | Permalink

ARCHIVES

the archives

July

June

May

April

March

February

January

Sammy Hagar and the Wabos

December

Posted by monte at 05:15 PM | Permalink

I-Tunes Music Tuesday

Beyonce is back with her second album, the all-star-produced B'Day. Guests include Jay-Z, T.I., and Ne-Yo. The iTunes version of the B'Day contains the video for "Deja Vu," three bonus tracks, the mini-documentary "Behind the Scenes with Beyonce," and a digital booklet. When you pre-order the album, you'll also get two additional tracks: "Lost Yo Mind" and "Déjà Vu," the latter of which will download immediately.


Check It Out

#1 Album

How to Save a Life

The Fray

12 songs

	Top 10 Albums
	1	How to Save a Life, The Fray
	2	Sacred, Los Lonely Boys
	3	St. Elsewhere, Gnarls Barkley
	4	The Eraser, Thom Yorke
	5	Live at the Electric Factory - Boot...
	6	Corinne Bailey Rae, Corinne Bailey Rae
	7	Highway Companion, Tom Petty
	8	Don't You Fake It, The Red Jumpsuit...
	9	A Fever You Can't Sweat Out, Panic!...
	10	In My Mind, Pharrell

Metallica Catalog

Metallica is one of a handful of artists universally praised for the quality of their work and also worshipped by millions of fans. They rewrote the book on Metal in the '80s and garnered critical praise for genre-defining albums like And Justice For All and Master Of Puppets. We proudly welcome the Metallica catalog to iTunes.


Check It Out

Leonard Cohen Soundtrack

Revered singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen is the subject of the fascinating new documentary Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man. The movie soundtrack features musicians such as Martha and Rufus Wainwright, Beth Orton, and U2 interpreting classic Cohen songs. The iTunes version of the album includes a bonus track from Laurie Anderson.


Check It Out

iTunes Collectible Cards

For a limited time, iTunes Collectible Cards are available exclusively at participating Target stores. Each card is redeemable for $15 worth of iTunes merchandise and includes exclusive bonus material from one of seven featured artists: Jewel, Kanye West, James Blunt, Mariah Carey, Hoobastank, Dixie Chicks, and Panic! at the Disco. Give the gift of music to your favorite fan.


Check It Out

Single of the Week

Fink's history is deep in electronic music, but he's delved further into his own musicianship than ever before to produce a folky, acoustic, and intimate sound. Our Single of the Week is the UK singer-songwriter's sexy, simple heartbeat of a song, describing one man's complimentary notice of a woman, "Pretty Little Thing."


Check It Out

Posted by monte at 04:48 PM | Permalink

I-Tunes

New Releases

Zane Lowe BBC Session

The Raconteurs

Highway Companion

Tom Petty

London Bridge - Single

Fergie

In My Mind

Pharrell

Livin' It Up!

LeToya

LeToya

Adieu False Heart

Ann Savoy & Linda Rons...

Hands Up

Lloyd Banks

Stranger Things

Edie Brickell & New Bo...

A Quiet Shore

Civilian

Feedback

Featured Album

History In the Making

JR Writer

Posted by monte at 04:47 PM | Permalink

Jenna Jameson will be hanging on thousands of walls in 2007 – or at least her hot new calendar will be with twelve sizzling new photos to help the months speed by.

The 2007 version of the Jenna wall calendar goes on sale in mid-August and if past years are repeated, it will be a must-have for collectors and fans.
Wearing a metallic barely-there bra, with her blonde hair wild and her blue eyes wide, Jameson appears to have been startled by the photographer in the cover shot of the calendar, published by Aquarius Images, leading creator of popular licensed calendars and posters.
“Pre-orders from retailers are up 50 percent over last year’s calendar so we are anticipating a very strong sell-through this year,” according to Linda Judy, Vice President Licensing/Business Development of Aquarius.
The calendar goes on sale at a suggested retail price of $12.99 in mid-August at selected retail outlets nationwide, including Spencer Gifts, FYE, Sam Goody, Tower Records, Borders Books & Music, Calendar Club and Newbury Comics plus other specialty retailers. “It will also be on sale at better adult stores nationwide,” according to Kris Grdina, ClubJenna, Inc. vice president for merchandising. “Orders for the 2007 model are the strongest for any calendar we’ve offered so far.”
Ms. Grdina said the calendar is also available at Jameson’s online shopping center, www.clubjennamall.com.

About ClubJenna, Inc.
ClubJenna, Inc. is a Scottsdale, Arizona-based licensing and merchandising firm that markets the likeness and image of Jenna Jameson and the ClubJenna Girls. Its chairwoman is Jenna Jameson, who has been recognized by Adult Video News as the leading female adult star of all time and is the author of The New York Times best-selling non-fiction book How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale published by HarperCollins. For further information contact pr@cjidigital.com.

Posted by monte at 04:39 PM | Permalink

Former Vice President Al Gore Finds Maximum Convenience at LiveShots New York™ / Media 3 Ltd.® to Promote An Inconvenient Truth

MID-TOWN MANHATTAN STUDIO FURNISHES
COMPLETE FACILITIES FOR NATIONWIDE SATELLITE MEDIA TOUR

LiveShots New York, the studio arm of Media 3 Ltd., recently provided a truly convenient means for former Vice President Al Gore to promote his movie An Inconvenient Truth. Gore choose the independent studio facility located on 5^th Avenue in midtown Manhattan based upon its ability to provide a refuge replete with incomparable comforts, and advanced technical facilities for his recent satellite media tour.
LiveShots’ exceptional level of service and first class amenities provided Gore with all the VIP resources he required, including fully appointed private green rooms, and an executive suite studio. In between live broadcasts Gore was interviewed for an article by Will Dana of Rolling Stone which appeared in the magazine’s July 13-17 issue.
LiveShots’ uncommon dedication to its world-renowned clientele, allowed the former Vice President a measure of anonymity in the heart of New York City while reaching broadcast outlets across the country including Bloomberg TV, The Weather Channel, CNN, and many local television stations. The facility’s multiple studios, control rooms and extensive fiber and satellite connectivity offer the ultimate in convenience and flexibility.
The depth of Mr. Gore’s relentless campaign to raise awareness of the new film reflects his dedication to reverse global warming. An Inconvenient Truth is a visually stunning depiction of negative climatic changes and the critical steps necessary to restore the earth to health.
LiveShots, a private and safe haven for heads of state, CEOs and celebrities, has been facilitating satellite media tours, news programs and television appearances since opening its doors in 1997 and recently marked a milestone by serving its 30,000th on-air guest. The studio’s first class service, which includes the finest complementary refreshments, attentive staff and executive suite for relaxation and preparation, coupled with unmatched reliability and convenience makes it the choice of television and media organizations around the world.
About Media 3 Ltd.
For over a decade, Media 3 Ltd. has designed, built and maintained the most cost-effective, user-friendly broadcast facilities on the air today. Media 3 Ltd. broadcast facilities in New York are used by television and media organizations around the world and allow industry leaders to connect to their content providers via the Company’s innovative design and technology.
Media 3 Ltd. manufactures BureauCam, a second-generation, fully integrated digital remote broadcast system that enables news organizations to control remote bureaus worldwide. This easy-to-use, reliable system incorporates industry-leading technology in a compact, transportable design to improve on-air appearances dramatically. The BureauCam features local and remote operation via network or dial-up, precision robotics with presets for on-air moves, on-air switching, video with audio output, remote lighting, external devise control, web-based local, and remote

Posted by monte at 04:36 PM | Permalink

Comic Industry Veteran Michael Davis Joins with UMI to Launch New Series with a Multicultural

Cast of Characters and Positive Content

Chicago, IL—UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc), the largest independent African American media firm providing positive content for the urban market, announces one of the biggest launches in comics history for the young multicultural audience—The Guardian Line. This series is the superbly styled result of the combined resources of UMI and creator of The Guardian Line Michael Davis.

“This series of comics will invite young readers to become part of a universe filled with memorable and inspiring characters who look just like them. Teenagers and kids in America face daily choices between good and evil. As The Guardian Line keeps them highly entertained and coming back for more, it will nudge them toward the good,” states president of UMI, Carl Jeffrey Wright.

“American youth culture is an _expression of Black culture,” says Michael Davis, co-creator of the Emmy winning animated show Static Shock! and one of the founders of the Black comic publishing phenomenon, Milestone Media. “Black culture determines trends in clothing, music and language for young people from every cultural background in this country and worldwide. These comics are not just for black kids. They are universally appealing, both to urban readers who will recognize the realistic portrayal of their world and to affluent suburban hip-hop fans who haven’t experienced that world but are nevertheless drawn to the trends it creates.”

For over 35 years UMI has been the trusted source for teaching materials and inspirational book titles in the African American church market They are poised to reach a network of 40,000 churches and 1,500 bookstores with The Guardian Line—a larger audience than that of even Michael’s own Milestone Media. The Guardian Line will be available to the general market through Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc., the world’s largest distributor of English-language comics and related merchandise.

The Guardian Line includes four separate series (Joe and Max, The Seekers, Genesis 5, and Code) targeting specific age groups. All the stories take place in the fictional New Hope City and feature the three essentials fans have come to expect in a Michael Davis universe: strong African American characters, a multicultural cast (some with extraordinary powers) and a guy named Larry. The focus of each series is the battle between characters chosen to fight evil, in the form of New Hope City’s nefarious nemesis, Steven Dark. While UMI wields its considerable experience to tailor the positive content to fit the needs of its market, Michael and a team of experienced A-list comic creators have crafted a comic universe that will surpass the expectations of seasoned comic readers who may be skeptical of a faith-based series. UMI’s recruiting of the best talent in the comic industry infuses The Guardian Line with the hip legitimacy necessary to connect with young readers and is in character with the company’s reputation for producing graphically superior, relevant content.

The unveiling of The Guardian Line is scheduled for September, 2006. The first series released, targeting the tween segment, will be Joe and Max, based on Michael’s experiences in elementary school. Additional titles will release weekly. The comics will then be released bi-monthly for a total of six issues of each series per year.

www.TheGuardianLine.com

Posted by monte at 04:36 PM | Permalink

Robert Randolph & The Family Band to Release New Album "Colorblind" on September 26th

Eagerly Anticipated Follow-Up to 2003's Grammy-Nominated "Unclassified" Showcases Pedal Steel Guitarist's Dazzling Musicianship and Songwriting Skills
BURBANK, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- July 27, 2006 -- Robert Randolph & The Family Band, led by the critically heralded pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, will release its second studio album "Colorblind" on September 26th.
"Colorblind," the follow-up to Randolph's 2003 Grammy-nominated debut on Warner Bros. Records, "Unclassified," is a potent mix of rock, R&B, country, blues, and gospel that Randolph says was inspired by repeated listenings of albums by Sly Stone, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Stevie Wonder. It ranges from the infectious funk-stomp of "Ain't Nothin' Wrong With That" to a blistering version of the Byrds' "Jesus Is Just Alright With Me" (featuring Randolph's friend and mentor Eric Clapton) to such timeless ballads as "Stronger," a duet with Leela James that was written with Steve McEwan (Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney). The New Jersey native collaborated with several other noted songwriters and studio vets, including Mark Batson (Dave Matthews Band, Gwen Stefani), Drew & Shannon (India.Arie, Johnny Lang), Jeff Trott (Sheryl Crow), and top gospel producer/songwriter Tommy Sims (Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton).
"Known as one of the most talented pedal steel players in rock history," observes the Associated Press, and notorious for his jubilant, roof-raising live shows, Randolph has now made the leap from being a great performing artist to being a great recording artist on "Colorblind." "We're fortunate to be good musicians," he says, "and we were able to channel into that foundation during the collaboration process, and grow as songwriters."
Robert Randolph & The Family Band, which includes Randolph's cousins Danyel Morgan on bass and Marcus Randolph on drums, is currently on tour in the U.S. with The Black Crowes through August 12th before joining Dave Matthews Band on the road for several shows, including stops in California, Utah, Colorado, and the two final sold-out shows of the tour in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The full track listing for "Colorblind" is as follows:
1. "Ain't Nothing Wrong With That" 2. "Deliver Me" 3. "Diane" 4. "Angels" 5. "Jesus Is Just Alright With Me" featuring Eric Clapton 6. "Stronger" featuring Leela James 7. "Thrill of It" 8. "Blessed" 9. "Love Is The Only Way" featuring Dave Matthews and Leroi Moore 10. "Thankful N' Thoughtful" 11. "Homecoming"

Posted by monte at 04:36 PM | Permalink

New Spider-Man 3 Downloads announced at Comic-Con

Posted by monte at 04:30 PM | Permalink

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PEOs Help Companies Navigate California's Complex Business Maze

-- Burdened by environmental, labor and other complicated regulations, California is considered by many experts to be the most difficult state in which to do business. These complexities have led to the tremendous growth and increasing need for the PEO -- Professional Employer Organization -- industry in California.

A recent study revealed that 60 percent of California business leaders were frustrated by policies that restrict job growth and are rife with oppressive regulatory standards. The study conducted by the consulting firm Bain & Co. reported that the price of doing business in California costs approximately 30 percent more than in other Western states, and that California regulations are "more costly, complex and uncertain than those in any other state, by a wide margin."

The result of this tough business environment has forced many California companies to cut costs by turning to PEOs like CPEhr. The Los Angeles-based company has been an industry leader in California since 1982, providing clients with an effective outlet to outsource human resource demands in the areas of benefits, payroll, workers' compensation and other HR consulting needs. It's a cost-effective solution for companies operating in a tumultuous business climate.

"CPEhr can help with an employer's frustration with California's strict regulations by providing them with a team of professionals that assist them with a variety of services," said Mitzi Branvold, CPEhr's Manager of Human Resources. "CPEhr takes pride in educating California employers on the laws and regulations. We explain the possible consequences in regards to acting on impulse. When a client is faced with an issue and seeks our advice, we educate them about the reasons behind our advice, as opposed to simply reciting the law."

Many of those clients are turning to CPEhr and other PEOs in record numbers. The PEO industry serves between two and three million employees per year and is experiencing an increase of more than 20 percent annually, according to NAPEO, the national trade association for the industry. PEOs have penetrated just a fraction of their potential market, leaving the prospect for substantial growth wide open as the sector continues to consolidate and become flush with capital.

"This has created a great opportunity for California and CPEhr," said Branvold, whose company has a vast supply of professionals who specialize in laws, policies and regulations that are unique to the state. "Because of these changing regulations, CPEhr has to constantly stay ahead of the game by offering customized PEO services to California employers. CPEhr is currently doing this with the flexibility and courtesy that our clients expect and deserve

ViTrue, Inc. Partners With Publicis Groupe's Denuo

ViTrue Provides User-Created Advertising to Denuo Client Base

-- ViTrue, Inc., pioneer of the world's first user-created advertising platform, today announced a partnership with Denuo, the media futures consulting practice of the world's fourth largest communications company, Publicis Groupe (Euronext Paris: FR0000130577) (NYSE: PUB). Under the agreement, ViTrue and Denuo will work together to bring the power of user-created content to Publicis Groupe's various agency brands and clients. ViTrue's partnership with Denuo marks the first time a global communications network has partnered with a user-created advertising technology innovator to harness the power of social networking.

Tim Hanlon, Denuo senior vice president, said, "As the world of marketing becomes more transparent and sophisticated, the reflective voice of the consumer has taken on supreme importance. With an ever-expanding array of paradigm-changing technological advances, consumers today have unprecedented ability to respond to -- and even initiate -- ad messaging, transforming the discipline of marketing from a one-way monologue into a multi-layered dialogue. ViTrue is at the forefront of this phenomenon and seeks to harmonize the interests of both marketers and consumers -- and we're excited to help them do it."

Hanlon, who oversees Denuo's ventures activity and previously helped launch Starcom MediaVest Group's groundbreaking TV 2.0 practice in 2001, added, "ViTrue offers a powerful technology platform, a keen understanding of consumer behavior and unique insight into leveraging consumer-created content to impact marketing." With the partnership, Hanlon joins ViTrue's Board of Advisors as its charter member, offering strategic insight into the development of advertising strategies that capitalize on ViTrue's platform.

ViTrue and Denuo to Educate and Empower Agencies to Harness Power of User-Created Advertising

Denuo and ViTrue will work together to create products and services geared to help Publicis network companies understand the benefits and harness the power of social networking, specifically user-created advertising. This process will be critical, as the industry expressed some concern about user-created content during the June 2006 Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. "Because ViTrue is on the frontline of this explosive market, creating the standards for user-created advertising, we are in the unique position to offer Denuo, the greater Publicis global network and their clients critical advice and insights into key technologies, standards, consumer feedback and community interest pertinent to maximizing this powerful medium," said Reggie Bradford, founder and CEO of ViTrue. "We understand that marketers may have some initial reservations about 'letting go' of their brands. However, ViTrue's technology platform ensures that brand stewards can actively participate in the process, easing them into the brand-consumer paradigm shift that is being accelerated by the Internet community."

Global Medium and Reach Equal Large Opportunity

The Denuo/ViTrue combination clearly illustrates and takes advantage of a true global marketplace. User-created content is a global phenomenon, evidenced by the fact that ViTrue's video sharing community, www.sharkle.com, at any given time has video submissions originating from more than 100 countries. Global user-created content, coupled with the depth and breadth of the Publicis network enables brands to gain global exposure.

About ViTrue, Inc.

Headquartered in Atlanta, ViTrue is reinventing the way brand marketing is created, priced and distributed via an online video platform that combines user services, user tools and brand partnerships. ViTrue's Platform is a user-created advertising product that enables brands to leverage consumer creativity to produce more relevant and engaging advertisements at a lower cost of production. The Company's premier online video sharing community, www.sharkle.com, is the destination for more than one million unique users each month to watch videos, share videos, build community, and vote for the videos they like most. For additional information, please visit www.vitrue.com.

About Denuo

Denuo is the media futures consulting practice of marketing communications company Publicis Groupe, S.A., focused on anticipating and exploiting the rapidly changing worlds of digital, interactive and mobile communications. Led by Rishad Tobaccowala, Chief Innovation Officer of Publicis Groupe Media (PGM) and celebrated industry visionary who was identified by Business Week as one of the Top Business Leaders in 2005, and by TIME magazine as a key "Marketing Innovator," Denuo provides strategic consultation, venture partnership and catalyst/activation services to network agencies and brands to enrich their marketing and communication options. Web site: www.denuogroup.com

Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc. Enters Into Agreement With Earthport PLC

Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SMKG) (FRANKFURT: QYH), a leading provider of prepaid cards, value smart storage cards and payment transaction management services, announced today that they have entered into an agreement with Earthport PLC of London to be its preferred financial aggregator for debiting and crediting of funds for international services.

In addition, this relationship will allow for the seamless integration of both VelocityMoney™ and VelocityMerchant™ to benefit from international processing for money remittance and fund reconciliation in one hundred and thirty countries worldwide in thirteen possible currencies.

Smart Card CEO, Massimo Barone, stated, "Smart Card is further pursuing the full integration of a turnkey offering for prepaid vendors/merchants to grant complete funding and money remittance to compete with the existing industry leaders on an international level."

Earthport Chairman, Mike Harrison, added "The Smart Card agreement demonstrates the widening appeal of Earthport's infrastructure offering to those involved in the global remittance market."

About Earthport PLC

Earthport PLC is a UK-based company specialising in the provision of secure electronic payments services. Earthport's key product is its Universal Payment Network, a payment infrastructure which links directly to traditional and modern banking systems around the world. The UPN allows parties to make and collect payments using bank accounts and card services in a secure and compliant environment at affordable rates. The UPN enables payment delivery in over 190 countries and in multiple currencies. The UPN is bi-directional and caters for micro to macro payments. Further information may be obtained from Earthport's website at www.earthport.com

About Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc.

Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc. has taken a mainstream position in the smart and prepaid charge card market to develop, integrate and to jointly deploy turnkey co-branded solutions for loyalty and payment management transactions. Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc. seeks industry suppliers and creates channel partners to better the availability of API's (automated protocol interfaces) that respectively are only available to preferred corporations/clients and manages the required protocol in-place by the offering institution for the merchant.

Forward-Looking Statements. This news release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements about the expected future prospects of our business and all other statements in this release other than historical facts, constitute forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "would," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "intends," "plans," "estimates," or "anticipates" or similar expressions which concern our strategy, plans or intentions. All statements we make relating to estimated and projected earnings, margins, costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates and financial results are forward-looking statements. In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments. All of these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, and, therefore, our actual results may differ materially from those we expected. We derive most of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Some of the factors that we believe could affect our results include: general economic and market conditions, including the lingering effects of the economic slowdown and services revenue; the overall condition of the bank card industry, including the effect of any further consolidation among financial services firms; the regulatory, credit and market risks associated with our operations; the integration of acquired businesses, the performance of our businesses; the effect of war, terrorism or catastrophic events; the timing and magnitude of sales; the timing and scope of technological advances; the ability to retain and attract customers and key personnel; and the ability to obtain patent protection and avoid patent-related liabilities in the context of a rapidly developing legal framework for software and business-method patents. The factors described in this paragraph and other factors that may affect our business or future financial results and when applicable, will be discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement made by us or on our behalf as a result of new information, future events or other factors

Mainstream Software Climbs FM Market With Customer WinMainstream was selected by Boddie-Noell Enterprises (BNE), one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S, to provide CrossForm software to manage their facility operations. CrossForm will be used to manage all of the Boddie-Noell Enterprises, most recognized by their number one enterprise, Hardee's restaurant.

Boddie-Noell covered new ground with the Hardee's restaurant when fast food was a new concept. When Boddie-Noell began in 1962 the staff consisted of only three people. Today, BNE has grown to employ over 11,000 individuals. Boddie-Noell is the largest franchisee of Hardee's, operating over 300 restaurants. Additional ventures include: Rose Hill Conference Center, BNE Land and Development, Texas Steakhouse, Café Carolina, BBQ & Ribs, Moe's Southwest Grill and The Highway Diner. Mainstream's CrossForm ASP solution improves management of BNE's 300 plus restaurant facilities and their valuable assets. BNE is currently enhancing their CrossForm application by adding CrossForm Mobile Tech, Mainstream's PDA based solution. Mobile Tech will enable BNE's 40 technicians to efficiently capture data while working offsite. Technicians will be able to synchronize to the CrossForm database to send and receive up-to-date work order information, streamlining BNE's operations.

Highlighted Links

"We have been extremely pleased with Mainstream Software, Inc.'s CrossForm ASP solution and the professional services they provide. On April 20, 2006 we replaced our current CMMS application with CrossForm. This conversion went exceptionally well. The application itself has proven to be very flexible and easily customized. Our dispatchers have made several comments about how user friendly it is to use. Prior to selecting CrossFrom, we looked at numerous other vendors' CMMS applications. CrossForm was the only one that met 95% of our requirements, budget included. We were somewhat skeptical of the results of their reference checks. They all gave them very high remarks for the application and professional services, on a scale of 0 to 10; they would get 8, 9 and 10s. To this date, I must say that their reference checks were very much in line. CrossForm is a very powerful CMMS application with excellent features and functionality," said Paul Davis, Facility Management Admin Manager at Boddie-Noell Enterprises.

"We are delighted to add Boddie-Noell to our client family. They are a first class organization whose commitment to success is evident. It was a pleasure to work with the project team. I look forward to a successful long term relationship between Mainstream software and Boddie-Noell," said Eddie Forse, Project Manager at Mainstream Software.

About Mainstream Software:

Founded in 1989, Mainstream Software has successfully delivered the CrossForm CMMS solution, providing superior software, quick implementation, and unsurpassed personal service. CrossForm guides over 10,000 satisfied end users in efficiently executing demand and preventive maintenance, asset and inventory management, reporting, and wireless/mobile solutions. Companies utilizing CrossForm benefit by increasing asset lifecycle, improving productivity, and reducing operational expenses.

About Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Inc.

Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Inc. (www.bneinc.com) is a major food service company and the largest franchisee of Hardee's restaurants (314) in the United States. A diversified company with retail food operations in five Mid-Atlantic states and other interests in land and property development. BNE also operates 32 Texas Steakhouse & Saloon restaurants, 8 Café Carolina and Bakery specialty bread/bakery cafes, 4 BBQ & Ribs Co. restaurants, 8 Moe's Southwest Grills and an old-fashioned Highway Diner. Family owned, BNE is headquartered in Rocky Mount, N.C. and employs more than 11,000 people. Nation's Restaurant News recently included BNE again in its 2004 Top 100 Food Service companies in the U.S.

Chinese Investor Increases Ownership in Joystar, Inc.

Joystar, Inc. (OTCBB: JYSR), one of the nation's largest and fastest-growing travel agency networks and leading seller of cruises and vacations, announced today that Jeffrey Wu, a.k.a. Myint J. Kyaw, has notified the Company he is filing with The Securities and Exchange Commission, confirmation his ownership has increased to 9,296,967 shares of common stock.

Mr. Wu reported he has accumulated an additional 713,000 shares of Joystar since February 7, 2006 when he filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, stating he owned 8,583,957 shares of the Company's common stock. In the filing, he also stated he "may seek to change or influence the control of the Issuer, or in connection with or as a participation in any transaction having that purpose or effect."

About Joystar, Inc.

Joystar, Inc. (www.joystar.com, www.joystarcruises.com) is the one of the nation's largest and fastest-growing leisure travel agency networks and a leading seller of cruises and vacations. The Company sells complex travel products including cruises, vacation packages and group travel through its growing national sales force of virtual travel agents and online affiliates. Joystar offers comprehensive business opportunities that combine innovative technology, marketing opportunities and expert support services to the Company's independent and home-based travel agents. With Joystar, experienced and new travel agents can concentrate on promoting travel and creating client loyalty without the administrative and financial burden of owning/operating a traditional storefront travel agency.

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Joystar, Inc.

"Forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 may be included in this news release. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. These statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results. Joystar, Inc. disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Please refer to the documents filed by Joystar, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to risks associated with our ability to (i) increase revenues, (ii) obtain profitability, and (iii) obtain additional financing, changes in general economic and business conditions (including in the online business and financial information industry), actions of our competitors, the extent to which we are able to develop new services and markets for our services, risks in connection with acquisitions, the time and expense involved in such development activities, the level of demand and market acceptance of our services and changes in our business strategies.

Additionally, forward-looking statements concerning the performance of the travel and leisure industry are based on current market conditions and risks, which may change as the result of certain regulatory, political or economic events, a shift in consumer travel preferences, as well as those risks and uncertainties described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the events described in the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

See World Satellites and HughesNet(TM) Bring High Speed Internet Access to Western Pennsylvania

See World Satellites, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of FTS Group, Inc. (OTCBB: FLIP), today announced that it has partnered with Hughes Network Services to offer its HughesNet™ broadband satellite service to consumers and small business owners across the western Pa. region.

FTS Group CEO Scott Gallagher stated, "In the western Pa. market there's still a considerable number of people who are unable to receive high-speed Internet access from traditional cable or DSL sources available in larger markets. For these consumers, satellite broadband offers a fantastic alternative to dial-up service." Gallagher went on to say, "In this digital age it's hard to believe there are still areas where consumers have a hard time gaining high speed access to the Internet. Hughes is bridging that gap with its HughesNet product and we're proud to be able to offer the thousands of customers See World has served over the years another high quality product from an industry leader."

Unlike terrestrial solutions, HughesNet™ satellite broadband does not rely on cable or phone wires, making affordable broadband services available to consumers and small businesses everywhere, regardless of geography, at speeds comparable to digital subscriber line (DSL). The compact antenna dish needs only to have a clear view of the southern sky.

HughesNet™ currently serves more than 300,000 broadband customers in nearly 26,000 zip codes underserved by cable and DSL, all of whom have access to a state-of-the-art email system, a personalized start page, and easily accessible customer support services.

About See World Satellites, Inc.

See World Satellites, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of FTS Group, Inc. (OTCBB: FLIP), a publicly traded holding company operating in the wireless industry through its wholly owned subsidiaries FTS Wireless, Inc. and See World Satellites, Inc. The Company operates through retail locations in Florida and Pennsylvania and globally over the Internet through its web sites www.FTSGroup.TV, www.CellChannel.com, www.SeeWorld.biz and www.FTSWireless.com. For additional information about FTS Group, Inc. or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries, please review the Company's quarterly, annual and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.SEC.gov or contact the Company at the email or phone number below.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for large enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. To date, Hughes has shipped more than one million systems to customers in over 100 countries. Its broadband satellite products are based on the IPoS (IP over Satellite) global standard, approved by the TIA, ETSI, and ITU standards organization.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Included in this release are certain "forward-looking'' statements, involving risks and uncertainties, which are covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company's financial performance. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, events and performance to differ materially from those referred to or implied by such statements. In addition, actual future results may differ materially from those anticipated, depending on a variety of factors, sales and earnings growth, ability to attract and retain key personnel, and general economic conditions affecting consumer spending, including uncertainties relating to global political conditions, such as terrorism. Information with respect to important factors that should be considered is contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

See World Satellites and HughesNet(TM) Bring High Speed Internet Access to Western Pennsylvania

-- See World Satellites, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of FTS Group, Inc. (OTCBB: FLIP), today announced that it has partnered with Hughes Network Services to offer its HughesNet™ broadband satellite service to consumers and small business owners across the western Pa. region.

FTS Group CEO Scott Gallagher stated, "In the western Pa. market there's still a considerable number of people who are unable to receive high-speed Internet access from traditional cable or DSL sources available in larger markets. For these consumers, satellite broadband offers a fantastic alternative to dial-up service." Gallagher went on to say, "In this digital age it's hard to believe there are still areas where consumers have a hard time gaining high speed access to the Internet. Hughes is bridging that gap with its HughesNet product and we're proud to be able to offer the thousands of customers See World has served over the years another high quality product from an industry leader."

Unlike terrestrial solutions, HughesNet™ satellite broadband does not rely on cable or phone wires, making affordable broadband services available to consumers and small businesses everywhere, regardless of geography, at speeds comparable to digital subscriber line (DSL). The compact antenna dish needs only to have a clear view of the southern sky.

HughesNet™ currently serves more than 300,000 broadband customers in nearly 26,000 zip codes underserved by cable and DSL, all of whom have access to a state-of-the-art email system, a personalized start page, and easily accessible customer support services.

About See World Satellites, Inc.

See World Satellites, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of FTS Group, Inc. (OTCBB: FLIP), a publicly traded holding company operating in the wireless industry through its wholly owned subsidiaries FTS Wireless, Inc. and See World Satellites, Inc. The Company operates through retail locations in Florida and Pennsylvania and globally over the Internet through its web sites www.FTSGroup.TV, www.CellChannel.com, www.SeeWorld.biz and www.FTSWireless.com. For additional information about FTS Group, Inc. or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries, please review the Company's quarterly, annual and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.SEC.gov or contact the Company at the email or phone number below.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for large enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. To date, Hughes has shipped more than one million systems to customers in over 100 countries. Its broadband satellite products are based on the IPoS (IP over Satellite) global standard, approved by the TIA, ETSI, and ITU standards organization.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Included in this release are certain "forward-looking'' statements, involving risks and uncertainties, which are covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company's financial performance. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, events and performance to differ materially from those referred to or implied by such statements. In addition, actual future results may differ materially from those anticipated, depending on a variety of factors, sales and earnings growth, ability to attract and retain key personnel, and general economic conditions affecting consumer spending, including uncertainties relating to global political conditions, such as terrorism. Information with respect to important factors that should be considered is contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

Fitness Website Does Part of the Heavy Lifting

Many Americans wish they
exercised more. It's a fact - a recent survey conducted by
the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association
(IHRSA) shows an overwhelming majority of respondents
admitting their overall health would be greatly improved if
they joined a health club. Oddly enough, only a small number
of those respondents claimed to have a health club
membership. So what's stopping us? For many Americans, the
first answer that comes to mind is time.

We still haven't figured out how to add more hours to the
day, but companies like SignatureSpecialists, Inc., have
made the search for a quality gym or health club a lot
easier. Launched in April of 2006,
http://www.SignatureHealthClubs.com helps users narrow down
their search for a local gym or health club by offering
detailed descriptions of the classes and amenities offered
at each location, as well as the opportunity to arrange
personal tours of these SignatureCertified(TM) facilities.
In addition, users can benefit from a number of health and
fitness resources, including the most recent industry news,
customized tools for shedding those extra pounds, as well as
special membership discounts available only through
SignatureHealthClubs. The website even features a fitness
reminder system which alerts users of their health club
workouts by sending a text message to their cell phone.

There are many reasons not to work out - long hours, a tight
budget or simply not knowing where to start.
SignatureHealthClubs.com is specifically designed to provide
the information and services people need to bring them one
step closer to maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle for
years to come.

Presented by SignatureSpecialists, Inc.

SignatureSpecialists is an Evanston, IL-based company that
is devoted to consumer advocacy and quality in a variety of
service industry markets. SignatureSpecialists has created a
large network of SignatureCertified service providers in the
U.S., with expansion into Canada, Puerto Rico, and
Australia.

Consumers use properties like
http://www.HairRemovalForum.com,
http://www.SignatureForum.com and
http://www.SignatureContractors.com to find, meet, evaluate,
and ultimately rate service providers in the Signature
network. This comprehensive service and consumer feedback
allows Signature's online community to make smart decisions
about cosmetic and service industry purchases.

Mobile Ready CEO to Appear on Wall Street Reporter

Mobile Ready Entertainment Corp (PINKSHEETS: MBRN) announced that its CEO, Josh Eikov had appeared on the Wall Street Reporter to discuss the recent acquisition of Key2Travel.com and the Company's overall strategy.

The interview can be heard on www.wallstreetreporter.com.

About Mobile Ready Entertainment

Mobile Ready Entertainment Corporation is a wireless and media holding company specializing in the entertainment and travel vertical market segments. Through our subsidiaries we will develop, market and sell wireless application software and entertainment-based content for mobile devices. Our value proposition is to unlock, integrate and seamlessly deliver all types of data to wireless devices, whether streaming movies, music video or television content and digital radio delivery to the growing consumer market via channel and content partners -- anytime, anywhere. We deliver these products and services globally across most of the major cellular networks and prominent wireless device operating systems. For more information about Mobile Ready, please visit its website at www.mymobilereadyec.com.

For information about Key2Travel please visit www.key2travel.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for certain forward-looking statements. The statements contained or incorporated by reference in this website that are not historical facts (including without limitation statements to the effect that Mobile Ready Entertainment Corp. (the "Company" or "Mobile Ready") or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "foresees," or other similar expressions) are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company.

There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those anticipated by the Company. All comments concerning the Company's expectations for future revenue and operating results are based on the Company's forecasts for existing operations and do not include the potential impact of any future acquisitions. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Company's control) and assumptions

Youth Enhancement Systems, Inc.

Infomercial leader Youth Enhancement Systems, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: YEHS), led by its proprietary male thinning hair product, ProCede, announced that its 2005 year-end gross revenues topped $5,600,000 in its very first year of marketing ProCede. www.procedetv.com

"We are very pleased with our numbers out of the box, but clearly we have much higher goals for '06 and beyond," said Kevin D. Sepe, CEO of Youth Enhancement Systems, Inc. "We are on pace to double that number for '06, with both the additional market penetration planned for ProCede, plus exciting new products that have already demonstrated great results in early testing."

Youth Enhancement Systems is the innovator and Direct Response marketer of highly effective products and services geared toward solving problems associated with aging and other underserved sectors. ProCede is consistently ranked in the top 5 most aired short form infomercials in the U.S., ranking in the top 5 for 14 consecutive months, and reaching number 1 of all products in the Health and Beauty category twice in that time period (Infomercial Monitoring Service). Its hair product, ProCede, is clinically tested and proven safe and effective for producing fuller thicker hair shafts after just a single application.

Highlighted Links

Youth Enhancement Systems, Inc

To date, ProCede has received registration approvals in 28 foreign countries including the European Union, United Arab Emirates and South Africa, and the company plans on making an announcement shortly outlining international distribution plans for its powerful patent-pending formula.

"The products in our pipeline solve problems in virtually every pertinent sector," said Ken Oxsalida, Chief Marketing Officer for the company. "You may not have heard of our company, but if you have a TV set, read newspapers, surf the net or listen to radio, you've definitely seen our products. You'll be seeing a lot more of us in the weeks to come."

For more information on Youth Enhancement Systems go to www.youthenhancement.com or call Donald Braxton at Investor Relations 1-866-383-3765.

Certain statements in this release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "future," "may," "will," "would," "should," "plan," "projected," "intend," and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company's future operating results are dependent upon many factors, including but not limited to the Company's ability to: (i) obtain sufficient capital or a strategic business arrangement to fund its expansion plans; (ii) build the management and human resources and infrastructure necessary to support the growth of its business; (iii) competitive factors and developments beyond the Company's control; and (iv) other risk factors.

Youth Enhancement Systems, Inc.

Infomercial leader Youth Enhancement Systems, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: YEHS), led by its proprietary male thinning hair product, ProCede, announced that its 2005 year-end gross revenues topped $5,600,000 in its very first year of marketing ProCede. www.procedetv.com

"We are very pleased with our numbers out of the box, but clearly we have much higher goals for '06 and beyond," said Kevin D. Sepe, CEO of Youth Enhancement Systems, Inc. "We are on pace to double that number for '06, with both the additional market penetration planned for ProCede, plus exciting new products that have already demonstrated great results in early testing."

Youth Enhancement Systems is the innovator and Direct Response marketer of highly effective products and services geared toward solving problems associated with aging and other underserved sectors. ProCede is consistently ranked in the top 5 most aired short form infomercials in the U.S., ranking in the top 5 for 14 consecutive months, and reaching number 1 of all products in the Health and Beauty category twice in that time period (Infomercial Monitoring Service). Its hair product, ProCede, is clinically tested and proven safe and effective for producing fuller thicker hair shafts after just a single application.

Highlighted Links

Youth Enhancement Systems, Inc

To date, ProCede has received registration approvals in 28 foreign countries including the European Union, United Arab Emirates and South Africa, and the company plans on making an announcement shortly outlining international distribution plans for its powerful patent-pending formula.

"The products in our pipeline solve problems in virtually every pertinent sector," said Ken Oxsalida, Chief Marketing Officer for the company. "You may not have heard of our company, but if you have a TV set, read newspapers, surf the net or listen to radio, you've definitely seen our products. You'll be seeing a lot more of us in the weeks to come."

For more information on Youth Enhancement Systems go to www.youthenhancement.com or call Donald Braxton at Investor Relations 1-866-383-3765.

Certain statements in this release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "future," "may," "will," "would," "should," "plan," "projected," "intend," and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company's future operating results are dependent upon many factors, including but not limited to the Company's ability to: (i) obtain sufficient capital or a strategic business arrangement to fund its expansion plans; (ii) build the management and human resources and infrastructure necessary to support the growth of its business; (iii) competitive factors and developments beyond the Company's control; and (iv) other risk factors.

Real-World Ruby on Rails" One Day Seminar to Take Place on October 3, 2006, in Santa Clara, California

By the End of the Day Seminar Attendees Will Know First Hand Why Ruby on Rails Is Described as "Web 2.0 on Rocket Fuel"

SYS-CON Events (www.events.sys-con.com) announced today that the first "Real-World Ruby on Rails" One-Day Seminar (www.rubyonrailsseminar.com) will take place on October 3, 2006, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California.

In December 2005, when Danish-born David Heinemeier Hansson unleashed into the world of Web applications version 1.0 of the open source application framework he called Rails, written in Ruby, his aim was to help developers achieve simplicity and allow them to develop real-world apps using less code than other frameworks and with a minimum of configuration.

Ruby on Rails, as it has come to be known ever since, certainly hit a dry spot. Armed with Hansson's mantra -- such as "Don't Repeat Yourself" and "Convention Over Configuration" -- developers found that Ruby on Rails (RoR) empowered them, allowing beautiful code to solve the problems most people have in Web-application development.

"It's about taking the pain away and making you happy," Hansson -- who was a speaker at SYS-CON Events' inaugural "Real-World AJAX" One-Day Seminar (www.sys-con.tv/read/195218.htm) in March 2006 -- has said.

He went on to argue that he usually advises people to cut their teeth in Web-development on the mainstream offerings first, before using Rails, because as he expresses it: "Once you've tried developing a substantial application in Java or PHP or C# or whatever, the difference in Rails will be readily apparent. You gotta feel the hurt before you can appreciate the cure."

Those attending SYS-CON Events' "Real-World Ruby on Rails" One-Day Seminar, on October 3, 2006 -- many of whom by definition have already felt the hurt -- can experience the happiness first hand, when top Ruby on Rails practitioners share their insights, expertise, and code.

(Click here for details)
Real-World Ruby on Rails Seminar

Sessions range from Dave Hoover's "Acceptance Testing Rails" to Robby Russell's "Rails Meets the Legacy-World." Michael Huffington will be there to talk about "RoR & AJAX," Alex Bunardzic to explain how Rails reduces the number of decisions when building Web applications, and Steven Baker will describe "Behavior-Driven Development with RSpec."

Joe O'Brien will give a session about "Integrating Rails into the Enterprise Through SOA" and James Adam will discuss "Plugging into Rails."

Real-World RoR will reflect the fact that, after less than a year, there are people using Rails for everything from social sites to mortgage applications to selling baby clothes to sending invoices to managing humanitarian efforts. Rails is already represented in just about any Web-application domain you can imagine.

According to Hansson, Rails is about "The ability to quickly deliver functionality without feeling like a hack doing it" and it is in exactly that spirit that our "Real-World Ruby on Rails" One-Day Seminar will deliver an intense and high-octane education. Colocated with the AJAXWorld Conference & Expo, October 2-4, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, CA, the one-day seminar is being held October 3.

By the end of the day one thing is certain: every seminar attendee will know first hand why Ruby on Rails has been described as "Web 2.0 on Rocket Fuel"!!

Speaker Lineup

James Adam (Plugging into Rails)

Dr. James Adam is the developer behind Rails Engines and author of the upcoming 'Rails Plugins' shortcut from Addison Wesley. He has 5 years experience as a contributor to the Ruby community and is a Rails early adopter and contributor. James currently is part of a small internal development team in London, producing real-world Rails applications within a corporate environment.

Steven Baker (Behaviour-Driven Development with RSpec)

Steven Baker is one of the key figures in the Ruby community when it comes to agile software development. He is the creator and lead developer of RSpec, the Behavior-Driven Development framework for Ruby, and is a featured speaker on applying agile methodologies at many of the Ruby and Ruby on Rails conferences. Steven continues to collaborate with leaders of the Agile and Ruby communities. He provides training and mentoring on how organizations can improve their productivity and efficiency through workshops and private sessions.

Michael Buffington (Ruby on Rails + AJAX)

Michael Buffington has been an entrepreneur and Web application developer for over 10 years. Michael cofounded Price.com Inc. in 1998, authored an advanced-level book on Macromedia's ColdFusion, and helped architect measuremap.com, Adaptive Path's new Weblog analytics service. Most recently, Michael has become notable in the Rails community for developing and managing the open source llor.nu online game, a highly addictive and massive game with some very simple underlying principles.

Alex Bunardzic (Rails Reduces the Number of Decisions When Building Web Applications)

Alex Bunardzic is a seasoned software developer, with 16 years of full-time experience building comprehensive software solutions. He specializes in delivering high-quality software products that are focused on helping users and businesses achieve their goals. In order to achieve and maintain high standards of delivery, Alex advocates the Less Technology/Less Infrastructure approach. This is the reason Alex embraces Ruby on Rails and AJAX, as these technologies allow him to deliver dramatically improved products with only a fraction of the effort usually needed to supply such solutions.

Dave Hoover (Acceptance Testing Rails Apps with Watir)

Dave Hoover is the lead agile practices consultant at Obtiva Corp and author of the upcoming 'Acceptance Testing Rails' shortcut from Addison Wesley. He enjoys learning about and contributing to the craft of software development.

Joe O'Brien (Integrating Rails into the Enterprise Through SOA)

Joe O'Brien is a co-founder of EdgeCase, LLC, a software development company based in central Ohio specializing in Ruby, Rails and Web 2.0 application development and training. Previously he was a developer with ThoughtWorks and spent much of his time working with large J2EE and .NET systems for Fortune 500 companies. He has spent his career as a developer, project manager, and everything in between. Joe is a passionate member of the open source community. Recently, he founded the Columbus Ruby Brigade and has helped organize the Chicago Area Ruby Users Group. His passions are agile development in the Enterprise, Ruby, and demonstrating to the Fortune 500 the elegance and power of this incredible language. Joe is currently working on a book for the Pragmatic Programmers on Ruby and SOA.

Robby Russell (Rails Meets the Legacy-World)

Robby Russell founded PLANET ARGON in 2002, and it has now grown to be one of the most well-known Rails development, consulting and hosting firms in operation. He is also currently finishing his long anticipated book, "Programming Rails," for the leading technical book publisher, O'Reilly Media. Robby is well known in the Rails community, thanks to his popular Rails-related blog, robbyonrails.com.

Ryan Davis (Test Driven Development)

Ryan Davis has been using Ruby since 2000 and is a founding member of the Seattle Ruby Brigade, the ass-kickingest ruby brigade (per-capita). He has worked on and released coco/ruby, ParseTree, ruby2c, RubyInline, ZenHacks, ZenTest, and ZenWeb. He has not yet released BFTS, metaruby, or zero2rails but they are coming out RSN. His presentation at RubyConf 2005 on ZenHacks was very pretty.

Eric Hodel (Real-World Scalability)

Eric Hodel has been using Ruby for over four years and is a founding member of the Seattle Ruby Brigade. He has presented twice at RubyConf, in 2003 on a web application framework called Borges and in 2005 on MetaRuby, a re-implementation of Ruby in Ruby.

Sponsorship and Exhibit Opportunities

The Seminar will be sponsored by leading technology vendors. Information on sponsorship and exhibit opportunities can be obtained by e-mail at events(at)sys-con.com or by phone at 201 802-3020.

About SYS-CON Media

SYS-CON Media, listed in Inc 500 three years in a row as the fastest-growing, privately held publishing company in America, is the world's leading publisher exclusively serving i-technology markets.

SYS-CON's well-known and highly respected magazines' Web portals include: AJAXWorld Magazine (www.ajax.sys-con.com); Java Developer's Journal (www.JavaDevelopersJournal.com); .NET Developer's Journal (www.DotNETDevelopersJournal.com); Enterprise Open Source Magazine (www.opensource.sys-con.com); Linux.SYS-CON.com (www.linux.sys-con.com); SOA Web Services Journal (www.WSJ2.com); Wireless Business & Technology (www.WBT2.com); XML-Journal (www.XML-Journal.com); WebLogic Developer's Journal (www.WeblogicDevelopersJournal.com); WebSphere Journal (www.WebSphereJournal.com); Web Developer's & Designer's Journal (www.webddj.sys-con.com); ColdFusion Developer's Journal (www.ColdFusionJournal.com); PowerBuilder Developer's Journal (www.PowerBuilderJournal.com); IT Solutions Guide (www.itsolutions.sys-con.com); Information Storage & Security Journal (www.issjournal.com); Eclipse Developer's Journal (www.eclipsedevelopersjournal.com); Symbian Developer's Journal (www.symbian.sys-con.com); Web Hosting Journal (www.webhosting.sys-con.com); and Web 2.0 Journal (www.web2.sys-con.com).

Each month SYS-CON Media reaches over two million i-technology professionals through its specialty journals, magazines, conferences, education programs (www.education.sys-con.com), SYS-CON.TV (www.SYS-CON.TV), the world's first branded blog community (www.blog-n-play.com), live and on-demand Webcasts (www.webcast.sys-con.com), and the SYS-CON interactive portal with more than 100 Websites at (www.sys-con.com).

About SYS-CON Events, Inc.

SYS-CON Events, Inc. (www.events.sys-con.com) is the world's leading producer of i-technology conferences, seminars and expos, including SOA Enterprise Open Source Conference (www.soaeosconference.sys-con.com), "Real-World AJAX" Seminar Series (www.ajaxseminar.com), "Real-World Flex" Seminar Series (www.flexseminar.com), iTVcon - Internet TV Conference & Expo 2006 (www.itvcon.com), International AJAXWorld Conference & Expo (www.ajaxworldexpo.com), and Real-World Ruby-on-Rails Seminar Series (www.rubyonrailsseminar.com).

Unico, Inc. Begins Operation of Screening Plant on Material at Deer Trail Mine

Unico, Incorporated (OTCBB: UNCN), a natural resource company in the precious metals mining sector, today announced that subsidiary Deer Trail Mining Company, LLC has initiated screening plant operations at the upper Deer Trail Mine in Marysvale, Utah. Material is being run through the screening plant and then moved to the mill at the Deer Trail Mine in preparation for further processing.

Photographs of the operation of the screening plant have been added to the Unico website at www.uncn.com. A new picture gallery entitled "Screening Plant Operation" has been added to the "Media" section at www.uncn.com/news/othermedia.asp.

The Deer Trail Mining Company plans to screen the approximately 20,000 tons of material in the first targeted dump area, which was mined over several decades in first half of the 20th century. In total, the Company has identified approximately 80,000 tons of material from this area, which it plans to screen and process at the Deer Trail mill facility. Historically, the material mined in this area has contained economical values of both gold and silver.

"Screen analysis has been conducted on one of several mine dumps on the Deer Trail Mine property, and we have also completed in-house metallurgical work on the material contained there," stated Mark A. Lopez, chief executive officer of Unico, Inc. "This material is expected to provide additional feed for the mill and processing facility, and we are pleased to have initiated screening plant operations."

Highlighted Links

Unico, Inc. Website

As screening of the dump material has begun, the Deer Trail Mining Company is concurrently working to complete reconstruction of the mill and processing facility, so it can process the stockpiles of material and production of the concentrates to sell in fulfillment of the company's five-year purchase contract with PGM, LLC, a private subsidiary of Polymet Corporation.

"We hope that Unico shareholders will be encouraged by the progress being made at the Deer Trail Mine, especially as it relates to preparing for processing operation at the mill. The photographs we have added to our website again show tangible results from our efforts to establish revenue streams for the Deer Trail Mining Company, and we look forward to continued progress through the activities of all of our subsidiary mine properties," added Mr. Lopez.

Shareholders who would like to sign up to receive information by email directly from Unico, Inc., particularly when new press releases, SEC filings or other information is disclosed, are asked to visit the company's website at www.uncn.com/IR/mailinglist.asp.

About Unico, Inc.

Unico, Inc. (OTCBB: UNCN) is a publicly traded natural resource company in the precious metals mining sector that is focused on the exploration, development and production of gold, silver, lead, zinc, and copper concentrates at its three mine properties: the Deer Trail Mine, the Bromide Basin Mine and the Silver Bell Mine. For more information, please visit www.uncn.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and such Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The company may experience significant fluctuations in operating results due to a number of economic, competitive and other factors. These factors could cause operation results to vary significantly from those in prior periods, and those projected in forward-looking statements. Information with respect to these factors, which could materially affect the company and its operations, are included on certain forms the company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

World's Largest Roommate Matching Service Reduces Service Requests by 50% With Parature

RoommateClick Increases Customer Support Efficiency and Gains Critical Insights With Parature Customer Support Solution

Parature, provider of award-winning, on demand customer support software, announced today that MoveOnIn Network, operator of RoommateClick, the world's largest online roommate matching service, is using Parature's Customer Support Solution. Since deploying the solution in January 2006, MoveOnIn has seen a reduction in its volume of customer service requests by 50%, created service continuity across multiple departments, tracked and reported on support trends and metrics, and offered value-added services to customers. "Using Parature's Customer Support Solution makes much better sense for our business than using email or other outdated methods, particularly as it not only improves the quality of service we provide to our customers, but it enables us to directly impact our bottom line through value-added services that customers can opt to pay for," said David Dembowski, Director, Business Development, MoveOnIn Network.

RoommateClick is an online service that matches people with roommates and enables landlords to fill available rental property space. Servicing customer needs quickly and efficiently is imperative, especially in larger metropolitan areas where available rental space is scarce and tenant turnover is high. Prior to using Parature's Customer Support Solution, RoommateClick used the Microsoft Outlook® email program to manage and respond to customer support requests. As the company grew, it became increasingly difficult to maintain continuity of customer data across departments, track support issues from start through resolution, record commonly asked questions, and report on support department status to management. "Before using Parature we were in a reactive position, but now with the online support portal integrated into our website, customers often find answers to their own questions through our knowledge base articles and don't need to contact us, reducing the volume of support requests we receive by 50%," stated Mr. Dembowski. "Additionally, we've benefited significantly from the ability to generate reports on any data within the Parature system, and have already worked with our IT department to resolve some issues based on hard evidence found in the reports."

Highlighted Links

Parature Client Case Studies
Parature Website

A key part of RoommateClick's strategy for consistent fast service is Parature's live online chat feature, as they now offer chat for a small fee to customers needing immediate assistance. The company plans to soon begin using Parature's online discussion forums, where customers can post public messages, also offering access to customers for a small fee. "The chat and forum features offer a lot of added value to customers, and adds another revenue stream into our business model, so it's a win-win situation," said Mr. Dembowski.

While researching customer support solutions, RoommateClick was told by other vendors that it would take six months or longer until the solution was functional, while Parature had its solution fully operational in only 3 weeks. "Parature is a great business partner and delivered everything they said they would, on time and on budget," stated Mr. Dembowski. "We had our doubts at first as we had heard much longer implementation timelines from the other companies, but were very pleasantly surprised when Parature had everything ready in a fraction of that time."

For information on how your organization can reduce support request volume by 50% or more through Parature's self-service options, please visit http://www.parature.com/client-knowledge-management.aspx

About MoveOnIn Network

MoveOnIn Network is a privately held, swiftly growing relocation and lifestyle services company. Based in New York City, the RoommateClick division of the company has pioneered the online roommate matching business since its inception in 2000. Each month, hundreds of thousands of users from throughout the U.S. and Canada search for prospective roommates on our website. Our recently launched sites FlatmateClick.co.uk in the UK, ColocationFrance.fr in France, WG-Klick.de in Germany solidify our position as the world's leading online roommate community. For more information, please visit www.roommateclick.com.

About Parature

Parature provides on demand customer support and help desk software, enabling companies to improve their internal and external support while reducing costs. Through its suite of modules, Parature allows companies to provide critical service information on a 24x7 basis via the Internet, resulting in reduction of inbound support load and significantly decreased support costs. With a consistent growth rate of over 100% year over year, Parature serves industry leaders such as Office Depot, ATI Technologies Inc. and Florida State University. For more information on Parature, or to sign up for the FREE 30 Day Trial, please visit www.parature.com

Delta Oil & Gas Commences First Ever Oil Production; Cumulative Production From the Oklahoma and Saskatchewan Wells Exceeds 10,000 Barrels of Oil Over the Last 45 Days

SEATTLE, WA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- July 25, 2006 -- Delta Oil & Gas Inc. (OTCBB: DOIG) is pleased to announce that its recently acquired interest in an oil well known as the Powell #2 at Owl Creek, Oklahoma has resulted in an important new discovery. The Powell #2 has produced approximately 5,346 barrels of oil to July 20, 2006 and is producing approximately 60,000 cubic feet natural gas per day. Delta has a 20% interest in this well. In light of the success of this well, Delta and partners have committed to drill the first of several direct offset wells in the area. The first well, when completed will be called the Isbill # 1-36. Drilling is expected to commence in early August.

Seismic data indicates that the Isbill #1-36 well should be structurally very similar to the successful Powell #2 well. This includes both the current lower producing zone in the Powell #2, and the additional prospective pay zones (including the upper Viola).

Delta is also pleased to announce that its horizontal well in the Wordsworth area, Saskatchewan, Canada is now producing steadily with the assistance of a pump. The well was drilled horizontally to a depth of 2033 meters encountering approximately 300 meters of oil pay. To the end of June, the well has produced 4,339 barrels of oil. Initial gas production from the same well is estimated to be in the 50,000 to 100,000 cubic feet per day but to the end of June, the gas has been flared off until it can be connected to a pipeline. Delta has a 15% interest in this well.

Delta and partners are planning additional seismic work and further drilling in the project area as soon as practicable, with the expectation of substantial production increases from the Alida pool which may contain up to 4 million barrels of oil

About Delta Oil and Gas

Delta Oil and Gas is a growing exploration company focused on developing North American oil and natural gas reserves. The Company's current focus is on the exploration of its land portfolio comprised of working interests in highly prospective acreage in the Southern Alberta Foothills area, its interest in the Cache Slough Project in California, its interest in the Strachan Prospect, its interest in its Mississippi prospect, its interest in a horizontal oil well in Saskatchewan and its newest interest at Owl Creek, Oklahoma. Delta Oil & Gas is seeking to expand its portfolio to include additional interests in Canada and the USA.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

DOUGLAS N. BOLEN, B.A., LL.B., President

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release includes statements about expected future events and/or results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to time frames, expectations for completion; the analysis of results and the intention to drill. Actual outcomes and the Company's results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause results to differ materially include general factors that affect all companies that explore for oil and gas, such as the uncertainty of the requirements demanded by environmental agencies, the fact that oil and gas extraction and production is risky, the potential that no commercial quantities of gas are found or recoverable, the price of oil and gas, geological problems that prevent us from reaching drilling targets and specific risks such as the Company's ability to raise financing.

YaSheng Group Has Submitted Application to China Agricultural Development Department to Build a High Tech E-Commerce Agricultural Terminal

-- YaSheng Group (PINKSHEETS: YHGG) YaSheng Group has submitted an application to China, GanSu Agricultural Development Department to build a High Tech E-Commerce Agricultural Terminal to develop the agro industry in the North West of China. The project will be located in the Lanzhou City, GanSu China which has a strategic importance for industrial logistics in the North West of China.

The expected total investment of this project is $60 million, the period of construction is two and half years. Investment of the project will consist of internal company investments with cooperation of local governmental and other national development agencies.

The High Tech E-Commerce Project will enhance the trade of agricultural products in large scale bringing consistent normalization to the industry. This will result in increased and rapid development of the agriculture of Gansu and the North West China resulting in a forum for the whole country by modernizing the systems of trade for the agricultural industry and eventually all commodities initially in the North West and all of China.

Yasheng Executive Management vision is to create a modernized exchange of Agro Commodities that will lead the way to an exchange that is similar to the original pioneer "Chicago Mercantile Exchange," creating a foundation to establish a normalized system of trading of China's Agricultural & other Commodities Sectors that is compatible and is systematic in relation to international commodities exchanges.

YaSheng Group has been internally developing this plan in coordination with their U.S. operations for over 3 years and has succeeded in gathering acceptance within the key components of the Peoples Republic of China regulatory bodies. This internal business model and external program has involved several aspects of E-Commerce, modern systems compatible with international systems of commodities trading, and North West China, and PRC National developments.

The Executive management of Yasheng believes, "There is only one vision and that is to realize the true value of Globalization as it relates to the commodities industries and allowing China to take part as a key player in this global economy where we belong."

About YaSheng Group:

The YaSheng Group (PINKSHEETS: YHGG) is a diversified industrial conglomerate incorporated in Redwood City, California, operates in hi-tech agriculture, salt chemistry and biological technology as its core Business with advantages in rich land, mineral resources, capital and technology reserves.

Through three major industries, Agriculture, Chemical, and Biotechnology, the company's operating categories include: chemical engineering, agricultural production, biotech, pharmaceuticals, textile products, printing and dyeing, commercial trading, beverages and inorganic salt manufacturing. With total assets of approximately $1.5 billion USD and over 15,000 employees, YaSheng Group has 155,097,355 shares issued and outstanding as of December 1, 2004.

Further information concerning YaSheng Group can be found on the corporate website: http://www.yashenggroup.com/

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The statements contained herein that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Produce Safety and Security International Introduces Sam Perricone III Chairman and CEO Atomic X

Sam Perricone III, Chairman & CEO of Perricone Wileman Group LLC, Is the Head of Atomic X(TM)

Produce Safety and Security International, Inc (Other OTC: PDSC.PK), an ozone and chemical sanitation disinfectant process supplier to the food and medical industries, introduces Sam Perricone III as head of its AtomicX™ division.

Perricone is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Perricone Wileman Group LLC, dba Atomic X Hydration Company. Since founding the Company, Perricone has developed four next-generation, high-margin, ready-to-market product lines directed to the fastest growing market segments in the beverage industry.

Perricone has also held the position of Distribution and Regional Sales for Perricone Juice Company, the largest manufacturer of fresh-squeezed citrus juices in the Western United States. During his tenure, Perricone was responsible for the expansion of this firm's citrus brands in the high-end food service sector.

Previous to this position, Perricone was employed with US Growers Cold Storage Inc., a 60 year old organization owned by the Perricone family. This firm handles billions of dollars in products from around the world in six refrigerated warehouses located in a campus type environment in Los Angeles, California.

Clarence W. Karney, CEO of Produce Safety & Security International, stated, "Sam Perricone is highly respected within the beverage and citrus community. His knowledge of the full spectrum of issues involved makes him the ideal person to lead Atomic X into the future. He, along with the highly enthusiastic professional Atomic X management team he assembled, has the character to make Atomic X a very special high profile company."

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Produce Safety & Security Int.

For more information on Atomic X Hydration Beverages go to www.atomic-x-hydration.com.

About Produce Safety & Security International, Inc. (PDSC)

PDSC has developed and patented products for extending the shelf life of perishables. The EPA-registered products sanitize and disinfect against food-borne illness pathogens and disease-causing bacteria. PDSC provides a range of options for retail stores, restaurants, cruise ship lines, disaster cleanups and municipal programs. Furthermore, the process incorporates a complete audit trail, an essential component for complying with government regulations in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

PDSC's state-of-the-art ozone process has been shown to extend the shelf life and remove food borne illness bacteria. This process will provide retail produce departments reduced shrinkage, increase the bottom line and provide a fresher product for the consumer. The customer will be assured of a safe food product, by use of this process, which may be used on organic produce to remove the pathogens. This process uses no chemicals thus meeting the requirements of organic certification.

For further product information, joint venture opportunities, distributorship program information, or program applications, please go to PDSC's website www.foodsafeint.com.

Safe Harbor

Forward-looking statements made in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements made by Produce Safety & Security International, Inc. are not a guarantee of future performance. This news release includes forward-looking statements, including with respect to the future level of business for the parties. These statements are necessarily subject to risk and uncertainty. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain risk factors that could cause results to differ materially from estimated results. Management cautions that all statements as to future results of operations are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and events that may be beyond the control of Produce Safety & Security International, Inc. and no assurance can be given that such results will be achieved. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability to procure, properly price, retain and successfully complete projects, and changes in products and competition.

Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc. Enters Into Agreement With The Genesis Network

Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SMKG) (FRANKFURT: QYH), a leading provider of prepaid cards, value smart storage cards and payment transaction management services, announced today that they have entered into an agreement with The Genesis Network to provide card fulfillment services.

The Genesis Network is a consulting company that specializes in the customer relations market and their existing client base is between three thousand and seven thousand active customers in the US and Canada and most of these would be directly enrolled in the prepaid card fulfillment campaign. The agreement states that the initial order will be for fifteen thousand prepaid Canadian MasterCards® and five thousand prepaid US MasterCards®. The cards will be used within the payday loan industry in North America.

The payday loan industry is a very captive financial service for low income and credit challenged individuals. The need to combine a payday loan with the facilitation of an immediate access card such as the prepaid MasterCard® and or Visa™ cards gives a larger potential for transaction sharing from funds distribution.

It is estimated that the prepaid MasterCard® or Visa™ cards generate between $45 and $70 USD a year in gross revenue per unit. Based on market evaluations, a program with five thousand active cards can generate up to $500,000.00 USD in gross profits from transactions alone.

Smart Card CEO, Massimo Barone stated, "Smart Card is positioning itself to be a main supplier of prepaid cards to financial service providers in North America. Each new distribution agreement brings the company one step closer to becoming the product of choice in the prepaid industry."

About The Genesis Network

The Genesis Network was established over five years ago as a consulting company specializing in the CRM (customer relations market), Media, and Business Process outsourcing market. The company's network of merchants in the financial sector will play an important role in complimenting the prepaid card programs offered by Smart Card and will create new market opportunities for both companies.

About Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc.

Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc. has taken a mainstream position in the smart and prepaid charge card market to develop, integrate and to jointly deploy turnkey co-branded solutions for loyalty and payment management transactions. Smart Card Marketing Systems Inc. seeks industry suppliers and creates channel partners to better the availability of API's (automated protocol interfaces) that respectively are only available to preferred corporations/clients and manages the required protocol in-place by the offering institution for the merchant.

Forward-Looking Statements. This news release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements about the expected future prospects of our business and all other statements in this release other than historical facts, constitute forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "would," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "intends," "plans," "estimates," or "anticipates" or similar expressions which concern our strategy, plans or intentions. All statements we make relating to estimated and projected earnings, margins, costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates and financial results are forward-looking statements. In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments. All of these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, and, therefore, our actual results may differ materially from those we expected. We derive most of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Some of the factors that we believe could affect our results include: general economic and market conditions, including the lingering effects of the economic slowdown and services revenue; the overall condition of the bank card industry, including the effect of any further consolidation among financial services firms; the regulatory, credit and market risks associated with our operations; the integration of acquired businesses, the performance of our businesses; the effect of war, terrorism or catastrophic events; the timing and magnitude of sales; the timing and scope of technological advances; the ability to retain and attract customers and key personnel; and the ability to obtain patent protection and avoid patent-related liabilities in the context of a rapidly developing legal framework for software and business-method patents. The factors described in this paragraph and other factors that may affect our business or future financial results and when applicable, will be discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement made by us or on our behalf as a result of new information, future events or other factors

PetroSun to Acquire Production and Development Interests in the Sibley Field

PetroSun Drilling, Incorporated (PINKSHEETS: PSUD) announced today that the company has entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire working interest in the Sibley Field of Webster Parish, Louisiana. The closing date of the transaction is scheduled for August 8, 2006, subject to the terms of an agreement with ALM Trust Properties, LLC and the Morgan Elizabeth Miles Trust.

The leasehold of approximately 1,000 acres includes four proven producing Pettit/Rodessa natural gas and/or oil wells and a minimum of fourteen proven undeveloped oil and natural gas locations as determined by the geological evaluation of well control data. The Pettit, Rodessa, Mooringsport and Paluxy are geological formations that produce oil and/or natural gas within the Sibley Field.

PetroSun will commence a development program targeting the Mooringsport and Paluxy oil reserves immediately after the closing of the acquisition.

About PetroSun

PetroSun's current operations are concentrated in the Ark-La-Tex region with plans to expand into New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Australia in 2006. PetroSun provides a comprehensive array of products and services to the oil industry. Algae BioFuels, a wholly owned subsidiary of PetroSun, is an emerging producer of biodiesel derived from the cultivation of algae. The Company's cutting edge technologies, combined with a proven ability to apply them effectively and safely within a disciplined ROI framework, creates long term value for PetroSun shareholders and partners. PetroSun is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information about PetroSun visit the company's website at http://www.petrosun.us

Except historical matter contained herein, matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties, which may affect the Company's business and prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

Collectible Concepts Group, Inc. to Exhibit at Specialty Retail Entrepreneur Expo (SPREE) and Conference, July 25-27 in Long Beach, CA

Collectible Concepts Group, Inc. (OTCBB: CCGI) today announced that it will present its products to buyers and other visitors from the specialty retail industry at the Specialty Retail Entrepreneur Expo (SPREE) and Conference from July 25 through July 27, 2006 at the Convention Center in Long Beach, CA.

Speaking about the importance of this event to CCGI, Martin Uniacke, CCGI Vice President of National Sales said, "We are launching our shared marketing arrangement holiday sales program. This is a major exposition for the specialty retail industry where buyers, distributors, and retailers from all sectors of business, converge seeking new and more exciting products. The Sports Memories In Wood joint holiday sales program is intended to be a partnering between the Specialty Retail Operator and Collectible Concepts Group, Inc."

The unique element of this year's offer is the "retail mix" that CCGI now commands. With Retails ranging from under five dollars to high-end limited edition, collectible wood products, CCGI covers the entire retail spectrum.

"In a tricky retail environment we have developed a program where the intent is to reduce the element of risk associated with holiday kiosk sales and maximize the profit potential for both entities," Uniacke said.

About Collectible Concepts

Collectible Concepts Group, Inc. develops and markets unique licensed sports and entertainment collectible merchandise for specialty, mass retail and online distribution. Nationally recognized in direct response marketing, replica design, mass-market distribution and E-commerce marketing, Collectible Concepts and its products are renowned both for quality and authenticity. Licenses include over 25 colleges and universities, including: The National Basketball Association (NBA), The National Hockey League (NHL), Arena Football, and others. For more information, visit: www.collectibleconcepts.com or www.otcfn.com/ccgi.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and as such, may involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which the Company operates, projections of future performance, potential future performance, perceived opportunities in the market, and statements regarding the Company's mission and vision. The Company's actual results, performance, and achievements may differ materially from the results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements

China Direct Receives $2,500,000 Credit Line Commitment From Its Chairman

China Direct Trading Corp. (OTCBB: CHDT) (CHDT) announced today that it has received a credit line commitment of $2,500,000 from its chief executive officer and president, Howard Ullman. The credit line is to be used solely to fund the cash portion, if any, of any CHDT acquisition or investment consistent with its strategic vision for the Fiscal Year 2006.

CHDT has concluded that ownership of or investment in companies that are established distributors in the U.S. and potential distribution channels should be considered as part of the overall strategy to better exploit CHDT's contacts with over 30 Chinese manufacturing companies. As such, CHDT is seeking such investments or acquisitions opportunities funded in part by the $2.5 million credit line.

CHDT's Strategic Plan: CHDT has been engaged in an ongoing process of seeking investment or acquisition or merger opportunities with one or more companies that can potentially enhance CHDT shareholder value through increasing CHDT's revenues and net worth as well as possibly establishing a sustained positive cash flow. CHDT's board of directors is also committed to seeking possibly investing in or acquiring companies that could benefit from CHDT's contacts with Chinese manufacturing firms. CHDT's strategic plan has traditionally been to remain a trading company with low overhead and focused on exploiting its contacts with Chinese manufacturers to meet CHDT's customers' needs.

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China Direct Trading Corp.
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Under the credit line, CHDT has 4 years to repay any advances of credit, which repayment shall be made in calendar quarterly interest-only payments for the first 24 months of the term and equal calendar quarterly principal and interest installment payments for the last 24 months of the term. The interest rate is fixed at 8.0% per annum. Upon demand, the lender may convert all or a portion of any unpaid principal or interest into "restricted shares" (as defined in Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) of CHDT common stock at a price of 0.10 per share. The commitment comes from the personal funds of Mr. Ullman, including funding based on a collateral arrangement encumbering 25 million shares of Mr. Ullman's CHDT common stock and 376,000 preferred shares.

About CHDT: CHDT is a public holding company acting, through its subsidiaries, as a distributor of commercial and residential standby power generators as a trading company focused on selling Chinese-made goods in North America, especially roofing tiles and promotional, souvenir and gift items.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release, including the financial information that follows, contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. The forward-looking statements may include statements regarding product development, product potential or financial performance. The fact that CHDT seeks or consummates investments in or acquisitions of other companies does not mean that such transactions will favorably affect CHDT's business or financial conditions -- in general or as forecasted. In fact, investments and acquisitions could have an adverse impact on CHDT. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. CHDT undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements in this press release and risks associated with any investment in CHDT, which is a "penny stock" company, should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect CHDT's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements in current and future CHDT's SEC Filings, which statements CHDT incorporates by reference herein.

Ingrian 4.3 Delivers Increased Database Performance and Support

New Software for DataSecure Platforms(R) Provides Validated Support for Oracle 10g R2 Platform and Eliminates Need for Application Code Changes to Perform Queries

-- Ingrian® Networks, Inc., the leading provider of data privacy solutions, today announced the availability of a new software release for its Ingrian DataSecure® family of products. The new 4.3 release provides increased support to enterprise networks deploying Oracle 10g R2 database and IBM DB2 Universal Database (UDB), enabling enterprises to better secure their databases.

"As the enterprise threat model continues to evolve, encryption is becoming a must-have for database security," said Karim Toubba, vice president of product management and corporate strategy for Ingrian Networks. "With DataSecure, enterprises can ensure that the private information on their networks remains private while allowing easy access to non-mission critical information."

New features in 4.3 are:

--  High performance searching on Oracle databases - ensuring support for     high performance equality queries on encrypted data on the Oracle platform,     requiring no application code changes for environments that perform this     type of query. --  Support for Oracle 10g R2 - offering validated support against the     Oracle 10g R2 platform. --  Support for UDB Partitioning - providing support for partitioned IBM     UDB databases. --  SEED Algorithm Support for the Korean Market - expanding language     support by adding the SEED algorithm developed by KISA (Korea Information     Security Agency).

Ingrian 4.3 software is available now to new customers and existing customers with current service contracts. For more information, visit www.ingrian.com or contact info@ingrian.com.

About DataSecure Platforms

Ingrian DataSecure Platforms provide an intelligent, cost-effective way to protect critical data from both internal and external threats. Featuring dedicated hardware appliances and patent-pending cryptography software, Ingrian's solutions deliver capabilities for granular encryption, seamless integration, and centralized security management. With its solutions, Ingrian supports:

--  Retailers, financial institutions, and payment processors in adhering     to card issuer security policies like the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data     Security Standard. --  Organizations around the world seeking to comply with privacy     legislation, such as California SB1386, the Europe Union Data Protection     Directive, and many others. --  Financial institutions seeking to comply with Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. --  Government agencies striving to adhere to the Federal Information     Security Management Act.

About Ingrian Networks

Ingrian Networks brings complete data privacy to the enterprise. With Ingrian DataSecure Platforms, organizations can protect critical data from both internal and external threats, and ensure compliance with legislative and policy mandates for security. DataSecure features a dedicated security appliance and specialized software that enables organizations to encrypt critical data in applications and databases. With its capabilities for granular encryption, seamless integration, and centralized security management, DataSecure enables organizations to guard against a range of security threats, with unparalleled ease and cost effectiveness. Ingrian is a privately held company backed by such investors as Globespan Capital Partners, HighBAR Ventures, Menlo Ventures, Partech International, and Prism Venture Partners. For more information, visit http://www.ingrian.com.

ShowMgr.com Launches at the 2006 MLB All Star Game the ShowMgr.com Crew Card

ShowMgr.com, a leading provider of software applications for managing broadcast, production and post-production operations, announces the launch of the ShowMgr.com Crew Card. Last week at the 2006 MLB All Star Game, ShowMgr.com provided several hundred crew and field staff a personal crew card that enabled Fox Networks to trace, track and monitor catering costs at the event.

"As a ShowMgr.com customer for over 5 years, we rely on ShowMgr.com to provide us with an integrated, collaborative platform that minimizes duplication of effort and enables sharing and distribution of our production information," said Jerry Steinberg, Senior Vice President of Field Operations, Fox Sports. "The on-demand financial insight acquired from the crew card is just another example of ShowMgr.com developing creative tools that assist us with the overall management of the production process."

"Within 24 hours after the All Star event, ShowMgr.com was able to provide our production accountants a detailed break down including all of the distinct meals served over the five day production and cost allocation by percentage to seven different entities," continued Lynn King, Executive Director of Fox Sports. "Though we've used the crew card at several recent NASCAR events, this is the first time we have used the crew card at an MLB event. In the near future, we plan to utilize the crew card at the BCS Championship, NFC Championship as well as the Daytona 500."

With a powerful suite of software tools that automates the entire operational process, ShowMgr.com is built on a scalable Web architecture that pre-packages several important core technologies critical to the automation of field operations. "Since we have an enterprise perspective toward functional growth and the continued expansion of operational workflow," said Kevin M. Rosen, CEO of ShowMgr.com, "The crew card is a natural addition to enhancing the overall management of a remote or studio production."

About ShowMgr.com

Founded in 2001, ShowMgr.com™ provides the media industry with the most comprehensive suite of Web-based, broadcast operations management applications in the marketplace. Through centralized, on-demand access to automated tools and databases for broadcast operational functions, workflow, resources and personnel, users are empowered to make informed decisions, save time, control costs and maximize resources.

Labor Ready Selects Data Domain

Multinational Employment Agency Doubles Onsite Data Retention and Frees Up Costly SAN

-- Data Domain, the leading provider of Capacity Optimized Storage (COS) solutions, announced today that Labor Ready (NYSE: LRW), a leading international temporary manual labor staffing company, has selected Data Domain enterprise data protection solutions to backup and restore its data center's mission critical databases and applications. Up against six competitors, Labor Ready chose Data Domain for its cost-effective disk-based backup solution and ability to easily restore data.

The Data Domain DD460 Restorer replaced the company's relatively new HP tape drive solution and freed up an expensive SAN. Labor Ready's data center backs up 8-10 terabytes of data supporting a business that, by nature, requires data restores several times a month. Labor Ready was experiencing unacceptable delays in retrieval of crucial data from tape and reached capacity limits after attempting to use its existing SAN infrastructure for backup.

"After experiencing multiple attempts to accomplish a successful restore and watching our backup costs rise, we focused on finding a cost-effective, reliable disk-based backup solution that would enable us to backup at least two weeks worth of data and easily restore it," said Jeffrey Zuniga, director of IT Infrastructure at Labor Ready. "Data Domain has allowed us to double the amount of data stored onsite, and keep it onsite for a full month. This is twice what we had hoped for from any vendor. As well, the Data Domain DD460 was easily integrated with our CommVault Galaxy™ backup software and the combination has logged nearly 100 percent reliability with backups and restores, with no staff intervention."

Data Domain's DD460 Restorer enables users to store several months of backup data onsite, with up to 200 terabytes of storage capacity. The appliance also offers high-speed backups and restores, with throughput of several hundred gigabytes per hour. Working seamlessly with leading enterprise backup software, the Data Domain DD460 is easily integrated directly into existing customer environments -- bringing a level of data protection unmatched by any other storage system.

Since deploying the Data Domain DD460, Labor Ready has achieved impressive compression rates, allowing for longer onsite retention of data. Once the company moves to completely full backups, the compression rates will be even further optimized and contribute to safer recoveries. Labor Ready has reduced storage management time and staffing requirements since restores no longer tax the data center administrators. "As we moved over to disk-based backups and restores, the reliability factor went way up, the price point was much more attractive and our SAN is available for production data," said Zuniga. "These improvements demonstrate how Data Domain has positively impacted our business operations."

"Like many companies, Labor Ready is utilizing Data Domain capacity optimized storage to reap the benefits of disk-based backup storage, leveraging the cost point and simplicity of our approach," said Frank Slootman, president and CEO of Data Domain. "By replacing cumbersome and unreliable tape infrastructures with Data Domain's data protection solutions, our customers effortlessly extricate their storage budgets and infrastructure."

ABOUT LABOR READY

Labor Ready is an international provider of temporary employees for manual labor, light industrial and skilled trades, operating under the brand names of Labor Ready, Workforce, Spartan Staffing, and CLP Resources. Labor Ready's customers are primarily small- to mid-sized businesses in the transportation, warehousing, hospitality, landscaping, construction, light manufacturing, retail, wholesale, facilities and sanitation industries. Annually, Labor Ready serves approximately 300,000 customers and puts more than 600,000 people to work through its 887 branch locations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For additional information, visit Labor Ready's website at www.laborready.com.

About Data Domain

Data Domain is the leading provider of Capacity Optimized Storage (COS) solutions, enabling reliable, cost-effective data protection for the enterprise. More than 400 companies worldwide use Data Domain's award-winning disk-based backup and recovery storage systems. Data Domain's Global Compression, data invulnerability and replication technologies offer breakthrough compression rates reducing the cost of disk-based backup and simplifying data recovery. Founded in 2001, Data Domain is a privately held company. For more information, visit Data Domain's web site at www.datadomain.com. Data Domain is headquartered at 2300 Central Expressway, Santa Clara, CA, 95050 and can be contacted by phone at 1-866-933-3873 or e-mail at sales@datadomain.com.

Note: Data Domain and Global Compression are registered trademarks of Data Domain, Inc. All other brands, products, service names, trademarks or registered service marks are used to identify the products or services of their respective

Homeland Security Group International to Brief Congress on Anti-IED Technology and Lightweight Ballistic Armor Solutions

Ballistic Division Completes Side Plate Carrier, Bids on Estimated $65 Million Dollar Contract

Homeland Security Group International (PINKSHEETS: HMSG) announced today that CEO Colonel Jeffrey Powers, USMC (Ret) and 1stSgt Mark Wilson, USMC (Ret) have been invited to return to Capitol Hill this week to brief key members of the House Armed Services Committee on the ARNISI ECM-1 Anti-IED device. While there, they will also be demonstrating the company's lightweight ballistic armor and new interoperable tactical radio communication system.

"This is a major breakthrough in our attempt to immediately field the ARNISI device in the current combat theater," commented Mark Wilson. "The technology has been proven and we welcome the opportunity to personally brief Congressmen on this important lifesaving device."

HMSG will be accompanied by representatives from FED-COMM USA who designed the ARNISI ECM-1 device and also by representatives from Trofholz Technologies, a new partner and designer of interoperable tactical radio communication solutions.

HMSG also announced today that their ballistics division has completed initial manufacture of the new side plate ballistic panel carrier. The carrier was designed specifically to respond to a need for side plate armor protection for military members as recently stated by the Department of Defense in numerous business solicitations. HMSG has partnered with Protective Enterprises LLC of Dulles, Virginia, to respond to a solicitation from the Marine Corps involving 180,000 panels and carriers. HMSG estimates the potential income from the contract to be in excess of $65 million.

ABOUT HOMELAND SECURITY GROUP INTERNATIONAL

Homeland Security Group International, Inc. (HMSG), (PINKSHEETS: HMSG) is a technology-based company with corporate headquarters in north county San Diego. HMSG's mission is to develop and commercialize technology focused on providing increased security for both civilian and military personnel throughout the world. Under the leadership of Colonel Jeffrey A. Powers, USMC (Retired), HMSG has assembled a portfolio of technology and services through alliances with established defense-related companies and through internal development that can be brought to market in a cost-efficient and timely manner. The Company has also entered into an alliance with Recon Mountaineer, LLC, (an Oceanside, CA.-based designer and manufacturer of military combat gear for the United States Armed Forces). The company has also partnered with GPS World Supply for the sale and distribution of GPS units with exclusive Iraq and Afghanistan databases. HMSG has also aligned itself with leading security firms to design and market surveillance systems for homeland defense security applications.

This press release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include risks and uncertainties that may cause the company's plans to change and are in no way intended to guarantee that the company will be successful in executing its plans. HMSG's common stock currently trades on the over-the-counter "Pink Sheets" under the symbol "HMSG." This press release in no way constitutes any recommendation regarding the securities of HMSG or its affiliates. Any person reading this press release is advised that this release should be considered in light of all facts and circumstances regarding the business and financial condition and prospects of HMSG, and no inference is made in this release contains all such information.

U.S. Venture Capital Investing Reaches $6.7 Billion, Highest Quarterly Investment Level Since 2001

Ernst & Young LLP and VentureOne Quarterly Venture Capital Report Shows Most Ever Invested in Biopharmaceuticals and Energy, Along With Increased Later Stage Funding

-- U.S. venture capital investing reached its highest point in 4 1/2 years with $6.73 billion directed to 619 deals, according to the Quarterly Venture Capital Report released by Ernst & Young LLP and VentureOne, the publisher of VentureSource. Overall deal count increased 3% from the second quarter of 2005, and the capital was 5% higher than a year ago, representing the most venture capital invested in a single quarter since the fourth quarter of 2001.

The increase was boosted by the highest infusion of capital in recent quarters in the market's two major industry groups: health care and information technology. In fact, it was the most capital invested in information technology since 2004 and more significantly, the most invested in health care since 2000. Increased later stage funding was another important factor contributing to the overall rise in investment. One of the key emerging sectors in venture capital -- the energy segment -- also saw financing activity and investment increase significantly, driven mostly by alternative energy financings.

"A plethora of very promising and innovative life science companies and a public market climate that is supporting, at least moderately, health care IPOs over the past 2 1/2 years, is generating this strong level of investment activity. Thus, it's no surprise that health care investing, and in particular record-breaking investment in biopharmaceuticals, is surging ahead," said Stephen Harmston, director of global research at VentureOne. "Confidence in the market is also apparent in the level of current venture capital fund raising -- in which some particularly large funds are readying for deployment."

Capital investment in health care companies increased 25% over the same quarter a year ago, reaching $2.24 billion in 160 rounds. The biopharmaceutical segment was the major driver of this with 80 deals and $1.45 billion invested, including eight of the top 12 deals posted this quarter. Of note, a number of those large deals included partnering investments from major pharmaceutical companies. The total investment in biopharmaceuticals was the most capital investment in the segment since VentureOne began tracking the data in 1992. The medical devices segment also had a strong quarter with 58 deals and $617.6 million, increases of 32% and 30% respectively, over the same quarter last year. While the health care category was responsible for a number of the largest deals, investors also funded 58 seed and first-round health care deals this quarter, up from 47 in the same quarter of last year. The median size of a health care deal was $8 million, down slightly from $8.2 million a year ago.

"This quarter's financing activity shows that venture capital investors are oriented toward both providing their existing portfolio companies with the capital needed to exploit market opportunities and funding emerging sectors with exceptional growth potential," said Joseph Muscat, Americas Director of the Ernst & Young Venture Capital Advisory Group. "The $3.22 billion directed toward later rounds, the most capital devoted to this round class since 2001, indicates that investors are not troubled by significant capital deployment into existing portfolio companies with strong prospects, mainly in the traditional health care and IT segments. At the same time, we see investors pursing early stage opportunities in areas of new innovation, most notably alternative energy."

The growing interest in renewable sources of energy fueled increases in the alternative energy segment which had deal flow triple from a year ago to 15 and investments reach $239.1 million, a 290% increase. The energy category as a whole reached its highest level on record with $354.4 million invested in 25 deals. Of note, two of the largest deals this quarter were alternative energy investments: a $75 million later round for Nanosolar of Palo Alto, Calif., and a $50 million first round for Altra of Los Angeles, Calif.

While overshadowed by the health care data, information technology also posted significant activity in key areas. Overall deal count was steady at 363 and investment was up 2% over a year ago to $3.51 billion. Within the category, the information services segment posted a 76% increase in deal flow to 79 deals, and the capital rose 128% to $637 million. The electronics and computers segment also increased by five deals to 32, and the capital by 54% to $411.7 million invested. The software segment, which had 170 deals and $1.29 billion invested, was mostly steady with a year ago, as was the semiconductor segment, with 36 deals and $530.3 million. The communications and networking segment posted the only significant decline in IT with a 40% drop in capital and 22 fewer deals than the second quarter of 2005. The segment was home to the largest deal of the second quarter, the $130 million later round investment in Current Communications of Rochester, N.Y., which provides broadband over powerlines. Overall, the median size of an IT deal was $7.8 million, the highest IT median deal size since 2001.

In terms of round class, 38% of the quarter's deals were later-stage rounds, receiving 48% of the capital. Seed and first-round deals made up 33% of the activity and 20% of the investment this quarter. Second round deals represented 22% of the deal flow and 23% of the capital. The $1.55 billion invested in second rounds was the most capital for this round class since 2002. In addition, $575.3 million was invested in 40 recapitalization rounds this quarter, the most ever to this round type.

By region, the San Francisco Bay Area remained the dominant market for venture capital investing, with 207 deals and $2.42 billion invested, increases of 8% and 13%, respectively, over the same quarter of last year. The New England region also posted a significant increase in capital, 22%, to $740.3 million, although deal flow was down by 11 deals. In Southern California, deal flow was steady but the dollars invested were down by 8%. The New York metropolitan area posted strong deal growth of 37%, but the amount invested in this region decreased by almost half from a year ago, to $595.4 million.

The investment figures included in this release are based on aggregate findings of VentureOne's proprietary U.S. research and are contained in VentureSource. This data was collected by surveying professional venture capital firms, through in-depth interviews with company CEOs and CFOs, and from secondary sources. These venture capital statistics are for equity investments into early-stage, innovative companies and do not include companies receiving funding solely from corporate, individual, and/or government investors. No statement herein is to be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell securities or to provide investment advice. Copyright © 2006, VentureOne.

About VentureOne

Dow Jones VentureOne (www.ventureone.com and www.venturecapital.dowjones.com), a unit of Dow Jones Financial Information Services, has been the leading provider of finance and investment data to the venture capital industry for almost 20 years. Dow Jones VentureSource, a sophisticated electronic database on the venture capital industry, is published by VentureOne.

About Dow Jones Financial Information Services

Through its Financial Information Services group, Dow Jones produces focused, sector-specific online databases, newsletters and industry events for the private equity, venture capital and diversified markets. Newsletters published include Private Equity Analyst, VentureWire Professional and Daily Bankruptcy Review. In addition, Dow Jones & Company (NYSE: DJ) (www.dowjones.com) publishes the global Wall Street Journal with its international and online editions; Barron's; the Far Eastern Economic Review; Dow Jones Newswires and Indexes; MarketWatch; and Ottaway newspapers. Dow Jones co-owns Factiva with Reuters and SmartMoney with Hearst. Dow Jones also provides news content to CNBC and U.S. radio stations.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young, a global leader in professional services, is committed to enhancing the public's trust in professional services firms and in the quality of financial reporting. Its 107,000 people in 140 countries pursue the highest levels of integrity, quality, and professionalism in providing a range of sophisticated services centered on our core competencies of auditing, accounting, tax, and transactions. Further information about Ernst & Young and its approach to a variety of business issues can be found at www.ey.com/perspectives. Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited does not provide services to clients. Ernst & Young LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, is the U.S. client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited.

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Posted by monte at 01:01 PM | Permalink

Asian American Youth: America's New Trendsetters

- Research Shows Youth Generation's Increasing Influence on U.S. Pop Culture -

A new study on the cultural influence of Asian American youth released by New American Dimensions and interTrend Communications reveals that Asian American youth are increasingly generating some of the key trends in pop culture being embraced by the rest of mainstream American youth culture. According to results of the study, "Made in America: Asian American Teens and Echo Boomers," Asian American young people are likely to see themselves as trendsetters in three distinct cultural categories -- technology and gadgetry, anime and manga, and video-gaming.

Based on a fifteen-minute survey conducted with 538 Asian American teens and "echo-boomers" -- between the ages of 14 to 28 years -- the study demonstrates that today's Asian American youth demographic inhabits a wide variety of cultural worlds and is engaged in a broad spectrum of media, entertainment, and cultural activities. The research was conducted online across the country and through in-person survey intercepts administered in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.

In the study, 62 percent of respondents were U.S.-born and 38 percent were born outside the U.S. Differences emerged between both groups in their involvement in trends within popular culture. Among the major findings identified by the study are:

* Respondents identify (1) technology/gadgetry, (2) anime/manga, and (3) video-gaming as the top three primary areas of popular culture where they are driving overall trends in the U.S. marketplace. Close to 80 percent of respondents identify "technology/gadgets" and "anime/manga" as the top two areas where Asian Americans are influencing trends, while 72 of respondents cite "video gaming" as the third major area. Other areas Asian American youth cite a high degree of influence is in "food and culinary arts" and the visual arts. * Hip Hop and Alternative music are the dominant musical genres favored among U.S.-born Asian American youth. A diverse array of musical genres forms the listening habits of Asian youth -- but with distinct differences according to their acculturation levels and generation. While first-generation (born outside the U.S.) respondents preferred "Pop/Top 40" music, second-generation Asian Americans (U.S. born) exhibited a strong preference for Hip Hop and Alternative music. Among the latter, sixty-two percent of respondents identify "Hip Hop/Rap" as their favorite music genre, followed by 51 percent who favor "Alternative / Indie" music. * Asian American youth are more likely to identify and seek out trends through word-of-mouth messaging than through any other media channel or network. This is particularly true for second-generation Asian Americans who indicate they are twice as likely as their first generation counterparts to learn about trends via word of mouth. Among the first-generation cohort, television holds the greatest influence in helping them learn about new trends according to the survey.

"It's not completely surprising that Asian Americans wield a tremendous influence in areas like video-gaming and manga," states Thomas Tseng, Principal & Co-Founder of New American Dimensions, who oversaw the research study. "Anime and Manga constitute a growing $4 billion business in the U.S. and is embraced today by millions of American kids across the color spectrum. As ambassadors and curators of this subculture, Asian American youth really shape the contours of this space and spread it to the rest of their peers."

"These results contrast with previous research we have conducted among Hispanic youth," according to David Morse, President of New American Dimensions. "Whereas many second-generation Hispanic kids often exhibit their pride through their language and culture, Asian American youth seem to assert their pride in how they are shaping mainstream American culture."

This study, "Made in America: Asian American Teens and Echo-Boomers," will be presented at the conference "IMPRINT: Urban Youth Unabridged" (www.imprint-life.com) on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at the Japanese American National Museum. George Takei will be the opening speaker, while the rest of the conference will feature a mix of live panels, presentations, and performers -- including Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment, Jim Farley from Toyota Motor Sales, Eric Nakamura from Giant Robot, Gonzalo Perez from MTV, and John Hiler from Xanga.

"IMPRINT intends to show advertisers and marketers the influence and impact of trends beyond the Asian segment," says Julia Huang, CEO of interTrend Communications. "It's important for the attendees to get a first hand look at those individuals influenced by the Asian experience and how their 'imprint' is being seen in the mainstream pop culture."

About interTrend Communications

interTrend Communications Inc. is an award-winning full-service communication agency based in Los Angeles, California, helping corporate America to target the Asian American segments such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Filipinos nationwide. For more than a decade, New American Dimensions has been successfully helping Fortune 1000 clients to nurture and establish brand leadership positions in this emerging market through an integrated mix of advertising, public relations, promotions, events, and interactive strategies via various in-language media outlets.

About New American Dimensions

New American Dimensions is an ethnic marketing consulting, research, and trends company based in Los Angeles, California. Our aim is to be nothing less than a rich resource of actionable marketing intelligence for our clients -- helping them to shape effective strategies leading to greater success by capturing the rapidly expanding markets of U.S. ethnic consumers and emerging youth markets. We are established on the premise that innovative, pioneering marketing solutions are required for companies to effectively win the hearts and minds of America's burgeoning diverse consumers.

Source: New American Dimensions; interTrend Communications, Inc.

Posted by monte at 01:00 PM | Permalink

Mattel to Acquire Radica

Mattel, Inc. (NYSE:MAT) and Radica (NASDAQ:RADA) announced an agreement by which Mattel will acquire Radica, the maker of electronic entertainment toys. The transaction, which has been approved by the companies' respective boards of directors, is valued at approximately $230 million. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Radica shareholders will receive $11.55 in cash for each share of Radica common stock.

A leader in the electronics arena, Radica manufactures and markets a diverse line of electronic entertainment products covering multiple business areas, including electronic games carrying the Radica, 20Q(R) and Play TV(R) brand names and youth electronics carrying the Girl Tech(R) brand name.

"The addition of Radica to the Mattel portfolio provides Mattel the opportunity to partner our global brands with Radica's technological expertise to better participate in the burgeoning electronic toys arena," said Robert A. Eckert, chairman and chief executive officer of Mattel. "Radica's entrepreneurial spirit has allowed Radica to capture and deliver on some of the hottest trends in electronics, and the company has a proven track record of utilizing technology to reinvent basic play."

"We are excited to be part of the Mattel family of brands and look forward to taking our brands to the next level by capitalizing on Mattel's global network and expertise," said Patrick S. Feely, chief executive officer of Radica. "Being part of the world's largest and most profitable toy company affords our talented employees a unique opportunity to grow and develop our brands. I look forward to identifying and building upon the strong synergies between the two companies to drive increased sales growth."

The transaction is subject to approval of Radica shareholders, as well as customary regulatory approvals. Radica's largest shareholder has entered into a voting agreement in which he has agreed to vote shares constituting 40 percent of Radica's outstanding common stock in support of the transaction. It is expected that the transaction will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Lehman Brothers, Inc. acted as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor to Mattel in connection with the transaction. Navigant Capital Advisors, LLC acted as financial advisor and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP served as legal advisor to Radica in connection with the transaction.

About Radica

Radica is a Bermuda company headquartered in Hong Kong. Radica had revenues in 2005 of approximately $163 million and maintains a Dallas-based design and marketing office, as well as a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in China. Radica markets its products through subsidiaries in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Hong Kong. Radica employs over 6,000 people worldwide in its group of companies. Internationally Radica sells products in approximately 30 countries.

About Mattel

Mattel, Inc., (www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever introduced. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R), American Girl(R) and Tyco(R) R/C, as well as Fisher-Price(R) brands (www.fisher-price.com), including Little People(R), Rescue Heroes(R), Power Wheels(R) and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 25,000 people in 42 countries and sells products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. Mattel's vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.

Additional Information about the Transaction and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, Radica intends to file relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including a proxy statement on Form 6-K. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF RADICA ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT RADICA, MATTEL AND THE TRANSACTION. The proxy statement and other relevant materials (when they become available) and any other documents filed by Radica with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Radica by accessing the "Investor Relations" section of Radica's website at www.Radicagames.com. Investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy statement and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed transaction. Radica and its directors and officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the contemplated transaction. Information regarding Radica's directors and executive officers is contained in Radica's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2005 and in its report filed on Form 6-K dated May 2, 2006, filed with the SEC.

Note: Forward-looking statements with respect to the completion of the transaction and the financial condition, results of operations and business of the companies are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in such statements. These include, without limitation: uncertainty as to whether and in what timeframe the transaction will be completed, the failure to obtain the approval of Radica's shareholders; the failure of either party to meet the closing conditions set forth in the definitive agreement; the ability to retain key personnel both before and after the transaction closes; the extent and timing of regulatory approvals; ongoing relations between Radica and its suppliers, customers and other parties; costs and other issues with respect to integrating Radica, its products and its employees into Mattel and achieving expected synergies; dependence on the timely development, manufacture, introduction and customer acceptance of new products; the seasonality of the toy business; customer concentration and pricing; significant changes in buying and payment patterns of major customers, including as a result of bankruptcy and store closures; adverse changes in general economic conditions in the U.S. and internationally, including adverse changes in the retail environment, employment and the stock market; order predictability and supply chain management; the impact of competition, including from private label toys, on revenues and margins; the supply and cost of raw materials (including oil and resin prices), components, employee benefits and various services; the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuations on reportable income; risks associated with acquisitions and mergers; the possibility of product recalls and related costs; risks associated with foreign operations; negative results of litigation, governmental proceedings or environmental matters; changes in law and regulations; possible work stoppages, slowdowns or strikes; possible outbreaks of SARS, bird flu or other diseases; political developments and the threat or occurrence of war or terrorist acts; the possibility of catastrophic events; the inherent risk of Mattel and Radica new initiatives; and other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in public announcements and SEC filings. This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and any such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety to the cautionary statements contained in this press release. Neither Mattel nor Radica updates forward-looking statements and expressly disclaims any obligation to do so.

Source: Mattel, Inc.

Posted by monte at 12:51 PM | Permalink

netomat and VSNL Partner to Deliver Breakthrough New Service Enabling Consumers to Instantly Get and Share Photos, News Feeds & Blog Feeds With Friends, Family & Co-Workers Across PCs and Mobile Phones

India's First Service Enabling Seamless Messaging and Sharing of Multimedia Content From PC to Phone, Phone to PC, Phone to Phone and PC to PC

netomat, Inc., pioneers in enabling seamless messaging across mobile phones and PCs, and Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL), India's premier Broadband and Internet service company, today announced a partnership that enables consumers in India to create, get and share content on PCs and Mobile Phones.

This breakthrough new service, called netomat hub, allows PC and mobile phone users to easily:

   Get -- Text, photos, news and blog feeds instantly    Share -- Photos and feeds in private groups or public blogs    Socialize -- With friends and meet new people

"As we have always done, VSNL is committed to offering our users the most innovative products and services that will enrich their online experience," said Shashi Kalathil, President, Broadband and Retail Business, VSNL. "User- generated digital content and new technologies such as RSS which enable easy sharing and distribution of digital content are transforming how the world communicates and receives information. netomat's new service brings these powerful, cutting-edge technologies together in simple and easy-to-use ways on both the PC and mobile phone, enabling our customers to both communicate more richly with friends, family and co-workers and to access information they need anywhere, anytime."

An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed is a new way to have favorite web content delivered directly to computers or mobile phones. Users can simply subscribe to the feeds that interest them and when the content is updated (e.g., a news update, a sports score, a new blog post, a new Flickr photo), users get alerts on their PCs and phones and the content is delivered directly to them. Most news sites, content portals and blogs today offer RSS feeds. With netomat, users can also create their own feeds with photos and personal updates to which their friends, family and co-workers can subscribe.

netomat hub easily integrates multiple essential services for real-time group communication as richly on mobile phones as on PCs. These include picture and text messaging with presence, RSS syndication, digital photo storage, trusted social networking and update alerts.

VSNL users subscribing to the netomat hub service will receive a new premium desktop application plus 25mb of additional storage space. By simply dragging and dropping photos into it, the application allows users to instantly create group photo albums called "photohubs" that can be viewed and shared on the web as well as on mobile phones. Friends and family members can also view the photohubs and add their own comments and photos from their PCs or mobile phones. A free version of the service without the photohub features and with less storage space will also be offered. Users have a choice of subscribing to premium features at Rs.25 per month or Rs.250 per year.

"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to partner with VSNL, India's leading ISP, and to offer our exciting services to their subscribers -- both individuals and businesses can really benefit from having an easy-to-use and affordable way to communicate with rich content," said Kris Ramanathan, COO of netomat. "We look forward to working closely with VSNL to offer a growing suite of PC/Mobile services in India and through VSNL's partners around the world."

In January, netomat hub was launched as a public beta in the United States. In March, netomat announced that its free service is optimized to deliver Flickr updates with images and text to mobile phones. In April, PC Magazine named netomat hub one of its "101 Fabulous Freebies." And in May, Business 2.0 Magazine named netomat one of the "Companies to Watch" in the wireless space.

About VSNL

Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL), a part of the Tata Group, is a leading international telecommunications company. VSNL has, with the acquisition of Teleglobe, become one of the world's largest carriers of international voice complementing its emergence as the largest provider of submarine cable bandwidth. VSNL has a global presence including operations in USA, Canada, UK, South Africa, Singapore, Sri Lanka and India making it the first Indian truly global telecommunications company. Its range of service offerings include wholesale voice, private leased circuits, IP MPLS VPN, Internet access, hosting, mobile signaling and several other IP services. The company is now poised to offer managed data services and deliver end-to-end telecommunications solutions to carriers and enterprises globally. VSNL, a pioneer in offering Internet services to individual customers now offers a full slew of retail products in India like highspeed broadband, dial-up Internet, Wi-FI, net telephony and calling cards under the Tata Indicom brand name, and continues to be one of the leading retail Internet players in India.

VSNL is listed on the major stock exchanges in India and also has its ADRs listed on the New York Stock Exchange. (www.vsnl.in)

About netomat

netomat is a software company whose mission is to break down barriers to communication. The company is privately held and financed by a group of investors including venture capitalists, foundations and individuals reflecting the company's genesis as a network based art project as well as the company's goal to build an innovative, responsible and profitable software company. For more information visit www.netomat.net.

NOTE: netomat and netomat hub are registered trademarks of netomat, Inc. All other registered or unregistered trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.

Posted by monte at 12:50 PM | Permalink

Code Bar Code Readers Used at 2006 FIFA World Cup Events

Pepperl+Fuchs and MediaSec Provide Security Solution

Code Corporation announced that 300 Code Readers were used at the security checkpoints at 16 venues for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Soccer events recently completed in Germany. The Code Reader 2.0 (CR2) was part of a security system designed by MediaSec Technologies GmbH to control entry into venues during the games by utilizing data captured from the reading of two bar code-type symbols present on each identification badge for non-ticket-holding personnel or visitors.

"The World Cup application proves the ease of integrating software applications using Code's JavaScript development tools," said George Powell, president and CEO of Code Corporation. "MediaSec's software application and Code's reader firmware integrated seamlessly, augmenting event security protocols."

Code's world-wide distributor headquartered in Germany -- Pepperl+Fuchs (P+F) -- teamed with their value-added reseller -- MediaSec -- to combine hardware and software solutions in order to meet the security goals of the World Cup Accreditation Committee. The goal was two-fold: 1) Control entry of non-ticketed personnel at venues, ensuring approved attendance at World Cup events; and 2) quickly communicating the codes of known fraudulent or stolen identification badges and denying entry at security checkpoints.

These goals were accomplished in part through a unique application of MediaSec's proprietary digital security technology called Copy Detection Pattern (CDP). The process of encoding and decoding CDP can incorporate the use of a secret key code, adding an additional layer of security to the identification process. An authentication code was created and placed on each badge containing specific information for venues, dates and times the badge holder would be allowed entrance into specific areas. These two codes were read and decoded by the CR2. CR2's firmware application conducted a check against a 'blacklist' of known fraudulent or stolen identification badges. Entry or non-entry was indicated with an audible tone and a red or green LED light. Additional supporting computer software allowed nightly synching of the blacklist to the readers, as well as audits of captured data for analysis ultimately identifying fraudulent practices.

"The reliable deployment of the bar code readers was crucial for successful security access control during the World Cup 2006. We received very good and effective support throughout the planning, implementation and operation phases," added Albert Hilber, information technology project manager for the Accreditation Committee.

About Code Corporation

Code Corporation designs, develops and manufactures automatic identification and data collection hand-held devices (bar code readers), accessories and firmware. Code's products utilize widely accepted Bluetooth wireless technology as well as two proprietary symbology-reading technologies: Dynamic Optimization Technology (DOT); and a two-dimensional high density matrix symbology. This revolutionary combination has resulted in best-in-class bar code reading products using mega-pixel imaging. Code's worldwide headquarters are located in the Salt Lake City, Utah metropolitan area. For more information, go to: www.codecorp.com

Source: Code Corporation

Posted by monte at 12:48 PM | Permalink

Recent Survey Takes 'FreshLook' at Hottest Celeb Eye Colours and Perceived Personality Traits

Think Angelina Jolie looks sexy? Charlotte Church is creative? Keira Knightley seems kind? It may be due to their eye colour, according to a recent survey conducted by NEW FreshLook(R) ONE-DAY disposable colour contact lenses.

The survey which polled 3,000 young men and women ages 18-24 from across the United Kingdom, found that people often associate different eye colours with specific personality traits. The survey also determined that it may be possible for an individual to influence people's perception of them simply by changing the colour of their eyes with coloured contact lenses.

Blue eyes like those belonging to Angelina Jolie, her partner Brad Pitt and his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston were found to be the most wanted eye colour, followed by green.

The personality trait that respondents of the study most associated with blue eyes was flirtatiousness with 22 per cent of respondents saying this, followed closely by sexiness (17 per cent). Brown/hazel-eyed people were thought to be affectionate and kind (each at 14 per cent) and by far the most trustworthy compared to people with other eye colours (16 per cent). Green-eyed people were considered to be the most creative (15 per cent) of All eye colours and the most mysterious and intriguing (17 per cent) while grey-eyes were generally thought to be shy (12 per cent) but also the most intelligent (15 per cent).

One quarter of those surveyed expressed an interest in using a daily disposable contact lens such as FreshLook ONE-DAY to change their eye colour, with the most popular occasion being for a night out clubbing (21 per cent), going to the bar (12 per cent) or for a hot date (9 per cent).

Daska Barnett, optometrist to some of the UK's most coveted celebrity eyes and founder of Specs of Kensington explains: "Colour contact lenses have finally come of age thanks to the daily disposable format - the ultimate in convenience. People really enjoy experimenting with their image and changing their eye colour is one simple way they can really make and impact."

She continues: "Maintaining good ocular health when wearing contact lenses is vital and anyone who is interested in trying out a new eye colour should ensure they are fitted by a qualified practitioner."

FreshLook ONE-DAY daily disposable colour contact lenses come in four shades - blue, green, pure hazel and grey and are available for prescription wearers and those who don't require vision correction.

New FreshLook ONE-DAY colour contact lenses and the wider FreshLook range are available at opticians nationwide. For more information please visit www.freshlookcontacts.co.uk

         Top 5 most desirable female celebrity eyes:      1. Angelina Jolie     2. Natalie Imbruglia     3. Jennifer Aniston     4. Keira Knightley     5. Billie Piper      Top 5 most desirable male celebrity eyes:      1. Johnny Depp     2. Brad Pitt     3. David Beckham     4. Jake Gyllenhaal     5. Jude Law

Posted by monte at 12:47 PM | Permalink

TiVo Launches Audience Research and Measurement (ARM) Division

TiVo to Offer Advertisers Exclusive Second-by-Second Customized Data and Analysis of Advertising Content and Viewer Behavior through Commercial Viewership Reports

OMD and Nissan Among TiVo's First Clients

TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ:TIVO) , the creator and a leader in advertising solutions and television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), today announced the creation of TiVo Audience Research and Measurement (ARM), a division of the Company which will offer advertisers and advertising agencies, for the first time, second-by-second data and analysis on DVR viewing of advertising content.

"TiVo's Commercial Viewership Reports provide advertisers an unrivaled, comprehensive and detailed look at how commercial content is viewed and consumed on a second-by-second basis," said Tom Rogers, President and CEO, TiVo. "Through our unique technology, in households serving 4.4 million subscribers, and our close cooperation with advertisers and advertising agencies, we have developed a research solution that can dramatically transform the way advertising is created, bought and delivered to consumers."

For the advertising community, the Commercial Viewership Reports will provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the types of advertisements that are most successful with consumers in TiVo households. The data will be presented in such a way that advertisers and advertising agencies can compare and contrast it with broader audience measurements from other sources. Advertisers will also know the viewership and effectiveness of their advertisements by network, genre, day-part, time slot, day of week and commercial pod position.

This initial research product offering is a vastly improved and enhanced version of TiVo's Commercial Viewership Reports, which provide clients with exclusive information and analysis on the exact viewing behavior for commercials every day. TiVo's research will include assessment and analysis of the impact of fast-forwarding, rewinding, replaying, pausing and other behaviors. Using this information, advertisers and advertising agencies will be able to create more compelling and effective commercials, generating better brand recognition and retention rates from consumers.

TiVo's Commercial Viewership Reports are based on anonymous, aggregate data collected from all of TiVo's subscribers across the country, in near real-time, through random analysis of 20,000 of TiVo subscribers per given day, which is more than two times the size provided by most industry panels. TiVo's Commercial Viewership Reports deliver data on commercials in any day- part, showing specific viewing patterns and pinpointing specific incidents where viewers showed interaction.

The data in TiVo's Commercial Viewership Reports can be completely customized at the buyer's request. The reports will be divided into specific sections and analyzed based on the viewing time of the commercials being researched. The various specific sections include watched live, 0 - 1 hour time shift, 1 - 6 hour time shift, 6 - 24 hour time shift, 24 - 48 hour time shift, 2 - 7 day time shift and 7 - 14 day time shift. The reports are available for almost every nationally-aired commercial.

TiVo is currently working with Nissan, as well as OMD NEXT, a consortium of 14 of Omnicom Media Group's clients who have dedicated resources this year to test and learn about the relative impact that new and emerging media platforms are having on traditional media/advertising models, and the relative brand value that each medium brings to the overall media mix. NEXT clients include Bank of America, GE, Visa, Discovery Channel, McDonalds, and Anheuser- Busch, among others.

"TiVo is the only source in the market today for complete, real and relevant second-by-second data and analysis of advertising," said Todd Juenger, Vice President & General Manager, TiVo Audience Research & Measurement. "Helping advertisers better understand the television viewing audience will bring about more effective advertising content."

About TiVo Inc.

Founded in 1997, TiVo pioneered a brand new category of products with the development of the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers, TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers as providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its full set of DVR service features into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo's DVR functionality and ease of use, with such features as Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList(R) searches, has elevated its popularity among consumers and has created a whole new way for viewers to watch television. With a continued investment in its patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal point of the digital living room, TiVo's DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and photos. With innovative features, such as TiVoToGo(TM) transfers and online scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers experiencing "TiVo, TV your way.(R)" The TiVo(R) service is also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing solutions for the television industry, including a unique platform for advertisers and audience measurement research. The company is based in Alviso, Calif.

NOTE: TiVo, "TiVo, TV your way." Season Pass, WishList, TiVoToGo and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. and its subsidiaries worldwide.

Posted by monte at 12:46 PM | Permalink

TRITTON Dolby Digital 5.1 and Pro Logic Certified Gaming Headphones for Xbox and PlayStation Gamers Now Available

AX360 delivers immersive gaming experience with eight speakers, removable microphone, optical connectivity, and rumble effect

TRITTON Technologies today announced the availability of its Audio Xtreme AX360, one of the industry's first high performance Dolby(R) Digital and Pro Logic(R) certified digital gaming headsets for Xbox, Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation PS2 console gamers. The AX360, which made its public debut at e3 expo in May, provides true 5.1 digital, 360-degree surround sound. The Audio Xtreme headphones are available today for $149.99 MSRP through TRITTON's distributor network.

The stylish, sleek, high performance AX360 connects to the console optical port to deliver pure, Dolby-certified 2.1 and 5.1 digital sound separation. Eight strategically placed speakers, four in each ear cup, deliver a killer, immersive wall of moving sound. The external 5.1 audio controller amplifies each individual speaker providing total control with inline adjustments for front, side, rear, and subwoofer to customize the immersion. The AX360's unique rumble effect lets gamers feel the action.

The AX360 can also support two headsets to share in the audio extremities with secondary headsets available for $59.99 MSRP.

"The AX360 is the most advanced gaming headset on the market, delivering a loud, perfectly clear and truly unique audio experience for console gamers," said Chris Von Huben, president of TRITTON Technologies. "Today's games combine cutting-edge graphics, sound effects and soundtracks, and the AX360 provides a true 360 degree sound field to pull gamers into their virtual worlds. And, gamers can play at full volume at any time, without bothering family, roommates, or neighbors."

With the AX360, gamers can hear when their enemies are sneaking up behind them, the roar of engines as they pass the competition, bullets flying from side to side, explosions emitting from all directions over the battlefield, and every nuance of every different environment -- no matter what kind of game they're playing. With the removable microphone that is XBOX Live compatible, gamers can also communicate with the system and other gamers.

About TRITTON Technologies

TRITTON is based in Vista, California. TRITTON is a manufacturer of high- performance, consumer-friendly networking, storage, computer peripherals and consumer electronics. TRITTON focuses on the ability to provide consumers with the latest cutting edge technology with the highest quality of manufacturing and customer service. For more information, visit TRITTON Technologies' website at www.trittontechnologies.com.

Source: TRITTON Technologies

Posted by monte at 12:45 PM | Permalink

Electronic Game Card Signs First US Native American Gaming Casino

- Santa Ana Star Casino in New Mexico Launches Electronic GameCard Promotion

Electronic Game Card, Inc. (OTCBB: EGMI), the creator of the Electronic GameCard, today confirms that the Santa Ana Star Casino has signed an agreement to use Electronic GameCards in a promotion for its gaming property in the Pueblo of Santa Ana, New Mexico, located just minutes north of Albuquqerque. The Santa Ana Star Casino is the first US Native American gaming casino to purchase Electronic GameCards for use in a commercial promotion.

"We are delighted that the Santa Ana Star Casino has become the first US Native American gaming casino to use our Electronic GameCards in a commercial promotion. This builds on the momentum we are generating in the casino market where consumers are responding in a truly positive way to the long play, interactive nature of our GameCards," said Roger Holdom from Electronic Game Card, Inc. "With the benefit of our NIGC Class II license, we will now look to push deeper into the US Native American gaming casino market and aim to complete our first gaming sales of GameCards in the near future."

Santa Ana Star Casino feels that the new game cards will add to the player's experience. "We see Electronic GameCard as a new and engaging way to build on the excellent relationships we already have with our players, especially those who are members of our Star Rewards Player's Club. We are confident it will prove to be a highly popular promotional device," stated Conrad Granito, General Manager of the Santa Ana Star Casino.

The Santa Ana Star Casino features more than 1,000 slot and video poker games, 21 table games and live poker, as well as a 3,000 seat arena and 30,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. It also includes bowling, restaurants, bar, gift shop and three lounges.

About Electronic Game Card

Electronic Game Card Inc., (OTCBB: EGMI), develops, produces and markets the proprietary technology that is the "Electronic GameCard" which can be programmed to suit a variety of gaming and promotion applications. EGC 's client base is across the $ 100 billion global market of state and national lotteries, Gaming and Casinos, Native American Gaming and the expanding sales promotion and incentive markets. EGC develops sales and marketing relationships with agents globally and has a joint venture with a major lottery focused US listed corporation which has purchased 10% of the EGC common equity stock. For further information please visit www.electronicgamecard.com

About Santa Ana

The Pueblo of Santa Ana, located just minutes north of both Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, is home to many wonderful amenities; the Santa Ana Star Casino, featuring over 1,000 slot and video poker games, 21 tables games, live poker, Star Light Lanes Bowling Center, Smoke and Gift Shop, Feast Buffet, All Star Bar and Grill, over 30,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, a 3,000 seat arena and three lounges. The Pueblo also offers one of the finest resort experiences in the Southwest; the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, a four diamond resort recently named one of the top 75 hotels in America. Twin Warrior Golf Club and Santa Ana Golf Club, both located on the Pueblo, offer 45 holes of championship golf between them along with some the most spectacular views the city has to offer, The Prairie Star Restaurant is fine dining at its best and has been among the top restaurants in New Mexico for nearly 20 years. The Garden Center and Warrior Plaza Phillips 66 Fuel round out the Pueblo's one of a kind offerings. For more information, please visit www.SantaAnaStar.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements contained in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control, including but not limited to economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company's operations, management team effectiveness, expansion strategies, available financing, market prices and recovery costs, government regulations involving the Company, facts and events not known at the time of this release, and other factors discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements.

Source: Electronic Game Card, Inc.

Posted by monte at 12:44 PM | Permalink

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Posted by monte at 12:36 PM | Permalink

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Posted by monte at 12:34 PM | Permalink

ClearSky Mobile Media Turns Up The Heat on Mobile Content

ClearSky Mobile Media, Inc., a leading provider of mobile entertainment services to the wireless industry, today announced that it is producing and distributing an exciting new content brand called Florida Heat. Florida Heat is a collection of wallpapers and video ringtones showcasing Florida women. The collection of imagery ranges from sunny to sultry and incorporates spectacular Florida scenery as backdrops.

Since its inception, demand for Florida Heat has exceeded expectations and now appears on Tier 1 carriers throughout the United States and Mexico. Distribution will soon expand throughout South America. "Florida Heat combines two of the best assets of the State of Florida -- its stunning scenery and its beautiful residents. Florida Heat is also our first brand to launch both wallpapers and video ringers simultaneously. The Florida Heat catalog of video ringers is the first of many and is an exciting new development for the industry as a whole," said Dean Fresonke, ClearSky CEO. For more information on Florida Heat, please visit http://www.floridaheat.net/ .

About ClearSky Mobile Media

Since 1995, ClearSky has been helping carriers of all sizes stay on the cusp of technology with a complete portfolio of outsourced data services. Today, ClearSky is in the business of empowering wireless carriers' participation in the burgeoning world of wireless consumer content. ClearSky provides an end-to-end, one-stop shop solution for carriers of all sizes and with varying levels of experience in the wireless consumer content market place throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America. ClearSky provides carriers an industry-leading portfolio of downloadable content, mobile web browsing and MMS services delivered with a full complement of billing integration and reporting products. Staying on top has never been so easy. Learn more at http://www.csky.com/ .

Posted by monte at 12:29 PM | Permalink

Filmmaker Gus Van Sant Offers Regional Teens a Unique Shot at the Spotlight with Casting Calls for 'Paranoid Park'

'No Experience Necessary' Try-Outs for New Independent Film to Take Place August 3 and 5 in Portland

Today, Portland's Lana Veenker Casting announced that locally-based filmmaker Gus Van Sant will hold open casting calls on Thursday, Aug. 3 (1 p.m.-8 p.m.) and Saturday, Aug. 5 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) to fill starring and supporting roles in his upcoming independent film project, "Paranoid Park." The casting calls, open to males and females ages 14-18, will be held at the Ambridge Event Center (300 NE Multnomah, Portland, Ore., 97232), and aim to uncover fresh talent to effectively portray the real-life attitudes and emotions of high-school aged youth. Experienced actors are also welcome to audition, but no acting background is necessary to attend the two calls, which will serve as the primary casting process for the film.

The talent search for "Paranoid Park," which will be filmed and set in Portland, does not represent the first time that Van Sant has offered such an opportunity for young people in the region. The director employed similar casting tactics for his award-winning 2003 independent release, "Elephant." Featured actors in that film included Lake Oswego's John Robinson, who went on to a starring role in the 2005 major motion picture, "Lords of Dogtown," and other projects.

In addition to the August 3 and 5 calls, Lana Veenker Casting will soon announce an additional date to seek experienced skateboarders ages 14-30 and other extras in that same age range for the film, a "coming of age" story set partially in the skateboarding community. Filming is set to commence in October, with a wrap date anticipated in summer of 2007.

For up-to-the-minute information on that opportunity or the August 3 and 5 casting calls, interested parties may visit www.myspace.com/ParanoidPark.

Source: Lana Veenker Casting

Posted by monte at 12:26 PM | Permalink

Hearst-Argyle Television and Verizon Sign Retransmission Consent Agreement for Four TV Stations

Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. (NYSE:HTV) today announced a long-term agreement with Verizon providing retransmission consent for carriage over Verizon FiOS TV, its digital fiber- optic service, of Hearst-Argyle's television stations, WCVB-TV, Boston; WMUR-TV, Manchester, NH; WBAL-TV, Baltimore; and WMOR-TV, Tampa. The agreement includes video-on-demand (VoD) and high-definition digital (HDTV) rights to the stations' local programs and carriage of digital multicast programming.

WCVB and WMUR are ABC affiliates; WBAL is an NBC affiliate; WMOR is an independent station.

The stations are available to all FiOS TV customers in their respective markets. In the Boston region, WCVB and WMUR are available on channels 5 and 9 respectively in Woburn, Reading Lynnfield, Winchester, Burlington and North Reading, where Verizon has introduced FiOS TV service. Verizon also received video franchises for Tewksbury, Wakefield, Hamilton, Wenham, Ipswich and Stoneham, Mass., and will announce FiOS TV in those communities when it is available.

In Maryland, Verizon offers WBAL on channel 11 in parts of Clarksdale, Columbia and Ellicott City, and it has franchise authorization to launch FiOS TV in Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Bowie and Laurel.

In Florida, Verizon offers WMOR on channel 12 in parts of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Hillsborough, Pasco and Manatee counties. It recently was awarded a franchise for Sarasota County.

"Popular local video content is essential to the success of program distributors, whether that distribution is over the broadcast airwaves, or via satellite, coaxial cable or fiber-optic lines," said David Barrett, Hearst- Argyle Television President and CEO. "Our TV stations are leading providers of branded local video content because of our commitment to localism, which is characterized by continual investment in high-quality local news coverage and other local programming. For this reason, our stations are among the most- watched TV channels in our markets."

WCVB-TV, Channel 5, is the #1 TV station in Boston, the nation's 5th- largest television market. WCVB's venerable newsmagazine, "Chronicle," approaching its 25th anniversary, is among the nation's most honored local TV programs and typically leads in its competitive primetime "access" time period. WMUR-TV, Channel 9, is situated in Manchester, New Hampshire, and is New Hampshire's leading TV station though is included by Nielsen within the Boston designated market area (DMA), making it part of a "duopoly" with WCVB. In April 2006, WMUR, which also airs a popular local version of "Chronicle," reached a milestone as its 6 p.m. newscast ranked #2, behind only WCVB, in Nielsen ratings in the key demographic category of Adults 25-54, despite reaching less than 20% of the Boston DMA. WMUR's coverage of the quadrennial New Hampshire presidential primaries, including nationally televised debates, has exemplified the quality of political-news coverage that has earned Hearst- Argyle Television and its stations three Walter Cronkite Awards for excellence in television political journalism, a distinction shared only by NBC's "Meet the Press."

WBAL-TV, Channel 11, a 2005 Peabody Award recipient, is the #1 TV station in Baltimore, the nation's 24th largest TV market, and consistently delivers leading ratings in all newscast time periods; "11 TV Hill," its locally produced community affairs roundtable show, also typically leads in the ratings in its timeslot. In May 2006, the station recorded its 13th consecutive Nielsen ratings "sweeps" victory for its 5pm, 6pm and 11pm newscasts, ranking it third among all top-25-market U.S. TV stations in this benchmark.

WMOR-TV, Channel 32, is a popular viewing destination for younger audiences in the fast-growing Tampa market and is noted for its strong commitment to community service. The station produces the local portion of the United Negro College Fund "Evening of Stars" annual broadcast. WMOR's Pool Patrol initiative, to help prevent childhood drowning, includes on-air safety vignettes and a coloring/activity book for kids. WMOR is a four-time recipient of the Governors' Award in association with the partnership for Drug Free Florida and the Florida office of Drug Control.

About Verizon FiOS TV

Verizon FiOS TV provides an array of digital video and music channels, two dozen high-definition channels, up to 2,500 on-demand titles and features such as FiOS TV Widgets, which supplies on-touch, on-demand access to real-time local weather and traffic. FiOS TV is delivered over Verizon's fiber-to-the- premises network, the largest of its kind in the country. Verizon offers FiOS TV in parts of seven states: California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia and Texas. It is adding new markets as it obtains franchises giving it the legal authority to do so.

About Hearst-Argyle

Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. owns 25 television stations, and manages an additional three television and two radio stations, in geographically diverse U.S. markets. The Company's television stations reach approximately 18% of U.S. TV households, making it one of America's largest television station groups. Hearst-Argyle owns 12 ABC-affiliated stations, and manages an additional ABC station owned by the Hearst Corporation, and is the largest ABC affiliate group. The Company also owns 10 NBC affiliates, and is the second- largest NBC affiliate owner, and owns two CBS affiliates. Hearst-Argyle Series A Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HTV." HTV debt is rated investment grade by Moody's (Baa3), Standard & Poor's (BBB-) and Fitch (BBB-), each with a stable outlook. The Company's Web address is http://www.hearstargyle.com/.

Posted by monte at 11:53 AM | Permalink

MAGICFRANK'S 'More Magic 4 Fun' Named 'Best DVD of the Year' By Creative Child Magazine

Creative Child magazine will award MAGICFRANK'S More Magic 4 Fun the prestigious honor of "Best DVD of the Year." Notably, LESSONS IN MAGIC is the only recipient given this honor in 2006. The official announcement will be made by Creative Child on November 14th.

Also included in the MAGICFRANK'S LESSONS IN MAGIC series are: "Magic 4 Fun," "The Key to Card Magic," and "Believe in Magic! Believe in Yourself! Magic You Can Do!" The videos are produced specifically to reinforce positive self esteem in children.

"I am truly honored to accept this important award from Creative Child magazine," says Frank DeMasi, CEO and founder of MAGICFRANK. "My video series has been a gratifying project for me to teach and inspire children with something I absolutely love."

Creative Child magazine is a national publication that focuses on providing parents with the latest information on how to nurture creativity in their children. Each year, 1,000 sample products are submitted to the magazine's testing department and a panel of judges which include child psychologists and child educators monitor a pre-selected group of kids whose ages correspond to the various products that were submitted. The panel then rated each product based on four major factors: educational value, creative nurturing, creative play and overall value with respect to retail price.

On November 14, 2006 all award winners are officially announced on creativechildonline.com. Additionally, the awards program is published in Creative Child's big holiday issue featuring "Extraordinary Toys That Will Spark Your Child's Imagination."

About MAGICFRANK

Frank DeMasi, otherwise known as MAGICFRANK(R) is founder, CEO and president of MAGICFRANK'S LESSONS IN MAGIC. He started MAGICFRANK'S LESSONS IN MAGIC on the principle of producing magic how-to videos that offer children a multi-sensory experience. We strive to create videos that give enjoyment and are entertaining. Frank has more than three decades of practical magic skills and a decade of teaching magic. To date, the celebrated and seasoned magician, a student of the art of magic since age six, has performed at over 10,000 events.

Source: MAGICFRANK

Posted by monte at 11:52 AM | Permalink

Visteon Technologies Featured on New-Generation Ford Galaxy and Ford S-MAX

Visteon Technologies Featured on New-Generation Ford Galaxy and Ford S-MAX

Cross reference: Picture is distributed via EPA (European Pressphoto Agency) and can be downloaded free of charge under:

Ford of Europe's new-generation Ford Galaxy and all-new Ford S-MAX models feature various systems reflecting Visteon Corporation's (NYSE: VC) climate, electronics and interior expertise.

A total of 127 Visteon end items, grouped into 48 different products, are featured on the S-MAX and Galaxy, both of which were launched at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. Visteon's climate, electronics, interior, powertrain and chassis components have been developed under Ford Motor Company's global 'Shared Technologies' initiative, which has allowed the car manufacturer to significantly expand its worldwide presence.

"Visteon is supporting Ford as it takes its model range into an exciting new future," said Michael Enders, director of Visteon's Ford Customer Group CD Car Program. "Visteon content on the Galaxy and S-MAX has been developed to meet Ford's demand for supreme driving quality and high levels of interior sophistication. Both these new models support Ford's new kinetic design philosophy, which expresses 'energy in motion,' and will filter through its future model range."

Electronic Systems

Visteon is a leading global supplier of automotive electronics and instrument clusters to original equipment manufacturers. The Galaxy and S-MAX instrument clusters serve as the HMI (Human Machine Interface) message center for driver personalization settings and navigation display. Visteon engineered the instrument clusters in the United Kingdom and India, and produces them at plants in Alba, Hungary, and Cadiz, Spain.

The infotainment features are provided through Visteon's audio system - available in tape, CD and CD6 Music System - and the Visteon DVD Family Entertainment System, which is a key enabler to delivering full vehicle passenger entertainment. The CD6 Music System radio combines the utility of a six-disc CD changer with the convenience of dashboard loading while maintaining a standard 100 mm chassis and an AM/FM receiver. Visteon's CD6 Music System offers approximately 70 songs at the consumer's fingertips.

Visteon's leadership in developing electronics components and systems that have an impact on performance, fuel economy and driving dynamics is also evident in other products supplied on the new Ford models. This includes the powertrain control module (gasoline), which is engineered at Basildon, U.K., and manufactured in Cadiz, Spain.

Climate Systems

The climate control components - climate controls (dual zone front automatic and rear controls), compressor, HVAC units and refrigerant circuit - are provided by Visteon from a number of plants in Europe. This includes the Alba plant in Hungary, which supports the supply of compressors for a variety of Ford models. Development work on these features was done at Visteon's state-of-the-art climate control facility in Kerpen, Germany.

Interior Systems

Other Visteon products on the Galaxy and S-MAX include door trims manufactured at the supplier's Berlin, Germany, plant, and assembled at the Genk, Belgium, plant, near Ford's plant in Genk where the Ford S-Max and Ford Galaxy are produced.

Powertrain and Chassis Systems

Visteon offers a durable, high-power alternator designed for package flexibility and optimized system performance. Visteon alternators are manufactured at Chenai, India. Other chassis components on the Ford Galaxy and Ford S-MAX, which are manufactured at plants in Wuelfrath and Dueren, Germany, include disc brakes, front wheel drive differentials, front wheel drive halfshaft, hub and bearing, and steering gears.

Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers, and also provides a range of products and services to aftermarket customers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Kerpen, Germany; the company has more than 170 facilities in 24 countries and employs approximately 50,000 people.

Posted by monte at 11:48 AM | Permalink

Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp - Turning Rock Fans Into Rock Stars - Rolls Into NYC August 13-17

So You Wanna' Be a Rock 'n Roll Star...

Dr. John, Jon Anderson, Dee Snider, Dickey Betts and Max Weinberg Join Other Rock Luminaries as Camp Counselors

Hello, New York!!! Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp (RRFC) is coming to New York City August 13-17, offering five days of serious fun to campers from around the country. Guided by a Who's Who of rock icons, campers of all musical abilities can hone their licks, learn to live like a rock star and jam with their idols during the five-day musical camp which culminates in a Battle of the Bands blowout before a packed house at B.B. King's in Times Square.

The camp's resident professors of rock will be New Orleans icon Dr. John, George Thorogood (The Destroyers), Dickey Betts (The Allman Brothers), Jon Anderson (Yes), Max Weinberg (Late Night With Conan O'Brien), Levon Helm (The Band), Joe Satriani (Surfing With The Alien), Mark Farner (formerly of Grand Funk Railroad) and Dee Snider (Twisted Sister). These rock legends-along with veteran music industry pros-push rock-star wannabes out of the spectator stands and up onto the stage. And, while RRFC doesn't promise anyone they'll become guitar gunslingers, an outrageously good time is guaranteed.

Not surprisingly, when the August RRFC comes to New York, it's raising the musical bar. Not only will the bands formed at camp have the opportunity to perform on stage, they will also have one-of-a-kind opportunities including:

  * Taking the stage alongside Jon Anderson and Dickey Betts to play in     front of a live audience at B.B. King's in Times Square.    * Performing on a TV program hosted by Dee Snider at the VH1 studios.    * Competing and playing live on the air at an Original Song Contest held     at Sirius Satellite Radio studios.    * Laying down tracks at the Gibson Hit Factory Studio, where legends like     Bruce Springsteen ("Born in the U.S.A.")  John Lennon ("Double Fantasy")     and The Rolling Stones ("Emotional Rescue") have recorded.

The RRFC schedule includes master classes, one-on-one sessions, dinners with the stars, late night jams with renowned studio musicians and special guest stars drop-ins. Offering pointers throughout the sessions are some of rock's royalty (Prince and Joaquin Phoenix recently dropped in) who help the bands come together, collaborate and create. Campers -- who encompass novice and expert, teens and baby-boomers, soccer moms and CEOs -- get the opportunity to rock on top-notch instruments while rehearsing and performing with their band. Campers stay at the Hudson Hotel, with shuttles bringing them to the studios and rehearsal halls. Beginning at 9 a.m. and going through midnight, the five-day camp costs $8499.

RRFC is the brainchild of David Fishof, who conceived it as "an opportunity for people to learn an instrument or sing. Turns out the most surprising thing that has come out of the camps are people's life-altering experiences."

Source: Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp (RRFC)

Posted by monte at 11:47 AM | Permalink

The N Greenlights Second Season of Hit Series Beyond the Break to Premiere Early 2007

Broken Hearts, Painkillers and Unrequited Love Come to a Head As The N Premieres the Season One Finale of Beyond the Break On July 28

Beyond the Break Marathon to Air Thursday, July 27

From 8:00 P.M. - 12:30 A.M. (ET) Leading Up to the Premiere of Season Finale Friday, July 28 at 8:30 P.M. (ET)

The N has greenlit a second season of Beyond The Break for an additional 10 half-hour episodes scheduled to premiere early 2007 and will wrap season one of its hit summer series, it was announced today by Sarah Tomassi Lindman, Vice President, Production and Programming, The N.

The nighttime network for teens, gives viewers a chance to catch the entire series as the network presents nine, back-to-back episodes of Beyond The Break in a marathon on Thursday, July 27 from 8:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. (ET) leading up to the premiere of the season one finale on Friday, July 28 at 8:30 p.m. (ET). Immediately following the finale, The N will premiere an all-new episode of the one-hour mystery, Whistler at 9:00 p.m. (ET).

"Beyond the Break has proven to be a ratings success and a sizzling summer hit with our teen viewers," said Lindman. "Season two will bring more of the hot Hawaiian beaches and juicy relationship drama to our audience."

Emotional waves crash down on the beaches of Oahu when broken hearts and teen angst threaten the all-female surf squad's position as top contenders. Can the ladies of WaveSync, a struggling surf company, stay afloat when matters of the heart intervene? In the finale, Dawn, Birdie, Kai and Lacey let boy troubles get the best of them. Dawn unsuccessfully tries to deflect Shoe's feelings for her by setting him up on a blind date, but quickly realizes that his unrequited love is not fading fast enough. Meanwhile, 'Big Wave Bailey' reveals a softer side to his playboy persona when he reveals to Birdie his true feelings for her. To his surprise her heart still belongs to her military boyfriend Marcus and her feelings are stronger than ever. And finally, caused by jealousy over Vin, Kai slips down a deadly path of prescribed medication to help cope with the pain she has caused her loyal friend Lacey.

Beyond the Break is an intense dramatic series combining surf and sun as it drops in on the competitive world of professional surfing. Four passionate women with diverse backgrounds will pursue their dreams of becoming professional surfers. But in order to remain afloat, each of them must overcome issues to capture surf stardom from WaveSync.

The cast features: David Chokachi (Baywatch, Witchblade), Tiffany Hines as Birdie (Grey's Anatomy), Natalie Ramsey as Lacey (Cruel Intentions 3, Pleasantville), Suzie Pollard as Dawn (Hack), Ross Thomas as Bailey (Cutting Edge 2, What's Bugging Seth), Michael Copon as Vin (One Tree Hill) and newcomers Jason Tam (Broadway's A Chorus Line) as Shoe and Sonya Balmores as Kai.

Created by Michael D. Jacobs and BME's David Brookwell and Sean McNamara (That's So Raven, Even Stevens, Raise Your Voice), MarVista and BME will both serve as producers for the half-hour series with MarVista handling the worldwide distribution. Writers on the series include Matt Dearborn who served as the co-producer of Beverly Hills 90210 and whose previous writing credits include Just for Kicks and Romeo for Nickelodeon, Phil of the Future, Even Stevens, and The Secret World of Alex Mack.

Beyond the Break is the first series to go into production under the September 2004 multi-series production and development deal signed between MarVista Entertainment, BME and The N. Executive Producers of the series are Michael D. Jacobs, Fernando Szew, David Brookwell, Sean McNamara, Matt Dearborn and TalkStory Productions.

ABOUT THE N

The N, the nighttime network for teens, is a programming arm of MTV Networks and is currently available in 49 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite television. The N's mission is to be the authentic voice for teens and help them figure out their lives with relevant, topical programming on-air and online at the network's web site www.the-n.com. The N airs everyday from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (ET). The N and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

ABOUT BROOKWELL MCNAMARA ENTERTAINMENT, INC

Brookwell McNamara Entertainment is a full service production company focused on the development and production of family theatrical feature films and television series. Recently, BME partnered with Whoopi Goldberg to produce Just for Kicks for Nickelodeon and just completed photography on Cutting Edge 2 for MGM/Sony which company partner Sean McNamara also directed. In the last year BME produced and McNamara directed Raise Your Voice starring Hilary Duff, John Corbett, Rita Wilson, and Rebecca DeMornay for New Line Cinema. The company also produced the prime time Emmy nominated success That's So Raven as well as the Emmy and BAFTA winning comedy series Even Stevens both for the Disney Channel.

ABOUT MARVISTA ENTERTAINMENT

Founded by Joseph Szew and Fernando Szew, Porch Light Entertainment's former SVP, Worldwide Sales and Executive Producer Michael D. Jacobs and GeorgePort, former President/Founder of Anchor Bay Entertainment, MarVista is the beneficiary of the Whamo Entertainment library, which contains 3,000 hours of television programming including 45 animated feature films. During the company's first years of business, adding new and quality programming to its roster and forming strategic alliances to spearhead future growth have been of paramount importance. Since the company's formation in September of 2003, MarVista has acquired 175 half hours of episodic television series and over 25 television movies.

Source: The N

Posted by monte at 11:44 AM | Permalink

Downloadable Episodes of Favorite PBS Programs Make Their Debut on Google Video

PBS today announced the launch of PBS content on Google Video (http://www.video.google.com/pbs.html), making it possible for users to download and own a selection of PBS primetime and children's programming for the first time ever. The announcement was made by PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger at the Television Critics Association Press Tour.

Ms. Kerger said, "We've received significant viewer feedback this year, requesting that we offer our television content in downloadable formats, and we're looking forward to this launch with Google Video. As we've seen with our podcasts, PBS viewers appreciate the opportunity to consume PBS and local PBS stations' content when and where they like, and today's announcement will be a boon to the quickly-increasing number of these kinds of media consumers."

Showcasing the strong local associations PBS stations have within their communities, PBS programs downloaded through Google Video will carry a spot encouraging viewers to become members of their local PBS station.

"We are very proud to work with PBS to bring its outstanding programming to a whole new audience of Google Video users," said David Eun, Vice President of Content Partnerships, Google. "Google Video provides the widest and most diverse range of online video content, much of which wasn't previously accessible online. PBS is another great addition to our growing collection of high quality content."

Google Video offers a fast and easy way for users to watch and share a comprehensive set of videos -- including free and paid, user-generated and professional video content of any length or size.

  Select episodes of PBS programs that users can buy on Google Video are:     Primetime Programming     - ANTIQUES ROADSHOW    - NOVA    - NOW    - SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN FRONTIERS     PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! Programming     - ARTHUR    - CYBERCHASE    - FETCH!    About PBS

PBS is a media enterprise that serves 354 public noncommercial television stations and reaches almost 90 million people each week through on-air and online content. Bringing diverse viewpoints to television and the Internet, PBS provides high-quality documentary and dramatic entertainment, and consistently dominates the most prestigious award competitions. PBS is a leading provider of educational materials for K-12 teachers, and offers a broad array of other educational services. PBS' premier kids' TV programming and Web site, PBS KIDS Online (http://pbskids.org/), continue to be parents' and teachers' most trusted learning environments for children. More information about PBS is available at http://pbs.org/, one of the leading dot- org Web sites on the Internet.

Posted by monte at 11:40 AM | Permalink

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Posted by monte at 11:34 AM | Permalink

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Posted by monte at 11:29 AM | Permalink

PBS Brings Popular TV Programs to Internet Viewers Through Open Media Network

PBS Press Tour -- PBS announced today the launch of a "download to own" initiative that lets viewers purchase episodes of popular PBS programs via the Internet for viewing anytime, anywhere. PBS has teamed with Open Media Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the best of public broadcasting and educational programming to the Internet via http://www.omn.org/. The announcement was made by PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger at the Television Critics Association Press Tour.

"PBS and our local stations are undergoing a transformation from traditional television broadcasting to a vibrant 21st century digital public media service," said Ms. Kerger. "Open Media Network is helping us accomplish this by offering favorite PBS programs for sale directly to the online audience. We're excited to partner with another non-profit organization committed to bringing PBS' award-winning content to the public."

Open Media Network (OMN) uses the Internet to bring online audiences high-quality, educational programming. It provides its service free of charge to other non-profit and service institutions while utilizing the most advanced video and audio delivery technology available. Programming is delivered in full DVD quality and is then viewable on a variety of devices, including notebook computers, portable media players, cell phones and set top boxes.

"Some of the most informative, thought provoking programs on television are brought to us by PBS and its member stations," said Mike Homer, founder of Open Media Network. "Making this content available through Internet downloads for anytime, anywhere viewing means we can help PBS bring it to a much larger audience than ever before."

OMN brings unique advantages to PBS, NPR and public broadcasters that extend viewership and encourage audience participation. OMN lets public broadcasters across the country, like KQED (San Francisco), Idaho Public Television and WGBH (Boston), offer their television and radio programs from their own websites using their own brands or through OMN's website, increasing their potential audiences.

Showcasing the strong local associations PBS stations have within their communities, PBS programs downloaded through OMN will soon carry a spot encouraging viewers to become members of their local PBS station.

Viewers can start watching PBS content now by going to http://www.omn.org/ and downloading the free OMN internet TV player. Each episode is $1.99 for unlimited playbacks, except for NOVA which is priced at $7.99 per episode.

  Select episodes of PBS programs made available through OMN include:    Primetime Programming    - ANTIQUES ROADSHOW   - NOVA   - NOW   - SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN FRONTIERS    PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! Programming    - ARTHUR   - CYBERCHASE   - FETCH!    About PBS

PBS is a media enterprise that serves 354 public noncommercial television stations and reaches almost 90 million people each week through on-air and online content. Bringing diverse viewpoints to television and the Internet, PBS provides high-quality documentary and dramatic entertainment, and consistently dominates the most prestigious award competitions. PBS is a leading provider of educational materials for K-12 teachers, and offers a broad array of other educational services. PBS' premier kids' TV programming and Web site, PBS KIDS Online (http://pbskids.org/), continue to be parents' and teachers' most trusted learning environments for children. More information about PBS is available at http://pbs.org/, one of the leading dot- org Web sites on the Internet.

About OMN

OMN is a public service dedicated to bringing "media that matters" to the public via the Internet. It gives viewers easy TV Guide(R)-like access to previously hard-to-find content created by public broadcasters, educational institutions, non-profits and community-based organizations. Based on Verisign's advanced media delivery technology, OMN provides free and paid audio and video downloads in HD- or DVD-quality. It lets viewers watch their programs on their computers or take their personal OMN libraries mobile. More information can be found at http://www.omn.org/.

Posted by monte at 11:26 AM | Permalink

Chris Cornell Has Written and Will Perform the Main Title Song for CASINO ROYALE

Original Song Entitled 'You Know My Name'

It was announced today by producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. and Sony Pictures Entertainment, that Chris Cornell, the singer/songwriter behind Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog, has written, in collaboration with Bond composer David Arnold, and will perform the main title song entitled "You Know My Name," for the new James Bond adventure CASINO ROYALE.

Daniel Craig stars as the new "007" in CASINO ROYALE directed by Martin Campbell. The film will be released worldwide by Columbia Pictures on November 17, 2006.

The acclaimed singer-songwriter, whose upcoming release with Audioslave marks the 11th album of his career, has also enjoyed success with the groups Soundgarden and Temple of the Dog, as well as his own critically acclaimed solo album in 1999, "Euphoria Morning." In addition, he has collaborated with such groups as Alice in Chains and made contributions to other soundtracks.

"I've always loved Chris' work, both as a writer and as an artist, and had hoped someday to find the right film to inspire him," said Lia Vollack, President, Worldwide Music for Columbia Pictures. "His music is both soulful and tough. It was the perfect complement to Daniel Craig and CASINO ROYALE."

Cornell joins such distinguished performers as Madonna, Sheryl Crow, Paul McCartney & Wings, Carly Simon, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, Sheena Easton, Duran Duran and Garbage who have performed title songs for previous James Bond adventures, though he will be among the select few who have both written and performed an "007" title song (others include McCartney & Wings, Crow and Madonna). Other songs were written by composers as varied as Anthony Newley & Leslie Bricusse, Lionel Bart, John Barry, Bono & The Edge and Marvin Hamlisch.

Daniel Craig stars as "007" James Bond, the smoothest, sexiest, most lethal agent on Her Majesty's Secret Service in CASINO ROYALE. Based on the first Bond book written by Ian Fleming, the story, which has never been told on film until now, recounts the making of the world's greatest secret agent.

James Bond's first "007" mission leads him to Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), banker to the world's terrorists. In order to stop him, and bring down the terrorist network, Bond must beat Le Chiffre in a high-stakes poker game at Casino Royale. Bond is initially annoyed when a beautiful British Treasury official, Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), is assigned to deliver his stake for the game and watch over the government's money. But, as Bond and Vesper survive a series of lethal attacks by Le Chiffre and his henchmen, a mutual attraction develops leading them both into further danger and events that will shape Bond's life forever.

ABOUT EON PRODUCTIONS

EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC is owned by the Broccoli family and has produced twenty one James Bond films since 1962, including CASINO ROYALE. The Bond films, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, make up the most successful franchise in film history and includes the recent blockbuster films GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day. EON Productions and Danjaq, LLC, are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise.

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/ .

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is an independent, privately-held motion picture, television, home video, and theatrical production and distribution company. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising approximately 4,000 titles, and over 10,400 episodes of television programming. Its film library has received 208 Academy Awards(R), one of the largest award-winning collections in the world, and includes numerous successful film franchises, including James Bond, Pink Panther and Rocky. MGM is owned by an investor consortium comprised of Sony Corporation of America, Providence Equity Partners, Texas Pacific Group, Comcast Corporation and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

Posted by monte at 11:24 AM | Permalink

'DON'T YOU FAKE IT,' THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS' First Virgin Records Release, Makes Red-Hot Retail and Digital Debuts

Crucial Launch Support from MTV / MTV2 / mtvU For Powerful 'Face Down' Video Triggers Top 10 iTunes Demand And 25,000 First-Week Over-the-Counter Sales Band Continues To Connect With Fans Along Warped Tour

Florida rock band THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS enjoyed a booming debut week at retail -- and inside of tens of thousands of computer hard drives. The album made an impressive debut at #25 and sold over 25,000 copies at retail. Heavy digital downloads of the full DON'T YOU FAKE IT album kept RJA in the top 10 of iTunes' daily chart of best selling albums the week of its release. On the separate chart of top Rock albums, DON'T YOU FAKE IT reached the #3 spot.

Cable and on-line support, along with connecting with thousands of new fans at this year's Warped Tour, set up an immediate sales surge at the album's July 18th release. Exposure continues to be high for the album's first single and video, "Face Down," which is a passionate and powerful rant against domestic violence, directed by Paul Minor (James Blunt, BT, Louis XIV, Funeral For a Friend).

On June 19th, MTV / MTV2 / mtvU included RJA in the premiere new artists platform "Discover & Download," which includes video rotation on all three channels along with specialty programming and placement on-line and on-channel. RJA was introduced on MTV2's signature video debut program Unleashed, on Monday, June 5th. The video was an all-day premiere selection, with special spots on the channel and website in the lead-up week. No other artist's first video has enjoyed the degree of MTV2 rotation as was planned for RJA. Additionally, the video is #3 on FUSE's Oven Fresh Video show, and the #5 Alternative Video on Music Choice, while also among the top 5 alternative videos in Music Choice's On Demand service. On AOL Music, where the band is a featured new artist, "Face Down" peaked at #4 on AOL Radio's Alternative/Rock chart. "Face Down" is in the top 20 best-selling rock tracks and #9 on the Alternative tracks downloaded on iTunes.

"Face Down" is currently the most played song on Purevolume.com while RJA is generating 100,000 streams a day of the four songs posted on Myspace.com. Streaming on-line "listening parties" of the entire DON'T YOU FAKE IT album ran during the week of album release on America Online, MSN, Purevolume.com and ArtistDirect.

Several gaming websites are previewing Electronic Arts' Madden 2007 video game with a snippet of the RJA album track "In Fate's Hands," A Cingular 'Sound Off 2006' promotion places RJA in 14 different Conde Nast print publications, along with audio and video content featured on the Cingular mobile devices of 56 million subscribers.

THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS -- front man Ronnie Winter, guitarists Duke Kitchens and Elias Reidy, bassist Joey Westwood and drummer Jon Wilkes -- plays on the Vans Warped Tour through mid-August.

  RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS ON VANS WARPED TOUR, SUMMER 2006     Wed 7/26/2006    Riverbend Music Center      Cincinnati, OH   Thu 7/27/2006    Post-Gazette Pavilion       Pittsburgh, PA   Fri 7/28/2006    Verizon Wireless            Noblesville, IN   Sat 7/29/2006    Co-America Park             Detroit, MI   Sun 7/30/2006    Tweeter Center              Tinley Park, IL   Tue 8/1/2006     Darien Lakes Fields         Buffalo, NY   Wed 8/2/2006     Fitchburg Airport           Fitchburg, MA   Thu 8/3/2006     Tweeter Center              Camden, NJ   Fri 8/4/2006     Ford Pavilion               Scranton, PA   Sat 8/5/2006     Nassau Coliseum             Uniondale, NY   Sun 8/6/2006     Englishtown Raceway         Englishtown, NJ   Tue 8/8/2006     Verizon Wireless            Charlotte, NC   Wed 8/9/2006     Verizon Wireless            Virginia Beach, VA   Thu 8/10/2006    Nissan Pavilion             Bristow, VA   Fri 8/11/2006    Tower City Amphitheatre     Cleveland, OH   Sat 8/12/2006    Molson Amphitheatre         Toronto, ON   Sun 8/13/2006    Parc Jean Drapeau           Montreal, QC

Posted by monte at 11:17 AM | Permalink

Superman Returns: An IMAX 3D Experience Grosses More than $20 Million

Film Becomes Fastest Grossing Hollywood Release in IMAX History, Shows Strong Legs Through Fourth Weekend in IMAX(R) Theatres

IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that Superman Returns, which has grossed more than $290 million worldwide to date, is showing strong legs in IMAX(R) theatres through its fourth weekend. The IMAX(R) 3D release earned approximately $1.4 million on 77 North American IMAX screens and an estimated $625,000 from 27 international IMAX screens between Friday, July 21 and Sunday July 23. To date, the film has earned $20.7 million in IMAX theatres worldwide, becoming the fastest grossing digitally re-mastered IMAX release in the Company's history for an impressive worldwide per screen average of $201,000.

The strong fourth weekend in North American IMAX theatres follows a record-breaking opening, when the film set numerous records for a Hollywood simultaneous release, including the biggest seven-day total and the highest seven-day per screen average. The continued box office success demonstrates the growing consumer enthusiasm for IMAX 3D and Hollywood films that have been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R).

"The box office results from the film's fourth weekend in IMAX theatres demonstrate the staying power of The IMAX Experience," said Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "The IMAX release provides another layer of excitement surrounding the film, and we are confident that it will continue to contribute to the overall box office success of the film."

"The popularity of Hollywood event movies in both IMAX 2D and IMAX 3D is clearly growing and we are encouraged by the strong legs of Bryan Singer's Superman Returns: An IMAX 3D Experience," said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "We expect these box office trends to continue, and we are confident that the film will break even more IMAX records."

"The IMAX 3D release of Superman Returns continues to generate outstanding results in our international territories," said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "We are pleased that audiences are responding to this film and taking advantage of the opportunity to experience it in this unique and immersive way. We look forward to continued success as the film opens in more international IMAX theatres during the weeks ahead."

The film is performing very well in several key international territories, with IMAX theatres reporting record performances and numerous sold-out shows.

IMAX and Warner Bros. Pictures will continue to offer the world's most immersive cinematic 3D experience this summer with the July 28 IMAX 3D release of The Ant Bully. In IMAX 3D theatres, moviegoers will feel as if they are actually IN the movie, with screens up to eight stories high and as much as 14,000 watts of un-compressed multi-channel digital surround sound.

  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 (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.

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 11:15 AM | Permalink

TBS Spans the Globe To Find the WORLD'S FUNNIEST COMMERCIALS for One-Hour Special Hosted by Kevin Nealon and Susan Yeagley

Comic Special Featuring More Than 60 Ads from Around the World Premieres Wednesday, August 23, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

TBS, television's "very funny" network, is heading around the world to gather some of the funniest commercials ever created in a new one-hour TBS special entitled WORLD'S FUNNIEST COMMERCIALS. The special, hosted by Kevin Nealon (Saturday Night Live, Weeds) and his wife, actress-comedian Susan Yeagley (Friends, Curb Your Enthusiasm), is set to premiere Wednesday, August 23, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT). The show is being produced by Robert Dalrymple Productions in conjunction with TWI, the same production companies that create TBS's annual Funniest Commercials of the Year specials. Robert Dalrymple and Steve Mayer serve as executive producers.

"We have had tremendous ratings success with our Funniest Commercials of the Year specials," said Ken Schwab, senior vice president of programming for TBS and sister network TNT. "We are extremely excited to expand this very popular concept with a new one-hour special dedicated to 'very funny' ads from around the globe."

WORLD'S FUNNIEST COMMERCIALS will showcase the cleverest and most humorous commercials from such countries as Sweden, Australia, Japan, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand, The Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom, to name a few.

Nealon, who hosts TBS's annual Funniest Commercials of the Year specials, is a familiar face to television viewers, thanks to his long run on Saturday Night Live playing numerous memorable characters from 1986 to 1995. He garnered an Emmy(R) nomination for his writing on the series. His list of feature credits includes such hit movies as Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, Anger Management and Daddy Day Care. He is also starring in the critically acclaimed comedy series Weeds. His guest star appearances on television series include Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Larry Sanders Show, Fat Actress, 3rd Rock from the Sun and Crank Yankers.

Yeagley was a member of the famed Groundlings comedy improv group. Her credits include appearances in such feature films as Coyote Ugly, Almost Famous and Intolerable Cruelty. She has also had guest appearances on such series as Friends, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Significant Others, Reno 911, Miracles, ER, Everybody Loves Raymond, The District and Malcolm in the Middle.

Robert Dalrymple is a Peabody and Emmy-winning television producer whose most recent productions include Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials, for CBS in conjunction with TWI productions; the American Cinematheque Specials, for TNT and AMC; and Showtime's adaptation of Sam Sheppard's True West. He also co- founded and executive-produced the Screen Actors Guild Awards for NBC and TNT.

Dalrymple is perhaps best known for Billy Joel's tour in Russia, Billy Crystal's first comedy special from Russia and the CBS production of pianist Vladimir Horowitz's return to Moscow after 62 years. He won Emmys(R) for Free To Be a Family and a documentary on Itzhak Perlman's tour of Russia, and was nominated for The King & I-Recording a Hollywood Dream. His television movies include Shame, Baby Brokers and A Christmas Romance.

TWI is the largest independent producer, packager and distributor of sports programming in the world, producing and distributing more than 6,500 hours of original programming annually to more than 200 countries, covering 200+ sporting events. While the strength of TWI's worldwide sports coverage is unrivaled, the company has recently expanded into award-winning documentary and reality programming. In recent years, TWI has produced the Peabody Award- winning Colour of War for The History Channel and the Emmy(R)-nominated Christopher Reeve documentary Courageous Steps. Fall 2004 saw the launch of two new TWI reality series: Manhunt, a companion series for Bravo's Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, set in the world of male modeling, and I'd Do Anything, an ESPN series that questions how far a contestant would be willing to go for their loved ones in pursuit of the ultimate sports fantasy. TWI also produced the upcoming Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting for NBC. A division of international sports agency IMG, TWI also manages the world's largest independent sports archive library, housing more than 150,000 hours of programming.

TBS, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., is television's "very funny" network. It serves as home to such hot contemporary comedies as Sex and the City, Everybody Loves Raymond, Family Guy, Seinfeld and Friends; original comedy series, like the upcoming scripted comedies My Boys and 10 Items or Less; specials and special events, like The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas, for which TBS serves as title sponsor; blockbuster movies; and hosted movie showcases.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and a leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

Source: Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

Posted by monte at 11:11 AM | Permalink

MTV2 Viewers Declare 'All That Rocks'

T.I., Panic! At The Disco, Video iPod, Bamboozle, Lupe Fiasco, and Zelda: Twilight Princess Picked as Top 'All That Rocks' Choices Through Online Voting and Viewer Submitted Video Uploads via allthatrocks.mtv2.com

Show Premiere on MTV2 This Sunday, July 30th at 9 PM ET/PT

MTV2 viewers declared everything that rocks their world -- from their favorite artists, music, video games and gear -- with the first-ever "All That Rocks," a user-generated celebration dictated by the tastes of the MTV2 audience. Viewers were able to take their 'Do It Yourself' mindset to allthatrocks.mtv2.com, where they were able to upload "shout outs," videos of themselves endorsing and supporting their favorite "All That Rocks" nominees, in order to determine the audience's top choices. Featuring performances by some of today's hottest artists Lil Wayne, Flyleaf, and 30 Seconds to Mars and hosted by Bam Margera, "All That Rocks" airs this Sunday, July 30th at 9 PM ET/PT.

"MTV2 has always been driven by what our audience wants to see and hear on the channel," stated David Cohn, GM, MTV2. "'All That Rocks' allows us to celebrate everything that's on their radar and are passionate about at this very moment -- from new music, new games, new gear and so much more. This event lets us give our viewers a whole new level of influence by giving them an innovative way to voice their opinions through the web and world of video upload to personally salute everything they feel rocks."

  The first ever MTV2 "All That Rocks" Top Viewer Choices are:    BEST FESTIVAL:   Bamboozle    FRESHEST MC:   Lupe Fiasco    MOST CRITICAL HARDWARE:   Video iPod    KING OF ROCK:   Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance)    ULTIMATE METAL GOD:   As I Lay Dying    SUCKER FREE MVP:   T.I.    BREAKING NEW BAND:   Panic! At the Disco    INSANE NEW GAME:   Zelda: Twilight Princess - Nintendo Wii    SICKEST SPORTS MOMENT:   Danny Way's Great Wall of China Skateboard Jump (July 9, 2005, Beijing,    China)

"MTV2's All That Rocks" is sponsored by Slim Jim, Subway, GM, Virgin Mobile and HP.

For complete information on the "MTV2's All That Rocks", visit allthatrocks.mtv2.com.

Now reaching over 60 million homes, MTV2 reflects the way our audience consumes media. The look and feel of the network is fast-paced, multitasked, and predominantly inspired by the internet and the world of video games. MTV2 is the premier destination for our audience to find the hottest mix of music videos, long form music programs, exclusive access to their favorite bands, and ground breaking music before it hits mainstream while combining their other passions through a compelling line-up of creative lifestyle and cross platform programming.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 100 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 networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 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

Posted by monte at 11:05 AM | Permalink

September 11th Charities to Receive Donations From Release of 'World Trade Center'

Four New York-based charitable organizations that honor the memory of those lost in the September 11th attacks on the Twin Towers and provide ongoing support to their families announced today that they will be the recipients of donations from the release of the upcoming film, "World Trade Center."

The film, directed by Oliver Stone, tells the true story of real life Port Authority Police Officers Will Jimeno and John McLoughlin, who were rescued hours after being buried beneath the rubble of the World Trade Center. The film recounts their courage, follows their families as they wait for word, and shows the heroism of their rescuers.

The charities will receive 10 percent of all "World Trade Center" ticket sales in every theater across the United States -- more than 2,000 theaters -- for the film's opening five days, from Wednesday, August 9, through Sunday, August 13, 2006.

The organizations that will receive the donations are:

The World Trade Center Memorial Foundation -- The Foundation is the not- for-profit corporation founded in 2005 to realize the Memorial quadrant at the World Trade Center site. The Foundation will raise funds, oversee the design, and operate the Memorial, the Memorial Museum and a Visitor Orientation and Education Center located on eight of the 16 acres of the site. The Memorial will remember and honor the thousands of people who died in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993. The Memorial Museum will facilitate the public's encounter with the enormity of loss and the triumph of the human spirit through artifacts, exhibitions, and educational programming. The Foundation has a $300 million private fund-raising goal to build the Memorial and the Museum. It has raised $131 million in private donations from over 17,000 donors from 11 countries and all 50 states.

Tuesday's Children -- Almost five years ago, Tuesday's Children was born of a solemn commitment to the families of 9/11. Today, this non-profit service organization continues to meet the families' unmet and changing needs with innovative services. With programs and offices in New York City, its northern suburban counties, Long Island, New Jersey, Washington, D.C. and Boston, Tuesday's Children provides a wide-range of child development, family advocacy, mentoring, recreational and social service programs for thousands of 9/11 family members. The initiatives are created with one simple goal -- to develop and provide the resources necessary to ensure that these families reach their full potential.

The Tribute WTC Visitor Center -- Created by the September 11th Families Association to share the personal stories of victims, survivors, rescue and recovery workers, volunteers and residents of Lower Manhattan, the Tribute WTC Visitor Center will open across from the World Trade Center site this summer. By engaging visitors in the authentic experiences of those most affected by the events of that day, the exhibits will convey the courage, loss, heroism and grief of those who responded to the tragedy. Interactive exhibits, personal greeters and an environment for reflection will involve visitors in appreciating the scope and impact of the disaster, as well as the enormous outpouring of compassion in response to that loss.

The New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund -- The Fund was established in 1985 by Daniel J. "Rusty" Staub to provide financial assistance to the families of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. After the tragic events of September 11th, the organization expanded its mission to include the families of Port Authority Police Officers and members of the Emergency Medical Service. The Fund gives grieving families immediate financial assistance and, through an annual distribution, provides help to those with lifelong financial hardship. Since 1986, over $87 million has been distributed, with an additional $35 million designated to be paid out through 2009.

Fifty percent of the total donation will go to the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation, for the construction of the Memorial's two reflecting pools to be located on the footprints of the original Twin Towers. The remaining fifty percent will be shared equally among Tuesday's Children, the Tribute WTC Visitor Center and the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund.

Jonathan S. Barnett, Tuesday's Children Board Chairman, said, "In honoring the courage of these men, as well as all the heroes who responded that day and their families, this film is helping us celebrate the human spirit and its triumph over tragedy. This contribution will help Tuesday's Children fulfill our mission -- to provide important social services and support programs for thousands of 9/11 family members for as long as the needs are there. For this, we are deeply grateful."

Marian Fontana, President, and Lee Ielpi, Vice President, the September 11th Families Association, said, "We are building Tribute to ensure the next generation learns from the events of September 11th and is educated on the terrible cost of ignorance and intolerance so much that such an event never happens again. We are deeply appreciative of the effort to tell this story in this film, to join with us in remembering those we loved and lost, and in paying tribute to thousands of extraordinary people who responded to the city in our hour of need."

Stephen J. Dannhauser, President of the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund, said, "We greatly appreciate this donation, which will go a long way in assisting the families of our city's fallen heroes. We are also thankful for the recognition of the important work our organization performs on a daily basis to assist and support the widows and children of New York's bravest and finest, EMS and Port Authority responders."

Joseph Daniels, Acting President of the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation, said, "It's our sacred obligation to remember the innocent victims and honor the sacrifice of the many brave individuals who gave their lives in the September 11th attacks. This contribution will help ensure that the memory of those heroes lives on through the World Trade Center Memorial. Visitors to the Memorial will be able to reflect upon the enormity of the loss and the triumph of the human spirit -- which are the heart of 9/11. By sharing in the many stories of that day through this film and through the Memorial and Memorial Museum, we celebrate the resolve and spirit of the American people."

"World Trade Center" is a Paramount Pictures release.

PLEASE REFER TO THE WEB SITES BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING HOW TO MAKE A DONATION.

  The World Trade Center    Memorial Foundation -- http://www.buildthememorial.org/    Tuesday's Children -- http://www.tuesdayschildren.org/    The Tribute WTC Visitor Center -- http://www.tributenyc.org/    New York Police and Fire Widows'    and Children's Benefit Fund -- http://www.nypfwc.org/     Source:  The World Trade Center Memorial Foundation;             Tuesday's Children;             The Tribute WTC Visitor Center;             New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund

Source: The World Trade Center Memorial Foundation; Tuesday's Children; The Tribute WTC Visitor Center; New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund

Posted by monte at 11:04 AM | Permalink

'Hero By Night' Flies Into Action Winning Platinum Studios' and NBC 7/39'S Comic Book Challenge

Pittsburgh, Pa. Resident, D.J. Coffman, Nails Development Deal

Platinum Studios, an entertainment company that controls the world's largest independent library of comic book characters, and NBC 7/39 have made dreams a reality for one lucky comic fan! D.J. Coffman, a Web illustrator from Pittsburgh, Pa., won the first annual Comic Book Challenge (www.ComicBookChallenge.com) and will receive a Web and print comic book development deal with Platinum Studios for his comic concept, "Hero By Night." Platinum Studios will also develop the property for film, TV and other electronic mediums.

"Platinum Studios is constantly looking for new talent and the Comic Book Challenge gives first time creators, writers and artists, the opportunity to pitch their concept live to entertainment industry leaders," said Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, chairman of Platinum Studios. "D.J.'s talent was evident by the strength of his 'Hero By Night' concept, live pitch and artwork. His passion and enthusiasm, even the creation of an official 'Hero By Night' ring, really stood out and Platinum Studios looks forward to working with him to publish his property into a comic book next year and develop it for other mediums."

"Hero By Night" is the story of a young man, Jack King, who discovers the secret lair of a 1950's superhero in his new apartment. Now in possession of hidden journals, retro gadgets and a secret ring, Jack must decide if he should disclose the find to the public, sell it all off and make a mint, or delve into the mysterious artifacts to discover why this hero disappeared. What secret does the ring posses? Will this path lead Jack to take up the mantle of "Hero By Night," himself?

The judges for the Comic Book Challenge included Rosenberg; Marc Silvestri, founder and chief executive officer of Top Cow Comics; Gale Anne Hurd, producer of "The Terminator" films, "Aliens," "Hulk," and "Armageddon" among other movies; Oliver Jones, staff correspondent for People Magazine; and Chris Marlowe, editorial director, digital media for The Hollywood Reporter.

"The Comic Book Challenge has been such an incredible experience for me," said Coffman. "It was really humbling, just being around all of the other creative talents, let alone the industry judges, who have made such a huge impact on the comic book and entertainment industries. I can't believe that I am now given the chance to turn my idea into a real comic book."

Characters from Platinum Studios' intellectual property library of more than 3,800 characters have appeared in hundreds of millions comics, and have been included in film and entertainment deals with Disney, MGM, Sony, Universal, DreamWorks, Warner Brothers, Lions Gate, NBC and Showtime, including upcoming Sci-fi epic "UNIQUE" at Disney and tentpole "COWBOYS & ALIENS" at Sony.

About Comic Book Challenge (www.comicbookchallenge.com)

Platinum Studios teamed up with NBC 7/39 to search for the next great comic book talent in the first annual Comic Book Challenge. Scott Mitchell Rosenberg will mentor the winner and Platinum Studios will release their comic book at a major comic event in 2007. Platinum will also work with the winner to develop the property for film, TV, games and other mediums.

About Platinum Studios www.platinumstudios.com

Platinum Studios is an entertainment company that controls the world's largest independent library of comic book characters, which it adapts and produces for all forms of media. Platinum Studios' library contains more than 3,800 characters and a full range of genres and styles. With deals in place with some of the entertainment and new media's top players, Platinum is a recognized leader in the creation of new content across all media. For more information, please see www.platinumstudios.com.

About NBC-TV 7/39 www.NBCSanDiego.com

NBC 7/39's streetside studio is located at 225 Broadway in downtown San Diego, California. San Diego's only network owned and operated station, NBC 7/39 broadcasts news daily from a glass enclosed studio at Peacock Plaza. NBC 7/39 is also home to San Diego's #1 morning news and #1 News at 11:00pm.

Source: Platinum Studios

Posted by monte at 11:03 AM | Permalink

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Posted by monte at 10:48 AM | Permalink

Hillary Topless - Documentary Uncovers Nude Origin of Sex Museum's 'Presidential Bust' of Senator Clinton

The nude study of Senator Hillary Clinton used in creating her first portrait as U.S. President is featured in a documentary now viewable at YouTube.com, the net's leading video download site. "Hillary's Bust", an eight-minute short produced by Goodnight Film, reveals the sexy origins of a statue of the former First Lady planned for display at New York's Museum of Sex. The film contains the only footage taken of an unclothed preparatory study of Hillary Clinton's upper torso used for developing the heroic-scaled "Presidential Bust of Hillary Rodham Clinton: First Woman President of the United States of America."

The documentary reports Hollywood actor Sharon Stone's recent statements regarding Mrs. Clinton's potential White House bid as inspiration for her Presidential portrait. The bust's creator, Daniel Edwards, points out that during the promotion of her most recent Basic Instinct film, Stone sparked a sexual power debate with, "I think it is too soon for her to run. This may sound odd, but a woman should be past her sexuality when she runs. Hillary still has sexual power and I don't think people will accept that. It's too threatening."

"I've depicted Hillary Clinton in the traditional manner as befits the head of state -- with head held high and face matured with wisdom," says Edwards, "but with unmistakable 'sexual power' as a nod to Sharon Stone." The bust prominently portrays Mrs. Clinton's cleavage spilling from a lacy, low-cut inaugural gown with her bare shoulders enhanced by a "delicate" nape.

The film reveals the bust is the second Presidential portrait by Edwards. "Richard Nixon made a rare stop in my hometown when I was a young sketch artist for the local newspaper. I drew him during a speech." Edwards' other political portraits include presidential aspirant George C. Wallace ailing in his Alabama sickbed shortly before his death.

"Hillary's Bust" is the first "political" film for Argentine born director, A.D. Calvo. "I'm typically more drawn to macabre stories," says Calvo. "I share Edwards' beliefs on the importance of promoting the image of a woman President. We both have young daughters. They need to grow up believing anything is possible for them in America -- even becoming President someday."

"Hillary's Bust" will be available on YouTube.com and the newly redesigned Triggerstreet.com, actor Kevin Spacey's online community for burgeoning filmmakers, from now through the six-week engagement of Hillary Clinton's Presidential Bust display at the Museum of Sex that starts August 9th.

Museum of Sex, http://www.museumofsex/. com

Posted by monte at 10:48 AM | Permalink

Motorcycle Travel Network Is Now International

Motorcycle Travel Network, MTN, the Only Bed and Breakfast Network for the Traveling Motorcyclist, Announces It Has Gone International With the Addition of Members in Canada and the UK!

Members are now in 42 states and four Canadian provinces. MTN is no longer just in North America, though, since they recently had their first member join from the UK. MTN grows daily and looks forward to its expansion into other countries.

MTN, a bed and breakfast network, is by motorcyclists, for motorcyclists. Members are not B &B proprietors. They are individuals who agree to host other network members in their homes helping them to travel inexpensively and enjoy the company of other motorcyclists at the same time. A small gratuity is paid by the traveler/guest to the host, $15 for a solo traveler, $20 for a couple. The host provides breakfast and sleeping accommodations, which may range from a separate apartment or guest room with a private bath to a pull out couch and a shared bath.

Each member provides an online listing stating the accommodations and amenities they provide, often accompanied with a photo. Such amenities might include covered parking, hot tub or laundry facilities. Only members can access the listings online of other MTN members through the use of a log on and password. Since this is a reciprocal organization, members must have the ability to host other members in their home. However, hosting is never mandatory. Members host only when they want and when it is most convenient for them.

According to Scott Reynolds, co-founder of MTN, there are hosting organizations for a wide range of special interests including, tandem bicyclists, Quakers, women, educators and even Mensa members. After having good experiences with other networks, Scott and his wife, co-founder Christi Reynolds, realized the need for a hosting organization devoted to motorcyclists. They know that only other motorcyclists understand the unique issues and demands of traveling by bike. Thus, they launched the Motorcycle Travel Network in 2005.

Both Scott and Christi have been riding motorcycles since they were teenagers. Their love of riding continued as they raised a family, often traveling by motorcycle with their daughters on many family vacations.

In 2004 Christi and Scott took off for a planned two-year trip around the US and found that hosting organizations were an inexpensive and interesting way to travel. They didn't want to stay in hotels for two years, as they can be expensive and impersonal. Camping, which they enjoy, required quite a bit of gear. Staying with hosts that provide breakfast and knowledge of the area was much more fun and interesting.

"This is such a great way to travel," say members Ron and Aliceann from Tennessee, "not only is it inexpensive, but also you meet such great people. Since the hosts are 'locals' they can tell you the great roads to ride in the area, as well as the places to eat and what not to miss."

MTN member, Richard from Indiana said, " Hosting a MTN couple was great fun. I had someone new to tell my stories to and we already had something in common -- motorcycles."

Motorcycle Travel Network is the only network exclusively for motorcyclists. Through MTN, riders of all brands can participate and enjoy the camaraderie of other motorcyclists with similar needs and interests. Join today and become part of this exciting and unique community!

Currently, MTN is offering a two-year membership special for only $30. That is a $10 savings over the $20 for one-year rate. Join today online at www.motorcyle-travel.net or call toll free, 877-408-0471 for more information.

Motorcycle Travel Network is a privately owned company and hosting organization started by Scott and Christi Reynolds in July of 2005.

Posted by monte at 10:37 AM | Permalink

XM Satellite Radio Surpasses 7 Million Subscribers

-- XM Satellite Radio, the nation's leading satellite radio company, today announced that it now has more than seven million subscribers.

"With more than seven million subscribers today, XM has achieved yet another major milestone as the leader in satellite radio," said Hugh Panero, CEO, XM Satellite Radio.

About XM Satellite Radio

XM (NASDAQ:XMSR) is America's number one satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2006 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: the most commercial-free music channels, sports, talk, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information.

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

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

Source: XM Satellite Radio

Posted by monte at 10:36 AM | Permalink

'O Rei da Milha' Hicham El Guerrouj entra para a Academia "ASPIRE Sports Academy", do Qatar

O tricampeão e recordista mundial e ícone do esporte Hicham El Guerrouj, entrou para a equipe da ASPIRE, a Academia de Excelência no Esporte, baseada em Doha, a fim de oferecer incentivo e inspiração para a próxima geração de aspirantes a atletas.

Como embaixador da ASPIRE, El Guerrouj trabalhará com a Academia dando orientação e conselhos para os atuais estudantes atletas bem como apoio a programas mais abrangentes de inclusão esportiva para crianças do Oriente Médio e além.

Oficialmente aberta em novembro de 2005, a ASPIRE é uma das Academias de Atletismo mais avançadas no mundo, tendo sido desenvolvida como parte de um investimento de um bilhão de dólares para o esporte no Qatar.

A Academia está se esforçando duramente para atrair os melhores treinadores do mundo para uma série de disciplinas e seus executivos esperam que, atraindo talentos do calibre de El Guerrouj, oferecerá aos atletas que treinam na Aspire uma fonte inigualável de aprendizagem e inspiração.

O bicampeão Olímpico, dono do recorde mundial dos 1.500 metros, da milha e dos 2.000 metros, anunciou sua retirada das competições em maio deste ano e expressou o desejo de continuar contribuindo ao desenvolvimento do esporte através da região.

El Guerrouj disse": eu assisti a ASPIRE desenvolver-se como uma instituição desde o seu início e fiquei muito impressionado por seu impacto no desenvolvimento da juventude no Oriente Médio e no mundo árabe mais amplo. Se minha contribuição ajudar a inspirar os atletas mais jovens para treinar e desenvolver seus talentos, será uma experiência que valerá a pena para todos nós."

A ASPIRE já havia hospedado El Guerrouj em novembro de 2005, quando ele era uma das lendas do esporte presentes à cerimônia inaugural da maior cúpula esportiva em recinto fechado do mundo, no campus da ASPIRE.

O Dr. Thomas Flock, Diretor Geral da ASPIRE, comentou: "Hicham El Guerrouj é amplamente reconhecido como um dos maiores atletas na história das competições internacionais, assim sendo sua associação conosco é uma honra e uma grande oportunidade para nossos estudantes.

"Esperamos que eles aprendam com o seu exemplo e que -- qualquer que sejam os níveis de esportes nos quais eles possam competir no futuro -- reconheçam a importância do caráter, da ambição e do espírito esportivo que Hicham El Guerrouj exemplifica."

Sobre a ASPIRE

A ASPIRE, uma Academia para Excelência no Esporte, Doha, foi criada com o duplo objetivo de identificar e transformar atletas estudantes promissores em renomados campeões mundiais para uma gama extensa de competições esportivas e agir como uma atração para puxar a cultura esportiva para o centro da vida em Qatar e região circunvizinha. A Academia se distingue por uma filosofia que almeja desenvolver o estudante por inteiro, proporcionando-lhe um desenvolvimento pleno, acadêmico, social e esportivo.

Suas instalações sem par fazem da Academia um dos mais adiantados estabelecimentos de ensino do mundo, já atraindo um número crescente de visitantes do mundo esportivo para usar ou simplesmente conhecer suas instalações. Estas mesmas instalações também hospedarão eventos durante os futuros Jogos da Ásia em 2006.

Com uma quadra em recinto fechado e sete quadras de futebol ao ar livre, pistas de atletismo, uma piscina olímpica, piscina de mergulho, arenas para lutas, arena de ginástica, salas de peso especialmente projetadas, salas de leitura, dormitórios para acomodar um número que poderá chegar a 1.000 estudantes, um centro médico e muito mais além, debaixo da maior cúpula de esportes do mundo, construída propositalmente em recinto fechado, foram previstos todos os aspectos para o desenvolvimento de atletas de elite. A ASPIRE é um lugar para os que ousam sonhar.

ASPIRE HOJE, INSPIRE-SE AMANHÃ

http://www.aspire.qa/

Posted by monte at 10:35 AM | Permalink

Big Screen Entertainment Group Announces Its First MMO Video Game

Big Screen Entertainment Group (BULLETIN BOARD: BSEG) is proud to announce that development is underway on its first "massively multiplayer online" PC game.

Massively multiplayer online games (MMO's) give video game players the ability to play online against thousands of other players from around the world. MMO's have recently reached mainstream popularity, driven by such games as Sony Online Entertainment's "EverQuest" and "EverQuest II" as well as Blizzard Entertainment's record selling "World of Warcraft", which has more than 6.5 million active players. MMOs account for a large part of the more than 11 billion dollars of the video gaming industry revenue.

Big Screen's MMO will incorporate elements of the company's upcoming horror/thriller, "Babysitter Wanted" and will be geared toward the 14+ teen through the adult market. The title for the game will be announced in the next few weeks.

BSEG will roll out the game in two separate stages. Initially, a working MMO will be released within the next twelve months. The game's platform will be constantly updated offering subscribers new challenges and character options.

In phase two, the game will be upgraded to "Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game" (MMORPG). MMORPGs give users the ability to role play inside the real time virtual world as well as play against others. BSEG will concurrently make the game compatible for the popular XBOX, PlayStation 3, and comparable platforms as well.

"We're excited to have acquired all the components needed to make this a profitable, exclusive, feature rich, one of a kind MMO which will tie in nicely with BSEG's aggressive participation in advancing technology," stated BSEG's Daniel Silverstein.

"I'm extremely pleased with the deal we've made to produce the MMO," added Big Screen CEO, Kimberley Kates. "We are working with top notch developers and programmers who will adapt the most exciting and game worthy set pieces from our upcoming motion picture, "Babysitter Wanted". And the cross marketing potential for both the game and film is phenomenal."

About the Company

Big Screen (BSEG) is a full-service entertainment company designed to develop, produce, purchase, and distribute products in all media formats, including motion pictures, television, video games, cell phone content, music and publishing.

BSEG currently has two completed films, two films in post-production, one film in pre-production and four films in development. Visit our Web site at www.bigscreenent.com for more information on these movies and the company.

Forward-Looking Statements

A number of statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including timely development, and market acceptance of products and technologies, competitive market conditions, successful integration of acquisitions and the ability to secure additional sources of financing. When used in this press release, words such as "could," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "potential," "should," and similar expressions are forward-looking statements.

Posted by monte at 10:34 AM | Permalink

Volvo Names Local Herndon Man Finalist in World's First Treasure Hunt for Buried Vehicle

Dave Hutz of Herndon, Va. Joins Two U.S. Finalists and Four International Finalists on August 6 at Secret Location for On-the-Ground Race to Uncover Buried Volvo SUV

Look what the tide's washed in! Volvo Car Corporation today announced that Herndon's Dave Hutz is one of seven international finalists in its global, multi-media treasure hunt for a pirate-themed Volvo XC90 V8. The would-be pirate was among the first individuals worldwide to complete a fun, yet challenging online treasure hunt Volvo launched on June 12 and concluded four weeks later.

Hutz will be flown to an undisclosed location on August 6, where he will be joined in the final leg of the competition by two more Americans and one finalist each from Japan, UK, Spain and Austria.

The wildly popular hunt, a multi-media campaign developed as a part of Volvo's sponsorship of the Disney summer blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, has elicited participation from more than 52,000 online contestants in the U.S. alone.

Hutz, a 30 year-old software architect, will be accompanied by wife Sheila Satya Somani on his journey to the final leg of the hunt -- Volvo providing travel and accommodations for one guest per finalist. "I stayed up all hours of the night solving the puzzles Volvo gave us," said Hutz. "It was an exciting challenge and I'm thrilled to move on to the next stage of the hunt."

In an interesting twist of family fortune, Hutz's father Jim, a 57 year-old from Carefree, Ariz., also advanced to the final leg of the race where he will be competing head to head with his son as one of the three U.S. finalists. "My father introduced me to the treasure hunt and I was immediately hooked," Hutz said. "Thankfully I inherited his clever treasure hunting skills and I'm looking forward to competing against him for the car."

Once at the final hunt location, Hutz and each of the six other finalists will set off on a manic on-the-ground search for the buried vehicle. The format for the final leg of the competition will be reminiscent of reality TV shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race, with contestants participating in a two-day series of mental and physical challenges that will either eliminate them from the competition or advance them closer to the buried vehicle. The first treasure hunter to unearth the SUV keeps it. The victor and results of final hunt will be released to the public on August 11, followed by a series of webisodes chronicling the hunt premiering online at www.volvocars.us/thehunt on August 24.

The buried one-of-a-kind, Volvo XC90 is valued at approximately $82,000 and features a variety of elements inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean, including menacing graphics from the film, black leather seats, custom painted 20 inch wheels and more.

Volvo's promotion of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest grew out of the partnership with Disney for the worldwide Volvo Ocean Race. The Volvo ship bears the name of the same boat in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, "The Black Pearl." The Ocean Race began in Vigo, Spain on Nov. 12, 2005 and ended in Gothenburg, Sweden on June 17, 2006.

About Volvo Cars of North America

Volvo has been building cars with Safety in mind for over 75 years. The current 2006 model line-up of Volvo Cars includes: the award-winning new S40 and its wagon counterpart the all-new V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan -- including the award-winning performance sedan -- S60 R and the performance wagon version -- V70 R; the S80 luxury sedan; the versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); and the soon-to-be released new Volvo C70, the convertible with the innovative retractable hardtop.

Source: Volvo Cars of North America

Posted by monte at 10:33 AM | Permalink

Yogis Can Now Own Their Om With iYoga, the World's First Software for Creating Personalized, Voice-Synthesized Yoga Classes

Software Studio Inc. today announced the immediate availability of iYoga(TM), the world's first software application to provide a virtual instructor for the personal creation of timed, voice-synthesized delivery of yoga classes and other exercise sessions.

How iYoga Works

iYoga is a specialized word processor with synthesized speech and timing capability. To create a class with iYoga, users simply type text to describe an asana or yoga position and include a duration specified in seconds, minutes or breaths. iYoga will time each asana, playing a chime of the user's choice at the end of each pose.

An example asana description in iYoga:

To begin, practice Mountain Pose for 10 breaths. Feel the natural curve of your lower back and the even grounding of your feet against the Earth.

iYoga will speak this text and wait the specified 10 breaths, chime, then continue to the next asana. Because users control each word that iYoga speaks, they can tailor their practice to their own needs, going far beyond the repetitive, generic instruction and music of CDs and DVDs, and bring alive the rich body of written work for the art of yoga.

"I created iYoga to bring flexibility and enjoyment to home practice. It's challenging to be both the student and the instructor simultaneously, and still have a peaceful, meditative experience," said Joe Klingler, Software Studio's President.

iYoga Is as Flexible as Language

Using iYoga is like having an instructor talk gently through each asana, providing pointers to focus on during the pose, then letting the user know when it is time to move to another. Instruction is delivered as synthesized speech, so there is no need to look at the computer, a book, or television while practicing. Since iYoga works as a word processor, the user can bring any words they wish into their practice. The spoken text mixes with background music played by iTunes, so a Mac can provide a complete exercise experience at home or on the road.

"iYoga provides personal control of a yogi's home practice so she can focus on her own special goals, holding poses for as long as comfortable, choosing the sequence of poses, repeating them as desired, even including poetry or guided meditation. This text-driven approach integrates seamlessly with professional texts or guidance from a trained instructor," continued Klingler.

Learn more about iYoga and view sample classes as QuickTime movies at http://www.iyogayoga.com/.

iYoga lists for $34.95 and is available on Amazon.com, exclusively for Apple Macintosh OS X. iYoga is Universal Binary and runs native on Intel-based Macs.

iYoga is a trademark of Software Studio Inc.

The Software Studio is an independent software development company focused on creating unique personal products for the Macintosh OS X platform. It currently has patents pending on the technology underlying iYoga.

Posted by monte at 10:31 AM | Permalink

Talk-Show Star Dr. Laura Schlessinger Announces Her One-Woman Theatrical Production Entitled Dr. Laura: In My NEVER To Be Humble Opinion With One Performance Only in Michigan at the Detroit Opera House

Syndicated radio host Dr. Laura Schlessinger announces a Detroit, Michigan date for her one-woman theatrical event, entitled Dr. Laura: In My NEVER To Be Humble Opinion, following critically acclaimed and sold out engagements in Dallas, L.A., San Francisco, San Diego, Salt Lake City and Boca Raton. The performance will be on Thursday, September 14 at 8 PM at the Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, Detroit, Michigan. Tickets are available at the Detroit Opera House box office and at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Marshall Field's. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 248-645-6666, and further details are available at http://www.drlaura.com/.

In Dr. Laura: In My NEVER To Be Humble Opinion, radio's number one relationship and family values talk show host provides an intimate look into her mind and character, revealing personal stories that she has never before shared with the public.

Act One is a tour-de-force performance piece that mixes humor with true- life stories, plus current events pulled from the top stories of the day. Dr. Laura shares her opinions on everything from childbirth to death and all things in between, including her own childhood, revealing a new side of her quick-witted, hilarious, and frighteningly insightful mind. In Act Two, she takes pre-submitted questions from that night's audience and, in distinctive Dr. Laura style, metes out advice at the speed of light, as she does every day on her radio program.

For more than thirty years, as one of the most popular talk show hosts in radio history, Dr. Laura has offered no-nonsense advice infused with a strong sense of ethics, accountability, and personal responsibility. She is the author of 8 New York Times bestsellers, including her current book, Bad Childhood, Good Life. Her new book, The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage, will be released by HarperCollins in January, 2007, and the paperback edition of last year's blockbuster, The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands will be available September 18, 2006, a little less than two months from now.

When asked about the show, Dr. Laura said, "If you see my one-woman show, you will understand how I came to be me. You will hear a lot of personal stories about my own life and examples for you too. The show will not only entertain you, it will offer you an experience of a lifetime."

Tickets will range in price from $27.50 to $150, and service charges apply. Those who purchase $150 tickets will be invited to an after-show reception, featuring a special appearance by Dr. Laura. To purchase tickets, call 248-645-6666, or visit the Detroit Opera House Box Office or all Ticketmaster outlets, including Marshall Field's.

  WHAT:    DR. LAURA: IN MY NEVER TO BE HUMBLE OPINION   WHERE:   DETROIT OPERA HOUSE, 1526 Broadway, Detroit, MI  48226   WHEN:    Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 8 PM   TICKETS: $27.50 - $150 (service charges apply).  Call 248.645.6666 to            charge by phone.  Tickets available at the Detroit Opera House            Box Office, and at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Marshall            Field's.

Posted by monte at 10:30 AM | Permalink

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Posted by monte at 10:20 AM | Permalink

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Posted by monte at 10:18 AM | Permalink

New Jewish Music Download Site, oySongs.com, is Launched

oySongs.com, the world's central source for Jewish music, has been launched from Tulsa, OK. It was announced today by Joe Eglash, owner and developer of the all-inclusive Jewish music download site.

Eglash, formerly of the New York City organization, Transcontinental Music Publications/Union for Reform Judaism, said oySongs is the first progressive- Jewish music download site, offering music from all denominations of Judaism and from all over the world.

In addition to complete artist information, the unique music service has single-song or full-album audio downloads from the ever-expanding genres of Jewish music.

"Ultimately, online music sales will likely become the household standard for music purchasing," Eglash said. "We are investing in technology that will allow Jewish music fans the benefit of a one-stop music store where they can explore, discover, and even sample, different styles, artists, and catalogs in the recording and sheet music categories."

Through a substantial investment in Sibelius sheet music technology, oySongs also offers interactive Jewish sheet music, enabling a user to change the key of a song or to hear it played back, while reviewing the score on their screen.

"Just imagine the possibilities," Eglash pointed out. "The potential of whole new groups of people hearing an artist's music for the first time - or perhaps finding a song whose meaning in some small way changes that person's life - this technology can be wonderful."

Eglash says much of his inspiration for oySongs comes from his research into the distribution methods of the vibrant secular music scene. "I believe that the Jewish music being produced today is as good or better than it ever has been," Eglash says. "But it is almost underground. We can learn some good lessons from our contemporaries."

oySongs boasts a wide range of styles and genres, including Contemporary Jewish Music, Klezmer, Sephardic, Israeli, and more. Jewish music artists (who are often self-published) have embraced oySongs as a new way to distribute their music.

Source: oySongs.com

Posted by monte at 10:05 AM | Permalink

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Denver Broncos Announce Kickoff Kid Sweepstakes

Participants Can Enter to Win at Any Red Robin Colorado Location

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., (Red Robin), and the Denver Broncos(R) are proud to announce this year's, "Denver Broncos(R) Kickoff Kid" Sweepstakes. Red Robin will award eight kids, ages 6 to 12 years old, with the opportunity to be the official Kickoff Kid during a Denver Broncos home game this season. The Kickoff Kid is responsible for removing the tee from the field after each Broncos kickoff.

Colorado residents 18 years of age or older who have a child between the ages of 6 and 12, are invited to visit their local Red Robin(R) restaurant to enter their child in the sweepstakes. Red Robin will accept entries now through Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006, at 5 p.m. Mountain time. Entry forms and contest rules are available at any Colorado Red Robin location.

Each "Denver Broncos(R) Kickoff Kid" winner will be notified the week prior to the home game where they will act as the Kickoff Kid. The grand prize for each of the eight winners includes two (2) sideline passes for the winner and the winners' parent that permits on the field access one hour prior to game time, two (2) admission tickets for guests to attend the Denver Broncos home football game featuring each winner, a Denver Broncos jersey and the opportunity to remove the football tee after each Broncos kickoff.

"On behalf of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, I am excited to announce this new partnership with the Denver Broncos; we're happy to give our guests the opportunity to be the official Kickoff Kids," said Eric Houseman, Red Robin president and chief operating officer. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with a great football franchise."

For more information on the nearest Colorado location, please visit www.redrobin.com.

About Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ:RRGB)

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (www.redrobin.com), founded in 1969, is a casual dining restaurant chain that serves up wholesome, fun, feel-good experiences in a family-friendly environment. Red Robin(R) restaurants are famous for serving more than 22 high-quality gourmet burgers in a variety of recipes with Bottomless Steak Fries(TM), as well as salads, soups, appetizers, entrees, desserts, and signature Mad Mixology(R) Beverages. There are more than 320 Red Robin restaurants located across the United States and Canada, which include both corporate-owned locations and those operating under franchise or license agreements.

About Denver Broncos Football Club

The Denver Broncos came into existence in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League. In 1997 and 1998 the team became one of just six NFL franchises to win back-to-back Super Bowl championships. They have compiled the best home record in football from 1974-2005, and have committed financial support and the time of players, coaches and staff to the Colorado community for more than 43 years.

Source: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.

Posted by monte at 09:55 AM | Permalink

E! Entertainment Television & Apple Announce the Debut of Hit Programs on the iTunes Music Store

Episodes of 'The Girls Next Door,' Season Two, 'The Soup,' 'The Simple Life: 'Til Death Do Us Part' & 'Dr. 90210' Now Available on iTunes

E! Entertainment and Apple(R) today announced that hit programs from E! Entertainment Television are now available for purchase and download on the iTunes(R) Music Store (www.itunes.com ). New weekly episodes of the second season of hit series "The Girls Next Door," which debuts July 30 on E!, "The Soup," E!'s irreverent look at the week's biggest, best and most bizarre moments and events in the world of pop culture, the new season of "Dr. 90210," as well as all new episodes of "The Simple Life: 'Til Death Do Us Part" starring Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie will be available the day after broadcast for customers to purchase and download for just $1.99 per episode.

"This new partnership underscores our commitment to our E! Everywhere initiative, making E! content available to viewers on multiple platforms and on demand," said Ted Harbert, president and CEO, E! Entertainment. "We're delighted to pursue this new programming opportunity with iTunes, allowing us to further expand the E! brand and reach even more entertainment fans."

"We're thrilled to expand our growing video catalog with this original content from E! Entertainment Television," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "With over 35 million videos sold, iTunes provides the best way for fans to discover, purchase and download video online."

Season two of "The Girls Next Door" debuts on E! on July 30, taking viewers beyond the gates and behind closed doors to reveal the world of Hugh Hefner and his three girlfriends Holly, Bridget and Kendra, as it has never been seen before. The premiere episode will also be available to purchase and download on iTunes on July 31. "The Simple Life: 'Til Death Do Us Part" follows the lives of Paris and Nicole as they undergo a crash course in marriage and motherhood, while "Dr. 90210" takes viewers inside the offices and homes of high profile Beverly Hills plastic surgeons. Past season episodes of "The Simple Life," "The Girls Next Door" and "Dr. 90210" are also immediately available for purchase and download.

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

Pricing & Availability

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

Based in Los Angeles, E! Networks are the world's largest producer and distributor of entertainment news and lifestyle-related programming. The company operates E! Entertainment Television, the 24-hour network with programming dedicated to the world of entertainment; The Style Network, the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable and inspiring lifestyle programming, and E! Online, located at Eonline.com . E! is currently available to 87 million cable and direct broadcast satellite subscribers in the U.S. The Style Network currently counts 43 million subscribers. Internationally, E! programming can be seen in more than 120 countries worldwide, reaching 600 million homes. In addition to its ventures for locally programmed E! branded channels outside the U.S., the company operates the E! International Network, a 24-hour English language global entertainment channel available via satellite in Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

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.

Posted by monte at 09:53 AM | Permalink

TiVo Awarded 2006 Interactive Television Emmy

Academy Recognizes Pioneer of Television Services for Digital Video Recorders for Continued Innovation in Interactive Television Services

TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ:TIVO) , a creator of and leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), is honored to announce that it has been recognized by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with a 2006 Emmy Award for outstanding achievement in enhanced television programming. TiVo offers its customers the most innovative and entertaining way to experience television.

"TiVo is proud to receive an Emmy Award and recognition from the Academy and its peers for the innovative services that it provides in enhancing the viewing of television by bringing it to a whole new level," said Tom Rogers, President and CEO of TiVo.

"We are committed to transforming television viewing by being the leaders in translating the latest technological developments into an easy and simple viewer experience," said Jim Barton, CTO and co-founder of TiVo. "From our TiVoCast service to TiVo KidZone, our mission is to provide subscribers the best way to watch television."

This year's Interactive Television Emmy Awards recognize original interactive television programming content, applications and services that have been deployed in the United States between June 1, 2005 and May 31, 2006 and that have demonstrated creative excellence. Other finalists in this category include AOL Music on Demand, CNN Enhanced and DirecTV Interactive Sports. Awards will be presented at the Creative Arts Awards Ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, August 19.

"TiVo was the very first offering in the DVR space and it is great that they are still leading the way," said Brian Seth Hurst, Governor of the Television Academy's Interactive Media Peer Group. "The TiVo service is certainly impressive in both its offering and user experience and meets the standard of excellence. It's easy to see why the voters deemed it worthy of the Emmy."

About TiVo Inc.

Founded in 1997, TiVo (NASDAQ:TIVO) pioneered a brand new category of products with the development of the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers, TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers as providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its full set of DVR service features into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo's DVR functionality and ease of use, with such features as Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList(R) searches, has elevated its popularity among consumers and has created a whole new way for viewers to watch television. With a continued investment in its patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal point of the digital living room, TiVo's DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and photos. With innovative features, such as TiVoToGo(TM) transfers and online scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers experiencing "TiVo, TV your way.(R)" The TiVo(R) service is also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing solutions for the television industry, including a unique platform for advertisers and audience measurement research. The company is based in Alviso, Calif.

NOTE: TiVo, 'TiVo, TV your way.' Season Pass, WishList, TiVoToGo and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. and its subsidiaries worldwide.

Posted by monte at 09:52 AM | Permalink

The Penthouse Movie Issue Is a Wrap ...

Reel Sex, Top Nude Scenes, Video Vixens and 20 Hot and Upcoming Actresses are Featured

Inside the September edition of Penthouse you will find the Fall Movie Preview, which is as golden as Hollywood itself. New titles encompass three categories: The Coolest, The Creepiest and The Craziest. Classic horror flicks that come back to life and Will Ferrell's, Stranger Than Fiction - which is already generating Oscar buzz for the funny man's performance - are included. Penthouse also interviews Clerks II actor and director, Kevin Smith and Hollywood's favorite heavy, Michael Madsen. Celebrity Nudes by Mr. Skin also makes the cut and as always, features celluloid close-ups of Hollywood's hottest in the buff. In the spotlight this month: Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Connelly, Heather Graham, Kelly Preston, Mimi Rogers, Alyssa Milano, Shannon Elizabeth and Phoebe Cates.

Rising Stars - Hollywood's Top 20 Aspiring Actresses

Amy Adams, Kristen Bell, Jaimie Alexander, Eva Green, Sophie Okonedo, Kate Mara, Jennifer Layne Park and Michelle Monaghan are some of the names that you'll be seeing up in lights for the next few decades to come. In the meanwhile, if you'd like to put "a face to the name," you'll have to check out the 7-page portfolio of these Tinsel town starlets in the new September issue.

Sports - College Football Preview

From the Heisman Watch to the Pre-Season Top 25, the BCS indicates that the pending season is wide open and up for grabs. The Penthouse prognosticator turns to a diverse mix of athletes (including poker's very own, Doyle Brunson), college newspaper editors and comedians - for their projections on how the final regular-season will turn out.

Music - New York Dolls

They were the irreverent cross-dressers of punk music who achieved underground street status in the Seventies. They ran with the Ramones and Iggy Pop and KISS (formerly known as Phoenix) used to open up for them at a joint in Queens. While only two of the band's original members are still alive, the New York Dolls are nonetheless back with a new album: One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This. David Johansen, the founding frontman, is interviewed by Chaunce Hayden.

Vices & Vanities - Top Ten Subtle Moves To Charm Her Into Bed

Most men struggle over what to say to a woman, but did you know that 55% of the female population base their initial impressions on body language and only 7% on what a man actually says? In the September column of Vices & Vanities, Dr. Z reveals the Top 10 Subtle Moves A Man Can Make to motivate her mojo.

Penthouse Pet - Michelle Ramos is a "HOT-LANTA" native and our September Pet. The Georgia peach, who is getting her B.A. in Clinical Psychology, is a 21-year-old wild child with a quantified body and a Freudian mind!

The September 2006 Penthouse issue will be available at newsstands and at www.penthouse.com/digital on August 1, 2006. For a complimentary press copy, or to arrange an interview with a Penthouse representative, kindly contact the Public Relations department at: 561.912.7034

Posted by monte at 09:50 AM | Permalink

John Lennon's Most Revolutionary Songs Collected for New Capitol/EMI Soundtrack to Controversial New Documentary Film, The U.S. vs John Lennon

The U.S. vs John Lennon CD Features 19 Original John Lennon Tracks, Including 'Imagine,' 'Instant Karma (We All Shine On),' 'Nobody Told Me,' 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)' and Two Previously Unreleased Tracks

CD's Package Includes Newly-Penned Liner Notes by Yoko Ono Lennon

Capitol/EMI Music Catalog Marketing will release the original soundtrack album to the highly-anticipated feature length documentary film, The U.S. vs John Lennon. The soundtrack, available on CD and digitally on September 26, collects John Lennon's most evocative songs, including "Imagine," "Nobody Told Me," "Instant Karma (We All Shine On)," "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," and "Power To The People," as well as two previously unreleased tracks, "Attica State," recorded live at 1971's "John Sinclair Freedom Rally" benefit concert in Ann Arbor, Michigan and the film's instrumental version of "How Do You Sleep." The CD and digital album packaging will include a liner notes essay written exclusively for this release by Yoko Ono Lennon. The controversial film, distributed by Lions Gate Films (Crash, Fahrenheit 9/11), will open in New York and Los Angeles theaters on September 15, followed by wide release at the end of September.

"Never in a million years, did we think that promoting World Peace could be dangerous. Were we naive? Yes, on that account, we were. John sings: 'Nobody told me there'd be days like these.' That was his true confession," says Yoko Ono Lennon, "These songs have become relevant all over again. It's almost as if John wrote these songs for what we are going through now."

The U.S. vs John Lennon follows Lennon's artistic and personal evolution between 1966 and 1976 as he broadened his personal and artistic scope, launching from his Beatles-rooted music legend pedestal into powerful, globally-resonating antiwar and social justice activism. As the Vietnam war exploded and America's youth was increasingly under attack at home for expressing its discontent, Lennon's counter-cultural activities were increasingly monitored by the FBI on behalf of President Richard Nixon's administration (Nixon himself was briefed on Lennon's activities). The film, through its captivating exploration of the government's ongoing efforts to silence John Lennon, also clearly illustrates certain parallels to today's political landscape, through insightful interviews with those who knew him best.

Living in New York City during this highly-charged period of his career, Lennon wrote many of his greatest, most culturally vital songs as he and Yoko Ono battled a constant and threatening veil of U.S. government scrutiny with inspired determination. The government's intimidating and ongoing surveillance campaign was coupled with threats of deportation for the Visa-carrying Lennon, aggressive tactics that he and Ono met with creative and more reasoned responses. In 1969, they staged their legendary 1969 "Bed-In" antiwar protests during their March honeymoon in Amsterdam and two months later in Montreal, where they were joined by friends to record "Give Peace A Chance." On December 10, 1971, Lennon and Ono headlined the "John Sinclair Freedom Rally" benefit concert in Ann Arbor, Michigan with a lightning-rod performance that turned the world's attention to the plight of John Sinclair, an American sentenced in July 1969 to nine years and six months to 10 years in prison for possession of two marijuana cigarettes. Three days later, Michigan's Supreme Court ordered Sinclair's release, and subsequently overturned his conviction. Together, Lennon and Ono personified the struggle for freedom and compassion through this fractured and wounded period of American history.

The U.S. vs John Lennon is co-written, directed and produced by LSL Productions' David Leaf and John Scheinfeld. Leaf wrote and directed the critically-acclaimed and Grammy-nominated documentary Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson & the Story of SMiLE, which premiered on Showtime last fall. Scheinfeld wrote and directed the feature-length documentary Who is Harry Nilsson (and Why is Everybody Talkin' About Him)?, currently screening at film festivals across the U.S.

The story of The U.S. vs John Lennon is told with archival film clips, illuminating interviews and Lennon's original music. David Leaf says, "We were allowed to 'strip' lead vocals from Lennon's original recordings, so that we could use his own instrumental work as the score for the movie. I think it's the first time that John's solo catalog can be heard in this way."

"I believe John would have loved this film," says Ono Lennon, "It's the kind of cool film he would have liked even if it were about somebody else. It's not tabloid, but rather it tells it like it was. 'Gimme Some Truth,' indeed. If John were here today, he would have felt good about being represented by such a film, and the fact that we took the chance to make it and present it to the world. War Is Over (If You Want It)."

Reprising John Lennon and Yoko Ono's original 1969 holiday season World Peace movement marketing campaign, fans will find "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" messages appearing on billboards in some of the world's largest cities this fall.

www.theusversusjohnlennon.com / www.johnlennon.com / www.lionsgate.com

Source: Capitol/EMI

Posted by monte at 09:46 AM | Permalink

According to New Lifetime Women's 'Desperate Housewives' Pulse Poll, Nearly 20 Percent Of Women Would Have an Affair With Their Neighbor's Partner

Sixty Percent Of Women View Themselves as 'desperate Housewives'

Most Say Britney Spears And Paris Hilton Would Be The Worst Neighbors But Adam Sandler Is Male Celebrity They Most Want To Live Next Door

Preponderance Of Women Don't Want Either The Bushes Or The Clintons Moving Onto Wisteria Lane - But Twenty-Five Percent Would Sell To Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos

- 'Desperate Housewives' Premieres 1st Season on Lifetime Saturday, August 5 at 11PM (ET/PT) -

- 'Desperate Housewives' Star Brenda Strong Headlines in 'Family in Hiding,' Debuting on Lifetime Sunday, August 6 at 8PM (ET/P) -

The women of Wisteria Lane aren't the only desperate housewives harboring secrets and fantasies. According to a new Lifetime Women's Pulse Poll,* 60 percent of women surveyed think of themselves as desperate housewives with 20 percent admitting they have a secret they wouldn't want their neighbors to know. Perhaps that's impelling some 16 percent to admit they'd have an affair with their neighbor's partner. Even better if living next door were either Adam Sandler or Matt Damon. Superman is another story ...

Released around the premiere of the Emmy Award(R)-winning "Desperate Housewives" on Lifetime on Saturday, August 5 at 11PM (ET/PT), beginning with the series' first season, the Poll also found that women wouldn't want Wisteria Lane turned into either the White House or the Hilton Hotel though someone shooting baskets is cool, while plumbers and gardeners are oh so very hot and the Man of Steel is most definitely not.

The Poll also found that women are pretty darn suspicious of what their neighbors might be hiding. A quarter suspect that one of their neighbors has a criminal past, while 22% think the folks next door are engaging in strange sexual behavior.

In addition to the series joining the Lifetime schedule (and the popular drama "Grey's Anatomy" debuting on Lifetime in January) - Lifetime is also presenting "Desperate Housewives" star Brenda Strong in the U. S. Television Premiere of "Family in Hiding," airing Sunday, August 6 at 8PM (ET/PT).

Try Mount Rushmore Instead

If anyone's looking to fill that vacant house on Wisteria Lane, don't bother with either the 42nd or 43rd Presidents, since only 12 percent would like to see Bill and Hillary move in with a mere four percent tapping the current occupants of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Not All Celebrities Make Good Neighbors

While leaders of the Free World aren't especially welcome, guys who make you laugh and guys with big biceps make the cut with 33% tapping Adam Sandler and 19% choosing Matt Damon as the male celebrity they'd like to bump into mailing a letter in their own neighborhood. Only nine percent want new Superman Brandon Routh flying around their 'hood.

Now who would be the nightmare neighbors? 34% said Britney Spears and hubby Kevin Federline wouldn't get a cup of sugar and 33% insist Paris Hilton wouldn't be welcome at their next barbecue, while Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos were the celeb pair women'd most like to see pulling up in a moving van.

Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer

Which DH character would you most like to have as a friend? Lynette (Felicity Huffman) and Susan (Teri Hatcher) were tops with only six percent eager to have Edie Britt as a friend and nearly half (45%) saying she was the character they'd least trust alone with their boyfriend or husband.

A Good Man is Hard to Find

Even though "Desperate Housewives" is about women, no good story is complete without men and, even better, hot men. So who's the hunkiest DH guy? With 43%, resident plumber Mike Delfino was crowned The DH Hunk trailed by Gabrielle's almost always shirtless gardener John Rowland at 24%.

As for The Housewives' real-life love interests, women were asked who would be the most popular on Wisteria Lane. Tony Parker (keeping company with Eva Longoria) led at 31%, followed by Ryan Seacrest (past paramour of Teri Hatcher) at 27%, Michael Bolton (engaged to Nicollette Sheridan) with 24% and William H. Macy (married to Felicity Huffman) at 19%.

"Desperate Housewives" on Lifetimetv.com

Lifetimetv.com will showcase a special "Desperate Housewives" mini-site. Highlights include a video blog featuring classic moments of each character that enables visitors to share their own "Desperate Housewives" moments; a puzzle game featuring photos from the show, and gossip content through which fans can find out about the real lives and loves of the fictional housewives played by Eva Longoria, Terry Hatcher, Nicollette Sheridan and company.

* An email invitation was sent to a random sample of Lifetimetv.com Research Panel members who were adult women aged 18+ living in the U.S. The internet survey link was live for two days July 11-July 12. A total of 11,818 surveys were completed by Lifetime viewers, Women 18+.

LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, LMN, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment, and Lifetime Online are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

Source: LIFETIME

Posted by monte at 09:45 AM | Permalink

Superman Is Back! The World's Premier Superhero Returns to the Middle East

Teshkeel Media Group Announces Partnership With DC Comics

Teshkeel Media Group, KSC announced today a comprehensive agreement with DC Comics -- the American-based publisher of Superman and Batman comics and one of the foremost publishers of comics and comics-related products in the world -- to bring Arabic, Arabic-English and Arabic-French versions of DC comics, trade paperbacks and magazines to the Middle East and North Africa. The agreement was announced by Naif Al-Mutawa, CEO of Teshkeel, and John Nee, Vice President-Business Development, DC Comics.

Under the terms of the agreement, Teshkeel will engage in a multi-year publishing program which will return DC's comic books to the Middle East and North Africa regions, beginning with publications tied in to this summer's blockbuster movie, Superman Returns. Plans call for additional titles featuring DC's world-famous library of characters to debut in the coming months.

"We're honored to be working with DC Comics," said Al-Mutawa. "DC practically invented the comic book format and characters like Superman and Batman have defined the superhero genre. They are a company that has long enjoyed a reputation for excellence, innovation and creativity -- something we are proud to pass on to our audiences in the Middle East and North Africa."

Nee added, "Through comic books, television and film our characters are recognizable worldwide. We're excited to have our publications available in the MENA region once again and to continue our long tradition of publishing in these territories. It's a great opportunity for a whole new audience to discover the magic of DC's characters and stories. With the variety of formats and languages they are offering readers, Teshkeel has presented us with a great opportunity to reach the widest possible audience in this rapidly growing territory."

Headquartered in Kuwait, Teshkeel is a publisher of comics and other children's entertainment in the Arab world. Planned publications will feature some of DC's most popular characters, including Superman, Batman, Teen Titans and the Justice League.

Teshkeel's program will begin in late July with a special publication tied in to the regional release of the Superman Returns film. The company will also publish four other Superman Returns-related titles before launching monthly Superman and Batman titles.

In addition to DC, Teshkeel also publishes local versions of Marvel Comics and Archie Comics and its own original title, The 99. "The addition of DC's fantastic range of titles to our publishing program is a superhero-lover's dream come true," concluded Al-Mutawa. "We're extremely proud to be bringing the world's greatest heroes to the children of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond."

About Teshkeel Media Group, KSC

Teshkeel Media Group, KSC (http://www.teshkeel.com/) is one of the Middle East's leading developers of comics and children's entertainment. Based in Kuwait, and with offices in New York, the company's mission is to fill a significant void in positive, high-quality children's content in the region, through various formats. In addition to working with Marvel Comics, Archie Comics and other global publishers, Teshkeel has also developed an award-winning original comic book property, The 99 (which will begin a new monthly series in September 2006).

About DC Comics

DC Comics is one of the largest and most diverse publishers of comics and comics-related products today. Collectively, with a mature readers line -- (http://www.dccomics.com/vertigo/) Vertigo -- and cutting-edge action line -- (http://www.dccomics.com/wildstorm/) WildStorm -- DC is the only publisher that offers a complete line of comics for every age group and literary taste. DC is also one of the industry's most prolific publishers, producing more than 80 comics titles every month and close to 1,000 titles per year. DC is also one of the oldest comics companies, with a continuous publishing history that spans over 70 years.

Posted by monte at 09:44 AM | Permalink

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(C) MBN 2006

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Posted by monte at 09:36 AM | Permalink

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Posted by monte at 09:33 AM | Permalink

Hollywood Film-Maker Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Verizon Wireless, American Airlines, Promise Keepers Pastors and Others Help Cece Winans Mobilze Vision for Young Girls

It's count down time for the 2nd Annual Always Sisters Girl's Conference, the anticipation of this year's event is building. All roads lead to Belmont University's Curb Event Center in Nashville, TN, August 4th & 5th. Gospel singer, CeCe Winans, is taking a stand for today's youth. Her vision is to offer our young girls a promising future, by providing a platform for them to be heard and encouraged.

Winans, determined to see the conference launched, set out last year with no financial backing. "I didn't fully realize how many of our youth we were losing to suicide and AIDS, I just couldn't wait any longer", says Winans. This year, she called upon friends in the entertainment industry to join her significant mission. Film-maker/author/playwright, Tyler Perry; The Oprah Winfrey Foundation; Mercy Ministries (transitional home for young women); Pastors; American Airlines; Promise Keepers and Verizon Wireless to name a few, have given generous donations. Verizon is inviting this year's "Always Sisters" attendees to bring their used wireless cell phones to the Nashville conference and donate them to the company's Hope-Line phone recycling program. All proceeds from the sale of recycled phones will help purchase wireless phones for domestic violence survivors (visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline). Once Winans put the word out that she needed help to make this event happen, the donations came.

HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, problems resulting from absent fathers and teen suicide are just a few of the challenges our young girls are facing daily. According to information published by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, African-American women account for 36 percent of diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases and 14 percent of white women. Single mothers head 54% of America's households and 85% of children raised without fathers exhibit behavioral disorders. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is estimated that more than 1,000 suicides occur on college campuses every year.

"For years, I've had a strong burden for the girls who are struggling with these issues. Over 800 girls and women attended the 2005 Always Sisters Girls Conference. We received incredible feed-back from life changing seminars including, Daughter's From A Father's Point of View, Sister's From A Brother's Point of View, and The Queen In You," says Winans. Other topics addressed were self-esteem, dating, AIDS and more.

Joining Winans this year, author/conference host and daughter of Billy Graham, Ruth Graham; Joy Enriquez (wife of producer/writer Rodney Jerkins); Word recording artist, Nicole C. Mullen; EMI Gospel recording artist, KiKi Sheard; The Katinas; author of Preaching With Aids, Carolyn Pineda; and Mother of the Winans Family, Delores Winans; author and pastor, Kimberly Daniels; Pastors Horace and Kitty Hockett; Pastor RA Vernon; Integrity recording artist, Lisa McClendon; Alvin Love; Ingrid Rosario and more. There will be a special session for mothers, a teen fashion show and Winans will climax the two day event with a concert. Registration is still available on-site. Log on to www.alwayssisters.com for more details or call (615) 371-1575.

There's no break in sight for Winans, she heads to South Africa in August and hits the road for a fall multi-city tour with gospel crooner, Donnie McClurkin. In 2007 Winans will begin working on her next solo (hymns) project.

Posted by monte at 09:32 AM | Permalink

Fox's First Black Jesus Movie

www.BlackChristianMovies.com and Nu-Lite Entertainment are set to launch the "Healing & Unity Tour", beginning August 1st, 2006. The tour is focused on promoting unity and positive imaging for all ethnicities, through the movie "Color of the Cross" which is set for release in October, nationwide. In addition to theatrical release, the "Healing and Unity Tour" will host press screenings in various cities across the country. With tensions rising in the Middle East, producers are hoping that the tour will be seen as a stepping-stone to creating a venue for healing wounds and bridging cultural differences.

"Color of the Cross," an independent, religious biopic, is based on the last 48 hours of the life of Jesus Christ. The film is unique in two distinct ways: The first dramatic film in Hollywood history ever to depict Christ as a black Jew and the first Christian based film to inject race as a possible factor in the Crucifixion of Christ. However the film was not created to incite controversy, but rather to highlight the shared common ancestry between Jews, Arabs and Africans.

Unlike "Passion of the Christ," "Color of the Cross" chose not to focus on the bloody torture of Christ's crucifixion. Instead the film focuses on the human pain and suffering that Christ, the Disciples, and Christ's family endured. "Color of the Cross" reaches across a cultural divide to inspire and challenge its viewers intellectually.

"If this movie creates conversations about race, we have succeeded", says BlackChristianMovies.com President, Gail Gibson. "It clearly challenges us to look at a familiar story from a different perspective. We're not saying that our movie can help stop a war, but now more than ever, we believe that people need to understand that there are many different ways to view almost every situation, and just because something is viewed differently doesn't make it wrong."

BlackChristianMovies.com and Nu-Lite Entertainment are dedicated to creating films that promote positive imaging for all ethnicities, which is directly evidenced by what "Color of the Cross" hopes to accomplish. For more information, visit: http://www.colorofthecross.com/ and http://www.blackchristianmovies.com/ or call 323.468.5385.

Color of the Cross" is a Nu-Lite Entertainment production, and producers are Rev. Cecil "Chip" Murray, Jessie Levostre, Kenneth Halsband, Jean Claude LaMarre, Executive Producers Lila Aviv, Marc Porterfield.

Posted by monte at 09:31 AM | Permalink

TiVo and BellSouth to Co-Market TiVo DVR and DSL Internet

TiVo and BellSouth to Co-Market TiVo DVR and DSL Internet

Agreement Offers TiVo DVR to Select BellSouth(R) FastAccess(R) DSL Subscribers

TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ:TIVO) , a creator of and leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE:BLS) , today announced a co-marketing agreement to promote the stand-alone TiVo(R) Series2(TM) box and service in conjunction with BellSouth(R) FastAccess(R) DSL.

Beginning this week, BellSouth and TiVo will launch the first of a variety of co-marketing initiatives that leverage product synergies between BellSouth FastAccess DSL and TiVo in order to drive additional distribution of the respective services. Through the agreement with TiVo, select FastAccess DSL subscribers will receive special pricing on the TiVo box and service. These customers can further enhance their already reliable, high-speed Internet service with TiVo's broadband applications, including online scheduling, TiVoToGo transfers, TiVo Guru Guide recommendations, streaming radio, movie browsing, and TiVo's easy-to-use Home Media features. TiVo's home media features allows subscribers to receive broadband delivered video and view personal music and photos on the TV set not just the PC. Subscribers will also receive the newly released TiVo KidZone as well as the traditional features for finding, recording and watching their favorite TV shows, such as Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList(R) searches.

"TiVo is pleased to work with BellSouth on this powerful marketing initiative," said Naveen Chopra, vice president of business development at TiVo. "With its strong southeastern presence and renowned customer satisfaction, BellSouth is uniquely positioned to market the benefits of a broadband-connected TiVo Box. Together, we can turn a DSL Internet connection into a pipeline for video content delivered directly to the television."

Although specific marketing tactics were not disclosed, TiVo and BellSouth will leverage each other's marketing efforts in key Southeastern markets. They will also offer special incentives to customers who subscribe to both services.

"BellSouth is excited to offer TiVo's unique broadband applications to our FastAccess DSL customers," said Joey Schultz, vice president of marketing for BellSouth Retail Markets. "TiVo's leading DVR service and powerful consumer brand helps us differentiate our DSL Internet offering by providing our subscribers exciting and entertaining ways to enhance their television and online experience."

About BellSouth Corporation

BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 500 communications company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. BellSouth has joint control and 40 percent ownership of Cingular Wireless, the nation's largest wireless voice and data provider with 57.3 million customers.

Backed by award-winning customer service, BellSouth offers the most comprehensive and innovative package of voice and data services available in the market. Through BellSouth Answers(R), residential and small business customers can bundle their local and long distance service with dial-up and high-speed DSL Internet access, satellite television and Cingular(R) Wireless service. For businesses, BellSouth provides secure, reliable local and long distance voice and data networking solutions. BellSouth also offers print and online directory advertising through The Real Yellow Pages(R) and YELLOWPAGES.COM(TM) from BellSouth.

BellSouth believes that diversity and fostering an inclusive environment are critical in maintaining a competitive advantage in today's global marketplace. More information about BellSouth can be found at http://www.bellsouth.com/.

About TiVo Inc.

Founded in 1997, TiVo pioneered a brand new category of products with the development of the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers, TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers as providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its full set of DVR service features into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo's DVR functionality and ease of use, with such features as Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList(R) searches, has elevated its popularity among consumers and has created a whole new way for viewers to watch television. With a continued investment in its patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal point of the digital living room, TiVo's DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and photos. With innovative features such as, TiVoToGo(TM) and online scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers experiencing "TiVo, TV your way." The TiVo(R) service is also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing solutions for the television industry, including a unique platform for advertisers and audience measurement research. The company is based in Alviso, Calif.

TiVo, 'TiVo, TV your way.' Season Pass, WishList, TiVoToGo and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. and its subsidiaries worldwide. (C) 2006 TiVo Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: TiVo Inc.

Posted by monte at 09:22 AM | Permalink

TiVo and BellSouth to Co-Market TiVo DVR and DSL Internet

TiVo and BellSouth to Co-Market TiVo DVR and DSL Internet

Agreement Offers TiVo DVR to Select BellSouth(R) FastAccess(R) DSL Subscribers

TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ:TIVO) , a creator of and leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE:BLS) , today announced a co-marketing agreement to promote the stand-alone TiVo(R) Series2(TM) box and service in conjunction with BellSouth(R) FastAccess(R) DSL.

Beginning this week, BellSouth and TiVo will launch the first of a variety of co-marketing initiatives that leverage product synergies between BellSouth FastAccess DSL and TiVo in order to drive additional distribution of the respective services. Through the agreement with TiVo, select FastAccess DSL subscribers will receive special pricing on the TiVo box and service. These customers can further enhance their already reliable, high-speed Internet service with TiVo's broadband applications, including online scheduling, TiVoToGo transfers, TiVo Guru Guide recommendations, streaming radio, movie browsing, and TiVo's easy-to-use Home Media features. TiVo's home media features allows subscribers to receive broadband delivered video and view personal music and photos on the TV set not just the PC. Subscribers will also receive the newly released TiVo KidZone as well as the traditional features for finding, recording and watching their favorite TV shows, such as Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList(R) searches.

"TiVo is pleased to work with BellSouth on this powerful marketing initiative," said Naveen Chopra, vice president of business development at TiVo. "With its strong southeastern presence and renowned customer satisfaction, BellSouth is uniquely positioned to market the benefits of a broadband-connected TiVo Box. Together, we can turn a DSL Internet connection into a pipeline for video content delivered directly to the television."

Although specific marketing tactics were not disclosed, TiVo and BellSouth will leverage each other's marketing efforts in key Southeastern markets. They will also offer special incentives to customers who subscribe to both services.

"BellSouth is excited to offer TiVo's unique broadband applications to our FastAccess DSL customers," said Joey Schultz, vice president of marketing for BellSouth Retail Markets. "TiVo's leading DVR service and powerful consumer brand helps us differentiate our DSL Internet offering by providing our subscribers exciting and entertaining ways to enhance their television and online experience."

About BellSouth Corporation

BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 500 communications company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. BellSouth has joint control and 40 percent ownership of Cingular Wireless, the nation's largest wireless voice and data provider with 57.3 million customers.

Backed by award-winning customer service, BellSouth offers the most comprehensive and innovative package of voice and data services available in the market. Through BellSouth Answers(R), residential and small business customers can bundle their local and long distance service with dial-up and high-speed DSL Internet access, satellite television and Cingular(R) Wireless service. For businesses, BellSouth provides secure, reliable local and long distance voice and data networking solutions. BellSouth also offers print and online directory advertising through The Real Yellow Pages(R) and YELLOWPAGES.COM(TM) from BellSouth.

BellSouth believes that diversity and fostering an inclusive environment are critical in maintaining a competitive advantage in today's global marketplace. More information about BellSouth can be found at http://www.bellsouth.com/.

About TiVo Inc.

Founded in 1997, TiVo pioneered a brand new category of products with the development of the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers, TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers as providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its full set of DVR service features into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo's DVR functionality and ease of use, with such features as Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList(R) searches, has elevated its popularity among consumers and has created a whole new way for viewers to watch television. With a continued investment in its patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal point of the digital living room, TiVo's DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and photos. With innovative features such as, TiVoToGo(TM) and online scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers experiencing "TiVo, TV your way." The TiVo(R) service is also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing solutions for the television industry, including a unique platform for advertisers and audience measurement research. The company is based in Alviso, Calif.

TiVo, 'TiVo, TV your way.' Season Pass, WishList, TiVoToGo and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. and its subsidiaries worldwide. (C) 2006 TiVo Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: TiVo Inc.

Posted by monte at 09:22 AM | Permalink

NEC, Matsushita and Panasonic Sign Agreement to Establish New Joint Venture for Mobile Handsets

NEC Corporation ("NEC"), Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. ("Matsushita") and Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd. ("Panasonic Mobile") announced today the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a development company for mobile handsets. The new company will contract development of mobile handsets and a common software and hardware platform.

Through this joint venture, the three companies intend to reinforce existing collaboration between NEC and Panasonic Mobile. The development of common middleware, applications, and hardware platform will enable the companies to avoid duplication of development efforts, leading to greater efficiency and enhanced development capabilities, and a reduction in both fixed and variable costs. This will equip NEC and Panasonic Mobile with a solid technology platform to stay at the top of innovation in functionality and communication speed as the industry moves to 3.5G and 3.9G technologies towards 2010, while simultaneously focusing resources on differentiation.

The three companies intend to establish this joint venture early October, 2006. The company will be capitalized at 100 million yen with an equal ownership between NEC and Panasonic Mobile.

  The following are its main business.   -- Planning and development of a common software platform   -- Planning and development of a common hardware platform      - Design and evaluation of a common application CPU and integrated        system LSI      - Sourcing, design and evaluation of key devices      - Design and manufacturing of an evaluation board   -- Joint development of mobile handsets (based on the above platform)

Through this joint venture, NEC and Panasonic Mobile expect to create synergies by combining NEC's expertise in communications and computer technologies and Panasonic Group's strength in consumer electronics and audio visual products.

NEC and Panasonic Mobile will respectively handle product planning, product development, procurement and manufacturing, as well as sales of handsets bearing their respective brand names "NEC" and "Panasonic".

NEC, Matsushita and Panasonic Mobile started collaboration on the development of mobile phones in August 2001. This effort has led to the successful shipment of NTT Docomo's FOMA(R) mobile phones in November 2004, which incorporates a Linux(TM) based middleware platform jointly developed by NTT Docomo, NEC, and Panasonic Mobile.

  Outline of the New Company (Tentative)    Company name:          To be decided   Headquarters:          Tsuzuki ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture   Date of establishment: Early October, 2006   Main Business:         Development of a common hardware and a software                          platform for mobile handsets and joint development                          of mobile handsets   Capital:               100.0 million yen   Ownership:             NEC Corporation (50%)                          Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd. (50%)   Employees:             Approximately 140   Management structure:  To be decided (President, Vice president, and 2                          board members)                          At the time of establishment, the president will be                          appointed from NEC and the vice president from                          Panasonic Mobile.    About NEC

NEC Corporation (NASDAQ:NIPNY) is one of the world's leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global base of customers. NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networks, and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and had net sales of approximately 4,825 billion yen (approx. $41.2 billion) in the fiscal year ended March 2006.

For additional information, please visit the NEC home page at: http://www.nec.com/

  * Newsroom: http://www.nec.co.jp/press/en/    About Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic)

Best known by its Panasonic brand name, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of US$76.02 billion for the year ended March 31, 2006. The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, New York (NYSE:MC) , Euronext Amsterdam and Frankfurt stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net/.

About Panasonic Mobile Communications

Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd., whose headquarters are based in Yokohama, Japan, is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of mobile communications products. As one of the main business domains for Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known for its Panasonic brand digital electronics, Panasonic has been developing cutting edge technologies since its establishment in 1958, including the world's first 3G video handset for the Japanese market in 2001. Panasonic is committed in providing added- value solutions to end-users through its mobile communication products. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.co.jp/pmc/en

Linux is a registered trademark or a trademark of Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries.

"FOMA" is a registered trademark of NTT DoCoMo Inc.

Source: NEC Corporation

Posted by monte at 09:20 AM | Permalink

National Foreclosures Decrease 16 Percent in Second Quarter According to RealtyTrac(TM) U.S. Foreclosure Market Report

U.S. Foreclosures Up 25 Percent From 2005

Colorado, Georgia and Texas Foreclosure Rates Are Nation's Highest

RealtyTrac(TM) (www.realtytrac.com), the leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties, today released its 2006 Q2 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows that 272,109 properties nationwide entered some stage of foreclosure in the second quarter of 2006, a 16 percent decrease from the previous quarter but still a 25 percent year-over-year increase from the second quarter of 2005. The nation's second-quarter foreclosure rate of one new foreclosure for every 425 U.S. households was higher than in any quarter of last year.

RealtyTrac publishes the largest national database of pre-foreclosure and foreclosure properties, with nearly 600,000 properties in more than 2,500 counties across the country, and is the foreclosure data provider to MSN Real Estate, Yahoo! Real Estate, AOL Real Estate and Knight Ridder Online.

"Foreclosure filings in the second quarter of 2006 present a classic 'good news, bad news' scenario," said James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac. "A 25 percent increase from the second quarter of 2005 obviously isn't a positive trend. But, despite some of the sensational reports we've seen lately, foreclosure filings have actually slowed down since peaking in February."

"While the nation's foreclosure rate has certainly shifted into a higher gear since last year, low unemployment and home price appreciation in most housing markets have held foreclosures in check," Saccacio continued. "We forecasted a slowdown in foreclosure rates when we released our last quarterly report, and we expect that if the summer months deliver their typically high number of home buyers, the demand for housing created by these buyers should help keep foreclosure rates from rising too rapidly."

Colorado, Georgia and Texas post highest quarterly foreclosure rates

Colorado's second-quarter foreclosure rate of one new foreclosure filing for every 158 households ranked as the nation's highest, leapfrogging past Georgia's foreclosure rate, which was highest in the first quarter. Colorado reported 11,599 properties entering some stage of foreclosure during the second quarter, a 13 percent decrease from the previous quarter but a 48 percent year-over-year increase from the second quarter of 2005.

Foreclosure activity in Georgia slowed substantially in June, and the state's second-quarter foreclosure rate -- one new foreclosure filing for every 202 households -- dropped to second highest among the states. The state reported 15,309 properties entering some stage of foreclosure during the quarter, a 37 percent decrease from the previous quarter but still a 42 percent increase from the second quarter of 2005.

Texas reported 39,690 properties entering some stage of foreclosure during the second quarter, the most of any state and a foreclosure rate of one new foreclosure for every 203 households -- the nation's third highest state foreclosure rate. The state's foreclosure activity decreased 1 percent from the previous quarter but was up 22 percent from the second quarter of 2005.

Other states with second-quarter foreclosure rates ranking among the nation's 10 highest included Utah, Indiana, Nevada, Illinois, Michigan, Florida and Ohio.

California and Florida foreclosure numbers down

After Texas, California and Florida documented the second and third most foreclosure filings of any state despite declining foreclosure activity in the second quarter. California reported 27,606 properties entering some stage of foreclosure, a 7 percent decrease from the previous quarter but more than twice the number reported in the second quarter of 2005. Florida reported 25,853 properties entering some stage of foreclosure, a 13 percent decrease from the previous quarter and a 16 percent year-over-year decrease.

With 18,690 properties entering some stage of foreclosure, Illinois reported the fourth highest number of new foreclosure filings in the second quarter. The state's foreclosure activity increased 37 percent from the previous quarter and 57 percent from the second quarter of 2005.

"One of the key factors to watch for over the next quarter is the extent to which some of the higher-risk, adjustable rate mortgages go into default," according to Saccacio. "Hundreds of millions of dollars of these types of loans are due to re-set during the rest of 2006, and if they default at a higher rate than more traditional mortgage loans, it could significantly accelerate foreclosure filings."

The RealtyTrac 2006 Q2 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report provides the total number of homes entering some stage of foreclosure nationwide and by state in the second quarter of 2006. RealtyTrac's report includes properties in all three phases of foreclosure: Pre-foreclosures -- Notice of Default (NOD) and Lis Pendens (LIS); Foreclosures -- Notice of Trustee Sale and Notice of Foreclosure Sale (NTS and NFS); and Real Estate Owned, or REO properties (that have been re-purchased by a bank).

          U.S. Foreclosure Market Statistics by State -- Q2 2006    State Name           April 2006    May 2006     June 2006       Total   US                      91,168       92,746       88,195      272,109   Alabama                    261          366          287          914   Alaska                      84           86           49          219   Arizona                  1,701        1,986        2,131        5,818   Arkansas                   764          784          835        2,383   California               8,839        8,736       10,031       27,606   Colorado                 3,706        4,198        3,695       11,599   Connecticut              1,408          689        1,062        3,159   Delaware                    17            9           80          106   District of Columbia        13            9           11           33   Florida                  8,350        8,898        8,605       25,853   Georgia                  5,150        5,769        4,390       15,309   Hawaii                      46          131           22          199   Idaho                      190          193          145          528   Illinois                 6,451        6,359        5,880       18,690   Indiana                  4,309        3,494        2,972       10,775   Iowa                       184          175          167          526   Kansas                     436          407          377        1,220   Kentucky                   599          518          358        1,475   Louisiana                   81          158          136          375   Maine                       13            6            5           24   Maryland                   427          260          466        1,153   Massachusetts              575          586        1,174        2,335   Michigan                 5,269        5,066        4,853       15,188   Minnesota                  457          355          543        1,355   Mississippi                 44           56           54          154   Missouri                   999        1,423          950        3,372   Montana                     75           65           58          198   Nebraska                   115          150          103          368   Nevada                   1,152        1,103        1,244        3,499   New Hampshire               12           13            9           34   New Jersey               1,935        1,945        2,865        6,745   New Mexico                 703          536          537        1,776   New York                 4,216        4,610        3,907       12,733   North Carolina           1,847        1,672        1,343        4,862   North Dakota                 5           20            9           34   Ohio                     4,860        5,239        5,942       16,041   Oklahoma                 1,156        1,413        1,100        3,669   Oregon                     912        1,659        1,381        3,952   Pennsylvania             2,428        2,295        2,809        7,532   Rhode Island               111          101          115          327   South Carolina             684          539          607        1,830   South Dakota                32           23           16           71   Tennessee                2,613        2,442        2,404        7,459   Texas                   13,829       14,506       11,355       39,690   Utah                     1,418        1,112          957        3,487   Vermont                      3            4            8           15   Virginia                   294          346          230          870   Washington               1,638        1,511        1,440        4,589   West Virginia               50           71           76          197   Wisconsin                  689          632          355        1,676   Wyoming                     18           22           46           86                                              % Change         % Change                            1/every          from             from   State Name                 #HH          Q1 2006          Q2 2005   US                          425           -15.78           24.73   Alabama                   2,148           155.31          -50.46   Alaska                      937           -19.78          -47.86   Arizona                     376            -6.64          -23.21   Arkansas                    492           -35.70          -20.51   California                  442            -6.54          104.43   Colorado                    158           -12.57           47.53   Connecticut                 439            26.21           21.45   Delaware                  3,237            32.50           -6.19   District of Columbia      8,329            22.22          -47.62   Florida                     283           -12.76          -16.09   Georgia                     202           -37.31           41.86   Hawaii                    2,314            48.51           -5.69   Idaho                       996           -30.53          -22.81   Illinois                    262            36.51           57.14   Indiana                     234           -29.40           49.47   Iowa                      2,343           -46.22           16.63   Kansas                      925           103.33          134.62   Kentucky                  1,187             3.65          -16.10   Louisiana                 5,022             9.97          -72.51   Maine                    27,162           -44.19          -17.24   Maryland                  1,858             6.66            7.96   Massachusetts             1,123           140.23          100.43   Michigan                    278           -33.22          110.30   Minnesota                 1,526            19.81          137.30   Mississippi               8,239           -35.02          -81.88   Missouri                    723           -32.75           18.07   Montana                   2,081           -37.54           10.61   Nebraska                  1,953           -50.27           21.45   Nevada                      248           -30.53           94.61   New Hampshire            16,089            30.77           17.24   New Jersey                  491           -35.52          -26.40   New Mexico                  440            -3.27          -13.83   New York                    603            -7.70           28.14   North Carolina              724           -36.56           15.93   North Dakota              8,520           -47.69          -35.85   Ohio                        298           -29.83           62.01   Oklahoma                    407           -22.38            3.56   Oregon                      368            95.16          123.15   Pennsylvania                697           -38.54           -3.77   Rhode Island              1,345          3533.33         1716.67   South Carolina              958           -28.29          -11.98   South Dakota              4,552            -6.58           44.90   Tennessee                   329           -36.35            1.76   Texas                       203            -1.36           22.19   Utah                        220            -2.02           26.85   Vermont                  19,625           -28.57           -6.25   Virginia                  3,318           -16.18           61.71   Washington                  521           -15.00            4.89   West Virginia             4,287           -13.97           -2.48   Wisconsin                 1,374           -14.10           61.78   Wyoming                   2,603            40.98           72.00      About RealtyTrac Inc.

Ranked as the third largest real estate site by MediaMetrix, RealtyTrac Inc. (www.realtytrac.com), is the leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties, providing all the resources that home seekers, investors and real estate agents need to locate, evaluate and buy properties below market value. Founded in 1996, RealtyTrac publishes the largest and most comprehensive national database of pre-foreclosure, foreclosure, For Sale By Owner, resale and new construction properties, with more than 1 million properties across the country, property reports, productivity tools and extensive professional resources. RealtyTrac hosts nearly 3 million unique visitors monthly and has been chosen to supply foreclosure data to AOL Real Estate, MSN Real Estate and Yahoo! Real Estate. For more information, visit www.realtytrac.com.

Source: RealtyTrac Inc.

Posted by monte at 09:19 AM | Permalink

BOEING NEWS

Boeing 737 Design Enhancements Earn FAA Certification

[NYSE: BA] design enhancements that increase the short-field performance of the Next-Generation 737 earned certification this week from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration following a successful four-month flight-test program. European Aviation Safety Agency certification is expected to follow soon.

"Our ultimate goal is to help our customers succeed by offering them products that add value to their operations," said Mark Jenkins, vice president and general manager of 737 Airplane Production. "The 737's short-field performance enhancements will allow airlines to generate more revenue."

The 737 design enhancements allow operators to fly increased payload in and out of airports with runways less than 5,000 feet long. The design enhancements include a two-position tail skid that enables reduced approach speeds, sealed leading-edge slats that provide increased lift during takeoff, and increased flight spoiler deflection on the ground that improves takeoff and landing performance.

The short-field design package is an option on the 737-600, -700 and -800 and is standard equipment for the new 737-900ER. The enhancements increase payload capability for landing up to 8,000 pounds on the 737-800 and 737-900ER and up to 4,000 pounds on the 737-600 and 737-700. They also increase payload capability for takeoff up to 2,000 pounds on the 737-800 and 737-900ER and up to 400 pounds on the 737-600 and 737-700.

The short-field performance changes were developed starting in 2004. The flight-test program was conducted on a new 737-800 and began when the airplane made its first flight on Jan. 24, 2006.

Boeing will deliver the refurbished test airplane later this week to the launch customer, Brazilian low-cost carrier GOL Linhas Aereas S.A. The jet is the first of 67 737-800s ordered by the carrier.

To date 11 customers have ordered the short-field performance package for more than 250 airplanes. In addition to GOL, Alaska Airlines, Air Europe, Air India, Egyptair, GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS), Hapagfly, Japan Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Sky Airlines and Turkish Airlines are among some of the operators that have ordered the design package.

The Next-Generation 737s are 10 years newer and fly higher, faster and farther than competing models. Through June 2006, 97 customers have placed orders for more than 3,300 Next-Generation 737s; the program has 1,365 unfilled orders with a value of $91 billion at current list prices.

Boeing Names Liebherr as Supplier for 747-8 Environmental Control System

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse SAS, a member of the Switzerland-based Liebherr Group, to supply the environmental control system for the new 747-8 airplane.

Liebherr's environmental control system will use outside air supplied by the 747-8's General Electric GEnx engines to supply the cabin. The system will condition the air, making it comfortable for passengers and crew.

"Having a robust environmental control system is critical for cabin safety and comfort," said Corky Townsend, chief project engineer, 747-8 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Liebherr has a proven track record in environmental control systems for commercial aviation. They also have proven to be a reliable supplier for The Boeing Company."

Liebherr will design and manufacture the environmental control system at its facility in Toulouse, France. Group members Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH and Liebherr-Elektronik GmbH also will participate in this project. Boeing expects the first hardware deliveries to begin late 2008.

"Our strong team and extensive knowledge of environmental control systems will be an asset to the 747-8 program," said AndrÃ© Benhamou, managing director of Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse SAS. "We are excited to be part of the team working on the Boeing 747-8."

The 747-8 family, which includes the 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane and the 747-8 Freighter, was launched in November 2005 by Cargolux Airlines and Nippon Cargo Airlines. Since the program launch, Boeing has garnered 29 orders and commitments for the 747-8.

Additional Information

747-8 Family: The 747-8 is a family of passenger and freighter airplanes that serves the market for airplanes of 400 seats and larger. The 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane seats 450 passengers in a typical three-class configuration and offers the lowest seat-mile cost of any passenger airplane. It provides operators a 14,815-km (8,000-nmi) range, 21 percent greater cargo volume and 9 percent lower seat-mile costs compared to the 747-400. The 747-8 Freighter will fly 8,275 km (4,475 nmi) with a maximum structural payload capacity of 140 metric tonnes (154 tons). It offers 16 percent more revenue cargo volume than the 747-400F with slightly greater range. The 747-8 Freighter upholds its predecessor's legendary efficiency, with equivalent trip costs and 15 percent lower ton-mile costs than the 747-400F. The 747-8 Freighter will enjoy the lowest ton-mile costs of any freighter, giving operators unmatched profit potential. The first 747-8 Freighter will be delivered to launch customer Cargolux in late 2009.

Liebherr Group: The Liebherr Group was established in 1949 by Hans Liebherr. Today Liebherr is not only one of the world's leading manufacturers of construction machinery, but is also an acknowledged supplier of technically innovative user-oriented products and services in numerous other fields. Over the years, the family business has grown into what is today a group of companies, currently employing a workforce of approximately 25,000 in more than 100 companies on all continents. In the year 2005, turnover of the Liebherr Group reached â‚¬5.3 billion.

Boeing Announces Supplier Agreement with Eaton for Combat Search and Rescue Program

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has announced an agreement with Eaton Corporation's aerospace division to support the proposed HH-47 Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) helicopter program for the U.S. Air Force.

"Boeing is proud of its HH-47 proposal and supplier network," said Rick Lemaster, Boeing HH-47 program manager. "Eaton represents the solid support and quality our suppliers regularly provide. Their proven performance reduces risk and contributes to our best value solution for the U.S. Air Force."

CSAR-X is a U.S. Air Force initiative to procure more capable and survivable aircraft able to recover isolated personnel from hostile or denied territory. The tandem rotor, heavy lift, high altitude HH-47 is based on the CH/MH-47 Chinook tandem rotor transport helicopter, with performance characteristics and capabilities that have been widely demonstrated in the ongoing war on terrorism and in numerous U.S. and international humanitarian relief operations.

"CSAR provides Eaton with an opportunity to continue production of critical components for the next 10 years for one of the best rotorcraft platforms in the world," said Bradley J. Morton, president of Eaton Aerospace.

Eaton Aerospace manufactures and supplies critical flight safety components for the CH-47 Chinook hydraulic system and specialized debris monitoring detection technology for the helicopter's engines and transmission system. Operations in Jackson, Miss; Costa Mesa and Glendale, Calif; Jackson, Mich.; Glenolden, Pa., Bethel, Conn. and Sarasota, Fla., support the production of these complex products.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Eaton Corporation is a leading manufacturer of system and component technologies of hydraulic, electro-hydraulic pump and generator products, and integrated systems; electric motors; aircraft door actuation; flight and flow control; fluid, fuel and air delivery products and systems; nose wheel steering systems; integrated control systems; cockpit controls and displays; power and load management systems; and pressure sensors, seals and fluid health monitoring products and systems. Eaton serves commercial and military aviation, aerospace, military weapons, marine and off-road markets worldwide.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.

Boeing Delivers the 2,000th Next-Generation 737

made history today by delivering the 2,000th Next-Generation 737 nearly seven years sooner than any other commercial jet airplane model.

The milestone delivery -- a 737-700 to Southwest Airlines -- occurred nearly nine years after Southwest received the first Next-Generation 737.

"This is a tremendous day for the Boeing team and our customers. The 737 family just keeps getting better and better, and this milestone is a reflection of the continued value our customers place on the airplanes and the people who design, build and support them," said Mark Jenkins, vice president and general manager of 737 Airplane Production.

Known for its versatility, reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the Next-Generation 737 models have been selected by leading full-service airlines and low-cost carriers throughout the world. The Next-Generation 737 airplane family, which includes the 737-600, -700, -800, -900 and the new -900ER and -700ER, continues to be the company's best-selling airplane model.

Earlier this year, the current airplane family eclipsed order totals for Classic 737s. As of June 30, 2006, 97 customers have placed orders for more than 3,300 airplanes. The program has 1,365 unfilled orders with a value of $91 billion at current list prices.

So far this year, the Next-Generation 737 has won net orders for 399 airplanes. The order total represents 78 percent in units of all Boeing commercial airplane orders for the year.

The Next-Generation 737 has been in service since 1998, making it 10 years younger than the Airbus A320. The fleet has accumulated more than 24 million flight hours and flown more than 12 million flights. The reliability rate is an industry-leading 99.4 percent.

Posted by monte at 09:15 AM | Permalink

SPYMAC ANNOUNCES WEB VIDEO STARS

From Animated Characters Zapping Cola Cans to Lap Dances for iPods –

Spymac Members Show their Creative Side with Video & Photo Galleries

Spymac www.spymac.com, the largest Macintosh community and top Mac & Windows site for sharing photos, movies and music online, announced today new web video stars created online by Spymac members.

Spymac video stars are rated by Spymac members and range from risqué to silly, with a lap dancer seducing a fake iPod, to the popular crazy bathtub girl clay creature that shoots down a cola can

Spymac provides everything you need to play, work and live online. It lets you socialize, build relationships and have fun sharing and exploring files, bookmarks, multimedia, schedules and other content with your friends and family. Basic Spymac is free, with additional features for Spymac Club members, including the web’s easiest-to-use blogs, a powerful homepage with extra storage, personal forums and Spymac’s new suite of Internet applications that seamlessly integrate into your desktop. Spymac Club Membership is priced at only $25/year. For more info on Spymac and Spymac Club, go to the website: www.spymac.com. The Spymac marketplace is supported by the world’s largest Mac site with 1 million members.

About Spymac

Spymac Network Inc. is a New York City corporation with offices in Dusseldorf, Germany and Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Originally launched as a Macintosh enthusiast site, Spymac has now grown to the largest international Macintosh community with nearly one million registered users. Spymac boasts innovative Mac and Windows multimedia galleries, the first fully Mac-compatible drag-n-drop homepages, an iPod marketplace, member communities and much more.

Posted by monte at 09:03 AM | Permalink

Recent Posts

(C) MBN 2006

Posted by monte at 08:54 AM | Permalink

ARCHIVES

the archives

July

June

May

April

March

February

January

ARCHBISHOP LAJOLO SPEAKS ON THE ROME CONFERENCE

December

Posted by monte at 08:50 AM | Permalink

DOD NEWS

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

Spc. Joseph A. Graves, 21, of Discovery Bay, Calif., was
killed on July 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, when his convoy encountered enemy fire.

Graves was assigned to the 110th Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Coalition forces from
Combined Joint Task Force 76 responded to a helicopter crash that killed
at least a dozen people yesterday in the rugged mountains of
Afghanistan's Paktia province, military officials here reported.

A Russian-made Mi 8 helicopter, owned by the Afghan government, crashed
in the Qalandar Mountains near the Khost border. Initial reports
indicate between 12 and 16 people were killed, officials said.

A logistics company ferrying supplies and fuel from Kabul to Khost
airport operated the helicopter.

The coalition first sent an aviation search-and-rescue team to find the
crash and offer recovery assistance, but extreme weather conditions
prevented the crew from landing. A ground-force quick-reaction team then
hiked up the mountain, led by an Afghan guide.

"We made every effort to quickly reach the downed aircraft with hopes
of saving some or all of the passengers and crew," said Maj. Gen.
Benjamin C. Freakley, CJTF 76 commander. "Unfortunately, there were no
survivors. Our condolences go out to the friends and families of the
victims."

Reports from the crash site indicate the remains of 12 people have been
recovered. Afghan and coalition forces continue recovery operations for
any additional people, officials said. A local Afghan National Army
unit provided security at the crash site last night and helped with
recovery operations this morning.

NATO's International Security Assistance Force headquarters in the
Afghan capital of Kabul confirmed two ISAF troops traveling to a security
coordination meeting were on board the aircraft, and that ISAF has
mobilized assets for the recovery effort.

More than 100 servicemembers and their
families and friends watched Grammy award-winning rock band "Train" perform
at their sold-out concert July 24, compliments of Northrop Grumman and
the United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington.

Northrop Grumman Corp., a defense contracting company, offered the USO
of Metropolitan Washington 150 tickets to give to servicemembers. The
two organizations also sponsored a barbecue dinner for servicemembers
and their guests before the concert at Wolf Trap Farm Park for the
Performing Arts in Vienna, Va.

Servicemembers from the Washington, D.C., area, including patients from
Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, attended the dinner and concert.

Army Spc. Doug Berdan, who has been undergoing treatment at Walter Reed
for a leg injury suffered in Iraq in January, said he is a fan of the
band. "I enjoy Train's music very much. There was a little advertisement
for the concert at the hospital, and it seemed like a fun thing to
check out," Berdan said.

"It's nice to get away from the hospital and the area up there and just
to get out and do more normal activities, especially for people like
myself, who are being released from duty, a chance to get back into more
of a civilian lifestyle and a chance to hang out with other guys that
have been through the same thing," Berdan said.

Joseph Briseno Sr. said he decided to come to the reception on behalf
of his son, 23-year-old Army Spc. Joseph Briseno Jr., who was critically
injured in Iraq in June 2003.

The senior Briseno, who is a retired Army staff sergeant, said his son
is paraplegic after suffering a spinal cord injury and could not attend
the event. "It's very important, for me at least, that I'm here to
represent my son and all the wounded warriors," the Manassas Park, Va.,
resident said.

Army Staff Sgt. Kristy Ligon said she appreciated not having to pay for
the concert and noted that many servicemembers simply can't afford to
attend such events. "(Northrup Grumman's) willingness to support the
troops, like a lot of other companies, shows that the nation is behind us
and shows that we have support other than just our fellow family
members and friends telling us that we did a good job," she said.

Jerry Agee, a corporate vice president and president of Northrop
Grumman's Mission Systems sector, said sponsoring the concert with the USO
was a way to show gratitude to servicemembers.

Agee, who retired as a naval officer 20 years ago, said he admires what
the USO does for servicemembers and is honored to be working with them
to support the armed forces. "Having that military background, I know
what the USO means. I know what it meant to me during Vietnam. I know
how much I looked forward to seeing groups come out to the carriers and
visit and put on shows, and it was greatly appreciated," he said. "And I
know that still exists today."

Train singer Pat Monahan said he has visited wounded servicemembers at
Walter Reed.

"It's interesting finding the great uplifting spirit they have when
they leave the hospital," he said in an interview with the Pentagon
Channel shortly before the concert. "These guys were happy to be alive ...
for the most part. "They were so thankful to be home, even if it was
without something they left with, like an arm.

"I don't think I have the courage to do what those young men and women
have done," he added. "If I did have that courage, I would hope to be
as at peace with it as they seemed to have been."

President Bush introduced Iraqi Prime
Minister Nouri al-Maliki to "some of the finest citizens in the United
States of America" at Fort Belvoir, Va., today.

Bush and Maliki visited the northern Virginia post, which is home to
120 military organizations representing every branch of the service, to
thank about 300 servicemembers, military family members and civilian
employees for their support for the war on terror.

Defeating terrorism is essential for freedom to succeed, Bush said.
"And that's why we've sent some of our finest citizens to help you, Mr.
Prime Minister," he told Maliki at the Fort Belvoir Community Club. "We
want you to succeed. And I'm confident we will succeed."

Bush promised Maliki that the United States will stand by its promise
and complete the mission in Iraq. "We owe it to those who've served in
combat," he said. "We owe it to those who've lost a limb. We owe it to
those who've lost a life."

The president singled out a Fort Belvoir soldier, Army Sgt. 1st Class
Scott Smith, who died July 17 in Iskandariyah, Iraq, of injuries
suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during a controlled
ordnance-clearing mission. Smith, age 34, was assigned to the 52nd
Ordnance Group's 737th Explosive Ordnance Detachment.

"He helped save lives. He helped lay the foundation for peace," Bush
told the group of their fallen comrade. "And in honor of his memory and
... the memory of others who have gone before him, in honor of the
thousands of Iraqis who have died at the hands of terrorists, we will
complete the mission."

Maliki saluted the troops for what they have offered Iraq. The prime
minister told the servicemembers that Iraqis will never forget the
sacrifices American troops have made for them. He said he understands all too
well the pain those losses bring because 67 of his family members were
executed under Saddam Hussein's regime.

"On behalf of myself and...the Iraqi people, I would like to thank you
and thank your families," he said. "I would like to appreciate your
losses, your sacrifices, ... the bitterness of those who have lost loved
ones," he said. "We feel pain and sorrow for every drop of blood that
falls in Iraq."

Terrorists will continue violence as they attempt to kill democracy,
Maliki said. "But they will fail, because we are committed to success,
and we are committed to democracy," he said. "And we are confident that
we will succeed, because you and people like you are helping us to
confront terrorism."

Servicemembers at the session said they felt awed to meet the president
and prime minister and inspired by their message.

"It was pretty awesome that they took time out of their busy schedules
to thank us personally for our service," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dan
Medina, an instructor with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
who is stationed at Fort Belvoir.

Medina said he was particularly struck by Bush's message that every
servicemember's job is important to the mission, and that family members
serve the country right alongside military members.

After three deployments to Iraq, Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jerome Leary
said today's visit gave him confidence that the U.S. mission there is
progressing. Leary, also an instructor at the National
Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, said it was heartwarming to hear both Bush and Maliki
thank the troops for their support before shaking every hand in the
audience and posing for photos around the room.

"It felt good to hear them say that they know the sacrifices
servicemembers and their families are making and appreciate those sacrifices,"
the 15-year Marine said.

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Onyiego Ochieng said he felt "really
touched" that Bush described him and his fellow servicemembers as America's
finest. "It felt really special to have him personally thank us and
tell us on a personal level that he appreciates what we do," said Ochieng,
branch chief for the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office, at Fort
Belvoir.

Ochieng remembered back to the first days of Operation Iraqi Freedom,
when he was deployed in the Persian Gulf aboard USS Austin. Today's
visit by the democratically elected prime minister of Iraq brought that
experience full circle, he said. "He told us he understands our
sacrifices, knows we will succeed and believes in what we are doing," he said.
"It was really powerful."

For Army Staff Sgt. Carlton Hunter, a personnel noncommissioned officer
in Fort Belvoir's Adjutant General's office, today's visit was an
eye-opener. Hunter is due to move to Fort Drum, N.Y., in October to become
part of the 10th Mountain Division and expects that a deployment to Iraq
is in his future.

Hunter said the visit reinforced his belief in the U.S. mission in
Iraq. "I completely support it, and am looking forward to going over
there," he said.

The nine-year-Army veteran said he was surprised at his own reaction to
President Bush. "It was a little overwhelming, a lot different than I
expected after seeing him so much on TV," he said. "I couldn't stop
smiling."

Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's 4th
Brigade Combat Team are working to set conditions for the Iraqi
government to take charge of essential services and public works within
Baghdad.

The brigade's Special Troops Battalion has taken the lead in helping
the Iraqi government maintain and improve water, sewer, electric and
sanitation services in southwestern Baghdad, Army Lt. Col. Joe Gandara, the
unit's commander, said.

The battalion's Infrastructure Coordination Element, a group of
engineers, officers and soldiers dedicated to helping Iraqis take the lead in
building a better Baghdad, work with local leaders to improve living
conditions for Iraqi citizens.

"The brigade's mission is to create an environment that enables the
Iraqi government to establish rule of law in Baghdad and transition to
Iraqi control," Army Capt. Ryan Parks, the battalion's sewer and water
projects manager, said.

"By developing and managing infrastructure projects, the ICE is helping
create that environment," he explained. "If the citizens of Baghdad do
not have to worry about necessities, such as potable water and
electricity, they can focus more on establishing governance and order to Iraq."

The ICE cell has managed 94 essential service projects worth more than
$48 million. The projects also provide both short- and long-term
employment for Iraqis.

"There are countless neighborhoods and citizens around Baghdad that are
benefiting from new infrastructure projects and from rehabilitation
projects," Parks said.

As the Iraqi government assumes more responsibility for infrastructure,
the role of civil military operations is changing. The Special Troops
Battalion is working with local municipal departments to make these
organizations more effective, Army Maj. Ray Proske, the battalion's
executive officer, said. A coordination cell works with local leaders to
identify and service the particular needs of their communities.

The success of the battalion in improving the lifestyle of the Iraqi
people cannot be gauged in dollars or in projects alone, Gandara said.
The real success is in developing a relationship between the city
government and local townships within the city to identify and meet the needs
of the people.

Teaching civics and the benefits of a representative government to
local government officials is a challenge, he said. The unit is teaching
local-level Iraqi leaders how to govern "within the parameters of a
normal society," Gandara said, "so that we know that we have built something
that will stand -- that I know will be a success within the traditions
and culture of the Arab peoples."

DOD CONTRACTS

_CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

            Graybar Electric Co., Inc., St. Louis, Mo., is being
awarded a
maximum $660,000,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment
contract for
maintenance; repair and operations (MRO) supplies contract for south
central
region, zone 1. The using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Maine
Corps,
and federal civilian agencies. Proposals were Web-solicited and six
responded. This is an indefinite-delivery/quantity contract exercising
option
year one. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current
fiscal
year. The date of performance completion is July 28, 2007.
Contracting
activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia,
Pa.
(SPM500-04-D-BP11).

            Science Applications International, Fairfield, N.J., is
being
awarded a maximum $320,000,000 fixed-price with economic price
adjustment
contract for MRO supplies contract for south central region, zone two.
The
using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Maine Corps, and federal
civilian
agencies. Proposals were Web-solicited and six responded. This is an
indefinite-delivery/quantity contract exercising option year one.
Contract
funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date
of
performance completion is July 28, 2007. Contracting activity is DSCP,
Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-04-D-BP12).

            Supplycore, Inc. *, Rockford, Ill., is being awarded a
maximum
$320,000,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for
MRO
supplies contract for north central region. The using services are
Army,
Navy, Air Force, Maine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Proposals
were
Web-solicited and six responded. This is an
indefinite-delivery/quantity
contract exercising option year one. Contract funds will not expire at
the
end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is
July
28, 2007. Contracting activity is DSCP, Philadelphia, Pa.
(SPM500-04-D-BP10).

_ARMY

            Colt Defense L.L.C.*, Hartford, Conn., was awarded on July
24,
2006, a delivery-order amount of $53,830,677 as part of a $242,468,789
firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of M4/M4A1 carbines. Work
will be
performed at Hartford, Conn., and is expected to be completed by Sept.
30,
2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal
year.
This was a sole source contract initiated on June 30, 2006. The Army
Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the
contracting
activity (W52H09-04-D-0086).

            Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on
July
24, 2006 a $16,574,025 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for
guided
multiple launch rocket system full rate production I conversion of
dual-purpose improved conventional munition to urgent material release
unitary
rockets. Work will be performed in East Camden, Ark. (80 percent), and
Grand
Prairie, Texas (20 percent), and is expected to be completed by Nov.
30, 2008.
Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
This
was a sole source contract initiated on April 25, 2006. The Army
Aviation and
Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity
(W31P4Q-06-C-0002).

_AIR FORCE

            Boeing Co., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a $44,469,514
cost-plus-fixed fee contract modification. This action provides for an
engineering change proposal for the Sweden C-130 avionics modernization
program engineering and manufacturing development. At this time,
$19,808,000
has been obligated. This work will be complete January 2010.
Headquarters
Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is
the
contracting activity (F33657-01-C-0047/P00099).

            MWH-All Star Joint Venture, Murrieta, Calif., is being
awarded a
$40,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This
action is
a simplified acquisition of base engineering at Seymour Johnson Air
Force
Base, N.C. This project includes, but is not limited to: plan, design,
manage
and perform all work associated with a wide variety of construction
projects
in support of real property maintenance, repair, alteration and/or new
construction at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Dare County Bomb Range,
at
Fort Fisher, N.C. This effort will include various construction trades
and
disciplines. The work involved, but is not limited to carpentry, road
repair,
roofing, excavation, interior and exterior electrical, steam fitting,
plumbing, sheet metal, painting, demolition, concrete masonry, and
welding.
This action is for the award of a basic contract for base period of one
year
plus four option periods of one year each. The Air Force can issue
delivery
orders totaling up to the maximum amount indicated above, though actual
requirements may necessitate less than the amount above. At this time,
$3,500
has been obligated. This work will be complete July 2007. Fourth
Fighter
Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., is the contracting activity
(FA4809-06-DC002).

            Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $25,405,022
cost-plus contract modification. This action provides for AMRAAM
AIM-120D
system demonstration development contract re-baseline. At this time,
$7,426,204 has been obligated. Solicitations began April 2006 and
negotiations were complete July 2006. This work will be complete June
2008.
Headquarters 328th Armament Systems Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.,
is the
contracting activity (FA8675-04-C-0001/P00028).

            TYBRIN Corp., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is being awarded a
$8,590,978 cost-plus-award fee contract modification. This action is a
modification to extend the period of performance of contract number,
F04611-00-C-0001. The systems engineering and technical assistance
services
in support of aerospace research, development, test and evaluation
programs,
training, and related support activities for the Air Force Flight Test
Center,
Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. At this time, no funds have been
obligated.
This work will be complete November 2006. Headquarters Flight Test
Center,
Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity
(F04611-00-C-0001/P00126).

_NAVY

            TEC, Inc., Charlottesville, Va., is being awarded a not to
exceed
$10,000,000 (base period and three option years), with a guaranteed
minimum of
$159,546, firm-fixed-price indefinite-quantity contract for
architect-engineering services for the facility condition assessment
program.
The work to be performed provides for performing inspection and
assessment of
military and other federal facilities. Work will be performed within
the
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Atlantic area of
responsibility
worldwide, although the majority of work is expected to be in the
continental
United States. Work is expected to be complete by July 2007. Contract
funds
will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was
competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with
thirteen
proposals received. The NAVFAC, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the
contracting
activity (N62470-06-D-7111).

            Scandia Manufacturing Co., Inc., Baltimore, Md, is being
awarded a
$6,331,545 firm-fixed-price contract for the manufacturing of mast
mechanical
groups and associated components. Work will be performed in Baltimore,
Md.,
and is expected to be completed by July 2007. Contract funds will not
expire
at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively
procured and advertised via the Internet, with one proposal received.
The
Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport Division, Newport, R.I., is the
contracting activity (N66604-06-C-0032).

* Small Business

Posted by monte at 08:37 AM | Permalink

Academy to Salute Animator Norman McLaren

Beverly Hills, CA — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will pay tribute to Norman McLaren, the Academy Award®-winning animator who helped launch the National Film Board of Canada’s (NFB) now renowned animation program. The salute, which also celebrates 65 years of animated film production at the NFB, will take place on Friday, August 18, at 8 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

Hosted by animation expert and author Charles Solomon, the program will explore McLaren’s life and work as well as his influence on the visual culture of Canada and animation worldwide.

Joining Solomon will be a panel composed of McLaren’s former colleagues, including Ishu Patel and Chris Hinton, both of whom are two-time Oscar®-nominated animated short film directors.

The NFB has honored its roots by remastering and restoring a significant amount of McLaren’s work. The tribute will feature 13 short films, all remastered and restored 35mm prints, including McLaren’s Oscar-winning short documentary, “Neighbours” (1952), and his Oscar-nominated live action short, “A Chairy Tale” (1957).

“McLaren makes it possible to imagine that one can make a personal film, that animation movement is an end in itself, and that experimental animation has a place in the world,” said Patel.

In 1975, the magazine Séquences christened McLaren as the “poet of animation” for a signature style that fused music, movement, abstract images and innovative animation techniques. “All young animators, one way or another, are touched by McLaren’s legacy,” added Patel.

McLaren was born in Stirling, Scotland, in 1914. As a student filmmaker he was influenced by the abstract work of German animator Oskar Fischinger. While McLaren is widely associated with drawing, painting or etching directly on the film frame, he also explored numerous other approaches and produced and directed live action and documentary shorts. Beyond the film industry, McLaren also made key connections with emerging aesthetics in painting, choreography and jazz in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. He retired from filmmaking in 1983 and died in 1987.

Tickets to “A Salute to Norman McLaren” are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seats are unreserved.

The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Free parking is provided in the garages located at 8920 and 9025 Wilshire Boulevard. For additional information, call (310) 247-3600.

# # #

Posted by monte at 08:07 AM | Permalink

Nasa News

NASA AWARDS CONTRACTS FOR CONSTELLATION PROGRAM STUDY

NASA has awarded a 90-day study contract to four space-related
companies to separately examine long-term ground processing and
infrastructure planning for the agency's Constellation Program.

The contractor teams are expected to provide a wealth of knowledge and
experience during the study phase to support ground systems and
operations planning through 2030, including missions supporting the
International Space Station, lunar exploration and Mars exploration.

Contract awardees are: ATK Launch Systems Group, Corrine, Utah; Boeing
Space Operations Co., Titusville, Fla.; Lockheed Martin Space Systems
Company, Littleton, Colo., and United Space Alliance, Houston. The
awards are limited to $150,000 per contract.

Study recommendations will be considered in NASA's Kennedy Space
Center's planning for the Ares I crew launch vehicle, Ares V cargo
launch vehicle operations and crew exploration vehicle processing.
The contracts, which should be completed in October, were awarded in
response to the Constellation ground operations Broad Agency
Announcement Request for Proposal issued in April.

"NASA's intent is to include industry in our planning phase to get a
broad perspective of ground operations, especially for the
long-term," said Pepper Phillips, deputy director of the
Constellation Project Office at Kennedy. "These four companies will
provide several possible solutions to the same challenges, which we
expect to benefit our planning. Selecting ground processing and
launch concepts are long-term commitments and we want to consider all
options."

For information about NASA's exploration efforts, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration

NASA AFRICA MISSION INVESTIGATES ORIGIN, DEVELOPMENT OF HURRICANES

Scientists from NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, universities and international agencies will study
how winds and dust conditions from Africa influence the birth of
hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.

The field campaign, called NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary
Analyses 2006, runs from Aug. 15 to mid-September in the Cape Verde
Islands, 350 miles off the coast of Senegal in West Africa. This
campaign is a component of a much broader international project,
called the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses, aimed at
improving the knowledge and understanding of the West African
Monsoon.

Researchers will use satellite data, weather station information,
computer models and aircraft to provide scientists with better
insight into all the conditions that enhance the development of
tropical cyclones, the general name given to tropical depressions,
storms and hurricanes. This research will help hurricane forecasters
better understand the behavior of these deadly storms.

"Scientists recognize the hurricane development process when they see
it, but our skill in forecasting which weak system will intensify
into a major cyclone is not great," said Edward Zipser, mission chief
scientist, of the University of Utah, Salt Lake City. "That is why
NASA and its partners place a high priority on obtaining high-quality
data for weak disturbances, as well as those already showing signs of
intensification."

For hurricanes to develop, specific environmental conditions must be
present: warm ocean waters, high humidity and favorable atmospheric
and upward spiraling wind patterns off the ocean surface. Atlantic
hurricanes usually start as weak tropical disturbances off the coast
of West Africa and intensify into rotating storms with weak winds,
called tropical depressions. If the depression continues to intensify
and reaches wind speeds of at least 39 mph, they are classified as
tropical storms. Hurricanes have winds greater than 73 mph.

To study these environmental conditions, researchers will use NASA's
DC-8 research aircraft as a platform for advanced atmospheric
research instruments. Remote and on-site sensing devices will allow
scientists to target specific areas in developing storms. Sensors
on-board the aircraft will measure cloud and particle sizes and
shapes, wind speed and direction, rainfall rates, atmospheric
temperature, pressure and relative humidity.

The campaign will use extensive data from NASA's fleet of earth
observing satellites, including the Tropical Rainfall Measurement
Mission, QuikSCAT, Aqua, and the recently-launched Cloudsat and
CALIPSO. These advanced satellites will provide unprecedented views
into the vertical structure of the tropical systems, while the field
observations will help validate data from the new satellites.

To better understand the physics of hurricanes, researchers are
seeking answers to questions about hurricane development, air
currents and the effects of dust on clouds.

During the field campaign, scientists hope to get a better
understanding of the role of the Saharan Air Layer and how its dry
air, strong embedded winds and dust influences cyclone development.
The layer is a mass of very dry, often dusty air that forms over the
Sahara Desert during the late spring, summer, and early fall and
usually moves out over the tropical Atlantic Ocean.

As part of looking at the Saharan Air Layer, scientists want to better
understand dust's effect on clouds. Some evidence indicates that dust
makes it more difficult for rain to form. Cloud models need to
account for any such effect, so measurements of cloud droplet
concentrations and size in clean ocean air and dusty air from the
Sahara need to be made.

Researchers also will look at what happens to air currents as they
move from land to ocean waters. Information on clouds and moisture,
heat, air movement, and precipitation in an unstable atmosphere will
be collected, analyzed and then simulated in computer models.
Understanding hurricane formation requires measurements from very
small to very large scales, from microscopic dust and raindrops to
cloud formations and air currents spanning hundreds of miles.

For more information about NASA's hurricane research, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/hurricane

NASA RELEASES INITIAL IMAGES FROM CALIPSO

The Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation
spacecraft known as CALIPSO is returning never-before-seen images of
clouds and aerosols, tiny particles suspended in the air.

These new images are revealing the secrets of how clouds and aerosols
form, evolve and interact with the atmosphere. CALIPSO's first images
were taken in early June. They highlight the results of a major lava
dome collapse at the Soufriere Hills Volcano on the island of
Montserrat in the Caribbean. The dome collapse on May 20 involved an
explosion that sent ash clouds 55,000 feet into the sky.

To see the satellite's initial images, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/calipso

"The ability to observe and track a volcanic plume high in the
atmosphere from the eruption of Soufriere Hills illustrates the high
sensitivity of the satellite's instruments and the promise of
discoveries to come," said David Winker, CALIPSO principal
investigator at NASA's Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va. "These
are exciting views of aerosols and clouds from around the globe."

On June 7 CALIPSO's lidar, a device similar to radar that emits pulsed
laser light instead of microwaves, obtained a vertical profile of the
aerosol remnants of the Montserrat volcanic activity over Indonesia.
Upper air movement carried a sulfur dioxide plume from the Caribbean
island more than 11,000 miles to Southeast Asia.

By globally observing aerosols' movement and altitude, CALIPSO
improves our ability to assess and forecast their impact around the
Earth. For example, volcanic plumes have an impact on air traffic
safety, since the plumes are hazardous to commercial aircraft when
they cross flight lanes. Aerosol activity at lower altitudes affects
air quality.

The three instruments aboard CALIPSO are aligned to view the same area
and work together to provide improved information on the size of ice
crystals and other properties of thin clouds. The primary instrument
is a polarization lidar that provides unique, high-resolution
vertical profiles of aerosols and clouds using laser pulses. It can
detect natural and human-produced aerosols and thin clouds that are
invisible to radar, and sometimes even to the human eye.

The spacecraft's wide-field camera is used to determine cloud
uniformity and provide a broader view of the location viewed by the
lidar. The imaging infrared radiometer operates continuously,
providing information on cirrus cloud particle size and infrared
emissions activity. It looks at the top surface of a broad sweep of
cloud area.

CALIPSO was launched April 28 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.,
with NASA's CloudSat satellite. Both satellites orbit 438 miles above
Earth as members of NASA's A-Train constellation of five Earth
observing system satellites. A-Train stands for "afternoon," because
the constellation crosses the equator every day starting at 1:30 p.m.
eastern time. The constellation provides new insights into the global
distribution and evolution of clouds, helping to improve weather
forecasting and climate prediction.

CALIPSO was developed cooperatively by NASA and France's Centre
National d'Etudes Spatiales. Langley is leading the CALIPSO mission
and providing overall project management, systems engineering, and
payload mission operations. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center,
Greenbelt, Md., provides support for system engineering, project and
program management.

CNES provides a PROTEUS spacecraft developed by Alcatel Alenia Space,
the radiometer instrument, and spacecraft mission operations. Hampton
University, Hampton, Va., is providing scientific contributions and
managing the outreach program. Ball Aerospace, Boulder, Colo.,
developed the lidar and on-board visible camera.

NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS PREPARES TO ROLL TO LAUNCH PAD

NASA's space shuttle Atlantis is set to embark on a four-mile journey
to Launch Pad 39-B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. on Monday,
July 31. First motion is scheduled for 12:01 a.m. EDT. Atlantis'
launch window begins Aug. 28 for an 11-day mission to the
International Space Station.

The fully assembled space shuttle vehicle, consisting of the orbiter,
external tank and twin solid rocket boosters, will be mounted on a
mobile launcher platform and delivered to the pad via a crawler
transporter. The process is expected to take approximately six hours.

NASA EXPLORATION SYSTEMS PROGRESS REPORT

NASA engineers around the country recently completed tests associated
with rocket engines, heat protection systems and spacesuits destined
for use in the Constellation Program of moon and Mars missions.

Engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.,
completed an early step in developing the upper-stage rocket engine
that will be used in both the Ares I crew launch vehicle and the Ares
V cargo launch vehicle.

The Marshall team completed the first series of tests on a scaled-down
version of main injector hardware, which will inject and mix liquid
hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants in the engine combustion
chamber, where they are ignited and burned to produce thrust.

The initial tests were performed on a hardware model, approximately
1/13th the thrust level of a full-scale J-2 engine injector, that
contained 40 individual elements for propellant flow. The injector
was fired horizontally with varying fuel temperatures and different
propellant mixture ratios for 10 to 20 seconds at a thrust of
approximately 20,000 pounds. Approximately 50 tests are planned for
this series.

These tests will help engineers investigate design options for, and
maximize performance of, the J-2X upper stage engine, an updated
version of the powerful J-2 engine used to launch the Saturn V rocket
upper stages during Apollo.

At Johnson Space Center, Houston, recent tests focused on materials
that could be used to protect the Crew Exploration Vehicle when it
makes its fiery descent through the atmosphere on the way home to
Earth.

Engineers used an arcjet facility capable of simulating re-entry
temperatures to test eight tile samples. Four tests evaluated the
performance of LI-2200, a dense silica fiber tile that has been used
on the belly of the space shuttle to protect it during atmospheric
re-entry. Also tested was the BRI-18, which flew for the first time
this month on parts of the Space Shuttle Discovery. The BRI-18 is a
stronger tile that can be protected with a more durable coating for
better protection against damage from debris.

Also in Houston, astronauts and other personnel practiced walking back
to base from a stranded moon rover to test basic spacesuit
requirements for use in designing the first new spacesuit for use on
the moon since Apollo. These suits will need to be more comfortable
and durable than earlier spacesuits since the next lunar explorers
will be staying on the surface for longer periods, eventually up to
six months at a time, and conducting more scientific research and
construction tasks than ever attempted in Apollo.

The tests used an advanced spacesuit in simulated lunar and Mars
conditions, one-sixth and one-third Earth's gravity respectively.
Using a treadmill and wearing a spacesuit designed to test various
components, seven people completed the tests at speeds ranging from
2.75 to 5.5 mph. In all, the subjects covered 61.25 miles, more than
the total 59.6 miles covered by all 12 Apollo moon walkers.

At Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Miss., test conductors
fired an Integrated Powerhead Demonstration engine at the 100-percent
power level for the first time. The engine is a ground demonstrator
engine combining the very latest in rocket engine propulsion
technologies.

The engine uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. It is being
developed and tested as a re-usable engine system, capable of up to
200 flights. The project is a combined effort by Pratt and Whitney
Rocketdyne, Inc. Canoga Park, Calif., and Aerojet, Sacramento,
Calif., under the program direction of the Air Force Research
Laboratory, Edwards, Calif., and technical direction of Marshall.

Constellation's Ares I and Ares V launch vehicle project includes
teams at NASA and organizations around the nation. The project is led
by the agency's Exploration Launch Projects office at Marshall. The
Constellation Program Office and Crew Exploration Vehicle Project
Office are hosted by the Johnson Space Center.

For information about NASA's exploration efforts, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration

Posted by monte at 07:55 AM | Permalink

Vatican News

SUMMARY:

- Archbishop Lajolo Speaks on the Rome Conference
- Populorum Progressio Foundation: 215 New Projects

___________________________________________________________

- This morning, Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, Holy See secretary for Relations with States, gave an interview to Vatican Radio on the subject of the International Conference for Lebanon, which was held yesterday in Rome and in which he participated as an observer.

In the interview, large extracts of which are given below, the archbishop described as "positive" the speed with which the conference was convened and the fact that "it focussed its attention on the most urgent needs of the present time." On the subject of the final declaration, which was judged by many as disappointing, he noted that "the expectations of the public were certainly high, but for the well-informed who understand the difficulties, it could perhaps be said that the results were significant."

The secretary for Relations with States then went on to enumerate some of those results. In the first place, he pointed out "the fact that countries from various parts of the world ... came together in an awareness of the gravity of what is happening in Lebanon, reaffirming the need for the country to regain full sovereignty as soon as possible," and that "they made a commitment to help her." He also mentioned "the request to form an international force under the United Nations, to support the regular Lebanese army in security matters," as well as "the commitment to offer immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Lebanon and the guarantee of support in rebuilding by calling a conference of donor States." Finally, he highlighted the participants' commitment "to remain in constant contact concerning further developments in the intervention of the international community in Lebanon."

The sense of disappointment, said the archbishop, may have been caused above all "by the fact that there was no request for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Unanimity among the participants was not achieved because some countries maintained that an appeal would not have produced the desired effect, and it was felt more realistic to express a commitment to achieve without delay a cessation of hostilities," a commitment "which can, in fact, be maintained."

Another problematic issue, said the archbishop, was the fact that the conference limited itself "to inviting Israel to exercise the greatest restraint. By its nature, this call has a certain inevitable ambiguity, whilst respect for the innocent civilian population is a precise and binding duty."

Archbishop Lajolo also affirmed that yesterday Fouad Siniora, prime minister of Lebanon, "had the opportunity to explain fully the dramatic nature of the situation of the country, and to present his own plan for the immediate and definitive resolution of the conflict with Israel. He was also able to witness and further encourage the positive efforts being made by the international community to help the Lebanese people, to put an end to the conflict and to reinforce his government's control of the country."

In a meeting yesterday evening with Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, Fouad Siniora "expressed great appreciation for the commitment with which the Holy Father in person, and the Holy See, are following the conflict that is wracking Lebanon, and he requested continuing support for his country in the international arena" said Archbishop Lajolo. "He also recalled the words of Pope John Paul II, who defined Lebanon not only as a country but as 'a message' for all peoples of harmonious coexistence among various religions and confessions in one State."

The secretary for Relations with States affirmed that, following the Rome conference, "the Holy See remains in favor of an immediate cessation of hostilities. The problems on the table are many and extremely complex, and precisely for that reason cannot all be dealt with together. While bearing in mind the general picture and the overall solution to be achieved, the problems must be resolved 'per partes,' beginning with those that are immediately resolvable. The position of those who maintain that conditions must first be created so that any truce is not once again violated is only apparently one of realism, because those conditions can and must be created with means other than the killing of innocent people. The Pope is close to those peoples, victims of contrasts and of a conflict foreign to them. Benedict XVI prays, and with him the entire Church, for the day of peace to come today and not tomorrow. He prays to God and appeals to political leaders. The Pope weeps with every mother weeping for her children, with all those weeping for their loved ones. An immediate suspension of hostilities is possible, and therefore necessary."

.../MIDDLE EAST/LAJOLO VIS 060727 (770)

POPULORUM PROGRESSIO FOUNDATION: 215 NEW PROJECTS

- At Guayaquil, Ecuador, from July 11 to 14, Archbishop Paul Josef Cordes presided at the annual meeting of the administrative council of the "Populorum Progressio" Foundation. The meeting considered the financing of projects to promote integral development among the poor indigenous mixed race and Afro-American rural communities of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The "Populorum Progressio" Foundation is part of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum," the president of which is Archbishop Cordes who also acts as president and legal representative of the foundation. The administrative council, which meets to study and approve the projects presented, is made up of seven members: six bishops from various countries in Latin America, and a representative of the pontifical council.

In a communique, "Cor Unum" indicates that during the July meeting consideration was given to 255 projects for a total value of 2,500,000 US dollars. Of these, approval was given to 215 projects for a total of 1,820,500. "Most of this sum," says the communique, "comes from the generosity of the faithful of the Church in Italy through the Italian Episcopal Conference's Committee for Charitable Interventions in favor of the Third World."

Of the projects approved this year, 36.9 percent involve the production sector, in the fields of both agriculture and small business; 26.19 percent goes to the creation of public service infrastructures such as the supply of drinking water, fencing, toilets and communal halls; 17.46 percent to the building of schools, dwellings and health centers; 12.3 percent to education; and 7.15 percent to healthcare.

The communique closes by highlighting the fact that since February 13, 1992 - when John Paul II established "Populorum Progressio" - the foundation has awarded more than 20 million dollars for more than 2,000 projects.

CON-CU/POPULORUM PROGRESSIO/... VIS 060727 (300)

Posted by monte at 07:52 AM | Permalink

Walt Disney Records Releases Rockin' New Soundtrack for Preschoolers -- 'Rock and Bop with the Doodlebops' Available August 1st

On August 1st Walt Disney Records releases "Rock

and Bop with the Doodlebops," the soundtrack from the popular

live action series, "The Doodlebops," on Disney Channel's

learning-based Playhouse Disney programming block.

"Rock and Bop with the Doodlebops" features 21 songs

that allow preschoolers to take center stage with The

Doodlebops as they sing, dance and play along with their

favorite rock n' roll band.

Tracks such as the light-hearted "Wobbly Whoopsy" and

jazz-influenced "Tap Tap Tap" encourage children to be

active by waving their hands in the air and dancing along

while they listen. "The Pledge" and "Keep Trying" emphasize

the importance of teamwork, sharing and perseverance, while

the bouncy "Look in a Book" promotes the benefits of reading.

"The Doodlebops music takes the magical simplicity of a Beatles

song and sprinkles it with a bit of inspiration from Stevie Wonder,

Aretha Franklin and Prince," explains series co-creator and composer

Carl Lenox. As co-creator of The Doodlebops with Michael Hirsh, Carl

wrote the lyrics and score for each of the songs on the show and the

"Rock and Bop with the Doodlebops" CD. Carl began composing music

for film and television in the early 1980s. His background in education

led him into the area of children's television, and he has been both

composer and musical director for many successful children's programs.

"The Doodlebops" series on Disney Channel features three colorful,

fun-loving characters -- band mates Deedee, Rooney and Moe Doodle

-- who evoke the spirit of the musical creativity and self-expression

that has characterized the past several decades of American music.

Throughout their musical adventures, they encounter personal and

social situations that every child can relate to and feature positive social

messages about teamwork, overcoming fears and trying new things.

"Rock and Bop with the Doodlebops" track listing:      1.   "We're the Doodlebops"

    2.   "The Pledge"     3.   "Wobbly Whoopsy"     4.   "Look in a Book"

   5.   "I Want to Be Bigger"     6.   "Get On the Bus"     7.   "Hey Moe"

  8.   "The Bird Song"     9.   "Count to Ten"     10.  "Queen for a Day"

  11.  "Getting Along"     12.  "Gibble Gobble"     13.  "My Friend"

14.  "Write a Letter"     15.  "Tap Tap Tap"     16.  "Faces"

17.  "When the Lights Go Out"     18.  "Cauliflower"     19.  "Keep Trying"

 20.  "Together Forever"     21.  "Thank You"

"Rock and Bop with the Doodlebops" will be available August 1, 2006 for a suggested retail price of $12.98 wherever music is sold. All Walt Disney Records audio products also can be ordered by visiting DisneyRecords.com.

Posted by monte at 12:17 AM | Permalink

Thomson Announces Availability of HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc Manufacturing and Distribution Capabilities

Company Extends Industry-Leading Mastering, Replication, Printing, Custom Packaging, Anti-Piracy, and Supply Chain Management Services to Production of Both Next-Generation DVD Formats

Thomson (Euronext:18453) (NYSE:TMS) today announced that the next-generation DVD manufacturing and distribution capabilities of its Technicolor Home Entertainment Services business are in place and operational. The company's replication lines for HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc have been in operation since September, 2005 and early November, 2005, respectively.

Technicolor Home Entertainment Services' next-generation DVD replication lines are installed at the company's worldwide headquarters in Camarillo, Calif. The company has three HD DVD replication lines, and three Blu-ray Disc replication lines, in place to meet early studio and consumer requirements. In addition, Technicolor Home Entertainment Services has installed dedicated, state-of-the-art mastering and testing equipment for both of these new formats in its Advanced Media Development Center in Camarillo. This facility also houses complete printing, custom packaging, and distribution facilities to support North American retail operations. The company plans to add future capacity for both formats in different geographies to meet projected demand, and to satisfy the ongoing needs of studio and independent right holder customers.

"As the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of DVDs, we are pleased to support all of our studio clients with the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of mastering, replicating, printing, custom packaging, anti-piracy, and supply chain management services for both next-generation DVD formats," said Quentin Lilly, president of Technicolor Home Entertainment Services. "As a trusted partner of the media and entertainment industries for more than 90 years now, Technicolor is proud to be at the forefront of this important industry transition, and we are committed to delivering the same high-quality products, services, and technologies for both HD DVD and Blu-ray as we have for years with standard-definition DVDs."

Technicolor Home Entertainment Services manufactured and shipped the first titles for the retail launch of HD DVD, including the first shipment of Universal Studios Home Entertainment's "Serenity," on April 12, 2006. For the launch of HD DVD, Technicolor manufactured and distributed numerous Universal Studios Home Entertainment titles, including "Doom," "Apollo 13," "Jarhead," "Cinderella Man," "Assault on Precinct 13," "The Chronicles of Riddick," "Van Helsing," "U-571," and "The Bourne Supremacy." Since the consumer introduction of HD DVD, the company has also replicated and distributed other HD DVD titles for Universal, including "Happy Gilmore," "The Rundown," "Friday Night Lights," and "Pitch Black."

The company's Blu-ray Disc replication equipment has been fully operational since early November 2005, and was subsequently optimized prior to the retail launch of the format in June 2006. Thomson, through its Technicolor Home Entertainment Services business, is an active member of the Blu-ray Disc Association, a group of over 170 of the world's leading film studio, consumer electronics, personal computer, personal computer, recording media, video game, and music companies. The company has also been integrally involved with the association since its inception in 2002. Technicolor Home Entertainment Services expects to replicate and distribute Blu-ray Disc products for various Blu-ray-supporting studio customers during the third and fourth quarters of 2006.

In addition to its replication and distribution capabilities, Technicolor, through its Content Services unit, also provides a full array of compression, authoring, mastering, and game development services specifically for HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc. The company has supported next-generation format titles with such resources since December 2005. This end-to-end service offering for advanced optical disc technologies reinforces Thomson's position as a worldwide leader in supporting the entertainment industry's transition to high-definition formats.

About Thomson - Leader In Digital Video Technologies

Thomson (Euronext:18453) (NYSE:TMS) provides technology, services, and systems and equipment to help its Media & Entertainment clients - content creators, content distributors, and users of its technology - realize their business goals and optimize their performance in a rapidly-changing technology environment. The Group is the preferred partner to the Media & Entertainment Industries through its Technicolor, Grass Valley, RCA, and Thomson brands. For more information: http://www.thomson.net.

About Technicolor Home Entertainment Services

Technicolor Home Entertainment Services, part of the Services division of Thomson, provides complete DVD and CD manufacturing and distribution services, ranging from compression and authoring through to packaging, shipping, and returns processing for leading Hollywood studios, video game publishers and manufacturers, independent rights holders, software developers, OEMs, record labels, promotional agencies, direct marketers and more. Recognized as an optical industry pioneer, and the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of DVDs and CDs, Technicolor Home Entertainment Services has the high-volume replication capabilities and superior technologies to produce all major DVD formats, including HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc, quickly and efficiently. A leader in the development and implementation of DVD anti-piracy technologies designed to protect content for customers, Technicolor Home Entertainment Services has the worldwide capacity to produce 1.7 billion DVDs and 175 million CDs on an annual basis. Major Hollywood studio clients include DreamWorks SKG, MGM, Paramount Home Entertainment, The Walt Disney Co., Warner Home Video, and Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Major software publishing customers include Atari, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, THQ, and Vivendi Games. For more information: http://www.technicolor.com.

Posted by monte at 12:16 AM | Permalink

``Beyond The Poseidon Adventure'' Debuts on DVD August 22, Day and Date with the DVD Release of 2006 ``Poseidon,'' Featuring Outstanding Performances by Michael Caine and Sally Field

"Beyond The Poseidon Adventure," sequel to "The Poseidon Adventure," the 1972 box-office smash, debuts on DVD August 22 from Warner Home Video, just in time for the 2006 Warner Bros. DVD release of "Poseidon," directed by Wolfgang Petersen and starring Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Lucinda Barrett and Richard Dreyfuss. The DVD extra content of "Beyond the Poseidon Adventure" includes additional scenes not in the original theatrical version plus a vintage behind-the-scenes featurette "Behind The Scenes: Beyond the Poseidon Adventure." The DVD will be priced at $14.97 SRP.

Michael Caine and Sally Field give terrific performances heading an all-star cast caught in a crippled ocean liner's flaming corridors. Tug skipper Caine, first mate Karl Malden and passenger Field enter the foundering vessel hoping for salvage rights, miraculously finding more survivors. But others have come aboard, led by sinister Dr. Stefan Svevo (Telly Savalas) who will do anything to get hold of a priceless cargo of plutonium. Peter Boyle, Jack Warden, Shirley Knight, Shirley Jones and then newcomer Mark Harmon are featured. Irwin Allen ("The Poseidon Adventure," "Towering Inferno") is producer/director.

Special Features:

-- Vintage featurette "Behind The Scenes: Beyond the Poseidon Adventure"

-- Disaster movies trailer gallery

-- Languages: English & Francais

-- Subtitles: English, Francais & Espanol (feature film only)

Widescreen version presented in a "letterbox" format preserving the "scope" aspect ratio of its original theatrical exhibition enhanced for widescreen TVs.

Note: All enhanced content listed above is subject to change.

With operations in 90 international territories Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

Posted by monte at 12:14 AM | Permalink

Fox Atomic and StupidVideos.com Announce Partnership; StupidVideos.com to Provide Content to Fox Atomic.com, Fox Atomic's Interactive Broadband Channel

StupidVideos.com (http://www.stupidvideos.com), the leading user-generated video site for humorous stunts, bloopers, standup comedy and everyday laughter, and Fox Atomic, the new film division of Fox Filmed Entertainment aimed at the 17-24 year old market, today announced their partnership. StupidVideos.com will provide content to http://www.foxatomic.com, the company's interactive broadband channel, which announced its beta launch on July 19, 2006.

As the premier destination for comedic content popular among teens, StupidVideos.com represented an ideal content partner for Fox Atomic.

"Stupidvideos.com consistently provides great content that resonates with young people and we are thrilled to have them as our partner," said Duncan Macdonald, SVP of Promotions at Fox Atomic.

StupidVideos.com will supply video content for The Blender, a video mash-up feature, on the Fox Atomic website. Foxatomic.com's Blender feature allows fans to edit footage from the division's new releases as well as the viral videos provided by StupidVideos.com.

"We're eager to watch the convergence of user generated content with professional content, powered by a major studio, like Fox Atomic. It's a powerful validation of the user gen and viral video space," said Greg Morrow, President and COO of PureVideo Networks, StupidVideos.com's parent company. "It will be especially rewarding to watch mash-ups that include our user-submitted videos."

In addition to participation in The Blender, StupidVideos.com will also be providing http://www.foxatomic.com with a "Clip of the Day," featured on the homepage. Other interactive entertainment offered through the Fox Atomic website includes trailers of new releases, Fox Atomic Comics information, message boards, blogs, film-related contests, and prizes.

StupidVideos.com and Fox Atomic kicked off their partnership at Comic Con International, North America's preeminent comic book conference, which took place July 19-23, 2006, in San Diego, CA. As fans crowded around the Fox Atomic booth and test drove The Blender, they were entertained by a video reel, complete with some of the best clips from StupidVideos.com.

To check out some of the hilarious footage from Comic Con, go to http://www.foxatomic.com or http://www.stupidvideos.com.

In addition to Fox Atomic, StupidVideos.com has also recently partnered with MSN, Yahoo Japan, Blinkx, DivX, and Pixsy.

About StupidVideos.com:

Based in El Segundo CA, StupidVideos.com, a division of PureVideo Networks Inc., is a user-generated viral video website dedicated to humorous, off-the-wall videos, including wild stunts, wacky animals, sports bloopers, funny commercials, and song and dance parodies. Through Personal Video Logs or Vlogs, StupidVideos.com allows its members to connect and share the content that makes them laugh. For more information, please visit http://www.stupidvideos.com.

About Fox Atomic:

Fox Atomic is a culturally branded entertainment company that produces and markets theatrical movies and digital content targeting the 17-24 year old demographic across all media platforms, with a goal to produce and acquire eight films per year focusing on a mix of genres. Fox Atomic has its own production and marketing operations, while films are distributed by Twentieth Century Fox. Fox Atomic was created in 2006 as a unit of Fox Filmed Entertainment. http://www.foxatomic.com.

Posted by monte at 12:12 AM | Permalink

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(C) MBN 2006

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Posted by monte at 12:08 AM | Permalink

ARCHIVES

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Posted by monte at 12:05 AM | Permalink

Miami Vice Credits

Colin Farrell	....	Det. James 'Sonny' Crockett
	Jamie Foxx	....	Det. Ricardo Tubbs
	Li Gong	....	Isabella (as Gong Li)
	Luis Tosar	....	Arcángel de Jesús Montoya
	Naomie Harris	....	Trudy Joplin
	John Ortiz	....	Jose Yero
	Ilan Krigsfeld	....	Isabella/Russian Bodyguard#1
	Chris Astoyan	....	Agent Perry
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
	Frankie J. Allison	....	Aryan brother
	Alexander Alonso	....	Yero Security
	Jay Amor	....	Latin Body Guard (attached)
	Jeannie Belgrave	....	VIP party guest
	Robert Berson	....	Drug cartel operator
	Juanita Billue	....	Miss Jamaica
	Everlayn Borges	....	Miss Cuba
	Jennifer Budhoo	....	Chartreuse Girl
	Raniel David Castillo	....	Police Officer on Dock
	Alexandra Cheron	....	Nurse
	Tony Curran
	Eric Dale	....	Russian Driver
	Isaach De Bankolé	....	Neptune
	Ana Cristina De Oliveira
	Buddy Dolan	....	SWAT Sergeant
	Levell Dorgilles	....	Neptune Security
	Alexander Garcia	....	Mansion Nightclub Patron
	Juliana Guedes	....	Izabella's secretary
	John Hawkes	....	Alonzo
	Barry Shabaka Henley	....	Lt. Martin Castillo
	Ciarán Hinds	....	FBI Agent Fujima
	Jamie D. Knee	....	Pretty Girl
	Domenick Lombardozzi	....	Det. Stan Switek
	Gil Lopez Jr.	....	Mansion nightclub patron
	Pavel Lychnikoff
	Marc Macaulay	....	Flight Control Officer
	Eddie Marsan	....	Nicholas
	Carolina Maria Mora	....	Salsa Dancer
	Jorge Rafael Diogo Morais	....	Philip
	Claudine Oriol	....	Club Patron
	Gilbert Quintana	....	Marine shed guard
	Elizabeth Rodriguez	....	Det. Gina Calabrese
	Brenna Lee Roth	....	Young Lady
	Mario Ernesto Sánchez	....	El Tiburon
	Dave Scott	....	Powerboat Driver
	Vivienne Sendaydiego	....	ER Doctor #2
	Lori Simunek
	Taso N. Stavrakis	....	Long-Haired Sniper
	Justin Theroux	....	Det. Larry Zito
	Lorenzo Toledo	....	Yero Security
	John Tomlinson	....	Powerboat Throttleman
	Christine Tejada Torchío	....	Casino player
	Abdel Tornes	....	The Courier
	Tom Towles	....	Coleman
	Breven Angaelica Warren	....	VIP Balcony Dancer
	Brad Batchelor	....	Aston Martin Owner (uncredited)
	Michael Bennett	....	Club dancer (uncredited)
	Walter Medina	....	Mansion nightclub patron (uncredited)
	Benjamin Scott Panock	....	Club Patron (uncredited)
	Allysa Tacher	....	Club Dancer (uncredited)

Directed by
Michael Mann

Writing credits (WGA)
Michael Mann		written by &
Anthony Yerkovich		TV series

Produced by
Sarah Bradshaw	....	associate producer
Pieter Jan Brugge	....	producer
Bryan H. Carroll	....	co-producer (as Bryan Carroll)
Gusmano Cesaretti	....	co-producer
Michael Mann	....	producer
Wayne Morris	....	associate producer
Michael Waxman	....	co-producer
Anthony Yerkovich	....	executive producer

Original Music by
Klaus Badelt
Mark Batson
John Murphy
Organized Noize

Cinematography by
Dion Beebe

Film Editing by
William Goldenberg
Paul Rubell

Casting by
Francine Maisler

Production Design by
Victor Kempster

Art Direction by
Carlos Menéndez

Set Decoration by
Jim Erickson

Costume Design by
Janty Yates

Makeup Department
Mary Burton	....	makeup department head
Jay Cannistraci	....	makeup artist
Leo Corey Castellano	....	makeup artist
Leo Corey Castellano	....	special makeup effects artist
Leo Corey Castellano	....	tattoo artist
Carol F. Doran	....	wig maker
Tatjana Dulovic	....	makeup artist: Dominican Republic
Jake Garber	....	special makeup effects artist
Grady Holder	....	makeup effects technician: K.N.B. EFX Group
Ann-Maree Hurley	....	tattoo artist
LaLette Littlejohn	....	makeup artist: Mr. Foxx
Vera Mitchell	....	hair department head
Carol Raskin	....	hair stylist
Nikoletta Skarlatos	....	makeup artist
Rick Stratton	....	tattoo artist
Kathe Swanson	....	hair stylist
Mary Ann Valdes	....	assistant hair stylist
Allen Weisinger	....	makeup department head

Production Management
Sarah Bradshaw	....	unit production manager
Robyn-Alain Feldman	....	post-production supervisor
Pamela Jaeckle	....	production supervisor: Paraguay
Wayne Morris	....	unit production manager
John G. Scotti	....	unit production manager
Jeff G. Waxman	....	production supervisor

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Chris Castaldi	....	second second assistant director
Tudor Jones	....	second second assistant director
Calvito Leal	....	second assistant director: South America
Jeff Okabayashi	....	second assistant director
Alison C. Rosa	....	key second assistant director
Michael Waxman	....	first assistant director

Art Department
François Audouy	....	illustrator
Pedro Barquin	....	greens coordinator
Robert A. Blackburn	....	construction coordinator
Martin Charles	....	graphic designer
Rick Chavez	....	assistant property master
Michelle Collier	....	assistant art department coordinator
Amanda Crockett	....	set decoration coordinator
Kasra Farahani	....	conceptual illustrator
Mark Garner	....	senior set designer
Ryan Heck	....	set designer
Eric Luling	....	on-set dresser
Aran Mann	....	assistant art director
Martha Eidsness Mitchell	....	art department coordinator: Dominican Republic
Christopher Neely	....	lead man
Nick Papac	....	assistant property master
John Patteson	....	props
William H. Phen Jr.	....	construction general foreman
Seth Reed	....	supervising art director
Ricky Riggs	....	scenic foreman
Roger Sherman	....	scenic artist
Charles Stewart	....	property master
Gary Tuers	....	property master
Kat Wilson	....	art department coordinator
Christopher Woodworth	....	scenic supervisor

Sound Department
Bruce Barris	....	first assistant sound editor
Anna Behlmer	....	sound re-recording mixer
James Bolt	....	sound re-recording mixer
Thom Brennan	....	supervising foley editor
David V. Butler	....	supervising dialogue editor
Derek Casari	....	adr engineer
Thierry J. Couturier	....	dialogue editor
Steve Durkee	....	music editor
Thomas Giordano	....	production sound technician
Marilyn Graf	....	foley mixer
Victor Iorillo	....	sound editor
Elliott Koretz	....	sound designer
Elliott Koretz	....	sound supervisor
Tim Lauber	....	score recordist
Jason Lloyd	....	scoring stage manager
Alyson Dee Moore	....	foley artist
David Olson	....	music editor
Michele Perrone	....	supervising adr editor
David M. Ronne	....	production sound mixer
Del Spiva	....	music editor
Tom Steel	....	scoring stage manager
Bill Talbott	....	scoring technician
Joseph Tsai	....	assistant sound editor
Mario A. Vitale	....	assistant music editor
Jim Weidman	....	supervising music editor
Cary Weitz	....	boom operator

Special Effects by
William Dawson	....	special effects technician
Peter Freeman	....	special effects crew
Thomas Kittle	....	special effects foreman
Barry McQueary	....	special effects foreman
Paul Molnar	....	makeup effects / hair: K.N.B. Effects Group
Jason Pinsker	....	lab technician: K.N.B. EFX Group
James L. Roberts	....	special effects technician
Dirk Rogers	....	lab technician: K.N.B. EFX
Lino Stavole	....	mold/lab technician: K.N.B. EFX Group
R. Bruce Steinheimer	....	special effects director
R. Bruce Steinheimer	....	special effects supervisor

Visual Effects by
Mat Beck	....	visual effects supervisor: EntityFX
Ken Blackwell	....	visual effects editor
Matthew Collorafice	....	roto artist
Collin Fowler	....	visual effects coordinator: Illusion Arts
Rizza Go	....	visual effects coordinator: EntityFX
John F. Gross	....	visual effects supervisor: Eden FX
Billy Higgins	....	compositor: EntityFX
William Higgins	....	compositor: EntityFX
Eli Jarra	....	compositor: EntityFX
John Johns	....	visual effects video engineer
Don Lee	....	visual effects supervisor: Pixel Playground
Kim Lee	....	visual effects producer: Pixel Playground
Kymber Lim	....	visual effects executive producer: EntityFX
Ronald B. Moore	....	visual effects producer: EntityFX
Fred Pienkos	....	digital effects artist: EdenFX
Liz Radley	....	video & computer graphics supervisor
Andy Simonson	....	visual effects assistant coordinator: EntityFX
Robert Stadd	....	visual effects supervisor
Marty Taylor	....	senior compositor: Entity FX
Bryan Wengroff	....	visual effects coordinator
Kaz Yoshida	....	3D artist: EntityFX

Stunts
Don Abbatiello	....	stunt driver
Alexander Alonso	....	stunts
Jay Amor	....	stunt driver
Tom Bahr	....	stunts
Kevin Ball	....	stunt double
Jason Bartley	....	fight training: Mr. Foxx
Jason Bartley	....	utility stunts
Chick Bernhardt	....	stunt driver
Michael Bernstein	....	precision driver
Jake Brake	....	stunt driver
Nick Brett	....	stunt rigger
Brandon E. Brooks	....	precision driver
David Anthony Buglione	....	precision driver
Raniel David Castillo	....	stunt driver
Adam Ciesielski	....	stunt double: Pavel Lynchikoff
Adam Ciesielski	....	stunt driver
Scott Dale	....	assistant to stunt coordinator
Scott Dale	....	utility stunts
Mark De Alessandro	....	stunt driver
Andrew Scott Dixon	....	precision driver
Cristy Fuentefria	....	stunt driver
Denise Gallo	....	stunts
Denise Gallo	....	utility stunts
Joey Giordano	....	stunt driver
Tom Harper	....	stunt rigger
Cort Hessler	....	stunt driver
Joop Katana	....	precision driver
Mike Kirton	....	stunt driver
Sli Lewis	....	stunt driver
Jalil Jay Lynch	....	stunt double: Jamie Foxx
Shanna Lynn	....	stunt driver
Artie Malesci	....	stunt coordinator
Antony Matos	....	utility stunts
Eric Matuschek	....	stunt double: Colin Farrell
Angela Meryl	....	stunt double
Rich Minga	....	stunt driver
Robert Nagle	....	stunt double: Colin Farrell
Robert Nagle	....	stunt driver
Cord Newman	....	utility stunts
Phi-Long Nguyen	....	precision driver
Christopher Parker	....	stunt performer
Kiana Politis	....	stunt driver
Benjamin Rowe	....	precision driver (as Ben Rowe)
Bill Scharpf	....	stunt driver
Luis J. Silva	....	stunt performer
Taso N. Stavrakis	....	stunt performer
Lorenzo Toledo	....	stunts
Amy Tomberlin	....	precision car coordinator
Amy Tomberlin	....	precision driver
Amy Lynn Tuttle	....	precision driver
Durk Tyndall	....	stunt double
Kyle Woods	....	stunt actor: car driver
Boni Yanagisawa	....	stunt double: Li Gong
John Zimmerman	....	stunt driver

Other crew
Merry Alderman	....	casting assistant
Bruno Alzaga	....	grip
Yaa Boaa Aning	....	costumer: Mr. Foxx
John Arbuckle	....	marine boat operator
Brent Arrowood	....	additional score programmer
Brent Arrowood	....	music engineer
Howard Bachrach	....	transportation captain
Don Baer	....	driver
Janene Balado	....	post-production assistant
Roberto Ballesteros	....	camera loader
Tyler Barton	....	additional score programmer
Tyler Barton	....	music engineer
Jody Beaudin	....	first assistant accountant
Jon Bergholz	....	transportation captain: Florida
James Berkery	....	production assistant
Melissa Binder	....	textile artist
Norene Bini	....	dialect coach: pre-production Colin Farrell
Jose Lazaro Branas	....	production assistant
Ricou Browning Jr.	....	marine coordinator
Jamie Bukowski	....	assistant: Klaus Badelt
Toby Burge	....	production assistant
Christy Busby	....	set production assistant
Jessica Cabrera	....	production assistant
Aubrie Campbell	....	set production assistant
Byron Canady	....	production assistant
Alfred Castillo	....	best boy rigging grip
Raniel David Castillo	....	photo double
Benjamin Centoducati	....	electrician
Lisa Cera	....	costume shopper
Mark Chambers	....	safety manager
Catherine Charlton	....	dialect coach: Mr. Farrell
Maria K. Chavez	....	location manager
Warren Christophel	....	production assistant
Adam Ciesielski	....	casting intern
Adam Ciesielski	....	production assistant
Dawn Climie	....	on-set costume supervisor
Angie Lee Cobbs	....	assistant production coordinator
Stephen Coleman	....	orchestrator
Nick Colvin	....	additional electrician
S.R. Conger	....	assistant accountant
Paul Conti	....	computer playback supervisor
Dale Cornick	....	second assistant payroll accountant: Dominican Republic
R. Blaine Currier	....	picture car coordinator
Erik Curtis	....	second assistant camera
Melissa Marie Davis	....	casting assistant
Vanessa De La Regata	....	production assistant
David Diaz	....	transportation co-captain: South America
Allison Dillard	....	assistant location manager
Elizabeth Dionne	....	casting manager
Chris Edgerly	....	additional voices
Alicia Elkort	....	first assistant accountant
Oscar Andres Enriquez	....	warehouse coordinator
Kelly Farrell	....	construction medic
Frank Fernandez	....	medic
Matt Ferratusco	....	precision driver
Keith D. Fisher	....	transportation co-captain
Sean Fisher	....	additional electrician
Luis Eduardo 'Beto' Franco	....	production assistant
Chris W. Freeman	....	production assistant
Cristy Fuentefria	....	extras casting assistant
Dave Fulton	....	publicist
Joe Galdo	....	editorial/production assistant
Denise Gallo	....	assistant: Mr. Malesci
Risa Garcia	....	set costumer
Benjamin Gerry	....	casting associate
Joey Giordano	....	technical advisor: fiber optics
Dan Gloeckner	....	assistant to cast
Veloz Gomez	....	set production assistant
Miriam Gonzalez	....	post-production production assistant
Simone Goodridge	....	key production coordinator
Simone Goodridge	....	production coordinator: Dominican Republic/South America
Mick Gould	....	technical advisor
Chris Gray	....	extras casting
Chris Gray	....	location casting
Matt Greene	....	set production assistant
Michael Lloyd Green	....	assistant: Colin Farrell
Rico Green	....	music score assistant
John Grillo	....	first assistant camera: "a" camera
Juliana Guedes	....	production assistant
Pedro M. Guillen	....	executive assistant
Matt Haggerty	....	set production assistant
Christian Hall	....	production assistant
Julie Hannum	....	key assistant location manager
Mitch Harbeson	....	driver
Barbara Harris	....	adr voice casting
Joe Hathaway	....	telecine colorist
Esteban Hernandez	....	production assistant
Dan Herrera	....	unit medic: Paraguay
Melissa Herron	....	travel coordinator
Kyle Hess	....	set production assistant
Kevin Hickman	....	assistant editor
Lisa Marie Hill	....	accounting clerk
Heather Holmes	....	set costumer
G. Heath Hood	....	boat captain
Joshua A. Horn	....	location assistant
Craig Hosking	....	aerial coordinator
Mauriece Jacks Jr.	....	video assist operator
Karen Jarnecke	....	production coordinator
Gary Jay	....	camera operator
Nadine Johnson	....	asset coordinator
Christopher D. Jones	....	grip
Alisa Katz	....	executive assistant: Mr. Brugge
Russell E. Katzman	....	set location production assistant
Adam Kimmerlin	....	assistant editor
Dave Knight	....	location assistant
Krista Kuebler	....	second assistant accountant: wrap
James Linville	....	first assistant accountant
Daniel L. Magat	....	electrician
Steve Mann	....	picture car coordinator
Duane Manwiller	....	camera operator: "b" camera
Duane Manwiller	....	director of photography: second unit
Duane Manwiller	....	steadicam operator
Steve Mathis	....	gaffer
Kathy Mattes	....	second assistant accountant
Chris McCaleb	....	assistant editor
Jeanette L. McDuffie	....	assistant: Ms. Gong
Meaghan F. McLaughlin	....	set production assistant
Diana P. Mejia	....	production assistant
Chris Menke	....	assistant production office coordinator
Easmanie Michel	....	production assistant
James Mills	....	assistant to cast
Angel Ramon Mirabal Montes de Oca	....	production assistant
Ivan Mladenovic	....	production assistant
David Modia	....	production assistant
Kathryn Moll	....	driver
Lorin Moore	....	craft service: pre-producion
Lorin Moore	....	on-set production assistant
Lorin Moore	....	training assistant
Carolina Maria Mora	....	production assistant
Ellen J. Morris	....	second assistant production coordinator
Megan Morris	....	production assistant
Robert B. Morrison	....	production assistant
Kimberly Mullen	....	casting: Florida
Mark Mullen	....	casting: Florida
James Muro	....	director of photography: second unit
Robert Nagle	....	driving instructor
Ruth Nicol	....	unit nurse
Brian Niemczyk	....	set production assistant
Nino	....	costumer
Maria Norman	....	excutive: Forward Pass Inc.
Juan Pablo Noval	....	location manager: South America
Brian Olds	....	apprentice editor
John Oliveri	....	second assistant camera: "a" camera
Juan Carlos Ortiz-Duran	....	extras casting scout
George Palmer	....	digital imaging engineer
Luis Gerardo Pascual	....	production coordinator
Luis Gerardo Pascual	....	special thanks
John Patteson	....	master armorer
Mauricio Pedroza	....	assistant location manager: South America
Melissa Perez	....	production assistant
Lyndale V. Pettus	....	location assistant
Samantha Taylor Pickett	....	set production assistant
Jess Platt	....	dialect coach: pre-production
Janice Polley	....	supervising location manager
Don Poole	....	transportation co-captain
Cynthia Quan	....	production accountant
Chris Ranung	....	key craft service: Dominican Republic/Paraguay/Uruguay/Miami
David Raymond	....	assistant editor
Brett Reed	....	first assistant editor
Thell Reed	....	armorer
Matt Reilly	....	second assistant: Mr. Brugge
Sam Restivo	....	post-production coordinator
Carlos Rey del Castillo	....	production assistant
Daniel Reyes	....	set production assistant
Donald Reynolds Jr.	....	key rigging grip
Roberto Rodriguez	....	production assistant
Trevor Rogas	....	set production assistant
Dimitrios Rongakis	....	production assistant
Dixiana Rubio	....	production secretary
Paulina A. Salazar	....	location coordinator
Lee J. Santillan	....	second assistant accountant
David Satin	....	imaging engineer: HDTV
George Schoendorfer	....	set medic
Patrick Selts	....	medic
Gary J. Sims	....	first assistant accountant
Aaron Skalka	....	transportation coordinator
Bob 'Smitty' Smith	....	driver
Kristin Starns	....	production assistant
Kevin Stermer	....	post-production assistant
Slobodan Strinic	....	assistant costume designer: Dominican Republic
Maira Suarez	....	accounting clerk
Katie Taylor	....	casting assistant
Jayne-Ann Tenggren	....	script supervisor
Nancy A. Terriberry	....	second assistant accountant
Nick Theodorakis	....	digital imaging technician
Kevin Tiesiera	....	best boy electric
Joel Tokarsky	....	payroll accountant
Kathleen Tomasik	....	casting associate
Marian Toy	....	assistant costume designer
Marshall Tyler	....	assistant: Mr. Mann
Roger Ulbrich	....	digital imaging
Edward Viola	....	digital utility
Beverly Visitacion	....	location manager
Leslie Webb	....	assistant editor
Ryan Whan	....	second assistant accountant
Jennifer Williamson	....	shipping assistant
Robin Williams	....	assistant accountant
Chris Winn	....	key craft service
Joulles Wright	....	personal dresser: Colin Farrell
Michele Wright	....	second assistant accountant
John Wruck	....	dolly grip
Hailey C. Wu	....	interpreter: Chinese
Eric Yu	....	camera technician: HDTV camera
Eric Yu	....	digital utility
Jackson Yu	....	assistant editor: avid

Posted by monte at 12:03 AM | Permalink

POW! Entertainment Gets 4-Star Rating from People Magazine on New Reality Series, SIS Reports

Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment's (OTC:POWN) "Who Wants to Be a Superhero?" reality show gets People magazine's highest recommendation with a full 4-star rating. People's movie and TV critic is quoted as saying that POW!'s new reality show "is a nice surprise." The show premieres this Thursday, July 27, on the NBC Universal Sci Fi channel.

Other movies and TV shows rated were: "Lady in the Water" 1 and 1/2 stars, "Little Miss Sunshine" 3 and 1/2 stars, "Monster House" 2 and 1/2 stars, Kevin Smith's "Clerks II" 2 and 1/2 stars, "Project Runway" 3 and 1/2 stars, while the "Work Out" reality show received only 1 star.

In the latest issue of "Giant" Magazine, when POW!'s founder Stan Lee was asked, "Is a 'Who Wants to Be a SuperVillain?' sequel inevitable?" Lee enthusiastically answered, "This thing could go on forever with 'Who Wants to be a Superhero's Girlfriend?' and 'Who Wants to be a Superhero's Sidekick?'. Obviously I'm going to have to devote the rest of my life to this public service endeavor," {laughs}.

Entertainment Weekly's July 28, 2006 edition features an article on "Who Wants to Be a Superhero" that highlights several of the series' colorful characters, and a full Sci Fi page for the show that states, "Heroes Are Born, Superheroes Are Created."

POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment Inc. was founded by world-famous comic book and motion picture icon Stan Lee, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and intellectual properties-acclaimed expert Arthur Lieberman, Esq. POW's principals combined have created, produced and licensed some of the most successful global character franchises of all time that have gone on to generate billions of dollars in revenues. POW! partners with studios, networks and industry leaders to perpetuate POW!'s new and exciting character franchises, and build the brands of both POW! and Stan Lee.

For more information: http://www.stockinformationsystems.com/c/POWN/index.html or http://www.powworld.com/powwow or http://www.scifi.com/superhero.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Statements in this press release relating to plans, strategies, economic performance and trends, projections of results of specific activities or investments, and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, risk factors inherent in doing business. Forward-looking statements may be identified by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "expects," "plans," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "forecasts," "potential," or "continue," or similar terms or the negative of these terms. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. The company has no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Posted by monte at 11:55 PM | Permalink

MBN Interview: Alex Morbitzer Owner of Barry Bonds 715th Home Run Ball Auctions it on Ebay

Barry Bonds 715^th home run ball was escorted into the National, by it’s owner Andrew Morbitzer and Jed Clevenger, Category Manager, Sports Collectibles for eBay Inc. and another eBay personnel into the National, 27^th Annual Sports Collectors Convention in Anaheim earlier today.

This historic ball broke Babe Ruth’s all-time record, securing Barry Bonds the number two spot for all time home runs, at least for now.

It is currently the most watched item on eBay and started with a bid of $10,000 for a 10-day listing beginning July 24, 2006 and ending August 3, 2006.

A bid from Goldenpalace.com brought the bid level to meet its reserve price. The projected value of the ball has been widely speculated and debated with Barry Bonds’ off-field controversy, which is probably a contributing factor to Goldenpalace.com’s interest.

When MBN first met Andrew Morbitzer, he shared that Barry Bonds’ 715^th home run ball had already met its reserve price two days after its listing and 8 days. Legendary Ron Cey from the Los Angeles Dodgers came to view the historic ball and was even allowed to hold it.

(C) MBN 2006 (William Hoehne)

Posted by monte at 11:08 PM | Permalink

27th National Sports Collectors Convention

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Each year the National hosts many exciting activities and events. Listed below are some of the 2006 events scheduled

Foot Great Roman Gabriel

MLBPA Baseball Card Clubouse - Boy Scout Program - The Major League Baseball Players Association will host several baseball card workshops on Friday 7/28. Each child who participates will receive free packs of cards in a collectible tin, learn about baseball cards and participate in games of "Pack Wars" for bigger prizes including XBox game consoles. There will also be Boy Scout merit badge counselors onhand to award those kids who build a collection of baseball cards.

(C) MBn 2006

Jay Johnstone veteran baseball player

Anaheim Ducks Day Saturday July 29 - The Ducks will be at the National with a variety of activities. New Ducks merchandise will be available as well as autographed and game worn/used items. They will hold daily free drawings for great prizes. They have special offers for season ticket purchasers. On Ducks Day Saturday, visit the Ducks Booth (#766) for a special 4X6 postcard which could win an authentic Anaheim Ducks team signed jersey.

(C) MBn 2006

Dodger great Bill Russell

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Day July 30 - The Angels are hosting activities at their booth (660) on Sunday July 30. The Angels will also have a special Promotion. On Sunday July 30, each Angels fan who brings a 2006 Angels game ticket to the Tristar Booth (Corporate Pavilion #642) will receive a FREE TRISTAR Howie Kendrick card! One card per ticket/person while supplies last.

(C) MBN 2006

Dodger great Ron Cey

TriStar Productions National Autograph Pavilion - The Autograph Pavilion will be hosted by TriStar Productions and will showcase celebrities and athletes over a five-day period of the consumers' show July 26-July 30, 2006. To see the celebrities signing at the Autograph Pavilion, click here

(C) MBN 2006

Cey, Johnstone, Russell

NAXCOM VIP Club Reception - VIP Club Members are invited to pick up their credentials and VIP Club Gifts at the NAXCOM Reception held Wednesday afternoon, July 26 3:30 PM-5 PM. There will be refreshments and free autographs at the VIP Reception from 1973 Heisman Trophy Winner and former LA Ram John Cappelletti, former Angel and Dodger outfielder Jay Johnstone and former Ram and UCLA running back Wendell Tyler.

(C) MBN 2006

Hall of famer Gaylor Perry

27th National Sneak Peek- The National will open to consumers on Wednesday night July 26 5-9PM for a special Sneak Preview. Special Sneak Peek Free Autograph Guests are Ron Cey, Bill Russell and Roman Gabriel. Special paid autograph guests will be USC's Heisman Tandem of Reggie Bush & Matt Leinart. The first 4000 Attendees at he Sneak Peek will receive a specially created SAGE-Game Exclusives Draft Jersey Swatch Card of Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart or Vince Young. The Show Floor will be open and admission is free for all VIP Admission attendees. One day Admission Tickets may be purchased at $15.00 each in advance through this web site. The Autograph Pavilion will have several exclusive "Wednesday Only" signers. Check back regularly as we announce the special guests for Sneak Peek. All Exhibitor Booths will be open and many companies provide promotional items.

(C) MBN 2006

Barry Bonds 715th Home room ball now on sale at e-bay

Benchwarmers International - The popular Bench Warmers booth will have several of the models appearing during the week and providing free autographs.

Kids Free Day at the 27th National - Friday July 28 - All youngsters 15 and under will be admitted at no charge on Friday. There will be special giveaways and other activities for Kid's Free attendees! Many of our other Corporate Sponsors will have special gifts for our young collectors.

Players Inc Kids Free Autographs - On Friday, July 28, Players Inc will provide free autographs for all youngsters 15 & under. Appearing from Noon til 1:30 PM will be former KC Chief Running Back Christian Okoye. Appearing from 11:00 til 12:30 will be Willie Gault. Gault, a former US Track Olympian played part of his career with the LA Raiders.

NFL.com -The NFL will be exhibiting in the Corporate Pavilion and will display some of the items available for bid at NFL.com. Items available include an NFL Football signed by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the rest of the Rolling Stones; a LaDainian Tomlinson game-used Chargers helmet and a 2006 Pro Bowl helmet signed by more than 60 NFL All-Pros! You'll have the chance to view and bid on great NFL collectibles and more. Don't miss it!

Posted by monte at 09:13 PM | Permalink

Today's Hottest Latin Artists to Perform at Reventon Super Estrella 2006

Concert features RBD, Ricky Martin, Alejandra Guzman, Sin Bandera & More

Premiere Latin Radio Event Relocates to LA Coliseum to Accommodate Exploding

                                Popularity    WHO:    Entravision's KSSE Super Estrella

107.1 FM  hosts its annual Reventon Super Estrella concert    WHAT:   Catch Latin

music's biggest names performing at one concert event!

Reventon Super Estrella 2006, now in its 9th year, features the

hottest Latin artist lineup, including performances by RBD, Ricky Martin,

Alejandra Guzman, Sin Bandera, Julieta Venegas, Mach &   Daddy,

 Gloria Trevi, Hombres G, Belanova, Miranda and Julio Preciado.

The event has gotten so colossal, that it's moved to the LA Coliseum

-- its largest venue ever -- to accommodate the growing fan base.

   WHEN:   Saturday, July 29, 2006; Doors open at 1 p.m. PT

WHERE:  The Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California

WHY:    The top live Latin Pop music event in the country.

Posted by monte at 07:58 PM | Permalink

Firefighters, Doctors and Nurses Top List as 'Most Prestigious Occupations,' According to Latest Harris Poll

Business Executives, Stockbrokers and Real Estate Agents are at the Bottom of the List

Firefighters, doctors, and nurses are seen as prestigious occupations by U.S. adults, while business executives, stockbrokers and real estate agents are seen at the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to having prestigious occupations.

These are some of the results of the annual Harris Poll measuring public perceptions of 23 professions and occupations, conducted by telephone between July 5 and 11, 2006, by Harris Interactive(R) among a nationwide sample of 1,020 U.S. adults.

Six occupations are perceived to have "very great" prestige by at least half of all adults -- firefighters (63%), doctors (58%), nurses (55%), scientists (54%), teachers (52%) and military officers (51%). They are followed by police officers (43%) and priests/ministers/clergymen (40%).

By way of contrast, the list includes nine occupations which are perceived by less than 20 percent of adults to have "very great" prestige, with one of these under 10 percent. The lowest ratings for "very great prestige" go to real estate brokers (6%), stockbrokers (11%), business executives (11%), actors (12%), union leaders (12%), journalists (12%) bankers (17%), accountants (17%), and entertainers (18%).

This year, farmers were included on the list of occupations for the first time. Just over one-third of adults (36%) say that farming is an occupation of very great prestige, while 15 percent say it has hardly any prestige at all.

There are three occupations that are perceived by one-quarter or more of adults to have "hardly any prestige at all." These include union leaders (25%), real estate brokers (32%) and actors (37%).

Changes over the last quarter century

Harris Interactive has been asking about the prestige of different professions and occupations since 1977. Over the 29 years since then, there have been some interesting changes:

  * Those who see teachers as having "very great" prestige has risen 23     points from 29 to 52 percent.   * Those who say lawyers have "very great" prestige has fallen 15 points,     from 36 to 21 percent.   * Scientists have fallen 12 points from 66 to 54 percent.   * Business executives have fallen seven points from 18 to 11 percent.   * Doctors have fallen three points from 61 to 58 percent.   * Athletes have also fallen three points from 26 to 23 percent.

Teachers are the only occupation, among the 11 tracked since 1977, to see a rise in prestige.

  Changes since last year   * Firefighters have risen seven points from 56 to 63 percent. Over the     past two years, they have risen a total of 15 points from 48 to 63     percent.   * Nurses have risen five points from 50 to 55 percent.   * Teachers have risen five points from 31 to 26 percent.                                   TABLE 1

PRESTIGE OF 23 PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS "I am going to read off a number of different occupations. For each, would you

tell me if you feel it is an occupation of very great prestige, considerable

         prestige, some prestige or hardly any prestige at all?"    Base: All Adults                                                              Hardly                              Very                            Any      Not                              Great   Considerable  Some    Prestige   Sure/                             Prestige  Prestige    Prestige  At All   Refused                                 %          %         %        %         %   Firefighter                  63         23        11        3         -   Doctor                       58         30        10        1         1   Nurse                        55         24        17        4         -   Scientist                    54         26        15        4         *   Teacher                      52         22        20        6         *   Military officer             51         30        16        3         1   Police officer               43         26        26        4         1   Priest/Minister/Clergyman    40         28        24        7         1   Farmer                       36         21        26       15         1   Engineer                     34         35        26        4         1   Member of Congress           28         23        31       17         1   Architect                    27         24        33       19         1   Athlete                      23         24        33       19         1   Lawyer                       21         23        36       20         *   Entertainer                  18         23        37       22         *   Accountant                   17         30        40       11         1   Banker                       17         29        43       11         1   Journalist                   16         27        41       16         *   Union Leader                 12         21        38       25         3   Actor                        12         13        37       37         1   Business executive           11         30        43       15         1   Stockbroker                  11         25        42       22         1   Real estate agent/broker      6         17        44       32         1                                    TABLE 2

29-YEAR TREND FOR "VERY GREAT" PRESTIGE "I am going to read off a number of different occupations. For each, would you

tell me if you feel it is an occupation of very great prestige, considerable

         prestige, some prestige or hardly any prestige at all?"    Base: All Adults                                          1977 1982 1992 1997 1998 2000 2001                                            %    %    %    %    %    %    %   Firefighter***                          NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   Doctor                                  61   55   50   52   61   61   61   Nurse                                   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   Scientist                               66   59   57   51   55   56   53   Teacher                                 29   28   41   49   53   53   54   Military officer                        NA   22   32   29   34   42   40   Police Officer **                       NA   NA   34   36   41   38   37   Priest/Minister/ Clergyman              41   42   38   45   46   45   43   Farmer                                  NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   Engineer                                34   30   37   32   34   32   36   Member of Congress                      NA   NA   24   23   25   33   24   Architect                               NA   NA   NA   NA   26   26   28   Athlete                                 26   20   18   21   20   21   22   Lawyer                                  36   30   25   19   23   21   18   Entertainer                             18   16   17   18   19   21   20   Accountant                              NA   13   14   18   17   14   15   Banker                                  17   17   17   15   18   15   16   Journalist                              17   16   15   15   15   16   18   Union leader                            NA   NA   12   14   16   16   17   Actor                                   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   Business executive**                    18   16   19   16   18   15   12   Stockbroker                             NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   Real estate broker/agent                NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA   NA                                                                       Changes                                                                       since                                         2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  1977                                            %     %     %     %     %    %   Firefighter***                          NA    55    48    56    63   NA   Doctor                                  50    52    52    54    58   -3   Nurse                                   NA    47    44    50    55   NA   Scientist                               51    57    52    56    54  -12   Teacher                                 47    49    48    47    52   23   Military officer                        47    46    47    49    51   NA   Police Officer **                       40    42    40    40    43   NA   Priest/Minister/ Clergyman              36    38    32    36    40   -1   Farmer                                  NA    NA    NA    NA    36   NA   Engineer                                34    28    29    34    34    0   Member of Congress                      27    30    31    26    28   NA   Architect                               27    24    20    27    27   NA   Athlete                                 21    17    21    23    23   -3   Lawyer                                  15    17    17    18    21  -15   Entertainer                             19    17    16    18    18    0   Accountant                              13    15    10    13    17   NA   Banker                                  15    14    15    15    17    0   Journalist                              19    15    14    14    16   -1   Union leader                            14    15    16    15    12   NA   Actor                                   NA    13    16    16    12   NA   Business executive**                    18    18    19    15    11   -7   Stockbroker                             NA     8    10     8    11   NA   Real estate broker/agent                NA     6     5     9     6   NA    *   No trend; NA not asked    **  In surveys prior to 2001 we used the words "policeman" (now changed to       "police officer") and businessman (now changed to "business       executive") which may account for the changes from 2001 to 2002.    *** In surveys prior to 2006, we used the word "fireman" (now changed to       firefighter) which may account for some of the changes from 2005 to       2006.    Methodology

The Harris Poll(R) was conducted by telephone within the United States between July 5 and 11, 2006 among a nationwide cross section of 1,020 adults (aged 18 and over). Note: respondents were asked about only 10-11 occupations each, on a rotating basis. Figures for age, sex, race, education, and region were weighted where necessary to align them with their actual proportions in the population.

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 a pure probability sample of 1,020 adults one could say with a ninety-five percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/-3 percentage points. However that does not take other sources of error into account.

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

  J28335   Q606    The Harris Poll(R) #58, July 26, 2006

By Regina Corso, Research Director, Public Affairs and Policy Research Practice, Harris Interactive(R)

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. More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at www.harrisinteractive.com.

Posted by monte at 07:54 PM | Permalink

Washington State Supreme Court Denies Marriage to Gay and Lesbian Couples

Court Says Defense of Marriage Act Constitutional and Defers to Legislature

Today the Washington state Supreme Court issued a decision denying equality and fairness to gay and lesbian couples and their families.

The Court's decision today stated that the state's Defense of Marriage Act of 1998 (DOMA), which forbids the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples, does not violate the State Constitution. The Court's plurality opinion by Justice Barbara Madsen held that the state had articulated a rational basis for prohibiting marriage to lesbian and gay couples: furthering procreation and encouraging families in which children are raised in homes headed by the children's biological parents.

"Equality is a fundamental principle in our society. The Court's refusal to affirm our clients' right to be treated the same as all loving, committed couples is not only sad, it is wrong. And it is definitely not the end of this issue," said Lisa M. Stone, Executive Director of the Northwest Women's Law Center, which, along with Lambda Legal, represents the plaintiffs. "The plurality simply refused to recognize that prohibiting our clients from marrying will not make a difference to opposite sex couples and their families. Our clients and all LGBT families lose by this decision -- and no one gains. Now our efforts will focus on the state Legislature and on the fair-minded people of this state to secure equality for all Washington families."

"We are saddened that the Court has said that my 28-year committed relationship and my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren aren't entitled to the same legal protections and obligations as other Washington families," said plaintiff Beth Reis. Reis and her partner, Barbara Steele, have four children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

Eight couples sued King County in March 2004 for refusing to issue them marriage licenses, challenging the constitutionality of the state's Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), passed in 1998. The case, Andersen et al. v. King County, was consolidated with Castle et al. v. State, the Thurston County case in which 11 plaintiff couples sued Washington state. Judges at the trial courts ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in both cases, recognizing the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case in March 2005.

To obtain a copy of the court's opinion, please visit: http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.rec

Posted by monte at 07:52 PM | Permalink

Andrea Yates Verdict: Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity

The National Alliance on Mental Illness has released the following statement from its executive director, Michael J. Fitzpatrick, commenting on the verdict in the Andrea Yates case in Houston, Texas.

Justice has been served by the finding of a Texas jury today that Andrea Yates is not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) in the tragic deaths of her children five years ago.

Too often, tragedies are only compounded by tragedies. In this case, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) trusts that Andrea Yates will get the treatment she needs in a secure and appropriate psychiatric hospital. Even if she is released at some future point in time, she will likely be subject to continual court monitoring.

Andrea Yates was sick. We praise the jury for recognizing that fact.

NAMI hopes the two trials and ultimate verdict in the case have contributed to a broader public recognition and understanding of severe mental illnesses, particularly postpartum depression, psychosis, hallucinations, and delusions.

NGRI defenses are rarely raised and rarely succeed. The criminal justice system usually is ill-suited to address issues involving mental illness as it tries to impose legal logic on biological irrationality.

Human tragedies must lead not simply to individual trials. Broader inquiries are needed, particularly to determine where the mental healthcare system may have failed prior to those tragedies that do occur.

Whatever else happens to Andrea Yates, her children will have died in vain, unless we as a society address that fundamental concern

Posted by monte at 07:51 PM | Permalink

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