MBN The Monte Bubbles Network

Feb 26, 2007 (Oakland, CA) – Tea is hot in Hollywood as Numi received star studded enthusiasm over Numi’s new white teas and their new line of Flowering Tea at the Sonya Dakar Adwil Pre Oscar’s Gifting Lounge last week in Beverly Hills. VIP guests included Brian Austin Green (90210), Sean Taube (Crash), Lorretta Devine (Waiting to Exhale), Rex Lee (Entourage HBO), Nick Verreos (Project Runway) and Ken Davitian (Borat). Sonya Dakar was so impressed with Numi’s varieties and presentation that she served Madonna Numi’s new spa blends and Flowering Tea every morning last week.

Guests in the gifting lounge were amazed at the Flowering Tea as some had only seen it before in the Marie Antoinette film also nominated for as Oscar. Chris Kattan (SNL) and Nick Verreos (project Runway) were both astounded when showed the handsewn tea leaves with blossoming flowers.

Other tea lovers include Ken Davitian (Borat) who is a huge earl grey tea fan and was thrilled to learn about how Numi’s Aged Earl Grey is aged with real Italian Bergamot fruit, not doused with Bergamot essence as most brands do. “My kids are gonna love this” he said as he grabbed a box to bring home. Numi sampled both their new white teas which had Brian Austin Green absolutely in love with the White Rose saying “wow” when taking his first couple of sips.

Numi was also served up at the sold out Global Green Pre-Oscars Benefit at the Avalon Ballroom in Hollywood . Global Green supports global warming initiatives, including the green rebuilding of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast . The crème de la crème of Hollywood's green celebs were there, including event co-chairs Leo DiCaprio, Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek & Ed Norton, along with host committee members Charlize Theron, David Duchovny & Kate Bosworth; all sipping the infamous Rainforest Green-tea-ni, an organic infusion of Numi’s Ginger Sun and Rainforest Green teas into Square One’s Organic Vodka.

Numi is sold at natural/specialty food stores, gift & gourmet stores. Store locator by zip code available at numitea.com. Suggested Retail Price for a tea box $5.49.           

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About NUMI Organic Tea

Numi LLC is a leader in the natural & specialty tea category. Brother and sister founders Ahmed and Reem Rahim founded the company in 1999, which is known for premium full leaf teas, herbal teasans and an innovative line of Flowering Teas. NUMI’s whole leaf teas are never treated with artificial flavors, colorings or oils common to the market. Numi is committed to global consciousness and sustainability in its packaging and business practices. NUMI has grown 60% annually since opening its doors and continues to win the hearts and shelf space of retailers in 50 states and 15 countries.

www.numitea.com

Andrew Dice Clay Resurfaces in VH1's 'Dice Undisputed'

Hickory, Dickory Dock Dice Clay is Back on the Clock You Thought He Was Through But We Got a Clue And Put Him on Our Celebrity Block

Series Premieres With Back-To-Back Episodes Sunday, March 4 at 10:00 PM*

 The self-titled "Rocky of Comedy," Andrew Dice Clay, is coming out of retirement and he's pulling out all stops to do it with a multi-media blitz -- writing a book, cutting a record, producing his own Sirius radio show and playing to the types of crowds that made him a legend. In the VH1 series "Dice Undisputed" viewers will get an intimate and often hilarious look into the highs and lows of this heavyweight king of laugh's personal and professional life as he fights to get back on top. "Dice Undisputed" premieres with back-to-back episodes Sunday, March 4 at 10:00 PM*. VH1 has picked up 7 episodes of this half-hour series.
Dice's controversial macho image often collides with his real family life as the man behind all the limericks and leather tries to find a balance between being a devoted father of two teenage sons (11 and 16), dealing with a broken marriage, juggling a relationship with his strong willed ex-wrestler fiancee Eleanor and facing the challenges of middle age. Also thrown into the fray is his posse of friends and road crew, otherwise known as his "dysfunctional, middle-aged entourage," including "Wheels," his ever-dieting buddy; Todd, his quirky road manager; "Happy Face," his stone-faced ninja-trained bodyguard; and Uncle Lee, his doting mentor who spouts sage advice at the drop of a hat. While this rag-tag group of buddies often offers unwanted advice, their presence gives Dice an endless supply of comedic rants for his stand-up.
For additional show content log onto VSPOT (http://vspot.vh1.com/ ), VH1's broadband channel.
"Dice Undisputed" is executive produced by Danny Salles for Fox TV Studios. Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes, Alex Demyanenko and Damla Dogan are executive producers for VH1.
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 90 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.

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.

'Sweeney Todd' Starts Principal Photography. Johnny Depp Stars. Tim Burton Directs.

Principal photography has begun in London on "Sweeney Todd"; starring Johnny Depp in the Tim Burton directed screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's award-winning musical thriller.

The DreamWorks Pictures and Warner Bros. co-production presents Depp as Sweeney Todd, a man unjustly sent to prison, who vows revenge not only for that cruel punishment but for the devastating consequences of what happened to his wife and daughter. When he returns to reopen his barber shop, he becomes the Demon Barber of Fleet Street who "shaved the heads of gentleman who never thereafter were heard from again."*

"I've always wanted to do a musical and 'Sweeney Todd' is my favorite," said Tim Burton. "Stephen's blend of humor, horror and emotion is something that has always connected with me."

"Sometimes a story or stage production has to wait a long time until the right people come together to turn it into a motion picture," said Stephen Sondheim. "That's what has happened with 'Sweeney Todd' and I'm excited as well as confident that it will be a first-rate and startling movie."

This will be the sixth collaboration between Depp and Burton who worked previously together on Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Ed Wood, Edward Scissorhands and Sleepy Hollow. Depp comes fresh from completing the third Pirates of the Caribbean film in the Academy Award nominated role of Captain Jack Sparrow.**

Also starring in the Parkes/MacDonald and Zanuck Company production is Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett who creates her diabolical meat pies while becoming Sweeney's amorous accomplice. Alan Rickman is the evil Judge Turpin who sent him unfairly to prison, thereby sowing the seeds of Sweeney's vengeance. Timothy Spall plays the Judge's wicked associate Beadle Bamford. Sacha Baron Cohen is a rival barber, the flamboyant Signor Adolfo Pirelli, and Christopher Lee takes on the role of the gentleman ghost.

Rounding out the cast are Jamie Campbell Bowen as the young sailor Anthony, Jayne Wisener as Johanna, Laura Michelle Kelly as the beggar woman, and newcomer Ed Sanders plays Toby.

All the stars will do their own singing from Stephen Sondheim's music and lyrics.

The film is produced by Richard D. Zanuck, Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, and John Logan from a screenplay by Logan. The original Broadway production had Sondheim's music and lyrics and a book by Hugh Wheeler based on a play by Christopher Bond. It won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Its mix of the shockingly macabre, comic and dramatic, supported by Sondheim's movie-like score has had hundreds of productions through the world, most recently a highly acclaimed production on Broadway. What once might have been taboo and ghoulish became deliciously entertaining.

Joining Burton at Pinewood to create his vision is director of photography Dariusz Wolski (Pirates of the Caribbean I, II, III), production designer Academy Award winner Dante Ferrati (The Aviator), costume designer two time Academy Award winner Colleen Atwood (Memoirs of a Geisha, Chicago), hair and make up designer Academy Award winner Peter Owen (The Lord of the Rings), and editor Chris Lebenzon.

The film will be distributed domestically by Paramount for a late 2007 release and distributed internationally by Warner Bros.

* From the opening lyrics of the score for the original Broadway show.

** Pirates of the Caribbean, Curse of the Black Pearl

Source: DreamWorks Pictures

TAG Jeans is bringing ‘sexy’ back in the jeans market internationally for both men and women. The Los Angeles based company is making jeans’ lovers feel sexier and more stylish than ever with their ultra flattering collection of jeans that fit the body superbly with their high fashion look and feel.

“I like to make a people feel good, confident and sexy in my jeans. To accentuate a woman’s feminine curves and also the strength of the male physique in all of the right places in our quality cuts of authentic American denim, and, to see both women and men feel both comfortable and confident in their sexuality in a pair of TAG jeans is what I live for. It’s my ultimate passion in fashion,” say Orly, head designer and spokesperson for TAG.

In a culture where jeans have become a fashion staple within our society and somewhat of a quintessential item for a savvy urban chic uniform of sexiness and style, it is very difficult to find the most genuine fitting, stylized and figure flattering denim out there in retail stores. The jeans market has been saturated by hundreds of styles and fits, but it is seldom that you can find the perfect combination of the two for men and women.

TAG has created a perfect combination of fit and style with their butt lifting, leg elongating, and thigh slimming shapes that come in a range of washes that are sure to make jeans’ lovers look and feel sexier than ever whilst conveying a sense of astute urban style in denim that is unparalleled.

“The jeans I design are made with fine denim that flatters the body by elongating the legs, helping legs look leaner and shapelier. I also added great pockets to the jeans to help accentuate the back, giving people the world over that ‘perfect’ butt they all desire,” says Orly , the creative force behind TAG.

TAG Jeans have a variety of pocket options and distinctive stitching details to satisfy a wearer’s individual style. Whether someone is a Hollywood star, or a clean cut and preppy business person, a hot young, Angelino working mother, housewife or motorcycle-riding LA dad on the go, or a chic and sexy sophisticat the world over— be sure to find a TAG style and cut that is perfect. TAG Jeans bring sexy, hot and sleek fitting comfort back into the jeans market this season!

TAG is a favorite among sensual and stylish fashionistas such as Eva Longoria, Nicolette Sheridan, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Simpson, Hillary Swank, Vanessa Minnilo, Pamela Anderson, and Naomi Campbell, just to name a few. TAG facilitates style across far reaching communities of passionate jeans’ lovers.

TAG’s distribution stretches across the globe to exotic far East Asia to the fashionable streets of Europe . TAG is an international brand, but they keep their production on American soil in the heart of California ’s Fashion District, using only American denim. TAG Jeans retail from $165 to $900 in boutiques world wide as well as Saks Fifth Avenue , Harrods, Barneys Japan and other fine retail stores.

Back Porch Records Announces SXSW '07 Artist Line-Up

Carrie Rodriguez, Emerson Hart & John Hammond Among Artists Performing At March 16 Label Showcase

Back Porch Records, the eclectic roots-rock label that recently became part of Manhattan Records and the Blue Note Label Group, has announced a special evening at this year's South By Southwest featuring a slate of the label's emerging artists. Included on the March 16 bill are: Texas native Carrie Rodriguez, former Tonic lead singer Emerson Hart, blues legend John Hammond, acclaimed newcomer Serena Ryder, bassist-to-the stars Viktor Krauss and special guests. Also making a rare U.S. appearance at SXSW is the highly-touted U.K. artist Seth Lakeman.

Viktor Krauss, who has played alongside such musical luminaries as Lyle Lovett, John Fogerty and Elvis Costello (sister Alison is one of country music's most heralded artists), will perform with music from his Back Porch debut "II".

On her forthcoming major label debut, "If Your Memory Serves You Well," Serena Ryder showcases her vocal dynamics as she mixes original tunes with spot-on renditions of songs from Leonard Cohen, The Band's Rick Danko & Bob Dylan and Randy Bachman. No Depression magazine has already said of her "...a combination of Patsy Cline and Janis Joplin. Add a little Tracy Chapman and Etta James and you've got the picture. Pipes. Presence. Potential."

Emerson Hart begins a new chapter in a career that is already impressive: in the band Tonic, Hart racked up platinum album sales, chart-topping tracks (including the #1 hit 'If You Could Only See'), and two Grammy nominations. Hart also penned the award-winning theme song 'Generations' from NBC's TV series "American Dreams" and now, with producer Bob Rock, he has made an album that showcases his impeccable songcraft and evocative voice.

Before embarking on a tour with Lucinda Williams, Back Porch's Carrie Rodriguez will play a whirlwind series of nine shows in five days at SXSW, including the label's showcase night. Her album, "Seven Angels On A Bicycle" was co-produced by Carrie and songmeister Chip Taylor.

Special guest performances will include Austin favorite Charlie Sexton and Manhattan Records recording artist Mutlu, whose album produced by Amos Lee, is a clever blend of soul, reggae, hip-hop and Brazilian jazz.

Seth Lakeman, who will also perform at SXSW, is one of the U.K.'s most celebrated young singer-songwriters, nominated in 2005 for the prestigious Mercury Prize, and winner of 'Singer of the Year' and 'Best Album' awards at this year's BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. His new album, "Freedom Fields" will be released on Back Porch in July 2007.

BACK PORCH NIGHT AT SXSW: Friday, March 16

Cedar Street Courtyard 2008 W. 4th Street Austin, TX

8:30p -- Victor Krauss (with special guest) 9:30p --

Serena Ryder 10:30p -- John Hammond Quartet 11:30p --

Emerson Hart 12:30a -- Carrie Rodriguez

Source: Back Porch Records

Salvador Santana's New Take on the Santana Gem 'Evil Ways' Opens the CD A Song For My Father, Featuring Young Artists Saluting Legendary Dads

Album is One of the First Titles Included in the Feb. 27 Launch of 180 Music and Target's Exclusive Spotlight Music Series

First Full-Length Album From the Salvador Santana Band Slated for 2007

Salvador Santana's fresh spin on the classic Santana hit "Evil Ways" is the album-opening track on the disc A Song For My Father, a compilation of acclaimed young music artists recreating timeless tunes originally made famous by their legendary musical fathers. Set for release on February 27, the unique CD is one of the inaugural releases comprising the nationwide launch of the Spotlight Music Series, an exciting new line of titles from 180 Music that will be exclusively available at the Target retail chain.

As recorded by Carlos Santana and the Santana Band, "Evil Ways" was a Top 10 single in 1969, a highlight of their self-titled debut LP that year. When Salvador Santana was asked to contribute to A Song For My Father, it was one of several choices suggested for the project. "It jumped out at me right away," says Salvador, "it hadn't been used as much as the others being considered. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to flip the script on everybody."

Working with producer Oliver Lieberman, Salvador Santana Band (SSB) mate Jose Espinoza (formerly of Ozomatli) and Santana's Andy Vargas, Salvador says, "Rather than totally reinvent the song, I wanted to honor the classic aspect of what my dad did, but update it to 2007. We worked with that vibe, and did it to sound like what people listen to today, a little bit of Black Eyed Peas, Gnarls Barkley, those sounds are mixed in. I wanted to take advantage of the new tech side of things, but it's still all about feeling a live band, there's magic going on with that." Others paying musical tribute on A Song For My Father include Devon Allman, Louise Goffin, Sarah Lee Guthrie, Ky-Mani Marley, Ivan Neville, Ben Taylor and Wendy & Carnie Wilson, among others.

Featuring Salvador on keyboards and vocals, the San Francisco-based SSB formed in 2004, and the group has toured both domestically and in Europe opening for Santana and at smaller venues nationwide as a headliner. SSB's vibrant, soulful fusion of hip-hop, jazz, rock, Latin, world music and more is featured on the 5-song EP Demo, and Salvador is currently developing material for their full-length album debut, due out later this year. He has been co-writing songs with Santana's Andy Vargas and Asdru Sierra of Ozomatli, and will co-produce the project with producer, mixer and former Cypress Hill collaborator Jason Roberts.

Salvador can also be heard on music that he and his father created for the audio book version of his mother Deborah Santana's acclaimed memoir Space Between The Stars: My Journey To An Open Heart. Previously, Salvador and Carlos collaborated on the GRAMMY-winning "El Farol" for the smash Santana album Supernatural and "Open Up Your Eyes," a song for the compilation CD Food For Thought, benefiting the Milagro Foundation, established by Carlos and Deborah Santana in 1998. Milagro has granted over $2 million to non-profit organizations supporting children and youth in areas of health, education and the arts.

For more information, log on to www.salvadorsantana.com

Source: Salvador Santana

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

Chuck Norris Writes Exclusive on Slavery

 -- In his latest exclusive column, A Petition to Free 27 Million Slaves, in WorldNetDaily TODAY, Chuck Norris talks about how we can solve this worldwide problem.
"A few years ago, National Geographic reported that there are 27 million slaves in the world today -- more than any other time in human history. What can be done to free them? Be a 'Wilberforce' or 'Newton'!" Norris says.

See: WorldNetDaily.com

Norris has starred in more than 20 films and the long-running TV series, "Walker, Texas Ranger." He has written for WorldNetDaily on a number of hot-button topics, including: abortion, his old friend -- and opponent -- Bruce Lee, Bob Dylan's true hero, the biggest threat to America, and Pearl Harbor. Norris writes a weekly column exclusive to WorldNetDaily.

While the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the UK will soon be celebrated around the world, slavery has mushroomed, as there are now over 27 million people in bondage worldwide.

WorldNetDaily is an independent news company. Founded by Joseph and Elizabeth Farah in May 1997, it is now a leading Internet news site in both traffic and influence and has launched popular columns by Bill O'Reilly, David Limbaugh and others into national syndication.

Source: WorldNetDaily

 

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

 

 

Baseball All-Star Pitcher Curt Schilling 'Calls the Plays' on TomTom Portable Navigation Devices

Icon of America's Favorite Pastime Tells Drivers How to Find Their Way Home - And Anywhere Else - Without Committing Errors!

TomTom, the world's largest navigation solution provider, today announced that baseball all-star Curt Schilling will be telling drivers across America how to find their way home.
Schilling's voice is available for purchase and download now for all owners of TomTom portable navigation devices.

"My TomTom has been invaluable to me as I attempt to learn the ways in and around our home in Boston," Schilling said. "It's been a huge help in learning the direct routes to and from the areas my family and I travel. TomTom navigation devices make driving not only more efficient, but safer for my family."

Schilling added, "The company has been outstanding to work with and I am glad to have developed a relationship between my gaming company, GMG, and TomTom -- two Boston-area businesses."

TomTom's portable navigation devices offer 70 preloaded voices in 36 languages. Other entertaining voices available for download from TomTom and Navtones include celebrities such as Burt Reynolds, Dennis Hopper and Mr. T., as well as a NYC cab driver, a Freudian psychoanalyst, Granny Rose and many more.

"We know our customers have a very personal connection with their TomTom," said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom Inc. "Now, with the recognizable voice of Curt Schilling, the journey becomes more enjoyable and fun. Similar to ring tones on cell phones, we find that drivers are most interested in hearing navigation directions from a voice that matches their mood, personality or interest. TomTom is continually adding content that allows customers to personalize their navigation experiences."

TomTom devices guide drivers on their way with audible, turn-by-turn instructions and 3D maps. TomTom portable navigation devices work out of the box and require no additional fees or services.

Now drivers can have Curt Schilling tell them how to find out-of-the-way locations or how to navigate to specific points of interest such as Fenway Park. Instead of a TomTom device saying, "You have reached your destination", Curt Schilling will instead call the play, telling the driver "You're almost home! Slide! Slide!"

Schilling's voice is available for download immediately for $12.95. Go to http://www.tomtom.com/plus to see and hear a complete list of voices and for easy-to-download instructions.

For more information please contact: Karen Drake, TomTom Inc. Telephone: 978-405-1688 Email: us.publicrelations@tomtom.com Or Will Safer, Hill & Knowlton Telephone: 212-885-0490 Email: will.safer@hillandknowlton.com About TomTom:

TomTom NV is the world's largest navigation solution provider. TomTom's products are developed with an emphasis on innovation, quality, ease of use and value. TomTom's products include all-in-one navigation devices which enable customers to navigate right out of the box; these are the award-winning TomTom GO family, the TomTom ONE range and the TomTom RIDER. TomTom PLUS, is the location-based content and services offering for TomTom's navigation products easily available through TomTom HOME. TomTom also provides navigation software products which integrate with third party devices; the TomTom NAVIGATOR software for PDA's and smartphones. TomTom WORK combines industry leading communication and smart navigation technology with leading edge tracking and tracing expertise. TomTom's products are sold through a network of leading retailers in 25 countries and online. TomTom was founded in 1991 in Amsterdam and has offices in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. TomTom is listed at Euronext, Amsterdam Stock Exchange in The Netherlands. For more information, go to http://www.tomtom.com/.

About Navtones:

Navtones is the latest innovation in the high-growth consumer GPS navigation market. Exclusive celebrity voices for turn-by-turn guidance are just a click away for drivers or passengers wishing to personalize their navigation experience. Navtones is a product of Wanderlust Media - a global provider of branded content and white label solutions for wireless enterprise and mobile consumers -- with headquarters in Los Angeles, CA and additional development facilities in Boston, MA.

About GMG:

GMG, LLC (http://www.greenmonstergames.com/) is a gaming company founded in the Boston area by Curt Schilling. The company's first title will feature the artistic vision of Todd McFarlane (creator of Spawn, http://www.spawn.com/) and celebrated author R.A. Salvatore (creator of Drizzt Do'Urden, one of modern fantasy's most memorable characters, (http://www.rasalvatore.com/). Together with a growing team of experienced industry professionals, GMG is now in pre-production on its premier title.

Source: TomTom

Web site: http://www.tomtom.com/
http://www.tomtom.com/plus

Join Diego and His Animal Friends for a Premiere Week of New, High-Stakes Adventures on Nick Jr.'S Hit Series Go, Diego, Go! Beginning Monday, March 5 at 9:30 A.M. (ET/PT)

New National Theatrical Live Tour Go, Diego, Go Live! The Great Jaguar Rescue to Stop in Baltimore and Minneapolis, February 28 through March 11

 Nick Jr.'s famous action hero with a heart will take the sippy-cup set on a week of brand-new animal adventures on the hit animated preschool series Go, Diego, Go!, beginning Monday, March 5 through Thursday, March 8 at 9:30 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nick Jr. Preschoolers will learn all about tapirs, roadrunners, hawks, giant octopuses and other animals indigenous to Latin America, on four new half-hour episodes of Go, Diego, Go!

In addition, beginning Wednesday, February 28, the new theatrical live tour Go, Diego, Go Live! The Great Jaguar Rescue presented by State Farm Insurance will stop in Baltimore, MD (February 28 - March 4) and Minneapolis, MN (March 7 - 11). Nickelodeon and Live Nation launched the national tour on February 1, which features animal rescuer Diego and his cousin Dora the Explorer, and is currently traveling to 50 markets nationwide.

The Go, Diego, Go! premiere week schedule is as follows (all times are ET/PT):

  -- Monday, March 5 (9:30 a.m.): "The Great Roadrunner Race" - 

Diego is at      the desert visiting Roady Roadrunner, who's about 

to compete in The      Great Roadrunner Race.  Roady is nervous as 

she's never raced before      and Diego helps her prep for the race as 

they duck under giant cactus      arms, jump over the tumbleweeds 

and shake off the sand from the sand      storm.   -- 

Tuesday, March 6 (9:30 a.m.): "Tapir's Trip Home" - 

Diego must find      Tapir a new home that has grass for her to eat, 

water to swim in, and      clouds to keep her nice and cool.  

Diego and Tapir hop aboard Chucho      the train and check out 

various environments until they find just the      right home on 

their last stop -- the Cloud Forest.   -- Wednesday, March 7 (9:30 a.m.): 

"Jorge the Little Hawk Learns to      Migrate" - It's getting cold and 

Jorge the Hawk is ready to migrate to      the Warm Forest.  

Diego builds a bird-plane with the same colored      

wings, beak and feathers as Jorge, so he can follow the plane home.      

The duo ride the Warm Windy Wind through the fog and avoid a lightning      

storm, before finally reaching the Warm Forest.   -- 

Thursday, March 8 (9:30 a.m.): "Giant Octopus to the Rescue!" - Alicia      

alerts Diego on his Video Watch that underwater volcanoes are about to      

blow and animals are trapped nearby.  Giant Octopus helps Diego locate      

the volcanoes and animals deep in the ocean.  They discover an ocean      

garden, squirt purple ink to avoid the Sperm Whales, and help the      

animals swim up out of the coral caves just before the Ocean Volcanoes      

blow.   -- Friday, March 9 (9:30 a.m.): "The Great Roadrunner Race" (Encore)      

(12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.): Above five episodes will repeat in a two-hour      marathon.  

The animals appearing in Go, Diego, Go! are indigenous to Latin America and are seen in their authentic habitat, with featured animals including the chinchilla, sloth and condor. The show is also flavored with Spanish words, Latin American music, folktales and traditions, all giving the audience the opportunity to experience Diego's culturally rich world.

In each episode of Go, Diego, Go!, Diego (Jake T. Austin) with help from his friends, high-tech gadgets and viewers at home, identifies and locates an animal in trouble and the adventure begins. Diego is joined by his 11-year- old sister Alicia (Constanza Sperakis), a computer whiz who is bilingual and easily switches between speaking English and Spanish. Baby Jaguar (Thomas Sharkey) is the animal closest to Diego's heart, and his youthful eagerness sometimes puts him in precarious situations. Other characters include Click (Rosie Perez), a high-tech camera with a knack for locating lost animals; Rescue Pack, a messenger bag that can transform into any form of transportation Diego needs, like a boat, snowboard or parasail; and the Bobo Brothers, a mischievous pair of spider monkeys. Diego's cousin Dora also makes guest appearances in the series.

The show's curriculum goals are based on using observational skills and scientific tools to learn the accurate traits of the animal featured in the day's adventure. Each episode includes details such as species name, physical attributes and habitat. Every animal on Go, Diego, Go! is researched and its traits authenticated by science education consultant Mario Castellanos, Project Director of Science Outreach for the Smithsonian National Zoological Park.

Go Diego Go! was created and is executive produced by Chris Gifford and Valerie Walsh, the same team behind the phenomenal hit show Dora the Explorer.

Nick Jr. is a specially designed programming block airing on Nickelodeon weekdays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (ET/PT). Completely dedicated to preschoolers ages 2-5, Nick Jr.'s Emmy, Peabody and Parents' Choice Award-winning programs are curriculum based, fun and commercial free. At Nick Jr., kids play to learn with innovative, original shows created just for them.

Nickelodeon, in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 92 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for more than eleven consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) .

Source: Nick Jr.

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

 

Sir Elton John and David Furnish Raise $4.2 Million at 15th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Party Celebrating the Academy Awards(R)

This Year's Co-Sponsors included Audi, Chopard and VH1

Sir Elton John and James Blunt Performed Together

 Sir Elton John and David Furnish hosted the 15th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) party to celebrate the Academy Awards(R). The event was held on Sunday, February 25, 2007 at the Pacific Design Center and was co-sponsored by Audi, Chopard and VH1. EJAF's party to celebrate the Academy Awards(R) was one of the Foundation's most successful and visible fundraisers of the year, raising $4.2 Million for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation annual gala was the leading fundraising event in Hollywood on Oscar night. To top off the evening, Sir Elton John and Grammy winning artist, James Blunt, performed together live.

The 15th anniversary of this party brought about some exciting changes with an expanded dinner, significant live auction and enhanced musical performance. These modifications significantly increased funds generated to support EJAF's grant-making activities in the fight against AIDS. This year's event alone raised more money then in any other year since the gala's inception.

The gala brought out some of the biggest and hottest celebrities from the entertainment community. Guests included Hollywood luminaries such as Victoria Beckham, Jon Bon Jovi, Sharon Stone, Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Sheryl Crow, Keifer Sutherland, Eve, Naomi Campbell, Simon Cowell, Dita Von Teese, Emmy Rossum, Zac Posen, Hedi Slimane, Roberto Cavalli, Macy Gray, Eric McCormack, Garcelle Beauvais, Gloria Estefan, Joely Fisher, John Waters, Cedric the Entertainer, Kevin Zegers, Cheryl Tiegs, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Bernie & Heather Taupin, Marlee Matlin, Petra Nemcova, Deborah Cox, Ana de la Reguera, Patricia Hearst, James Denton and Tim Allen.

Adding excitement to the evening was a live auction immediately following dinner. Items such as a private soccer lesson with David Beckham; the very first 2008 Audi R8 to hit the streets; a five-day stay at Villa Fontanelle (the legendary home of the Versace family); and a limited edition Herb Ritts photograph entitled Stephani, Cindy, Christy, Tatjana, Naomi, Hollywood 1989 were auctioned off to raise funds for the Foundation. The most exciting moment of the evening came when Sharon Stone jumped on stage to help with the live auction. Ms. Stone auctioned the "Sir Elton John's 60th Birthday Celebration Weekend" package to two lucky bidders who each paid $250,000 to win the prize. The package included two tickets to Sir Elton John's private 60th birthday party in New York City, two premium seat tickets to his sold out concert at Madison Square Garden, airfare and accommodations.

ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION: Since its establishment in 1992 by Founder and Chairman Sir Elton John, the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) has raised over $125 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs in 55 countries around the globe. Today, EJAF is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. EJAF focuses on supporting community-based prevention education programs, harm reduction programs, and direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially populations with special needs. These efforts include HIV/AIDS-related physical and mental health services, HIV testing and counseling, street outreach and education, food distribution, assisted living services, social service coordination, and community volunteer recruitment and support.

AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.: Audi of America, Inc., is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. Audi's history in America dates to 1969, when the brand was first introduced to the U.S. market. Today, a network of over 260 Audi dealers currently offers a line of premium vehicles that include the Audi A3 premium compact; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high-revving RS 4 sports sedan; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the all-new Audi Q7 performance SUV; and the all-aluminum Audi A8; and the award-winning TT Coupe and Roadster.

CHOPARD: There are few jewelers in the world whose designs are immediately recognizable. At the forefront of that list is Chopard. For over 140 years, the "World of Chopard" has embraced elegance, originality and individuality. Renowned internationally for its award-winning "Happy Diamonds" creations, the Chopard collection also includes an array of designs that adorn celebrities around the world. Meticulously crafted in Geneva, Switzerland since 1860, Chopard has distinguished itself worldwide for luxurious jewels and impeccably crafted, high-precision timepieces that embody imaginative design and sophistication. For further information, phone 1.800.CHOPARD or visit Chopard on line at www.chopard.com

VH1: 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 90 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.

Source: Elton John AIDS Foundation

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

 

Feb 25

The Fifth Annual 'Night Before' Fundraiser Raises Millions to Benefit the Motion Picture & Television Fund

On the night before the Oscars(R), Hollywood luminaries and leaders of industry once again gathered to give something far more important than any award. The fifth annual "Night Before" party to benefit the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) has raised millions for an organization that has served the entertainment industry for more than 85 years. The first Night Before event was held in 2003, instantly becoming one of the most coveted invitations in town and kicking off what is now a much-anticipated awards season tradition. To date, the Night Before benefit has brought in more than $23 million-with this year's record- breaking sum of well over $7 million added to the total-thanks largely to the generosity of its presenting sponsors, including America Online (AOL), CenterStaging Corporation, Hewlett Packard, Lexus, L'Oreal Paris, McDonald's, Target and Variety.

(The name says it all, as the benefit is held on the evening before the Oscars(R), with this year's date being Saturday, February 24. Providing the traditional and always beautiful backdrop, the historic Beverly Hills Hotel -- where the pool area was decked over for the party-was once again the place to be for the event.

"The continued success of this event is beyond remarkable," said MPTF Foundation CEO Ken Scherer. "We are so fortunate to have such dedicated corporate partners who, year after year, share our passion for taking care of our own. On behalf of all we serve, I want to thank our sponsors for making the Night Before the largest single source of charitable donations to the MPTF Annual Fund. And I want to acknowledge the incredible leadership of Jeffrey Katzenberg for his extraordinary work on behalf of MPTF."

MPTF Chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg stated, "Marilyn and I are deeply grateful to all the sponsors and our friends and colleagues in the entertainment community, whose generosity is the heart and soul of this benefit. The fundraising success of the Night Before has been beyond anything I could have imagined. When you can share a wonderful evening and, at the same time, help such a worthy cause, it is truly the best of both worlds. Those who come to the Night Before are there for the MPTF so the MPTF can always be there for those who need it."

The roster of celebrities attending the Night Before benefit always encompasses some of the biggest stars of film, television, music and sports, and this year included: Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster, Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Wahlberg, Eddie Murphy, Steven Spielberg & Kate Capshaw, Eva Longoria, Ellen Pompeo, Peter O'Toole, Helen Mirren & Taylor Hackford, Tobey Maguire, Cameron Diaz, America Ferrera, Kate Winslet & Sam Mendes, Mary J. Blige, Hugh Jackman, Katherine Heigl, Sean Combs, T.R. Knight, Greg Kinnear, William Shatner, Jack Black, Jerry & Jessica Seinfeld, Fergie & Josh Duhamel, Kyra Sedgwick, Jackie Earl Haley, Kate Walsh, Ann Hathaway, Djimon Hounsou, Zach Braff, Sheryl Crow, James Blunt, Chloe Sevigny, Serena Williams, Matt Leinart, and many more.

The Night Before benefit was produced for the fifth consecutive year by Robyn Leuthe Norris. Silver Birches created the decor for the party, which flowed from the large tented area to outdoor cabanas, where most of the sponsors were showcased. DJ Tony Okungbowa also returned to the Night Before to set the musical tone for the evening. Located in the Variety cabana, Mr. Chow-whose restaurants in Los Angeles, New York and London are hot spots for the rich and famous-was the event's culinary star, providing samplings of some of his signature dishes, including his famous Mr. Chow noodles, water dumplings and glazed shrimp.

The presenting sponsors are always integral to the success of the Night Before, and, as they have every year, this year's sponsors outdid themselves in adding to the fun of this annual fundraiser.

Here is a brief overview of what partygoers had in store at the 2007 Night Before party:

America Online (AOL):

In its third year as a Night Before sponsor, AOL has developed a unique game for partygoers, as well as a special donation to the MPTF. Upon entering the party, all guests received a unique USB key to bring to the AOL booth, where they inserted the key to reveal if they had won. Those with the lucky keys won a one-of-a-kind, artist designed, customized laptop showcasing the wide ranging content that can be found on AOL. In addition to the evening's festivities, AOL is donating an advanced learning lab and technology to the MPTF main campus, so that MPTF residents can have easy access to all the Internet has to offer.

Ron Grant, President and COO of AOL said, "AOL is proud to participate in this wonderful event and to support the MPTF's efforts to improve the lives of the entertainment community. And we are especially pleased that this year we are donating an advanced learning lab to the MPTF campus, which will provide this community with the tools they need to get online and take advantage of all the Internet has to offer."

CenterStaging Musical Productions:

In its first year sponsoring the Night Before benefit, CenterStaging featured an interactive dance floor environment complete with celebrity DJ's and video screens that showcased the CenterStaging studio facilities, including high-definition artist performances that can also be found on rehearsals.com. Throughout the evening, randomly selected winners took home one of seven guitars from Fender and Taylor.

Paul "Schmidi" Schmidman, President and COO of CenterStaging said, "The Motion Picture & Television Fund supports a great cause and CenterStaging is proud, honored and humbled to be a part of the Night Before party-where fundraising and fun are the goals of the night-and to be an ongoing supporter of the MPTF."

Hewlett-Packard (HP):

HP hasn't missed a Night Before benefit and this year is no exception. Bringing back a favorite from last year's event, HP invited partygoers to get animated at their cabana, where professional animators created color caricatures of guests on tablet PCs. The portraits materialized on screens suspended on the wall of the booth, and each "model" received a printout of his or her sketch. A number of lucky guests went away with more than a picture, as winners randomly chosen throughout the evening received prizes ranging from notebook PCs to a high-definition television.

"HP is delighted to be part of this worthwhile event and to provide a showcase of our latest consumer technology aimed at celebrating the art of entertainment," said Doug Cole, Director of HP Entertainment Marketing.

Lexus:

As part of the Night Before sponsorship, Lexus created a natural environment for its poolside cabana. Featuring natural materials and organic refreshments, the cabana highlights the luxurious line of Lexus hybrid vehicles, including the LS 600h flagship sedan, RX 400h luxury utility vehicle, and GS 450h performance sedan. Night Before guests learned more about the Lexus Hybrid Living partnerships and vehicles through interactive "Reatrix" technology, and all guests received an in-vehicle sweet dreams tea drop, which includes organic tea and cookies.

"We have an ongoing relationship with the Motion Picture & Television Fund and the Night Before event allows us to mingle with other supporters and demonstrate a passion we share with many people involved in the Oscars(R)- hybrid living. By creating a natural cabana with information on the Lexus Hybrid Living partnerships and Lexus hybrid vehicles, we are able to showcase the wonderful products that are available that take less from the world, but are still luxurious, comfortable and stylish," said Lexus Vice President of Marketing Deborah Meyer.

L'Oreal Paris:

It was another beautiful night thanks to L'Oreal Paris, returning for its second year as a sponsor. Guests at the cabana selected their perfect shades of Bare Naturale Mineral Makeup and Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Blush from the best-selling brand. L'Oreal Paris also made sure that each guest knew they were "worth it" with t-shirts emblazoned with its signature phrase, "Because I'm Worth It."

"We are thrilled to be returning as a sponsor of the Night Before party," said Carol Hamilton, President, L'Oreal Paris. "L'Oreal Paris has been fortunate enough to work with some of the best talent in both film and television, like Penelope Cruz, Diane Keaton, Scarlett Johansson, Eva Longoria and Heather Locklear, and we're happy we can give back through our support of the MPTF."

McDonald's(R):

Guests were "lovin' it" at the McDonald's booth, where they tasted an upcoming addition to the menu: the Southwest Salad. Partygoers also delighted in mini-versions of McDonald's classic favorites, including the Big Mac(R), World Famous Fries(R) and a specially created double chocolate malt shake shot. The Night Before guests were also treated to gifts from the Golden Arches(R), which included items from McDonald's retail line-a fashion McDonald's logo t-shirt that is available in nearby Los Angeles boutiques and a collectible vintage bobblehead featuring the beloved character the Hamburglar(R). McDonald's also invited guests to enjoy any menu favorite at their local restaurants by providing them with an "Arch Card" (McDonald's gift cards).

"McDonald's' support of the Motion Picture & Television Fund reflects our longtime commitment of giving back to the community," said McDonald's CEO, Jim Skinner. "We're honored to be celebrating with our great friend Jeffrey Katzenberg and the entire entertainment industry. We were also pleased to receive rave reviews from our guests on our upcoming menu star, the Southwest Salad, coming to restaurants this spring," Skinner noted, adding that guests were also enthused by the mini-versions of their McDonald's favorites, prepared by McDonald's Culinary Innovation Team, led by Chef Dan Coudreaut.

Target:

Returning sponsor Target showcased famed accessories designer Rafe Totengoco at its cabana. Guests were invited to create a custom gift from a selection of travel bags and coordinating accessories designed exclusively for this event by Rafe. The Rafe for Target collection is available exclusively at Target stores and Target.com through July and includes a variety of fashionable handbags that showcase uptown sophistication with a downtown edge.

"Target is committed to supporting organizations that promote the arts and filmmaking," said John Remington, Vice President, Communications, Target. "We are excited to continue our sponsorship of the Night Before and to offer guests the opportunity to create their own unique gift from Rafe."

Variety:

Celebrity chef Mr. Chow spiced up the evening at the cabana of perennial Night Before presenting sponsor Variety. Guests lined up to sample a variety of his delectable dishes, created on the spot.

Charlie Koones, President and Publisher of Variety said, "Everyone at Variety is proud and honored to once again lend our support to the Night Before benefit. It is a wonderful evening with friends and colleagues who share the common goal of giving something back to our industry through the remarkable work of the MPTF."

The non-profit Motion Picture & Television Fund, headquartered in Woodland Hills, CA, was founded in 1921 to provide "relief" for those in the film industry who had fallen on hard times. Today, 86 years later, MPTF is a major service provider supporting the health and well-being of the entertainment community. Health care, childcare, retirement living, and social/charitable services are offered with compassion and respect for the dignity of the whole person. Visit us at www.mptvfund.org.

Source: Motion Picture & Television Fund

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

 

Feb 24

The Diamond Information Center Hosted 2007 Oscar Nominees, Presenters and Other Celebrity Diamond Admirers at CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007

Oscar Contenders Jackie Earle Haley, Jennifer Hudson, Keith Robinson, Milena Canonero, Noreen Dewulf, as well as Other Celebrities, Including Andie MacDowell, Annette Bening, Britney Snow, Cheryl Hines, Elizabeth Banks, Eva Pigford, Gael Garcia Bernal, Kate Walsh, Marcia Gay Harden, Mira Sorvino, Regina King, Roman Coppola, Russell Simmons, Serena Williams, Taryn Manning, Taye Diggs, Warren Beatty and Others Visited The Diamond Information Center's Africa-inspired Spa and Retreat at Soho House LA

The Diamond Information Center (DIC) hosted its annual pre-Oscar event, CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007, an exclusive invitation-only week-long celebration for 2007 Oscar nominees, presenters, diamond admirers and honorees at its world-class Africa-inspired diamond spa and retreat at Soho House LA on February 19 - 22.

"The week leading up to the Academy Awards has certainly proved to be another amazing and celebratory diamond season," said Sally Morrison, director of the Diamond Information Center. "The CELESTIAL -- A Diamond Affair not only gave 2007 Oscar nominees a unique opportunity to indulge in the spiritual aura of diamonds, but dedicated the week to highlight diamond pieces that are also giving something back to the people and communities where the majority of diamonds originate -- Africa."

Featured exclusively at the DIC's CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007:

More than $50 million of diamonds drew Hollywood's elite to the DIC's CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007 courtesy of renowned diamond jeweler, Fred Leighton who showcased an amazing, never-before-seen private diamond collection. This selection of museum-quality diamonds featured exquisite pieces ranging from a French Crown Jewel to many original pieces showcased in this year's Oscar nominated films, such as the pink diamond hoops worn by Meryl Streep in "The Devil Wears Prada", to several diamond pieces featured in "Marie Antoinette."

Napa Valley's The Carneros Inn treated celebrity guests such as Gael Garcia Bernal, Jackie Earle Haley, Andie MacDowell, and others to relax and indulge in the spiritual aura of diamonds via two new spa treatments created uniquely for this four-day Diamond Affair. Designed to restore clarity, relaxation and an overall sense of renewal, The African Rough Diamond Mineral Ritual and Massage and Warm Kimberlite Stone Hand and Foot treatments reflected the healing traditions of South Africa. In addition, Dr. Elliot Ndlovu, a spiritual (sangoma) and medicinal healer (inyanga) was on hand from South Africa's Fordoun Spa to guide Oscar nominees and presenters through an enlightening traditional African ceremony involving a spiritual reading.

Celebrities who indulged at The Diamond Information Center's CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007 include: (The Diamond Information Center has purchased the rights to all celebrity and atmosphere CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007 photos; these photos may be used for editorial purposes. *2007 Oscar Nominees.)

-- Amy Smart -- Diamond Showcase, African Rough Diamond Mineral Ritual and Massage and Warm Kimberlite Stone Hand and Foot Treatment -- Andie MacDowell -- Diamond Showcase, Warm Kimberlite Stone Hand and Foot Treatment and Hair Styling by Byron -- Britney Snow -- Diamond Showcase, African Rough Diamond Mineral Ritual and Massage -- Cheryl Hines -- Diamond Showcase, Warm Kimberlite Stone Hand and Foot Treatment -- China Chow -- Diamond Showcase, Warm Kimberlite Stone Hand and Foot Treatment and Hair Styling by Byron -- Courtney Love =- Diamond Showcase -- Elizabeth Banks -- Diamond Showcase, African Rough Diamond Mineral Ritual and Massage and Spiritual Enlightenment with Traditional African Healer Dr. Elliot Ndlovu -- Elizabeth Reaser -- Diamond Showcase, African Rough Diamond Mineral Ritual and Massage, and Warm Kimberlite Stone Hand and Foot Treatment -- Eva Pigford -- Diamond Showcase -- Gael Garcia Bernal -- Diamond Showcase, Hair Styling by Byron -- Haley Bennett -- Diamond Showcase, African Rough Diamond Mineral Ritual and Massage, Warm Kimberlite Stone Hand and Foot Treatment -- *Jackie Earle Haley -- Diamond Showcase, African Rough Diamond Mineral Ritual and Massage and Spiritual Enlightenment with Traditional African Healer Dr. Elliot Ndlovu -- *Jennifer Hudson -- Diamond Showcase -- Kate Flannery -- Diamond Showcase, African Rough Diamond Mineral Ritual and Massage -- Kate Walsh -- Diamond Showcase -- *Keith Robinson -- Diamond Showcase -- Marcia Gay Harden -- Diamond Showcase, Warm Kimberlite Stone Hand and Foot Treatment -- Mira Sorvino -- Diamond Information Center CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007 Hostess, and Spiritual Enlightenment with Traditional African Healer Dr. Elliot Ndlovu -- *Noreen Dewulf -- Diamond Showcase, African Rough Diamond Mineral Ritual and Massage and Make up by Dior Beauty -- Regina King -- Diamond Showcase, Warm Kimberlite Stone Hand and Foot Treatment and Make up by Dior Beauty -- Russell Simmons -- Diamond Showcase -- Serena Williams -- Diamond Showcase -- Taye Diggs -- Diamond Showcase Honorary Diamond Tributes and other events: -- Diamond Information Center's CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007 Kick-off Event featured the Oscar-winning Actress Mira Sorvino who served as the official Diamond Hostess. The celebration kick-off highlighted the DIC's Africa-inspired diamond spa and retreat, the amazing private diamond collection provided by Fred Leighton, and the special gift that's giving something back throughout the week to guests attending the DIC's CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair. The gift is the Isibindi Diamond Medallion from Mia & Kompany where partial proceeds directly benefit Isibindi, a community-based child and youth care project in South Africa whose parents have died or are dying of AIDS. -- Diamond Tribute Lunch for Fred Leighton and Friends, which honored its guest of honor, 2007 Oscar nominee, Milena Canonero and the new owner of Fred Leighton, Ralph Esmerian. Guests included Mira Sorvino and other Los Angeles socialites. -- Diamond Tribute Dinner for 2007 Oscar Nominee, Milena Canonero nominated for "best costume design for "Marie Antoinette" invited Hollywood Royalty to a private affair at The Diamond Information Center's CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007. Guests included the likes of Annette Bening, Jacqui Getty, Roman Coppola, Warren Beatty, and others. -- Diamond Tribute Tea for Russell Simmons where they announced the first creation from its new Green Initiative collection of conscious jewelry launched by The Simmons Jewelry Company. The Green Bracelet, the first Green Initiative piece is made from native African materials -- genuine green malachite beads and a rough African diamond. 25 percent of the net profits go back into Africa to support educational programs where diamonds are a natural resource. Guests included the likes of Eva Pigford to Serena Williams. Special thanks to DIC exclusive partners, include: -- Byron Salon -- Hair styling to celebrity guests. -- Carneros Inn -- Unique Africa-inspired diamond spa treatments based on recent travels through South Africa. -- Dior Beauty -- Make up for celebrity guests. -- Fordoun Spa -- Spiritual enlightenment via a Traditional African Healer who traveled all the way from South Africa for this four-day event -- General Motors -- Car service to the DIC's CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007 at the Soho House LA. -- Joan's On Third -- Special Diamond Tribute event catering. -- Mel & Rose -- Wine and champagne.

Source: Diamond Information Center

Unaided Advertising Recall Significantly Higher With Mix of Radio and Internet

According to research from the Radio Ad Effectiveness Lab (RAEL) released at the Radio Advertising Bureau's (RAB) Management & Leadership Conference, recall of advertising is dramatically enhanced when a mix of Radio and Internet ads is used together compared to website ads alone.

The report demonstrated that unaided recall was four-and-a-half times higher, and aided recall was more than twice as high with consumer exposure to one radio and one Internet ad compared to two Internet ads alone. Furthermore, the report states that a mix of radio and Internet exposures revealed a clear potential to elevate other kinds of consumer impact, ranging from website visitation to emotional bonds.

The study first examined existing data about radio and Internet advertising to determine how the two media are likely to intersect. Several key points on how Radio and the Internet might work well together in a media mix emerged:

• Both radio and the Internet reach light users of other media

• Radio and the Internet connect with consumers differently and in potentially complementary ways

• Radio can drive traffic to websites

• Radio and the Internet have unique reach patterns, and that can make them work powerfully in combination. On a daily basis, Radio and the Internet together reach 83 percent of the 18-54-year-old population

• Consumers often use Radio and the Internet simultaneously, with up to a third of Internet usage being accompanied by Radio listening during some times of the day

Michael Orgera, Vice President, Director of Research, Universal McCann, said "... With so many media choices and so many ad messages... understanding how radio and the Internet together can significantly boost advertising attention levels is a tremendous advantage when creating a multi-platform campaign."

And Rex Conklin, Media Director, Wal-Mart, and member of the RAEL Research Committee, noted,  it's been gratifying to see advertisers and agency representatives work closely and candidly with broadcasters to establish clear direction for research studies..."

Feb 23

Kodak Theatre Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

Feb. 23, 2007 This year's Academy Awards(R) ceremony will mark the five-year anniversary of Kodak Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center. The 79th Oscars(R) telecast is one of the highlights of the Theatre's year-long anniversary celebration.

Eastman Kodak Company is part of the Oscar(R) activities. At the start of the Oscars(R) show on Sunday, Feb. 25, hundreds of fans in the bleachers along the red carpet will use Kodak single-use cameras to photograph Hollywood's hottest entertainers as they meet the media and enter Kodak Theatre. Hundreds of millions of people worldwide will see the Academy Awards(R) telecast live from the Kodak Theatre.

For the past five years, the 3,400-seat Kodak Theatre has also become the home of other award shows, TV specials, touring Broadway productions, performances and concerts. Top artists including Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, Tyler Perry, Stevie Wonder and the American Ballet Theatre have graced its stage. In addition to the Academy Awards, this year Kodak Theatre will welcome back high-profile spectacles, including the American Idol finals, Miss USA(R) Pageant, ESPY Awards, GLAAD Media Awards, Daytime Emmy(R) Awards and the AFI Life Achievement Awards.

Kodak Theatre is also the physical embodiment of Kodak's longstanding relationship with Hollywood and the motion picture industry. This relationship began 105 years ago when George Eastman developed the long-roll coating machine that made long lengths of motion picture film possible, and continues today. Since the inception of the Academy Awards(R), every Best Picture Oscar(R) winner has been produced on KODAK film, and this year, once again, all five feature films nominated for Best Picture were produced on KODAK color negative film. Kodak itself has been awarded eight Oscars(R) for contributions to the art of motion pictures and for scientific and technical achievements.

"Kodak invented the film technology that made the motion picture industry possible," says five-time Oscar nominee Allen Daviau, ASC, this year's recipient of the coveted American Society of Cinematographers Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary and enduring contributions to the art of filmmaking. "You can trace the roots of the industry back to 1889, when Kodak provided film that Thomas Edison needed for his experimental motion picture camera. Kodak developed a close collaboration with the artists who pioneered the evolution of the art form, and has subsequently been in the forefront of virtually every important film breakthrough and techniques combining film with digital technology."

Guided tours at Kodak Theatre are offered seven days a week, with rare production and performance schedule exceptions, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, departing every 30 minutes. The walking tour offers visitors architectural highlights of the world-renowned venue, as well as a glimpse of the ultra glamorous side of Kodak Theatre that can be seen on Hollywood's biggest night - the Oscars(R).

About KODAK

Kodak is the world's foremost imaging innovator. With sales of $13.3 billion in 2006, the company is committed to a digitally oriented growth strategy focused on helping people better use meaningful images and information in their life and work. Consumers use Kodak's system of digital and traditional products and services to take, print and share their pictures anytime, anywhere; Businesses effectively communicate with customers worldwide using Kodak solutions for prepress, conventional and digital printing and document imaging; Creative Professionals rely on Kodak technology to uniquely tell their story through moving or still images; and leading Healthcare organizations rely on Kodak's innovative products, services and customized workflow solutions to help improve patient care and maximize efficiency and information sharing within and across their enterprise.

More information about Kodak (NYSE:EK) is available at http://www.kodak.com.

About Kodak Theatre

Kodak Theatre is the crown jewel of the Hollywood & Highland Center located in the heart of historic Hollywood. The 3,400 seat theatre opened in November 2001 and soon thereafter became known to more than one billion people across the globe as the home of the Academy Awards.

Hollywood & Highland Center is owned by CIM Group, an integrated, full service real estate investment firm. Kodak Theatre is operated by TheatreDreams. TheatreDreams and its affiliated companies, which also own and operate The Legendary Chicago Theatre, are led by Tony Award(R)-winning principals Lawrence J. Wilker, Jill Wilker, Joan A. Alper, William W. Becker and Michael Alper. Formed in 2001, TheatreDreams has co-produced three hit Broadway productions: Urinetown: The Musical, winner of three 2002 Tony Awards(R); Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods starring Vanessa Williams and winner of the 2002 Tony Award(R) for Best Musical Revival; and Neil Simon's The Dinner Party starring Henry Winkler and the late John Ritter. The company is actively developing original works and productions throughout the English-speaking entertainment world to nurture and produce the highest quality entertainment for both the United States and abroad.

 

For rating reasons, go to FILMRATINGS.COM, MPAA.ORG. Parents, please refer to PARENTALGUIDE.ORG.

 

 

Starz InBlack Presents 'The Making of Delirious' With Interviews From Golden Globe Winner and Academy Award(R) Nominee Eddie Murphy on Monday, Feb. 26 at 10:30 P.M. (ET/PT)

22-Minute Special Also Features Exclusive Interviews With Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence and Arsenio Hall

-- On the heels of Eddie Murphy's recent Golden Globe win and Academy Award(R) nomination for "Best Supporting Actor" for his role in Dreamgirls, Starz InBlack presents "The Making of Delirious" an exclusive 22-minute special from his critically acclaimed, raw and raunchy concert film Eddie Murphy Delirious filmed live at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. in 1983. Byron Allen hosts the special, which airs on Starz InBlack Monday, Feb. 26 at 10:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

The special features an in-depth discussion between Allen and Murphy and clips from the live stand-up act, as well as exclusive interviews with comedians Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Sinbad, Arsenio Hall and others, talking about the influence Murphy has had on their careers.

"[Eddie Murphy Delirious] was another period in comedy history where somebody rattled the cage and shook it up," said Arsenio Hall. "Eddie built this road and created this blueprint that a lot of people began to follow. It created just this rejuvenation of comedy."

"Eddie Murphy has never been hotter making this an especially fun and significant time to take a look back at his earlier work," said Jonathan Shair, vice president of scheduling and original programming for Starz Entertainment. "He's helped shape the careers of some of today's top comics and this exclusive special gives viewers a look at the considerable impact he's made over the years."

"The Making of Delirious" will also air on Starz Edge March 6 at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT) and on Starz Comedy March 8 at 9:40 p.m. (ET/PT).

Eddie Murphy Delirious was released on DVD for the first time earlier this month. Eddie Murphy Delirious is issued by Entertainment Studios Home Entertainment and Starz Home Entertainment.

Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie service provider operating in the United States. It offers 16 movie channels including the flagship Starz(R) and Encore(R) brands with approximately 14.9 million and 26.6 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment airs more than 1,000 movies per month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced services including Starz HD, Starz On Demand and Vongo(SM). Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation that is attributed to Liberty Capital Group.

Source: Starz Entertainment, LLC

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

'Heavenly Voices,' a New PBS Concert Special Starring Ryland Angel, Giorgia Fumanti, Sasha & Shawna With The Tim Janis Ensemble

TV Special Will Air March 2007 (Stations and Air Dates Below)

Concert Broadcast to Coincide With Manhattan Records Debut Albums by All Three Artists

Songs you know, Music you love, Voices that lift the spirit

PBS is hosting a Musical Soiree at your place and everybody has a front row seat! On March 1, 2007 PBS stations nationwide will begin airing Heavenly Voices, a new HD-TV live concert event filmed on November 7, 2006 at the historic Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center in Miami, Florida.

From Manhattan Records, the record company behind the Irish phenomenon "Celtic Woman" and the producers of "Tim Janis: Beautiful America", Heavenly Voices is a winning combination of breathtaking visual effects paired with a spectacular live concert performance of some of the most beloved songs of all time.

Heavenly Voices spotlights the soaring vocal artistry of Ryland Angel, Giorgia Fumanti, and Sasha & Shawna in a remarkable recital of intimate songs -- "Amazing Grace," "Ave Maria," "When I Fall in Love," "The Way We Were" and Sting's "Fields of Gold" are just five gems -- accompanied by the Tim Janis Ensemble. The impact of the live show is heightened by sumptuous film production and striking visuals framing each performance, filmed in locales native to each artist, from the hills of Tuscany to the valleys of Wales and Autumn in New England. Following its PBS premiere, Heavenly Voices will be released as a live DVD on Manhattan Records on March 6, 2007

Ryland Angel, Giorgia Fumanti, and Sasha & Shawna's debut recordings on Manhattan Records will be released March 6, 2007 in tandem with the PBS broadcast.

With the release of his self-titled Manhattan Records debut Ryland Angel will be recognized as the leading countertenor of his generation, and one of the greatest ever. As a singer/songwriter, Ryland Angel is as conversant with the music of the Renaissance and Baroque eras as he is with the songs of James Taylor and James Blunt. His sound encompasses polyphonic harmonies set against acoustic and electronic flourishes and, above all, Ryland's extraordinary vocals. His countertenor possesses a purity that springs directly from ancient musical traditions.

The hallmarks of Giorgia Fumanti's voice are simplicity, strength and grace. Audiences across Europe, Asia and North America have been won over by the Italian-born soprano's live concert performances. Her upcoming album on Manhattan Records, From My Heart, was produced by Craig Leon, and recorded at London's Abbey Road Studios as well as Wisseloord Studios in Holland. From My Heart will surely vault Giorgia to global prominence.

Sasha Lazard and Shawna Stone share a passion for traditional opera. Sasha, a New Yorker, studied literature and voice at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music; Shawna, a Californian, studied voice at the University of Southern California on a full vocal scholarship. Fast forward to Siren, Sasha & Shawna's debut album for Manhattan Records. Produced by Grammy Award- winning producer Peter Asher, the twelve-song collection is the work of two singers with no vocal limits who have found a fresh, original approach to interpreting popular songs ranging from Radiohead's "Fade Out" and James Taylor's "Close Your Eyes" to "Dust in the Wind" and Secret Garden's "Sleep Song."

"HEAVENLY VOICES" PBS BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Station Date Day Time Market

WLVT 3/3/2007 Sat 7:30 PM Philadelphia PA

KNME 3/3/2007 Sat 6:00 PM Albuquerque Santa Fe NM

KERA 3/4/2007 Sun 5:30 PM Dallas Fort Worth TX

WENH 3/4/2007 Sun 7:30 PM Boston MA

WTVS 3/4/2007 Sun 8:00 PM Detroit MI

WUSF 3/4/2007 Sun 5:00 PM Tampa St. Petersburg Sarasota FL

KAWB 3/4/2007 Sun 7:30 PM Minneapolis St. Paul MN

WFYI 3/4/2007 Sun 6:00 PM Indianapolis IN

WXXI 3/4/2007 Sun 5:30 PM Rochester NY

WLED 3/4/2007 Sun 7:30 PM Burlington VT Plattsburgh NY

KAMU 3/4/2007 Sun 8:30 PM Waco Temple Bryan TX

WQPT 3/4/2007 Sun 11:00 PM Davenport IA Rock Island Moline IL

KRWG 3/4/2007 Sun 9:30 AM El Paso TX

KEDT 3/4/2007 Sun 9:30 PM Corpus Christi TX

KAWB 3/5/2007 Mon 2:00 AM Minneapolis St. Paul MN

WQED 3/5/2007 Mon 8:00 PM Pittsburgh PA

WFYI 3/5/2007 Mon 12:30 AM Indianapolis IN

KLVX 3/5/2007 Mon 8:00 PM Las Vegas NV

NJN 3/5/2007 Mon 8:00 PM Statewide - NJ

KQED 3/6/2007 Tue 7:30 PM San Francisco Oakland San Jose CA

KUHT 3/6/2007 Tue 9:00 PM Houston TX

KPBS 3/6/2007 Tue 8:00 PM San Diego CA

WGBY 3/6/2007 Tue 9:00 PM Springfield, MA

KACV 3/6/2007 Tue 7:00 PM Amarillo TX

WDSE 3/6/2007 Tue 9:00 PM Duluth MN Superior WI

WQLN 3/6/2007 Tue 8:00 PM Erie PA

WEDU 3/7/2007 Wed 8:00 PM Tampa St. Petersburg Sarasota FL

KOPB 3/7/2007 Wed 8:00 PM Portland OR

LPB 3/7/2007 Wed 7:00 PM Statewide - LA

WBRA 3/7/2007 Wed 10:00 PM Roanoke Lynchburg VA

KLTS 3/7/2007 Wed 7:00 PM Shreveport LA

WMSY 3/7/2007 Wed 10:00 PM Tri Cities Bristol VA Kingsport

Johnson City TN

WSBN 3/7/2007 Wed 10:00 PM Tri Cities Bristol VA Kingsport

Johnson City TN

KSMN 3/7/2007 Wed 1:30 AM Sioux Falls (Mitchell) SD

KLPB 3/7/2007 Wed 7:00 PM Lafayette LA

KLTM 3/7/2007 Wed 7:00 PM Monroe LA El Dorado AR

KMOS 3/7/2007 Wed 8:30 PM Columbia Jefferson City MO

KLTL 3/7/2007 Wed 7:00 PM Lake Charles LA

KLPA 3/7/2007 Wed 7:00 PM Alexandria LA

WEDH 3/8/2007 Thu 8:00 PM Hartford & New Haven CT

KCPT 3/8/2007 Thu 7:00 PM Kansas City MO

AETN 3/8/2007 Thu 7:00 PM Statewide - AR

WNIT 3/8/2007 Thu 3:00 PM South Bend Elkhart IN

KAWB 3/9/2007 Fri 12:00 AM Minneapolis St. Paul MN

WOUB 3/9/2007 Fri 9:30 PM Charleston Huntington WV

WOUC 3/9/2007 Fri 9:30 PM Wheeling WV Steubenville OH

WTTW 3/10/2007 Sat 7:00 PM Chicago IL

WCVE 3/10/2007 Sat 9:30 PM Richmond Petersburg VA

WOUB 3/10/2007 Sat 2:30 AM Charleston Huntington WV

WOUB 3/10/2007 Sat 11:00 AM Charleston Huntington WV

KACV 3/10/2007 Sat 3:00 PM Amarillo TX

WOUC 3/10/2007 Sat 2:30 AM Wheeling WV Steubenville OH

WOUC 3/10/2007 Sat 11:00 AM Wheeling WV Steubenville OH

WNPI 3/10/2007 Sat 5:30 PM Watertown NY

WPBS 3/10/2007 Sat 5:30 PM Watertown NY

WHTJ 3/10/2007 Sat 9:30 PM Charlottesville VA

WENH 3/11/2007 Sun 2:00 PM Boston MA

KAET 3/11/2007 Sun 5:30 PM Phoenix AZ

WVIZ 3/11/2007 Sun 9:00 PM Cleveland OH

WUNC 3/11/2007 Sun 6:00 PM Raleigh Durham NC

WLED 3/11/2007 Sun 2:00 PM Burlington VT Plattsburgh NY

WTVP 3/11/2007 Sun 3:30 PM Peoria Bloomington IL

WPBT 3/12/2007 Mon 7:30 PM Miami, FL

WTVI 3/12/2007 Mon 8:00 PM Charlotte NC

WCET 3/12/2007 Mon 9:30 PM Cincinnati OH

RIPBS 3/12/2007 Mon 7:30 PM Statewide - RI

WCNY 3/12/2007 Mon 9:01 PM Syracuse NY

WLIW 3/13/2007 Tue 8:00 PM New York NY

WETA 3/13/2007 Tue 8:00 PM Washington DC

TPT 3/13/2007 Tue 8:00 PM Minneapolis St. Paul MN

WPBT 3/13/2007 Tue 7:30 PM Miami, FL

WHYY 3/14/2007 Wed 8:00 PM Philadelphia PA

KCTS 3/14/2007 Wed 7:00 PM Seattle Tacoma WA

WPBT 3/14/2007 Wed 7:30 PM Miami, FL

KOCE 3/16/2007 Fri 8:00 PM Los Angeles, CA

KRMA 3/17/2007 Sat 1:30 PM Denver CO

KVIE7 3/17/2007 Sat 3:00 PM Sacramento Stockton Modesto CA

WOUB 3/17/2007 Sat 8:30 PM Charleston Huntington WV

KTSC 3/17/2007 Sat 1:30 PM Colorado Springs Pueblo CO

WOUC 3/17/2007 Sat 8:30 PM Wheeling WV Steubenville OH

KRMJ 3/17/2007 Sat 1:30 PM Grand Junction Montrose CO

WJCT 3/18/2007 Sun 7:30 PM Jacksonville FL Brunswick GA

WCVE 3/18/2007 Sun 4:30 AM Richmond Petersburg VA

KDCK 3/18/2007 Sun 2:00 PM Wichita Hutchinson Plus KS

KOOD 3/18/2007 Sun 2:00 PM Wichita Hutchinson Plus KS

KSWK 3/18/2007 Sun 2:00 PM Wichita Hutchinson Plus KS

WQLN 3/18/2007 Sun 3:30 PM Erie PA

WHTJ 3/18/2007 Sun 4:30 AM Charlottesville VA

WOUB 3/21/2007 Wed 8:00 PM Charleston Huntington WV

WOUC 3/21/2007 Wed 8:00 PM Wheeling WV Steubenville OH

WOUB 3/22/2007 Thu 1:00 AM Charleston Huntington WV

WOUC 3/22/2007 Thu 1:00 AM Wheeling WV Steubenville OH

Source: Manhattan Records

HBO, Bright House Networks and Alabama Voices for Recovery Present the Alabama Premiere of the HBO Documentary "Addiction" at Alys Stephens Center on Tuesday, February 27

WHAT: ADDICTION, the centerpiece feature documentary of HBO's

groundbreaking, multi-platform campaign, brings together the

nation's leading experts on drug and alcohol addiction with a

collection of award-winning filmmakers to shed light on

addiction, its causes and the latest and most promising

developments in treatments. Focusing on case studies and new

medical treatments that can radically improve people's lives,

the 90-minute film will premiere in Birmingham on the evening

of Feb. 27 for invited guests at a special event hosted by

HBO and Bright House Networks in partnership with Alabama

Voices For Recovery. Consisting of nine segments, the film

presents an encouraging look at addiction as a treatable

brain disease and spotlights the major medical advances in

treatment. From emergency rooms to living rooms and research

laboratories, the documentary follows the trail of an illness

that afflicts many. HBO's ADDICTION project was developed in

partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the National

Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

WHERE: Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center (UAB Campus)

1200 10th Avenue South

Birmingham, AL

WHEN: Tuesday, February 27, 2007

6:00 p.m. Reception in Downstairs Lobby

7:00 p.m. Opening remarks and screening in Jemison Concert

Hall

8:45 p.m. Addiction experts will be available to answer

questions

WHY: * One in ten Americans over age 12 is classified with substance

dependence or drug abuse and one in four Americans has a

family member struggling with the disease.

* Over 80% of people with substance abuse or dependence

disorder started using before age 18.

* Currently, addiction affects 22.2 million Americans, yet

only 9% are receiving the treatment they need.

* Addiction costs the U.S. $246 billion a year with profound

impacts on productivity, absenteeism and family life.

SPEAKERS: - Dr. Carol Garrison, President, UAB

- Kent Hunt, Associate Commissioner, Substance Abuse, Alabama

Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation

- Bill Layfield, President, Alabama Voices for Recovery.

PRNewswire -- Feb. 23

Source: HBO

David Spade to Rip Hollywood a New One on Its Most Glamorous Night

COMEDY CENTRAL's(R) 'The Showbiz Show' Launches Live Oscar Blog On Sunday, February 25

To Get the Spade Blow-By-Blow Log-On to www.theshowbizshow.com

And the Oscar Blog goes to ... "The Showbiz Show!" The glitz and glamour of Hollywood is going to get a dose of reality on Sunday, February 25 as COMEDY CENTRAL's "The Showbiz Show with David Spade" goes live with its first-ever "The Showbiz Show" Oscar Blog. To get the immediate take on the red carpet, winners, losers, speeches and everything in between, log-on to www.theshowbizshow.com.

"We're live-blogging the Oscars -- hopefully this year's show won't run as long as last year's or 'Little Miss Sunshine' will reach puberty before Best Picture," said Spade.

The live Oscar blog on www.theshowbizshow.com will make everyone a part of "The Showbiz Show's" Oscar party. Users can log-on to read real-time commentary from Spade and "The Showbiz Show" writers while the Academy Awards unfold, as well as interact, comment and upload their own videos to the site by registering.

In addition to Spade's live Oscar Blog, www.theshowbizshow.com has compiled the ultimate Oscar Guide for its fans. It includes "The Showbiz Show's" picks for winners as well as humorous explanations of their picks. It will also feature commentary, news and opinion.

Spade and his crew will shine their klieg light on Hollywood's most glamorous night. They will answer the questions you always wanted to ask and express what you were thinking, such as: "For everyone out there wondering: yes, this is Kate Winslet's fifth nomination for an Academy Award. She has never won. We think this is finally the year that Winslet loses for the sixth time."

"The Showbiz Show with David Spade" is a half-hour, topical, comedy series about Hollywood, celebrity and the entertainment industry. "The Showbiz Show" calls it like it sees it, cutting through the industry hype with a host who knows all about the business from the inside and provides the tell-it-like-it- is voice of comedy that is desperately needed in today's celebrity-obsessed world.

"The Showbiz Show" highlights all of Hollywood's self-importance and hypocrisy by using actual footage, clips and on-location field pieces, along with celebrity guests and comic personalities who appear as critics and correspondents. The second season included appearances by Jessica Alba, Jack Black, Kristin Cavalleri, Sean Hayes, Jon Heder, Michele Rodriguez and Adam Sandler, among others.

The third season of "The Showbiz Show" premieres on March 15, 2007.

COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 90 million homes nationwide. COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of VIACOM Inc.'s (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks. COMEDY CENTRAL's Internet address is www.comedycentral.com. For up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs visit COMEDY CENTRAL's press-only Web site at www.comedycentral.com/press.

Source: COMEDY CENTRAL

Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/
http://www.theshowbizshow.com/
http://www.comedycentral.com/press

 

 

 

 

 

LIFE AND DEATH

A Clothing Line with a Unique Artistic Expression for Men and Women

Los Angeles, CA – Life & Death is a new fashion line of edgy yet wearable pieces, acting as a quintessential urban skin for the fashion conscious this season. A high-end fashion concept where life fuses with death and fashion meets art. Many of Hollywood ’s A-List celebrities will wear this special collection with powerful ‘life giving’ and artistic messages for their important charity events this season. It is indeed, a collection with clout in 2007 and is an important collection that embodies Los Angeles ’ lifestyle and fashion sensibilities as the entertainment capital of the world.

– is a new fashion line of edgy yet wearable pieces, acting as a quintessential urban skin for the fashion conscious this season. A high-end fashion concept where life fuses with death and fashion meets art. Many of Hollywood ’s A-List celebrities will wear this special collection with powerful ‘life giving’ and artistic messages for their important charity events this season. It is indeed, a collection with clout in 2007 and is an important collection that embodies Los Angeles ’ lifestyle and fashion sensibilities as the entertainment capital of the world.

Life & Death is the latest line to come from Antik Denim creators, Philipe Naouri and Alexandre Caugant. The renowned design duo have collaborated with artist Cynthia Tello, in order to create this original line. The collaborative collection flaunts an impressive assortment of fashionable lightweight knit separates, graphic tees, leggings, tops and dresses as well as beautiful graphic silk scarves. Cashmere , leather, and of course, the universal strength of designer American denim, will soon be added to the collection.

is the latest line to come from Antik Denim creators, Philipe Naouri and Alexandre Caugant. The renowned design duo have collaborated with artist Cynthia Tello, in order to create this original line. The collaborative collection flaunts an impressive assortment of fashionable lightweight knit separates, graphic tees, leggings, tops and dresses as well as beautiful graphic silk scarves. Cashmere , leather, and of course, the universal strength of designer American denim, will soon be added to the collection.

Life & Death designs revive the past and stylishly connect people in the present. Based on the belief that fashion is inspired by our surroundings and that fashion is the street, the designers have made their focus “the people”. The theme of our biology acting as the blueprint of our existence is the inspiration for Tello’s hand drawn art work, which provides a dark and dreamy aesthetic. Most importantly, Life & Death is extremely wearable and can be easily infused into anyone’s wardrobe.

designs revive the past and stylishly connect people in the present. Based on the belief that fashion is inspired by our surroundings and that fashion is the street, the designers have made their focus “the people”. The theme of our biology acting as the blueprint of our existence is the inspiration for Tello’s hand drawn art work, which provides a dark and dreamy aesthetic. Most importantly, is extremely wearable and can be easily infused into anyone’s wardrobe.

Many of the pieces are made from the finest fabrics, such as micro modal which is notorious for its luxurious and soft texture. Life & Death denim is fabulous not only for its cut, wash, and style, but also because the denim is completely seamless to any onlookers. This seamless quality ensures that Life & Death is a quintessential fashion label this season, revealing a transparency to celebrate life in one’s own skin.

As unique as the eclectic strands that make up our human DNA universally, Life & Death’s color palette for Spring 07 consists of dark and murky tones such as black, purple, blues, and greens that are infused with sharp metallics, bold yellows and vibrant pink shades. For their fashion launch in Los Angeles during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Life & Death’s runway models were styled in various layered looks and the eclectic range gives off an edgy rock and roll vibe. Highlights from the most recent show included Life & Death’s flowy tops and dresses which provided an ethereal touch to the runways this season.

Life & Death is considered to be quintessential urban skin for Los Angelinos this year. Hollywood ’s A-List celebrity set are requesting the collection to wear to their charity events and functions this year. An urban skin to wear by all this year, Life & Death is a unique collection as it is truly a sight of fashion where urban chic style fuses with art to ignite a life giving message to all who come in contact with the label. Life & Death is quintessential, fashion editorial content to cover this year. Chalk it! It is a collection that can be defined as organic looking ‘urban skin’ that is both comfortable and authentic to wear.

is considered to be quintessential urban skin for Los Angelinos this year. Hollywood ’s A-List celebrity set are requesting the collection to wear to their charity events and functions this year. An urban skin to wear by all this year, is a unique collection as it is truly a sight of fashion where urban chic style fuses with art to ignite a life giving message to all who come in contact with the label. Death is quintessential, fashion editorial content to cover this year. Chalk it! It is a collection that can be defined as organic looking ‘urban skin’ that is both comfortable and authentic to wear.

Life and Death is available at Neiman Marcus and Harvey Nichols. Samples and pics of Life & Death are available from Velvet PR.

is available at Neiman Marcus and Harvey Nichols. Samples and pics of are available from Velvet PR.

Feb 22

FANGORIA’S SHOCK-N-ROLL SPOOKTACULAR

SPONSORED BY COFFIN CASE

THIS WEEKEND IN GREATER CHICAGO, IL

HOLLYWOOD ( February 22, 2007 ) – This amazing show will occur at 9pm on Friday Evening in the Grand Ballroom at the Wyndham Chicago O'Hare. It is a general admission all-ages show. The SHOCK-N-ROLL SPOOKTACULAR is FREE to all Weekend of Horrors ticket holders. All others must purchase their tickets which are available at the door for the amazing low price of just $10. As an added bonus, if you purchase a $10 ticket for the SHOCK-N-ROLL SPOOKTACULAR and you keep your wristband, you can present it at registration on Saturday or Sunday for $10 off of a single day ticket to The Weekend Of Horrors. Now that is a FANTASTIC deal!

SHOCK-N-ROLL SPOOKTACULAR Performers: RALIS KAHN'S band DEAD BY DAY are the world's most ambitious horror band. Dark, somber melodies and pulverizing rhythms in addition to complex time changes are all embodiments of every memorable DEAD BY DAY composition. Today's state-of-the-art special makeup effects are utilized to create an ungodly and unforgettable carnival / horror show, certain to leave a lasting impression on anyone in attendance. DEAD BY DAY strives to create something entirely new and original, both morbidly beautiful and explicitly obscene- a twisted, surreal, and uncompromisingly honest reflection on our lives...

If it's impact you are looking for, FASHION BOMB is what you want to hit with. Fashion Bomb has drawn comparisons to Nine Inch Nails, Tool, and Marilyn Manson, yet stakes out their own territory among this peer group. Delivering an intense sensory assault, Fashion Bomb is the next logical step in the evolution of music and performance. Combining Chicago 's industrial and metal heritage with progressive and electronic elements, the music will ambush and convert you.

LIVING DEAD GIRLZ Based in San Francisco , these seven hot zombie girlz came from all walks of life before they were re-animated with a lust for skimpy outfits, booty shaking and - most importantly - LIVE BRAINS!

Based in San Francisco , these seven hot zombie girlz came from all walks of life before they were re-animated with a lust for skimpy outfits, booty shaking and - most importantly - LIVE BRAINS!

Also courtesy of:

DJ Brianne will be spinning Gothic, Ethereal, Industrial, Darkwave, Death Rock, Horror Punk and all things spooky!

MARTY FRIEDMAN RELEASES NEW ALBUM IN THE U.S.

“LOUDSPEAKER”

SHRAPNEL RECORD’S RELEASE ON MARCH 13TH, 2007

HOLLYWOOD ( February 22, 2007 ) - LOUDSPEAKER is an album that will change all preconceptions about solo guitar-shred albums. It is an emotionally fueled work of genius, mixed with brilliant guitar solo mastery that has become Marty Friedman’s signature.

LOUDSPEAKER features guest appearances by Steve Vai, John Petrucci (Dream Theater), Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, Steve Vai) and Jeremy Colson (Michael Schenker, Steve Vai). “For me it was a big experiment,” Friedman explains. “I wanted to get these guys to play the most aggressive way they could because as a fan I really wanted to hear them in a full metal context.”

LOUDSPEAKER is an aggressive, passionate and absorbing collection of shred and melody that exposes the beauty and the beast in Friedman’s personality. Friedman reveals his true diversity with the hypnotic opening strains of ‘Stigmata Addiction’ to a poignant rendering of ‘Coloreas Mi Vida.’ The album continually travels between moments of claustrophobic density ‘Black Orchid’ to the razor-sharp shred of 'Elixir.’

Marty Friedman began his career as a Shrapnel solo recording artist and later joined forces with guitar virtuoso Jason Becker to form seminal progressive metal pioneers, “Cacophony.” Amassing worldwide acclaim as a guitar virtuoso, he came to the attention of Megadeth who were looking for a guitarist and the rest is history. Racking up sales of over 10 million records with Megadeth, Friedman continued to record solo records for Shrapnel, often embarking on musical forays far removed from his work with Megadeth. With several world tours and Megadeth behind him, Friedman has also earned an international reputation for being one of the most tasteful guitarists to emerge from the Shrapnel shredding scene. As a clinician, he has made hundreds of appearances over the years that have enabled many of his fans to meet him, forging a bond that few musicians have achieved with their audience. “LOUDSPEAKER” is exactly the kind of record that Friedman fans have been waiting for. It is heavy, melodic and digs down deep to his roots, reminiscent in style of his best selling Shrapnel solo record “Dragon's Kiss.”

Now residing in Tokyo, Japan, Friedman has become a television celebrity appearing regularly on 5 major networks, and can be seen on TV almost every day in Japan . Friedman is also planning to tour in spring 07.   "I am planning a tour of Europe early this year,” Friedman explains. “It has been way too long since I have played there live aside from guitar clinics and special events."

LOUDSPEAKER will be released on March 13th, 2007 in the U.S.  For more information click to www.martyfriedman.com or www.shrapnelrecords,com

A-List & Aces: Hollywood's Hottest Celebrities and Poker's Finest to Face Off at the Fifth Annual WPT Invitational

The World Poker Tour(R) Will Host Invitation-Only Event at Commerce Casino in Los Angeles March 3-5

WPT Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:WPTE) will roll out the red carpet on March 3 for the most glamorous stop on the poker circuit--the 5th Annual World Poker Tour(R) (WPT) Invitational. Each year, the exclusive, invitation-only event welcomes famous Hollywood faces and world-class poker professionals who go head-to-head in a freeroll Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament for charity, cash prizes, and eternal bragging rights.

Held at the prestigious Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, the three-day event will kick off with red carpet arrivals and a cocktail party for over 400 attendees, WPT Champions and celebrity players, including James Woods, Don Cheadle, Camryn Manheim, Woody Harrelson, Jay Mohr, Jason Alexander, Hank Azaria, Mekhi Phifer, Andy Roddick, Pete Sampras, Cheryl Hines, Ron Livingston, Mila Kunis, Laura Prepon, Danny Masterson, Kerry Washington, Marlon Wayans, Rex Lin, Orel Hershiser, Judy Greer and many more. Also enhancing the event will be gifts, entertainment, fare, and more from sponsors Budweiser(R), Blue Diamond Almonds(TM), Helio(TM), and Yummy Cupcakes. Further elevating the A-list affair in its fifth anniversary season, the WPT also partnered last month with leading nonprofit arts and entertainment advocacy organization, The Creative Coalition (TCC), and will donate $10,000 to the fund.

"The Invitational is one of our favorite events--it's amazing to watch as the field of A-list celebrities and top pros come together to battle it out, then sit side-by-side in utter awe of each other," said Steve Lipscomb, founder and CEO of WPTE. "As this fifth anniversary season continues to mark major milestones for the WPT, we expect nothing less than the biggest and best WPT Invitational yet."

Offering celebrities a chance to brush up on their skills before the event, WPT hosts Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten will level the playing field with a "WPT Academy." The exclusive tutorials will be hosted February 22 at Premiere Magazine's "Haven"--a three-day pre-Oscars event in the Hollywood Hills complete with daytime spa treatments, luxury gifts, evening parties and more.

The last celebrity standing in the Invitational will receive a $10,000 donation to the charity of their choice and the final six players will go head-to-head March 5 on the WPT set taped for broadcast on the Travel Channel. The winner will receive $100,000, a $25,000 seat in the WPT World Championship, a WPT Champion title, and of course--bragging rights. The $225,000 prize pool is provided by Commerce Casino.

The WPT Invitational will air July 4, 2007, on the Travel Channel at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. World Poker Tour airs every Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT. For more information regarding the WPT Invitational, visit: http://www.thecreativecoalition.org/.

About WPTE

WPT Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:WPTE) is a company engaged in the creation of internationally branded entertainment and consumer products driven by the development, production, and marketing of televised programming based on gaming themes. WPTE is the creator of the World Poker Tour(R), a television show based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments that air on the Travel Channel in the United States and in more than 150 markets globally. With the WPT in its fifth season, WPTE has launched a second series on the Travel Channel, the Professional Poker Tour(TM), which focuses on the play of poker's leading stars. WPT also operates a real-money online gaming website, http://www.wptonline.com, which prohibits wagers from players in the U.S. and other restricted jurisdictions. WPTE currently licenses its brand to companies in the business of poker equipment and instruction, apparel, publishing, electronic and wireless entertainment, DVD/home entertainment, casino games, and giftware. The company is also engaged in the sale of corporate sponsorships. For show information, tools for improving poker play, and other WPT news, fans may log on to http://www.worldpokertour.com. WPTE is a majority owned subsidiary of Lakes Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: LACO). Photos and media information can be found online at: http://www.worldpokertour.com/media.

About The Creative Coalition (http://www.thecreativecoalition.org)

The Creative Coalition is the leading 501c(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating its members on issues of public importance, primarily the First Amendment, public education and arts advocacy. Headquartered in New York City, The Creative Coalition also has offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Creative Coalition does not endorse or raise funds for political parties or candidates.

About Commerce Casino

Commerce Casino is the largest poker casino in the world. There are more than 200 poker tables featuring just about every form of poker: Texas Hold 'Em, 7-Card Stud, Omaha, Lowball, Pot Limit, Mexican Poker, Pineapple, Draw, Low-Ball and many others. Also offered are Pan and California games. Commerce Casino is also recognized for its innovative "Bring Your Home Game to Commerce" program which enables poker fans to invite their friends and family for a casual home game, bachelor party or birthday celebration with a professional dealer in the casino setting. Commerce Casino is located at 6131 East Telegraph Rd., Commerce, CA 90040, just off the Santa Ana (5) Freeway at the Washington Blvd. exit. The phone is (323) 721-2100. For more information, go to http://www.commercecasino.com.

WPTEG

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press release (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by WPT Enterprises, Inc.) contains statements that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to the expansion of WPTE's brand licensing, the development of new television and film projects, the development of WPTE corporate sponsors and other business development activities, as well as statements regarding other capital spending, financing sources and the effects of competition. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of WPTE. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, WPTE's significant dependence on the Travel Channel as a source of revenue; difficulty of predicting the growth of our online casino business, which is a relatively new industry with an increasing number of market entrants; the increased time, cost and expense of developing and maintaining WPTE's own online gaming software; the potential that our television programming will fail to maintain a sufficient audience; the risk that competitors with greater financial resources or marketplace presence might develop television programming that would directly compete with WPTE's television programming; the risk that WPT may not be able to protect its entertainment concepts, current and future brands and other intellectual property rights; risks associated with future expansion into new or complementary businesses; the termination or impairment of WPTE's relationships with key licensing and strategic partners; and WPTE's dependence on its senior management team. For more information, review WPTE's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

RingTales Premieres Animated New Yorker Cartoons Podcast on
iTunes and Newyorker.com

Toon team brings new-media expertise to old-media content

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 22, 2007 -- RingTales today
announced the debut of a new iTunes podcast featuring
animated versions of the world-famous cartoons of The New
Yorker magazine. Subscribers to the free
advertiser-supported podcast will receive three new
animations of The New Yorker "RingTales" each week.

RingTales has the exclusive license to animate and
distribute The New Yorker's library of over 70,000 cartoons.
"In making the transition from page to screen, we're
building upon the already strong tradition of New Yorker
cartoons," said Robert Mankoff, New Yorker Cartoon Editor
and President of The Cartoon Bank. "It's been an absolute
pleasure to see our 20th century tradition come to life in
21st century technology. It's an opportunity to expand our
audience - and have fun in the process." The animations will
also be able to be seen on The New Yorker's web site,
Newyorker.com, in March.

Santa Monica-based RingTales L.L.C. is a new-media company
that creates animated versions of popular print cartoons for
syndication across the Internet, mobile, broadcast and
portable device markets. RingTales was founded by two
industry veterans, Jim Cox and Michael Fry, who last
collaborated on the hit DreamWorks animated feature "Over
The Hedge." "Our goal is to replicate and expand the print
comic experience across all digital platforms," says Cox.
"The animated New Yorker cartoons are just the start," adds
Fry. "We will soon be adding a number of the world's most
popular comic strips to our animation library, as well as
our own original content."

"We have created a unique content niche that appeals both to
the viewer and the advertiser," explains Fry. "The viewer,"
Cox adds, "gets the same free, habit-forming gift of humor
they now enjoy with print cartoons, and advertisers get
higher view rates than they would with normal video ads."
Fry says, "We're testing a number of ad formats.  We're
developing a high-impact video post-roll. In our experience,
viewers are happy because they get immediate access to the
content. Advertisers are happy because the content has a
great payoff. In fact, we're seeing people watch the clips
multiple times - it's an advertiser's dream come true."

Jim Cox is a long-time feature animation writer and
producer. His credits include co-executive producer on the
2006 DreamWorks feature animated hit "Over The Hedge,"
writer/producer on "Ferngully," story on Disney's "Beauty
and the Beast," and screenwriter on "The Rescuers Down
Under" and "Oliver & Company."

Michael Fry is a four-time internationally syndicated
cartoonist. He currently writes the comic strip "Over the
Hedge," which inspired the DreamWorks film that earned $335
million dollars in worldwide box office.

If you have iTunes installed you can subscribe to the
RingTales New Yorker podcast at
http://www.ringtales.com/podcast. The cartoons are
downloadable on any computer. An iPod is not required.

For those without iTunes, our RSS feed is
http://www.ringtales.com/nyrss.xml.

iHollywood Forum Announces Star-Studded Speakers for Sixth Annual Digital Media Summit, March 13-14, 2007

 Theme is Hollywood, Social Media and User-Generated Content

The sixth annual Digital Media Summit will be the first conference ever to focus on the impact of social media and user-generated content on Hollywood, iHollywood Forum announced today.

The conference, March 13-14 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, CA, will examine digital video, digital rights management, online music, entertainment marketing, television, media and even search through the eyes of the empowered consumer, who is transforming how Hollywood delivers entertainment.

The summit's message will be carried by panels and keynotes featuring top executives from Disney, Sony Pictures, NBC, Warner Bros., United Talent Agency, ICM, AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Tivo, Verisign, and dozens of other top companies. DMS will also feature leaders at leading social media companies such as Grouper, Revver, Friendster, Brightcove and VideoEgg.

"Consumers are no longer passive consumers of Hollywood content" said iHollywood Forum co-founder and CEO Michael Stroud. "They create their own content, pass it freely and generate their own buzz. This will be the first conference to focus on how social media and user-generated content are transforming entertainment."

Panels include:

-- Social Media and Hollywood: How Real?

-- The Emerging Internet Video Market

-- VOD's Changing Face

-- From Mobile Networks to Mobile Networking

-- The Future of the 30-Second Spot Presented by: Zango

-- The New Art of Buzz

-- Online Video Sharing and Hollywood

-- The War for TV Audience Mindshare

-- The End of the CD?

-- Confronting the Citizen Journalist

-- What Digital Rights?

-- Search, Users and Hollywood

-- A (User-Generated) Star is Born

-- Games and Community

-- Social Media Investment Opportunities

This year's show features four pre-conference workshops: an MCLE-certified workshop on digital rights management; Hollywood and social media; mobile content; and cross-platform video. The conference also launches a redesigned Demo and Venture Forum that will pick a "Best of Show" presenter in digital media, social networking or user-generated content. Presenters are companies with less than $25 million in revenue, and are picked by a panel of two venture capitalists, one major technology company and one studio executive.

Current keynotes are:

-- Brent Weinstein, United Talent Agency, Head of Digital Media

-- Paul Yanover, Disney Online, EVP & Managing Director

-- Albhy Galuten, Sony Corporation of America, VP, Digital Media Technology Strategy

-- George Kliavkoff, NBC Universal, Chief Digital Officer

Panel speakers and moderators include:

-- Alloy Media and Marketing, Samantha Skey, EVP, Strategic Marketing

-- AOL Video, Dr. Timothy Tuttle, VP

-- AT&T Operations, Amy Friedlander, SVP, Programming

-- Avvenu, Richard French, CEO

-- Azureus, Gilles BianRosa, CEO

-- Blinkx, Suranga Chandratillakem, CEO

-- Blip TV, Paula Montondo, President

-- Break.com , Keith Richman, CEO

-- Brightcove, Raghav Gupta, VP, Consumer Services & Partnerships

-- Buena Vista Pay Television, Rob Schonfeld, VP

-- Cinea, Jeffrey Segal, CTO

-- Delivery Agent, Mike Fitzsimmons, CEO

-- Exent Technologies, Yoav Tzurya, COO

-- Eyespot, Jim Kaskade, Co-Founder, President & CEO

-- Feedburner.com, Don Loeb, VP, Business Development

-- Forbes.com, Peter Kafka, Technology & Media Editor

-- FORA.tv, Brian Gruber, Founder & CEO

-- Fox Reality Channel, Edward Skolarus, VP, Business & Operations

-- Friendster, Aaron Barnes, VP, Business Development

-- G4 TV, Josh Krane, SVP, New Media & Interactive

-- Generate, Dave Rath, Partner

-- Gotuit Media, Mark Pascarella, President & CEO

-- Generate, Dave Rath, Partner

-- Grouper Networks, Josh Felser, President

-- Helio, Michael Grossi, VP, Business Development

-- Hollywood Reporter, Andrew Wallenstein, Digital Media, TV Features Editor

-- ICM, Michael Tenzer, SVP, Business Affairs

-- IGA Worldwide, Justin Townsend, CEO

-- Intercasting, Shawn Conahan, CEO

-- Intertrust, Shawn Ambwani, VP, Business Development

-- Kuma Reality Games, Keith Halper, CEO

-- Los Angeles Times, Jon Healey, Editorial Writer

-- Marketwatch.com, Bambi Francisco, Internet Editor

-- MSN Correspondent, Tina Marie Tyler, President & CEO

-- Metacafe, Erik Smith, Vice President, Content & Programming

-- Motionbox, Douglas Warshaw, CMO & Co-Founder

-- Movielink, Sean Basser, VP, Business Development

-- mPulse Media, Paul Smith, CEO

-- MTV Networks/GameTrailers, Shane Satterfield, Editor in Chief

-- NBC Universal, Matthew Evans, VP, Digital Media

-- NBC Universal-Sci Fi, Adam Stotsky, SVP, Marketing & Brand Strategy

-- NowPublic, Leonard Brody, CEO

-- OgilvyInteractive, Maria Mandel, Partner, Executive Director, Digital Innovation

-- Pixsy, Chase Norlin, CEO

-- QD3 Entertainment, Quincy Jones III, CCO & Founder

-- Sony Pictures Entertainment, Donald Wong, VP, Digital Media Initiative

-- SpotDJ, Scott Kleper, CTO

-- Tandberg Television, Braxton Jarratt, SVP, Marketing & Business Development

-- Texas Instruments, Ben Wagner, Director, Service Pro

 

Organic beer sales are growing and Anheuser-Busch enters market. Organic ales, lagers and pilsners are increasingly squeezing their way into retail coolers alongside non-organic beers

While organic beer sales are still minuscule in the overall beer industry, they are rising fast. North American sales of organic beers grew from $9 million in 2003 to $19 million in 2005, according to the Organic Trade Association.

Organic beer has even drawn the attention of the nation's largest beer company, Anheuser-Busch, which is now producing two organic beers of its own. Those beers, Wild Hop lager and Stone Mill pale ale, are being sold in several test markets nationwide

Organic beer sales increased 40 percent in 2005, tying it with organic coffee as the fastest-growing organic beverage, the Organic Trade Association says. By comparison, overall U.S. beer sales fell slightly last year.

Beer is made primarily from barley and hops, with some wheat used to make "wheat beers." Producing these grains commercially involves the use of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, as well as fossil-fuel derived fertilizers. Hops are particularly susceptible to fungus, which conventional growers treat with large amounts of fungicide.

While beer's chief ingredients remain GMO-free, many commercial beer manufacturers use corn syrup as an additive in the processing of their beer. Since corn is mixed together at processing plants, about one third of the corn in corn syrup is probably genetically modified. The process of introducing genes into an organism can be unpredictable, and effects on the organism and the environment, along with implications for human health, have sometimes been alarming and at present no reliable system for testing genetically modified organisms for long-term harmful effects is in place.

Organic beer is made the same way as any beer, but under USDA standards at least 95 percent of its ingredients -- usually barley and hops -- are grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides.

Transporting beer around the world consumes fossil fuel resources. When that mouthful of food is beer, a heavy liquid often distributed in a heavy glass bottle, which waits to be consumed for days or weeks in a refrigerated case, the fossil fuel consumption is particularly large. Moreover, more than 10 percent of US beer is imported, journeying from even farther distances to reach American consumers.

Currently, the small scale of organic grain production for beer also requires fossil fuels to transport these grains to brewers. Because of the current small demand, there are only a few providers of certified organic malt in the North America, and organic hops must for the most part be imported from New Zealand. Organic brewers hope that with increased demand for their product, there will be a greater incentive to grow more organic barley and hops in the United States, which will not only help small farmers, but also reduce the oil consumed in transportation.

Organic beer offers the environmentally conscious consumer a better alternative. The benefits of buying organic beer are clear, in the host of harmful substances not introduced into the environment and into the food system. Avoiding conventional wheat (used in wheat beers) is especially important (see above). Making beer with organic grains supports a farm system that enhances soil fertility, increases species diversity, conserves water and produces fewer greenhouse gases, and guarantees freedom from GMO corn.

There are relatively few bottled organic beers on the market, but they readily identify themselves on the label. "Certified Organic" beers are made with organic ingredients following all the standards set by the USDA, which include standards for chemicals used to clean breweries. Beers "made with organic ingredients" are made from organic grains, but not processed in certified organic breweries. Expect to see bottled beers bearing the USDA organic label in winter 2003. Both types of organic beers support organic farmers.

Microbreweries have become popular over the last few decades, as beer may be brewed in small vats even in confined urban spaces. Buying local beer reduces the amount of fossil fuels used in shipping, and supports smaller, local businesses.

Anheuser-Busch's stab into the organic market will introduce a broader audience to organic products.

There are concerns any time a large corporation enters the market that it could exert pressure to lower the standards for organic products and industrialize production. . Organic beer is made the same way as any beer, but under USDA standards at least 95 percent of its ingredients -- usually barley and hops -- are grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides.

Organic beer, meanwhile, costs about the same as other specialty or import beers.

William Hoehne & Joyce Chow