April 9 archive
TV Guide to Unveil j-Guide
Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne April 9 2006
MBN
www.montebubbles.com for more MBN news
BROADCAST NEWS COMING SOON VIA PODCAST
MONTEBUBBLISM: You can always beat the other dog in a contest but you can’t beat both the dog and the judge.
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
TV Guide to Unveil j-Guide
Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Introduces Two 73-inch HDTVs
TVHead Announces Games-On-Demand TV Network
''Talent and Truth: the Bode Miller Story''
Los Angeles-Based Website eyesawit.com's Celebrity Sightings Are Clooney Proof
1862 Battle of Antietam Grabbing Media Attention
SPORTS AND AUTO
Oakland Baseball
3M Motor Lead Splice Kits Are Available for 8kV Motors
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Named 'Car of the Year' at Spike TV's AutoRox
Sharp limps to seventh, broken gearbox leaves Hornish 12th in IROC race
Special to indycar.com
DOD
Marine in Iraq Killed, DoD Identifies Three Other Fatalities
Servicemembers deployed to Kuwait became U.S. citizens
Senate Confirms England as Deputy Defense Secretary
Defense Backs Down in Canadian Teen's Gitmo Case
NEWS
General Motors Corp. has agreed to cooperate with unsecured creditors of Delphi Corp.
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
TV Guide to Unveil j-Guide
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. a leading media, entertainment and technology company, announced today that it will unveil j-Guide, its new Java based IPG solution for OCAP, during next week's NCTA National Show in Atlanta. This new IPG, the next major innovation in guidance solutions from TV Guide, will offer a richer user interface with enhanced graphics and navigation capabilities.
j-Guide is the first IPG designed by Gemstar-TV Guide to meet the standards of OCAP, the new industry specification for interactive services that will run on a broad range of advanced digital set tops and cable-ready TVs. The first release of the j-Guide IPG, targeted for CE devices that support OCAP and two- way CableCARDs, is planned for late summer 2006; with the full feature IPG set to debut in 2007.
Said Mike McKee, President of Interactive Program Guides and COO of Gemstar-TV Guide, "The new j-Guide IPG has complementary navigation to the current Gemstar-TV Guide cable IPG that will allow for easy integration into the marketplace. It combines all of the core i-Guide IPG features that operators have deployed today plus new rich graphics including 3D buttons, background imagery, and translucent overlays."
The introduction of j-Guide will enable consumers to purchase TVs and set top boxes at retail and receive benefits of two-way digital cable services including Video On Demand from their Cable service provider. j-Guide will be supported on Motorola and Scientific Atlanta systems for both OCAP devices and legacy set top box deployments, making j-Guide a viable solution for many cable operators.
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the "Company") (NASDAQ: GMST) is a leading media, entertainment and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at http://www.gemstartvguide.com.
Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Introduces Two 73-inch HDTVs
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- April 7, 2006 Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc., maker of award-winning high-definition home theater products, today introduced two 73-inch microdisplay HDTVs that deliver the best large display HD experience possible. The new models feature the largest Texas Instruments Digital Light Processing(R) chip available for consumer TVs, which enables bold, bright images even on 73-inch screens.
The new HDTVs are the largest microdisplay screens available, yet have ultra-compact cabinets that fit into many home theater rooms.
"These 73-inch sets deliver a large display high-definition experience that plasma can't match," said Max Wasinger, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America. "HDTV buyers realize that bigger is better and that DLP technology delivers the best picture out there. When they compare our size, features and performance to some of the other options on the market, more and more people are choosing Mitsubishi microdisplays."
Mitsubishi's WD-73732 and WD-73831 HDTVs create an immersive experience from any signal, including over-the-air broadcast, cable or satellite TV, as well as DVDs and video games. To deliver a perfect picture every time, the sets are loaded with the most advanced features to date, including PerfectColor(TM) and PerfecTint(TM), exclusive Mitsubishi features that allow for independent color intensity and hue adjustment of six separate colors. The new sets all use digital 12-bit video signal processing for a sharp, clear and finely detailed picture that is sharpened even more by Mitsubishi's 4D Video Noise Reduction technology.
As with all Mitsubishi 1080p HDTVs, the WD-73732 and WD-73831 are featured with Tru1080p(TM) and therefore process 1920 x 1080p inputs without down-conversion to deliver the full bandwidth of the incoming signal directly to the screen for a true two million pixel image. Their unparalleled corner-to-corner image uniformity and brightness is made possible by a larger reflective DLP(R) chip combined with Mitsubishi's patented TurboLight(TM)180 and high aperture lens system. TurboLight180(TM) focuses light to the DLP(R) chip more efficiently, generating a 10 percent brighter on-screen image than that produced by a standard 180-watt lamp system. What's more, TurboLight(TM) technology does not increase the amount of power consumed or heat produced, so the life and performance of the lamp is not compromised.
The WD-73732 and WD-73831 maintain Mitsubishi's commitment to easy operation and functionality. Mitsubishi's NetCommand(R) blends control of IEEE 1394 digitally connected products and conventional IR-controlled analog products into a simple icon-based control system, so the entire home theater system is easily managed with a single remote control.
Connectivity is simple thanks to Mitsubishi's ClearThought(TM) Easy Connect, which recognizes components as they are plugged in and displays only active devices. The new models come with two HDMI(TM) inputs for a single cable interface between an audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, or upcoming Blu-ray Disc(TM) and HD-DVD(TM) digital video sources. The new sets' IEEE 1394 (FireWire(R)) multimedia connection enables low-cost, high-bandwidth real-time audio, video and data networking between the TV and other consumer electronics products, such as camcorders and HD-DVRs. Other features include three component inputs, TV Guide On Screen(R), a CableCARD(TM) slot and multi-format card readers to display digital photos and videos.
In separate announcements, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America introduced the industry's first line of 1080p DLP(R) HDTVs with 6-Primary Color System, and its new lines of LCD HDTVs and 1080p LCD Flat Panel HDTVs. Mitsubishi also demonstrated the world's first laser-based HDTV at its line show this month. The company will announce delivery dates and suggested pricing at a later date.
Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc.
Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc. manufactures and markets a comprehensive line of premium quality 1080p DLP(R) HDTVs, LCD HDTVs and 1080p LCD Flat Panel HDTVs. Recognized as the world leader and innovator of large display high-definition televisions, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America builds products that lead the industry in quality, performance and ease-of-use.
For additional information about MDEA, visit http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com.
PerfectColor, PerfecTint, TurboLight, TurboLight180, NetCommand, Tru1080p, and ClearThought are trademarks or registered trademarks of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and/or Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc. Digital Light Processing and DLP are registered trademarks of Texas Instruments, Inc. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing, LLC. FireWire is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Blu-ray Disc is a trademark of Blu-ray Disc Association. HD DVD, HD DVD-ROM, HD DVD-Rewritable, HD DVD-R, and their associated logos are trademarks belonging to the DVD Format / Logo Licensing Corporation (DVD FLLC). TV Guide On Screen is a registered trademark of Gemstar Development Corp. CableCARD is a trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
TVHead Announces Games-On-Demand TV Network;
Nation's First Massively Deployable Games-on-Demand TV Network to Feature Blockbuster Brands, Community and Targeted Advertising
Bringing high-quality casual games to broad television audiences, TVHead today announced the details of its premier games-on-demand TV network. TVHead opens up new revenue streams for cable and IPTV operators by offering the nation's first massively deployable games-on-demand network for cable and IPTV. Today's news is the culmination of 18 months of stealth development.
The TVHead Games-On-Demand Network (TVHead) seamlessly integrates into existing VOD infrastructure providing a uniform high-quality game experience to 100% of VOD-enabled households. Targeting nearly 60 million North American households that spent $11 billion last year to play games on consoles, PCs, the internet and wireless handsets,(1) TVHead's high-quality casual game network provides a compelling experience attractive to core television audiences at home.
"Casual gaming is a high-growth market that cable and IPTV operators do not adequately address today," said Sangita Verma, the company's CEO and Founder. "TVHead was created to enable cable and IPTV operators to become a major force in the games industry. By offering a rich gaming experience to all of their subscribers today -- not just the small percentage with high-end set-top boxes -- TVHead allows operators to monetize gamers directly, and keep them in front of their televisions."
"TVHead is a total 'game-changer' for cable and IPTV, changing the landscape of the games industry," said Cathy Rasenberger, President of Rasenberger Media. "Operators that affiliate with TVHead provide compelling on-demand interactive casual games to their entire subscriber base, leveraging their unrivalled distribution reach to become major participants in the gaming economy."
With new and updated games added daily, TVHead showcases a multitude of genres, including puzzle, arcade, card games, word, trivia, sports, and kids games that appeal to everyone in the family. The unrivalled programming lineup features blockbuster brands and classic favorites, including Space Invaders(R), Bejeweled(R), Diner Dash(TM), Zuma(R), Texas Hold'Em, Solitaire, Backgammon, and many more.
TVHead creates a rich casual gamer community, including high-score leader boards and system-wide multiplayer that allows players to compete with others throughout the country from the comfort of their living rooms. In addition, players may use internet and wireless devices to check their stats, taunt their opponents and compete for high-score bragging rights.
TVHead's two-tiered business model includes a free ad-supported offering that encourages subscriber loyalty while creating revenue streams from targeted advertising, and a premium games offering for subscribers who desire multiplayer options, advanced community features and special brand-name games. On-screen impulse subscription allows customers to purchase and play the service using their remote controls.
About TVHead
Founded in May 2003, TVHead is a premier games-on-demand TV network that brings high-quality casual games to broad television audiences. The TVHead Games-On-
Demand Network seamlessly integrates into existing VOD infrastructures, creating the nation's first massively deployable games channel for cable and IPTV. Its programming lineup features blockbuster brands and classic favorites in a multitude of genres -- puzzle, cards, word, trivia, action, sports, and kids games -- that appeal to everyone. The Network also supports rich community features and multi-device interaction. TVHead's revolutionary delivery model provides incredible scalability and ease of functionality. More importantly, with video game revenues far exceeding Hollywood's box office, TVHead enables cable and IPTV operators to capitalize on the revenue from America's 60 million gaming households.
About Rasenberger Media
About Rasenberger Media, LLC: Rasenberger Media is a consulting and management services company providing strategic business development and outsourced distribution and marketing services to the cable industry. Since its inception in 1998, Rasenberger Media has specialized in helping independent cable networks launch in the U.S. Rasenberger Media's success ratio for new network launches has firmly established the company as the leading outsourcing firm in the field.
Space Invaders (R) & (C) 2006 Taito Corp. Bejeweled and Zuma (R) & (C) 2006 Popcap Games, Inc. Diner Dash is a trademark of PlayFirst, Inc., (C) 2004-6 PlayFirst, Inc. Used with permission
''Talent and Truth: the Bode Miller Story''
One Hour Special Offers a Candid Look at the Controversial Superstar With Exclusive Interviews From Torino; Premieres On VOOM's WORLDSPORT HD Monday, April 10th, 8PM ET
WORLDSPORT HD, a VOOM HD Network dedicated to global sports coverage, will premiere an up-close and candid special on Bode Miller, the charismatic champion whose skiing career to date has veered from stunning wins to shocking losses, and whose seemingly carefree attitude has earned him controversial headlines across the globe. This is the story of a great athlete who challenges us to redefine the meaning of winning. Talent and Truth: The Bode Miller Story premieres on April 10th at 8pm ET on WORLDPORT HD, available nationally on the DISH Network, Channel 9477.
Shot in breathtaking 1080i high definition, Talent and Truth features exclusive interviews with Miller himself and with those closest to him--among them his agent, his coach, team members, Olympic medalist Picabo Street, his cousin and more--all captured during the drama of the 2006 Torino Olympics, where the hopes of the U.S. Olympic team, and the attention of the media, were all focused on Miller.
Some quotes from Talent and Truth: The Bode Miller Story:
On Miller's talent and growth, Phil McNichol, Head Coach, U.S. Ski Team: "He is already categorized, through his performances, with the truly best of the best...Similar athletes in their sport that have shown that level of greatness in terms of pure talent (are) Gretzky, Jordan, these types of individuals...The changes and maturation and the progress that he's made both as a person and athlete in the last six years has been staggering."
On Miller's treatment by the media, Curtis Graham, Nike: "We fully understand and support Bode's whole message...about how Olympic cherishable moments don't necessarily always correspond with standing on the podium. Bode is probably the most misinterpreted athlete in American history."
Miller on Miller: "What I feel obligated to do is to make the effort on this end. That's all I care about...My responsibility is to say what I think the way that I think...The rest is sort of up to everybody else."
Miller on partying at the Olympics: "...I don't let other people define how I'm running my situation. I look at it from the objective perspective. I step back and say, what's the most kick ass time I can have here. Is it gonna' be if I sit in my motor home all day and all night and get really good food, tons of sleep, tons of rest...all that stuff? Or am I gonna' have more fun" Is it going to be a kick ass experience if I go out and rage it up, and party and come out one medal, or two medals or three medals or no goals or no medals at all? You gotta' think of the whole picture. Obviously, now I have no medals."
Since February, 2006, WORLSDPORT HD has been running the original series, The Alpine Chronicles, a never-before-seen glimpse into the daily lives and daring rides of some of the world's best skiers: America's Alpine teams. As part of the series, the production crew headed to the Torino Olympic Games, where they were granted unique and exclusive to the team's living quarters, and to interviews with members of the team, including Gold Medalist Julia Mancuso. This special evolved from that shoot. The Alpine Chronicles continues air in April, with new episodes premiering, Tuesdays at 8pm ET and 11pm ET.
Talent and Truth: The Bode Miller Story, and The Alpine Chronicles is a co-production of WorldSport HD and Jalbert Productions.
About WorldSport HD
WORLDSPORT HD delivers a wide variety of top sporting events from around the globe, including live HD coverage of the Spanish Premiere Soccer League featuring Real Madrid and sports superstar David Beckham.
About VOOM HD
VOOM HD Networks is the largest suite of high-definition channels available anywhere, produced exclusively in high definition for distribution in the U.S. through satellite and cable operators. The VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. Today, the VOOM HD Networks are available nationally on Echostar's DISH Network. The VOOM HD Networks were developed by Rainbow Media to meet the growing demand for quality high-definition programming, building on Rainbow Media's history of original programming innovation.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
A leader in the entertainment industry, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic programming with linear networks including national networks - AMC, fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women's Entertainment; its regional programming service - Rainbow Sports Networks; on-demand networks including Mag Rack and sportskool; and the largest suite of high definition channels available anywhere - the VOOM HD Networks. Rainbow's other businesses include its film distribution, production and exhibition division - IFC Entertainment; in addition to its advertising sales division - Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation - and its full service network programming origination and distribution company - Rainbow Network Communications.
Los Angeles-Based Website eyesawit.com's Celebrity Sightings Are Clooney Proof
Privacy may be an issue for celebrities but that won't discourage some websites from featuring celebrity sightings. On Monday April 3rd, the Associated Press reported that George Clooney has suggested swamping a popular New York celebrity gossip website that features celebrity sightings with false notes about stars' whereabouts, spokesman Stan Rosenfield said.
Now a new Los Angeles-based website states they won't refrain from posting celebrity sightings either. However, in launching http://www.eyesawit.com this week, owner J. Kenneth Ezra says George Clooney need not worry about the Celebrity Sighting category. It's not in real time. When asked about stepping on celebrity privacy, Ezra answers, "I don't think anyone can stop this flow of information."
"After months of development we are finally ready to launch an Eyewitness Reporting Database, giving the public more awareness about their city and neighborhood. From Celebrity Sightings to Crimes to UFOs we want people to come to the site and post their eyewitness accounts," Ezra explains. The timing couldn't be better. After sending it out to 5 friends it was welcomed with a bang. In just two days the site has had thousands of hits. "I came up with the site after searching for an incident in my neighborhood. Helicopters and nearly 20 police cars whirled around. I couldn't find one website that even mentioned it and there was no report of it on the news. So I decided to do something about it. We additionally give a comment section to help confirm or deny postings.
"I hope anyone with significant information, especially a crime, posts it. Even anonymously. It's free and it helps the whole community. As far as the celebrity sightings, when society freely shares information, it's a win-win situation."
1862 Battle of Antietam Grabbing Media Attention
Inecom Entertainment Company DVD "Lincoln and Lee at Antietam - The Cost of Freedom" has been joined by The History Channel's "Antietam" as cinematic depictions of the Battle of Antietam. The History Channel is reportedly running its program during the week-long series "10 Days that Unexpectedly Changed America" beginning Sunday April 9, 2006. The Battle of Antietam altered our country in two ways: first, it is recognized by historians as the turning point in the Civil War; secondly, September 17, 1862 remains the single bloodiest day in American history.
"Lincoln and Lee at Antietam - The Cost of Freedom" is narrated by Ronald F. Maxwell (director of "Gettysburg and Gods and Generals") and was written, directed and produced by multiple-award winner Robert Child ("Gettysburg: Three Days of Destiny and Gettysburg: The Boys in Blue and Gray"). This 90-minute feature documentary vividly brings to life the story of America's fight for freedom in a battle that changed the course of the Civil War.
Scholars featured in "Lincoln and Lee at Antietam - The Cost of Freedom" include Pulitzer Prize winning author James M. McPherson ("Battle Cry of Freedom" and "Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam"); Allen C. Guelzo, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Honor recipient, a recent nominee by President George W. Bush to the National Council on the Humanities and two-time Lincoln Prize winner; and Stanley Wernz, who was featured in "Time" magazine (July 4, 2005) and is the current president of the Association of Lincoln Presenters.
Virginia Goebel, Inecom Vice President for Sales and Marketing says, "We are glad to see another program like The History Channel's 'Antietam' offered to audiences. The Battle of Antietam was a pivotal day in American History and should be recognized as such."
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. Inecom will again increase its catalog of titles when it releases "Horses of Gettysburg" narrated by Ronald F. Maxwell on May 2, 2006.
SPORTS AND AUTO
Oakland Baseball
Oakland 3, Seattle 0 at Safeco Field
Oakland Record: (4-2)
Winning pitcher - Barry Zito (1-1)
Losing pitcher - Jamie Moyer (0-1)
SV - Huston Street (1)
OAK HR - M. Kotsay (1)
SEA HR - None
3M Motor Lead Splice Kits Are Available for 8kV Motors
Boot Is Removable and Reusable A 3M motor lead pigtail splice kit that has a removable and reusable boot is one of the latest innovations from 3M. Used in splicing motor lead cables to incoming feeder cables, this new boot fits cables for motors up to 8kV.
The 3M motor lead pigtail splice kit series 5380 is cold applied and slips on easily without heat or force. Heat shrink is used in many current applications, which means a torch has to be used and a knife is necessary to remove it so it is not reusable and the cable may be nicked in the process.
This splice kit includes a cover that is made with abrasion-resistant EPDM rubber as a slip-on insulator, which minimizes wear caused by vibration. Mastic is used for the moisture seal. The kits utilize a high dielectric constant (K) stress control termination for the feeder cable's electrical stress control.
There are four new kits in the 3M motor lead pigtail splicing kit series 5380, which cover feeder cable sizes from 8 AWG to 500 kcmil and motor leads from 10 AWG to 500 kcmil. Each kit contains all the necessary materials - except lugs - to make three splices.
For more information about the 3M motor lead pigtail splicing kit series 5380, contact the 3M Electrical Markets Division, Building A130-4N-40, 6801 River Place Blvd., Austin, TX, 78726-9000, USA, or call (800) 245-3573. For more information about 3M electrical products, go to http://www.3M.com/electrical.
The 3M Electrical Markets Division, based in Austin, Texas, designs, manufactures and markets products for electrical construction, industrial maintenance, utility and industrial power businesses, and electrical/electronic devices produced by original equipment manufacturers. Division products include electrical and electronic specialty insulating tapes; power cable splices and terminations, including cold and heat shrink technologies; cable arc and fire resistant tapes; heat shrinkable tubing and molded shapes for electrical insulation; electrical wire connectors; wire terminals, tools and lugs; wire marking products; cable ties; underground/underwater electrical system products; and electrical diagnostic and detection products.
About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit http://www.3M.com.
3M, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Named 'Car of the Year' at Spike TV's AutoRox
Ice Cube, 'Three 6 Mafia,' and Rock Super-Group 'Camp Freddy' Rock Downtown Las Vegas in Spike TV's Annual Auto Celebration
Spike TV honored and celebrated America's passion for the automobile last night from the Fremont Experience in downtown Las Vegas with a special celebration featuring awards for the best cars in 2006, live performances from some of music's biggest names, and a special moment honoring one of the industry's true legends.
Hosted by Ice Cube, the night culminated with the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 driving off with the night's biggest honor of "Car of the Year." The Corvette also cruised away with "Best Sports Car" and "Deal of the Year."
Ice Cube did double-duty as he not only hosted, but for the first time ever, performed "Chrome and Paint" and "Why We Thugs?" live to the packed crowd at the Fremont Experience. Academy Awards winners Three 6 Mafia performed "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp" for the first time live since winning their prestigious award at the Oscars a few weeks back. One of music's hottest groups, rock royalty super-group Camp Freddy performed Cheap Trick's "Surrender."
Former Chrysler Chairman and CEO Lee Iacocca received the "Icon Award" honoring a living individual whose remarkable contribution in the automotive arena has become legendary the world over. Kiefer Sutherland of Fox's mega-hit series, 24, presented the award to Iacocca.
The winners for Spike TV's AutoRox include the following:
CAR OF THE YEAR
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
BEST TRUCK
Honda Ridgeline
BEST LUXURY CAR
Audi A8
BEST SUV
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
HOTTEST EXOTIC
Bugatti Veyron
BEST SPORTS CAR
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
BEST TUNER
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
DEAL OF THE YEAR
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
BEST CONCEPT CAR
Chevrolet Camaro
BEST MUSCLE CAR (viewers' choice)
Dodge Charger SRT8
The winners at AutoRox were decided by the AutoRox Select Committee:
Jin Kim, Calty Design Research; Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Europe Design; Dan Sims, General Manager, Mitsubishi Motors R&D America; Andy Wheel, Director, Land Rover Advanced Design; George Barris, president, Barris Kustom Productions; Marek Djordjevic, president, Marek Djordjevic Design (Rolls-Royce Phantom); Mike Helton, president, NASCAR; Mark McCready, Director, Pricing Analysis and Market Strategy, CarsDirect.com; Steve Potter, VP and General Manager, Lime Rock Park; Barry Toepke, Los Angeles Auto Show; Eric Adams, auto editor, Popular Science magazine; Eddie Alterman, editor-in- chief, MPH magazine; AJ Baime, articles editor, Playboy; Dan Carney, freelance auto writer, Tom duPont, duPont Registry; Howard Lim, Sr. VP International Group, Primedia; Eric Mayne, auto writer, Wards Auto World; Kevin Smith, editorial director, Edmunds.com; Mark Solheim, auto writer, Kiplinger's Personal Finance; Lawrence Ulrich, freelance auto writer; Mark Vaughn, west coast editor, Autoweek; Kim Wolfkill, senior editor, Road & Track; Johnny O'Connell, driver, Team Corvette; Danica Patrick, driver, Rahal-Letterman (IRL); Ivan Stewart, Protruck Racing; and Rod Alberts, executive director, NAIAS.
Dave Broome ("Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope," "The Biggest Loser" "The Radio Music Awards") and Casey Patterson, Senior Vice President of Event Production and Talent, Development, Spike TV, are Executive Producers for AutoRox. Allen Newman serves as Executive in Charge of Production and Ryan Polito is Director.
Source: Spike TV
Web site: http://www.spiketv.com/
Sharp limps to seventh, broken gearbox leaves Hornish 12th in IROC race
For Sam Hornish Jr., the second International Race of Champions event was one the two-time IndyCar Series champion would like to quickly leave behind.
For Sam Hornish Jr., the second International Race of Champions event was one the two-time IndyCar Series champion would like to quickly leave behind.He finished last in the 12-car field after his gearbox broke with 20 laps left. For IndyCar Series driver Scott Sharp, it was a race he was happy to survive, even if it was a seventh-place finish on the Texas Motor Speedway oval.
Tony Stewart, the 1997 IndyCar Series champion who has gone on to win two NASCAR Nextel Cup championships, won the race after he got a well-timed push from fellow Cup driver Ryan Newman with four laps to go.
It was another wild IROC battle that saw 20-time World of Outlaws champion Steve Kinser barrel-roll down the backstretch for the second race in a row. Sharp was involved in the incident that brought out the final caution of the race with eight laps remaining. The crash was triggered when Max Papis and Sharp battled heading into Turn 2.
“I was on the outside of Max. I saw him coming. He pushed me to the outside of the wall. I was hoping he would give me a break at the last minute but he drove me up into the wall,” Sharp said. “I think the wall, then I hit him and he bounced into Kinser. I’m glad to see he is OK.”
Said Papis: “When there is $1 million out there, it’s never for fun. We are trying as hard as we can.”
The four-race IROC series champion receives $1 million.
IndyCar Series Merchandise
“That’s the way it is. We have a lot of downforce and the cars can go pretty much where ever they want so it was fun,” Sharp said. “I had a problem with the front balance on my car from the crash. It was really tight and I tried to go to the outside of Max Angelelli and he was able to get by me at the end.”
After two IROC races, Sharp is 10th in the standings with 12 points.
“I had three hours of practice, and in three hours I’m not going to equal what the Cup guys know,” Sharp said. “It’s fun, that’s all it is.”
Hornish’s fun ended after just 47 laps in the 67-lap race when his gearbox broke on a restart and Papis was pushed into the back of Hornish’s car.
“I shifted to third, it went about 100 feet and everything started coming apart," Hornish said. "I tried to get out of the way so everyone could get around me and then I got hit from behind. The car was pretty good but running on the outside it was pretty loose. I saved it three or four times coming off Turn 1. Once I figured I would get on the bottom and just stay there, it would work out OK. It was one of those deals.”
Hornish, second after the first race, is now seventh in points with 20. Matt Kenseth leads with 43.
“It’s going to make it difficult because I came into this race 15 behind Matt Kenseth anyway because he led the most laps in the first race,” Hornish said. “We were having a great time, but it can get a little scary out there because everybody was bumping into each other. I’m just happy to be getting out here to get experience against these guys, move my way up and feel competitive in a stock car."
Stewart beat Ryan Newman by 0.145 of a second for his third IROC victory.
“It’s a pretty good start to the weekend,” Stewart said. “It’s my first IROC win at Texas and it’s a great way to start off. It was nerve-racking. I didn’t think we would be pushing each other as much as we did. Ryan Newman gave me the push we needed today to win the race. I didn’t know if we would win it or not if we stayed side-by-side by Ryan gave me the push that I needed.”
©2006 Indy Racing League, LLC. all rights reserved. INDY RACING LEAGUE, INDYCAR® & INDY PRO SERIES™ are trademarks of Brickyard Trademarks, Inc. and/or licensed to IRL for use.
DOD
Marine in Iraq Killed, DoD Identifies Three Other Fatalities
A Marine was killed in Iraq April 6 when he was shot by an Iraqi army soldier on a coalition base near Qaim, Iraq, and the Defense Department released the names of another Marine and two soldiers killed in other incidents that day. The name of the Marine killed in the shooting incident is being withheld until after the family is notified, officials said. The Iraqi soldier involved in the incident was also wounded. He was evacuated to Balad and is listed in very serious condition, officials said. The incident is under investigation. DoD released the identities of three servicemembers also killed in Iraq April 6: - Spc. Daniel L. Sesker, 22, of Ogden, Iowa, died in Bayji, Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations.
Sesker was assigned to the Army National Guard's Troop C, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry in LeMars, Iowa. - Spc. Dustin J. Harris, 21, of Bangor, Maine, died in Bayji, Iraq when an improvised device detonated during dismounted patrol operations. Harris was assigned to the 172nd Brigade Support Battalion, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Wainwright, Alaska. - Pfc. Chase A. Edwards, 19, of Lake Charles, La., died while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Servicemembers deployed to Kuwait became U.S. citizens
Servicemembers deployed to Kuwait became U.S. citizens yesterday during a naturalization ceremony at chapel here. Fifty-seven soldiers and sailors from 26 different countries were presented a certificate by Army Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, Third U.S. Army commander, and Matthew H. Tueller, charge d'affairs of the U.S. Embassy Kuwait. "It is a great day to be an American," said Whitcomb. "I am not only happy and proud to be here as a soldier, but as an American as well." "As new citizens to the United States, I salute you," Tueller said. "From today on, you have the opportunity to pursue the American Dream." Special guests from the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, Rome office, participated in the ceremony. Lori Pietropaoli, officer in charge, administered the oath of allegiance and presented the certificates. Joseph Hackbarth, immigration officer, presented the candidates. To become eligible for U.S. citizenship, a person must demonstrate good moral character, an understanding of U.S. history and government, and comprehension of the English language. The ceremony was the first one conducted since mid-December as servicemembers from all over Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar took the oath to become U.S. citizens.
Senate Confirms England as Deputy Defense Secretary
The U.S. Senate confirmed Gordon England
as the 29th deputy secretary of defense during a Capitol Hill voice vote
conducted yesterday, according to a statement from England's office.
England served as acting deputy secretary of defense and secretary of
the Navy simultaneously from May 16, 2005, to Jan. 4, 2006, when he was
recess-appointed by President Bush to his current position.
A native of Baltimore, England graduated from the University of
Maryland in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. He earned
a master's degree in business administration from the M.J. Neeley
School of Business at Texas Christian University at Fort Worth, in 1975.
England has twice served as the Navy secretary, and also was the
Department of Homeland Security's first deputy secretary.
In private industry England served as executive vice president of
General Dynamics Inc. from 1997 to 2001. He'd also served as the president
of General Dynamics', later Lockheed's, Fort Worth aircraft company
branch, and as president of General Dynamics Land Systems Co.
Defense Backs Down in Canadian Teen's Gitmo Case
The defense team in the case of a Canadian teen accused of terrorism backed down today on a motion that caused a near-boycott of proceedings April 5.
The defense withdrew its motion to have Omar Khadr, 19, moved from a
maximum-security facility back to his usual medium-security facility.
Khadr was moved to the maximum-security facility March 30, according to
Marine Lt. Col. Colby Vokey, his detailed defense counsel.
In a heated commission session April 5, Vokey asserted that the move
put strain on the attorney-client relationship and made it difficult for
the defense to prepare their case. At the time, he put in an oral
motion to have Khadr moved back and said that he didn't feel comfortable
proceeding with the hearing until this issue was dealt with, because it
was Khadr's main priority.
Today, however, Vokey said that after discussing the move with
government officials, he realized that it was not done out of punishment and that the conditions of Khadr's confinement are not interfering with their case preparation.
"We are satisfied with the accommodations now," Vokey said at a news
conference after proceedings ended. "We are going to continue to closely
monitor how Omar's being treated."
In a statement issued yesterday, Navy Cmdr. Robert Durand, a Joint Task
Force Guantanamo spokesman, said that detainees charged by the Office
of Military Commissions are transferred to maximum-security facilities
for their own protection.
"Detainee security and protection is of utmost concern," Durand stated.
"Moving detainees to a maximum-security facility ensures the physical
security of the detainee, which cannot be done in a communal-living
environment."
Regardless of detention location, detainees are still able to meet with
their lawyers in private rooms that respect attorney-client privilege,
Durand said. These detainees remain in a maximum-security setting
during the commissions process, and where they will reside after the process depends on the outcome of the commissions, he said.
Khadr is charged with attempted murder based on the allegation that he
emplaced improvised explosive devices on routes frequented by U.S.
military convoys. He also is charged in connection with a grenade attack
that killed Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Speer and two Afghan military members in Afghanistan on July 27, 2002.
NEWS
General Motors Corp. has agreed to cooperate with unsecured creditors of Delphi Corp.
.that are looking to challenge GM if the auto maker attempts to seize big payouts from a restructured Delphi, attorneys in the case said Friday.
Delphi's unsecured creditors' committee, which includes representatives from companies including Electronic Data Systems Corp. and General Electric Co., wants GM to provide it with various documents so that creditors can examine any claims GM has made or makes on Delphi's assets.
On Friday, attorneys in the case said GM and the unsecured creditors have reached an agreement in which GM will cooperate with the committee so long as the parties can agree to the scope and other terms of the creditors' inquiry.
The parties plan to file their agreement with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan, and Judge Robert Drain indicated he would approve it.
Delphi has listed GM, its former parent company, as one of its largest unsecured creditors, along with the International Union of Electrical Workers-Communications Workers of America and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.
Under an agreement with Delphi and its unions, GM has agreed to fund buyouts for 17,000 Delphi hourly workers and allow an additional 5,000 Delphi workers to flow back to GM. Creditors have raised concerns that the buyout deal would allow GM to file a claim against Delphi for some of the costs of the buyout.
As it is written, the program "would create an outsized, unnecessary and unjustifiable claim for GM" against Delphi, the creditors' committee said in a court filing this week.
In addition, GM claims that Delphi owes it roughly $1.23 billion for costs related to post-employment benefits for employees who worked at Delphi and retire from GM, in addition to other amounts for warranty or product recall claims and overpricing claims.
Delphi's unsecured creditors committee, however, has questioned whether GM qualifies as an unsecured creditor at all because of the two companies' intertwined relationship. Delphi has largely blamed its financial struggles on an overburdesome and costly labor cost structure that it inherited from GM in its spin-off from the auto maker back in 1999.
Hedge-fund manager David Tepper and his Appaloosa Management LP, who bought most of his roughly 9 percent stake in Delphi right after the company filed for bankruptcy protection last October, has joined the unsecured creditors' committee in its potential challenge against GM
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