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 Columbia Records is proud to announce the release of the new Barbra Streisand album, Live In Concert 2006, a two-CD collection capturing the finest performances from her record-breaking 2006 tour, on Tuesday, May 8.

Produced by Barbra Streisand and Jay Landers, Live In Concert 2006 is a breathtaking audio celebration of the artist's historic 2006 concert tour, sequenced according to the concert set list with individual tracks culled from performances recorded at New York's Madison Square Garden (October 9 and 11); Washington DC's Verizon Center (October 13); and Fort Lauderdale, Florida's Bank Atlantic Center (October 28 and 30).

The tour, which broke the arena house record in every city on the itinerary, found Streisand branching out in new creative directions, reinterpreting some of her best-loved standards while revisiting some rarely performed musical treasures from her celebrated back-catalog. Live In Concert 2006 includes songs the artist had rarely, if ever, performed live including "Unusual Way" (from the Broadway musical, "Nine") and such evergreens as "(Have I Stayed) Too Long At The Fair?," "Starting Here, Starting Now," and "Funny Girl."

Fifteen of the album's songs have never appeared previously on one of the artist's live albums with four of those -- "Carefully Taught," "Unusual Way," "A Cockeyed Optimist," and "My Shining Hour" -- making their appearance on Live In Concert 2006 for the very first time on any Barbra Streisand recording.

Live In Concert 2006 also debuts recordings of Streisand performing duet versions of "Evergreen," "The Music of the Night" and "Somewhere" with the multi-platinum-selling pop-operatic quartet Il Divo, who shared the stage as her special musical guests.

The nation's press corps was virtually unanimous in its praise for Streisand's "Live in Concert 2006" tour:

"By the time she offered her encore with the rousing 'Don't Rain On My Parade,' it was clear that Streisand hadn't stayed too long she hadn't stayed long enough." -- Nekesa Mumbi Moody, ASSOCIATED PRESS

"She's an icon. It's kind of like the Super Bowl of concerts." -- Ray Waddell, BILLBOARD

"The crowd doted on Streisand's every word, delivering standing ovations on an average of every other song ... " -- Elysa Gardner, USA TODAY

"Barbra, like the very air we breathe, is essential. She is, to quote one of her hits, evergreen." -- Karen Heller, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

"Her singing ... glows with a tone so luxurious and a texture so rich, you nearly want to burst into song yourself." -- Jim Farber, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

"The audience shouted accolades and gave her standing ovations throughout the evening. They called her back for two encores." -- Libby Copeland, WASHINGTON POST

"She was in spectacular voice, launching her final notes like arrows high into the air, arrows that soared to the heavens and never fell to earth." -- Richard Ouzounian, TORONTO STAR

"It was a sight and a sound to behold." -- Joan Anderman, BOSTON GLOBE

"When she asked, in a very old song, '(Have I Stayed) Too Long At The Fair?' the only suitable reply could be: Stay as long as you wish, Barbra." -- - Howard Cohen, MIAMI HERALD

"Once or twice a generation, there comes a personality that just fills the room. Sinatra was like that. So was Elvis, and so is Barbra Streisand." -- Dave Tianen, JOURNAL SENTINEL

"One of the most impressive things about Streisand is her ability to come across as both the greatest superstar in the world and the girl next door." -- Jim Harrington, SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS

"The blend of intimacy and showiness in Streisand's voice turns her performances into portraits of the heart and mind in self-discovery ... she was simply amazing ... Viva la Diva!" -- Ann Powers, LOS ANGELES TIMES

"She's still the greatest star! She is, by far!" -- Liz Smith, NEW YORK POST

"An event that suggested a one-woman Super Bowl. There were many magnificent moments." -- Stephen Holden, NEW YORK TIMES

"Color it Barbra ... Ms. Streisand's diva offering at Madison Square Garden on Monday night was an occasion to savor ... . And the way she was was perfect." -- Clive Barnes, NEW YORK POST

"Streisand is an American treasure ... the last of America's regal performers, a must-see." -- Dave Hoekstra, CHICAGO SUN TIMES

Barbra Streisand launched her 2006 tour as a way to raise money and awareness for causes supported by The Streisand Foundation. Since its inception in 1986, The Streisand Foundation has made significant grants exceeding $16,000,000 in addition to $15,000,000 the artist has raised for charities through appearances and performances. Adding to this, more than $11 million dollars raised during her 2006 tour has been directed to The Streisand Foundation for distribution to agencies addressing such urgencies as environmental preservation, voter education, the protection of civil liberties and civil rights, women's issues, and nuclear disarmament.

According to the RIAA, Barbra Streisand is the #1 best selling female recording artist in history and the only woman to make the Top 10 all time best selling artists list, which includes Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Over the course of her career, Streisand has recorded 60 gold, 30 platinum and 13 multi-platinum albums. An artist of unparalleled accomplishments in multiple entertainment fields, Streisand has made her mark as an award winning actress of stage and screen, recording artist, concert performer, movie producer, film director, screenwriter and songwriter. Having earned two Oscars (Best Actress and Best Song), four Emmys, ten Golden Globes, eight Grammys, a special Tony Award (in 1970 as "Star of the Decade"), and two Cable Ace awards, she is the only performer to hold honors from all of those institutions. In addition, Streisand is a recipient of the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award, the National Endowment for the Arts National Medal of Arts, the prestigious Peabody Award, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Barbra Streisand - Live In Concert 2006

track listing

Act I

1. Funny Girl Broadway Overture

2. Starting Here, Starting Now

3. Opening Remarks

4. Down With Love

5. The Way We Were

6. Songwriting (dialogue)

7. Ma Premiere Chanson

8. Evergreen (with Il Divo)

9. Come Rain Or Come Shine

10. Funny Girl (dialogue)

11. Funny Girl

12. The Music That Makes Me Dance

13. My Man

14. People (dialogue)

15. People

Act II

1. Entr'acte

2. The Music Of The Night (with Il Divo)

3. Jason's Theme

4. Carefully Taught/Children Will Listen

5. Unusual Way

6. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life

7. Happy Days Are Here Again

8. (Have I Stayed) Too Long At The Fair?

9. William Saroyan (dialogue)

10. The Time Of Your Life

11. A Cockeyed Optimist

12. Somewhere (dialogue)

13. Somewhere (with Il Divo)

14. My Shining Hour

15. Don't Rain On My Parade (reprise)

16. Smile

Produced by: Barbra Streisand & Jay Landers

Arranged & Conducted by: William Ross

Recorded & Mixed by: David Reitzas

http://www.barbrastreisand.com/

http://www.columbiarecords.com/

Source: Columbia Records

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

 -- EMI Classics / EMI Music Catalog Marketing will release the official motion picture soundtrack to La Vie en Rose, the dramatic real-life story of French chanteuse Edith Piaf. The 27-track collection, to be released May 22 on CD and digitally, features remastered original Piaf recordings, selections from the film's original score by Christopher Gunning and new song adaptations from the film. Distributed in the U.S. by Picturehouse, La Vie en Rose opens in New York and Los Angeles on June 8.

Edith Piaf's tragic life was reflected in poignant ballads sung with a heartbreaking voice. Among La Vie en Rose: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack's 27 tracks are 11 remastered Edith Piaf classics, including "La Vie en Rose," "Hymne a L'amour" (Hymn To Love), "Milord" and "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien."

A Legende and TF1 production, La Vie en Rose is the highly anticipated film written and directed by Olivier Dahan (Crimson Rivers 2, The Little Tom Thumb) and produced by Ilan Goldman (Crimson Rivers 1 and 2 and 1492). The film stars Marion Cotillard (Ridley Scott's A Good Year, A Very Long Engagement) as Piaf and Gerard Depardieu as Louis Leplee.

"Marion Cotillard's feral portrait of the French singer Edith Piaf as a captive wild animal hurling herself at the bars of her cage is the most astonishing immersion of one performer into the body and soul of another I've ever encountered in a film," raves Stephen Holden in his New York Times film review. "Piaf ... was a ragamuffin Gallic fusion of Billie Holiday and Judy Garland, but fiercer than either."

La Vie en Rose follows Edith Piaf's rise from the slums of Paris to the triumphant limelight of the world stage, all the while struggling with passionate romances and personal tragedies. Today, more than 40 years after her 1963 death, Edith Piaf is an entertainment icon, remembered and revered around the world as one of the greatest French singers of all time. For more information about the film and to listen to music from EMI Classics' official soundtrack, visit www.edithpiafmovie.com.

La Vie en Rose: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (CD and Digital Album)

Part One (remastered original Edith Piaf recordings)

1 HEAVEN HAVE A MERCY

2 MILORD

3 RIEN DE RIEN

4 LA FOULE

5 CRI DU COEUR

6 LA VIE EN ROSE (English version)

7 PADAM PADAM

8 MON DIEU

9 L'HYMNE A L'AMOUR

10 MON MANEGE A MOI

11 NON, JE NE REGRETTE RIEN

Part Two (original score by Christopher Gunning)

12 L'EVEIL

13 MON LEGIONNAIRE (piano solo)

14 LISIEUX

15 LA MORT DE LEPLEE ("Mon Legionnaire")

16 APPARITION

17 L'ABC

18 L'ARRESTATION ("Mon Legionnaire")

19 L'IDYLLE

20 DERNIERE NUIT

Part Three (additional score and song adaptations from the film)

21 MON HOMME (interpreted by Jil Aigrot)

22 LES MOMES DE LA CLOCHE (interpreted by Jil Aigrot)

23 LES HIBOUX (interpreted by Jil Aigrot)

24 FASCINATION (interpreted by Maya Barsoni)

25 IL M'A VU NUE (interpreted by Mistinguett)

26 LA POUPEE

27 LA VIE EN ROSE (accordeon)

Source: EMI Classics

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

-- Post production is complete on Oak Film's "The Prince and the Pauper" starring Dylan and Cole Sprouse. The Sprouse twins are best known for playing Zack and Cody on Disney's "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody," and have a massive fan base among youth and teens. Distributors are screening the movie for a summer release in theaters, followed by television and DVD releases, in the fall and Christmas season.

"The Prince and the Pauper," a modern version of the famous Mark Twain story, is a family friendly feature, filmed in West Palm Beach using fast cars, boats, airplanes and helicopters. Both comic and action packed, in the film the Sprouse twins play rich and poor look-alikes; an actor who trades places with his mirror-double, an orphan, each finding adventure and life lessons in the process. Co-stars include Disney's Kay Panabaker, Ed Lauter, Sally Kellerman, Vince Spagno, and Dedee Pfeiffer.

"We are very proud of the film's production values and the quality of the storyline," said executive producer, Bobby Moresco (best known as co-writer and producer on Crash, winner of the Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay Oscars, 2005). "We have found that the characters and plot hold great appeal for the youth demographic, and the values in the show are exemplary, so parents love it as well."

Focus groups were conducted by Innovisions Marketing and Communications to gauge youth reaction to the rough cut of the film. Youth participants watched the film, providing helpful input and commentary. Following the focus groups, some changes were made to the script and several scenes were added. The participants, grouped by age (4 - 7, 8 - 12, and 12 - 15), across the board found the film funny, exciting, compelling and appropriate for theatrical release.

Oak Films, LLC creates, produces and distributes high-quality family entertainment to a worldwide audience. Other executives involved with the project are: Jonathan Krane, Executive Producer; Joseph Reilly, Producer; James Quattrochi, Director; Amanda Moresco, Screenwriter. Oak Films is best known for its children's series, Grandpa's Place, winner of two Telly Awards.

Source: Oak Films, LLC

-- With her album's Number 2 debut on Billboard's Top 200 Album chart this week, soul singer and songwriter Joss Stone leads a bona fide British chart invasion by female artists that includes KT Tunstall, Corinne Bailey Rae, Lily Allen, and Amy Winehouse. Introducing Joss Stone, the Grammy-winning star's third album, sold 118,000 copies in its first week, and is not only a personal best for Stone, but the highest-ever chart debut by a female artist from the U.K. since Billboard began deriving chart information from Nielsen SoundScan data in 1992. Worldwide, the album is an instant smash having gone Top 10 in more than 15 countries.

Introducing Joss Stone, which features special guests Common and Lauryn Hill, has received glowing reviews since its release by Virgin Records on March 20th, including four stars from People Magazine. "Stone employs her remarkable instrument with focus and nuance, and the result is an album full of solid pop-wise R&B," says Rolling Stone, while other critics have praised it as "quite sexy and incredibly retro-cool," "raucous and adventurous" and "proof that Stone is the true heiress to Aretha Franklin as this generation's queen of soul."

Introducing Joss Stone was produced largely by Stone's main musical collaborator, Raphael Saadiq (The Roots, Macy Gray) and features lyrics written or co-written by Stone herself. "It's the first album that is truly me," the 19-year-old Devon, England, native says. "These are my words, and this is who I am as an artist."

Undoubtedly, the first-week success of the album was aided by several national television appearances that represent the range of Stone's diverse audience, massive multi-format video play of the clip for the album's first single "Tell Me 'Bout It", and a creative and far-reaching new media campaign. Within hours of her performing "Tell Me 'Bout It" on NBC's The Today Show, Introducing jumped from Number 4 to the Number 1 spot on online retailer Amazon.com's sales chart. Stone also appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS' The Early Show's Second Cup Cafe, MTV's TRL, PBS' Tavis Smiley and was the lead guest and musical performer on The Late, Late Show With Craig Ferguson. Upcoming TV appearances include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on April 23rd and a special two-song performance on the ABC ratings juggernaut, Dancing With the Stars on April 24th.

In addition, Stone has enjoyed unprecedented support from such video outlets as VH1 (Gung Ho rotation), VH1 Soul, MTV (Big 10 rotation), mtvU, MTV Hits, The IMF, The N, and Music Choice. To top it off, Stone is the first artist to be featured on VH1's new series VH1 Album Autopsy, which will give viewers an in-depth look at the making and launch of Introducing Joss Stone.

On the Internet, Stone made a huge splash on AOL's Sessions, WalMart's highly popular Soundcheck series, which ran both online and in all the Number 1 U.S. retailer's stores, and Yahoo! Live Sets. The latter attracted so many viewers that she received more than two million clicks of her featured photo gallery. Upcoming live online appearances are also scheduled to air on iTunes Sessions, VH1.com, and MTV.com.

On April 27th, Stone will launch her first proper North American tour in nearly three years, which continues into June, making special stops at the Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans and the annual Summerstage concert series in New York City's Central Park. On July 1st in London, Stone will appear alongside Elton John, Bryan Ferry, and Duran Duran at the "Concert For Diana" -- a charity event organized by Princes William and Harry to celebrate the life of the late Princess.

To check out the video for "Tell Me 'Bout It," listen to streaming audio, and watch Stone's new video blog, please visit http://www.jossstone.com/. Or visit her MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/jossstone.

Source: Virgin Records

Web site: http://www.virginrecords.com/
http://www.jossstone.com/
http://www.myspace.com/jossstone

The biggest smash of the year in the U.K. (where it had the sixth-biggest opening of all time for a comedy), Hot Fuzz is the action-packed new comedy from the makers of the hit movie Shaun of the Dead. Hot Fuzz opens in theaters across the U.S. on April 20, 2007, from Rogue Pictures. Now, the arresting Hot Fuzz soundtrack brings together XTC, The Troggs, The Fratellis, Adam Ant, the Eels, and plenty of surprises. From classic BritRock to Modern Rock, from the faves to the arcane, from the '60s to the '00s, Hot Fuzz (Cherrytree/Interscope Records), to be released April 17, 2007, has its irreverent tongue in its musical cheek.

Among the album's previously unreleased recordings is a supercharged remake by The Fratellis of the 1973 T. Rex track "Solid Gold Easy Action." The witty indie rockers from Glasgow also contribute "Baby Fratelli" from their 2006 Costello Music disc. "Chelsea Dagger," from that critically acclaimed album, is heard in the trailer to Hot Fuzz, which started showing this past winter.

Other new tracks on Hot Fuzz are "Here Come The Fuzz" from Jon Spencer & The Elegant Too, and music from film composer David Arnold, best known for his recent James Bond film scores. Arnold's spectacularly over-the-top 23-minute "The Hot Fuzz Suite" is an epic masterpiece of musical cliches, performed with a sly grin.

While a couple of songs on the Hot Fuzz soundtrack album were hits in both the U.K. and the U.S. -- "Goody Two Shoes" from the Adam Ant of the early '80s and the brilliantly demonic late '60s "Fire" from the Crazy World Of Arthur Brown -- others were widely hailed in the U.K. but never conquered the charts here. The Kinks' "The Village Green Preservation Society" (1968), Cozy Powell's "Dance With The Devil" (1973), and The Troggs' notoriously salacious "I Can't Control Myself" (1966) are now storming America on Hot Fuzz. Even rarer in the U.S. is the'70s garage glam instrumental "Slippery Rock 70's" from pop oddballs Stavely Makepeace.

Also on the docket are pioneering smart rockers XTC with 1980's "Sgt. Rock (Is Going To Help Me)," Supergrass with 1995's "Caught By The Fuzz," and L.A. band Eels with 2001's "Souljacker Part 1."

Written by Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright, Hot Fuzz reteams Shaun of the Dead stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost alongside a killer cast. Get in on the action at www.jointhefuzz.com.

A Rogue Pictures presentation in association with StudioCanal of a Working Title production in association with Big Talk Productions, Hot Fuzz is executive-produced by Natascha Wharton. The producers are Nira Park, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner.

Source: Cherrytree/Interscope Records

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

 -- Luke Skywalker, Yoda, Darth Vader and, of course, R2-D2 are among the unforgettable Star Wars characters debuting on 15 new 41-cent postage stamps unveiled today at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, where the first Star Wars movie opened nearly 30 years ago.

The commemorative stamps feature images from all six movies in the Star Wars saga: Luke Skywalker; Han Solo and Chewbacca; Princess Leia Organa with R2-D2; C-3PO; Yoda; Queen Padme Amidala; Obi-Wan Kenobi as seen in Episodes IV through VI; Anakin Skywalker battling Obi-Wan Kenobi; Darth Vader; Emperor Palpatine; Darth Maul; Imperial Stormtroopers; Boba Fett; the Millennium Falcon; and an X-wing fighter. The stamps will be released at a first-day-of-issue ceremony on Friday, May 25, at Star Wars Celebration IV, the biggest Star Wars event in the galaxy, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

"Star Wars fans everywhere will delight in the issuance of these exciting new postage stamps," said David Failor, executive director of Stamp Services, U.S. Postal Service, who hosted the stamp preview. "Because of the movies' popularity, we believe these stamps have the potential of reaching the blockbuster status of the Elvis stamp, a milestone only the Force could attempt to surpass. The Star Wars films have timeless qualities that cross generations, just like the United States Postal Service," said Failor, who made the announcement of the new Star Wars stamps along with R2-D2, Darth Vader and Howard Roffman, president of Lucas Licensing.

Failor announced the Star Wars and U.S. Postal Service collaboration, which began March 16, when mailboxes around the country were designed to look like R2-D2 -- and which doesn't stop with the issuance of commemorative stamps. This exciting collaboration brings many opportunities to involve stamp collectors and Star Wars fans of all ages.

America Votes on Favorite Star Wars Stamp

Of the 15 images on the Star Wars stamp sheet, the Postal Service is inviting the public to vote on its favorite. The stamp receiving the most votes will be honored with the issuance of a single stamp, which will be for sale later this summer.

Voting for the most popular Star Wars stamp will take place online at http://www.uspsjedimaster.com/ beginning today, March 28, through May 23. The winning stamp will be announced at the first-day-of-issue ceremony on May 25.

Check http://www.uspsjedimaster.com/ for regular updates on the voting -- it's up to America to choose which Star Wars stamp wins the honor of a single-stamp sheet release.

Become a Jedi Shipping and Mailing Master to Win a Trip

On March 16, approximately 400 fully functional mail collection boxes decorated as the beloved Star Wars character R2-D2 appeared on street corners from coast to coast. These R2-D2 boxes were the standard blue Postal Service mail collection boxes, just dressed in costume for the two-week period leading up to today's preview of the Star Wars stamp designs. A Website address posted on each box invited visitors to log on to http://www.uspsjedimaster.com/ to learn more about The Jedi Shipping and Mailing Master sweepstakes. Full sweepstakes rules are available on http://www.uspsjedimaster.com/.

From March 28 through May 7, customers can enter this sweepstakes by solving six different challenges about Postal Service products and services featuring a Star Wars theme. As each question is answered correctly, customers are automatically moved to the next challenge. At the start of the sweepstakes, customers enter their contact information into a sweepstakes form. There is a limit of one entry per challenge, for a total of six entries.

The Jedi Shipping and Mailing Master sweepstakes is a fun, interactive Web tool that reminds customers of the quick, easy and convenient suite of services available from the Postal Service, including ZIP Code(TM) Lookup, International Shipping, Flat Rate Boxes, Click-N-Ship(R), Priority Mail(R) and Free Package Pickup. The winner of this sweepstakes will receive an all-expenses-paid trip for four to the 30th Anniversary Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles, which runs from May 24 to May 27. (For details, go to http://www.starwars.com/celebration.)

A Brief History of the Star Wars Saga

On Wednesday, May 25, 1977, audiences got their first look at Star Wars (which later added "Episode IV A New Hope" to its title) at 32 theaters in the U.S. Written and directed by George Lucas, it quickly became an international phenomenon, making the phrase "May the Force be with you" and characters such as Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader a part of American culture. A deceptively simple morality tale of good versus evil set across a fantastic galaxy of exotic planets and bizarre creatures, the box-office sensation earned seven Academy Awards. The story of Luke Skywalker and a band of Rebels battling Darth Vader and the forces of the Galactic Empire was continued in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, released in May 1980, and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, released in May 1983.

In May 1999, Star Wars returned after a 16-year absence with the release of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. A box-office smash, it was also the first of a new trilogy of Star Wars episodes that charted the origins of Darth Vader. Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones, the first major live-action movie to be shot entirely digitally, was released in 2002, and the climactic Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith was released in 2005. Completing the sprawling Star Wars saga, the most recent movies have attracted a new generation of fans to the vast universe created by George Lucas.

Stamp Sheet Design

The design of the sheet of 15 stamps includes the Star Wars logo and background images of a space battle, including a Star Destroyer, TIE fighters, X-wing fighters, and the second Death Star under construction, as seen in Return of the Jedi. The background also includes the lightsaber-wielding form of Darth Vader, whose helmet comprises the largest of the 15 stamps.

The back of the stamp sheet includes extensive text describing the dramatic roles that each featured character or vehicle plays in the Star Wars saga. The design was created and painted by Drew Struzan, with minor modifications by the U.S. Postal Service to accommodate the needs of individual stamps. Struzan has also created posters for all six Star Wars movies.

An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits 146 million homes and businesses, six days a week. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to cover its operating expenses. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $73 billion and delivers nearly half the world's mail.

STAR WARS and related character names and properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & (C) Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

Source: U.S. Postal Service

Web site: http://www.usps.com/
http://www.uspsjedimaster.com/
http://www.starswars.com/celebration

-- DreamWorks Animation (NYSE:DWA) today announced that talented filmmaker Chris Sanders is set to helm the upcoming project "Crood Awakening," a comedy set in the Stone Age. Sanders will be joining the DreamWorks Animation family for the first time as the film's director, having amassed an impressive list of animation film credits on some of the genre's most successful and groundbreaking films, including the worldwide hits "Beauty and the Beast," "The Lion King," "Mulan" and "Lilo & Stitch." The screenplay was written by British comedy icon John Cleese (Academy Award(R)-nominated for the screenplay of "A Fish Called Wanda") and Kirk De Micco ("Racing Stripes").

"Crood Awakening" is described as a comedy set in the Stone Age, but further details of the plot are being kept under wraps. A release date for film has not yet been set.

Regarding the announcement, Chris Sanders states, "I look forward to working with Jeffrey and the other filmmakers at DreamWorks Animation. They have dedicated themselves to a complex and classic craft, but have also proven that they are driven to take it to new places. It is their willingness to break boundaries that makes them unique. I've seen firsthand where they are headed, and I'm excited to be part of it."

DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg commented, "Chris is one of the most inventive and imaginative filmmakers I've ever worked with. His unique storytelling style and sensibility are perfectly suited for 'Crood Awakening.' It is such a pleasure to collaborate with him once again on another exciting project. We are so happy to have him on board at DreamWorks."

Sanders joins the studio with a long list of family film and television credits, most recently as a writer/director of the immensely successful film "Lilo & Stitch." He served as a story writer on the multiple Oscar(R) winners "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King," and as a writer on the award-winning "Mulan." He is represented by William Morris and Peter Nichols of LGNA.

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

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This document includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company's plans, prospects, strategies, proposals and our beliefs and expectations concerning performance of our current and future releases and anticipated talent, directors and storyline for our upcoming films and other projects, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry in which we operate and management's beliefs and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive, technological and/or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of the business of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. These risks and uncertainties include: audience acceptance of our films, our dependence on the success of a limited number of releases each year, the increasing cost of producing and marketing feature films, piracy of motion pictures, the effect of rapid technological change or alternative forms of entertainment and our need to protect our proprietary technology and enhance or develop new technology. In addition, due to the uncertainties and risks involved in the development and production of animated feature projects, the release dates for the projects described in this document may be delayed. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and our most recent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. DreamWorks Animation is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

Source: DreamWorks Animation SKG

Fliptrack today announced the launch of an online service that simplifies the creation and distribution of personal music videos. The Fliptrack application brings together a user- friendly interface, an extensive library of popular music and an image placement tool to provide superior -- yet simple -- online digital video production.

Further emphasizing Fliptrack's commitment to providing users with the best musical mashup experience, the company also announced it has teamed with the Barenaked Ladies to deliver an exclusive "make the best music video" contest. From March 23 - April 27, users can submit video entries featuring the band's new single, "The Sound of Your Voice" at www.fliptrack.com. The five best rated videos will be named finalists and the grand prize winner will be selected by the Barenaked Ladies based on the following criteria: creativity; individual expression; thoughtful use of music; and positive viewer commentary. The winner will receive a video production package worth $750 and the video will be featured on the Barenaked Ladies' official website at www.bnlmusic.com.

"At Nettwerk we are always exploring new models to help promote our artists and engage their fans," said Terry McBride, CEO of Nettwerk Music Group. "User generated content is the next frontier of online media and we are excited to partner with Fliptrack on the Barenaked Ladies 'make a music video' contest."

Founded in 2006, the Fliptrack service launches on the heels of a highly successful beta program, which caught the attention of venture investor MDV- Mohr Davidow Ventures. The technology enables people to sync images seamlessly and automatically with music tempos. Rather than laying a song over the top of photos, Fliptrack users begin production by selecting a song from its extensive music library. Using an easy "wizard" interface, the images are automatically matched to song rhythms, just as in a music video or movie soundtrack. Users can further customize their mashup by adding text, effects and transitions, or by synchronizing images to specific music beats or lyrics. The resulting high-quality video can then be easily and legally shared or posted to social networking sites such as MySpace and Friendster. Fliptrack also hosts and manages user creations, ensuring that all content is "family friendly."

"Fliptrack represents the future of user generated content," said Stewart Putney, CEO of Fliptrack. "By breaking down the barrier of entry for multimedia production, 'ordinary' consumers -- like expressive teens and busy moms -- can quickly and simply create and share everything from stylish slideshows and interactive videos to digital scrapbooks and musical greeting cards."

Fliptrack currently offers a catalog of more than 350 licensed songs from popular and emerging artists represented by a number of independent labels and music publishers including EMI, Spirit Music Group and Music Sales. The Fliptrack platform also enables the independent label community a creative new outlet to host dedicated label and artist pages for emerging artists, new releases, tour info and customized mashup features for viewers to interact with. Current labels taking part in Fliptrack offerings include Tommyboy Records, Ministry of Sound, V2 Records and Nettwerk.

"Traditionally music was only about listening and immersing yourself into a song, but now fans are enjoying music in so many additional ways," said Beth Appleton, Head of New Media and Business Development at V2 Records. "Fliptrack users can put a 'soundtrack' to their individual imagery and V2 takes pride in enabling fans to integrate songs from our roster of artists -- like The Rakes and Little Man Tate -- to add that special element to their individual creations."

Also featuring songs from more than 50 "indie" bands, Fliptrack affords unsigned artists the unique opportunity to expose the site's users to their music. Not only does the service provide artists, labels, publishers and distributors with a new way to promote their music, it presents additional revenue streams to its partners by enabling them to insert advertisements and links to band websites where consumers can purchase albums and merchandise. Fliptrack also gives music and web partners the opportunity to incorporate its technology directly into their websites, allowing fans to create mashups featuring the partner's specialized content.

To view Fliptrack's featured user created videos, please visit: www.fliptrack.com. For partnership opportunities please contact Stewart Putney at 650.387.9126.

Source: Fliptrack

Web site: http://www.fliptrack.com/
http://www.mdv.com/

-- NBC has renewed its exclusive agreement with Donald J. Trump and the Miss Universe Organization to broadcast the Miss Universe(R) and Miss USA(R) competitions on the network for three additional years effective in 2008. Telemundo will also continue to broadcast the Miss Universe pageant as well as produce a Spanish language simulcast and pre-pageant program.

The announcement was made today by Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment and Donald J. Trump.

"Under the auspices of Donald Trump, NBC and the Miss Universe Organization, there has been renewed interest in these series of beauty pageants, especially among a new generation of younger viewers," said Reilly. "NBC is proud to maintain this unique American cultural tradition as a viable series of competitive programming specials that continue to be a popular source of family entertainment."

"Beauty pageants have been redefined by the Miss Universe Organization," said Donald J. Trump. "With each passing year our ratings continue to get better because of the beautiful and intelligent women who participate in our competitions."

"NBC has been a wonderful broadcast partner for the past five years," said Paula M. Shugart, President, Miss Universe Organization. "I look forward to another three years of expert cross promotion such as those we have done in the past with 'Fear Factor', 'Deal or No Deal' and 'Identity'."

The March 23 telecast of "Miss USA 2007" (2.2/7 in adults 18-49, 7.4 million viewers overall) was the time period's top-rated alternative to the NCAA Basketball Tournament in 18-49 and total viewers. "Miss USA" was also the night's #1 telecast among women 18-34. The July 23, 2006 telecast of "Miss Universe 2006" was number #1 for the night (3.2 rating, 9 share in adults 18-49, 9.6 million viewers overall) was the #3 primetime program of its week in total viewers and #5 in adults 18-49. "Miss Universe" also ranked #5 for its week among women 18-49 and women 18-34.

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE(R), MISS USA(R) and MISS TEEN USA(R) competitions, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC partnership. Utilizing its global grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness and increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education such as the Latino Commission on AIDS, Global Health Council, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Gilda's Club, the women who champion these causes during their reign are armed to impact women today. The titleholders of the Miss Universe Organization personify the combination of beauty and intelligence that defines the 21st Century.

Source: The Miss Universe Organization

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

-- Spring has sprung, and it's "Kiss & Tell Night" on TEENick, Saturday, April 7 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT) when favorite characters from Nickelodeon's hit series Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, The Naked Brothers Band and Drake & Josh pucker up for the first time in episode premieres. Ready for primetime smooches are Devon Werkheiser (Ned), Nat Wolff & Allie DiMeco (Naked Brothers' band mates Nat and Rosalina) and Miranda Cosgrove (Drake & Josh's Megan).

J Boogie hosts the special night also featuring wraparounds in which these TEENick stars, as well as Just Jordan's Lil' JJ, muse about their first TV kisses -- and near-kisses -- and stars including Jesse McCartney and Katharine McPhee wax romantic about real-life first lip-locks.

"Drake has kissed plenty of girls, and now it's Megan's turn," says her alter ego, Miranda Cosgrove, who also stars in Nickelodeon's new fall-slated series iCarly. Hedging a bit as to whether the kiss will come off, though, she adds, "Let's just hope that Drake and Josh don't mess it up." And Devon Werkheiser, who informs his own first kiss didn't go so well -- "Braces, nerves, sweat, the whole deal ..." -- tips off fans that Ned's Spin the Bottle pseudo-smooch with pal Moze sparks a bit of confusion in his character ... Stay tuned for Ned's Declassified's TV movie in June!

Nickelodeon's multi-platform efforts will bring "Kiss & Tell" to Nick's digital platforms, too. On TurboNick, kids may view stars relating first kiss stories and clips of Nick stars' first screen kisses. By logging onto nick.com, they also may share personal kiss memories on specially created message boards. On Thursday and Friday, April 5-6, "Best of" ME: TV segments will include a sneak peek of The Naked Brothers Band "First Kiss" episode.

Following are details of the "TEENick Kiss and Tell" lineup:

8 p.m. -- Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide -- Premiere -- "Positives & Negatives/Parties" -- Moze (Lindsey Shaw) finds out Faymen's kisses lack spark -- and she tries to plant one on Ned (Devon Werkheiser) during "Spin the Bottle." Party-goer Ned tries to shake his date, Missy (Carlie Casey), when Suzie (Christian Serratos) arrives. And Cookie (Daniel Curtis Lee) sneaks into the party dressed as girl.

8:30 p.m. -- The Naked Brothers Band -- Premiere -- "First Kiss (On the Lips That Is)" -- Nerves engulf Nat (Nat Wolff) and Rosalina (Allie DiMeco) when they learn they have to kiss in their new music video. Teen-aged Rosalina is conflicted about her feelings for 11-year-old Nat and begs the director to recast. He does, setting up a contest for a lucky girl to be the first ever to kiss Nat on the lips. Nat is hurt and his friendship with Rosalina becomes strained, especially when the winner of the contest is a very pretty, sweet girl that everyone, including Nat, likes.

9 p.m. -- Drake & Josh -- Premiere -- "Megan's First Kiss" -- Megan (Miranda Cosgrove) has been extremely secretive, leading Drake (Drake Bell) and Josh (Josh Peck) to investigate what she's up to. The clues lead to a new boyfriend, and all seems wonderful until they find out Megan's new beau may be trouble.

9:30 p.m. -- Ned's Declassified -- "Dismissal/School Plays" -- Ned's dream girl Suzie moves stuff into his locker. Cookie accidentally kisses Evelyn, and Ned tries to stop Suzie from kissing another boy. Also, Moze tries to stop Ned from ruining the school play, and Cookie tries anything to get on stage.

Nick's live-action series continue to dominate the TV landscape, and in first quarter to date this TEENick trio consistently ranks among cable TV's top five shows both with kids and tweens.

Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide in its third smash season continues to chronicle the wacky adventures of Ned Bigby (Devon Werkheiser) and his best pals Moze (Lindsey Shaw) and Cookie (Daniel Curtis Lee) at James K. Polk Middle School, as "every-kid" Ned shatters the fourth wall to share tips and tricks on jumping school hurdles. Each episode features two 11-minute romps. Survival Guides offer tips in dealing with pitfalls and problems of art class, popularity, social studies, the school play, revenge, romance, bad hair days and much more. Scott Fellows (The Fairly OddParents) is creator/executive producer.

In its fourth season, blockbuster Drake & Josh's odd couple of teen stepbrothers, Drake Parker and Josh Nichols (Drake Bell and Josh Peck), share shenanigans that cement a brotherly bond. And it is singer-musician/ladies' man Drake who pulls responsible Josh into the high jinks. Miranda Cosgrove (School of Rock) hoodwinks them both as little sis Megan. A Drake & Josh TV movie is on tap this summer. Bell, who penned the show's theme song, continues to perform his original music. Creator/executive producer is Dan Schneider (Zoey 101).

In its first season, tween rock 'n roll "mockumentary" hit comedy series The Naked Brothers Band chronicles the fame, friendship and adolescent experiences of a rock star band -- led by dreamy, sensitive singer-songwriter Nat Wolff, 11, and his brother, unabashedly adorable drummer Alex Wolff, 8 -- on and off stage, focusing, too, on their celebrity lifestyle with all of its perks and problems. Featured are the boys' real-life friends and band mates from pre-school days. Creator/executive producer/writer/director Polly Draper (thirtysomething) doubles as off-camera mom to Nat and Alex, who write and perform all of the show's original music. Michael Wolff (The Arsenio Hall Show) -- the stars' real-life dad -- plays against type as the screen tweens' musically inept father and serves as music supervisor/co-executive producer. Albie Hecht (The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie) is executive producer.

Nickelodeon, in its 28th 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 almost 92 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for almost 12 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) .

Ratings Source: NMR - 1/1/07 - 3/4/07

Source: Nickelodeon

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

-- The top studios backing HD DVD, including Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Warner Home Video, Paramount Home Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, Genius Products, and Eagle Rock Entertainment today announced more than 70 specific titles and release windows through July 2007. With movie titles like Smokin' Aces, The Complete Matrix Trilogy, and DreamGirls, HD DVD continues to deliver on promises made to fans of high definition. Additional titles for the remainder of 2007 will be announced this summer.

With attach rates that still far exceed other high definition formats, HD DVD movies continue to sell briskly at retail to a growing consumer base. The 2007 title line-up from the core HD DVD studios, combined with a strong HD DVD title and hardware presence in North America, Europe and Asia, showcases the format's global appeal and unmatched technology features. Effective April 1st, Toshiba is implementing strategic retail price reductions on its full line of HD DVD players for the U.S. market. The entry level HD-A2 will have a suggested retail price of $399.99; and the new HD-A20, with 1080p output, will be introduced at $499 (available in stores in April). The top of the line HD- XA2 was already repositioned to $799.99 on March 1st.

"The spring is ramping up well for HD DVD, with an incredible list of movies and the best priced hardware on the market," said Ken Graffeo, executive vice president, HD Strategic Marketing, Universal Studios Home Entertainment. "Our consumer base continues to buy movies at rates that outpace DVD in its early years, which shows the willingness of consumers to make the transition to high definition."

"HD DVD continues to perform exceptionally well for Warner Home Video, and we see this continuing as more titles from the HD DVD studios roll out and more hardware hits the market," said Steve Nickerson, senior vice president of market management for Warner Home Video. "Fans of high definition have a lot more to choose from with the release of long-awaited blockbusters like The Complete Matrix Trilogy on HD DVD."

"As hardware prices continue to fall, this is a great time to experience HD DVD," said Chris Saito, vice president, marketing, Paramount Home Entertainment. "Our HD DVD line-up for Spring and Summer 2007 has something for every audience, with hits ranging from Dreamgirls to Flags of Our Fathers."

From the six studios, the following schedules were released:

March

-- Children of Men

-- Happy Feet

-- March of the Penguins

-- National Geographic: Relentless Enemies

April

-- Good Shepherd (C) (day & date)

-- Smokin' Aces (C) (day & date)

-- Payback: Straight, The Director's Cut

-- A Scanner Darkly

-- Dog Day Afternoon

-- School for Scoundrels

-- The Game

-- The Jerk

-- Feast

-- Freedom Writers (day & date)

-- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

-- Nutty Professor

-- Failure to Launch

May

-- The Ultimate Matrix Collection

-- The Complete Matrix Trilogy

-- Dreamgirls (day & date)

-- 40-Year Old Virgin Unrated

-- Flags of Our Fathers: Special Collector's Edition

-- The Hitcher (C) (day & date)

-- Mission: Impossible

-- Mission: Impossible 2

-- Black Christmas (2006)

-- Harsh Times

-- The Battle of the Bulge

-- The Road Warrior

-- The Fountain

-- Smokey & the Bandit

-- Alpha Dog (C) (day & date)

-- The Skeleton Key

-- The River

-- Midnight Run

-- The Frighteners

-- Dragonheart

-- The Big Lebowski

-- Lost in Translation

June

-- Bruce Almighty

-- Liar Liar

-- Coming To America

-- Born on the 4th of July

-- Daylight

-- The Meaning of Life

-- Freedom: Vol.1

-- Yes Live in Montreux

-- Santana: Hymns for Peace

-- Deep Purple: They all Came Down to Montreux

-- Sneakers

-- Trading Places

-- Meet Joe Black

-- Being John Malkovich

-- Mystery Men

-- American Me

-- The Watcher

-- Bulletproof

-- Mallrats

-- July

-- Shaun of the Dead

-- Billy Madison

-- Cat in the Hat

-- The Untouchables

-- The Warriors

-- Dante's Peak

-- The War

-- The Wedding Date

-- The Bourne Identity

-- In Good Company

-- Streets of Fire

-- Nutty Professor 2

-- Scent of a Woman

-- Darkman

-- Sea of Love

-- Deliver Us From Eva

(C) Denotes combo disc format with an HD version and a standard DVD version on the same disc

About HD DVD

HD DVD is the next generation, post-DVD standard for high capacity, high definition optical discs, approved by the DVD Forum, which develops and defines DVD formats. Its more than 220 strong membership brings together leaders in movies and entertainment, computing, consumer electronics and software. HD DVD is fast becoming the primary visual medium for the age of high-definition TV. The North American HD DVD Promotional Group, Inc. is an organization established to promote the HD DVD format and educate consumers in North America. For more information and a complete listing of HD DVD launch titles please visit http://www.thelookandsoundofperfect.com/.

Source: The North American HD DVD Promotional Group, Inc.

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

With "glow bowling" it doesn't matter if you roll a perfect strike or throw an awesome gutter ball; thanks to Denny's, it's all about what you eat after the game that counts. This spring, thousands of bowling centers across the country will reward bowlers of all levels who participate in late night "glow bowling" with coupons good for 20% off a meal or a free dessert at Denny's restaurants.

Denny's, the nation's largest family dining chain and title sponsor of the 2006-2007 Professional Bowlers Association Tour, is teaming up with Strike Ten Entertainment to encourage bowlers of all ages to join in the late night fun. "Glow bowling" is a popular new attraction at bowling centers across the country that features black lights, contemporary music and disco balls to create a fun, hip atmosphere.

"Our partnership with Strike Ten centers gives us the opportunity to introduce our guests to a fun, innovative way to enjoy one of America's classic recreation sports," said Margaret Jenkins, Denny's chief marketing officer. "And, after the game, our guests can enjoy a great meal at Denny's."

Starting March 31, guests who "glow bowl" at any of the participating Strike Ten bowling centers will receive a Denny's coupon good for 20% off an entire meal (with purchase of an entrée and beverage). Guests will also have an opportunity to win a voucher for a free dessert as a prize for winning bowling contests held at each center. Coupons will be distributed through May 6 with an expiration date of May 31, 2007 and can be redeemed at any of Denny's 1,500 restaurants nationwide.

The promotion kicks off just as Denny's is unveiling its newest late night offering, the Sweet & Tangy BBQ Trio. The three dishes feature either BBQ shrimp, chicken strips or chicken wings tossed in a new sweet and tangy sauce, served with celery sticks and ranch dressing.

The coupon giveaway is another in a series of promotions featuring Denny's and Strike Ten, an affiliation organization representing 2,100 bowling centers across the country dedicated to promoting the sport of bowling.

"Teaming up with Denny's gives us a wonderful opportunity to bring together good food and good fun for everyone," said Frank DeSocio of Strike Ten Entertainment. For a complete list of Strike Ten centers across the country, DeSocio encourages consumers to visit www.Bowl.com.

About Denny's:

Denny's is America's largest full-service family restaurant chain. For more than 50 years, Denny's has been committed to providing guests with quality food, abundant value and a great dining atmosphere. From its "always open" service to its famous Grand Slam(R) breakfasts, Denny's provides a variety of flavorful food and beverage choices for guests of all ages. For further information on Denny's, please visit our web site at www.dennys.com.

About Strike Ten

Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, Strike Ten Entertainment is the centralized marketing, management, television and licensing company for the bowling industry. STE is the "single source" provider of all corporate sponsorships creating a turnkey approach to marketing the sport of bowling to contemporary adults and children.

Source: Denny's

Web site: http://www.dennys.com/
http://www.bowl.com/

Starz Entertainment celebrates Ice Cube the week of April 1 with two evenings dedicated to the actor on Starz and Starz InBlack, to coincide with the theatrical release of his new film Are We Done Yet? which hits theaters April 4.

On Monday, April 2, Starz kicks off "Stars on Starz" at 8:45 p.m. (ET/PT) with a 14-and-a-half minute exclusive "On the Set: Are We Done Yet?" featuring commentary from the cast and crew. The lineup continues with two of Ice Cube's hit films -- Are We There Yet? at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) followed by xXx: State of the Union at 10:40 p.m. (ET/PT).

On Tuesday, April 3, Ice Cube hosts "Close Up With ... Ice Cube," a marathon of five of his films on Starz InBlack, including Higher Learning at 5:50 p.m. (ET/PT), Are We There Yet? at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), xXx: State of the Union at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) and I Got the Hook-Up at 11:45 p.m. (ET/PT). The "On the Set: Are We Done Yet?" will also air as part of the evening at 9:40 p.m. (ET/PT).

Are We Done Yet? picks up where the last story left off. Now married to Suzanne (Nia Long), Nick Persons (Ice Cube) has bought a quiet suburban house to escape the rat race of the big city and to provide more space for his new wife and kids Lindsey and Kevin (Aleisha Allen and Philip Bolden). But when his new home quickly becomes a costly "fixer upper" and he finds himself at the mercy of an eccentric contractor (John C. McGinley), Nick's suburban dream soon becomes a riotous nightmare.

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 15.5 million and 27.3 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.

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

-- Committed to helping marketing partners embrace all platforms, MTV Networks (MTVN), a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , today announced that Pepsi-Cola North America and Intel Corporation have signed on as charter sponsors for a variety of MTVN's mobile offerings. The move, which marks the first time MTVN is selling advertising across its mobile portfolio, represents new opportunities for marketers to bring their brands to life in an integrated fashion across MTVN's digital platforms, from online to wireless.

The announcement was made today by Philippe Dauman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viacom, in his keynote address at the CTIA Wireless 2007 convention.

The Intel Corp. and Pepsi brands will feature prominently on the MTV and COMEDY CENTRAL mobile TV channels, as well as the all-new MTV, VH1 and COMEDY CENTRAL mobile websites that are debuting today. The MTVN mobile TV channels and websites ensure diverse audiences can stay easily connected to the music, comedy, pop culture and entertainment programming they love in the manner that best suits their needs. By embracing the mobile media platforms, Pepsi and Intel are ensuring the widest possible reach for engaging existing and potential customers.

"With the introduction of mobile advertising, MTVN creates an entirely new revenue stream, as well as a new way to fuel further content innovation and growth on mobile," said Dauman. "I'm thrilled that MTVN is taking this step toward fully unlocking the value of its mobile portfolio with strong, credible, and widely recognized brands like Pepsi and Intel."

"MTVN is a made-for-mobile company, powered by our knack for creating fresh and irreverent content that translates to the 'third screen,' and makes a lasting connection with audiences," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO, MTVN. "Our strategy is to provide our audiences with compelling entertainment experiences, and by introducing mobile advertising, we're offering our advertisers a closer connection with our audiences across platforms."

"As we continue to evolve our advertising, we see this as a great opportunity to reach our on-the-go consumers in an engaging environment," said Cie Nicholson, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Pepsi-Cola North America. "We look forward to collaborating with our partners at MTVN on this exciting new project."

"We believe consumers should enjoy entertainment when and where they want it -- on their desktop or notebook PC, on TV through a media center PC or on their mobile phone," said Heather Dixon, America's digital home and mobility marketing manager, Intel Corp. "Intel has a long-standing relationship with MTV Networks and we will continue to work closely to bring high-quality shows and content to PC's based on the Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo processor, as well as devices like the mobile phone."

The MTVN mobile TV channels feature top-rated viewer favorites, such as:

* Popular MTV shows "The Real World," "The Hills," "Engaged and

Underage," "Bam's Unholy Union," "My Super Sweet 16," "Two-A-Days,"

"Next," "Exposed" and "True Life";

* "The Colbert Report" and the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning

"South Park" and "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" from COMEDY CENTRAL.

The new MTVN WAP (wireless application protocol) websites include:

* MTV offering news updates, show information and scoops, and a featured

artist section;

* VH1 featuring celebrity photo flipbooks, VH1 News commentary, music and

artist features and the VH1 and "Best Week Ever" blogs; and

* COMEDY CENTRAL with a "Joke of the Day," a "What's Your Sign" horoscope

and a section dedicated to the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series

"South Park."

In addition, MTVN's CMT, Logo, Nickelodeon, Spike TV, and TV Land will be launching mobile websites beginning in second quarter 2007.

MTV Networks creates immersive entertainment experiences for its audiences on every platform, including mobile. Today's announcement with Pepsi and Intel was one of several that MTVN's brands made at the CTIA 2007 Wireless show. MTVN and Sprint expanded its partnership to bring even more of MTVN's popular music, entertainment, kids and comedy programming to Sprint customers through every possible mobile medium. COMEDY CENTRAL announced the launch of "South Park 10: The Game," a 40-level action/adventure mobile game based on the first 10 seasons of the Emmy and Peabody-Award winning series. MTV Networks Kids and Family Group and Amp'd Mobile announced a new partnership where content from Nickelodeon and The N content will appear within new channels on Amp'd Live mobile service. Nickelodeon and Amp'd will also launch a completely separate channel based on the property "SpongeBob SquarePants" in second quarter 2007. GameTrailers.com, the premier provider of video for gamers, announced the launch of its new mobile video channel.

With 40 mobile channels, 80 mobile distribution deals, and thousands of content hours provided monthly around the globe, MTV Networks is the world's leader in entertainment content and programming for wireless. Across its brands, MTVN puts everything from high-quality short-form and full-length video, to news and pop culture content, to games and graphics, to ringtones and voicetones on the handsets and in the hands of its diverse and highly targeted audiences.

About MTV Networks and Viacom

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 135 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands. Engaging its audiences through television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom seeks to reach its audiences however they consume content. Viacom's leading brands include the multiplatform properties of MTV Networks, including MTV: Music Television, VH1, CMT: Country Music Television, Logo, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, and more than 130 networks around the world, as well as digital assets such as MTV.com, comedycentral.com, VSPOT, TurboNick, Neopets, Xfire and iFilm; BET Networks; Paramount Pictures; DreamWorks; and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at www.viacom.com.

Source: MTV Networks

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

-- MTV Networks (MTVN), a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , and Sprint (NYSE:S) today expanded its partnership to bring even more of MTVN's popular music, entertainment, kids and comedy programming to Sprint customers through every possible mobile medium. In total, Sprint will offer 14 different live streaming and video-on- demand (VOD) channels featuring MTVN content -- the most of any carrier.

The partnership builds significantly on the amount of MTVN programming previously available on Sprint. In addition to video-on-demand content from 10 MTVN brands, Sprint will offer:

* Streams of content from MTV, Nickelodeon and COMEDY CENTRAL

* Mobile websites from MTV, VH1 and COMEDY CENTRAL

* A new GameTrailers mobile video channel, which includes a new original

mobile series dedicated entirely to coverage of wireless games

"Sprint is a great partner and shares our vision for mobile programming -- giving the viewers all the content they love in any way they desire," said Greg Clayman, Senior Vice President of the MTVN Mobile Media Group. "From 'The Real World,' to 'SpongeBob,' to 'The Daily Show,' our programming defines the ever-changing pop-culture landscape, and we're giving our viewers multiple means to stay deeply connected to their favorite storylines, celebrities and artists on their Sprint handset."

"The expansion of Sprint's partnership with MTV Networks adds to our already extensive selection of video content, which includes many popular high-quality brands," said John Burris, Vice President of Wireless Data, Sprint. "With additional content from MTV Networks, Sprint is delivering a wide array of programming that will be enjoyed by a large cross section of our customers -- it's the content that customers most want, available in the ways that they most want it."

Sprint subscribers will be able to enjoy all their favorite shows, access cool made-for-mobile content, view After Shows, check out exclusive cast member interviews and view behind-the-scenes action. The new streams of MTVN mobile TV channels will feature top-rated viewer favorites, such as:

* Popular MTV shows "The Real World," "The Hills," "Engaged and

Underage," "Bam's Unholy Union," "My Super Sweet 16," "Two-A-Days,"

"Next," "Exposed" and "True Life"

* Pop culture phenomena "SpongeBob SquarePants" and "Dora the Explorer"

from Nickelodeon

* "The Colbert Report," and the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning

"South Park" and "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" from COMEDY CENTRAL

The new MTVN WAP (wireless application protocol) websites include:

* MTV offering news updates, show information and scoops, and a featured

artist section

* VH1 featuring celebrity photo flipbooks, VH1 News commentary, music and

artist features and the VH1 and "Best Week Ever" blogs

* COMEDY CENTRAL with a "Joke of the Day," a "What's Your Sign" horoscope

and a section dedicated to the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series

"South Park"

The mobile TV streams and WAP sites join the stable of MTVN VOD channels available on Sprint, including the MTV, VH1, CMT, Nickelodeon, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, Logo and The N brands.

About MTV Networks and Viacom

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 135 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands. Engaging its audiences through television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom seeks to reach its audiences however they consume content. Viacom's leading brands include the multiplatform properties of MTV Networks, including MTV: Music Television, VH1, CMT: Country Music Television, Logo, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, and more than 130 networks around the world, as well as digital assets such as MTV.com, comedycentral.com, VSPOT, TurboNick, Neopets, Xfire and iFilm; BET Networks; Paramount Pictures; DreamWorks; and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at www.viacom.com.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks serving 53.1 million customers at the end of 2006; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

Source: MTV Networks

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

Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) today unveiled several new partnerships and programming developments across its mobile media offerings, it was announced today by Philippe Dauman, President and Chief Executive Officer, during his keynote address at the CTIA Wireless 2007 Conference. Viacom's divisions MTV Networks, BET Networks and Paramount Pictures made major announcements surrounding their mobile portfolios, further solidifying Viacom's leadership position on this platform and expanding its strategy of creating immersive entertainment experiences for its audiences.

Mr. Dauman said: "Wireless is an integral part of Viacom's strategy of staying deeply connected to our audiences wherever they are, and allowing them to consume our content however they wish -- no matter what the platform. As a leading provider of video programming on the handset, Viacom has the unique ability to leverage our global experience to experiment, innovate and define the cutting edge in mobile digital entertainment.

"And we're thrilled that we can now provide our marketing partners with even more opportunities to bring their brands to life in an integrated way across our platforms," he said. "In addition to creating a new revenue stream for our company -- which will help fuel further content innovation and growth on wireless -- mobile advertising allows our marketing partners to engage with audiences in an exciting, ground-breaking way."

MTV Networks

MTV Networks (MTVN) announced that Pepsi-Cola North America and Intel Corporation have signed on as charter sponsors for a variety of MTVN's mobile offerings. The move, which marks the first time MTVN is selling advertising across its mobile portfolio, represents new opportunities for marketers to bring their brands to life in an integrated fashion across MTVN's digital platforms, from online to wireless. The Pepsi and Intel brands will feature prominently on the MTV and COMEDY CENTRAL mobile TV channels, as well as the all-new MTV, VH1 and COMEDY CENTRAL mobile websites that are debuting today.

MTVN also announced an expanded partnership with Sprint to bring even more of MTVN's popular music, entertainment, kids and comedy programming to Sprint customers. In total, Sprint now offers 14 different live streaming and video-on-demand (VOD) channels featuring MTVN content -- the most of any carrier. The partnership adds significantly to the amount of MTVN programming previously available on Sprint. In addition to video on-demand content from 10 MTVN brands, Sprint is now offering streams of content from MTV, Nickelodeon and COMEDY CENTRAL, the new mobile websites from MTV, VH1 and COMEDY CENTRAL, and a new GameTrailers mobile video channel.

COMEDY CENTRAL launched South Park 10: The Game, a 40-level action/adventure mobile game based on the first 10 seasons of the Emmy and Peabody-Award winning series. South Park 10: The Game will be available in the U.S. and European markets and will be distributed on major wireless carriers.

MTV Networks Kids and Family Group and Amp'd Mobile announced a new partnership where content from Nickelodeon and The N will appear within new channels on Amp'd Live mobile service beginning this week. As part of the new partnership, Nickelodeon and Amp'd will also launch in the second quarter a completely separate channel based on the property SpongeBob SquarePants.

GameTrailers.com (GT), the premier provider of video for gamers, announced the launch of its new mobile video channel. As part of the mobile debut, GameTrailers will unveil "Go Gaming," a new original mobile series dedicated entirely to coverage of wireless games. GT gaming content will be distributed to Amp'd customers beginning in the second quarter, with a roll-out across all carriers in the coming months.

BET Networks

BET Networks launched the 106 & Park Mobile Fan Club, which extends the #1 music video show on television to the mobile phone by offering fan club members free ringtones, a subscription to the 106 & Park mobile magazine, access to exclusive content and events, and much more.

Paramount Motion Picture Group

Paramount Pictures launched a mobile movie studio site that features micro-sites for individual movie releases, making it the first film studio to do so. Users text "Movies" to 33287 to access, browse and purchase movie-related content from their mobile phones, and sign up to receive alerts about films released by Paramount Pictures. These sites also link to Fandango, the nation's largest movie-ticketing service, allowing consumers to buy tickets for movies at their local theater.

About Viacom

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands. Engaging its audiences through television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom seeks to reach its audiences however they consume content. Viacom's leading brands include the multiplatform properties of MTV Networks, including MTV: Music Television, VH1, CMT: Country Music Television, Logo, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, and more than 130 networks around the world, as well as digital assets such as MTV.com, comedycentral.com, VSPOT, TurboNick, Neopets, Xfire and iFilm; BET Networks; Paramount Pictures; DreamWorks; and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at www.viacom.com.

Source: Viacom Inc.

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

Neutrogena Signs Emerging New Talent to Represent the Brand :Actress Vanessa Hudgens to Appear in National Advertising Campaign

-- A leading manufacturer of premium skin, hair and cosmetics products, Neutrogena Corporation today announced that actress Vanessa Hudgens will act as the newest spokesperson for the brand.

"Vanessa Hudgens has an energetic, dynamic personality that will truly complement the spirit of Neutrogena. We are pleased to welcome her to our team," says Neutrogena President, North America, Jim Colleran.

Trained in piano, dance and voice, the native Californian launched her dynamic career in musical theatre at the young age of eight, and has appeared in such notable productions as The King & I, Damn Yankees and Evita, to name only a few.

It wasn't long before her talents were recognized and she made her feature film debut, alongside Holly Hunter and Evan Rachael Wood, in the much talked about Thirteen. She continued her foray into film by co-starring in the action-packed Thunderbirds, as well as became a recurring guest star on the Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zach & Cody.

In 2006, Ms. Hudgens co-starred in her truly breakout role in the Disney Channel's sensational movie High School Musical, for which she obtained much praise and notoriety. It also earned her a nomination for Choice Breakout Star at the 2006 Teen Choice Awards. Ms. Hudgens just completed filming High School Musical 2: Sing It All or Nothing!, which is scheduled to be released later this year.

Not one to sit still, Ms. Hudgens also recorded her first solo album, V, in the fall of last year. Though the "V" stands for Vanessa, the singer/actress admits it also stands for variety, as the CD is chocked full of various genres, from pop to rock, R&B to dance music. Her first hit video, "Come Back to Me" premiered on MTV's TRL, while she launched her first music tour last fall, alongside the Cheetah Girls.

As a new spokesperson for Neutrogena, Ms. Hudgens will be featured in both national TV and print campaigns. She joins fellow Neutrogena spokespersons Kelly Preston, Susie Castillo, Gabrielle Union, Hayden Panettiere, Julie Bowen, Kristin Kreuk and Paola Rey, each of whom will continue in their role as Neutrogena representatives.

Source: Neutrogena Corporation

VH1 has renewed its original broadband series, "Home Purchasing Club" for a second season. Called "uproariously funny" by TV Guide, the series returns with eight new episodes exclusively on VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel and its companion syndicated player beginning April 16. New episodes will launch weekly.

VSPOT's original scripted broadband series, "Home Purchasing Club," takes an edgy and irreverent look at home shopping channels with memorable segments like "Kid's Corner" and "Men's Hygiene forum." With brand new episodes launching every week, there's no doubt that fans will be hooked on these "must have" items. In addition to the ensemble cast from season one, this season welcomes Jeff Garlin and David Koechner best known for their roles on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "The Office," respectively.

"Home Purchasing Club" is available on demand on VSPOT and on the VSPOT syndicated player, which offers users and Web publishers the ability to "snag" the player and VSPOT content for their own sites. A differentiating feature on the player is its ability to be dynamically updated with new content. When a user snags an episode of "Home Purchasing Club," a new episode will automatically update in the player the following week and will be available alongside the originally "snagged" episode. The VSPOT syndicated player also offers search and "send-to-a-friend" capabilities providing users with an easy and accessible way to watch and share episodes of "Home Purchasing Club" and other VSPOT content.

For more information on "Home Purchasing Club," or to catch up on episodes from season one visit http://www.buyhpc.com/.

HPC was created by writer/actor Sean Masterson (Whose Line Is It Anyway, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Second City - Chicago) and co-written by writer/actor Jonathan Mangum (Drew Carey Show, Wayne Brady Show, Reno 911). HPC was developed and directed by Emmy Award-winner Brian K. Roberts (Drew Carey Show, Everybody Loves Raymond, One On One), executive produced by Generate and produced by Tom Lowe. Tony Carbone and Tina Imm 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.

VSPOT at VH1.com (http://vspot.vh1.com/) -- VH1's broadband channel -- brings viewers the richest music and pop-culture video content on demand: events, series sneak peeks and episodes, exclusive artist and celebrity interviews, movie trailers, in-studio performances and original series, not to mention thousands of music videos and customizable play lists. Launched in July, 2005 VSPOT streams grew an average of 38 percent each month in 2006.

About Generate

Generate is the first production and management company established by media leaders to create content across multiple platforms embraced by young adults and family households. Launched in early 2006, Generate is a team of 20 employees led by leading entertainment industry executives, who all have proven track records for developing hit franchises that appeal to youthful audiences. Generate currently has an overall deal with MTV Networks to develop content for their suite of popular basic cable, broadband and mobile distribution channels.

Source: VH1

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

ANIME EXPO® 2007 ANNOUNCES FIRST U.S. GUEST OF HONOR

 Nation¹s Largest Convention Announces 1st American Guest of Honor for 2007 Convention Anaheim, California (March 27, 2007) ‹ Anime Expo® announces acclaimed voice actor, singer, writer and director Mary Elizabeth McGlynn as the 1st Guest of Honor for the highly anticipated 2007 convention June 29-July 2 at the Long Beach Convention Center. More information can be found on the website www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> . Ms. McGlynn has been involved in almost every aspect of Anime as a voice over actress, writer, singer and ADR director. She is well-known as an actress for many diverse roles such as "Kurenai" from NARUTO, "Julia² and ³Twinkle Maria Murdock" from COWBOY BEBOP, "Helba" from .HACK, "Jagura" from WOLF¹S RAIN and ³Caroline² from VAMPIRE HUNTER D. Most notably, she portrayed ³Major Motoko Kusanagi² in GHOST IN THE SHELL: INNOCENCE, SOLID STATE SOCIETY and GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX which she won the first ever American Anime Award for Best Actress. As a director, Mary Elizabeth is currently directing all things NARUTO for Viz Media, Bandai and Cartoon Network which includes the series, the games and the movie. Among her many other directing credits are COWBOY BEBOP the series, COWBOY BEBOP: KNOCKIN¹ ON HEAVEN¹S DOOR, WOLF¹S RAIN, DIGIMON TAMERS, FRONTIER and the movie APPLESEED. She was also a co-writer for the American adaptation of METROPOLIS. Mary Elizabeth has had the great honor of singing the music of Akira Yamaoka for the movie SILENT HILL as well as the games: SILENT HILL 3, SILENT HILL 4 and SILENT HILL: ORIGINS. For the gaming world she has directed the voice work for SPYHUNTER, TOKOBOTS, SUPERMAN, NINJA GAIDEN, BIOHAZZARD, CASTLEVANIA 1, CASTLEVANIA 2, DEVIL MAY CRAY 3, DEVIL MAY CRAY 3.5, DEVIL MAY CRY 4, DRAKENGARD as well as many other titles including the soon to be released COWBOY BEBOP: THE GAME. All registrants who register before the end of March are automatically placed into the drawing. Those who have already pre-registered are also automatically entered into this drawing. Secure pre-registration can be done via online at https://secure.rhq.com/anime/anime2007/attreg/index.cgi <file://localhost/anime/anime2007/attreg/index.cgi> . Attendees interested in booking flights, car rentals and/or other hotels for Anime Expo® 2007 can do so via the AX Travel Store located at www.AXTravelStore.com <http://www.AXTravelStore.com> . About Anime Expo® Located in Long Beach, California - Anime Expo®, the nation¹s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2007 will be held June 29 ­ July 2, 2007 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California. SPONSORS: ADV Films, Bandai Entertainment, Copic Markers, Digital Manga, Gaia Online, Go! Media, Infinity Studios, Informasian TV (IaTV) and the Los Angeles Times. More information can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org). About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property ­ Anime Expo®. More information can be found at its website (www.spja.org). The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Anime Expo®/SPJA¹s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

NTT PHOTONICS LABORATORIES UNVEILS NEWLY DEVELOPED

DUAL-MODE OPTICAL FIBER

OFC Conference, Anaheim , CA , March 27, 2007 – At the Optical Fiber Communications Conference, NTT Photonics Laboratories will unveil a new optical fiber solution that functions as both multi-mode and single-mode optical fiber, eliminating the need for expensive upgrades and reducing fiber management and ownership costs. NTT will preview its Dual-Mode Fiber (DMF) beginning Tuesday, March 27^th through Thursday, March 29^th at OFC, booth #2369. 

Up until now, businesses have had to choose between single-mode or multi-mode optical fiber for their data transmission and data center needs. However, the dramatic growth in higher-bandwidth connections and transmissions for voice, data, and video from both business and consumers has caused many cable providers, carriers, and data centers to exceed the capacity of their multi-mode optical fiber. As a result, many have had to invest in major system upgrades to the faster, more expensive, single-mode optical fiber system in order to support escalating demands.

NTT’s Dual-Mode Fiber eliminates the need for expensive system upgrades by functioning as both multi-mode fiber and single-mode fiber. At the outset, when businesses transmission demands are low, Dual-Mode Fiber can be installed and used as multi-mode fiber at a lower cost than a single-mode fiber system. When demand increases, Dual-Mode Fiber seamlessly transitions to functioning as single-mode fiber, without a complicated and time-consuming fiber-reinstallation upgrade.

The Dual-Mode solution can also be used where multi-mode fiber has already been installed. The coexistence of both multi-mode and single-mode optical fiber leads to increasing fiber management and ownership costs as the system grows. Each fiber must be utilized for specific functions and as the system grows and becomes more complicated, additional resources are required to manage the connections properly and avoid misuse. Dual-Mode Fiber is compatible with and easily interconnected with both multi-mode and single-mode fiber, with low optical connection loss to either type, reducing management and ownership costs and eliminating misuse.

“Dual-Mode Fiber is a unique solution within the marketplace. It provides a highly adaptable, lower cost optical fiber solution for emerging companies who anticipate rapid growth of their data transmission needs,” said Dr. Hiromasa Tanobe, Senior Research Engineer, NTT Photonics Labs. “The solution also allows existing companies to simplify their fiber management process as they grow, significantly lowering cost of ownership.”

NTT’s Dual-Mode Fiber features a low splicing and return loss connection with conventional single-mode fiber (Typical connection loss: 0.01 dB @ 1.31 mm and 0.05 dB @ 1.55 mm, return loss: >50dB) and multi-mode fiber (Typical connection loss: 0.02 dB @ 850 nm, return loss: >28dB). The product also features a low bending loss of 5 mm radium (one turn) for single- and multi-mode transmission simultaneously. Dual-Mode Fiber has a cylindrically symmetric structure which provides relatively flat transparent characteristics for wavelength region between 1250 nm and 1650 nm (10 turns of 10 mm radium).

Both tough and flexible, Dual-Mode optical fiber is easy to work with and comes in a unique, easy to carry compact optical fiber reel.

About Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) and NTT Photonics Laboratories

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation was established in 1952 as a

state-owned telecommunications public corporation, and in 1985 converted to a private company, becoming the largest telecommunications service provider in Japan . NTT and its subsidiaries provide a wide range of telecommunications services and products. NTT Photonics Laboratories are researching and developing innovative photonic devices to open a new era in communication networks by combining three core technologies: optical semiconductor technology, optical glass technology and ultra-high-speed electronic device technology.

 

Marika.com Launches Redesigned Website for Woman’s Activewear The Marika Group offers an improved online shopping experience

 

San Diego, CA – March 27, 2007 – The Marika Group Inc., a leader in woman’s fitness apparel, announces the redesign of its website, simplifying the online shopping experience, while educating the consumer about their 3 activewear brands – Marika, The Balance Collection, and Shiva Shakti. The new site - www.marika.com features straightforward navigation that efficiently introduces the consumers to Marika’s stylish and functional activewear while presenting best sellers, favorite outfits and suggested activities for the apparel. 

The redesign of marika.com allows consumers easier access to The Marika Group’s activewear. “Our online store that originally launched in 2004, needed to be revamped to meet the needs of today’s online shopper,” says Scott Kallmann, President of The Marika Group Inc. “We feel that the high quality of our fitness, yoga, and lifestyle apparel combined with an easier website will make the shopping experience much more enjoyable for our customers.”

The redesigned site allows consumers to seamlessly navigate through the online store finding exactly what they are looking for. The following improvements have been:

Top Navigation – Allows consumers to shop the apparel by style, by collection, by activity, or by outfit

Side Navigation – Allows online shoppers to narrow their search, breaking down the product by type – tops and bottoms and then further into specific categories such as tanks, jackets, crops, leggings, etc.

Best Sellers – Highlights the top selling items – designed to assist new shoppers

Shop by Outfit – Merchandises apparel into suggested outfits to assist the consumer    

The Marika Group Inc, retained interactive agency, MEA Digital to manage the redesign of the website as well as the ongoing interactive marketing. “MEA Digital’s experience with similar clients within this domain is what made them the perfect partner,” notes Kallmann. “They have successfully portrayed our brand and our company’s core values through the redesign of the new website.”

About The Marika Group, Inc.
The Marika Group, Inc. has been producing fashionable and functional activewear and fitness merchandise since the aerobics boom of the early 80’s. Establishing their legacy by designing fitness and active clothing with a feminine sensibility for fit, style, and fashion.

As fitness trends change and women demand more from their clothing, The Marika Group’s products continue to evolve, satisfying the active woman’s contemporary lifestyle. Marika, the company’s original fitness brand remains focused on multi-sport activewear while the Balance and Shiva Shakti Collections feature yoga, fitness and lifestyle apparel.

The Marika Group Inc., based in San Diego, inspires women to live a healthy, balanced, active life. www.marika.com

 

 

Mar 26

Votes Are in for First Ever YouTube Video Awards

Creative Achievements of the YouTube Community Are Officially Recognized

-- YouTube, the leader in online video, is rolling out the red carpet to celebrate the winners of the 2007 YouTube Video Awards that were announced today (http://www.youtube.com/ytawards). These individuals were on the forefront of the most creative and popular original content in 2006, helping to cultivate the YouTube community and foster the online video phenomenon.

"2006 was a groundbreaking year for YouTube, user-generated content, and entertaining online videos. With this in mind, we established the YouTube Video awards to recognize the ingenuity and achievements of our community," said Jamie Byrne, head of product marketing for YouTube. "These individuals put the first stitches in the fabric of the YouTube community. Instead of seeing a way to share videos they saw an opportunity for worldwide visibility and through their success have changed the landscape of how a 'star' is defined."

"It's incredible how quickly and completely YouTube is changing culture and it's a surreal honor to be part of something so great," said Damian Kulash, front man of OK Go. "We can't wait to get our trophy."

As the masses learned about online video, many of the creators of these videos established themselves as personalities, going from the seemingly unknown to international celebrity, overnight. They are proof that anyone with a creative mind, a camera and a computer can produce original content and become a star. By tapping into their talents and passions, these YouTube pioneers laid the foundation for a medium that has had, and will continue to have a positive impact on how people are entertained, informed and inspired.

The community has made their decisions and the 2007 YouTube Video Awards go to... drum roll please...

Most Creative - OK Go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5zWaTEVkI

Anyone who's ever approached the treadmill with dread need only to watch this video from Chicago-born band OK Go. Masterful choreography meets infectious pop, transforming the group's modest success into real-world sensation. Prior to winning a YouTube Video Award, this video also won a Grammy for "Best Short-Form Music Video." The clip was filmed in one continuous shot and, when the video shoot ended, the eight rented treadmills went back where they came from. A staggering 13 million people have watched this video on YouTube.

Most Inspirational - Free Hugs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

A simple concept -- giving passersby a hug -- hits a deep chord and becomes even more unstoppable when the police try to end the campaign. Australian Juan Mann set out to brighten strangers' lives in Sydney by offering "free hugs." He's embraced with a mixture of warmth, humor and distrust, but his mission is none other than a random act of kindness. Fellow Aussies Sick Puppies offer the emotive soundtrack. Thanks to the video spreading like wildfire on YouTube and beyond, the "free hugs" concept has taken on a life of its own. In fact, the creators have inspired thousands of fans from around the world who want to start "free hugs" campaigns of their own.

Best Series - Ask a Ninja: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEmss2lg-ug

Forget Ann Landers. In the Internet age, it's all about the Ninja. Created by L.A. comedians Kent Nichols and Douglas Sarine, the "Ask a Ninja" series features a black-clad spastic ninja answering emails from inquiring minds/ninja watchers. With his signature sign-off, "I look forward to killing you soon" and unique ninja lingo, advice-giving (and murder) has never been this fun.

Best Comedy - Smosh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCd_i7wW87Q

Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox, aka Smosh, have the number two most-subscribed channel on YouTube -- of all time. The shaggy-haired college students accrued nearly 70,000 fans who watch their every move, whether it's spoofy music videos or quirky comedy sketches like their winning video about a man who finds himself on a "stranded island." These early YouTube community members helped establish YouTube as a platform for launching budding stars.

Best Music - Terranaomi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARHyRI9_NB4

Thanks to her exposure on YouTube, the L.A.-based Terra Naomi went from struggling singer-songwriter to major label darling. She's now signed to Island Records and will be working in London. "Say It's Possible" is an arresting song that perfectly captures the classically-trained musician's crystalline voice and confident strumming. Terra Naomi began vlogging and broadcasting live acoustic performances from her LA apartment in February 2006. She uses her YouTube channel to speak and sing directly to her audience, letting her personality shine. Terra is the third most subscribed-to musician on YouTube.

Best Commentary - The Winekone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-rcjaBWvx0

Body spray, hot dogs, a Christmas bear mug, a bald spot, Yoda, Adam Sandler, pirates, emo -- all of these things are part of what this Canadian vlogger has dubbed the "Worst Video Ever." The Winekone's random, rambling monologue offers a hysterical glimpse of a half-naked man losing his mind and combating whiffs of wet dog. The Winekone lets literally everything that passes through his creative and hilarious mind out on YouTube and the Web.

Most Adorable Video - Kiwi!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdUUx5FdySs

This amazing short is Dony Permedi's master's thesis in animation, with music by high school friend Tim Cassell. The film is about a kiwi, a kind of bird that cannot fly, who spends his life nailing trees to a cliff so he can achieve his dream of soaring in the clouds. A bittersweet ending does not dampen this video's hopeful message. Kiwi is the number one most watched Film and Animation video on YouTube with more than six million views.

About YouTube

Founded in February 2005, YouTube is the leader in online video, and the premier destination to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience. YouTube allows people to easily upload and share video clips on www.YouTube.com and across the Internet through websites, blogs, and e-mail. YouTube has quickly become the leading destination on the Internet for video entertainment. YouTube is a subsidiary of Google, Inc.

 

From Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Master of Slapstick Chevy Chase Stars in a Hilarious Movie From the Writer of 'Blazing Saddles' and 'Honeymoon in Vegas,' 'Fletch: The Jane Doe Edition'

On DVD for the First Time Since 2004 With Digitally Remastered Picture and All-New Bonus Features Available May 1, 2007 From Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Chevy Chase is at the top of his legendary comic form in "Fletch: The Jane Doe Edition," an all-new special edition DVD of the beloved comedy thriller coming to stores on May 1, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The suspenseful and laugh-packed "Fletch" stars Chase as an investigative reporter with a penchant for not-so-clever disguises and a byline that reads "Jane Doe." Based on Gregory McDonald's award-winning bestseller, the fast-paced script by Andrew Bergman ("Blazing Saddles," "Honeymoon in Vegas") is brimming with wry one-liners and sidesplitting slapstick moments. Directed by Michael Ritchie ("Cops and Robbersons," "Semi-Tough"), the film also stars Geena Davis ("Commander in Chief") and Tim Matheson ("Van Wilder"). "Fletch: The Jane Doe Edition" features a digitally remastered picture and 5.1 surround sound and comes in collectible 3-D lenticular packaging. Back on DVD for the first in three years, this very special edition is packed with never-before-seen bonus materials that make it a must-own DVD for all comedy fans. DVD is priced at $19.98 SRP. Pre-order close is March 27, 2007.

Scoop: Special Edition DVD Includes

Never Before Seen Bonus Features

"Fletch: The Jane Doe Edition" celebrates the return of everybody's favorite investigative reporter with a host of new bonus features, including:

* Just Charge It to the Underhills: Making and Remembering "Fletch" --

Relive the insanity of this comedy masterpiece through hilarious

interviews with the cast and crew!

* From John Cocktoaston to Harry S. Truman: The Disguises -- See how

Chevy Chase's wild imagination and a few prosthetics created the

wackiest characters of all time!

* Favorite "Fletch" Moments -- Enjoy a collection of some of the film's

funniest, most memorable moments.

Synopsis

Chevy Chase is at his hilarious best in this suspense-packed comedy thriller based on Gregory McDonald's best-seller. Irwin Fletch, a.k.a. Fletch (Chase), is an investigative reporter who's constantly changing his identity. While working on a drug expose, Fletch attracts the attention of a strange businessman (Tim Matheson) who wants him to be killed so his wife will inherit more insurance. The wily Fletch senses a scam, and soon he's up to his byline in frame-ups, murder, police corruption and forbidden romance. It'll be the story of the year, if he can stay alive to meet his deadline!

CAST & FILMMAKERS

Director: Michael Ritchie

Produced By: Peter Douglas, Alan Greisman

Screenplay: Andrew Bergman

Director of Photography: Fred Schuler

Editor: Richard A. Harris

Production Designer: Boris Leven

Costume Designer: Gloria Gresham

Cast: Chevy Chase, Geena Davis, Joe Don Baker, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson,

Richard Libertini, Tim Matheson, George Wendt, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

DVD

Street Date: May 1, 2007

Pre-Order Close: March 27, 2007

Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Price: $19.98 SRP

Selection Number: 61032892

Running Time: 1 Hour, 38 Minutes

Layers: DVD-9 (Single Sided)

Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)

Rating: PG

Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 2.0,

Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono,

English SDH, French and Spanish Subtitles

For artwork, please log on to our website at www.ushepublicity.com or fax your request to Universal Studios Home Entertainment Publicity at (818) 866-0226.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.

Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment

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

 

'Sopranos' Exclusive: Cast Members Reveal How They Would End Series

Gandolfini: '[I would have Tony] whacked and fed to the ducks.' Bracco: 'Dr. Melfi deserves a hot boyfriend.'

- In an exclusive interview with DISH Entertainment Magazine, 10 main cast members of HBO's The Sopranos tell how they would end the series, which is coming to a close after a six-year run. The final nine episodes begin airing in April.

James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano), Edie Falco (Carmela Soprano), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti), Lorraine Bracco (Dr. Jennifer Melfi), Steve Van Zandt (Silvio Dante), Tony Sirico (Paulie "Walnuts" Gualtieri), Robert Iler (Anthony "A.J. Soprano Jr.), Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Meadow Soprano), Steve Schirripa (Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri) and Dominic Chianese (Corrado "Junior" Soprano) were each asked how they would write the final episode, as well as which was their favorite episode and what was their fondest on-set memory.

In the interview, appearing in the April issue of DISH Entertainment Magazine, several cast members refer to "Pine Barrens" (Season 3) as among their favorite episodes and fondest memories. "The wardrobe ladies continually picked me up out of the snow when I fell," says Sirico. "It was cold and the girls helped me warm up."

Iler and Sigler also offer insights about growing up on one of the most popular shows in TV history. "I remember feeling like I didn't really know what I was doing," says Sigler. "I would memorize my lines and hope magic would happen -- and it did." Adds Iler, "The pilot [episode is my favorite] because it reminds me of when I was 12 years old and I met all of these great people."

Highlights for other cast members include Bracco's recollection of Gandolfini mooning her, the fact that Falco would like to never have to cook again following the series, Gandolfini being amused by Imperioli's inability to drive a car and Chianese suggesting Uncle Junior should join a Buddhist monastery at series' end.

Now that the series is officially over, Van Zandt jokes that he will never be able to get another reservation in a sold-out Italian restaurant, while Schirripa retorts that he would never "appear on The Surreal Life or Celebrity Fit Club, or sell merchandise out of the back of my car."

The complete exclusive interview with cast members of The Sopranos appears in the April 2007 issue of DISH Entertainment Magazine.

 DISH Entertainment Magazine.

About DISH Entertainment Magazine

Published by Tribune Media Services (TMS), a subsidiary of Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) , DISH Entertainment Magazine is a monthly satellite television information magazine customized for subscribers to DISH Network Satellite TV service. Featuring detailed programming listings, a comprehensive movie description section, HDTV listings, celebrity interviews, programming-related features, a DISH news and resource section, and more, DISH Entertainment Magazine is the only print publication dedicated solely to the DISH Network subscriber.

Source: Tribune Media Services

 

 

Turner Classic Movies' 'No Animals Were Harmed'(R) Film Festival Celebrates American Humane Association's 130th Anniversary

'Benji,' 'The Black Stallion,' 'Flipper' and 'National Velvet' Among the Lineup of Movies in April Featuring Animal Actors

-- Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will air a series of films starring some of Hollywood's most beloved animal actors every Monday night in April to commemorate the American Humane Association's 130th anniversary and the organization's role in protecting animals in filmed entertainment. American Humane is the authority behind the famous "No Animals Were Harmed" end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions. The film festival precedes American Humane's 93rd annual Be Kind To Animals Week, which begins May 6.

When audiences see the words "No Animals Were Harmed," they see American Humane at work. The dedication of American Humane's Film & Television Unit to protect the interests and welfare of animal actors for more than 65 years has ensured that movies like "Free Willy," "Francis," and "National Velvet" tugged at the heart strings of America - but not at the expense of the animals.

The festival will be divided into five theme nights: PATSY Award winners (the Academy Awards of the animal world), animal heroes, rescued animals, animals trained by venerated trainer Frank Inn, and the human-animal bond.

"Benji" (1974), airing April 16 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, stars perhaps one of the most recognized rescued animals in America. The cocker spaniel, poodle and schnauzer mix, who was adopted from the Burbank (Calif.) Animal Shelter, will be featured among the four films highlighting rescued animals.

More recently, many people followed the real-life story to "Free Willy." After the movie was a hit at the box office, the orca who played Willy was freed from deplorable conditions at an aquarium in Mexico and transported to Iceland for a return to life in the wild. To celebrate the rich bond between humans and animals, TCM will air "Free Willy" (1993) on April 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

The month of films honoring some of Hollywood's favorite animal actors is followed by American Humane's Be Kind to Animals Week, which begins Sunday, May 6. Established in 1915, Be Kind to Animals Week celebrates and promotes kindness to all animals and encourages adults and children to honor the companionship, friendship and love that animals bring to people's lives. For more information go to http://www.americanhumane.org/.

About American Humane

The American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Founded in 1877, American Humane is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between animal abuse and other forms of violence, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane's regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed"(R) End Credit Disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane's office in Washington is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance and has been awarded the Independent Charities of America "Best in America" Seal of Approval. Visit http://www.americanhumane.org/ to learn more.

About Turner Classic Movies

Turner Classic Movies, currently seen in more than 75 million homes, is a 24-hour cable network from Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company. TCM presents the greatest motion pictures of all time from the largest film library in the world, the combined Time Warner and Turner film libraries, from the '20s through the '90s, commercial-free and without interruption. On the slate for 2007 are such original productions as "Private Screenings: Jane Fonda," "Brando" and "Spielberg on Spielberg," among others. Please visit http://www.tcm.com/ for more information. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

Website: http://www.americanhumane.org
http://www.tcm.com

Source: American Humane Association

 

Maroon 5 to Perform Brand-New Single for First Time Live on TV at Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards, Joining Gwen Stefani on Musical Bill of Live Telecast, Saturday, March 31, 8-9:50 PM

Ryan Seacrest to Host World Record Slime Stunt

First-Ever Interactive Sliming Puts Gushing Mode in Kids' Hands, When Viewers Vote in Real-Time on How Secret Star Slimee Will Get the Goo

 -- Two-time Grammy Award-winning rock- soul band Maroon 5 will perform their brand-new single "Makes Me Wonder" for the first time live on TV, at Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards, joining previously announced KCA superstar performer Gwen Stefani to rock this year's milestone telecast hosted by Justin Timberlake, Saturday, March 31 (8- 9:50 p.m. ET/PT). The song is from the band's forthcoming (May 22) album "It Won't Be Soon Before Long." Stefani will ignite the kid crowd with the hit title song from her new album, "The Sweet Escape" also featuring popular singer-songwriter Akon.

Kids will rule and record-breaking slime will rain at the kudos/mess-fest, with Ryan Seacrest set to host the breathtaking, never-before-attempted World Record Slime Stunt featuring bungee jumping. And in the first-ever interactive sliming, Nickelodeon, the kid channel at the forefront of user-generated programming, will put goo-gushing in kids' hands by asking viewers to vote on nick.com for the drenching mode of this year's secret celebrity slimee and sit back for the awesome, real-time spectacle. The 2007 slime recipient will join the venerated list of stars who've sloshed through KCA history, including Jack Black, Robin Williams, Johnny Depp, Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Tom Cruise, Jim Carrey, James Earl Jones, Rosie O'Donnell, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Will Ferrell and Ben Stiller. Of course, glorious green slime-bursts will drench who knows whom throughout the show, breaking the slime barrier.

"We are thrilled that Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards has evolved into such a must-see Hollywood event that Maroon 5 would select our stage to perform their new single on TV live for the first time," said Marjorie Cohn, Executive Vice President, Development and Original Programming, Nickelodeon and an Executive Producer for the award show. Cohn adds, "By extending the show by 20 more minutes, giving kids a real-time voice through our first interactive slime vote and with a slime-stunt 20-times more challenging, we're hoping to break the slime barrier this year!"

To mark the biggest, loudest, messiest, starriest spectacle in 20 years, Nick will treat kids to 20 additional, magical, messy minutes. The surprises, the slime, the stars, the music and the unabashed fun will just keep on coming. Then, at 9:50 p.m., the hour will be capped appropriately with an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants.

Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards -- the only awards show that gives kids the power to vote for their favorites in movies, television, music, sports and more -- boasts a massive popular vote and sweeping audience participation. To date, an overwhelming, record-breaking 26 million already have cast votes in advance in a total of 16 categories -- breaking last year's final record- breaking total. Voting began online March 5 on Nick.com, and a different category is featured on-air in ME:TV each week. In fact, for the first time, kids can vote on all available Nickelodeon digital platforms including Nick.com, Nicktropolis and TurboNick or text in their votes via cell phones. Surprise awards also will be announced during the show.

Grammy and two-time Burp Award winner/host Timberlake will set the stage for KCA traditions including the Wannabe Award, an honor bestowed on a celebrity role model who kids most "want to be." Past recipients (chronologically 2001-06) are: Tom Cruise, Janet Jackson, Will Smith, Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah and Chris Rock. The sixth annual burp contest will offer a terrific new twist, featuring kids and stars, and take the noise level to a new high. Past Burp Award winners include: Cameron Diaz, Jessica Alba and Steve Irwin (shared honor), Justin Timberlake (two-time winner) and Hugh Jackman. And the World Record Slime Stunt hosted by Seacrest will astonish as never before. Last year, U.S. Olympic Freestyle Aerial Skier Ryan St. Onge set a World Record with a gravity-defying aerial skiing slime stunt off a snowy slope, plunging into 10,000 gallons of Nickelodeon's signature green slime.

Set to amp up the wattage this year are Will Ferrell, Nicole Kidman, Dakota Fanning, Ben Stiller, Steve Carell, Queen Latifah, Zac Efron, Bindi Irwin, Hilary Duff, Jessica Alba, Jamie Lynn Spears, George Lopez, Jon Heder, Chris Evans, Drake Bell, Emma Roberts, Jesse McCartney, Nelly, Ciara, Shia LaBeouf, Hayden Panettiere, Ice Cube, Masi Oka, Ty Pennington, Tyler James Williams, Rihanna, Devon Werkheiser, Lil' JJ, Nat Wolff, Alex Wolff, Chris Brown, Tom Kenny and Ryan Sheckler.

Nickelodeon's "Slime across America," a 50-market interactive tour that brings the green goo directly to kids, one city at a time, kicked off at the Nick Hotel in Orlando on February 26 and continues -- in an 18-wheel Slime Mobile driven by Pick Boy -- to 20 slimy stops before arriving in LA for Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards. The tour features the Nick Live! Slime Edition stage show, a user-generated area where kids can create content to submit to Nick's new ME:TV interactive day-part (5-7 p.m. ET/PT), Nick stars and costumed characters, karaoke, auditions -- and of course slimings! Various slimings are featured on Nick throughout March during ME:TV. (A schedule of tour stops may be found at http://www.nick.com/slime. Nickelodeon's GoCityKids website also will also offer tour info.)

In a unique star-studded pre-show telecast hosted by TEENick's J. Boogie and Victoria Justice (Zoey 101) and featuring a musical performance by Drake Bell, the Orange Carpet arrivals will interlace programming from 6 to 8 p.m. ET/PT. Celebrity interviewees will climb atop a unique stage -- a.k.a. the "Slime across America" truck, conveniently parked next to the Orange Carpet.

Nicktropolis will offer a brand new virtual Kids' Choice Awards themed world where kids can stroll down the Orange Carpet, check out the KCA Control Room, sneak in Backstage, create their own Kids' Choice branded room and chat about the event in real time while watching the live TurboNick webcast together in viewing parties. TurboNick, Nickelodeon's broadband video service on Nick.com, will serve as the fully interactive home during the awards show, featuring a three-hour live Kids' Choice streaming event including coverage of the Orange Carpet, Backstage, and the Kids' Choice Awards after party, all hosted by ME:TV's Alexandra Gizela and Jordan Carlos.

Leading up to the award show, TurboNick will feature a Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards playlist, along with various clips from past awards shows and current promotions for the 20th Annual Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards. Mini-site features of the KCA 2007 area in TurboNick will include KCA clips, quizzes, games, and more.

Nickelodeon's 7th Annual Kids' Choice Awards was the first to air internationally in 1994 on Nickelodeon's channel in the UK and now, more than a decade later, the US show is seen in more than 205 million households across Nickelodeon's 34 channels in the UK, Europe, Russia, Israel, Asia, Australia, Latin America and Brazil. Since premiering the first KCAs in the US in 1987, Nickelodeon has launched eight fully localized versions around the globe starting with Meus Premios Brasil in 2000 and Mis Premios Nick Mexico in 2003. Annual events now also take place in Sweden, Holland, Italy, China and Australia with additional shows to launch later this year.

Wal-Mart has signed on to become the first and exclusive KCA retail sponsor. The advertising and promotional agreement between Wal-Mart and Nickelodeon will be divided among several Nickelodeon platforms including Nickelodeon television, Nickelodeon Magazine and Nick online. In stores, Wal- Mart will feature exclusive products and a designated Kids' Choice Awards display, and on-line kids can vote for their favorite DVD at http://www.nick.com/walmart. The official Kids' Choice Awards - Volume 3 CD was released on March 1 and will be available exclusively at Wal-Mart locations. The CD is a compilation of recent hit songs selected by kids from a who's who of popular artists.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, in its 28th 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 almost 92 million households and has been the number-one- rated basic cable network for almost 12 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE: VIA.B) .

Source: Nickelodeon

 

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

 

 

City of Los Angeles Mobile Command Vehicles

Rely on MRC Microwave TechnologyNorth Billerica, Massachusetts, March 26, 2007 - Microwave Radio Communications (MRC) announced that a microwave communications system has been installed and is in use by the City of Los Angeles (LA) for public safety inter-departmental communications.  The system allows LA law enforcement and public safety personnel to move video, voice, and data between mobile command vehicles and the City's infrastructure through use of a fixed central site.  Portable communication systems can be deployed as repeaters, or in locations not readily accessible to their vehicles.  This type of communications solution enables Public Safety personnel to establish necessary communications in the event of a catastrophic event, such as an earthquake or terrorism response.  Other potential uses include security at major events including demonstrations, sporting events, concerts, and public gatherings where the public's safety is of critical concern.

"The City of LA System provides an on demand self sufficient network that does not require existing infrastructure, such as power grid or communication network," states Tony Finizio, President of MRC.  "It's a system that will allow LA to keep transmitting in the event of a disaster when land lines are lost similar to that experienced during Katrina.  This system will allow LA public safety personnel to remain informed and in control," he said. 

MRC faced major challenges in custom tailoring this system.  It was tasked with enabling the City to transmit and receive video, voice and data over the allocated 4.9 GHz Band in which Public Safety agencies are allotted 50 MHz of Bandwidth.  This limited amount of bandwidth meant MRC had to design an efficient system that would allow video, voice, and data to be simultaneously transmitted and received while granting the user the flexibility of switching across multiple channels within the band to avoid interference. 

MRC met the City's requirements by setting up a bandwidth-efficient system which transports four T1 lines over microwave using only 7 MHz of bandwidth.  It also allows the City flexibility to change channels to accommodate other transmissions, for instance live video from an airborne unit can be accommodated by moving the 7 MHz of T1 transmission anywhere within the 50 MHz Bandwidth.

"MRC was a logical choice for us," states Raul Velasco, Communications Engineer.  "The City has a significant investment in MRC systems, and they have proven to be very reliable.  Our maintenance staff has significant experience on systems built with MRC equipment.  In addition, MRC's diverse product line gives us a tremendous amount of flexibility.  This latest system was tailored to meet our communications requirements today, but the same MRC equipment can be reconfigured as needed to meet our communications requirements tomorrow."

"The system is performing as expected and has already proved its value on several occasions," said Raul.  "Most recently, the MRC systems were deployed to support Incident Command Posts for the 2007 LA Marathon and the Academy Awards," he said.

"How can we best utilize this 50 MHz band?  What can we do with it?  These are the questions that public safety departments are asking," said Mike Payne, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at MRC.  "Well, we can do a lot with it," he said.  "In any emergency scenario, a video feed mounted on the van can be transmitted over to headquarters.  From there the video can be put out over their network and made available to all law enforcement agencies in LA." 

In addition to mobile vehicles, portable transport units were also used and designed with the same capabilities as the mobile command vehicles.  These portable units will allow the City the flexibility to set up communications in areas where a mobile command vehicle may not be able to access, or in some cases to expand the communications infrastructure by providing additional inter-communication services. 

 

 

Microwave Radio Communications (MRC) is the leading manufacturer of video microwave systems for television broadcast operations worldwide and a key supplier to the Defense, Law Enforcement and Security Markets. MRC designs and manufactures microwave systems for point-to-point, point-to-multi-point, and multi-point-to-point applications that support terrestrial, satellite and video downlink systems.  Founded in 1963, MRC has built a sound reputation for engineering, research and development that supports high-quality video transmission requirements. Only one company has the breadth of knowledge and experience, engineering resource, commitment to excellence, and the financial backing to continue to be the leader in microwave products and technological advancements, MRC.

 

 

Mar 25

Contadora Is for Lovers

 

Studio: Culture Q Connection Cast: Renee Pietrangelo, Tony Sago, Vincent De Paul Director: Jorge Ameer Screenwriter: Jorge Ameer TLA Rating: SYNOPSIS In the vein of the highly successful hit films Threesome and Summer Lovers. A recently engaged couple travel from the U.S. to the romantic and beautiful Isle of Contadora in Panama. They instantly meet their "host," an engaging and sexy Latin lover type (who is single and unknowing to them, gay). As he accompanies them on their island adventures, soon bisexual feelings and experiences flourish among all three. Will their recent engagement suddenly be threatened? Only the viewer can discern the final surprising outcome. Sexy Salsa soundtrack by Pedro Altamiranda, spectacular scenery, an engaging bi-sexual romp through Paradise! KEYWORDS Bisexuality, Gay, Love Triangle, Romance GENRES Romance PRODUCT FORMAT INFORMATION: DVD: $23.99 Availability: PRE-ORDER: Available 01/30/2007 Close Caption: No Region Code: 1 UPC: 631008062693 Catalog #: DV2399182 Studio: Culture Q Connection when new special editions or price reductions are announcedIt stars Vincent De Paul, Renee Pietrangelo and Tony Sago. Directed by Jorge Ameer Panama City's premiere young director.

 

Now available on DVD from www.artiztical.com, www.tlavideo.com

"The appearance of Vincent De Paul is reason enough to see Jorge Ameer's compelling Contadora is for Lovers.  Whether on sand or in the surf, Vincent adds a piquant spice to this tale of love in a tropical paradise.  Torn between two lovers, Vincent combines his darly handsome, brooding looks with an acting talent that hits you like a shot in the heart.  Contadora is for Lovers is as emotionally satisfying as a romantic swoon."

Darwin Porter, Blood Moon Productions

Producers of Marlon Brando, unzipped

 

1. "TMNT," $25.45 million.

2. "300," $20.5 million.

3. "Shooter," $14.5 million.

4. "Wild Hogs," $14.4 million.

5. "The Last Mimzy," $10.2 million.

6. "Premonition," $10.1 million.

7. "The Hills Have Eyes 2," $10 million.

8. "Reign Over Me," $8 million.

9. "Pride," $4 million.

10. "Dead Silence," $3.5 million.

 

Mar 24

Rascal Flatts To Release New Album on September 25, 2007

 After wrapping 2006 as the best selling artist across all genres of music and playing to more than 1 million fans in 74 cities, Rascal Flatts show no signs of slowing down. 2007 has found Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney just as busy, embarking on the second half of their hugely successful "Me And My Gang" tour and hitting the studio with award-winning producer Dann Huff to record music for their fifth studio album. The to-be-titled CD is confirmed to release on September 25, 2007.

When Me And My Gang, the band's most recent album, was released in April 2006 it debuted with more than 721,000 units sold, making it the biggest unit debut of 2006. No other CD release has since come close. Me And My Gang held the #1 position on SoundScan's weekly Top 200 sales chart for three weeks, more consecutive weeks than any artist in any genre last year.

In the six years since the release of their debut album, the band has scanned over 14 million units through traditional brick and mortar and online retail outlets. The band's two most recent albums, Me And My Gang and Feels Like Today are both certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA for sales of more than 4 million units. Rascal Flatts and Melt are both certified double platinum. Me And My Gang is the band's fastest selling title to date.

Lyric Street Records is a part of the Buena Vista Music Group. The Buena Vista Music Group is the recorded music and music publishing arm of the Walt Disney Studios.

 

Source: Lyric Street Records

 

Kirk Douglas Blitzes the Internet From 'MySpace' to 'YouTube' to Interest Younger Generation in 'Let's Face It'

Global Message on the 4th Anniversary of the Iraq War

Actor Kirk Douglas is determined to reach America's younger generation. Following the message in his December 90th birthday editorial, Douglas is focused again on getting his social action message ("Let's Face It: The World Is A Mess") to 20-somethings on the internet's most visited websites: MySpace, YouTube and Amazon.com.

On the publication day of his 9th book "Let's Face It," dedicated to his grandchildren, Douglas stated: "Many young people know me as Michael Douglas' father. Some don't know my name at all ... they can google me! I am addressing them as a fellow American who is urging them to vote in 2008 and take social action to repair the world. There is no guarantee in this country that they will be successful but they always have a chance ... like I did. Nothing should interfere with human rights. They need to speak up, rebel, and make sure that nothing stands in the way." In his book, Douglas talks about his life voyage from poverty to stardom.

Douglas who broke the McCarthy black list has actively sided with human rights his whole life. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

Douglas continued: "I believe in the power of the internet. This is the first book that I am promoting virtually because I am hoping that my universal message will spread on blogs and websites. We live in a global world and the future is in the hands of the younger generation."

Excerpt from "Let's Face It":

I started life as a poor boy who didn't have enough to eat, I became a crook. The next door neighbor had a fine tomato garden -- tomatoes are my favorite vegetable. One day when I sneaked in the garden and picked a big ripe tomato, the owner shot some buckshots in my ass. That ended that. My next victim was on the other side where my neighbor had chickens. I love eggs, and where do you find eggs? Where the chickens are. In the early morning I would quietly sneak into the barn and grab a few eggs, sometimes eggs that were lying under the chicken. I love raw eggs. I would crack them open and swallow them on the spot. The owner must have gotten wise, he moved the chickens.

I graduated to more daring ventures. There was a fruit stand at the corner with fruits and vegetables attractively displayed. I walked by for a preliminary survey and spotted a big luscious tomato. My mouth water and I went back and deftly swiped the tomato. A hand reached out and grabbed me. I was looking up in the face of a tall stern man. "Does that tomato belong to you?" he asked. I was frightened, I answered, "no sir."

"It belongs to the store keeper who paid for it and he was selling it to make money to take care of his family. Do you understand?" his voice became very harsh. "Yes sir," I answered timidly.

"Well don't ever take things that don't belong to you," and he gave my arm a final squeeze. It hurt. "Do you understand?" he said menacingly. "Yes sir." He let me go.

Again I was caught and decided never to steal again, but I always thought I could have been a good crook.

Douglas can be found virtually on the following links:

Web site: http://www.myspace.com/letsfaceitbook
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzUYZotEwnE

Web site:

 

 

Mike City and Jheryl Busby Join Forces to Release Carl Thomas' New CD "So Much Better"

1st Single "2 Pieces" #1 Most Added at Urban AC Radio; "So Much Better" Due in Stores This Summer

Chicago native and platinum-selling R&B star Carl Thomas gave us R&B music that was reminiscent of the golden days of Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and Otis Redding but with a modern day edge. Who could forget the cinematic "Emotional" released in 2000 that made any serious R&B crooner step up their game. Now he's back and under the tutelage of the legendary music man Jheryl Busby's Umbrella Recordings and Hit maker Mike City's Unsung Entertainment for a one-off deal with his new soulful disc "So Much Better" set for release in the summer of 2007.

The new single from "So Much Better," "2 Pieces," is already having success at radio as the #1 most added single at Urban AC. On "2 Pieces" Thomas expresses raw intensity on the track with sweet lyrics about the woman he loves. "Baby I can't take the thought of losing you/cause I know that it would break, break my heart in 2 pieces."

In addition to releasing the new disc on his label, Unsung Entertainment's Mike City is the producer that gave us Carl Thomas' stellar hits "I Wish" and "You Ain't Right" from "Emotional" and has produced seven songs on "So Much Better." Other producers on the disc include: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis with Big Jim Wright, Brian Michael Cox, and up and coming producing team, Pitch Black. Guest features include: Brandy, Dave Hollister, and Lalah Hathaway.

"In addition to being collaborators, Carl and I are long-time friends. We decided that while he was in between deals we would do an album together which would be released on my Unsung Entertainment label. Thanks to Carl and Mr. Busby, who gave us the one-off deal, on his Umbrella Recordings imprint, I am able to launch my label with a major star," states Mike City.

On "So Much Better," Carl Thomas keeps it sweet, but with an edge of street on "Another You" which serves as an aural testimonial to the object of his desire.

The melodic and hypnotic sounds of "Something About You," sounds like nothing else currently blaring from the radio. Featuring vocals from Brandy, "Something About You" is a timeless song that embraces the best of pop and soul.

Umbrella Recordings' first release was on five decade diva Patti Labelle where she released her first gospel album, "The Gospel According to Patti Labelle," which has been in the Top 5 on Billboard's "Top Gospel Albums" chart for 14 weeks and held the number one spot for 10 weeks.

"To have Carl Thomas as our second release is truly a blessing," says Busby. "He is the ultimate male soul singer of the day and we are very pleased that he decided to help his friend and do a one-off deal with us. I am certain that this record will help to further cultivate his career and solidify his growth for his next deal."

For the latest news on Carl Thomas be sure to check out his myspace page www.myspace.com/carlthomasfanpage.

For more information, interviews and press kits on Carl Thomas and "So Much Better" please contact Tremedia: Tresa Sanders or Kelly Jackson @ 845.623.2325 or email respectively @ tre@tre-media.net and tremedia3@optonline.net.

 

KOCH Records Officially Announces the Signing of Esteemed Lyricist Styles P

New Album, "5 Star General," Slated for Release in July 2007

-- KOCH Records is thrilled to announce the addition of Styles P to its burgeoning hip-hop roster.

Styles P, accomplished solo MC, member of pioneering Hip Hop trio The Lox and one of rap's most highly respected lyricists, is gearing up for the Summer 2007 release of "5 Star General." In additon to creating some of the hardest, lyrically driven hip-hop anthems, Styles shares Co-CEO duties for D-Block Records, the label created by Styles and lifelong friends, Sheek Louch and Jadakiss.

Sheek Louch, Styles P and Jadakiss are members of The Lox, the Yonkers-based group who were at one time the backbone of Sean "Puffy" Combs' Bad Boy label. Hired as writers, the trio wrote and performed on Comb's "I Got The Power," and "It's All About the Benjamins," Mase's "24 Hrs. to Live," the Notorious B.I.G.'s "Last Day," Mary J. Blige's "Can't Get You Off My Mind," and many others. The Lox released their debut album "Money, Power & Respect" in 1998; it reached #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. To date, The Lox has sold 1.7 million albums.

Styles released his debut solo album in 2002 titled "A Gangster and a Gentleman," which featured the smash hit, "Good Times (I Get High)" and sold an impressive 700,000 units. In 2005, he released two stand-alone mixtapes, "Ghost in the Shell" and "Ghost in the Machine." In 2006 Interscope released P's sophomore solo effort "Time Is Money" after nearly a three and a half-year delay.

Styles recently announced the deal during a recent interview on Angie Martinez' show on New York's Hot 97. Says Styles about this new venture, "I look forward to embarking on this exciting new phase of my career along side KOCH Records, a company best known for their unyielding interest in supporting the vision of the artist. It feels good to be a part of a team that appreciates hip hop in its truest form. I am ecstatic about being in control of my own destiny."

KOCH Records General Manager and Executive VP Alan Grunblatt adds, "Styles is THE perfect KOCH Urban artist. He has a huge fanbase and is ready to go to the next level. We are absolutely thrilled to have him."

For more on Styles P, click on www.MySpace.com/StylesP.

About KOCH Records

KOCH Records is a division of KOCH Entertainment, the fastest-growing music company and the market leader among independents in North America. The KOCH Entertainment corporate umbrella encompasses the KOCH Records label, KOCH Vision home video, KOCH Music Publishing and KOCH Entertainment Distribution with operations in both the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Records proudly claims the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents for each of the last six years (2001-2006). For additional info on the KOCH Records label and its roster of artists, please visit www.kochrecords.com.

 

VOIP 5000 Announces Name and Launch Date of New Audio Blogging Service Targeting Social Networks

VOIP5000, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: VPFI) (FRANKFURT: VQC1) a provider of click to call services under the Clixme name as well as other VoIP applications for businesses and consumers, announced today that it has set June 1st, 2007 as the official launch date for its new service Call2Blog.com, a blogging tool that allows its users to post audio recordings they make from their phones to their blogs in real time. Using this service, bloggers are no longer chained to their computers when they want to update information to their blogs.

"It's simple, users will call into a local number provided by Call2Blog.com, enter their access code, then record their message," said VOIP 5000 CEO Fotis Georgiadis. "Within seconds of completing their recording, it's available on their blog for the world to listen!"

According to the company, the Call2Blog service will be compatible with all of the major blog and social networking sites including News Corp.'s MySpace.com and Google's Blogger.com. Additionaly, the service can be used on personal and business blogs.

The company plans to earn money by selling 10-15 second audio spots that precede user messages when people listen to them from a blog. "Popular blogs can create the potential for millions of ad spots daily, it's remarkable how viral these things can become," said Georgiadis.

About VOIP5000, Inc.

VOIP5000, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: VPFI) develops and markets VoIP applications and services for business and consumer use. Its flagship service, Clixme.com, provides click to call services to businesses in the U.S. and Canada. Businesses can sign up and find out more about Clixme at http://www.clixme.com

Note: All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, may include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions that such matters necessarily involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual operating results to differ materially from such statements, including, without limitation: (i) competition, (ii) fluctuations in demand and supply of our target markets, including Internet-based telephone operations (iii) risks associated with new business ventures. Investors are advised to seek professional advice and conduct a complete due diligence regarding this, or any other company being considered for investment purposes. Investing in securities, particularly in issues priced at less than $1 per share, involves substantial risk and may result in a partial or complete loss of investment capital. Press releases issued by the company should not be interpreted as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy company stock.

 

NASHVILLE STARS: Soles4Souls(TM) Inc. Needs Your Shoes and Your Support!

-- Soles4Souls Inc., the international shoe charity based in Nashville, is reaching out to local celebrities to help people in need, both here in the U.S. and around the world. The non-profit organization needs AUTOGRAPHED shoes from celebrities to be used in a May fundraising auction. The charity will take either new or "gently worn" shoes.

Wayne Elsey, Founder of Soles4Souls, said that as more celebrities sign on (and sign their shoes), the bigger the auction has the chance to become. "Our shoe auctions are really fun events that help bring awareness to our goals as a non-profit charity," he said. "We know from experience that Nashville stars have huge hearts, and their autographed shoes can be used to make a big difference in the world."

Elsey says that the auction will bring massive awareness to the charity's cause as well as highlight the celebrities who support the organization. "This is the perfect opportunity for local celebrities to join forces with a hot new Nashville charity," Elsey said. The charity has recently been featured in the New York Times, the LA Times, Rolling Stone, People.com, Real Simple Magazine, Shape Magazine, and numerous television outlets across the country.

About Soles4Souls

Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of shoes, which will be used to aid the hurting worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear (both new and used). Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.GiveShoes.org and www.Soles4Souls.org or call (866) 521-SHOE.

 

Ironstone Vineyards Practices Sustainable Viticulture for Nearly Thirty Years

-- Ironstone Vineyards has been practicing sustainable viticulture for nearly thirty years. The winery will now include a statement on all of its Ironstone Vineyards branded wines about the company's use of sustainable viticulture. The back label, due to release into the market by early summer, will mention a brief description of the varietal and a statement from the Kautz family. The statement on the back label reads, "At Ironstone Vineyards, a healthy environment is important to our family, our friends, our neighbors and our community. By practicing Sustainable Viticultural Winegrowing, we are reducing water use, building healthy soil, and maintaining the surrounding wildlife habitat."

Sustainable viticulture is a comprehensive approach to vineyard management that involves all aspects of farming including human resources, viticulture, soil management, water management, pest management, habitat management, and wine quality.

"Practicing sustainable viticulture is imperative in keeping our vineyards healthy, and most importantly, productive," said Joe Valente, Vineyard-Orchard Manager for Ironstone Vineyards and John Kautz Farms. "We use various methods from planting cover crops, using organic materials for fertilization to providing habitats for native animals in the area. Sustainable viticulture is our way of helping protect the environment."

Depending on the growing season, Ironstone Vineyards practices a wide range of sustainable techniques to ensure the development of the highest quality wine grapes. "Sustainability of our vineyards and the surrounding environment is our primary goal. As a family winery we want our children and grandchildren to be able to continue farming in an environmentally sensitive way," said Kurt Kautz, owner and Chief Financial Officer. "The most important statement we can make about our wine is that we are here for the long term and protecting the environment is how we will achieve that."

Ironstone Vineyards, headquartered in Murphys, California, is owned and operated by the Kautz Family. It markets twelve varietals and five reserve wines nationally and internationally under the Ironstone Vineyards label. In addition to the Ironstone Vineyards label, the Kautz Family produces the award-winning wines of Leaping Horse Vineyards, Sonoma Creek and Dog Tail Vineyards. For more information about Ironstone Vineyards, please visit the website at www.ironstonevineyards.com.

 

Elephant Advertising Rolls Out Public Places Program for DIRECTV

-- Elephant Advertising & Events, a wholly owned subsidiary of CineMaya Media Group (PINKSHEETS: CNMY), has rolled out an extensive grassroots Public Places Program to bring DIRECTV to commercial establishments most frequented by Indian Americans across the US. This rollout coincides with DIRECTV's broadcast of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Elephant Advertising has installed over 45 DIRECTV branded plasma televisions across the country in restaurants, grocery stores, community centers, and banks which cater to the Indian American community. The venues selected for this extensive "Public Places Program" have some of the highest foot traffic by Indian consumers in America. The program includes venues across New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles.

Nayan Padrai, President of CineMaya Media Group and Elephant Advertising, states, "DIRECTV World Direct is a leader in marketing through grassroots channels. A strategy was developed to give Indian Americans a glimpse of Indian news and entertainment programming that they can see exclusively on DIRECTV, along with the Cricket World Cup, the biggest sporting event for Indians around the world. This Public Places Program brings DIRECTV closer to the community through storefronts and establishments, and allows for a deeper relationship to be built with consumers."

Sunil Hali, Chairman of CineMaya Media Group states, "The Public Places Program, coupled with extensive Point-of-Purchase (POP), Outdoor, and Transit advertising campaigns, give DIRECTV a reach that traditional media just cannot offer to a niche community. We are proud to have the opportunity to apply strategic initiatives such as this to bring consumers closer to the DIRECTV brand."

"This is a very good opportunity for restaurants like Tawa to promote themselves, while promoting cricket and DIRECTV," says Mr. Kadam, co-owner of Tawa Restaurant in New Jersey. "People enjoy watching cricket, and many people have come up to us with questions about the DIRECTV packages. It was definitely a good move," he adds.

Mr. Nirav Shah, Manager of Rajbhog, one of the most popular Indian franchise restaurants located in Jackson Heights, the oldest and probably most famous shopping area for Indians in the US for the last four decades, says, "People are really excited about the Cricket World Cup. They are calling us to know if we are showing the DIRECTV broadcast of Cricket World Cup in the store. They are even enjoying the repeat telecast of matches."

DIRECTV offers South Asian programming in multiple languages and packages. DIRECTV is the official broadcaster of the ICC Cricket World Cup where tonight's game is a critical one between India and Sri Lanka, and should be the center of attention for many South Asians throughout the world. For more information on DIRECTV's International Programming packages, visit www.directv.com or call (800) 378-4179.

About Elephant Advertising & Events

Elephant Advertising is a wholly owned subsidiary of CineMaya Media Group (PINKSHEETS: CNMY), and the leading ethnic advertising agency focused exclusively on the rapidly growing, diverse, and successful South Asian market in North America. Elephant Advertising has built an impressive portfolio of top tier clients including brands such as DIRECTV, Air France, Indus American Bank, Shaadi.com, TeenPatti.com, and MCHI, amongst others.

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain of the statements contained herein, which are not of historical facts, are forward-looking statements with respect to events, the occurrence of which involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements may be impacted, either positively or negatively, by various factors. Information concerning potential factors that could affect the Company is detailed from time to time in the Company's reports filed with Pink Sheets.

 

 

Mar 23

Hasbro Launches New Spider-Man Toys During Webslinger Weekend

Spider-Man 3 Movie Collectibles -- Plus Other Great SPIDER-MAN Toys -- Swing on to Store Shelves on Saturday, March 24, 2007

Mar. 23, 2007 In anticipation of SPIDER-MAN swinging back into theaters on May 4, 2007 in Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man(TM) 3 movie, Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) is spinning a web of excitement and enthusiasm among superhero fans worldwide as it launches its new line of Spider-Man 3 and SPIDER-MAN classic toys, games, and collectibles in stores on Saturday, March 24, 2007.

Celebrating one of the most popular superhero characters of all time, Hasbro's SPIDER-MAN toys and games build on the success of the character that has ruled the pages of comic books for more than four decades. Hasbro's SPIDER-MAN toys and games offer something for everyone - from movie action figures perfect for any collection to a DELUXE SPINNING WEB BLASTER, the ultimate accessory in SPIDER-MAN role play.

"The amazing SPIDER-MAN continues to be a favorite icon within the world of toys and entertainment," said Eric Nyman, Vice President of Marketing on Hasbro's Marvel business. "This weekend, collectors, kids and kids-at-heart will finally be able to get their hands on the much anticipated toys linked to one of this summer's hottest movies."

Fans wishing to receive a special "Spider Reminder" wake-up call this Saturday morning may register at http://www.hasbro.com/spiderman. At Hasbro's SPIDER-MAN site, fans will also learn how to crack "The Secret of the Symbiote", a code embedded on some of the new product packages that will result in 100 code-crackers winning an exclusive prize. They can also submit questions for SPIDER-MAN creator Stan Lee, who will post answers to selected questions on the website on Thursday, March 29.

Highlights of the Hasbro SPIDER-MAN toys that can be found at retailers nationwide on March 24, 2007 are listed below: SPIDER-MAN 3 products

DELUXE SPINNING WEB BLASTER (Approximate retail price: $24.99, refills: $5.99; Ages 5 & up)

Now web-slinging action isn't just for Spider-Man! Hasbro delivers the most realistic web-slinging experience ever with the DELUXE SPINNING WEB BLASTER. The amazing web blaster creates spiral webs with special web fluid. The blaster can also blast water. Included is one can of web fluid, with refills available separately.

SPIDER-MAN 3 MOVIE ACTION FIGURES (Approximate retail price: $7.99; Ages: 4 & up)

Hasbro's line of Spider-Man 3 action figures will give kids and collectors the figures they need to recreate the most exciting scenes from the movie. A total of 28 figures will be released in 2007, including all the movie villains and a variety of Spider-Man figures with different powers, including Spider-Man with Web-Launcher, Spider-Man with Battle Action, and Spider-Man Web Spin Attack. Also Available on March 24, 2007

MR. POTATO HEAD SPIDER SPUD (Approximate Retail Price: $9.99; Ages: 2 & Up)

Everyone's favorite potato wants to be America's favorite super hero! MR. POTATO HEAD, the iconic face-changing potato friend for kids, becomes the web-slinging hero, SPIDER SPUD, in a super hero make over. Kids will be able to have all kinds of mix 'n match fun with this wacky spud dressed as Spider-Man. SPIDER SPUD comes with potato body plus 12 mix 'n match parts, including ears, eyes, nose and glasses, for a quick change back to Peter Parker Potato.

SPI-DOG INTERACTIVE MUSIC COMPANION (Approximate retail price: $34.99; Ages 8 & up)

Continuing the blockbuster success of the I-DOG Interactive Music Companion - the little dog with big sound, Tiger Electronics introduces SPI-DOG Interactive Music Companion. SPI-DOG is styled to look like Spider-Man and will move and groove to any music he hears! Plug SPI-DOG into your music system (not included) and you'll hear your tunes through his built in speaker. As the music plays his face will display light patterns and his head and ears will dance along! Catch SPI-DOG in a musical web adventure! SPI-DOG is compatible with most music players. Two AA batteries are required, but are not included.

SPIDER-MAN & FRIENDS SUPER PAL SPIDER-MAN (Approximate Retail Price: $29.99; Ages: 18 Months to 3 years)

Spider-Man, a hero that both moms and kids love, switches from your child's daytime pal to his or her nighttime pal. In the daytime mode, soft and cuddly SUPER PAL SPIDER-MAN says fun phrases when you press his chest and makes web-slinging sounds when you squeeze his hand. When it's bedtime, switch to nighttime mode and SUPER PAL SPIDER-MAN will "fall asleep" next to you as he cuddles with his web blankie. (The volume is also adjustable for quiet time!)

About HASBRO

Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.

About Spider-Man 3

Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man(TM) 3 reunites the cast and filmmakers from the first two blockbuster adventures for a web of secrets, vengeance, love, and forgiveness that will transport worldwide audiences to thrilling new heights on May 4, 2007.

In Spider-Man(TM) 3, based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. When his suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well, bringing out the dark, vengeful side of his personality that he is struggling to control. Under the influence of the suit, Peter becomes overconfident and starts to neglect the people who care about him most. Forced to choose between the seductive power of the new suit and the compassionate hero he used to be, Peter must overcome his personal demons as two of the most-feared villains yet, Sandman and Venom, gather unparalleled power and a thirst for retribution to threaten Peter and everyone he loves.

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

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing,

Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. For more information visit http://www.marvel.com.

About Columbia Pictures

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

About Spider-Man Merchandising, LP

Spider-Man Merchandising, LP, the limited partnership comprised of Marvel Enterprises, Inc. and Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc., oversees the licensing and merchandising for the Columbia Pictures and Marvel Entertainment Spider-Man(TM) feature films. The Spider-Man(TM) feature films are all based on the Marvel character.

Spider-Man 3, The Movie (C)2007 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. Spider-Man, the Character: TM & (C) 2007 Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

Rachel Smith, a journalism graduate from Tennessee, was crowned Miss USA on Friday, edging out 50 other aspiring beauty queens in a contest to replace a titleholder whose reign was nearly marred by a scandal.

Smith, 21, of Clarksville, Tenn., graduated from Belmont University and interned last year for the production company behind "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia were vying to succeed Miss USA Tara Conner, who entered rehab after accounts surfaced suggesting she was boozing at New York clubs. The episode might have cost the Kentucky native her crown, but Donald Trump, who co-owns the pageant with NBC, gave her a second chance.

The telecast didn't shy away from the controversy, opening with a string of news and interview clips about Conner's woes. Then, the 21-year-old blonde emerged wearing a strapless, ruffled gown, and appeared on stage.

"It has been the most unforgettable year of my life and I'm back, and better than ever," Conner said to wild applause from the audience at the Kodak Theater.

Smith edged out top finalists Meagan Yvonne Tandy of California; Cara Renee Gorges of Kansas; Helen Salas of Nevada; and Danielle Lacourse of Rhode Island. 

 

Watch Trailer - Curse of the Golden Flower on DVD 3/27

 

YouGetIt.com Solves the "YouTube Problem" for Media Producers

Revolutionary New Social Network to Have Better Content Control, Easy Accessibility

-- News Corp and NBC Universal have announced they are making their own YouTube-like site, stocked with only their own videos and movies. The content creators want to control the distribution and this is their latest attempt to make the consumer conform to their idea of how the business model should work. In the era of Web 2.0, Social Media, and internet users who are used to getting their media how they want it and where they want it, getting this site to succeed is an uphill battle.

"They're going about it in an intelligent fashion," says William Mobley, CEO of Web2Corp (OTCBB: WBTO). "They're partnering with media distribution companies, Yahoo! AOL, and Microsoft, to drive traffic to their own media distribution channels. This is supposed to ensure that they'll get their audience. There's one problem, though: They're still going to fail. And YouTube will likely fail with them.

"There's one simple reason why: convenience. When you go home and watch your TV, you don't need a television for your home videos, a separate one for Disney and ABC programs, yet another one for NBC, and so on. You turn on the TV and it works. YouTube is currently king because it has the same simple functionality. You don't have to remember which media company produces the show that you want to see. You don't have to go to another site. You turn it on and it works.

"If you make it harder to find and view video clips, you're going to lose a sizable percentage of your watching audience. People won't bother going to YouTube or elsewhere. Everyone will lose out."

NBC, CBS Viacom and other video media production companies have tried to work with YouTube for their content distribution needs, but this latest announcement from NBC Universal and News Corp indicates that they've finally given up after months of effort. Their need to control content and advertising is clearly too strong.

"Someone needs to develop a content delivery platform that's provider-agnostic," Mobley continues, "but one that allows for better content and advertising control. A new YouTube that's designed with the consumer in mind but that also is more willing to work with media producers. YouGetIt.com is all that and more. We've improved on the video distribution model. In addition to all of the features that users expect, we've also added the ability to geotag videos, focus on local communities, a robust social network, and a payment system. We're true aggregation of media. Having sites like YouTube and NBC's future site aggregating media in different locations isn't aggregation; it's segregation. Media providers need to give users a place where they can pick all of their own content from wherever and get it whenever they want it. We call this self-aggregation, and it's the next step for the internet. It's Web 2.1, and www.YouGetIt.com is already there, ahead of the pack."

About YouGetIt.com:

Using today's greatest web technology to bring tomorrow's internet to you, YouGetIt.com is hyper-local, local, and national media like no one's ever seen it before. Take command of online news, broadcast, and content media with one revolutionary new internet application. You want it. YouGetIt!

About Web2Corp:

Web2Corp is a Web 2.0 internet technology development firm dedicated to rapid creation and adaptation of technologies. Web2Corp addresses new markets of users by creating and simplifying useful products, reducing the level of user technical skills required, and lowering prices for consumers.

Web 2.0 technologies have become increasingly popular, with the use of Web 2.0 applications such as e-commerce or blogs up more than 25% over the last year, according to comScore networks. The Web 2.0 market generates more than 20 billion dollars of revenue a year, with well-known companies like Google.com, Flickr.com, MySpace.com, eBay.com, and Blogger.com making up the majority of the income.

For more information on Web2Corp or to see Web2Corp's Safe Harbor Act Disclaimer Notice, go to www.Web2Corp.com

 

Mar 22

WMC 2007 HADFM & DJS ARE NOT ROCKSTARS™

Sunday March 25^th @ Rock Bar Miami Music Event with a Cause to Help Fight Cancer.

 “DJs Are Not Rockstars” Alexander Technique, Featuring DJs: Junior Sanchez (X-Mix), Stretch Armstrong (X-Mix), Sammy JO (Scissor Sister Tour DJ), MSTRKRT, Blake Miller (Moving Units/Dim Mak) & DJ Cat NYC (Kinetika Music) and Jen Lasher (Pam DJ).

Host by Bronques of www.lastnightsparty.com/, all come together for HADFM.org

HADFM.org “Have A Dance For Me, is a non-profit 501 © (3) cancer organization founded by Robin Pelka, a major player in the music industry. In 2004 she had a mini-stroke at the WMC conference in Miami and discovered a brain tumor that had been developing for three years. After it was removed, she decided to start the organization HADFM.org.

Through her career when Robin sent an email or made a phone call she would always end the conversation by saying, “Spread the WERD” and “Have A Dance for ME!” aka HADFM.org.

HADFM.org will use the event as a stage to show all, that with music, happiness is reachable and cancer awareness is key. During and after the event, DJs and celebrities will be giving away memorabilia such as signed records by the artist, clothes, jewelry and other items to be auctioned off. All funds will be used to pursue further education and awareness through HADFM.org

To help make all this possible, Blue Tree Marketing will be hosting an online auction. The ultimate goal is to raise money for HADFM.org while simultaneously reaching vast young, hip, jet setting clientele. Companies include Bentley, Steiner Sports and WESC.

Full media outreach will be provided by Liza Jane PR. Including magazine coverage and a documentary being filmed throughout the conference called, Underground Miami. They will follow the daily activist of the artist involved and the different aspects they encounter at the conference. The documentary, is about the rise of electronic music around the world and how it all comes together in Miami at the Winter Music Conference. Treatment for this the documentary can be forwarded on requested.

One of the six human needs is significance, which drives the consumer to reach goals seen through celebrities, By creating an environment where the consumer can experience the brand in an informal way such as an online auction, they are able to directly connect and be in “the know”. Internet, media, radio, social interactions are today’s worlds, #1 marketing methods. Sponsors endow the event and the auction with luxurious items such as private jets, contest to spin with their favorite dj, dinners, fashion, electronics and cars.

This effort reflects one-approach brands can tale to get involved in to stay relevant and embedded niches within the market place. Brands as patrons rather than sponsors. Know and contribute to the pulse of the market you wish reach. Seems a smart approach to reach a growing skeptical consumer. Forget stealth…do something that matters to people.

CONTACT: Liza Jane PR (L) 212.228.1369 (M)917 576 1624

View Auction Catalog

 

 

Dear Friends of Project Angel Food!

I want to make sure you know about Project Angel Food's Hollywood Walk to Deliver!!

Project Angel Food is a free meal-delivery program that nourishes the body and spirit of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS, Cancer and other serious illnesses by delivering more than 1,300 life-sustaining meals every day throughout Los Angeles County !

Hollywood Walk to Deliver’s inaugural journey on June 24, 2007 will wind approximately 3.5 miles from Project Angel Food’s current headquarters and through Hollywood to the site of the soon-to-be new Project Angel Food home. There will be a tour of Project Angel Food's new home and a delicious brunch created by a celebrity chef and waiting for all participants at the finish.
Hollywood Walk to Deliver is unique. It is a fundraising event created to raise a significant amount of money to fund growth of meal services in a newly expanded kitchen, and has the potential to raise a substantial amount of money for Project Angel Food. These donations will pay off many times over when hundreds of others join in this crusade to raise awareness of Project Angel Food’s critical mission with each and every step.

I hope you will consider participating as a Walker and help raise significant funds for this wonderful not-for-profit that cares for those in need.

So please visit www.walktodeliver.org and register today!

 

 

Academy's Nicholl Screenwriting Competition Now Underway

Beverly Hills, CA — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' annual Don and Gee Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition is underway, and applications are now available. As many as five $30,000 fellowships will be awarded through the program later this year.

Applications may be downloaded from the Academy’s Web site or submitted electronically. Interested parties should go to www.oscars.org/nicholl.

The Nicholl Fellowships competition is open to any individual who has not earned more than $5,000 from the sale or option of a screenplay or teleplay or received a fellowship or prize of more than $5,000 that includes a "first look" clause, an option, or any other quid pro quo involving the writer's work. To enter, writers must submit a completed application form, one copy of their original screenplay, in English, and an entry fee of US$30. Entries must be postmarked no later than May 1, 2007.

Fellowships are awarded with the understanding that the recipients will each complete a feature-length screenplay during the fellowship year. The Academy acquires no rights to the works of Nicholl fellows and does not involve itself commercially in any way with their completed scripts.

Last year's competition drew nearly 4,900 entries. Since the program's inception in 1985, a total of 98 fellowships have been awarded.

©A.M.P.A.S.®
 

Elvis Presley’s Granddaughter Joins Ryan Cabrera and Nelson at Music by Design Auction

VH1 and Gibson/Baldwin Music Education kicked off the VH1 Save the Music Foundations MUSIC BY DESIGN auction with intimate performances by Ryan Cabrera and Bad Boy recording artist Nelson. The first-ever Music by Design Auction was held during Fashion Week Los Angeles earlier this evening at the Gibson showroom in Beverly Hills .

When Nelson “The Prince of Bad Boy” performed, I heard one of the female fans remark, “he’s so sweet I think I have a cavity.” Nelson’s set included Potential, Stop Fighting, I Won’t, One Day at a Time, Always Indeed, and Sorrow (AIDS).

Ryan Cabrera, was joined on stage with Andy. Joining Cabrera offstage was Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, Riley Keough, who according to elvispresleynews.com, is officially dating Cabrera. Previously unknown to many, Keough has been seen in runway shows at Fashion Week in Milan for designers Dolce & Gabbana and is currently promoting Christian Dior and Victoria ’s Secret. She was allowed to enjoy her evening with Cabrera partly anonymous until the end when you could hear people whisper, “that’s Elvis Presley’s grand daughter, she has his eyes” and then they just smiled. Her eyes, quiet intensity.

Celebrities and musicians which came to support the VH1 Save the Music Foundation included Kelly Harper, Amy Raasch, Cockpit and Dirty Harry and Brendon Small (Metalocalypse).

Benefitting VH1 Save the Music Foundation, designers and boutiques customized Gibson guitars for the Music by Design program. Each guitar, a work of art, were on display by participating designers which include AG Adriano Goldschmied, G-Star RAW, Horn, justsweet (Creative Director, Jennifer Lopez), Kiehl’s, Lisa Kline, M.A.C. Cosmetics, Nanette Lopore, Poleci, Starbucks, Vionnet, Von Dutch, WESC, Yellowman and Etnies.

A range of styles for every fan of guitars can be found for the heavy metal with G-Star RAW’s lead wrapped instrument, 70s glam rock with Nanette Lepore’s sequins and sparkling crystals, the coffee drinker with Starbucks’ favorites, tattoo art with Yellowman’s featuring Tim Lehi, nightlife energy with justsweet’s cutting edge, and the denim spirit with AG Adriano Goldschmied’s rivets and studs.

Starting bids for the guitars is $300 and continues until March 30^th at www.vh1auctions.com. The VH1 Save the Music Foundation helps to fill the gap left by many schools which have cut back on their music departments. The idea that Music Brings Endless Possibilities is evident with their mission’s dedication to restoring instrumental music education in America’s public schools and raising awareness about the importance of music as a part of each child’s complete education. Since 1997, the VH1 Save the Music Foundation has provided more than $34 million in new musical instruments, affecting the lives of more than 800,000 children in 1400 public schools in 80 communities across the country. www.vh1auctions.com www.vh1.com/partners/save_the_music www.myspace.com/nel1 www.ryancabrera.com, www.myspace.com/ryancabrera

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www.elvispresleynews.com

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