MBN: The Monte Bubbles Network: Your news source on the web

 

 

 

Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne April 8 2006

MBN

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN news

 

BROADCAST NEWS COMING SOON VIA PODCAST

 

 

MONTEBUBBLISM: Why do people feel they have to cheat to win, is winning worth it?

 

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

Spiderman 3 news

EDITORIAL: ESTABLISHED MEDIA VS ONLINE

 

FOR MTV, MOBILE IS THE 'HOLY GRAIL'

BUDDING FILMMAKERS GET THEIR OWN REALITY SHOW

LATEST PLATFORM FOR STORYTELLING: GOOGLE EARTH

TIME INC. LAYS OFF 250

Grip News

Still basically recall prime time broadcast commercials the same way.

MEREDITH VIEIRA to co-host "The Today Show

You CAN Take it With You

Sports & Auto News

 

Oakland & Dodger Baseball

 

DOD

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

Jackson Hewitt to Honor Army Guard Hero

 

NEWS

Southwest Airlines Celebrates Ten Years of 'LUV' in Orlando

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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

 

SPIDERMAN 3 Screen saver and wallpaper now available at Sony.com

 

  

 

 

EDITORIAL

Once again today we ran into the ever growing wall that is forming between established forms of media and the internet.

Never would CNN be asked to show their business license to someone to give them coverage of an event but we were. We have been asked to submit profit and lost statements, number of paid employees, who our investors are and on and on.

We have been to one conference after another where we have been told of the bright future that the internet has before it, how it will reshape the world in news and entertainment.

Unfortunately lines are being drawn in the sand in established companies against online services in their own companies.

In one to be unnamed media giant that has a major online presence we are welcome only to events put on by one portion of the company. In another the online side itself doesn’t want online people covering studio events even though they send out material asking for people to come cover the events.

Pr companies inside themselves are divided whom should be allowed to come to press events, some allow others refuse.

This division is not shrinking but in effect growing larger with each day as the net grows, but how long can there be growth where there is so much division.

William Hoehne

 

 

FOR MTV, MOBILE IS THE 'HOLY GRAIL'

Network Has Become World’s Largest Content Provider for Cell phones

A sign of how important wireless is becoming to content companies, MTV Networks Music President Van Toffler delivered this morning’s keynote address at CTIA Wireless 2006 in Las Vegas. He was joined on stage at the end of the presentation by hip-hop artist LL Cool J, who chimed in on the wireless industry’s importance to the music business.

The short-form nature of wireless, Mr. Toffler said, allows MTV to “go back to our A.D.D. roots to deliver content that we grew up on,” such as music videos and “sharts,” an MTV phrase for short-form animated and live-action video that tells a story in five- to 15-second art breaks (talk about attention-deficit disorder). He talked about using wireless to extend TV programs and brands, to air unique made-for mobile programming and find new revenues in the music industry.

In a relatively short time, MTV Networks has become the world’s largest content provider for mobile phones. It works with 63 providers worldwide and has access to more than a billion cell phones, Mr. Toffler said. In the U.S., it is the first content provider to generate more than 1 million streams in a month on Verizon’s V Cast service.

Later this summer, MTV will introduce a new service that creates mobile communities around user-generated content. He didn’t elaborate in his keynote, but several weeks ago told Advertising Age that MTV plans to allow users to create their own ringtones and other wireless content, which they can then upload to their phones.

“The mobile handset is the holy grail of electronic devices,” he said. While global youth spend $16 billion on music, they spend $106 billion on mobile. Teens rank it more desirable than laptop computers, MP3 players and video-game consoles.

Already, user-generated content is making its way to the phone. Mr. Toffler showed a clip, previously aired at an MTV upfront presentation, of a user-generated music video set to Fallout Boy’s “Sugar We’re Going Down.” It’s a spoof on commonly mistaken song lyrics and MTV found it on the Web. When they contacted Andrew, the New Jersey boy who created it, he hung up on them, since he didn’t believe that MTV was calling him.

“We’re going to do more ‘Videos by Andrew’ on all of our platforms,” Mr. Toffler said.

At CTIA, MTV Networks also announced wireless applications for Comedy Central and VH1 that let users access the network’s content from a hub on their phones -- think video-on-demand for the small screen. Sprint is the first to carrier to offer the service. The two networks also launched made-for-mobile series: VH1’s “A Dingo Ate My Video,” with puppets commenting on music videos, and Comedy Central’s “The Clip Joint,” featuring New York standup comics.

Right now, MTV Network’s U.S. mobile offerings are done through carriers and typically require consumers to foot the bill. But supplying consumers directly with ad-supported mobile content appears inevitable for many advertisers and media companies that want to exploit the relationship consumers have with their phones. It's a touchy subject for companies like MTV, which counts telecoms and wireless carriers as major ad buyers -- it may not want to bite the hand that feeds it by bypassing them to reach consumers.

 

BUDDING FILMMAKERS GET THEIR OWN REALITY SHOW

Winner of Burnett Project Will Get to Work With Steven Spielberg

Consumer-driven content is about to gain the ultimate showcase. Fox has commissioned a new reality show from producer Mark Burnett that gives a prospective filmmaker the chance to direct a movie. The prize? The winner gets to work with Steven Spielberg.

The show, “On The Lot,” will air two nights a week on Fox next season and is a partnership between Mr. Burnett ("Survivor" and "The Apprentice"), Mr. Spielberg, the network and DreamWorks Television.

Most notably, the show will follow the “American Idol” model in which the public gets to determine the winners. Fox will conduct a nationwide “Idol”-type search to come up with a group of 16 contestants. Once the team arrives in Hollywood, one member will be nominated as director the others will help produce. Each week contestants will try a different genre and will then be judged by a panel of industry experts before ultimately being judged by the public. The show is being described as part “Project Greenlight,” which aired on HBO, and part “Project Runway,” a show on the Bravo network.

The show’s twice-a-week broadcast schedule is another strategy borrowed from “Idol.” The first night will be called "The Film Premiere" and the second night "Box Office."

"For me, like any person who wants to be a filmmaker, the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Steven Spielberg is a dream come true," Mr. Burnett said in a statement. The uber reality producer went on to say that "we're going to make an incredible show about looking for the next great filmmaker by mining the growing segment of the public making their own content, and giving them the chance of a lifetime."

Peter Liguori, entertainment president at Fox, said: “In this age of digital cameras, cellphones with cameras and the Internet -- with hundreds of thousands of people creating their own movies at home every day -- the concept of this series is completely relevant, tapping into a cultural phenomenon as it happens."

LATEST PLATFORM FOR STORYTELLING: GOOGLE EARTH

National Geographic, Discovery Marry Pictures, Stories and Video to Online Globe

While there’s still no clear evidence that Google will be monetizing its Google Earth product, the company is busily inking partnerships with media brands such as Discovery Networks and National Geographic to pump up its interactive-map offering into a full-on multimedia educational tool.

The downloadable application, which launched in June, lets users zoom in and fly over 3-D images of buildings and landscapes and tilt and rotate the imagery. In December, Jonathan Rosenberg, Google’s VP-product management, told Ad Age he saw the service as having video-on-demand applications and was ready to welcome partnerships with cable networks. Now those appear to have bloomed.

When a Google Earth zooms in to check out a particular destination, say the Grand Canyon, a Discovery icon will pop up. Clicking on that icon sends a user to a Discovery-hosted video player that with a video about the landmark.

Early on, Google Earth approached National Geographic about creating a layer within Google Earth that would allow users to view National Geographic photos, videos and stories when zooming into a location. If an area has a yellow border, it indicates National Geographic content can be found there.

For instance, in Africa, the society sponsored photographer Mike Fay’s 2004 flyover of the continent. Each entry of Mr. Fay’s accounts and aerial photos of what occurred in that place during the flyover is marked with a red airplane on Google Earth, allowing viewers to follow his journey. The society has plans to even more extensively use Google Earth as a way to keep readers and users abreast of ongoing expeditions through linked blogs, photos, audio reports and video. Mr. Fay, currently in Chad following a herd of Saharan elephants, plans to blog about his trip and upload photos and video to Google Earth.

The Discovery partnership, which went live last night with 40 videos about national parks, will add another 200 links to videos about destinations around the world within six weeks. The arrangement is a purely promotional one for Google Earth. But Discovery is selling pre-roll video advertising on the videos and may, in fact, add transactional opportunities, such as selling branded downloadable audio tours to a particular geographic area or nearby landmark. So, for example, a Google Earth user zooming in on London’s Trafalgar Square may be able to watch a video about the area as well as download an audio guide to the nearby National Gallery. There is no revenue-sharing agreement and the partnership is non-exclusive.

Discovery is in talks with other mapping portals similar to Google Earth and Google is free to add other video-content creators to Earth.

The partnership complements several of Discovery’s upcoming programs, said Don Bher, senior exec VP-strategy and development, such as the fourth-quarter airing of “Discovery Atlas” programs, profiling China, Italy, Brazil and India. “This is about the ability to develop a fluid continuum of conversation [with viewers],” he said.

For Google, it begs the question, Just what is the business purpose behind Google Earth? There are many suppositions—from Google’s mandate to disseminate information to the masses to the more sinister-sounding goal of encouraging users to download Google’s various applications to their desktops so it can better monitor behavior and improve the contextual matching of its advertising.

When asked specifically about the company’s plan for Google Earth during a February interview, Tim Armstrong, Google’s VP-advertising, said: “Google Earth specifically has opened itself out and not from an advertiser standpoint, but from a user-mash-up point of view. ... Google Earth is something that has no specific plan right now for monetization and may never have that. But it’s something that the ad community should be interested in because it’s a wonderful opportunity.”

 

TIME INC. LAYS OFF 250

Time Inc. eliminated another 250 jobs today in its latest, largest and, perhaps, last round of cutbacks. The mid-level and junior-level workers shown the door almost all came from the business side of operations at a long list of titles.

"We do believe this is the vast majority of reductions for the foreseeable future," said Ali Zelenko, a Time Inc. spokeswoman. "As Time Inc. continues to evolve from a magazine publisher to a multiplatform media company, we're continuing to look at our cost base and how to run our business more efficiently and effectively. In doing so, unfortunately, we've had to eliminate a number of positions."

"But it's not just about cost cutting," Ms. Zelenko added. "We are allocating our assets and investing in areas of higher growth."

Under Chairman-CEO Ann S. Moore, Time Inc. has slashed staff since December, when the publisher eliminated about 105 jobs, including those belonging to some of the company's highest-ranking and longest-serving executives. In February, it cut another 100 or so positions, mostly from the editorial side.

While Time Inc.'s employee rolls remain huge -- about 12,000 people work there, down from 13,000 with the cutbacks and the sale of the book group -- the company is reallocating assets to promising areas like Web operations. But new positions will not make up for the jobs already subtracted. The company, for example, is only adding about 50 people to its Web operations this year.

Although the positions eliminated today affected most corners of the publishing side, it also included further reorganization of the public relations team. Positions were consolidated at the entertainment group, which includes People and Entertainment Weekly, and the women's lifestyle and luxury group, which includes Real Simple, In Style, Parenting and Essence.

 

Grip News

For over 36 years, Matthews Studio Equipment has been supplying, inventing and re-inventing high-quality grip and lighting control equipment for all phases of the television and motion picture production industries, be it high-profile feature or television productions in the United States or as far as China, documentaries or music videos that have taken their creators around the world, still photography shoots and more. Their versatile grip equipment fits the needs of the most sophisticated HDTV and film cameras packages as well as the simplest DV or still shoots.

This year, Matthews is proud to announce four new products for the film and video market; Colornetts, Road Flags, Mini Max and a new set of improved Crank stands.

COLORNETT. Fabrics that create shifts in color temperature as light passes through them. A single gold Colornett will lower the Kelvin temperature of the source by 400 degrees, a double 600 degrees. A single silver COLORNETT will raise the Kelvin temperature by 200 degrees, a double 350 degrees. They can be used a standard overhead, created in custom sizes, and serve as scrims to allow certain fixtures to be isolated and color temperature manipulated in that particular instrument.

. Fabrics that create shifts in color temperature as light passes through them. A single gold Colornett will lower the Kelvin temperature of the source by 400 degrees, a double 600 degrees. A single silver COLORNETT will raise the Kelvin temperature by 200 degrees, a double 350 degrees. They can be used a standard overhead, created in custom sizes, and serve as scrims to allow certain fixtures to be isolated and color temperature manipulated in that particular instrument.

MINI MAX. A smaller version of MAX the MENACE ARM, MINI MAX allows the placement of fixtures where the POV does not allow stands or other lighting support. Whether it is a backlight, key light or top light, MINI MAX “flies in” – positions the fixture – and gets out of the way quickly. MINI MAX works well on uneven surfaces, even flights of stairs. MINI MAX’s novel characteristics open new dimensions in lighting techniques for cinematographers and still photographers alike.

. A smaller version of MAX the MENACE ARM, allows the placement of fixtures where the POV does not allow stands or other lighting support. Whether it is a backlight, key light or top light, “flies in” – positions the fixture – and gets out of the way quickly. works well on uneven surfaces, even flights of stairs. ’s novel characteristics open new dimensions in lighting techniques for cinematographers and still photographers alike.

ROADFLAGS. Designed for today’s highly mobile, location shooter. ROADFLAGS offer large surface lighting modification in a convenient easy-to-use portable kit. The “slip on” fabric allows for fast setup and packing, while offering larger fabric sizes to create multiple lighting effects. Shipping is easy, with ROADFLAGS. Not only do they break down to slip into a portable pack, additional fabrics can be sent to remote locations in small air-packs instead of bulky boxes.

. Designed for today’s highly mobile, location shooter. offer large surface lighting modification in a convenient easy-to-use portable kit. The “slip on” fabric allows for fast setup and packing, while offering larger fabric sizes to create multiple lighting effects. Shipping is easy, with . Not only do they break down to slip into a portable pack, additional fabrics can be sent to remote locations in small air-packs instead of bulky boxes.

VATOR IIs. To give grips and gaffers an extra edge, Matthews has redesigned their VATOR family of stands to be more grip friendly. They now have only seven moving parts, a new heavy-duty nickel/chrome protection, and a black powder coated surface, reducing reflection and glare. The loading height has been lowered and the raising and lowering system has been redesigned to eliminate the need for weight on the risers.

. To give grips and gaffers an extra edge, Matthews has redesigned their VATOR family of stands to be more grip friendly. They now have only seven moving parts, a new heavy-duty nickel/chrome protection, and a black powder coated surface, reducing reflection and glare. The loading height has been lowered and the raising and lowering system has been redesigned to eliminate the need for weight on the risers.

“Everything we’ve done this year translated into what our clients need,” says Robert Kulesh, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Matthews. “We’re making our equipment faster and more efficient. Over the years, we’ve learned from experience, what is needed by the industry and have done our best to make our family of products to fit those demands.

“At Matthews, our goal is to provide ‘technology that complements your imagination.”

Still basically recall prime time broadcast commercials the same way.

NEW NETWORK-BACKED RESEARCH STUDY says it doesn't matter whether viewers have a DVR or not -- they still basically recall prime time broadcast commercials the same way. In a study sponsored by the four big networks, New York-based researcher Millward Brown says ad recall and ad recognition is virtually the same among DVR and non-DVR owners. This is the latest in a series of recent research pieces coming from the networks that aim to provide hope that the 30-second commercial is not dead - or at least not that bad when exposed to DVR homes

A key dynamic of the study is something that has been suggested before, says David Poltrack, executive vice president and chief research officer for CBS Corp. and president of CBS Vision, which analyzes emerging technologies and media consumption: "There is [an] amount of attentiveness that is required for fast forwarding, and because many ads run frequently, viewers are generally familiar with those commercials." Millward Brown says DVR users are unlikely to be distracted by activities that consume non-DVR owners.

The study revealed that ad recall and retention was at a 90 index. "It's not a half or a quarter [the recall and retention rate] that was previously thought," said Poltrack. The recall level was consistent across the three categories covered -- Cars, Cell Phones, Fast Food Restaurants --with movie advertising at a slightly higher recall level among DVR owners.

The study findings are backed up by earlier DVR findings -- that DVR owners are heavy TV users and that they tend to be younger. All of which has led to an actual increase of viewership on some shows -- and thus more attention to commercials.

DVR penetration is about 9 percent of U.S. television households, a number that is expected to jump to 18 percent by the end of the year, says Nielsen. Says Poltrack: "Top shows are getting 5 percent more audience. DVRs actually enhance viewership, and now we see there is some commercial value. The debate is -- what is relative value in fast-forward mode versus live mode?"

CBS and Poltrack continue to be adamant that DVR usage be included in some form in the current upfront negotiations.

"While you are playing it back, and fast-forwarding, there is some value," said Poltrack. "We are not going to accept there is no value. It could be some discounted value. I don't think we are going to obtain a specific value prior to the upfront, but we hope to come to agreement in negotiations."

Jo Ann Ross, president of advertising sales for CBS, has said the DVR issue will come down to case-by-case negotiations during the upcoming upfront market, which will start in about six weeks.

MEREDITH VIEIRA to co-host "The Today Show

NBC'S HIRING OF MEREDITH VIEIRA to co-host "The Today Show" is now the next ripple in the wake of Katie Couric's bombshell move to CBS.

Vieira's move has been expected ever since the recent stories about Couric gained momentum. A co-host of "The View" and host of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?," Vieira will start in September. She's expected to give up her role with "The View," but retain her "Millionaire" gig.

The choice for NBC was an easy one--considering Vieira's experience working as a journalist for CBS News and ABC News, and her various other talk show experiences--most recently with "The View." She started at ABC News's in 1993, and later worked for the network "Turning Point" news magazine show as a chief correspondent.

 

You CAN Take it With You

Telephia, a provider of performance measurement information to the mobile industry, reports that roughly three million wireless subscribers in the U.S. streamed TV or played video content on their mobile devices in Q4 2005.

Younger mobile subscribers, age 18-24 have the highest penetration for mobile TV and video usage, securing a 3.3 percent rate, doubling since the beginning of 2005. Overall, men are more likely to stream TV and play video content on their wireless devices than women, showing a penetration rate of 1.8 percent or more than 3.5 million wireless subscribers during Q4 2005. Female mobile subscribers who accessed mobile TV and video content over their handsets had a rate of 1.2 percent in Q4 2005, equaling 2.5 million consumers, according to Telephia.

"During this early adopter stage, audience demographics play a significant role in directing mobile companies how to best develop mobile TV and video content offerings," said Kanishka Agarwal, Vice President of New Products, Telephia.

"The revenue stream for mobile TV and video content is very strong and shows upward promise. The combination of price, quality, diversity of content, and handsets capable of viewing content will be instrumental in the long-term growth," added Agarwal.

The report says that V CAST and MobiTV subscribers spend roughly $40 more per month as compared to non-TV subscribers. During Q4 2005, V CAST and MobiTV subscribers spent an average of $94 in total monthly charges in comparison to non-TV subscribers who had an average total monthly spend of $54.

 

Sports & Auto News

 

Oakland & Dodger Baseball

Oakland 5, Seattle 0 at Safeco Field
Oakland Record: (3-2)


Winning pitcher - Joe Blanton (1-0)
Losing pitcher - Felix Hernandez (0-1)

at Safeco Field (3-2) - Joe Blanton (1-0) - Felix Hernandez (0-1)

 

Los Angeles 5, Philadelphia 3 at Citizens Bank Park
Los Angeles Record: (2-2)


Winning pitcher - Brett Tomko (1-0)
Losing pitcher - Gavin Floyd (0-1)
SV - Danys Baez (2)

at Citizens Bank Park (2-2) - Brett Tomko (1-0) - Gavin Floyd (0-1) - Danys Baez (2)

LAD HR - None None
PHI HR - P. Burrell (2) S. Fasano (1)

None None P. Burrell (2) S. Fasano (1)

DOD

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Daniel L. Sesker, 22, of Ogden, Iowa, died in Bayji, Iraq on April 6, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Sesker was assigned to the Army National Guard's Troop C, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry in LeMars, Iowa

Jackson Hewitt to Honor Army Guard Hero

The first Jackson Hewitt Army National Guard "Heroes of the Year" award honoree, Sgt. Robert Smette of the North Dakota Army National Guard, will be honored in a ceremony at 1 p.m., on Tuesday, April 11 at the Army National Guard Readiness Center, 111 South George Mason Drive in Arlington, Va. Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, the director of the Army National Guard, Michael Lister, president and chief executive officer of Jackson Hewitt, and Smette will be available for interviews. Jackson Hewitt's "Heroes of the Year" award provides the opportunity for military supporters to nominate a loved one, friend or neighbor, who serves in the Army National Guard, for this award. All "heroes" have the chance to have their faces featured on the No. 16 car to be driven by Greg Biffle in a 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race. Journalists need prior clearance to attend this event at the readiness center.

NEWS

Southwest Airlines Celebrates Ten Years of 'LUV' in Orlando

Southwest Airlines celebrates ten successful years serving the Orlando area! Customers traveling today will experience a festive birthday celebration complete with chocolates, caricature artist, prizes, and decorations. Rapid Reward Customers traveling today from Orlando will receive a birthday gift in the form of double Rapid Rewards Bonus Credits. To book travel for your Orlando vacation on Southwest Airlines, visit http://www.southwest.com/jp/res.shtml?src=PR_MCO_040706 "Southwest Airlines is the nation's low-fare leader, and we have been bringing those low fares to Orlando for ten wonderful years," said Greg Wells, Southwest Airline's Senior Vice President of Ground Operations. "We are Florida's largest intrastate carrier, and we couldn't do that without our Orlando-area Customers." Southwest Airlines began service to the Orlando International Airport on April 7, 1996, with 12 daily nonstop departures to seven cities. Today, Southwest operates 92 daily nonstop departures to 28 cities, with direct or connecting service to 26 additional cities. The airline has grown to capture a 19.73 percent market share, which makes it the number one airline in the market. Other noteworthy Orlando statistics: * In the third quarter of 2005 (the latest information from the DOT), Southwest transported more than 1.3 million Customers to or from the Orlando International Airport. * From third quarter 2004 to fourth quarter 2005, Southwest handled more than 5 million Customers at Orlando International Airport. * Orlando is Southwest's 10th busiest airport in terms of daily departures. * Traffic to the original nonstop cities served by Southwest from Orlando increased from 354,700 in fourth quarter 1995 (the quarter before Southwest started service) to 672,700 in fourth quarter 2004, an increase of 89.7 percent. * The average fare to the original nonstop cities served by Southwest from Orlando decreased from $112 in fourth quarter 1995, before Southwest started service in Orlando, to $93 in fourth quarter 2004 -- a decrease of 17 percent. "Our growth in Orlando has been phenomenal, and our 1,618 local Employees deserve the credit," Wells said. "We know it's the power of our People that keep our Customers flying with us, and our Orlando Employees work hard every day to make that happen." Southwest Airlines thanks the people and travelers of Orlando for a great decade and looks forward to many more years of growth and success in the city.

Orlando is a premiere vacation destination for SWA Vacations -- for great deals, go to http://www.swavacations.com . Southwest Airlines, the nation's largest airline in terms of domestic Customers boarded, currently serves 62 cities in 32 states. Southwest currently serves six cities in Florida: Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Ft. Myers/Naples, West Palm Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood. http://www.southwest.com SOURCE

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Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne April 7 2006

MBN

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN news

 

BROADCAST NEWS COMING SOON VIA PODCAST

SPIDERMAN NEW BULLETIN

Saturday April 8th 2006 a Spiderman 3 wallpaer and Screen Saver to be released

MONTEBUBBLISM: I have been asked if I am a natural blond, I will never tell.

 

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

Cingular, MySpace and InfoSpace to Give Unsigned Artists a Cool New Way to Connect With Fans

VH1 Saves the 'Monkey' on Tuesday, April 11 by Airing the First Three Episodes of 'Love Monkey' From 7 P.M. to 10 P.M.

MTV Networks Highlights Success of Short-Form Music Videos, User-Generated Content, Comedy and 'Sharts' on Wireless Platform

Game Developers Conference Launches GDC FOCUS ON: Game Advertising Summit, First in New Series of Mini Conferences

Discovery to Launch U.S. Made-for-Mobile Channel in Third Quarter 2006

DreamWorks Animation Gets Ready to Rock With 'Punk Farm'

VH1 Rock Honors' Will Pay Tribute to KISS, Queen, Def Leppard and Judas Priest Premiering Wednesday, May 31 at 9PM

Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Turner Classic Movies Content Now Available to Verizon Wireless V CAST Customers

THE GUITAR & ACCESSORIES MARKETING ASSOCIATION Affiliates with SupportMusic.com Initiative To Keep Music in Schools

SIGGRAPH 2006 Announces Best of Show Award & Jury Honors for the Computer Animation Festival

Irdeto Showcases Content Security Solutions For Mobile, IPTV and Digital TV at NAB 2006

Blame it on the media.

Spring Issue of Toy Wishes Magazine Hits Newsstands This Week

New ''Horses of Gettysburg'' DVD

NHL to Launch ``My Stanley Cup'' Advertising Campaign

Billion Dollar Opportunity

Lakes Entertainment, Inc. Announces Settlement with Kickapoo Tribe

Penthera Launches Mobile TV Software; Penthera Viewer(TM) provides new revenue opportunities for mobile broadcasters and operators

Clear Channel Radio's Online Unit Chooses Google as Search Engine

National Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2006 Nominees

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R) Commits $135,000 to Smithsonian's

Warner Music and Funcom to Release 'Dreamfall' EP by Magnet

'Hits' Don't Lie ,Actually Hips don’t Lie.

AMP'D MOBILE ANNOUNCES MORE ``FIRSTS'' IN MOBILE ENTERTAINMENT

Full Length DVD Documentary of Hurricane Katrina

HAI Adds to Wireless Security Product Line with Recessed Door

JADOO POWER NAMED FINALIST IN “RED HERRING 100 NORTH AMERICA” AWARDS

China’s government is reining in provincial broadcasters

Samsung has postponed the launch“Blu-ray” disks,

SHANGHAI--China’s sportswear market

VIRTUAL KATY LAUNCHES VK CONFORMER

The recording industry wants a bigger slice of the digital download pie.

.

Apple Computer said on Wednesday that it has released a public beta version of Boot Camp, software that enables Microsoft Windows XP to run natively on Intel-based Macs.

Las Vegas Monorail Shifts into Gear with General Motors Ad Deal

Federal-Mogul's Monosteel(R) Piston Wins 2006 ''Automotive News'' PACE

Dealers' Response Times and Response Quality

 

SPORTS & AUTOS

OAKLAND SCORE

American Formula One Driver Scott Speed's Squadra Piloti Car Club Arrives

Federal-Mogul Sealing Systems Facility Receives Toyota's Excellent Quality Award

All-New Kia Sedona Earns Five Star Safety Rating

Federal-Mogul's Monosteel(R) Piston Wins 2006 ''Automotive News'' PACE

MADD and Nissan Join Forces in Hopes to Raise $2 Million

 

DOD

DoD Identifies Marine and Sailor Casualties

Wounded Troops, Disabled Vets Conquer Mountains at Sports Clinic

Mock Drill to prepare Guard

NEWS

North American Industrial Manufacturing Plants Opening Doors to 26,000 New Jobs

Health Care Expenses Dampen Hiring and Pay Raise Plans

________________________________________

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

 

Cingular, MySpace and InfoSpace to Give Unsigned Artists a Cool New Way to Connect With Fans

Cingular's Mobile Music Studio on MySpace is a free, truly original platform that lets emerging artists create and market their personalized wireless content

Australian Indie Garage Rock Darlings, Shifter, to be First Band to Benefit from Partnership.If music truly is the universal language, then millions of music hopefuls are sure to be talking about the new Cingular Mobile Music Studio available exclusively on MySpace. Announced today at CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment 2006, Cingular's Mobile Music Studio is a first-of-its-kind platform that offers hundreds of thousands of unsigned artists and bands on MySpace the tools needed to turn their self-produced music into ringtones.

As the leading lifestyle portal and social networking community, MySpace has more than one million bands and artists using the site to connect and engage with fans. Together with InfoSpace Inc. , a long-time Cingular partner and a leading provider of mobile content, Cingular's Mobile Music Studio will help these artists generate even more exposure and excitement for their music. The Mobile Music Studio is just one more example of Cingular's leadership in the convergence of wireless and music.

"Music resonates so powerfully with our young customers, which is why we are thrilled to offer them exclusive wireless access to the original tones generated from MySpace artists," said David Garver, executive director, marketing, Cingular Wireless. "The Mobile Music Studio offers incredible exposure for these emerging artists, who already have a MySpace following, by making it possible to have their original music turned into a ringtone and potentially have it played on the wireless handsets of millions of Cingular customers nationwide."

"The discovery of emerging artists by our users and the ability for bands to reach committed fans has always been integral to the MySpace experience. Now, with more than 68 million members and more than one million bands, we are exploring new ways for them to connect. The Mobile Music Studio allows this to happen in a way that seamlessly blends the online and offline experience -- we're thrilled to be part of the program," said Chris DeWolfe, CEO of MySpace.

How the Mobile Music Studio Works

Currently, the Mobile Music Studio is being trialed by approximately 75 unsigned MySpace bands and artists. Through Cingular's Mobile Music Studio, located on a dedicated page on MySpace, these unsigned artists will first be guided through the licensing and production process led by InfoSpace.

"All bands and artists have access to web distribution, especially with communities like MySpace," said Stephen Davis, InfoSpace President of Mobile and Online Media. "What is most significant about this announcement is that Cingular's Mobile Music studio on MySpace provides the natural extension to mobile for some of the best musicians to further showcase their talents."

Once all licensing has been completed, the artists will then be able to upload a short track of their original song, via an audio file, at which time the music content is screened to ensure content is indeed original and appropriate. Upon successful review, the audio file is converted by InfoSpace into a 30-second ringtone. The artists will then be provided a link so their tones can be posted for audio preview and sold on their existing MySpace profile pages. Additionally, Cingular will give these unsigned artists the opportunity to market their ringtone on MySpace. These exclusive ringtones will only be available for download by Cingular customers on Cingular phones.

Mobile Music Studio in Action

The first unsigned band to participate in the Mobile Music Studio trial is Shifter, an up-and-coming rock band from Australia currently breaking in to the U.S. marketplace. Currently using their MySpace profile page to promote their five-song CD, titled "Shifter," the band hopes to extend its fan reach by leveraging Cingular's Mobile Music Studio.

"This is a huge opportunity for us, and we're really excited to be the first MySpace artist actually using Cingular's Mobile Music Studio to create a ringtone of our song, 'Butter,'" said Michael Nason, lead singer of Shifter. "It's just really cool to think about millions of people potentially purchasing and downloading your music as a ringtone. We're always looking for new, creative ways to get more exposure for our music, particularly in the U.S. Releasing a ringtone through Cingular and MySpace is a great way to make this happen."

Digital content from Shifter's self titled debut CD is available now on Boar Records/spinArt Records.

Cingular, MySpace and InfoSpace expect to roll out the Mobile Music Studio nationally later this spring. For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/cingularstudio

About Cingular Wireless

Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving 54.1 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between AT&T Inc., formerly SBC Communications Inc., and BellSouth Corporation has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation -- the ALLOVER(TM) network -- and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is a leader in third generation wireless technology. Its 3G network is the first widely available service in the world to use HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover(R), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com/.

About MySpace.com

MySpace is the premier lifestyle portal for connecting with friends and discovering popular culture. By integrating web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming, music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, college communities and user forums, MySpace has created a connected community. As the second ranked web domain in terms of page views*, MySpace.com is the most widely-used and highly regarded site of its kind. With more than 68 million members, MySpace is committed to providing the highest quality user experience and will continue to innovate with new features that allow its users to express their creativity and share their lives, both online and off.

About InfoSpace

InfoSpace, Inc. drives mobile media innovation. With one of the world's largest mobile content libraries, InfoSpace makes it easy for consumers to discover, personalize and enjoy their on-the-go experiences. The company uses its superior discovery, merchandising and technology capabilities to help facilitate the delivery of original and licensed content across hundreds of mobile devices and through multiple channels.

InfoSpace also mobilizes brands and creates programming and revenue opportunities for mobile operators. The company's products and services have extensive reach in North America and Europe through carriers such as Cingular Wireless, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and Virgin Mobile; in partnership with world-class brands such as Cablevision and Fox News; and through online Web sites such as Dogpile (Dogpile.com), which showcase the company's leading metasearch technology and key advertising partnerships with companies like Google, Yahoo!, Verizon SuperPages and Yellowpages.com. More information can be found at http://www.infospaceinc.com/.

Source: Cingular Wireless

Web site: http://www.myspace.com/cingularstudio
http://www.cingular.com/
http://www.myspace.com/
http://www.comscore.com/

VH1 Saves the 'Monkey' on Tuesday, April 11 by Airing the First Three Episodes of 'Love Monkey' From 7 P.M. to 10 P.M.

Five More Episodes, Never Before Seen, Will Premiere Exclusively on VH1 Every Tuesday Night at 9 P.M. Beginning April 18th The people spoke and VH1 listened ... "Love Monkey" has found a new home on VH1. The hour long dramedy from CBS starring Tom Cavanagh will begin airing on VH1 starting Tuesday, April 11 with three back to back episodes beginning at 7 P.M.*. The five remaining, never before seen episodes will premiere every Tuesday at 9 P.M.* beginning April 18.

In this scripted series, Tom Cavanagh plays "Tom Farrell," a 30-something record executive navigating a career, romance and the surprises of everyday life. He finds himself burdened by the pressures of working in a highly commercialized industry when he's actually, truly in it for the music.

Tom's group of close friends are always there to back him up and keep him grounded. Judy Greer plays the role of "Bran," Tom's best girlfriend who always tells it like it is, Jason Priestley plays his buddy "Mike" who happens to be married to Tom's pregnant sister "Karen" played by Katherine LaNasa and Larenz Tate is Tom's tough and quick-witted friend, "Shooter." Christopher Wiehl plays Tom's closeted gay best friend "Jake" who is a former baseball player turned sportscaster and Ivana Milicevic is "Julia," Tom's unflappable co-worker and love interest.

Young rising star and songwriting prodigy Teddy Geiger plays a regular role as "Wayne," an up and coming artist signed to Tom's record label. Music performances and guest appearances include James Blunt, LeAnn Rimes, Natasha Bedingfield, Ben Folds, Aimee Mann, the "Late Show with David Letterman's" Paul Shaffer and more.

"'Love Monkey' has found a perfect home at VH1," said Tom Calderone, Executive Vice President and General Manager, VH1. "The storyline is tailor made for the VH1 audience who enjoys stories and appreciates music from up- and-coming artists that are featured in the series, many of whom were introduced on VH1, including Teddy Geiger."

For more on "Love Monkey," viewers can go online to http://www.vh1.com/.

"Love Monkey" is produced by Bayahibe films, Ltd. / Thirtyfour Films, Inc. and CBS Paramount Network Television in association with Sony Pictures Television.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 87 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array for digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH Uno and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at http://www.vh1.com/.

VSPOT at VH1.com (http://vspot.vh1.com/) offers distinct channels of original and exclusive music and pop culture programming that allows VH1's upscale adult audience to take VH1 with them wherever they go. Leading with music programming, VSPOT offers thousands of music videos, artist interviews, live events coverage, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive in-studio performances from artists like The White Stripes and INXS. Users can also watch VSPOT originals, movie clips and trailers, and VH1 shows like "The Surreal Life" and "Hogan Knows Best" on VSPOT.

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

* all times ET/PT

 

Source: VH1

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

MTV Networks Highlights Success of Short-Form Music Videos, User-Generated Content, Comedy and 'Sharts' on Wireless Platform

LL Cool J Makes Surprise Appearance, Joins MTV Networks Music Group President Van Toffler at CTIA Wireless 2006 Keynote For Month of March, MTV Networks Serves Up 2.5 Million Wireless Video Streams, an All-time High

In his keynote address at CTIA Wireless 2006, MTV Networks Music Group President Van Toffler highlighted the appeal of short-form video from the MTV, VH1, CMT, COMEDY CENTRAL, Logo and Spike TV brands on the wireless platform, which he called a "rich, creative medium" for new and emerging talent to connect with and cultivate new audiences. To underscore that point, Toffler welcomed surprise guest, Def Jam recording artist LL Cool J, to the stage. LL offered an advance look at an upcoming episode of MTV's "Life & Rhymes," which chronicles his life as an artist and is set to debut April 10 on MTV, MTV's broadband channel "Overdrive," and on MTV Mobile.

Audiences have increasingly embraced MTV Networks' diverse array of mobile programming. For the month of March, MTV Networks streamed nearly 2.5 million videos cross-carrier, an all-time high, Toffler reported, adding that the number is growing by nearly 40 percent month-to-month for the first three months of 2006.

"Our audience is responding in droves to our mobile programming," Toffler said. "They have a personal relationship with our brands and they increasingly want to consume our content on the handset, the new 'holy grail' of electronic devices."

LL Cool J echoed that sentiment, adding: "The mobile phone helps me establish closer ties with my fans, connect with new ones and hopefully inspire everyone I touch through my music. The cell phone -- which has become the accessory for today's young adults -- is one way that helps me reach them."

Among the varied types of mobile programming driving audience consumption are music videos, comedy segments, user-generated content, scenes from television shows, 'after shows' developed exclusively for mobile, never- before-seen outtakes, and short art breaks, also known as "sharts," featuring animated and live-action segments. In many respects, the burgeoning mobile platform is a return to MTV Networks' early roots, when MTV gained significant notoriety for the five- and 15-second art breaks created by brilliant, young talent and which lived between the music videos.

For the MTVN Music Group, which encompasses the CMT, MTV and VH1 brands, three types of programming -- extensions of on-air franchises; made-for-mobile episodes; and music -- are all performing well on the mobile platform.

-- Extensions of On-air Franchises

-- VH1's 'Flavor of Love,' the most successful show in that channel's

history, was also the most popular VH1 Mobile content in February

and March.

-- 'Web Junk 20,' also on VH1 and VH1 Mobile, ushered in the

user-generated era to TV and simultaneously to mobile phones.

-- CMT recently debuted 100 clips for the hit series 'Cowboy U,' the

original reality series now in its sixth season.

-- Made-for-Mobile Programming

-- MTV will showcase a 20-year-old college student's visual

interpretation using stick figures based on the lyrics of Fall Out

Boy's "Sugar We're Going Down," representing original user-generated

content.

-- VH1 is debuting 'Dingo Ate My Video,' a made-for-mobile series

that combines VH1's comedic voice with music videos from a wide

range of artists, including Green Day, Missy Elliot, Jewel and

others.

-- And CMT soon will debut a made-for-mobile reality series called

'Road Hammers' about a southern rock/blues band trying to make it

in the music business.

-- Music

-- Labels and artists like LL Cool J increasingly are embracing the

mobile platform to connect with fans and institute new marketing

paradigms.

-- The Arctic Monkey's new video, "I Bet You Look Good on the

Dancefloor," made its debut on: mtvU, MTV's network for college

students; mtvU's Uber broadband network; mtvU.com and mtvU

wireless.

-- The approach mirrored a similar one taken by VH1 last fall, which

debuted "Te Amo Corazon," the new Prince single, on VH1, VH1's

VSPOT broadband channel, and VH1 Mobile. The Prince debut marked

the world's first-ever multimedia, multiplatform worldwide

exclusive premiere.

-- Prior to releasing her latest single and album, Madonna

distributed an exclusive ringtone for "Hung Up," on MTV Mobile and

VH1 Mobile.

-- CMT Mobile has premiered nearly a dozen full-length music videos

through its 'UNCORKED' franchise from such artists as Dolly

Parton, Billy Joe Shaver and Neil Young.

Among the other news MTV Networks is announcing this week:

-- Spike TV is delivering the Ultimate Fighting Championship's(R)

'Ultimate Fight Night(TM) Live' to Amp'd Mobile subscribers tonight.

This represents the first time the live sporting event is being

simulcast to both mobile devices and to television subscribers.

-- COMEDY CENTRAL and VH1 on Tuesday announced plans for the launch of

COMEDY CENTRAL's "Take Out" and VH1 Mobile's "Pocket VH1," preeminent

applications that enable mobile users to access the networks' content

from a centrally located hub on their wireless devices. Beginning in

May, COMEDY CENTRAL's "Take Out" and VH1 Mobile's "Pocket VH1"

applications will be available cross-carrier. Sprint will be the first

carrier to launch both applications and will offer them exclusively for

four weeks on select Sprint phones.

-- COMEDY CENTRAL on Monday introduced "The Clip Joint," a made-for-mobile

program featuring some of New York's top stand-up comics -- including

Aziz Ansari and Jessi Klein among others -- doing their best

alternative material in front of a live audience.

-- Logo, MTV Networks' channel for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender

viewers, on Monday announced the world's first LGBT portable

entertainment service with 'LOGOmotion' on Amp'd Mobile. Viewers can

now watch such hits as 'Noah's Arc' on their handsets.

MTV Networks' success in programming for the wireless platform is a result of the company's strategic commitment to developing content for all screens. "The wireless platform is as important to us as television and computer screens," Toffler said. "As soon as we start developing a new concept, we think beyond the television. We think of how that idea can live on broadband and mobile."

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom , 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 Networks

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

Game Developers Conference Launches GDC FOCUS ON: Game Advertising Summit, First in New Series of Mini Conferences

Publishers, Developers, Marketing Executives and Agency Professionals to Explore Best Practices for Incorporating In-Game Advertising Into Future Marketing Plans

CMP Game Group, host of the industry-leading Game Developers Conference (GDC), turns the focus to in-game marketing with GDC FOCUS ON: Game Advertising Summit, to be held June 9, 2006 at the San Francisco Marriott. The summit will be the first GDC FOCUS ON event and part of a series of mini conferences each dedicated to a significant sector or trend in the video game industry. The Game Advertising Summit will gather key players from both the video game and advertising sectors to explore the viability of the in-game advertising space.

GDC FOCUS ON: Game Advertising Summit will provide objective, real-time data and insights on the potential investment value garnered from in-game advertising campaigns. Representatives from all segments of the market who drive this new marketing medium will come together to outline the opportunities and challenges inherent to in-game advertising and investigate the best ways of executing such campaigns. The event will close with networking opportunities.

"Our new 'GDC FOCUS ON' series will allow attendees to utilize GDC's vast resources to dissect the most topical issues the game industry is wrestling with and provide a deeper analysis on key subjects," said Neil Kent, Regional Events Director, CMP Media. "The Game Advertising Summit will examine the realities of in-game advertising for both the video game and advertising communities. At the end of the day, both constituents will have a deeper understanding of what this new medium has to offer and if it should be included in their future business plans."

The GDC FOCUS ON: Game Advertising Summit sessions include:

* A keynote by Kevin Browne, General Manager, Xbox New Media and

Franchise Development, Microsoft Corp., addressing important questions,

including how to capture the opportunities in-game advertising offers

while enhancing gamers' experience of the medium

* A session of analysts, including representatives from Jupiterresearch,

Bear Stearns, and Parks Associates, who will look at facts and stats

that affect business decisions to implement in-game advertising

* A panel of top advertising agency executives exploring the corporate

inclination to use video games as a new medium for messaging

* A developer briefing with Electronic Arts' Executive Producer Kudo

Tsunoda

* A discussion on current experiences and expectations for the future,

featuring a panel of publishers such as Midway's Director of In-Game

Ads and Promotions, Sarah McIlroy, Activision's Senior Director of

Business Development, Dave Anderson, and THQ's Director of Global Brand

Management, Dave Miller. The panel will be moderated by Simon Carless,

Editorial Director, CMP Game Group

* A discussion to differentiate each network providers' solutions,

including technical boundaries and why now is the time for in-game

advertising, featuring Double Fusion board member and spokesperson, Jon

Epstein, and Massive Inc. CEO, Mitch Davis

* A research perspective on the challenges and potential solutions for

creating a universally accepted currency for in-game advertising,

presented by Nielsen's Interactive Entertainment Vice President, Emily

Della Maggiora

Other GDC FOCUS ON events to take place this year include:

Game Development Services in LOS ANGELES, JULY 2006

Game Advertising Summit in NEW YORK CITY, SEPT 2006

Casual Games in SEATTLE, DECEMBER 2006

For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, please visit http://www.gdcfocuson.com/ and http://www.gdcfocuson.com/gameadvertising.

About the CMP Game Group

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

About CMP Media

Through its market-leading portfolio of trusted information brands in the technology, healthcare and lifestyles industries, CMP Media has earned the confidence of more professionals and enthusiasts in these fields than any other media company. As a result, CMP is the premier provider of access, insight and actionable programs designed to connect sellers and buyers in each of these industries in ways that yield superior return on investment. CMP Media is a subsidiary of United Business Media (http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/), a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $3 billion.

Source: CMP Game Group

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

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

Web site: http://www.gdcfocuson.com/gameadvertising

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

Discovery to Launch U.S. Made-for-Mobile Channel in Third Quarter 2006

Discovery Communications today announced plans to launch Discovery Mobile, a 24-hour mobile programming network featuring original content from across Discovery's core program genres, such as science, technology, travel, health, animals and nature. Launching in the third quarter of 2006, Discovery Mobile is designed and programmed specifically for portable platforms, and not simply a feed of a linear TV channel.

"Discovery is a natural to be a leader in mobile," said Don Baer, Senior Executive Vice President for Strategy and Development, Discovery Communications. "Whether it is viewing a short program about a city you are visiting, learning the latest in science news or the truth behind an urban myth, Discovery Mobile will let our most passionate viewers take our useful and entertaining knowledge-based content with them wherever they go."

Updated weekly, Discovery Mobile's programming format will consist of content segments ranging in length from 30 seconds to four minutes, categorized into 20-minute blocks. Using an innovative production model, Discovery Mobile, a dedicated mobile network, will push content to consumers such as original made-for-mobile series, abbreviated versions of Discovery's most popular programs, never before seen footage, one-of-a-kind extras and user-generated content. Discovery Mobile will be targeted to a younger demographic, users ages 15-39, the heaviest consumers of wireless content and services. The channel's programming will be of the same high quality as traditional linear Discovery content, however geared to this younger core of users.

Programs range from Discovery Channel's SURVIVORMAN and MYTHBUSTERS and Science Channel's DISCOVERIES THIS WEEK, to TLC's WHAT NOT TO WEAR, Travel Channel's ANTHONY BOURDAIN: NO RESERVATIONS and Discovery's Health Channel's DR. DREW, to name a few.

The launch of Discovery Mobile builds on Discovery's strong foundation of success in the international mobile marketplace. Discovery Mobile is available in seven countries: France, Sweden, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Domestically, Discovery also has partnerships with MobiTV where Discovery and TLC are both ranked among its top 10 channels. The company also has a global partnership with Nokia, which carries customized Discovery content on its newest and most sophisticated devices.

The announcement is part of an overall set of multiplatform business initiatives unveiled today at Discovery's Upfront sales presentation in New York. In addition to Discovery Mobile, the company is making its world-class video content available on Google Earth, Google's satellite imagery-based mapping product and will launch Discovery's first 24/7 broadband channels, Discovery Channel Beyond and Travel Channel Beyond. The announcements demonstrate Discovery's aggressive activity in the multiplatform marketplace both in launching new services and working with strategic partners in the new media space, to make its high-quality, informative and entertaining content available to consumers wherever they are.

Discovery Communications, Inc.

Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in 170 countries and territories with nearly 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 27 network entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Espanol, Discovery Kids en Espanol, Discovery HD Theater, FitTV, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir), Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Real Time. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company , Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.

 

Source: Discovery Communications, Inc.

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

DreamWorks Animation Gets Ready to Rock With 'Punk Farm'

DreamWorks Animation today announced that they have just acquired the rights to develop and produce the computer-animated feature "Punk Farm," inspired by Jarrett J. Krosoczka's popular children's book of the same name. The story was developed by producer Kevin Messick and writer Jim Hecht, the latter of whom most recently co-wrote the animated hit "Ice Age: The Meltdown."

"Punk Farm" tells the story of a group of farm animals -- a sheep, a chicken, a pig, a goat and a cow -- who form an underground rock band. The film will chronicle their journey as they follow their dreams to make their mark as a band and perform at the first-ever animal band music festival: LIVESTOCK.

Messick will serve as executive producer and Hecht will write the screenplay. They will also share story credit on the film. DWA's head of development Kristine Belson shepherded the deal and will oversee the project.

In making the announcement, DWA's Head of Creative Development and Production, Bill Damaschke, stated, "The whole idea behind 'Punk Farm' is new and fresh, and truly something that lends itself perfectly to becoming a CG comedy. Jim and Kevin both have a keen sense for comedy and storytelling, and we're happy to have their talents behind this project."

Messick said, "I loved Jarrett Krosoczka's children's book; it captured my imagination as something that could be a terrific music-driven animated movie. When I approached Jim about getting involved, we both loved the idea of this group of farm animals with the rebellious spirit of punk rock. We are thrilled that the project has landed at DreamWorks -- and my five-year-old son couldn't be more excited that his dad is working with the studio behind 'Shrek.'"

Jim Hecht co-wrote the screenplay for "Ice Age: The Meltdown," which recently enjoyed a successful opening at the box office. The film marked his first produced feature film screenplay, although he has written for television.

Kevin Messick most recently served as producer on the film "A Lot Like Love," which starred Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet. Messick is currently developing several projects, including "Who's Your Mama," for 20th Century Fox; "One Shot," based on the best-selling books by Lee Child, which he is producing with Cruise Wagner Productions for Paramount Pictures; and "Black Hole," based on the comic book series by Charles Burns, which he is producing with Plan B and MTV Films, also for Paramount Pictures.

About DreamWorks Animation SKG

DreamWorks Animation SKG is devoted to producing high-quality family entertainment through the use of computer-generated (CG) animation. Utilizing world-class creative talent and state-of-the-art technological capabilities, the company is committed to making two computer-animated feature films a year that appeal to a broad movie-going audience.

Source: DreamWorks Animation

 

'VH1 Rock Honors' Will Pay Tribute to KISS, Queen, Def Leppard and Judas Priest Premiering Wednesday, May 31 at 9PM*

VH1 debuts the first ever show to pay homage to the legends who influenced the sound of hard rock with the first annual "VH1 Rock Honors." This year's celebration will honor the music and influence of KISS, Queen, Def Leppard and Judas Priest. Additional performers, presenters, and special guests will be announced as they are confirmed.

Premiering on Wednesday, May 31 at 9PM*, "VH1 Rock Honors," will be taped at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Thursday, May 25. The 2 - hour tribute will salute the groundbreaking bands of rock, the once in a lifetime events and the influential people who made a lasting mark on the history of hard rock.

The influence of these honorees will be felt through spoken tributes, filmed packages and performances by some of today's hottest rock acts as well as the legends themselves.

Tickets will go on sale Saturday, April 22nd via http://www.ticketmaster.com/ and at all Ticketmaster outlets or in Las Vegas by going directly to the Mandalay Bay Box Office or by calling 877-632-7400 or 702-632-7580. For VIP Tickets Contact VH1 Save The Music at 212-846-7882 or rsvp@vh1.com.

For more information go to http://www.vh1.com/ and check soon for interactive honoree profiles, exclusive programming, show information and more.

"VH1 Rock Honors" is sponsored by Verizon Wireless, Aquafina, Crest(R) Whitening Plus Scope(R) Extreme, TACO BELL(R), Pantene(R) Pro-V(R), Nationwide Insurance, Degree for Men, Listerine Whitening Pre-Brush Rinse.

"VH1 Rock Honors" is executive produced by Lee Rolontz and Rick Krim for VH1 and Greg Sills and Paul Flattery for Choe Productions.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 87 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH Uno and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at http://www.vh1.com/.

Mandalay Bay Events Center continues its tradition as one of the world's premier entertainment venues in the world. The 12,000-seat multi-purpose Events Center has hosted championship boxing events including De La Hoya vs. Trinidad and Vargas vs. Mosley. The Events Center also has been the home to sold-out concert audiences for such performers as Bette Midler, Kenny Chesney, Van Halen, The Eagles, Britney Spears, Andrea Bocelli and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Live televised events have included the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMA), Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Finals and Brian Boitano's Skating Spectacular.

Source: VH1

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

Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Turner Classic Movies Content Now Available to Verizon Wireless V CAST Customers

From CTIA Wireless 2006, Verizon Wireless and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.) today announced that V CAST customers can view content from Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) on their V CAST- enabled phones.

Drawing from the world's largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network will provide V CAST customers with video content from the network's original series, including The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, The Powerpuff Girls, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Codename: Kids Next Door and Dexter's Laboratory.

V CAST customers who want to view edgy animated comedy and action series can download content from Adult Swim, Cartoon Network's late night sister service with content from original productions, including The Venture Bros., Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Sealab 2021 and Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law.

In addition, V CAST customers can continue to access CNN video-on-demand clips from Now in the News (updated hourly), as well as additional programming offered from categories including Top Stories, Business News, Sports, Politics and Entertainment.

"We are pleased to bring Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, TCM and CNN to Verizon Wireless V CAST customers," said Dennis Quinn, executive vice president, business development, TBS, Inc. "This agreement extends our popular brands and enhances the consumers' viewing experience by reaching them on multiple platforms."

"Cartoon Network and Adult Swim programming has translated very well on many levels," said Jim Samples, executive vice president and general manager for Cartoon Network Worldwide. "We are thrilled to have our programs distributed on Verizon Wireless' V CAST service, allowing our viewers another opportunity to catch some of their favorite shows."

"Through this arrangement, TCM will be able to deliver top-quality movie entertainment through an innovative programming platform that reaches viewers beyond the normal television viewing experience," said Tom Karsch, executive vice president and general manager for TCM. "This strategy, in turn, allows the network to broaden its appeal to a wider audience."

V CAST from Verizon Wireless allows customers to view video clips from the hottest names in entertainment, news, sports and more in the palms of their hands. V CAST is currently available to more than 150 million Americans and runs on Verizon Wireless' broadband network, the most robust, award-winning wireless broadband network in the nation.

To get V CAST from Verizon Wireless, customers simply equip their V CAST-enabled phones with a V CAST VPak subscription for $15.00 monthly access added to their Verizon Wireless calling plan. Unlimited basic video clips are included, but application download fees apply for 3D games and premium video. V CAST is available in the V CAST coverage area.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

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

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 51.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone ). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Source: Verizon Wireless

 

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

THE GUITAR & ACCESSORIES MARKETING ASSOCIATION Affiliates with SupportMusic.com Initiative To Keep Music in Schools

 

Long Island City, NY April 5, 2006 – The Guitar & Accessories Marketing Association has affiliated with SupportMusic.com, the Music Education Coalition’s initiative and the source of information for the largest online effort ever in support of music programs. This affiliation brings GAMA into a valuable network that seeks to advance the coalition’s advocacy mission to keep music strong in schools across the country.

www.SupportMusic.com is the source of information for the largest initiative ever launched in support of school music programs. Dedicated to inspiring action to support music education in the United States, the initiative offers resources that empower parents to act locally. The initiative was launched by the Music Education Coalition, an entity formed by the International Music Products Association (NAMM) and the National Association for Music Education (MENC). GAMA has enjoyed working relationships with the partners of NAMM and MENC for several years, having launched its most successful program, the Summer Guitar Workshops, in conjunction with both organizations. The popular workshops are taught at locations all around the country with teachers learning how to teach and start guitar programs in their schools.

is the source of information for the largest initiative ever launched in support of school music programs. Dedicated to inspiring action to support music education in the United States, the initiative offers resources that empower parents to act locally. The initiative was launched by the Music Education Coalition, an entity formed by the International Music Products Association (NAMM) and the National Association for Music Education (MENC). GAMA has enjoyed working relationships with the partners of NAMM and MENC for several years, having launched its most successful program, the Summer Guitar Workshops, in conjunction with both organizations. The popular workshops are taught at locations all around the country with teachers learning how to teach and start guitar programs in their schools.

“No one can deny the power of a strong music education, which is an essential part of the learning process,” said Robert Sulkow, Director of GAMA. Sulkow, who also serves as Director for NABIM, which seeks to further music education by encouraging instrumental music participation, added, “We are thrilled to join this growing coalition and the noble fight to have music instruction remain as an important priority in every school.”

SupportMusic coalition affiliates, GAMA and over 90 other organizations, are part of a national task force devoted to ensuring that every child has access to music as part of a quality education. Coalition members are resources for one another across the country as they strategize to defend and save failing and at-risk music and arts programs in the nation’s classrooms. Strategies include monthly conference calls with the entire coalition, a call for collective grassroots community efforts wherever the need arises and the sharing of experience and ideas that form the best strategies.

Parents and other interested community members know from experience that music is all too often the first to be sacrificed from the education curriculum, even though a recent Harris Poll revealed that 93 percent of Americans agree that the arts are vital to providing a well-rounded education for children.

GAMA understands what’s at stake and has been a leader in shining the spotlight on this vital issue and the thrill of guitar-playing, producing some of the industry’s most exciting events, including "International Guitar Month" (IGM), a national program held every April.

About SupportMusic.com

SupportMusic.com is a public service initiative that represents close to seven million individuals who seek to critically impact the resolve and support for music education in local communities around the United States. SupportMusic.com is an advocacy effort that unites over 90 national and regional affiliates with parents and community leaders seeking to improve access and opportunity in music and arts learning. Primarily configured as a website, but also as an ad hoc consortium of concerned individuals and organizations, SupportMusic.com provides tools for grassroots advocacy, promotes messages about the importance of music and the arts as part of learning and disseminates research that substantiates their vital role. To find out how to help keep music in schools log onto www.SupportMusic.com.

About Guitar & Accessories Marketing Association (GAMA)

GAMA is comprised of guitar and guitar accessory manufacturers and various consumer magazines. The association has worked to expand the guitar industry for over 50 years and is dedicated to making sure its members are always a step ahead of the competition. To help its members identify industry trends and know where to concentrate their efforts, GAMA makes new industry sales data available each year. Members also participate in meetings and receive periodic newsletters that contain vital information designed to give them the industry edge. For more information please visit www.discoverguitar.com.

About NAMM

The International Music Products Association, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization’s popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $16 billion global musical instruments and products industry. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,000 Member companies.

Apr 05, 2006 17:02

SIGGRAPH 2006 Announces Best of Show Award & Jury Honors for the Computer Animation Festival

SIGGRAPH today announced the Computer Animation Festival's Best of Show Award and Jury Honors winners for SIGGRAPH 2006, the 33rd International Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, being held 30 July through 3 August 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Computer Animation Festival jury selected two award winners from 726 entries for exemplary use of computer-generated imagery and animation, and compelling storytelling.

The SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival is an internationally recognized event that engages and inspires artists and technologists alike. Each year, it serves as a mirror of what is possible today and a window into what can be achieved in the future. Terrence Masson is the SIGGRAPH 2006 Computer Animation Festival chair from Digital Fauxtography Inc.

The winners are:

One Rat Short (Best of Show)

Alex Weil

Charlex

United States

A gripping film that follows a New York City rat from his gritty world to the interior of a futuristic laboratory. Along this journey our main character discovers love, danger, and his fate.

"This piece immediately stood out to the Jury for many reasons," said Masson. "The film's emotional tone, cinematography, and technical realization all melded wonderfully into a simple yet touching short film. Repeatedly, the two lead characters transfixed our gaze with extreme close-ups, and we instantly wondered what they were thinking. Our ability to clearly empathize with the main characters' desires is one of the film's single greatest achievements."

Thoughts From the Artist:

"Inspired by the melancholic and innocent spirit of The Red Balloon, the original goal of the film was to grow the company's CG department - however it quickly grew into so much more. The scenes take place in two worlds - one gritty and so dark that the viewer needs to peer into the screen to make out the images. In contrast, the second world is sterile, white, and so brightly lit that the viewer feels the need to turn away from the screen. One of our goals was to keep the scenes as real as possible by using camera work that provided a 'hand-held' feel to keep behind the action so the scenes did not seem staged. Further, perhaps our most important goal was to create a simple, yet riveting piece that was full of heart."

458nm (Special Jury Honors)

Jan Bitzer, Ilija Brunck, Tom Weber

Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg

Germany

 

Irdeto Showcases Content Security Solutions For Mobile, IPTV and Digital TV at NAB 2006

Industry experts available to discuss current security and piracy issues
Irdeto, the proven expert in content security for Digital TV, IPTV and mobile and a subsidiary of the multinational media group Naspers will offer live demonstrations of its latest content security solutions at booth SU793 during NAB in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 24-27, 2006.

Irdeto will highlight SoftClient, the company's software-based IPTV security solution. This demo focuses on the trust management and node-locking features as part of a full end-to-end conditional access solution, incorporating major components of broadcast TV, VOD services, middleware and content security.

The Irdeto IPTV solution offers a choice of a secure software client or a physical smart card with patented over-the-air update technology, providing operators with a full range of options to suit any system architecture. This product demo will feature four operating systems on one machine to display Irdeto's M-Crypt encryption, IP scrambling with Kasenna VOD and Minerva middleware.

In addition, visitors to the booth can see the Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld (DVB-H) free-to-air demo from Thales. It includes content distribution over DVB-H on a Sagem handset, and ESG and service management on a Qtek smartphone device with an external DVB-H receiver.
Other demonstrations include HD content streaming over IP and DVB, a self-contained demo of the UEC PVR with recorded content and two innovative mobile demos over S-DMB and T-DMB networks.

Graham Kill, CEO and Doug Lowther, VP of marketing at Irdeto, will be available to discuss new mobile, digital and IPTV content security solutions. They will also highlight the importance and advantages to operators and broadcasters of securing premium content as a basis for implementing new business models and boosting revenues.

Industry experts available to discuss current security and piracy issues Irdeto, the proven expert in content security for Digital TV, IPTV and mobile and a subsidiary of the multinational media group Naspers will offer live demonstrations of its latest content security solutions at booth SU793 during NAB in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 24-27, 2006.Irdeto will highlight SoftClient, the company's software-based IPTV security solution. This demo focuses on the trust management and node-locking features as part of a full end-to-end conditional access solution, incorporating major components of broadcast TV, VOD services, middleware and content security. The Irdeto IPTV solution offers a choice of a secure software client or a physical smart card with patented over-the-air update technology, providing operators with a full range of options to suit any system architecture. This product demo will feature four operating systems on one machine to display Irdeto's M-Crypt encryption, IP scrambling with Kasenna VOD and Minerva middleware.In addition, visitors to the booth can see the Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld (DVB-H) free-to-air demo from Thales. It includes content distribution over DVB-H on a Sagem handset, and ESG and service management on a Qtek smartphone device with an external DVB-H receiver. Other demonstrations include HD content streaming over IP and DVB, a self-contained demo of the UEC PVR with recorded content and two innovative mobile demos over S-DMB and T-DMB networks.Graham Kill, CEO and Doug Lowther, VP of marketing at Irdeto, will be available to discuss new mobile, digital and IPTV content security solutions. They will also highlight the importance and advantages to operators and broadcasters of securing premium content as a basis for implementing new business models and boosting revenues.

Blame it on the media.

We are conducting an ongoing, uncontrolled experiment on this generation in terms of media exposure and potential future behavioral and physical consequences, and it seems unopposed by the media industry and most parents.”

— Donald Shifrin, American Academy of Pediatrics

Blame it on the media.

Last week, the U.S. Senate took critical aim at violent video games. This week, the medical community is releasing a stack of studies linking TV and video games to a host of modern ills among America’s youth, including obesity, sexual activity, consumerism and antisocial behavior.

“Media need to be recognized as a major public health issue … as they are among the most profound influences on children in this country,” researchers Dimitri A. Christakis and Frederick J. Zimmerman write in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

New research is needed because kids today are saturated with media that weren’t available 20 years ago, these experts say.

So it may be time to slap a warning sticker on the family television. Researchers this week called the nation’s mass media a public health issue that urgently needs to be addressed. To make their point, they released study after study that links TV and other media to obesity, sexual activity and other problems among children. The studies appear in the journals Pediatrics and Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

 

■ African-American children are heavily exposed to commercials for junk food. After-school programming on Black Entertainment Television ran more advertising for fast foods, sugary drinks and snacks than The WB or the Disney Channel.

■ The more TV that third- and fourth-graders watched, the more frequently they asked their parents for the food, beverages and toys they saw advertised.

■ White 12- to 14-year-olds who had a heavy diet of sexually oriented TV, music, movies and magazines were more than twice as likely to have intercourse when they reached 14 to 16 as teens who consumed less sexy media. The study in Pediatrics also found that black teens were influenced more by parents’ expectations and friends’ behavior than by media.

■ Adolescents under 16 who watched TV two or more hours a day, and had parents who strongly disapproved of sex, were more likely to initiate sexual intercourse within a year. Sexual initiation was even more frequent when their parents didn’t regulate TV viewing.

■ The more time children ages 6 to 12 spent watching violent TV programs without their friends, the less nontelevision time they spent with their friends. But the more time children spent watching TV with friends, the more time they spent together on other activities.

■ Being awake in a room with a TV on for two or more hours a day raised the risk of being overweight among 3-year-olds. Tuning the TV to educational programming didn’t lower the risk.

■ Male college students assigned to play the violent “Grand Theft Auto III” video game had higher blood pressure, more negative emotions and more permissive attitudes toward alcohol and marijuana than students who played “The Simpsons” game.

■ The more time school-age children spent watching television, the more calories they consumed, largely in the form of potato chips, pop, candies, cookies and other foods commonly advertised on TV.

■ Average time spent daily using media by 8- to 18-year-olds: 6 hours, 21 minutes

■ Children with TVs in their rooms: 68 percent

■ Children with computers in their rooms: 31 percent

■ Children living in households with no TV rules: 50 percent

■ Households where TV rules are enforced: 1 in 5

■ Do not allow a child’s room to become a media center with TV, video games and Internet.

■ Limit media time to 1 to 2 hours of quality programming a day.

■ Discourage TV viewing by children under age 2.

■ View and discuss media content with your child.

■ Turn off the TV during meals and when no one is watching.

■ Be a good media role model.

Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation, American Academy of Pediatrics

 

Spring Issue of Toy Wishes Magazine Hits Newsstands This Week

The Power of a Super Summer is in Your Hands ... Spring Issue of Toy Wishes Magazine Hits Newsstands This Week; Toy Wishes, The Ultimate Guide to Family Entertainment, Announces the Spring 2006 Hot Dozen List

Faster than kids scatter after the last school bell, more powerful than the draw of the ice cream truck, and able to quiet 'I'm bored' in a single issue... the Spring/Summer 2006 issue of Toy Wishes hits newsstands this week. Packed with informative articles for parents, activities that get kids up and moving, favorite childhood birthday memories from today's rising stars and a super-savvy Summer 2006 Entertainment Guide, the Spring issue of Toy Wishes features everything parents and grandparents need to become a superhero this summer - including the much-anticipated Hot Dozen list which spotlights its picks for hottest toys of the season.

In addition to hundreds of toy reviews, the latest issue of Toy Wishes, The Ultimate Guide to Family Entertainment, takes a look at the classic toys dear to both kids and parents, provides tips on how to get your kids excited about baking and features insightful Hit Lists including 'Top 5 Travel Toys,' 'Top 10 Toys Kids Can Buy With Their Allowance' and 'Top 10 Rainy Day Toys.'

So, without further ado, here is the Spring 2006 Hot Dozen (in alphabetical order): -0-

 

-- BANZAI FALLS CRISS-CROSS

(Toy Quest/ages 5 and up/approximate retail price: $349.99)

Your backyard becomes an astounding water park with the latest

introduction from the Banzai Falls line. Easily assembled and

guaranteeing hours of fun, this inflatable unit features an

18-foot water slide, soft bottom landing pad and a spray

tunnel that you can sail through on the inflatable body slide.

Always be sure that parents or caregivers are supervising

play.

-- CRANIUM HULLABALOO DVD GAME: THE AMAZING ANIMAL ADVENTURE

(Cranium/ages 4 and up/approximate retail price: $24.95)

Kids love Cranium's Hullaballo because it gets them up and

active, and gives every player a chance to shine - which is

always more important than winning or losing. With the new DVD

version, kids can release their inner animals as they play the

game along with the DVD that features real live animal footage

and gameplay that encourages kids to hop like a kangaroo,

crawl like a lizard or moo like a cow!

-- CRAYOLA SUPER BRUSH

(Crayola/ages 4 and up/approximate retail price: $9.99)

Get ready to paint the town - or at least the sidewalk. This

easy-to-use brush has three different tips so kids can create

all kinds of great special effects, outrageous artwork or big,

colorful games using Crayola Washable Sidewalk Paint. Best of

all, everything can be cleaned with the hose (including the

kids, if you want), but the colors are bright and vibrant, and

the painting process is fun and satisfying.

-- FAN YANG INCREDIBUBBLES

(Funrise/ages 3 and up/approximate retail price: $12.99-17.99)

Fan Yang is the world's greatest bubble artist. And now kids

can do many of the outrageous tricks that have landed Fan Yang

in The Guinness Book of World Records and have allowed him to

astound audiences all over the world. The super-cool Fan Yang

Incredibubble Wand lets kids create super- huge bubbles, and

the Fan Yang Unbubblelievable Bubble Maker lets you try

amazing bubble tricks at home. The Fan Yang Ultimate Bubble

Set includes a large wand, dipping dish, four differently

shaped wands and a 16-oz. bottle of solution. Kids also get an

instructional DVD.

-- GRAND SOCCER STADIUM

(LEGO/ages 7 and up/approximate retail price: $49.99)

What could be cooler in a World Cup year than a build-and-play

soccer stadium? This amazing kit allows you to play

competitive soccer right on any tabletop or floor. Snap the

LEGO pieces together to build the stadium, then add the

spring-loaded mini-figures, and you can pass, shoot and score

for hours of fun.

-- LIGHTNING MCQUEEN POWER WHEELS

(Fisher-Price/ages 3 to 6/approximate retail price: $209.99)

He's the star of the hit movie Cars, and now kids can feel

like they're really in the movie as they get behind the wheel

of a replica Lighting McQueen they can really drive. Kids will

love the hot red color and the even hotter spoiler. Turn the

steering wheel to hear sounds and phrases from the movie!

-- OOZINATOR

(Hasbro/ages 6 and up/approximate retail price: $24.99)

It's slime time! That's what happens when kids pull the

trigger of this blaster - they have the choice of soaking

someone from the 30-oz. reservoir or tagging them with the

goopy, gloppy Bio-Ooze compound. This is the first water

blaster that gives you a choice of ammo with just a flick of

your finger.

-- PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN BLACK PEARL PLAY SET

(Zizzle/ages 6 and up/approximate retail price: $49.99)

Shiver me timbers! Here's one of the best movie play sets

we've seen in years. The Black Pearl Play Set is more than two

feet long, features lights and has nine different sound

effects and all kinds of special features that let kids

replicate the dramatic action of Pirates of the Caribbean:

Dead Man's Chest and create their own pirate adventures.

-- STAR WARS TRANSFORMERS

(Hasbro/ages 5 and up/approximate retail price: $14.99)

How cool is this? The classic action/adventure and fun of

Transformers meets Star Wars in a complete line of

transforming figures based on classic Star Wars characters, so

you can transform the Star Wars heroes and villains into their

signature vehicles. Pick from Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi,

General Grievous and Luke Skywalker.

-- SUDOKU

(Technosource/ages 8 and up/approximate retail price:

$14.99-19.99)

It's the latest puzzle craze that has people everywhere

puzzling over numbers and grids. Who would have thought that

logic could be so much fun? The touch-screen version of the

popular game has a great ergonomic design, more than 100,000

puzzles, hints, and four different levels of difficulty.

Better get one for each kid because no one is going to want to

put this game down!

-- SUPERMAN RETURNS INFLATO-SUIT

(Mattel/ages 4 and up/approximate retail price: $21.99)

Now every kid can be as buffed-out as the Man of Steel and

transform (almost) instantly to a massive, muscular superhero.

Slip on the suit, switch on the fan, and the suit instantly

inflates, giving kids an impressive physique that's sure to

give kids that super feeling of power and scare away the bad

guys.

-- TAMAGOTCHI CONNECTION VERSION 3

(Bandai/ages 8 and up/approximate retail price: $14.99)

Now in its third generation, the original virtual pet has more

play features than ever before. Kids can play games, collect

"gotchi" points to buy things for their pet and interact with

other owners through infrared connectivity. Then take all the

fun online at Tamatown.com and experience even more Tamagotchi

fun in an exciting environment.

Toy Wishes is available for $3.99 at newsstands everywhere. For more information check

Penthera Announces First Commercial Contract for Mobile TV Software

HTC To Purchase Penthera Viewer(TM) for Mobile Devices

Penthera Technologies, Inc., a software provider for mobile broadcast TV, radio and multimedia, today announced its first commercial contract for its mobile broadcast client, Penthera Viewer. This agreement with High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC), a firm that specializes in designing and manufacturing world-class mobile computing and communication solutions, is an early indicator that the market is moving beyond mobile broadcast trials and pilots, and into commercial roll-out. Details of the agreement were not provided.

"Penthera is focused on providing the best end-user viewing experience while enabling new revenue opportunities for broadcasters and operators alike," said Sam Leinhardt, CEO of Penthera. "HTC's relationships with broadcasters, manufacturers and operators worldwide enable Penthera to offer its new revenue applications to a wide range of providers."

According to HTC, they are one of the most respected Windows CE device ODMs (original design manufacturers), and as a result, the company has truly become the name behind world class Microsoft Windows CE solutions. They design and manufacture handheld devices for a diverse range of customers, including major mobile device brands, service providers, telecommunication operators and vertical market clients.

Mobile broadcast using the DVB-H standard is anticipated to be the leading implementation worldwide according to many analysts. To date, numerous service trials and customer surveys have been conducted in numerous countries across the globe. U.S. Broadcasters have announced plans to offer commercial service in the second half of 2006.

Penthera Viewer is one part of the end-to-end software solution offered by Penthera, providing end users with a Virtual Set Top Box(TM) on their device -- a familiar paradigm easily understood and used by anyone who has used cable or satellite media services in their home. Penthera Viewer enables mobile devices such as handsets, PDAs and laptops to receive live television and radio broadcasts from DVB-H-based networks. The software has been developed for broadcasters, chipset manufacturers, and original equipment manufacturers of handsets, laptops, adapters and other mobile devices.

Penthera recently announced it secured funding to grow the firm and accelerate commercialization of its mobile broadcast software solutions. Penthera will be demonstrating Penthera Viewer at the upcoming CTIA Wireless 2006 conference in Las Vegas, April 5-7.

About Penthera (http://www.penthera.com)

Penthera is a privately held company providing a complete software solution for broadcast mobile video including middleware and application-level software for the broadcast head-end and on handheld devices. Founded in 2005, Penthera's executive team previously founded and operated Eizel Technologies, Inc., a Carnegie Mellon University spin-out which built mobile web and email connectivity software. Eizel was acquired by Nokia in 2003. Penthera is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Trademarks and Brands:

Penthera, Penthera Viewer, and Virtual Set Top Box are trademarks of Penthera Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

Other names, marks and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

 

 

New ''Horses of Gettysburg'' DVD

New ''Horses of Gettysburg'' DVD Debuts as U.S. Troops Go Back in the Saddle

April 5, 2006 It's been decades since horses and mules were officially disbanded from military service, but some U.S. Army soldiers are getting back in the saddle. As they prepare for another tour of duty in Afghanistan, a Special Forces unit from Fort Leavenworth in Kansas is reportedly taking courses in horsemanship. Since the Afghani people rely heavily on horses and mules, many Army personnel want to improve their own equestrian skills in order to help their military counterparts.

In an era of advanced technology, U.S. troops may find that four-legged transportation works better than their modern-day Humvees in the deserts of Afghanistan. Like the Civil War soldiers who fought before them, today's Army understands that a horse and rider can be a formidable fighting machine. A new documentary film entitled "Horses of Gettysburg" takes an in-depth look at this partnership. The film is narrated by Ronald F. Maxwell, director of "Gettysburg" and "Gods and Generals," and captures the unique bond between soldiers and their horses in the Civil War. Currently available for preorder, the 2-DVD box set will be released on May 2, 2006.

The box set contains the 116-minute Director's Cut from the high-definition master with more than 3 hours of additional DVD features that celebrate the forgotten heroes of the Civil War and their critical role in shaping the United States of America that we live in today. Included in the Special Features are interviews with Ronald F. Maxwell, notable Hollywood horse wrangler Doug Sloan and Gettysburg National Military Park Ranger and Civil War author Eric Campbell. When discussing the horses' involvement in the Civil War, Campbell says, "Horses made the Civil War possible."

About Inecom Entertainment Company

Inecom Entertainment Company finances and distributes independent films by partnering with innovative producers and working with celebrated talent such as Ronald F. Maxwell, Richard Dreyfuss, Keith Carradine and Gene Wilder.

Since 2001, Inecom has released eight feature documentaries and multiple instructional films for U.S. and international distribution including "EXPO - Magic of the White City" narrated by Gene Wilder, "Gettysburg and Stories of Valor" narrated by Keith Carradine, "Johnstown Flood" narrated by Richard Dreyfuss and "Lincoln and Lee at Antietam - The Cost of Freedom" narrated by Ronald F. Maxwell.

 

 

NHL to Launch ``My Stanley Cup'' Advertising Campaign

TV Spots Featuring NHL Players and Celebrity Voiceovers To Debut on NBC

New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, Nashville Predators forward Paul Kariya and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Martin St. Louis are among the National Hockey League players who will be featured in a new marketing advertising campaign that will celebrate the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Players from each of the 16 playoff-bound teams will appear in the "My Stanley Cup" ads, which will debut during the April 8 NHL on NBC broadcast and will be shown throughout the United States and Canada, including primetime programming on NBC and cable networks.

"The NHL has always done a great job in depicting the excitement of our game," said St. Louis, who played a key role in the Lightning's 2004 Stanley Cup Championship. "Having NHL players in these promos will give fans insight into what it really means to compete for the Cup."

Written and produced by NHL Productions under the direction of Ken Rosen, Executive Producer, the broadcast promos include both NHL game action and dramatic player shots set to heart-pounding music, all designed to convey the emotions that NHL players and fans experience in the quest for the most revered trophy in all of sports. The emotions build with each successive Stanley Cup playoff series.

"We wanted the campaign to match the quality and drama of the `My NHL' regular-season campaign, while featuring the skills and personality of the players," said Ed Horne, President, NHL Enterprises. "The 'My Stanley Cup' campaign conveys the dedication, intensity and sacrifice the players and fans share to claim Lord Stanley's Cup."

With voiceover narration from actor Kiefer Sutherland of the television series "24," the first ad features Kariya, Lundqvist, Simon Gagne of the Philadelphia Flyers and Mike Grier of the Buffalo Sabres. The second spot, voiced by actor and comedian Denis Leary of "Rescue Me," features St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards of the Lightning; Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes; Ed Jovanovski of the Vancouver Canucks; Brendan Shanahan, Kris Draper and Henrik Zetterberg of the Detroit Red Wings; and Robert Esche of the Flyers. Howie Mandel, the host of NBC's "Deal or No Deal," also will lend his voice to the campaign.

Other NHL stars featured in the campaign include Rangers forward Jaromir Jagr, Flyers forward Peter Forsberg, Canucks forward Anson Carter and Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, among others.

"As a player, you take your game to another level when you're in the playoffs," said Carter. "As much fun as I had shooting the spots, it was important for me to show that intensity."

The spots will air in the upcoming weeks on NBC, OLN, CBC, TSN and local affiliates. The TV ad also will be available for viewing on NHL.com. Print and on-line ads, featuring stills from the TV promos and the new "My Stanley Cup" artwork, will run in USA Today and other national sports publications.

The first two spots will be available for viewing on NHL.com. NHL and Stanley Cup are registered trademarks and My Stanley Cup is a trademark of the National Hockey League. All Rights Reserved.

 

Billion Dollar Opportunity

Internet Video Services Primed for Explosive Growth, According to IDC

Internet video services are on the brink of becoming a mainstream phenomenon in the United States. According to a new forecast from IDC, Internet video services will generate over $1.7 billion in revenues by 2010, an increase of more than $1.5 billion from 2005 totals. Much of this growth will be fueled by a surge in the amount of premium content made available online. However, IDC cautioned that the market's potential could be dampened by key technical and legal hurdles.

The market for Internet video services began its dramatic acceleration in 2005 as content owners, once unwilling to offer their products online, started to experiment with digital distribution as a way to complement and enhance their existing business models and to stem illegal P2P file sharing and piracy. In particular, the television networks' decision to offer episodes from new shows as well as old sparked significant interest in Internet video. Television content, which is available in ample amounts and is ideally suited for the PC, is expected to be an integral component to revenue growth throughout the forecast period.

"The Internet video market has huge upside. With that upside, however, comes the risk to content owners of cannibalizing existing revenue streams," said Josh Martin, associate research analyst in IDC's Consumer Markets: Video program. "In order to properly take advantage of this emerging market, content owners to aggregators to consumer electronics manufacturers must understand the challenges the market faces and how to overcome them."

Key drivers for the adoption of Internet video include the expansion of premium content offerings online and the emergence of home networking solutions that allow consumers to more easily view Internet content on their televisions. As services become increasingly common, content owners will leverage Internet video to complement their existing revenue streams and to generate additional revenue from archived content and new content created specifically for the service.

IDC expects content owners will migrate toward three basic service types. Advertising-based services will remain the dominant type of Internet video service, although its share of total market revenue will decline as a la carte services, buoyed by consumer familiarity with iTunes, grow dramatically over the next 2-3 years. Subscription-based services will experience steady growth throughout the forecast period, enhanced somewhat by the emergence of home networking solutions that make subscriptions more appealing to consumers.

In order to sustain the momentum gathered in 2005 and maximize opportunities for success, content owners and service providers will need to overcome several important problems, including licensing issues, inadequate video search, competitive challenges, and the issue of how to move content beyond the PC. IDC believes that companies involved from the creation to distribution of content will have to partner with others across the value chain to create appealing, flexible services that will evolve into viable businesses.

The IDC study, Ready, Set, Watch: U.S. Internet Video Forecast and Analysis 2005-2010 (IDC #35090) presents the 2006 - 2010 forecast for U.S. Internet video revenue. The report identifies the key content types and business models, profiles the leading vendors, and examines the market's opportunities and challenges. Revenue forecasts are broken down by service and content types.

About IDC

IDC is the premier global market intelligence and advisory firm in the information technology and telecommunications industries. We analyze and predict technology trends so that our clients can make strategic, fact-based decisions on IT purchases and business strategy. Over 700 IDC analysts in 50 countries provide local expertise and insights on technology markets. Business executives and IT managers have relied for 40 years on our advice to make decisions that contribute to the success of their organizations.

IDC is a division of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. Additional information can be found at http://www.idc.com

All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

 

Lakes Entertainment, Inc. Announces Settlement with Kickapoo Tribe

Lakes Entertainment, Inc. announced today that it was paid approximately $2.6 million under a Letter of Settlement ("Settlement Agreement") with the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas ("Tribe") pursuant to which Lakes and the Tribe have resolved all outstanding issues relating to the parties' business relationship that was terminated in November 2005. During 2005, Lakes was assisting the Tribe with improving performance of the Tribe's gaming operations conducted at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, Texas ("Casino"). The Settlement Agreement further provides, among other things, that the Tribe will purchase from Lakes for approximately $0.6 million property owned by Lakes adjacent to the Casino, that the Tribe will assume responsibility for payment of all remaining outstanding amounts due to certain vendors who provided services to the Casino during the period that Lakes provided consulting services to the Casino, and will indemnify Lakes for all claims, damages or liability arising out of the Tribe's failure to pay such amounts. Lakes is also released from any further obligations to advance any funds to the Tribe.

Tim Cope, President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company stated, "We are pleased we could reach an amicable resolution to this matter and wish the Tribe the best of luck with its casino endeavors."

About Lakes Entertainment

Lakes Entertainment, Inc. currently has development and management agreements with five separate Tribes for new casino operations in Michigan, California, and Oklahoma, a total of eight separate casino sites. In addition, Lakes has announced plans to develop a company owned casino resort project in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Company also owns approximately 62% of WPT Enterprises, Inc. a separate publicly held media and entertainment company principally engaged in the development, production and marketing of gaming themed televised programming including the World Poker Tour television series, the licensing and sale of branded products and the sale of corporate sponsorships.

 

Penthera Launches Mobile TV Software; Penthera Viewer(TM) provides new revenue opportunities for mobile broadcasters and operators

Penthera Technologies, Inc., a software provider for mobile broadcast TV, radio and multimedia, today launched Penthera Viewer(TM), a mobile broadcast client software suite. Penthera Viewer 1.0 is the only commercially available software solution for Windows-based, DVB-H broadcast reception. The software enables users to enjoy mobile broadcast entertainment while also providing new, revenue-rich services for mobile broadcasters and operators based on mobile broadcast services and interactivity applications. As an initial deployment, Penthera Viewer will be available on Modeo's DVB-H-enabled, demonstration handsets.

"Penthera is focused on providing the most engaging, high-quality, easy-to-use viewing experience for end users, while enabling compelling new revenue opportunities for broadcasters and operators," said Sam Leinhardt, CEO of Penthera. "Penthera Viewer enables manufacturers, broadcasters and operators to launch their own mobile broadcast offerings and to create first-to-market applications from mobile devices such as embedded, live broadcast televoting and click-to-website eCommerce."

Penthera Viewer is one component in the end-to-end mobile broadcast software suite offered by Penthera. Designed for a wide range of mobile platforms, Penthera Viewer provides end users with a Virtual Set Top Box(TM) on their device -- a familiar paradigm easily understood by anyone who has used home digital cable, terrestrial or satellite services. Penthera Viewer comprises a platform-neutral middleware component and a graphical user interface (GUI) application for mobile devices that may be licensed together or separately. The software enables broadcast reception to a very broad potential market since it runs on devices from multiple vendors, using varying operating systems and form factors, including cell phones, PDAs, laptops, portable media players, gaming devices, and in-vehicle entertainment systems.

Revenue-Generating Services and Content

Penthera Viewer extends mobile TV past the rudimentary service-guide/channel-changing experience by enabling a variety of user-engaging revenue opportunities associated with advertising, interactivity applications, branding, metering and uniquely licensed content. For example, the 1.0 system supports interactive elements (e.g. click-to-web, -call, -SMS, -vote, -buy) embedded in the broadcast stream. These interactive elements create new service opportunities to increase carriers' average revenue per user (ARPU). They can be embedded in the broadcast stream or inserted in advertisements customized to fit the preferences of individual users or groups of users. Various subscription and pay-per-view business models can be created with Penthera Viewer 1.0 through digital rights management capability on a per-device, per-channel or per-program basis. The application is also designed to receive mediacasts for access to saved shows, songs, advertisements, etc. Advertising and programming can be captured, aggregated, and reported anonymously for all users.

"A friendly, intuitive user interface, along with compelling content and a high quality viewing experience are just some of the critical elements of a mobile broadcast service from an end user perspective. By enhancing the service with interactive applications, such as user-prompted eCommerce, televoting, SMS, and advertising, the value of the service to mobile operators, MVNOs, and others should increase significantly," said Michael Ramke, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Modeo. Modeo announced today a Modeo-compatible smartphone, and recently announced that it plans to deliver live mobile TV to the top 30 markets across the United States.

Multi-platform, Multi-vendor Flexibility

Penthera Viewer is unique because it enables more than just GSM or CDMA handsets to receive live broadcasts. Penthera Viewer is portable to a wide range of operating systems, platforms, broadcast RF bands (L-band, UHF), and DTV receiver components. The client honors the DVB-CBMS standards and is compatible with the Modeo air interface specification. The application also has a configurable UI for operator-specific branding or formatting, and is available in a library version for OEM/ODMs who prefer to implement their own customized user interface.

Penthera will be demonstrating Penthera Viewer at the upcoming CTIA Wireless 2006 conference in Las Vegas, April 5-7.

About Penthera (http://www.penthera.com)

Penthera is a privately held company providing a complete software solution for broadcast mobile video including middleware and application-level software for the broadcast head-end and on handheld devices. Founded in 2005, Penthera's executive team previously founded and operated Eizel Technologies, Inc., a Carnegie Mellon University spin-out which built mobile web and email connectivity software. Eizel was acquired by Nokia in 2003. Penthera is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Trademarks and Brands:

Penthera, Penthera Viewer, and Virtual Set Top Box are trademarks of Penthera Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

Other names, marks and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

(C) 2006. Penthera Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved

Ricochet Public Relations

 

Clear Channel Radio's Online Unit Chooses Google as Search Engine

for More Than 1,100 Station Web Sites

-- Local Advertisers Will Get Top Priority in Search Results

Clear Channel Radio's Online unit today announced it has chosen Google as its exclusive search partner for its network of more than 1,100 radio station Web sites. The sites deliver on-demand content and original video and audio programming to nearly seven million visitors each month.(a)

The agreement provides Clear Channel Radio listeners with the chance to search through Google's search engine, without having to leave their favorite radio station site. Clear Channel's local advertisers will also benefit from the deal, as they will have the option to have their advertisements showcased first, followed by Google's sponsored links and Web search results.

"As our on-air audience continues to turn to our station sites for broadcast streams and on-demand programming, we will continue to build mutually beneficial partnerships with those who are best in breed," said Evan Harrison, Executive Vice President of Clear Channel Radio and head of the company's Online Music & Radio unit. "Google is a widely recognized name when it comes to search and our listeners will now have convenient access to the best search results on the Web, as well as our advertiser information."

Clear Channel Radio will be implementing three pieces of functionality from Google:

-- AdSense for Search: Sponsored links targeted to the search term typed in by the listener

-- WebSearch: Google's search tool which quickly returns the most relevant information on the Web

-- AdSense for Content: Sponsored links targeted to the contents of news articles across the Clear Channel network.

AdSense for Search and WebSearch will launch immediately while AdSense for Content will launch shortly thereafter. The Google Web search is currently available on over 1,100 Clear Channel Radio station Web sites.

(a) According to ComScore/Media-Metrix.

About Clear Channel's Online Music & Radio Unit

A division of Clear Channel Radio, this unit is focused on bringing terrestrial radio listeners online to the Web sites of the company's network of approximately 1,200 radio stations. Nearly seven million unique visitors per month choose Clear Channel Radio's online and on-demand music programming, which now includes videos of signature in-studio performances as well as live concerts, exclusive access to new releases and a full podcast roster of top-rated radio segments. More than 500 Clear Channel Radio station Web sites, including all of the company's stations in the top 25 markets, stream terrestrial broadcasts online. Over 950 Clear Channel Radio station sites are live with redesigned interfaces, extending to the Internet, the company's focus on improving the value of radio through less clutter.

About Clear Channel Radio

Clear Channel Radio is a leading radio company focused on serving local communities across the U.S. with more than 110 million listeners choosing Clear Channel Radio programming each week. The company's content can be heard on AM/FM stations, HD digital radio channels, on the Internet, via iPods, through Motorola's iRadio cell-phone service, and via mobile-navigation devices from Cobra, Garmin, Kenwood and others. The company's operations include radio broadcasting, syndication and independent media representation. Clear Channel Radio is a division of Clear Channel Communications Inc. a leading global media and entertainment company. More information on the company can be found at http://www.clearchannel.com.

 

National Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2006 Nominees

A highly competitive field of nominees was announced today for induction into America's only National Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago.

"Our 2006 list of National Radio Hall of Fame nominees includes immensely talented personalities who have entertained and informed radio audiences from Boston to the Bay Area, as disc jockeys, talk show hosts, newscasters and play-by-play announcers," said NRHOF President Bruce DuMont.

Winners in each of the following categories will be inducted during a national radio broadcast from Chicago's Renaissance Hotel on Saturday, November 4. Premiere Radio Networks will produce and distribute the one-hour broadcast at 10:00 PM (ET).

The 2006 nominees for induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame are:

NETWORK OR SYNDICATED - ACTIVE

-- Bob Brinker, host of Money Talk, ABC Radio's long running financial

advice program.

-- Christopher Glenn, retired anchor of The CBS World News Roundup.

-- Clark Howard, host of a daily consumer service program from Cox Radio

Syndication and Jones Radio Networks.

-- Marian McPartland, host of Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz for more

than 25 years on National Public Radio.

NETWORK OR SYNDICATED - PIONEER

-- Jimmy Durante, (deceased) legendary vaudevillian turned 1940s radio

comedian and singer known for his mangled English and raspy voice.

-- Douglas Edwards, (deceased) veteran CBS newsman from 1942 to 1988, who

was a war-time correspondent on The World Today and anchored The World

Tonight on CBS Radio for 22 years.

-- Phil Harris & Alice Faye, (deceased) the husband and wife comedy team

that portrayed a zany egotistical bandleader and his film star wife.

-- Graham McNamee, (deceased) the defining voice of sports in America on

NBC Radio during the 1920s and '30s, who called a record 12 straight

World Series.

LOCAL OR REGIONAL - ACTIVE

-- Jerry Coleman, the former New York Yankee infielder and the long-time

voice of the San Diego Padres on XPRS/San Diego.

-- Steve Dahl, the revolutionary talent from WCKG/Chicago, who brought

his brand of shock and awe to radio decades ago and redefined the

medium for his generation.

-- Luther Massingale, as morning man on WDEF/Chattanooga, TN for 65

years, he has provided the Tennessee Valley with a mix of music and

the latest in local information.

-- Scott Shannon, the talented on-air personality and program director of

WPLJ/New York, who helped create and define the "Morning Zoo" format.

LOCAL OR REGIONAL - PIONEER

-- Jess Cain, morning talk show host for over 33 years on WHDH/Boston.

-- Ron Chapman, legendary Texas personality from KLUV/Dallas.

-- Bill King, (deceased) the long-time voice of sports in the Bay Area,

King was the only 1980s announcer to do play-by-play for the Oakland

A's, the Golden State Warriors and the Oakland Raiders in the same

seasons.

-- William B. Williams, (deceased) a veteran disc jockey and radio

raconteur at WNEW/New York, whose knowledge of music and personal

anecdotes about artists set a standard of excellence for a generation.

Ballots will be mailed in May to radio executives, broadcast historians and all NRHOF members. Anyone wishing to vote can join the National Radio Hall of Fame online ($15) at http://www.radiohof.org/ .

The voting deadline is August 1. Ballots will be tabulated by the accounting firm of RSM McGladrey of Chicago.

Promotional support for the National Radio Hall of Fame is provided by American Airlines and The Renaissance Chicago Hotel.

America's only National Radio Hall of Fame, now undergoing major renovation in downtown Chicago, is scheduled to re-open in early 2007.

To learn about and hear past inductees into the National Radio Hall of Fame, please go to http://www.radiohof.org/ .

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

 

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R) Commits $135,000 to Smithsonian's National Zoo to Fund Research for the Endangered Asian Elephant Species

VIENNA, Va., April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R) announced that it will fund a reproductive research study conducted by scientists at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park. The $135,000 commitment will be distributed over the next three years in support of the National Zoo's efforts to increase the captive population of the endangered Asian elephant.

"This research is critical to the long-term survival of the Asian elephant, and we are committed to working with experienced partners such as the National Zoo to make strides in Asian elephant conservation," said Bruce Read, Vice President of Animal Stewardship for Ringling Bros.(R) "We hope our donation will help produce new techniques that will support successful breeding of this magnificent species."

The captive Asian elephant population in North America is not self- sustaining, because the majority of females are post-breeding age, there are too few viable bulls (male elephants) and too few successful breeding centers like the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation(R), which has the largest sustainable population of Asian elephants in the Western Hemisphere. The study will determine what factors influence the quality of semen and help establish techniques to recover the best quality samples for cryopreservation (a method of preservation using low temperature) of the collections. Cryopreservation will also ensure the availability of good quality semen to artificially inseminate a cow (female elephant) during ovulation, which occurs only four times a year.

In particular, this research grant will provide a better understanding of elephant semen biology, help identify and preserve viable sperm and is the logical next step in an ongoing effort to assist other programs to replicate and expand on the success of Ringling Bros. in captive breeding. Among those efforts are the 2005 loan of a 33-year-old bull elephant from the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation to the Fort Worth Zoo and the donations of semen collections for artificially inseminating cows at the African Lion Safari in Toronto, Canada, and most recently to the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

Source: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(R)

 

Warner Music and Funcom to Release 'Dreamfall' EP by Magnet

Two Music Soundtrack CDs to be Released for 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey'

Funcom is proud to announce the release of two dedicated soundtrack CDs for 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey'. Having a constant focus on high production values and excellent in-game music, Funcom is once again going to great lengths to deliver original and unique soundscapes in one of their games.

In order to pursue a distinct musical flavor outside Funcoms own composing talents, Funcom shared visions with Warner music in order to release a soundtrack EP fitted for a modern adventure game. Trying to bring forth an emotional impact delivering more than the regular one dimensional adrenaline-factor so often found in games, Funcom found a perfect match in the Norwegian artist Magnet. Featured as the artist of the week on iTunes, and with songs in TV series like 'The OC 'and 'Six feet under', the critically acclaimed Magnet delivers four tracks to 'Dreamfall', and all of these are available on the EP.

"As an artist focusing on reaching both the human mind and heart it has been a special experience for me to work on Dreamfall" said Even 'Magnet' Johansen. "I have focused on delivering a unique soundscape which works in unison with the games theme, and I hope that all the gamers out there will appreciate the great effort to bring something brand new to the table".

"Instead of simply licensing released songs and churning it out in a big chunk of music, like so many games are doing, we have truly tried to make the music experience in 'Dreamfall' both unique and original," said Simon Poole, Lead Sound Designer on 'Dreamfall'. "It has been a blessing for us to get a songwriting genius like Magnet on board, and I feel very confident the players will feel the same way once they dive into the amazing audio experience they find in 'Dreamfall'."

In addition to an EP from Warner Music, which will be available in several territories as well as through the Funcom online store, Funcom is also releasing an original orchestral soundtrack. The two soundtrack CDs will be available through the Funcom online store closer to the Dreamfall launch in late April. The EP from Magnet is also included in the Limited Edition, which includes the full Windows game as well as a 92-page 'Art of Dreamfall' book. The English version of the Limited Edition will be exclusively available at the Funcom online store.

You can download an in-game video sample of Magnets music below:

ftp://ftp.funcom.com/media/Dreamfall/Dreamfall_Magnet_4x3.wmv

ftp://ftp.funcom.com/media/Dreamfall/Dreamfall_Magnet_16x9.wmv (Widescreen version)

The audio in 'Dreamfall' is best enjoyed with an X-FI audio system from Creative Labs.

---

"Time to put down that copy of X&Y (from Coldplay) and take it up with Magnet instead"

NME, album review, 2005

"It's hard to think of a songwriter who more honestly reflects the bewildering coexistence in the enraptured heart of joy and melancholy" The Sunday times, Album review, 2005

"Artist of the week" iTunes, 2005

ABOUT FUNCOM

Funcom is an independent developer and publisher of online games for PC, consoles and mobile platforms. Funcom has provided outstanding entertainment since 1993 and continues to expand its track-record of more than twenty released games to date. Recent successes include 'The Longest Journey' and 'Anarchy Online'. For corporate information please visit http://www.funcom.com. For information about Funcom games visit http://www.anarchy-online.com , http://www.dreamfall.com or http://www.ageofconan.com

ABOUT DREAMFALL -

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey', winner of multiple E3 awards as the best game in its genre, is the continuation of a saga that began in the award-winning 'The Longest Journey', considered to be one of the finest adventure games ever made. In 'Dreamfall' players are taken on an epic journey of exploration and adventure as they venture through a thrilling and emotional storyline. 'Dreamfall' features a fully interactive world where beautiful music, stunning graphics, fascinating characters and unparalleled gameplay variety promises to bring the adventure genre into a new era. Prepare for a spiritual, fantastic and powerful gaming experience. Visit http://www.dreamfall.com for more information.

ABOUT MAGNET -

The enigmatic Even 'Magnet' Johansen is one of the strongest talents to come out of the emergent Scandinavian music scene in recent years. Being hailed as a favorite artist by contemporary musicians like Alanis Morisette, to becoming the artist of the week at iTunes to receiving rave reviews in the global music press; Magnet is a rare and unique force to be counted with for the music aficionado. Blending traditional singer and songwriter skills with electronica, innovation and a strong personal presence, it is no wonder his tunes have been chosen for hit series like 'Six feet under', 'The OC' and recently in the multi-award winning game 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey'. A man for all seasons, Magnet has two acclaimed CDs and three EPs under his belt, and continues to push the boundaries of music. More information can be found on http://www.homeofmagnet.com

'Hits' Don't Lie ,Actually Hips don’t Lie.

; Shakira's Oral Fixation Vol. 2 Storms Back into the Top Ten as Album Goes Platinum

Fueled by the smash hit "Hips Don't Lie" featuring Wyclef Jean, Shakira's latest album Oral Fixation Vol. 2 has skyrocketed back into the top ten landing at #6 this week. Additionally, the album, which is the English counterpart to the triple platinum Fijacion Oral Vol. 1, was certified platinum this week with sales exceeding a million copies in the United States. Both of Shakira's latest albums debuted in the top 5 of the Billboard Top 200 Album chart making Shakira the only artist ever to debut top 5 albums in English and Spanish in the same calendar year.

"Hips Don't Lie" is fast becoming the biggest hit of the year, ascending the top 40 mainstream chart at a rapid clip as well as topping MTV's TRL countdown. Not only is it the #1 song and video on AOL but on Yahoo! Music, the original version of the "Hips Don't Lie" video and the "fan version" of the video holds the #1 and #2 positions on the Top 10 Videos. Shakira and Wyclef performed "Hips Don't Lie" on TV's #1 show American Idol plus Live with Regis and Kelly, the Ellen DeGeneres show and the CBS Early show. They are set to perform on the Billboard Latin Awards on April 27th.

This week Shakira, whose Barefoot Foundation aids children in Colombia, was honored for her humanitarian efforts at the United Nations on Monday with an award sponsored by Woman Together, a nonprofit organization that provides loans to help low-income women produce textiles. Angelina Jolie, Senator Hillary Clinton and Karolina Kurkova were also honored for their charitable work.

 

AMP'D MOBILE ANNOUNCES MORE ``FIRSTS'' IN MOBILE ENTERTAINMENT

WITH AMP'D TV AND AMP'D RADIO AND OTHER UNRIVALED PROGRAMMING; PARTNERSHIPS FORGED WITH TOP ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC AND SPORTS FIRMS OFFER UNMATCHED CONTENT EXPERIENCE FOR WIRELESS USERS

Amp'd Mobile, the first fully integrated mobile entertainment company, announced more "firsts" in the mobile entertainment industry today at CTIA Wireless 2006. Living up to its mission, Amp'd Mobile is dedicated to bringing the next-generation broadband wireless services and applications to 18-to-35 year olds with unprecedented content offerings. To date, Amp'd built partnerships with top music and entertainment firms such as MTV Networks' MTV, MTV2 and Spike TV brands as well as KNAC.COM, and UMG, to name just a few, ensuring the most compelling and original content. Among its new and recent "firsts":

-- Amp'd TV Featuring Carrier Produced Original Content Series

-- Amp'd Radio

-- Spike TV/Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) (UFC) Handset Simulcast

-- MotoGP Mobilecast

-- Amp'd Mobile College Comedy Tour

-- First live music broadcast in the U.S. directly to handsets, featuring Fall Out Boy

Launching this month, Amp'd Mobile will linearly broadcast mainstream television to mobile handsets with the debut of Amp'd TV. This live, 24/7 linear streaming service will kick off with five channels delivering a wide array of programming including Fox Sports (FUEL, Speed and Fox Soccer), Fox News, IMF (The International Music Feed), to name a few. A first in the mobile entertainment world, Amp'd Mobile will launch Best of Amp'd Live, a fifth channel comprised of half-hour shows produced by Amp'd Mobile that will include such programming as Supercross Review and Best of Break.com along with original Amp'd Mobile content titled The Z List and Extreme Makeover: Homeless Edition and Swing Shift featuring KC Armstrong, former producer of the Howard Stern Show. Concurrent with the launch of Amp'd TV, Amp'd Mobile Radio will launch with such channels as Hip-Hop/R&B, Alternative/Indie, New Music, Hard Rock as well as other branded radio channels.

In the sports ring, Amp'd Mobile has partnered with Spike TV and the Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) to simulcast Ultimate Fight Night(TM) Live, the first-ever network sporting show simulcast live on a mobile device. Delivering some of the world's best mixed martial arts fighters in real time to the handsets of Amp'd Mobile members, the event is being held at The Joint in Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on April 6, starting at 8 p.m. EST. Amp'd Mobile is the official wireless sponsor of UFC(R) and is exclusively featuring Spike TV's UFC(R) programming in the mobile arena. In late 2005 Amp'd was the first carrier worldwide to mobilecast UFC(R)'s pay-per-view event to its handsets, and has since mobilecast UFC(R) 56, 57 and 58. In addition to offering subscribers instant wallpapers, screensavers and ringtones, this partnership provides exclusive UFC(R) content including exciting Octagon action, fighter interviews, training profiles, pre-fight weigh-ins, and "best of" clips of UFC(R) and Spike's The Ultimate Fighter.

Another high-action brand gets on the course as Amp'd gears up to be the exclusive U.S. wireless provider of the MotoGP broadcasting in near real time starting Saturday, April 8th. In addition to racing coverage, broadcast to Amp'd from locations throughout the world, this channel includes unique post-race content and exclusive interviews with top U.S. riders. Amp'd Mobile will also add the Red Bull US Grand Prix, held at Laguna Seca (7/23/06), to its impressive list of first-ever live broadcasts.

"Amp'd is proud to expand on our line up of "firsts" in mobile with this week's UFC / SPIKE simulcast and with the launch of Amp'd TV, featuring top networks such as FOX Sports and FOX News within a 24/7 streaming package," said Seth Cummings, Senior Vice President, Wireless Content & Internet Services for Amp'd Mobile. "Additionally, having completed construction of the Amp'd broadcast studio and post-production facilities, the launch of our original programming slate rounds out an already industry-leading content programming portfolio."

Along with high-energy sports, Amp'd also looks to tickle funny bones with cutting-edge comedy. Amp'd Mobile, break.com and blognet.com are pairing two popular comics on the stand-up circuit, Jo Koy and Nick Thune, to present the Amp'd Mobile College Comedy Tour Presented by Break.com and Blognet.com. Koy and Thune will hit a series of college campuses for nightly performances that will be filmed for exclusive broadcast through Amp'd Mobile phones beginning April 17th at Rhode Island College. Additional stops will include Fitchburg State College, SUNY Cobleskill, Union College and a live broadcast of the "Amp'd Mobile College Comedy Tour" from BU on Apr 19.

Constantly pushing the envelope in the music arena, on March 19 Amp'd Mobile hosted the first-ever live music broadcast in the U.S. directly to Amp'd handsets.

This groundbreaking event featured Fall Out Boy's sold-out Black Clouds And Underdogs tour including full performances by Fall Out Boy, The All-American Rejects, Hawthorne Heights and From First To Last. As a co-sponsor of the tour with MTV2 through May 15th, Amp'd Mobile has stepped it up for concert-goers to create an exciting and cutting-edge experience for handset users.

To complement these quality content offerings, Amp'd Mobile debuted its Motorola Hollywood handset. This device features a proprietary user interface, built on BREW(R) 3.1, for quick and easy downloading of music, videos, entertainment, 3D mobile gaming and more along with Bluetooth capabilities. Key entertainment features of the handset include an MP3-quality music player with one-button, quick access to favorite tunes; a 1.3 megapixel camera with dedicated camera key, photo indicator and 4x digital zoom; MPEG-4 video and playback; and a 262,000-color display for the best viewing of all entertainment. Distribution of the Motorola Hollywood occurs at a wide array of major market retailers in addition to ampdmobile.com.

To accompany the debut of the handset, Amp'd Mobile recently introduced new rate plans for post-pay rates as well as two new services including Amp'd Overload and Amp'd Overdose. These new rate plans offer its members twice as many anytime minutes, including the unprecedented Amp'd Unlimited Plan offering members unlimited minutes, unlimited push-to-talk, and unlimited text and picture messaging for just $150 a month. In addition, users can subscribe to Amp'd Overload for $15 a month and get unlimited access to over 20 video channels. Or, with Amp'd Overdose, members get unlimited access to over 30 video channels, Amp'd TV and Amp's Radio for only $20 a month. And now, for a limited time, members who subscribe to Amp'd Overload or Amp'd Overdose are eligible for Unlimited Anytime Minutes FOREVER for just $99 a month.

About Amp'd Mobile

Amp'd Mobile is the first integrated mobile entertainment company for youth, young professionals and early adopters, and the only 3G carrier in the US specifically targeting youth and young professionals. By leveraging the power of broadband wireless (EVDO), Amp'd Mobile offers traditional services such as voice and text within a completely fresh user interface designed specifically for the "mobile graduate" and third-generation (3G) technology. With a myriad of customizable options to meet each person's individual needs, as well as strategic alliances with top entertainment properties, such as MTVN and Universal Music Group, Amp'd Mobile brings a more relevant, personal experience to the wireless lifestyle with unique music, video, community, entertainment, sports and gaming offerings divided into various channels for quick and easy access. Amp'd Mobile is offered nationwide and more information can be found at http://www.ampd.com.

Full Length DVD Documentary of Hurricane Katrina

Titled ``Like Never Before,'' Produced by David Quiggins; Production is Now Available FREE to the Public

David Quiggins Productions and Looks to Win Incorporated, both located in Louisville, Kentucky, are mainly known for their generosity regarding the September 11th attacks on New York City. David Quiggins, owner of the two companies, gave away 500 posters to each Fire House honoring all fire fighters for their heroic actions. Now with Hurricane Katrina being the United State's worst natural disaster, David Quiggins has responded once again in a massive way. FREE to the public, a full length DVD documentary of Hurricane Katrina, titled "Like Never Before" is available for immediate release on 4-5-06.

Katrina is responsible for taking the lives of over fourteen hundred people on August 29, 2005. Independent film maker David Quiggins and his crew traveled to some of the most devastated areas known to man. While sleeping in their vehicles from lack of hotel rooms, they spent eight weeks filming the destruction and interviewing the victims. They managed to capture some of the most amazing, yet horrific scenes created by the storm, including footage of the departed and the 911 distress calls.

 

This DVD also contains actual storm footage, news footage, personal interviews, a tour of the aftermath, and finally, to lift the spirits of the audience, the DVD shows scenes of the 2006 Mari Gras. The only cost for this DVD is for the shipping & handling process in the amount of $6.85, which $1.00 of this amount will be donated to the Winds of Change Organization through Sears Department Stores.

To order, please send check or money order to David Quiggins Productions at P.O. Box 19011 Louisville, KY 40259

DQproductions@aol.com

HAI Adds to Wireless Security Product Line with Recessed Door

Vanishing, and Mini Door/Window Transmitters HAI, the leading manufacturer of integrated automation and security products since 1985, is expanding its Wireless Security Product line to include three new products; recessed door, vanishing, and mini door and window transmitters. The announcement was made at the International Security Conference being held this week in Las Vegas, Nevada. All three products will be shipping in the second quarter of 2006 and work with HAI's 64 Zone Wireless Receiver (part number 45A00-1).

The 56A00-1 Wireless Recessed Door Transmitter is used for protection of doors and windows in installations where the transmitter and magnet must be totally hidden. The supervised transmitter and contact are concealed within the door or window frame for virtual transparency. The 58A00-1 Mini Door/Window Transmitter is a miniature (1.7 inch high x 1 inch wide x .65 inches deep) supervised wireless transmitter that comes with a case tamper switch, wall tamper switch, and a replaceable Lithium battery. The 58A00-1 is a single zone miniature version of the existing 46A00-1 Three Zone Door/Window transmitter with mercury tilt switch for garage doors. The 57A00-1 Vanishing Door/Window Transmitter is a 3/16 inch thin supervised wireless transmitter with beveled edges that vanishes into any décor. HAI products are sold through a worldwide network of Distributors and installed by over 1000 trained dealers. For more information on HAI's Wireless Security products or other award winning products, please visit www.homeauto.com or call (800) 229-7256. For a high resolution picture of this product, please follow this link

About HAI: HAI is a privately held manufacturer of integrated automation and security products for residential and commercial use based in New Orleans, LA. Incorporated in 1985, HAI has developed a full line of award-winning automation products, including automation controllers, communicating programmable thermostats, smart light switches, and software that allows access and control of an automation system over the Internet. All products are sold through HAI's worldwide network of Distribution Partners and installed by over 1000 trained dealers.

JADOO POWER NAMED FINALIST IN “RED HERRING 100 NORTH AMERICA” AWARDS

Jadoo’s Fuel Cells Chosen as one of the Most Promising Technology Ventures

Red Herring Magazine announced today that Jadoo Power has been named as a finalist for its annual “Red Herring 100 North America” Awards. Over 1,000 privately held technology companies were submitted to this year’s edition for the prestigious award. As one of the finalists, Jadoo Power is invited to attend the exclusive Red Herring Spring 2006 CEO summit, May 23-25 in Monterey, California, where the technology industry’s most-innovative CEOs, venture financiers, and corporate strategists will gather to meet this next wave of companies.

“We can see the resurgence of the tech sector reflected in the quantity and variety of excellent companies that we had to choose from in putting our list together,” said Joel Dreyfuss, Editor-in-Chief of Red Herring. “It was difficult to choose the 200 finalists and we are very happy with the stellar quality of the companies on this short-list.”

Jadoo Power was nominated for the Red Herring Award for its innovative fuel cell products for prosumers. Shipping to the professional broadcasting market for the past two years, Jadoo’s fuel cell products power applications for emergency first responders, rugged portable office users and other equipment used in “off-grid” power situations, as well as professional broadcast cameras.

Advantages of the Jadoo Power fuel cell technology:

Virtually infinite shelf-life compared to batteries

Hot-Swap capable, so power never goes down like when replacing batteries

Rapid refill/recharge time compared to brick batteries

Patented digital interface for State-of-Fill and other fuel management data

Packaged in an easy-to-understand, easy-to-use solution.

The “Red Herring 100 North America” award is an important part of Red Herring’s tradition of recognizing new and innovative technology firms and their entrepreneurial founders. Jadoo Power was rigidly evaluated on both quantitative and qualitative criteria such as financial performance, technology innovation, quality of management, execution of strategy, and integration into their ecosystem. This unique assessment of potential complemented by a review of the actual track record and standing of a company allows Red Herring to see past the “buzz” and make the list an invaluable instrument for discovering and advocating the greatest business opportunities in the industry.

As part of this tradition to honor innovation and entrepreneurship in the business of technology, Red Herring will again host “Red Herring Spring,” a two day invitation-only summit for the CEOs and founders of the Red Herring 100 winners and finalists in Monterey, California. The summit’s C-level attendees will convene under the theme “The Pursuit of Disruption” to discuss major trends and opportunities and to explore partnerships, alliances, investments, and M&A activities. Further information regarding the event and how to register is available at http://www.herringevents.com/rhspring06.

About Jadoo Power Systems

www.jadoopower.com

Jadoo Power Systems, Inc. is a market-focused company that develops and sells next-generation, portable energy storage and power generation products. Jadoo is financed by Mohr Davidow Ventures, Venrock Associates and Sinclair Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.

For more information about Jadoo Power Systems, please contact:
Jadoo Power Systems, 181 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, CA 956030
.

About Red Herring

Red Herring is a sophisticated insider’s guide to the business of technology, featuring unparalleled insights on the emerging technologies driving the economy, from the Internet to wireless communications and digital entertainment. Red Herring reports on how innovation and entrepreneurship are transforming business and how the business of technology is transforming the world, providing readers with a deep understanding of venture capital and capital markets. Recognized as an essential resource in today’s fast-changing business world, Red Herring gets the right answers before anyone else even thinks to ask the questions. More information on Red Herring is available on the Internet at www.redherring.com

 

China’s government is reining in provincial broadcasters

Nervous about the growing popularity and fervor surrounding American Idol-type TV contests like “Supergirl,” China’s government is reining in provincial broadcasters with new rules that will make the shows blander, less profitable and possibly even force them off the air.

Regulations announced by China’s State Administration of Radio Film and Television (SARFT) this month require contestants to be at least 18, prohibit broadcasters from awarding prizes to winners, and require contestants to behave conservatively (no more suggestive dancing on stage or “vulgar” hair, baggy clothes and bare midriffs). And judges are forbidden to embarrass contestants on air.

The new rules also limit the number of contest shows allowed on the airwaves each year and forbid local TV stations from running them at all, reducing the number of rural consumers who can watch the programs. And broadcasters are banned from copying the format of existing shows.

The changes follow a surge in copycat shows hoping to mimic the success of last year’s wildly popular Mongolian Cow Sour Yogurt Supergirl Contest, a talent competition known as “Supergirl” and sponsored by Mengniu Dairy. The company is believed to have paid about $1.7 million to get its name on the show.

Knockoffs were inevitable. More than 400 million Chinese watched “Supergirl,” making it the most successful show ever. It spawned thousands of blogs and chat rooms and turned the winner, a 21-year-old tomboy from Sichuan province, Li Yuchun, into a national celebrity.

The series was a financial windfall for the provincial broadcaster behind it, Hunan Satellite Television in western China and its dairy sponsor, which used Supergirl to promote a new sour yogurt drink whose sales more than tripled to $185 million. China Mobile also prospered. Inspired by passionate grass roots campaigns for the top contestants, more than eight million Chinese paid about two cents, a sizable amount in local terms, to send a text message by mobile phone to vote for one of three Supergirl finalists.

Numerous shows hoping to emulate Supergirl’s success, like Alibaba’s Yahoo Star Search, a talent search show underway with Zhejiang Satellite TV, are now in development, which makes the government nervous on several levels. The authorities are reacting against the sensationalistic, slightly rebellious nature of the contest programs, which promote individualism and personal achievement. The winners become idols with extreme influence on Chinese citizens. Supergirl also set a dangerous precedent by introducing Chinese to the concept of voting.

Another concern is that the government “does not want to see the more extreme kind of reality TV programs and televised contests you see in the West,” said Jeremy Goldkorn, co-director of Standards Group, an independent ad agency in Beijing. “They are particularly concerned about the effects of such shows on children.”

The Communist party is not the only organization displeased with the sudden rise in popularity among China’s smaller broadcasters. Ripples caused by Supergirl are transforming China’s media landscape, until now dominated by state-run China Central Television (CCTV), which takes in a large share of the $11 billion in revenue generated by China's radio, film and television industry in 2005, according to SARFT figures.

But the heavy-handed national broadcaster risks losing its grip on the market to provincial channels that are proving more adept at coming up with innovative programming ideas that appeal both to viewers and marketers.

Supergirl’s success, for example, resulted from the unpredictable nature of the show and the refreshing personality of Ms. Li, whose spiky hair and outgoing personality represented the antithesis of the demure beauty queens on CCTV, said Quinn Taw, Beijing-based chief strategy officer for WPP Group’s GroupM media divisions. “It marked the first time a satellite show has really broken out of its own province, did very well around the whole country and was promoted nationally. That’s a big challenge to CCTV’s dominance.”

The new regulations give credence to long-standing industry rumors that CCTV is using its influence with SARFT to prevent Hunan from developing a new season of the show, or keep the show off local cable stations to curb its distribution.

“The other reason behind the regulations is probably that SARFT wants to send a message to Hunan TV to avoid being too cocky about the runaway success of SuperGirl, which has prompted many commentators to compare CCTV unfavorably to Hunan TV,” said Mr. Goldkorn. “I believe the regulations will dampen enthusiasm for such contest shows a little, but that the format is here to stay.”

Samsung has postponed the launch“Blu-ray” disks, .

 

Samsung, which was supposed to be first to market with a device to play back high-definition “Blu-ray” disks, has postponed the launch.

The Korean consumer electronics giant had originally scheduled the U.S. product launch of its 1080-line progressive (1080p) Blu-ray player for May 23, but it issued a statement late Monday saying it is delaying the product’s introduction until June 25.

Samsung says it needs to “complete compatibility testing” with Blu-Ray test discs that will become available in late April from product manufacturers and content providers.

Samsung says the hardware development for the BD-P1000 Blu-Ray player is complete and the product is ready for mass production in Suwon, South Korea, once the compatibility tests are passed, with an expected retail price of $999.

But with Sony scheduled to launch its own Blu-ray player in July, it appears the race to be first to market is tightening.

 

SHANGHAI--China’s sportswear market

SHANGHAI--China’s sportswear market is a three-way race between two of the industry’s largest global rivals, Nike and Adidas, and Li Ning, which has the home court advantage. So far, no clear winner has emerged, due to the size and diversity of the market landscape, as well as the mercurial nature of teen fashion trends.

Nike’s global dominance and marketing firepower helped it secure the No. 1 position in China several years ago. Exact market share figures are difficult to come by in China, but industry experts believe Nike controls about 30% of the market today, followed by Adidas with 25% and Li Ning in third place with 18%.

Although Nike has less fashion credibility among Chinese teens than brands like Adidas, its brand is aspirational, according to P.T. Black, a partner at Jigsaw International, a youth trend consultancy in Shanghai. “It encourages kids to be strong in character and have the courage to be an individual,” not entirely Confucian ideals.

Like favorite pop stars and actresses in China who are admired for having a strong personality, Nike nearly always comes across as a favorite brand in research surveys--even though many times, Adidas is the brand that young adults end up buying when they go into a store.

Nike is rejuvenating its brand with new advertising that interacts with young Chinese on their own terms, bringing more of its rebellious image to China in a way it hopes will appeal to the rising sense of individualism and personal exploration. The campaign, launched last month, is Nike's first since moving its creative account in Shanghai to Wieden + Kennedy from JWT last year. (See News story, “Nike talks to Chinese kids on their terms,” AdAgeChina, March 15, 2006)

“At its core, the new advertising is on the right track, it speaks to a very real desire by kids to have their own say and style. It’s not individual vs. collectivism, it’s more about having a space for yourself and your own voice in a social context. The campaign speaks to that need very strongly,” said Mr. Black.

Rising incomes help foreign players
The new approach was vital for Nike, because its lead has been slipping as the market matures. Geographically, Nike and Adidas have a stronger position in China’s largest tier one and tier two cities but they trail Li Ning in the smaller cities where the Chinese company has more comprehensive distribution. Also, the price of Li Ning’s shoes and apparel is about half that of foreign brands, a fact appreciated by consumers in smaller cities where disposable income remains low.

This scenario is changing quickly, however, as incomes rise and foreigners become savvier about moving into China’s third and fourth tier cities. At the same time, Li Ning, and even Anta, a smaller Chinese sportswear brand, have become better at appealing to trendsetters in Beijing and Shanghai.

“Li Ning, Nike and Adidas' level of competition in the China market will dramatically heat up this year. These major brands are growing much faster than the industry average,” said Shanghai-based Matt Fish, head of business consulting at Synovate, an Aegis-owned research company.

In the past, Li Ning and Nike's growth plans in China “really employed very different tactics and, for the most part, non-overlapping targets [with] strengths in different customer and geographic segments,” he added, but that’s no longer the case. Also, Adidas "has comparatively more aggressive expansion plans” than its rivals.

To further complicate the market, this battle for market share is set against a ticking clock--the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Not only will the event turn the world’s attention to sports in China, Beijing's successful bid for the Games has been followed by a national fitness plan that will boost consumption of sportswear. There is also an industry-wide prediction that the sportswear market will stabilize by 2010, prompting advertisers to cement their market share stronghold before that date.

Home team player

Among China’s homegrown brands across all categories, Li Ning has a unique position. Most major Chinese companies started out, and often remain, state-owned enterprises. But Li Ning was founded by its namesake, a charismatic Olympic gymnast in 1990, following his 19-year career as China’s first celebrity athlete.

Even though its initial growth spurt relied on its strong distribution network, Li Ning had the foresight to invest in its brand and products as well. It appointed a rising star at Procter & Gamble, Abel Wu, as marketing director and also forged a long term relationship wth Leo Burnett. Both are unusual moves in China, where local companies tend to view marketing as a function of the sales department and work with agencies on short-term project arrangements.

In 2004, following its IPO on Hong Kong’s stock exchange, Li Ning made a clear decision to compete head-to-head with the international players and "has implemented a surprisingly aggressive plan to get there," said Mr. Fish. For example, it has opened concept stores in China's tier one cities, opened an R&D center in Hong Kong to develop products tailored to Asian feet and launched a high-end, expensive range of products.

“Li Ning has proven they have clear intentions to compete directly with Nike and Adidas in their key markets and geographies,” said Mr. Fish.

Earlier this year, Li Ning even inked a deal with the National Basketball Association’s Damon Jones to promote a new shoe series, Fei Jia (Flying Armor), marking the first time a current NBA player has been sponsored by any Chinese sports brand. The ad campaign for the new line, illustrated with a stylized form of Chinese calligraphy that trace the movements of a basketball player, helped Li Ning in one of the trickiest areas of its growth plan.

“Li Ning has been known as a value brand, but recently it has started to move towards global standards in its marketing, product and retail efforts. It's working, kids really like the new Li Ning ads, they are very cool and speak to where they think Li Ning should be, a top-quality international brand rooted in China,” said Mr. Black. The brand still lags behind Nike and Adidas, he added, but it’s becoming “hip. Feelings towards that brand are positive and growing, now that it’s amping up its front edge to be more than just a cheap alternative."

Using Yao Ming differently

Adidas, meanwhile, has captured ground among trendsetters in the top cities by giving a strong fashion element to its product line, including some retro models, as well as innovative marketing from TBWA, Shanghai and the prestige of its Olympic sponsorship. Sales grew 90% in China last year, according to Christophe Bezu, the Hong Kong-based CEO of Adidas's marketing & sales division in Asia/Pacific. (See Player Profile in this issue.)

Starting next month, Adidas will have access to one of China’s biggest celebrities, Houston Rockets’ Yao Ming, following its merger with Reebok. Although the Shanghai native is famous in China, Reebok has not had the marketing muscle to capitalize on its Yao Ming sponsorship within China, where Reebok is nearly invisible.

"We'll find ways to use Yao Ming differently," said Mr. Bezu, "and perhaps put him wth other athletes in ways that will engage him more." He also envisions marketing scenarios in which Adidas and Reebok could literally play each other, as brands.

Alongside the sliding market share and cool factor of the top three players, China could see new brands coming into the market. Besides the expected increase in Reebok's market share, through the merger with Adidas, some smaller brands barely in the market have picked up speed.

“The industry is cyclical because it’s fashion," said Bangkok-based Ian Stewart, founding CEO of a regional research consultancy, Filter Group, now owned by Synovate. Puma and Converse "are dancing around on the fringes. They have potential in China, because the market is getting so sophisticated about trends. The cream-of-the-crop trendsetters have identical sources for content, information and influences as youth in Tokyo, Sydney and London for the first time, through the Internet and better English. They are not six months behind anymore...they know everything now."


Customers of China Mobile, the world's largest mobile phone service provider with 255 million subscribers, spent $11.11 (90 RMB) on average last month, a drop from $11.36 (92 RMB) one year earlier. Non-voice services (SMS, games, ring tones) now make up 20.6% of its revenue, a significant increase from 15.5% in 2005. The average monthly revenue per user of the world's No 2 cellular operator, Japan’s NTT DoCoMo, is $58.20 (6,920 yen).

 

VIRTUAL KATY LAUNCHES VK CONFORMER

Making auto-conforming affordable for every Pro Tools user

Virtual Katy™ Development Limited, a Digidesign® development partner delivering workflow solutions for audio professionals, today announced a new addition to their product line, VK Conformer. Designed for the sole purpose of conforming and non-destructively recompiling Pro Tools sessions, VK Conformer is cut from the original award winning Virtual Katy software which was put to the test on Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. VK Conformer will make its debut at the NAB 2006 exhibition held in Las Vegas NV from April 24 through April 27 on the Avid Partner Pavilion, booth SL1513.

Manual conform sessions are painful. No sound editor wants to spend any of their valuable time syncing sessions,” comments John McKay, founder and head of research and development, Virtual Katy. “VK Conformer offers them the technology to automate this part of their work day at a price point they can afford.”

With VK Conform, Pro Tools users can update their audio session utilizing a change list EDL or change note in a fraction of the time it takes manually.

VK Conform Feature Highlights:

oVK Format Support
Support for Avid Change Notes and EDLs

oVK List Cleaner
Parse unwanted elements from lists. For example-split out video and audio elements.

oVK Conform
Identifies the necessary sound file changes and automatically re-syncs the Pro Tools session.

oVK Preview Mode – Conform Control
Preview visually and modify region boundaries before committing to the conform.

Pricing and Availability

VK Conformer will ship April 2006. The MSRP is $395.00 and can be ordered from the Virtual Katy web site or through a Virtual Katy authorized reseller. For more information about Virtual Katy or VK products, please visit the web site at www.virtualkaty.com.

About Virtual Katy Development Limited
Virtual Katy Development Limited is a New Zealand based software developer focused on delivering innovative solutions for the postproduction world. Their flagship product, VK, is a battle hardened program designed for audio professionals.

Virtual Katy, the Virtual Katy logo and VK are registered trademarks or trademarks of Virtual Katy Development Limited. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information on Virtual Katy Development Limited visit www.virtualkaty.com

 

The recording industry wants a bigger slice of the digital download pie.

.

Some labels are pushing to change the 99 US cents pricing model it pioneered when it launched iTunes three years ago.

Apple has sold more than 1 billion songs since then, helping labels pad their declining CD sales. More than 350 million digital songs were sold in the U.S. alone last year, according to U.S. SoundScan. That's 1 1/2 times as many as were sold in 2004.

Apple's iTunes has the lion's share of the market -- about 80 percent, according to the company -- with Napster and RealNetworks' Rhapsody among those competing for the remaining share with a subscription-based pricing model.

"I hope that every customer, artist and music company executive takes a moment today to reflect on what we've achieved together during the past three years," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Over one billion songs have now been legally purchased and downloaded around the globe, representing a major force against music piracy and the future of music distribution as we move from CDs to the Internet."

It seems the music companies have done plenty of reflecting. The record labels agreed to Apple's one-price-fits-all model three years ago. However, when Apple's license expires, the labels are expected to push for higher prices, especially for new releases.

Apple was not immediately available for comment on its licensing deals. Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) spokesperson Amanda Hunter did not return calls seeking comment on the issue.

Record labels, though, have spoken out publicly in the past. Warner Music Group CEO Edgar Bronfman Jr. last fall suggested that Apple should not have a one-price-fits-all strategy. An emboldened Bronfman even suggested that Apple should give the labels a cut of iPod sales. Meanwhile, EMI Group CEO Alain Levy lobbied for higher prices for best-selling bands and discounts for lesser-known artists.

Record labels make about 70 cents per download, and that's more profit than they make selling CDs, according to Jobs. "So if they want to raise the prices, it just means they're getting a little greedy," Jobs said at the Apple Expo in Paris in September.

The recording industry's response reeks of "greed and ingratitude," agreed Envisioneering Group Director Richard Doherty.

"I would ask any of those labels to show a balance sheet that reveals what the artists have gotten of that money," Doherty told MacNewsWorld. "I would challenge the studios to open their balance sheets and show where they are losing money on this."

If there is anything in relation to digital downloads that concerns RIAA more than pricing, it's piracy. The association continues its push anti-piracy efforts around the globe. The question is, would raising download prices spur a movement back to illegal downloads? Or are consumers willing to pay more?

"The general feeling from our consumer interviews is that the market can't tolerate -- or need it have to -- a 100 percent premium, or even a 60 percent premium. The fact is, Apple Computer makes less money on the downloads than any of the labels it is dealing with, and even less than some of the credit card clearing companies," Doherty said. "If digital download costs are going up, the recording industry must be using a different Internet than the rest of us."

Apple Computer said on Wednesday that it has released a public beta version of Boot Camp, software that enables Microsoft Windows XP to run natively on Intel-based Macs.

The software, which will be included in Mac OS X 10.5, called Leopard, is available for download now. Apple will also preview Boot Camp in August at its Worldwide Developers Conference, the company said.

 

"Apple has no desire or plan to sell or support Windows, but many customers have expressed their interest to run Windows on Apple's superior hardware, now that we use Intel processors," Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, said in a statement. "We think Boot Camp makes the Mac even more appealing to Windows users considering making the switch."

Apple didn't specifically mention plans to support running Vista, the long-delayed update to the Windows operating system now expected early next year.

Microsoft wouldn't comment on whether the Apple software will work with Vista. The company issued a statement Wednesday afternoon: "We’re pleased that Apple customers are excited about running (Windows), and that Apple is responding to meet the demand," said Kevin Kutz, director of Microsoft Windows Client.

Also unclear is what the Mac maker's move will mean for sales of Windows-based PCs. Market researcher IDC has already scaled back PC sales forecasts for the year, due in part to the Vista delay. And some analysts expect Apple sales to rise as a result of the holdup of the new operating system's release.

With Boot Camp, Intel-based Mac users can choose between running Mac OS or Windows XP each time they boot their system.

The move in this direction began last June, when Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced that Apple was shifting to Intel-based computers. Apple also said it had been developing Mac OS X with the intention that it would be able to run on Intel chips and IBM's PowerPC chips, which were previously the sole processors used in Macs.

In January, Apple released the first Intel-based Macs with Intel's Duo dual-core chips. The new computers run two to three times faster than similar Macs with PowerPC chips, Apple said. Since then, speculation had grown about whether the company would enable Microsoft's ubiquitous operating system to run natively on its computers.

While Apple has prohibited people from running Mac OS X on anything other than its own computers, it has never tried to prevent Mac owners from trying to run Windows on their machines. Still, the company has not been a large supporter of the idea. That's something Apple Senior Software Architect Cameron Esfahani made clear at the Intel Developer Forum in March.

Customers, however, have been clamoring to see it happen. There have even been XP-on-Mac contests in recent weeks.

"This solves a lot of potential holdups to Macintosh adoption. While a group of programmers already has demonstrated that this is entirely possible to do, that method for deployment is more of a clever hack that no sane end user would attempt," JupiterResearch analyst Michael Gartenberg wrote in a blog posting Wednesday.

"Overall, (this is) a nice tactical move by Apple that will make their platforms and systems much more attractive," Gartenberg wrote.

Mac fans might remember that this isn't the first time that Apple has supported Windows via a dual-boot option. In the mid 1990s, the company introduced--and soon discontinued--Macintosh models that supported a plug-in card, which included a separate x86 processor for running both DOS and Windows.

 

Still, Apple won't provide any technical support for the Boot Camp beta, and the company was quick to point out the potential pitfalls of running Windows. "Windows running on a Mac is like Windows running on a PC. That means it'll be subject to the same attacks that plague the Windows world," the company warned on its Web site. "So be sure to keep it updated with the latest Microsoft Windows security fixes."

Intel-based Macs running Boot Camp will let people use some products that right now are available only for Windows-based PCs. Some examples:

The new software, coupled with the tremendous popularity that the iPod has brought to Apple, could bring more people over to the Apple side, some analysts said.

Paul Jackson, an analyst at Forrester Research, predicts that home users previously daunted by a fear of incompatibly with their work PC and a strong desire to hold on to Windows-based programs may now make the jump to Macs.

, an analyst at Forrester Research, predicts that home users previously daunted by a fear of incompatibly with their work PC and a strong desire to hold on to Windows-based programs may now make the jump to Macs.

Apple's move is great for Microsoft, Jackson said, since it will mean extra sales of XP, but it's bad news for PC makers that previously didn't have to worry about competing for market share with Apple.

"Apple machines are excellently manufactured, and the performance is far superior," Jackson told CNET News.com. "But companies like Dell and HP never really had to worry about competing with Apple in the hardware market. Now you can go in, look at those gorgeous Mac Minis and MacBook (Pros) and view them as a normal PC. You can run XP and never touch OS X, if you don't want to."

And, according to Jackson, Macs seem to do XP well.

"From what we know of the hackers' success last week at the XP-on-Mac contest, once you get XP to run on the Intel Mac, the performance is actually quite good. We will have to actually wait and see the results of more official benchmark testing, but so far, that's what it looks like."

Jackson also noted that Apple's move is an indication of what industry insiders have argued all along.

"By doing this, Apple has made a tacit acknowledgement of what many have already said, which basically is: If you're serious about home computing or small-enterprise computing, you need Windows. There's no way around it," Jackson said.

And, according to Wall Street, this is good news for Apple stock.

Company shares jumped several percentage points in early-morning trading, as analysts had mostly positive things to say about the big announcement.

"In short, we believe this news, more than any news in recent memory, provides a critical boost to Apple's ability to gain share in the PC market," a JPMorgan Chase analyst report said.

Deutche Bank issued a "buy" for Apple stock on a prediction of share gains.

Goldman Sachs, however, was not as impressed.

"Given the newness of Intel-based Macs, we would not expect any meaningful impact on Mac sales or earnings in the near or intermediate term," Goldman Sachs in its analyst report of Apple's move. "However, this is another step in Apple's efforts to expand its total addressable market to include a more mainstream audience."

Goldman Sachs also noted that the situation could be a "slight negative for Microsoft" because it does not think that increased Windows sales would have much of an impact on Microsoft's overall percent of the market--but that a migration to Apple computers could.

 

Sports and Auto

 

Oakland 2, Seattle 6 at Safeco Field
Oakland Record: (2-2)


Winning pitcher - Gil Meche (1-0)
Losing pitcher - Esteban Loaiza (0-1)
SV - J.J. Putz (1)

at Safeco Field (2-2) - Gil Meche (1-0) - Esteban Loaiza (0-1) - J.J. Putz (1)

OAK HR - E. Chavez (2) None
SEA HR - None C. Everett (1)

 

American Formula One Driver Scott Speed's Squadra Piloti Car Club Arrives

Squadra Piloti is an Innovative Club That Revolutionizes How Car Enthusiasts Experience Driving the World's Most Desirable Automobiles

Squadra Piloti is an Innovative Club That Revolutionizes How Car Enthusiasts Experience Driving the World's Most Desirable Automobiles

2006 Scott Speed's Squadra Piloti is a national club that provides car enthusiasts with access to virtually any car that they want to drive. By connecting local car enthusiasts with each other, the club makes it convenient, affordable and hassle-free for its members to routinely drive a variety of exciting cars. Squadra Piloti, which is Italian for "Team of Drivers," launched its service in April 2006 and is rapidly becoming a favorite destination for the millions of car enthusiasts across the country.

Scott Speed, who is making his Formula One debut in 2006 racing for Scuderia Toro Rosso, is the first American driver in Formula One since Michael Andretti drove for McLaren in 1993. Like many professional race car drivers, Scott's enthusiasm for driving extends beyond the track to include a passion for driving some of the world's most desirable automobiles. Speed, a California native, says, "Squadra Piloti is a phenomenal club - when I'm off the track, it allows me to drive a variety of exceptional cars by connecting with local, reputable car enthusiasts like myself."

Squadra Piloti gives members access to their dream cars by creating a new online marketplace that allows members to connect with other local car enthusiasts in one of two ways. The first way permits two members to trade driving time on high-end cars that they already own. For example, if you are a Porsche owner who has a craving to drive the latest model Ferrari, Squadra Piloti will connect you with a nearby member who not only owns the latest model Ferrari, but who also wants to drive the Porsche that you own. The club arranges the details of a temporary car exchange that is a win-win for both members. The second way that Squadra Piloti connects members is by facilitating a transaction in which one member pays cash to acquire driving time in another member's car. The club makes it easy for anyone to drive their favorite cars: new members simply provide their location and indicate all of the cars they want to drive, and Squadra Piloti handles the rest.

The club, which is the first of its kind, offers car enthusiasts several advantages over existing alternatives. Unlike daily exotic car rental agencies, which need to charge high prices because their cars are typically driven only a few days each month, Squadra Piloti allows members to drive the same exotic cars at a significantly lower cost. While there are a handful of European car clubs based on a timeshare concept, their American counterparts currently exist in only a few select cities. Unlike such timeshare clubs, Squadra Piloti is national in scope, charges no initiation fee and offers free ongoing membership.

Squadra Piloti is rapidly gaining wide appeal among car enthusiasts, with the automobiles owned by club members already constituting the largest network of high-end cars in the country. Byron Cheng, a co-founder of Ferrari Driving Club, says, "Squadra Piloti is a true drivers' club. Our club members love Squadra Piloti because it makes it easy to connect with other like-minded car enthusiasts that they can trust." Cheng's friend and co-founder of Ferrari Driving Club, Jean-Louis Michel, added, "It doesn't matter how many cars you've driven, the real enthusiasts always want to drive one more - and Squadra Piloti can make that happen!"

While Squadra Piloti does have an established following among drivers of exotic cars, you don't need to own a sleek Italian automobile to become a member. So who should check out the new club? According to Scott Speed, "Any true car aficionado who loves to drive should be a member of Squadra Piloti."

About Squadra Piloti, LLC

Scott Speed's Squadra Piloti is a national club that provides car enthusiasts with access to virtually any car that they want to drive. The automobiles owned by Squadra Piloti members constitute the largest network of high-end cars in the country. Squadra Piloti brings together and connects like-minded automobile aficionados in all areas of the United States for the purpose of facilitating car exchanges that allow its members to build their repertoire of driving experiences, while having fun and getting to know other local enthusiasts. Any car enthusiast can become a member of Scott Speed's Squadra Piloti free of charge through the club's website located at http://www.squadrapiloti.com.

Las Vegas Monorail Shifts into Gear with General Motors Ad Deal

GM Creates Automotive Attraction on Las Vegas Monorail Route

The Las Vegas Monorail became home to the nation's first "autotainment" experience when General Motors officially opened "The Drive" today.

"The Drive," a hands-on driving experience for consumers, is located on 11 acres at the base of the Sahara Hotel & Casino monorail station. "The Drive" features two professionally designed driving courses, including a high-performance loop and an off-road adventure with two trails over a dirt terrain.

"The monorail is rapidly becoming an attraction, as well as a convenient and cost-efficient means of traveling throughout the resort corridor of Las Vegas," said Curtis L. Myles III, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Monorail Co. "We're proud to have General Motors as an advertiser, and are looking forward to working with them to implement sales and marketing programs that will help us increase ridership and consumer awareness of the monorail."

The General Motors deal is another example of the Las Vegas Monorail's experiential advertising program. Created and implemented for the monorail by Las Vegas-based Promethean Partners, the Total Brand Immersion(TM) experiential advertising program provides high-profile corporations with the opportunity to create unique marketing environments on the trains, stations and adjacent property of the monorail.

"With projects like 'The Drive,' the monorail becomes an exciting and entertaining attraction rather than just a mode of public transit," explained Myles. "If visitors enjoy their experience on the monorail, they will use the monorail more often, and that means more eyeballs for advertisers and more fare-box revenues for the bond holders."

In addition to GM, several other well-known brands have taken advantage of the monorail's Total Brand Immersion advertising program, including Sprint/Nextel, Monster Energy Drink, Paramount Parks, BankWest of Nevada, and the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority.

About Las Vegas Monorail

The Las Vegas Monorail is privately funded and operated, using no tax dollars for its construction or operations. It connects eight major resorts, linking more than 25,000 hotel rooms and about 4.4 million square feet of meeting and convention space, including one of the world's largest convention centers. The 4-mile route stops at the following seven stations: MGM Grand; Bally's/Paris; Flamingo/Caesars Palace; Harrah's/Imperial Palace; Las Vegas Convention Center; Las Vegas Hilton; and the Sahara. The $650 million transportation system runs along the Las Vegas resort corridor, traveling at a top speed of 50 mph. Up to nine trains consisting of four cars each run on a single rail that rises 20 feet high in most areas, its highest point reaching 70 feet above the Las Vegas Convention Center. The system is electric and has improved transit along The Strip without impacting air quality. Each year, it will take more than 4.4 million automobile trips off the major roadways and reduce carbon monoxide by 135 tons. The monorail operates Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, call 702-699-8200 or visit

http://www.lvmonorail.com.

.

About General Motors Corp.

General Motors Corp the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM operates one of the world's leading finance companies, GMAC Financial Services, which offers automotive, residential and commercial financing and insurance. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at http://www.gm.com.

The Las Vegas Monorail shifts into gear with the opening of the General Motors "autotainment" experience, "The Drive" at the Sahara monorail station. Elvis kicked off the opening and took a Hummer for a spin on the all-terrain course of "The Drive."

 

 

Federal-Mogul Sealing Systems Facility Receives Toyota's Excellent Quality Award

Federal-Mogul Corporation's Athens, Alabama, Sealing Systems facility recently received Toyota's Excellent Quality Award for 2005. This award acknowledges that Federal-Mogul has met Toyota's highest standards in quality for parts and materials.

Ramzi Hermiz, senior vice president, Sealing Systems, and Dennis Wolf, vice president, OE sales and application engineering, Sealing Systems, accepted the award at Toyota's 10th Annual Supplier Business Meeting and Awards Ceremony in Covington, Kentucky. This annual event brings approximately 500 North American suppliers together to share expectations for the upcoming business year and to recognize outstanding supplier achievements.

"Toyota views our suppliers as business partners and together, we have improved our efforts in quality, delivery and value," said Osamu "Simon" Nagata, vice president of purchasing for Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America.

"Receiving the Toyota Excellent Quality Award demonstrates Federal-Mogul's continued commitment to deliver high-quality products and services and create value for our customers," Hermiz said. "We are honored to be recognized among Toyota's top suppliers and look forward to further strengthening our relationship with Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America and supporting its success."

Federal-Mogul's Athens, Alabama, facility manufactures a variety of seals and gaskets, including multi-layer steel exhaust gaskets for, Toyota's North American engine programs.

About Federal-Mogul

Federal-Mogul is a global supplier of automotive components, systems and modules serving the world's original equipment manufacturers and the global aftermarket. The company utilizes its engineering and materials expertise, proprietary technology, manufacturing skill, distribution flexibility and marketing power to deliver products, brands and services of value to its customers. Federal-Mogul is focused on global profitable growth to create value for and bring greater satisfaction to its customers, employees and stakeholders.

Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, the Company employs 42,000 people worldwide. Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899. The Company's principal customers include many of the world's foremost original equipment manufacturers of automotive, light commercial, heavy-duty truck, agricultural, marine, rail and industrial vehicles and equipment as well as the worldwide aftermarket. Federal-Mogul's aftermarket products are sold under a variety of power brands, including but not limited to, AE(R) engine products, ANCO(R) wipers, Champion(R) spark plugs and wipers, Fel-Pro(R) gaskets, Ferodo(R) brake pads, Glyco(R) bearings, Goetze(R) piston rings, Moog(R) chassis products, National(R) wheel-end components, Nural(R) pistons, Payen(R) gaskets, Sealed Power(R) engine products and Wagner(R) lighting and brake products.

For more information on Federal-Mogul, visit the company's Web site at http://www.federal-mogul.com.

All-New Kia Sedona Earns Five Star Safety Rating

All-New Kia Sedona Earns Five Star Safety Rating from U.S. Government; Five Star Ratings Achieved for Frontal and Side Impact Crash Tests

The all-new Sedona minivan has earned the highest possible safety rating -- five stars -- for all seating positions in the latest frontal and side impact crash tests by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

Completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, the all-new Sedona builds upon a commitment to safety that was established with the first generation minivan, which earned the company's first five star crash rating when it debuted in 2002. The 2006 Sedona continues to offer a high level of standard safety equipment, including six standard airbags, front active headrests, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), a traction control system (TCS) with brake assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

"We are extremely pleased with the all-new Sedona's performance and resulting five star rating in NHTSA's recent testing," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America. "The latest five star rating is further proof of our commitment to building high quality vehicles with unprecedented levels of standard safety and convenience features."

With a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) that starts at $22,995, the all-new Sedona combines great value with a high level of standard features and equipment. In the recently completed January-to-March sales period, the Sedona had its best-ever quarterly sales with more than 17,000 units sold.

Available in two trim levels, LX and EX, all models feature an all-new, more powerful 3.8-liter 24-valve V6 engine, producing class-leading 244 horsepower. A longer wheelbase and increased length and width in comparison to its predecessor contribute to the minivan's nearly 15-percent improvement in passenger room over the previous Sedona. Comfort and convenience equipment such as fold-in-the-floor third row seating, three separate climate zones covering all three rows and available power remote-operated side doors and rear lift gate were designed to bolster Sedona's established position as a safety and value leader in the highly competitive minivan market.

Kia Motors America -- the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea -- offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information visit http://www.kiamedia.com.

 

 

Federal-Mogul's Monosteel(R) Piston Wins 2006 ''Automotive News'' PACE

Federal-Mogul's Monosteel(R) Piston Wins 2006 ''Automotive News'' PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award

Federal-Mogul Corporation's (OTCBB:FDMLQ) Monosteel(R) Piston received the 2006 "Automotive News" PACE Award during a ceremony held April 3 in Detroit, Michigan. This prestigious award recognizes superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among suppliers who contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to car and truck manufacturers.

Federal-Mogul's award-winning Monosteel Piston was recognized in the product category. Federal-Mogul also won two honorable mentions for Sealing Systems products - FLAT-INSTALL(R) Crankshaft Seal and LEM(R) (Liquid Elastomer Molded) Gasket.

The Monosteel Piston's innovative technology addresses the increasing thermal, mechanical, abrasive and corrosive challenges placed on heavy-duty diesel engines resulting from emissions regulations. Federal-Mogul's engineers developed a way to friction-weld lightweight steel components together creating a tough single-assembly piston, known as Monosteel. Federal-Mogul's manufacturing methods build in generous oil galleries for better cooling, achieving better internal support shapes for high strength.

Chairman, President and CEO Jose Maria Alapont said the PACE Award recognizes Federal-Mogul's dedication to innovation and technology.

"Winning the PACE Award - and earning two honorable mentions - truly demonstrates our commitment to provide customers with the most innovative technologies, and leading products and services," he said. "On behalf of Federal-Mogul, I would like to thank our employees who worked tirelessly to bring these products to the market at the most competitive cost, and our customers who believe in our world-class quality and technology."

The "Automotive News" PACE Award is viewed around the world as the industry symbol of innovation. PACE Award winners were chosen following an extensive review by an independent panel of judges, including a comprehensive written application and a site visit.

About Federal-Mogul

Federal-Mogul is a global supplier of automotive components, systems and modules serving the world's original equipment manufacturers and the global aftermarket. The company utilizes its engineering and materials expertise, proprietary technology, manufacturing skill, distribution flexibility and marketing power to deliver products, brands and services of value to its customers. Federal-Mogul is focused on global profitable growth to create value for and bring greater satisfaction to its customers, employees and stakeholders.

Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, the Company employs 42,000 people worldwide. Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899. The Company's principal customers include many of the world's foremost original equipment manufacturers of automotive, light commercial, heavy-duty truck, agricultural, marine, rail and industrial vehicles and equipment as well as the worldwide aftermarket. Federal-Mogul's aftermarket products are sold under a variety of power brands, including but not limited to, AE(R) engine products, ANCO(R) wipers, Champion(R) spark plugs and wipers, Fel-Pro(R) gaskets, Ferodo(R) brake pads, Glyco(R) bearings, Goetze(R) piston rings, Moog(R) chassis products, National(R) wheel-end components, Nural(R) pistons, Payen(R) gaskets, Sealed Power(R) engine products and Wagner(R) lighting and brake products.

For more information on Federal-Mogul, visit the company's Web site at http://www.federal-mogul.com.

 

 

Federal-Mogul's Monosteel(R) Piston Wins 2006 ''Automotive News'' PACE

Three top North American automotive companies were honored last night by the French government at the tenth annual Invest in France Automotive Awards ceremony held at the Detroit Institute of Arts during the 2006 SAE World Congress.

The three companies honored this year were BorgWarner Inc., Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., and Mark IV Automotive Inc. The Invest in France Automotive Awards are presented annually by the Invest in France Agency to recognize leading North American automotive companies that have made a significant investment in new or expanded facilities in France.

The French government presents these awards because of the importance of the automotive industry in France. With 19 auto manufacturing plants producing over 3.6 million vehicles annually, the country is Europe's second largest automotive manufacturing center. France is also home to nearly 600 tier-one and more than 3,000 tier-two suppliers. And, like Detroit, Paris is the leading automotive purchasing center for the continent, with its purchasing decisions affecting nearly 14 percent of global vehicle production.

Each of the three companies received a highly prized, limited-edition crystal automobile designed and cast by the world-renowned glasswork manufacturer Compagnie Francaise du Cristal Daum. Founded in 1887 by master craftsman Jean Daum and his descendants, Daum Crystal represents the glassmaker's highest achievement in the world of decorative arts.

Presenting the crystal awards to executives representing the three awardees were Laurent Trupin, CEO of the Invest in France Agency; The Honorable Richard Barbeyron, Consul General of France in Chicago; and Michel Viger, President of the Invest in France Agency North America.

Receiving the awards on behalf of their companies were Tim Manganello, CEO, BorgWarner Inc.; Jim McElya, CEO, Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc.; and Bill Montague, CEO, Mark IV Automotive Inc.

BorgWarner was recognized for its most recent investment in a new 160,000-square- foot facility located in Eyrein, a town in the French region of Limousin. The new facility will be a key step in meeting increasing demand for BorgWarner DualTronic(TM) transmission technology in Europe as well as additional new business in transmission controls systems. Areas of operation will include application engineering, testing and manufacturing capabilities for these systems. BorgWarner currently manufactures solenoids and transmission control modules at a plant in Tulle, and plans to move that operation's employees and production to the new facility when it is completed in the summer of 2006. BorgWarner first arrived in France in 1996 with its first European acquisition in Tulle. Since then, it has expanded its presence in France with additional facilities in Chazelles-sur-Lyon (Rhone-Alpes), La Ferte-Mace (Normandy), and the Paris area.

Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. received an award for the recent $6 million expansion of its plant in Vitre (Brittany) to accommodate the introduction of a new product line. The facility currently employs 720 people, and produces sealing systems and windows, particularly for the new Peugeot 407 model. Cooper-Standard Automotive specializes in the manufacturing and marketing of systems and components for the global automotive industry, and also has facilites in Argenteuil (Ile-de-France), Creutzwald (Lorraine), Lillebonne, and Bolbec (both in Normandy).

Mark IV Automotive, of Mark IV Industries Inc., was recognized for the recent $8 million expansion of its facility in Fraize (Lorraine). The factory specializes in motor air admission systems and has experienced such overwhelming business growth - its revenues tripled over three years - they were spurred to follow up their recent expansion in 2003 with further expansion. The recent investment includes the addition of 150 employees (doubling their workforce) and adding greater production capacity. Mark IV Automotive also has operations in Orbey (Alsace) and Chateauroux (Center).

Sponsors:

The 2005 Invest in France Automotive Awards ceremony was sponsored by Ward's AutoWorld, the automotive OEM industry's preferred magazine, which puts news, trends and technology into perspective for today's automotive professional; RSM International (RSMi), the sixth largest professional service accounting and consulting organization in the world, operating in over 70 countries and bringing together the talents of over 20,000 individuals in over 600 offices; and Butzel Long, a leading law firm with over 215 lawyers and offices throughout Michigan and in strategic locations in Florida and China.

Previous Recipients:

Including this year's three corporate recipients, the Invest in France Automotive Award has been bestowed on a total of thirty-six leading North American corporations. Previous winners are:

2005: GM Powertrain, Magna International, and Spartech Corporation

2004: AxleTech International, Cignet LLC, and Johnson Control, Inc.

2003: Advanced Accessory Systems LLC, Burgess-Norton Mfg Co., Dow

Automotive, L&L Products, Inc., Visteon Corporation

2002: ArvinMeritor, Lear Corporation, Altair Engineering

2001: Delphi Energy & Chassis Systems, Harman International, Moll

Industries, The Timken Co.

2000: Visteon, Act Laboratories, Honeywell Turbocharging Systems

1999: Dana Corporation, Oxford Automotive

1998: ITT Automotive, Standard Products, Tenneco Automotive

1997: Eaton Corporation, Ogura Corporation, Rockwell

International, TRW

1996: BorgWarner, Donnelly Corp., Ford Motor Co., Gates Rubber,

Delphi Thermal Systems

About the Invest in France Agency (IFA) The Invest in France Agency is the French government agency for international investment. Invest in France Agency North America provides US, Canadian and Mexican executives with customized, confidential, complimentary services including financial and fiscal incentives, key industry contacts and site selection studies. Its mission is to help North American companies find the most profitable and competitive solution in France for their business in Europe.

Dealers' Response Times and Response Quality

Dealers' Response Times and Response Quality to Leads Matter More than Ever; The Cobalt Group Releases Findings from Auto Industry's Largest, Most Comprehensive Automotive e-Business Performance Study

The Cobalt Group, Inc., the leading provider of marketing services to the retail automotive industry, and its Dealix division, the leader in automotive online sales leads, today announced findings from the Industry and Dealership e-Business Performance Study. The e-Business Performance Study is believed to be one of the most comprehensive assessments of dealership e-business performance conducted to date.

The study(1), conducted in conjunction with R. L. Polk & Co., an independent automotive information and marketing solutions provider, examined 1.1 million Internet 3rd-party leads over 15 months of sales performance, covering more than 1,300 dealerships that spanned U.S. geography and 36 major manufacturer brands. It also included detailed onsite evaluations of 20 of the top-performing dealerships, as well as corroborating 'eMystery' Internet shopper inquiries and telephone surveys with more than 4,000 vehicle-buying consumers.

"The findings from this unprecedented study have broad implications for the entire automotive industry," said John Holt, CEO of The Cobalt Group. "Cobalt is pleased to sponsor this research. As the leading provider of Internet advertising and marketing services, we have an obligation to identify and disseminate valuable insights into industry trends and best practices for the benefit of our OEM and dealer customers."

"The research provides valuable insights into automotive retailers' Internet sales process effectiveness, into car buyers' perceptions of dealer responsiveness and quality, and into levels and causes of OEM brand defection," said Andrew Price, vice president of Dealer Solutions, R. L. Polk & Co.

The study revealed many important findings:

-- 3rd party leads are valuable, because they represent ready-to-buy consumers. 56% of all leads analyzed resulted in a vehicle sale, which underscores the value of 3rd party leads as an effective customer acquisition method.

-- Consumers who submit 3rd-party Internet leads have a short purchase timeframe. 42% of sales associated with leads occurred within 30 days of the leads' submission. 68% of sales occurred within a 90-day period.

-- More dealerships are responding to Internet leads. Analysis indicates that dealers responded to 69.7% of leads, up from 60% a year ago.

-- Dealers have improved their responsiveness to Internet leads. Analysis revealed that average dealer response times(2) to leads are now 6.5 hours, versus 9.5 hours from a year earlier.

-- Quality of dealer responses is diminishing. The study showed that dealers responded satisfactorily to consumers' questions only 26% of the time, down from more than 38% a year ago.

"Internet leads are quality opportunities. Six out of ten buy, and they buy quickly: 42% purchase within 30 days," said Dean Evans, VP of Marketing for the Dealix division of The Cobalt Group. "These findings may surprise many dealers, especially when they compare Internet leads to traditional show room walk-ins. However, to capture the sale, dealers need to be prepared to move quickly and to respond to all questions, including price and inventory availability."

When asked about choosing a dealership, consumers cited the following as the primary reason for doing business with a dealer:

-- Competitive price (39% of respondents)

-- Good, quick dealership response (21% of respondents)

-- Proximity to dealership (14% of respondents)

-- Inventory availability (9.6% of respondents)

While many dealers presume that dealership proximity and inventory availability are top priorities for consumers, these finding illustrate the greater importance of timeliness and quality of dealer responses to consumer inquiries.

The study revealed high consistency with regard to the sales practices of top-performing dealerships. For example, sales professionals at top-performing dealerships are more likely to answer any / all questions from consumers, including pricing questions, in an initial contact. "If I don't provide price, then I am the highest price," said Michael Waldrop, of Coggin Honda in Florida.

The study also revealed that of the 3rd-party leads which resulted in a vehicle sale, only 8% of those sales occurred at the dealership that purchased the lead. The remaining 92% of 'lost opportunity' sales took place at another dealership, with three different outcomes:

-- 24% of sales involved the same make and model, but from a competing dealership

-- 34% of sales involved a different make, from another dealership

-- 42% of sales involved the purchase of a used car from another dealership

Further analysis of these "lost opportunities" yielded additional insights:

-- Brand defection from intended make is high. As indicated above, 34% of 'lost opportunity' sales involved a different make from the intended dealership, which shows that consumers are open to comparison-shopping among brands.

-- The longer it takes to close a lead, the more likely the consumer will buy a used car after originally submitting the new car lead, as illustrated by the following table:

Percentage Purchasing

Lead Close Time-Frame Used Vehicle

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

30 days or less 20%

31 - 60 days 49%

91 days or more 55%

"For the past few years, the mantra was 'response time drives closing'", said Kevin Root, VP of Applications and Services, The Cobalt Group. "Today, it's the quality response that drives closing. That means answering questions about inventory availability and price. It doesn't mean providing the lowest price. In fact, rather than discount heavily, most high-performing dealers build value in their responses (why me / why make) to earn the appointment."

The co-authors of the Industry and Dealership eBusiness Performance Study have published a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the study's objectives, research methodologies, findings and implications. This document is available as a white paper at http://www.cobaltgroup.com/press/in_the_news.jsp

About The Cobalt Group

The Cobalt Group is North America's leading provider of automotive marketing services. For more than a decade, Cobalt's exclusive mission has been to help automobile dealers and manufacturers increase their retailing effectiveness and profits. Cobalt provides marketing services to more than half the automotive dealerships in the United States, Canada and Mexico and is endorsed by more than two-thirds of the world's major automotive manufacturers. Cobalt is also endorsed by the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA).

About Dealix

The Dealix division of The Cobalt Group is a leading provider of third-party leads to automotive dealers. Dealix owns and operates InvoiceDealers.com, one of the industry's leading auto buying portals and the Dealix Lead Trading Platform(SM) (LTP), a suite of proprietary technology products and business services. The Dealix LTP processes over 2.2 million vehicle shoppers monthly from InvoiceDealers.com and from the Dealix Lead Acquisition Network(SM), a collection of preeminent partner websites. Dealix also provides market intelligence via its data analysis division, Dealix Business Intelligence(SM) (DBI).

 

About R. L. Polk & Co.

R. L. Polk & Co. is the premier provider of automotive information and marketing solutions. Polk collects and interprets global data, and provides extensive automotive business expertise to help customers understand their market position, identify trends, build brand loyalty, conquest new business and gain a competitive advantage. Polk helps automotive manufacturers and dealers, automotive aftermarket companies, media companies, finance and insurance companies, advertising agencies, consulting organizations, government agencies and market research firms make good business decisions. A privately held global firm, Polk is based in Southfield, Mich. with operations in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. For more information, please visit http://www.polk.com.

Cobalt, The Cobalt Group and Dealix are trademarks of The Cobalt Group, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

(1) The Industry and Dealership e-Business Performance Study was sponsored by The Cobalt Group and its Dealix division, and conducted in conjunction with R. L. Polk & Co. an independent, privately held provider of automotive research and information solutions. The study examined 1.1 million third-party leads over 15 months of sales performance, covering more than 1,300 dealerships that spanned U.S. geography and 36 major manufacturer brands. Research and analysis included lead matching, telephone surveys with dealers and consumers, onsite evaluations and eMystery shopping tests.

(2) Actual responses, rather than email 'auto-responses', were used to compute this measure.

 

 

MADD and Nissan Join Forces in Hopes to Raise $2 Million

MADD and Nissan Join Forces in Hopes to Raise $2 Million for 2006 National Strides for Change Program; Third Annual Event Launches in 22 Cities Nationwide

More than 16,000 people died in automotive crashes involving alcohol in 2004. While this number has significantly decreased since the 1980s, it is still much too high. For this reason, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Nissan North America, Inc. (Nasdaq:NSANY) (NNA) are partnering again to host its Strides for Change 5K fundraising walks in 22 cities around the country. The walks help rally support to stop drunk driving, support victims and prevent underage drinking.

"Drunk driving is the nation's most frequently committed violent crime, and unfortunately, it affects every community in the country," said Glynn Birch, MADD national president. "We are thrilled that Nissan is again partnering with us to host the Strides for Change walks this year. Their support allows us to increase our outreach to families in communities all across America."

Strides for Change is a 5K, non-competitive walk that enables corporations and individuals to team up with MADD in keeping our children and communities safe. Participants form teams of 10 or more and are asked to raise $100 each through pledges. During the 2005 walks, more than $1.1 million was raised and more than 10,000 walkers participated. For 2006, MADD has increased its walk sites by more than 50 percent and expects to raise over $2 million through its efforts.

"As an automotive manufacturer, Nissan realizes how important it is to educate drivers and make them aware of the consequences of their decisions. We are proud to again merge our commitment to safety with MADD's mission to stop drunk driving," said Robert Yakushi, director of product safety and regulatory, NNA.

In addition to serving as the national sponsor of the Strides for Change events, Nissan employees will form teams around the country to walk and raise money. The funds raised by the Strides for Change walks help further MADD's lifesaving mission in a variety of ways. For instance, a $40 donation enables MADD to provide two hours of group support for a victim of drunk driving.

The 2006 Strides for Change walks will kick off in Dallas, Phoenix and Raleigh on April 22 and then occur in cities across the country through October 2006. The other event sites include: Hartford, Baton Rouge, Boston, Nashville, Cleveland, Columbus, Milwaukee, Denver, San Diego, Atlanta, Lansing, Houston, Detroit, San Antonio, Albuquerque, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Los Angeles and Sacramento.

Interested in participating? There are three options: (1) If you live in the area of a walk event, you can register to walk or form a team; (2) If you are unable to make one of the walks, you can sign up to raise money as a virtual walker, anywhere and anytime; or (3) You can also give a one-time donation to the walks. Please visit the Strides for Change web site, http://www.stridesforchange.org, to register, donate or get more information.

About MADD

MADD is the premier organization working to fight drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD is a 501c3 charity with approximately 400 offices and two million members and supporters nationwide. More than 300,000 lives have been saved since MADD's founding in 1980. For more information, visit http://www.madd.org.

About Nissan North America, Inc.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at http://www.nissanUSA.com or

 

DOD

 

DoD Identifies Marine and Sailor Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the identity of a Marine and a sailor supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, who have been listed as Duty Status - Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN) after the seven-ton truck in which they were riding rolled over in a flash flood near Al Asad, Iraq on April 2. The incident was not a result of enemy action. Lance Cpl. Eric A. Palmisano, 27, of Milwaukee, Wis., is assigned to the 1st Transportation Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary

Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Petty Officer 3rd Class Marcques J. Nettles, 22, of Beaverton, Ore., is assigned to Force Service Regiment 1 Fleet Marine Forces Pacific. All available resources are being used to search for the Marine and sailor. Information concerning the six Marines killed in this incident

 

 

Wounded Troops, Disabled Vets Conquer Mountains at Sports Clinic

 

 

More than 350 severely wounded troops and disabled veterans are conquering emotional as well as physical mountains at the 20th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic here. The participants, who range in age from 19 to 83 and served in every conflict since World War II, are joining together and showing the world they're not going to let an amputation or a spinal cord injury or visual impairment or other severe disability get in the way of a full, productive life. As they learn Alpine and Nordic skiing or try their hand at rock climbing, scuba diving, trapshooting, snowmobiling, sled hockey, and wheelchair fencing, among other activities, they're reaching not just for the mountaintop, but the stars. "The only limitation I have is what I put on myself," said Sgt. Tim Gustafson, a Tennessee Army National Guardsman who lost his right leg below the knee to an improvised explosive device in Iraq in February 2005.

Fourteen months later, as he prepares to leave Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., next week for his first convalescent leave since being wounded, Gustafson said he has newfound confidence. "I'm learning a lot and finding new ways to have fun," he said. "And I'm reaffirming what I know I can do." "This clinic offers proof that we're capable of doing whatever we want to do," agreed Navy veteran Gary Combs, who, although confined to a wheelchair with multiple sclerosis, competes in a variety of wheelchair games. "It may take us a little bit longer, but we can do it." Raymond Lehr, an Air Force veteran with limited use of his legs due to an aircraft loading accident in Vietnam, returned to the Winter Sports Clinic for his third time this year to try tackling Snowmass Mountain on a "mono-ski." "What I love about this is the challenge and the opportunity to learn and do things like this," he said. "It's very uplifting to my spirit and therapeutic, too." Like Combs, Lehr has a competitive spirit and hopes to one day compete in the Paralympics.

For some participants, the Winter Sports Clinic - which is co-sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans, with donations from corporate sponsors and private donors -- isn't about competing or winning, but rather, proving to themselves and others what they can do. Among them is 38-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Todd Fringer, a Wisconsin Army National Guardsman who was run over by a drunk driver and can now walk only with assistance. Fringer called returning to the slopes for the first time since his injury the chance to once again prove others wrong.

 

 

Fourteen months later, as he prepares to leave Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., next week for his first convalescent leave since being wounded, Gustafson said he has newfound confidence. "I'm learning a lot and finding new ways to have fun," he said. "And I'm reaffirming what I know I can do." "This clinic offers proof that we're capable of doing whatever we want to do," agreed Navy veteran Gary Combs, who, although confined to a wheelchair with multiple sclerosis, competes in a variety of wheelchair games. "It may take us a little bit longer, but we can do it." Raymond Lehr, an Air Force veteran with limited use of his legs due to an aircraft loading accident in Vietnam, returned to the Winter Sports Clinic for his third time this year to try tackling Snowmass Mountain on a "mono-ski." "What I love about this is the challenge and the opportunity to learn and do things like this," he said. "It's very uplifting to my spirit and therapeutic, too." Like Combs, Lehr has a competitive spirit and hopes to one day compete in the Paralympics.

For some participants, the Winter Sports Clinic - which is co-sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans, with donations from corporate sponsors and private donors -- isn't about competing or winning, but rather, proving to themselves and others what they can do. Among them is 38-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Todd Fringer, a Wisconsin Army National Guardsman who was run over by a drunk driver and can now walk only with assistance. Fringer called returning to the slopes for the first time since his injury the chance to once again prove others wrong.

"They said I'd never walk, that I'd be a vegetable and be on a ventilator for the rest of my life, and that really made me mad," he said. "So I was walking within three months, and I'm not on a ventilator. And now I'm going to prove that I can still ski. I needed another goal." Navy veteran Monica Pearl, here for her fifth Winter Sports Clinic, said the event helps her put her own visual impairment and difficulty walking into perspective. "There are so many people here with so many different problems that it makes mine seem like no big deal," she said as she prepared to hit the slopes. "This is a great experience. You get it into your blood, and you really want to do the best you can do." For Marine Corps veteran Pablo Guerrero, who experienced a severe head injury in 1996, the Winter Sports Clinic is as much about camaraderie as sport. "I never skied before I was injured, and this gives me an opportunity to really challenge myself," he said. "But the best part about it is getting to meet different people and making new friends.

That's what I really enjoy here." Latseen Benson, a 101st Airborne Division soldier being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center after losing both legs to an IED in Kirkuk, Iraq, in November, said the clinic offers another way to live the life he's chosen to lead since being wounded. "I figured that I basically have two choices. Either I'm going to sit in my room and sulk, or I'm going to get out there and live," Benson said. "And for me, that was no choice. Five weeks was long enough to spend staring at four walls. Now I want to get out there." This week, he's doing that by blasting down Snowmass Mountain on skis. "It kind of feels like I'm flying," he said. "You become one with nature, but at a much faster rate. It's fabulous." Army Col. Bill Howard, chief of occupational therapy at Walter Reed, called the Winter Sports Clinic the ultimate application of what he and his staff work to instill in wounded troops at the hospital. "That's the laboratory, but this is real life," he said. "When they are finished with this experience, they can go back knowing that they can do things they may initially have felt they never could have done."

By proving themselves to themselves, the participants -- particularly the 30 still undergoing treatment at Walter Reed and at Brooke Army Medical Center, in San Antonio -- will return home recognizing new possibilities, Howard said. "After this experience, we'll see increased self-confidence and an increased willingness to go out in the community and access the community," he said. "And that's the big gratification of this experience, as an occupational therapist and a soldier," he said. "I want them to return to themselves, if you will, and be able to achieve the goals that they want to achieve."

 

Mock Drill to prepare Guard

Military and political officials, foreign nationals and media observed yesterday as Army and Air National Guardsmen from five states and the District of Columbia responded to a mock disaster staged at the D.C. National Guard Armory. Mock news reports, a news conference and a brief address by the fire chief were only the set-up for a training exercise dubbed Vital Guardian. "What you're watching here is field training to a standard," said Army Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau. "The scenario is ... in the District of Columbia and we've cobbled together a task force from five different states to come in." Combining units from Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia made the exercise more difficult, but it also proved the states' techniques, skills, tactics, training and procedures are interoperable, Blum said.

"Every one of these (teams) will be stretched beyond (its) limits on purpose," he said. "It's a deliberate stressing of the capabilities to find out how far they can go before they break." Civil support, medical, engineering and chemical teams were among those stretched to their breaking point. The scenario created by the "explosion" could have been much worse, said Army Lt. Col Jeff Hice, commander of the 34th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team, out of Blackstone, Va. "This scenario is a half-a-kiloton yield from an improvised nuclear device," he said. "Pretty much just enough to collapse the stadium, do some structural damage, start a lot of fires and spread a lot of radiation. But a big deal if it happens." Hice's team, a mix of full-time Army and Air National Guardsmen, is on round-the-clock standby for just such an event. An advance group from the team deploys within 90 minutes of notification, the rest of the team within three hours.

Yesterday, Hice's team would have arrived just 90 minutes after the explosion. "We're helping at this scene by identifying any chemical, biological or radiological hazards," he said. "Think of the (team) as a strategic reconnaissance. We come in; we give that ground truth to the incident commander and to the military authorities on what is happening here." To provide this information, civil support team members need to travel to the actual site, Hice said. Their time down at the site is limited to an average of 90 minutes, however. "Short work cycles, coming back through decontamination, and then we're pushing fresh people -- trying to limit how much radiation these guys are sucking up," he said, adding that in a 24-hour period, he can rotate an individual to a contaminated site four to five times. Through its portable satellite, the team also can provide secure communications in devastated areas, Hice said.

The team's capabilities also can make it possible for responders using different communications systems to talk to each other, and to get the mobile laboratory's analysis of samples collected "down range" to the next level for further analysis. Once the situation was assessed, search and rescue began. As "victims" were discovered and extracted from the rubble of the stadium, they were sent through a decontamination site separate from the civil support team. First their medical condition is evaluated, and victims are color-coded with tape. Black tape indicates an individual is dead or expected to die soon. Yellow, green and red mean an individual can wait for treatment, has minor cuts and bruises, or has a major trauma, respectively.

Medical personnel participating in yesterday's exercise were part of the West Virginia Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package, or CERFP. There are currently 12 CERFPs throughout the country. Medical teams can't actually practice medicine on the mock victims in such an exercise. That's where "George" comes in, said Air Force Dr. (Lt. Col.) Sydney Jackson, commander of the 130th Medical Squadron. Jackson and members of his squadron participated in the exercise as part of the West Virginia CERFP. George is a $36,000 patient-care simulator, Jackson said. Doctors can administer intravenous solutions to George, perform CPR or even a tracheotomy. The simulator's responses to treatment and procedures are lifelike thanks to the computer program that makes him tick.

This gives medical personnel a taste of what patient care in a real emergency is like, Jackson said. "(With George) we can train all the time," he said. "Then when a patient is truly there, we have the right responses." Blum likened the exercise to training a muscle, with the personnel as the muscle. You train it to failure, give it time to rest, and train it again under tougher conditions. "What we're training for is what we hope never happens," he said. "I think (we're) recognizing that the world is changed and we need to change some of our capabilities to be more relevant for the new changed world."

 

Increased Interagency Cooperation Vital in Global War on Terrorism

 

Improving cooperation and coordination among government agencies is vital to winning the global war on terrorism and ending circumstances that drive people to terrorism, top Defense Department officials said on Capitol Hill yesterday. "We must bring all elements of our national power to bear in this struggle against global terrorism, and we can only do that through effective interagency coordination at all levels," Thomas W. O'Connell, DoD's assistant secretary for special operations and low-intensity conflict, told members of the House Armed Services Committee.

The most recent Quadrennial Defense Review states the Long War is "characterized by dispersed, global terrorist networks with radical political aims that directly and indirectly threaten the United States and our allies and our way of life," O'Connell said in prepared remarks. He said this war is very different from but similar in scope to the Cold War, in that it requires major shifts in strategic concepts and national assumptions on the role of military power. The nature of this new kind of enemy puts a premium on interagency operations, he said.

A November directive from President Bush firmly establishes support to "stability, security, transition and reconstruction" activities as a core military mission, on par with combat operations, explained Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Helping civilian counterparts in other agencies and friendly militaries expand their capabilities is one way to accomplish this mission, he said in testimony at the same hearing. "The QDR concluded that we in DoD need to do more to share expertise in planning, training, and professional development and education with our partners in the federal government and with key allies and friends," he said.

Critical issues outside the traditional military realm -- for example, stopping the spread of religious fundamentalism and improving economic conditions -- make interagency cooperation even more vital. "The global war on terror is primarily a communications, cultural, political, economic and diplomatic war with strategically important security and military components," Giambastiani said. "In Iraq and Afghanistan, for example, most of the key activities for success are the responsibility of organizations beyond the uniformed military. "Security is a prerequisite," he added. "But other agencies must step up to solidify progress." O'Connell noted that joint interagency task forces have been established within the combatant commands to help coordinate war-on-terror operations. "In turn, we at (the Office of the Secretary of Defense) and the Joint Staff are forging stronger linkages among planners in the military services and the combatant commands," he added. This shift in focus means major changes for two combatant commands in particular: U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Joint Forces Command.

Bush has designated SOCOM as the lead combatant command for planning, synchronizing and, when directed, executing global operations against terrorist networks. JFCOM has been designated as the lead joint force integrator, now responsible for "recommending changes in doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities to improve the integration of service, defense agency, and combatant command actions with interagency capabilities," O'Connell said. O'Connell acknowledged work needs to be done to improve coordination and cooperation. "The interagency process we have today can work well under crisis," he said. "But even with all our efforts, the (war on terrorism) presents coordination challenges not previously faced by the (National Security Council)." O'Connell presented several recommendations from defense officials. Among them: creating a national security planning guidance to direct development of military and nonmilitary plans and capabilities, and providing civilian agencies resources to develop capabilities to deploy in response to contingencies. "U.S. servicemen and women need their civilian colleagues," O'Connell said.

 

NEWS

 

North American Industrial Manufacturing Plants Opening Doors to 26,000 New Jobs

North American Industrial Manufacturing Plants Opening Doors to 26,000 New Jobs in Second Quarter of 2006, an Industrialinfo.com News Alert

Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas). With the recent announcements of staff reductions within the automotive industry, over 70,000 jobs disappearing within the next three years, any news of new jobs created in the Industrial Manufacturing industry is good news. Currently, in the second quarter of this year alone, the Industrial Manufacturing industry has 165 new plants planning to open their doors for business in the United States and Canada representing almost 26,000 new jobs for the industry.

For details, view the entire article by subscribing to Industrialinfo.com's Premium Industry News at http://www.industrialinfo.com/showNews.jsp?newsitemID=82999, or browse other breaking industrial news stories at http://www.industrialinfo.com.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is a Marketing Information Service company that has been doing business for over 23 years. IIR is respected as the leader in providing comprehensive market intelligence pertaining to the industrial processing, heavy manufacturing, and energy-related industries throughout the world. For more information send inquiries to industrialmanufacturing@industrialinfo.com or visit us online at http://www.industrialinfo.com.

 

Health Care Expenses Dampen Hiring and Pay Raise Plans

Among U.S. Business Owners; Some Even Plan to Reduce Coverage, PNC Survey Finds

- Health Care Reform, Reliance on Foreign Energy Sources Top Mid-Term Election Concerns -

U.S. business owners are adapting to higher energy prices and interest rates, but rising health care costs are dampening their plans to hire new employees and give pay raises during the next six months, according to the biannual PNC Economic Outlook survey. Of those who offer health insurance, nearly 6 out of 10 said they are likely to reduce their employees' coverage in the future.

The survey of small- and mid-sized business owners and senior decision- makers across the United States also found that health care reform is the No. 1 issue they would most like to see addressed in the 2006 mid-term elections, followed closely by the nation's reliance on foreign energy sources and tax reform.

"The results show a stable outlook among business owners for their own sales and profits during the next six months, which suggests they are adapting to higher energy prices and interest rates," said Stuart Hoffman, PNC chief economist. "Many, however, are taking aggressive steps to counter continued increases in costs for employees' health care coverage, which could mean reductions in benefits for some employees."

The survey was conducted for The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. in January and February by Harris Interactive, a global market research firm, with responses from 1,041 business owners and senior decision makers. This survey, done every six months since April 2003, gauges the mood and sentiment among business owners about business expectations, economic factors and other issues.

Sixty-six percent stated that rising health care costs are having a moderate to significant "adverse impact" on salary increases and 59 percent said the same about the hiring of full-time employees. By contrast, 34 percent said these costs would have little to no adverse impact on raises and 41 percent said the same about hiring. At the same time, 57 percent of those offering medical coverage said they are likely to reduce benefits of their employees in the future.

Other Survey Highlights

PNC's survey revealed the following insights from the business community:

- Mid-Term Election Issues: When asked which issues they would most like

to see addressed in the 2006 mid-term elections, health care reform (25

percent) came in first, followed closely by reducing the U.S.'s

reliance on foreign energy sources (23 percent). Tax reform (18

percent) was third and the federal budget deficit (16 percent) was

fourth.

"It looks as though business owners feel that holding the line on hiring and raises, as well as making investments to enhance employee productivity, can help counter rising costs in the near term," Hoffman commented. "Longer- term solutions to health care and energy issues, however, will require action by their elected officials in the Administration and the U.S. Congress."

- Rising Costs & Pricing Power: 67 percent -- a PNC survey record high --

expect to pay higher prices to suppliers during the next six months, up

from 65 percent last fall. Sixty-two percent expect the cost of health

care for their employees to increase, and 55 percent expect

compensation paid to employees to also rise.

- Price Hikes for Customers: 42 percent expect to increase the prices

they charge customers, down slightly from 46 percent last fall and 50

percent a year ago. Of those who plan to raise prices, 69 percent

plan increases of 3 percent or more.

- Preserve Profits: Of those who plan to raise prices, 78 percent are

attempting to preserve profit margins by passing along rising costs,

but only 20 percent said more favorable business conditions allowed

it. Of those who did not intend to raise prices, 48 percent said

market conditions were not strong enough (down from 52 percent in the

Fall). Twenty-seven percent reported that productivity growth is

helping to contain costs, enabling them to avoid price hikes.

- Business Expectations Remain Stable: The outlook among business owners

on sales and profits during the next six months remains stable since

last fall -- and just below the record high levels reported one year

ago -- as they manage through higher costs, Hoffman noted.

- Sales: 67 percent expect increases (up 4 percentage points from last

fall, and just below the record high of 70 percent a year ago) and 5

percent expect decreases (down 4 percent) while 26 percent expect no

change (down 1 percent).

- Profits: 54 percent expect increases and 32 percent expect no change

(both the same as last fall) while 12 percent expect decreases (down

1 percent).

- Hiring: 32 percent expect increases (up 3 percent from last fall) and

5 percent expect decreases (down 1 percent) while 63 percent expect

no change (down 2 percent).

- Investing in their business: Despite rising interest rates, eight of

10 business owners plan to invest in their business over the coming

six months. Reflecting a desire to enhance worker productivity

growth, 28 percent of all owners say technology equipment will

receive the largest increase in spending over the next six months,

topping all other types of planned investment spending.

The PNC Economic Outlook survey was conducted in the United States by telephone by Harris Interactive among 1,041 owners or senior decision-makers of small- and mid-sized businesses with annual revenues of $100,000 to $250 million. The results given in this release are based on interviews with 500 businesses nationally, while the remaining 576 interviews were conducted among businesses within PNC's primary region. Quotas were established by company revenue using the Dun & Bradstreet population. The sample was drawn to include a representative sampling of businesses by region and industry. Sampling error for the national results is +/- 4.4 percentage points. Sampling error for the various sub-samples is higher and varies.

Harris Interactive Inc. (http://www.harrisinteractive.com/), is the 13th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world, perhaps best known for The Harris Poll and for pioneering and engineering Internet-based research methods. The Rochester, New York-based global research company blends premier strategic consulting with innovative and efficient methods of investigation, analysis and application, conducting proprietary and public research globally to help clients achieve clear, material and enduring results.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services organizations providing consumer and business banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management; asset management and global fund services.

This report has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is not intended as specific advice or recommendations. Information has been gathered from third party sources and has not been independently verified or accepted by The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, assumptions, analyses or conclusions presented in the report. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. cannot be held responsible for any errors or misrepresentations contained in the report or in the information gathered from third party sources. Any reliance upon the information provided in the report is solely and exclusively at your own risk.

Source: The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

Posted by mbn at 12:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne April 6 2006

MBN

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN news

 

BROADCAST NEWS COMING NEXT VIA PODCAST

 

 

MONTEBUBBLISM: My mommy was in In Style Magazine, now you know where I get my cuteness from.

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION,

TECHNOLOGY

Katie Couric is Joining CBS News

Leslie Moonves finally got his woman.

Starbucks Invites Customers to D-I-S-C-O-V-E-R ''Akeelah and the Bee''

'Brokeback Mountain' Soars on DVD

Ad sales in Radio climbed

NY Times Expands web

Ax To Fall On Time Again

Global Wireless Entertainment Announces Acquisition of SkinIt, Inc.

.

Hollywood studios are taking another step into their digital future

EA Ships from Russia with Love

 

Samson and Benny Need Help on Their Fur-Raising Adventure

Imperia Entertainment Concludes Principal Photography

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. to Develop Video Game Inspired by Universal Pictures' ''The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift''

Toby Keith Gives a ''Sneak Peek'' of New Album Available On-Demand

Martha's Guests DVD

Animated Series 'Ghost Hunter Dax'

Disney's Little Einsteins Musical Missions

YouTube

Louis Gossett, Jr. Added to NAMIC Vision Awards Line-Up

NEW INTERACTIVE CABLE NETWORK

NBC to launch new Mobile Service

No Brainer, you lose audience during commercials

Former MTV Español Becomes Bilingual Network in Fourth Quarter

TV Guide Mobile Entertainment Announces New Product and Service Offerings

Mercora Turns Up the Volume on Social Radio

CTIA WIRELESS Presents The 2006 Fashion in Motion Showcase

 

SPORTS & AUTOS

Oakland and Dodger Baseball

Nissan Launches ``El Reto Final Nissan'' Reality Show

BMW Leads the Way in High-Tech Auto Features:

: MOBILE MEDIA NOW™ LAUNCHES VIDEO CHANNEL, 6DEGREES ACTION SPORTS ON 3 UK

NFL Receives Offer From Bodog.com for Exclusive Internet Rights

Mickelson no match for Tiger at The Masters, according to bettors at Sportsbook.com

™

NASCAR Races Into Dallas-Fort Worth as the #61 RoadLoans.com Ford Makes a Pit Stop at Grapevine Mills Mall

AAA Ford Fusion No. 6 Will Make Debut at Texas Motor Speedway

Butte College's Racing Team Takes First in Class at Infineon Raceway; Partnership Prepares Students for Racing Careers

DOD

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

Seventeen People Recovering After Surviving C-5 Crash

Sexual Assault Not Just 'Women's Issue,' Expert Says

Group Seeks Government Fix for Veterans' Issues

NEWS

The Banking Public Wants To Talk To A Person

Studies Show Asthma Disparities Still Exist Between Whites and Minorities

65th Annual Peabody Awards Winners Announced Jon Stewart to host Awards Ceremony on June 5 at New York City's Waldorf=Astoria Hotel

____________________________

 

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION,

TECHNOLOGY

 

Katie Couric is Joining CBS News

Couric Will Become Anchor and Managing Editor of The CBS Evening News With Katie Couric

Will Also Contribute to 60 MINUTES and Anchor Primetime Specials

NEW YORK, April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Katie Couric, one of broadcasting's most respected and popular journalists, is joining CBS News, it was announced today by Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation, and Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports.

As part of the multi-year agreement, Couric will become Anchor and Managing Editor of the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC beginning in September. Couric also will contribute to 60 MINUTES, the most successful program in television history and its most respected news magazine, and will anchor CBS News primetime specials as well.

With the appointment, Couric becomes the first female solo anchor of a network evening news broadcast.

"It has been a great privilege to be one of the caretakers of a television institution like the 'Today' show for 15 years," said Couric. "Joining CBS is a unique opportunity that came at the right time for me. I'm thrilled to become part of the rich tradition of CBS News and look forward to working with the many extraordinarily talented people there."

"I'm personally so excited that Katie Couric is coming to the CBS News family," said Moonves. "With this move, our News Division takes yet another giant leap forward. Katie is simply one of the best in the business and represents a tremendous addition to CBS News, which continues to grow and improve every day under Sean's leadership. Seasoned broadcasters who are at once respected, charismatic and known throughout this country and beyond are increasingly important in this fragmented media landscape. I'm proud to have a talent like Katie who personifies this rare combination of qualities, and look forward to the many contributions that she will make not only to our developing evening news broadcast, but to our entire news operation."

"This is an enormously proud day for all of us at CBS News," said McManus. "Katie joining our team signifies not only her commitment to doing first-rate journalism, but our strong commitment to producing the highest quality work done by the best reporters, producers and writers in television news. She is a key ingredient as we work towards our goal of making CBS News the number one news organization in America.

This organization was built on quality and integrity, and Katie and her CBS News colleagues will continue to carry that legacy into the 21st century. I would also like to offer our deepest thanks to Bob Schieffer for his outstanding work on the evening broadcast and look forward to his continuing role at CBS News."

"I couldn't be happier," said Schieffer, Anchor, CBS EVENING NEWS WITH BOB SCHIEFFER. "Katie and I have been friends for years. She's going to be a terrific addition to CBS News. I think we're going to love Katie, and I think Katie's going to love us."

"In the past year, the CBS EVENING NEWS has begun to build a broadcast with a fresh, accessible approach, and viewers have responded," said Rome Hartman, Executive Producer, CBS EVENING NEWS WITH BOB SCHIEFFER. "Katie is the perfect person to complete that process. As a journalist, an interviewer and a broadcaster, she is as good as they come. As anchor of the CBS EVENING NEWS, the same qualities that viewers have appreciated for Katie's entire career will make her great: honesty, openness, integrity. Finally, what people appreciate most about Katie is that she's real -- that's really her up on the screen. I cannot wait to start working with her."

"Katie is a world-class reporter," said Jeff Fager, Executive Producer, 60 MINUTES. "There aren't many people in this business who can conduct an interview as well as she can. It's no wonder Don Hewitt was chasing her for years to be on this broadcast, and it's exciting that it's finally going to happen."

Couric joined NBC News in 1989 as deputy Pentagon reporter. She began work on "Today" in June 1990 as its first national correspondent, which included two stints covering the Gulf War. Couric served as substitute co-anchor from February 1991 until taking over the job permanently on April 5, 1991. She also was a contributing anchor for "Dateline NBC."

Couric has anchored many major breaking news events over the past 15 years, including the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center; the Columbine tragedy in Colorado; six Olympic Games, including the 1996 Atlanta Olympic bombing; the funeral of Princess Diana; the Oklahoma City bombing; the Timothy McVeigh execution; the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings; and the end of the millennium coverage, which she co-anchored with Tom Brokaw.

She has interviewed an extraordinarily diverse collection of newsmakers, from presidents and prime ministers to captains of industry and cultural icons. Couric has interviewed Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush when he was a presidential candidate, along with all of the major presidential candidates over the past several elections. She has also sat down with Vice President Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright, Sandra Day O'Connor and First Ladies Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Reagan, Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford and Lady Bird Johnson. Couric has interviewed major world leaders including Kofi Annan, Tony Blair, Ariel Sharon, Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah (in his first U.S. television interview), Benjamin Netanyahu and Shimon Peres. Other Couric interviews include Bill Gates; Tricia Meili, the Central Park Jogger; the last interview with John F. Kennedy, Jr.; and a myriad of other authors, politicians and newsmakers.

Couric is the recipient of a George Foster Peabody Award for her March 2000 series on colon cancer. Those reports contributed to the 2001 RTNDA- Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence won by NBC News. She also has won six Emmy Awards, the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi Award, a National Headliner Award, an Associated Press Award, a Matrix Award, two American Women in Radio and Television Gracie Awards, the Harvard University School of Public Health's Julius B. Richmond Award and UNICEF's Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award.

After losing her 42-year-old husband, Jay Monahan, to colon cancer in 1998, Couric embraced the fight against the country's number two cancer killer. In March 2000, with the Entertainment Industry Foundation and Lilly Tartikoff, she launched the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA) to fund new medical research in colorectal cancer and to conduct educational programs encouraging the prevention and early detection of the disease through proper screening. Following Couric's on-air colonoscopy in 2000, a scientifically documented 20% increase was noted in the number of colonoscopies performed across the country. Researchers at the University of Michigan dubbed this "The Couric Effect."

Couric also played a leadership role in establishing The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell. The Monahan Center, which opened in March 2004, provides a comprehensive, fully integrated multi-disciplinary program, stressing education and prevention in addition to diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. The Monahan Center mission focuses on the seamless coordination of all needed care for patients and their families facing the difficult diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer. As part of her work to generate funds for both the Center and the nine scientists whose research the NCCRA supports, Couric has hosted three extremely successful benefits. The most recent, "Hollywood Meets Motown," took place on March 15, 2006, and showcased about 40 film, recording industry, television and Broadway stars. These three events generated a significant portion of the almost $27 million Couric and EIF's NCCRA have raised to date to fight colorectal and other GI cancers.

Couric's broadcast journalism career began as a desk assistant at ABC News in Washington, D.C. (1979). She worked for CNN (1980-84) as an assignment editor, associate producer, producer and, ultimately, political correspondent. Couric was a general assignment reporter for WTVJ Miami (1984-86) and for WRC- TV Washington, D.C. (1987-89).

Couric was born in Arlington, Va. She was graduated with honors from the University of Virginia in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in English and a focus on American studies. Couric lives in New York with her two daughters.

Source: CBS News

CBS President CEO Leslie Moonves finally got his woman.

This morning, Katie Couric ended the media parlor game of will she or won’t she by telling “The Today Show” audience she will be leaving the job she has held for 15 years to become the first female solo anchor of a network evening news broadcast as managing editor and anchor of CBS News.

Although her “Today” co-host Matt Lauer had to prompt her to say why she was leaving, CBS had no hesitation sending out a release this morning trumpeting its new star. Ms. Couric will stay with "Today" through May 31 and begin her new post in September. Along with filling the seat long held by Dan Rather, and most recently by Bob Scheiffer, Ms. Couric will contribute pieces to CBS’s "60 Minutes" and anchor prime-time specials.

“Seasoned broadcasters who are at once respected, charismatic and known throughout this country and beyond are increasingly important in this fragmented media landscape,” Mr. Moonves said in the statement. “I'm proud to have a talent like Katie, who personifies this rare combination of qualities, and look forward to the many contributions that she will make not only to our developing evening news broadcast, but to our entire news operation."

With the move, Mr. Moonves manages to strike a potentially damaging blow to rival NBC by wooing away a key player from its most profitable show, which brings in $250 million in profit annually. NBC has struggled the past two years with its prime-time lineup, and its unrivaled strength in the morning has helped it weather that storm. But even that has begun to show cracks, as ABC’s “Good Morning America” last year had several weeks where it nearly pulled even with “Today” in ratings. According to the latest ratings, “Today” has 6 million viewers vs. “GMA’s” 5.2 million. In the 25- to 54-year-old demographic, the standard for advertisers buying news shows, “Today” was watched by 2.9 million people while “GMA” was watched by 2.4 million.

Media buyers believe the show might stumble a bit, but that the franchise is strong enough to hold up despite the defection. “The legacy of the show is bigger than she is, and I’m a huge fan of Katie. Still, the show can survive without her,” said Andy Donchin, senior VP-national broadcast, Carat. “But they’d have to get their legs on solid ground. ... At first there may be some fall off as people reevaluate what they watch.”

Shari Ann Brill, VP-director of programming, Carat, agrees. “The show is so well produced that many likely contenders can step in and be fine. It’s been No. 1 for a long time and it’s weathered anchor shifts before.”

NBC has been wooing Meredith Vieira of ABC’s “The View” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Despite news reports out this morning that a deal is nearly done for her to sign a $40 million contract, NBC officially said that it had no official comment.

Ms. Couric joined NBC News in 1989 as deputy Pentagon reporter. She began work on “Today” in June 1990 as its first national correspondent, which included two stints covering the Gulf War. She then served as substitute co-anchor with Bryant Gumbel in February 1991 until taking over the job permanently 15 years ago today.

Starbucks Invites Customers to D-I-S-C-O-V-E-R ''Akeelah and the Bee''

Unique, Experiential Promotion Designed to Enhance the Starbucks Experience and Broaden Film's Reach by Introducing it to Millions More Movie-goers

Beginning today, the millions of customers at Starbucks nearly 8,300 locations in the U.S. and Canada will have the unique opportunity to discover Akeelah and the Bee, an inspirational new film co-presented by Lionsgate the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, 2929 Entertainment and Starbucks Entertainment. Through a fun, innovative and unprecedented experiential marketing campaign, Starbucks will provide customers the opportunity to interact with key aspects of the story.

In theaters beginning April 28, Akeelah and the Bee is the inspirational story of a precocious 11-year-old girl (Keke Palmer) with a gift for spelling. Despite objections from her mother (Angela Bassett), Akeelah enters various spelling contests, for which she is tutored by the forthright Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne) and the proud residents of her neighborhood. Akeelah's aptitude wins her a spot in the national spelling bee, and her determination instills all those who help her with a sense of community pride as they witness the courage and inspiration of one amazing little girl.

Starbucks in-house creative team designed a multi-dimensional marketing promotion that is tastefully integrated into the classic Starbucks Experience to subtly and powerfully pique customer curiosity. Rather than featuring the standard movie poster used in more traditional promotional campaigns, the Starbucks campaign builds on the movie's theme of the power of words by leveraging unique in-store placements and techniques that have not been implemented before. Customers will be invited to step inside Akeelah's journey as part of their daily coffee routine. The campaign will drive buzz and challenge customers to expand their vocabulary and spelling prowess with difficult-to-spell and exotic words printed on a wide variety of collateral such as flash cards, magnets, in-store signage, coasters, and cup sleeves. In addition, beginning April 17, travel-sized SCRABBLE(R) will be sold in all Starbucks locations in the U.S. and Canada, further supporting the central theme of the campaign: "Changing the World One Word at a Time."

"We've experienced great success with the music we offer in our stores, and we recognized that we had an opportunity to extend the trust our customers have in the Starbucks brand to bring them other forms of entertainment," said Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman. "As a result of that, we've been looking for more than a year to find a great story that would bring a sense of discovery to our customers, and when we saw Akeelah and the Bee, we immediately realized that it was the perfect choice. The film's inspirational message about a community coming together to support one of its own is emblematic of what Starbucks stands for."

"We could not have found a better partner to help bring this film to the public in such a unique and creative way," said Jon Feltheimer, chief executive officer of Lionsgate. "Starbucks brings communities together every day just as Akeelah brings her community together. With strong trust from its vast customer base and its proven track record of word-of-mouth marketing, Starbucks is in a unique position to help millions of customers learn about a new film to which they might not have otherwise been exposed."

Adding to Starbucks initial love of the film and its support for community was its strong education message and its historic support of literacy programs. Starbucks support of Akeelah and the Bee adds momentum to those efforts as viewers witness Akeelah's dedication and persistence as she powers through spelling tough words such as "pulchritude," "elucubrate," "prospicience" and "prestidigitation."

"Our goal with entertainment is always to enhance the Starbucks Experience. Partnering with an innovative company like Lionsgate to present Akeelah and the Bee enables us to do that," added Ken Lombard, president, Starbucks Entertainment. "This unique promotion introduces this uplifting film in a way no other company can. We are excited about extending our powerful marketing and distribution reach to the movie industry and feel very confident that our customers will appreciate the recommendation."

The Akeelah and the Bee soundtrack is available starting today and features The Jackson Five, The Spinners, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Al Green, The Brothers Johnson and Aretha Franklin. The first singles off the soundtrack are "Proud" from Heather Small, and Keke Palmer's debut single "All My Girlz." The album is available at Starbucks Company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada as well as traditional music retail outlets and is the first official motion picture soundtrack that Starbucks has ever carried.

One of the most important aspects of the Starbucks Experience is the trusted relationship customers have with their baristas. Before the movie opens on April 28, Starbucks will host advance screenings for partners (employees) in select cities (40 cities total). Baristas are not scripted, and if they are asked by customers, are encouraged to share their recommendations based on their own personal experience with the film.

Additionally, Starbucks will offer customers complimentary multimedia content via the T-Mobile HotSpot network, the largest footprint of internet hotspots in the world. From the welcome page of the T-Mobile HotSpot network, customers will be able to access the movie trailer, a clip from the "I Want to Win The National Spelling Bee" scene in the film, links to the Akeelah and the Bee web page on Starbucks.com, and links to music from the movie on the Starbucks Hear Music homepage. Starbucks will also utilize its relationship with XM Satellite Radio to offer special programming on Hear Music(TM) Channel 75 on XM Satellite Radio. The DVD will be released in U.S. Company-operated locations simultaneous with its national release date at traditional retail.

A Lionsgate, 2929 Entertainment and Starbucks Entertainment production, Akeelah and the Bee was written and directed by Doug Atchison. The film's producers are Sid Ganis, Nancy Ganis, Michael Romersa, Daniel Llewelyn and Laurence Fishburne; executive producers are Todd Wagner, Mark Cuban, Marc Butan, Helen Sugland and Lionsgate's Michael Burns, Michael Paseornek and Tom Ortenberg.

About Starbucks Entertainment

Starbucks Coffee Company launched Starbucks Entertainment in 2004 to help customers discover quality entertainment options as part of their daily coffee routines. Starbucks Coffee Company first acquired Hear Music in 1999 to become Starbucks Hear Music, the sound of music at Starbucks. Starbucks Hear Music has made a transformative impact on the music industry by providing a new and convenient way for consumers to discover, experience and acquire all genres of great music through its Hear Music(TM) CD compilations, its innovative partnerships with other music labels to co-release, market and distribute both exclusive and non-exclusive music, its 24-hour digital music channel on XM Satellite Radio (XM Channel 75) and its breakthrough Starbucks Hear Music(TM) Coffeehouses in Santa Monica, San Antonio and Miami. Starbucks Hear Music CD selections can be purchased at Starbucks retail locations around the world, as well as online at http://www.starbucks.com/hearmusic. In 2006, Starbucks Entertainment extended beyond music and announced a unique partnership with Lionsgate to market and distribute the inspirational film "Akeelah and the Bee." The company expects the film to be the first of many such partnerships that help customers discover unique and rewarding entertainment.

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate is the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, fresh off the number one box office hits Madea's Family Reunion, Hostel, and Saw II and the Best Picture Academy Award(R) for Crash. The Company has earned 25 Academy Award(R) nominations and seven Oscar(R) wins in the past seven years, more than any other independent studio. It is a premier producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library of more than 5,000 titles is a valuable source of stable, recurring revenue and is a foundation for growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand name is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the globe. http://www.lgf.com

 

Nominated for Eight Academy Awards(R) Including Best Picture; Triple Oscar(R) Winner 'Brokeback Mountain' Soars on DVD

Year's Most Talked-About Film Spurs Sales of 1.4 Million Units on First Day

"Brokeback Mountain," the most powerful and poignant drama of 2005, continued its phenomenal critical box-office success by selling approximately 1.4 million units on its April 4, 2006 street date. Stunningly crafted with incomparable dexterity by Oscar(R)- winning director Ang Lee ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Sense and Sensibility"), "Brokeback Mountain" broke through cinematic and social barriers with its heart-wrenching depiction of two young cowboys who unexpectedly forge an intense, lifelong connection.

"Since it was first released, audiences, critics and awards groups have responded with unrivaled passion to 'Brokeback Mountain's' stellar direction, writing and acting and to a moving storyline that challenged Hollywood conventions," said Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment. "The remarkable first-day home entertainment sales are a testament to the film's magnetic appeal and consumers' avid desire to own a piece of cinematic history."

Winner of three Academy Awards(R) for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score, "Brokeback Mountain" is based on the powerful short story by Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Proulx ("The Shipping News"). The universally acclaimed script was adapted by another Pulitzer recipient, Larry McMurtry ("Lonesome Dove," "Terms of Endearment") and his collaborator Diana Ossana ("Johnson County War"), who also earned a Golden Globe(R) Award for their work.

Actors Heath Ledger ("The Patriot," "Lords of Dogtown") and Jake Gyllenhaal ("Jarhead," "Donnie Darko") earned Academy Award(R) nominations for their emotionally charged, unflinching portrayals of Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, the two young men at the heart of this wrenching saga. Supporting actress Michelle Williams ("The Station Agent") was nominated for the Supporting Actress Oscar(R) for her role as a young wife wounded by a bond she is unable to comprehend.

"Brokeback Mountain" tells the story of Ennis Del Mar (Ledger) and Jack Twist (Gyllenhaal), two young men dispatched to work as sheepherders up on the majestic Brokeback Mountain in the summer of 1963. During their experience, Ennis and Jack are drawn into an unexpected lifelong relationship, filled with love and loss. The DVD is priced at $29.98 SRP.

For more information please visit: www.brokebackmountain.com.

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

 

Ad sales in Radio climbed

 

AMID REPORTS OF STAGNANT OR declining radio ad revenues, the Radio Advertising Bureau claimed a small victory as national sales climbed 4 percent in February 2006 over the same month last year. But local ad dollars--radio's main source of revenue--dropped 3 percent compared to last year, dragging total ad revenues down for a 2 percent overall decline from 2005.

The disclosure prompted Wall Street equities firm Merrill Lynch to downgrade its first-quarter radio outlook to no growth from an earlier forecast of a 1 percent gain. The full-year 2006 outlook was lowered to a gain of 2.2 percent from 2.4 percent previously.

Merrill Lynch analyst Laraine Mancini singled out sagging automotive ad spending as a major factor in the revisions.

"With auto advertising accounting for 15 to 20 percent of total radio advertising, the fate of this category is critical to the radio industry's overall growth," she noted, adding: "If a Delphi strike disrupts auto production, we believe that auto advertising could be negatively impacted. Although most of a radio station's revenue comes from local dealers, a prolonged disruption could shrink the inventory on dealer lots and reduce ad budgets for local radio."

NY Times Expands web

FACED WITH INTENSE COMPETITION FROM rival news sites and Web portals, The New York Times expanded its Web site's horizons on Monday, debuting a widened and cleaner page layout; a further embrace of multimedia, blogging, and "favorites" features; and a new "topics" section, which gives topics broached by the Times--from Madonna to Mars--their own multimedia pages.

What's more, the Times this month will gradually begin inviting members to create their own "My Times" pages--a service that directly challenges the threat posed by news aggregators and Web portals like Yahoo News and Google News. As with such services, Times members will be able to personalize their pages with favorite Times sections, and other news feeds from around the Web.

Beyond their standard access to Times archives, TimesSelect subscribers will also be able to tag stories on their "My Times" pages. The feature, dubbed "My File," is the first instance of the Times tapping the tagging phenomenon that is generating so much excitement among Web developers, bloggers, and other proponents of collectively influenced Web sites. Tagging, also known as bookmarking, is a popular way for Web communities to locate, classify, and/or rank Web content.

In part because the additional space on the page lets the Times fit in more ads, the redesign should prove especially appealing to advertisers, according to Alyson Racer, the site's vice president for sales. "We're using more what we call half-page ads and advertisers have a wider palette to work with," said Racer.

In addition to giving video its own clearly defined section, the redesigned site also carries video right on the home page--a particularly coveted spot for advertisers. Added Racer: "There're much, much more inventory--advertisers definitely have a big thirst for that," referring to online video.

Responding to its readership, the Times is expanding its "favorites" feature beyond "Most E-mailed," to include "Most Blogged," "Most Searched," and "Most Popular Movies." "It became the most popular feature on our site--the "Most E-mailed" section," said the site's product manager, Rob Larson.

Larson said the redesign would not have been possible without Web engineer Philippe Lourier, who the Times brought on board late last year when it acquired his company, BlogRunner. "He's been core to the creation of the site."

What caught the Times' attention--according to Martin Nisenholtz, senior vice president of digital operation at the Times--was AnnotatedTimes.com, a site that Lourier created, which aggregates New York Times articles with blog posts that link to them.

Ax To Fall On Time Again

Rumors of new and significant layoffs at Time Inc. are pounding louder and louder, with many industry players inside and outside the company convinced that the ax will fall again by Friday.

Just last week, chairman-CEO Ann S. Moore told Advertising Age that changes to the company, which have been arriving in big waves since last year, are not done. "We have been doing some reorganizations at the middle," she said, "and will continue to do that."

On Monday, the company said it had combined the sales and marketing operations of its business and finance titles and eliminated three jobs in the process -- although that kind of reduction pales in comparison to the 105 executives shown the door in December or the February layoffs and buyouts that erased almost another 100 posts.

Then this morning Gawker.com posted an anonymous e-mail it said it had received warning of cuts on the editorial side this week. "Apparently, editors at various magazines have been told they have to cut a set percent of their staff by this Friday," the e-mail said. "Don't know if that means the bad news goes out on Friday to staff or that they have to submit the list of names to corporate. Either way, more layoffs very soon."

Time Inc. isn't talking, but these rumblings come on top of the closures of five magazines since March 27 (Hachette Filipacchi’s Elle Girl, American Media’s Celebrity Living Weekly, Shape en Espanol, and car buff title MPH, and Conde Nast’s Cargo). Let's just say this for now: This is a tough time to be an editorial staffer out on the street

 

Global Wireless Entertainment Announces Acquisition of SkinIt, Inc.

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SkinIt Merges With GWE's Cellfan.com to Create Enhanced Manufacturing Capabilities and New Web Portal - Offering the Largest Collection of Vinyl Skins for Mobile Devices

Global Wireless Entertainment Inc. (GWE), a world leader in the exclusive management of brands and celebrities in mobile media, announces today the acquisition of SkinIt Inc., a leading provider of on-demand and custom physical personalization of mobile electronic devices. SkinIt has merged with GWE's existing business, Cellfan.com, to create the most robust manufacturing capability and vinyl skin product line available in the marketplace.

"We are very excited to announce the merger of SkinIt and Cellfan.com," said Paul Buss, GWE chief executive officer. "Combining these two powerhouses in the mobile media personalization space will make SkinIt.com the world-wide leader in vinyl skin personalization."

Launching at CTIA 2006, the new SkinIt.com offers the largest selection of vinyl skins to personalize more than 500 mobile devices, including cell phones, iPods, gaming consoles, laptops, desktop computers and monitors and other specialized electronic devices. For the first time, consumers can personalize their favorite electronic devices from the largest available collection of unique, licensed designs featuring sports teams (NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS), sports icons (Muhammad Ali, Pele, Wayne Gretzky), college logos, Greek logos, rock bands (Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead), Hollywood Studios, Fox (The Simpsons, Family Guy), Warner Bros. (Batman, Looney Tunes), Viacom (SpongeBob SquarePants, South Park), fashion designs, comic book (Marvel, Neko Press), Art (Wyland) and military. In addition, consumers can upload their own personal photographs and images, or choose from thousands of stock designs - all at SkinIt.com.

SkinIt vinyl skins are offered by global retailers, OEMs and distributors and are purchased via Internet portals or on-line shopping sites, with PIN cards or live inventory. SkinIt customers include leading wireless carriers, computer manufacturers, wireless handset manufacturers, print publications, clothing manufacturers, phone accessory stores, college campus bookstores, electronic retailers and others.

SkinIt customers and partners include T-Mobile, Toshiba, Sports Illustrated, XM Radio, Telus, Fido Communications, Swisscom, Telecom New Zealand, TiVo, We Love Macs, CompUSA, Sanyo, Sirius, Samsung, THQ, IROBOT and many more pending for 2006.

"Teaming up with GWE means big things for the mobile media personalization industry," said Tom Stemple, SkinIt senior vice president of sales. "By combining our expertise in personalization technology, we will be able to demonstrate the most advanced and impressive manufacturing capabilities in the industry."

SkinIt skins are available at http://www.SkinIt.com, and range in price from $12.95 to $29.95 depending on the device ($5 extra for uploaded images.) To learn more about the acquisition and merger, or to get more information about the product, please call the press contact above.

About Global Wireless Entertainment, Inc.

Global Wireless Entertainment, Inc. headquartered in San Diego, California, with operations in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, is the only industry leader specializing in mobile personalization inside and outside the mobile phone. GWE specializes in long-term brand acquisition and representation. The current GWE brand portfolio includes Pele, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Andretti, Warner Bros., DC Comics, Marvel, Ivan Ironman Stewart, Lucas Film, CLC, NHL, MLB, NBA, Wyland, Hana Deka and many others. GWE products include skins, information applications, wallpapers, ringtones as well as 2D and 3D games for mobile phones on the J2ME and BREW(R) platforms. GWE products are distributed Over the Air (OTA) by wireless carriers around the world and pre-loaded by handset manufacturers for specific international markets via the internet and through retail.

For more information, please visit http://www.gwe-usa.com.

About SkinIt, Inc.

Skinit Inc., with world headquarters in San Diego, California, is the global industry leader in business-to-customer and business-to-business personalization technology platforms, used for on-demand manufacturing and fulfillment in retail, Internet and promotional channels. Skinit offers the most advanced and robust manufacturing capability and largest product line of skins to personalize consumer electronic devices including cell phones, iPods, laptops, gaming consoles, desktop computers and monitors, specialized electronic devices (such as the iRobot Roomba) and many others.

 

Hollywood studios are taking another step into their digital future

Hollywood studios are taking another baby step into their digital future, giving consumers the option to buy downloadable versions of popular movies the same day the DVD version is available in stores. But analysts believe the artificial restraints the studios have put in place will constrain the popularity of the option.

The move comes as the studios have seen a slowing in their once-double-digit growth from DVD sales and rentals through traditional retailers. Digital downloads could mean a valuable new revenue source, though premium prices and myriad hurdles could keep numbers relatively small in the near future.

Movielink, a digital download rental service, has made deals with Viacom's Paramount Pictures, MGM, Sony Corp.'s Sony Pictures, News Corp.'s Fox, NBC Universal's Universal Pictures and Time Warner's Warner Bros. The service started selling such hits as "King Kong," "Brokeback Mountain," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and "Walk the Line" this week. Movielink is in talks with Disney, the lone hold-out so far, while competitor CinemaNow signed agreements to sell Lionsgate and Sony movies.

"There's a commitment from the studios to this new business model," said Jim Ramo, CEO at Movielink, which just hired Donat/Wald, Santa Monica, Calif., to head up its online and offline advertising.

Independent consultant Phil Leigh said digital downloading could be bigger than the traditional DVD rental business, which last year pulled in $6.5 billion. The overall market -- renting and buying DVDs -- is expected to grow to $30 billion over the next several years, according to Digital Entertainment Group.

The move into digital is a good step, but there are still too many restrictions on downloads, he said. “This is a lot of sound and fury, signifying modest forward progress,” Mr. Leigh said. “These artificial restraints are keeping it from meeting the full potential of the market.”

Digital movies are available for PCs only, meaning they can't be watched on a PlayStation Portable, video iPod or other handheld device. They can be burned onto a disc, but can't be played on a conventional DVD player. They can be watched on a TV only if it's connected to a PC.

Price is also a sticking point, analysts believe, with new releases costing between $20 and $30 and older titles about half that from Movielink. The service plans special offers that will bring those prices down with discounts for buying multiple movies. CinemaNow will charge between $10 and $20 for all titles, though consumers will only be able to watch the movie on the computer where it was downloaded.

Though consumers have quickly embraced $1.99 digital versions of TV shows and shorter content bits, it's too early to know how they'll react to premium-priced 70-minute downloads for films.

Movielink and CinemaNow have rented digital versions of movies for several years, with studios making that content available to try to fight piracy. Hollywood also was motivated by the missteps of the music industry, which failed to respond to consumer demand for digital entertainment, though they don't want to alienate retailers who sell the bulk of their DVDs.

 

EA Ships from Russia with Love

EA Ships from Russia with Love for the PSP; Sean Connery Stars in First Bond Game Available on the PSP(TM) System Featuring New Bond Challenges and Unlockable Characters

Electronic Arts announced today that From Russia With Love(TM) for the PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R) Portable) system has shipped and is on store shelves. Making its debut as the first Bond game on the PSP system, From Russia With Love gives players the opportunity to experience the timeless fiction of the classic James Bond movie. Invest in your character and customize the ultimate Bond for a whole new level of gameplay options, including an all new single player mode consisting of 8 exciting missions, multiplayer mode with ad-hoc wireless, 16 new Bond challenges, several new unlockable Bond villains and classic Bond gadgets and weapons.

From Russia With Love(TM) is the first game to put PSP players in the universe of the classic James Bond films. Set in the original 60's Bond era, the game features movie-based missions as well as original, action-intensive sequences, a broad and deep variety of gameplay, social multiplayer experiences, gorgeous women, and classic, upgradeable weapons and gadgetry with modern mechanics. Sean Connery, the original Bond, reprises his role as the dapper Mi6 agent in this innovative, retro-styled and highly anticipated console title from the infamous Bond franchise. The highly anticipated game currently is available on the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft, and the Nintendo GameCube(TM).

This game has been rated T (Teen) by the ESRB. More information on the game can be found on the official website at http://www.007.ea.com.

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 2005, EA posted revenues of $3.1 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is http://www.ea.com.

About MGM Interactive

MGM Interactive, a unit of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., manages business development and production of interactive products for a variety of multimedia platforms, as well as talent and developer relationships. For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com.

About EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC

EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC is owned by the Broccoli family and has produced twenty James Bond films since 1962. The Bond films make up the most successful franchise in film history and include the recent blockbuster films, GOLDENEYE, TOMORROW NEVER DIES, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, and DIE ANOTHER DAY produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. EON Productions and Danjaq, LLC are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise.

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. JAMES BOND, 007, James Bond Gun, and Iris Logos and all other James Bond related trademarks TM Danjaq, LLC. From Russia With Love is a trademark of Danjaq, LLC, and United Artists Corporation. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark and "PSP" is a trademark of SCEI. Microsoft and Xbox are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries and are used under license from Microsoft. Nintendo GameCube is a trademark of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Samson and Benny Need Help on Their Fur-Raising Adventure

Samson and Benny Need Help on Their Fur-Raising Adventure in ``Walt Disney Pictures Presents The Wild'' Game; Video Game Based on Disney CGI Animated Feature Film Now Available from Buena Vista Games

Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG), the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), today announced "Walt Disney Pictures Presents The Wild" for the Game Boy(R) Advance system is now available at retail outlets across North America. A video game adventure that will test kids' animal instincts, "The Wild" is inspired by the upcoming animated feature film of the same name from Walt Disney Pictures. The game features Samson the Lion and Benny the squirrel, who must leave their pampered lives and set out on an adventure to save Samson's son, Ryan, who accidentally gets shipped from the New York City Zoo to the wild.

"'The Wild' game is an exciting experience that offers kids the opportunity to take the characters and adventures from the movie along anywhere they go," said Dana Long, director of kids marketing for Buena Vista Games. "Kids who enjoyed the movie will be able to continue the journey of Samson and Benny long after they leave the theaters."

"The Wild" is a single-player, side-scrolling adventure game that allows players to take on the role of Samson and Benny through 18 levels of play. Both characters have their own unique levels, each tailored to their on-screen personalities. Kids 6-11 years old will have to guide the characters through stormy seas, erupting volcanoes, vicious dogs and angry wildebeests as they traverse land and sea to help Samson rescue Ryan. "The Wild" video game is released in conjunction with the feature film's April 14 theatrical opening.

About "Walt Disney Pictures Presents The Wild" film

"Walt Disney Pictures Presents The Wild" is an irreverent comedy that follows the life of an eclectic group of animals at the New York Zoo. The voice talent includes Kiefer Sutherland (as the lion Samson), Greg Cipes (as Samson's son, Ryan), Jim Belushi (as Benny, the street smart squirrel), Janeane Garofalo (as Bridget the giraffe), Richard Kind (as Larry, a dim-witted anaconda snake), William Shatner (as Kazar, a wicked wildebeest), and Eddie Izzard (as Nigel, an acerbic koala). Director Steve "Spaz" Williams and producer Clint Goldman helped to revolutionize CG character animation during their long association with Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), which included such films as "Jurassic Park," "The Mask," "The Abyss" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day."

About Buena Vista Games

Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG) is the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company. BVG publishes, markets and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with third-party interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market.

Imperia Entertainment Concludes Principal Photography

Imperia Entertainment Concludes Principal Photography of Its Feature Film, ``Say It In Russian,'' Moves to Post Production Phase

Imperia Entertainment, Inc. announced today that it has completed principal photography of its feature film, "Say It In Russian." "We now will move on to post production of the film, and expect a couple of days of pickup shooting," said Kenneth Eade, Executive Producer and Company Chairman. "We expect a rough cut and a trailer will be available by the time we go to the Cannes Film Market in May," he added.

About "Say It In Russian"

"Say It In Russian" is a full length feature film, shot on 35mm. It is a romantic adventure, shot in Paris, Moscow and Los Angeles, starring Faye Dunaway, Rade Sherbedgia ("Snatch"), Steven Brand ("The Scorpion King"), Alex Nesic ("Sleeper Cell") and introducing Agata Gotova, with supporting roles played by Steven Berkoff ("Beverly Hills Cop"), Musetta Vander ("O'Brother Where Art Thou"), Elya Baskin ("Moscow on the Hudson") and Oleg Vidov ("Red Heat"), among others. The film is in its final week of principal photography and the company is planning on releasing the film before the end of the year.

About Imperia Entertainment, Inc.

Imperia Entertainment, Inc. (http://www.imperiaentertainment.com) is a company which has emerged as a player in the area of independent film production and distribution, once monopolized by the major film studios. In conjunction with its distribution subsidiary, Imperia International Distribution, the company engages in investing in and producing and distributing full-length feature films. Along with its equity interest in the widely anticipated "All That I Need" (http://www.allthatineed.net), released in theaters last December and coming to DVD in February, Imperia's film properties include its feature film "Say It In Russian," directed by Jeff Celentano ("Primary Suspect," "Gunshy") and edited by David Rawlins ("Saturday Night Fever"), "Brothers," by Tarquin Gotch ("Home Alone"), "Whiskers," by Jordan Klein ("Flipper," "Splash," "Cocoon"), the award-winning "Autograph" television series (http://www.autograph.tv), which airs on the Colours Television Network and the "Faces and Names" television series.

 

 

 

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. to Develop Video Game Inspired by Universal Pictures' ''The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift''

Based on the Hit Film Franchise, the Game Will Feature Unique Drift Racing Mechanics and Endless Customization Set in the Seductive Japanese Underground Street Racing Scene

Global video games developer and publisher NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today its agreement with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group to develop a racing game based on Universal Pictures' upcoming summer feature film release, "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift." Developed for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, the video game (titled The Fast and the Furious) will be available summer 2006.

"NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. is proud to be the first publisher to bring this great movie franchise to console and handheld video games," said Jeff Lujan, business director, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. "The alluring underground world of street racing has made for some of the industry's most popular games. The Fast and the Furious will offer never-before-seen drift mechanics, endless customization capabilities and top licensed cars. It's everything a racing fan could ask for."

We are excited to work with NAMCO BANDAI Games America on this project," said Bill Kispert, vice president, interactive, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. "NAMCO BANDAI has a history of developing top quality racing games, and we look forward to putting players behind the wheel of a game that delivers the action and the attitude for which The Fast and the Furious brand is renowned."

The Video Game inspired by the events of Universal Pictures' upcoming film, The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift, this game will immerse players in the underground world of drift racing. Set in a world related to, yet separate from, the movie, the game features a ground breaking drift mechanic that makes drifting accessible to both beginning and veteran racing game drivers. Gameplay features revolutionary new systems like the Drift Indicator that make The Fast & The Furious the most accessible yet realistic drift game ever!

Perched at the forefront of the drift racing phenomenon, the video game combines ground breaking gameplay mechanics with unprecedented speed and authentic underground cool, positioning this game as the must-have racing title of Summer 2006.

-- Revolutionary Drift Model -- The first game to create an authentic drift model system that is fun and approachable for players of all skill levels. Turn on the assists and feel like a pro, or turn them off and hone your drift skills.

-- An entirely authentic Drift racing experience -- Focusing on the "next big thing" in underground street racing, this video game utilizes Universal's extensive sound library, an incredible context based camera code, a revolutionary context based rumble system that gives players the feeling of driving city streets at break neck speeds like no other.

-- Total Immersion! -- Immerse yourself in the world of the game. 10,000+ polygon model cars, cinematic camera angles straight from the movie, unique boss challenges, stunning visuals and an Advanced Rubber Band AI system makes this the best looking, best playing racing game on PlayStation 2 and PSP system.

-- Robust customization options -- Enhance the feeling of being part of the underground street racing world. Tune your ride with a hundred licensed wheels, and over 500 body kits from real JDM companies. Tune your ride like never before from performance to appearance, and for the first time ever swap out your engine to truly push the limits of your vehicle.

Featuring 1-2 player split-screen play and 1-4 player online play, this video game is developed by Eutechnyx.

About the Film

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Universal Studios Consumer Products Group

Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is responsible for global licensing and retail strategies as well as building brand recognition of the extensive catalogue of NBC Universal properties. Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is a unit of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.

About NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. is an interactive entertainment software publisher and developer based in Santa Clara, CA. The company is a subsidiary of the newly formed NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc. based in Cypress, CA.

On September 29, 2005, Bandai Co., Ltd. and NAMCO LIMITED implemented a management integration to form NAMCO BANDAI Holdings Inc. This step was taken to compete more effectively on the global stage in the fast-changing entertainment industry and to deliver further growth.

The resulting BANDAI NAMCO Group is a global entertainment group involved in business fields ranging from toys, amusement facilities, video game software and visual software, to apparel, sundries and network content.

As previous separate entities (Namco Hometek Inc. and Bandai Games Inc.) the companies were each known for creating some of the industry's top video game franchises including: Tamagotchi(R), Tekken(R), SOULCALIBUR(R), Dead to Rights(R), Pac-Man(R) World(TM), Digimon(R), Ridge Racer(R), Time Crisis(R) and ACECOMBAT®

 

Toby Keith Gives a ''Sneak Peek'' of New Album Available On-Demand

Exclusively to Clear Channel Radio Listeners

-- Includes Full Tracks from "White Trash With Money," Plus Behind-the-Scenes Video, Audio Intros

-- Latest Country Artist to Join Online Music & Radio Unit's On-Demand Programming

Clear Channel Radio announced today that country superstar Toby Keith's latest album, "White Trash With Money," is the first country album to be featured as part of the Online Music & Radio unit's "Sneak Peek" series.

While Toby's album isn't released until Tuesday, April 11th, "Sneak Peek" gives Clear Channel Radio's listeners elite access to four tracks from the album, in addition to personalized intros from Toby to each song, a music video from his hit single, "Get Drunk and Be Somebody," and an exclusive behind-the-scenes video made by Toby himself from his current tour, Throwdown II.

"Clear Channel Radio has always been an outlet for country music artists and its fans," said Clay Hunnicutt, Vice President of Country Programming for Clear Channel Radio. "Toby Keith is a huge addition to the already growing number of country performers who have participated in our Online Music & Radio unit's on-demand programs."

Toby Keith is the very first country artist to join "Sneak Peek." Other artists who have participated include Fall Out Boy, Ne-Yo, Paul McCartney, David Gilmour, and Rod Stewart. Country artists who have participated in Clear Channel Radio's STRIPPED, the online exclusive in-studio performance series, include Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Montgomery Gentry and Sugarland.

"Toby has an extremely devout fan base," said Evan Harrison, Executive Vice President of Clear Channel Radio and head of the Online Music & Radio unit. "We are genuinely excited to offer our listeners exclusive access to his eagerly anticipated new music."

Toby Keith's "Sneak Peek" will be available exclusively on-demand on over 180 Clear Channel Radio station Web sites from April 4-9, 2006. Log onto http://www.clearchannelmusic.com/sneakpeek/ for more details.

About Clear Channel's Online Music & Radio Unit

A division of Clear Channel Radio, this unit is focused on bringing terrestrial radio listeners online to the Web sites of the company's network of approximately 1,200 radio stations. Nearly seven million unique visitors per month choose Clear Channel Radio's online and on-demand music programming, which now includes videos of signature in-studio performances as well as live concerts, exclusive access to new releases and a full podcast roster of top-rated radio segments. More than 500 Clear Channel Radio station Web sites, including all of the company's stations in the top 25 markets, stream terrestrial broadcasts online. Over 950 Clear Channel Radio station sites are live with redesigned interfaces, extending to the Internet, the company's focus on improving the value of radio through less clutter.

About Clear Channel Radio

Clear Channel Radio is a leading radio company focused on serving local communities across the U.S. with more than 110 million listeners choosing Clear Channel Radio programming each week. The company's content can be heard on AM/FM stations, HD digital radio channels, on the Internet, via iPods, through Motorola's iRadio cell-phone service, and via mobile-navigation devices from Cobra, Garmin, Kenwood and others. The company's operations include radio broadcasting, syndication and independent media representation. Clear Channel Radio is a division of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. , a leading global media and entertainment company. More information on the company can be found at http://www.clearchannel.com.

Martha's Guests

Warner Home Video and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Serve Up ``Martha's Guests: Master Chefs'' on DVD July 11, 2006; DVD Includes Cooking Segments from Today's Most Popular Chefs Including Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, and Lidia Bastianich

Find out what's cooking in Martha Stewart's kitchen when Warner Home Video (WHV) and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) release "Martha's Guests: Master Chefs" on DVD July 11, 2006. With this latest offering from WHV's Martha Stewart Home Entertainment library, viewers can join Martha Stewart, the leading authority on cooking and entertaining projects, as she welcomes some of her esteemed guests from the culinary world including Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, Lidia Bastianich and more!

"Martha's Guests: Master Chefs" is a compilation featuring approximately 130 minutes on one disc and will retail for $19.98 (SRP).

Viewers can join Martha in her kitchen as she and her favorite culinary experts team-up to make a variety of mouth-watering dishes including Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Pad Thai, Coq au Vin, Olive-stuffed Flank Steak, Chiles Anchos Rellenos and much more. "Martha's Guests: Master Chefs" will teach viewers the masterful tricks and tips of the trade, so they can become master chefs of their own kitchens.

"Throughout the years, Martha Stewart has hosted some of the culinary world's leading names on her show and we are delighted to offer this first compilation highlighting some of her renowned guests," commented Tehya Kopp, WHV Senior Director, Special Interest Marketing. She added, "'Martha's Guests: Master Chefs' includes 130 minutes of today's most popular chefs and cookbook authors, working with Martha to create incredible dishes that the whole family will love from a variety of cuisines. Cooks of all levels, from novice to gourmet, will enjoy the experience of watching these masters at work, then trying the recipes at home. 'Martha's Guests: Master Chefs' is a must-have DVD for any food lover."

The DVD contains a link to all printable recipes.

Martha's Guests: Master Chefs Featured Segments: -0-

 

American Italian French Mexican Asian

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

Oven-Roasted Spaghetti Cote de Boeuf Tamales with Pad Thai with

Ribs with alla with Daniel Diana Kennedy Su-Mei Yu

Bobby Flay Carbonara Boulud

with Mario

Batali

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

Olive-stuffed Spiendini Shrimp with Chiles Anchos Pork Buns with

Flank Steak alla Romano Orange Dust Rellenos with Eileen Yin-

with Tom with Lidia with Jean- Roberto Fei Lo

Douglas Bastianich Georges

Vongerichten

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

New England Lemon Chicken Coq au Vin Calamari with Hand Rolls

Clam Chowder with Frank with Riad Jose Hurtado with Nobu

with Jasper Pellegrino Nasr Matsuhisa

White

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

Segments featured on "Martha's Guests: Master Chefs" were culled from MSLO's vast library of more than 1,500 hours of digitized television programming, from more than 10 seasons of the Emmy(R)-award winning "Martha Stewart Living" series hosted by Martha Stewart. Future Martha Stewart DVD releases will center on other core content areas with themes including crafts, decorating, seasonal cooking and entertaining, home keeping, and fun ideas for kids, to name a few.

For more information on this and other titles distributed by Warner Home Video, visit http://www.whvdirect.com.

Animated Series 'Ghost Hunter Dax'

Mainframe Entertainment and Infinite Frameworks Team up for Co-Production on CG-Animated Series 'Ghost Hunter Dax'

Series Introduced at MIP-TV

Mainframe Entertainment, Inc. ("Mainframe"), (TSX:MFE), a leading Canadian computer generated (CG) animation production company, and Infinite Frameworks ("Frameworks"), an award-winning visual effects and animation studio based in Singapore, have teamed up to co-produce the new computer animated series, "GHOST HUNTER DAX," about a kid who discovers that he inherited the job of Ghost Hunter from a legendary Chinese warrior. Executive producers of the project are Rick Mischel of Mainframe and Mike Wiluan of Frameworks, with production split between Vancouver and Singapore. The characters and story were originally created by Brian Zimmerman and further developed with Gregory R. Little of Mainframe. Delivery of the 22 episodes is scheduled for fall 2007. The deal was announced today at MIP-TV.

GHOST HUNTER DAX begins when DAX, a normal kid from the U.S. who is half American and half Chinese, moves to Shanghai with his parent and enrolls in the International School. It seems like a great opportunity to meet some new friends and check out his Asian heritage, until Dax is swept into the Land of Shadows and discovers that he has inherited the job of Ghost Hunter from the legendary Chinese warrior Zhong Qui! Now, armed with Zhong Qui's magic sword, Dax is all that stands between arch-villain Wraithor's plot to flood the world with ghosts and demons and take it over. And if that wasn't enough, Dax has to do his demon fighting without blowing his cover as a normal school kid, in a school where his principal may or may not be a monster posing as a human.

"We loved the exotic setting and comedic take on the project," said Rick Mischel, president and chief executive officer of Mainframe. "We think Frameworks will be a great partner for production and distribution in Asia." Mike Wiluan of Frameworks added, "Given Mainframe's reputation for quality, we're thrilled to bring a project that we developed to the world market with Mainframe as a partner."

About Mainframe

Mainframe Entertainment Inc. (http://www.mainframe.ca) is the industry leader in computer generated (CG) animation for television and direct-to-video/DVD family entertainment. Mainframe has produced over 256 half hours of CG animated television as well as ten CG animated direct-to-video/DVD feature films and two one-hour CG animated television specials. Mainframe's CG animation expertise is also being used in the production of theatrical feature films, interactive games and commercials. Established in 1993, Mainframe continues to grow its library of proprietary productions, and has received many prestigious awards for its work on such international brands as "Barbie"(winner of VSDA Award for Children's title of the Year), "Hot Wheels", "Spider-Man", "Casper" and "Popeye". The Company is recognized as a CG animation pioneer having developed the groundbreaking internationally distributed television series "ReBoot". Mainframe clients include Sony, Mattel, Lions Gate Home Entertainment, Electronic Arts (Canada) and MTV. Mainframe's majority shareholder, IDT Corporation, is a NYSE-listed multinational telecommunications and entertainment company.

About Infinite Frameworks:

Infinite Frameworks is an award winning visual effects and animation studio based in Singapore. Frameworks has been servicing the broadcast, advertising and feature film industry in the region for over 8 years and has just recently ventured into content acquisition and development with particular emphasis in 3D animation. Ghost Hunter Dax is the first animated series developed through Frameworks. Frameworks is currently in production on an animated feature "Sing to the Dawn" due for release in Christmas 2007.

Disney's Little Einsteins Musical Missions

American Music Conference and Walt Disney Records Promote the Benefits of Making Music and Music Education with ``Disney's Little Einsteins Musical Missions'' CD

Even in the earliest years of life, music plays an important role in a child's development. Children respond to rhythm and simple music from the day they are born. Music brings families together, stimulates thinking and expressive skills and enhances creativity and a sense of well-being. Now, with "Disney's Little Einsteins Musical Missions" (available at retail starting March 28), parents can encourage their child to take the step from listening to music to interacting with music.

"Little Einsteins Musical Missions" CD introduces an all-new, interactive audio experience inspired by the hit Playhouse Disney TV series "Little Einsteins." Children can listen and play along while they blast off on four adventures hosted by their favorite Little Einsteins characters (Leo, June, Annie and Quincy) that are set to classical pieces such as Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik," Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee," Bizet's "Carmen Suite #1" and Brahms' "Hungarian Dance #5."

The "Little Einsteins Musical Missions" digipack includes an activity booklet depicting the settings for each adventure (from Seattle's Space Needle to the Egyptian Sphinx) along with reusable picture clings of the characters to provide a hands-on experience while children listen to the CD. Following directions from the Little Einsteins characters and CD narrator, children can clap along, pat their knees, move and play with the picture clings and call out musical terms -- all to complete a musical mission central to a Little Einsteins adventure. Each mission gives children a chance to interact with music and learn music fundamentals, which can help in early childhood development.

Researchers are finding solid evidence that a young child's ability to perceive and distinguish phonetic sounds is enhanced by engaging in singing and rhythmic movement. Studies show that the "steady beat" skill helps children learn and develop on multiple levels including learning to read, enhancing creativity and fostering a sense of well-being. They've also found that active music-making during the school years can strengthen abstract reasoning skills, paving the way to better results in school.

Created by The Baby Einstein Company and Walt Disney Records, "Little Einsteins Musical Missions" was developed in conjunction with American Music Conference (AMC) and music teacher and arts integration specialist Anne Fennell. With over two decades experience as a music educator, Fennell served as a consultant during the creation of the CD, in addition to creating the curriculum guide for "Our Big Huge Adventure," the first DVD title in Disney's Little Einsteins franchise.

"'Little Einsteins Musical Missions' gives children and parents a wonderful opportunity to interact, listen and play with music while introducing the benefits of making music to everyone. Music is vital to a child's development -- stimulating higher level thinking skills and creativity while promoting individual expression," Fennell affirms.

"Disney's Little Einsteins Musical Missions" track listing is as follows: -0-

 

Track 1 - "The Little Einsteins(TM) Theme Song"

Track 2 - "Mission & Blast Off"

MUSICAL MISSION: The Birthday Balloons

MUSIC: "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" by Mozart

Track 3 - "Space Needle"

Track 4 - "Antarctica"

MUSICAL MISSION: Rocket Safari

MUSIC: "Flight of the Bumblebee" by Rimsky-Korsakov

Track 5 - "Elephant"

Track 6 - "Giraffe/Rhino"

Track 7 - "Rescue Rocket"

MUSICAL MISSION: Pirate's Treasure

MUSIC: "Carmen Suite #1" by Bizet

Track 8 - "Big Wave"

Track 9 - "Islands"

Track 10 - "Get the Treasure"

MUSICAL MISSION: The Golden Pyramid

MUSIC: "Hungarian Dance #5" by Brahms

Track 11 - "Crocodile"

Track 12 - "The Great Sphinx & The Golden Pyramid Song"

Track 13 - "The Golden Pyramid - The Open Up Song"

Track 14 - "The Curtain Call"

"Disney's Little Einsteins Musical Missions" soundtrack rockets into stores starting March 28, 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.

About "Little Einsteins" on Disney Channel

The #1 rated series in the Playhouse Disney programming block on Disney Channel, "Little Einsteins" is an inspiring and highly interactive preschool TV series featuring four music-loving protagonists and their versatile ship, Rocket. The episodes all begin with a call to action -- or "mission" -- followed by fascinating journeys of discovery, which include a celebrated piece of classical music and a renowned work of art or world culture. The characters use their passion and talents to work together, solve challenges and achieve their goals, and viewers are invited to join in their activities, reinforcing the early learning concepts contained in the series. The series airs every day (8:00 a.m. ET/PT) during Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney programming block.

About the American Music Conference

The American Music Conference is a national non-profit educational association dedicated to promoting the importance of music, music making and music education to the general public and is an affiliate of NAMM, the International Music Products Association. For more information on the benefits of music for children of all ages and to view the Tips for Parents created in conjunction with the Little Einsteins, visit http://www.amc-music.org.

About The Baby Einstein Company

The Baby Einstein Company, LLC, is the award-winning creator of the infant developmental media category. The company is famous for its best-selling Baby Einstein(TM) brand of videos, books, music CDs and toys specifically designed for babies and toddlers, from birth. Disney's Little Einsteins(TM) is the company's newest venture, specifically created for the preschool market. Headquartered in Glendale, Calif., The Baby Einstein Company is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. For more information, please visit http://www.BabyEinstein.com or

YouTube

COMCAST CABLE NETWORK G4 HAS partnered with online video-sharing site YouTube to promote "Star Trek 2.0," a new series targeting men ages 18-34 in which classic episodes are framed with G4's interactive content, the companies announced Tuesday. The paid arrangement won't disrupt YouTube's basic user-controlled dynamic, in which viewers determine which videos are most popular, according to Kevin Donahue, YouTube's vice president of marketing and programming. He said that YouTube will offer clips of "Star Trek 2.0," but will integrate the promotion "in as organic a way as possible." The clips also will be accompanied by links back to G4's site.

YouTube's partnership with G4 signals the rollout of a broader commercial strategy that involves courting content companies more actively, said Donahue. "We're going to provide more tools and benefits, and things that major media companies can use--as well as independent providers," he said.

The video-sharing site first rose to prominence with a series of skirmishes with NBC, which forced YouTube to remove two viral video clips of spoof raps from "Saturday Night Live" earlier this year.

Donahue said that YouTube offered to promote "Saturday Night Live," as well as other NBC programs, on its site, but NBC declined. Still other entertainment companies, including Warner Bros. Records, Matador Records, Virgin/EMI and VH1 have approached YouTube about promotional opportunities on the site.

 

All Chad Hurley and Steve Chen wanted to do was share some videos from a dinner party with a half-dozen friends in San Francisco. It was January, 2005, and they couldn't figure out a good solution. Sending the clips around by e-mail was a bust: The e-mails kept getting rejected because they were so big. Posting the videos online was a headache, too. So last February the two buddies got to work in Hurley's garage, determined to design something simpler

What they came up with is a Web site, now called YouTube, that has become an Internet phenomenon. In 11 months the site has become one of the most popular on the Net. It shows 30 million videos a day and drew 9.1 million people in February, says Web measurement service Nielsen//NetRatings. That makes the upstart one of the biggest providers of videos on the Net, ahead of Yahoo! and Google and just behind Microsoft (according to the Nielsen//NetRatings estimates.

Why has the site caught on so fast? Chen and Hurley designed it so people can post almost anything they like on YouTube in minutes. The result is something like the TV station you always dreamed of. YouTube offers mainstream shows from the current season, clips from TV's earliest days, and homemade movies from around the world. You watch what you want when you want, whether it's highlights from Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant's 81-point outburst in January or a 1968 clip of Johnny Cash performing Ring of Fire. Members, who can comment on videos and set up their own sites on YouTube, are adding 30,000 new videos a day. "From Day One we concentrated on building a service and community around video," says Chen. "That made us a lot different from the iTunes and the Googles out there."

The trouble is, the freewheeling approach that has made YouTube a hit could be its downfall. Users have been posting videos that are still under copyright, without any of the required legal approvals. These include clips from the Olympics, prime-time news shows, episodes of The Office, and music videos. Needless to say, this doesn't sit well with the major media companies. NBC, CBS, and others have requested that YouTube remove clips taken from them. Hurley and Chen typically don't screen out copyrighted works before they're posted, but they do comply with all such requests.

That raises the question: What does YouTube want to be when it grows up? Is it the next NBC or the next Napster Hurley and Chen think they're working toward the future of TV. Venture stalwart Sequoia Capital is betting on the prospect, having invested $3.5 million. But skeptics wonder if the startup can balance its surging popularity with the looming legal risks. "I think YouTube is fantastic," says Joanne Bradford, head of sales at MSN and other Microsoft properties. "But five years from now I don't know how they make their money. Their problem is all the pirated content."

The next few months will be critical. Hurley and Chen are investigating whether they can generate revenues by adding advertising. They're also working to convince media companies that YouTube can be a good partner, capable of delivering an audience of millions. The San Mateo (Calif.) company is rolling out tools aimed at protecting copyrighted works, including technology that prevents clips from being uploaded again once they've been removed. They're also limiting videos to 10 minutes to cut out entire TV episodes and movies. "We want to be a destination that promotes the entertainment offered by these guys," says Hurley, YouTube's chief executive.

Some major players are showing interest. Marketers for Nike Inc. used the site to run a spot of soccer star Ronaldinho showing off with a new pair of Nike shoes. Satellite TV service BSkyB ), which distributes The Simpsons, posted a live- action version of the animated show's famous intro to promote it in Britain. And Matador Records is marketing several bands on YouTube with specially created video contests and biographical clips. "We love the Tube," says Adam Farrell, Matador's online marketer. "Their numbers are undeniable."

Hurley, 29, and Chen, 27, feel at home in turbulent times. They got their start in the business world during the dot-com bubble and the bust that followed. They were among the first 20 hires at online payment service PayPal Inc. joining during the second half of 1999. They got to know each other well during the lean years, becoming part of a tight-knit PayPal mafia that remains close today. Their venture money came in part through their connection to Roelof Botha, a Sequoia Capital partner who had been PayPal's CFO.

A key lesson Hurley and Chen learned from the PayPal days is flexibility. PayPal's founders started out providing security software for handhelds and then tried several other fields. Only later did they hit on the idea for their online payment system, a business that eventually was sold to eBay Inc. for $1.5 billion in 2002.

Hurley had an entrepreneurial streak from the start. He grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs and as a 5-year-old tried to sell paintings from his front yard. He studied design at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and landed at PayPal after reading about it in Wired magazine and sending an e-mail inquiry about a job. During his interview he designed a new logo for PayPal, one that executives liked so much they still use it today. He left after the eBay deal, working with a few companies as a design consultant.


Chen, YouTube's chief technology officer, has been a math and science geek since high school. He threw himself into programming and computers at Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy and went on to study computer science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During his last semester he was recruited by Max Levchin, co-founder of PayPal and a former classmate. Chen remained at PayPal until early last year to help finish launching the company's expansion into China.

In the year since, Chen and Hurley have come a long way. Yet they are still searching for the right balance to turn their sudden popularity into profits. If they cater too much to their users, they risk getting sued for copyright violations and losing the support of content companies. If they're seen as favoring content companies, however, they could lose their millions of fans. It's a challenge they couldn't have imagined a year ago. "We started this to solve a personal problem," says Hurley. "Now we're creating a new way to reach audiences in an era where the traditional TV time slot doesn't exist anymore."

 

Louis Gossett, Jr. Added to NAMIC Vision Awards Line-Up

Stars Lend Their Support for One-of-a-Kind Awards Ceremony Honoring the Cable Industry's Commitment to Programming Diversity

Oscar winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr. has been added to the list of presenters for the 12th Annual NAMIC Vision Awards. Gina M. Holland, CEO of Ruby Red, Inc., the show's executive producer confirmed Gossett's appearance at the April 18, 2006 ceremony.

The NAMIC Vision Awards is the only awards program recognizing the cable industry's commitment to creating original, multi-ethnic content that represents the diverse spectrum of its viewers.

The recipient of multiple acting accolades, including Golden Globes, Emmys, and People's Choice Awards, Gossett stars in USA Network's science fiction series, "Stargate SG-1." Currently, Gossett is developing a nonprofit foundation aimed at creating entertainment that promotes education and awareness of issues relating to racism, ignorance and societal apathy.

"I'm honored to work with people, like Lou Gossett who recognize the importance of diversity in the cable industry and are lending their time by participating in this charitable event, said Holland, "The Vision Awards is a show that's about inclusion and I salute the talent, cable operators and networks for their commitment to diversity."

Additional presenters confirmed to date include Irene Bedard, Robert Gossett, Ernie Hudson, Justina Machado, Kyle Massey, Zahn McClarnon, Carlos Mencia, Cesar Milan, Shelly Morrison, Arthel Neville, Gina Ravera, Corey Reynolds, Ashley Tisdale and Kym Whitley. Comedian D.L. Hughley will host the ceremony, which takes place at Beverly Hills' Regent Beverly Wilshire. Emmy winning casting director and producer Robi Reed of Robi Reed Entertainment serves as Honorary Chair.

A record thirty networks are vying for NAMIC Vision Awards, which are presented in 11 programming categories. Additionally, NAMIC's most coveted honors, the Legacy, North Star and Quasar Awards will be presented to Vision Awards founder, Kyle Bowser (Lifetime's "For One Night"), Tony Award winning actor and filmmaker, Ruben Santiago-Hudson (HBO's "Lackawanna Blues") and Turner Broadcasting System Inc. respectively. DiversityInc ranked Turner Broadcasting System at #2 on the magazine's 2005 Top 50 Company's for Diversity list.

Warner Bros. is the lead sponsor of the 12th Annual NAMIC Vision Awards presented in partnership by the NAMIC Foundation and NAMIC -- Southern California.

About NAMIC

NAMIC (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications) is the premier organization focusing on ethnic diversity in the communications industry. Founded in 1980 as a nonprofit trade association, today NAMIC is comprised of nearly 2,000 professionals belonging to a network of chapters nationwide. Through initiatives that focus on education, advocacy and empowerment, NAMIC champions equity and inclusion in the workforce, with special attention given to ensuring that the leadership cadres of our nation's communications industry giants reflect the multi-ethnic richness of the populations they serve.

Source: NAMIC

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

 

NEW INTERACTIVE CABLE NETWORK,

,

ReacTV, due to launch on July 16th, 2006, may alter the advertising landscape--and make waves in the nascent interactive market. According to its founder, media impresario Frank Maggio, this all-game show network will allow viewers to play along with the programs as well as trivia- and game show-themed advertising pods, all without the expensive set-top boxes that doomed interactive TV efforts in the late 1990s.

Maggio claims that ReacTV will be the first "TV-Internetwork," simulcasting live shows and live ad pods on both TV and the Internet, and allowing viewers to "react" to both media--in the former through cell phones or a special ReacTV remote, and in the latter through a normal point-and-click interface. Viewers will be able to win prizes for correct answers during live programs and ad pods, Maggio said, boasting that low production costs will allow ReacTV to return 30 percent of ad revenues as cash prizes. This programming approach has been proven to drive higher viewer engagement with advertisements.

Maggio cited a recent study by the Center for Media Design at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, on behalf of the Game Show Network (GSN), as affirmation of his findings during a decade of studies--and also noted that he patented this method in 2003: "It might be news to GSN and Ball State, but it's not news to me."

He was quick to strike a conciliatory note, however, dismissing worries that he might broaden his portfolio of litigation--already substantial with his lawsuit against Nielsen Media Research--with a lawsuit to protect this patent: "Litigation is not something that I want to bring to bear in the television world right now. I believe TV, particularly smaller networks like ReacTV and the Game Show Network, need to find a way to raise the profile of TV as an advertising medium and educate advertisers about these new possibilities."

Maggio went on: "I'm very much about finding a way for Game Show Network to work with ReacTV to find a win-win solution. One of the methods might be for ReacTV and GSN to simulcast the same adpods, because the more people watch, the bigger the prizes--and the bigger the prizes, the more people want to play."

As for the patent itself: "it's a very lengthy explanatory document that protects and claims reactive ad pods, not only from a technical perspective, but also as a business model as to how a promoter can collect additional revenues--in part because these ads work better, and that in turn allows the network to return a good part of the revenue to the viewers as prizes," according to Maggio.

Although the patent was granted in 2003, Maggio traced a long lineage for reactive TV dating back two decades: "When I left Procter & Gamble in the late 1980s, I started tinkering with the idea of game shows, and at the same time I knew then that ad-skipping was only going to get worse, and there had to be a way to keep people interested." After the granting of the patent, Maggio said: "we spent about 6 months tweaking the data, and we now have a pretty compelling research background that says this stuff works."

ReacTV is a more recent project, however, because Maggio first hoped to sell the technology by helping major broadcasters and cable networks make their programming more "reactive": "We spent two years trying to make inroads at the major broadcast networks, and we consistently heard the same story: 'we're not about promoting advertising, we're about promoting content.'" Maggio concluded wryly: "Now, I understand that's the old business model--but we all know who pays the bills."

NBC to launch new mobile service

By William Hoehne

In response to what they think is a growing demand for mobile advertising, MSNBC.com today is going to launch a new ad-supported, video-heavy mobile service for news junkies. It seems they actually think that people want to see ads on their two inch screen to get to see programs for free.

The service will support mobile banner ads as well as streaming video ads, said Dan Mucha, manager of business strategy and development at MSNBC.com. In the early stages of development Microsoft's Windows Mobile has exclusive ad sponsorship rights, but Mucha said additional marketers want to advertise on mobile devices. "People who advertise on our Web site are interested in devoting more of the ad spend to mobile." (Microsoft co-owns MSNBC along with NBC Universal.)

MSNBC has hired technology provider Action Engine Corporation to ensure the service's faster and easier content access. Action Engine's platform is "browserless," which requires fewer keystrokes for faster response times for consumers who download the service. Meaning you might actually be able to see what your downloading in your lifetime considering the transfer rate to a cell pone or other mobile device.

Users can search through a generic list of content offering--sports, local news, national news--from their phone without having to communicate with MSNBC.com's network. Once they have made their decision will a request be sent out for a content feed. The devil though is as in all feeds, how fast you can get it.

Offerings include headline and business news videos, slide shows like the publisher's popular "Week in Pictures," and video from "The Today Show" and other NBC News properties. News articles can also be saved on one's phone for later offline viewing. That ofr course depends upon how much free space you have in your phones chip.

The service requires consumers to have a data plan with their mobile operators and an Internet-enabled device. And initially, only phones with Windows Mobile platforms will support the necessary Action Engine software which can be seen as a problem right at the start of the service.

The software will be synced with Java and other programs in less than three months, according to Anne Baker, director of marketing, Action Engine Corporation.

Online ads promoting the service were created by Universal McCann and will, at first, reside only on MSNBC's site.

No Brainer, you lose audience during commercials

TOP NETWORK SHOWS LOSE A considerable portion of their audiences during commercial breaks, according to Nielsen data obtained by MediaDailyNews. The data, an analysis of Nielsen's so-called minute-by-minute ratings, shows the audience for CBS hit "CSI" dropping 15 percent during commercial breaks in February.

Among adults ages 25 to 54, "CSI" averaged a 9.5 Nielsen rating for the month during programming, but only an 8.1 rating during commercial breaks.

"CSI" is the No. 1 show on CBS. The top shows on the other major networks also lost viewers during commercials, though at a lesser rate than "CSI."

Fox's "American Idol" Tuesday edition--the number-one show on television--saw 25-to-54 ratings fall 8 percent for the month, dropping from a 13.2 to a 12.1.

On ABC, "Desperate Housewives" fell 6 percent from a 10.9 in the programming to a 10.2 during commercials, while "ER" on NBC also dropped 6 percent, going from a 7.1 to a 6.7.

Advertisers in general prefer the adult 18-to-49 demo, but 25-to-54 is an important target for many marketers. Ratings could fall even further in the 18-to-49 demo during commercials since younger viewers may be more rabid ad skippers.

Ratings guarantees are based on program averages, so the lower commercial measures could provide fodder for advertisers increasingly looking to prove that people are viewing their ads. On the network side, a revenue slide corresponding to the ratings drops could mean a loss of millions of dollars.

Advertisers are expected to press networks in the coming upfront to base some guarantees on the so-called "commercial ratings," while networks are likely to resist.

Minute-by-minute ratings are not new, but have been available since last fall in a more user-friendly fashion. So far, however, The Weather Channel is the only network known to have purchased the new offerings, while on the buying side, only Starcom MediaVest and ZenithOptimedia groups have acknowledged receiving them.

Minute-by-minute data was a hot topic at the recent American Association of Advertising Agencies' Media Conference.

Jean Pool, executive vice president-COO at Universal McCann and chair of the AAAA's Media Policy Committee, told networks to make the ratings available or risk appearing as if they are "trying to hide some dirty little secret. In the end, we want commercial ratings, not program averages," she said.

But while speaking to reporters at the conference, Mike Shaw, ABC's president of sales and marketing, said the issue is "a two-way street," and if advertisers want to employ minute-by-minute ratings, they must bear the burden of creating more compelling ads--including in HD--to prevent viewer exodus during breaks. "They better start coming up with some better creative," he said.

The issue has not only divided buyers and sellers, but sparked some rift among sellers. The Weather Channel, for example, is making the argument that it has strong viewer retention during commercials in its upfront pitch. Liz Janneman, TWC senior vice president, has even suggested the network would be willing to base guarantees on the minute-by-minute data if an industry standard for attaching values emerges. "The more we can provide accountability to our clients, the sounder they'll feel their investment will be with us," she said.

 

Former MTV Español Becomes Bilingual Network in Fourth Quarter

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- After a year and a half working on what MTV’s U.S. Latino-targeted offering would be, Lucia Ballas-Traynor and MTV Music Television President Christina Norman announced MTV Español is turning into MTV TR3S -- pronounced trés.

The bilingual network will launch in fourth quarter with a goal of being in 50% of Hispanic households -- about 5.5 million -- using the hybrid cable-satellite-broadcast distribution model employed by other Hispanic-targeted networks such as Univision, Telemundo and Azteca America. Wireless and broadband distribution components are also part of the plan, using some of MTV’s already developed online and wireless properties, such as MTV Overdrive, said Ms. Ballas-Traynor, the network’s general manager.

MTV TR3S will target 12-to-34-year-olds with pop-, urban- and rock-music programming. It also plans to add lifestyle series and news documentaries about U.S. Latinos. When Spanish is spoken on the network, English subtitles will be provided.

Ms. Ballas-Traynor was brought on in to figure out the best way to build the network’s profile among young Hispanics, who compose the fastest growing U.S. demographic segment. Ms. Ballas-Traynor came to Viacom from Galavision, which had experimented in youth-targeted programming before eschewing it in favor of less expensive Mexican imports. Other networks -- Mun2 and SiTV -- have sought to take advantage of the fast-growing young Hispanic demo by offering English or bilingual programming that appeals to U.S. born Hispanics.

“The Hispanic youth audience is not only leading the most important demographic changes in this country, they’re also heavily influencing the pop-culture landscape,” said Ms. Norman as she announced the network.

For MTV, which is often regarded as the top youth-oriented media brand, growing a strong U.S. Hispanic-targeted network seems like it should be second nature -- especially with the success it has had with MTV Latin America. (Already it has launched MTV Chi and MTV Desi, aimed at Chinese- and Indian-Americans, respectively.) But it’s taken the network years to figure out exactly how it wanted to enter the U.S. Hispanic market.

Until now, MTV Español, which was launched in 1998, has been a rebroadcast of MTV Latin America, reaching 3.1 million Hispanic households. Part of the problem was figuring out whether a channel targeting U.S. Latinos should indeed be in Spanish or whether it should be in English. Turns out, it will broadcast in both.

The decision is a reflection of current U.S. Hispanic population shifts. In the 1990s, Ms. Ballas-Traynor noted, foreign-born immigration has been supplanted by U.S. births as the primary source of Hispanic growth, leading to an increase in acculturated Hispanics, which are likely to be bilingual, often consuming English-language media but still thinking and feeling in Spanish. According to a McKinsey & Co. study, “acculturated” will describe more than 67% of Hispanics in 2010.

“When you look at foreign born population, the median age is 35,” she said. “The median age of U.S. born population is 18. And our sweet spot is 12-24, of which at least 70% is U.S. born.”

Another issue was trying to find executives who understood both the Hispanic and the youth markets, said Ms. Ballas-Traynor. It’s a challenge similar to the ones American marketers are facing when trying to decide whether they need a Hispanic ad agency -- especially when they’re advertising to Hispanic youths in English. Right now, MTV TR3S executives are in Los Angeles to meet with Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies members at a gathering that starts Wednesday night.

“They’ve been waiting for an audience like this,” Ms. Ballas-Traynor said, noting automotive, retail and soft drinks are key ad categories.

The channel is likely to have crossover appeal, although the priority in the near term will be to build a solid brand against its target. Ms. Ballas-Traynor said a typical Top 20 music video countdown could include Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Mariah Carey, 50 Cent and Gwen Stefani.

“They don’t look at the hits Spanish vs. English,” she said. “It’s the chart topper first and then it’s about language, which organically fits into that

 

TV Guide Mobile Entertainment Announces New Product and Service Offerings

New Offerings Will Give Subscribers Access to TV Guide Listings and Entertainment Content While On The Go

TV Guide Mobile Entertainment, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc. a leading media, entertainment and technology company, announced today that it is extending its parent company's world-class television guidance technology and content to mobile devices through two initial product and service offerings. With TV Guide Mobile(TM), an all new television interactive program guide (IPG) designed for mobile devices, consumers now have the ability to access TV Guide's local program listings, schedule their TV viewing, get viewing recommendations, editorial content and more, right from their mobile phones.

In addition to TV Guide Mobile(TM), TV Guide Mobile Entertainment has launched a mobile, on- demand version of TV Guide Channel(R), a premier television entertainment network for viewers seeking the latest information on the best programs, hottest stars and latest trends on television. This offering features short-form, original, made-for-mobile content highlighting the best shows and movies on TV.

During 2006, TV Guide Mobile Entertainment will launch the next-generation of TV Guide Mobile(TM), a television IPG designed for mobile devices, featuring a familiar, TV-like interface and access to exclusive TV Guide content. Consumers will soon be able to personalize and control their entertainment experience by scheduling program reminders, sending program alerts to friends, and accessing the latest recommendations and news from the TV Guide(R) editorial team. Additionally, TV Guide Mobile(TM) will take advantage of technology being developed by Gemstar-TV Guide to allow consumers to remotely access the features of their digital video recorders through mobile devices and the Internet. The next generation of TV Guide Mobile(TM) builds upon the initial release of the TV Guide Mobile(TM) launched during the second half of 2005 by TV Guide Mobile Entertainment and Handmark(R), a licensee of the Company, and now available on a range of carriers and handsets.

"TV Guide's existing media properties - TV Guide(R) magazine, TVGuide.com and TV Guide Channel(R) - are key fixtures in the home entertainment space, reaching consumers on a variety of platforms and providing unrivaled access to information and entertainment guidance," said Richard Cusick, senior vice president and general manager, Digital Media for Gemstar-TV Guide. "TV Guide Mobile(TM) and the new mobile version of TV Guide Channel(R) extend the reach of TV Guide and allow our customers to get the information and content they want delivered to them wherever and whenever they want it."

TV Guide Mobile Entertainment's new offerings build upon the Company's success in Japan where it launched G-GUIDE Mobile through its Interactive Program Guide Inc. joint venture with Dentsu Inc. and Tokyo News Service Ltd. in late 2004. G-GUIDE Mobile is a similar mobile service based on Gemstar-TV Guide's for the Japanese market, which is branded as "G-GUIDE." G-GUIDE Mobile is currently available through NTT DoCoMo, Inc., the world's leading mobile communications company with more than 50 million customers, and KDDI Corporation -- and has more than 5 million registered users.

Collaboration with Leading Mobile Technology Partners

Leading mobile technology content and application developers are working with TV Guide Mobile Entertainment to develop products and services for mobile devices. These include: Roundbox, a leader in mobile broadcast software spanning multiple network technologies and standards; Alacre, a global provider of mobile content lifecycle management solutions for the creation, management and delivery of highly interactive mobile content; m-Qube, a leading mobile channel enabler; and mPortal, a leading enabler of mobile content and applications.

States Raj Dayalan, executive vice president of Alacre: "We are excited to be working with TV Guide, one of the world's most recognized and popular media brands. TV Guide Mobile Entertainment's new services will allow millions of wireless consumers access to up-to-the minute information on their favorite shows and programs -- anywhere, anytime."

"What gets me really excited is if I am on the road traveling and for some reason my flight is delayed, as it often is, I have the ability to pull up TV Guide listings on my mobile phone and check out what is on," said Doug Rice, vice president of Finance and Operations at mPortal Inc. "mPortal has extensive background and experience in digital content delivery management and leadership in delivering intuitive user-interfaces and on-device portals through its Springboard Smart Client. We are pleased to partner with TV Guide to extend its leadership to the mobile market."

"Roundbox is dedicated to the proposition that the combination of today's mobile and next generation broadcast technologies will result in an explosion of exciting media options for the mobile consumer," said Dennis Specht, chief executive officer, Roundbox. "Operators will deliver content to consumers across a variety of networks, in a multitude of formats, and from many sources. Gemstar-TV Guide's unparalleled assets will help Roundbox's operator customers realize this goal with customized guidance solutions that preserve operator brand and value chain control."

"Providing iconic brands like TV Guide with new mobile content capabilities signals the accelerating acceptance of mobile content by major fixtures in American media," said Andy Miller, general manager, Media at m-Qube, a mobile channel enabler who partnered with TV Guide Mobile Entertainment in this initiative. "Unlike other channels, mobile enables companies to extend their brand directly to consumers anywhere, anytime, and to any mobile device."

About Gemstar-TV Guide

Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the "Company") is a leading media, entertainment and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at http://www.gemstartvguide.com.

About Alacre

Based in Los Angeles, CA, Alacre provides mobile content lifecycle management solutions for the creation, management and delivery of highly interactive mobile content. Alacre's proprietary F-1 Mobile Lifecycle Management Platform allows customers to rapidly launch and efficiently manage a wide variety of mobile media applications. In addition, Alacre's team of experienced production professionals ensures that its applications achieve a high degree of excellence in design and usability. Along with Gemstar-TV Guide, Alacre's customers include The Walt Disney Company, Lions Gate Entertainment, LimeLife, THQ Wireless, (M)forma, I-play and Hudson Entertainment.

About mPortal

mPortal Inc, founded in 2000, enables mobile content and applications for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), Content Providers and Enterprises. mPortal's products and services assist its customers to create, launch, manage, and monetize mobile content and applications across multiple mobile devices and networks. As a total solution provider, mPortal eliminates the complexities involved in launching mobile content and applications. With mPortal as a strategic partner, its customers focus on their core business and rely on mPortal to provide its expertise and experience in launching revenue-generating mobile content and applications. mPortal's customers include top tier mobile operators, leading MVNOs, content providers , and Fortune 500 enterprises customers. Some of the customers are Alltel, AOL, Disney Mobile, ESPN Mobile, Reliance Infocomm, TV Guide, Verizon Wireless and XEROX. mPortal has offices in the US and India and serves a variety of global customers. For more information, please visit http://www.mportal.com.

About m-Qube

m-Qube, a leading mobile channel enabler, helps companies develop, deliver, and bill for mobile content, messaging and applications. m-Qube's end-to-end technology platform, carrier relationships and value-added services empower consumer-facing companies and their service providers to take advantage of wireless as a content delivery, marketing and communications channel. The company's strategic wireless partners include Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile USA, Nextel Communications, ALLTEL, US Cellular, Boost Mobile, Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Dobson, Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility, Telus Mobility, NorthernTel, SaskTel and Aliant Mobility. Headquartered in Boston, m-Qube has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, and Toronto.

For more information, visit http://www.m-Qube.com.

About Roundbox

Roundbox Inc. provides software for mobile operators and equipment manufacturers to deliver services leveraging multiple broadcast technologies. The company is founded by an experienced team of wireless and software industry professionals that have consistently provided innovative solutions to carrier problems. Roundbox is a private company funded by premier venture capital firms including Core Capital Partners and RRE Ventures. For more information on Roundbox, visit the company's Web site at http://www.roundbox.com.

Mercora Turns Up the Volume on Social Radio

Launches RADIO 2.0 Platform

Mercora, the Internet's largest and fastest growing user-contributed and user-programmed digital radio network, today introduced RADIO 2.0 -- the next generation social radio and music platform.

The RADIO 2.0 platform enables social radio on a global scale and combines the power of people, their music and audio, distributed processing, digital streaming and tagging to create one of the largest 100% user-contributed and user-programmed social radio networks on the Internet.

RADIO 2.0:

-- Enables music-centric communities, musical self-expression, and social music discovery using a streaming radio metaphor.

-- Provides multi-dimensional social search and discovery of both music and people across the web, desktop and distributed desktops.

-- Enables personalization through user-contributed tags, reviews and recommendations, and rich interaction through presence, chat and inter-personal messaging.

-- Is built on Ajax to provide a rich in-browser experience and uses open media formats such as Ogg/Vorbis and MP3 to provide a rich audio experience.

-- With users in 140 countries worldwide, the RADIO 2.0 platform automatically enforces country-specific copyright compliance, reporting and royalty payment.

-- Seamlessly integrates with all major IM systems from AOL, Google, MSN and Yahoo for single sign-on and social network-building services.

-- Provides contextual search advertising capabilities, allowing advertisers to place text advertisements for music-centric keywords.

Mercora is launching an entirely new product line based on the RADIO 2.0 platform, including:

1. Mercora IM Radio 5.0 - Social radio software for Windows XP and 2000 (available today)

2. Radio2-0.com - Web 2.0 implementation for browser-only access (available today)

3. Mobile Social Radio - Social radio software for devices and smartphones supporting Windows Mobile (April 06)

4. My Audio Locker - Personal music locker hosted and managed by Mercora (April 06)

5. Madwords 2.0 - Second generation contextual self-service advertising framework for music and music-centric advertisers (May 06)

6. Mercora "Music Search" Syndication tool (available today)

Mercora, Inc.

Mercora's mission is to create the world's largest social radio and music network by cataloging and organizing the world's music and audio content and make it universally searchable and legally listenable for everyone. Mercora (http://www.mercora.com) is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA.

 

CTIA WIRELESS Presents The 2006 Fashion in Motion Showcase

of the Hottest Styles and Designs in Wearable Wireless Gear

New Mobile Devices from Samsung, Inclosia, Kodak, Digit Wireless and Cellstrands to be Showcased by Top Models in Runway-style Fashion Show

CTIA WIRELESS 2006(R), the premiere event for all things wireless, today announced the product lineup for its Fashion in Motion couture-style runway show, where models will display the latest wireless devices and accessories on the market today and futuristic fashions of tomorrow. CTIA WIRELESS 2006 takes place April 5 - 7, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Fashion in Motion will take place daily on the Fashion Show Stage located in the Mobile Entertainment eXPo area in the Central Hall of the convention center on Wednesday, April 5 and Thursday, April 6 at 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.; and on Friday, April 7 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

In addition, CTIA WIRELESS 2006 will award a $10,000 Fashion In Motion Scholarship to a college or university student who has demonstrated the most creative and innovative design of a wireless fashion, as voted upon by a panel of distinguished judges form both the fashion and technology industries. Nicky Hilton will make a special appearance at the 4 pm show on Thursday, April 6.

Companies sponsoring Fashion in Motion include: Cellstrands, Digit Wireless, Inclosia Solutions, Kodak, and Samsung Telecommunications America. Media sponsors for this year's Fashion in Motion are The Wall Street Journal and Gizmag.com.

Some of today's hottest new wireless wares featured at Fashion in Motion include:

-- The latest in mobile phones from Samsung Telecommunications America, including the B300, Zx10, A900, T809, Serene, I730, P300, and B600.

-- Inclosia(TM) Solutions fabrics made with the company's EXO(TM) Overmolding System, which enables designer fabrics, leathers, real woods, and real metals to be combined with plastics in a high volume injection molding process. Products include: Motorola H605 Bluetooth Headset, E-Go Lifestyle Notebook, DMOBO m900 Disney Phone and Philips Xenium 9@9E.

-- Fastap Keypad Technology, from Digit Wireless enhances the functionality of any mobile device, increasing discovery, access and usage of today's applications.

-- Kodak EasyShare allows picture takers to wirelessly e-mail, upload, and share pictures at thousands of public hotspots, and at home, directly from the camera.

-- Cool fashion for flip phones from Cellstrands.

-- Feel the physical sensation of being hugged from a distance with the Hug Shirt, a Bluetooth accessory for mobile phones from CuteCircuit.

-- Track calories, steps and distance traveled all day long with the ActiHealth monitoring solution from FitSense Technology, Inc. It captures data via tiny sensors worn on footwear and automatically updates personal health records.

-- The futuristic Nomad Display System from Microvision includes a retina scanner that lets you view transparent virtual images that appear to be floating in front of you, along with a belt-worn wireless computer.

-- An innovative ruby and gold pendant called "Butterfly Perfume" from Sensory Design & Technology Ltd (University of the Arts London) incorporates body sensors and microfluidics to deliver a fragrance that coincides with the mood of the wearer.

About CTIA WIRELESS 2006

As the premiere global event representing the complete wireless, mobile computing and wireless Internet industries and the largest wireless show in the world, CTIA WIRELESS 2006 brings together all industries within the communications ecosystem and all those affected by wireless technology for three days of intense learning and networking. Visit http://www.ctiawireless.org.

CTIA-The Wireless Association(R) is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. Visit http://www.ctia.org.

SPORTS & AUTOS

NY. Yankees 4, Oakland 9 at McAfee Coliseum
Oakland Record: (2-1)


Winning pitcher - Joe Kennedy (1-0)
Losing pitcher - Jaret Wright (0-1)

at McAfee Coliseum (2-1) - Joe Kennedy (1-0) - Jaret Wright (0-1)

NYY HR - H. Matsui (2) G. Sheffield (1)

H. Matsui (2) G. Sheffield (1)

Atlanta 9, Los Angeles 8 at Dodger Stadium
Los Angeles Record: (1-2)


Winning pitcher - Oscar Villarreal (2-0)
Losing pitcher - Franquelis Osoria (0-1)
SV - Chris Reitsma (2)

at Dodger Stadium (1-2) - Oscar Villarreal (2-0) - Franquelis Osoria (0-1) - Chris Reitsma (2)

ATL HR - W. Betemit (1)

W. Betemit (1)

Nissan Launches ``El Reto Final Nissan'' Reality Show

Five-Part Original Programming Entitled ``El Reto Final Nissan'' Will Premiere on Fox Sports en Espanol in April

For the first time ever, U.S. and Mexico soccer fans will get a chance to relive old memories with "El Reto Final Nissan," a five-part reality show and a one-of-a-kind soccer match that will crown North America's ultimate champion once and for all. The groundbreaking reality series will air exclusively in Spanish on Fox Sports en Espanol, starting on Sunday, April 16, at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. The historic rematch, which will take place at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California, on Sunday, May 21, will be telecasted live in Spanish by Fox Sports en Espanol and in English on Fox Soccer Channel.

"'El Reto Final Nissan' is a unique programming concept that celebrates the passion fans have for soccer, their team, and their rivals," said Jan Thompson, vice president of marketing for Nissan North America. "It's a natural fit for Nissan to own this type of innovative, branded entertainment because it's bold, exciting, and represents a 'shift' in soccer telecasts. Overall, it will be a fun program to follow for all soccer enthusiasts gearing up for the World Cup season."

In 1997, Mexico and the U.S. competed with each other twice to qualify for the 1998 World Cup. Both games resulted in a draw. This time, there will be no draw thanks to "El Reto Final Nissan." The reality series tells the story of the original matches and of the intense competition that characterizes them through archival footage of the games and interviews with the players and devoted fans. In five, unscripted episodes, players who qualified for the U.S. and Mexico teams nine years ago will be ambushed, persuaded to join their former colleagues, and put through intense training sessions and practices to prepare them for the rematch. The program's host, known only as George, will lead viewers through the excitement.

"We're proud to partner with Nissan to bring our viewers and Latino soccer enthusiasts what will undoubtedly be one of this year's must-watch television events," said David Sternberg, executive vice president and general manager of Fox Sports en Espanol. "'El Reto Final Nissan' is the perfect complement to our year-long, exclusive coverage of the best in Latin American soccer. This unprecedented reality series and historic encounter between Mexico and the United States is just one example of what our viewers can expect as Fox Sports en Espanol continues to expand beyond traditional advertising and break new ground in branded entertainment programming."

Fans and soccer enthusiasts interested in learning more about "El Reto Final Nissan" should visit http://www.nissanusa.com/espanol where they can click on the "El Reto Final Nissan" logo for background information on their favorite teams, player profiles, programming details and news updates. Fans can also enter, via the website, a national sweepstakes where three grand-prize winners will receive a deluxe trip for four to the final match at The Home Depot Center in California. Winners will participate in a meet-and-greet with the players and coaches, a behind-the-scenes tour of The Home Depot Center, as well as exclusive access to a deluxe-viewing suite with catering and player appearances. Tickets for the May 21st rematch can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Nissan will incorporate product integration in the program by showcasing its Titan, Altima, and Xterra vehicles throughout the reality series.

"El Reto Final Nissan" is a joint production between Animus Group and Zeal Television.

About Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at http://www.nissanusa.com and http://www.infiniti.com.

About Fox Sports en Espanol

Fox Sports en Espanol features more than 1,500 hours of live, exclusive sports programming in Spanish and, with few exceptions, English SAP each year, including the Copa Toyota Libertadores, Copa Nissan Sudamericana and InterLiga soccer tournaments; the Major League Baseball playoffs, All-Star Game and World Series; and Championship boxing from Mexico and the U.S. The channel reaches more than 7 million cable and satellite households in the U.S.

Fox Sports en Espanol is distributed by Fox Cable Networks Group and operated by Fox Pan American Sports LLC, an international sports programming and production entity jointly owned by Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst and News Corporation's Fox Sports

BMW Leads the Way in High-Tech Auto Features:

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Telematics, Digital Entertainment, and Driver Assist Score High According To TRG

Of all auto brands sold in North America, BMW is the leader at putting high-tech features, such as Advanced Driver Assist into its cars, according to Telematics Research Group (TRG).

The TRG Automotive Technology Index measures the availability of key telematics, infotainment and driver assist technologies across a brand's current vehicle lineup. It is based on 30 criteria representing six categories of vehicle technology. The Driver Assist Category consists of park assist, night vision, adaptive cruise control, headup display and lane departure warning systems.

"BMW has been a technology leader for many years, as it is part of the brand's positioning," says Phil Magney, principal analyst for TRG. "Ever since the introduction of the iDrive, BMW has been a proponent of advanced technology."

On an overall basis, Mercedes-Benz ranks just behind BMW having recently released its 2007 S-Class, a standout for most technologies. Other notable findings show that Cadillac ranks 3rd overall, ahead of premium brands including Infiniti, Lexus, Rover, Audi, and Acura.

While Infiniti and Lexus come in at 4th and 5th overall, they rank 2nd and 3rd in the Driver Assist categories, as expected. The attached bar chart shows select brands and their relative technology deployment rank. Luxury brands score the highest because they have the greatest availability of new technologies and advanced electronics features.

About TRG:

TRG (Telematics Research Group, Inc.) tracks and analyzes the automotive telematics, infotainment, and driver assist categories. TRG maintains regional and global market forecasts for telematics, navigation, driver assist and mobile telemetry. TRG market intelligence is used by leading automotive and electronics suppliers worldwide.

 

 

MOBILE MEDIA NOW™ LAUNCHES VIDEO CHANNEL, 6DEGREES ACTION SPORTS ON 3 UK;

™

 

DELIVERS WEEKLY CONTENT TO VIDZONE DIGITAL MEDIA

55 Minutes of Weekly First-Run Video Features Top Action Sports Athletes,

Including Surfer Champion Chris Ward and Moto-X World Champ Kenny Bartram

Mobile Media Now™, a leading global production company for the mobile video experience, today announced at the CTIA convention in Las Vegas that it has launched a weekly sports lifestyle video channel, 6Degrees Action Sports, on 3 UK.

VidZone Digital Media, one of Europe’s leading mobile content providers, will represent 6Degrees Action Sports to 3 UK as well as provide video ringers to the network. 6Degrees Action Sports officially launches on April 7^th.

6Degrees Action Sports represents the largest weekly video channel running currently on any global carrier, and highlights Mobile Media Now’s innovative production strategy, which develops and produces high-quality, low-cost digital video content for mobile delivery, including ringtones, wallpaper and screensavers, as well as video ringers, video downloads and streaming content. Mobile Media Now owns all of its content and, as with the 6Degrees Action Sports network, produces original music for each hour-long program.

“6Degrees Action Sports is the first global mobile video channel produced solely for the global active lifestyle, and we have gathered some of the top brands, athletes, producers, photographers and promoters in this area to create fresh, topical and meaningful programming for the growing community of lifestyle enthusiasts,” said Jimbeau Andrews, founder and CEO of Mobile Media Now. “From surfing and wakeboarding to snowboarding, skateboarding and Motocross, 6Degrees clearly embodies the intensity and dedication of the sports that it captures, and we are pleased to debut this channel with 3 UK.”

Juniper Research Juniper predicts that there will be more than 210 million users of mobile sports services worldwide by 2009, including 120 million in Asia.

“The quality of Mobile Media Now’s programming offers the ideal mix of timely, topical content for one of the most desirable niche audiences – extreme sports – for the mobile platform,” said Adrian Workman, CEO of VidZone Digital Media. “The 6Degrees

Action Sports network will help define original mobile sports video programming, given the incredible breadth of content and the style with which Mobile Media Now produced these shows.”

The weekly segment packages that Mobile Media Now will deliver to VidZone Digital Media include pre-recorded events, athlete/celebrity expose stories, How-To and Hot Tips features, pre-packaged video from library archives, and special opinion-leader segments.

“We’re not your Dad’s ESPN -- we’re a mobile lifestyle channel that today’s kids relate to well. The audience for 6Degrees Action Sports is powerful, and boasts highly desirable demographics, in the 12-34 age group said John Taglioli, president of sales and marketing for Mobile Media Now.

As with the 6Degrees Action Sports channel, Mobile Media Now is actively signing key brands, athletes, producers, and celebrities in a variety of its targeted categories, enabling compelling opportunities for long-format content development and production.

The 6Degrees Action Sports Network includes the following renowned action sports stars:

§ Skateboarding

· Justin Blake 14-year-old #1 rated Amateur Skater in California

· Van Wastell New School Future star rated 32 most exposed in TWS

§ Surfing

· Chris Ward 5^th most exposed Pro surfer in 2005

· Josh Sleigh Aerial Pioneer and _Expression Session Champion

· Karina Petroni High profile female surfer and model – future world champ

· Titus Kinimaka Legendary Hawaiian Waterman

§ Snowboarding

· Tyler Flanagan Emerging 14-year-old with three 1^st place finishes in 05

· Sean Palmer Legendary Snowboard Pioneer X Games Gold Medalist

§ Wakeboarding

· Parks Bonifay 5 Time World Wakeboard Champion

· Shane Bonifay Highly exposed Pro rider - Wake Skate Innovator

§ BMX

· Stephen Murray X-Games and Gravity Games Gold Medals – 1^st double

Backflip

§ Moto-X

· Kenny Bartram Gravity Games Gold Medalist and IFMA World Champ

· Seth Enslow Big Air Daredevil and High Profile Motocross Jumper

Andrews is the founder of Aloha Films Group, Inc a successful high-definition production and post-production media production firm, focused on the Action Sports and Music industries. He is also the founder of the International Freestyle Motocross Association, The Freeride Watercraft Association, The Association of Professional Towsurfers and former Marketing Director of the U.S. Amateur Snowboard Association and The International Snowboard Federation. Andrews is credited with producing the first-ever Freestyle Motocross event and sanctioned series.

About Mobile Media Now

MobileMediaNow is a fully-integrated audio visual production company focused on original wireless content. Headed by Jimbeau Andrews, Mobile Media Now combines the technical, managerial and marketing expertise of Andrews and the company’s other founders, including Nicholas Farr, John Taglioli and Rick Riccobono. The company produces unique, topical sports and lifestyle content for mobile carriers and portals worldwide. Mobile Media Now’s wireless record label produces exclusive downloadable music and represents some of the world's top independent artists and producers. Based in Laguna Beach, California, the company currently provides content for such leading aggregators and carriers as Zingy, Wider Than, Minick, VidZone, Sprint Nextel, Alltel, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Dobson, and 3 UK. Founded in 2003, Mobile Media Now is comprised of sports and entertainment industry veterans with a wide range of production and marketing capabilities. For more information, visit the company Web site at www.mobilemedianow.com.

About VidZone Digital Media

VidZone Digital Media is the UK’s leading Independent mobile content provider distributing content to 4 UK mobile networks (3, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile and O2). VidZone Digital Media operates two B2C music websites. VidZone, a music video subscription service can be viewed at www.vidzone.tv VidZone has over 5,000 music videos available and can be accessed via Real Networks, Windows Media.com, NTL Broadband Plus, Wanadoo, Blueyonder and in Ireland on Eircom. VidZone Mobile is the company’s new direct to consumer mobile website and is available at www.vidzonemobile.com

NFL Receives Offer From Bodog.com for Exclusive Internet Rights

Bodog Television, a division of the international digital entertainment giant Bodog.com, announced today that it has extended an offer to the National Football League to secure the exclusive Internet rights to the NFL's digital-content properties.

In a letter that was addressed to the NFL's Vice President for Media Strategy, Brian Rolapp, Bodog.com Founder and Chief Executive Officer Calvin Ayre stated that Bodog.com's powerful brand, combined with its web presence, would complement the NFL's ongoing initiatives to expose professional football across non-traditional mediums.

"Here is a solid opportunity to blend a traditional form of entertainment with the new world of digital entertainment," says Ayre, the recent cover subject of Forbes magazine's "Billionaires" issue. "For more than a decade, Bodog.com has been pioneering new and innovative ways to enhance the online experience, so it would seem natural that we build a partnership with one of America's most popular entertainment brands, and change the way football is viewed by millions."

Bodog.com -- whose current customer base consists of tech-savvy sports fans and pop-culture watchers, many of whom follow the NFL -- made the offer after hearing news that the NFL's Internet rights agreement expires in May 2006. The league is considering a new deal that is likely to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

"Bodog.com has seen the power of the Internet first hand," says Ayre. "Securing the rights to the NFL's digital content would be an extremely strategic business move, and would align with our long-term business objectives."

Bodog.com, recently valued at more than $1 billion, has gone to great lengths to become one of the most recognized brands in the digital entertainment space. From its annual marketing conference, which attracts sports notables such as this year's speaker Earvin "Magic" Johnson, to its international record label and self-produced television programs that air on major U.S. networks, Bodog.com has made an indelible impression on the entertainment world.

At 11 p.m. on April 15, 2006, the Bodog Television co-produced series Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker will begin airing on a major US cable network.

About Bodog.com

Bodog.com, located in San Jose, Costa Rica, is federally licensed by the Costa Rican and UK governments. Bodog.com Founder and CEO Calvin Ayre, who is recognized as the true pioneer of online gambling and a world authority on branding in the digital entertainment industry, was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine's best-selling "Billionaires" issue in March 2006. Bodog.com is the top-ranked US facing online gambling brand, with highest site traffic amongst multi-product US gaming web sites, according to Hitwise. Bodog.com, valued at over US $1 billion and ranked in the Power 10 online companies by eGaming Review, processed $7 billion in wagers in 2005. The Bodog.com Marketing Conference, www.bodogconference.com , will take place at the Wynn Las Vegas, July 23-26, 2006, attracting the leaders of the online gambling industry. Bodog Entertainment Group also includes a music label, Bodog Music, an online magazine, BodogNation, a television production unit and further properties coming soon.

BODOG is a registered trademark of Bodog Entertainment Group S.A.

Source: Bodog.com

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

Mickelson no match for Tiger at The Masters, according to bettors at Sportsbook.com

Woods clearly the betting favorite with 25 per cent of wagers backing a repeat

Despite playing his best golf since the 2004 Masters last week at the TPC, bettors at Sportsbook.com, the world's largest online sportsbook and casino, are not sold on Phil Mickelson's chances of continuing his fine form at this week's Masters. Less than 2.5 per cent of total dollars wagered on this year's event have been on Mickleson, while favorite Tiger Woods has attracted approximately 25 per cent of betting volume.

"No other golfer is even close in terms of betting support. The closest to Tiger is Retief Goosen and he's drawn less than five percent of wagers," said Alex Czajkowski, Sportsbook.com. "What makes this more interesting is the fact that the total volume of betting on this year's Masters is greater than ever before. So, everybody is betting on golf these days but very few people are betting against Tiger. It's an ongoing trend."

Seven players have been wagered on more heavily than Mickelson, including Chris DiMarco, who proved he can make it to the final round and trade shots with Tiger in the 2005 Masters playoff. Currently listed at 17-1 to win the tournament DiMarco has received the third highest volume of wagers at Sportsbook.com at 4.5 per cent.

The 70th Masters Tournament features changes to six holes that add 155 yards to the already demanding Augusta National. Speculation has been that this will eliminate short game specialists like 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir from contention completely. Weir is currently listed at 40-1 and has received only 1.8 per cent of total volume.

Sportsbook.com has listed a number of props on the Masters including the winning score, the lowest golf round, who will make the cut, where players will finish and if there will be a hole in one.

Current Odds:

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Player Current Odds % of Money Wagered

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Tiger Woods 3-1 24.80%

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Retief Goosen 12-1 4.90%

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Chris DiMarco 17-1 4.60%

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Ernie Els 9-1 4.50%

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Vijay Singh 11-1 3.80%

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Luke Donald 14-1 3.70%

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David Toms 20-1 3.50%

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Field (Any Other Golfer) 9-1 3.30%

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Phil Mickelson 6-1 2.30%

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Jose Maria Olazabal 17-1 2.30%

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Adam Scott 30-1 2.30%

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Sergio Garcia 20-1 2.20%

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Chad Campbell 35-1 2.20%

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Davis Love III 40-1 2.10%

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Rory Sabbatini 35-1 1.80%

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Mike Weir 40-1 1.80%

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Stuart Appleby 50-1 1.60%

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Geoff Ogilvy 75-1 1.50%

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Jim Furyk 25-1 1.30%

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KJ Choi 50-1 1.30%

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Fred Couples 60-1 1.20%

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Scott Verplank 100-1 1.10%

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Padraig Harrington 40-1 0.90%

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John Daly 125-1 0.90%

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Stephen Ames 50-1 0.80%

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Darren Clarke 50-1 0.80%

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Zach Johnson 75-1 0.60%

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Tom Lehman 100-1 0.60%

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Angel Cabrera 100-1 0.60%

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Michael Campbell 100-1 0.60%

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Robert Allenby 100-1 0.60%

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Bernhard Langer 125-1 0.60%

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Tim Clark 125-1 0.60%

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Mark Hensby 125-1 0.60%

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Ben Curtis 200-1 0.60%

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Charles Howell III 100-1 0.50%

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Colin Montgomerie 125-1 0.50%

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Stewart Cink 100-1 0.40%

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Bart Bryant 125-1 0.40%

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David Duval 150-1 0.40%

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Miguel Angel Jimenez 150-1 0.40%

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Shigeki Maruyama 150-1 0.40%

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David Howell 75-1 0.30%

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Lee Westwood 100-1 0.30%

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Justin Leonard 125-1 0.30%

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Thomas Bjorn 125-1 0.30%

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Rod Pampling 125-1 0.30%

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Ben Crane 150-1 0.20%

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Henrik Stenson 60-1 0.10%

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Sean OHair 150-1 0.10%

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How many majors will Tiger win in 2006?

0 2-1

1 3-2

2 7-2

3 9-1

4 (Grand Slam) 18-1

Propositions:

Winning Score

Over 278.5 -170

Under 278.5 +135

36 Hole Cut (36 holes must be played)

Over 148.5 -150

Under 148.5 +120

Lowest single round score by any golfer

Yes +220

No -300

Will there be a hole in one?

Yes +140

No -170

Will there be a playoff?

Yes +220

No -300

For more props please visit sportsbook.com.

About Sportsbook.com:

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

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

NASCAR Races Into Dallas-Fort Worth as the #61 RoadLoans.com Ford Makes a Pit Stop at Grapevine Mills Mall

NASCAR is coming to town and local Internet direct-to-consumer auto lender, RoadLoans(R) delivers the excitement of NASCAR to your finger tips. The #61 RoadLoans.com Ford is scheduled to make a pit stop at the Grapevine Mills Mall on Friday, April 7 and Saturday April 8.

The RoadLoans.com #61 Ford show car will park at the AMC Theatre entrance for public viewing from 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. At the mall, race fans can enter the RoadLoans Ultimate Race Experience Sweepstakes, which will make one lucky grand prize winner a member of the RoadLoans.com racing team and an honorary crew member at the Michigan 400 race on June 18.

NASCAR veteran and the driver of the #61 RoadLoans.com Ford, Kevin Lepage, will be on hand to share his NASCAR experience, meet fans and sign autographs on Saturday, April 8 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Grapevine Mills Mall is located at the interchange of Highway 121 and International Parkway, just two miles north of the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in Grapevine, Tex.

RoadLoans Racing

From a passion for empowering customers, the RoadLoans Racing team was born. In February 2006, RoadLoans expanded its passion for cars and raced into NASCAR by teaming with Peak Performance Motorsports and sponsoring the #61 RoadLoans.com Ford driven by Busch Series winner and Nextel Cup driver Kevin Lepage.

About RoadLoans

RoadLoans, based in North Richland Hills, Texas, is a leading direct-to-consumer auto finance company specializing in new and used vehicle loans, consumer-to-consumer purchases and opportunities to refinance existing loans for customers with less than perfect credit. Through its online application process, RoadLoans streamlines the financing of a new or used vehicle. The company's focus on customer service has earned it the Lending Tree Customer Service Excellence Award every year since the award was first presented in 2002. Launched in June 2000, RoadLoans has focused on empowering and educating people through the auto loan process and has helped tens of thousand of consumers purchase or refinance a car. For more information, visit www.roadloans.com or call (888) 276-7202.

Source: RoadLoans

Web site: http://roadloans.com/

 

AAA Ford Fusion No. 6 Will Make Debut at Texas Motor Speedway

This Weekend; Veteran Driver Mark Martin Shares Thoughts on Teen Driving During Media Interview

The new AAA-sponsored, No. 6 Ford Fusion piloted by veteran driver Mark Martin, will make its Lone Star debut at the 500 NASCAR Nextel Cup race at the Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 9th, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Martin will be conducting media interviews on Friday, April 7th from 10:45 -- 11:15 AM at the Speedway. Martin, who is the father of a teenaged son, will also share his views on teen driving.

BACKGROUND:

From 1995 through 2001, the number of 16- and 17-year-old drivers increased in Texas by about 17 percent. However, during the same time period, the number of 16- and 17-year-old drivers killed in crashes grew by 27 percent. Even worse is the fact that the number of the newest drivers (16-year-olds) who were in fatal crashes, increased by 69 percent during the same time period. (2001 is the latest data available from the Texas Department of Public Safety)

AAA Texas is one of the AAA-affiliated clubs sponsoring the racecar fielded by Roush Racing, back-to-back Nextel Cup champions in 2003-04.

Martin has been the mainstay at Roush Racing, teaming up with Jack Roush in 1988 to help launch Roush's NASCAR operation. Since then, Martin and Roush have become one of the most successful partnerships in the sport. In 18 years on the circuit Martin has scored 35 Nextel Cup victories and captured 41 pole positions, 356 top-10 and 224 top five finishes. He has started 633 Nextel Cup races and currently has a string of 575 straight starts.

 

Butte College's Racing Team Takes First in Class at Infineon Raceway; Partnership Prepares Students for Racing Careers

 

Butte College's Motorsports class and its instructor driver, in partnership with American Honda and Thunderhill Raceway Park, took first place in class at the Infineon Raceway in California during the season-opening regional road races sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) April 2.

The Honda S2000 race car was driven by Butte College Instructor and Thunderhill Raceway CEO, David Vodden, on a rainy day that produced treacherous track conditions. The race team, composed of nine students who are enrolled in the motor sports dynamics class presented by Butte College, prepared the car and made it ready for the 30 minute regional points race.

Butte College's driver, Vodden, started 12th in the 22 car field that made up Group 1 on the SCCA schedule and ran third in class during the first half of the race. As the rain fell, Vodden advanced his 2004 Honda sports car past 2nd place Robert Luster of Carmel and closed on race-class leader David Ray of Danville. With two laps to go Vodden executed the winning pass on the front straight-away under the starting stand to the delight of his enthusiastic race team.

The first place finish put the team in the top spot in SCCA regional points in the Touring 2 class. The win was especially gratifying to the members of the student race team who were participating in only their second SCCA race competition. Their initial outing produced a 7th and an 8th place finish in a "double" national event put on by the Reno region of the SCCA in March.

According to Butte College's team captain Cory Turner of Chico, the win was a stunning victory.

"This win was incredible considering we had participated in just two races with the Butte College Auto Tech Honda," Turner said. "Every member of our team was thrilled and proud to know we all played a part in this winning effort."

The Butte College motorsports car officially timed in at 1:56.55 seconds in qualifying for an average speed around the eleven-turn, 2.5 mile road course of 77 mph.

"Our competition went out on dry tires and we reasoned that our best chance of winning was to gamble on bad weather," Butte College's team co-captain Bryan Boughton said. "At first it looked like a bad decision -- but as the rain began, the track came to us. We are on riding high with this win."

All students on the race team are currently enrolled in the Butte College Automotive Technology program. Students worked to modify a $25,000 Honda S2000 car donated by the American Honda Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT) Program. Part of the modifications included learning how to install a custom racing brake system, custom exhaust system, racing fluids, racing rims, tires, shock absorbers, a safety harness, and custom seat. Students received pit crew training and participated in fundraising projects to offset the costs of converting the car into a new race car. The college also partnered with Thunderhill Raceway Park., Comptech, AIM Tires and Pettersen Motorsports.

The Butte College "Roadrunners Racing Team" will compete again on May 20 and 21 at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California.

DOD

 

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of six Marines, who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Andres Aguilar Jr., 21, of Victoria, Texas Cpl. David A. Bass, 20, of Nashville, Tenn. Lance Cpl. Patrick J. Gallagher, 27, of Jacksonville, Fla. Lance Cpl. Felipe D. Sandoval-Flores, 20, of Los Angeles, Calif. Cpl. Brian R. St. Germain, 22, of Warwick, R.I. Staff Sgt. Abraham G. Twitchell, 28, of Yelm, Wash. All Marines died April 2, when the seven-ton truck they were riding in rolled over in a flash flood near Al Asad, Iraq. Aguilar was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Media with questions about Aguilar can call Marine Corps Base Hawaii Public Affairs Office at (808) 257-8871/8835. Bass, Gallagher, Sandoval-Flores and St. Germain were all assigned to elements of the 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Media with questions about these four Marines can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044. Twitchell was assigned to the Combat Service Support Group-1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four Marines, who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Jacob W. Beisel, 21, of Lackawaxen, Pa. Lance Cpl. Kun Y. Kim, 20, of Atlanta, Ga. Staff Sgt. Eric A. McIntosh, 29, of Trafford, Pa. Cpl. Scott J. Procopio, 20, of Saugus, Mass. Beisel died March 31 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Kim, McIntosh and Procopio died April 2 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. All Marines were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

 

 

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers, who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Killed were: Capt. Timothy J. Moshier, 25, of Albany, N.Y. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael L. Hartwick, of Orrick, Mo. They died in Baghdad Iraq on April 1, when their Apache helicopter crashed while conducting a combat air patrol. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army's 4th Battalion, 4th Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Spc. Ty J. Johnson, 28, of Elk Grove, Calif., died in Kirkuk, Iraq, on April 4, when an improvised device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Johnson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

 

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers, who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Darrell P. Clay, 34, of Fayetteville, N.C. Sgt. Israel Devora Garcia, 23, of Clint, Texas They died in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 1, when an improvised explosive device detonated while they were conducting a dismounted patrol. Both soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.

 

Seventeen People Recovering After Surviving C-5 Crash

 

Seventeen people are in various stages of recovery after surviving a C-5 aircraft crash less than a mile from Dover Air Force Base's southern perimeter yesterday. "Our crew did a spectacular job of landing the airplane in its location," said Air Force Col. Chad T. Manske, 436th Airlift Wing vice commander and current acting commander of the wing.

"Thankfully, there were no fatalities or injuries, and by the grace of God the aircraft didn't explode." The C-5B Galaxy broke apart into three major pieces at 6:42 a.m. in a grassy area surrounding the base's fenced perimeter. The land is classified as proprietary to the base and was purchased years ago to provide a cushion of airspace to protect the civilian population from extremely rare and unlikely incidents such as this, said Manske said. At approximately 6:21 a.m., the transport plane took off headed for Ramstein Air Base, Germany, carrying supplies destined for people serving in the global war on terror.

Officials will release further details after Air Force officers analyze information collected from accident and safety investigation boards. In incidents like this, the crew is trained to declare an in-flight emergency and would have checked to ensure the plane was still under control. At that point, the crew would assess the cause of the emergency, process their aircraft checklists, determine a location to safely land to mitigate risks and prevent loss of life, and communicate their course of action to everyone aboard the plane, Manske said.

The gigantic plane, which can transport six Greyhound buses end-to-end and looms above the flightline at the height of a six-story building, crashed into the field at 6:42 a.m. Air Force and local first responders, including medical professionals, firefighters, security forces and civil engineer personnel, immediately responded to the scene. Officials don't know why the aircraft, fully laden with fuel for a long trip over the Atlantic Ocean, didn't blow up on impact. Base officials won't speculate on the cause of the accident, but they say they are thankful whatever the reason. "Our crews are thoroughly and stringently trained on a continued basis to handle events in the aircraft," said Air Force Col. Ronald A. Rutland, commander of the 512th Airlift Wing, the Reserve wing located at Dover. "At this time we are not sure of everything that occurred during this flight; it's currently under investigation. "I consider our crews here at Dover, the 512th and 436th Airlift Wings, as consummate professionals," Rutland said. "It is with great relief that we had no loss of life in this incident." The crew included 709th and 326th Airlift Squadron members from the 512th AW and personnel from the 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, from the 436th AW.

This particular aircraft recently underwent an avionics modernization program upgrade to convert the cockpit from 1960s instrument technology to one similar to that used by modern civilian airliners. Introduced in 1998, the modernization program enhances aircraft reliability and maintainability, and helps maintain structural and system integrity, while reducing operating costs, officials said. "The (modernized) cockpits are needed to operate aircraft in the saturated airspace over the North Atlantic Ocean and Europe," Manske said. "It also allows us to interface with other military and civilian airplanes more precisely than before." Only five C-5 aircraft have been lost since the plane's inception in 1969. Until now, no Dover planes have been destroyed. "The safety of the aircraft is paramount to our crews or they wouldn't have flown it that morning," Manske said. "It's a great aircraft. It sustained a massive force against its hull during the crash, yet it still protected our crews." A board of Air Force officers has convened and is investigating the cause of the accident. In order to protect the integrity of the investigation process, none of the crewmembers will be able to discuss the crash, officials said.

The unclassified findings will be released to the public as soon as the board results are released. Officials noted such accident and safety investigations typically take about four months to complete. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the survivors, family members and coworkers impacted by the crash," Manske said. "We wish all of them a speedy recovery."

The crewmembers were listed in the following conditions as of mid-afternoon today: - Capt. Brian Lafreda, 326th AS, fair, at the Christiana Hospital, Christiana, Del.; - Lt. Col. Robert Moorman, 326th AS, fair, Christiana; - Lt. Col. Harlan Nelson, 326th AS, fair, Kent General Hospital-Bay Health Medical Center, Dover, Del.; - Master Sgt. Timothy Feiring, 709th AS, released; - Master Sgt. Michael Benford, 709th AS, released; - Tech. Sgt. Vincent Dvorak, 709th AS, fair, Christiana; - Master Sgt. Brenda Kremer, 709th AS, released; - Chief Master Sgt. David Burke, 326th AS, released; - Chief Master Sgt. George Mosley, 709th AS, - released; - Tech. Sgt. Henry Fortney, 326th AS, released; - Senior Airman Scott Schaffner, 89th AS, stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, released; - Tammy Lucas, Lockheed Martin employee, fair, Kent General; - Staff Sgt. David Abrams, 436th AMXS, released; - Senior Airman Nicholas Vather, 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, fair, Kent General; - Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Paul Kath, released; - Hannelore Kath, released; and - Retired Tech. Sgt. Raul Salamanca, released

Mission

The gigantic C-5 Galaxy, with its tremendous payload capability, provides the Air Mobility Command intertheater airlift in support of United States national defense. The C-5, the C-17 Globemaster III and the C-141 Starlifter are partners of AMC's strategic airlift concept. The aircraft carry fully equipped combat-ready military units to any point in the world on short notice then provide field support required to help sustain the fighting force.

Features

The gigantic C-5 Galaxy, with its tremendous payload capability, provides the Air Mobility Command intertheater airlift in support of United States national defense. The C-5, the C-17 Globemaster III and the C-141 Starlifter are partners of AMC's strategic airlift concept. The aircraft carry fully equipped combat-ready military units to any point in the world on short notice then provide field support required to help sustain the fighting force.

The C-5 is one of the largest aircraft in the world. It can carry outsize and oversize cargo intercontinental ranges and can take off or land in relatively short distances. Ground crews can load and off load the C-5 simultaneously at the front and rear cargo openings. Other features of the C-5 are:

Able to take off fully loaded within 8,300 feet (2,530 meters) and land within 4,900 feet (1,493 meters).

High flotation landing gear with 28 wheels sharing the weight.

Nose and aft doors that open the full width and height of the cargo compartment to permit faster and easier loading.

A "kneeling" landing gear system that permits lowering of the parked aircraft so the cargo floor is at truck-bed height or to facilitate vehicle loading and unloading.

Full width drive-on ramps at each end for loading double rows of vehicles.

A system that records and analyzes information and detects malfunctions in more than 800 test points.

The C-5 is similar in appearance to its smaller sister transport, the C-141 Starlifter, although the C-5 is much larger. Both aircraft have the distinctive high T-tail, 25-degree wing sweep, and four turbofan engines mounted on pylons beneath the wings.

The Galaxy carries nearly all of the Army's combat equipment, including such bulky items as its 74-ton mobile scissors bridge, from the United States to any theater of combat on the globe.

Four TF39 turbofan engines power the big C-5, rated at 43,000 pounds thrust each. They weigh 7,900 pounds (3,555 kilograms) each and have an air intake diameter of more than 8.5 feet (2.6 meters). Each engine pod is nearly 27 feet long (8.2 meters).

The Galaxy has 12 internal wing tanks with a total capacity of 51,150 gallons (194,370 liters) of fuel -- enough to fill 6 1/2 regular size railroad tank cars. A full fuel load weighs 332,500 pounds (150,820 kilograms). A C-5 with a cargo load of 270,000 pounds (122,472 kilograms) can fly 2,150 nautical miles, offload, and fly to a second base 500 nautical miles away from the original destination -- all without aerial refueling. With aerial refueling, the aircraft's range is limited only by crew endurance.

Background

Lockheed-Georgia Co. delivered the first operational Galaxy to the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., in June l970. C-5s are stationed at Altus AFB, Okla.; Dover AFB, Del.; and Travis AFB, Calif. AMC transferred some C-5s to the Air Reserve components starting with Kelly AFB, Texas, in 1985; followed by Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y.; and Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass. In 2004, Tennessee Air National Guard, Memphis, Tenn. retired their C-141s and converted to C-5A's.

In March 1989, the last of 50 C-5B aircraft was added to the 76 C-5As in the Air Force's airlift force structure. The C-5B includes all C-5A improvements as well as more than 100 additional system modifications to improve reliability and maintainability. All 50 C-5Bs are scheduled to remain in the active-duty force, shared by comparably sized and collocated Air Force Reserve Associate units.

Based on a recent study showing 80 percent of the C-5 airframe service life remaining, AMC began an aggressive program to modernize the C-5. The C-5 Avionics Modernization Program began in 1998 and includes upgrading avionics to Global Air Traffic Management compliance, improving navigation and safety equipment, and installing a new autopilot system. Another part of the plan is a comprehensive re-engining and reliability improvement program, which includes new engines, pylons and auxiliary power units, with upgrades to aircraft skin and frame, landing gear and the pressurization system.

This modernization program will restore aircraft reliability and maintainability, maintain structural and system integrity, reduce cost of ownership and increase operational capability well into the 21st century.

General Characteristics
Primary Function: Outsize cargo transport
Prime Contractor: Lockheed-Georgia Co.
Power Plant: Four General Electric TF-39 engines
Thrust: 43,000 pounds, each engine
Wingspan: 222.9 feet (67.89 meters)
Length: 247.1 feet (75.3 meters)
Height: 65.1 feet (19.84 meters)
Cargo Compartment: height , 13.5 feet (4.11 meters); width, 19 feet (5.79 meters); length, 143 feet, 9 in (43.8 meters)
Pallet Positions: 36
Maximum Cargo: 270,000 pounds (122,472 kilograms)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: C-5B 769,000 pounds (348,818 kilograms) (peacetime), 840,000 pounds (381,024 kilograms) (wartime)
Speed: 518 mph (.77 Mach)
Range: 6,320 nautical miles (empty)
Crew: 7 (pilot, co-pilot, two flight engineers and three loadmasters)
Unit Cost: C-5A - $152.8 million (FY98 constant dollars) C-5B - $179 million (FY98 constant dollars)
Deployed: C-5A - 1969, C-5B - 1980
Inventory: Active force and Reserve, 126

 

Sexual Assault Not Just 'Women's Issue,' Expert Says

Sexual assault cannot be relegated to being regarded as a "women's issue," said Don McPherson, the keynote speaker at the Pentagon's Sexual Assault Awareness Month observance yesterday. McPherson, the executive director of the Sports Leadership Institute at Adelphi University in New York, said relegating sexual assault to being a women's issue means "men can ignore it." The theme of the observance this year is "Sexual Assault Prevention Begins With You." The goal of the month and of the new DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office is to raise awareness of the issue to prevent sexual assaults. "We certainly don't want perpetrators of sexual assaults in our ranks," said Air Force Brig. Gen. K.C. McClain, commander of the Joint Task Force for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response. "We think that many people don't understand (sexual assaults). We've looked at surveys, and teenagers indicate they don't understand what behaviors constitute sexual assault." McClain said the awareness month is a chance for commanders to emphasize the problem and search for solutions. "Some of the attitudes that people come to the military with (indicate) they don't understand how actions they are taking demean their fellow servicemembers and result in sexual assaults," she said. "The goal is to help everyone begin to understand what sexual assault is and to step back and talk about how men and women interact in our society." McClain said servicemembers must understand that all servicemembers, from both genders and all backgrounds, bring strengths to the table.

"The question becomes: 'How do we maximize those strengths?'" she said. McPherson praised DoD for stepping out on the issue and beginning to discuss it. He noticed that about half the audience at the observance was male. "That's very good," he said. "Your presence alone sends the message to your people that you think this is important." Far from being a woman's issue, sexual assault is a men's issue, McPherson said. "More than 90 percent of the sexual assaults are men against women," he said. He told the crowd that it is not enough to speak about preventing sexual assault, setting an example is the best way to prevent the scourge. He said children learn from their parents.

Servicemembers learn from their superiors. Everyone learns from people they value and respect. If leaders exhibit behavior that does not tolerate sexual assaults, then their followers will not tolerate it either, he said. The military academies have been a particular focus of the problem, McPherson said. Discussions have started in the academies, and the greater military is also dealing with the problem. Honor and integrity are even more important in the armed forces than in civilian life, and managing the "multitudes of people who come to serve" is key to a successful military, he said. Installations around the world are participating in Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Group Seeks Government Fix for Veterans' Issues

 

A grassroots group in Chicago hopes to help create a better system of support for servicemembers returning from the global war on terrorism. "Why should a family that has given so much already to this country be asked to sacrifice their American dream?" said Anna Sherony, the mother of a Marine who helped found "Wounded Heroes Foundation Inc." The foundation is a nonprofit started by Sherony and Cristov Dosev, a former Marine aviator.

They believe addressing a few specific concerns will make homecoming much more bearable for veterans, especially those severely wounded. The organization's concerns include: - The need for qualified help with financial paperwork; - The need to fill gaps in monthly pay between troops' medical retirement and the start of their Veterans Affairs benefits; and - The need for long-term help for veterans and their families, whose lives will always be affected by injuries. Sherony started working with wounded troops in fall 2003.

She said she has seen several families go bankrupt or lose their homes as they tried to strike a balance between staying at their loved one's side and keeping up obligations back home. A big success for wounded troops came in December, when the Department of Veterans Affairs began providing automatic traumatic injury coverage to all troops injured while deployed since Oct. 7, 2001, as long as they're covered by Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, Sherony said. "From my understanding, the execution of it has been fabulous," Sherony said. As the policy went into effect, military hospitals made sure experts were available to guide troops and their families through the new paperwork, Sherony said. The VA also created an easy-to-follow chart that showed clearly who was eligible to receive benefits and what those benefits would be. "I would love to find whoever came up with this ... and give them a big hug," she said. "Someone was really thinking. ... It took them about a year to implement, but they really did it right." The policy doesn't distinguish between troops who are wounded by direct enemy action and those injured in other ways while deployed, which is a commonsense and effective way to give wounded troops what they deserve, Sherony said. Although the insurance payout does not solve long-term problems for the permanently injured, it does help families stay away from having to sell their homes or use their life's savings while they travel to aid their loved ones' recovery, she said.

Knowing successes like that are possible, Sherony said her group has compiled a simple list and begun collaborating with people in national government to see what else can be done to make the bureaucratic journey smoother for wounded veterans. "They're pretty simple things that really take the burden away from our wounded heroes who have sacrificed so much already," she said. For example, Sherony said, some laws on compensation for amputees should be reviewed. If both of a servicemember's hands and arms are amputated below the elbows, that person is eligible for a one-time lump sum of $10,000 from the VA.

If the amputation is above the elbows, that compensation jumps to $50,000. Another way to ease the financial burden might come from better coordination between departments serving wounded troops. "The Department of Defense (processes) our kids out or they voluntarily (leave), but they have to wait six to nine months for their VA benefits," Sherony said. She suggested troops not be discharged from the military until their VA benefits are in place. Dosev, the foundation's co-chair and a retired Marine major, said helping the government find effective solutions to problems like these would allow the group to do much more for returning troops. "(It would) do nine-tenths of our work because then we could focus on moral support, introducing them to mentors at college, or introducing them to folks in their community that can help them heal and get back into the workforce, whatever it is they have ambitions to do," Dosev said. "We don't want to be fighting bureaucracies. That's not an effective use of our time and effort." Sherony said the group believes energy bills and property taxes are the two most problematic financial issues for disabled veterans in the long term.

Eventually, the foundation hopes to persuade the government to get rid of property taxes for veterans who have received a 100-percent disability rating from the VA and allow nonprofit groups like theirs to build solar-powered, self-sufficient homes for those veterans. For the time being, the all-volunteer foundation uses money it raises to help families get back on their feet, Dosev said. They help pay mortgages and energy bills, and grant money for plane tickets and hotel rooms so families don't have to choose between staying with their loved ones or making ends meet. In March, the group joined America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting corporate and grassroots support for America's troops and their families. Dosev said he is proud to be a member of ASY and looks forward to using the connections it provides to better serve wounded troops. "We're by no means the only organization out there helping," he said. "We're just hoping that through our efforts we might be able to ... help these guys and these women get back on their feet and back into society as effectively as we can." He said modern medicine saves many more troops wounded on the battlefield than in previous conflicts. "They are here now with us, and we have a responsibility to do what we can to help them," Dosev said.

NEWS

The Banking Public Wants To Talk To A Person

The 2006 Market Pulse Survey, released by IBT Enterprises and MCA Works, reveals that when it comes to financial services the "human touch" still matters to a great number of consumers. Despite decades of predictions that technology-driven channels like ATMs and online banking would replace traditional banks, 50 percent prefer to bank face-to-face in a branch or drive through. Thirty percent of those surveyed prefer to bank online, 18 percent opt for ATMs and 2 percent say mail or telephone.

76 percent of Americans "love" or "don't mind" going inside the branch to conduct business. Face-to-face interaction is preferred for more complex transactions:

69 percent prefer face-to-face for making a deposit

65 percent to apply for a loan

64 percent for opening a new account

ATM, online and telephone banking was most popular for:

Paying bills (64 percent),

Cash withdrawal (56 percent)

Transferring funds (54 percent)

Mylle Mangum, CEO of IBT, said "By offering a robust and integrated channel of banking methods, financial institutions are in a better position to solidify their relationships with consumers. Moreover, the delivery channels should match the consumer's life stage/life cycle needs. For instance, drive-through windows are extremely important to families with children."

When asked about promotions to switch to another financial institution:

41 percent of U.S. adults said that "no amount of money or promotion could ever get me to switch."

33 percent said they would switch if offered a $250 gift card and

20 percent said they would switch for 1 percent difference in their interest rate for deposits.

5 percent said they would switch financial institutions for an iPod

one percent report they would switch to a new financial institution in order to receive a new toaster.

Some other findings on the uses of financial institutions include:

97 percent of respondents use a checking account. Seventy-eight percent use a savings account and nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults have a credit card issued to them from a financial institution

47 percent have loan debt, either auto, home or school loan

72 percent of U.S. adults would look to their primary financial institution if they needed a business loan, 69 percent for home loan, 69 percent for home refinancing, 49 percent for a car loan

Forty-seven percent of U.S. adults reported using investment products such as stocks, bonds, CDs, mutual funds and retirement accounts and 18 percent have a safety deposit box.

When asked about unexpectedly coming into a large sum of money ($250,000), 25 percent of U.S. adults said the first person they would call would be an accountant, 19 percent said a family member, 12 percent a banker, 10 percent stock broker, six percent friend and 1 percent a real estate broker. Interestingly, 27 percent of those surveyed said they would not call any of these individuals for financial advice.

The 2006 IBT/MCA Market Pulse Survey is based on an online survey among a nationwide sample of U.S. adults that have an account at a financial institution such as retail banks, credit unions, savings and loan and financial securities firms.

 

Studies Show Asthma Disparities Still Exist Between Whites and Minorities

Asthma affects 20 million Americans, with minorities having the greatest risk of dying from, or being diagnosed with the disease. African Americans are particularly at risk and research shows they're four times more likely to be hospitalized and five times more likely to die of asthma than non-African Americans.

Studies published in the February 2006 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI), the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) show:

-- Asthma prevalence is highest for Puerto Rican Americans (13.1%),

followed by Native Americans (9.9%) and non-Hispanic blacks (9.5%).

-- Asthma mortality for whites increased from the 1980-1984 time period

to 2000-2001 time period from 2.1 to 2.6 deaths per 1,000,000

population; during the same time, the mortality rate for African

Americans increased from 9.9 to 13.2 deaths per 1,000,000 population.

-- In a survey of Medicaid-insured children with asthma, by Ruchi S.

Gupta, MD, MPH, of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of

Medicine, black children had worse asthma status and less use of

preventive medication than white children; fewer black adults also

reported receiving asthma self-management education.

Genetics might contribute to disease prevalence, according to a February 2006 JACI study by Kathleen C. Barnes, PhD, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore. Barnes noted several studies have demonstrated that although Puerto Rico has a high prevalence of asthma, the prevalence is similarly high among Puerto Ricans in the mainland United States compared with other groups, including other Hispanic Americans.

In addition to genetics, diet may be a factor in children developing asthma. Cities in the Northeastern United States which are often densely populated have some of the highest asthma rates in the country. People who live in those cities are often deficient in the "sunshine vitamin," -- vitamin D.

An abstract presented by Dr. Carlos Camargo, MD, DrPH, of Harvard Medical School, Boston, at the recent 2006 AAAAI Annual Meeting, shows the correlation between pregnant women with higher levels of vitamin D in their diet having children who have developed childhood asthma at lower rates than average through age 3. Camargo's ongoing study, which is based on patients from the Boston area, is the first of its kind to examine how vitamin D can lessen the chance of children developing asthma early in their life.

When to see an allergy/asthma specialist

The AAAAI's How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provides information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when an asthmatic patient may need consultation or ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist. Children and adults who suffer from asthma should see an allergist/immunologist if they:

-- Have asthma and see their symptoms get worse after a new pet has been

introduced into the home.

-- A child has allergic rhinitis. Immunotherapy may potentially prevent

the development of asthma.

-- Have potentially fatal asthma, meaning a prior life threatening

episode that included intubation.

-- Need daily asthma reliever medications.

-- Would like to try to minimize their need for medications and need

education on asthma and guidance in techniques for self-management.

The AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Allergy/immunology specialists are pediatric or internal medicine physicians who have elected an additional two years of training to become specialized in the treatment of asthma, allergy and immunologic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,000 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information through its Web site at http://www.aaaai.org/ .

Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

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

 

65th Annual Peabody Awards Winners Announced Jon Stewart to host Awards Ceremony on June 5 at New York City's Waldorf=Astoria Hotel

The winners of the 65th Annual Peabody Awards were announced today by the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. The winners, chosen by the Peabody board as the best in electronic media for 2005, were named in a ceremony in the Peabody Gallery on the University of Georgia Campus.

( )

The Peabody recipients -- from three continents and in seven languages -- reflect the international scope of the competition. They range from television stations in Biloxi, Miss., and New Orleans, La., that provided heroic coverage of Hurricane Katrina's devastating landfall and aftermath, to "Yesterday," a South African film that personalized the continent's AIDS crisis. They include a Spanish documentary about China, the dramatic serials "Battlestar Galactica" and "Bleak House," Martin Scorsese's "No Direction Home -- Bob Dylan," and WNYC's Radio Rookies Project, which enables young people to find voices on radio. Multiple citations were awarded to HBO, the BBC and WGBH-Boston.

The awards will be presented June 5 at a luncheon at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York City. Jon Stewart, anchor of Comedy Central's two-time Peabody Award winner, "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," will be the master of ceremonies.

"As is the case every year, submissions for consideration by the Peabody Board provide insight into the astonishing array of electronic media productions," said Horace Newcomb, Director of the Peabody Awards. "These are the works self-selected by creators and producers as their very best work from the previous calendar year. This year's Peabody Award recipients stand as hallmarks of excellence in news, documentary, comedy, drama, education and public service."

"Battlestar Galactica," a drama about a war-ravaged, homeless civilization attempting to begin anew, gave SCI FI Channel its first Peabody victory. Also new to the winners' circle were two other basic-cable channels. FX Networks won for the intense police serial "The Shield" and Sundance Channel for presenting "The Staircase," French filmmaker Jean Xavier de Lestrade's eight-part documentary about a North Carolina murder case.

In addition to "The Shield" and "Battlestar," three other entertainment series with devout followings got nods from the Peabody judges. They were "House," a FOX medical drama about a brilliant, misanthropic diagnostician; ABC's "Boston Legal," a David E. Kelley dramedy that uses a blue-chip Beantown law firm's civil cases as springboards to comment about issues from the death penalty to credit-card companies' predatory practices to morning-after contraceptives; and "South Park," Comedy Central's notoriously rude, undeniably fearless lampoon of all that is self-important and hypocritical in American life, regardless of race, creed, color or celebrity status.

International winners also included CBC/Radio-Canada for "What If Winter Never Comes? (Et si l'hiver ne venait plus?)," a report on how global warming is affecting the Arctic and the Inuit people who live there; Madrid's TVE, for "China: A Million Steps Ahead," which dealt with that country's staggering rural-to-urban shift; and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for its ear-opening, eight-part radio documentary "The Wire: The Impact of Electricity on Music."

Various arms of the British Broadcast Corporation received Peabodys. The BBC won for "This World BBC: Bad Medicine," a brave investigation of international trafficking in fake drugs," and as co-producer with WGBH of an exemplary dramatization of Charles Dickens' "Bleak House." The BBC Factual and Learning department, in partnership with the Drama division, were honored for "BBC DoNation Season: Life on the List," a multi-media campaign to encourage organ donations. BBC America's winner was "Viva Blackpool," a musical drama both grittily and giddily creative.

HBO's versatility was similarly demonstrated by its wins for the South African-produced film "Yesterday"; a documentary, "Children of Beslan," a co-production with the BBC about the aftermath of terrorists' taking a Russian elementary school hostage in September 2004; and its "Classical Baby," an inventive, whimsical marriage of animation to classical music.

For the second consecutive year Showtime received an award for an original movie. "Edge of America," based on real incidents, illuminated two minority cultures with its story of an African-American teacher-coach taking a job at an American Indian-reservation school in Utah.

Local TV stations scored four 2005 Peabodys. WWL and WLOX, the broadcasters in New Orleans and Biloxi, respectively, were cited for their comprehensive Hurricane Katrina coverage. KNBC-TV in Burbank, Calif., won for "Burning Questions," its investigative series about an apartment development built on a toxic and potentially flammable site. And KCNC-TV in Denver won for "How Far Will the Army Go?," an unusual expose that incorporated a teen journalist's hidden-camera footage of desperate Army recruiters explaining how to forge a diploma and beat a drug test. Peabody judges called it "funny and frightening at the same time."

The challenge of covering Katrina also brought out the best in two national news organizations. "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams" and CNN both were awarded Peabodys for their multifaceted efforts.

The array of worthy documentaries was again diverse and impressive. The "American Experience" installment, "Two Days in October," juxtaposed pivotal, parallel incidents in Vietnam and Wisconsin in 1967. "P.O.V.: Chisholm '72: Unbought & Unbossed" recalled the campaign of Shirley Chisholm, our first female presidential contender. "Save Our History: Voices of Civil Rights," a simple, moving History Channel special, collected ordinary Americans' memories of the struggle. "The Queen of Trees," a magnificent nature film, profiled an African sycamore fig, an eco-system in and of itself.

Other nonfiction winners included "A Room Nearby," an ITVS-financed meditation on loneliness that turned soul-baring interviews into animated shorts, and "15% of the United States," a public-service investigation by KMEX Univision 34 in Los Angeles that reminded viewers of Latinos' diverse roles in and contributions to the United States. WNYC-New York's "Radio Rookies" demonstrated that there's no better way to understand how teenagers see the world than to go directly to the source and hand them tape recorders. "A Place of Our Own," from KCET in Los Angeles, was a unique bi-lingual effort to help parents and childcare workers better understand how kids develop emotionally and socially. It included outreach workshops, web sites and 120 instructional telecasts, 60 in Spanish, 60 in English.

No documentary was more entertaining than Thirteen/WNET's "No Direction Home -- Bob Dylan," a four-hour, two-part "American Masters" fashioned by award-winning movie director Martin Scorsese from a trove of archival interviews, home-movie footage and concert film provided by the chameleon-like singer-songwriter himself. Even Peabody board members who confessed they'd never "got" Dylan said that Scorsese opened their eyes and/or ears.

The Peabody Board is a 16-member group, comprised of television critics, broadcast and cable industry executives and experts in culture and the arts, that judges the entries. Selection is made by the board following review by special screening committees of UGA faculty, students and staff.

The Peabody Awards, the oldest honor in electronic media, do not recognize categories nor is there a set number of awards given each year. Today the Peabody recognizes distinguished achievement and meritorious public service by stations, networks, producing organizations and individuals.

All entries become a permanent part of the Peabody Archive in the University of Georgia Libraries. The collection is one of the nation's oldest, largest and most respected moving-image archives. For more information about the Peabody Archive or the Peabody Awards, visit http://www.peabody.uga.edu/.

 

2005 Peabody Winners

Hurricane Katrina WLOX-TV, Biloxi, MS

Hurricane Katrina ripped the roof off WLOX's newsroom, toppled one of its transmitting towers and destroyed two of its bureaus, yet courageous employees of the station broadcast 12 consecutive days of life-saving news and information to its storm-shocked Gulf Coast viewers. WLOX-TV.

Preparation and Coverage of Hurricane Katrina WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA

From pre-storm advisories to investigative reports on why the levees failed, WWL's coverage of Hurricane Katrina began two days before the storm battered and swamped New Orleans and continued, unbroken, thanks to careful pre-planning and dedicated personnel, 99 percent of whom stayed on the job. WWL-TV.

NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams: After the Storm: The Long Road Back NBC

NBC's stated goal was to cover the aftermath of Katrina "with as many resources and as much time and intensity" as it had devoted to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This commitment on the part of a broadcast network resulted in extraordinary coverage and analysis. NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.

CNN Coverage of Hurricane Katrina and Aftermath CNN

No other national, 24-hour news service provided more essential, up-to- the-minute information for viewers, listeners and online users. CNN's continuous live coverage became a go-to channel for the most current news about Katrina and its effects. CNN.

China: A Million Steps Ahead TVE, Madrid, Spain

More than 100 million Chinese have moved from the countryside to cities in the past 10 years. The documentary gets both the big picture and smaller, personal stories of miraculous, historically unprecedented cultural and economic shifts. TVE.

American Experience: Two Days in October PBS

This extraordinary installment of WGBH Educational Foundation's "American Experience" juxtaposed concurrent 1967 events -- the ambush of an American battalion by Viet Cong and a student protest in Wisconsin -- to illuminate a turning point in the Vietnam War. Robert Kenner Films, WGBH Educational Foundation, Wisconsin Public Television, Playtone, BBC.

This World BBC: Bad Medicine BBC 2

Resourceful, physical risk-taking reporting about a Nigerian doctor's crusade against counterfeit drugs illuminates an international scourge that extends to industrialized nations as well as the Third World. BBC.

P.O.V.: Chisholm '72: Unbought & Unbossed PBS

Not just a lively remembrance of Shirley Chisholm, the United States' first female presidential candidate, this documentary is also a thoughtful analysis of the viability of third-party candidates. P.O.V./American Documentary Inc., Independent Television Service, Realside Productions.

Boston Legal ABC

David E. Kelley's series about a blue-chip Boston law firm somersaults from comedy to drama to stinging political commentary with acrobatic assurance and undisguised glee. David E. Kelley Productions in association with 20th Century Fox Organization.

House Fox

An unorthodox lead character -- a misanthropic diagnostician fond of saying humanity is "overrated" -- and cases fit for a medical Sherlock Holmes have helped make "House" the most distinctive new doctor drama in a decade. Heel and Toe Films, Shore Z Productions, Bad Hat Harry Productions, NBC Universal Television Studio.

Edge of America Showtime

Inspired by the true story of an African-American teacher-coach at a Native American reservation in Utah, "Edge of America" mines an atypical culture clash for insight into two marginalized minorities. Showtime, Red House Entertainment.

South Park Comedy Central

Primitive animation is part of the charm of TV's boldest, most politically incorrect satirical series. Its simple style also makes possible the show's unmatched topicality. Comedy Central.

American Masters: No Direction Home -- Bob Dylan PBS

Pulling together never-before-seen archival footage and interviews, director Martin Scorsese creates an artful and intimate portrait of the poet, jester and raspy voice of his generation as we're ever likely to see or hear. Don't think twice, it's all right. Thirteen/WNET New York, Grey Water Park Productions, Spitfire Pictures, Cappa/DeFina Productions in co-production with Vulcan Productions, BBC/Arena, and NHK.

The Wire: The Impact of Electricity on Music Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Audio dynamite, this consistently surprising eight-part radio series explores how electricity changed -- and continues to change -- how we hear music, how we play it, even what we think it is or can be. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

BBC DoNation Season: Life on the List BBC

Public service campaigns rarely combine the potential and power of electronic media -- TV, radio, online, interactive -- in ways as effective as this concerted appeal for organ donors. British Broadcasting Corporation -- Factual and Learning and Drama.

Classical Baby HBO

This whimsical, charming, deceptively simple marriage of animation to the music of Tchaikovsky, Bach and Ellington becomes an interactive treat for young children and parents alike. HBO Family.

A Room Nearby PBS

Five people's tales of their lonely lives become the soundtracks for idiosyncratic animated vignettes. Peabody board members called it "a beautiful gift." Independent Television Service.

Burning Questions KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA

KNBC-TV's four-part investigative series confirmed health and safety concerns about a multi-acre commercial-residential development built on a site that includes a leaking subterranean gas reservoir. KNBC-TV.

How Far Will the Army Go? KCNC-TV, Denver, CO

An enterprising high-school journalist and KCNC-TV teamed up to document U.S. Army recruiters helping a prospective recruit to forge a diploma and beat a drug test. KCNC-TV.

A Place of Our Own (Los Ninon en Su Casa) KCET-TV, Los Angeles, CA

This public-service project, designed to provide parents and child-care providers with information about helping kindergarteners develop social, emotional and cognitive skills, included daily TV programs and web sites in Spanish and English and more than 200 bi-lingual outreach workshops. KCET/Los Angeles in association with Sesame Workshop and 44 Blue Productions Inc.

Radio Rookies Project WNYC Radio, New York

Teenaged reporters pick up microphones and let down their guards in this series of remarkably immediate and illuminating first-person dispatches. WNYC Radio/Radio Rookies.

15% of the United States KMEX-Univision 34, Los Angeles, CA

Inspired by the book "La Nueva California, Latinos in the Golden State," KMEX-Univision 34's 19-part series examined the past, present and future of the Latino community, revealing diversity and contributions far beyond the usual television depictions. KMEX-Univision 34.

Save Our History: Voices of Civil Rights The History Channel

Not a professor or celebrity in sight. Just men and women, white as well as black, recalling their personal experience of "the movement." The History Channel special was eloquent, moving, invaluable. Documania Films, Sierra Tango Productions, The History Channel.

What If Winter Never Comes? (Et si l'hiver ne venait plus?) CBC/Radio- Canada

From the frontlines of global warming, the Arctic, this report brought listeners voices of native people, the Inuit, whose way of life is literally melting away. Deftly employed ambient sound enhanced the piece's power. La Premiere Chaine (French Radio Network) -- CBC/Radio-Canada.

Viva Blackpool BBC America

What would have been at minimum an engrossing tale of ambition, greed and corruption in a depressed seaside city looking to gambling for salvation becomes, with the addition of a song score of pop-music classics and ingeniously staged production numbers, a riveting, at times jaw-dropping entertainment event. BBC America, BBC.

The Staircase Sundance Channel

A controversial murder case in Durham, N.C., is merely the backdrop for the intimate, grippingly constructed eight-chapter documentary in which director Jean-Xavier de Lestrade explores a complex defendant, his divided family and his spare-no-expense defense. Maha Films.

Yesterday HBO

This starkly beautiful, heart-breaking movie from South Africa about a young mother who is diagnosed with AIDS put an indelible face on a continent's massive crisis. A Distant Horizon/Videovision Entertainment Production in association with Anant Singh, The Nelson Mandela Foundation, M-Net Exciting Films and Video Foundation of South Africa in association with HBO Films.

The Queen of Trees BBC 2

Impeccable, creative cinematography aside, the wondrous thing about this study of a single sycamore fig, Africa's queen tree, is that it's a microcosm of the eco-complexity of the Earth at large. Deeble and Stone Productions, NHK, Thirteen/WNET New York, Granada International, BBC, ZDF.

Children of Beslan HBO

Terrorists' September 2004 siege of a Russian elementary school recalled in the words of children ages 6 to 12 who survived it. The simplest and most direct of several documentaries on the subject, and the most shattering. BBC in association with HBO Documentary Films.

Bleak House BBC

"Absolutely compulsive viewing" said the Peabody board of this masterful, faithful-yet-modern adaptation of Charles Dickens' serial about a never-ending London law suit. A BBC, WGBH-Boston co-production in association with Deep Indigo.

The Shield FX

Riveting, densely layered adult entertainment -- and more. No cop series has posed harder questions than "The Shield" about how far we're willing to let law-enforcement officers go to keep us safe. Fox Television Studios in association with Sony Pictures Television.

Battlestar Galactica SCI FI CHANNEL

A belated, brilliantly re-imagined revival of a so-so 1970s outer-space saga, the series about imperiled survivors of a besieged planet has revitalized sci-fi television with its parallax considerations of politics, religion, sex, even what it means to be "human." NBC Universal Television Studio.

 

Source: Peabody Awards

Web site: http://www.peabody.uga.edu/

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