July 28, 2006 (REBUILD)
Sony Pictures Imageworks Takes the Stage at SIGGRAPH 2006
MONSTER HOUSE and OPEN SEASON Presentations Highlight Company's Diversity and Quality of Work
Sony SXRD 4K Projector Featured in Imageworks Booth #1506
Master Artist Karl Gnass Featured in Imageworks Booth for 9th Consecutive Year of Popular Drawing Classes
Academy Award(R) winning digital production studio Sony Pictures Imageworks is set to showcase its innovative and diverse range of CG work and digital effects at SIGGRAPH 2006, the 33rd annual international conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques.
"This has been a very productive year for Imageworks in terms of our four active production pipelines: live action visual effects, performance capture, all CG animation and 3D stereoscopic work," said Tim Sarnoff, president of Sony Pictures Imageworks. "We're proud to share examples of each pipeline with SUPERMAN RETURNS, MONSTER HOUSE and Sony Pictures Animation's first CG-feature, OPEN SEASON."
Imageworks is a participant in every aspect of the conference including the prestigious Electronic Theater program, panels, courses and special sessions.
On the Show Floor
Imageworks will be presenting materials this year in booth #1506 on the Sony SRX-R105 SXRD 4K projector. As one of four models in the SXRD 4K projector line-up, the SRX-R105 provides an image resolution of over 8.8 million pixels at a brightness of 5,000 lumens, with stunning contrast and accurate color reproduction. These products provide high-quality, high-resolution projection in applications from visualization and simulation to digital cinema.
In its ninth consecutive year, Imageworks will present the popular life drawing class "Master Life Drawing and the Art of the Dynamic Pose" with Master Instructor Karl Gnass, author of "Spirit of the Pose: Sketchbook 1" in the Imageworks booth #1506. Gnass has been teaching drawing for over 35 years and has worked with Imageworks for the past 10 years instructing artists at the facility each week in his life drawing class.
"Master Instructor Karl Gnass has been teaching life drawing classes at Imageworks every week since 1996," said Sande Scoredos, executive director of training and artist development. "His life drawing classes not only improve aesthetics and animation skills but also increase powers of observation, communication, and visualization. These studio art classes are considered a staple of the Imageworks Training & Artist Development core curriculum and are available to everyone at Imageworks."
Electronic Theater
This year, Imageworks has been honored with two selections for screening in the jury-selected Electronic Theater: "MONSTER HOUSE: There Goes the Neighborhood" by visual effects supervisor Jay Redd and "OPEN SEASON: Separating the Trees from the Forest" by visual effects supervisor Doug Ikeler.
Monster House is currently in theaters; OPEN SEASON debuts nationwide September 29.
Courses Imageworks will be offering two courses: "The Art of OPEN SEASON" Sunday, July 30 8:30am - 12:15pm (Hall C)
Presented by visual effects supervisor Doug Ikeler, animation supervisor Sean Mullen, and CG supervisors Max Bruce and Darren Lurie, this session will offer a detailed behind-the-scenes view of how a team of digital artists and technicians worked closely with a team of talented traditional storytellers and artists to create the first feature animated film from Sony Pictures Animation. The course will demonstrate how the most advanced technology and tools were developed from concept to screen.
"Performance-Driven Facial Animation" Wednesday, August 2 8:30am - 5:30pm (Room 205)
Parag Havaldar, software architect, will cover the tracking, cross-mapping, and model derivation technologies used on MONSTER HOUSE. Current and forthcoming motion-capture techniques and application case studies from recent and current projects will be presented.
Additional Appearances
Imageworks artists will also be participating in educational panels and presentations in various booths including:
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MySpace Hottie Gets a Dose of Reality in ABC's 'One Ocean View'
Playboy Model Heather Lutz Deals With Blonde Bimbo Stereotype
MySpace pin-up girl and Playboy model Heather Lutz, star of the upcoming new ABC reality show "One Ocean View," is experiencing the pitfalls of sudden fame -- stereotyping.
Although the Pennsylvania native is thrilled with the opportunities she has as a result of her MySpace and Playboy layouts, she still contends with the dumb blonde cliche. Lutz responds to being described in the New York Post as an "attention-craving Playboy nudie girl." Lutz says, "I was in Playboy and I was nude, but I don't think I'm any more attention-craving than most people. I mean, who doesn't like getting attention."
Hardly the ditzy blonde, Lutz holds a Kinesiology degree from Penn State where she was consistently on the Dean's List.
Lutz originally created a flurry of attention with her MySpace page, which features the once-brunette tomboy and straight-A student as a flirty farmer's daughter who champions animal rights.
MySpace boasts 17.47 million unique visitors per month, over 50,000 of which visit Lutz.
Playboy discovered Lutz and invited her to be immortalized as one of their "Girls of MySpace" in the June 2006 issue and upcoming DVD. As a result, Lutz signed on with ABC's "One Ocean View."
Lutz now has the daunting task of sorting through offers that typecast the 27 year-old beauty. The new reality star and model sees herself as the host of a twenty-something TV show, but for now she's happy to kick back and enjoy "One Ocean View."
"One Ocean View," a new reality series from "The Real World" producers Jonathan Murray and Joey Carson, follows hot singles during a hot summer on Fire Island. Skin is in starting Monday, July 31 at 10 p.m. on ABC.
Denzel Washington, Clive Owen y Jodie Foster protagonizan la aclamada película de suspenso y robo
INSIDE MAN: Disponible en DVD agosto 8, 2006 de Universal Studios Home Entertainment
‘Una inigualable película de suspenso y robo’. Jim Ferguson, ABC-TV
Ganadores al Oscar (R) Denzel Washington (Training Day, Man on Fire) y Jodie Foster (Flightplan, Silence of the Lambs), y el nominado al Oscar (R) Clive Owen (Derailed, Sin City) encabezan el elenco de la intensa película, llena de acción y crimen, Inside Man. Disponible en DVD el 8 de agosto del 2006 de Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Producida por el ganador del premio de la Academia Brian Grazer (A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man) y dirigida por el director nominado al Oscar (R) Spike Lee (Malcolm X), Inside Man electrifica con emocionantes palpitaciones mientras un determinado detective, un astuto asaltante de bancos y un misterioso hombre de negocios se encuentran en una encrucijada mortal con vidas en peligro mientras el tiempo corre rápidamente. Llena de brillantes situaciones, y una conclusión impresionante que tendrá a toda la audiencia adivinando hasta el final, el DVD de Inside Man tiene un valor de $29.98 SRP.
Qué dicen los críticos de INSIDE MAN
Inside Man ha sido una de las mejores películas del año, ganando aprobación en todo el país. Shawn Edwards de Fox Televisión escribió: “Empieza con un ingenioso chisporroteo y termina con una explosión impresionante.” Pete Hammond de Maxim alaba Inside Man como “Un fascinante juego de gato y ratón,” y el Wall Street Journal la declaro como “Una película de suspenso que esta encima del dinero.”
UNA BÓVEDA DE UN BANCO LLENO DE SORPRESAS
El DVD de The Inside Man esta lleno de extras que proveen escenas detrás de cámaras con la emocionante historia de la creación de la película y las profesionales decisiones que Spike Lee, el director, tuvo que enfrentar.
-- Más de 25 minutos de escenas borradas
-- Numero 4 – Spike Lee y Denzel Washington se sientan y discuten su cuarta y más reciente colaboración
-- La producción de The Inside Man
-- Comentario Especial del director Spike Lee
SINOPSIS
Denzel Washington y Jodie Foster, ganadores al premio de la Academia y Clive Owen, nominado al premio de la Academia protagonizan esta intensa y explosiva película de crimen y suspenso. El asalto de banco perfecto, pronto se convierte en juego de vida o muerte entre un genio criminal (Owen), un detective determinado (Washington), y un hombre de negocios con un secreto (Foster). Mientras los minutos pasan, y la situación se pone mas tensa, un paso en falso podría significar un desastre total para cualquiera de ellos. Del aclamado director, Spike Lee, viene la película de suspenso que le tendrá al borde de la silla y que el Wall Street Journal ha nombrado “una película de suspenso que esta encima de dinero.”
Para más información favor visitar: http://www.theinsideman.net.
ELENCO & REALIZADORES
Director: Spike Lee
Escrita Por: Russell Gewirtz
Producida Por: Brian Grazer
Productores Ejecutivos: Daniel M. Rosenberg, Jon Kilik, Karen Kehela Sherwood, Kim Roth
Director de Fotografía: Matthew Libatique, ASC
Diseño de Producción: Wynn Thomas
Edición Por: Barry Alexander Brown
Música Por: Terence Blanchard
Diseño de Vestuario: Donna Berwick
Elenco: Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer, Willem Dafoe, Chiwetel Ejiofor
INFORMACION TECNICA DVD
Fecha de Estreno: August 8, 2006
Copyright: 2006 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Precio: $29.98 SRP
Numero de Selección: 28847 (Widescreen); 30125 (Full screen)
Duración: 2 Horas y 9 Minutos
Layers: Dual
Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen (1:66:1/1:85:1); Full Screen (1:33:1)
Clasificada: R (for language and some violent images)
Información Técnica: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; French Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; Subtítulos: Inglés, SDH Español y Francés
Para artes finales visite nuestro portal de Internet en http://www.ushepublicity.com o envíe una solicitud por fax a Universal Studios Home Entertainment Publicity al (818) 866-0226.
Universal Studios Home Entertainment es una unidad de Universal Pictures, una división de Universal Studios (http://www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios es parte de NBC Universal, una de las compañías de medios y entretenimiento líderes en el mundo en el desarrollo, producción y mercadeo de entretenimientos, noticias e información dirigida a una audiencia global. Formada en mayo del 2004 a través de la combinación de NBC y Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal posee y opera un importante portafolio de cadenas de noticias y entretenimiento, una destacada compañía de cine, significativas operaciones de producción de televisión, un grupo líder de estaciones de televisión y los renombrados mundialmente parques temáticos. NBC Universal es propiedad en un 80% de General Electric, con un 20% controlado por Vivendi Universal.
FOX Sports en Español Bolsters Team of On-Air Commentators
Renowned Mexican sports journalist and commentator Raúl Orvañanos joins Fox Sports en Español and Fox Sports Latin America
Fox Sports en Español announced today the addition of Mexican commentator and sports journalist Raúl Orvañanos to its team of on-air personalities. Effective immediately, Orvañanos will take over as the new host of “Fox Gol Mexico,” which airs Sundays at 7:00 p.m. PT/10:00 p.m. ET, and will play a pivotal role in the network’s exclusive and live telecasts of the Copa Toyota Libertadores and Copa Nissan Sudamericana, as well as contribute to the network’s news programs “Diario Fox Sports” and “Palabra del Deporte.”
“We are proud to welcome Raúl Orvañanos to the Fox family,” said David Sternberg, executive vice president and general manager for Fox Sports en Español. “Raúl’s extensive experience in sports journalism, coupled with his strong following among our viewers, makes him the perfect addition to our already strong team of on-air commentators and personalities. We look forward to working with Raúl to continue to deliver the highest quality, Spanish-language sports news and programming available, both in the United States and across the Spanish-speaking Americas.”
Spanning both radio and television, Orvañanos’ illustrious career has put him front and center of some of the most important and prestigious sporting events over the last two decades, including Copa América, European Cup, the Summer Olympics from 1980 to 1996, and eight World Cups, the most of any Mexican sports journalist worldwide. A veteran sports producer, host and commentator, he possesses an in-depth knowledge of sports and tremendous creativity which has enabled him to develop a variety of soccer-related programs for television and radio, including “Solo DFútbol“ and “La Jugada,” which airs in the United States on Galavision. Orvañanos is currently the official commentator for the Mexican National Team and contributes two columns each week for Mexican newspaper, El Record.
About Fox Sports en Español
Fox Sports en Español features more than 1,500 hours of live, exclusive sports programming in Spanish and, with few exceptions, English SAP each year, including the Copa Toyota Libertadores, Copa Nissan Sudamericana, InterLiga and the FIFA Club World Cup soccer tournaments; the Major League Baseball playoffs, All-Star Game and World Series; and Championship boxing from Mexico and the U.S. The channel reaches nearly 9 million cable and satellite households in the U.S.
Fox Sports en Español is distributed by Fox Cable Networks Group and operated by Fox Pan American Sports LLC, an international sports programming and production entity jointly owned by Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst and News Corporation's (NYSE: NWS) Fox Sports International. For more information, visit Fox Sports en Español online at fse.tv.
Arbitron Portable People Meter Shows Bigger Radio Audiences During Sporting Events And Sports Programming
Arbitron shares new insights into sports audiences on radio providing
radio stations and radio advertisers with new marketing opportunities
The Arbitron Portable People Meter (PPM SM) consistently captures more listeners to sporting events on radio, especially those with afternoon and early-evening start times, according to a new presentation released today by Arbitron Inc. (NYSE: ARB).
The study, “The Value of Play-by-Play in a PPM World,” shows broadcasters and advertisers how the PPM delivers much quicker, more reliable and more detailed insight into sports radio broadcasting than the current radio ratings system. The presentation, released at the Radio Play-by-Play Industry Conference in Chicago, shows larger audiences to sports radio during major sporting events such as World Cup Soccer, the NFL Football Draft and for regular local team games.
“Electronic measurement via the PPM is better, more reliable, faster and more granular than other means of measuring play-by-play audiences,” said John Snyder, vice president, PPM Sales, Arbitron. “With the PPM, we can see higher ratings and larger audiences during specific kinds of sports programming, especially during the afternoon and early evening, including the evening rush hour, when listeners aren’t near a television.”
While the standard Arbitron radio diary does indicate that flagship sports stations have higher total (cume) audiences during a regular season, the Arbitron PPM shows a significantly larger total audience for play-by-play sports then does the paper and pencil diary.
In addition cume audiences for play-by-play sports is directly linked with start time. For the most part, earlier games will have higher cumes, according to the presentation.
Key examples included in the presentation:
- Talk show audiences increase after big wins or losses. While average cume audience (September to December 2005) to “Talk Football with David Carr” in Houston is about 8,700 persons age 6 and older. On the Monday after a close loss, the cume was 21,000 persons. On the Monday after a victory, it was even higher, at 25,600 persons 6+
- World Cup Soccer recorded huge audiences on Spanish language Houston radio stations. While the May average cume for KEYH-AM/KXGJ-FM was just under 25,000 persons, audiences increased in June to over 153,000 during several World Cup broadcasts.
- The NFL Draft proved a big draw on KILT-AM, particular when the Houston Texans surprised local fans. On Saturday, April 29 at exactly noon, the Houston Texans kicked off the 71st NFL Draft with a bang by passing up on Reggie Bush and selecting defensive end Mario Williams with the No. 1 pick. Audiences from the NFL Draft jumped from 12,600 cume at 10 A.M. to nearly 45,000 at noon the same day.
- Radio ratings to sports events are directly related to the proportion of the audience that is out of home. Because of the impact of out of home audience on radio ratings, radio and TV audiences to the same sporting event tend to be complementary. As one medium declines, the other will tend to rise.
“With PPM, stations and advertisers get more frequent updates during the season,” Snyder said. “The combination of electronic measurement and daily sample size allows PPM to pick up special features and events the diary never could, enabling stations to enhance overall programming.
“The change from diary to PPM will impact everything from selling cycles to ratings to the ability to monetize special features,” he said. “In all likelihood, the ‘emotional’ sell of sports will be replaced with a more ‘fact-based’ sell, and this ‘estimate driven’ world should bring new advertisers to play-by-play who hadn’t considered it before. PPM opens the door to a whole new level of understanding that wasn’t possible with the diary.”
The full presentation and a webcast replay are available on the Arbitron web site at:
http://www.arbitron.com/portable_people_meters/play_by_play.htm
About Arbitron
Arbitron Inc. (NYSE: ARB) is an international media and marketing research firm serving radio broadcasters, cable companies, advertisers, advertising agencies and outdoor advertising companies in the United States, Mexico and Europe. Arbitron’s core businesses are measuring network and local market radio audiences across the United States; surveying the retail, media and product patterns of local market consumers; and providing application software used for analyzing media audience and marketing information data. The Company has also developed the Portable People Meter (PPM), a new technology for media and marketing research.
Arbitron’s marketing and business units are supported by its research and technology organization, located in Columbia, Maryland. Arbitron has approximately 1,700 employees; its executive offices are located in New York City.
Through its Scarborough Research joint venture with VNU, Inc., Arbitron also provides media and marketing research services to the broadcast television, magazine, newspaper and online industries.
What's So Funny About "The Da Vinci Code"?
Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" is a monumental worldwide phenomenon that has been called the most important book in decades. With more than 60.5 million copies in print, it has been a fixture on bestseller lists virtually non-stop since it was released by Doubleday in 2003. Along with its success, the book has generated more than its fair share of criticism and controversy. Some of these critics are tying themselves in knots fretting about every little detail of the book.
Dr. Judith P. Shoaf of the University of Florida decided to take on "The Da Vinci Code" another way. With tongue firmly in cheek, Shoaf has written "The Da Vinci Barcode," a clever and refreshing parody of Dan Brown's popular book. She decided to have some fun with Dan Brown's sometimes confusing work.
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"The Da Vinci Barcode" presents a look at an alternate universe where, as in Brown's novel, fact and fiction are intertwined. "Everything in this book was meticulously researched," says Shoaf, who holds a PhD in French and Medieval Studies from Cornell University. "However, any time I found that the actual facts didn't fit my story, I ignored them." Her parody makes fun of two of Brown's premises. First, her hero is a professor of Symbology, like Brown's Robert Langdon -- but here Symbology is the "science" of commercial barcodes, not of religious symbols. Secondly, whereas Brown's hero and heroine are looking for the long-hidden and highly controversial relics of the body of Mary Magdalen, Shoaf's characters are well aware that there are plenty of sets of Mary Magdalene's bones in French churches.
Shoaf constructs her own quest for meaning, involving the role of saints and symbols in human life, the genetic code, and the mystery of twinship. Instead of a high spiritual quest; however, her characters are looking for the lowliest of symbols, the little bar code label that contains data about an item that is for sale. This cheerful parody will have you looking at "The Da Vinci Code" in a whole new light.
Mindy Smith's "Long Island Shores" Set for Release Oct. 10
 Singer/Songwriter's Sophomore Album Is a Follow-Up to Her Stellar Debut "One Moment More""Before releasing 2004's acclaimed 'One Moment More,' Smith charmed country fans with her rendition of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene.' On 'Shores,' she delivers more sweetly robust roots-pop songs in a soprano as gorgeously pure and clear as Alison Krauss' or Patty Griffin's." -- USA Today On the heels of her critically acclaimed Vanguard Records debut, singer-songwriter Mindy Smith is back with her highly anticipated sophomore CD, "Long Island Shores," a nod to her family and her heritage growing up in Smithtown, New York. The album is scheduled for release on Oct. 10th. "Long Island Shores" retains the raw, emotional intimacy of Mindy's songs and haunting vocals but adds some sharp edges both musically and lyrically, broadening the landscape of Mindy's storytelling. Mindy co-produced this record with Steve Buckingham and Lex Price along with additional production by Roger Moutenot. Smith's debut album, "One Moment More" featured the hit single, "Come to Jesus," which earned her critical accolades and went on to sell close to 300,000 copies. She recorded a version of "Jolene," the first single on the much-praised Dolly Parton tribute album, "Just Because I'm a Woman," which included contributions from Norah Jones, Sinead O'Connor, Melissa Etheridge and Alison Krauss. She made her national debut on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," performed on Lifetime's "Women Rock" Television Special, had a video in top rotation at CMT and was part of VH1's "You Oughta Know" Program. She went on to perform on Conan O'Brien and was featured on National Public Radio. The album took on a life of its own with several songs being heard on national television shows such as HBO's "Six Feet Under" and the WB's "Smallville" and "Summerland." The press was effusive in its praise of the Nashville-based singer-songwriter. "One of the most buzzed-about albums of the new year," raved USA Today, while Rolling Stone said simply, "Smith's voice is marvelous." Harp magazine called her "a contender if ever there was one," while The New York Times enthused, "...excellent debut album." Mindy also co-wrote with John Scott Sherrill the current Alison Krauss single, "If I Didn't Know Any Better." |
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- ARCHIVES
- Irish Singer-Songwriter Tracy Lyons' Second Album "I Will" Was Released July 25th on Mythic Records Through West 57th Street Entertainment
- Consumer Confidence Up in Mid-July, But Still Conservative
- Author of Best-Selling 'LAUREL CANYON' to Appear at Mods & Rockers Film Festival - Saturday Aug. 5
- Spike TV Highlights - September 2006
- Shanda and Motorola Launch Exclusive Mobile Content
- Mariah Carey Adds Second Show to Trump Taj Mahal's Entertainment Lineup
- DOD: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
- Financial & Business News
- Recent Posts
ARCHIVES
Irish Singer-Songwriter Tracy Lyons' Second Album "I Will" Was Released July 25th on Mythic Records Through West 57th Street Entertainment
Artist's Official Website Launched Today At www.tracylyons.com
"When I started working with KC Porter," says singer-songwriter Tracy Lyons in her signature Irish lilt, "he really pushed me, and I went to this place I'd never sung from before." GRAMMY® winning Porter, who produced much of Tracy's new album "I Will," says, "Her sweetness, her gentle spirit, creates a tone that penetrates deep into your soul, like a soft storm of sorts. There's so much emotion, yet with a beautiful and kind delivery."
"I Will" was released on July 25th on West 57th Street Entertainment, recently launched by music industry veterans Mason Munoz and Louis Levin, with offices in New York City and Weston, CT. The ten-song disc -- to be distributed through Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA) -- leads with the first single "Don't You Know," a Porter-produced track that gets under your skin on first listen, and has been added by AAA stations nationwide. Additional cuts were produced by Canadian Juno Award winner Greg Kavanagh, and the album was mixed by venerable GRAMMY winning engineer Ed Cherney.
Other stand-out tracks include title song "I Will" and "Save Me," the latter dealing with Lyons' focus on environmental health issues. Of that song, Porter says, "Music can change the world in so many ways, and uplift the spirit. Tracy is one of the few voices really speaking out in support of the need to respect the environment, the need for change in that area."
"I Will" follows up "Surrender," released in 2002 on Vapor Records, which prompted Billboard Magazine to write, "With the impressive debut 'Surrender,' singer/tunesmith Tracy Lyons proves that she has a knack for wrapping strong words in a velvet glove." That album's single "Love Hurts" drew national radio attention, and led to opening act appearances with Kenny Loggins, Dave Mason, Shawn Colvin and Los Lonely Boys, among other artists, and to the headliner slot on the "green"-themed summer 2004 tour "SHOW: The Sustainable Energy Roadshow," which played major festivals throughout California.
The official Tracy Lyons website launches today, Thursday, July 27th. Fans will be able to sample new music and view a short documentary about the artist including interviews and live footage.
Following several years honing her skills living and working in Northern California, the now Los Angeles-based Lyons says, "the more naked you are with your emotions, the more you can connect with other people." On her new album "I Will," she does just that.
For more information visit www.tracylyons.com
Consumer Confidence Up in Mid-July, But Still Conservative
According to theBIGresearch Consumer Intentions & Actions Survey of over 8,000 consumers as of July 12, confidence rebounds with 39.5% confident/very confident in chances for a strong economy, up almost four points from last month, but still four points below last year (43.9%). And, this uptick in confidence also has consumers less worried about political/national security issues. This month, 18.1% report that they remain concerned, down about a point from last month, and even with last year.
More than two in five consumers, though, contend they've become more practical and realistic in purchasing, up two points from June (39.9%) and more than four points from last year (37.4%). Mirroring the rise in practicality, this month more also insist they're focusing on needs over wants... the majority (52.0%) say so, a rise from 49.8% in June and 44.3% in '05.
26.9% of the respondents say they plan to increase savings in the next three months, up from 26.2% in June. "Pay down debt" is still the financial priority among 35.9%, relatively even with last month and down almost a point from last year (36.6%). "Pay with cash more" and "decrease overall spending" also stable from last month.
With the national average for regular unleaded gas topping off at $2.963/gal (AAA, 7/12/06), one-fifth of motorists say they'll alter driving habits at $3/gal, though it only took prices of $2.25 to $2.75/gal to change the patterns of 31.8% behind the wheel. Another fifth responded that prices at the pump will not influence them to change their habits.
78.2% of the younger crowd (18-34 year olds), which includes students and young families, cite that rising gas prices are crunching their budgets, which is significantly more than the 70.6% of those 55+ who say the same. 77.8% of middle-aged drivers (35-54 years) contend that gas prices are having no major impact on spending.
The 90 Day Outlook improves month-over-month in July for many categories, according to the BIGresearch Diffusion Index (those who say they'll spend less subtracted from those who'll spend more). But this month's bump in consumer confidence wasn't enough to boost most spending intentions year-over-year:
Retail Merchandise Categories - 90 Day Outlook (July 06 compared to June 06 and July 05) | ||
Category | June 06 | July 05 |
Children's | UP | UP |
Women's Dress | UP | FLAT |
CDs/DVDs/Videos/Books | UP | DOWN |
Women's Casual | DOWN | DOWN |
Men's Dress | UP | DOWN |
Men's Casual | UP slightly | DOWN |
Home Improvement | FLAT | DOWN |
Shoes | UP | UP |
HBC | UP | DOWN |
Dining Out | DOWN slightly | DOWN |
Decorative Home Furnishings | UP | DOWN |
Sporting Goods | UP | DOWN |
Linens/Bedding/Draperies | UP | DOWN |
Toys and Games | UP | UP slightly |
Electronics | DOWN | DOWN |
Groceries | UP | DOWN |
Lawn & Garden | DOWN | DOWN |
Home Furniture | UP | DOWN |
Source: BIGresearch, July 2006 | ||
Author of Best-Selling 'LAUREL CANYON' to Appear at Mods & Rockers Film Festival - Saturday Aug. 5
www.laurelcanyonthebook.com
www.modsandrockers.com
Los Angeles-based journalist Michael Walker, author of LAUREL CANYON: THE INSIDE STORY OF ROCK AND ROLL's LEGENDARY NEIGHBORHOOD (Faber and Faber/FSG), will make a special appearance Saturday Aug. 5 at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood in conjunction with the 2006 Mods & Rockers Film Festival, running now through August 31. It is a free-admission event open to all the public.
Walker will give a one-hour talk adapted from his new best-selling book about the remarkable music scene that blossomed in the 60s and 70s in Laurel Canyon, the rustic neighborhood just above the Sunset Strip where Crosby, Stills and Nash first sang together and the cream of L.A.'s rock royalty lived and played in the 60s and 70s.
Residents of Laurel Canyon included Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash, Frank Zappa, John Mayall, Jackson Browne, Carole King, Jim Morrison, the Mamas and the Papas, the Byrds and many other influential musicians of the era.
With so many of the baby-boom's leading musical lights living there, says Walker, "it was inevitable that some masterpieces of '60s and '70s rock and pop music would be created in Laurel Canyon." Crosby Stills and Nash's classic "Our House" was inspired by Graham Nash's love affair with Joni Mitchell at her Laurel Canyon cottage "with two cats in the yard."
LAUREL CANYON has spent two months on the Los Angeles Times Book Review bestseller list and was featured in Rolling Stone and Salon. The book has helped fuel a multi-generational rediscovery of the music and culture of the 1960s and 1970s, as evidenced by this summer's sellout tours by the Rolling Stones, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Bob Dylan, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Walker will speak from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Egyptian's Steven Spielberg Theatre. A reception and booksigning will follow; copies of LAUREL CANYON will be available for purchase.
The Mods & Rockers Film Festival has been presented every year since 1999 by The American Cinematheque. This year's edition running 6 weeks (July 13-August 31) is the largest ever rock 'n' roll film festival held in the US. It is co-produced and hosted by its co-founder -- humorist, producer & Sirius Satellite Radio host Martin Lewis.
Spike TV Highlights - September 2006
SPECIAL EVENTS/MARATHONS
* METAL OF HONOR -- THE IRONWORKERS OF 9/11 -- PRESENTED WITH LIMITED
COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTION
Premieres Tuesday, September 5 (9:00 - 10:30 PM, ET/PT) with LIMITED
COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTION. Encores Tuesday, September 5 (10:30 PM -
Midnight, ET/PT) and Saturday, September 9 (9:00 - 10:30 AM, ET/PT).
On September 11, 2001, there were many heroes. Much attention has been
paid to the firefighters and the police officers that gave their hearts,
souls and in many cases, their lives on that fateful day, but there is
another group whose story remains untold ... the New York City
ironworkers. Without them, the rescue and recovery efforts at the World
Trade Center would not have been possible. Spike TV presents METAL OF
HONOR, which chronicles the incredible story of the courageous New York
City ironworkers who risked their lives following the tragic events of
September 11.
Miniseries Premiere!
* BOSTON PD
Premieres Friday, September 29 (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); part two
Friday, September 29 (11:00 PM - Midnight), ET/PT.
This four-part action packed documentary miniseries that follows the
lives of Boston Police officers on and off the job. Boston PD takes a
rare glimpse into the daily routines of cops fighting crime in some of
the city's worst neighborhoods. In the series, viewers see how the most
routine traffic stop can lead to anything; and how a simple question to
a young man standing on a street corner can turn into an all-out chase
and take down, leading to the confiscation of a lethal weapon. Viewers
will also get an inside look into how the work impacts the personal
lives of the cops across different police units and how they find ways
to cope.
* SEASONED
Premieres Monday, September 4 (10:00 - 11:30 PM, ET/PT); encores Sunday,
September 10 (9:00 - 10:30 AM, ET/PT).
From producer Jon Stewart and the director of the Emmy-Award winning
documentary "Journeys With George," comes this look at that intensely
loyal, often misunderstood, and always optimistic creature known as a
"Diehard Football Fan." In 2005-2006, filmmaker Aaron Lubarsky spent one
wild season with some long-time supporters of the Minnesota Vikings to
explore just how fanatical these fans really are.
* THE PLAYBOOK FOR: BEATING THE SYSTEM
Premieres Wednesday, September 27 (11:30 PM - Midnight, ET/PT); encores
Saturday, September 30 (1:00 - 1:30 AM, ET/PT).
Donald Faison (Scrubs, Clueless) hosts THE PLAYBOOK, the ultimate guide
for guys designed to show them how to navigate the trickiest situations,
scenarios and circumstances. The latest edition, THE PLAYBOOK: BEATING
THE SYSTEM, is a lesson in the plays and patterns on how to put one over
"on the man".
* CSI LABOR DAY MARATHON
Telecasts Monday, September 4 (9:00 AM - 10:00 PM, ET/PT).
To celebrate Labor Day, the sixth season of CSI: CRIME SCENE
INVESTIGATION premieres on Spike TV Monday, September 4 (8:00 - 9:00 PM,
ET/PT).
* THE PASSION OF MEL GIBSON - MOVIE MARATHON
Telecasts Sunday, September 3 (1:00 PM - 1:30 AM, ET/PT).
Spike is celebrating Mel Gibson and his passion for action with a Mel
Gibson movie marathon. The lineup is as follows:
1:00 - 5:00 PM, ET/PT
BRAVEHEART (1994, Action/Drama)
William Wallace is a Scottish rebel who leads an uprising against the
cruel English ruler, Edward the Longshanks, who wishes to inherit the
crown of Scotland for himself. When he was a young boy, William
Wallace's father and brother, along with many others, lost their
lives trying to free Scotland. Once he loses another of his loved
ones, William Wallace begins his long quest to make Scotland free
once and for all, along with the assistance of Robert the Bruce.
Starring Mel Gibson.
5:00 - 7:00 PM, ET/PT
LETHAL WEAPON (1987, Action)
Martin Riggs is an L.A. cop with suicidal tendencies and Roger
Murtaugh is the unlucky police officer with whom Riggs is assigned.
Together they uncover a huge drug-smuggling operation, and as their
success rate grows so does their friendship. Starring Mel Gibson and
Danny Glover.
Premiere!
7:00 - 9:30 PM, ET/PT
LETHAL WEAPON 2 (1989, Action)
A pair of odd-couple cops must protect a mob accountant from South
African drug smugglers, whose chief operates with diplomatic
immunity. Starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.
9:30 - 1:30 AM, ET/PT
BRAVEHEART (1994, Action/Drama)
ORIGINAL SERIES
* THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 4: THE COMEBACK
New episodes premiere Thursdays (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT). Encores
Saturdays (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT) and Mondays (11:00 PM - Midnight,
ET/PT and 2:00 - 3:00 AM, ET/PT).
Sixteen former UFC fighters, eight middleweights and eight
welterweights, have gathered in Las Vegas for a new season of the wildly
popular series, THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 4: THE COMEBACK. The special twist
to season four is that the winning middleweight and welterweight
fighters are both guaranteed a title fight and a six-figure cash prize.
UFC President Dana White will host, and UFC Legends Georges St. Pierre,
Mark Dellagrotte and Randy Couture will serve as advisers to this
season's fighters.
* BLADE: THE SERIES (TV-14)
New episodes premiere Wednesdays (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT). Encores
Wednesdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT), Sundays (2:00 - 3:00 AM, ET/PT)
and Mondays (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).
The season finale of Spike TV's first original scripted drama, BLADE:
THE SERIES, premieres Wednesday, September 13 (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).
BLADE: THE SERIES stars Kirk "Sticky" Jones (Over There, The Shield) as
the title character who is half-man, half-vampire and employs his
extraordinary powers in a crusade to save mankind from the demonic
creatures who walk the night. Set in Detroit, Blade investigates the
vampire house of Chthon. Along the way he forms an uneasy alliance with
Krista Starr, portrayed by costar Jill Wagner (Punk'd, Monk), a former
military veteran who becomes entrenched in the world of vampires while
investigating the murder of her twin brother.
* UFC UNLEASHED
Telecasts Thursdays (9:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT) and Wednesdays (9:00 -
10:00 PM, ET/PT).
This one-hour series features the greatest moments from the UFC(R)'s
vast library of fight footage. The show includes classic bouts never
before seen on television except on pay-per-view.
* TNA WRESTLING: iMPACT! (TV-14)
New episodes premiere Thursdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT); encores
Saturdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).
The new wrestling alternative, "TNA: iMPACT!" delivers a distinct brand
of high-risk, athletic entertainment. Viewers are drawn in by TNA's
philosophy of less talk and more action and the technically advance
six-sided ring. TNA's roster integrates well-known wrestling superstars
like Sting, Christian Cage, Jeff Jarrett, and Team 3D with the world's
best up-and-coming talent, such as AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Samoa
Joe, and Monty Brown.
* DISORDERLY CONDUCT: VIDEO ON PATROL
Telecasts Fridays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT), Saturdays (9:00 - 10:00
PM, ET/PT), and Sundays (1:00 - 2:00 AM, ET/PT and 3:00 - 4:00 AM,
ET/PT).
Spike TV takes viewers for a ride in this adrenaline-packed series with
all new outrageous video footage pulled from precincts across the
country.
* MXC (TV-14)
Telecasts Monday - Saturday (1:00-1:30 AM, ET/PT) and Saturdays
(10:00 - 11:00 AM, ET/PT).
Spike TV's acclaimed original comedic series, is described as a wacky
combination of "Fear Factor," "Jacka**," "Iron Chef," with a touch of
"Mystery Science Theater 3000." Using the actual footage from one of the
most popular primetime Japanese reality game shows, Takeshi's Castle,
MXC is re-written to create an entirely new comedic storyline. The
series is not dubbed and there is not a single trace of literal
translation from the original show.
* GAME HEAD (TV-14)
New episodes premiere Saturdays (12:00 - 12:30 AM, ET/PT).
Spike TV presents a weekly showcase on the world of video games.
* SPIKE'S MOST AMAZING VIDEOS -- NEW ORIGINAL EPISODES (TV-14)
New episodes premiere Saturdays (8:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT) as part of
Slammin' Saturday Night.
Featuring rescues, shootouts, and explosions, Spike's Most Amazing
Videos delivers a combination of real and rare footage for some of the
most heart-pounding and unbelievable moments ever captured on film.
Hosted by Stacey Keach.
MOVIE PREMIERES
* LETHAL WEAPON 2 (1989, Action)
Premieres Sunday, September 3 (7:00 - 9:30 PM, ET/PT); encores Tuesday,
September 26 (9:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT)
World Television Premiere!
* THE RUSSIAN SPECIALIST (2005, Action)
Premieres Sunday, September 17 (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT)
A Russian ex-hitman is called back to Russia for one last job. This time
against his former employees, the Russian mob. Starring Dolph Lundgren.
Broadcast Premiere!
* HERO (2002, Action)
Premieres Wednesday, September 20 (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT)
A series of Rashomon-like flashback accounts shape the story of how one
man defeated three assassins who sought to murder the most powerful
warlord in pre-unified China. Starring Jet Li.
* GOODFELLAS (1990, Action/Drama)
Premieres Saturday, September 30 (7:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT)
The story of Irish-Italian American, Henry Hill, and how he lives
day-to-day life as a member of the Mafia. Based on a true story, the
plot revolves around Henry and his two unstable friends Jimmy and Tommy
as they gradually climb the ladder from petty crime to violent murders.
ACQUIRED SERIES
* THE SHIELD
Telecasts Sundays (Midnight - 1:00 AM, ET/PT).
The story of in inner-city Los Angeles police precinct where some of the
cops aren't above breaking the rules or working against their associates
to both keep the streets safe and their self-interests intact. Starring
Emmy Award(R) winner Michael Chiklis and Catherine Dent.
* CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (TV-PG)
Telecasts Monday - Friday (7:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT), Monday - Friday
(Midnight - 1:00 AM, ET/PT), Mondays and Fridays (9:00 - 10:00 PM,
ET/PT).
CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION revolves around a team of forensic Crime
Scene Investigators in the Las Vegas police department's Criminalistics
Bureau. By relentlessly analyzing every detail at the scene of a crime,
no matter how seemingly irrelevant or grotesque in nature, the team has
science and experience on their side to solve the case. The series
stars William Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, Gary Dourdan, George Eads,
Jorja Fox and Paul Guilfoyle.
* THE THREE STOOGES (TV-PG)
Telecasts Saturdays and Sundays (9:00 - 10:00 AM, ET/PT).
Larry, Moe and Curly are on Spike TV, showcasing their extremely
physical and sometimes controversial brand of slapstick humor that made
them one of the most famous comedy troupes in history.
WEEKEND PROGRAMMING
* WEEKEND POWERBLOCK
Spike TV puts sexy car enthusiast Courtney Hansen in the driver's seat
as host of the network's "Power Block" lineup, a weekend (Saturdays Noon
- 2:00 PM, ET/PT and Sundays 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, ET/PT) two-hour block
of auto related programming.
Saturdays
Noon - 12:30 PM, ET/PT
HORSEPOWER TV
Host Joe Elmore and tech expert Mike Galley work out of their
to-die-for performance garage sharing speed secrets on how to
transform everyday cars into road burners and how to get the most out
of them on the street and at the strip. This series captures the
performance lifestyle taking viewers to America's best events,
rallies and races.
12:30 - 1:00 PM, ET/PT
MUSCLE CAR
Celebrating America's love affair with these fabled '60's and 70's
era muscle cars, the series focuses on finding, restoring and
modifying iconic Detroit iron like the Pontiac GTO, the Hemi Cuba,
the Boss Mustang and the Chevelle SS.
1:00 - 1:30 PM, ET/PT
XTREME 4X4
Hosted by Ian Johnson and Jessi Combs, this series features hardcore
4x4 build-ups and off-road truck projects, plus extreme action events
- rock crawling, desert racing, sand drags, mud racing, and trail
riding adventure.
1:30 - 2:00 PM, ET/PT
TRUCKS!
This how-to/new vehicle series addresses the light truck market with
special emphasis on pickups and sport utility vehicles. From the
wildest jet drag trucks and monster trucks to the world's most
radical 4x4 rock crawlers and customs, each episode takes viewers
step-by-step modifying, customizing, restoring and testing classic
and sport trucks, off-roaders and race trucks.
Sundays
11:00 - 11:30 AM, ET/PT
HORSEPOWER TV
11:30 AM - Noon, ET/PT
MUSCLE CAR
Noon - 12:30 PM, ET/PT
XTREME 4X4
12:30 - 1:00 PM, ET/PT
TRUCKS!
* FILMS OF FURY
Every Saturday in September, Spike TV features a different high-flying,
hard-hitting, action-packed martial arts movie. The schedule is as
follows:
Saturday, September 2
2:00 - 4:00 PM, ET/PT and 2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT
BLOODSPORT (1988, Drama, TV-14)
Based on a true story, this martial arts adventure takes place
behind the Hong Kong walls for the secret competition that settles
the World Championship of the sport. While Frank Dux is trying not
to be knocked down inside the ring, government agents try to track
him down outside the ring. Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Saturday, September 9
2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT
Premiere!
BLACK BELT JONES (1974, Action)
When a Karate instructor finds his school under attack by the L.A.
Mob, his students get a chance to put their newly acquired skills
to the test. Starring Jim Kelly.
Saturday, September 16
2:00 - 4:00 PM, ET/PT and 2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT
Broadcast Premiere!
THE BLINDSWORDSMAN: ZATOICHI (2003, Action)
The blind masseur/swordsman comes to a town in control of warring
gangs, and while bunking with a farming family, he meets two women
with their own agenda. Starring Takeshi Kitano.
Saturday, September 23
2:00 - 4:00 PM, ET/PT and 2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT
HERO (2002, Action)
Saturday, September 30
2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT
ART OF ACTION (2002, Documentary)
This in-depth documentary gives a behind-the-scenes look at the
history of the martial arts film--from its rebellious beginnings to
the high-flying epics of today. Host Samuel L. Jackson takes you
through the best moments of 100 films, including CROUCHING TIGER,
HIDDEN DRAGON, CHARLIE'S ANGELS and more.
Shanda and Motorola Launch Exclusive Mobile Content
'World of Legend' and 'Magical Land' to be brought to mobile gaming handsets
Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd. (NASDAQ:SNDA) , a leading interactive entertainment media company, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) , a global leader in wireless communications, today announced an agreement designed to improve the way games are experienced and enjoyed on mobile devices in China. According to the agreement, Motorola will launch exclusive mobile versions of Shanda's popular World of Legend and Magical Land online role playing games on specially customized Motorola E680g handsets.
"The cooperation with Motorola will further expand Shanda's user base from a PC to a mobile platform, giving users more flexible choices to access our leading game content still supported by our superior unified operating system," stated Mr. Tang Jun, President of Shanda. "We will continue to provide gamers with reliable, high-quality service combined with a fun and entertaining gaming experience. We are pleased to be partnering with Motorola and look forward to a successful partnership."
Dressed as a World of Legend character and standing in front of larger-than-life pictures of Motorola products and World of Legend and Magical Land characters, Ian Chapman-Banks, Motorola's North Asia general manager of marketing and business development for mobile devices, expressed his delight at the partnership, saying, "Motorola is dedicated to providing China's gamers with a superior mobile gaming experience, and that has to include the very best in content. Shanda's World of Legend and Magical Land are perhaps the most popular games this country has ever seen, and it is only fitting that they make their mobile debut with Motorola."
Both Motorola and Shanda were quick to point out that the two online mobile games are not merely new versions or extensions of the PC games. Instead, they can run in conjunction with PCs and interact, with users being able to transfer points, weapons, and other assets between their handsets and their PCs. World of Legend and Magical Land will be available exclusively for download on MIDC (Monternet's "My E680g Zone") and CMCC MagicBox (China Mobile's platform for game downloads) for a period of six months. Related content like sounds, wallpapers and screensavers can be downloaded exclusively from MIDC.
In addition to the games announcement, the two companies announced a series of co-branding initiatives, including preloaded Shanda content on Motorola's new E680g gaming handsets, promotion of the handset within the PC versions of World of Legend and Magical Land, and cross-brand packaging. Shanda will make its on-line, off-line and Internet Cafe resources available to Motorola, as well as share Shanda's registered user database for promotional purposes.
About Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd.
Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd. (NASDAQ:SNDA) is a leading interactive entertainment media company in China. Shanda offers a portfolio of diversified entertainment content including some of the most popular massively multi-player and casual online games in China, along with online chess and board games, a network PC game platform and a variety of cartoons, literature works and music. Shanda's interactive entertainment platform attracts a large and loyal user base. Each user can interact with thousands of others and enjoy the interactive entertainment content that Shanda provides. Interaction enriches your life. For more information about Shanda, please visit http://www.snda.com/
About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of Seamless Mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you get and stay connected simply and seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering "must have" products, "must do" experiences and powerful networks -- along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $35.3 billion in 2005. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit www.motorola.com
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the companies and the industry. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the statement regarding design features and inter-operability between the mobile versions of the games with the respective PC versions and user experience of the games. These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. Although the companies believe that their expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they cannot assure you that their expectations will turn out to be correct. Important risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to be materially different from expectations include but not limited to the risk that the mobile versions of the games are not well received by users, that Shanda is unable to develop mobile versions of the games that can be operated in conjunction with the respective PC versions or the proposed cooperation is otherwise not successfully executed and the risks set forth in Shanda's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchanges Commission, including Shanda's annual report on Form 20-F.
Source: Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd.
Mariah Carey Adds Second Show to Trump Taj Mahal's Entertainment Lineup
Mariah, Shakira and Marc Anthony Headline at the Taj Mahal in the Coming Month
Friday night's sold out show featuring teen sensation actress and singer Hilary Duff at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort leads into the most exciting month-long entertainment schedule the Taj has ever posted, including a newly-added second show featuring Mariah Carey.
The top-selling female performer of all time, Mariah Carey will perform on August 17th and August 19th at the Taj Mahal. The Saturday, August 19th show has recently been added due to high demand for what promises to be a unique performance by the platinum-selling artist currently leading radio and television hit-lists with her #1 adult R&B single "Fly Like a Bird." The Taj Mahal's Mark G. Etess Arena is the smallest and most intimate venue that Mariah is scheduled to play during the United States stops on her current tour.
Also in August at the Taj Mahal, Marc Anthony will perform with special guests Marco Antonio Solis and Laura Pausini on August 6th; VH1 Classic's Decades Rock Live! show will feature The Pretenders, Incubus, Kings of Leon, Shirley Manson and Iggy Pop on August 11th; and legendary jazz-rock icons Walter Becker and Donald Fagen of Steely Dan will share the bill with Michael McDonald and his band on August 26th.
As September begins, the bilingual singer-songwriter Shakira will perform at the Taj Mahal with special guest Wyclef Jean for two shows on September 1st and September 2nd. The Friday, September 1st show is already sold out.
"Trump Taj Mahal will host two shows by Mariah and two shows by Shakira in only two weeks," said Steve Gietka, Vice President of Entertainment at Trump Entertainment Resorts. "We have taken our entertainment lineup to a new level as we continue opening new amenities in the Taj Mahal because we are constantly working to create the ultimate entertainment experience for our customers."
Show tickets are available at the Trump Taj Mahal box office or http://www.ticketmaster.com/.
For more information on the Trump Taj Mahal, please visit http://www.trumptaj.com/.
Source: Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc.
DOD: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a
soldierwho was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Andrew Velez, 22, of Lubbock, Texas, died on July 25
in Sharona, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related injury. Velez was
assigned to the Corps Support Battalion, Theater Support Command, Fort Irwin,
Calif.
This incident is under investigation.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a
soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Capt. Jason M. West, 28, of Pittsburg, Pa., died on July 24
in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when he encountered enemy forces using small arms fire.
West was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg,
Germany.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a
soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Capt. Jason M. West, 28, of Pittsburg, Pa., died on July 24
in ArRamadi, Iraq, when he encountered enemy forces using small arms fire.
West was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg,
Germany.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a
soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Swanson, 25, of Rose Haven, Md.,
died on July 22 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries sustained when his patrol
encountered enemy forces small arms fire. Swanson was assigned to the 2nd
Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany
CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense
_CONTRACTS
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
HUPP Aerospace*, New Have, Ind., is being awarded a maximum
$20,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for parts kit, seal replacement
to
support the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. This is an
indefinite-delivery,
indefinite-quantity contract exercising option period four of a
five-year
contract. Proposals were Gateway-solicited and two responded.
Contract funds
will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of
performance
completion is July 31, 2007. Contracting activity is Defense Supply
Center
Richmond, Richmond, Va. (SP0420-02-D-0087).
_NAVY
InterSystems Corporation (ISC), Cambridge, Mass., is being
awarded
an estimated $14,750,960 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity,
firm-fixed-price, commercial type contract to provide cache' enterprise
multi-server platform specific licensed database software for the
Department
of Defense, Health Affairs, Composite HealthCare System (CHCS). ISC is
the
manufacturer of the digital software multi user multi processor system
application/database platform on which CHCS is built. The contract
includes
five one-year option periods which, if exercised, would bring the
cumulative
value of this contract to an estimated $63,018,104. Work will be
performed in
Cambridge, Mass., and is expected to be completed July 24, 2007 (July
2012
with options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the
current
fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured because it
is a
sole source acquisition. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center
Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-06-D-6259).
Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a
$6,300,000
modification to previously awarded contract for procurement of long
lead time
special hull treatment material in support of USS Texas (SSN 775) post
shakedown availability. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and
is
expected to be completed by December 2007. Contract funds will not
expire at
the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding,
Conversion and Repair, Groton Conn., is the contracting activity.
_ARMY
DRS Test & Energy Management Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was
awarded
on July 25, 2006, a delivery order amount of $6,900,000 as part of a
$6,900,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for direct support electrical
systems
test sets components. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., and
is
expected to be completed by July 26, 2007. Contract funds will not
expire at
the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract
initiated
on June 23, 2006. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock
Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-06-G-0001).
* Small Business
Experts with the Military Child Education
Coalition are working to help military children deal with the death of a
parent through a new initiative: "Living in the New Normal; Supporting
Children through Trauma and Loss."
"In the schools, the children are able to enjoy a predictable
environment. The educators are certainly able to assist children in very
compassionate and caring ways," Patty Shinseki, a member of the coalition's
Board of Directors, said.
The primary loss military children experience when a parent dies is
often compounded by secondary losses, such as the need to relocate, the
loss of the familiar military community and culture, and changes to their
support network and friends, Shinseki wrote in a recent article.
Shinseki chairs the committee working on the initiative. She said MCEC is
grateful for the volunteers working on the project.
"The bottom line is that death is such a tough topic," committee member
Marlene Lee said. "It makes people uncomfortable. It's difficult to
talk about. It's something a lot of people avoid. ... How do you take this
really tough, really uncomfortable topic that needs to be discussed and
break that communications down in a way that helps educate people?"
Lee is an expert in "thanatology," the study of death, dying and
grieving. Her book, "The Hero in My Pocket," is aimed at children affected by
the loss of a member of the armed forces. "Whether we like it or not,
we have to talk about issues related to death, dying and, as
importantly, positive recovery," Lee said.
Karla Shinners, a counselor and expert in risk prevention for children,
said the project will provide guidance to people around children who
experience such a loss. "How do you explain it to the whole class if this
child has experienced a loss?" Shinners said. "How long should the
child be away from school? Should you send them right back to the
classroom, or should they stay home for a little while? Should the child attend
the memorial service?
"We have to look at the factors as to how to make that best decision to
help a child," she said.
The initiative promotes "an environment of resilience and
non-victimization of the military child," said Army Maj. Jeff Bergmann, who teaches
psychology at the U.S. Military Academy, at West Point, N.Y. He is also
a member of the program's committee.
"Since I'm in the military, I ... educate the officers, noncommissioned
officers and the future leadership about resources available from MCEC
and specifically this initiative, 'Living in the New Normal,' because
it's going to become increasingly important based on the global war on
terrorism," he said.
The death of a military members leads to transition and dramatic change
in families' and children's lives, retired Army Dr. (Col.) Stephen J.
Cozza said. Also a member of the committee, Corza is associate director
for child and family programs at the Center for Traumatic Stress, a
part of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, in
Bethesda, Md.
"During that change, there are certain vulnerabilities that families
and children may be exposed to," Cozza said. "They have to figure out how
to tolerate and reestablish their families in new places or new
situations with the loss of a loved one."
Cozza said MCEC wants to support such children and families so they
come out on the other end healthy, happy and adapted. "Part of what we
want to do is to help rally the resources around children," he said. "MCEC
is naturally well-suited for that because the educational setting is
the setting of kids. The teachers will be the ones that kids spend most
of their days with."
Cozza said he'd like to develop a transition packet that parents,
children and schools can complete that transfers information from one school
to the next. "The worse-case situation would be that a child goes to a
new school and no one is aware of the special challenges or changes
that have that have occurred in that family," he said.
He said some educators don't recognize that a child's behaviors,
difficulty in learning or emotional state may be related to adverse events in
their life.
Shinseki said the program will lead to a system of resources for
educators and parents. "Some of the themes we're following acknowledge the
wonderful positive attributes of our children."
DoD Announces Units for Next Operation Iraqi Freedom Rotation
The Department of Defense announced today additional major
units
scheduled to deploy as part of the next Operation Iraqi Freedom
rotation.
This announcement involves four Army brigades and two Marine Regimental
Combat
Teams consisting of approximately 25,000 service members. This is a
follow-on
announcement to the Nov. 7, 2005,
[http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2005/nr20051107-5075.html] and
June 20,
2006,
[http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2006/nr20060620-13303.html] press
releases identifying other units for deployment. The scheduled rotation
for
the forces identified in this announcement will begin in late-2006.
Force levels in Iraq continue to be conditions-based and
will be
determined in consultation with the Iraqi government. Deployment
decisions
are made at the recommendation of military commanders in Iraq. Based
on
ongoing assessments of the conditions on the ground, changes may be
made that
could affect units now being identified and advised to prepare to
deploy as
has occurred in the past.
This rotation continues the U.S. commitment to OIF, yet is
flexible and adaptable in order to meet the evolving requirements for
the
mission in Iraq.
For Operation Iraqi Freedom, the major units announced
today
include:
1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas
4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas
Regimental Combat Team 2, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Regimental Combat Team 6, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart,
Georgia has
been placed in a prepare-to-deploy status for possible deployment later
this
year.
Additionally, the Secretary of Defense approved a request
by the
Commander of Multi-National Forces-Iraq (MNF-I) to extend the
deployment of
the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team operating in Iraq for up to 120
additional days.
The Department recognizes the continued contributions of
the 172nd
Stryker Brigade Combat Team and their family members. This extension
reflects
the continued commitment of the United States to the security of the
Iraqi
people.
The individual services will announce the smaller,
supporting
units for this rotation.
In consultation with the new Iraqi Government, commanders continue to
assess
the situation to ensure sufficient forces levels to best support the
Iraqi
government. U.S. force rotations may be tailored based upon changes in
the
security situation. Iraqi security forces continue to develop
capability and
assume responsibility for security in Iraq.
Financial & Business News
Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®
To understand the internet you have to be open to change.
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Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne
To come here you have to be able to read.
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www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news
INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE
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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
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
Spirent Communications PLC - Blocklisting Interim Review
BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: SPIRENT EXECUTIVE SHARE OPTION SCHEME, 1995 Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 2,386,034 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p return: EACH The amount by which the block scheme has 3,500,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p been increased, if the scheme has been EACH increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted 1,753,775 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p under scheme during period: EACH Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 4,132,259 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period: EACH Number and class of securities originally 3,000,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p listed and the date of admission: EACH DATED 29 SEPTEMBER 2000 3,000,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 28 MAY 2004 3,500,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH DATED 14 MARCH 2006 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: U.S EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 1,237,364 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p return: EACH The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted NIL under scheme during period: Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 1,237,364 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period: EACH Number and class of securities originally 435,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH listed and the date of admission: DATED 5 JUNE 2001 3,500,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 1 NOVEMBER 2001 7,000,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 18 NOVEMBER 2002 1,800,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 6 DECEMBER 2004 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: SPIRENT GLOBAL ALL EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 814,444 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH return: The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted NIL under scheme during period: Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 814,444 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH allotted at end of period: Number and class of securities 1,000,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p originally listed and the date of EACH DATED 18 NOVEMBER 2002 admission: 700,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 6 DECEMBER 2004 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: NETCOM AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK OPTION PLAN Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 4,200,894 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p return: EACH The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted 2,674,007 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p under scheme during period: EACH Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 1,526,887 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period: EACH Number and class of securities 3,291,399 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p originally listed and the date of EACH DATED 3 SEPTEMBER 1999 admission: 1,739,130 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 8 JULY 2002 6,722,689 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 8 OCTOBER 2002 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: ZARAK AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK OPTION PLAN Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 2,690,996 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p return: EACH The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted NIL under scheme during period: Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 2,690,996 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period: EACH Number and class of securities originally 3,895,474 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p listed and the date of admission: EACH DATED 14 NOVEMBER 2000 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant I If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: SPIRENT SAVINGS RELATED SHARE OPTION SCHEME Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 68,185 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH return: The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted NIL under scheme during period: Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 68,185 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH allotted at end of period: Number and class of securities originally 200,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH listed and the date of admission: DATED 31 DECEMBER 2003 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: SPIRENT STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous return: 4,453,686 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted under 589,855 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p scheme during period: EACH Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 3,863,831 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p allotted at end of period: EACH Number and class of securities originally 3,720,930 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p listed and the date of admission: EACH DATED 1 OCTOBER 2003 3,703,703 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 2 OCTOBER 2003 Total number of securities in issue at the 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 end of the period : p EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. BLOCKLISTING SIX MONTHLY RETURN To: The FSA Date: 28 July 2006 Name of applicant: SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC Name of scheme: CAW AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK OPTION PLAN Period of return: From: 1 JANUARY 2006 To: 30 JUNE 2006 Balance under scheme from previous 836,399 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH return: The amount by which the block scheme has NIL been increased, if the scheme has been increased since the date of the last return: Number of securities issued/allotted 2,914 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH under scheme during period: Balance under scheme not yet issued/ 833,485 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p EACH allotted at end of period: Number and class of securities originally 1,300,000 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3p listed and the date of admission: EACH DATED 15 AUGUST 2002 115,394 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p EACH DATED 28 AUGUST 2002 Total number of securities in issue at 970,810,133 ORDINARY SHARES OF 3 1/3 p the end of the period : EACH Name of contact: Warren Nash Address of contact: Spirent Communications plc Spirent House Crawley Business Quarter Fleming Way Crawley, RH10 9QL Telephone number of contact: 01293 767676 SIGNED Warren Nash BY Director/company secretary/suitably experienced employee/duly authorised officer, for and on behalf of Spirent Communications plc Name of applicant If you knowingly or recklessly give false or misleading information you may be liable to prosecution. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
HERC Products Incorporated Provides Summary of Major Activities Since Delisting
HERC Products Incorporated (PINKSHEETS: HERC) today provided a summary of events since delisting as a reporting company in keeping with its strategy of cost controls, new revenue streams and recapitalization.
Unaudited Results
HERC finished 2004 and 2005 with losses of approximately $1,330,000 and $20,000 respectively. The improvement in results from 2004 to 2005 is the result of cost cutting of internal operations, the cost cutting associated with delisting of the Company's stock and improvement in gross profit margins as the result of developing new lines of business.
Unaudited Partial Results Through June 2006 and Accounting Changes
HERC has revenue through June 30, 2006 of approximately $2,800,000. This revenue represents an increase of more than 30% over the same period in 2005. HERC has also implemented a new accounting software program approved by the Defense Department as a result of new staff and financing arrangements. The Company expects the new system on line before the end of the 2006 third quarter.
New Debt Financing
The factoring agreement with Marquette Capital, where interest exceeded 27%, was replaced with a new facility with Perryville & Broadway Holdings (Perryville). The facility has provided $491,544. The interest rate is 18% and is convertible to Herc Common Stock at prices between $0.03 and $0.10. Warrants were included to purchase up to 5,640,000 shares of Herc Common Stock at prices between $0.03 and $0.10. $40,000 was converted to 1,333,333 shares in January of 2006.
Stock Sales and Other Debt
HERC has sold Common Stock in the Company to individuals associated with one another as former employees of BAE-Marine Engineering Services. These individuals are now associated with or employed by HERC in the development of current lines of business and new lines of business. $380,000 was used to purchase Common Stock at a price $0.013 per share resulting in 29,230,769 new shares being issued.
An expanded credit line agreement is under review, to be serviced by Perryville. The credit line will consolidate the prior Perryville financing and additional new monies for a line of credit financing package on behalf of the Company, as may be required, totaling up to $1.2 million.
Navy Approvals
Herc had its chemical cleaning formula approved by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) for use by ships personnel, contractors and Ship Repair Facilities.
A NAVSEA approval was received for testing of a new technology to preserve pipes, plenums and tanks. An application for the new product was conducted on the USS Ogden in October of 2005. Additional test applications are pending.
Herc received notice that its patent for the cleaning of Counter Measure Washdown Systems has been issued.
Acquisitions and Licenses
Herc agreed to terms to purchase all of the assets of Sperco Incorporated of Oldsmar, Florida. Terms for the purchase include an earn-out based on a percentage of revenue that does not exceed more than 50% of the profit each year over 2 years. Sperco is a contracting company that provides water and wastewater construction and rehabilitation to municipalities in Florida.
Herc also established licenses of the Company's patents in Jacksonville, Florida, Yuma, Arizona and Latin America.
New Offices and Location Changes
Herc has opened new offices in Pascagoula, Mississippi to service the Gulf Coast and Yulee, Florida to service the Atlantic Coast marine business. The Company also expanded the San Diego office based on the hiring of the tank department manager from Continental Maritime of San Diego/Northrop Grumman (CMSD/NG). CMSD/NG made the decision to close their tank-cleaning department during 2006. Herc, having had a teaming agreement with CMSD/NG to support that department, is working to obtain the personnel from that department throughout the remainder of the year and assume as much of the revenue as possible.
The Company expects to provide greater detail and additional information in a letter to shareholders that will be posted on the Company's website at www.hercprod.com and mailed or emailed to those shareholders that have provided their information to the Company in the near future. The Company is updating its website and will soon utilize that space to keep shareholders informed of current events of the Company.
This press release contains forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, each of which speaks only as of the date made. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which are disclosed in the Company's previously filed SEC reports.
HERC Products Incorporated provides pipe cleaning, environmental tank cleaning and other corrosion control services utilizing its proprietary and patented chemistry and processes. HERC's patented chemistry and processes are currently used in cleaning marine, fire protection, potable water, chemical feed line, wastewater treatment and other systems.
Windmill International Denies Any Wrongdoing -
Virginia-Based Firm Refutes Inaccurate Information in a
Recent Associated Press Story
Virginia-based financial
services company Windmill International, Ltd. responded
today to the allegations and misinformation contained in an
Associated Press story. The story claims the firm is being
named in a sealed whistleblower suit for their interaction
with Custer Battles, a company formerly banned by the
government from doing business in Iraq.
Associated Press journalist Deborah Hastings indicated she
had obtained a copy of the sealed suit.
Windmill founder Douglas Combs responded to the story by
saying, "Any allegation of wrongdoing on the part of
Windmill or its principals in this civil suit is baseless
and absolutely untrue. We're confident that after reviewing
the evidence we are willing to provide, any third party
would confirm and understand there was no acquisition of
Custer Battles, or Danubia Global, or a conspiracy to
circumvent a government suspension. I'm disappointed the AP
chose to publish a sensational story based on allegations
rather than fact."
In response to the apparent leak of the sealed suit to the
press, Windmill General Counsel Chris Johnson said, "We have
not been notified of any suit. The only information we have
is the claim Ms. Hastings made in her story. We are
particularly disappointed to note that such supposedly
sealed documents have been given this type of publicity with
the effect of unfairly discrediting our company and
principals."
Windmill confirmed that Custer Battles shared a mutual
interest in providing a low-cost alternative service
supporting US government operations by utilizing talented
well-trained Eastern European (NATO) personnel. Custer
Battles and later Danubia Global when it purchased Custer
Battles were among several companies Windmill considered,
but did not acquire, when pursuing this business strategy.
Windmill approached Air Force Deputy General Counsel Steven
Shaw as part of its consideration to better understand the
ramifications of the suspension against Custer Battles and
its principals in a potential collaboration with Windmill.
After reviewing the commercial aspects of the deal and
following the single meeting with Mr. Shaw, Mr. Combs
personally informed Mr. Shaw via email that Windmill would
not pursue any interest in Custer Battles or its principals.
Unfortunately, in June of 2005 while still in preliminary
discussions with Danubia Global, Windmill prematurely
released from its Bucharest office a press notice focused on
a project in Eastern Europe where it was incorrectly
mentioned that Windmill purchased a share in Danubia Global
- the information was wrong and an employee was terminated
for disseminating the flawed release without authorization.
Danubia Global has since issued its own statement denying
Windmill's ownership of Danubia Global.
Board meeting minutes, personal interviews and e-mails given
to The Wall Street Journal all confirm that Windmill had
never acquired either Custer Battles or Danubia Global and
certainly did not create any avenues for them to bypass the
government-imposed restriction on contracting in Iraq.
Windmill International is confident it will be found
innocent of all allegations and stands ready to provide
documentation to support any potential investigators in
their inquiry.
Mr. Combs added, "I understand the desire to root out those
defrauding the government - the problem here is they have
the wrong company. As a former enlisted infantry Marine, I
want the guys in Iraq to get the best of all we have to
give. That's what makes this allegation so distasteful to
me. I look forward to working in partnership with the
government to ensure there was no wrongdoing by Windmill or
its principals, to get this mischaracterization behind us."
Windmill International, Ltd. is an offshoot of Windmill
International Singapore, established in 1972, conducting
business globally, where Mr. Combs was partner for more than
9 years. As founder of Windmill International, Ltd. in the
US, Mr. Combs has led the company in providing high-quality
financial and government services focused in Central and
Eastern Europe.
 This Week on MoneyTV, 7/28MoneyTV is the nationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews by hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman with company CEOs, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures. Free information packages from the featured companies can be requested by sending an email to info@moneytv.net. The television program can also be viewed online immediately at www.moneytv.net. Featured companies on this week's show include: Atlantis Holding Corporation CEO Robert Thompson spoke of the company's diversity and announced a new company division in 3-D presentations. XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX) CEO Tom Djokovich spoke of the company's marketing efforts in China. Tasco Holdings International, Inc. C.O.O. Brian Pockett announced the development of a stem cell extraction kit.
Baltia Air Lines, Inc. (OTCBB: BLTA) Baltia Air Lines, Inc. CEO Igor Dmitrowsky discussed fuel prices and their relationship to airline profitability. Sage Global Solutions, Inc. CEO Henry Davidson announced the company has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Dragon International Group Corporation (OTCBB: DRGG) spokesperson Marc Siegel announced the company has entered into an agreement to distribute pharmaceutical packages in India. Swiss Medica, Inc. CEO Raghu Kilambi announced the company has initiated distribution of their products in non-retail channels. Nova Energy, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: NVNG) Senior Consultant William Howe discussed domestic energy and new exploration technology. Viewers of MoneyTV can receive free information in the mail about featured companies by calling the toll-free phone number on their TV screen. The weekly television program debuted in 1996 and is broadcast nationally in the USA to 70 million U.S. homes on Saturdays at 11:00 AM ET, Sundays at 8:30 AM PT, 8:30 AM ET, 9:30 AM ET, 3:30 PM ET and Mondays at 6:30 PM ET. MoneyTV is broadcast to 45 million TV homes in Western Europe, Wednesdays at 7:30 PM. MoneyTV is also broadcast on UPN-TV in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Sundays at 8:00 AM. A complete menu of TV listings is available at the MoneyTV web site, http://www.moneytv.net MoneyTV television program, Copyright MMVI, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3- to 4-month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $11,500.00 to $17,250.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by the producers, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV. |
 Atlas America, Inc. to Report Operating Results for the Fiscal Quarter Ended June 30, 2006 and to Host Earnings Conference CallAtlas America, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATLS) announced today that it will release its results for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2006 after market hours on Thursday, August 3, 2006, and invites investors and other interested parties to listen to the live webcast of its quarterly conference call on Friday, August 4, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. This call is being webcast live and can be accessed by investors and other interested parties from the home page of the Company's website at www.atlasamerica.com. For those unavailable to listen to the live broadcast, the replay of the webcast will be available following the live call on the Atlas Pipeline Partners website and telephonically beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET on August 4, 2006 until midnight ET on September 5, 2006, by dialing 888-286-8010, passcode: 25269127. Atlas America, Inc. is an energy company engaged primarily in the development and production of natural gas in the Appalachian Basin for its own account and for its investors through the offering of tax advantaged investment programs. For more information, please visit our website at www.atlasamerica.com, or contact investor relations at bbegley@atlasamerica.com. Certain matters discussed within this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although Atlas America, Inc. believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include financial performance, regulatory changes, changes in local or national economic conditions and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the SEC, including quarterly reports on Form 10Q, reports on Form 8-K and annual reports on Form 10-K. |
VNU SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE CHANGE TO PRIVATE COMPANY STATUS
New Supervisory Board Members Appointed at EGM;
VNU Acquires Preferred Shares, Squeeze-Out Procedure to Start
Haarlem, the Netherlands – VNU, a leading global information and media company, announced that it has changed its legal name to VNU Group B.V. from VNU N.V., as shareholders approved its conversion into a private company at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) here today.
Shareholders approved the conversion of VNU from a public company (naamloze vennootschap) into a private company with limited liability (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid), along with related amendments to the company’s Articles of Association. The conversion was made official with the execution of a notarial deed following the conclusion of the EGM.New Supervisory Board Members Appointed
VNU also announced that, during the meeting, which was held at VNU’s Haarlem headquarters, the following new members were appointed to the company’s Supervisory Board:
- Mr. J.A. Quella (representative of The Blackstone Group L.P.);
- Mr. J.A. Attwood, Jr. (representative of The Carlyle Group);
- Mr. D. F. Akerson (representative of The Carlyle Group);
- Lord C. Hollick (representative of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.);
- Mr. R.J. Bressler (representative of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P.),
The new Supervisory Board members replace Messrs. R. Reid of The Blackstone Group, E.P.S. Merrill of The Carlyle Group, M.J. Connelly of The Carlyle Group, S. Brown of KKR and G.R. Taylor of Thomas H. Lee, all of whom were appointed to the Supervisory Board during the company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on June 13, 2006, and resigned their positions at the conclusion of today’s meeting. The other current members of the 12-person Supervisory Board will retain their positions. Each board member has a term that expires at the conclusion of the company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in 2010.
All other shareholder proposals, which can be found at www.vnu.com/cg/shareholdersMeeting, were adopted during today’s meeting.Acquisition of Preferred B Shares
After today’s EGM and prior to VNU’s conversion into a private company, VNU, in view of its proposed new financing structure (see VNU press release of July 10, 2006), acquired all of the preferred B shares in its share capital from Valcon Acquisition B.V. (Valcon).
Valcon declared its public offer for VNU unconditional on May 21, 2006 and now holds or controls approximately 99.5% of VNU's share capital. Valcon anticipates that it will initiate a squeeze-out procedure (uitkoopprocedure), as referred to in the Dutch Civil Code, on or about Monday, July 31, 2006, to acquire all of the company’s remaining ordinary shares.About VNU
VNU is a global information and media company with leading market positions and recognized brands in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), business publications (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Computing, Intermediair) and trade shows. The privately held company is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and New York, USA. VNU employs nearly 41,000 people and had total revenues of EUR 3.5 billion in 2005. For more information, visit www.vnu.com.
China Digital Communication Group Added to China Small Cap Index
China Digital Communication Group (OTCBB: CHID), one of the fastest growing battery components manufacturers in China, announced today that it has been added as a component of the Ludlow China SmallCap Index.
China Digital CEO Ran Liang said, "We're pleased to be part of the Ludlow China SmallCap Index. This further enhances our visibility in the American capital markets and provides us with useful exposure to investors."
About Ludlow Capital
Headquartered in Manhattan, Ludlow Capital is a full service investment banking company that assists companies and institutional investors by arranging private equity financing and secondary public offerings.
The Ludlow Small Cap China Index is a basket of some of the top U.S.-traded OTC and small cap Chinese stocks. The index provides institutional and individual investors a gauge for tracking the day-to-day performance of small cap Chinese stocks in a diversified basket. The index is designed for investors who have a long-term bullish outlook on China's emerging market. The Ludlow China Index is owned and operated by Ludlow China Fund, Inc., based in New York City.
About China Digital Communication Group
China Digital Communication Group has two wholly owned subsidiaries, Shenzhen E'Jenie Science and Technology Development Co. Ltd. and Galaxy View International. E'Jenie manufactures and sells advanced high-quality lithium-ion battery shell and cap products to all major lithium-ion battery cell manufacturers in China and has recently begun manufacturing complete batteries. E'Jenie's products are used to power mobile phones, MP3 players, laptops, digital cameras, PDAs, camera recorders and other consumer electronic digital devices. Galaxy View, through its subsidiary Sono Digital, is a leading supplier of third-generation (3G) communications technology and equipment in China. China Digital Communication Group is continuing its expansion, while seeking distribution partners and acquisitions in new global markets, including the United States. For more information, visit http://www.chinadigitalgroup.com or contact Roy Teng of China Digital, (310) 461-1322, e-mail: info@chinadigitalgroup.com.
An investment profile on China Digital Communication Group may be found at http://www.hawkassociates.com/chinadigital/profile.php.
For investor relations information regarding China Digital Communication Group, contact Frank Hawkins or Ken AuYeung, Hawk Associates, at (305) 451-1888, e-mail: info@hawkassociates.com. An online investor kit including press releases, current price quotes, stock charts and other valuable information for investors may be found at http://www.hawkassociates.com and http://www.americanmicrocaps.com.
Forward-looking statement: Except for the historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, factors relating to future sales. These forward-looking statements may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, uncertainties in product demand, risks related to doing business in China, the impact of competitive products and pricing, changing economic conditions around the world, release and sales of new products and other risk factors detailed in the company's most recent annual report and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 Flip4Mac WMV Support for Intel Macs Now AvailableVersion 2.1 Software Release Features Support for Intel Macs and Faster Windows Media Encoding for PowerPC Mac UsersTelestream, the media encoding specialist, today announced availability of Flip4Mac™ WMV version 2.1 software. Release highlights include universal support for Apple's Intel-based Macintosh systems and significantly faster Windows Media encoding for PowerPC Mac users. The Flip4Mac WMV update is free and available for download on Microsoft and Flip4Mac websites. "We are pleased to offer Intel support for the large base of Mac users who have been eager to receive this release since our announcement in April," said Barbara DeHart, Vice President, Flip4Mac Products. "Considerable buzz has been generated throughout the Mac community as is evidenced by the immense number of users who offered to participate in our beta testing process." Flip4Mac WMV is comprised of a collection of QuickTime™ components that enables Mac OS X users to play, import and export Windows Media® files using QuickTime-based applications. In addition to universal support for Intel-powered Macintosh systems, version 2.1 includes significantly faster export optimizations for PowerPC Mac users. PowerPC users will see encode speeds four to six times faster with version 2.1. "The Flip4Mac WMV 2.1 release gives users total control over their export speeds," comments Derrick Freeman, Video Streaming and Compression Specialist at GeniusDV and Flip4Mac beta tester. "Our clients need solutions that can speed up their workflows, and the v2.1 release gives them the faster export speeds they need. When higher quality output takes precedence over speed, the flexible export settings in Flip4Mac WMV produce the results that our clients are looking for." Additional new features in Flip4Mac WMV v2.1 include: multi-language audio support in the WMV player; overlay when importing Windows Media content in trial mode; support for Web authors to disable save as feature in embedded streams and improved support for MMS servers and live streams. The Flip4Mac WMV family includes free playback of Windows Media files and a range of import and export capabilities priced from $29 to $179. In January, Microsoft began free distribution of Windows Media Components for QuickTime, powered by Flip4Mac. Since that time, millions of Flip4Mac downloads have occurred. The free version 2.1 update is available for download on www.microsoft.com and www.flip4mac.com. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. About Flip4Mac (www.flip4mac.com) Exporting and importing media in the formats users require shouldn't be a hassle. Telestream's Flip4Mac digital media tools for the Macintosh make it easy. Since its beginning in 1998, Telestream, the company that pioneered high-quality media exchange over IP networks, has recognized the vital need for seamless access to media in any format across any network -- in a way that is transparent to any user's workflow. With Flip4Mac digital media tools for the Macintosh, Telestream leverages its expertise in media encoding, transcoding, and digital workflows to enable an all-Macintosh workflow for media professionals. About Telestream (www.telestream.net) Telestream products have set the standard with the world's leading media and entertainment companies, corporations, and government institutions for the encoding, organizing, and delivery of digital media. Customers rely on Telestream products for convenient, cost-effective, and robust digital media access and exchange over IP networks. The company's core workgroup and enterprise solutions and newer Flip4Mac tools for the Macintosh streamline digital media workflows for content owners, creators, and distributors in any industry segment. Telestream and its team of video experts are located in Nevada City, the "video valley" region of Northern California. The company is privately held. About GeniusDV (www.GeniusDV.com) Located in Orlando, Florida, GeniusDV is a Digital Video Editing Training Center. Classes include training on Avid Express HD, Final Cut Studio and After Effects software applications. GeniusDV also offers a one day video streaming and compression training class, and Flip4Mac WMV Studio Pro HD is one of the software applications featured in the class. The company also offers video streaming consulting services.
July 28, 2006 11:06:00 AM ET
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July 28, 2006 11:09:00 AM ET
 Electro Energy Joins Plug-In Hybrid Development ConsortiumElectro Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: EEEI), a developer and manufacturer of advanced rechargeable batteries, announced today that it has joined the Plug-In Hybrid Development Consortium (www.hybridconsortium.org). The Consortium, founded in August 2005 by Raser Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: RZ), Pacific Gas and Electric (NYSE: PCG), Maxwell Technologies (NASDAQ: MXWL), and Electrovaya (TSX: EFL), brings together component suppliers working to accelerate the commercial production of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Consortium members cooperate to identify specifications, develop compatible technologies and deliver innovative new system solutions that make affordable plug-in hybrids possible. EEEI's proprietary bi-polar rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (BP-NiMH) battery currently powers a prototype plug-in hybrid vehicle which is an adapted Toyota Prius, developed in cooperation with a Consortium member, the California Cars Initiative (CalCars). The Company's demonstration vehicle made news this spring when it appeared at several high-profile events, including one that took place in May in Washington, D.C., as national gas prices soared. A number of senators and representatives, including members of the House Science Subcommittee on Energy, test-drove the car and learned first-hand of the substantial fuel savings it promises. Electro Energy's vehicle is capable of driving 20 to 25 miles on a single battery charge without using any gasoline, the equivalent of over 100 miles per gallon of fuel economy. Further driving range is possible in the normal hybrid operating mode. Experts estimate that PHEV electrical energy costs would be less than 3 cents per mile in all-electric mode, compared to 12-14 cents per mile for gasoline priced at about $3 per gallon.
"We are delighted to welcome Electro Energy as a member of our organization," said David West, Vice President Marketing for Raser Technologies. "EEEI has collaborated with Consortium member CalCars throughout this year to incorporate its innovative battery technology into a prototype PHEV. The Company has contributed to significant achievements in just 11 months." Michael E. Reed, CEO of Electro Energy, said, "We are very pleased to join the creative companies that have formed the Plug-In Hybrid Development Consortium. Their innovative leadership has become a primary driver for a new kind of vehicle that will greatly improve fuel economy for consumers, reduce air-polluting emissions and reduce our imports of foreign oil. Electro Energy is proud to be counted among them." About Electro Energy Inc. Electro Energy Inc., headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut, was founded in 1992 to develop, manufacture and commercialize high-powered, rechargeable bipolar nickel-metal hydride batteries for use in a wide range of applications. Its Colorado Springs operation supplies aerospace-grade high quality nickel cadmium batteries and components for satellites, aircraft and other specialty applications. EEEI is also developing high power lithium rechargeable batteries utilizing the Company's proprietary bi-polar design. EEEI has recently acquired significant manufacturing assets near Gainesville, Fla., to accelerate commercialization of its battery technology. For further information, please visit www.electroenergyinc.com. Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the companies, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other things, the following: general economic and business conditions; competition; unexpected changes in technologies and technological advances; ability to commercialize and manufacture products; results of experimental studies; research and development activities; changes in, or failure to comply with, governmental regulations; and the ability to obtain adequate financing in the future. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factors disclosure contained in certain of Electro Energy Inc.'s Securities and Exchange Commission filings available at http://www.sec.gov. Pursuant to a December 1, 2004 agreement, Consulting For Strategic Growth I, Ltd. ("CFSG1") provides Electro Energy with consulting, business advisory, investor relations, public relations and corporate development services, for which CFSG1 receives a fixed monthly fee for the duration of the agreement. Independent of CFSG1's receipt of cash compensation from Electro Energy, CFSG1 may choose to purchase the common stock of Electro Energy and thereafter sell those shares at any time it deems appropriate to do so. For more information, please visit www.cfsg1.com.
July 28, 2006 10:15:00 AM ET
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Recent Posts
Recent Posts
- ARCHIVES
- Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich says America is in World War III and President Bush should say so.
- Lance Bass is Gay: So Who Cares
- LG Electronics Underscores Product, Technology Leadership in U.S. Market at Exclusive New York Event
- Nintendo News: Nintendo Announces Schedule for Fusion Tour
- Time Warner Telecom to Acquire Xspedius Communications for $531.5 Million
- JOHNSON'S(R) Baby Unveils Plans to Launch a Mom Blog Directory a Whole New Way for Moms to Connect and Communicate in the Blogosphere
- Wal-Mart Announces Sale of German Business
- Coca-Cola Invites The World To Create On-Line With 'The Coke Side Of Life'
- Recent posts
ARCHIVES
Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich says America is in World War III and President Bush should say so.
Gingrich said in an interview Saturday that Bush should call a joint session of Congress the first week of September and talk about global military conflicts in much starker terms than have been heard from the president.
"We need to have the militancy that says 'We're not going to lose a city, " Gingrich said.
We need to have the militancy that says 'We're not going to lose a city, " Gingrich said.
Gingrich said in the coming days he plans to speak out publicly and to the administration from his seat on the Defense Policy Board about the need to recognize that America is in World War III.
He lists wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, last week's bomb attacks in India, North Korean nuclear threats, terrorist arrests and investigations in Florida, Canada and Britain, and violence in Israel and Lebanon as evidence of World War III.
He said Bush needs to deliver a speech to Congress and "connect all the dots" for Americans.
He said European leaders and some in the Bush administration who are urging a restrained response from Israel are falling short of what needs to be done "because they haven't crossed the bridge of realizing this is a war."
Once that's accepted, he said, "Israel wouldn't leave southern Lebanon as long as there was a single missile there. I would go in and clean them all out, and I would announce that any Iranian airplane trying to bring missiles to resupply them would be shot down. This idea that we have this one-sided war where the other team gets to plan how to kill us and we get to talk, is nuts."
Gingrich was in the area for fundraisers for Congressman Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, 2nd District GOP challenger Doug Roulstone, and the state Republican party.
There is a political element to his talk of World War III. Gingrich said that public opinion can change "the minute you use the language" of World War III. The message then, he said, is, "OK, if we're in the third world war, which side do you think should win?"
Lance Bass is Gay: So Who Cares
This is not the last century so the below announcement should never have been the big deal it was made out to be. The press is running around like they smell blood in the water on the story.
Lance Bass, the former 'N Sync heartthrob, reveals that he is gay, in an exclusive interview with People.
"I knew that I was in this popular band and I had four other guys' careers in my hand, and I knew that if I ever acted on it or even said (that I was gay), it would overpower everything," says Bass, referring to bandmates Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez, and Justin Timberlake.
"I didn’t know: Could that be the end of ’N Sync? So I had that weight on me of like, ‘Wow, if I ever let anyone know, it's bad.' So I just never did," he says speaking about his sexual orientation for the first time with People.
Now, after years of keeping his personal life private, the Mississippi-bred, Southern Baptist-reared Bass, 27, is publicly revealing what he first shared with his friends, then his shocked family.
"He took years to really think about how he was going to tell everyone," says his close buddy Fatone, 29, who was the first 'N Sync bandmate to find out Bass is gay. "I back him up 100 percent." Adds Bass’s longtime pal, actress Christina Applegate: "I've always accepted him as who he is. It's about his own serenity at this point."
Having pursued acting, producing and – most memorably – space flight after ’N Sync went on hiatus in 2002, Bass now is looking ahead to new beginnings. He is in a "very stable" relationship with model-actor-Amazing Race winner Reichen Lehmkuhl, 32, and is developing an Odd Couple-inspired sitcom pilot with Fatone in which his character will be gay.
Mostly, though, he’s just enjoying the relief that comes with the culmination of a long, at times emotionally fraught journey.
"The thing is, I’m not ashamed – that’s the one thing I want to say," he explains of his decision to come out. "I don't think it's wrong, I'm not devastated going through this. I'm more liberated and happy than I’ve been my whole life. I'm just happy."
As for why he's talking about this now Bass says, "The main reason I wanted to speak my mind was that (the rumors) really were starting to affect my daily life. Now it feels like it's on my terms. I'm at peace with my family, my friends, myself and God so there's really nothing else that I worry about."
LG Electronics Underscores Product, Technology Leadership in U.S. Market at Exclusive New York Event
The company hosted its annual "LG - Life's Good" summer line show at the New York City venue where Michael Ahn, chief executive of LG Electronics North American Headquarters, updated guests on progress in the company's key products categories - Digital Displays, Digital Media, Home Appliances and Mobile Phones.
"LG continues to strengthen its premium brand image, and develop products and technologies that enrich peoples' lives on a daily basis," Ahn said. "Our 'Life's Good' marketing theme embodies our commitment to creating leading-edge technologies and design that enhance the way we live, work and interact with each other."
"Here at Madame Tussauds', we are surrounded by leaders and entertainers that have inspired us and made a positive impact on the world. Like these individuals, we endeavor to impact and enhance the lives of our consumers. Through our dedication to research and development, design and style, and of course, to innovation and technology, we continue to develop products that make peoples' lives better."
Ahn highlighted progress in key areas, including brand, revenue and market leadership:
Brand: Since the official U.S. brand launch in 2003, LG has increased its aided awareness from 33 percent in 2004 to 65 percent in 2005, demonstrating the company's success of the "Life's Good" campaign, as well as its premium brand positioning.
This year, the company launched a new broadcast and print advertising campaign, highlighting its three product divisions, and announced the exclusive three-year title sponsorship of the LG SKINS GAME, one of professional golf's most prestigious events. Further enhancing its brand in the United States are premium products and technologies - such as its flat-panel HDTVs with integrated high-definition digital video recorders, the TV Refrigerator with WeatherPlus(TM), the LG SteamWasher(TM) and the all-new "Chocolate" mobile phone.
Sales: Ahn explained that LG Electronics continues to see impressive growth across all divisions. For the first half of 2006, brand revenues grew by 11 percent from the first half of last year. For the full-year 2005, LG revenues in the United States, Canada and Mexico increased by more than 17 percent, with sales totaling $9 billion.
Market Leadership: "We are dedicated to bringing premium products to consumers, and continue to make great strides in establishing and maintaining our leadership position across all divisions," Ahn said. For example, LG continues to be the fastest growing mobile phone brand in North America according to Strategy Analytics, Inc. and is the largest provider of CDMA handsets worldwide. Supporting continued momentum for LG mobile phones are unique new mobile phone designs and features coming to the United States this fall, Ahn said.
In digital appliances, the company's goal is to consistently deliver technologically advanced, functional and stylish home appliance innovations, such as the Panorama(TM) French Door Refrigerator with ice and water dispenser, and LG Range with blue interior which offers the industry's largest available capacity oven for a 30-inch range. LG's channel expansion strategy continues to grow with strategic partnerships with Best Buy and The Home Depot, as well as its regional retailer relationships, where LG continues to offer its full line of home appliances. Worldwide, LG Electronics maintains its position as the number one global provider of room air conditioners, microwave ovens and vacuum systems, and is the leader in premium kitchen and laundry systems.
As the world's largest producer of flat-panel displays, LG continues to capitalize on its technology leadership for the U.S. market, Ahn said, explaining that the long-term winners will be those like LG Electronics that possess core technologies in-house. Combining style and functionality, LG has the only LCD and plasma HDTVs with built-in high-definition digital video recorders. Further, LG continues to maintain its number one position in the U.S. digital storage market led by its Super Multi optical drives (including its new Blu-Ray drive), while continuing the growth of its LCD computer monitor business.
At yesterday night's pre-holiday season preview, the company showcased its broad product portfolio, including its digital displays, digital media, home appliances and mobile phones.
ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS USA, INC.
Based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., LG Electronics USA, Inc., (LGEUS) is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $45-billion global force in consumer electronics and mobile communications. In the United States, LGEUS sells a wide range of digital display and digital media products, digital appliances and mobile phones under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit http://www.lgusa.com/ .
ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS, INC.
LG Electronics, Inc., is a global leader in consumer electronics and mobile communications. The company has more than 72,000 employees working in 77 subsidiaries and marketing units around the world. LG Electronics is the world's largest producer of CDMA mobile phones, residential air conditioners, optical storage devices and home theater systems. With total worldwide consolidated revenues of more than US$45 billion (2005), LG Electronics comprises four business units: Mobile Communications, Digital Appliance, Digital Display and Digital Media. For more information, please visit http://www.lge.com/ .
Website: http://www.lge.com
http://www.LGusa.com
Nintendo News: Nintendo Announces Schedule for Fusion Tour
The Nintendo Fusion Tour promises to be one of the hottest tickets of the year. The cross-country tour, produced by Live Nation, will be headlined by Hawthorne Heights and will include up-and-comers like Relient K, Emery, Plain White T's and The Sleeping. In addition, each location will showcase the best new and upcoming Nintendo games, including a sneak peek at Nintendo's amazing Wii console.
The tour schedule is below. Information is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information about the Nintendo Fusion Tour, log onto nintendofusiontour.com.
Sept. 27 Columbus, Ohio Sept. 28 Indianapolis Sept. 29 Detroit Sept. 30 Cleveland Oct. 1 Covington, Ky. Oct. 4 Philadelphia Oct. 5 Worcester, Mass. Oct. 7 Pittsburgh Oct. 8 New York Oct. 9 Norfolk, Va. Oct. 10 Winston-Salem, N.C. Oct. 11 Myrtle Beach, S.C. Oct. 12 Orlando, Fla. Oct. 13 Atlanta Oct. 14 Jacksonville, Fla. Oct. 15 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Oct. 17 Jonesboro, Ark. Oct. 18 New Orleans Oct. 19 Houston Oct. 20 Dallas Oct. 22 Phoenix Oct. 24 Anaheim, Calif. Oct. 25 Los Angeles Oct. 26 San Francisco Oct. 27 San Diego Oct. 28 Las Vegas Nov. 2 Spokane, Wash. Nov. 4 Denver Nov. 5 Kansas City, Mo. Nov. 6 St. Paul, Minn. Nov. 7 St. Louis Nov. 8 Milwaukee Nov. 9 Des Moines, Iowa Nov. 10 Champaign, Ill. Nov. 11 Chicago
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Time Warner Telecom to Acquire Xspedius Communications for $531.5 Million
- Acquisition Expands Metro Fiber Footprint to 75 Markets, 30 States & District of Columbia -
Time Warner Telecom Inc. (NASDAQ:TWTC) , a leading provider of managed voice and data networking solutions for business customers, today announced it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Xspedius Communications, LLC., a privately held company which provides telecommunications services to businesses across the U.S.
Under the terms of the agreement, Time Warner Telecom will pay total consideration of $531.5 million, consisting of $212.5 million in cash and $319 million in shares of Time Warner Telecom's Class A Common Stock. The company will assume no debt in the acquisition.
Xspedius is a metro fiber-based provider of integrated communications services primarily to enterprise businesses as well as carrier customers. Xspedius provides a comprehensive suite of high quality services, including metro Ethernet, local and long distance voice, data and dedicated Internet access services, in 43 markets across 18 states and the District of Columbia.
"This acquisition significantly broadens the already extensive nature of our local assets and national capabilities," said Larissa Herda, Chairman, CEO and President of Time Warner Telecom. "The marketplace continues to validate our long-held view of the value of last mile connectivity to enterprise customers. This strategic acquisition further expands our network reach and market density for serving multi-location and multi-city enterprise customers, increasing the number of markets we serve from 44 to 75, and enhances our ability to further fuel our enterprise growth."
"For the full year 2007, we expect Xspedius' stand alone operations to generate approximately $230 to $250 million of revenue, $40 to $50 million of Modified-EBITDA(1) and $20 to $25 million in Unlevered Free Cash Flow(2) before synergies and integration costs," said Mark Peters, Time Warner Telecom's Chief Financial Officer. "We expect to achieve significant annualized cost synergies of approximately $40 to $50 million within 12 to 18 months of closing, and expect $40 to $50 million in one-time investments to integrate the business. These integration costs include investments to interconnect our network assets in order to overlay our product portfolio to drive additional enterprise revenue growth." Time Warner Telecom expects to achieve the cost synergies by leveraging existing local and regional operating structures and optimizing network capabilities and costs.
The stock consideration is subject to a 20% symmetrical collar adjustment. This adjustment is based on the average share price of Time Warner Telecom's Class A common shares for the 20 trading days prior to closing as compared to $14.57. The consideration will be adjusted for a stock price decrease in the form of additional cash and stock, or for a stock price increase by decreasing the stock consideration.
"We are looking forward to being an investor in Time Warner Telecom," said Jim Lynch, representative of majority Xspedius owner, Thermo Capital Partners, and Chairman of Xspedius Communications. "Time Warner Telecom is clearly an innovative market leader. I am impressed with their ability to serve the enterprise customer with a broad range of services, their market success, and the scalability of their business model. This combination creates significant synergies and will enhance Time Warner Telecom's overall growth rate."
"The Xspedius team is enthusiastic about the opportunity to partner with Time Warner Telecom," said Paul Pierron, President and CEO of Xspedius. "The enhancements this merger brings will provide our customers new and expanded service opportunities. The combination of these two companies solidifies Time Warner Telecom's position as a leading national provider of network services to enterprise customers."
Closing is expected within six months, and is subject to customary conditions, including the receipt of applicable federal and state regulatory approvals. The transaction has been approved by the required majority consent of equity holders of Xspedius Communications and does not require a Time Warner Telecom shareholder vote.
Evercore Partners acted as financial advisor to Time Warner Telecom, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Faegre & Benson acted as legal advisors. Brown Brothers Harriman acted as financial advisor to Xspedius Communications and Taft, Stettinius & Hollister acted as legal advisor.
Time Warner Telecom plans to conduct a webcast conference call on July 28, at 8:00 a.m. MDT (10:00 a.m. EDT). To access the webcast and the financial and statistical information to be discussed in the webcast, visit www.twtelecom.com under "Investor Relations."
About Time Warner Telecom
Time Warner Telecom Inc., headquartered in Littleton, Colo., provides managed network services, specializing in Ethernet and transport data networking, Internet access, local and long distance voice, VoIP and security, to enterprise organizations and communications services companies throughout the U.S. As a leading provider of integrated and converged network solutions, Time Warner Telecom delivers customers overall economic value, quality, service, and improved business productivity. Please visit www.twtelecom.com for more information.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this press release concerning the outlook for 2006 and beyond, including without limitation anticipated revenue, cash flow, capital expenditures and expected integration costs and synergies related to the acquisition, the effects of the acquisition on Time Warner Telecom as well as the timing and expected completion of the transaction, are forward-looking statements that reflect Time Warner Telecom management's views with respect to future events and financial performance. These statements are based on Time Warner Telecom management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include the risks summarized in the Company's filings with the SEC, especially the section entitled "Risk Factors" in its 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K and risks that the Company may not be able to achieve the anticipated revenue, cash flow, cost savings and other synergies and other benefits related to the acquisition, that capital expenditures and integration costs for the acquired business may exceed those projected, and that the acquisition may not be completed on the schedule contemplated or at all. Time Warner Telecom undertakes no obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
(1) The Company uses a modified definition of EBITDA to eliminate certain non-cash and non-operating income or charges to earnings to enhance the comparability of its financial performance from period to period. Modified EBITDA (or "M-EBITDA") is defined as net income or loss before depreciation, amortization, accretion, asset impairment charge, interest expense, interest income, investment gains and losses, income tax expense or benefit, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, and, beginning the first quarter of 2006, non cash stock-based compensation.
(2) The Company defines un-levered free cash flow as Modified EBITDA less capital expenditures.
Important Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed transaction, Time Warner Telecom Inc. intends to file a registration statement and other materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Security holders affected by the business combination transaction referenced in this press release are strongly advised to read, when they become available, the prospectus and related materials regarding the business combination transaction referenced in this press release, as well as any amendments and supplements to those documents because they will contain important information.
Investors will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement and other materials, when they become available, as well as other filings containing information about Time Warner Telecom and the transaction, without charge, at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/. These documents may also be obtained for free from Time Warner Telecom by directing a request to Time Warner Telecom, 10475 Park Meadows Drive, Littleton, CO 80124. Attention: Investor Relations.
Source: Time Warner Telecom Inc.
JOHNSON'S(R) Baby Unveils Plans to Launch a Mom Blog Directory a Whole New Way for Moms to Connect and Communicate in the Blogosphere
With the Advent of the 300 Millionth American, JOHNSON'S(R) Ushers in a Unique Way to Bring Together a Whole New Generation of Moms
According to a recent survey* of moms who gave birth in the past four years, 85 percent spend their free time online and more than one-third find support from other moms online. Recognizing that today's generation of moms seeks and shares parenting information in new ways, JOHNSON'S(R) Baby has announced the creation of a first of its kind blog directory. This directory will help facilitate the conversations currently taking place between moms in the blogosphere and enable more moms to join the ongoing dialogue.
The yet-to-be-named blog directory is designed to help moms find other mom bloggers through keyword content searches and tags, as well as similar interests, number of children and region of the country. It will also offer additional exposure to existing bloggers by bringing their blogs to a whole new audience of readers and providing tips on how best to promote their blog. The directory will provide tools for moms who want to start blogging but do not know how to begin. With the blog coach, moms can easily set up their own blog and quickly become part of the conversation.
"As our population grows and we prepare to welcome the 300 millionth American, JOHNSON'S(R) recognizes that today's moms are connecting in entirely new ways," said Bridgette Heller, Global President, JOHNSON'S(R) Baby. "While previous generations congregated on a daily basis at the park bench to discuss the parenting issues of the day, today's moms have found a new place. The blogosphere, open for conversation day or night, is the modern mom's park bench. Our research shows that what mom bloggers want most is a way to find and connect with other moms. With this mom blogger directory, we are bringing moms together to share and support, converse and communicate -- enabling unprecedented conversations to take place."
In order to build a directory that would be appealing and relevant, JOHNSON'S(R) conducted in-depth research with moms who blog. Eighty five percent of moms surveyed blog about their children and experiences as a parent, and many moms are looking for information on parenting and children in the blogs they read. The research revealed that these moms, who view blogging as a creative outlet, want to make even more connections that will allow them to share anecdotes about their children, discuss the many challenges they face as parents, and 'meet' individuals with similar experiences.
As part of the development process, JOHNSON'S(R) recruited a panel of top mom bloggers to serve as advisors. The advisory board members were integrally involved in all aspects of the planning and development process.
"The opportunity to play a role in the development of JOHNSON'S(R) blog directory has been an incredibly valuable experience. It's given me the chance to help shape this service into one that is relevant and easy to use," said Chris Jordan, advisory panel member, mom of seven and owner of the blog, Notes from the Trenches. "Blogging has been a personally rewarding experience, and if I can help to bring more moms like me into the blogosphere, or make it easier for those who are looking to read blogs that are relevant to their lives, I've been successful."
The blog directory will go live in Fall 2006. Visit Baby.com/BlogHer and we'll alert you when it goes live.
About JOHNSON'S(R) Baby
JOHNSON'S(R) Baby is manufactured and marketed by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company, a division of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. develops and markets baby care, wound care and skin care products that address the needs of the consumer and health care professionals and incorporate the latest innovations. The portfolio includes heritage brands JOHNSON'S(R) Baby and BAND-AID(R) Brand as well as leading skin care brands such as AVEENO(R) and CLEAN & CLEAR(R).
* The online survey included 400 participants and was conducted from April 20-24, 2006. Respondents were required to be US residents, females and 18 years of age or older. JOHNSON'S(R) funded the survey
Wal-Mart Announces Sale of German Business
85-Supercenter Chain to be Sold to Metro AG
Michael Duke, Vice-Chairman of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., announced today that the company has agreed to sell its German retail business to Metro AG. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
"As we focus our efforts on where we can have the greatest impact on our growth and return on investment strategies, it has become increasingly clear that in Germany's business environment it would be difficult for us to obtain the scale and results we desire," said Duke. "This sale positions us to increase our focus on the markets where we can achieve our objectives."
"We appreciate the contributions our German associates have made to build up our business in Germany," Duke added. "We will work closely with Metro to have a smooth transition."
The Company expects to incur a pre-tax loss related to this transaction of approximately US$1 billion for the Company's second quarter of fiscal year 2007.
Wal-Mart's international operations comprise 2,700 stores in 14 countries outside the United States. In the past year, the company became majority owner of Seiyu in Japan, completed its acquisition of Sonae in Brazil, and expanded into six new markets including Northern Ireland, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Combined with its U.S. and SAM's CLUB divisions, Wal-Mart operates more than 6,600 retail outlets globally with sales of US$312 billion last year.
Wal-Mart Germany operates 85 Supercenters employing 11,000 associates. Wal-Mart entered the German market eight years ago with the acquisition of the Wertkauf and Interspar hypermarket chains. The transaction is subject to approval by the competent anti-trust authorities.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States. The Company has operations in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and NYSE Arca, formerly the Pacific Stock Exchange, under the symbol WMT. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com .
This press release contains a statement that Wal-Mart believes is a "forward-looking statement" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that is intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by that Act. That forward- looking statement discusses the loss the Company expects to incur with respect to the transaction discussed in this press release and is identified by use of the word "expects" in the statement. That forward-looking statement is subject to certain important risks and other factors that could cause the amount of the loss incurred to differ materially from the amount discussed in the forward-looking statement, including whether the transaction is closed, whether, in order to obtain regulatory approvals of the transaction or for other reasons, the terms of the transaction are modified, the timing of the transaction's closing, and the amount of any transaction-related costs and liabilities ultimately incurred by the Company. The forward-looking statement included in this release is made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update the forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Source: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Coca-Cola Invites The World To Create On-Line With 'The Coke Side Of Life'
www.coca-cola.com brand site launched simultaneously in 26 countries and 6 languages
The Coca-Cola Company today announced it has re-launched www.coca-cola.com as its new Coca-Cola brand site. The site is based on the core creative idea of "The Coke Side of Life", the Company's new global marketing platform for brand Coca-Cola, and will invite visitors around the world to participate in the evolution of the brand's heritage. At the same time the Company's corporate website has changed its address to www.thecoca-colacompany.com. Under this site, users will continue to find corporate information, including company news, investor information, corporate responsibility efforts and career opportunities.
Launching the new Coca-Cola brand website continues the commitment of the Company to establish a multimedia platform for "The Coke Side of Life" campaign. "Throughout Coke's history, we have seen people use the brand, its icons and heritage as a creative source," said Marc Mathieu, senior vice president for Global Core Brands, The Coca-Cola Company. "In the 60's, it was Andy Warhol, today it's people all over the world on the internet developing their own interpretations of the brand. We believe the independent creative process is a vital part of our heritage. With this site we want to give a further opportunity for these imaginative minds to be part of our creative process."
As part of its launch, the content on the site will be driven by a series of bi-weekly and monthly challenges to consumers around the world, which will be posted on www.coca-cola.com. The goal of the site is to develop organically into a global user generated content portal with three key differentiators from other consumer marketing sites: First, visitors are given a theme/challenge to focus their creativity and are provided tools to develop their ideas; second, winners of the challenges are rewarded for their input, and; third, users gain access to a truly global community which is invited to judge their entries. These features will allow visitors to have a more inclusive role in the Company's creative process.
"The site will differentiate Coca-Cola from traditional company sites in that it will consist primarily of user-generated content," said Tim Kopp, vice president of Global Interactive Marketing, The Coca-Cola Company. Although based on the creative direction of "The Coke Side of Life" originally developed by Wieden and Kennedy, the Company plans to populate the site by users rather than by agencies. "We realize we will need time to familiarize people with the site and are looking to learn from and build this together with the user," added Kopp.
To initiate interest and build on the present brand strategy, the first challenge is for consumers to create a 'bottle film' based on a personal interpretation of "The Coke Side of Life". Winners will receive prizes to help further their creativity. First prize includes a computer, digital camera and editing software valued at approximately $5,000. After the finalists have been chosen by their peers, a panel of experts from around the globe will judge the top entries and award the prize. This month's challenge will be judged by experts from Wieden and Kennedy, who created the original 'bottle films' for Coke. In the future, the panels will change depending on the nature of the challenge.
AKQA developed the new site in partnership with a team from Coca-Cola: "We're incredibly excited about the pipeline of digital innovation that The Coca-Cola Company will deliver and the role of the consumer to help shape groundbreaking ideas," said Ajaz Ahmed, Chairman of AKQA.
This new brand site will continuously evolve over time. The Company plans to develop the site by adding new countries and new areas. The Company wants to tap into the passion of its users on-line and link its unique global product reach with its internet activities.
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company markets four of the world's top five soft drink brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light soft drinks, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees and sports drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate exceeding 1.3 billion servings each day. For more information about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit our corporate website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com
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- Papal, Holy See Highlights for 2006: January - July
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END OF POPE'S VACATION IN VALLE D'AOSTA
The Holy Father's vacation at Les Combes, in the municipality of Introd in Italy's Valle d'Aosta, where he has been staying since July 11, is due to come to an end this afternoon.
After bidding farewell to Osvaldo Naudin, mayor of Introd, to Bishop Giuseppe Anfossi of Aosta, and to other civil and religious authorities, the Pope is due to travel to the airport of Aosta whence his plane will depart at 5.30 p.m. He is expected to land at Rome's Ciampino airport an hour later and from there to travel to the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo, south of Rome.
Beginning on Sunday, July 30, Benedict XVI will pray the Angelus from his summer residence at Castelgandolfo. General audiences will be held regularly in the Vatican from Wednesday, August 2.
BXVI-VACATION/.../LES COMBES VIS 060728 (150)
PAPAL, HOLY SEE HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2006: JANUARY - JULY
(VIS) - Following are highlights of the activities of Pope Benedict XVI and of the Holy See for the months of January through July 2006.
JANUARY
- 1: Message of the Holy Father Benedict XVI for 39th World Day of Peace, on the theme: "In Truth, Peace."
- 7: Holy Father receives in audience a delegation from the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, led by Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick.
- 9: Holy Father receives in audience - in the Sala Regia of the Vatican Apostolic Palace - members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See for the traditional exchange of New Year greetings.
- 16: Holy Father receives in audience a delegation from the Jewish community in Rome, headed by Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni.
- 16: Holy Father receives in audience Filip Vujanovic, president of the Republic of Montenegro.
- 19: Holy Father receives in audience an ecumenical delegation from Finland for the occasion of the Feast of St. Henry, patron saint of that country.
- 19: Holy Father receives in audience Gunther H. Oettinger, minister-president of Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.
- 22: For the 500th anniversary of the foundation of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, Mass in the Sistine Chapel presided by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, attended by the 110 Swiss Guards currently in service and their families. The Mass inaugurates the 500th anniversary celebrations of the world's oldest active military corps.
- 23 - 24: International congress on charity promoted by the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum," its theme inspired by St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians: " ... But the greatest of these is love."
- 24: On the Feast of St. Francis of Sales, patron saint of journalists, publication of Benedict XVI's first Message for the World Day of Social Communications (to be celebrated on May 28), on the theme: "The Media: A Network for Communication, Communion and Cooperation."
- 25: Publication of Pope Benedict XVI's first Encyclical: "Deus caritas est."
- 26: Holy Father receives in audience Lech Kaczynski, president of the Republic of Poland.
- 31: Publication of the Message of Benedict XVI for Lent 2006. The text, dated September 29, 2005, is entitled: "Jesus, at the sight of the crowds, was moved with pity."
FEBRUARY
- 3: Publication of a decree announcing the concession of indulgences to the faithful for the fifteenth World Day of the Sick, to be celebrated on February 11, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
- 9: The Holy Father accepts the invitation of Ahmet Necdet Sezer, president of Turkey, to make an official visit to that country from November 28 to 30, 2006.
- 15: During the course of his weekly general audience, Benedict XVI announces the conclusion of the cycle of catechesis begun by John Paul II and dedicated to the Psalms and Canticles of the Liturgy of the Hours and of Vespers.
- 16: Holy Father receives in audience Fouad Siniora, prime minister of Lebanon.
- 20: Presentation of the Letters of Credence of Ali Achour, the new ambassador of Morocco to the Holy See.
- 24: Holy Father receives in audience Alfred Moisiu, president of the Republic of Albania.
- 27: Publication of the Holy Father's Message to the youth of the world for 21st World Youth Day 2006, on the theme: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
MARCH
- 3: The Holy Father Benedict XVI visits the headquarters of Vatican Radio for the 75th anniversary of the station's inauguration, in 1931 under the pontificate of Pius IX.
- 13: Holy Father receives in audience Mohammed Hosni Mubarak, president of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
- 15: In his weekly general audience, the Holy Father begins a new cycle of catechesis dedicated to the mystery of the relationship between Christ and the Church in the light of the experience of the Apostles and the task with which they were entrusted.
- 18: Beatification of Servant of God Sister Elia di San Clemente (nee Teodora Fracasso, 1901 - 1927), virgin of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, in the cathedral of Bari, Italy.
- 20: Holy Father receives in audience His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni, patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenians, Lebanon, accompanied by members of the patriarchal synod and by a group of pilgrims.
- 24: First Ordinary Public Consistory of the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI for the creation of 15 new cardinals from 11 different countries. With the new additions, the College of Cardinals numbers 193 members, of whom 120 are eligible to vote.
- 30: Publication of the Holy Father's Message for the 43rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, to be celebrated on May 7, fourth Sunday of Easter, on the theme: "Vocation in the mystery of the Church."
- 30: In the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, screening of the film "Karol, un Papa rimasto uomo" (Karol, a Pope Who Remained a Man) in the presence of the Holy Father. The film, dedicated to the life of John Paul II, was written and directed by the Italian director, Giacomo Battiato.
APRIL
- 1: Holy Father receives in audience Their Majesties King Albert II and Queen Paola of the Belgians.
- 2: First anniversary of the death of John Paul II. At 9 p.m., Benedict XVI and Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope's vicar general for the diocese of Rome, preside at the praying of the Rosary in St. Peter's Square. At around 9.37 p.m., the exact moment of John Paul II's demise, the Pope Benedict addresses the crowd from the window of his study overlooking the square.
- 3: At 5.30 p.m. in St. Peter's Square, Benedict XVI celebrates Mass marking the first anniversary of the death of John Paul II.
- 6: Shimon Peres, former prime minister of the State of Israel and Nobel Peace Prize winner, visits His Holiness Benedict XVI.
- 8: Holy Father receives in separate audiences Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, president of the Republic of Togo, and His Imperial and Royal Highness Archduke Otto of Austria.
- 9: Eucharistic celebration presided by the Pope in St. Peter's Square for Palm Sunday, and for 21st World Youth Day which has as its theme this year "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
- 21: Benedict XVI attends a concert organized in his honor by the local authorities of Rome at the city's "Parco della Musica" Auditorium to mark the occasion of the 2759th anniversary of the foundation of the Eternal City, and the first anniversary of his own election to the pontifical throne on April 19.
- 30: Beatification of Servants of God Msgr. Luigi Biraghi (1801-1879) and Fr. Luigi Monza (1898-1954) in the Duomo of Milan, Italy.
- 30: Beatification of Servant of God Fr. Augustine Thevarparampil "Kunjachan" (1891-1973), in Ramapuram, India.
MAY
- 1: Pope Benedict XVI visits the Sanctuary of "Divino Amore" (Divine Love), located south of Rome. He prays the rosary before the image of the Virgin in the old sanctuary before going on to visit the new sanctuary, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1999.
- 3: A concert of popular music performed by the Swiss Guard Band in the Paul VI Hall marks the beginning of the fifth centenary celebrations for the founding of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
- 5: Holy Father receives in audience Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission.
- 6: In the Vatican Basilica, the Pope presides at a Eucharistic celebration marking the fifth centenary of the foundation of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. Civil and military authorities from Switzerland and other countries participate in the ceremony, as do relatives and friends of the Guards, and military chaplains.
- 8: Holy Father receives in audience Their Royal Highnesses, the Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg.
- 11: Holy Father receives in audience Hugo Chavez Frias, president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
- 13: On the 89th anniversary of the first appearance of the Virgin of Fatima, and the 25th anniversary of the assassination attempt against John Paul II in St. Peter's Square, a copy of the statue of the Virgin Mary from the famous Portuguese shrine returns to the Vatican.
- 13: Holy Father receives Letters of Credence of Valentin Bozhilov, the new Bulgarian ambassador to the Holy See.
- 13: Holy Father receives in audience participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family which is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its foundation. It was established by John Paul II on May 9, 1981.
- 13: Beatification of Servant of God Maria Teresa di San Giuseppe (nee Anna Maria Tauscher van den Bosch, 1855 -1938) in Roermond, Netherlands.
- 14: Beatification of Servant of God Maria della Passione di Nostro Signore Gesu Cristo (nee Grazia Tarallo, 1866 - 1912) in the cathedral of Naples, Italy.
- 15: Holy Father receives in separate audiences Enrique Bolanos Geyer, president of the Republic of Nicaragua, and His Royal Highness Duke Carl von Wurttemberg.
- 18: Holy Father receives Letters of Credence of five new ambassadors to the Holy See: Moukhtar Wawa Dahab from Chad; Amitava Tripathi from India; Domingos Dias Pereira Mascarenhas from Cape Verde; Valeriu Bobutac from Moldova; and Anne Maree Plunkett from Australia.
- 18: Holy Father receives in audience Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, president of the Department for Foreign Ecclesiastical Relations of the Patriarchate of Moscow.
- 18: Holy Father receives in audience Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz, prime minister of Poland.
- 19: Holy Father receives in audience Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.
- 20: Holy Father receives Letters of Credence of Francisco Vazquez Vazquez, the new Spanish ambassador to the Holy See.
- 22: Holy Father receives in audience Branko Crvenkovski, president of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
- 23: Publication of a Letter from Benedict XVI to Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach S.J., superior general of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), for the 50th anniversary of Pope Pius XII's Encyclical "Haurietis aquas" on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
- 23: Holy Father receives in audience Sergei Stanishev, prime minister of Bulgaria.
- 25-28: Holy Father Benedict XVI's apostolic trip to Poland where he visits Warsaw, Czestochowa, Krakow, Wadowice, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, and Auschwitz.
- 28: Beatification of Servant of God Rita Amada de Jesus (1948 - 1913) in Viseu, Portugal.
JUNE
- 2: Publication of the Holy Father's Message for 80th World Mission Day, on the theme: "Charity, Soul of the Mission." The Day is due to be celebrated on October 22.
- 3: Holy Father receives in audience Tony Blair, prime minister of Great Britain.
- 3: In St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father Benedict XVI meets more than 400,000 representatives of ecclesial movements and new communities for the First Vespers of the eve of Pentecost.
- 8: Holy Father receives in audience Norbert Lammert, speaker of the German parliament, the "Bundestag."
- 15: Beatification of Servant of God Fr. Eustaquio Van Lieshout (1890 - 1943) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- 16: Holy Father receives in audience Oscar Arias Sanchez, president of the Republic of Costa Rica.
- 22: In accordance with Canon 354 of the Code of Canon Law, Holy Father accepts the resignation of Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, requesting him, nonetheless, to remain in office until September 15, with all the faculties inherent to that role. On September 15. the Holy Father will appoint Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., archbishop of Genova, Italy, as the new secretary of State.
- 24: Announcement of a forthcoming apostolic trip by Benedict XVI to Germany from September 9 to 14, where he will visit Munich, Altotting and Regensburg.
- 26: Holy Father receives in audience Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, president of the Republic of the Philippines.
- 29: Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles. Pope presides at a Eucharistic concelebration with 27 metropolitan archbishops from 17 countries, upon whom he imposes the pallium. The day also marks the 55th anniversary of Benedict XVI's own priestly ordination.
- 30: Holy Father receives Letters of Credence of Mario Juan Bosco Cayota Zappettini, the new ambassador of Uruguay to the Holy See.
- 30: Benedict XVI decrees that from September 18 - when the Vatican Secret Archives and other archives of the Holy See resume activities after the summer vacation - all documents relative to the pontificate of Pope Pius XI (February 6, 1922 - February 10, 1939) be made available to researchers.
JULY
- 8-9: Holy Father Benedict XVI makes the third apostolic trip outside Italy of his pontificate, visiting Valencia, Spain, for the occasion of the Fifth World Meeting of Families.
- 11: Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. is appointed as new director of the Holy See Press Office. He is currently director general of the Vatican Television Center and of Vatican Radio, posts he will continue to hold in his new office. The Pope accepts the resignation from the office of director of the Holy See Press Office presented by Joaquin Navarro-Valls, who has held the position since 1984.
- 12: Presentation of the Holy See consolidated financial statements for 2005; the year closed with a surplus of 9.7 million euro.
- 13: Theme announced of the 40th World Peace Day, due to be celebrated on January 1, 2007: "The Human Person: Heart of Peace."
- 20: Benedict XVI proclaims Sunday, July 23, as a special day of prayer and penance for peace in the Middle East.
- 26: Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, secretary for Relations with States, participates as an observer at the International Rome Conference on Lebanon.
.../ACTIVITIES 2006/... VIS 060728 (2290)
