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Sean 'Diddy' Combs Unleashes the World's 50 Most Unforgivable on the French Riviera Diddy and Sean John Fragrances Commemorate the #1 Success of 'Unforgivable' with a Two-Day Celebration in St. Tropez, France

Graceland to Celebrate Elvis Week 2006 August 8-16 The nine-day celebration of the late superstar's life is held throughout the city of Memphis with numerous events and charity benefits, culminating in the annual Candlelight Vigil on August 15th attended by thousands. This year also commemorates the Golden Anniversary of his 'break out year' of 1956.

'Here It Goes Again,' OK Go's Latest Homemade Video (on Treadmills) Added by VH1 Simon Malls Are Hot Venue for Rising Stars Like Singer Mya, MTV's Cheyenne, Girl Group Cherish, Others New Barry Manilow Album, THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES, Arrives in Stores October 31st on Arista Records Atari Scoops Double Nomination at 2006 MTV Video Music Awards - 'Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure' and 'Driver: Parallel Lines' Nominated for Best Video Game Soundtrack - CN8, The Comcast Network Receives 40 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Nominations and Special Achievement for Station Excellence Network Celebrates 10th Anniversary Year with Nominations Across Diverse Categories

GSN, the Network That First Brought Live Participation TV to America, Adds Another Night to Successful 'PLAYMANIA' Block Google's Official Video Blog Declares Beet.TV is 'Shaking Things Up' - and Bestows Five Star Rating 'Sky High at the Top of the Trop' $25,000 Exclusive Party Package for Beachfront Air Show Paddy Power to Double Prize Fund at World Strip Poker Championship if Winner Donates All to Charity! USN's 'Ultimate Shopping Network' Records Largest Daily Coin Sales Ever With First Strike, 24 Karat American Buffalo Gold Coins MAXUM Games and Marvel Comics collaborate on R.H. Stavis' Demons of Mercy 'Barnyard' Uses Sun Technology for Groundbreaking Computer-Generated Animation Attendee Update: World Premiere of STEP UP

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Sean 'Diddy' Combs Unleashes the World's 50 Most Unforgivable on the French Riviera Diddy and Sean John Fragrances Commemorate the #1 Success of 'Unforgivable' with a Two-Day Celebration in St. Tropez, France

To celebrate the success of Sean Diddy Combs' Unforgivable Fragrance in North America and the UK, Estee Lauder and the international pop icon hosted a private, celebrity-filled dinner in St. Tropez aboard the Unforgivable Yacht (a.k.a The R.M. Elegant) followed by an after-affair at VIPs in St. Tropez. Mr. Combs also relocated his infamous White Party from the sands of the Hamptons to Nikki Beach in St. Tropez.

The dinner, held on an extravagant 300-foot private yacht, the R.M. Elegant, was an ultra-exclusive affair for 50 of the most Unforgivable people in the world, hand-picked by Mr. Combs. Following the dinner, the Unforgivable 50 were whisked from the yacht, in tenders, to an after-affair at VIPs with a luxe, leather gift box adorned with gold embossing containing the Unforgivable Eau de Toilette, After-Shave Balm, and After-Shave Pour. Attendees at Diddy's 50 Most Unforgivable included, Kim Porter, Penelope Cruz, John Demsey (President Sean John Fragrances), John Galliano, Anne Hathaway, Russell Simmons, Paris Hilton, Stavros Niarchos, Angie Everhart, Sarah Ferguson, Victoria Silvstedt, Tasha de Vasconcelos, Buzz Aldrin, George Hamilton, Ivana and Ivanka Trump, Terry Allen Kramer, Nabila Khashoggi, May Andersen, Janice Combs, Matthew Mellon, Serena Boardman, Nelle Hooper, Ron Burkle and Brandon Davis, among others.

To recuperate after a long night of partying, Diddy hosted his White Party at Nikki Beach in St. Tropez. Here guests relaxed and soaked in the St. Tropez sun while sitting atop their limited-edition Unforgivable towels and indulging in all-American BBQ fare and ice cream.

Unforgivable was launched in North America in February of 2006 and reached number one status in record-breaking time. The North American success was mirrored in the UK where it launched at Selfridges in June 2006 and enjoyed one of the biggest launches in the history of Selfridges. Unforgivable and the future of the brand continue to look promising with its upcoming international launch in the Spring 2007.

The Sean John Unforgivable scent exudes the energy, sexiness and elegance of Sean Combs. As an aficionado of scents himself, Sean Combs personally selected only the most premium and luxurious ingredients for his signature fragrance. The notes blend a combination of breathtaking, addictive and slightly dangerous essences.

The Unforgivable fragrance is available at Department and Specialty Stores across America and Canada. Suggested Retail Price for Sean John Unforgivable is $55.00 USD for 2.5 OZ and $75.00 USD for 4.2 OZ. In the UK Unforgivable is available at Selfridges with a suggested retail price of 35 pounds Sterling for 75 ML and 45 pounds for 125 ML.

Graceland to Celebrate Elvis Week 2006 August 8-16 The nine-day celebration of the late superstar's life is held throughout the city of Memphis with numerous events and charity benefits, culminating in the annual Candlelight Vigil on August 15th attended by thousands. This year also commemorates the Golden Anniversary of his 'break out year' of 1956.

Each year since Elvis' death in 1977, thousands of people from around the world have gathered at his home, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee to celebrate his life in a week of events now known as Elvis Week. This year's Elvis Week not only celebrates the life of Elvis Presley, but also commemorates the Golden Anniversary of his "break out year" of 1956 -- the year in which he released his first RCA single, made his first television appearances, released his first movie and achieved other career benchmarks.

Elvis Week (http://www.elvis.com/elvisweek/2006/ew_events.asp ) 2006 runs from August 8th-16th. For a complete, detailed list of events visit http://www.elvis.com/ .

The week is filled with numerous and varied activities such as the Annual Elvis Art Contest & Exhibit, 2006 Elvis Film Festival, Elvis Week Dance Party, Elvis Presley International Art Show and a special Graceland Scavenger Hunt.

Official Elvis Insiders (http://www.elvisinsiders.com/ ) club members from around the world gather for the Official Elvis Insiders Conference. Also returning this year is the annual Elvis Trivia Contest and the 24th Annual Elvis Presley International 5K Run and Fun Walk, benefiting United Cerebral Palsy.

The first ever EPE Elvis Tribute Artist Showcase is on Friday, August 11 and the Elvis Week Concert featuring Terry Mike Jeffrey with The Imperials takes place on Saturday the 12th.

The annual Candlelight Vigil is Tuesday, August 15th. This is the largest Elvis Week event when thousands of fans walk up to Elvis' grave carrying a candle in quiet remembrance.

'Here It Goes Again,' OK Go's Latest Homemade Video (on Treadmills) Added by VH1 OK Go's 'Invincible' Slated as Theme Song for NCAA Saturday Night Primetime Football on ABC OK Go's 'Do What You Want' Featured in National JC Penny Ad Campaign

Here they go again -- the ever-inventive men of OK Go have lensed another highly entertaining, low budget video to accompany their latest single from 2005's Oh No. In "Here It Goes Again" the quartet perform a synchronized treadmill routine -- and although no one was hospitalized during the making of this video, fans be forewarned, you may not want to try this at home. It is considerably trickier than the band's "A Million Ways" dance. VH1 (today it was #11 in The V Spot's Top 20 Countdown after only being on the channel for a short time) and FUSE have already added the new video, and in it's first two days on YouTube, the clip has been viewed over a staggering half million times and landed the titles of "most commented" and "most favorite." Yahoo's "The 9" also included it in their countdown yesterday. And, Technorati has the video rated as one of the most popular videos linked by blogs. Check out the video for "Here It Goes Again," on youTube.com or at:

Windows Media: http://doiop.com/okgo/higa/wm

Real: http://doiop.com/okgo/higa/real

Quicktime: http://doiop.com/okgo/higa/qt

With more than 9 million downloads thus far, OK Go's "A Million Ways" is the most downloaded video in music history. It launched the biggest music group to date on www.youtube.com, creating a viral sensation that garnered features in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR's "All Things Considered" and VH1's "Best Week Ever." While OK Go took "A Million Ways" to the airwaves, appearing on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Good Morning America, "Last Call with Carson Daly" and Fox's "MAD TV," everyone from Filipino schoolgirls to an Irish radio morning show team were busy posting their own versions of the dance on youtube.com, a phenomenon that inspired the band to create the OK Go Dances With You(Tube) Contest, in which hundreds of fans have sent in versions of the dance in hopes of winning a shot at performing live with the band. http://youtube.com/group/okgodance

OK Go's "A Million Ways," which was shot in their backyard for a mere $4.99 (the price of a videotape), will be screened later this month at the prestigious Edinburgh International Independent Film Festival and OK Go will perform with The Automatic at the associated Fringe Festival.

The band performs "Do What You Want," another hit single from Oh No, in television commercials for JC Penney's national back-to-school ad campaign and "Invincible" has been tapped to be a theme song for the NCAA Saturday Night Primetime Football games airing on ABC this fall. OK Go will perform on the Pontiac Garage stage in New York's Times Square as part of the NCAA Saturday Night Primetime Football launch event this month. They'll also play a special show in their newly adopted hometown of Los Angeles on August 29th at Safari Sam's as part of the Hollywood club's "Check Yo' Ponytail" series.

Upon its release last August, Alternative Press said "all 13 tunes on Oh No could rule rock radio" while Entertainment Weekly described it as "fresh slices of power-chord sunshine" and Time Magazine concluded that "A Million Ways" was "the catchy song of the summer." The album debuted at #1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart (as did their 2002 self-titled debut). In the intervening year, OK Go -- comprised of Damian Kulash (vocals, guitar), Tim Nordwind (bass), Dan Konopka (drums) and Andy Ross (guitar, keyboards) -- have toured with Panic! At The Disco, She Wants Revenge, Kaiser Chiefs and numerous others. OK Go will tour Europe with Motion City Soundtrack this September. Dates for a fall headlining tour of the States will be announced shortly.

Source: Capitol Records LA

Simon Malls Are Hot Venue for Rising Stars Like Singer Mya, MTV's Cheyenne, Girl Group Cherish, Others Simon DTour Live Combines Singing Sensations and Teen Entertainment

Teens will soon be flocking to 23 Simon malls around the country as Simon Brand Ventures, the business-to-consumer arm of Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) launches Simon DTour Live(R), a free live concert series featuring the hottest emerging singing talent, teen-oriented entertainment and retail brands.

Now in its fourth year, Simon DTour Live has become a premier destination for hot musical talent. The event gives teens firsthand access to today's rising stars and an opportunity to experience some of today's hottest retail brands through interactive games, giveaways, and prizes.

Simon DTour Live is a proprietary teen marketing program and the cornerstone of Simon's teen platform, which integrates tailored brand sponsorships with exciting and interactive entertainment, events and concerts.

It also is a highly successful example of Simon Brand Ventures' strategy of engaging consumers and retailers with a fully integrated multi-media and experiential experience, according to Cathi Weiner, senior vice president - Business Development for Simon Brand Ventures.

"Teens visit Simon Malls an average of nearly five times per month, so it makes sense that our malls are a sought after destination for the hottest retail brands," Ms. Weiner said. "With the growing popularity of Simon DTour Live, we also have become a top venue for today's hottest singing talent because the tour connects today's rising stars with their target audiences and has firmly established this event as a highly successful marriage of teens, shopping and entertainment," she added.

Artists on this year's tour include the family harmonies of girl group Cherish; the high-energy power of Mya; the insistent rock and bluesy tones of Cheyenne; the raw acoustic power of New York singer-songwriter Matt White; the inspiring beat of The Summer Obsession; the adrenaline-pumping Jonas Brothers; the searing octaves of Paula DeAnda; and the deliciously eclectic style of Latina star Natalie.

The major highlight of each Simon DTour Live national tour stop will be a live performance by one or more of the featured artists. In addition to the main stage performances, Simon DTour Live also will offer teens the chance to check out the latest games, gizmos, fashions and premiums, including:

* ACUVUE(R) "Truth Booth" - Participants will have the opportunity to

share and record their very own defining moments -- from first day

of school jitters ... to trying out for a coveted spot on a team ... to

taking the dreaded road test and more. They can also enter their

stories online at an ACUVUE computer kiosk for a chance to star in an

ACUVUE ad. Plus, participants can create lasting memories in the

"Reveal the Real You/Clean and Clear" photo booth as well as receive a

customized henna tattoo.

ACUVUE will also distribute HYDRACLEAR(TM) TOUCH samples, cool new

swatch-sized pieces of material that simulate the actual feel of an

ACUVUE contact lens.

* Fanta - Fanta is bringing the beach to the mall this year and providing

free beverage samples. Additionally, teens will have the opportunity

to play tropical-related video games and receive Fanta branded

premiums, such as beach bags and lip balm.

* SCREAM Tour - Simon DTour Live at 10 Simon malls will be one of the

venues for the first round of SCREAM Tour's "R U The Next SCREAM Star?"

auditions, with co-hosts Da Brat and the official SCREAM Tour DJ, DJ

Jus. Every hour, top ranking contestants from the SCREAM Star booth

will be chosen to audition on the Fanta main stage in front of a panel

of nationally known judges selected by SCREAM Tour. Contestants will

be competing for the chance to perform on this year's SCREAM Tour V, a

management agreement with Mauldin Brand Agency and a national recording

contract with a major record label.

* So ... ? Fragrance with Attitude - The hottest teen fragrance in the UK

has made its way to the USA. Meet the Simon DTour So ... ? girls for

your free sample. The So ... ? collection includes So ... ? Kiss Me,

So ... ? Desirable, and So ... ? Wild. Check out

http://www.sofragrance.com/ for product details.

The tour launches August 5 in Garden City, NY and wraps up October 14 in the Atlanta area after visiting a total of 23 Simon malls throughout the country.

Simon will support Simon DTour Live with radio, peer-to-peer viral marketing, email blasts to artist fan databases and DTour banners on teen- related websites as well as websites of the singing artists, their record labels and http://myspace.com/ .

Additional information about Simon DTour Live and event schedule are located at http://www.simon.com/ .

About Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group, Inc., an S&P 500 company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership, development and management of retail real estate, primarily regional malls, Premium Outlet(R) centers and community/lifestyle centers. The Company's current total market capitalization is approximately $42 billion. Through its subsidiary partnership, it currently owns or has an interest in 284 properties in the United States containing an aggregate of 200 million square feet of gross leasable area in 38 states plus Puerto Rico. Simon also owns interests in 52 European shopping centers in France, Italy, and Poland; 5 Premium Outlet centers in Japan; and one Premium Outlet center in Mexico. Additional Simon Property Group information is available at http://www.simon.com/ . Simon Property Group, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG.

About Simon Brand Ventures

Simon Brand Ventures (SBV), Simon's business-to-consumer arm, has pioneered the transformation of shopping malls into a medium where consumer brands can build one-on-one relationships with shoppers who make approximately 2.4 billion visits to Simon malls each year. Simon's vast franchise of market-leading shopping centers nationwide provides SBV the foundation to monetize the distribution system through numerous consumer ventures. SBV has engaged in a number of consumer business initiatives, including the Simon Giftcard(R), launch of Simon platform programs such as Simon Kidgits Club(R), Simon Super Chefs Live!(R), Simon DTour Live(R), and Simon Evening of Giving(R); a national media delivery channel including static, digital and experiential marketing and advertising vehicles; and multiple national and local marketing alliances with Coca-Cola, Visa U.S.A. and Cingular Wireless, among others.

Source: Simon Property Group, Inc.

New Barry Manilow Album, THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES, Arrives in Stores October 31st on Arista Records Follow-Up to RIAA Platinum #1 Album, THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE FIFTIES 13 classics from the '60s - 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling' (Righteous Brothers), 'And I Love Her' (The Beatles), 'This Guy's In Love With You' (Herb Alpert), 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' (Frankie Valli), 'When I Fall In Love' (The Letterman), 'What The World Needs Now Is Love' (Jackie DeShannon), 'Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime' (Dean Martin), 'Blue Velvet' (Bobby Vinton), 'Can't Help Falling In Love' (Elvis Presley), 'Strangers in the Night' (Frank Sinatra), 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head' (Burt Bacharach), 'There's A Kind of Hush (All Over The World)' (Herman's Hermits), and 'Cherish'/'Windy' (The Association)

Arista recording artist Barry Manilow has completed THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES, and it will arrive in stores on October 31st.

With the spectacular success of its predecessor, the RIAA platinum #1 album THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE FIFTIES still resounding across the country and around the world six months after its release, news of its eagerly anticipated follow-up album is sending fireworks through Barry Manilow fansites everywhere.

THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES once again marks a reunion between Manilow and Clive Davis, Arista founder and BMG U.S. Chairman & CEO. The two produced THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE FIFTIES together, and that magic has carried over to the new album as well.

Special pre-order campaigns at the http://www.manilow.com/ website and at Amazon will ensure fans of receiving the new album in its very first week of release.

Each song on THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES is a classic in its own right -- from his remake of the Righteous Brothers "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" (1965) to the Beatles' "And I Love Her" (1964), to Herb Alpert's "This Guy's In Love With You" (1968), the Lettermen's "When I Fall In Love" (1962) and Burt Bacharach's "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" (1969). Like the marvelous musical decade of the '60s itself, the album covers many genres, from its recollection of Herman's Hermits' "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over The World)"(1967), to Bobby Vinton's "Blue Velvet" (1963), to Jackie DeShannon's "What The World Needs Now Is Love" (1965). Manilow also pays tribute to some of America's greatest singers, whose memories are evoked on songs that are forever associated with them, including Dean Martin on "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime" (1964) and Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (1967). Two artists whose legacies were recalled on THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE FIFTIES are again paid homage on the new album, namely Elvis Presley with "Can't Help Falling In Love" (1962) and Frank Sinatra with "Strangers In The Night" (1966). One of the highlights of the album is a great duet with The Association of their two #1 hits "Cherish" (1966) and "Windy" (1967).

For Manilow, THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES punctuates one of the most successful years of his entire career, a year that began with the January 31st release of THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE FIFTIES. After his surprise appearance at Clive Davis' annual Pre-Grammy bash in Beverly Hills the following week, the album went on to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart -- the first #1 debut of Manilow's career, and his first #1 album since 1977's triple-platinum double-LP Barry Manilow/Live. And the year continues getting better for Manilow, having received his 5th Emmy nomination for the PBS Special, "Manilow: Music and Passion," for which he celebrated his 100th show. Produced by Stiletto Television, the DVD went triple platinum.

With worldwide sales exceeding 75 million, Barry Manilow is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time, according to R&R (Radio & Records); with no less than 25 consecutive top 40 hits to his credit between 1975 and 1983, on the Billboard Hot 100. Among these are songs that are now part of the standard songbook, including "Mandy," "It's a Miracle," "Could It Be Magic," "I Write the Songs," "Looks Like We Made It," "Can't Smile Without You," "Copacabana (At the Copa)," "Somewhere In the Night," "Ships," and "I Made It Through the Rain.

With THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES Barry Manilow pays a loving and welcome tribute to some of the songs that inspired him to become one of the most beloved performers in pop music of the past three decades.

Barry Manilow: THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES (tentative track listing)

"Cherish" (1966)/"Windy" (1967) (medley duet with The Association)

"Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (1967)

"Can't Help Falling In Love" (1962)

"There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over The World)" (1967)

"And I Love Her" (1964)

"Blue Velvet" (1963)

"Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" (1969)

"This Guy's In Love With You" (1968)

"Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime" (1964)

"You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" (1965)

"When I Fall In Love" (1962)

"Strangers In The Night" (1966)

"What The World Needs Now Is Love" (1965)

Source: Arista Records

Atari Scoops Double Nomination at 2006 MTV Video Music Awards - 'Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure' and 'Driver: Parallel Lines' Nominated for Best Video Game Soundtrack -

Atari, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATAR) , one of the world's most recognized brands and leading third-party video game publishers, celebrated the announcement that two of its recent video game soundtracks have been nominated for Best Video Game Soundtrack at MTV's prestigious Video Music Awards scheduled to be broadcast globally on Thursday August 31, 2006.

Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure was released globally in February 2006 with a soundtrack featuring an eclectic array of original and licensed music. Four original tracks were executively co-produced by Sean 'Diddy' Combs, including an exclusive version of Notorious B.I.G.'s "Who Shot Ya," remixed by Serj from the band System of a Down. Other Diddy-produced tracks include "Clik, Clak, and Spray" from Pack FM, "Book of Judges" from Pharoahe Monch and "Getting Up Anthem: Part 1," performed by Talib Kweli, the voice of the game's lead character, Trane, and legendary Hip-Hop artist Rakim. Celebrated artist and producer RJD2 composed the in-game music, and the RZA, critically acclaimed leader of Wu-Tang Clan, composed an exclusive remix for one of the game's cinematic videos.

Released in March 2006, Driver: Parallel Lines featured over 70 licensed tracks which bridged the two gameplay eras of 1978 and 2006 with effortless cool. Working with Nimrod Productions Ltd, one of the most established audio production companies in the video game industry, Atari secured the services of world-renowned artists including Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, Suicide, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arthur Baker, Mylo, Paul Oakenfold and the Audio Bullys to produce brand new music exclusively for Driver: Parallel Lines. The game also boasted a remarkable line up of licensed music with David Bowie, Blondie, Iggy Pop, WAR, The Temptations, Funkadelic, Marvin Gaye, Parliament, and Average White Band amongst those scoring the 1978 gameplay era, and bands including The Roots, LCD Soundsystem, TV on the Radio, Kaiser Chiefs, Secret Machines, and The Dead 60's lending their sounds to the New York cityscape of 2006.

MTV's Video Music Awards are scheduled to be broadcast globally on Thursday 31 August 2006. For more information about Atari's entire product line up visit www.atari.com.

About Atari

New York-based Atari, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATAR) develops interactive games for all platforms and is one of the largest third-party publishers of interactive entertainment software in the U.S. The Company's 1,000+ titles include hard- core, genre-defining franchises such as The Matrix(TM) (Enter The Matrix and The Matrix: Path of Neo) and Test Drive(R); and mass-market and children's franchises such as Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues(TM) and Dora the Explorer(TM), and Dragon Ball Z(R). Atari, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of France- based Infogrames Entertainment SA (Euronext - ISIN: FR-0000052573), the largest interactive games publisher in Europe. For more information, visit www.atari.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

With the exception of the historical information contained in this release, the matters described herein contain certain "forward-looking statements" that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this release are not promises or guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. We caution you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein. Some of the factors which could cause our results to differ materially include the following: the loss of key customers, such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, GameStop and EB Games; delays in product development and related product release schedules; inability to secure capital; adapting to the rapidly changing industry technology, including new console technology; maintaining relationships with leading independent video game software developers; maintaining or acquiring licenses to intellectual property; fluctuations in the Company's quarterly net revenues and results of operations based on the seasonality of our industry; the termination or modification of our agreements with hardware manufacturers; and other factors described in our SEC filings.

The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company's expectations.

All rights reserved. ATARI, the ATARI logo, and classic Atari game titles and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Atari Interactive, Inc. or its affiliates.

Source: Atari, Inc.

CN8, The Comcast Network Receives 40 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Nominations and Special Achievement for Station Excellence Network Celebrates 10th Anniversary Year with Nominations Across Diverse Categories

-- CN8, The Comcast Network received 40 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award nominations at an event held August 3 in Philadelphia, earning the most for any cable network and the second highest for any network in the Mid-Atlantic region. CN8 and its founder, Comcast Cable Eastern Division president Michael Doyle, and Jon Gorchow, vice president and general manager, were also recognized with a "Station Excellence" honor for excellence in overall station operations. The awards nominations come as CN8 prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary with expansion to more than two million additional viewers, a new studio location in the nation's capital, and a new programming lineup of more live, original programming than ever before, set to launch on September 5.

"CN8's founding vision was to create meaningful, live, interactive programming that would make a difference in people's lives," said Michael Doyle, founder of CN8 and president, Comcast Cable Eastern Division. "Last night's awards confirm that we are meeting this mission, and pay tribute to our network's team of some of the brightest, most creative individuals both in front of the cameras and behind-the-scenes. As we move into the next decade of CN8's growth, we will not rest on our laurels -- we will continue to work to get better and to deliver programming that is relevant to our viewers and not offered by traditional networks."

Highlights of the 40 Emmy Nominations include recognition of CN8's marquee original programs, with three nominations for "Money Matters Today," and two each for "It's Your Call with Lynn Doyle" and "Seeking Solutions with Suzanne," along with nominations for "Nitebeat" and "Out of Bounds." Arthur Fennell, CN8 news anchor and host of the upcoming "Art Fennell Reports," was nominated for Craft Achievement in the category of Anchor-News, and reporter Nicole Fox earned recognition for Craft Achievement in the Reporter-Features/Human Interest category.

Categorically, CN8 Sports earned nine nominations for its exclusive coverage of regional events, "CN8 News" received six nominations, CN8 Creative Services earned kudos for six submissions of various promotional and graphic works, and CN8 Special Programming received five nominations. A number of CN8 individuals were also recognized, including Barry Nolan, entertainment host; Sara Edwards, senior producer/entertainment reporter; Lou Tilley, sports host; Gregg Murphy, sports anchor/host; Mick Moninghoff and Rob Kennedy, sports play-by-play analysts; and Brian Gurry, host. With these honors, CN8 has now been recognized with 314 regional Emmy Award nominations since its inception in 1996.

"It is an honor to work with such talented individuals and a pleasure to see our original shows and dedicated employees recognized by our colleagues and peers," said Jon Gorchow, CN8 vice president and general manager. "When Mike Doyle founded the network 10 years ago, many doubted its long-term potential -- it is rewarding to know that CN8 is now recognized nationally and that it continues to exceed even our own expectations."

CN8 is the nation's largest and most recognized regional 24-hour cable network, producing live interactive issues-oriented, political, sports and entertainment programming. Over the past decade, CN8 has expanded to reach almost nine million homes throughout the Northeast corridor, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Maine. By the end of 2006, CN8 will launch in Washington, D.C., and parts of North Carolina, West Virginia, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

The regional Emmy Awards, now in their 24th year, recognize excellence in news, programming and individual achievement in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The awards, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, will be presented September 9 in Philadelphia. This year's competition has prizes for seven new categories, including one honoring general managers for station excellence.

About CN8, The Comcast Network

CN8, The Comcast Network (http://www.cn8.tv/) is owned and operated by Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., a division of Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA; CMCSK), the country's leading cable and broadband services provider. CN8 has quickly become one of the nation's largest and most honored regional 24-hour diversified television networks -- serving more than 9 million cable homes on the East Coast. The network provides quality, locally produced programming in four main areas: live, interactive television; regional news; entertainment; and coverage of high school, college and professional sports. CN8 has been nominated for 314 regional Emmy Awards.

Source: CN8, The Comcast Network

GSN, the Network That First Brought Live Participation TV to America, Adds Another Night to Successful 'PLAYMANIA' Block Starting August 27, Sundays Will Be Added to the PLAYMANIA Late Night Block Series' Addition Will Kick Off With Tribute to the Big TV Awards Weekend

GSN, the network for games, is proud to add a fourth night to its successful live participation TV franchise PLAYMANIA, the first of its kind to air in the United States. PLAYMANIA premiered April 6 and has seen tremendous growth in its Thursday through Saturday (1:00-3:00 AM ET/10:00-Midnight PT*) air schedule, which will expand to include Sundays starting August 27; it was announced today by Rich Cronin, president and CEO of GSN.

The addition of Sunday nights falls on the same evening as television's Emmy Awards show, so PLAYMANIA will pay homage to the television world all weekend with TV-themed games and puzzles, increased prize values, guest celebrity visits and more, starting Thursday, August 24.

"As the network for games and the industry's interactive leader, we're proud to have been the first channel in America to offer live participation TV game shows," said Cronin. "This format has proven to be very successful in Europe, and we see it playing a large role in interactive television in the United States."

"Since PLAYMANIA's April premiere, we have experienced 300% growth in participation. Much of this success is due to the fact that the GSN audience loves to play games," said John P. Roberts, Senior Vice President of Digital Media and Interactive Entertainment. "This announcement is just the beginning ... we have many upcoming innovations that will thrill our growing community of self-proclaimed 'PlayManiacs'."

PLAYMANIA is a live interactive game show where viewers become contestants, playing a multitude of interactive word games, number games and puzzles. Hosted by LINGO co-host and former Miss USA Shandi Finnessey, and by British QUIZNATION star Mel Peachy, PLAYMANIA gives viewers the opportunity to compete for cash and prizes up to $5,000 by text messaging or going online to gsn.com.

PLAYMANIA is produced by GSN in conjunction with Optimistic Entertainment.

Optimistic, Optimistic Entertainment develops, produces and distributes interactive TV content and IP for its own and third party networks. Recent shows and commissions include "Flipside TV," "Pop the Q," "Celebrity Soup" and "Play Sudoku." The company was established in 2002 by Jasper Smith and David Brook. Further information on Optimistic Entertainment can be found at www.oeplc.com

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming and interactive game playing. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN features over 133 hours per week of interactive programming, which allows viewers a chance to win prizes by playing along with GSN's televised games via GSN.com. Now reaching more than 60 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.

-GSN-

Source: GSN

Google's Official Video Blog Declares Beet.TV is 'Shaking Things Up' - and Bestows Five Star Rating TypePad and Media Survey Also Give Kudos to New Vlog

Google's Official Video Blog profiled the work of Beet.TV and provided a sample clip along with a five star rating.

The Google Video Blog celebrates the "creativity" of its many contributors who upload video. Beet.TV uses Google as a tool to upload and publish video.

According to the Google citation:

"Beet.TV, the self-styled 'root of the media revolution,' is shaking things up. With all that's changing in the world of online media, you can count on beet to be covering it."

Beet.TV covers online video, social networking and their implications for society and business. Launched in late March, it is published daily by Plesser Holland, a boutique public relations firm with offices in New York and Washington, D.C.

It is among the very first "business-to-business" video blogs -- meaning a video blog that covers only a particular industry sector. The publisher is also creating video blogs for other companies and institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Fordham University.

Last month, Beet.TV was honored as "site of the day" by TypePad, the software company that hosts Beet.TV and millions of other blogs.

Another industry accolade came earlier this week in a profile in Sam Whitemore's Media Survey, an essential tech public relations resource:

"Would you bookmark a web site that, in recent weeks, offered bite-sized video interviews with Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes, YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley, Rocketboom co-founder Andrew Baron, analysts Charlene Li and Esther Dyson, and journalists Steven Levy, Dan Farber, David Carr, Tom Foremski, Rafat Ali, Mary Jo Foley, Larry Walsh, Len Apcar and Patrick Houston?

"Of course you would, which is why you should check out Beet.tv, a video blog produced by a nice guy named Andy Plesser. A former San Francisco rock concert promoter and CBS-TV associate producer, Plesser by day is a principal at Plesser Holland Associates, a Manhattan-based PR firm specializing in representing media brands (CNET Networks, Salon and PR Week among them). His agency also represents non-media clients, such as ING Direct."

Relevant links:

Beet.TV: http://www.beet.tv/

The history of Beet.TV: http://plesstv.blogs.com/beettv/7-12-06-news.htm

Google Video Citation: http://googlevideo.blogspot.com/2006/08/highlight-beettv.html

TypePad Citation: http://featured.typepad.com/blogs/2006/07/beet_tv.html

'Sky High at the Top of the Trop' $25,000 Exclusive Party Package for Beachfront Air Show

Get ready to fly sky high at the Top of the Trop at the Tropicana Casino and Resort which will host the ultimate, exclusive party for this year's largest air show, "Thunder Over the Boardwalk," on Wednesday, August 23. This premiere package, Sky High at the Top of the Trop, is available for up to 65 guests, costs $25,000 and includes an overnight stay.

Top of the Trop, located on the 20th Floor, is completely surrounded by glass, offering stunning panoramic views of the beach, boardwalk and the city. While watching all the action at eye level, guests will be treated to an exquisite meal, including Colossal Cocktail Shrimp, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Medallions of Maine Lobster, Top of the Trop Cheesesteaks (made with filet mignon), Jumbo Lump Mini Crab Cakes, Veal Oscar, Tuxedo Chocolate Strawberries, Fresh Fruit Fondue with Grand Marnier Whipped Cream, and topped off with cigars from Tinderbox Vino 100.

"Top of the Trop not only offers one of the city's most incredible views, but also provides superior service in a top-of-the-line setting," says Pamela J. Popielarski, president and general manager of Tropicana Casino and Resort. "Sky High at the Top of the Trop will offer an experience unlike any other in Atlantic City, creating the ultimate air show party package with a unique setting, superb dining and first-class accommodations that will continue to keep the Tropicana and The Quarter as the foremost party spot in AC."

The annual aerial spectacle will feature a combination of military and civilian demonstration teams, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, who will be celebrating their 60th anniversary, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Team. Throughout the day, planes will be roaring down the beach performing formation flying stunts and solo routines.

To book the private package, Sky High at the Top of the Trop, please call 609.340.4029.

Tropicana, the largest hotel in the state of New Jersey, provides visitors with more than 18 restaurants, capable of accommodating more than 5,000 diners, and offers three times the entertainment, shopping and spa options of any other hotel casino in Atlantic City. For more information, please visit the web site at http://www.tropicana.net/.

Source: Tropicana Casino and Resort

Paddy Power to Double Prize Fund at World Strip Poker Championship if Winner Donates All to Charity!

Bookmaker Paddy Power has pledged to double the GBP10,000 first prize in its forthcoming World Strip Poker Championship if the event is won by someone donating their winnings to charity. This would mean a whopping GBP20,000 payday for the winning charitable organisation.

The event, being held at the Cafe Royal, Regent Street, London on Saturday 19 August, is an attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the largest ever strip poker tournament.

Interest in taking part in the event has been so strong, with applicants across 15 countries, that the organiser is now looking to expand the event. A large percentage of those playing are doing so to raise funds for their favourite charities.

Spokesman Paddy Power said, "We don't want to disappoint anyone who wants to play and we've had a lot of interest from people willing to donate their winnings to charity so we thought we'd super-size the event and encourage people to cast off their clothes for charity."

Charities or their patrons interested in participating can register at www.paddypower.com/strippoker or contact pressoffice@paddypower.com

The winner of the event will also win a package worth approximately GBP3,000 to play in the Paddy Power Irish Poker Open, Dublin over Easter weekend 2007 where they will get a shot at the GBP1 million plus prize pool.

Event details:

When: 19 August 2006

Where: Cafe Royal, Regent Street, London, W1B 5EL

How: Register free to take part on www.paddypower.com/strippoker

Other: The tournament will be played in a fully hygienic and comfortable environment with professional dealers, tables and a tournament structure that will encourage lots of poker play.

USN's 'Ultimate Shopping Network' Records Largest Daily Coin Sales Ever With First Strike, 24 Karat American Buffalo Gold Coins Over $100,000 in Revenue Achieved in Just Three Hours on Sales of Over One Hundred Coins at $999 Each; Upcoming Show on Sunday, August 6 Offers Viewers Another Chance to Buy This Year's Most Collectible Coin

USN Corporation (BULLETIN BOARD: USNR) ("USN"), owner of the "Ultimate Shopping Network," announced today its largest daily coin sales ever with a show dedicated to the U.S. Mint's 24 Karat American Buffalo Gold coins. Selling over one hundred of the first strike, mint-state (MS) 70 American Buffalos in just three hours, USN garnered over $100,000 in sales while offering viewers one of the industry's lowest prices for the coins at just $999.

Based upon James Earle Fraser's design of the Buffalo Nickel issued between 1913 and 1938, the American Buffalos are the first 24K coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint and have been made in an extremely limited run of 300,000 total coins. USN will be hosting its next American Buffalo Gold coin show on Sunday, August 6, allowing viewers another opportunity to purchase this year's most collectible coin.

"Our success in selling over one hundred American Buffalos in just three hours is a testament to our broad reach to an audience of affluent customers," said Mark J. Miller, CEO of USN. "And at $999, we are selling these highly collectible coins for far less than most other outlets, which have the same first strike, MS 70 American Buffalos retailing anywhere from $1,099 to $1,199."

In addition to the first strike, MS-70 American Buffalos, USN has a variety of other American Buffalo Gold coins from first strike, MS-69s to the ultra-rare proof issue, first strike, PCGS-PR70DCAM, selling for $5,995. "Proof" coins are the rarest of the rare, made with special dies and struck multiple times to accent the design.

Reaching over 30 million aggregated U.S. households, USN sells upscale consumer products direct to the customer at value prices on DIRECTV Channel 345, Dish Network channel 223, and various cable and broadcast outlets. The Ultimate Shopping Network's 24/7 programming offers television's most luxurious shopping experience and the network is a rapidly growing player in the multi-billion dollar television commerce industry.

ABOUT USN CORP.

USN's wholly owned Ultimate Shopping Network is quickly becoming the luxury brand in television shopping. USN has positioned itself as television shopping's version of high-end retailing with a dedication to service, quality, integrity and luxury. Today, the Ultimate Shopping Network is broadcast to more than 30 million aggregated U.S. households on DIRECTV Channel 345, Dish Network 223, and various cable and broadcast outlets. The company also has an Internet shopping site, http://www.shopusn.com/, which offers customers many of the same upscale products seen by viewers on the network at very competitive price points.

Statements in this news release about anticipated or expected future revenue or growth or expressions of future goals or objectives, including statements regarding whether current plans to grow and strengthen the company's existing network will be implemented or accomplished, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this release. Any forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, or the benefits anticipated from the acquisition will not be realized. Additionally, forward-looking statements are based on current market conditions and risks, which may change as the result of certain regulatory, political or economic events, a shift in consumer preferences, as well as those risks and uncertainties described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the events or results described in the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Source: USN Corporation

MAXUM Games and Marvel Comics collaborate on R.H. Stavis' Demons of Mercy

Last weekend at San Diego's Comic-Con International, next generation developer MAXUM Games announced their newest Xbox 360 title, "Demons of Mercy" and premiered a new comic series based on the game by rising author R.H. Stavis. The comic story which is being produced in collaboration with and distributed by Marvel Comics was unveiled at the convention with an exclusive first issue printing.

"We are really excited about how we are enhancing the game by including exclusive hints and secret features within the comic series. We were also very lucky to find R.H. Stavis," said James Jacoby, game producer for MAXUM. "Her background with Tomb Raider, and her ability to create fantastic characters and daring storylines, made for the perfect match."

The comic and game center around a gorgeous assassin named Mercy Dawn. An orphan adopted by the mob and trained by the Yakuza, Mercy has returned to the United States seeking revenge. Instead, she finds herself caught in a vicious war between Heaven and Hell, and only she holds the key to humanity's salvation. "It's a wonderful challenge to be telling this story in two different ways: the concise, linear comic; and the broad, non-linear game. Fans will get the opportunity to see the same story in completely different mediums, with new information each time," says Stavis as she signs for fans at the con.

ABOUT MAXUM GAMES:

MAXUM Games, LLC is a Colorado based software entertainment company developing exclusively for next-generation gaming platforms. Since its inception in 2001, MAXUM has carefully studied the game industry in-depth, in preparation for hyper-realistic interactive entertainment. With the addition of "Real-Time Collaboration", innovative new technologies, and specialized studios, MAXUM is developing the best quality action, sci-fi, and fantasy videogames for the Next Generation market. http://www.maxumgames.com/

ABOUT R.H. STAVIS:

R.H. Stavis popularity expanded globally with the fictional work for the videogame heroine, Lara Croft. As a result of Tomb Raider's success, she has been interviewed by radio and television and has contributed articles in several writing magazines. Stavis has written over 25 short stories, novels, and screenplays including the controversial top selling book, "Daniel's Veil". http://www.rhstavis.com/

Source: MAXUM Games LLC

'Barnyard' Uses Sun Technology for Groundbreaking Computer-Generated Animation

-- Nickelodeon Movies' computer-animated movie "Barnyard," distributed by Paramount Pictures, which hits theaters nationwide today, features complex computer-generated animation that required unique and creative solutions from Sun Microsystems Inc. (NASDAQ:SUNW) . The film is Nickelodeon's most challenging animated film to date -- featuring vast landscapes with vivid details, realistic shading and lighting, and scenes that incorporate more than 200 characters that move with surprising fluidity -- the complex data requires more time-intensive computing. Leveraging a rendering farm based on Sun Fire(TM) servers and Sun StorageTek(TM) data management systems, "Barnyard's" artists were able to quickly identify incomplete scenes, make necessary edits, and manage finished shots. The complex scenes were executed using high-performance 64-bit computing solutions from Sun that revolutionized how computer-generated imagery (CGI) is created and managed.

"With a state-of-the-art computer-animated movie like 'Barnyard,' a seamless interaction between the technology and artist is essential to make the characters come to life," said executive producer Aaron Parry. "Sun raised the bar by providing the only solutions that met this challenge and exceeded business expectations."

"We were thrilled that Sun was able to come up with a solution for us," said executive producer Julia Pistor. "Steve Oedekerk had some very specific and complex ideas that he wanted to see up on the screen, and Sun was integral in helping Steve and his team realize them."

Sun provided a 620-node server farm and storage solution that was crucial in the completion of the complex animation required. The solution is based on Sun Fire x64 enterprise servers powered by AMD Opteron(TM) processors with Direct Connect Architecture, and 100-terabyte Sun StorageTek 3510 and 3511 FC arrays and a Sun StorageTek tape library for online storage and backup of shot files and other movie assets. Sun Customer Ready Systems helped migrate the production from its previous 32-bit render farm, and then configured, assembled and tested the new Sun render farm for the production. In addition, Sun provided continuous on-site consultation and support to the Barnyard production team.

"Barnyard's" producers believe their Sun solution may represent the first time a studio has relied entirely upon 64-bit technology to render a full-length animated movie.

"Animated movies are evolving rapidly, demanding more and more lifelike characters and scenes that are challenging artists, directors and the technology industry to create better CGI in faster and easier ways," said Pradeep Parmar, Sun's x64 product line business driver. "Sun is excited to meet these challenges with our expanded product line and range of service offerings."

About "Barnyard"

From Steve Oedekerk and Nickelodeon Movies, two of the co-creators of "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius," and filmed entirely in CGI, comes this hilarious look at what really happens in a barnyard when the farmer's back is turned. "Barnyard" is a lighthearted tale centering around Otis (voiced by Kevin James), a carefree party cow, who enjoys singing, dancing and playing tricks on humans. Unlike his father Ben (voiced by Sam Elliott), the respected patriarch of the farm, and Miles, the wise old mule (voiced by Danny Glover), Otis is unconcerned about keeping the animals' humanlike talents a secret. But when suddenly put in the position of responsibility, the "udderly" irresponsible cow finds the courage to become a leader.

Paramount Pictures presents in association with Nickelodeon Movies an O Entertainment production, a Steve Oedekerk film, "Barnyard." Written and directed by Steve Oedekerk, the film is produced by Steve Oedekerk and Paul Marshal. The executive producers are Julia Pistor and Aaron Parry. Animation production is by Omation Animation Studios. The film is rated PG for some mild peril and rude humor.

About Sun Microsystems

A singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer"(TM) -- guides Sun in the development of technologies that power the world's most important markets. Sun's philosophy of sharing innovation and building communities is at the forefront of the next wave of computing: the Participation Age. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the Web at sun.com .

NOTE: Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java, StorageTek, Sun Fire, and The Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. AMD, Opteron, the AMD logo, and the AMD Opteron logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Attendee Update: World Premiere of STEP UP

Monday, August 7th at The ArcLight

WHO: From the film: Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan, Mario, Drew Sidora,

Damaine Radcliffe, De'Shawn Washington, Rachel

Griffiths, Josh Henderson, Tim Lacatena, Heavy D,

Alyson Stoner, Director Anne Fletcher, Producers

Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot, Erik Feig, Patrick

Wachsberger, Executive Producer Bob Hayward, Writers

Duane Adler and Melissa Rosenberg.

Special guests: Musical sensation Ciara from the film soundtrack,

Beau Bridges, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Kelis, So You

Think You Can Dance finalists, Julie Bowen ... and

more!

WHAT: To celebrate the Los Angeles Premiere of Touchstone Pictures

and Summit Entertainment's STEP UP.

WHEN: Monday, August 7th, 2006 WHERE: ArcLight Cinemas

5:00PM Press Arrivals 6360 Sunset Boulevard

6:00PM Celebrity Arrivals Hollywood

7:00PM Screening

Posted by ladymountbatten at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (1)

DOD IDENTIFIES ARMY CASUALTY The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Hai Ming Hsia, 37, of New York, N.Y., died Aug. 1 during combat operations in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Hsia was assigned to the 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany

DOD IDENTIFIES MARINE CASUALTY The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Joseph A. Tomci, 21, of Stow, Ohio, died Aug. 2 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DOD IDENTIFIES ARMY CASUALTY The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Dustin D. Laird, 23, of Martin, Tenn., died on Aug. 2 during combat operations in Rawah, Iraq. Laird was assigned to the Army National Guard 913th Engineer Company, 46th Engineer Battalion, Union City, Tenn.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Ryan D. Jopek, 20, of Merrill, Wis., died in Tikrit, Iraq on Aug. 2 of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy. Jopek was assigned to the Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, Waupun, Wis.

Two soldiers and a Marine were killed in Iraq today, and the Defense Department released the identities of three Marines who were killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. A soldier and a Marine, both assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, and a soldier assigned to 9th Naval Construction Regiment died due to enemy action in Anbar province today. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the identities of three Marines who were killed July 29 in Anbar province: Sgt. Christian B. Williams, 27, of Winter Haven, Fla.; Cpl. Phillip E. Baucus, 28, of Wolf Creek, Mont.; and Lance Cpl. Anthony E. Butterfield, 19, of Clovis, Calif. All three Marines were assigned to 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

General Officer Announcement Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld announced today that the President has nominated Army Col. Simeon G. Trombitas for the appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Trombitas is currently serving as commander, Special Operations Command, Korea.

This announcement involves a combat brigade, headquarters element, and combat support and combat service support units totaling approximately 11,000 service members as presently envisioned. The scheduled rotation for these forces will begin in late-2006. Decisions made by the secretary of defense at the recommendation of military commanders in Afghanistan may result in changes to this rotation and may affect units now being identified and advised to prepare to deploy. This rotation continues the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan, yet is flexible and adaptable in order to meet the evolving requirements for the mission. The major units announced today include: 82nd Airborne Division Headquarters, Fort Bragg, N.C. 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. The individual services will announce the smaller, supporting units for this rotation. In consultation with the Afghan government, commanders continue to assess the situation to ensure sufficient forces levels to best support the Afghan government. The U.S. force rotations may be tailored based upon changes in the security situation. Afghan National Army forces continue to develop capability and assume responsibility for security in Afghanistan.

_CONTRACTS _NAVY Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $200,100,000 undefinitized contract action to begin fabrication and delivery of three MV-22 tiltrotor production aircraft. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa. (35 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (35 percent); and Amarillo, Texas (15 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-06-C-0292). National Technologies Associates, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va., is being awarded an $8,243,053 modification to a previously awarded time and materials indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-02-D-3205) to exercise an option for engineering, technical and administrative services in support of the Naval Air Systems Command's comptroller competency in the areas of management studies; program records/library support; operational security program analysis; training systems technology and financial analysis. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (90 percent); Lakehurst, N.J. (5 percent); and St. Inigoes, Md. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Alliant Integrated Defense Co., LLC, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $6,119,800 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-98-C-0006) to retrofit 1,654 AAR-47 (V)1 sensors to an AAR-(V)3 configuration for the Navy (1,008) and the Air Force (646). Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla., and is expected to be completed in July 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $569,800 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. _DOD HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING MODERNIZATION PROGRAM OFFICE The University of Alaska Fairbanks is being awarded a cost-reimbursable contract to a non-profit organization with a cumulative value of $99,955,349.00. The contract will consist of a base, plus four option years. The base value is $14,874,746.00. The University of Alaska Fairbanks will provide high performance computing resources and support in computational research in science and engineering that emphasize high latitudes associated with the artic region. The award will provide an initial funding increment of $5,924,438.36 of FY06 RDT&E funding for the base year. This is a sole source award. The contracting activity is General Services Administration, Federal Technology Service, IT Solution Division, 4890 University Square, Suite 3F, Huntsville, AL 38516. Point of Contact is Mona Neal. Task Order Number: 4THO07064562. _ARMY Raytheon, McKinney, Texas, was awarded on July 29, 2006, a $95,696,430 firm-fixed-price contract for horizontal technical integration second generation forward looking infrared. work will be performed in McKinney, Texas (60 percent), and Palm Bay, Fla. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 20, 2006. The Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-06-C-M029). Madison Research Corp.*, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on July 31, 2006, a $35,883,441 firm-fixed-price contract for chaparral missile shelf life items for the Egypt missile system. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 31, 2006. The Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-06-C-0436). James Benvenuto & Associates*, Falls Church, Va., was awarded on July 28, 2006, a $24,457,240 increment as part of a $108,923,619 cost-plus-award-fee contract for programmatic and support services to the InnoVision directorate of NGA. Work will be performed in Reston, Va. (89 percent), Bethesda, Md. (7 percent), Chantilly, Va. (3 percent), and Fort Monmouth, N.J. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 4, 2006, and one bid was received. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Reston, Va., is the contracting activity (HM1582-06-C-0014). Nova Group Inc., Napa, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 1, 2006, a $15,682,795 firm-fixed-price contract for a hydrant fuel system. Work will be performed at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 21, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 6, 2006, and three bids were received. The Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-06-C-0043). Honeywell International, Tempe, Ariz., was awarded on July 31, 2006, a $7,189,665 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for digital control units. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 12, 2005. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-C-0513). * Small Business

Posted by ladymountbatten at 09:42 AM | Permalink

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

To understand the internet you have to be open to change.

Content is King

Edited by William Hoehne & Joyce L. Chow

To come here you have to be able to read.

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

MBN®

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

sales@montebubbles.net

Banner ads and other advertisements can now be purchased thru eBay: Item number:

Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.

First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX and NBC and now there is MBN ® Now associate with Mounte Broadcasting Network

( MBN unofficially the sixth largest supplier

of NEWS by and American company

averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

MBN® is proud to announce Dear Monte: talktomontebubbles@montebubbles.net

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

More exciting changes coming each day

  It's give and take   The rawness of the talent didn't bother producer Devine. 

  Series Highlights   Aug. 7 - Survey Overview   *  With their vast arsenals of electronic gear, they are the most      entertained generation of the Information Age.  Yet the YouTubing,      MySpacing, multi-tasking teens and young adults widely seen as      Hollywood's Most Wanted audience are feeling -- can it be? -- a bit      bored with it all.  Even in a kajillion-channel universe, there aren't      nearly enough options.   *  The revolution in entertainment, media and technology that many in      Hollywood are preparing for has yet to fully take hold.  If these teens      and young adults seem hesitant to watch filmed entertainment on their      mobile devices, there's more troubling news: The multiplex isn't that      popular, either.    Aug. 8 - Movies   *  Hollywood has followed a rigid moviemaking formula for decades: produce      long features, show them first in theaters, release them on video, then      broadcast them on television.  This dusty model just might not be good      enough anymore.   *  Cell phones and video iPods aren't the answers, yet.  Teens may not be      ready to watch short films on these devices, but they're dying for      something new and exciting.    Aug. 9 - Music   *  In the music industry, copied CDs and so-called "school-yard" piracy is      now considered a greater threat than illegal peer-to-peer downloading.      For some teens, copying purchased CDs or DVDs is legal, while copying      stolen music or movies is a crime.  A look at the widespread confusion      that proliferates as the line between piracy and legality becomes ever      murkier in the iTunes age.    Aug. 10 - Television   *  Entertainment purveyors may be rushing to package their content into      mobisodes, video downloads and podcasts -- that no one needs.  Teens      and young adults -- the generation most likely to be the early adapters      of this new technology -- have yet to fully embrace it.   *  Jon Stewart, watch out.  Of all media sources, teens and young adults      say they're least likely to get their news from edgy comedy shows, MTV      or even the Internet.  Try local TV news.    Aug. 11 - Tweens   *  A fun book ... music playing on the computer ... a PlayStation 2 game      in the console ... email ... and surfing the Web.  And homework, too.      The ability to juggle homework, entertainment and communication with      friends has become a key requirement for the modern teenager.  

  RIGHT HERE WAITING   Originally recorded by: Richard Marx   

Written by: Richard Marx / Produced by: John Fields    

WHEN I SEE YOU SMILE   Originally recorded by: John Waite   

Written by: Diane Warren / Produced by: John Fields    

WITHOUT YOU   Originally recorded by: Badfinger and Then Harry Nilsson   

Written by: William Collings, Thomas Evans, Michael Gibbins, Peter Ham,    

and J.C. Molland   Produced by: John Fields    LONELY NO MORE   

(NEW SONG)   Written by: Andreas Carlsson, Samuel Waermo, 

Mimmi Waermo & Clay Aiken   Produced by: Andreas Carlsson

 and Samuel Waermo    SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD

   Originally recorded by: Elton John   Written by: Elton John & 

Bernie Taupin   Producer by: Per Magnusson & David Kreuger 

   EVERYTIME YOU GO AWAY   Originally recorded by: Paul Young

   Written by: Daryl Hall   Produced by: Adam Anders    

EVERYTHING I DO (I DO IT FOR YOU)   Originally recorded by: Bryan Adams

   Written by: Bryan Adams, Michael Kamen & Robert John "Mutt" Lange  

 Produced by: John Fields    I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS - 

Guest Vocals by Suzie McNeil   Originally recorded by: Foreigner   

Written by: Michael Jones   Produced by: Russ Irwin, Marti Frederiksen 

& Charlton Pettus    THESE OPEN ARMS   (NEW SONG)   Written by: 

Jon Bon Jovi & Desmond Childs   Produced by: John Fields    

BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME   Originally recorded by: Celine Dion   

Written by: Diane Warren   Produced by: Eman    HERE YOU COME AGAIN

   Originally recorded by: Dolly Parton   Written by: Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil

    EVERYTHING I HAVE - Featuring William Joseph on Piano   (NEW SONG)   

Written by: Jeremy Bose   Arranged by: Jeremy Lubbock    A THOUSAND DAYS

   (NEW SONG)   Written by: Christian Leuzzi, Aldo Nova & Emanuel Olsson

   Produced by: John Fields    BROKEN WINGS   Originally recorded by: Mr. Mister

   Written by: Richard Page, John Lang & Steve George   Produced by: Eman 

Posted by ladymountbatten at 04:40 PM | Permalink

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

To understand the internet you have to be open to change.

Content is King

Edited by William Hoehne & Joyce L. Chow

To come here you have to be able to read.

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

MBN®

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INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

sales@montebubbles.net

Banner ads and other advertisements can now be purchased thru eBay: Item number:

Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.

First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX and NBC and now there is MBN ® Now associate with Mounte Broadcasting Network

( MBN unofficially the sixth largest supplier

of NEWS by and American company

averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

MBN® is proud to announce Dear Monte: talktomontebubbles@montebubbles.net

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

More exciting changes coming each day

 George Harrison and Ravi Shankar's Concert For Bangladesh 35th Anniversary Commemorated Today at Madison Square Garden

This One's for the Dogs... Literally

Lloyd Inks Worldwide Deal With Atlantic via Jazze Pha's Sho'Nuff Records; Acclaimed Atlanta R&B Singer Preps Label Debut as "You" Takes Off at Radio

______________________________________________

George Harrison and Ravi Shankar's Concert For Bangladesh 35th Anniversary Commemorated Today at Madison Square Garden

Today marks the 35th Anniversary of George Harrison and Ravi Shankar's Concert For Bangladesh. The concert took place on August 1st, 1971 at New York City's Madison Square Garden. The show featured performances by George, Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Leon Russell and Billy Preston.

Olivia Harrison said, "The 30th anniversary was very much on George's mind back in 2001 and I am honoured to have helped complete the project on his behalf. We have done our best to maximize the effort they made all those years ago, which has not only benefited thousands of people but became a model for charitable events over the last three decades. This anniversary re-issue has generated more funds for UNICEF, as well as renewed the recognition I think George and Ravi deserve for responding to the humanitarian crisis of that time."

(Click here for details)
Jay Marciano presents Olivia Harrison a plaque to be
placed in Madison Square Garden's "Walk of Fame"
commemorating the 35th Anniversary of
Concert For Bangladesh.

"When new Bangla Desh was born and hundreds of thousands of refugees started pouring into India, I was so pained seeing the suffering of these innocent people and my heart went out to them," added Ravi Shankar. "I wanted to help in whatever way I could and do something to raise money for the refugees. I was going to arrange a concert and play myself with perhaps a few friends. Dear George was in Los Angeles at that time and was visiting me. He saw the pain and anguish in me and was very concerned. I explained to George what was happening and asked for his help. Seeing my plight, he started to phone everyone. What happened afterwards is history. One day, no one knew of Bangla Desh and the next day the whole world was talking about it. Concert For Bangla Desh is very close to my heart as it was my conception and baby, and thanks to George it became as big as it did!"

"The Concert For Bangladesh - George Harrison & Friends," released on DVD and CD last autumn, was recently certified 3 times platinum by the RIAA. All artists' royalties from the sales of the DVD and the CD continue to go to UNICEF. In commemoration, Ravi Shankar and Ringo Starr were presented with plaques, in New York and Los Angeles respectively.

"UNICEF is honored to have been a part of this Concert and proud that 35 years later we are celebrating the humanitarian work of George Harrison," said Chip Lyons, President of US Fund for UNICEF. "Children's lives, in Bangladesh and beyond, have been saved and improved thanks to the funds raised by The Concert For Bangladesh."

Madison Square Garden has also marked the day with a permanent plaque commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Concert For Bangladesh in their "Walk of Fame."

"In 1971, at the behest of Ravi Shankar, when George Harrison pulled together musicians like Bob Dylan, fellow Beatle Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton to perform at Madison Square Garden for The Concert For Bangladesh, he created the template for all of the many music benefits that have followed," said Jay Marciano, president, MSG Entertainment. "We are proud to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Concert For Bangladesh on our Walk of Fame. Today, August 1st, the concert anniversary, George Harrison's wife, Olivia Harrison, is here to help us remember how music can help create change. It's events and benefits like these that make Madison Square Garden such a special place for both artists and fans."

Presented to Mrs. Harrison today, who said, "It is truly heartening that the significance of The Concert For Bangladesh -- and the pioneering spirit of George, Ravi Shankar and their friends, still resonates after 35 years."

For additional information please see the attached press release or visit: www.georgeharrison.com

(Click here for details) Left to right: Chip Lyons UNICEF, Ringo Starr, Scott Pascucci President, Rhino Entertainment and Melissa Ormond from Madison Square Garden.

This One's for the Dogs... Literally

-- Walt Disney Home Entertainment presents "The Shaggy Dog" on DVD today and introduces a Disney first, a Bark Along "Bone-Us Feature" -- made especially for the family dog to enjoy! This special feature combines fun footage of Disney dogs playing, jumping and having fun, with a "barking and woofing" audio track option created especially for the entertainment of the canines in the house -- with or without their owners!

"The dogs really respond excitedly to the Bark Along," says professional trainer, Ray Beal of Birds & Animals Unlimited. "It is very entertaining and makes great company when you have to be away from them."

For the humans in the family there is an alternate audio track on the Bark Along that features a new version of the song "Woof There It Is" with new lyrics created especially for "The Shaggy Dog." Additional bonus features include: deleted scenes; bloopers and hilarious outtakes from the set; and director/producer feature audio commentary.

"The Shaggy Dog" is the fresh, funny update of one of Disney's most beloved family comedy classics. Starring the ever-popular Tim Allen ("The Santa Clause," TV's "Home Improvement"), "The Shaggy Dog" follows the hysterically hairy adventures of Deputy D.A. Dave Douglas (Allen), a workaholic trial lawyer and sometimes distant dad, who by a strange accident turns into a big shaggy dog.

Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry. Buena Vista home Entertainment is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista videocassette and DVD product. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., is a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.

Lloyd Inks Worldwide Deal With Atlantic via Jazze Pha's Sho'Nuff Records; Acclaimed Atlanta R&B Singer Preps Label Debut as "You" Takes Off at Radio

Atlantic Records has signed acclaimed Atlanta-based R&B vocalist and songwriter Lloyd to a long-term, exclusive worldwide recording contract through a pact with Sho'Nuff Records. The creative force behind Sho'Nuff is ace producer Jazze Pha, famed for his work with Nelly, Ludacris, OutKast, Usher, T.I., Lil Wayne, Field Mob, Ciara, and many others. Lloyd is currently at work on his Sho'Nuff/Atlantic debut, while his new single, "You," is rapidly building airplay momentum at radio stations across the country.

In announcing the signing, Atlantic Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman commented: "I am very happy to welcome Lloyd into the Atlantic family. He is an amazing singer and a gifted songwriter, with a hugely charismatic personality. Although he's only 20, Lloyd has been a recording artist for almost a decade, and it shows in the genuine soulfulness and depth of his music. He is about to come into his own as a major star, and we're thrilled to join with Sho'Nuff Records and Jazze Pha to bring Lloyd the breakthrough success he has long deserved."

"When surrounded by greatness, you're destined for it," said Lloyd. "Not only am I now in the company of my peers at Atlantic Records -- with the likes of T.I., Gnarls Barkley, Juvenile, Lupe Fiasco, Trey Songz and so many others -- but through Henry 'Noonie' Lee and Jazze Pha's Sho'Nuff, I'm also presented with the opportunity to create my own legacy with my company, Young Goldie Productions. We will make history. For there are only two kinds of people in this world, spectators and players. So let's play!"

"I believe that with Lloyd, we at Sho'Nuff are in a perfect world," noted Jazze Pha. "I say this because Lloyd is someone I respect and admire not only as an artist and songwriter, but as a young business person who is very in tune with the music of tomorrow. The fact that he has the sound and the look, that he can pull his records off live on stage, and that he is a real 'people person' all come together to make him an exceptional talent. Sho'Nuff!"

Born in New Orleans, Lloyd Harlin Polite Jr. moved to Atlanta with his mother and sister when he was two, following the death of his father. At the age of ten, he was recruited for the quartet N-Toon, put together by Klymaxx's Joyce Irby. Lloyd made his recording debut at 14 on their 2000 album, "TOON TIME." When the teen group disbanded, Lloyd set his sights on a solo career. His debut album, "SOUTHSIDE," was released in 2004 and featured the hit title track -- a duet with Ashanti -- and "Hey Young Girl." Since then, Lloyd has been featured on singles by Ja Rule ("Caught Up") and Tango Redd ("Let's Cheat").

Visit the Guardian Line at Wizard World ChicagoAugust 3-6 at Booth # 739!

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DoD Identifies Marine Corps Casualties

                         The Department of Defense announced today the
death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Anthony E. Butterfield, 19, of Clovis, Calif.
Sgt. Christian B. Williams, 27, of Winter Haven, Fla.



Both Marines died July 29 while conducting combat operations in Al
Anbar province, Iraq.They were assigned to 3rd Light Armored
Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force,
Twentynine Palms, Calif.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

                         The Department of Defense announced today the
death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. Phillip E. Baucus, 28, of Wolf Creek, Mont., died July 29 while
conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned
to 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I
Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif

 CONTRACTS



AIR FORCE



CC & G Co, LLC, Denver, Colo., is being awarded a $49,900,000
indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity cost-plus-fixed-price contract. The
contractor shall provide all personnel, services, and other items
necessary to perform business reporting, analyses and management
administration support functions. The contractor shall also support the financial
management divisions, the business offices, and individual projects,
branches and divisions. All tasks shall be performed in accordance with
the Air Force Research laboratory (AFRL) statement of work dated March
24, 2006. This support is for the AFRL, Phillips Research Site, directed
energy and space vehicle directorates, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. At
this time $17,247,232 has been obligated. Initial task orders 0002-0013
have a period of performance of two years. Basic IDIQ contract has an
ordering/contractor fulfillment period of 60 months after contract
award. AFRL, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., is the contracting
activity (FA9451-06-D-0110).



Colsa Corp., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded a $12,074,704
indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity cost-plus-award fee and
cost-reimbursement contract modification. This action provides for the technical and
acquisition management support program, providing a wide range of diverse
non-engineering, technical and acquisition management support required
in the acquisition, development, production, and support of various
equipment and weapon systems within the air armament center and other
organizations at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This is an option exercise. At
this time, no funds have been obligated. This work will be complete
September 2007. Headquarters Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base,
Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-05-C-0003/P00005).



FMC Technologies, Jetway Systems Division., Ogden, Utah, is being
awarded an $8,360,493 firm-fixed-price contract. This action provides for
110 ton diesel and electric air conditioners, for a quantity of 45
diesel air conditioners, and best estimated quantity of five electric air
conditioners, technical manuals, instructional media, test data,
provisioning. At this time no funds have been obligated. Solicitations began
August 2005. Negotiations were complete July 2006. This work will be
complete January 2012. Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center,
Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity
(FA8519-06-D-0010).



ARMY



General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on
July 28, 2006, a $45,719,282 cost contract for long lead material to
reset M1A2 Abrams tank. Work will be performed in Anniston, Ala. (40
percent), Lima, Ohio (20 percent), Sterling Heights, Mich. (10 percent),
and Scranton, Pa. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by June
30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current
fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 21, 2006. The
Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the
contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).



Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded on July 28, 2006, an $8,921,028
modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for obsolescence on the
Bradley fighting vehicle system, Operation Desert Storm and legacy
vehicles/battle command vehicle and battle command on the move and is expected
to be completed by Nov. 30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the
end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract
initiated on July 12, 2000. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command,
Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-M011).




DRS Sustainment Systems Inc., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on July 28,
2006, an $8,303,540 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for
engineering and logistics systems technical support for the M707 Knight
Vehicle system. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is
expected to be completed by July 20, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at
the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract
initiated on Dec. 8, 2004. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments, Warren,
Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0003).



BAE Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded on July 28, 2006, an
$8,921,028 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for obsolescence
on the Bradley fighting vehicle system, Operation Desert Storm and
legacy vehicles/battle command vehicle and battle command on the move and
is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2007. Contract funds will not
expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source
contract initiated on July 12, 2000. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments
Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-M011).



American Science and Engineering Inc.*, Billerica, Mass., was awarded
on July 28, 2006, a $6,425,944 firm-fixed-price contract for
Backscatter vans. Work will be performed in Billerica, Mass., and is expected to
be completed by Dec. 28, 2006. Contract funds will not expire at the
end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated
on March 29, 1996. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command,
Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-F-0132).



General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., was
awarded on July 26, 2006, a $5,583,963 firm-fixed-price contract for M2
Receiver Cartridges. Work will be performed in Saco, Maine, and is
expected to be completed by Oct. 23, 2007. Contract funds will not expire
at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on
March 23, 2006, and two bids were received. The Army Tank-Automotive
and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity
(W56H09-06-C-0155).



NAVY



Raytheon Systems Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Keyport, Keyport,
Wash., is being awarded a $5,087,815 firm-fixed-price modification to
previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6101) to satisfy additional
fiscal year 2006 Navy and Royal Australian Navy requirements for MK48
advanced capability and MK54 Mod 6 lightweight torpedo spares and MK48 common
broadband advanced sonar system Mod 7 heavyweight production
engineering support. The primary purpose of this contract modification is to
purchase additional spares and issue a technical issue to support fleet
operational requirements for the various torpedo product lines. This
modification combines requirements for the Navy (99 percent) and the Royal
Australian Navy (1 percent). Work will be performed in Keyport, Wash.
(90 percent), and Portsmouth, R.I. (10 percent), and is expected to be
completed by June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the
current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington,
D.C., is the contracting activity



* Small Business

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Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

To understand the internet you have to be open to change.

Content is King

Edited by William Hoehne & Joyce L. Chow

To come here you have to be able to read.

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

MBN®

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

sales@montebubbles.net

Banner ads and other advertisements can now be purchased thru eBay: Item number:  2200012641416

Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.

First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX and NBC and now there is MBN ® Now associate with Mounte Broadcasting Network

( MBN unofficially the sixth largest supplier

of NEWS by and American company

averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

MBN® is proud to announce Dear Monte: talktomontebubbles@montebubbles.net

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

More exciting changes coming each day

Oakland Athletics /DODGER Postgame Alert

Subaru of America Sales Soar to Best July in Company History 

Kia Motors America Announces Best July Sales Ever

Hyundai Momentum Continues With Second Consecutive All-Time Record Sales Month

Chrysler Group Reports July 2006 U.S. Sales

Toyota Reports July Sales

 Troy Aikman @ Full Throttle!; Aikman's Next Touchdown Will Be His Business Jet Landing in Canton, Ohio for Induction Into the NFL Football Hall of Fame On August 5th

__________________________________________________________________ 

 Oakland Athletics /DODGER Postgame Alert

August 1, 2006

Oakland 2, LA Angels 3 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Oakland Record: (56-51)
LA Angels Record: (55-51)

Winning pitcher - Joe Saunders (2-0)
Losing pitcher - Joe Blanton (11-9)
SV - Francisco Rodriguez (26)

 August 1, 2006

Los Angeles 10, Cincinnati 4 at Great American Ball Park
Los Angeles Record: (51-55)
Cincinnati Record: (55-51)

Winning pitcher - Aaron Sele (7-4)
Losing pitcher - Bill Bray (2-2)

Subaru of America Sales Soar to Best July in Company History

- Sales of Subaru Impreza and Legacy 2.5i models lead company to a three percent increase year-to-date in total sales -

Subaru of America, Inc. sales soared in July posting its best July in company history, with sales totaling 18,923 units, up five percent for the month compared with the same period last year. Both the Subaru Impreza and Legacy posted double-digit gains, while total sales for the brand are up three percent year-to-date from the previous year.

"I would like to thank our outstanding Subaru retailers for their efforts in achieving yet another all-time sales month for Subaru," said Tim Colbeck, vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "July results showed continued strength in our fuel-efficient 2.5i Subaru Impreza and Legacy models, while the Subaru Outback, Forester and B9 Tribeca crossover vehicles are succeeding as alternatives to traditional SUVs."

The Subaru Legacy posted very strong results up 11 percent with 8,301 units in July, fueled by Subaru Outback sales of 5,974 units for the month. Subaru Forester recorded 4,492 units, while Baja posted 496 units in July. Subaru Impreza continues its incredible sales year posting a record 21 percent increase over the previous July, totaling 4,014 units. Subaru B9 Tribeca also posted a strong 1,620 units for the month.

"The Subaru line-up is well positioned in the current marketplace," said Mr. Colbeck. "What makes Subaru such a compelling choice is its combination of strong fuel economy, exhilarating driving performance and go-anywhere capability coupled with the industry-leading active and passive safety that comes standard with our Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive."

For a complete sales chart and additional information about Subaru of America, Inc. and Subaru vehicles, visit our media website at http://www.media.subaru.com/.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2005. For additional information visit http://www.subaru.com/.

Kia Motors America Announces Best July Sales Ever

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced record July sales of 26,429 units, a 1.4-percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales for Kia totaled 173,007 units, a 2.3-percent improvement over the record-setting sales pace in 2005.

"Kia is charging ahead full steam with our best July ever in the company's 12-year history of selling cars in North America," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "And it's only going to get better with our exciting and enabling vehicle line, and new product on the horizon."

The Kia Spectra posted a strong sales month in July with 7,206 units sold, and Rio had its best month of the year at 3,858 units.

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

                             MONTH OF JULY             YEAR-TO-DATE   Model                    

2006         2005         2006         2005 

   Rio                      3,858        1,948       16,957       19,043 

  Spectra                  7,206        5,981       43,279       33,541   

Sportage                 2,923        2,712       20,650       15,391   

Optima                   2,496        4,958       21,764       28,324   

Sedona                   3,309        4,801       33,404       35,229  

 Sorento                  4,868        5,000       29,846       26,263   

Amanti                   1,769          652        7,107       11,347    

Total                   26,429       26,052      173,007      169,138 

Source: Kia Motors America

Hyundai Momentum Continues With Second Consecutive All-Time Record Sales Month

Hyundai Motor America announced sales of 47,205 vehicles for the month of July, improving on the one-month all-time sales record set in June. Hyundai's second-consecutive all-time record saw a sales increase of 6.2 percent over last July, raising 2006 year-to-date sales 4.6 percent over 2005.

The new-for-'06 Sonata continues to lead Hyundai's line-up, followed by the fuel-efficient Elantra which resonates with consumers as gasoline prices remain high. In July, Sonata sales improved by 43.7 percent over 2005. "The second half of 2006 has started off strong," said Mark Barnes, vice president, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America. "With another record-setting month, we're continuing the sales momentum established in the first half of the year."

All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Hyundai buyers are protected by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection.

  Following is the sales breakdown for July 2006:     CARLINE  

            JULY/2006    JULY/2005       CY2006       CY2005    ACCENT

                   4,030        3,756       21,476       25,666   SONATA  

                14,039        9,768      101,400       65,302   ELANTRA  

               10,033       13,140       62,694       73,679   TIBURON   

               2,080        2,373       11,234       12,679   SANTA FE

                 8,027        7,949       32,216       47,036   XG350/AZERA

              2,569        1,551       16,487        9,653   TUCSON   

                5,095        5,894       31,697       34,853   ENTOURAGE

                1,332          n/a        4,036          n/a       TOTAL  

              47,205       44,431      281,240      268,868 

Source: Hyundai Motor America

Chrysler Group Reports July 2006 U.S. Sales

* Sales of Chrysler 300 rise 4 percent over July 2005 results * Dodge Charger sales increase 53 percent over July 2005 results * July retail sales increase 9 percent month-over-month versus June 2006 * Jeep Compass sales finish July at a brisk pace * Employee Pricing Plus program continues through August 31, 2006

-- Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales for July of 150,349 units, a decline of 35 percent compared to the record July sales of 240,146 units. All sales are reported on an adjusted basis unless otherwise reported.

"This month is a tough comparison against last July when our Employee Pricing Plus program delivered the strongest July in company history," said Steven Landry, Vice President - Sales and Field Operations, Chrysler Group. "However, in the face of higher interest rates and higher energy costs, the launch of our current Employee Pricing Plus program helped drive showroom traffic and grow our monthly retail sales 9 percent."

The Chrysler 300 posted a solid month of sales with 10,637 units sold during July 2006, an increase of 4 percent over previous year sales of 10,596 units. Chrysler brand vehicles posted sales of 38,124 units, a decline of 35 percent compared to record July 2005 sales of 61,193 units.

Sales of Jeep(R) brand vehicles declined 34 percent to 35,831 units. Previous year sales totaled 56,280 units. The Jeep Compass posted brisk sales of 707 units despite a late July availability. Vehicles are still arriving at dealerships nationwide, and response to the vehicle from customers and dealers has been positive.

The Dodge Charger continues to be a strong market performer with sales of 8,074, an increase of 53 percent over July 2005 sales of 5,495 units. Sales of Dodge brand vehicles totaled 76,394 units, a decline of 35 percent compared to previous year sales of 122,673. Dodge Sprinter sales totaled 1,880 units, a 5 percent increase over July 2005 sales.

The Chrysler Group announces that the Employee Pricing Plus program will continue through August 31, 2006. With Employee Pricing Plus, customers receive employee pricing on virtually all 2006 model year vehicles, plus zero percent financing for 36 months (or cash back), plus the 30-Day Return Program, allowing customers to return a vehicle for any reason within 30 days after purchase.

"Consumers are wrestling with higher interest rates and other increased household costs on a monthly basis," said Michael Manley, Vice President - Sales Strategy and Dealer Operations, Chrysler Group. "We have decided to continue the Employee Pricing Plus program with employee pricing, zero percent financing and a 30-day return program through the end of August in an effort to address their concerns and drive dealership traffic and sales."

The Chrysler Group product offensive continues with the imminent arrival of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the Jeep Wrangler in the next few weeks, along with the Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Nitro following this fall.

Chrysler Group finished the month with 560,210 units of inventory, or a 93-day supply and a decrease of 87,485 units from the end of June 2006.

     DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru July 2006  

  
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru July 2006
Month Sales DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Sebring 1,205 4,569 -73% -74%
Concorde 0 0 0% 0%
300 10,637 10,596 4% 0%
Crossfire 233 1,364 -82% -83%
PT Cruiser 9,734 13,077 -23% -26%
Pacifica 4,759 9,932 -50% -52%
Town & Country 11,556 21,655 -45% -47%
CHRYSLER BRAND 38,124 61,193 -35% -38%
Sales CYTD DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Sebring 43,874 56,574 -22% -22%
Concorde 0 210 -100% -100%
300 83,772 84,167 0% 0%
Crossfire 5,454 9,014 -39% -39%
PT Cruiser 79,887 78,625 2% 2%
Pacifica 47,227 54,694 -13% -14%
Town & Country 100,443 122,293 -17% -18%
CHRYSLER BRAND 360,657 405,577 -11% -11%
 
 
Month Sales DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Compass 707 0 0% 0%
Wrangler 7,935 11,704 -29% -32%
Liberty 9,702 20,245 -50% -52%
Grand Cherokee 10,124 24,331 -57% -58%
Commander 7,363 0 0% 0%
JEEP BRAND 35,831 56,280 -34% -36%
Sales CYTD DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Compass 707 0 0% 0%
Wrangler 43,200 52,155 -17% -17%
Liberty 79,808 103,229 -22% -23%
Grand Cherokee 82,995 131,865 -37% -37%
Commander 47,037 0 0% 0%
JEEP BRAND 253,747 287,249 -11% -12%
 
 
Month Sales DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Neon 361 10,049 -96% -96%
Caliber 7,187 0 0% 0%
Stratus 630 4,112 -84% -85%
Intrepid 0 N/A N/A
Charger 8,074 5,495 53% 47%
Viper 138 104 38% 33%
Magnum 1,718 4,203 -57% -59%
Dakota 7,468 13,567 -43% -45%
Ram P/U 32,793 48,710 -30% -33%
Caravan 12,804 23,969 -44% -47%
Durango 3,341 10,524 -67% -68%
Ram Van/Wagon 0 76 -100% -100%
Sprinter Van 1,880 1,864 5% 1%
DODGE BRAND 76,394 122,673 -35% -38%
Sales CYTD DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Neon 16,742 75,996 -78% -78%
Caliber 50,881 0 0% 0%
Stratus 49,194 64,302 -23% -23%
Intrepid 0 298 -100% -100%
Charger 67,079 11,690 477% 474%
Viper 881 897 -1% -2%
Magnum 23,731 35,210 -32% -33%
Dakota 47,965 69,116 -30% -31%
Ram P/U 215,967 244,629 -11% -12%
Caravan 138,617 150,239 -7% -8%
Durango 42,212 72,671 -42% -42%
Ram Van/Wagon 0 402 -100% -100%
Sprinter Van 12,222 9,755 26% 25%
DODGE BRAND 665,491 735,205 -9% -9%
 
 
TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 150,349 240,146 -35% -37%
TOTAL CG CAR 29,268 38,272 -20% -24%
TOTAL CG TRUCK 121,081 201,874 -38% -40%
Selling Days 26 26
TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 1,279,895 1,428,031 -10% -10%
TOTAL CG CAR 325,795 316,797 3% 3%
TOTAL CG TRUCK 954,100 1,111,234 -14% -14%
Selling Days 177 178
Source: Chrysler Group 
                                        

Toyota Reports July Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported its all-time best-ever monthly sales of 241,826 vehicles, an increase of 16.2 percent over July 2005. Calendar-year-to-date (CYTD) sales total 1,465,368 units, up 10.8 percent over the same period last year.

"Market conditions are playing to traditional Toyota strengths of fuel efficiency, a strong passenger car offerings as well as our comprehensive hybrid lineup," commented Jim Lentz, TMS executive vice president. "We fared reasonably well in the tough truck market, where fuel costs and heavy incentives are ongoing challenges."

The Toyota Division posted its all-time best-ever sales month of 214,867, up 17.7 percent. The Lexus Division reported best-ever July sales with 26,959 units sold, an increase of 5.6 percent.

Toyota Division

Toyota Division passenger cars recorded all-time best-ever monthly sales of 130,109, up 24.9 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by the Corolla, which posted July sales of 41,800 and an increase of 42.3 percent over last July. The Camry Hybrid, which went on sale in late April, reported sales of 5,023 units in July. Total Camry enjoyed combined July sales of 41,892 units, up 1.3 percent. The all-new Yaris subcompact, which went on sale in March, posted sales totaling 10,137 units for the month. The Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan posted July sales of 11,114, an increase of 19.3 percent.

Toyota Division light truck sales were up 8.1 percent, with a best-ever July total of 84,758 units. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) with all-time best-ever monthly sales of 14,755, up 107.5 percent over the same period last year. 4Runner enjoyed July sales of 9,346 units, up 4.4 percent. The all-new FJ Cruiser, which went on sale in March, reported sales of 6,309 units. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid- size SUV reported sales of 2,784 units for the month. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined July sales of 11,999.

Scion reported all-time best-ever monthly sales with 18,408 units sold. The tC sport coupe led the way with unsurpassed monthly sales of 8,780 units, up 15.2 percent. Scion xB sales were up 43.5 percent, posting July sales of 6,666 units. The xA also had July sales totaling 2,962 units, up 21.9 percent.

Lexus Division

Lexus passenger cars posted best-ever July sales with 16,157 units, an increase of 22.1 percent. Passenger car sales were led by the all-new ES 350 luxury sedan with best-ever July sales of 7,803 units, up 19.2 percent. The IS luxury sport sedans reported best-ever July sales of 4,848 units, an 877.1 percent increase. The IS 250 sales totaled 3,352, with the IS 350 recording sales of 1,496 units. The all-new limited-production GS 450h luxury hybrid performance sedan posted sales of 157 units, while combined sales of the GS 430 and GS 450h totaled 299 units. The V6 powered GS 300 added 1,776 units to the GS series total.

Lexus Division light trucks reported July sales totaling 10,802 units. The 2006 RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV reported sales of 1,220 units for the month. The RX 350 and RX 400h enjoyed combined July sales of 8,492 units.

TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales broke the 100,000-unit sales milestone, reporting 105,808 hybrid units. In July, hybrids sales totaled 20,298 units.

Sales of North American-built vehicles accounted for 50.0 percent of total July sales. There were 25 selling days this sales month compared to 26 selling days last July.

TOYOTA RETAIL SALES (INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII) July, 2006 ----- CURRENT MONTH --- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -

- DSR % DSR % 2006 2005 CHG 2006 2005 CHG YARIS 10,137 0 -- 32,822 0 -- COROLLA 41,800 30,557 42.3 239,103 204,611 17.5 CAMRY 41,892 43,004 1.3 260,409 259,611 0.9 AVALON 6,757 9,432 -25.5 51,793 52,393 -0.6 PRIUS 11,114 9,691 19.3 59,270 62,999 -5.4 SCION xA 2,962 2,528 21.9 19,794 15,419 29.1 SCION xB 6,666 4,831 43.5 38,041 31,964 19.7 SCION tC 8,780 7,929 15.2 46,313 42,767 8.9 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PASS. CAR 130,109 108,301 24.9 747,573 674,820 11.4 ES 350 7,803 6,810 19.2 40,392 39,258 3.5 LS 430 971 2,350 -57.0 7,687 15,971 -51.6 SC 430 460 707 -32.3 3,547 4,799 -25.7 GS 300 1,776 2,785 -33.7 13,125 15,164 -13.0 GS 430/450h 299 589 -47.2 2,443 3,524 -30.3 IS 250/350 4,848 516 877.1 31,794 3,133 920.5 TOTAL LEXUS PASS. CAR 16,157 13,757 22.1 98,988 81,849 21.6 TOTAL TOYOTA PASS. CAR 146,266 122,058 24.6 846,561 756,669 12.5 SIENNA 13,834 18,293 -21.4 94,619 96,357 -1.2 RAV4 14,755 7,394 107.5 89,770 43,343 108.3 FJ CRUISER 6,309 0 -- 27,778 0 -- 4RUNNER 9,346 9,309 4.4 64,212 61,386 5.2 HIGHLANDER 11,999 14,223 -12.3 73,356 84,635 -12.8 LAND CRUISER 238 451 -45.1 1,863 2,964 -36.8 SEQUOIA 2,653 4,325 -36.2 19,551 28,494 -31.0 TOTAL SUV 45,300 35,702 32.0 276,530 220,822 25.9 4X2 TACOMA 9,412 9,689 1.0 60,826 56,676 7.9 4X4 TACOMA 5,927 6,721 -8.3 40,377 37,666 7.8 TOTAL TACOMA 15,339 16,410 -2.8 101,203 94,342 7.9 TUNDRA 10,285 11,149 -4.1 67,743 75,578 -9.9 TOTAL PICKUP 25,624 27,559 -3.3 168,946 169,920 0.0 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. LT TRUCK 84,758 81,554 8.1 540,095 487,099 11.5 LX 470 341 893 -60.3 3,210 4,566 -29.3 GX 470 1,969 2,847 -28.1 13,728 19,080 -27.6 RX 350/400h 8,492 9,065 -2.6 61,774 63,073 -1.5 TOTAL LEXUS LIGHT TRUCK 10,802 12,805 -12.3 78,712 86,719 -8.7 TOTAL TOYOTA LIGHT TRUCK 95,560 94,359 5.3 618,807 573,818 8.4 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 214,867 189,855 17.7 1,287,668 1,161,919 11.4 TOTAL LEXUS 26,959 26,562 5.6 177,700 168,568 6.0 TOTAL TOYOTA 241,826 216,417 16.2 1,465,368 1,330,487 10.8 MEMO: DOM. COROLLA 34,291 29,830 19.6 204,648 198,737 3.6 DOM. CAMRY 30,917 38,031 -15.5 218,874 246,391 -10.7 DOM. PICKUP 25,624 27,559 -3.3 168,946 169,920 0.0 DOM. RX 330 6,760 5,702 23.3 41,271 39,734 4.5 SELLING DAYS 25 26 177 178 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT CAR 58,144 31,008 95.0 272,258 177,299 54.4 LEXUS IMPORT CAR 16,157 13,757 22.1 98,988 81,849 21.6 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT CARS 71,965 77,293 -3.2 475,315 497,521 -3.9 TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 146,266 122,058 24.6 846,561 756,669 12.5 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT LT TRUCK 42,647 31,377 41.4 256,979 192,328 34.4 LEXUS IMPORT LT TRUCK 4,042 7,103 -40.8 37,441 46,985 -19.9 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT LT TRUCK 42,111 50,177 -12.7 283,116 294,771 -3.4 LEXUS NA BUILT LT TRUCK 6,760 5,702 23.3 41,271 39,734 4.5 TOTAL TOYOTA LT TRUCK 95,560 94,359 5.3 618,807 573,818 8.4 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES 49,793 48,507 6.8 327,464 307,541 7.1 Memo: Lexus Sport Utility 10,802 12,805 -12.3 78,712 86,719 -8.7 SMALL VANS 13,834 18,293 -21.4 94,619 96,357 -1.2 PICKUPS 25,624 27,559 -3.3 168,946 169,920 0.0 * NORTH AMERICAN BUILT VEHICLES COROLLA 34,291 29,830 19.6 204,648 198,737 3.6 CAMRY 30,917 38,031 -15.5 218,874 246,391 -10.7 AVALON 6,757 9,432 -25.5 51,793 52,393 -0.6 SIENNA 13,834 18,293 -21.4 94,619 96,357 -1.2 PICKUP 25,624 27,559 -3.3 168,946 169,920 0.0 SEQUOIA 2,653 4,325 -36.2 19,551 28,494 -31.0 RX 330 6,760 5,702 23.3 41,271 39,734 4.5 TOTAL 120,836 133,172 -5.6 799,702 832,026 -3.3 N.A. VEHICLES % OF TOTAL 50.0% 61.5% 54.6% 62.5% SELLING DAYS 25 26 177 178 DSR = DAILY SELLING RATE

Troy Aikman @ Full Throttle!; Aikman's Next Touchdown Will Be His Business Jet Landing in Canton, Ohio for Induction Into the NFL Football Hall of Fame On August 5th

Whether boarding a business jet to the next NFL Fox broadcast, racing to meet his NASCAR team or cruising to his Dallas Ford dealership, Troy Aikman manages his Hall of Fame career at full throttle.

You'd think after 12 bruising NFL seasons, six Pro Bowl selections, four NFC title games and three Super Bowl rings it would be time for this retired Dallas Cowboy to slow down and smell the mesquite. Not Aikman!

Since his last season with The Cowboys five years ago, Aikman, 39, has been pedal-to-the-metal. One day you might catch him huddled with Roger Staubach and NASCAR Driver Terry Labonte of their Hall of Fame racing team. The next day could find Aikman in the Meadowlands with partner Joe Buck broadcasting a Giants/Redskins game. Then it's back home to Dallas and the Ford Dealership that bears his name.

In between games, races and speaking engagements you might find Aikman taping a commercial or visiting children at a local hospital equipped with a special media room made possible by donations from the Troy Aikman foundation.

So how does this football legend from Henryetta, Oklahoma manage his schedule? With a lot of help from Gold Jets, his aircraft management company, and a well utilized Hawker 800XP business jet.

"Much of what I do requires fast and easy transportation," Aikman explained. "With the Hawker, I have a business tool that helps me manage my time and become more productive. It's very well equipped with many of the amenities you'd expect in a land based office. Here I can conduct business as usual including reviewing game footage in preparation for the next broadcast."

Aikman said he utilizes the aircraft between 30 and 50 hours a month. The rest of the time the business jet, along with the crew, is put to good use by Gold Jets as a charter aircraft to help offset the cost of aircraft ownership.

When Aikman is not traveling to his next scheduled appointment, he is at home with his wife Rhonda and three daughters, Rachel, Jordan and Alex. "Time with my family is very precious to me. The aircraft allows me to be more productive and gets me home at a reasonable time."

Although the final NFL broadcast schedule has not been published, there is one date that Aikman has written in ink: August 5, 2006, induction into the NFL Hall of Fame.

"I still can't believe it's been five years since I retired and that I'm now going to be enshrined in Canton with some of the all-time greats of the NFL," Aikman said. "For me, it's the ultimate honor and I am humbled by the whole experience."

After Canton, Aikman and Buck will broadcast two NFL preseason games then 17 weeks of regular season games. (Unlike the teams he analyzes, they don't get a bye week.) This will be Aikman's sixth season on Fox as an analyst for the number one NFL broadcast team.

"I enjoy broadcasting and the fact it allows me to remain close to the game that I love," explained Aikman who has been nominated for an Emmy award. "Success in the broadcast booth is largely dependant on those around you. We have a great crew."

The next time you hear the roar of an engine in the air, on the track or going down the street, it could be Aikman in quest of his latest venture. After all, it's hard to hit cruise control when your career is at full throttle. -0-

Quick Facts Name: Troy Aikman  Age: 39 Occupation: Fox Sports NFL Analyst 

  Co-owner, NASCAR Hall of Fame Racing   Owner, Ford Dealership, Dallas, TX 

  Former Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Noteworthy: Induction into NFL Hall of   

 Fame, August 5, 2006    Three Super Bowl Titles Aircraft Owned: Hawker 800XP 

Posted by ladymountbatten at 09:25 PM | Permalink

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

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First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX and NBC and now there is MBN ® Now associate with Mounte Broadcasting Network

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averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

MBN® is proud to announce Dear Monte: talktomontebubbles@montebubbles.net

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

More exciting changes coming each day

Nina Gordon to Release Second Solo Album "Bleeding Heart Graffiti" on August 8th

TV Guide Channel Offers 'Johnny Drama' of 'Entourage' a Job as Guest Host of TV WATERCOOLER... 

AOL to Launch New Video Portal

Entertainment Tonight Co-Anchor Mark Steines Named Host of Mark Burnett's Gold Rush on AOL.com

The Time Has Come to Take a Stand! X-MEN: THE LAST STAND Fox Home Entertainment's Box-Office Juggernaut Debuts On DVD October 3 With Three Alternate Endings, Several Deleted/Extended Scenes, Director Audio Commentary Plus Two Distinct Menu Viewing Options

Image Entertainment to Release Hit Urban Comedy 'MEET THE FAMILY' DVD on September 26, 2006

Princesses, Pirates and Pixies - Disney Store's Halloween Costumes Have Arrived!; This Year's Most Popular Costumes Range from Plundering Pirates on the High-Seas to Magical Mermaids Under the Sea; Princesses Continue to Top the List

Soundtrack to Blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movie 'The Cheetah Girls 2' Set for Release on August 15

TV Guide Channel(R) Announces Eight Hours of Original Programming in Celebration of the 58th Annual Emmy(R) Awards

LA Sports & Entertainment Commission's 4th Annual NFL 101/201 Called a Success - Speakers Included Reggie Bush, Eddie George, Andrea Kremer, Willie McGinest, Rodney Peete, Mike Pereira, Amy Trask and Rod Woodson

Good Night and Good Luck, The Searchers and Caddyshack Now on HD DVD August 22

President Bartlet is Back for His Final Year, Just in Time for the Holidays! Warner Home Video Releases ``The West Wing: The Complete Seventh Season'' and ``The West Wing: The Complete Series'' on DVD November 7

THE FIVE-CITY NICKTOONS NETWORK MOBILE TOUR CULMINATES IN LOS ANGELES SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 & SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

NYC to Get "A Room with a View"

_____________________________________________________

 After a six-year hiatus, indie-rock singer-songwriter Nina Gordon returns with her second solo album "Bleeding Heart Graffiti" to be released by Warner Bros. Records on August 8th. Due to high demand for Gordon's music via iTunes, the new album, produced by long-time friend and mentor Bob Rock, who also produced her debut solo album "Tonight and the Rest of My Life," will be her first album made available digitally week of release. Gordon's critically acclaimed "Tonight and the Rest of My Life" was one of the top 10 most searched albums in company with The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Radiohead not on iTunes before it became available on July 11, 2006.

Gordon, an iTunes devotee, is thrilled to finally have her music digitally accessible, stating, "It's great to have my album available on iTunes. It bugged me for years when it wasn't there, especially since iTunes has become my primary source for buying music. I was particularly annoyed when I needed to hear one of my songs, and I had to dig around the basement for a copy of my album so I could add it to my iTunes library and listen to it! I am an instant gratification kind of girl, so having my music on iTunes is especially important to me." The former Veruca Salt singer/guitarist's management company, Q-Prime, also manages Metallica, who infamously refused to allow DSP services like iTunes to carry their music. Their catalogue was released to iTunes and other services for the first time on July 25th

TV Guide Channel Offers 'Johnny Drama' of 'Entourage' a Job as Guest Host of TV WATERCOOLER...

 "Johnny Drama" of HBO's Hit Series 'Entourage' Has the Opportunity to

 Finally Work and Showcase His Abilities to Hollywood... -0-

What: Johnny Drama, best known for his non-featured roles (and cooking

kills) on television hasn't worked since arriving in L.A.,

riding on the coattails of his actor/brother Vincent Chase. 

TV Guide Channel is offering "Johnny Drama" the opportunity to

guest-host on TV WATERCOOLER, airing on Monday, July 31 at

8:00PM ET/PT. Will super agent Ari Gold finally give Drama the 

opportunity to show what he can do? Or, will Lloyd book Drama,

and receive $10,000 as promised by Ari...who will respond first?

Johnny Drama, Lloyd or Ari have 48 hours to respond for the job,

otherwise offers will go out to other talent.  

When: Monday, July 31 at 8 PM Eastern & Pacific  

Who:  Deborah Wilson-Skelton, Host of TV Watercooler 

"Johnny Drama," (maybe Guest-Host)

AOL to Launch New Video Portal
 
      Includes More than 45 New Video Channels With Content From 
  Leading Entertainment Brands Including A&E Television Networks, 
MTV   Networks, Turner Networks, Warner Bros. Entertainment and 
Many More             One-Stop Video Portal Has Innovative Programming 
         Guide, Integrated Video Search and Browse, Easy Video              
 Uploading and Sharing, Video Store and More              Open Platform 
Will Let AOL Extend AOL Video and          Video Search to Multiple Platform
s and Across the Web
AOL, a leader in live and on-demand entertainment video programming
 and video search, today announced that it will preview a beta version of
 its new AOL Video portal later this week. Available for free to anyone on
 the Web at http://www.aolvideo.com, the new AOL Video is an all-in-one,
 high-quality entertainment destination to find, watch and share millions
 of the best videos across the Web. 
 
New features on the AOL(R) Video portal include: over 45 new video-on-
demand content channels with thousands of hours of video programming
 from popular entertainment brands, organized and accessible via video
 search, browse, or an interactive programming guide; free streaming 
content as well as the ability to purchase and download full-length 
content that can be viewed on multiple devices and PCs, online or 
offline; and access to millions of music videos, news clips, movie
 trailers, full length TV shows, and more. 
 
AOL Video also includes AOL(R) Video Search, which is based on 
industry leading video search technology from Truveo(TM) and 
Singingfish, and a video player that can go full screen without 
losing picture quality and that supports AOL's exclusive Hi-Q(TM) 
video format to watch DVD-quality videos online. 
 
In addition, the portal includes AOL's new UnCut Video offering, 
which makes it easy to upload and share videos online by providing
 full device support, letting consumers upload and share videos 
directly from their camcorder, Webcam, video-enabled mobile phone,
 as well as their PC. 
 
"AOL has long been a leader in online video and with the new AOL 
Video portal we have created the best and easiest place online for 
anyone on the Web to find, watch and share the videos they're 
looking for," said Kevin Conroy, Executive Vice President of AOL. 
 
"From originally produced and licensed programming to branded 
online video-on-demand channels to user-created videos that people
 create, upload and share on the Web themselves, AOL Video is truly
 the first one-stop source that brings the best videos on the Web 
together in one place and gives consumers more choice. If a video
 is out there, you'll find it here on AOL Video.com." 
 
New Video-On-Demand Content Channels and Programming Guide 
At the center of the AOL Video portal's main page will be one of the
 Web's first online interactive programming guides (IPG) that brings 
together free and download-to-own video content from across broadcast
 and cable television and the Web and organizes it into new, branded 
video-on-demand channels. 
 
At launch, the AOL Video IPG will feature paid and ad-supported 
content on more than 45 video-on-demand channels, including
 many programmed by new video content partners, including: 
A&E Television Networks (including A&E(R) Network, The History
 Channel(R) and The Biography Channel(R)), Comedy Time, Endemol 
USA, Expo TV, LIME, MTV Networks (including COMEDY CENTRAL, Logo,
 MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, The N, Nick at Nite, Spike TV, TV Land and
 VH1), National Lampoon, Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc., SORPRESA!,
 South Coast Golf, TBS, TNT, TotalVid, TV Guide, Warner Bros. Entertainment, 
Wild America and WNBA. 
 
In addition, AOL and its joint venture partners program a variety of 
additional channels including: In2TV(TM), TMZ.com(TM), Lat34.com, 
AOL Uncut Video, AOL Music, AOL News, AOL Coaches, AOL Television,
 AOL Viral Videos, KOL and Moviefone. New video channels and 
programming from additional partners will be added on an ongoing
 basis. A complete list and descriptions of channels available at 
launch is included at the end of the press release. 
 
Powerful Video Search 
AOL's video search engine will be prominently featured on the 
new portal. AOL Video Search returns results from all of the most 
active video sources on the Internet, including YouTube, Yahoo! 
(Yahoo Music, Yahoo News, Yahoo Movies, etc.), Google Video, 
iFilm, AtomFilms and more. Powered by AOL's Truveo and Singingfish
 technologies, the AOL Video Search engine is also able to crawl and 
index high-quality videos on the Web that traditional search engines
 are unable to find. AOL's unique "Visual Crawling" capability automatically
 discovers video files and related information on complex, dynamic web
 pages - a task that is a challenge for conventional crawling technologies. 
 
AOL Video Search also has significantly greater reach than any other 
video search engine on the Web. Through its network of search properties -
 which includes AOL Search, InfoSpace, Real, and others - AOL Video 
Search, branded and white-labeled, is available to more users than
 any other video search product. 
 
Multi-Faceted Distribution Strategy Extends the AOL Video Experience 
AOL Video is built on an open technology platform and architecture 
that will enable AOL to extend the AOL Video experience across 
and devices to make it easy for users to watch it on multiple screens,
 including desktops, laptops, large screens (plasma), and handheld 
devices. 
 
Earlier this year AOL and Intel Corporation announced a joint effort to
 extend a tailored version of the AOL Video experience to consumers'
 living rooms via Intel Viiv technology-based PCs. The companies plan
 to launch this new "10-foot" experience in the coming weeks, making
 the content easily viewable on large screen TVs and other devices. 
This fall, AOL plans to make available Open APIs that will enable 
developers to incorporate AOL's leading Video Search results into 
third-party user experiences, as well as other tools that will enable 
developers and consumers to incorporate features from the AOL 
Video portal for other websites. In addition, AOL is working with PC 
OEMs and broadband service providers to develop co-branded versions
 of the AOL Video portal. 
 
The launch of the new AOL Video.com is another example of how AOL 
has been building upon its online video and video search strategy,
 including making key acquisitions. Over the last year, these initiatives 
have included: 
 
-- The record-breaking global online broadcast of the "Live 8" concerts; 
 
-- Last year's launch of its innovative Video Hub destination on AOL.com; 
 
-- The launch of high-quality video playback through AOL's exclusive 
Hi-Q(TM) video format -- AOL.com was the first major portal to offer 
high-/DVD-quality videos; 
 
-- Landmark content and original programming agreements that 
exemplify how AOL is creating a new model for television distribution, 
such as the Warner Bros. "In2TV" offering, the first on-demand 
Broadband Television Network with the largest collection of free TV
 programming anywhere on the Web; 
 
-- The launch of TMZ.com, the AOL-Telepictures new, on-demand
 entertainment news network; 
 
-- AOL's acquisition of the two foremost video search companies; 
Truveo in December 2005, a complement to the acquisition of 
Singingfish in 2003; 
 
-- A growing index of several million videos, including the most 
comprehensive coverage of some of the highest quality and most 
popular video on the Web; 
 
-- AOL's investment in and partnership 
with Brightcove, a Web video distribution pioneer; 
and -- AOL's acquisition of Lightningcast, a broadband video advertising
 innovator. 
 
Availability 
 
The enhanced AOL Video portal (http://www.aolvideo.com) will be available
 for beta testing starting later this week. For more information on the beta
 test, please visit http://www.aolvideo.com, or AOL Beta Central at 
http://beta.aol.com. 
 
About AOL 
 
AOL and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands 
and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United 
States. Web brands include the AOL.com(R) website, AIM(R), 
MapQuest(R) and Netscape(R). AOL offers a range of digital 
services in the areas of education, safety and security, communications
 and music. The company also has operations in Europe and Canada. 
AOL LLC is a majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and is based in Dulles, Virginia. 
Note: For free video and additional information regarding AOL Video, 
plese log onto http://www.thenewsmarket.com/aol to make requests. 
You can receive broadcast-standard video digitally or by tape from this
 site. Registration and video is free to the media. -0- 
                             AOLVideo.com         New Content Partners & Video-On-
Demand Channel Line-Up               As of July 31, 2006 (in alphabetical order) 
     The AOL Video portal will bring together free and download-to-own video
 programming from content partners across broadcast and cable television 
and the Web, organized into new, branded video-on-demand channels.  
Channels Programmed by Leading Partners:  --  A&E Television Networks - 
From A&E Television Networks' bouquet of     channels, programming from 
A&E Network, The Biography Channel and     The History Channel.      --  
A&E Network - Popular, full length programs real-life and         
lifestyle series such as "Inked," "Dog the Bounty Hunter,"         "
Criss Angel Mindfreak" and "Flip This House."      --  The Biography Channel
 - Programs that showcase compelling         stories about the world's most 
interesting people in         categories including American Icons, Pop Culture &
         Entertainment, Notorious, Real West and Mysteries of the        
 Bible.      --  The History Channel - Documentaries, series and specials about
         everything from ancient history to military history, 
        technology and more, including "Digging for the Truth,"
         "Modern Marvels" and "Decoding the Past."  --  Comedy Time -
 Everything from stand-up comedy and man on the     street segments 
to original, short-form programs. Stand-up     categories include Urban, 
Latino, Observational, Relationship,     Family and Alternative.  --  Endemol USA
 - Compelling TV programming from Endemol's global     catalogue including 
animation, reality and comedy hits such as     "The People's Champions," 
"Fear Factor South Africa," "Fool Around     With...My Girlfriend/Boyfriend" 
and "Anything For Love."  --  Expo TV - Product reviews and demonstrations
 from experts and     viewers on a variety of topics including cars, electronics,
 home     and kitchen appliances, parenting gear and much more.  --  LIME -
 Videos for those seeking a healthier, greener, more     balanced lifestyle including
 videos from popular Lime television     series and documentaries as well as
 extensive online content from     lime.com.  --  MTV Networks - MTV Networks'
 full array of entertainment, comedy     and music programming from its COMEDY
 CENTRAL, LOGO, MTV, MTV2,     The N, Nick at Nite, Nickelodeon, Spike TV, 
TV Land and VH1 brands     is available for paid download, including:      --  
COMEDY CENTRAL - Cutting-edge comedy including full-length         
episodes of "Chappelle's Show," the Emmy-award winning "South
         Park," "Reno 911!," "Crank Yankers" and "Mind of Mencia.
"      --  LOGO - Original shows and specials for the lesbian, gay, 
        bisexual and transgender (LGBT) audience including "Noah's 
        Arc," and "Wisecrack" stand-up comedy, as well as "Real 
        Momentum" documentaries.      --  Nickelodeon - A vast library
 of shows from the number-one         entertainment brand for kids including 
"SpongeBob         SquarePants," "Zoey 101," "The Fairly OddParents," "Avatar: 
        The Last Airbender" and "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius" and many 
        more, as well as Nick Jr.'s preschool favorites including  
       "Dora the Explorer" and "Blue's Clues."      --  The N - 
Award-winning and original TV shows reflecting the         
real-life issues teens face every day, including "Degrassi,"         
"South of Nowhere," "O'Grady," and "Beyond the Break."      --  
Nick at Nite - "Fatherhood," the animated comedy series based         
on Bill Cosby's best-selling book of the same name, and         
"Hi-Jinks," hit hidden-camera series where adults play         
good-natured pranks on kids of all ages.      
--  MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION - Hundreds of episodes including the hit        
 series "Laguna Beach," "Punk'd," "My Super Sweet Sixteen,"     
 
"Viva La Bam," "Wildboyz," "Pimp My Ride," "The Real World," 
        and many others.      --  MTV2 - Compelling and irreverent
 series such as "Andy         Milonakis," "Chico & Guapo," "Celebrity 
Death Match" and         "WonderShowzen."      --  Spike TV - Series 
geared to helping men Get More Action, such         as "Disorderly Conduct,
" "TNA: iMPACT!" "Muscle Car," and         others.      --  TV Land - "Sit Down 
Comedy with David Steinberg," hosted by         legendary comedian, producer 
and director David Steinberg, is         a one-on-one comedy forum 
where celebrated performers         including Larry David, Martin Short, 
Bob Newhart, Jon Lovitz         and George Lopez open up about their 
personal lives.      --  VH1 - A wide array of VH1's hit Celebreality series such as
         "Hogan Knows Best," "The Surreal Life," "Breaking Bonaduce," 
        "My Fair Brady" and others.  --  National Lampoon - 
An all-new Internet video channel from the     biggest name in comedy.
 It's everything you expect from National     Lampoon (AMEX:NLN) -- smart, 
edgy, funny, irreverent, impolite and     definitely NOT PC -- and more! 
All original, all new and all     created for the digital world.  --  
Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc. - The company that put the   
  "soap" in soap operas presents the P&G Classic Soaps channel,  
   featuring episodes from "Another World," "The Edge of Night,"   
  "Search for Tomorrow" and "Texas," including some available for   
  the first time since they ended their successful runs. In    
 addition, this channel offers original companion content for the 
    contemporary classics "As The World Turns" and "Guiding Light." 
 --  SORPRESA! - Spanish-language children's programming including  
   "Tienda Magica," "Cachureos," and "El Planeta de Remi."  --  
South Coast Golf - Golf lessons from "Hall of Fame" PGA Tour     
professionals including Dave Stockton, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite and  
   many others.  --  TBS - A collection of clips from TBS's top-notch line-up of comedy 
    series, stand-up comedy from the Laugh Factory and the Aspen
     Comedy Festival, award-winning Department of Humor Analysis shorts  
   and much more.  --  TNT - TNT original movies, plus special behind-the-scenes extras 
    and interviews from TNT's hit original series "The Closer," 
    "Saved" and "Nightmares and Dreamscapes: From the Stories of 
    Stephen King."  --  TotalVid.com - Video clips covering a variety of enthusiast, 
    educational, and instructional categories, including alternative 
    sports, cooking, home improvement, martial arts, outdoors, self 
    defense, sports instruction and travel.  --  TV Guide for Broadband -
 Videos that offer the inside track on     entertainment information including
 celebrity interviews, music     videos, and original programs like "InFANity,"
 which offers behind     the scenes footage from TV's top shows, and "Square Off," 
an     inside look at the TV industry with hosts Brian Lowry (Variety)     a
nd Andy Wallenstein (The Hollywood Reporter).  --  Warner Bros. Entertainment 
- Full length episodes of "Dukes of     Hazzard," "Babylon 5," sketches from "MADtv" 
and animated shows     including "The Flintstones" and "The Jetsons."  --  Wild America -
 The world's largest film library covering the     wildlife and nature of North America. 
 --  WNBA - Coverage of the WNBA's best and brightest games and    
 moments.  Channels Programmed by AOL:  --  AOL UnCut Video - 
Home videos, comedic clips and other footage     created by consumers. 
 --  AOL Music - Thousands of music videos, exclusive intimate     
performances, live concerts and hours of artist interviews.  --  
AOL News - Hundreds of stories and live breaking news from the AP,
     Reuters, Extra, ABC, CNN and CBS.  --  AOL Coaches - A digest 
of the best advice, tips and tools from the     leading experts in diet,
 fitness, wellness, romance, family and     money.  --  AOL Viral Videos -
 A collection of the funniest and most popular     clips that everyone is sending
 around the Web.  --  KOL - Original animated shows including "Princess Natasha" and
     "Pilar's Adventures" as well as "KOL's Saturday Morning Secret     
Slumber Party on CBS" show clips, Radio KOL videos and KOL     
Celebrity Videos.  --  Moviefone - Thousands of movie trailers, 
extended film clips and     "Unscripted," Moviefone.com's original Web 
series in which today's     biggest stars and filmmakers interview each other 
using their own     questions and those submitted by fans.  Channels
 Programmed by AOL and Its Joint Venture Partners:  --  In2TV - 
The following In2TV channels feature hundreds of full     length 
episodes of popular television series including:      --  Dramarama TV -
 Great dramatic series like "Eight is Enough,"         "Falcon Crest," "Sisters," 
"Spenser: for Hire," and "Scarecrow         and Mrs. King."      --  Get Real TV -
 Favorite game show, courtroom and relationship         shows such as "Elimidate,"
 "Change of Heart," "The People's         Court," "The Moral Court," and "The Will."  
    --  Gone But Not Forgotten TV - Critically acclaimed, but         
prematurely canceled series like "Against the Grain,"         "
Presidio Med," "Wanda at Large," "The George Carlin Show,"  
       "Max Headroom," and "Jesse."      --  Heroes & Horror TV - 
Sci-fi and horror series including "Lois         & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,
" "Babylon 5,"         "Freddy's Nightmares" and "The Adventures of Wonder Woman." 
     --  In2TV en Espanol - This Spanish language version of In2TV 
        features over two dozen popular television series in Spanish  
       that have previously only been seen in their original English  
       broadcast format.      --  LOL TV - Laugh out loud with comedy favorites 
like "Welcome         Back Kotter," "Chico and the Man," "Perfect Strangers,"   
      "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper," and "Head of the Class."      --  Superman TV 
- The Man of Steel soars throughout this channel         in a documentary film
, comic book animation, and television         series including the original "The
 Adventures of Superman,"         "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," 
and         "Superboy."      --  Toontopia TV - Top-rated animation comes to life with
 "Pinky         and the Brain," "Beetlejuice," "Freakazoid," "Histeria!" and 
        "The New Adventures of Batman."      --  Vintage TV - Classics like
 "Growing Pains," "Alice," "F         Troop," "Maverick," and "The F.B.I."   
   --  What a Rush TV - Action-adventure favorites such as "Kung Fu,"    
     "La Femme Nikita," "The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.," "The        
 Fugitive," "Dark Justice," and more.  --  Lat34.com - Dynamic and timely
 video coverage of action sports     wherever they occur.  --  TMZ.com - 
Exclusive breaking news and video from the world of     entertainment and celebrities. 

Entertainment Tonight Co-Anchor Mark Steines Named Host of Mark Burnett's Gold Rush on AOL.com

 Mark Steines, co-anchor of Entertainment Tonight, has been signed as the host of Gold Rush, the groundbreaking seven-week interactive reality event created by Mark Burnett Productions and AOL.com beginning September 13th. Steines has been with Entertainment Tonight, the #1 magazine program in syndication, since 1995. As host, Steines will offer a preview of the game on the new Gold Rush teaser site at http://www.aol.com/goldrush beginning today (July 31, 2006). Once the game begins, Steines will provide insider tips and blow-by-blow insights into each round's on-location finale.

"Mark's winning on-screen personality and entertainment savvy make him the ideal pick to host this game which revolves around pop culture and which represents the evolution of television online," said Burnett.

With over $2 million in gold hidden across the United States, Gold Rush will combine the excitement of online game play, with offline integrations and reality competitions, creating a hybrid broadband video experience.

The game will last seven weeks. Players will answer a series of pop culture challenges using clues scattered throughout the world of media and pop culture - on AOL.com, CBS Television network programming and in popular magazines. The first three players in each round to complete the required challenges will be whisked away to a specially selected location to compete - reality-style - for $100,000 in gold. The victor of the 13th and final round will claim a $1 million grand prize.

"Gold Rush is all about pop culture and as the host of the #1 entertainment show, Mark is the ideal person to help players navigate their way through the pop culture maze of Gold Rush," added Kevin Conroy, executive vice president of AOL.

As co-anchor of Entertainment Tonight, Steines reports general entertainment news, conducts celebrity interviews, attends movie premieres and other industry events, as well as makes on-set visits to feature films and television series.

Born and raised in Dubuque, IA, Steines graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, which he attended on a full football scholarship, with a degree in radio and television. His first job was at a Dubuque television station, KWWL-TV, where he rose through the ranks as an intern, sports reporter, and then reporter. Steines segued to KSPR-TV in Springfield, MO, where he was a sports anchor from 1988 - 1991. That experience led him to a sports reporter position from 1992 - 95 at KCAL-TV in Los Angeles, garnering exposure which brought him assignments for ESPN and ultimately a post on Entertainment Tonight.

His awards include a 1994 Emmy(R) Award and 1994 Golden Mic Award for the KCAL-TV special "Beyond Endurance."

Steines has appeared in the feature film Nixon, HBO's Weapons of Mass Distraction, and had a guest-starring roles on CBS' CSI: NY and UPN's Half and Half.

Gold Rush will premiere on AOL.com on September 13, 2006, with the first televised clue being broadcast September 14 on the CBS Television Network.

About Mark Burnett Productions

Mark Burnett Productions (MBP) is a leading production company in content for both primetime television and the Internet. MBP revolutionized television with hits such as Eco-Challenge, Survivor, The Apprentice, The Contender, Rock Star: INXS, Rock Star: Supernova and its upcoming co-production with Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks Television, On The Lot. MBP has also partnered with AOL on the eagerly anticipated adventure GOLD RUSH, a unique, unscripted project to be produced exclusively for the Internet. MBP also successfully reintroduced product placement as an integral part of each of its shows and has garnered a total of 33 Emmy nominations since 2001. Mark Burnett was listed as the #1 Most Valuable Player by TV Guide and in Time Magazine's Top 100 most influential people in the world today.

About AOL

AOL and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United States. Web brands include the AOL.com(R) website, AIM(R), MapQuest(R) and Netscape(R). AOL offers a range of digital services in the areas of education, safety and security, communications and music. The company also has operations in Europe and Canada. AOL LLC is a majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and is based in Dulles, Virginia

The Time Has Come to Take a Stand! X-MEN: THE LAST STAND Fox Home Entertainment's Box-Office Juggernaut Debuts On DVD October 3 With Three Alternate Endings, Several Deleted/Extended Scenes, Director Audio Commentary Plus Two Distinct Menu Viewing Options

 Fox Home Entertainment:

-- Special Collector's Edition Also Features X-clusive Comic Written By X-Men Creator Stan Lee... His First Original Marvel Comic in Five Years!

-- Complete The Saga With The X-Men Trilogy Pack Including All Three Action-Packed X-Films

The mutant revolution is upon us! The lines have been drawn and now everyone must pick a side as mutants clash and the final epic battle begins in X-Men: The Last Stand, erupting onto DVD October 3 from Fox Home Entertainment. The stunning climax to the X-Men motion picture trilogy directed by Brett Ratner (Rush Hour), X-Men: The Last Stand debuted #1 at the box-office to become the biggest Memorial Day Weekend film opening ever and has dominated the summer with over $233 million gross to date.

Returning X-Men favorites Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Storm (Halle Berry), Rogue (Anna Paquin), Iceman (Shawn Ashmore) and Professor X (Patrick Stewart) are joined by a host of new faces, including Beast (Kelsey Grammer), Kitty Pryde (Ellen Page) and Angel (Ben Foster) to do battle against their power-hungry counterparts led by Magneto (Sir Ian McKellen), Mystique (Rebecca Romijn), Pyro (Aaron Stanford) and Juggernaut (Vinnie Jones). Further complicating matters is the resurrection of Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) as the all-powerful Phoenix... a force that the X-Men must keep in check as the opposing Brotherhood seeks to unleash her destructive power upon humanity. Featuring three alternate endings, 10 deleted / extended scenes, two audio commentaries and two distinct menu sets allowing viewers to choose mutant sides, the X-Men: The Last Stand DVD is available for a suggested retail price of $29.98 U.S. / $43.98 Canada.

Fox Home Entertainment will also be releasing a special X-Men: The Last Stand Collector's Edition DVD that features an exclusive 100-page commemorative book with an all-new story penned by Stan Lee himself (his first original Marvel Comic in over five years). The original comic "The Unlikely Saga of Magneto, Xavier and Stan" features art by some of Marvel's legendary names, including John Romita Jr. (Spider-Man), Pasqual Ferry (Ultimate Fantastic 4), Leinil Francis Yu (The Avengers), Howard Chaykin (Hulk Girl), Ben Oliver (Ultimate X-Men), Ron Frenz (Spider-Man), Sean Chen (X-Men: The End) and Ron Lim (Silver Surfer); plus also features Stan Lee's personal favorite selections for three classic "X-Men" comic reprints. The X-Men: The Last Stand Collector's Edition DVD will be available for a suggested retail price of $39.98 U.S. / $49.98 Canada.

In addition, a special giftset of all three X-Men films packaged together for the first time in the X-Men Trilogy Pack will be available for a suggested retail price of $44.98 U.S. / $59.98 Canada.

DVD Features:

Available in separate widescreen and full screen versions, the X-Men: The Last Stand DVD is presented in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, as well Spanish and French Dolby Surround and subtitles. DVD bonus materials include: -0-

--  Audio commentary by director Brett Ratner and writers Zak Penn     and Simon Kinberg  --  Audio commentary by producers Lauren Shuler-Donner, Ralph     Winter, Avi Arad, David Gorder, plus writers Zak Penn and     Simon Kinberg  --  3 Alternate Endings (with optional commentary by Brett Ratner)  --  10 Deleted / Extended Scenes (with optional commentary by     Brett Ratner)  --  Inside Look: A Night At The Museum  --  Easter Eggs      --  Beast recites Shakespeare     --  X-Jet lands in D.C.  --  Original Theatrical Trailers  --  The World Of Marvel Trailers 

The X-Men: The Last Stand Collector's Edition includes the above single-disc DVD content presented in widescreen only plus the exclusive Stan Lee collectible book. The X-Men Trilogy Pack will include X-Men, X2: X-Men United and X-Men: The Last Stand in widescreen single-disc versions only.

Synopsis:

In X-Men: The Last Stand, a pharmaceutical "cure" for mutancy threatens to alter the course of history and the stability of the mutant community. For the first time, mutants have a choice: retain their superhuman abilities, though it isolates and alienates them, or give up their unique powers to fit in as "normal." The opposing viewpoints of peaceful mutant leader Charles Xavier and his militant counterpart Magneto, who believes in the survival of the fittest, are put to the ultimate test -- triggering the war to end all wars!

A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on VHS and DVD as well as video acquisitions and original productions. Each year the Company introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets -- from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce -- throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.      

Image Entertainment to Release Hit Urban Comedy 'MEET THE FAMILY' DVD on September 26, 2006

Image Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq:DISK), a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming in North America, announced today that it will release the hit urban comedy MEET THE FAMILY on September 26, 2006, on DVD in stores across North America. An irreverent, slightly risque, gag-filled comedy in the vein of "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" and "Guess Who," the film is about an African-American family who has gathered to meet shy, overweight bachelor Humphrey Rump's girlfriend and get a jolt when they discover that she's white...and as naive as a baby. How will she ever fit into this rude and crude family?

Written, directed, and produced by Stan Lerner, MEET THE FAMILY first struck gold as a dinner show playing six nights a week to sold-out audiences and rave reviews at the Los Angeles Hyatt Hotel. The success of the dinner show motivated Lerner to turn the well-regarded play into a motion picture which found success as an art house release that allowed Lerner to sell discounted tickets through third party ticket vendor GrooveTickets.com. The motion picture garnered still more favorable reviews in African-American community papers and even found favor in the trendy Los Angeles City Beat.

Lerner said, "I'm so happy to see MEET THE FAMILY coming out on DVD through Image. Anybody who's seen the dinner show or the movie knows that it'll be a DVD classic. And like both the show and the movie, MEET THE FAMILY on DVD will have a really creative marketing program behind it. We're going to sell a lot of DVDs, but we're also going to be looking hard at ways to help the community at the same time. Don't be surprised to see the whole cast barbequing away at stores across the country."

Allen Blackwell, vice president of urban programming for Image Entertainment, declared, "We work with a lot of titles day in and day out, but MEET THE FAMILY is one of those rare success stories that keeps on going. It's hard not to look forward to its release. There are just a lot of people out there who want to see this movie."

In late July 2006, Lerner will step in front of the camera for the first time in American Drug Lord, the first of two movies based on his recently completed novel, Stan Lerner's Criminal (http://www.criminalthebook.com). Lerner is also the writer, director and producer of the project. Lerner said, "Criminal the book is not under contract with a publisher yet, so it's unusual to put American Drug Lord into production. But my schedule cleared unexpectedly in July so I thought it was a great opportunity to put this one in the can." Lerner also plans to reopen the MEET THE FAMILY dinner show no later than December 2006.

About Image Entertainment:

Image Entertainment, Inc. is a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming in North America, with over 3,000 exclusive DVD titles and approximately 200 exclusive CD titles in domestic release and approximately 300 programs internationally via sublicense agreements. For many of its titles, the Company has exclusive audio and broadcast rights and, through its subsidiary Egami Media, Inc., has digital download rights to more than 1,500 video programs and over 150 audio programs containing more than 2,500 tracks. The Company is headquartered in Chatsworth, California, and has a domestic distribution facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Company's subsidiary Image Entertainment (UK) maintains a content acquisition office in London, England. For more information about Image Entertainment, Inc., please go to http://www.image-entertainment.com. 

Princesses, Pirates and Pixies - Disney Store's Halloween Costumes Have Arrived!; This Year's Most Popular Costumes Range from Plundering Pirates on the High-Seas to Magical Mermaids Under the Sea; Princesses Continue to Top the List

Disney Store's Halloween costumes have landed with this year's most popular outfits inspired by classic Disney characters from The Little Mermaid to the sea-faring buccaneers in Disney's blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest; the swashbucklin' Captain Jack Sparrow and Ruler of the Ocean Depths, Davy Jones. For the 2006 line, heroes will be more valiant, princesses will be more regal, pixies will be more magical, and pirates will have more "Arggg!" than ever before.

"This year Disney Store will take theatrical authenticity to the next level," said Amy Hauk, Senior Vice President and General Merchandising Manager, Disney Store. "Classic character costumes such as princesses have been redesigned to more closely match the Disney film characters that kids love. And this year's pirates look like they jumped straight out of the theater screen."

New deluxe costumes and an assortment of accessories and embellishments allow this year's trick-or-treaters to immerse themselves in the folklore surrounding Disney's magical characters. Disney Store will continue to offer costumes that are durable, well-made, and comfortable enough that kids will want to wear them year-round! Parents will be pleased to learn that many of this year's costumes offer separately-sold hard-constructed shoes that are character-individualized, much more comfortable and awesome for trick-or-treating indoors and out.

As an exclusive Disney Store bonus, all deluxe costumes also come with a storybook hangtag providing history and insight in to the character.

For Girls

Disney's most popular princesses will receive the royal treatment this year with enhanced fabrics and even more of the glitter and glamour that little girls crave. These revamped, deluxe versions of Cinderella, Belle and Ariel (SRP $79.50/$99.50 Canada) are the embodiment of Disney's Princesses, bringing the enchantment and fantasy alive for every little girl that wants to be a Disney Princess!

To recreate the Cinderella ballroom gown, designers have researched in depth the classic 1950 film to develop an authentic costume that includes an elegant brocade bodice highlighted with a neckline featuring an inset rhinestone, a peplum graced with a tie back bow, a shimmering crystal organza skirt, and as a finishing touch, luxurious long, silver gloves.

On September 25, to commemorate the release of The Little Mermaid 2-disc Special Edition DVD, Disney Store will present an exclusive Ariel costume inspired by the film, featuring a glittered organza wavy tail that shimmers like the magical mermaid herself.

To complete the fantasy, your princess can add on Princess dress shoes for all princess costumes which provide the sturdiness, support and comfort girls need for a long night of trick-or-treating and year-round play (SRP $12.50-$16.50 U.S./$22.50 Canada). Also sold separately, exclusive accessory sets such as glittering tiaras and sparkling necklaces offer little princesses even more dress up options.

Disney's other popular princesses such as Snow White and Sleeping Beauty also enjoy upgraded designs and fabrics, including glittery, character icon-bordered prints featuring themes and iconic art from the films (SRP $39.50/$49.50 Canada). Dress up any princess costume with a crown and a light-up wand providing extra trick-or-treating magic.

Belle, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty costumes, including separately sold shoes and accessories, will arrive in Disney Stores in early August. The deluxe Cinderella and Belle sets, as well as, Jasmine, Snow White, Mulan, Tinker Bell, Kim Possible, Minnie Mouse and Pocahontas costumes will be available by August 20 (SRP $39.50/$49.50 Canada). All costumes are available in sizes XXS-L, except for deluxe styles and Kim Possible which are available XS-L.

For Boys

In response to the high-demand generated by this summer's blockbuster sequel Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Mans Chest, Disney Store will offer its first deluxe costume for boys - Davy Jones. Based on the film character that morphs into a sea monster, the cursed Davy Jones includes a tentacle beard, a right hand claw, dimensional and textured barnacles and a garment-washed jacket that looks like it rose straight from the ocean's briny depths. Additionally, Disney Store will offer an authentic Captain Jack Sparrow costume enabling boys to take on the persona of this charming rogue. Optional accessories for both pirate costumes include a spyglass and eye patch.

Younger boys can safely and comfortably navigate trick-or-treating this year in the fully padded, suspender-upheld Lightning McQueen costume. For boys with minds for fantasy, Disney Store will offer Peter from The Chronicles of Narnia, presented in all his heraldic glory. The superhero in every young man will enjoy dressing up as Dash from The Incredibles along with Red Power Ranger from the Mystic Force television show.

All boys' costumes are available for a suggested retail price of $39.50 ($49.50 Canada) except Davy Jones deluxe costume, which retails for SRP $79.50 ($99.50 Canada). Costumes are available in sizes XXS-L, except for Pirates costumes which are available XS-L.

Plush Bubble Costumes For Infants And Toddlers

Disney Store will carry a completely new line of "bubble plush" costumes for children ages 6-36 months designed to transform them into cute and cuddly stuffed animals based on Disney's most adorable characters (SRP $24.50/$34.50 Canada). These new costumes come with plump, round foam padding, plush character hoods, booties and mittens. New designs include Mickey, Winnie-the-Pooh, Lumpy and Nemo. Additionally, Disney Store will offer a non-padded Chicken Little costume and a Jack-Jack (from The Incredibles) bodysuit sleeper (SRP $19.50/$24.50 Canada). Back by popular demand, the Minnie Mouse costume will also be available.

For the first time, parents can turn their infant girls into Disney's most popular princesses. These mini versions of the Tinker Bell and Cinderella dresses (SRP $24.50/$34.50 Canada) are replete with beautiful detail including that special Disney magic.

Costumes are scheduled arrive in stores on August 20 nationwide. For store locations in the U.S. and Canada, call 800-757-5933.

About Disney Store North America

Disney Store originated the themed retail environment when it opened its first store in Glendale, California in 1987. Disney Store currently operates over 300 locations in the United States and Canada that offer immediate access to magical Disney products. Disney Store North America is owned, and under license operated, by a subsidiary of The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc., a leading specialty retailer of apparel and accessories for children.

Soundtrack to Blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movie 'The Cheetah Girls 2' Set for Release on August 15

 2006 Disney Channel's Sequel Premieres August 25, Directed and Choreographed by Emmy Award Winner Kenny Ortega, Hot on the Heels of "High School Musical" Phenomenon

The soundtrack to the highly anticipated "The Cheetah Girls 2" -- sequel to the megahit Disney Channel Original Movie -- will be released by Walt Disney Records on August 15. The disc features 13 hip-hop, R&B, Latin, tango and rock-influenced songs performed by kid and tween superstars Raven-Symone, Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, Sabrina Bryan and Mexican recording artist and actress Belinda Peregrin. "The Cheetah Girls 2" premieres Friday, August 25 on Disney Channel; its anthem song and the soundtrack's lead single, "The Party's Just Begun," makes its radio debut the same month.

The Disney Channel Original Movie sequel, "The Cheetah Girls 2," takes the talented teen quartet on a whirlwind Catalan adventure as they pursue their dreams of pop superstardom. Emmy(R) and NAACP Image Award winner Lynn Whitfield ("The Josephine Baker Story") and Lori Alter return as The Cheetah Girls' protective mothers, and popular Mexican recording artist and actress Belinda Peregrin is introduced in her first English-speaking role as a would-be rival to The Cheetah Girls as they compete in the Barcelona music festival and see their dreams of stardom -- and their faith in The Cheetah Girl credo itself -- threatened.

"The Cheetah Girls 2" movie is the newest project from Emmy(R) Award-winning director and choreographer Kenny Ortega, the mastermind behind this year's "High School Musical" phenomenon, which delivered 2006's triple-platinum soundtrack and best-selling album-to-date (according to Nielsen SoundScan). Emmy(R) Award-nominated songwriting and producing talent contributing to the "The Cheetah Girls 2" include Jamie Houston, Robbie Nevil, David Lawrence and Matthew Gerrard, all of whom also contributed songs to "High School Musical."

"The Cheetah Girls 2" soundtrack follows the success of the soundtrack to the first Cheetah Girls movie, which was the #1 basic cable movie among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14. The double-platinum album became the #2 best-selling soundtrack for 2004, reached #1 on Billboard's Kids and Soundtrack charts and remained on the Billboard Top 200 chart for an incredible 62 weeks.

The all-new Cheetah Girls 2 soundtrack captures the flavor of Barcelona with the traditional Spanish lullaby "A La Nanita Nana" (performed by The Cheetah Girls with Belinda) and Spanish lyrics liberally incorporated into tracks such as "Strut," "Dance With Me" and "Amigas Cheetahs." "The Cheetah Girls 2" soundtrack includes a bonus CD-ROM "making of" feature. Additional music, video and mobile content are accessible to all Cheetah fans at TheCheetahGirlsMusic.com.

"More than ever, The Cheetah Girls sound is a high energy mix of pop and R&B that people can't help but dance to," says Adrienne.

Adds Sabrina, "It's very Cheetah but now it's kicked up a notch."

"We're really excited about how our harmonies have developed, and the new song repertoire is amazing. I can't wait for the concert tour!" enthuses Kiely.

The touring version of The Cheetah Girls (Adrienne Bailon, Sabrina Bryan and Kiely Williams) will embark on a nationwide 40-city concert tour September 15 through November 15. Purchase of "The Cheetah Girls 2" soundtrack at Target stores in the U.S. beginning August 15 will include a password to purchase up to four presale tickets for most shows on the tour, subject to availability. -0-

"The Cheetah Girls 2" CD track listing: 

1.  "The Party's Just Begun"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls 

2.  "Strut"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls

3.  "Dance with Me"(a) -- Performed by Drew Seeley featuring Belinda

4.  "Why Wait"(a) -- Performed by Belinda

5.  "A La Nanita Nana"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls with Belinda

6.  "Do Your Own Thing"(a) -- Performed by Raven-Symone

7.  "It's Over"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls

8.  "Step Up"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls 

9.  "Amigas Cheetahs"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls with Belinda

10. "Cherish the Moment"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls 

11. "Cheetah Sisters (Barcelona Mix)"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls 

12. "Everyone's a Star" -- Performed by Raven-Symone 

13. "It's Gonna Be Alright" -- Performed by Raven-Symone 

(a) Appears in film Since 2003, The Cheetah Girls have ruled the kids 

music charts with the singles "Cinderella," "Girl Power," "Together We Can" 

and "Cheetah Sisters" from the original "The Cheetah Girls" soundtrack; 

"I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" from Disney's "Hercules" for the top-selling 

"Disneymania 3" CD and concert DVD; their version of the Ray Charles

classic "Shake a Tail Feather" from the Walt Disney Pictures film

"Chicken Little"; and the title track from the group's 2005 "A Cheetalicious

Christmas" CD. The Cheetah Girls' extraordinary success also has yielded

Walt Disney Records' "The Cheetah Girls Karaoke" CD (February 2004) and

"The Cheetah Girls Special Edition Soundtrack" (June 2004). The latter 

coincided with the June 2004 Buena Vista Home Entertainment release 

"The Cheetah Girls Movie" on DVD, which quickly reached sales of one million copies. 

"The Cheetah Girls 2" soundtrack will be available August 15, 2006 for a suggested retail price of $18.98 wherever music is sold. All Walt Disney Records audio products also can be ordered by visiting DisneyRecords.com. For additional information and updates, go to TheCheetahGirlsMusic.com.

TV Guide Channel(R) Announces Eight Hours of Original Programming in Celebration of the 58th Annual Emmy(R) Awards

Joan and Melissa Rivers Headline TV Guide Channel's Emmy Coverage With Their Landmark 1000th Interview Live on the Red Carpet

TV Guide Channel(R), a leading entertainment destination channel available in 80 million homes nationwide, will premiere over eight hours of programming dedicated to the upcoming 58th Annual Primetime Emmy(R) Awards. The centerpiece of TV Guide Channel's Emmy programming will be five hours of live coverage from the Red Carpet on Sunday, August 27, 2006 from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. Joan and Melissa Rivers will headline the network's live coverage during the last two hour block, which will culminate with a career milestone for the ladies - the 1000th interview on the Red Carpet.

"The Emmy Awards is television's most prestigious night, and this year, TV Guide Channel will have more live coverage leading up to the awards show than any other network," said Matthew Singerman, Senior Vice President of Programming and Production, TV Guide Channel. "Our viewers will get a front row seat at all of the Emmy Awards festivities, including the Red Carpet and after-parties."

TV Guide Channel's dedicated coverage for the 2006 Emmy Awards includes the following programming: -0-

    --  JOAN AND MELISSA: CELEBRATING 1000 INTERVIEWS 

        Premieres: Sunday, August 20 at 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ET/PT 

        For more than a decade, Joan and Melissa Rivers have

         interviewed the biggest celebrities in entertainment at the

         Academy(R) Awards, Emmy(R) Awards, Grammy(R) Awards and the

         Golden Globes(R). JOAN AND MELISSA: CELEBRATING 1000

         INTERVIEWS will recount 10 memorable Red Carpet moments, as

         well as other special surprises.      --  TV GUIDE'S COUNTDOWN TO

 THE EMMY(R) AWARDS         Premieres: Sunday, August 27 at 3:00 p.m.

 - 6:00 p.m. ET/PT         TV Guide Channel will kick-off its live coverage 

at the Emmys         with Kimberly Caldwell and Rosanna Tavarez, as they 

warm up         the mikes for the Red Carpet arrivals.      --  JOAN AND 

MELISSA LIVE AT THE EMMY(R)AWARDS         Premieres: Sunday, 

August 27 at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET/PT         A milestone not to be 

missed! Joan and Melissa Rivers, the         original Red Carpet fashionistas,

 will give their 1000th         interview on Emmy night. The count will begin 

at #982 as they         speak with TV's biggest stars on the Red Carpet. Joan's 

first         interview since teaming with daughter Melissa at the 1995

         Academy(R) Awards - John Travolta - was the beginning of the

         Red Carpet phenomenon that has become a fixture of all major

         Hollywood award shows.      --  EMMY(R) AWARDS FASHION WRAP

 WITH JOAN AND MELISSA         Premieres: Monday, August 28 at 8:00 p.m. 

- 9:00 p.m. ET/PT         The award show may be over, but the fashion talk has just

         begun! Joan and Melissa Rivers will dish on what TV's biggest 

        stars were wearing on Emmy night during a one-hour special, 

        JOAN AND MELISSA EMMY AWARDS FASHION WRAP. Viewers can catch

         highlights of Emmy Red Carpet fashion that everyone in America

         will be buzzing about.      --  EMMY(R) NIGHTLIFE         Premieres: 

Tuesday, August 29 at 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ET/PT         In the EMMY N

IGHTLIFE one-hour special, viewers will get a         sneak-peek behind the

 velvet ropes of Hollywood's most         exclusive parties on Emmy night. 

The EMMY NIGHTLIFE special         will include "V.I.P." coverage of the TV 

Guide Magazine party         at Social Hollywood, including a special performance

 by         Grammy(R) award winning music artist Pink.      --  TV GUIDE SPOT(TM) 

        Available On-Demand Beginning August         TV Guide SPOT, a 

video-on-demand service available to 20         million subscribers nationwide, 

will get viewers ready for the         Emmys starting in early August. A special 

Emmy-themed "Watch         This" segment called "Emmy Watch" will take viewers

         behind-the-scenes of the Emmy-nominated shows and TV 

        celebrities. Also available on SPOT will be highlights of TV 

        Guide Channel's Emmy Nominations Special hosted by Joan and 

        Melissa Rivers, who sound off on who got nominated and who got

         snubbed. Following the Emmy Awards, TV Guide SPOT viewers can 

        access video highlights of TV Guide Channel's live coverage 

        with Joan and Melissa, including their most outrageous Red

         Carpet moments. TV Guide SPOT is available through local cable 

        operators and on broadband at http://www.tvguide.com. 

About TV Guide Channel

TV Guide Channel reaches nearly 80 million homes and is the premier television entertainment network for viewers seeking the latest information on the best programs, hottest stars and latest trends on television. Headquartered in the heart of Hollywood at its TV Guide Studios, the network combines original programming with comprehensive program listings information - all of which deliver on viewers' need for an entertaining and easy guide to what's on TV. TV Guide Channel is owned and operated by TV Guide Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.

About Gemstar-TV Guide

Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the "Company") (NASDAQ: GMST) is a leading media, entertainment and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at http://www.gemstartvguide.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties related to the transformation of our TV Guide magazine publishing business; timely availability and market acceptance of products and services incorporating the Company's technologies and content; our investment in new and existing businesses, including TV Guide magazine, TV Guide Spot and TV Guide Mobile; the impact of competitive products and pricing; ongoing and potential future litigation; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Note to Editors: GEMSTAR, TV GUIDE, TV GUIDE CHANNEL, TV GUIDE SPOT and TV GUIDE MOBILE are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. The names of other companies and products used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

LA Sports & Entertainment Commission's 4th Annual NFL 101/201 Called a Success - Speakers Included Reggie Bush, Eddie George, Andrea Kremer, Willie McGinest, Rodney Peete, Mike Pereira, Amy Trask and Rod Woodson

fourth annual NFL 101/201 event, which was hosted by the LA Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC), took place on Thursday, July 13 in the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland. LASEC President Kathy Schloessman reported on the success of the event, in which more than 400 guests attended.

This year's NFL 101/201 instructors included Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints running back and 2006 Heisman Trophy winner from USC; Eddie George, former Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans running back and Heisman Trophy winner; Andrea Kremer, reporter, NBC Sports (and the event's emcee); Willie McGinest, three-time Super Bowl champion and Cleveland Browns linebacker; Rodney Peete, co-host, "Best Damn Sports Show Period" and former NFL quarterback; Mike Pereira, vice president of officiating, NFL; Amy Trask, chief executive, Oakland Raiders; and Rod Woodson, NFL Network analyst and former NFL All-Pro defensive back.

"It speaks to the caliber this event has become that we were able to attract such high level individuals from the world of professional football," said Kremer. "And it's a tribute to these individuals who all donated their time to make sure the passion for NFL football continues in Los Angeles."

NFL 101/201 is the only current Southern California-based event that is officially sanctioned by the NFL. This event was originated for women and men who are unfamiliar with the rules and strategy of professional football or want to learn more about the game. NFL 101/201 offered an evening of instruction in offensive and defensive football from some of the biggest names in the sport.

Schloessman noted that this year's event included a "mini-NFL experience, where guests mingled with their favorite players and got their autographs, went 'under the hood' and looked inside an instant replay machine and had trading card photos made of themselves. They also had a chance to watch clips from NBC's show 'Friday Night Lights,' see Gordon 'Red' Batty's equipment demonstration and throw footballs at the LA Avenger's football toss."

Once the event began, guests enjoyed delicious food from presenting sponsor Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events. As emcee, Andrea Kremer gave an introduction to football and then introduced the speakers. Vince Papale, subject of Disney's upcoming movie, "Invincible," talked about being the NFL's oldest rookie. Mike Pereira roused the audience with clips of close plays, asking them how they would have called them. Gordon "Red" Batty brought NFL players' equipment onstage, explaining little known facts about the different items players wear.

Guests then went into bleachers to watch as NFL players Reggie Bush, Rodney Peete, Eddie George, Willie McGinest and Rod Woodson demonstrated offensive and defensive moves.

Later, Kremer moderated as a panel including Raiders chief executive Amy Trask, NFL's Mike Pereira and players Bush, Peete, George, McGinest, and Woodson answered questions from the audience.

"This event has become such a success, we plan on doing it again in the summer of 2007 and I can't wait to see what amazing talent we'll attract next year," said Schloessman.

LASEC is the official organization for the City of Los Angeles to seek, host, promote and retain major sporting and entertainment events that positively impact the local economy by attracting visitors to the city, giving them a reason to stay longer and return more frequently. LASEC is a private, nonprofit organization and an affiliate of LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Good Night and Good Luck, The Searchers and Caddyshack Now on HD DVD August 22

Good Night and Good Luck, The Searchers and Caddyshack make their HD DVD debuts on August 22 from Warner Home Video. Good Night and Good Luck will be released as an HD-DVD/DVD combo and will be available for $39.99 SRP. The other two titles will sell for $28.99 SRP.

Good Night and Good Luck, the critically acclaimed Oscar(R)-nominated drama starring David Strathairn and directed by George Clooney, chronicles the real-life conflict between newsman Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy. The Searchers, with an indelible image of the American frontier and the men and women who challenged it, stars John Wayne and was directed by John Ford. Caddyshack, 18 holes of fairway foolishness with Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield and Bill Murray, did for golf what Animal House did for college fraternities.

Said George Feltenstein, WHV's Senior Vice President Theatrical Catalog Marketing, "Each time I watch a film in the new HD DVD format, I'm struck by the night-and-day difference -- resolution, contrast, vibrancy of color, crisp sound. The Searchers is a landmark Western celebrating its 50th Anniversary so what a perfect time to have it on HD DVD. As for the other titles: just look at how sharp the grass on the fairway at the Bushwood Country Club is, or the smoke from Ed Murrow's (many) cigarettes ...these are small things but they so contribute to the overall enhancement of the experience. It's a cliche but ... you have to see it to believe it."

All bonus materials on the Standard Definition versions of these titles will be included on the HD DVD versions.

Warner Home Video HD DVDs offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, HD DVD also provides a new level of interactivity, giving instant access to extra features with the debut of a seamless menu-bar that allows viewers to enjoy features and settings without leaving or interrupting the film.

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

President Bartlet is Back for His Final Year, Just in Time for the Holidays! Warner Home Video Releases ``The West Wing: The Complete Seventh Season'' and ``The West Wing: The Complete Series'' on DVD November 7

-- "The West Wing: The Complete Seventh Season" Features All 22 Episodes of the Final Season Which Earned Six Emmy Award Nominations, Including One for Outstanding Drama

-- "The West Wing: The Complete Series" Includes All 154 Episodes of this Award Winning Series along with the Pilot Script and Forward by Series Creator Aaron Sorkin and Hours and Hours of Viewing Extras From All Seven Seasons!

Fans will get a double dose of their favorite president when Warner Home Video (WHV) releases both "The West Wing: The Complete Seventh Season" and "The West Wing: The Complete Series" on DVD November 7, 2006, allowing collectors the chance to finally own a complete set of this critically acclaimed series. Consumers can top off their existing collections with the addition of the final, seventh season DVD box set or take the opportunity to own the deluxe, complete series gift set, which contains the entire library beautifully packaged in one elegant, all-inclusive box.

"The West Wing: The Complete Seventh Season" contains all 22 episodes, along with never-before-seen footage and other bonus features in a six-disc set that will retail at $59.98 SRP. "The West Wing: The Complete Series" contains all 154 episodes of the series, as well as enhanced content, on 45 DVDs and will retail at $299.98 SRP.

In this final, seventh season, it's the end of one era and the beginning of another as President Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen) prepares to pass down the presidential torch and Congressman Matthew Santos (Jimmy Smits) and Senator Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda) battle it out on the campaign trail, both hoping to become his successor. This season is jam packed with drama as it includes a live debate, an election, a transition and a final performance by and remembrance of the late John Spencer.

This final season of "The West Wing" earned six Emmy nominations including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Martin Sheen, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Allison Janney and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Alan Alda.

Enhanced content featured on "The West Wing: The Complete Seventh Season" includes:

-- "Live from the Director's Chair" - A multi-angle view from the truck as the director calls the live show (RT 47:00 approx.)

-- "Countdown to West Wing Live" - behind-the-scenes featurette (RT 25:00 approx.)

The perfect holiday gift for any "The West Wing" fan, "The West Wing: The Complete Series" contains all 154 episodes of the series on 45 DVDs featuring 112 hours of amazing content. Consumers can relive all seven seasons of this award winning series which has garnered 24 Emmy Awards, including four for Outstanding Drama Series, two Golden Globes, including one for Best TV Drama Series, two Peabody Awards and more!

The dossier gift set also contains hours and hours of viewing extras featuring all of the enhanced content contained on previous season set releases which includes over 20 commentaries, over 20 documentaries and behind-the-scenes featurettes, gag reels, unaired scenes and more! The box set will also include an element that has never before been released on a "The West Wing" DVD set -- the original pilot script along with an introduction by series creator Aaron Sorkin.

"It is with great pride that we bring the final chapter of `The West Wing' to viewers along with the complete series gift set. Aaron Sorkin and John Wells did a tremendous job of creating multi-dimensional characters and intriguing drama while bringing focus to timely topics and treating fans to the inner-workings of the White House. It is a show that will be missed," commented Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President, TV Marketing. She added, "We anticipate enthusiastic consumer response for these two DVD releases as fans look forward to completing their `The West Wing' collections or buying the entire series all at once with this unique dossier gift set. Additionally, with the holiday season soon upon us, both releases serve as great gift ideas for any `The West Wing' devotee or fan of quality television."

"The West Wing" premiered in the fall of 1999 and follows the challenges and responsibilities of the U.S. President Josiah Bartlet and his White House staff. The ensemble cast includes Alan Alda as Senator Arnold Vinick, Stockard Channing as First Lady Abigail Bartlet, Dule Hill as Charlie Young, Allison Janney as C.J. Cregg, Josh Malina as Will Bailey, Janel Moloney as Donna Moss, Richard Schiff as Toby Ziegler, Martin Sheen as President Josiah Bartlet, Jimmy Smits as Senator Matt Santos, John Spencer as Leo McGarry and Bradley Whitford as Josh Lyman.

"The West Wing" previously won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 along with 20 individual Emmys awarded to writers, actors and crew. Moreover, the show holds the record for the most Emmys won by a series in a single season by winning nine during its first season on the air. By winning the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row, the show is tied with "Hill Street Blues" and "L.A. Law" for most Emmys won in that category. Currently, "The West Wing" ranks 8th in all-time number of Emmy Awards won by a series.

NYC to Get "A Room with a View"

New York, NY — James Ivory, the three-time Oscar®-nominated director and one-half of the legendary Merchant Ivory production team, will be the special guest at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 20th anniversary screening of “A Room with a View,” on Monday, August 21, at 7 p.m. (earlier time) at the Academy Theater at Lighthouse International in New York City.

Hosted by film scholar Brian Rose, a professor in the Department of Communication and Media Studies at Fordham University, this screening will be the first big-screen presentation of “A Room with a View” since its initial theatrical run in 1986.

Adapted from the E.M. Forster novel by two-time Academy Award® winner Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, “A Room with a View” is a romantic comedy that examines the class system of early 20th century England. After a life-changing vacation in Florence, young Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter) finds herself in an emotional dilemma: Does she follow through with her engagement to dispassionate, snobbish, upper-class gentleman Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis) or follow her heart and accept the loving advances of George Emerson (Julian Sands), a free-spirited, eccentric young man she met in Florence?

The film also stars Maggie Smith as chaperone Charlotte Bartlett and Denholm Elliott as Mr. Emerson.

In addition to a Directing nomination for Ivory, “A Room with a View” earned a total of eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture (Ismail Merchant, producer), Actor in a Supporting Role (Elliott), Actress in a Supporting Role (Smith) and Cinematography (Tony Pierce-Roberts).

The film won Oscars for Adapted Screenplay (Prawer Jhabvala), Art Direction (Gianni Quaranta, Brian Ackland-Snow; Set Decoration: Brian Savegar, Elio Altamura) and Costume Design (Jenny Beavan, John Bright).

Preceding the feature, the Academy will present “Luxo Jr.” (1986), the first computer-animated short film to receive an Academy Award nomination (John Lasseter and William Reeves).

“Monday Nights with Oscar” is a monthly series showcasing high-quality prints of films that have been nominated for or won Academy Awards.

The Academy Theater at Lighthouse International is located at 111 East 59th Street in New York City. Tickets for the screening are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID.

Tickets may be reserved by calling 1-888-778-7575. Depending on availability, tickets may be purchased the night of the screening. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.oscars.org/events.

# # #

©A.M.P.A.S.®
 

ATTENTION ANIMATION LOVERS!

THE FIVE-CITY NICKTOONS NETWORK MOBILE TOUR CULMINATES IN

LOS ANGELES SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 & SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

Festival Winners For Student Award, Diversity Award And Producer’s Choice Award To Be Announced During Creators’ Day Event Sunday, August 13

WHO/WHAT:

Nicktoons Network, Nickelodeon’s 24-hour animation network, hits the open road this summer with the Nicktoons Network Mobile Tour, a five-city tour in celebration of its third annual Nicktoons Network Animation Festival (NNAF).  The tour kicked off in New York and New Jersey and culminates in Los Angeles (Burbank) for Kid’s Day (invitation only) Saturday, August 12 at the Nicktoons Studios and in Westminster (open to the public) Sunday, August 13 at the Westminster Mall from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (PT).

The interactive mobile tour will continue in its branded truck to its final stop in Los Angeles (Burbank) where Larry Schwarz, the creator of Nicktoons Network’s new hit series Kappa Mikey, will be available to meet and greet fans at both tour stop locations. 

The Los Angeles stops will encompass three interactive play stations:

Animator Meet & Greet – Fans can meet the animators that bring their favorite Nicktoons Network series to life and have their picture taken with Nicktoons characters via green screen. 
The NNAF Tips & Tricks – This station illustrates the building blocks of animation at various kiosks including: the Sound Stage, the Art Studio, NNAF Video Wall and the Animation Browser.
Thumb Wrestling Competition – Fans will be able to compete in thumb wrestling matches disguised as their favorite Thumb Wrestling Federation characters.  Each match will be recorded so fans are able to download their personalized video which automatically enters them into the TWF Sweepstakes for a chance to win a guest ‘thumb’ spot on Nicktoons Network!


 

Billed as the world’s first multiplatform animation festival, NNAF kicks off with its first, live two-day event at the Nicktoons Studios.  Kids’ Day, which takes place on August 12, will feature all three main components of the mobile tour.  Invited guests will also partake in an afternoon filled with food, festivities and fun including: Nicktoons Network’s costume characters, on-site animators offering ‘doodling’ demonstrations and a screening of this year’s top animation entries.

On Sunday August 13, NNAF presents Creators’ Day in which Nicktoons Network will host an evening event for special guests and announce the three winners of this year’s Student Award, Diversity Award and Producer’s Choice Award.  The announcement will be followed by a cocktail reception and a courtyard screening of the award-winning shorts from the announced winners.

The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival takes place online and on-air beginning Saturday, August 26 through Thursday, August 31.  Viewers can see which shorts have been selected for this year’s festival, view creator information and biographies and download the NNAF program at www.nicktoonsnetwork.com starting August 1.  Viewers can also watch the animated shorts and vote for their favorite submissions at www.nicktoonsnetwork.com from Saturday August 26 through Friday September 15.  The NNAF Viewers Choice Award will be announced online September 18.

WHERE/WHEN:

Kids’ Day Event (Invitation Only) – Saturday, August 12 / 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. (PT)

Nicktoons Studios, 231 W. Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA, 91502

Westminster, CA (Open to Public) – Sunday, August 13 / 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. (PT)
Westminster Mall, 1025 Westminster Mall, Westminster, CA 92683
Creators’ Day Event (Invitation Only) – Sunday, August 13 / 6 p.m. (PT)

Nicktoons Studios, 231 W. Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA, 91502

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Each of the Angels, signed the Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy print, with Giselle the only one absent at the autograph signing from the picture.  They had a smile for everyone and never seemed to tire from the two hours of autographs.  Between autographs they would often look up to the flicker of flash bulbs from just about everywhere. 

 

 

 

Pink lemonade, “Very Sexy” pink logo dark chocolate treats with Ghiradelli Raspberry and dark chocolate kept the energy going.

Free makeovers utilizing the Very Sexy Makeup were available beginning at noon through midnight today.  A Very Sexy T-shirt as part of the day’s promotion included titles of the colors. Kicking off the 50 days of sexy in Los Angeles were the Victoria’s Secret Angels.  Since I’m in the dark on the 50 days of sexy, wasn’t the preview the ideal time to let everyone know?  

 

If you happen to be on Victoria’s Secret email list and happened to see the ad -  their “Very Sexy Makeup, The Sexiest Color on Earth” with a very sexy Angel – it invites that seductive promise – buy this Very Sexy Makeup and you too can look like this.  Isn’t that why cigarette and alcohol commercials were banned from tv?As for the ad, the steaminess, the seduction… and when can I get that Very Sexy makeup?

Tomorrow August 1^st,  Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Makeup launches in select Victoria’s Secret Stores in the Los Angeles area and launches nationwide in September.  For those of you who can’t wait, I checked on their website and didn’t find it yet.  Perhaps tomorrow?  Or maybe someone can pick it up for you or you’ll find it on eBay.

Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Makeup held some surprises.  I must admit, I’ve never been a Victoria’s Secret fan of makeup.  The shades were must-have in everything from foundation, powders, eyeliners, eyeshadow palettes, bronzers, nails, and tons of lip colors in lipsticks, glosses and lip lacquer compacts to much more.  The textures were suprisingly smooth.

The colors are - can you use the term too much – sexy?  Even the color names put you in the mood – Bare Naked, Hottie, Hard to Get, and Afterglow to name a few.  When you open up the black compact with “Very Sexy” in pink, the mirror says “Very Sexy” to remind you.  Fun it is and who hasn’t bought makeup for the name (and color too) – just ask Nars about the popularity of their color Orgasm. 

An even broader product line, makeup artists attired in black, and Victoria’s Secret may even make an impact on the MAC hold of popularity. 

 

www.victoriassecret.com

(C) MBN 2006 (JOYCE CHOW)

 

Posted by ladymountbatten at 10:28 PM | Permalink

THE NEW COMEDY CLASSIC ARRIVES ON DISNEY DVD AUGUST 1st

Walt Disney Pictures Presents

THE SHAGGY DOG

TIM ALLEN STARS AS THE FAMILY DAD… AND DOG!

Includes Disney’s First-Ever “Bark-Along Bone-Us Feature” For Dogs,
Hilarious Deleted Scenes, Bloopers

Walt Disney Home Entertainment presents The Shaggy Dog, the fresh, funny update of one of Disney’s most beloved family comedy classics, on DVD August 1st . Starring the ever-popular Tim Allen (“The Santa Clause,” TV’s “Home Improvement”), The Shaggy Dog follows the hysterically hairy adventures of Deputy D.A. Dave Douglas (Allen), a workaholic trial lawyer and sometimes distant dad, who by a strange accident turns into a big shaggy dog. The fur flies as Dave comically tries to adjust to a whole new way of looking at the world, and discovers how much a family really means to him.

The “Bark Along Bone-Us Feature” is a Disney first: a feature for the family dog to enjoy as well as the family. This special feature combines fun dog-themed footage with two audio track options: for the canines in the family to enjoy, there is a “barking and woofing” audio track, and for the humans in the family, an alternate audio track that features a new version of the song “Woof There It Is” with new lyrics created especially for The Shaggy Dog. Bonus features also include: deleted scenes; bloopers and outtake goof-ups from the set; and director/producer feature audio commentary.

The Shaggy Dog features a doggone great cast with Tim Allen, Kristin Davis (TV’s “Sex In The City”), Zena Grey (“In Good Company”), Spencer Breslin (“Raising Helen”), Robert Downey Jr. (“Good Night And Good Luck”), and Coal, the film’s adorable Bearded Collie.

The Shaggy Dog will be available for U.S. $29.99 (SRP), Canada $37.99 (SRP). Fullscreen and widescreen versions are included on the same DVD disc.

Tim Allen gains a whole new point of view on becoming a great dad when he’s accidentally transformed into a great big dog in The Shaggy Dog, the deliriously funny update of the Disney family comedy classic.

Workaholic D.A. Dave Douglas (Allen) takes on his latest legal case, involving a criminal animal laboratory. It’s yet another assignment that takes him away from his wife (Kristin Davis) and kids (Zena Grey and Spencer Davis), who yearn for his attention.

The adventure begins when Dave morphs into the body of the family’s new pet Bearded Collie, and becomes ‘the shaggy dog.’ With perked-up ears and a front row seat on the family carpet, Dave is able to gain an entirely different perspective into his family’s secrets and dreams. Inspired by what he discovers, Dave wants nothing more than to become man’s – and his family’s – best friend.

Screenplay by The Wibberleys and Geoff Rodkey and Jack Amiel & Michael Begler. Produced by David Hoberman and Tim Allen. Directed by Brian Robbins.

This DVD is enhanced with Disney’s FastPlay, an exclusive easy start-up feature from Walt Disney Home Entertainment. With Disney’s FastPlay, viewers can let the DVD play automatically. This family-friendly, patent-pending technology plays the movie and includes a selection of bonus footage without any additional viewing navigation. Or, viewers can choose to navigate through a simplified menu using their remote control.

Disney’s FastPlay includes the exclusive EasyFind menu system, available only on Disney DVDs. EasyFind menus provide consistent categories and graphic icons for easy identification of bonus material features.

STREET DATE: August 1, 2006

Suggested retail price: U.S. $29.99, Canada $37.99
Rated: PG For Some Mild Rude Humor.

Bonus materials not rated.
Feature run time: Approximately 99 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: 1.33:1, formatted 4x3

2.40:1 enhanced for 16x9 TV screens
DVD Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Languages: English audio.
Spanish, French subtitles
Spanish, French audio (Fullscreen only)
Close captioned for the hearing impaired (Fullscreen only)
.

Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry. Buena Vista home Entertainment is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista videocassette and DVD product. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., is a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.

Disney all rights reserved

Posted by ladymountbatten at 09:58 PM | Permalink

Posted by ladymountbatten at 01:03 PM | Permalink

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averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

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SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

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More exciting changes coming each day

Bombardier Signs Algeria's Tassili Airlines for Four Q400 Airliners

Tassili Airlines to Become 17th Q400 Operator

 Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Tassili Airlines of Algiers, Algeria has signed a contract for four 74-seat Q400 turboprop airliners. The airline is the first Q400 customer in Algeria and the second in Africa.

The value of the contract based on list prices is $103 million US. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2007.

A subsidiary of the Sonatrach State Energy Group, Tassili Airlines will initially transport workers to several oil fields in Algeria. It plans to add domestic and international scheduled airline service within the next few years.

"We selected the Bombardier Q400 because of its superlative fuel economy, speed and passenger comfort," said Captain Rachid Nouar, Director of Operations at Tassili Airlines. "Bombardier's Q Series and Dash 8 turboprops have proven to have a high reliability in the sometimes harsh North African climate. In addition, the Q400 aircraft has an unbeatable performance in very high temperature conditions."

"We welcome Tassili Airlines to the growing list of Bombardier Q400 operators," said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. "Tassili is the 17th operator to recognize the outstanding mission capability and operating costs of the Q400. This airplane is reshaping the regional air transport market."

Firm orders for the Bombardier Q400 aircraft stood at 177 aircraft at April 30, 2006 with 118 aircraft delivered to operators in Europe, North America, Africa and the Asia/Pacific region.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2006, were $14.7 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

Bombardier and Q400 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Caneum, Inc. Continues the Addition of Key Customers Signing a One-Year Agreement for Outsourced Recruiting Services for Ostendo Technologies

Caneum, Inc. (OTCBB: CANM), a global provider of business process and information technology outsourcing services, today announced that it has closed a one-year recruiting support agreement with Ostendo Technologies to source, identify and recruit key engineering talent. Ostendo is bringing to market several innovative products in the High Definition Flat Panel display market and has extremely complex engineering capability requirements.

"We needed a partner who truly understands the problems we are solving for the market," said Joaquin Fernandez-Silva, Chief Operating Officer of Ostendo Technologies. "Caneum has been instrumental in delivering the right kind of engineering talent to our team and has a compelling service offering for high growth companies such as ourselves. Their speed, focus and ability to identify and recruit highly specialized engineering talent have been extremely important to making our company a success."

"We are very excited to work with Ostendo Technologies and are happy to have been entrusted with placing several key technical positions for the development of their core product portfolio," commented Robert Morris, Senior Vice President of Caneum. "This agreement continues to validate the compelling nature of our HR BPO service offering and serves to reinforce the high value that we can deliver for growth companies of all sizes and market focus. We look forward to assisting Ostendo rolling forward and in deepening the relationship that we have developed to date."

About Caneum, Inc.:

Caneum, Inc. is a global provider of business process and information technology outsourcing services across vertical industries, including technology, energy, government, transportation, financial services, education and healthcare. The Company provides a suite of business strategy and planning capabilities to assist companies with their "make versus buy" decisions in the areas of data, network, product development, product maintenance and customer support, and fulfills its services in-house, on-shore, near-shore and off-shore, depending on the business goals and objectives of its global customers. In parallel, the Company is opportunistically pursuing accretive acquisitions within its core outsourcing product and service suite in order to broaden its core capabilities, expand its customer base and supplement its organic growth. For more information, please visit the Company's web site at http://www.caneum.com.

About Ostendo Technologies, Inc.:

Ostendo Technologies, Inc. is a fabless developer of Light Emitting Diode (LED) based display products for the consumer and commercial display market. The Company provides a suite of Flat Panel Display products based on its proprietary LED based display technology. For more information, please visit the Company's web site at http://www.ostendotech.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: With the exception of historical information, the statements set forth above include forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. The Company wishes to caution readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Those factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors noted in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, such as the rapidly changing nature of technology, evolving industry standards and frequent introductions of new products, services and enhancements by competitors; the competitive nature of the markets for the Company's products and services; the Company's ability to gain market acceptance for its products and services; the Company's ability to fund its operational growth; the Company's ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the Company's ability to diversify its revenue streams and customer concentrations; and the Company's reliance on third-party suppliers.  

Action Products International Revises Warrant Terms

Action Products International, Inc. (NASDAQ: APII) -- Today the Board of Action Products elected to extend the term of the warrants that were due to expire on January 31, 2007 at 5:00 PM (Eastern time). As a result of the changes, the warrants are exercisable at $3.25 per share until January 31, 2007 and $3.75 per share from February 1, 2007 until January 31, 2008. The new expiration date is January 31, 2008 at 5:00 PM (Eastern time). There were no other changes in the terms of the warrants. Action Products distributed the warrants on July 20, 2006 to its shareholders of record on January 18, 2006.

BSIC, Back to the Basics, Down to Earth Growth

Independent oil and gas exploration company Basic Earth Science Systems (OTCBB: BSIC) has been chosen for this week's "SPOT Feature" in the Knobias Small-Cap ClipReport. Each week, Knobias scours the small-cap universe to find overlooked companies with sound fundamentals and one or more growth catalysts on the horizon. The weekly "SPOT" feature may be accessed via our daily ClipReport newsletter (free to all subscribers). To receive the Small-Cap ClipReport daily, please visit: http://www.knobias.com/front/product/clipreport/

BSIC, Back to the Basics, Down To Earth Growth

Basic Earth Science Systems (OTCBB: BSIC) is an independent oil and gas exploration company engaged in the upstream segment of the industry, which comprises the exploration, acquisition, development, operation, production and sale of crude oil and natural gas. Activities are focused in the North Dakota and Montana portions of the Williston basin, the Denver-Julesburg basin of Colorado, the southern portions of Texas, and onshore portions of the Gulf Coast.

The BULLS Say...

Small U.S. Oil Player Balancing Risk-Reward. Unrelenting conflict in the Middle East and growing energy demands have made cheap oil a thing of the past. As the world scrambles for new sources, BSIC is finding oil in the U.S. This tiny independent seems to cover (albeit in tiny ways) both ends of the risk-reward spectrum. BSIC has an established base of working interest in 77 domestic oil wells and 9 gas wells that have produced significant double-digit revenue and net income growth. The company has virtually no debt and is diversifying into natural gas. Simultaneously, BSIC has a self-described "swing for the fences" opportunity in their 2% interest in the Christmas Meadows Prospect, which commences drilling in Aug-06 (next month). In the middle sits projects from 2H-06 where production has yet to be added to an updated reserve estimate.

The BEARS Say...

Limited Resources Create Risky Model. BSIC's limited resources cause them to focus on smaller and/or marginal properties. This model has a high degree of risk and the company has had its share of disappointing results. In many cases, their wells begin with high flow rates only to decline significantly. When this happens, great expense may be required to reach commercially viable production.

About the Small-Cap ClipReport

Most small-cap newsletters just tout stocks. Instead, the ClipReport provides a comprehensive, journalistic view of each day's small-cap action. This nightly, 10-page PDF email consolidates actionable information and analysis covering the world of stocks below a $500 million marketcap threshold. Starting with "Page One," Knobias breaks down one of the week's most interesting topics in the small-cap universe. The remaining 9 pages provide users with each day's top stories, news movers, strong closers, after-hours events, earnings, corporate actions, PIPE deals, Reg SHO stocks and symbol/name changes. The ClipReport is a daily "must-read" for every small- and micro-cap investor.

About the Weekly SPOT

Each week, Knobias scours the small-cap universe to find overlooked companies with sound fundamentals and one or more growth catalyst on the horizon. This search typically features a small-cap stock exhibiting strong growth while undervalued relative to public peers. SPOT selections tend to be "under-priced" due to lack of coverage or a failure for the marketplace to fully understand "the story." SPOT companies must meet the same basic criteria as our Small-Cap ClipReport, i.e. under $500M marketcap...banks, ETFs, funds and utilities are excluded. Furthermore, SPOT selections must be fundamentally sound with growth, profitability (or near) and clear prospects for price appreciation. Knobias is never compensated for SPOT selections, and NO position will be held in SPOT stocks by Knobias, its management or staff while the stock is being highlighted.

To subscribe to the FREE Knobias Small-Cap "ClipReport," click below:

http://www.knobias.com/clipreport

To advertise in the Knobias Small-Cap "ClipReport", submit requests to: sales@knobias.com

For information concerning the Knobias Issuer Services Program, submit requests to: sales@knobias.com

About Knobias, Inc.

Knobias, Inc. (OTCBB: KNBS), pronounced "no-b-s," provides a wide range of financial information solutions for all sides of the U.S. stock market. Knobias combines proprietary content & technology into efficient platforms for the consolidation, distribution & targeted presentation of investment decision information for customers & affiliates. Knobias platforms provide news, filings, fundamentals, transaction databases, calendars, research, tools & analysis for all U.S. equities with a special emphasis on small-caps. Knobias customers include retail investors, day-traders, buy-side & sell-side professionals, public issuers, financial websites & financial content providers. For more information about Knobias, Inc. products, please visit www.knobias.com.

FORWARD LOOKING SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

To the extent that this release discusses any expectations concerning future plans, financial results or performance, such statements are forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof and reflect only management's belief and expectations based upon presently available information. These statements, and other forward-looking statements, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Knobias assumes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this release.

Beckman's Right to Transfer Its HPV Business to Ventana Is Upheld

Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: VMSI) today commented on the July 27, 2006 ruling in an arbitration between Beckman Coulter, Inc. and Digene Corporation. In that decision, an International Center for Dispute Resolution arbitration panel ruled that Beckman had the right to assign its HPV business and intellectual property to Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. In reaching this conclusion, the panel rejected Digene's central argument in the arbitration that a 1990 Cross-License Agreement to which Beckman was a party prohibited assignment of Beckman's HPV business and intellectual property. The panel also refused to consider Digene's request to invalidate Beckman's assignment to Ventana. However, the panel declared that the assignment included a provision that was not permitted by the Cross-License Agreement. Ventana is working to correct that provision. Additionally, the panel declared that the Cross-License Agreement does not permit the sale of HPV cell paste. Ventana does not sell HPV cell paste to third parties.

This ruling has no effect on Ventana's ability to continue to provide HPV products directly to the global market.

Digene sued Ventana in 2001 in Delaware District Court, later adding Beckman as a party, and sought, among other remedies, an injunction against the sale of the Ventana INFORM HPV products, unspecified monetary damages, and cancellation of the acquisition of the Beckman HPV business. In 2004, the Court required Digene to arbitrate the claims it asserted against Beckman. The District Court proceedings against Ventana, which had been stayed pending the outcome of the arbitration, are expected to resume in the near future.

Ventana develops, manufactures, and markets instrument/reagent systems that automate tissue preparation and slide staining in clinical histology and drug discovery laboratories worldwide. The Company's clinical systems are important tools used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Ventana's drug discovery systems are used to accelerate the discovery of new drug targets and evaluate the safety of new drug compounds.

Visit the Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. website at www.ventanamed.com. 

Bayou City's Mclean #1 Well Re-Entry Shows 500 Feet of Gross Interval That Appears to Be Capable of Producing Commercial Hydrocarbons

Bayou City Exploration, Inc. ("Bayou City") ("the Company) (OTCBB: BYCX) announces that its Mclean #1 well, a re-entry of an existing well bore in Live Oak County, Texas, has reached total depth as planned and without incident.

A major oil company drilled the original well to a total depth of 12,500 feet in 1985. After reviewing surrounding sub-surface geology and the associated productive zones, Bayou City's exploration team re-examined the original well logs and determined that the original operator had potentially bypassed pay in the Wilcox formation. The team decided to re-enter and re-log the well.

Following the successful re-entry, the well was re-logged on July 20, 2006. Analysis of the new logs showed approximately 500 feet of gross interval in the Wilcox formation that appears to be capable of producing commercial hydrocarbons. Encouraged by the log analysis, Bayou City and its partners have set production casing and elected to attempt to complete the Mclean #1. The well is tentatively scheduled to be fracture stimulated and tested within the next three weeks.

The Mclean #1 is part of an overall position of 2,961 acres owned by Bayou City and its partners. Bayou City and its partners have previously drilled the Mary Lyne #1 on the leases to the Queen City Sand and are currently in the process of installing production equipment including a pumping unit on this well. This should be completed by mid-August. A third well, the Prasek #1, is scheduled to be drilled in the next month to test the Hockley C and the Cole Sands.

Bayou City has a 9.375% working interest in the Live Oak Project.

About Bayou City Exploration

Bayou City Exploration, Inc. is an oil and gas exploration firm focused on developing proven geologic trends in East Texas, South Texas, the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana. Based in Houston, Texas, Bayou City leverages its management team's multidisciplinary expertise in applying advanced 3-D seismic analysis, 3-D processing algorithms, amplitude attribute and imaging technologies to the analysis and selection of high-potential prospects with low exploration risk. The Company's database has more than 7,500 square miles of 3-D data, most of it covering Bayou City's focus area, as well as 13,000 linear miles of 2-D data.

This news release may include forward-looking statements, with respect to achieving corporate objectives, developing additional project interests, the company's analysis of opportunities in the acquisition and development of various project interests and certain other matters. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained herein.

Michael Gross Resigns From Apollo Investment Corporation's Board of Directors

Apollo Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: AINV) (the "Company") today announced that Michael S. Gross, the Chairman of the Board, has resigned from the Company's Board of Directors and as its Chairman, effective as of July 31, 2006.

Mr. Gross advised the Company that "his resignation would allow him to better pursue other opportunities in the alternative asset arena." Mr. Gross recently became the Co-Chairman of the Investment Committee and a Senior Partner of Magnetar Capital LLP. Mr. Gross expressed his "confidence in the continued success of the Corporation." John J. Hannan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, "wished him well in his future endeavors."

ABOUT APOLLO INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Apollo Investment Corporation, or the Company, is a closed-end investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company's investment portfolio is principally in middle-market private companies. The Company invests primarily in mezzanine loans and senior secured loans in furtherance of its business plan and also invests in the equity of portfolio companies. Apollo Investment Corporation is managed by Apollo Investment Management, L.P., an affiliate of Apollo Management, L.P., a leading private equity investor.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements included herein may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made herein.

--  Net revenue was $55,078,000 as compared to $49,427,000, an increase of     11%. --  Earnings from operations were $5,723,000 as compared to $5,280,000, an     increase of 8%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006     results (discussed below), earnings from operations increased 15%. --  Net earnings were $3,183,000 as compared to $2,954,000, an increase of     8%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006 results (discussed     below), net earnings increased 15%. --  Diluted net earnings per share were $0.25, as compared to $0.23, an     increase of 9%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006     results (discussed below), diluted earnings per share increased 17%. --  Diluted cash net earnings per share were $0.31 as compared to $0.29,     an increase of 7%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006     results (discussed below), diluted cash net earnings per share increased     14%.     

--  Net revenue was $109,144,000 as compared to $97,572,000, an increase     of 12%. --  Earnings from operations were $10,811,000 as compared to $9,865,000,     an increase of 10%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006     results (discussed below), earnings from operations increased 16%. --  Net earnings were $5,974,000 as compared to $5,463,000, an increase of     9%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006 results (discussed     below), net earnings increased 17%. --  Diluted net earnings per share were $0.46 as compared to $0.43, an     increase of 7%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006     (discussed below), diluted net earnings per share increased 16%. --  Diluted cash net earnings per share were $0.59 as compared to $0.55,     an increase of 7%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006     (discussed below), diluted cash net earnings per share increased 13%.     

                      AMERICAN DENTAL PARTNERS, INC.                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                  (in thousands, except per share amounts)                                 (unaudited)                                      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended                                          June 30,            June 30,                                     ------------------- -------------------                                       2006      2005      2006      2005                                     --------- --------- --------- ---------  Net revenue                         $  55,078 $  49,427 $ 109,144 $  97,572 Operating expenses:      Salaries and benefits             22,396    20,595    44,936    40,977      Lab fees and dental supplies       8,971     7,976    17,682    15,610      Office occupancy expenses          6,482     5,498    12,817    11,028      Other operating expenses           4,850     4,565     9,668     9,127      General corporate expenses         3,378     2,602     6,730     5,200      Depreciation expense               1,939     1,669     3,851     3,314      Amortization of intangible       assets                            1,339     1,242     2,649     2,451                                     --------- --------- --------- ---------           Total operating expenses     49,355    44,147    98,333    87,707                                     --------- --------- --------- --------- Earnings from operations                5,723     5,280    10,811     9,865      Interest expense, net                470       392       954       822                                     --------- --------- --------- --------- Earnings before income taxes            5,253     4,888     9,857     9,043      Income taxes                       2,070     1,934     3,883     3,580                                     --------- --------- --------- --------- Net earnings                        $   3,183 $   2,954 $   5,974 $   5,463                                     ========= ========= ========= =========  Net earnings per common share:      Basic                          $    0.26 $    0.25 $    0.49 $    0.46                                     ========= ========= ========= =========      Diluted                        $    0.25 $    0.23 $    0.46 $    0.43                                     ========= ========= ========= ========= Weighted average common shares  outstanding:      Basic                             12,280    11,960    12,275    11,915                                     ========= ========= ========= =========      Diluted                           12,848    12,635    12,850    12,585                                     ========= ========= ========= =========                          AMERICAN DENTAL PARTNERS, INC.                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                               (in thousands)                                 (unaudited)                                                      June 30,   December 31,                                                      2006         2005                                                  ------------ ------------ ASSETS Current assets:      Cash and cash equivalents                   $      2,081 $        592      Receivables due from affiliated dental       group practices                                  14,415       14,751      Other current assets                               7,362        6,966                                                  ------------ ------------           Total current assets                         23,858       22,309                                                  ------------ ------------  Property and equipment, net                            44,682       45,184                                                  ------------ ------------ Other non-current assets:      Goodwill                                           5,095        5,095      Intangible assets, net                            98,789       97,260      Other assets                                         612          798                                                  ------------ ------------           Total non-current assets                    104,496      103,153                                                  ------------ ------------           Total assets                           $    173,036 $    170,646                                                  ============ ============  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities:      Accounts payable and accrued expenses       $     21,632 $     20,131      Current maturities of debt                           123          123                                                  ------------ ------------           Total current liabilities                    21,755       20,254                                                  ------------ ------------ Non-current liabilities:      Long-term debt                                    26,108       32,039      Other liabilities                                 16,269       16,458                                                  ------------ ------------           Total non-current liabilities                42,377       48,497                                                  ------------ ------------            Total liabilities                            64,132       68,751                                                  ------------ ------------  Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity                                  108,904      101,895                                                  ------------ ------------           Total liabilities and stockholders'            equity                                $    173,036 $    170,646                                                  ============ ============                          AMERICAN DENTAL PARTNERS, INC.                         Supplemental Operating Data                               (in thousands)                                 (unaudited)      Reconciliation of GAAP earnings, as reported, to cash net earnings                                                Three Months     Six Months                                                 Ended           Ended                                                June 30,        June 30,                                             --------------- ---------------                                              2006    2005    2006    2005                                             ------- ------- ------- -------   Net earnings (as reported)                  $ 3,183 $ 2,954 $ 5,974 $ 5,463 Add: Amortization of intangible assets, net  of tax                                         811     750   1,605   1,480                                             ------- ------- ------- ------- Cash net earnings (1)                       $ 3,994 $ 3,704 $ 7,579 $ 6,943                                             ======= ======= ======= =======   Weighted average common shares outstanding   12,848  12,635  12,850  12,585                                             ======= ======= ======= ======= Diluted net earnings per share              $  0.25 $  0.23 $  0.46 $  0.43                                             ======= ======= ======= ======= Diluted cash net earnings per share (1)     $  0.31 $  0.29 $  0.59 $  0.55                                             ======= ======= ======= =======    Calculation of cash return on committed capital and cash return on equity       for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005                                   Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended                                       June 30,              June 30,                                 --------------------  --------------------                                   2006       2005       2006       2005                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  Earnings from operations        $   5,723  $   5,280  $  10,811  $   9,865 Add back:  Amortization of  intangible assets                  1,339      1,242      2,649      2,451                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- Cash earnings from operations  (2)                            $   7,062  $   6,522  $  13,460  $  12,316                                 =========  =========  =========  ========= Annualized cash earnings from  operations                     $  28,248  $  26,088  $  26,920  $  24,632                                 =========  =========  =========  =========  Average committed capital (3)   $ 133,902  $ 122,693  $ 134,596  $ 120,041  Cash return on committed  capital (2)                           21%        21%        20%        21%  Net earnings                    $   3,183  $   2,954  $   5,974  $   5,463 Add back:  Amortization of  intangible assets, net of  taxes                                811        750      1,605      1,480                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- Cash net earnings (1)           $   3,994  $   3,704  $   7,579  $   6,943                                 =========  =========  =========  ========= Annualized cash net earnings    $  15,976  $  14,816  $  15,158  $  13,886                                 =========  =========  =========  =========  Average stockholders' equity  (3)                            $ 107,078  $  92,280  $ 105,400  $  90,535  Cash return on equity (2)              15%        16%        14%        15%                         AMERICAN DENTAL PARTNERS, INC.                         Supplemental Operating Data                               (in thousands)                                 (unaudited)         Patient revenue of the affiliated dental group practices (4)                    Three Months Ended              Six Months Ended                      June 30,           %           June 30,         %                 -------------------           --------- ---------                   2006      2005     Change     2006      2005     Change                 --------- --------- --------  --------- --------- -------- Patient revenue  - affiliated  practices:   Platform    dental    groups    affiliated    with the    Company in    both periods    of    comparison    (5)          $  83,519 $  75,821       10% $ 161,899 $ 145,555       11%   Platform    dental    groups that    affiliated    with the    Company    during    periods of    comparison         528         -      N/A      6,434     3,808       69%                 --------- --------- --------  --------- --------- -------- Total patient  revenue           84,047    75,821       11%   168,333   149,363       13% Amounts due to  the Company  under service  agreements        53,832    48,148       12%   106,808    95,063       12%                 --------- --------- --------  --------- --------- -------- Amounts  retained by  affiliated  practices      $  30,215 $  27,673        9% $  61,525 $  54,300       13%                 ========= ========= ========  ========= ========= ======== 

Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. Announces 2nd Quarter 2006 Earnings

 Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MIGP) today reported its operating results for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2006. Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. (the Company) offers commercial and personal lines of insurance to businesses and individuals in six states through its insurance subsidiaries: Mercer Insurance Company, Mercer Insurance Company of New Jersey, Inc., Financial Pacific Insurance Company and Franklin Insurance Company.

The Company acquired Financial Pacific Insurance Group, Inc. on October 1, 2005, and it is included accordingly in the Company's 2006 consolidated financial statements. Consequently, comparisons of the Company's current quarter and six month period with the comparable 2005 periods must take into account the impact of the acquisition on the 2006 Consolidated Statements of Income in order to make meaningful comparisons. Financial Pacific is a specialty writer of commercial lines which writes primarily in four western states, and provides insurance to commercial accounts in the contractor, manufacturing, retail, services and wholesaling businesses.

The Company reported net income, determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), in the quarter ended June 30, 2006, of $2.9 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, which was an increase of $1.8 million over the comparable prior quarter's net income of $1.1 million, or $0.17 per diluted share. After-tax realized investment gains included in net income for the current quarter were $197,000, or $0.03 per diluted share, as compared to $52,000, or less than $0.01 per diluted share in the same period in the prior year. Operating income (a non-GAAP measure defined as net income less after-tax realized gains or losses) in the second quarter of 2006 was $2.7 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, as compared to $1.0 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, in the same quarter of 2005. The Company's GAAP combined ratio for the second quarter of 2006 was 96.4%, as compared to 96.1% for the same quarter in 2005.

Revenues for the second quarter of 2006 were $36.9 million, an increase of $21.1 million over the 2005 second quarter revenue of $15.8 million. Net premiums earned for the quarter were $33.6 million, an $18.7 million increase over net premiums earned of $14.9 million in the same period of 2005. Net investment income increased $1.7 million to $2.4 million for the quarter, as compared to $740,000 in the comparable period in 2005.

In the six months ended June 30, 2006, the Company reported GAAP net income of $5.5 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, which was an increase of $3.4 million over the prior year's net income of $2.1 million, or $0.33 per diluted share. After-tax realized investment gains included in net income for the current six months were $399,000, or $0.06 per diluted share, as compared to $64,000, or $0.01 per diluted share in the same period in the prior year. Operating income in the first six months of 2006 was $5.1 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, as compared to $2.0 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, in the same period of 2005. The Company's GAAP combined ratio for the first six months of 2006 was 96.4%, as compared to 96.3% for the same period in 2005.

Revenues for the first six months of 2006 were $73.3 million, an increase of $41.6 million over revenue in the first six months of 2005 of $31.7 million. Net premiums earned for the period were $67.2 million, a $37.2 million increase over net premiums earned of $30.0 million in the same period of 2005. Net investment income increased $3.0 million to $4.5 million for the six months, as compared to $1.5 million in the comparable period in 2005.

In reviewing the Company's performance for the quarter, Andrew R. Speaker, Mercer's President and CEO, said, "The integration of our recent acquisition of Financial Pacific Insurance Group continues on track, and we are pleased with its performance. It was also pleasing to learn that A.M. Best recently included Financial Pacific Insurance Company in the Company's pooled financial strength rating of A (Excellent), in accordance with the ratings of the other members of the Company's insurance pool. The Company's strong 2006 performance reflects our continuing disciplined focus on underwriting, despite an increasingly challenging marketplace, and the more balanced mix of property and casualty insurance business which resulted from the acquisition of Financial Pacific. In addition, the Company's increased investment income reflects improvements in fixed income securities yields over that of the previous year."

Certain of the statements contained herein (other than statements of historical facts) are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and include estimates and assumptions related to economic, competitive and legislative developments. These forward-looking statements are subject to change and uncertainty that are, in many instances, beyond the company's control and have been made based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management's expectations so that the effect of future developments on the Company will be those anticipated by management. Actual financial results including premium growth and underwriting results could differ materially from those anticipated by the Company depending on the outcome of certain factors, which may include changes in property and casualty loss trends and reserves; catastrophe losses; the insurance product pricing environment; changes in applicable law; government regulation and changes therein that may impede the ability to charge adequate rates; changes in accounting principles; performance of the financial markets; fluctuations in interest rates; availability and price of reinsurance; and the status of the labor markets in which the Company operates.

                     Consolidated Statements of Income               (in thousands, except per share and share data)                                                          Quarter Ended                                                            June 30,                                                        2006        2005                                                    (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  Net premiums earned                                  $  33,631  $  14,862 Investment income,  net of investment expenses                              2,369        740 Realized investment gains                                  298         80 Other revenue                                              587         87   Total revenue                                         36,885     15,769  Losses and loss adjustment  expenses                                               21,549      7,312 Amortization of deferred policy  acquisition costs                                       7,848      3,902 Other expenses                                           3,052      3,063 Interest expense                                           304          -   Total expenses                                        32,753     14,277  Income before income taxes                               4,132      1,492 Income taxes                                             1,237        427  Net income                                           $   2,895  $   1,065  Net income per common share:   Basic                                              $    0.48  $    0.18   Diluted                                            $    0.47  $    0.17  Weighted average number of  shares outstanding:   Basic                                              5,994,228  5,877,160   Diluted                                            6,191,449  6,101,548      Supplementary Financial Data  Net written premiums                                 $  41,234  $  16,780  Book value per common share                          $   17.62  $   16.69  GAAP combined ratio                                       96.4%      96.1%                        Consolidated Statements of Income               (in thousands, except per share and share data)                                                          Six Months Ended                                                             June 30,                                                         2006       2005                                                     (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  Net premiums earned                                  $  67,168  $  29,975 Investment income, net of  investment expenses                                     4,460      1,484 Realized investment gains                                  605         97 Other revenue                                            1,078        172    Total revenue                                        73,311     31,728  Losses and loss adjustment expenses                     42,195     15,034 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                                       15,140      7,801 Other expenses                                           7,487      6,021 Interest expense                                           601          - Total expenses                                          65,423     28,856  Income before income taxes                               7,888      2,872 Income taxes                                             2,343        814  Net income                                           $   5,545  $   2,058  Net income per common share:    Basic                                             $    0.93  $    0.35    Diluted                                           $    0.90  $    0.33  Weighted average number of shares outstanding:    Basic                                             5,982,071  5,939,968    Diluted                                           6,154,893  6,172,231        Supplementary Financial Data  Net written premiums                                 $  80,929  $  29,941  GAAP combined ratio                                       96.4%      96.3%                             Consolidated Balance Sheet                    (in thousands, except share amounts)                                                      June 30,   Dec. 31,                                                       2006       2005                                                   (unaudited) ASSETS Investments, at fair value:   Fixed income securities, available-for sale     $ 255,283  $ 229,129   Equity securities, at fair value                   15,719     14,981   Short-term investments, at cost, which     approximates fair value                           2,397      4,289           Total investments                         273,399    248,399 Cash and cash equivalents                            13,113     20,677 Premiums receivable                                  46,430     37,497 Reinsurance receivable                               84,769     79,214 Prepaid reinsurance premiums                         17,521     21,554 Deferred policy acquisition costs                    17,291     10,789 Accrued investment income                             2,783      2,625 Property and equipment, net                          11,949     11,720 Deferred income taxes                                 9,115      3,588 Goodwill                                              5,633      5,633 Other assets                                          4,526      5,002 Total assets                                      $ 486,529  $ 446,698  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities:   Losses and loss adjustment expenses             $ 228,340  $ 211,679   Unearned premiums                                  88,710     78,982   Accounts payable and accrued expenses              15,844     13,761   Other reinsurance balances                         26,128     18,574    Trust preferred securities                         15,533     15,525   Advances under line of credit                       3,000      3,000   Other liabilities                                   2,369      1,778        Total liabilities                          $ 379,964  $ 343,299  Stockholders' Equity:   Preferred Stock, no par value, authorized               -          -    5,000,000 shares, no shares issued and    outstanding   Common stock, no par value,                             -          -    authorized 15,000,000 shares, issued    7,054,233 and 7,068,233 shares, outstanding    6,550,669 and 6,463,538 shares   Additional paid-in capital                      $  67,018  $  67,973   Accumulated other comprehensive income               (500)     2,851   Retained earnings                                  50,441     44,896   Unearned restricted stock compensation                  -     (1,654)   Unearned ESOP shares                               (4,073)    (4,383)   Treasury Stock, 503,513 and 501,563 shares         (6,321)    (6,284)        Total stockholders' equity                   106,565    103,399   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity      $ 486,529  $ 446,698

Posted by ladymountbatten at 12:17 PM | Permalink

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.



            Petty Officer 2nd Class Edward A. Koth, 30, ofTowson, Md.,
died July 26 at Camp Victory, Iraq, after ordnance exploded during a
disposal operation.  Koth was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile
Unit Eight, serving with Multinational Corps Iraq in Baghdad.



            The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties




The Department of Defense announced today the death of four Marines who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

            Lance Cpl. James W. Higgins, 22, of Frederick, Md., died
July 27 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar
province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st
Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.



Lance Cpl. Adam R. Murray, 21, of Cordova, Tenn., died July 27 while
conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.  He was
assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine
Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.



Cpl. Timothy D. Roos, 21, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died July 27 from wounds
received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. 
He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine
Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.



Pfc. Enrique C. Sanchez, 21, of Garner, N.C., died July 27 while
conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 3rd
Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine
Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Flag Officer Assignments

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen announced the following flag
officer assignments:



Rear Adm. (lower half)(selectee) Thomas J. Eccles is being assigned as
deputy commander for undersea warfare, SEA-07, Naval Sea Systems Command,
Washington, D.C.  Eccles is currently serving as major program manager for Seawolf,
Program Executive Office Submarines, Washington, D.C.



Rear Adm. (lower half) (selectee) John Elnitsky II is being assigned as
commander, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Washington, D.C.  Elnitsky is
currently serving as major program manager for undersea mobility, PM
399, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C.

FLAG OFFICER ANNOUNCEMENT Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld
announced today that the President has nominated Navy Vice Adm. Ann E. Rondeau for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral and assignment as deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.  Rondeau is currently serving as director, Navy
Staff, N09B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington,
D.C.

General Officer Announcement

            Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld announced today
that the President has nominated Army Brig. Gen Carroll F. Pollett for the
appointment to the grade of major general.  Pollett is currently serving as
commanding general, United States Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, Fort
Huachuca, Ariz.

DOD CONTRACTS

_AIR FORCE



            McDonnell Douglas Corp.,Long Beach, Calif., is being
awarded a
$780,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  This is an undefinitized
contract
action for a foreign military sales delivery order contract that will
provide
four C-17 aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).  The C-17
system
group, in accordance with air mobility command, has arranged for the
reallocation of four C-17 aircraft delivery positions from the Air
Force
Multi-Year Procurement II (MYPII) contract, F33657-02-C-2001, for
delivery to
RAAF.  At this time, $390,000,000 has been obligated.  Negotiations
were
complete July 2006.  This work will be completed in phases: first
delivery
November 2006; second, May 2007; third, January 2008 and fourth,
February
2008.  Headquarters 328th Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright Patterson
Air
Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.  Public Affairs point of
contact is ASC/PAM at 937-255-3334 (FA8614-06-D-2006, delivery order
0001).



            Engineering Research and Consulting Inc., Huntsville, Ala.,
is
being awarded a $72,435,099 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursement,
firm-fixed-price contract.  This action provides for research in
propulsion
sciences:  The research in propulsion sciences contract will provide
on-site
theoretical and experimental scientific and engineering research and
development in rocket propulsion at the Air Force research laboratory
located
at Edwards Air Force Base, Cali.  A strong effort in basic research is
required, but elements of the broader research and development scope
and
technology transition are also included.  Research will focus on
discovery,
synthesis, characterization, and development of energetic and
non-energetic
materials, research, development, and modeling of novel propulsion
methods and
devices, and combustion modeling and aero physics interactions.  The
contractor shall function in government/contractor teams.  Typical work
performed includes propellant research, analytical chemistry, the study
of
fracture mechanics, investigating aero physics interactions, bench
level
contractor researchers work along-side government scientists and
engineers and
collaborate on the research and development activities.  At this time
no funds
have been obligated.  This work will be complete in September 2011.
Solicitation began March 2006.  Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards
Air
Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA9300-06-C-0023).







            Business Technologies and Solutions, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, is
being
awarded a $14,905,898 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity
cost-plus-award-fee and cost-reimbursement contract modification.  This
action
provides for the technical and acquisition management support program,
provides a wide range of diverse non-engineering, technical and
acquisition
management support required in the acquisition, development, production
, and
support of various equipment and weapon systems within the air armament
center
and other organizations at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.  At this time no
funds
have been obligated.  This work will be complete September 2007. 
Headquarters
Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting
activity
(FA9200-05-C-0002/P00005).



            Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Corp., Littleton, Co., is being
awarded an $8,053,729 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The purpose of
this
action is for AFRL/VS to exercise the option portion of this contract,
which
result in a critical design review (CDR) and post CDR activities to
achieve
space situational awareness capabilities and functionality into to a
Nan
satellite package.  During the basic portion of the contract, the
objective
was to perform the development activities and conduct a tailored
preliminary
design review to achieve space situational awareness capabilities and
functionally into a Nan satellite package.  At this time $400,000 has
been
obligated.  This work will be complete August 2007.  Air Force Research
Lab,
Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. is the contracting activity
(FA9453-06-D-0330).



            Honeywell International Inc., Defense and Space Electronic
Systems, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $6,816,888
firm-fixed-price
contract.  This contract is to continue spiral development of existing
ballistic missile range safety technology (BMRST) systems and procure
additional BMRST system is a mobile global positioning system (GPS) and
telemetry based space launch range safety systems.  At this time
$6,816,888
has been obligated.  Solicitations began March 2006.  Negotiations were
complete June 2006.  This work will be complete July 2007. 
Headquarters Space
and Missile Defense Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.,
is the
contracting activity (FA8818-06-C-0033).



            Integral Systems Inc., Lanham, Md., is being awarded a
$6,427,101
cost-plus-award fee contract modification.  This contract change
modifies the
command and control system-consolidated (CCS-C) effort to support the
test
automated operations (TAO) development for the wideband gapfiller
satellite
(WGS) program.  This change will also incorporate new WGS requirements. 
The
CCS-S program provides an upgraded capability to command and control
the Air
Force's communication satellites, including the defense satellite
communication system, Milstar, advanced extremely high frequency, and
wideband
gapfiller satellites.  At this time $2,756,535 has been obligated. 
This work
will be complete June 2010.  Headquarters Space and Missile Defense
Systems
Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity
(F04701-01-C-0012/P00099).



            Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Corp., Marietta, Ga., is being
awarded
a $5,369,597 firm-fixed-price contract modification.  This is a
modification
to the C-15 avionics modernization program and the procurement of Lot
II and
Lot IV mobility readiness spares for the avionics modernization
program.  At
this time $5,369,597 has been obligated.  Negations were complete June
2006.
This work will be complete June 2008.  Headquarters Aeronautical
Systems
Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting
activity
(F33657-98-C-006/P00183).

_

_ARMY



            AM General L.L.C., South Bend  , Ind. , was awarded on July
27,
2006, a $595,816,409 modification firm-fixed-price contract for
M1151A1s with
B1Kit and to establish ceiling prices for armor kits.  Work will be
performed
in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.
Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. 
This
was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000.  The Army
Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the
contracting
activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).



            Walsh Construction Co., Chicago, Ill., was awarded on July
27,
2006, a delivery order amount of $30,138,800 as part of a $30,138,800
firm-fixed-price contract for renovations of Specker Barracks.  Work
will be
performed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and is expected to be completed by
July
1, 2007.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current
fiscal
year.  This was a sole source contract initiated on June 13, 2006.  The
Army
Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity
(W912DQ-05-D-0016).



            General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights,
Mich., was
awarded on July 27, 2006, an $8,318,171 modification to a
cost-plus-fixed-fee
contract for systems technical support for the Abrams Tank program. 
Work will
be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be
completed by
Dec. 31, 2006.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the
current
fiscal year.  This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 23,
2001.  The
Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments, Warren, Mich., is the contracting
activity
(DAAE07-01-C-N075).



            Honeywell International, Clearwater, Fla., was awarded on
July 27,
2006, a delivery order amount of $7,525,000 as part of a $7,525,000
firm-fixed-price contract for inertial navigation unit for the Bradley
fighting vehicle system, Knight vehicle, Bradley fire support team, and
Abrams
integrated management.  Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla., and
is
expected to be completed by July 31, 2008.  Contract funds will not
expire at
the end of the current fiscal year.  This was a sole source contract
initiated
on July 25, 2006.  The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock
Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAE20-01-D-0092).

_

            Allison Transmission, Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded on
July 27,
2006, a $5,850,525 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for
X200-4A
transmissions in containers used on the M113 vehicles.  Work will be
performed
in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed by May 30, 2007.
Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. 
This
was a sole source contract initiated on June 21, 2006.  The Army
Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the
contracting
activity (DAAE07-03-C-N197).

_

_NAVY



            Raytheon Systems Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Keyport,
Wash.,
is being awarded an estimated $95,388,012 firm-fixed-price modification
to
previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6101) for the consolidated
MK48 and
MK54 torpedo kit hardware, with engineering and repair services.  The
primary
purpose of this modification is to purchase the necessary quantities of
torpedoes and support services necessary to support fleet operational
requirements for the various torpedo product lines.  This contract
combines
support for the Navy (70 percent) and the Government of Australia (30
percent)
under the foreign military sales program.  Work will be performed in
Keyport,
Wash. (90 percent), and Portsmouth, R.I. (10 percent), and is expected
to be
completed by June 2009.  Contract funds in the amount of $150,000 will
expire
at the end of the current fiscal year.  The contract was not
competitively
procured.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the
contracting
activity.



            Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (NGSS), a Northrop Grumman
Corporation Co., Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded a not-to-exceed
$58,427,517 cost-plus-award-fee contract for CG 47 and DD 963 class
integrated
planning yard services.  NGSS will provide expert design, planning, and
material support services for both maintenance and modernization.  Work
will
be performed in Pascagoula, Miss., and is expected to be completed by
July
2011.  Contract funds in the amount of $1,000, will expire at the end
of the
current fiscal year.  The contract was not competitively procured.  The
Naval
Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity
(N00024-06-C-2306).



            McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The
Boeing
Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $44,286,967 modification to a
previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0027) for 28
Harpoon
all-up-round (AUR) missiles which consist of 20 tactical block II
airlaunch
AUR missiles for the Governments of Chile (10) and Pakistan (10); four
exercise block II grade B AUR for the Government of Canada; two
tactical block
II Harpoon missile body AUR for the Government of Austrilia; and two
tactical
block II airlaunch AUR for the Government of Malaysia.  The contract
also
includes six warhead sections for the Governments of Canada (4) and
Australia
(2); 24 MK631 canister AUR containers for the Governments of Pakistan
(10),
Chile (10) and Canada (4); six MK992 exercise/warhead containers for
the
Governments of Canada (4) and Australia (2); and one MK607 airlaunch
AUR
container for the Government of Australia.  This contract combines
purchases
for the Governments of Chile ($15,843,630; 35.78 percent), Pakistan
($15,793,603; 35.65 percent), Canada ($7,600,780; 17.16 percent),
Australia
($2,632,379; 5.95 percent) and Malaysia ($2,416,548; 5.46 percent)
under the
foreign military sales program.  Work will be performed in St. Charles,
Mo.
(50.28 percent), McKinney, Texas (14.12 percent), Toledo, Ohio (5.83
percent),
United Kingdom (5.18 percent), Huntsville, Ala. (3.72 percent),
Clearwater,
Fla. (3.61 percent), Galena, Kan. (2.29 percent), Elkton, Md. (2.08
percent),
Kirwood, Mo.(2.00 percent), Middletown, Conn. (1.78 percent), and other
various locations throughout the United States (9.11 percent), and is
expected
to be completed in June 2007.  Contract funds will not expire at the
end of
the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent
River, Md.,
is the contracting activity.





_

            Rockwell Collins, Inc., Government Systems Division, Cedar
Rapids,
Iowa, is being awarded a $25,754,556 ten-year requirements contract for
performanced based logistics (PBL) support of the AN/ARC-210(V)
electronics
protection radio system used on numerous aircraft platforms, ground
stations,
and aboard ships.  This contract includes one five-year option period,
which
if exercised, brings the total estimated value of the contract to
$53,195,424.
Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and work is expected to
be
completed by July 2016.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of
the
current fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured. 
The Naval
Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-06-D-007G).



            Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors Electronics
Park, a
division of Lockheed Martin Corporation, Syracuse, N.Y., is being
awarded a
not-to-exceed $23,354,302 cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price
modification under previously awarded letter contract
(N00024-05-C-6237) to
exercise an option for production of three installation and checkout
kits and
supporting equipment for three remote minehunting vehicle (RMV) units,
engineering services, and overhaul of the remote minehunting
engineering
development models (EDMs) numbers 1 and 2.  This effort is in support
of the
remote minehunting system (RMS) program.  The AN/WLD-1(V)1 RMS consists
of a
high-endurance, remotely controlled, off-board, low-observable,
semi-submersible vehicle that will be used for mine reconnaissance. 
The goal
of the RMS is to provide fleet combatants with the capability to detect
and
classify bottom and moored contacts.  The RMVs will be incorporated
into the
DDG 91 through DDG96 class ships and the Littoral Combat Ship class. 
This
effort consists of procuring the INCO kits and support equipment for
the first
three RMVs, overhauling the remote minehunting EDMs #1 and #2, and
engineering
services.  Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y. (60 percent), and
Riviera
Beach, Fla. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by August
2007.
Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. 
The
Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting
activity.

_

            Northrop Grumman Corp., Electronic Systems (NGES),
Annapolis, Md.,
is being awarded an $18,630,236 cost-plus-award-fee delivery order to a
basic
ordering agreement for the advanced SEAL delivery system (ASDS)
reliability
improvement program (ARIP).  ASDS is a United States Special Operations
Command sponsored effort to develop a dry combat submersible for use by
special operations forces (SOF) and the necessary host submarine
interfaces.
The SOF Undersea Mobility Program office (PMS399) of the program
executive
officer for submarines provides for technical, engineering,
integration,
material, and logistics support for ASDS.  Under this delivery order,
NGES
will perform critical system reviews to systematically review the
ASDS-1
design in order to support the development of a plan for increasing the
availability and reliability of ASDS, analyze supply support
alternatives and
diminished manufacturing sources, and provide other related support. 
Work
will be performed in Annapolis, Md. (40.9 percent); Newport News, Va.
(42.6
percent); State College, Pa. (5.6 percent); West Bethesda, Md. (4.5
percent);
Groton, Conn. (2.6 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (0.9 percent); McLean, Va.
(0.8
percent); Rockville, Md. (0.4 percent); Crane, Ind. (0.4 percent);
Falls
Church, Va. (0.4 percent); Charlottesville, Va. (0.4 percent);
Torrance,
Calif. (0.4 percent); and Knoxville, Tenn. (0.1 percent) and is
expected to be
completed by May 2007.  Contract funds in the amount of $2,177,422 will
expire
at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was not
competitively
procured.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the
contracting
activity (N00024-04-G-6202).



            Custom Analytical Engineering Systems, Inc., Flintstone,
Md., is
being awarded a $9,997,208 cost-plus-fixed-fee (term and completion)
indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for technical,
engineering,
and analytical support to assist in development of composite materials
for
extended range munitions, advanced gun propulsion, and advanced
propulsion
systems.  Work will be performed in Flintstone, Md., and is expected to
be
completed by July 2009.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of
the
current fiscal year.  The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren
Division,
Dahlgren, Va., is the contracting activity (N00178-06-D-3030).



            Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Woods Hole, Mass., is
being
awarded a $9,660,001 cost-plus-fixed fee,
indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for oceanographic
research
and development efforts in support of the joint robotics program's work
on
advanced robotics systems.  Tasking will include, but is not be limited
to,
research and development of unmanned systems to perform ocean floor
exploration, data analysis of current flow and effect from
oceanographic
events and anomalies; and through data grids and maps, evaluate the
magnitude,
variability and co-variation in respect to the accuracy and quality of
the
original data.  Work will be performed in Woods Hole, Mass., and is
expected
to be completed by September 2011.  Contract funds will expire at the
end of
the current year.  This contract was not competitively procured.  The
Naval
Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting
activity (N00164-06-D-6672).



            Rolls Royce, plc in Bristol, England, is being awarded a
$5,352,621 priced order (5351) under previously awarded contract
(N00383-04-G-001M) for procurement of ring base plates used in support
of the
F-402 engine.  Work will be performed in Bristol, England, and work is
to be
completed by August 2009.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of
the
fiscal year.  This contract was not awarded competitively.  The Naval
Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.



_DEFENSE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION_



            T-Systems Business Services, GmbH, Godesberger Allee 117,
D-53175
Bonn, Germany, is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract.  The
contract has
a performance period of one year for installation of the network, with
a
three-year period of cable plant administration following network
installation.  Total cost of the contract for the four-year period is
$5,536,249.  This contract will provide a fiber optic backbone
consisting of
defined segments traversing public and private lands in Germany  with
terminating points on selected U.S. military installations.  It will be
used
to transmit critical command information to DoD personnel.  The
requirement
was solicited and awarded on a full and open competition basis.  The
solicitation was synopsized on the federal business opportunities
website as
well as the DITCO contracting opportunities website.  Six offers were
received.  The contractor is a foreign vendor with offices throughout
Germany
.  The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization-Europe
is the
contracting activity (HC1021-06-C-2000).

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Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

To understand the internet you have to be open to change.

Content is King

Edited by William Hoehne & Joyce L. Chow

To come here you have to be able to read.

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

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INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

sales@montebubbles.net

Banner ads and other advertisements can now be purchased thru eBay: Item number:  2200012641416

Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.

First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX and NBC and now there is MBN ® Now associate with Mounte Broadcasting Network

( MBN unofficially the sixth largest supplier

of NEWS by and American company

averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

MBN® is proud to announce Dear Monte: talktomontebubbles@montebubbles.net

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

More exciting changes coming each day

Oakland Athletics Postgame Alert

1.5 MILLION SPECTATORS TURN OUT FOR ISTANBUL AIR RACE

Remarks by President Bush at Tee Ball Game

Bank of America Teams Up With Boston Red Sox To Host Youth Baseball Clinic; Future Big Leaguers To Take the Field in Merchantsauto.com Stadium

The Glen Marks 'Mad Max' Papis' Debut in NASCAR(R) NEXTEL Cup With Furniture Row(R) Racing

Dale and Thomas Popcorn(TM) the Official Popcorn of the New York Mets The Classic American Snack Food Teams Up With The Most Exciting Team in Baseball.

 Tiger Woods Commits to 2006 Deutsche Bank Championship:World No. 1 Woods Will Join Defending Champion Olin Browne and Leading Playing Field to Compete for 2006 Title

Richfield, Wis. Cabela's Set to Open September 22, 2006 :Destination Superstore Expects to Lure 4 Million Visitors, Becoming One of Wisconsin's Top Tourist Attractions

Independent Tests Show Volkswagen Rabbit, Jetta and Passat are Leaders in Safety:IIHS and NHTSA recognize Volkswagen's innovative active and passive safety equipment

Team Toyo's Robby Gordon Wins at Las Vegas Terrible's Cup II

TheCarConnection.com Test Drives the Retro Dodge Challenger, Goes Topless in the Volkswagen EOS Convertible, Previews the Next Mini Cooper, Uncovers the 2008 Chevrolet Impala - and More, This Week

  The South Lawn   July 30, 2006    2:45 P.M. EDT  

Former Red Sox Pitcher Jim Corsi to teach local youth fundamentals, values

WHAT:   More than 150 boys and girls, representing community organizations

from throughout New Hampshire, will become Boston Red Sox players 

for a day and experience the thrill of playing baseball with a  

major leaguer. As participants in the "Bank of America Play Ball

Youth Baseball Clinic," children aged 8-14 will learn about 

hitting, fielding, throwing and base running from former Red Sox

Pitcher Jim Corsi. After this once-in-a-lifetime coaching session, 

Corsi will speak with the young athletes about his own career in 

the Major Leagues and how his experiences with baseball have  

helped him to achieve both on and off the field.   

WHEN:   Tuesday, August 1           9:30 a.m.    

WHERE:  Merchantsauto.com Stadium, home of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats

One Line Drive           Manchester, New Hampshire    

WHO:    - Jim Corsi, former Red Sox pitcher           -

 Albert N. Romero, senior vice president, Bank of America 

150 children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater  

Manchester, Seacoast Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club

of Manchester, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, Child and 

Family Services, Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire, Salvation

Army and Nashua Children's Home will participate 

  www.db.com    About the Tiger Woods Foundation 

   -- More than 400 animals in extensive museum-quality dioramas, including       an African scene, which re-create animals in action in their native       habitats;    -- The Cabela's hallmark, two-story Conservation Mountain, complete with       running waterfalls and stream, a trout pond and wild game displays in       their distinctive habitats;    -- Huge 40,000-gallon, walk-through aquarium, stocked with freshwater       fish, including those native to the region;    -- 8,000-square-foot wildlife museum with an extensive collection of       trophy mounts;    -- Hundreds of wild game trophies displayed in an exceptional showroom.    -- Other highlights include a boat showroom and maintenance shop, laser       arcade, furniture department, gun library, restaurant, general store,       fly fishing shop, bargain cave and gift shop.  

    CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS   

      UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995  

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Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

To understand the internet you have to be open to change.

Content is King

Edited by William Hoehne & Joyce L. Chow

To come here you have to be able to read.

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

MBN®

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

sales@montebubbles.net

Banner ads and other advertisements can now be purchased thru eBay: Item number:

Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.

First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX and NBC and now there is MBN ® Now associate with Mounte Broadcasting Network

( MBN unofficially the sixth largest supplier

of NEWS by and American company

averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

MBN® is proud to announce Dear Monte: talktomontebubbles@montebubbles.net

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

More exciting changes coming each day

Cell Phones The Savior Or Not!

Red Hot Chili Peppers and Shakira Top '2006 MTV Music Awards' Nominations With Seven Each Madonna and Panic! At The Disco Follow With Five Nominations Each, Christina Aguilera Grabs Four Nods

Paul McCartney To Release New Classical Work 'Ecce Cor Meum'

Janet Jackson Changes Title of New Album

Country Music Superstar Vince Gill, Academy of Country Music and the Home Depot to Build New Playground in New Orleans

Maxell Announces X Game Event Promotions and Activities

HSN'S Joy Mangano Acheives Milestone With Sale Of 100,000,000th Huggable Hanger  

 ZoomAlbum(TM) Available for Mac OS 

Great To Be Nominated" Visited by  "The Exorcist"

Time Out New York On Demand Launches www.timeoutnewyork.tv  

Sean 'Diddy' Combs Launches #1 'Unforgivable' Fragrance in France With a 2 Day Celebration in St. Tropez - 

Live Nation to Acquire Majority Stake in Musictoday, Continuing Its Expansion Into Complementary Live Concert Business Lines

Mitsubishi to Make SIRIUS Satellite Radio Standard or Factory Option on
All Models in 2007

Universal Studios Home Entertainment Rolls Out the Red Carpet for a Special Hometown Screening of 'Bring It On: All or Nothing'

You Know What Time It Is! The #1 Rated Series on VH1 Is Back for Another Season as 'Flavor of Love 2' Premieres Sunday, August 6 At 10pm

World Premiere of STEP UP

_____________________________________________________ 

I have attended event after event where cell phones eventually come up in the discussion as the savior of that industry .

Television production companies, record producers, motion picture companies they all see cell phones as their saviors.

It is a market that each feels can be cultivated to their advantage.

Everyone down to newborns have cell phones today. With each day the capabilities of a cell phone increase.

The picture quality of the internal cameras is better, the storage capabilities of the phones has been increased.

Major companies are setting up their own pod casting networks to download their material to cell phones.

Everyone is climbing on the cell phone band wagon.

It can be used for advertising, putting up material that people would not pay to see to begin with, ridding their inventories.

In other words the answer to every media company financial problems, “The GOLDEN FLEECE.”

Unfortunately as I have also heard ,the same people that when they were very young first made a mess of the feature film industry then later, television, radio, magazines, records, Cds, Newspapers and now DVD’s are those plotting the future of cell phones.

They have not taken in to account that there are already to many IPODS on the market that already do what they are working with cell phones to do. That X-BOXES and PLAY STATIONS are being made to do these same things.

That the economy is not providing the disposable income needed to provide the extra money needed to pay for all these downloads. Already the average person is over burdened by their current cell phone bills.

They are not taking into account that it can take forever to download anything of size.

That why would anyone pay extra money to see something on a postage stamp screen.

That there is more storage capacity on IPODS then currently available on cell phones so why spend the money on a new and more expensive cell phones.

That people hate advertising so why would they want to have it sent to them on their cell phones even if they get a show for little or a reduced price?

That much of what will be available is already free or no one would pay to see or hear to begin with.

Cell phones the savior of every media company in the world and business’s trying to get their messages out cheaply, I THINK NOT.

(William Hoehne)

Red Hot Chili Peppers and Shakira Top '2006 MTV Music Awards' Nominations With Seven Each Madonna and Panic! At The Disco Follow With Five Nominations Each, Christina Aguilera Grabs Four Nods

Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, T.I., Panic! At The Disco, Ludacris and The Killers Scheduled to Perform

For the First Time Ever, Viewers Will Have Access to All Nominated Videos on MTV Overdrive

23rd Annual Awards Show Will Broadcast Live From Radio City Music Hall In New York City on Thursday, August 31st at 8:00 P.M. (Live ET/Tape Delayed PT)

 From the historical and scenic Top Of The Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center, MTV today announced the nominees for the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards." Shakira and The Red Hot Chili Peppers topped the list with seven nominations each for "Hips Don't Lie" and "Dani California" respectively. Madonna's "Hung Up" and Panic! At The Disco's, "I Write Sins Not Tragedies," follow with five nods while Christina Aguilera received four nods for "Ain't No Other Man." It was also announced that Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, T.I., Panic! At The Disco, Ludacris and The Killers are scheduled to perform on the big show. In addition, it was announced today that The Raconteurs will provide the soundtrack for the VMA's live throughout the show. Host, additional performers and presenters will be announced shortly.

The "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" will broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall in New York, NY on Thursday, August 31, 2006 at 8:00 PM (LIVE ET/Tape Delayed PT).

"The VMA's is the first place you'll see Justin Timberlake perform, an all new show stopping performance from Beyonce, the much anticipated return of The Killers, T.I., hip hop's newest mega star and the breakout band, Panic! At The Disco," said MTV President, Christina Norman. "This is the beginning of what will no doubt be the most star-studded event and the hottest ticket of the year."

"New York City is proud to welcome the MTV Video Music Awards back to its rightful place at Radio City Music Hall and we are certainly happy that this year's show is expected to generate more than 25 million dollars in economic activity for our hotels, restaurants and other attractions," said Mayor Bloomberg. "MTV has transformed music and popular culture unlike any other medium before it and since its birth. It's no coincidence that MTV started here in New York City and catapulted itself and modern music into homes all across the globe. MTV's is a quintessentially New York story, and we're glad to have the VMA's back."

This year, for the first time, viewers will have access to all nominated videos on MTV Overdrive (http://www.vma.mtv.com/). The ballots for "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" were sent out to an exclusive industry group and viewers who determined the nominees for the telecast. Approximately 2,000 viewers and individuals including record labels, production companies, and management firms selected the nominees for awards categories encompassing wide-ranging contemporary music forms rap, dance, R&B and rock. Also, for the first time ever, voting for the General Categories will be open to all music fans and not just a select group of viewers and industry professionals. Viewers can start voting on the General Categories (excluding Viewer's Choice) starting July 31st through August 20th. Voting for "Viewer's Choice" begins August 7th through August 31st. Viewers can vote by visiting http://www.vma.mtv.com/.

In addition, this year there will be two new categories for the Online Gaming community to vote on through Gametrailers.com at http://www.gametrailers.com/vma/ and Xfire at http://www.xfire.com/cms/xf_mtv_vma. Gamers will vote for "Best Video Game Soundtrack" and "Best Video Game Score." Winners will be announced live on http://www.vma.mtv.com/ on August 31st during the MTV Overdrive broadcast.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is the official business advisor of the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards."

Salli Frattini and Dave Sirulnick are the Executive Producers for the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards." Ian Stewart and Summer Strauch are Producers. Hamish Hamilton is Producer/Director. Kathy Flynn is Event Producer.

The official sponsors of the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" are Acuvue, Chevrolet, 

Dodge, Herbal Essences, JC Penny, Pepsi, Taco Bell and Virgin Mobile USA.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's

leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

MTV Networks, with more than 100 channels worldwide, owns and operates

the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION,

 MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, 

SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and

 THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services,

 all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with

 its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more

 than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless

 and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint 

ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can 

be seen worldwide. 

Source: MTV

GENERAL CATEGORIES

VIDEO OF THE YEAR Christina Aguilera "Ain't No Other Man" Back To Basics RCA Director: Bryan Barber Producer: William Green Production Company: F.M. Rocks Red Hot Chili Peppers "Dani California" Stadium Arcadium Warner Bros. Records Director: Tony Kaye Producer: Rachel Curl Production Company: Above The Sea Madonna "Hung Up" Confessions On A Dance Floor Warner Bros. Records Director: Johan Renck Producer: Lene Bausager and John Winter Production Company: RSA Films Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean "Hips Don't Lie" Oral Fixation Vol. 2 Epic Records Director: Sophie Muller Producer: Grant Jue Production Company: Oil Factory Panic! At The Disco "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" A Fever You Can't Sweat Out decaydance/Fueled By Ramen Director: Shane C. Drake Producer: Brandon Bonfiglio Production Company: Red Van Pictures

BEST MALE VIDEO Busta Rhymes featuring Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX "Touch It (Remix)" The Big Bang Aftermath/Interscope Records Director: Benny Boom and Busta Rhymes Producer: Joyce Washington Production Company: F.M. Rocks Nick Lachey "What's Left Of Me" What's Left Of Me Jive Records/Zomba Label Group Director: Ray Kay Producer: Clark Jackson Production Company: Rockhard Films James Blunt "You're Beautiful" Back To Bedlam Custard Records/Atlantic Records Director: Sam Brown Producer: Kat Armour-Brow Production Company: Flynn Productions T.I. "What You Know" KING (The Album), ATL (The Movie) Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records Director: Chris Robinson Producer: Melissa Larsen Production Company: HSI Productions Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx "Gold Digger" Late Registration Roc-A-Fella Records Director: Hype Williams Producer: Hype Williams Production Company: Naaila Entertainment

BEST FEMALE VIDEO Christina Aguilera "Ain't No Other Man" Back To Basics RCA Director: Bryan Barber Producer: William Green Production Company: F.M. Rocks Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland "Promiscuous" Loose Mosley Music/Geffen Records Producer: Ron Mohrhoff Production Company: HSI Productions Kelly Clarkson "Because of You" Breakaway RCA Director: Vadim Perelman Producer: Rhonda Vernet Production Company: Tate USA Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean "Hips Don't Lie" Oral Fixation Vol. 2 Epic Records Director: Sophie Muller Producer: Grant Jue Production Company: Oil Factory Madonna "Hung Up" Confessions On A Dance Floor Warner Bros. Records Director: Johan Renck Producer: Lene Bausager and John Winter Production Company: RSA Films

BEST GROUP VIDEO All-American Rejects (The) "Move Along" Move Along Interscope Records/Doghouse Records Director: Marc Webb Producer: Marcienne Friesland Production Company: DNA Panic! At The Disco "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" A Fever You Can't Sweat Out decaydance/Fueled By Ramen Director: Shane C. Drake Producer: Brandon Bonfiglio Production Company: Red Van Pictures Fall Out Boy "Dance, Dance" From Under The Cork Tree Island Records Director: Alan Ferguson Producer: Valerie Romer Production Company: Anonymous Content Red Hot Chili Peppers "Dani California" Stadium Arcadium Warner Bros. Records Director: Tony Kaye Producer: Rachel Curl Production Company: Above The Sea Gnarls Barkley "Crazy" St. Elsewhere Downtown/Atlantic Records Director: Robert Hales Producer: Coleen Haynes Production Company: HSI Productions

BEST RAP VIDEO 50 Cent "Window Shopper" From "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" The Motion Picture G-Unit/Interscope Records Director: Benny Boom Producer: Adam Witaker Production Company: F.M. Rocks T.I. "What You Know" KING (The Album), ATL (The Movie) Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records Director: Chris Robinson Producer: Melissa Larsen Production Company: HSI Productions Busta Rhymes featuring Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX "Touch It (Remix)" The Big Bang Aftermath/Interscope Records Director: Benny Boom and Busta Rhymes Producer: Joyce Washington Production Company: F.M. Rocks Yung Joc featuring Nitty "It's Goin' Down" New Joc City Block Ent./Bad Boy South Director: Lenny Bass Producer: Helen Urriola Production Company: DNA Chamillionaire featuring Krayzie Bone "Ridin'" The Sound of Revenge Chamillitary/Universal Music Director: Life Garland Producer: Hagai Shaham Production Company: Lotus Filmworks, Inc./Terrero Films

BEST R&B VIDEO Beyonce featuring Slim Thug & Bun B "Check On It (Pink Panther)" Destiny's Child #1's Music World/Sony Urban/Columbia Director: Hype Williams Producer: Matthew Stillman Production Company: Stillking Productions Mariah Carey "Shake It Off" The Emancipation of Mimi Island Def Jam Music Group Director: Jake Nava Producer: Ron Mohrhoff Production Company: F.M. Rocks Chris Brown "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)" Chris Brown Jive Records/Zomba Label Group Director: E. White/Chris Brown Producer: Roger Ubina Production Company: F.M. Rocks Mary J. Blige "Be Without You" The Breakthrough Matriarch/Geffen Records Director: Matthew Rolston Producer: Nina Grossman Production Company: HSI Productions Jamie Foxx featuring Ludacris "Unpredictable" Unpredictable J Records Director: Hype Williams Producer: Matthew Stillman Production Company: Stillking Films

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO Black Eyed Peas (The) "My Humps" Monkey Business A&M Records Director: Fatima Robinson and Malik Sayeed Producer: Tony McGarry Production Company: Black Dog at RSA Films Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx "Gold Digger" Late Registration Roc-A-Fella Records Director: Hype Williams Producer: Hype Williams Production Company: Naaila Entertainment Common "Testify" BE G.O.O.D./Geffen Records Director: Anthony Mandler Producer: Lou Miguel Production Company: Box Fresh Pictures Three 6 Mafia "Stay Fly" Most Known Unknown Hypnotize Mind/Sony Urban/Columbia Director: Bernard Gourley Producer: Jeff Brown Production Company: Immigrant Film Daddy Yankee "Rompe" Barrio Fino En Directo El Cartel Records/Interscope Records/HHH Director: Jessy Terrero and Carlos Perez Producer: Meredith Welsch Production Company: Lotus Filmworks, Inc./Terrero Films

BEST DANCE VIDEO Madonna "Hung Up" Confessions On A Dance Floor Warner Bros. Records Director: Johan Renck Producer: Lene Bausager and John Winter Production Company: RSA Films Sean Paul "Temperature" The Trinity VP Records/Atlantic Records Director: X Producer: Craig Fleming Production Company: HSI Productions Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland "Promiscuous" Loose Mosley Music/Geffen Records Producer: Ron Mohrhoff Production Company: HSI Productions Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean "Hips Don't Lie" Oral Fixation Vol. 2 Epic Records Director: Sophie Muller Producer: Grant Jue Production Company: Oil Factory Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg "Buttons" PCD A&M Records Director: Francis Lawrence Producer: Lynn Zekanis Production Company: DNA

BEST ROCK VIDEO 30 Seconds To Mars "The Kill" A Beautiful Lie Virgin Records America Director: Bartholomew Cubbins Producer: Alexander Moon and Douglas Friedman Production Company: A Common Thread, Inc. Panic! At The Disco "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" A Fever You Can't Sweat Out decaydance/Fueled By Ramen Director: Shane C. Drake Producer: Brandon Bonfiglio Production Company: Red Van Pictures A.F.I. "Miss Murder" Decemberunderground Interscope Records Director: Marc Webb Producer: Marcienne Friesland Production Company: DNA Red Hot Chili Peppers "Dani California" Stadium Arcadium Warner Bros. Records Director: Tony Kaye Producer: Rachel Curl Production Company: Above The Sea Green Day "Wake Me Up When September Ends" American Idiot Reprise Records Director: Samuel Bayer Producer: Tim Lynch Production Company: RSA Films

BEST POP VIDEO Christina Aguilera "Ain't No Other Man" Back To Basics RCA Director: Bryan Barber Producer: William Green Production Company: F.M. Rocks Pink "Stupid Girls" I'm Not Dead LaFace/Zomba Label Group Director: Dave Meyers Producer: Joseph Sassone Production Company: Radical Music Madonna "Hung Up" Confessions On A Dance Floor Warner Bros. Records Director: Johan Renck Producer: Lene Bausager and John Winter Production Company: RSA Films Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean "Hips Don't Lie" Oral Fixation Vol. 2 Epic Records Director: Sophie Muller Producer: Grant Jue Production Company: Oil Factory Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland "Promiscuous" Loose Mosley Music/Geffen Records Producer: Ron Mohrhoff Production Company: HSI Productions

BEST NEW ARTIST IN A VIDEO Angels And Airwaves "The Adventure" We Don't Need To Whisper Suretone/Geffen Records Director: The Malloys Producer: Dave Robertson Production Company: Black Dog at RSA Films James Blunt "You're Beautiful" Back To Bedlam Custard Records/Atlantic Records Director: Sam Brown Producer: Kat Armour-Brow Production Company: Flynn Productions Avenged Sevenfold "Bat Country" City Of Evil Warner Bros. Records Director: Marc Klasfeld Producer: Rachel Curl Production Company: Rockhard Films Panic! At The Disco "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" A Fever You Can't Sweat Out decaydance/Fueled By Ramen Director: Shane C. Drake Producer: Brandon Bonfiglio Production Company: Red Van Pictures Chris Brown featuring Juelz Santana "Run It" Chris Brown Jive Records/Zomba Label Group Director: E. White Producer: Roger Ubina Production Company: F.M. Rocks Rihanna "S.O.S." A Girl Like Me Def Jam/SRP Director: Chris Applebaum Producer: John Hardin Production Company: Reactor Films

VIEWER'S CHOICE Chris Brown featuring Juelz Santana "Run It" Chris Brown Jive Records/Zomba Label Group Director: E. White Producer: Roger Ubina Production Company: F.M. Rocks Rihanna "S.O.S." A Girl Like Me Def Jam/SRP Director: Chris Applebaum Producer: John Hardin Production Company: Reactor Films Fall Out Boy "Dance, Dance" From Under The Cork Tree Island Records Director: Alan Ferguson Producer: Valerie Romer Production Company: Anonymous Content Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean "Hips Don't Lie" Oral Fixation Vol. 2 Epic Records Director: Sophie Muller Producer: Grant Jue Production Company: Oil Factory Kelly Clarkson "Because of You" Breakaway RCA Director: Vadim Perelman Producer: Rhonda Vernet Production Company: Tate USA

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES BEST DIRECTION IN A VIDEO 10 Years "Wasteland" Version 2 Autumn Effect Republic/Universal Records Director: Kevin Kerslake Producer: Dave Robertson Production Company: Merge @ Crossroads Films Gnarls Barkley "Crazy" St. Elsewhere Downtown/Atlantic Records Director: Robert Hales Producer: Coleen Haynes Production Company: HSI Productions A.F.I. "Miss Murder" Decemberunderground Interscope Records Director: Marc Webb Producer: Marcienne Friesland Production Company: DNA Red Hot Chili Peppers "Dani California" Stadium Arcadium Warner Bros. Records Director: Tony Kaye Producer: Rachel Curl Production Company: Above The Sea Common "Testify" BE G.O.O.D./Geffen Records Director: Anthony Mandler Producer: Lou Miguel Production Company: Box Fresh Pictures

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY IN A VIDEO Christina Aguilera "Ain't No Other Man" Back To Basics RCA Director: Bryan Barber Producer: William Green Production Company: F.M. Rocks Choreographer: Jerri Slaughter Sean Paul "Temperature" The Trinity VP Records/Atlantic Records Director: X Producer: Craig Fleming Production Company: HSI Productions Choreographer: Tanisha Scott Madonna "Hung Up" Confessions On A Dance Floor Warner Bros. Records Director: Johan Renck Producer: Lene Bausager and John Winter Production Company: RSA Films Choreographer: Stephanie Roos Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean "Hips Don't Lie" Oral Fixation Vol. 2 Epic Records Director: Sophie Muller Producer: Grant Jue Production Company: Oil Factory Choreographer: Sho-tyme Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg "Buttons" PCD A&M Records Director: Francis Lawrence Producer: Lynn Zekanis Production Company: DNA Choreographer: Mike Mindon

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS IN A VIDEO Angels And Airwaves "The Adventure" We Don't Need To Whisper Suretone/Geffen Records Director: The Malloys Producer: Dave Robertson Production Company: Black Dog at RSA Films Special Effects: Jack Effects Pearl Jam "Life Wasted" Pearl Jam J Records Director: Fernando Apodaca Producer: Eddie Vedder/Jason Mueller Special Effects: Fernando Apodaca Beck "Hell Yes" Guero Interscope Records Director: Garth Jennings Producer: Nick Goldsmith Production Company: Anonymous Content Special Effects: Hammer & Tongs (Garth and Nick) U2 "Original Of The Species" How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb Interscope Records Director: Catherine Owens Producer: Catherine Owens and Katie Manning Production Company: Spontaneous Special Effects: John Leamy & Lawrence Nimrichter Missy Elliott "We Run This" The Cookbook From Touchstone Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment's "Stick It" Hollywood/Gold Mind/Atlantic Records Director: Dave Meyers Producer: Barbara Benson Production Company: Radical Music Special Effects: Louis Mackall

BEST ART DIRECTION IN A VIDEO 10 Years "Wasteland" Version 2 Autumn Effect Republic/Universal Records Director: Kevin Kerslake Producer: Dave Robertson Production Company: Merge @ Crossroads Films Art Director: Trae King Red Hot Chili Peppers "Dani California" Stadium Arcadium Warner Bros. Records Director: Tony Kaye Producer: Rachel Curl Production Company: Above The Sea Art Director: Justin Dragonis Common "Testify" BE G.O.O.D./Geffen Records Director: Anthony Mandler Producer: Lou Miguel Production Company: Box Fresh Pictures Art Director: David Ross Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean "Hips Don't Lie" Oral Fixation Vol. 2 Epic Records Director: Sophie Muller Producer: Grant Jue Production Company: Oil Factory Art Director: Laura Fox Panic! At The Disco "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" A Fever You Can't Sweat Out decaydance/Fueled By Ramen Director: Shane C. Drake Producer: Brandon Bonfiglio Production Company: Red Van Pictures Art Director: Lindy McMichael, Jamie Drake, Erin Wieczorek

BEST EDITING IN A VIDEO All-American Rejects (The) "Move Along" Move Along Interscope Records/Doghouse Records Director: Marc Webb Producer: Marcienne Friesland Production Company: DNA Editor: J.D. Smyth Red Hot Chili Peppers "Dani California" Stadium Arcadium Warner Bros. Records Director: Tony Kaye Producer: Rachel Curl Production Company: Above The Sea Editor: Peter Goddard Angels And Airwaves "The Adventure" We Don't Need To Whisper Suretone/Geffen Records Director: The Malloys Producer: Dave Robertson Production Company: Black Dog at RSA Films Editor: Clark Eddy U2 "Original Of The Species" How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb Interscope Records Director: Catherine Owens Producer: Catherine Owens and Katie Manning Production Company: Spontaneous Editor: Olivier Wicki Gnarls Barkley "Crazy" St. Elsewhere Downtown/Atlantic Records Director: Robert Hales Producer: Coleen Haynes Production Company: HSI Productions Editor: Ken Mowe

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY IN A VIDEO A.F.I. "Miss Murder" Decemberunderground Interscope Records Director: Marc Webb Producer: Marcienne Friesland Production Company: DNA Cinematographer: Wells Hackett Prince "Black Sweat" 3121 Universal Records Director: Sanaa Hamri Producer: Nicole Acacio Production Company: Anonymous Content Cinematographer: Checco Varese Ashlee Simpson "Invisible" I Am Me Geffen Records Director: Marc Webb Producer: Hagai Shaham Production Company: DNA Cinematographer: Jeff Cutter Red Hot Chili Peppers "Dani California" Stadium Arcadium Warner Bros. Records Director: Tony Kaye Producer: Rachel Curl Production Company: Above The Sea Cinematographer: Tony Kaye James Blunt "You're Beautiful" Back To Bedlam Custard Records/Atlantic Records Director: Sam Brown Producer: Kat Armour-Brow Production Company: Flynn Productions Cinematographer: Robbie Ryan

VIDEO GAME CATEGORIES BEST VIDEO GAME SOUNDTRACK Final Night Round 3 (Electronic Arts) Burnout Revenge (Electronic Arts) NBA 2K6 (2K Games) Driver: Parallel Lines (Atari) Marc Ecko's Getting Up (Atari) BEST VIDEO GAME SCORE Hitman: Blood Money (Jesper Kyd) Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter (Tom Salta) Dreamfall: The Longest Journey (Even "Magnet" Johansen) Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Jeremy Soule) Electroplankton (User Generated Soundtrack)

Paul McCartney To Release New Classical Work 'Ecce Cor Meum'

Release Date: September 26th, 2006

Paul McCartney releases his new full- length work of classical music Ecce Cor Meum through EMI Classics on September 26th, 2006. Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart) is Paul's fourth classical album since his first released in 1991, The Liverpool Oratorio.

Ecce Cor Meum has been more than eight years in the making and its origins 

follow in the historic tradition of composers that have been commissioned

 to write music for  the world-renowned Magdalen College Oxford. 

Paul was specially invited by  Anthony Smith (President of Magdalen 

College 1998 - 2005) to compose something  to set the seal on 

a new concert hall for the college. His hope was for 'a choral 

piece, which could be sung by young people the world over in the 

same way  that Handel's Messiah is.'

Ecce Cor Meum, an Oratorio in four movements, is scored for choir and orchestra. The text combines both English and to a lesser degree, Latin. Paul's knowledge of Latin comes from his classical education at The Liverpool Institute High School for Boys, where he had learnt three languages by the time he was 12. Paul says: "Not all of this has been retained over the years as my path went in other directions, but my love of language remains, and as Latin is known and sung by choirs all over the world, I felt it would be appropriate to use at times during the piece."

Like many great composers Paul, started with the music and then looked for a subject that fits. Several ideas for lyrics occurred to him, but they only gelled when he took part in a concert of John Tavener's music in the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola in New York. "While I was waiting to do my bit, I was looking around the church and I saw a statue, and underneath it was written 'Ecce Cor Meum.' I had done some Latin at school and I always had a fondness for it. So I worked it out. I believe it means Behold My Heart."

In November 2001, the first version of Ecce Cor Meum was given its first preview performance by the Magdalen College Choir, which was conducted by Bill Ives at the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford. This was a great learning experience for Paul. "Eventually I made it all come together through correcting a lot of misapprehensions -- a lot was learned before the Sheldonian performance, but a lot of it was learned afterwards. An experienced choral composer knows that children can't be given huge sustained passages; they don't have the energy and the stamina. At the Sheldonian there was some quite hard stuff that I didn't realize because I'd done it on the synthesizer (which has endless stamina!), but during that first performance, the solo treble couldn't come on for the second half -- I think I'd used him up in the first half! These are things that people either learn because they are taught them immediately at the first lesson or you learn through the years, so it was good to go through the piece a lot of times, and we took out huge choral sections and gave them to the orchestra. If it had been a Beatles song I would have known how to do it. But this was a completely different ball game."

Produced by John Fraser, Ecce Cor Meum was recorded this year at the legendary Abbey Road Studios between March 13th and 17th. It was performed by EMI artist Kate Royal (soprano); The Boys of King's College Choir, Cambridge; The Boys Of Magdalen College Choir, Oxford and The Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields conducted by Gavin Greenway.

Janet Jackson Changes Title of New Album

CD Hitting Stores on September 26th Now to Be Titled '20 Y.O.'

 Janet Jackson has decided to change the title of her upcoming album from "20 Years Old" to "20 Y.O." at the suggestion of fans participating in an album cover design contest the R&B superstar is holding on Yahoo! Music.

On July 17th, Janet -- in conjunction with Yahoo! -- launched "Design Me" (http://designme.janetjackson.com/) in which fans were able to download and "remix" images of the singer to come up with their own album covers. Four winners are to have their designs grace the first one million copies of Janet's new album. When several fans submitted designs with covers that read "20 Y.O." instead of "20 Years Old," Janet liked it so much, she decided to officially change the album's title. The CD hits stores on September 26th.

The design competition has stirred up anticipation for the music icon's new album, which executive producer Jermaine Dupri promises will "blow a new generation of minds" as it marks the anniversary of Janet's career-making 1986 album, Control. Janet has re-teamed with her original collaborators, legendary hit-makers Jimmy "Jam" Harris and Terry Lewis, and Grammy-Award winner Dupri to create a dynamic production trio. "20 Y.O." has been described as a celebration of what was going on musically back in the day when Control was released.

The first single from 20 Y.O. is the breezy, laid-back "Call Me," featuring St. Louis hip-hop star Nelly, which hit radio on June 19th and has already cracked the Top 40 pop chart and is a Top 15 track at urban radio. The video, shot by noted director Hype Williams, premiered on BET's "Access Granted" on July 26th. The video is also an AOL exclusive and in rotation at VH1, VH1 Soul Spotlight and MTV Hits.

Source: Virgin Records America

Country Music Superstar Vince Gill, Academy of Country Music and the Home Depot to Build New Playground in New Orleans

KaBOOM! Playground to Honor Gill as 2006 Recipient of the Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award

 The Academy of Country Music(R) and The Home Depot(R), the world's largest home improvement retailer, announced today that country music superstar Vince Gill will join volunteers from The Home Depot and the surrounding community to construct a new KaBOOM! playground in one day at the relocated campus of the International School of Louisiana (ISL) in New Orleans on September 25, 2006. The playground is being built in honor of Gill, who was the 2006 recipient of the Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award at the 41st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

In its fifth year, the Humanitarian Award recognizes artists who serve others, have a generous spirit and help build the dreams of those in need. In addition to recognition at the awards show, the Humanitarian Award recipient is honored with a KaBOOM! playground donated by The Home Depot in the city of his choice. Gill requested that his playground be built in New Orleans in order to help the city rebuild.

"It is truly an honor to be able to build this playground in New Orleans and give the children at the International School of Louisiana a reason to smile and a place to play," said Gill. "Given the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, it is an obvious need for the community."

Prior to Hurricane Katrina, ISL operated out of two undersized rented facilities, neither of which had adequate playspaces. Both buildings were destroyed in the flooding caused by the storm, and the school was relocated to a former Orleans Parish school building with no playground equipment on site. The new playground being built at ISL will provide a safe and fun place to play for almost 400 students currently enrolled at the school.

"Many of us in the country community are still hit hard when we remember the devastation of Hurricane Katrina," commented Bob Romeo, Academy of Country Music executive director. "It is wonderful to see how many of our artists are out there still trying to bring awareness to these hard-hit communities, and by Vince Gill picking New Orleans as the site for his KaBOOM! playground build, it is just another example of the dedication he and our community have to helping one another."

Gill was selected to receive the Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award by a special blue-ribbon committee comprised of executives in the country music industry as well as local and national philanthropic leaders for his ongoing community service and charitable giving of his time and talent. Past recipients of the Humanitarian Award include Reba McEntire, Lonestar, Martina McBride and Neal McCoy.

"In recognition of The Home Depot Humanitarian Award, we are pleased to partner with KaBOOM! to build a playground in honor of Vince, an individual who shares his valuable time unselfishly to help others," said Roger Adams, senior vice president, Marketing, The Home Depot. "As part of The Home Depot's ongoing commitment to rebuild the Gulf region affected by the hurricanes, Team Depot associate volunteers will work side by side with Vince to not only build the playground, but to provide a gathering space for the entire community."

The playground design was created with input from children from the community who attended a "Design Day" event on July 19. The children's drawings will be used to create the final design for the playground, which will be constructed in just one day this fall by hundreds of volunteers, including Gill.

THE RECIPIENT

Seventeen-time Grammy award-winning artist Vince Gill has sold more than 22 million albums. Among his many musical honors include his induction into the Grand Ole Opry in 1991 and winning five Academy of Country Music Awards. In addition to his music and performing, Gill is also dedicated to giving back to those in need. Gill dedicates much of his time to programs for children's recreation and education, the terminally ill, the homeless and hungry, cultural and environmental preservation, and the humane treatment of animals. In 1993, Gill established "The Vinny," an annual pro/celebrity golf tournament, to raise money for the Junior Golf program. Gill also sponsors and participates in dozens of organized charities, and nearly all of his concerts have a local charity component.

Vincent Grant Gill was born in 1957, in Norman, Okla., the son of a federal judge and a homemaker. By the time he was in high school, he had become proficient on the banjo and guitar and was playing in his first bluegrass band. After graduation, he began pursuing music professionally, working with such acts as the Bluegrass Alliance, Boone Creek, Sundance and, most famously, Pure Prairie League. Gill also toured with Rodney Crowell's high-octane backup band the Cherry Bombs. In 1983, he signed to RCA Records, where he scored his first solo country hits, among them "Oklahoma Borderline" and "Cinderella." Gill moved to MCA Records in 1989. The following year, he achieved his big breakthrough with "When I Call Your Name." His high, pure tenor voice and unerring sense of harmony have made him a favorite duet recording partner for dozens of fellow artists, from Ralph Stanley to Barbra Streisand.

Gill has created a 4-CD set of 43 new and original songs that MCA Records will release Oct. 17 under the title "These Days." The collection is an artistic tour de force that displays Gill's mastery of lyrics and musical styles.

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LOUISIANA (ISL)

The International School of Louisiana (ISL) is a tuition-free public charter school that emphasizes an awareness of the global community with respect for its variety of people and cultures. All classes at ISL are taught in Spanish or French by native-speaking teachers, with the exception of English, physical education and art. With its language immersion program, ISL prepares students for the diverse and challenging work and marketplace of the 21st century. The mission of ISL is to provide a challenging education emphasizing French and Spanish language immersion, international awareness, the celebration of diversity and community responsibility. For more information, visit www.isl-edu.org.

THE HOME DEPOT

The Home Depot(R) is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,080 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. Through its HD Supply(SM) businesses, The Home Depot is also one of the largest diversified wholesale distributors in the United States, with more than 900 locations in the United States and Canada offering products and services for building, improving and maintaining homes, businesses and municipal infrastructures. In fiscal 2005, The Home Depot had sales of $81.5 billion and earnings of $5.8 billion. The Company employs approximately 355,000 associates and has been recognized by FORTUNE magazine as the No. 1 Most Admired Specialty Retailer and the No. 13 Most Admired Corporation in America for 2006. The Home Depot's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor's 500 index.

KaBOOM!

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2006, KaBOOM! is a national nonprofit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. Over the past decade, KaBOOM! has used its innovative community-build model to bring together business and community interests to construct nearly 1,000 new playgrounds, skateparks, sports fields and ice rinks across North America. In 2005, KaBOOM! launched Operation Playground, a two-year initiative to build 100 playgrounds in Gulf Coast communities affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. KaBOOM! offers a variety of resources, including a Web portal and online community, regional and national trainings, grants and publications for communities that wish to plan a new playspace on their own. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., KaBOOM! also has offices in Chicago, Atlanta and San Mateo, Calif. For more information, visit www.kaboom.org.

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC

The Academy of Country Music was founded in 1964 with a mission to support, promote and enhance the advancement of the country music industry worldwide. The Academy, which is comprised of more than 4,000 professional members and more than 35,000 associate members, is headquartered in Burbank, Calif. For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS and the Academy of Country Music, please visit www.acmcountry.com.

Source: Academy of Country Music

Web site: http://www.isl-edu.org/

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

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

Maxell Announces X Game Event Promotions and Activities

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus Partners with Maxell for On-Site Music Experience

Maxell Corporation hopes to spin some magic with several promotions intended to energize fans of the X Games including access to The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a non-profit, mobile recording and multimedia studio outfitted with musical instruments and audio and video capabilities worthy of the Black Eyed Peas, who have recorded many of their new tracks while onboard. The X Games will be held in Los Angeles, California, August 3-6, 2006.

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, located in the Xperience area, will host tours and give X Games attendees the opportunity to get hands-on experiences with the state-of-the-art equipment. The Bus will also feature an outdoor stage with the hottest DJs and Beatboxers. In conjunction with the DJs, a Maxell designed series of break dancing contests, organized by ESPN, will take place in between the scheduled sporting events. Winners of each contest will be awarded VIP-style prize packages including Maxell DVD media, CDs and iPod accessory products. Maxell is one of the founding sponsors of both the Bus and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest with a $20,000 Maxell Song of the Year prize in support of music and music education. For more information on the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus visit http://www.lennonbus.org/.

In addition to the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, Maxell will feature a prize wheel game -- styled to resemble a DVD disc -- that incorporates images of various Maxell products that game players win each time they spin the wheel. Prizes include CDs, DVD discs and iPod skins.

"A large part of our X Games sponsorship is the opportunity to add to the on-site experience for the attendees," said Cheryl Severini, senior marketing manager at Maxell. "The attendees of this event are the consumers that love recording and enjoying all types of music, games and video entertainment, so this is a perfect way for Maxell to be a part of their lifestyle."

Maxell recently launched a new consumer Web site that incorporates an online game targeted at younger consumers that features five characters representing various genres of music. The goal of the game is to eliminate the characters as "The Blow Away Guy." Consumers can go to the new Web site to get information on Maxell events, purchase Maxell apparel and review new and featured products including recordable DVD's and iPod compatible speakers.

Maxell returned to its heritage and formally brought back the "Blow Away" icon to its marketing mix as of December 2005. The legendary image has consistently stood for performance directed at consumers who want the best entertainment experience and is the centerpiece of a multi-million dollar integrated marketing campaign that kicked-off this year.

About Maxell

Maxell Corporation of America, a technology and marketing leader, is a full line manufacturer of digital media products for consumer, professional and data storage markets. Maxell is a recognized brand for over thirty years that delivers a comprehensive line of digital tape and disc-based recording media products for consumer audio, video, camcorder and data storage applications. The company also manufactures and markets a wide range of consumer battery products, as well as a full line of electronics care, maintenance, and accessory products including headphones, plasma TV cleaners, and iPod cases and speakers. http://www.maxell.com/

Source: Maxell Corporation of America

HSN'S Joy Mangano Acheives Milestone With Sale Of 100,000,000th Huggable Hanger

HSN's 'Mother of Invention' Sells Enough Hangers to Wrap Around the Earth; Lucky HSN Purchaser to Receive "Home Full of Joy" Mangano Products

Electronic retailer HSN, an operating business of IAC/InterActiveCorp (NASDAQ:IACI) , and successful inventor and entrepreneur Joy Mangano achieved a major milestone on Sunday, July 30 when Tracey Storey from Springfield, TN purchased the 100,000,000th huggable hanger sold on the popular shopping network. Not long after its introduction on HSN in 2000, the lightweight, ultra-slim hanger quickly became a bestseller on HSN and HSN.com and has gone on to become the best-selling item in the history of the global retailer.

As an extra bonus for purchasing the 100,000,000th hanger, Ms. Storey will receive a vast array of Joy Mangano household products for her entire home, ranging from Comfort & Joy bedding systems to problem-solving products like the My Little Steamer clothes steamer and the Sonic Jewelry Cleaner. She is just one of the many viewers from every state of the union who purchased the hangers throughout the day and called in to congratulate Joy and share in the special live celebration.

"I am so thrilled and proud to have reached this milestone," said Mangano. "Huggable Hangers have really made a difference in people's homes, and that means so much to me. And congratulations to Tracey -- it was an exciting night for us both!"

"Joy epitomizes the creative, entrepreneurial spirit that thrives here at HSN and we are proud of her latest accomplishment," states Rob Gruen, Executive Vice President of Merchandising for HSN. "Her ability to take something as common as an everyday clothes hanger ... see a need for one that saves space and doesn't let clothes slide off ... and then create a solution that sells over one hundred million units is an amazing talent."

HSN's Mother of Invention, Joy Mangano, made her HSN debut in 2000 and has revolutionized the home solutions industry with groundbreaking new inventions like the Miracle Mop, the Jewel Kit, the Piatto Bakery Box, the Clothes It All luggage system and the Handy Hook Mirror. Known for her ability to re-invent household products to improve functionality and ease of use, she designed the Huggable Hanger with gentle curves and a velvety surface that keeps clothes neat and doubles closet space.

Joy started as a single mom of three children struggling to pay the bills and make her life easier. Now she is a role model to inventors and women proving that a good idea, perseverance and the right merchandising platform does pay off.

About HSN:

HSN, an operating business of IAC/InterActiveCorp (NASDAQ:IACI) , originated the electronic retailing concept in 1977 and has since evolved into a global multichannel retailing giant, offering thousands of unique products in fashion, beauty, home, jewelry and electronics. Customers who shop on HSN can find name brands such as Sony, Kodak, Gateway Computers, the Todd English Collection for the home, and Esteban, the guitar virtuoso, as well as fashions from Randolph Duke, Nine West and Beverly Feldman. HSN's product offerings can be found across a number of retailing platforms including TV, where HSN reaches 89 million U.S. households and is now the 4th largest cable television network in the U.S.; the Internet, through its easy-to-use Web site, http://www.hsn.com/ ; and catalogs, with its Cornerstone Brands portfolio of titles including Alsto's, Ballard Designs, Frontgate, Garnet Hill, Improvements, IOS, Smith and Noble, The Territory Ahead and TravelSmith. In 2005, HSN generated worldwide consolidated sales of $3 billion, answered 62 million calls and delivered 60 million products worldwide

Bug Music, one of the world's largest independent music publishers, enters its 32nd year by partnering with Crossroads Media, which has made a significant equity investment in Bug, it was announced today by Dan and Fred Bourgoise, partners of Bug Music. Bug Music will use the capital infusion to continue and expand upon its mission of focusing on its songs, songwriters and music publishers with personalized administration and innovative creative services. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Crossroads Media is a partnership between Tom McGrath, former President of Paramount Enterprises, and Spectrum Equity Investors, a media and entertainment-focused private equity firm.

In conjunction with the new partnership, Dan and Fred Bourgoise will step down from their day-to-day duties at Bug and, along with Crossroads Media, have named John Rudolph as CEO, and have promoted David Hirshland, an 11-year Bug veteran, to President. Rudolph is formerly head of Music Analytics, a music publishing consulting firm, and previously the CFO of Windswept Pacific. Mark Anders, current Managing Director of Bug Limited based in the U.K., has been named President of International. All other senior executives remain with the company. Dan and Fred Bourgoise will provide ongoing consultation to the company and serve on the Board of Directors alongside McGrath and representatives from Spectrum.

Noted Rudolph: "Dan and Fred have built a company with an independent ethos over the last 30 years that values at its core the songs and songwriters it represents by providing efficient and aggressive client services. I am honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by Dan and Fred and look forward to leading this very special business and its staff through its next stage of growth."

Dan Bourgoise commented, "This investment by Crossroads Media will allow Bug to maintain its core values of service to the songwriters and excellence in publishing while giving it the flexibility to adapt to the rapidly changing marketplace, as well as take advantage of new opportunities that arise almost daily. There has never been a more exciting time to be in the music publishing business." Added Fred Bourgoise, "I look forward to the next evolution of Bug as the music world completes this revolutionary shift from analog to digital technologies and from physical to virtual distribution. I feel inspired by this new association with Crossroads and Spectrum and am delighted to continue to advise and work for the writers, publishers, managers and attorneys that I have had the pleasure of knowing over the last three decades. This company has been our life's work and we feel this partnership and the news management appointments only strengthen and extend that legacy."

Tom McGrath, senior managing director of Crossroads, said, "Bug Music is one of the world's premiere independent music publishers with an unparalleled reputation for integrity and service to its many clients. I am delighted to be in business with Dan and Fred whose personal reputations and leadership abilities know no peer. I am particularly pleased that John Rudolph has agreed to join us as CEO. John's experience with Windswept Pacific and his leading role in so many music acquisitions, investments and partnerships over the past few years while running Music Analytics will be invaluable to Bug."

About Bug Music

Founded in 1975, Bug is one of the world's leading music publishers. Headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Nashville, New York, London and Munich, Bug owns and/or manages approximately 120,000 copyrights. The Company has built a strong reputation as the "songwriter's" publisher by vigorously supporting copyrights of songwriters and publishers and providing personalized administrative and creative services. Clients include the estates of Johnny Cash, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Del Shannon and Stevie Ray Vaughan, as well as classic and contemporary writers and artists such as Morningwood, Iggy Pop, Ryan Adams, Wilco, Peaches, Los Lobos and The Guess Who. Bug songs currently appear throughout the Billboard charts and can be heard in ad campaigns by Levi's, Lincoln Mercury and Carnival Cruise Lines among others.

About Crossroads Media

Crossroads Media is a Los Angeles-based strategic partnership between Spectrum Equity Investors and Mr. Thomas McGrath. Mr. McGrath is the former President of Paramount Enterprises, a role in which he had responsibilities for many activities of that division, including: Famous Music (music publishing), Paramount Parks (theme parks), Famous Players (movie theaters), and Viacom Consumer Products, encompassing licensing, merchandising, themed entertainment, and theatrical production. In addition to serving as President of Paramount Enterprises, Mr. McGrath also served as Chief Operating Officer of Viacom Entertainment Group, which included Paramount Pictures and Paramount Television.

About Spectrum Equity Investors

Spectrum Equity Investors is a private equity firm specializing in investments in the media, communications, and entertainment industries throughout North America and Western Europe. Founded in 1994 and based in Boston and Menlo Park, Spectrum has over $4 billion in capital under management. Current portfolio companies include AMC Entertainment, Apprise Media, CBD Media, Classic Media, Eutelsat S.A., NEP, and Patriot Media and Communications. Additional information on Spectrum can be found at www.spectrumequity.com.

GoFish, a leader in the online video space, today announced the debut of America's Dream Date, an interactive reality show online that allows participants to submit videos of themselves, join the cast of the show, fight to distinguish themselves from the pack and avoid elimination with hope of ultimately winning a luxury dream date vacation to Paris. Thousands of contestants are poised to upload their own creative videos and use grassroots efforts such as emailing to friends and promoting themselves on their social networking sites, to gather votes for their videos and move one step closer to claiming their place as America's Dream Date.

Cast members have already begun submitting short, creative videos of themselves during July's pre-registration casting call. Today, the show will begin to air with contestants uploading videos to compete for votes from the viewing community. The first six weeks (July 31 through September 14) will allow anyone to get in on the action through uploading their own videos highlighting why they should be crowned America's Dream Date. Viewers will vote on individual videos, collaborate and share opinions as well as track their favorites all through the GoFish.com site, the participants with the most votes from the community will win.

On September 15, the dreaded elimination stage will cull all cast-members down to a final group of 10 men and 10 women, based entirely on the community's votes. In the final two week elimination period, the viewing community will be able to play matchmaker and decide who will ultimately be the final America's Dream Date couple and win the prize. The top couple will be paired and sent on a luxury dream date vacation in Paris. The second and third place couples will win dream dates in Las Vegas. GoFish will broadcast footage of these final dates after they take place so that America's Dream Date viewers can see how it all works out.

"America's Dream Date is the perfect platform for channeling the energy and enthusiasm around user-generated video into branded vehicles that sponsors are attracted to," says cofounder and CEO Michael Downing.

Submissions can be uploaded at www.gofish.com. Contestants and the viewing community will drive the action around the show and determine the outcome, with the winners announced on September 30.

With America's Dream Date, GoFish takes the common reality show concept everyone is familiar with -- a small number of people actually participating in a show while millions watch -- and turns it on its head by allowing millions to both participate and decide the outcome of a show. The entire program is created and driven by the viewing community who become active participants by submitting videos or voting as part of the audience.

With this new interactive reality platform, GoFish combines the most compelling features of prime-time reality TV programming with the immersive and rich on-demand features of an online community. The format encourages users to fully immerse themselves in an ongoing reality show that is the first-of-its kind in the user-generated video space.

GoFish & Branded Programming

Unlike other user-generated video sites, GoFish is creating branded/sponsored interactive shows that tap into the energy and enthusiasm around personal video. In the first season of America's Dream Date, Jetset Beverage Inc., owners of the new Jetset energy drink, will be the primary sponsor.

"Partnering with GoFish on America's Dream Date made perfect sense to us," says Jeff Silver, President and CEO of Jetset. "We target the same young, savvy crowd who are participating in the user-generated content revolution and Dream Date gives us a great way to reach this market through a show made for them and by them."

"As user-generated programming continues to take a bigger bite out of the television broadcast pie, our sponsorship model for America's Dream Date -- in this case Jetset Beverage -- is reminiscent of the early days of television when big brands would 'own' a program throughout its run," says Downing. "We have two additional shows in development now with similar sponsorship dynamics."

About GoFish

GoFish is leading the online community for original user-generated video programming. The GoFish Interactive Reality Platform is a first-of-its kind technology for developing and deploying original user-generated programming within the context of a show. The Interactive Reality Platform enables GoFish to bridge the gap between major brand advertisers/sponsors and the rapidly growing world of user-generated video creation.

NOTE: GoFish and America's Dream Date are registered trademarks of GoFish, Inc. All other products and services mentioned are the property of their respective companies.

DreamWorks Animation and Aardman Features are collaborating with Mark Burnett Productions and AOL to create the "'Flushed Away' Underground Adventure," DreamWorks' first online game with custom animation integration, it was announced today by Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation SKG. Starting in early October, the game will be available for free exclusively at www.aol.com/flushedawaygame, and will offer a series of online challenges, each featuring a different character, setting, or storyline from the film. "Flushed Away," will be released in theaters nationwide on November 3rd.

The game will be aimed at players of all ages -- kids and their parents will compete together to complete the online challenges successfully. By solving the individual puzzles, kids and their parents will be rewarded with digital prizes. The entire interactive experience leads up to a grand prize sweepstakes during the opening weekend of "Flushed Away."

What sets "'Flushed Away' Underground Adventure" apart is the new character animation designed exclusively for the game itself. This marks the first time that DreamWorks Animation is expanding the universe of its films by creating an original, totally immersive online environment.

The game is being developed by Mark Burnett Productions, who previously collaborated with DreamWorks on "The Contender" and the upcoming show "On the Lot." The game will premiere on AOL in October and will be accessible to anyone exclusively through AOL at www.aol.com/flushedawaygame on demand through November. The collaboration between AOL and Burnett grew out of the companies' partnership on "Gold Rush," the breakthrough interactive event that premieres on AOL in September and involves challenges and clues based on pop culture.

Based on the "Gold Rush" interactive gaming model, Katzenberg and Burnett sought to create an exciting online experience for children and their parents to enjoy together, and, at the same time, introduce the characters of the film to an audience in a new and refreshing way.

Commenting on the announcement, Katzenberg said, "We couldn't be more pleased about teaming up with Mark Burnett and AOL on this revolutionary new online game concept. We believe that the game will stand on its own as an exciting and fun piece of new entertainment. With special custom animation that expands the world of 'Flushed Away,' the game will be the perfect complement to the moviegoing experience."

Burnett said, "The media landscape is changing radically. People are absorbing and interacting with their entertainment content in new and more sophisticated ways, and this is especially true of kids. The next generation of audience members expects and deserves so much from its content, which is why this project is so exciting to me and my company."

Added Jon Miller, Chairman and CEO of AOL, "The 'Flushed Away' game is interactive, immersive and engaging, and the mini-'Flushed Away' universe will get kids -- and their parents -- excited about the characters and imagery a month before the movie opens. This is really what the web is perfectly suited to do."

The game will feature real-time 3D environments that allow the user to take control of the camera and explore expanded environments of the underground city of "Flushed Away." Designed to present unique game play with each repeat visit, the game will expand each day, revealing new areas of the 3D world and a new challenge every day. The games' video clips and cutting- edge, real-time physics simulations as collision detection, gravity, and particle effects will combine to provide an immersive experience.

ABOUT "FLUSHED AWAY"

In this new comedy set on and beneath the streets of London, we meet Roddy St. James (Hugh Jackman), a pampered pet mouse who thinks he's got it made. But when a sewer rat named Sid (Shane Richie) -- the definition of "low life" -- comes spewing out of the sink and decides it's his turn to enjoy the lap of luxury, Roddy schemes to rid himself of the pest by luring him into the loo for a dip in the "whirlpool." Roddy's plan backfires when he inadvertently winds up being the one flushed away into the bustling world down below. Underground, Roddy discovers a vast metropolis where he meets Rita (Kate Winslet), a street-wise rat who is on a mission of her own. If Roddy is going to get home, he and Rita will need to escape the clutches of the villainous Toad (Sir Ian McKellen). Toad, who royally despises all rodents, dispatches two hapless henchrats, Spike (Andy Serkis) and Whitey (Bill Nighy), as well as his cousin -- that dreaded mercenary, Le Frog (Jean Reno) -- to see that Roddy and Rita are iced ... literally.

DreamWorks Animation and Aardman Features present "Flushed Away." Directed by David Bowers and Sam Fell, the film is produced by Peter Lord, David Sproxton, and Cecil Kramer.

ABOUT DREAMWORKS

DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSE:DWA) is principally devoted to developing and producing computer-generated, or CG-animated, feature films. With world- class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG-animated films meant for a broad movie-going audience.

Source: DreamWorks Animation SKG

-- For the first time ever in awards show history, MTV will expose fans to the insanity on and off the stage at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards. While the VMAs are airing live on MTV, Overdrive, the network's broadband channel, will air "VMA Live: Backstage Uncensored", an unprecedented live view of the ALL the action behind the scenes and backstage viewers have never gotten to see. In addition to the television and broadband experiences, MTV Mobile on all wireless carriers will also offer updates and recaps of the VMAs within minutes. This year's multiplatform experience builds on MyVMAs 2005 where there were more than 14.7 million streams of VMA content from MTV Overdrive. The star studded awards show will air live from Radio City Music Hall on Thursday, August 31st at 8:00PM (Live ET/Tape Delayed PT).

"Always looking to innovate, we knew we had to find an experience to address the fact that young people are simultaneously watching the VMAs and online chatting in real time with their friends about the unexpected moments and speculating about what's going on backstage," said Christina Norman, President of MTV. "So, we decided to deliver the access they crave by bringing them behind the curtain."

Additional VMA programming elements on MTV Overdrive, accessible at VMA.MTV.com, will include a live simulcast of MTV News' pre-show, interviews with talent, more music, more interaction with the MTV VJs and MTV News correspondents both live during the television broadcast and on-demand after the show. VMA.MTV.com will also get viewers prepped for the biggest night in music with highlights from past VMAs, performance playlists, VMA NYC tour, Bling Report, just to mention a few of the shows. Past VMA Overdrive shows will also be featured on VOD.

During the show, viewers will be able to email photos of themselves and their VMA experience to VMA.MTV.com. A few lucky viewers' photos will be chosen to be displayed onto the large video screens onstage, as the VMAs help give a face to the viewers watching at home.

"VMA Live: Backstage Uncensored" then turns into MyVMAs beginning immediately after the show. Every performance and celebrated moments from the stage will be available on demand to our viewers. The backstage experience will also be available in case they miss any parts when it was streamed live. "MyVMAs" users will be able to customize their own VMA experience on MTV Overdrive. "MyVMAs" will allow viewers to re-live and re-mix their own VMA experience by combining their favorite moments from the star-studded night with exclusive, bonus segments, all available in an a la carte, on-demand menu. "My VMAs" puts control in the hands of music fans and allows them to experience the VMAs the way they want.

In addition, MTV2 will have a live simulcast of the VMAs. MTV2 will also feature live hits throughout the event with MTV2 VJs providing colorful commentary on everything that's going on, replays of outstanding moments and performances that are worth a second look, and forecasting upcoming performances and awards, as well as getting VMA dish from celebrities that stop by. The winner of the MTV2 Award will be presented with a Moonman during the live hits. During the show, mtvU will feature videos of nominees, performers and presenters who were once regulars on the college channel and "graduated" to MTV. During this special VMA music block from 8PM - 11PM, mtvU will go live twice an hour to college student correspondents and mtvU VJs giving updates from the show, as well calling out upcoming performances and awards. mtvU will feature several hours of college-themed VMA coverage in the run up to the show, including a special installation of "Dean's List" hosted by a VMA-nominated artist that started out on mtvU, reports from a college student serving as a VMA seat filler, and college professors using their academic powers to predict who will take home the coveted Moonmen.

Also, MTV Networks high-definition channel, MHD: Music High Definition, will have the first-ever VMA simulcast presented in HD. MTV World will also bring the action to their own channels - MTV Desi, MTV K, MTV Chi with a live simulcast of the show. Additionally, the World channels will have their own correspondents on site to provide a customized point of view of the 2006 Video Music Awards, for their audiences, re-airing the show at a later date with new red carpet perspective.

Additional elements on MTV Mobile include the launch of a mobile boutique on MTV.com featuring ringtones from VMA nominees and wallpapers. The MTV Mobile VMA experience doesn't end when the live show does. Enjoyed Justin Timberlake's live performance? Fans of MTV Mobile video will also be able to enjoy backstage, red carpet and additional VMA coverage. Presented by Virgin Mobile USA, the leading youth wireless network, MTV will be introducing the first-ever Ringtone of the Year award this year, where fans will be able to vote on their favorite ringtone. Virgin Mobile users will be able to "vote" for the Ringtone of the Year by downloading free tones from the nominees as announced on TRL the week of the VMAs. The winning ringtone will then be available as a free download on Virgin Mobile over the weekend following the VMAs. In addition, Virgin Mobile users will be able to vote exclusively for the "Viewer's Choice" award from their phones.

Last but not least, URGE, MTV Network's digital music service, will be launching a VMA homepage on August 1st, including exclusive editorial content on this year's nominees, and playlists of each category's nominees and past winners dating back to the very first VMAs. To access all VMA coverage, users can visit www.URGE.com to download the service for free.

The "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.3 billion people via MTV's global network of 50 channels reaching 481.5 million households around the world as well as through syndication. Its convergent and original online programming will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV's 43 Web sites around the world.

The official sponsors of the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" are Acuvue, Chevrolet, Dodge, Herbal Essences, JC Penny, Pepsi, Taco Bell and Virgin Mobile USA.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 100 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Source: MTV

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

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

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

Buckalew, a 35 year-old mother of three, will be accompanied by husband William Buckalew on her journey to the final leg of the hunt -- Volvo providing travel and accommodations for one guest per finalist. "My husband and I made the treasure hunt a real family affair," said Buckalew. "We competed against each other to solve puzzles and I absolutely loved the new challenge. The hunt, from beginning to the coming end, is a great summertime activity that I have thoroughly enjoyed."

Once at the final hunt location, Buckalew and each of the six other finalists will set off on a manic on-the-ground search for the buried vehicle. The format for the final leg of the competition will be reminiscent of reality TV shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race, with contestants participating in a two-day series of mental and physical challenges that will either eliminate them from the competition or advance them closer to the buried vehicle. The first treasure hunter to unearth the SUV keeps it. The victor and results of the final hunt will be released to the public on August 11, followed by a series of webisodes chronicling the hunt premiering online at www.volvocars.us/thehunt on August 25.

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

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

About Volvo Cars of North America

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

Source: Volvo Cars of North America

Nickelodeon, the number-one rated cable network on a total day basis for eleven consecutive years, closes out the month of July with increases in year-to-year ratings for the sixth consecutive month with kids 2-11. The network remains the number-one brand with kids, ahead of its closest competitor by +48% with kids 2-11, +36% with kids 6-11, and +29% with tweens 9-14, year-to-date. In July, Nick outpaced its closest competitor by +30% among kids 2-11, and emerged the clear network leader with kids 2-5, +47% ahead of The Disney Channel and +136% ahead of Cartoon Network in the K2-5 demo. In addition, year-to-date, Nickelodeon shows the biggest growth of any kids network with preschoolers (kids 2-5), up +6%, and currently owns the top 7 of 10 preschool shows on television*.

Nickelodeon is also dominating on its digital platform offerings, showing growth from year-to-year and over the past seven months as well:

- Nick.com and NickJr.com are on their way to having their best months

ever -- Nick.com with more than 15.3 million unique visitors and

NickJr.com with more than 7.4 million unique visitors, a +4% and

+10% growth, respectively, from June's delivery.

- For 2006, Nick.com has generated 565 million game plays to-date, and

Nickjr.com has garnered approximately 438 million game plays, equating

to a +74% and +75% growth versus the like time period in 2005 for

Nick.com and NickJr.com, respectively.

- On a monthly basis, Nick.com is averaging more than 13.8 million unique

visitors year-to-date, +65% versus the like time period in 2005.

Nickjr.com is averaging more than 6.2 million uniques, an increase of

+59% versus 2005.

- TurboNick is fast approaching its 150 millionth streams for the year,

and has had approximately 39 million streams in July, an increase of

+29% over June 2006. Year-to-date, Nick Jr. Video has served up over

73 million streams, and generated 13 million streams in July, a monthly

increase of +17%.

Source: Omniture SiteCatalyst, 1/01-7/30/06

In July 2006, the network averaged a 3.8/1.3 million kids 2-11; a 4.0/505,000 with kids 2-5; 3.5/706 kids 6-11; 2.7/568,000 among tweens 9-14; and 2.2 million total viewers (P2+). Year-to-date, the network is averaging a 3.9/1.3 million with kids 2-11; a 4.5/568,000 with kids 2-5; 3.7/754 among kids 6-11; 2.6/527,000 tweens 9-14; and 2.2 million total viewers.

Nickelodeon, in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for eleven consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) .

* Source: Nielsen Media Research, based on Nick Total Day (M-Th 6:30a - 9p, Fri 6:30a - 10p, Sat 6a - 10p, Sun 6a-9p), July 2006-To-date (6/26/06-7/27/06), Kids 2-11, 2-5, 6-11 & 9-14.

Nickelodeon Programming Hours: M-Th: 6:00 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fr-Sat: 6:00 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. (ET/PT)

MobiTV, Inc., the global leader in television and digital radio services for cellular, WiFi and broadband enabled devices, and CHUM Limited, Canada's premier media company and content provider, today announced the addition of four new music and entertainment channels for the MobiTV(TM) Canada line-up. The channels bolster the existing content, with an emphasis on programming that appeals strongly to viewers of mobile television, who are interested in compelling "bite-sized" content such as music videos and entertainment news.

"CHUM's content is perfectly suited for MobiTV Canada's viewers, who can tune in Live anytime, anywhere to catch the best music videos or get up to speed on the latest celebrity gossip," said Erik Smith, Vice President of Business Development and Programming for MobiTV.

"We are constantly looking at new ways to reach our audiences with our exclusive and engaging content. With MobiTV, audiences on the go can now watch some of their favourite CHUM stations via their cell phones," said Maria Hale, Vice President, Content Business Development, CHUM Limited.

Available today in the MobiTV program guide in Canada, subscribers will find the following new channels:

MuchMusic: An integral part of today's pop culture landscape, "The

Nation's Music Station" has been delivering fans an unparalleled music

television experience since 1984. Direct from our famed streetlevel

studios in downtown Toronto, each and every program day not only hits the

best in top musicvideo, but creates a destination where fans can stay

connected to exclusive live performance and interview from today's hottest

musical artists and celebrity guests, the latest entertainment buzz and

specialty programming. Check out Canada's favourite web destination for

teens, www.muchmusic.com .

Star!: Canada's only specialty television channel dedicated to the world

of entertainment news and information. Star! brings you all the latest in

the world of show biz, including red carpet coverage and in-depth

interviews with the biggest names in entertainment. www.star-tv.com

MuchVibe: Designed to superserve urban music fans across Canada, MuchVibe

is the source for top music videos, interviews, concert specials, concert

listings and classic clips from the CHUM music video archive. Hip hop, rap,

r&b, old school, reggae and more -- MuchVibe has it covered.

www.muchvibe.ca

MuchMoreRetro: Dedicated to the music videos of the 80s and 90s,

MuchMoreRetro is uniquely styled for those who grew up watching their

music on television. From the artform's early, experimental years to the

big-budget extravaganzas of the last decade, MuchMoreRetro is the source

for 24/7 classic video flow from artists from Madonna to Nirvana and more.

www.muchmoreretro.com

The addition of the CHUM properties for MobiTV Canada follows the launch of other key programming content earlier this summer: The Learning Channel, Toonworld TV Classics, FOX Sports, Comedy Time, MAXX Sports, MAXX LOOK and SPEED Channel were made available to viewers in May and June of this year. This now brings the total number of channels to 22, ranging from news, sports and weather to premier music and entertainment content, available on 16 handsets on the three major carriers in Canada.

About MobiTV

MobiTV, Inc. is the first mobile television and digital radio service provider for cellular, WiFi and broadband enabled devices worldwide. The MobiTV(R) service for mobile is available in the US through Sprint, Cingular and Alltel; in the United Kingdom through 3 and Orange UK; to Canadian customers through Bell Canada, Rogers and TELUS Mobility; through America Movil in Latin America; and other regional carriers around the world. MobiTV can be accessed on laptops via the AT&T WiFi network. The Emmy(R) Award winning service has more than one million paying subscribers and offers many popular TV channels from content providers such as MSNBC, ABC News Now, CNN, Fox News, Fox Sports, ESPN 3GTV, NBC Mobile, CNBC, The Discovery Channel, TLC and The Weather Channel, along with cartoons, music videos, comedy and more. Founded in 1999, MobiTV is a privately-held company headquartered in Emeryville, CA. For more information please visit www.mobitv.com .

About CHUM Limited

CHUM Limited (TSX: CHM/CHM.B, www.chumlimited.com ), one of Canada's leading media companies and content providers, owns and operates 33 radio stations, 12 local television stations and 21 specialty channels, as well as an environmental music distribution division. Through international format licences and program sales, CHUM's original content is seen in over 130 countries worldwide and is distributed via new media platforms, including interactive television, wireless services and exclusive CHUM-branded Internet properties.

Source: MobiTV, Inc.

CONTACT: Barb Matheson of CHUM Limited, +1-416-591-7400, ext. 2599, or
barbma@chumtv.com; or Susan George of SutherlandGold Group, 1-866-262-7373,
ext. 113, or sgeorge@sutherlandgold.com, for

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

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

Contrary to rumors appearing online and in the tabloids, Kelly Rowland, of Destiny's Child, is not pregnant.

Statements attributed to Kelly regarding her alleged pregnancy were never made by the artist and a purported interview with the AMG never took place.

Kelly is hard at work on her career and looking forward to the upcoming release of her second solo album, "My Story ... Kelly Rowland."

GSN is extending its play-along capabilities beyond the television screen with an innovative mobile marketing sweepstakes developed to promote the upcoming August 1 premieres of two series, CHAIN REACTION, executive produced by Michael Davies ("Who Wants To Be A Millionaire") and STARFACE, hosted by Danny Bonaduce. The new network campaign, GSN SUMMER CHALLENGE SWEEPSTAKES, will award a daily prize of $5,000 for the month of August to one lucky participant who sends in a text-message that day and correctly answers either the CHAIN REACTION or STARFACE puzzle advertised. The winner will be announced the next day over the air on GSN. The announcement was made today by Dena Kaplan, Senior Vice President, Marketing, GSN, who conceptualized the campaign.

"As the leader in real time play along entertainment, GSN is thrilled to bring another way to play and win to our viewers for the launch of CHAIN REACTION and STARFACE. Now viewers can play along with their mobile phones every day for a chance to win cash as well as have their name announced during the nightly telecast," remarked Kaplan on the campaign's formation.

Players who would like the opportunity to win one of the 31-daily cash prizes can do so by following the instructions presented through ads that will appear in such publications as Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times Magazine, Parade, People, US and National Enquirer. The aggressive multi-million dollar media buy also includes banner ads on Yahoo! and AOL portals as well as E! Online and TV Guide. In addition, GSN will air several promos throughout the day promoting the sweepstakes and informing viewers how to play along. The sweepstakes advertising began July 27, but the sweepstakes officially starts August 1 and ends on August 31.

GSN SUMMER CHALLENGE SWEEPSTAKES will offer different puzzles representing the game play of the two series. The mobile games associated with CHAIN REACTION resemble the series by offering word chains in which every word is related to the one before and after it. The game is such that players will need to answer via text message which of the words presented is the missing word of the five-word connecting chain. The player is given one of four choices.

The STARFACE mobile game involves a test of the player's knowledge of celebrity gossip. The game involves the player answering a question about a film or TV star. The player is given four choices to choose from for the right answer.

Once a person has text-messaged a correct answer, he/she is then subscribed and eligible to win that day's daily cash prize. A player can only enter to play once day, but with that being said, he/she has 31 opportunities to win.

In addition to targeting consumers, the sweepstakes also includes affiliate involvement. Kaplan extended the sweepstakes for affiliate game play by offering them a chance to win a 60" flat screen Sony TV. Affiliates are asked to text message in the right answer to the following question -- "Which was the first network to introduce one-screen interactive programming? Is it GSN, G4, ESPN or ABC?"

Both, CHAIN REACTION and STARFACE premiere on August 1. The word game, CHAIN REACTION, hosted by Dylan Lane airs Tuesday through Saturday at 9:00 PM/8:00 C. The pop-culture gossip game series STARFACE airs immediately afterward on those same nights at 9:30 PM/8:30 C with first-time game show host Danny Bonaduce.

No purchase or text messaging necessary. Void were prohibited. Open to all legal U.S. residents, 18 years or older as of 7/27/06. Each daily sweepstakes (31 separate dailies) begins at 12:00 a.m. PT and ends at 11:59 p.m. PT that day. Ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on 8/31/06. Standard text messaging charges apply to text entries. Text entry is designed to work with most major wireless carriers, but Sponsor makes no guarantee that any particular carrier will participate. See official rules at www.gsn.com/summerchallenge for complete details, including odds, eligibility restrictions and how to enter for free without using a cell phone.

About GSN

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming and interactive game playing. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN features over 133 hours per week of interactive programming, which allows viewers a chance to win prizes by playing along with GSN's televised games via GSN.com. Now reaching nearly 60 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com

-GSN-

Source: GSN

Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. (the "Company") (NASDAQ:TRMP) announced today that construction officially commenced in July 2006 on the new, $250 million hotel tower at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort (the "Taj Mahal").

"As we constantly strive to create a more entertaining and exciting atmosphere at each of our properties, the construction of our new hotel tower is planned to greatly increase our guest capacity at the Taj Mahal," said Mark Juliano, the Company's Chief Operating Officer. "As we renovate the casino floor and develop more dining and retail options at the Taj Mahal, these rooms will serve as a critical component of our plan to expand our business and attract more valuable customers."

Completion of the tower construction is expected during the summer of 2008. The new tower is planned to add 786 rooms to the Taj Mahal, which currently has 1,250 rooms in the existing hotel tower. Standing 40 stories high and 450-feet tall, the tower's rooms include 716 generously apportioned standard guest rooms and 70 suites with ocean views. The primary architect on the project is the Friedmutter Group.

Construction of the new tower is in addition to the Company's previously announced $110 million renovation and expansion plan. Projects already completed include the renovation of nearly every hotel guest room at all three Trump properties; the entire casino floor renovation and the opening of 24 Central Cafe at Trump Plaza Casino and Hotel; the Ego Bar and Lounge, Trump Exchange retail store, The Asian Gaming Pit and the new noodle bar, The Rim, at the Taj Mahal. Construction of the new retail and dining entrance corridor to the Taj Mahal is underway, as is the renovation of the casino floor. The master plan for the Trump Marina Hotel Casino is also currently being developed.

"We believe that expanding the Company's guest room inventory in Atlantic City is a critical component of our overall plan to capitalize on the changing and growing gaming marketplace," said James B. Perry, Chief Executive Officer of the Company. "As Atlantic City continues to transform into a destination market for customers, our expansion and renovation plan is being specifically tailored to create new entertainment options, to increase the overall quality of experience at Trump properties, and to increase value for shareholders of the Company."

Editor's Note 1: Mr. Trump will participate in a ribbon cutting at the Trump Exchange and will tour the new tower construction site, both at the Taj Mahal, on Thursday, August 3, 2006 at 1 p.m.

About Trump Entertainment Resorts:

Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. is a leading gaming company that owns and operates three properties. The Company's properties include Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort and Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, located on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Trump Marina Hotel Casino, located in Atlantic City's Marina District. Together, the properties comprise approximately 371,300 square feet of gaming space and 3,180 hotel rooms and suites. The Company is the sole vehicle through which Donald J. Trump, the Company's Chairman and largest stockholder, conducts gaming activities and strives to provide customers with outstanding casino resort and entertainment experiences consistent with the Donald J. Trump standard of excellence. Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. is separate and distinct from Mr. Trump's real estate and other holdings.

PSLRA Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

and Additional Available Information

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements so long as those statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements.

All statements, trend analysis and other information contained in this release relative to the parties' performance, trends in the parties' operations or financial results, plans, expectations, estimates and beliefs, as well as other statements including words such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "will," "could" and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In connection with certain forward- looking statements contained in this release and those that may be made in the future by or on behalf of the parties, the parties note that there are various factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in any such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this release were prepared by management and are qualified by, and subject to, significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other uncertainties and contingencies, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the parties. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements contained in this release will be realized or that actual results will not be significantly higher or lower. The forward-looking statements in this release reflect the opinion of the management as of the date of this release. Readers are hereby advised that developments subsequent to this release are likely to cause these statements to become outdated with the passage of time or other factors beyond the control of the parties. The parties do not intend, however, to update the guidance provided herein prior to its next release or unless otherwise required to do so. Readers of this release should consider these facts in evaluating the information contained herein. In addition, the business and operations of the Company are subject to substantial risks, including, but not limited to risks relating to liquidity and cash flows, which increase the uncertainty inherent in the forward-looking statements contained in this release. The inclusion of the forward-looking statements contained in this release should not be regarded as a representation by the parties or any other person that the forward-looking statements contained in the release will be achieved. In light of the foregoing, readers of this release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained herein.

Additional information concerning the potential risk factors that could affect the Company's future performance are described from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the SEC, including, but not limited to, the Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These reports may be viewed free of charge on the SEC's website, http://www.sec.gov/, or on the Company's website, http://www.trumpcasinos.com/.

Source: Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc.

GSN and American Media, Inc. (AMI) today announced a multiplatform brand integration deal involving the cable network's new tabloid-themed game series STARFACE, hosted by Danny Bonaduce, and AMI's top selling celebrity magazine National Enquirer. The joint branding effort will integrate National Enquirer into half of the series' episodes by featuring a "National Enquirer Hot Corner" segment. GSN, in turn, will receive advertising and editorial in both The National Enquirer and Globe and their websites. The announcement was made today by Dena Kaplan, Senior Vice President of Marketing for GSN.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to be partnering with the industry's top celebrity magazine on our new tabloid-style show, STARFACE. National Enquirer is a perfect media brand partner for the series," said Kaplan.

David Pecker, AMI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: "This innovative partnership is the first of its kind and gives us the chance to reach out to a growing market of game-related programming on national network television. We are excited about this deal and believe it will further our efforts to promote our publications through new mediums."

STARFACE is a funny, fast-paced game series premiering Tuesday, August 1 at 9:30 PM/8:30 PM C running weekly, Tuedsays through Saturday nights, on GSN. The series pits three contestants against one another to test their knowledge of everything to do with the famous and the infamous. In the "National Enquirer Hot Corner," Bonaduce unveils a series of unique, provocative celebrity photographs, each with a set of questions having to do with that individual.

In addition to renaming the round the "National Enquirer Hot Corner," Bonaduce will direct viewers to purchase the latest issues of National Enquirer and Globe to see its new special STARFACE editorial section. The network will also broadcast co-branded promotional spots for the magazines and will promote the show through GSN's viewer database of over 800,000 registrants. GSN will also feature National Enquirer banners on GSN.com.

In turn, AMI will be publishing a special STARFACE editorial column in the National Enquirer and Globe TV sections that will run every other week for 10 weeks beginning August 1. National Enquirer will also promote STARFACE on its website, nationalenquirer.com, and will stream video content.

STARFACE will air as the second half of an hour block with Michael Davies' CHAIN REACTION as its lead-in. CHAIN REACTION, in which teams of men and women complete phrases after being given the first and last words of a chain, also premieres on GSN on Tuesday, August 1.

About GSN

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming and interactive game playing. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN features over 133 hours per week of interactive programming, which allows viewers a chance to win prizes by playing along with GSN's televised games via GSN.com. Now reaching nearly 60 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems, telcos and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.

About American Media, Inc.

American Media, Inc. is one of the largest media companies in the U.S. The company publishes six of the 14 best selling weekly magazines, including the National Enquirer and Star. AMI also owns Weider Publications, the leading publisher of health and fitness magazines, including Shape, Men's Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Muscle & Fitness Hers, Flex, Fit Pregnancy and Natural Health. The company also publishes the best selling country music magazine, Country Weekly; a Latino entertainment magazine, !Mira! and more mini-mags and digests. In addition to print properties, AMI owns Distribution Services, Inc., the country's #1 in-store magazine merchandising company.

-GSN-

Source: GSN

Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) today launched Autodesk Maya 8 software, the newest version of its Academy Award-winning 3D modeling, animation and rendering solution. Maya has been used by a variety of clients, including BMW, CNN, Disney, Epic Games, Industrial Light & Magic, Midway Games and Weta Digital, to create breathtaking 3D imagery for feature films, interactive games, broadcast graphics and industrial design. Autodesk Maya 8 meets the demands of next- generation productions by addressing the real-world production challenges 3D artists are currently facing. Maya 8 will be showcased at the Autodesk booth #1706 at SIGGRAPH 2006, August 1-3 at the Boston Convention Center.

Marc Petit, Autodesk's Media & Entertainment vice president, said, "3D artists are tackling some overwhelming challenges right now, such as dealing with huge, increasingly complex data sets while moving to next-generation game development platforms and having to deliver even more photo-realistic imagery. Teams are getting bigger and require sophisticated collaboration and data management tools. Autodesk Maya 8 addresses these production hurdles by combining a flexible platform with a highly optimized software core, boosting productivity and improving pipeline efficiency."

Maya 8 offers a combination of 64-bit support, multithreading and algorithmic optimizations that enable artists to load massive datasets and interact with them more efficiently than ever before. Key areas of the software, including skinning, draw tessellation, and subdivided polygon proxy meshes, have been multi-threaded to scale with the number of processors or cores available, thereby accelerating formerly time-consuming tasks on today's workstations and those of the future.

"Autodesk Maya 8 software's 64-bit support has opened up a world of possibilities by allowing our artists to manage very large scenes," said Jack Brooks, VP Technology, Walt Disney. "Maya 8 is an integral element of our 64- bit pipeline. We used the beta in pre-production for an upcoming film. Being able to extend Maya's functionality through the API allowed us to customize it to meet our demanding requirements."

Maya 8 offers a host of productivity advancements, particularly for modeling and texturing. The Transfer Polygon Attributes feature enables modelers to transfer UVs, color per vertex (CPV), and vertex position information between surface meshes of differing topologies. This is particularly useful when working with two different versions of an object or character, e.g. one that is high-resolution and one that is low-resolution. In addition, new and improved workflows and tools such as Polygon Bridge, multiple edge loop insertion and enhanced UV layout help maximize productivity for the most common tasks.

Maya 8 enables artists to better manage data when using multiple 2D and 3D packages within the production pipeline. This is achieved through application programming interface (API) extensions, enhancements to Autodesk FBX file exchange technology, the addition of interchangeable geometry caching between Maya and Autodesk 3ds Max animation software, and new interoperability with Autodesk Toxik collaborative compositing software.

Emmanuel Valdez, chief creative officer at High Moon Studios in California, said, "At High Moon Studios, we have artists from all types of disciplines -- from animation to character modeling. They have to work together and share 3D data, regardless of the software they're using. That's why we've chosen to use Autodesk Maya, along with Autodesk 3ds Max and MotionBuilder. These products are open and offer the industry's best creative tools."

Autodesk helps 3D artists in game development, design visualization, film, television, broadcast and graphic design focus on realizing their ideas without being limited by production complexities. Autodesk's media and entertainment 3D product portfolio is comprised of Autodesk Maya 8, 3ds Max 9 (announced separately) and VIZ 2007 animation, modeling and rendering software, as well as Autodesk MotionBuilder 7.5 character animation software. Interoperability is achieved between these products via Autodesk FBX, a free 3D file exchange format.

Autodesk Maya 8 Key Features

With Maya 8, Autodesk demonstrates its commitment to meeting the demands of next-generation productions by addressing the fundamental challenges artists face today. Maya 8 offers the following features to maximize productivity and pipeline efficiency:

-- 64-bit support for Windows and Linux

-- Scalable multithreading to improve performance on multiprocessor

systems

-- Ability to override viewports with a user-defined renderer, such as a

game engine

-- Optimized mental ray 3.5 core for superior rendering performance and

memory usage

-- Polygon Bridge and Transfer Polygon Attributes

-- Support for high dynamic range (HDR) and floating-point images

-- Support for interactive viewing of native and custom mental ray shaders

-- Improved Autodesk FBX plug-in to provide tighter integration between

Maya and applications such as 3ds Max and MotionBuilder

-- Interchangeable geometry cache between Maya and 3ds Max, allowing for

the exchange of complex data between the two packages

-- Export of render layers to Autodesk Toxik software's database

For a complete list of new features in Maya 8, please visit www.autodesk.com/maya.

With support from HP and Intel, a number of third-party developers in the Autodesk Developer Network (ADN) Sparks program have already produced 64-bit versions of their plug-ins to support Maya 8, giving users immediate access to a pool of 64-bit development tools.

Pricing and Availability

Autodesk anticipates that Maya 8 will be available in English in August 2006, and in additional languages in the future. The 64-bit version of Maya 8 will be supported on Windows and Linux. The 32-bit version will be supported on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. For a complete list of supported operating systems, please visit www.autodesk.com/maya (Features & Specifications -- System Requirements).

Autodesk suggested retail pricing for Maya 8 is US $1,999 for Maya Complete (Standalone) and US $6,999 for Maya Unlimited (Standalone). The upgrade price from Maya 7 Complete to Maya 8 Complete is US $899, and the upgrade price from Maya 7 Unlimited to Maya 8 Unlimited is US $1,249.

Maya Platinum Membership

The Autodesk suggested retail price for Maya Platinum Membership starts at US $1,299 per year and is available for purchase simultaneously with the product purchase. Platinum Membership customers qualify for access to the latest software updates, technical support case management, valuable product extensions and e-learning materials. For more information about Maya Platinum Membership, contact an Autodesk authorized reseller or visit http://www.autodesk.com/maya-support.

Maya LearningTools

A variety of Learning Tools are available for Maya, ranging from introductory to advanced skill levels. Learning Autodesk Maya 8 | Foundation is a new book that enables users to quickly familiarize themselves with Maya 8. It offers a hands-on introduction to key Maya tools and techniques by enabling users to create and animate characters based on the Sony Pictures Animation feature film Open Season. Learning Autodesk Maya 8 | Foundation is priced at US $69.99. For additional details, please visit www.autodesk.com/learning-tools.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 company, wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With seven million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the manufacturing, building, infrastructure, wireless data services and media and entertainment fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage by becoming more productive, streamlining project efficiency and maximizing profits.

Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, 3ds Max, Maya, MotionBuilder and Toxik are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. We may make statements regarding planned or future development efforts for our existing or new products and services. These statements are not intended to be a promise or guarantee of future delivery of products, services or features but merely reflect our current plans, which may change. Purchasing decisions should not be made based upon reliance on these statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist or change after the date on which they were made.

(C) 2006 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

MEAT LOAF, one of the singular, game- changing performers in the annals of American rock, will return to unleash the long-awaited third installment in the most successful rock album series of all time, Bat Out of Hell III, this coming fall. The album, released on Virgin Records in North America, delivers to a new generation of listeners -- and to his many millions of longtime followers worldwide -- the still-unique, still-audacious, and still-unequalled Meat Loaf fusion of baroque, operatic emotion, brilliant, larger-than-life storytelling, jaw-dropping theatricality and raw rock-and-roll electricity.

The greatest epic saga in rock history opens its new chapter on October 31, 2006, with album release on Virgin Records in North America, and Universal Records outside of North America. "Meat Loaf holds such a unique place in pop culture," Virgin Records Chairman/CEO Jason Flom commented. "His name, voice and artwork have come to symbolize great American pop/rock music. We are excited to be involved with Meat Loaf and Bat Out of Hell III because good things always come in threes -- and the only thing better than Bat Out of Hell is Bat Out of Hell II, and the only thing better than Bat Out of Hell II is Bat Out of Hell III!"

Meat Loaf fans all over the world will be treated to an historic and very fitting theatrical spectacular when Meat Loaf -- Bat Out Of Hell Acts 1, 2 & 3 Live at Royal Albert Hall is presented on October 16th, 2006, for one night only. The program will be recorded for DVD release and for worldwide television broadcast. Bat out of Hell will also come to New York as a very special one-time event later this fall, on the stage of Broadway's famed Palace Theater. The show will feature songs from all three Bat Out of Hell albums in the trilogy, and Meat Loaf will share the stage with special guests, still to be announced.

Bat Out of Hell III was produced by hit-maker Desmond Child (Kiss, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Cher) with additional vocal arrangements by Todd Rundgren (producer of the first Bat out of Hell). "Bat Out of Hell albums are really renegade records; when they come out they are never like anything else," observed album producer Child." (In this project), Meat Loaf saw a door open to a new style that is the future of Bat Out of Hell. He wears all of his emotions on the outside." Meat Loaf agreed: "I took all the songs a little more personal; I became more internal on this record, (and) there were less character studies."

Seven songs on the album were written by Jim Steinman, producer of Bat Out of Hell II, and principal songwriter of the first two albums in the trilogy. His involvement follows the resolution of a lawsuit over the Bat out of Hell trademark between the longtime friends and collaborators Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman. The two came to an amicable agreement that ensured that Jim Steinman's music would be a continuing part of the Bat out of Hell legacy.

Bat Out of Hell III also includes songs by Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue), John 5 (Marilyn Manson), and Marti Frederiksen (a contributing Aerosmith songwriter). Nikki Sixx confirmed that the boundary-busting creative spirit of the first two albums has been maintained on this third episode of Bat Out of Hell. "We were not worrying about the format of the songs ... just making a great piece of music," he said. Added John 5: "The world knows that's he's an amazing talent. He's back and he wants to kick ass ... He's living those lyrics."

Co-starring vocal and instrumental performers on the album include Steve Vai, on the Gothic thriller "Land of the Pigs;" the legendary Brian May of Queen, on a revival of Steinman's song "Bad For Good;" and Marion Raven, in her U.S. introduction. Raven is featured on Meat Loaf's interpretation of the Jim Steinman-penned immortal, "It's All Coming Back to Me Now," and is the first female recording artist since Cher to duet with Meat Loaf. He enthused: "Marion's perfect for the song because she's a real personality." Added Child: "She's mystical, she's dark; she's icy but she's warm; she's fun but she's also really deep. She was meant to do it."

Packed out with such newly-written hits as "Blind as a Bat" and "The Monster is Loose," Bat Out of Hell III extends the Meat Loaf saga into an epic trilogy, taking its place as a classic among classics. The release of Bat Out of Hell III marks the triumphant return of a franchise that is unique in the rock era, said Meat Loaf manager, CEO of 10th Street Entertainment, and executive producer of Bat Out of Hell III, Allen Kovac. "It took fourteen years to make Bat Out Of Hell II, and almost fourteen years to make Bat III, because it's such a major undertaking. There's a quality and standard to uphold." The album was mixed by Grammy-winning studio engineer Greg Collins (U2).

The two previous albums in the series have sold an estimated 45 million copies to date around the world. Bat Out of Hell, the immortal and genre-transforming original, released in 1977, with songs by Jim Steinman and production by Todd Rundgren, ran for an extraordinary 82 weeks on the Billboard album chart and has sold in excess of 14 million copies in the U.S. alone. It included the Meat Loaf/Jim Steinman signature hits "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad," "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth," and the show-stopping "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights."

The second installment, Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, released in 1993, included the classic international chart-topper "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)," and earned Meat Loaf a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Solo Performance. Meat Loaf has a total of 24 multi-platinum, platinum and gold RIAA awards.

Meat Loaf has appeared in the movies The Rocky Horror Picture Show (as Eddie); Roadie; Fight Club; Wayne's World; Out of Bounds; The Squeeze; and Leap of Faith, among a total of nearly 60 television and film roles. At the outset of his performing career, he also appeared onstage in Hair in Los Angeles, Detroit and on Broadway.

For more information, please go to www.meatloaf.net

Source: Virgin Records

-- FUNimation(R) Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation and the market share leader for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States, announced today that the FUNimation Channel launches on Verizon FiOS TV on August 1, 2006. The FUNimation Channel is a 24-hour digital network featuring programming from top anime brands in the United States and it will be added to the FiOS TV Premier package.

"We are very happy to bring top anime programming to Verizon FiOS TV," explained Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment. "Verizon's FiOS TV Premier package is the most widely subscribed tier with a great price and optical fiber digital quality. We are confident the FUNimation Channel will drive awareness of the Verizon FiOS TV offerings as we have the unique ability to directly target 18- to 24-year-old entertainment fans, as well as video game and pop culture audiences."

Verizon FiOS TV offers a broad collection of all-digital programming including more than 20 high-definition channels. It is now available in parts of north Texas, Florida, California, Virginia, Massachusetts, Maryland and New York -- and will expand to other markets in 2006.

FUNimation is working with OlympuSAT, a leading distributor of independent digital programming networks, for the distribution of the FUNimation Channel. OlympuSAT is the exclusive distributor of the FUNimation Channel, which is now available to video service providers across the nation.

About Navarre Corporation

Navarre Corporation is a publisher and distributor of physical and digital home entertainment and multimedia products, including PC software, CD audio, DVD and VHS video, video games and accessories. Since its founding in 1983, the company has established distribution relationships with customers across a wide spectrum of retail channels which includes mass merchants, discount, wholesale club, office and music superstores, military and e-tailers nationwide. The company currently provides its products to over 18,000 retail and distribution center locations throughout the United States and Canada. Navarre has expanded its business to include the licensing and publishing of home entertainment and multimedia content, primarily through the acquisitions of Encore Software, Inc., BCI Eclipse Company, LLC, FUNimation Productions, Ltd. and The FUNimation Store, Ltd. For more information, please visit the company's web site at http://www.navarre.com/ .

About FUNimation Entertainment

FUNimation(R) Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, is a brand management company and one of the nation's leading independent home video entertainment companies. The company's most recent initiative is the FUNimation Channel(SM), a new, 24-hour digital network featuring programming from the top anime brands in the United States. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution. For images, or more information on FUNimation Entertainment, the FUNimation Channel, or any of FUNimation's properties, contact Jeff Dronen at 817-788-0627, ext. 251 or jeff.dronen@funimation.com.

About OlympuSAT

OlympuSAT, Inc. distributes independently owned and operated digital networks on individual transponder platforms and currently represents more than twenty diverse channels through their Hispanic and Faith & Families Packs. A turnkey service provider, OlympuSAT facilitates technical related services for the transponder and uplink along with affiliate sales services. Additional services provided to networks include, as needed, master control, advertising sales and traffic and billing services. The OlympuSAT suites are distributed via Intelsat Americas 13. An affiliate of Ocean Communications, OlympuSAT is based in West Palm Beach Florida, serving homes nationwide. http://www.olympusat.com/

Source: FUNimation Entertainment

"Ambassador of Poker" and PartyPoker.net (www.partypoker.net) host Mike Sexton fortified his honorary title when he donated half of his $1,000,000 Tournament of Champions winnings at the official WSOP party at the Voodoo Lounge at the Rio in Las Vegas on Friday night.

Sexton awarded $100,000 each to the Special Olympics, The Buoniconti Fund to help cure paralysis, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Wounded Warrior Project that helps families of those wounded or killed in battle, and Children Incorporated, which provides food and school supplies for underprivileged children around the world. Children Incorporated is the primary recipient of donated monies from fellow poker player Barry Greenstein, known as the "Robin Hood of Poker."

For years, Sexton has advocated that the poker world should make more charitable donations, pushing pros and businesses to make substantial contributions. Modeling his concept on the PGA Tour's approach and its huge prize pools, he suggested that major poker tournaments should donate a percentage of the money to charity.

Sexton said: "It was fantastic that the charities sent representatives to the WSOP official party. I hope that the proceeds of my win help the amazing work they do."

Warren Lush, spokesman for PartyPoker.net said: "It is an honor to have Mike Sexton as part of the PartyPoker.net team. He leads by example and when he wins a lot of other people win, too."

The Tournament of Champions provided Sexton with his second WSOP bracelet in 17 years. The first was in Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo in 1989. He now stands among the top 10 for all-time number of finishes in the money at the WSOP with 37 cashes. He has nearly $2.7 million in total tournament winnings.

About PartyPoker.net

Founded in 1997, PartyGaming Plc is the world's leading online gaming company and owns and operates PartyPoker.net, "The World's Largest Poker School." PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker PRTY.

ZoomAlbum(TM) Available for Mac OS

 ZoomAlbum™ (www.zoomalbum.com) software is now available for Mac OS X users. This easy-to-use software takes just minutes to turn digital images into handmade, 3"X3", professional-looking mini-albums that fit into the palm of your hand. ZoomAlbums are the perfect complement for iPhoto 6 (http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto/) users who can now immediately create and share albums, instead of ordering online and waiting for their albums to be shipped.

(Click here for details)
ZoomAlbums are the perfect compliment to iPhotos

ZoomAlbums, which contain twelve photos printed on glossy, high-quality paper, are extremely easy to create. Its Mac software automatically lays out images from iPhoto library into the ZoomAlbum book format, and with ZoomAlbum Creator™, you can rotate, crop, zoom, re-arrange and add text to customize your album and create "stories" that make your album come alive. The hardest part is deciding on which 12 photos to print!

"Imagine how much fun it is to create albums you can share during vacation, pass around at your wedding, or give as a bridal shower gift, 'Timmy's first day at the zoo,' holidays with the family, office parties; the possibilities are endless because with ZoomAlbums, you don't have to wait," said Doug Rowan, ZoomAlbum CEO. Continued Rowan, "Mac is the platform of choice for many professional photographers; making ZoomAlbums are a great way for them to increase sales and provide instant gratification for their customers."

ZoomAlbum photo sheets come with easy-to-follow instructions (on the back of each sheet) that walk you through an origami-like folding routine that produces, with the help of simple adhesive backing, a five-page booklet with images on both sides of each page, and one on each inside cover. You can also print your own album covers.

To make a ZoomAlbum, all you need is a PC (Windows or Mac) and an Inkjet color printer. ZoomAlbum supplies everything else (software, photo sheets, album covers) to create charming and lasting keepsakes.

ZoomAlbums are ideal for the whole family, and can be created in just minutes:

1.  Choose Photos - Download the latest ZoomAlbum Creator software from www.zoomalbum.com at no cost. Simply insert or drag-and-drop images from your computer, digital camera or cell phone into the boxes on your computer screen. Rotate, crop, zoom, re-arrange and add text to customize your album.  2.  Print Page - Set your printer to glossy photo paper and high quality; print the page onto our exclusive, high-quality photo paper. Your entire album will emerge on a single sheet, ready for assembly.  3.  Assemble Album - Fold your printed photo sheet, press the pages together, and insert the folded sheet into your ZoomAlbum cover for your finished pocket-sized photo album. 

About ZoomAlbum, Inc.

ZoomAlbums (www.zoomalbum.com) are an exciting and patented new way to turn digital images into handmade, professional-looking albums of twelve glossy photos. These high-quality little albums fit right into the palm of your hand. All you need is a PC and Inkjet color printer. ZoomAlbum supplies everything else (software, photo sheets, album covers) to create charming and lasting keepsakes. You can even print your own personalized covers. ZoomAlbum photo sheets come with easy-to-follow instructions that walk you through a folding routine that produces, with the help of forgiving adhesive backing, a booklet of twelve, durable and high-quality photographs. The software is simple and you can insert text captions, rotate, flip, zoom and crop photos. The hardest part is deciding on the 12 images. Album kits are sold at selected retail outlets and are available for direct purchase at www.ZoomAlbum.com

NAn item appearing in the press on Friday, July 28 falsely speculated that the upcoming release and pre-sale date for Beyonce's new album, "B'Day," were set in response to an upcoming album release by LeToya Luckett, a former member of Destiny's Child.

In order to put a stop to these unfounded rumors, Beyonce and her manager, Mathew Knowles, have each issued statements clarifying the facts of the situation.

"I have enormous respect and admiration for LeToya as an artist and a business woman and I wish her incredible success with her debut CD and her career," said Beyonce. "LeToya and I have known each other since childhood and, because of all we've been through, I know that we both really care -- and want what's best -- for each other.

"We are pleased that LeToya has chosen to include our House of Dereon designs in her Lady Elle boutique in Houston and look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.

"It makes me sad that that people are trying to stir up a controversy where there is none. LeToya makes fantastic music and it would be great if her fans, as well as the press, could simply enjoy it on its own merits and not engage in negative speculation."

"I'm shocked and amazed that this is even an issue," said Mathew Knowles. "It's standard practice in the music industry for upcoming albums to go on pre-sale well in advance of an in-store date.

"From the time Beyonce began working on her new album, 'B'Day,' we wanted to release it in early September to coincide with her 25th birthday on September 4. Our pre-sale strategy is a logical and sensible lead-in to that target date and has nothing to do with the scheduled releases of any other albums by any other artists."

Source: Music World Music; Sony Urban Music; Columbia Records

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

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SBGI) announced that "The Point," a daily commentary by Mark Hyman and aired on Sinclair's news stations, has been honored with two Aurora Awards for excellence in the Social Issues and Documentary category. Sharing in the awards is Dina Nesheiwat, Sinclair Producer for "The Point." Eligibility included commentaries that aired during 2004 and 2005. It was announced earlier this year that Hyman and Nesheiwat also received four Telly Awards for excellence in 2006.

Receiving a Gold Aurora Award was the following commentary:

"The 2000 Election Fiasco" documented, with video excerpts, the November 7, 2000 election day newscasts from ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN and FOX News Channel announcing at 7pm ET that all polls were closed in Florida during the extremely close 2000 presidential election. Yet, more than 350 polling stations located in the Florida panhandle were open for another hour until 8pm ET (7pm CT). In the following 2002 off-year elections, more than 20,000 more Floridians voted in the panhandle than in 2000. This strongly suggests that the premature news announcement of closed polling may have dissuaded thousands from voting and thereby contributed to the 2000 election fiasco. This commentary was also awarded a Silver Telly, the highest award given, for 2006.

Also receiving a Gold Aurora Award was the following commentary:

"Courts of Madison County" was a look at Madison County, Illinois, the lawsuit capital of America where the judges usually act in favor of trial attorneys. It highlighted one successful lawsuit where the attorneys' share of a $93 million verdict was $84.5 million, leaving the plaintiffs with just over eight million dollars. This commentary was also awarded a Bronze Telly for 2006.

The Aurora Awards is an international film and video competition for commercials, cable programming, documentaries, industrial, instructional and corporate videos. The Aurora Awards competition is designed to recognize local, regional, independent, and industrial excellence and it specifically targets programs and commercials that would not normally have the opportunity to compete on a national level. Judges reviewed thousands of entries from the U.S. and abroad this year.

Recent television winners of Aurora Awards include CBS, CNBC, Court TV, Discovery Channel, FOX News Channel, HBO Films, History Channel, National Geographic Channel, and PBS.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies, owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 58 television stations in 36 markets. Sinclair's television group is affiliated with all major networks and reaches approximately 22% of all U.S. television households. For more information, please visit Sinclair's website at http://www.sbgi.net/.

Source: Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.

Carolina Crossroads has announced that multi-platinum contemporary Christian artists Steven Curtis Chapman and Third Day will perform at an outdoor summer concert on August 19 at the Roanoke Rapids music and entertainment venue. Concert tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce office located at 1604 Julian Allsbrook Highway in Roanoke Rapids. Ticket prices are $20 for lawn seating, $25 for gold seating and $35 for platinum seating. Groups of 50 or more attendees receive a $5 per ticket discount. Group sales must be purchased at the Chamber office or at http://www.carolinacrossroads.com/. The August 19 concert is the second in a series of "Randy Parton & Carolina Crossroads Present" concerts.

"The concert will provide a terrific setting to listen to great contemporary Christian music in a comfortable outdoor location," said Randy Parton, managing member of Moonlight Bandit Productions, LLC.

"Concert-goers will have a fantastic opportunity to catch a glimpse of the beginnings of Carolina Crossroads and the Randy Parton Theater while enjoying some great music," said Michael Dunlow, president of Carolina Crossroads.

For additional information, call Ticketmaster at 888-481-2726 or the Halifax County Tourism Development Authority at 800-522-4282.

About Steven Curtis Chapman:

Steven Curtis Chapman has sold nearly 10 million records and recorded more than 15 projects with Sparrow Records since 1987. This spring, Chapman received his 50th Dove Award, more than any other artist. He has received five GRAMMY Awards, an American Music Award, recorded over 40 No. 1 radio hits, as well as numerous other honors. His platinum and gold albums include Speechless, Heaven in the Real World, Declaration, Greatest Hits, Music of Christmas, Signs of Life, The Great Adventure, More to This Life, For the Sake of the Call and All about Love. For more information, visit http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/.

About Third Day:

Third Day is a platinum-selling, Atlanta-based band. Recently, they received their fourth GRAMMY nod for their Love Wire album and are selling out venues across the nation on their "Where You Are Tour." In the past decade, Third Day has collected 22 No. 1 radio singles and sold almost six million albums, including one platinum record, one platinum DVD, and eight gold records. The band has garnered 24 career Dove Awards, two GRAMMY Awards, and two consecutive American Music Awards. For more information, visit http://www.thirdday.com/.

About Carolina Crossroads:

Carolina Crossroads is an entertainment and tourism destination in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. The location will offer live performance theatres, shopping, hotels, convention and conference facilities, recreation and amusements, and unlimited dining options. The Randy Parton Theatre, which opens in 2007, will anchor the Carolina Crossroads Music Theatre and Entertainment District and feature a 35,000 square foot, 1,500-seat amphitheater. Randy Parton developed the theatre and has played a major role in creating criteria for making Carolina Crossroads a featured location for live country music and a nationally recognized travel destination. For more information, visit http://www.carolinacrossroads.com/.

In its continuing effort to promote and expand the game of baseball in fun and exciting ways, MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, has launched a unique and innovative new game, MLB.COM SHUFFLE(TM).

MLB.COM SHUFFLE(TM) combines the excitement of opening a new pack of trading cards with the strategy of a revved up fantasy baseball draft and the random luck of a Hold and Draw card game as fans try to field the best lineup of Major League Baseball players. The goal of the game is to score the most points and there are numerous paths players can take to reach that goal. There are times when fans will want to add the best players available at each position. At other times it will be advantageous to go with the cards that are dealt, especially when players from the same team show up and trigger one of the bonuses. The continuous juggling of which players to add or keep in your lineup is what makes MLB.COM SHUFFLE(TM) a uniquely compelling experience with its simple, yet deeply addictive gameplay.

The game, licensed by Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association, was developed by Sandcastle Studios in Carlsbad, California.

"We play fantasy sports, and we play the console video games, too," said Tom Casey, CEO of Sandcastle. "But we really wanted something that didn't require so much of an investment of time to play. The first idea was to create a fantasy baseball game that you could play in five to 10 minutes. Then we started adding some of the random elements you'd see in a hold-and-draw card game. That's where we started coming up with ideas for injury penalties and team bonuses. It's funny, because baseball fans have loyalties to their favorite players and teams. This game, like fantasy baseball, kind of messes with those loyalties. Because if you want to win, sometimes you have to give up on your favorite player or team."

One thing that makes MLB.COM SHUFFLE(TM) so unique from any other video game -- even from those that simulate actual play-by-play -- is its ability to stay current. It's not a game that is updated once in the offseason. Rosters and player values are pulled from MLB.com stat feeds so they are fresh, and there is an "Update Roster" choice in the main menu. In fact, there will be a mass update of the rosters right after the July 31 trading deadline as well, as the essence of this game is the promise of a different player's likeness always there to keep you in a general manager's decision mode.

"There are so many different ways to play," Casey said. "But we don't force you to play any certain way. That's one of the appealing things about MLB.COM SHUFFLE(TM). Anyone who likes baseball can just get in and start playing. You don't have to think too hard. The games are very short. You'll start to see people play over and over and over again. As they go through that process, they start to discover and say, 'Oh, I could do that.' You keep getting better. It's always challenging."

Fans are offered a free, full-featured trial of the game on arcade.MLB.com, "so everything is in there," said Casey. We're just trying to give you a taste of it so you can make a decision as to whether you like it. Hopefully you will and will want to keep playing, and it's a very simple process to purchase it for unlimited use." Unlimited use of the game costs $19.95.

For the upgrade, no additional downloads or CD-ROMs are necessary. It is instant activation, so fans can be using it again in minutes. The paid game can be installed on multiple computers. Free customer/technical support also is available.

MLB.COM SHUFFLE(TM) is one of hundreds of games available to play at the MLB Arcade at http://arcade.mlb.com/.

Source: MLB Advanced Media L.P.

The Field Museum in Chicago has sold 500,000 tickets to the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibition. More than 3,000 years after his reign, Tutankhamun, the celebrated "boy king," has proven to be a cultural phenomenon in Chicago and around the world.

The 500,000 tickets sold to Tut include a record number of groups from 41 different states. Visitors have traveled to see the exhibition from as far away as Alaska, California, Florida and Brazil. The Museum has sold more than 4,500 of its popular premium memberships, Tut at Twilight and Royal Tut. Both premium memberships include benefits such as discounted tickets, priority admission and exclusive member viewings.

Due to high ticket demand, The Field Museum will extend its hours to Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs on August 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 24 and 27 until 9 p.m., with the last entry at 7 p.m. In addition, the Museum will open earlier in the mornings-at 7:30 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through September 3, 2006.

The Field Museum also will host Tut at Twilight nights as an opportunity for guests to view Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs during exclusive evening screenings with reduced crowds each Tuesday in August (1, 8, 15, 22, 29) from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (last admission at 8:30 p.m.). Tut at Twilight gives visitors an opportunity to see the exhibition after work or school in addition to the Museum's regular hours. Tickets cost $50 each and include an audio tour narrated by Egyptian actor Omar Sharif. McDonald's will remain open, as well as the King Tut Store, located at the exit of the exhibition.

Visitors to the exhibition-twice the size of the 1977 exhibition-will view stunning artifacts that portray the splendors of life and death in the 18th Dynasty, the era in which Tutankhamun and his family ruled. This "Golden Age of the Pharaohs" produced some of Egypt's most famous rulers and most exquisite works of art.

A special section of the exhibition explores the mystery of Tutankhamun's death using the marvels of modern CT scanning technology. Images made from these scans let visitors look into the face of the young pharaoh for the first time. The scanning of Tut's mummy is part of a landmark, five-year Egyptian research and conservation project, partially funded by National Geographic, that will CT-scan the ancient mummies of Egypt. The portable CT scanner was donated by Siemens AG and National Geographic.

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs is organized by National Geographic, Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions in association with the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt and The Field Museum. The tour is sponsored by Northern Trust. Its Chicago sponsor is Exelon, proud parent of ComEd.

Tickets cost $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and students with ID, $16 for children aged 4-11 and includes general admission into the Museum. Discounts apply for Chicago residents. For tickets, call 866-FIELD-03 or visit http://www.fieldmuseum.org/tut.

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs runs through January 1, 2007. The Field Museum is located at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.

Source: Field Museum

Planit, the Baltimore-based marketing communications agency, today announced that it has signed a contract with The Walters Art Museum to create for the internationally recognized institution a fresh new, interactive web site that will redefine the museum's online presence. The new site is scheduled to launch in August.

The Walters joins the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts on Planit's growing list of high-profile arts and culture clients. "Planit was chosen above a number of prominent national and local agencies for both projects," said Planit President Matt Doud. "To say we are excited about the niche we are creating for ourselves in this space would be an understatement.

"Being chosen to work with what is considered by many to be one of the best art museums in the U.S., and not only that, one of Baltimore's greatest treasures, is immensely gratifying."

For The Walters, Planit has been charged with creating an online experience that engages visitors as strongly as the museum does. The new site represents the first phase of The Walters' five-year plan to have its entire collection of approximately 30,000 objects, representing 55 centuries of art, represented online.

"The inquiries we receive most often from visitors to our web site pertain to requests for more information regarding specific pieces," said C. Griffith Mann, Associate Curator, Medieval Art at The Walters. "By enhancing this portion of our web site, we will be able to share The Walters' expansive collection with students, teachers, history and art enthusiasts, and scholars from around the world."

"We will be able to serve our online visitors in entirely new ways," said Michael Smith, Director of Marketing. "Based on Planit's presentation and catalogue of work, we felt they were the best agency to handle this ambitious project."

The site will provide a much more visual presentation of The Walters' collection than is currently available online and will include hundreds of highly searchable new images as well as in-depth educational resources such as classroom curricula, lesson plans, and a variety of interactive media. Selected audio tours of the museum will also be among future additions to the web site.

The Walters attracts between 150,000 and 200,000 visitors a year, and is one of only a few museums worldwide to present a comprehensive history of art from the third millennium B.C. to the early 20th century. Among its thousands of treasures, The Walters holds the finest collection of ivories, jewelry, enamels and bronzes in America, and a spectacular reserve of illuminated manuscripts and rare books. The Walters' Egyptian, Greek and Roman, Byzantine, Ethiopian and Western medieval art collections are among the best in the nation, as are the museum's holdings of Renaissance and Asian art. Every major trend in French painting during the 19th century is represented by one or more works in The Walters' collection.

About Planit(R)

Planit (http://www.planitagency.com/) is a Baltimore-based communications agency providing advertising, design, direct, interactive, animation, and public relations services across various industries. The agency, established in 1994, uses the philosophy of IDEAS TRANSFORM to deliver breakthrough creative and measurable results. Planit's clients include Chevy Chase Bank, CitiFinancial, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and XLHealth.

Source: Planit

Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) President and CEO Lee Scott will appear as a guest on the Charlie Rose Show on PBS on August 1, 2006.

The show follows Scott giving Rose a tour of a Wal-Mart store undergoing renovation in Secaucus, N.J. It also includes a studio interview with topics ranging from Wal-Mart's role in the global marketplace to the company's Hurricane Katrina response to the transformation at Wal-Mart.

The Charlie Rose Show airs on over 200 PBS affiliates each weeknight. To find out when and on what channel the show airs in your area, you can visit either of the following websites on your home computer: http://www.charlierose.com/ or http://www.pbs.org/stationfinder/index.html .

John Stossel, co-host of ABC's 20/20, will address Young America's Foundation's National Conservative Student Conference. The National Conservative Student Conference convenes in the nation's capital each summer to teach students about conservative ideas and how to advance them in the face of liberal hostility. More than 400 participants from 39 states and 179 colleges and universities are attending the 28th annual National Conservative Student Conference. Mr. Stossel will speak about his book, Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel -- Why Everything You Know is Wrong.

What: Young America's Foundation's National Conservative Student

Conference

Who: John Stossel

When: Monday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: The George Washington University, Marvin Center,

800 21 street, 3rd floor

As the principal outreach organization of the Conservative Movement for 37 years, Young America's Foundation introduces thousands of young people to conservative ideas through national conferences, campus lectures and activism programs, internships, and seminars at the Reagan Ranch. Young America's Foundation preserves the Reagan Ranch as a premier presidential property and living tribute to Ronald Reagan's life and ideas.

Following the February release of ten classic Merle Haggard albums on five CDs, Capitol Nashville/EMI Music Catalog Marketing continues its "Year Of Hag" catalog campaign with the September 12 release of Hag: The Best Of Merle Haggard. The new career and label-spanning CD collects Haggard's top hits and favorites from the vaults of Capitol, MCA, Epic, Anti-, and Compendia, including 14 Country #1s and duets with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Toby Keith. Ken Nelson, now 96, Haggard's longtime Capitol Records producer and a Country Music Hall Of Fame inductee, contributes new liner notes to the package, and 23 of the CD's 26 tracks were written or co-written by Haggard.

Capitol Nashville/EMI's in-depth Merle Haggard catalog retrospective was launched on February 21 with the release of ten original albums Haggard recorded for Capitol between 1965 and 1971, all digitally remastered and paired chronologically on five CDs with a bevy of rare and previously unreleased bonus tracks. The single-disc packages present the cream of Haggard's crop of 38 Capitol LPs, with new liner notes penned by music scribes Chris Morris, Chet Flippo, Holly George-Warren, Joel Selvin and Geoffrey Himes. Four albums, Hag, Someday We'll Look Back, Pride In What I Am, and The Legend Of Bonnie & Clyde, made their CD debut, coupled with Strangers, Swinging Doors and the Bottle Let Me Down, I'm a Lonesome Fugitive, Branded Man, Mama Tried, and Sing Me Back Home. Continuing the "Year Of Hag" campaign, spiritual and songwriter-themed packages are planned for release in 2007.

"For 40 years, Haggard's been country music's most compelling figure."

- Newsweek (February 13, 2006)

Merle Haggard made his chart debut in 1963 with "Sing a Sad Song" and has enjoyed the longest span of any artist on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. In addition to 38 #1 Country hits, Merle Haggard has charted scores of Top 10 singles. He's won just about every music award imaginable, both as a performer and as a songwriter, including NARAS' Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award this year. Haggard was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994. His body of work easily places him beside Hank Williams as one of the most influential artists in country music, but Haggard's impact on modern music reaches well beyond the genre line.

Producer Don Was, who has worked with Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and Bonnie Raitt, told Newsweek in 1996, "He'll tell you he's a country singer, but to me the essence of rock and roll is a cry for freedom and rebellion. And I don't know anyone who embodies it better. Every aspect of his life is a refusal to submit."

Merle Ronald Haggard was born in 1937 outside Bakersfield, California. His parents had moved the family there after their farm in Oklahoma burned down, and his father found work as a carpenter for the Santa Fe Railroad. The family lived in an old boxcar that they converted into a home. Though struggling to make a meager living, they had a sturdy shelter and food was always on the table. Haggard's father died of a stroke when Merle was nine years old, a devastating event for the young boy. With his world turned upside down, Haggard turned rebellious. He hopped a freight train when he was just ten, making it to Fresno before being picked up by the authorities. For the next few years, he would find himself in reform schools, sometimes making an escape, only to get thrown back in again.

The angel on Haggard's shoulder during these troubled times was his love and talent for music. Starting out as a fan of Bob Wills, Haggard eventually found his musical idol in Lefty Frizzell, and worked up a pretty impressive copy of his singing style. "For three or four years I didn't sing anything but Lefty Frizzell songs," Merle told Music City News. "And then, because Lefty was a fan of Jimmie Rodgers, I learned to imitate him too." Haggard got the chance to see Lefty perform in person when he was 14. "He was dressed in white -- heroes usually are," Merle said.

Haggard was already starting to make small amounts of money here and there by playing music, but it wasn't enough to keep him out of trouble. In and out of jail throughout his teen years for small crimes, he found himself doing serious time in San Quentin at the age of 20. "Going to prison has one of a few effects," he told Salon in 2004. "It can make you worse, or it can make you understand and appreciate freedom. I learned to appreciate freedom when I didn't have any."

Haggard was released from prison in 1960. After making an impression working in local clubs, he joined Las Vegas star Wynn Stewart's band in 1962 on bass. When he got a chance to record his own single, Haggard chose the Stewart composition, "Sing A Sad Song." It came out on the small Tally Records label in 1964 and made it into the Top 20. His follow-up singles didn't do quite as well, until "(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers" went into the Top 10 and brought him to the attention of Capitol Records. He proved himself a hitmaker with three Top 10 singles in 1967, including his first #1, "I'm A Lonesome Fugitive."

Johnny Cash encouraged him to address his problems directly in verse. "I was bull-headed about my career. I didn't want to talk about being in prison," Haggard recalls, "but Cash said I should talk about it. That way the tabloids wouldn't be able to. I said I didn't want to do that and he said, 'It's just owning up to it.'" When Cash introduced him on his variety show, he said, "Here's a man who writes about his own life and has had a life to write about."

The true grit of Merle Haggard is expressed in many of the hits he's recorded, from "Sing Me Back Home," another #1 in 1967, to "Mama Tried," which topped the chart in 1968, an apology of sorts to Haggard's religious and hardworking mother. Hag's tender side is further revealed in "I Started Loving You Again" and "You Still Have a Place In My Heart" from 1968's The Legend Of Bonnie & Clyde, and "I Just Want To Look At You One More Time" from 1969's Pride In What I Am.

"What impresses most are the lyrics: Like Johnny Cash, Haggard is always on the side of the downtrodden. These are the real thing, works of pure American genius."

- Playboy (May 2006)

With the Vietnam War serving as a lightning rod for opposing views, the United States was politically divided. "Working Man Blues," issued in 1969, delivered a clear message of solidarity to the blue-collar country audience. That sociological stance was solidified with Haggard's most popular song, "Okie From Muskogee." He says the song started as a joke, but it also drew a clear line between "us" and "them." Haggard spoke for the Americans who didn't smoke marijuana, didn't burn their draft cards, didn't grow their hair long and shaggy and were "proud to wave Old Glory down at the courthouse." In the ensuing years, Richard Nixon invited him to sing at the White House, Ronald Reagan, then Governor of California, gave him an unconditional pardon for his past criminal offenses, and George Wallace asked him for an endorsement -- which Haggard turned down.

Merle Haggard is not only a part of Capitol's rich history, he also plays a vital role in its present. He continues to reap accolades for new albums and performances, including 2005 and 2006 touring with Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones, and his most recent Capitol Nashville album, Chicago Wind. The 2005 CD has won critical praise from all corners of the media, with People declaring in its 4-star review, "Haggard is as close to Nashvillle royalty as it gets." Many of Haggard's bristly anthems have proven to be timeless torches for a new generation of outlaws. Toby Keith has embraced Hag's "Fightin' Side Of Me" as a modern-day war cry, often performing the fiery song in concert.

www.merlehaggard.com

Hag: The Best Of Merle Haggard

1. THE BOTTLE LET ME DOWN (2:45) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded June 28, 1966, Hollywood, CA (Highest Country Chart Position: #3)

2. BRANDED MAN (3:06) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded April 10, 1967, Hollywood, CA (Highest Country Chart

Position: #1)

3. SING ME BACK HOME (2:48) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded September 18, 1967, Hollywood, CA (Highest Country Chart

Position: #1)

4. THE LEGEND OF BONNIE AND CLYDE (2:04) (Merle Haggard - Bonnie Owens)

Recorded January 31, 1968, Hollywood, CA (Highest Country Chart

Position: #1)

5. TODAY I STARTED LOVING YOU AGAIN (2:22) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded February 1, 1968, Hollywood, CA

6. MAMA TRIED (2:11) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded May 8, 1968, Hollywood, CA (Highest Country Chart Position: #1)

7. I'M BRINGING HOME GOOD NEWS (2:48) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded August 27, 1968, Hollywood, CA

8. I TAKE A LOT OF PRIDE IN WHAT I AM (2:48) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded August 26, 1968, Hollywood, CA (Highest Country Chart

Position: #3)

9. HUNGRY EYES (3:26) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded December 9, 1968, Hollywood, CA (Highest Country Chart

Position: #1)

10. WORKIN' MAN BLUES (2:33) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded May 16, 1969, Hollywood, CA (Highest Country Chart Position: #1)

11. SILVER WINGS (2:44) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded December 9, 1968, Hollywood, CA (Produced by Ken Nelson)

12. OKIE FROM MUSKOGEE (2:42) (Merle Haggard - Roy Burris)

Recorded July 17, 1969, Hollywood, CA (Highest Country Chart Position: #1)

13. THE FIGHTIN' SIDE OF ME (2:53) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded December 23, 1969, Hollywood, CA (Highest Country Chart

Position: #1)

14. SOMEDAY WE'LL LOOK BACK (2:32) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded May 12, 1971, Hollywood CA (Highest Country Chart Position: #2)

15. IF WE MAKE IT THROUGH DECEMBER (2:41) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded January 16, 1973, Nashville, TN (Highest Country Chart

Position: #1)

16. THINGS AREN'T FUNNY ANYMORE (2:42) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded July 11, 1973, Nashville, TN (Highest Country Chart Position: #1)

17. HONKY TONK NIGHT TIME MAN (2:39) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded October 23, 1973, Hollywood, CA

18. OLD MAN FROM THE MOUNTAIN (2:19) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded: April 30, 1974 (Highest Country Chart Position: #1)

19. LIVING WITH THE SHADES PULLED DOWN (2:56) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded April 28, 1975, Nashville, TN

20. I THINK I'LL JUST STAY HERE AND DRINK (4:31) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded 1980, Nashville, TN (Highest Country Chart Position: #1)

21. BIG CITY (3:00) (Merle Haggard - Dean Holloway)

Recorded July 9, 1981, Hollywood, CA (Highest Country Chart Position: #1)

22. PANCHO AND LEFTY (4:46) - with Willie Nelson (Townes Van Zandt)

Recorded November 9, 1982, Nashville, TN (Highest Country Chart

Position: #1)

23. I'M LEAVING NOW (3:07) - with Johnny Cash (Johnny Cash)

Recorded: May, 2000

24. RUNAWAY MAMA (4:08) (Merle Haggard)

Recorded: July, 2001

25. THAT'S THE NEWS (2:33) (Merle Haggard)

Released: September 23, 2003

26. SHE AIN'T HOOKED ON ME NO MORE (3:36) - with Toby Keith (Scotty

Emerick - Toby Keith)

Released: May 17, 2005

Source: Capitol Nashville/EMI

Bug Music, one of the world's largest independent music publishers, enters its 32nd year by partnering with Crossroads Media, which has made a significant equity investment in Bug, it was announced today by Dan and Fred Bourgoise, partners of Bug Music. Bug Music will use the capital infusion to continue and expand upon its mission of focusing on its songs, songwriters and music publishers with personalized administration and innovative creative services. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Crossroads Media is a partnership between Tom McGrath, former President of Paramount Enterprises, and Spectrum Equity Investors, a media and entertainment-focused private equity firm.

In conjunction with the new partnership, Dan and Fred Bourgoise will step down from their day-to-day duties at Bug and, along with Crossroads Media, have named John Rudolph as CEO, and have promoted David Hirshland, an 11-year Bug veteran, to President. Rudolph is formerly head of Music Analytics, a music publishing consulting firm, and previously the CFO of Windswept Pacific. Mark Anders, current Managing Director of Bug Limited based in the U.K., has been named President of International. All other senior executives remain with the company. Dan and Fred Bourgoise will provide ongoing consultation to the company and serve on the Board of Directors alongside McGrath and representatives from Spectrum.

Noted Rudolph: "Dan and Fred have built a company with an independent ethos over the last 30 years that values at its core the songs and songwriters it represents by providing efficient and aggressive client services. I am honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by Dan and Fred and look forward to leading this very special business and its staff through its next stage of growth."

Dan Bourgoise commented, "This investment by Crossroads Media will allow Bug to maintain its core values of service to the songwriters and excellence in publishing while giving it the flexibility to adapt to the rapidly changing marketplace, as well as take advantage of new opportunities that arise almost daily. There has never been a more exciting time to be in the music publishing business." Added Fred Bourgoise, "I look forward to the next evolution of Bug as the music world completes this revolutionary shift from analog to digital technologies and from physical to virtual distribution. I feel inspired by this new association with Crossroads and Spectrum and am delighted to continue to advise and work for the writers, publishers, managers and attorneys that I have had the pleasure of knowing over the last three decades. This company has been our life's work and we feel this partnership and the news management appointments only strengthen and extend that legacy."

Tom McGrath, senior managing director of Crossroads, said, "Bug Music is one of the world's premiere independent music publishers with an unparalleled reputation for integrity and service to its many clients. I am delighted to be in business with Dan and Fred whose personal reputations and leadership abilities know no peer. I am particularly pleased that John Rudolph has agreed to join us as CEO. John's experience with Windswept Pacific and his leading role in so many music acquisitions, investments and partnerships over the past few years while running Music Analytics will be invaluable to Bug."

About Bug Music

Founded in 1975, Bug is one of the world's leading music publishers. Headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Nashville, New York, London and Munich, Bug owns and/or manages approximately 120,000 copyrights. The Company has built a strong reputation as the "songwriter's" publisher by vigorously supporting copyrights of songwriters and publishers and providing personalized administrative and creative services. Clients include the estates of Johnny Cash, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Del Shannon and Stevie Ray Vaughan, as well as classic and contemporary writers and artists such as Morningwood, Iggy Pop, Ryan Adams, Wilco, Peaches, Los Lobos and The Guess Who. Bug songs currently appear throughout the Billboard charts and can be heard in ad campaigns by Levi's, Lincoln Mercury and Carnival Cruise Lines among others.

About Crossroads Media

Crossroads Media is a Los Angeles-based strategic partnership between Spectrum Equity Investors and Mr. Thomas McGrath. Mr. McGrath is the former President of Paramount Enterprises, a role in which he had responsibilities for many activities of that division, including: Famous Music (music publishing), Paramount Parks (theme parks), Famous Players (movie theaters), and Viacom Consumer Products, encompassing licensing, merchandising, themed entertainment, and theatrical production. In addition to serving as President of Paramount Enterprises, Mr. McGrath also served as Chief Operating Officer of Viacom Entertainment Group, which included Paramount Pictures and Paramount Television.

About Spectrum Equity Investors

Spectrum Equity Investors is a private equity firm specializing in investments in the media, communications, and entertainment industries throughout North America and Western Europe. Founded in 1994 and based in Boston and Menlo Park, Spectrum has over $4 billion in capital under management. Current portfolio companies include AMC Entertainment, Apprise Media, CBD Media, Classic Media, Eutelsat S.A., NEP, and Patriot Media and Communications. Additional information on Spectrum can be found at www.spectrumequity.com.

Great To Be Nominated" Visited by  "The Exorcist"

Beverly Hills, CA – The 1973 Best Picture nominee “The  Exorcist” will be screened as the next feature in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Great To Be Nominated” series. The film, based on the best-selling novel by William Peter Blatty, will be shown on Monday, August 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Actress Linda Blair, cinematographer Owen Roizman and editor Bud Smith, all of whom received Oscar® nominations for their work on the film, will participate in a panel discussion following the screening.

In “The Exorcist,” Ellen Burstyn stars as Chris MacNeil, an actress dealing with dangerous changes in the behavior and physical appearance of her daughter, who is deemed “possessed.” Blatty, who adapted his own book for the screen version, was inspired by a reported exorcism in the Washington, DC area in 1949. The film received a total of 10 Academy Award® nominations and took home the Oscars® for Sound (Robert Knudson, Chris Newman) and Writing – Screenplay based on material from another medium (Blatty). The film also received nominations for Best Picture (Blatty, producer), Actor in a Supporting Role (Jason Miller as Father Damian Karras), Actress (Burstyn as Chris MacNeil), Actress in a Supporting Role (Blair as Regan MacNeil), Art Direction (Bill Malley; Set Decoration: Jerry Wunderlich), Cinematography (Roizman), Directing (William Friedkin) and Film Editing (Jordan Leondopoulos, Smith, Evan Lottman, Norman Gay).

The Oscar-nominated animated short “The Legend of John Henry” and the Oscar-winning live action short “The Bolero” will be screened prior to the feature.

Tickets for “The Exorcist” may be purchased at a cost of $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased by mail, in person at the Academy during regular business hours or, depending on availability, on the night of the screening when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. Curtain time for the feature is 7:30 p.m., and pre-show elements will begin at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call (310) 247-3600.

©A.M.P.A.S.®

Time Out New York On Demand Launches www.timeoutnewyork.tv

 Time Out New York On Demand takes a byte out of the Big Apple with its new broadband video channel. Offering hundreds of free video profiles and reviews, www.timeoutnewyork.tv provides users with an in-depth look at the latest and greatest places to go, from restaurants to shopping, making it the premiere online destination for how to spend your "time out" in the city. New content will be added weekly including video blogs with up-to-the-New-York-minute tips from Time Out New York editors.

"Our mission is to provide our users with content that can be accessed whenever they want from wherever they are," says Eric Levin, president of City on Demand, the creator of TONY On Demand. "We are now in the workplace, the suburbs, and available as an everyday complimentary resource to New Yorkers and tourists alike."

Time Out New York On Demand's broadband video network marks a new venture for TONY. "The Time Out New York brand is perfectly suited to multiple platforms, as demonstrated by our successful extension into video on demand, radio and now broadband. We're looking forward to our continued expansion and expect many great things to come for TONY," said Alison Tocci, President and Group Publisher at Time Out New York.

"Time Out New York on Demand is an innovative service for the City of New York's global marketing efforts. We are excited for its expansion into broadband, which will now allow millions of potential visitors worldwide to see all of the amazing things the City has to offer," said James Donofrio Senior Vice President, Sales and Partnerships for NYC Marketing.

www.timeoutnewyork.tv is powered by Maven Networks. Maven makes it possible for professional media companies to quickly and easily design and launch scalable and engaging broadband video businesses.

About Time Out New York

Since 1995, Time Out New York (TONY) has provided New Yorkers with comprehensive information on how to best spend their free time, with its weekly presentation of more than 2,000 things to do. For more information, please visit timeoutnewyork.com.

About Time Out New York On Demand

Launched as a free On Demand Channel (1112) on Time Warner Cable in late 2005. and now available on broadband, the service offers high-quality video reviews of numerous NYC destinations.

Source: Time Out New York On Demand

Sean 'Diddy' Combs Launches #1 'Unforgivable' Fragrance in France With a 2 Day Celebration in

St. Tropez -

  WHAT:         Sean Diddy Combs will host a private dinner party aboard

his yacht in St. Tropez on July 31st to celebrate his "Unforgivable" fragrance's

success in North America and the UK and its upcoming international launch. 

The dinner, to be  held on Diddy's private yacht, will be an ultra-exclusive

affair for 50 of the most "Unforgivable" people in the world, personally 

by Diddy.  Following dinner, the 50 and their guests will depart the yacht for an

after-affair at VIPs.  To recuperate after a long-night of partying, Diddy 

will host his infamous White Party, this year being held at Nikki Beach in St. Tropez. 

Launched in North America in February of 2006, the fragrance reached number 

one status in record breaking time.  That success was mirrored in the UK 

where it launched at  Selfridges in June 2006 and enjoyed one of the biggest

launches in the store's history.  The fragrance and the future of the brand 

continue to look promising with its upcoming international launch in the Spring

2007.  The scent exudes the energy, sexiness and elegance of Sean Combs. 

Available at department and specialty stores across America and Canada, 

suggested retail price is $55.00 USD for 2.5 OZ and $75.00 USD for 4.2 OZ.  

In the UK "Unforgivable" is available at Selfridges with a suggested retail price of 

35 pounds for 75 ML and 45 pounds for 125 ML.

WHO:  Expected Attendees: Pamela Anderson, David and Victoria Beckham, 

Penelope Cruz, Lenny Kravitz, Jamie Sigler, Sharon Stone, Uma Thurman, 

Ivana Trump, Donatella Versace, John Demsey (President Sean John Fragrances), 

Emma Heming,   Brent Bolthouse and more.    

 Film's Star Solange Knowles-Smith and Recording Superstar and Grammy(R) Award-Winning Artist Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child Scheduled to Attend    What:   In celebration of the August 8th DVD release of "Bring It On: All           or Nothing," Universal Studios Home Entertainment is hosting a           special hometown screening of "Bring It On: All or Nothing" in           Houston, Texas.    Who:    Film's star Solange Knowles-Smith to be joined by Grammy(R)           Award-winning artist Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child to celebrate           the release.    When:   Wednesday, August 2, 2006              Where:  AMC MJ Northline Mall           113 Northline Mall           Houston, TX  77022  

  * all times ET/PT

World Premiere of STEP UP 
 
                    Monday, August 7th at The ArcLight
 
WHO:       From the film: 
Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan, Mario, Drew   Sidora, Damaine Radcliffe,
De'Shawn  Washington, Rachel Griffiths, Josh Henderson, Tim Lacatena, 
Heavy D, Alyson Stoner, Director   Anne Fletcher, Producers Adam Shankman, 
Jennifer Gibgot, Erik Feig, Patrick  Wachsberger, Executive Producer Bob Hayward,                               Writers Duane Adler and Melissa Rosenberg.               Special guests:  Musical sensation Ciara from the film                               soundtrack ... and more!    WHAT:      To celebrate the Los Angeles Premiere of Touchstone Pictures              and Summit Entertainment's STEP UP.    WHEN:      Monday, August 7th, 2006        WHERE:  ArcLight Cinemas                           6360 Sunset Boulevard              6:00PM    Celebrity Arrivals            Hollywood              7:00PM    Screening    
Everyone deserves a chance to follow their dreams, but some people only get 
one shot. Tyler Gage (CHANNING TATUM) is a rebel from the wrong side of
 Baltimore's tracks -- and the only thing that stands between him and an
 unfulfilled life are his dreams of one day making it out of there. Nora 
(JENNA DEWAN) is a privileged ballet dancer attending Baltimore's
 ultra-elite Maryland School of the Arts -- and the only thing standing in the 
way of her obviously brilliant future is finding a great dance partner for her 
senior showcase. When trouble with the law lands Tyler with a community 
service gig at Maryland School of the Arts, he arrives as an angry outsider, 
until his skills as a gifted street dancer draw Nora's attention. 
 
Now, as sparks fly between them, both on and off stage, Tyler realizes he has just
 one performance to prove that he can step up to a life far larger than he 
ever imagined. Featuring the directorial debut of leading choreographer 
Anne Fletcher, the film also stars R&B superstar Mario, Drew Sidora as well 
as rap legend Heavy D, Damaine Radcliff, De'Shawn Washington and 
Academy Award(R) nominee and Golden Globe(R) winner Rachel Griffiths.

 
TOUCHSTONE PICTURES and SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT'S 
STEP UP                       Opens Friday, August 11, 2006 

 
Source: Touchstone Pictures 
 
  
 

Posted by ladymountbatten at 08:07 AM | Permalink

Consideration to design, impact, and presentation in sharing the latest trends in Italian design were appearant

We were welcomed into the exhibit by greeters eager to share Italian design.  Walking through their exhibit, one was reminded of an art or museum showing not a furniture trade show.

After you view the pictures and read about their project below, we’re sure you’ll agree. 

I.DoT, considers the Las Vegas Market Center, the U.S.’s most promising centre for trade which hosted the I.DoT and ID_CS with the Las Vegas Market as the new international trade fair dedicated to home furnishing. Buyers were hosted from 83 countries with over 1000 leading exhibitors with 63,000 design professionals expected. 

The real protagonist of the I.DoT project is the MADE IN ITALY design. Italian Design’s leadership for competitiviness and innovation is well known thanks to the synergy of firms and designers. So the protagonists of the I.DoT project are Italian enterprises that play an important international role in the evolution of the design field (FIRMS), the talent of famous designers (DESIGNERS) and the innovative spirit and creativity of young designers (YOUNG DESIGNERS). I.DoT presents the selection of the 100 best contemporary italian design products (PRODUCTS) for the two years international tour 2006-2007 in 8 important cities related to the world of design.

Aside from being an international point of reference and an official acknowledgement of prestige for the designers and companies selected, I.DoT is an important communication tool: introducing the latest and most worthy products of the Italian design system to the world. The International Critical Committee, formed from representatives from the world’s leading design institutions, selects the pieces which make up the I.DoT exhibition based on considerations of quality, innovation, content and above all, the latest trends in Italian design

For this reason, for those products selected, I.DoT represents a certificate of the excellence that is Made in Italy, an industry whose value is world famous.

I.DoT offers an chance to examine the concept of Lifestyle. Highlighting the new frontiers of Italian Design to a portion of the American market markedly different to the East-Coast market of New York. Las Vegas is also a chance for I.DoT to demonstrate the flexibility of design Made in Italy. This is shown by the exhibition settings specially created by Denis Santachiara for I.DoT and the winning designs of the De Angelis prize. Alongside this sits the exhibition design by Paola Navone for ID_CS. Two designs special designed to travel the world whilst representing the idea of Made to Measure which is a hallmark of Italian design. These settings create a series of mini-environments, protecting and highlighting the products on display. Miniature worlds which when placed together form an exhibition which changes with every new host city.

I.DoT, Italian Design on Tour 2006/2007

New Lines in Italian Design

+ The Almerico De Angelis Young Designers Award

 INTERNATIONAL TOUR PROGRAM

2006/2007 – Third Edition 2006/2007 of I.DoT and the First presentation of the winners of the The Almerico De Angelis Young Designers Award: (link: http://www.idcsontour.it/setFrame.html )

1° tour date Previous showing in NEW YORK In the spaces at the Tunnel @ The Waterfront 

2° tour date LAS VEGAS during the Las Vegas Market, a conference “Italian Design: still valuable? Defining and refining identity for marketability in the USA” will also be presented.

3° tour date 14-16 September in Shanghai, China during the Shanghai Design Biennial, I.DoT and ID_CS will participate in a series of conferences and workshops. (to be defined).

4° tour date November in Mumbai, India hosted by the prestigious School of Architecture JJ College. During the exhibition period I.DoT e ID_CS will organise and host a series of competitions, conferences and workshops (to be defined).  

5° tour date May in Berlin (I.DoT will take part in the DESIGNMAI Festival, where it first showed in 2004)

6° tour date September in Londra During the festival 100% Design London. One of the most important events in the contemporary design calendar. The festival showcases the la test in lighting, accessories, wall and floor coverings, fabrics, kitchen and bathware. It is the foremost English design event.

ID_CS , Italian Design Classic Selection

The Roots and the Avant-garde

 INTERNATIONAL TOUR PROGRAM

2005/2006 First Edition of ID_CS

1^st-3^rd tours Previously viewed in Moscow at the Ruarts Gallery, Paris during the Salon du Meuble and New York in the spaces at the Tunnel @ The Waterfront

4° tour date 24 - 28 July in LAS VEGAS during the Las Vegas Market, a conference “Italian  Design: still valuable? Defining and refining identity for marketability in the USA” will also be presented.

5° tour date 14-16 September in Shanghai, China during the Shanghai Design Biennial, whose theme is “Better Design, Better life”. This event will play host to exhibitors, visitors and design experts from alla round the world. The second edition of the Biennial hosted over 20.000 visitors and this year, I.DoT and ID_CS will participate in a series of conferences and workshops.  

6° tour date November in Mumbai, India hosted by the prestigious School of Architecure JJ College, the oldest and most important university of its kind founded in Asia, and recognised internationally. During the exhibition period I.DoT e ID_CS will organise and host a series of competitions, conferences and workshops.

Setting Designs 2006/2007

Denis Santachiara for I.DoT + The Almerico De Angelis Young Designers Award 2006  (www.denisantachiara.it/ )

Paola Navone per ID_CS (www.idcsontour.it/setFrame.html )

The Story   

I.DoT, New Lines in Italian Design (www.idot.it)  

ID_CS, Italian Design Classic Selection, the Roots and the Avant-Garde

(2006 First Edition, www.idcsontour.it/setFrame.html )

The Almerico De Angelis Young Designer Award 2006 (First Edition)

      (www.idot.it)

 IDA 

Italian Design Agency is a cultural marketing agency. Based in Milan, but soon to open offices in Chicago, IDA is specialised in the design industry and works with companies looking to internationalise their brand. The experience, contacts and skills gained through the organisation of international events such as I.DoT (Italian Design on Tour) and most recently ID_CS (Italian Design Classic Selection) have allowed IDA to create a ‘know how’ in the fields of business and integrated communication. IDA works with the identity of the company, reinforcing those key values which define the current entrepreneurial climate. It is true that in all the world the success of Made in Italy is inextricably linked its ‘intangible’ spirit of creativity, its strong impact and the efficiency of its production methods, IDA translates this value, making it tangible and intelligible.

Italian Design Classic Selection - www.idcsontour.it

East Design - www.eastdesign.org

SOURCE: Italian Design on Tour, www.idot.it

I. Dot SELECTED FIRMS

ALESSI

ALTEK

ANTI DIVA

ART CERAM

ARTEMIDE

BERLONI BOSCAARREDI

CASADESIGN CASAMANIA

BY FREZZA CRASSEVIG

DANESE

DR lADE

ELMAR

ESTEL 0 FFICE

FRANCOCECCOTTI

FRIGHETTO

GABER

GIORGETTI

IB RUBINETTERIE

ISEA BAGGIO KOSE

LAGO

LA PALMA

MATTEO GRASSI

MAZZALI

MDF ITALIA

METAL SPOT

MISSONI BYT&J VESTOR MIZAR

MONTINA

RUGGIU

SPHAUS

STUDIO ITALIA DESIGN

TARGA ITALIA

VERSUSCHIRICO

YCAMI

I.DoT SELECTED DESIGNERS

ADRIAN I & ROSSI

ARCHIRIVOLTO

DODO ARSLAN

SATOSHI ASAMI

VITTORIO BAGGIO

FABIO BORTOLANI

ANTONIO BULLO

CHI WING LO

DOMENICO CHIRICO

LlNO CODATO

CARLO COLOMBO

LUCIANO DALMONEGO

CARLOTTA DE BEVILACQUA

FRANCESCA DONATI

MAURIZIO DURANTI

ENZO EUSEBI_NOTHING STUDIO

PIERO ESPOSITO

EUROLINEA

FAVARETTOAND PARTNERS

MARCO FERRERI

NAOTO FUKASAWA

ERNESTO GISMONDI

CORY GROSSER

ZAHA HADID

HERZOG & DE MEURON

JAMES IRVINE

ORAITO

DANIELE LAGO

SOPHIE LARGER

DAVID LEWIS

MASSIMO MARIANI

ALESSANDRO MENDINI con ANNALISA MARGARINI

SANDRO MENEGHELLO & MARCO PAOLELLI

NEULAND INDUSTRIEDESIGN

LUCA NICHETTO & CARLO TINTI

JEAN NOUVEL

ON OSTWALD & NOLTING

CRISTIAN PAVANELLO FRANCO POll

KARIM RASHID

ROSARIA RATTIN

LEONARDO ROSSANO

ORAZIO SPADA

T&J VESTOR

HAAS TON

PIO & TITO TOSO

PATRICIA URQUIOLA

SEAN YOO

lTIlCSi

ID_CS SELECTED FIRMS

ANNIBALE COLOMBO

ARS VIVENDI

ASSI D'ASOLO

BIZZOTTO Classic Sensations

BRIAN FORM

CANTORI

CARLO RAMPAZZI & SERGIO VILLA

CARPANELLI

CREAZIONI by Silik

DECORI by Mobilificio d'ATte Marchetti

GAROFOLI

INTERIOR BELTRAMINI LE SOFA'

MAZZALI

MINITALLUX

NOVO

PROVASI

TA-BRU

TU RATI & C.

ID_CS SELECTED DESIGNERS

LORIANO BARANI

GASTONE BIZZOTTO

LEOPOLDO CARPANELLI

GIUSEPPE CARPANELLI

IVANO COLOMBO

ANNIBALE COLOMBO

LUCIANO COLOMBO

MARCELLO CUNEO

LUCIANO DAL BELLO

LUCIANO DALMONEGO

CESARE FERRARI

FERNANDO GAROFOLI

FEDERICO GREGORUTTI

GIORDANA MARCHETTI

GIULIANO MELIOLI

ELISABETTA NORFINI

MARCO PAGNONCELLI

IRENE PINI

CARLO RAMPAZZI

FRANCO TARGIONI

UMBERTO TURATI

THE ALMERICO DE ANGELIS

YOUNG DESIGNERS' AWARD - WINNERS

99lC ARCHITECTURE MEDIA DESIGN

DODO ARSLAN

FILIPPO BICH

MARCO CIAMPA, ANGELO COSTA, TATJANA TREBESCH AND ELISABETTA VITALETTI DISSOCIATE

GAM PLUS FRATESI

CONSTANZE JAKOB @ LIBERA UNIVERS ITA' DI BOLZANO

GUALTIERO SACCHI

ENRIQUE LUIS SARDI

GIANMARIA SFORZA FOGLIANI

(C) MBN 2006 (William Hoehne)

Posted by ladymountbatten at 10:41 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (1)

Below is what is supposed to be a letter in support of those in Iraq and pictures from them.

Baker Company not one of last marine units in Iraq even at time thios was orginally sent out and all pictures that were included which will not be published are properties of news organizations and not taken by those this letter was supposed to be from.

This is a ribbon for soldiers fighting in Iraq. Pass it on to everyone
and pray.











SLEEP LAST NIGHT?








Bed a little lumpy...




Toss and turn any...



Wish the heat was higher...



Maybe the a/c wasn't on...



Had to go to the john...



Need a drink of water...





Scroll down


















Yes... It is like that!


Count your blessings, pray for them,


Talk to your Creator

and

the next time when...


the other car cuts you off and you must hit the brakes,

or you have to park a little further from Walmart than you want to be,

or you're served slightly warm food at the restaurant,

or you're sitting and cursing the traffic in front of you,


or the shower runs out of hot water,




Think of them...


Protecting your freedom!






DO NOT DELETE-PLS PASS ON-Message from Iraq






The proud warriors of Baker Company wanted to do something to pay
tribute To our fallen comrades. So since we are part of the only Marine
Infantry Battalion left in Iraq the one way that we could think of doing
that is By taking a picture of Baker Company saying the way we feel. It
would be awesome if you could find a way to share this with our fellow
countrymen. I was wondering if there was any way to get this into your papers to let
the world know that "WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN" and are proud to serve our !
country." Semper Fi

1stSgt Dave Jobe


The attached photo was forwarded from one of the last U.S. Marine
companies in Iraq. They would like to have it passed to as many people as
possible, to let the folks back home know that they remember why they're
there and that they remember those who've been lost.

Posted by ladymountbatten at 10:35 PM | Permalink

All,
>I tell you, you can never predict what the day will bring. Some days
>are rough, some are odd, some good &then there are some that you will
>never forget. Yesterday was one of those days that I will never forget
>as long as I live. I tell you, I was totally blown away. What happened
>to me yesterday out does all of the photos I have sent and all the
>stories I have told to you about my experiences over here. The day
>started off as any other, planning the mission, briefing it, and
>heading out the gate. It was about 120 degrees and we had been on
>mission for about 3 hours. Everybody was miserable and no one in the
>community was cooperating. It was just a plain old bad day. The kids
>were the usual, always there to get a toy or candy. I was not in the
>mood that day to be pleasant, so I separated myself from the group
>passing out the gifts and just pulled rear security. I even told kids
>to keep away, but this one child, who appeared to have down syndrome,
>just kept watching me. Every time I moved, he moved. He was literally
>like my shadow. I pointed to the guys giving out gifts and told him to
>go to them and he shook his head no. I just looked at him like what do
>you want.





Now here is the part that just broke me down. He slowly
>walked over, looked up at me, stuck out his hand and said, in
>English, 'Thank you for making me safe!'





I didn't know what to say, My
>words just stuck in my throat. All I could do was smile and do my best
>to keep it together, he wouldn't even let go of my hand. He just kept
>looking up at me and shaking my hand. I mean what do you do? It was
>absolutely the best thing that could have happened to me on that day
>or even on my whole tour over here, totally unbelievable. I didn't
>know it at the time, but one of the other guys had a camera and caught
>the moment. During de-brief the unit was showing slides on the
>projector for the days mission and this photo popped up. I lost it and
>I had to walk out of the room. It took me several minutes to shake it
>off. Unbelievable!! Remember this picture/moment every time the news
tells you about all the bad going on over here! We are absolutely making
a difference, even if it is only one step at a time!!! I hope all of my
last 15+ days go this way.....See you all in August.
>WOW!!!!
>
>v/r
>Brian
>
>BRIAN A CISSELL, BMC(SW/AW)>
>BMC(SW/AW) BRIAN A CISSELL
>OPERATIONS OFFICER / NCOIC
>2/101st BCT RO, FOB MAHMUDIYAH
>MNC-I7
>USACE-GRC
>APO, AE 09342
>Office: 540-542-6769 or 540-678-3864
>Iraqna: 0790-236-0774
>brian.a.cissell@tac01.usace.army.mil

The picture has been said to have been taken by a member of unit named SSG Peck.

(None of the above is varified.)

Posted by ladymountbatten at 10:11 PM | Permalink

Though found in a variety of places, this Ad Spending forecast from TNS Media Intelligence in June is a valuable data reference document. The current report shows that total U.S. advertising spending is expected to increase 4.9 percent in 2006 to $150.3 billion. This is a downward revision from the company's prior forecast of 5.4 percent growth issued in January.

The first half of 2006 is projected to register a 4.5 percent gain, says the report, while the second half of the year is expected to advance by 5.3 percent, led by robust levels of political advertising.

Steven J. Fredericks, President and Chief Executive Officer, TNS Media Intelligence, said "Although our revised forecast is downward, total advertising spending is still on track to achieve respectable, moderate gains during 2006. Performance will be sharply delineated along sector lines with Internet, Spanish Language Media and most forms of television registering above average growth rates while radio and print media lag behind."

Posted by ladymountbatten at 09:56 PM | Permalink

Posted by ladymountbatten at 09:54 PM | Permalink