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

Lance Cpl. Jeremy Z. Long, 18, of Sun Valley, Nev., died Aug. 10,
while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was
assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I
Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

 

 

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers,
who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Killed were:

Sgt. Steven P. Mennemeyer, 26, of Granite City, Ill.
Sgt. Jeffery S. Brown, 25, of Trinity Center, Calif.
They were declared Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown on Aug. 8, when
their UH-60 Blackhawk crashed into a lake in the vicinity of Korean
Village in Rubtbah, Iraq. Their remains were recovered on Aug. 9 and 10,
respectively. Both soldiers were assigned to the 82nd Medical Company (Air
Ambulance), Fort Riley, Kan.

This incident is under investigation.

 

Five soldiers were killed in Iraq and
Afghanistan in recent days, another two were wounded, and the Defense
Department has identified four earlier casualties who died supporting
Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed yesterday when
a roadside bomb struck their dismounted patrol south of Baghdad.

Three coalition soldiers were killed and two were wounded Aug. 11
during a battle with Taliban extremists in northeastern Afghanistan. The
soldiers became engaged with the extremists while conducting operations in
the Waygal district of Nuristan province.

The soldier's names and nationalities are being withheld pending
notification of next of kin.

Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified four servicemen killed
recently in Iraq:

-- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jeremy Z. Long, 18, of Sun Valley, Nev.,
died Aug. 10 while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province.
He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine
Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

-- Army Sgt. Steven P. Mennemeyer, 26, of Granite City, Ill., and Army
Sgt. Jeffery S. Brown, 25, of Trinity Center, Calif., died Aug. 8 when
their UH-60 Blackhawk crashed into a lake near Korean Village in
Rubtbah, Iraq. Both soldiers were assigned to the 82nd Medical Company (Air
Ambulance), Fort Riley, Kan.

-- Army Staff Sgt. Tracy L. Melvin, 31, of Seattle, died of injuries
suffered Aug. 6 when a roadside bomb detonated near his Humvee during
combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq. Melvin was assigned to the Army's 2nd
Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder,
Germany.

 

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

Rockwell Collins Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a
$62,589,087 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed fee contract modification.
This contract modification exercises production options for the purchase
of 28,054 Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGRs) and accessories. The
DAGR will provide authorized Department of Defense and foreign military
sales users of Global Positioning System user equipment a precise
positioning system, hand-held, dual-frequency (L1/L2), lightweight receiver
(less than one pound) that incorporates the next generation,
tamper-resistant GPS selective availability anti-spoofing module security module.
The DAGR will serve as a replacement for the precision lightweight GPS
receiver in integrated platforms as well as for the advanced and basic
GPS user. This effort supports foreign military sales to the following:
Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, and the
United Kingdom. At this time, total funds have been obligated.
This work will complete June 2007. Headquarters Global Positioning
Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting
activity (F04701-02-C-0011/P00043).

Lockheed Martin - Mission Systems, Colorado Springs, Colo., is being
awarded a $13,565,721 cost-plus award fee contract modification. The
combatant command's integrated command and control systems FY06
sustainment include operations, maintenance and support to maintain mission
integrity for the newly deployed target system architecture systems at
Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, the Alternate Missile Command Center,
and forward user and sensor sites, as well as maintenance of legacy
systems at the Peterson Air Force Base test development facility, the
Schriever Air Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Training System, and the ISC2
test and integration lab and remote software support facility (Cheyenne
Mountain Complex). Also included is the support to the 721 CS
organizational level maintenance, astro support workstation, Joint Space
Operations Center, tech refresh, tech docs, and industrial security. At this
time, 12,114,232 has been obligated. This work will completed by
September 2006. Electronic Systems Center, Detachment 5, Peterson Air
Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity
(F19628-00-C-0019/P00087).

Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems and Solutions. Manassas, Va., is
being awarded a $10,572,917 cost plus award fee/fixed price contract
modification. This contract modification is in support of the Department of
Defense's Global Transportation Network system. This action is
purchasing the hardware/software for the data warehouse. At this time,
$10,572,917 has been obligated. This work will be complete January 2007.
Headquarters Air Mobility Command Specialized Contracting Branch, Scott Air
Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (F19628-95-C-0029/P00286).

Raytheon Aircraft Co., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a $9,932,738
commercial firm fixed price contract modification. This contract
modification provides for Navy Lot 13 JPATS T-6A production aircraft (2 each)
for FY 2006. At this time $9,932,738 has been obligated. Headquarters
Air Force Material Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the
contracting activity (F33657-01-C-0022/P00129).

Raytheon Co., Marlborough, Mass., and Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar
Rapids, Iowa is being awarded a $6,000,000, firm-fixed-price and time and
materials contracts. In order to continue survivable communications for
strategic nuclear forces, the Minuteman minimum essential emergency
communication network program (MMP) must be upgraded to support
communications via the advanced extremely high frequency satellite
constellations. The MMP upgrade will provide an improved terminal operator control
function and an AEHF capability and address other system improvements for
the MMP. At this time, $1,300,000 has been obligated for each
contractor. Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base,
Mass., is the contracting activity. (FA8726-06-C-0019 &
FA8726-06-C-0020)

ARMY

L3 Communications CyTerra Corp., Waltham, Mass., was awarded on Aug.
8, 2006, a delivery order amount of $34,600,500 as part of a
$301,279,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for full-rate
production of the AN/PSS-14 mine detecting and training sets, maintenance
and training. Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., and is expected
to be completed by Aug. 7, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the
end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract
initiated on Apr. 3, 2006. The Army Communications-Electronics Command,
Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W909MY-06-D-0001).

Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Co. L.L.C., Independence,
Mo., was awarded on Aug. 9, 2006, a delivery order amount of $29,904,739
as part of a $393,715,899 firm-fixed-price contract for small caliber
ammunition items. Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is
expected to be completed by Apr. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire
at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract
initiated on October 5, 2005. The Army Field Support Command, Rock
Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-D-0016).

Blackwater Security Consulting, Moyock, N.C., was awarded on Aug. 7,
2006, a $7,161,101 firm-fixed-price contract for personal security
detail services - protection security services. Work will be performed in
Baghdad, Iraq, and is expected to be completed by September 30, 2008.
Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on
March 25, 2006, and 21 bids were received. The Joint Contracting Command,
Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GY0-06-C-0027).

  NAVY

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a
$31,700,000 ceiling priced modification to a previously awarded
firm-fixed-price contract for the fiscal year 2006 lot III procurement of
initial spare parts in support of the UH-1Y aircraft. Work will be performed
in Hurst, Texas and is expected to be completed in December 2008.
Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The
Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting
activity (N00019-06-C-0086).

L-3 Communications Titan Corp. Unidyne Division, Norfolk, Va., is
being awarded a $22,712,231 firm-fixed-price contract for the Service Life
Extension program (SLEP) for three Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC)
craft. LCAC is the essential element within the current and future Navy/
Marine Corps amphibious warfare triad that provides heavy lift
capability to perform amphibious assaults and operational maneuvers from the
sea. LCAC SLEP entails modifications for extending the service life of
the LCAC from twenty to thirty years. Modifications include
repair/refurbishment of the hull, main engine upgrades, installation of a new skirt
system, and upgrades to the communication/navigation systems. Work will
be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by March
2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal
year. The contract was competitively awarded and advertised on the
Internet, with two offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command,
Washington, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity
(N00024-06-C-2203)

Bluefin Robotics Corp., Cambridge, Mass., is being awarded a
$17,956,137 cost plus award fee contract for the design, development,
fabrication, and test of surface mine countermeasures, unmanned underwater
vehicle, and increment 2 user operational evaluation system. Work will be
performed in Cambridge, Mass., and is expected to be completed by February
2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal
year. The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the
World Wide Web, with two proposals received. The Naval Surface Warfare
Center, Panama City, Fla. is the contracting activity (N61331-06-C-0053).

 

 

CONTRACTS

ARMY

General Dynamics Land Systems, Warren, Mich., was awarded on Aug. 4,
2006, a delivery order amount of $63,383,552 as part of an $81,049,509
firm-fixed-price contract for M1A1 vehicle material sets. Work will be
performed in Lima, Ohio (77 percent), Scranton, Pa. (20 percent), and
Muskegon, Mich. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30,
2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal
year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 29, 2005. The
Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the
contracting activity (DAAE07-01-G-N001).

Specialty Defense Systems, Dunmore, Pa., was awarded on Aug. 8, 2006,
a delivery order amount of $48,999,868 as part of a $258,926,914
firm-fixed-price contract for modular lightweight load-carrying equipment
systems. Work will be performed in Dunmore, Pa. (22 percent), McKee, Ky.
(9 percent), Jefferson City, Tenn. (32 percent), Monticello, Ky. (13
percent), Phoenix, Ariz. (14 percent), and is expected to be completed by
Aug. 7, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current
fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the
World Wide Web on December 9, 2005, and eight bids were received. The Army
Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Natick, Mass., is the
contracting activity (W911QY-06-D-0003).

General Dynamics Land Systems, Warren, Mich., was awarded on Aug. 4,
2006, a delivery order amount of $44,398,880 as part of a $125,448,389
firm-fixed-price contract for M1A1 vehicle material sets. Work will be
performed in Lima, Ohio (77 percent), Scranton, Pa. (20 percent), and
Muskegon, Mich. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30,
2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal
year. This was a sole source contract initiated on December 29, 2005.
The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the
contracting activity (DAAE07-01-G-N001).

General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on
Aug. 3, 2006, a delivery order amount of $21,656,632 as part of a
$21,656,632 firm-fixed-price contract for tank urban survivability kits for
the Abrams M1A1/A2 tanks. Work will be performed in Westminster, Md. (6
percent), Lima, Ohio (61 percent), Tallahassee, Fla. (17 percent), and
Sterling Heights, Mich. (16 percent), and is expected to be completed
by May 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the
current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 19,
2006. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is
the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Michael Bianco Inc.*, New Bedford, Mass., was awarded on Aug. 8, 2006,
a delivery order amount of $21,000,141 as part of a $138,562,131
firm-fixed-price contract for the modular lightweight load-carrying equipment
systems. Work will be performed in New Bedford, Mass., and is expected
to be completed by Aug. 7, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the
end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids
solicited via the World Wide Web on December 9, 2005, and eight bids were
received. The Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command,
Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-06-D-0004).

BAE Systems Land & Armaments, York, Pa., was awarded on Aug. 7,
2006, a delivery order amount of the $19,488,005 as part of a $19,448,005
cost-reimbursable contract for long lead materials to support the RESET
of battle damaged Bradley A3 vehicles. Work will be performed in York,
Pa. (83 percent), Aiken, S.C. (5 percent), San Jose, Calif. (8
percent), and Fayette, Pa. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed by
Febuary 29, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current
fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 5, 2006.
The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the
contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).

MDT Armor Corp.*, Auburn, Ala., was awarded on Aug. 7, 2006, a
$10,119,851 increment as part of a $10,119,851 firm-fixed-price contract for
model MDT-DAV David Urban light armored vehicles with manufacturer
Furnished Spare. Work will be performed in Auburn, Ala., and is expected to
be completed by July 30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the
end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated
on April 21, 2006. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command,
Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-C-0413).

Delaney Construction Corp., Gloversville, N.Y., was awarded on Aug. 7,
2006, a $7,640,000 firm-fixed-price contract for upgraded sewer lines.
Work will be performed in at Fort Drum, N.Y., and is expected to be
completed by Sept. 7, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of
the current fiscal year. There were three bids solicited on May 5, 2006,
and three bids were received. The Army Corps of Engineers, New York,
N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-06-C-0011).

Alutiiq Global Solutions*, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Aug. 8,
2006, a delivery order amount of $5,408,227 as part of a $6,195,206
firm-fixed-price contract for airfield pavement and repair of the west
parking apron/taxiway. Work will be performed at Langley, Air Force Base,
Va., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2007. Contract funds
will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole
source contract initiated on May 31, 2006. The Army Corps of Engineers,
Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-06-D-0046).

NAVY

Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded a
$62,905,628 firm-fixed-priced contract for 86 Cougar Explosive Ordnance
Disposal (EOD) vehicles, associated spares, field service support, and
technical manuals. This is a foreign military sale for the United
Kingdom. Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C. (60 percent) and Charlotte,
Mich. (40 percent), and work is expected to be completed by May 2007.
Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.
This contract is a sole source award to Force Protection Industries, Inc
as they are the sole manufacturer of the Cougar EOD vehicle. The Marine
Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity
(M67854-06-C-5162).

Welin Lambie Limited, Britannnia House Old Bush Street Brierley, West
Midlands DY5 1UK, is being awarded a $14,038,975 firm-fixed-price,
indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for an estimated 25
single/double hoist system boat davits over a five year ordering period, to
replace those onboard the Amphibius Assault, general purpose, and
Amphibious Assault, multi purpose, ships. The contract also requires
contractor to provide testing support and training, and associated technical
data such as logistics management information, spare parts list, and
technical manuals. Work will be performed in the United Kingdom, and is
expected to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds in the amount
of $498,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This
contract was competitively procured and synopsized on the Federal Business
Opportunities website, with two offers received. The Naval Surface
Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the
contracting activity (N65540-06-D-0018).

The Boeing Company, Anaheim, Calif., is being awarded a $13,700,192
modification under previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee,
cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00030-05-C-0063) to definitize a letter contract
previously announced in the amount of $10,648,500. The definitized value
is $14,022,238 for TRIDENT II (D5) Subsystem Fiber Optic Gyro (FOG) and
Fiber Optic Gyro Navigator (FOGN) design investigations. The contract
includes additional work for FOG and FOGN requirement specification
studies and test capability development in the amount of 10,326,454 which
increases the cumulative contract value to $24,348,692. Work will be
performed in Anaheim, Calif., and is expected to be completed by August
2007. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal
year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Navy's Strategic
Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (Mod No.
PZ0001).

Alloy Surfaces Co., Inc., Aston, Pa., is being awarded $7,353,633 for
delivery order 004 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract
(N00104-05-G-0726) for MJU-49/B decoy devices in support of the Airborne
Expendable Countermeasures program. Work will be performed in Aston,
Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 5, 2006. Contract funds will
not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not
competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point,
Mechanicsburg, Pa., is the contracting activity.


Propper International Sales, Inc., St. Charles, Mo., is being awarded
a $6,350,058 delivery order against a previously awarded contract
(M67854-03-D-3025) for improved load bearing equipment system used as load
carrying gear by Marines. Work will be performed in Mayaguez, Puerto
Rico, and is expected to be completed in April 2007. Contract funds will
expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems
Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Charles Stark Draper Laboratories, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., is being
awarded a $6,165,773 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to provide
technical support for the MK5 and MK6 guidance system tactical engineering
program and will include the development of and implementation of a
strategic technology applications program and an open architecture
modeling/simulation system designed as the integrated engineering environment
using tools now available and tailored for this application. Work will be
performed in Cambridge, Mass., and is expected to be completed by
September 2006. This contract was not competitively procured. contract funds
in the amount of $727,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal
year. The Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the
contracting activity (N00030-06-C-0003).

AIR FORCE

Associated Aerospace Activities, Inc., San Leandro, Calif. is being
awarded a $22,409,592 firm-fixed price contract, five year requirement
contract (three year basic with two, one-year options. This contract
provides for 21,228 air seal units (maximum 3 year basic period quantity)
for Air Force requirements applicable to F110 engines in the F16 fighter
aircraft. 3,804 metallic seals (maximum 3 year basic period quantity)
for the Air Force requirements applicable to F101 engine in the B1
Bomber aircraft. At this time, $4,665,714 has been obligated. This work will
be completed by May 2012. Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics
Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity.
(FA8104-06-D-0028)

* Small Business

 

The Iraqi people are the ones who must decide
that sectarian violence must end, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff said today.

"The Shiite and Sunni leaders are going to have to love their kids more
than they hate each other, so they can go about building their
country," said Marine Gen. Peter Pace. The general spoke to reporters on his
way to Iraq.

He said sectarian violence has eclipsed the insurgency as the primary
cause of instability in Iraq. Some insurgents have embraced sectarian
conflict as a way to further their own aims, he explained, and al Qaeda
in Iraq has long wanted to set the sects against each other.

"Clearly, some folks want Iraq to be ungovernable," Pace said. "They
are the ones who are primarily responsible for the random violence."

Pace said no outside group can come in and impose sectarian calm. The
Iraqi people are going to have to come to the conclusion that compromise
and finding ways "to work together, as opposed to the death squads," is
the way forward.

The chairman said he will meet with coalition leaders in Iraq, and that
he plans on discussing troop levels with Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr.,
commander of the Multinational Force Iraq. Although officials extended
the originally planned one-year tour in Iraq for soldiers of the 172nd
Stryker Brigade Combat Team to aid in pacification of Baghdad, troop
cuts still may occur, the chairman told reporters.

"It's important to always have troop levels on the table every week and
every month, and they are," Pace said. "As recently as a month ago, we
thought (troop levels) would come down based on what the battlefield
looked like at the time. (The battlefield) changed with the sectarian
violence, and General Casey's assessment was that he needed more troops
immediately to solve that problem. He asked for it, and that's what he
got."

Pace said Casey is going through the assessment and these assessments
are continually made. The analysis will continue and the enemy gets a
vote, the chairman said. But the Iraqi people also get a vote, he said,
and that may work to curb the violence.

While saying the number of U.S. troops in Iraq may fall in the future,
Pace was careful to say that the number of troops overall will continue
to rise. Iraqi forces are playing an increasingly important role in the
security of their own country. Some 277,600 members of the Iraqi
security forces are "trained and equipped" today, he noted, adding that by
the end of the year, that number will rise to 325,000.

In Baghdad, officials beefed up the number of U.S. and Iraqi troops.
There were 54,000 troops - 47,000 Iraqis - in the city and its environs
before the outbreak of sectarian violence, Pace said.

"That had a beneficial effect for the first couple of weeks, then the
sectarian violence spiked and General Casey, working with (Iraqi) Prime
Minister Nouri al-Maliki, said it was time to add more both U.S. and
Iraqi forces," Pace said. The 172nd is the U.S. contribution to the
effort.

Since more troops arrived, the violence in Baghdad has come down, Pace
said. The objective is to have a much more stable Baghdad by Ramadan,
the annual Muslim month of fasting, which begins this year on Sept. 24.

The general said the effort in Baghdad is really "a thickening of our
support for the Iraqis." The Iraqi army and police retain primary
responsibility for security. The Stryker Brigade brings a very potent,
rapid-reaction capacity to backstop the Iraqi security forces, he said.

 

 Residents of Munster, Ind., will gather on
Sept. 11 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks
in New York and Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon.

"That day is one of the few days ... where the flag is at (half-staff)
until sunset, so we do a sunset ceremony," Frank Darrington, post
commander for the Munster Veterans of Foreign Wars, said of the Freedom Walk
event planned for 7 p.m. that day.

America Supports You Freedom Walks will be held around the country to
pay tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11 and to honor the
nation's veterans, past and present.

"We'll have a little speechifying," Darrington said. "We'll do some
praying, and then we're going to have some entertainment."

A group of four women calling themselves "A String of Pearls" will
provide the entertainment, Darrington said. The group's repertoire and
harmonies are similar to those of the World War II-era Andrews Sisters.

The event will take place at Community Veterans Memorial Park, a
6-and-a-half acre park in Munster. There is at least a mile of walking trails
in the park, and Darrington said folks are free to come and go freely
during the event.

"We're not going to say, 'OK, now's the time to start walking,'" he
said. "We're trying to leave this thing really loose and open so people
can do as they please while here."

As they have during Munster's past Sept. 11 observances, folks can come
early and walk the trail, taking in artists' interpretations of the two
world wars, Korea, Vietnam and the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Darrington
said. There also will be time after the ceremony to see the park's sites.

"We have a very patriotic community," Darrington said. "(The Freedom
Walk) is a way for the community to ... physical display (that it's)
behind the effort to fight this war."

Forty-two cities across the country have confirmed plans to host
America Supports You Freedom Walks. America Supports You is a Defense
Department effort to highlight grassroots and corporate support for U.S.
military members and their families. DoD's America Supports You Freedom Walk
Web site provides more information, including tips on organizing local
events and a means to register them as part of the national observance.

 

 

Three years ago, up and coming
singer-songwriter Rockie Lynne wrote a song called "Home" to honor the sons and
daughters of the Midwest who died while serving the nation. Some friends
added photos and made a DVD.

Their musical and visual production led another friend to create what's
now become an annual tribute to the troops.

Gregg Schmitt, a music agent working for Lynne, was so moved by the
song and images on the DVD he decided to do something for the families of
the fallen. The two men played the video for friends in Minneapolis --
mainly bikers and veterans -- and that's how "The Tribute to the
Troops" was born.

On Sept. 11, 2004, Lynne, Schmitt and about 60 bikers on 45 motorcycles
visited the homes of three fallen servicemembers in the Twin Cities
metro area. They were so moved by the reaction of the families, they vowed
to ride again the next year.

"We didn't really know what to expect the first time we did it,"
Schmitt said. "The response from the families, and from everybody who rode
that day - it felt really good. The families were so thankful. We came
away with a saying, and that is 'If you were there, you know.' Otherwise,
we can't use words to describe the feelings that day."

Shortly after the ride, Lynne signed a major recording contract with
Universal South. He promised Schmitt that no matter what his future held,
he was committed to participate in the ride every year.

"My concern after getting the record deal was to make sure that we were
able to keep the focus on the soldiers," Lynne said, "and try as hard
as we could to deflect attention away from me and toward those
servicemen and women. That's who it's about - it's about them and their
families."

Yet, Lynne also realized that his growing career might be able to help
the troops. "If any celebrity I might encounter somehow helps bring
attention to these servicemen and women and what they're doing for our
nation, then that's good," he said.

By and large, Lynne noted, the families he's met are very supportive of
the government and its military operations. "They're absolutely in
support of making sure that their child did not die for nothing -- that we
accomplish whatever we set out to do."

Meeting families who have lost their son or daughter, husband or wife,
mother or father "will change you for the rest of your life," Lynne
said. "The sense of loss on those people's faces is so powerful, it makes
you want to do something. You'll never take our freedom for granted
again."

In 2005, 90 riders visited 14 families throughout Minnesota, and Lynne
performed at a benefit concert. The event raised $5,000 for Wounded
Warriors, a Nebraska-based nonprofit corporation founded in 2003 to
support the soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines wounded in Afghanistan and
Iraq.

Coordinating the annual tribute, Schmitt said, is a way to "give back"
for all the good things in his life.

"I lead a dream life,' he explained. "I've been blessed with a very
successful business. I live in a beautiful home on a lake. I have two
beautiful daughters. My wife still loves me and laughs at my jokes after 30
years. I feel truly gifted.

"I've volunteered for a lot of different things, but never anything
that felt as important or meaningful as reaching out - as strangers - to a
person whose heart is aching from the loss of a loved one and telling
them we care, we won't forget."

This year's Tribute to the Troops is slated for Sept. 8 to 10. There
will be three separate rides visiting 11 families of fallen troops in
southern, northern and central Minnesota. Schmitt contacts the families
before the ride.

"That initial call is a very difficult call," Schmitt said. "Some
people are very protective and rightly so, but once they hear about what
we're doing, most people are just so open and thankful for people thinking
about them and their loss. For the most part, they welcome us with open
arms."

Each family receives a copy of the "Home" DVD, and a framed picture of
their fallen hero made by volunteer Rick Block. The picture bears The
Tribute to the Troops mission statement:

"The Tribute to the Troops ride and benefit concert is dedicated to
those brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our
country. Our focus is to gratefully and graciously demonstrate to loved
ones left behind that we, as ordinary Americans, will not forget their
loss. It is in their memory and honor that we raise awareness and funds
for the benefit and comfort of those who continue to serve. Through
these efforts we convey our gratefulness and appreciation to all veterans
who have served, whether in war, or in peace."

Some of the people Schmitt has contacted preferred not to have a visit,
he said. "Certainly that's understandable," he added. "Everyone grieves
in their own way. We still make them a picture of their hero and FedEx
it to them. In fact, Gil Gutknecht, our congressman from southern
Minnesota, hand-delivered one for us, and we got a beautiful thank you note
from the family."

This year's Tribute to the Troops also includes a Sunday Only Memorial
Ride set to gather at Fort Snelling National Cemetery for an all-day
ride visiting active-duty military personnel. The ride will end with a
benefit concert at about 4 p.m. at the Medina Ballroom in Hamel, Minn.

Lynne, who has two singles off his first album climbing the charts,
will appear along with the Killer Hayseeds, Uncle Chunk and G.B. Leighton.
A Gibson guitar autographed by Lynne will be raffled off.

Tickets for the ride and concert are $40 for a single rider and $50 for
a couple on the same bike. Tickets are available for the concert only
for $20. Proceeds from the ride and concert will benefit Wounded
Warriors Hospital Fund.

The Tribute to the Troops is a partner in the Defense Department's
"America Supports You" program, which spotlights ways the American people
and the nation's corporate sector support America's men and women in
uniform.

The organization has a growing list of more than 30 volunteers,
including members of some of the families the riders have visited. The group
has applied for nonprofit status through the Internal Revenue Service.
Supporters include the American Legion, the nation's Blue and Gold Star
Mothers, Tee It Up for the Troops, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the
Wounded Warriors Hospital Fund.

Posted by ladymountbatten at 10:25 PM | Permalink

It is often said that some people should never have children. The same thing can be said of many that own show dogs, that they should never have been allowed to own a dog.

Posted by ladymountbatten at 09:45 PM | Permalink

 

 

New Music Director James Conlon Conducts All-Star Cast Headed by Renée Fleming in Long-Awaited Operatic Debut; Rolando Villazón and Renato Bruson Also Star in Production to be

Filmed for DVD Release by Decca

 

Three Performances: September 9, 12 and 17, 2006

 

 General Director Plácido Domingo has announced that the 21st Season-opening presentation of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata will be an all-star revival of the Company’s 1999 production conducted by Music Director James Conlon in his eagerly anticipated LA Opera debut. Internationally acclaimed American soprano Renée Fleming also makes her Company operatic debut in one of her signature roles, as Verdi’s tragic heroine Violetta Valéry. A Los Angeles favorite, the electrifying Mexican tenor Rolando Villazón returns as Alfredo, the role in which he made his Company debut in 2001. Legendary Italian baritone Renato Bruson also makes his Company debut as Giorgio Germont. The production will be filmed and released on DVD by Decca.

 

“I am delighted to welcome my friend James Conlon as our new Music Director. His debut here, conducting our season-opening production of La Traviata, is a significant moment in our Company’s history, one that heralds an exciting new era for LA Opera,” said Mr. Domingo. “With the incomparable Renée Fleming as Violetta, her first operatic role with LA Opera, the brilliant Rolando Villazón in the first of two roles he will sing with the Company this Season, and the great Renato Bruson in his Company debut, and Maestro Conlon in the pit, I am certain that these four world-class artists will make this one of the Company’s most memorable productions. I am doubly gratified that these performances of La Traviata will be filmed for DVD release, preserving these magnificent performances for audiences worldwide, as well as for future generations of opera lovers.”

 

Directed by Marta Domingo, LA Opera’s staging of La Traviata is the popular and lavish production previously staged in 1999 and 2001. This traditionally sumptuous and visually stunning production will be recorded for a DVD release by Decca, marking a major new step in documenting LA Opera’s stage productions. Brian Large will direct the film. Also featured in the cast are soprano Ania Alkimova as Annina, mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzmán as Flora Bervoix, tenor Daniel Montenegro as Gastone, baritones Lee Poulis as the Marquis D'Obigny and Philip Kraus as Baron Douphol, and bass James Creswell as Doctor Grenvil. The choreographer is Kitty McNamee.

 

La Traviata opens on Saturday, September 9, 2006 at 6:00 PM. The opening night performance will be followed by the annual Opening Night Gala Celebration featuring a dazzling evening of dining and dancing. Subsequent performances will take place on Tuesday, September 12 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, September 17 at 2:00 PM. The production will run in repertory with LA Opera’s new staging of Verdi’s Don Carlo, also conducted by Maestro Conlon and starring Salvatore Licitra, Annalisa Raspagliosi, Dolora Zajick and Ferruccio Furlanetto.

 

Composed in 1853, La Traviata was initially considered a failure but it has since proven to be Verdi’s most frequently performed and most extensively recorded opera. Based on Alexandre Dumas’ La dame aux camelias, La Traviata tells the story of a beautiful Parisian courtesan who, in the face of certain death, gives herself over to decadent pleasures, surrounding herself with glamorous friends, dazzling parties and wealthy admirers. But at a young man’s sincere declaration of true love, Violetta realizes the emptiness of her frivolous existence. She gives up everything for love, pursuing a romantic reverie that leads to tragic consequences.

 

Tickets to this special engagement of La Traviata range from $35 to $350, with a select number of premium seats at $500 and are on sale at the Los Angeles Opera Box Office, by phone at (213) 972-8001 or online at www.laopera.com. For disability access, call (213) 972-0777 or e-mail wehelpyou@laopera.com.

 

Co-production with Washington National Opera and Opéra Royal de Wallonie, Liège, Belgium.

 

 

Posted by ladymountbatten at 09:02 PM | Permalink

 

 

Users Find Friends Faster and Browse the Web in Half the Time

 

What's News?

Browster 2.0 for MySpace is available today! Users benefit from the first custom view of profiles for faster and safer searching on MySpace.com

--  Browster 2.0 speeds up MySpace profile surfing. Users can Find Friends     Faster with simplified profiles including highlighting the "About Me" and     "More Pics" sections. --  With Browster 2.0, users can browse the Web faster than ever before. --  Browster 2.0 lets users view complete search results in an active     search window that can be sized according to preference. --  Browster's sleek new interface includes a Google search box.     

What's Browster?

--  Browster is a free plug-in that speeds up Web searching then lets     users view their search results from the search page such as MySpace,     Google, Yahoo, eBay, Amazon, etc. --  Browster pre-fetches Web pages listed in search results. Users can     then view the resulting page, or the entire web site in the Browster     window, without committing to the page by clicking. --  While browsing search links, Browster's patent-pending LookAhead®     technology displays the preview window as the user rolls their mouse over a     link. --  Browster is ideal for the most popular Web searching including,     MySpace browsing, online shopping and travel planning. --  Bye-Bye Back Button.  Before Browster, users were burdened with the     typical "click, load, view, back" cycle and had to visit dozens of Web     pages in order to complete the search process.  Now, the back button is     obsolete. --  With Browster, users can scroll over a list of links quickly and make     important decisions without ever leaving their original search page.     

Embedded Multimedia

--  http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/08/08/web-20-the-24-minute-documentary/     

Links

--  Browster: www.browster.com (free download, available now) --  Browster Blog: http://browster.typepad.com/scott_milener_blog /     

Pricing and Availability

--  Browster Release 2.0 is available free of charge from the Browster Web     site (www.browster.com) and other download sites. --  System Requirements include Windows 2000, or Windows XP.  Internet     Explorer 6.0+ or Firefox.  Service Pack 2 (SP2) is highly recommended.     

About Browster

 

(Click here for details)
1. MySpace Profile example: 'Justin' seen on
a normal, click through (not in Browster)

Browster, Inc., a privately held company headquartered in San Francisco, California, develops innovative browsing and search enhancement technology. Browster is committed to developing easy to use products that improve the way consumers surf the Internet. The company's breakthrough product, Browster, is a free Internet Explorer plug-in, which can cut in half the time it takes to browse through search results and other lists of links.

Browster, Inc. was founded in 2004 by a seasoned management team with a history of success in Internet applications and online media. For more information, please visit www.browster.com.

(Click here for details) 2. MySpace Profile Example: 'Justin' seen in Browster 2.

Posted by ladymountbatten at 08:51 PM | Permalink

sales@montebubbles.net

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

Recent Posts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sales@montebubbles.net

 

Posted by ladymountbatten at 08:45 PM | Permalink

http://montebubbles.net/blog/2006/07/

http://montebubbles.net/blog/2006/06/

http://montebubbles.net/blog/2006/05/

http://montebubbles.net/blog/2006/04/

http://montebubbles.net/blog/2006/03/

http://montebubbles.net/blog/2006/02/

http://montebubbles.net/blog/2006/01/

http://montebubbles.net/blog/2005/12/

Posted by ladymountbatten at 08:39 PM | Permalink

August 13, 2006

San Francisco 0, Los Angeles 1 at Dodger Stadium
San Francisco Record: (54-63)
Los Angeles Record: (62-56)

Winning pitcher - Takashi Saito (5-2)
Losing pitcher - Vinnie Chulk (1-1)

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
San Francisco	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		0	3	1
Los Angeles	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		1	6	0

	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18		R	H	E
San Francisco	0										0	3	1
Los Angeles	1										1	6	0

SF HR - None
LAD HR - R. Martin (6)

 

August 13, 2006

Tampa Bay 1, Oakland 3 at McAfee Coliseum
Tampa Bay Record: (47-71)
Oakland Record: (65-52)

Winning pitcher - Esteban Loaiza (6-7)
Losing pitcher - Tim Corcoran (4-4)
SV - Huston Street (29)

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Tampa Bay	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		1	3	2
Oakland	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	1	X		3	3	0

TB HR - None
OAK HR - E. Chavez (16)

Posted by ladymountbatten at 08:36 PM | Permalink

 

Boldly traveling where few have been, William Shatner survives this evening’s The Comedy Central Roast of William Shatner at the CBS Studio Center in Studio City.  The Shat hits the fan with the taping airs on Sunday August 20^th at 10 pm.

William Shatner is best known for his Captain Kirk role in Star Trek.  Funny how a role he viewed once as temporary can change your entire life.  Star Trek was considered a space going version of television’s Wagon Train.  He accepted the role as he thought it was going to die rapidly and then he would be able to play the role he wanted to play, Alexander as in Alexander the Great.    The irony, is that Alexander the Great went nowhere, and Star Trek became a legend, now celebrating its 40^th anniversary next week in Las Vegas at the annual Star Trek Convention. 

If you’re a Trekky, it’s a must see.  George Takei (Lt. Hikaru Sulu) and Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Nyota Uhura) had the pleasure of roasting Bill tonight.  Leonard Nimoy was to make a special appearance by video. DeForest Kelley (Lt. Cmdr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy, M.D.) and James Doohan (Lt. Cmdr. Montgomery ‘Scotty’ Scott) are no longer with us, so let’s not hope for a Star Trek reunion.  

 

William Shatner was more svelte in person but looking as he just walked off the stage in his current role as Denny Crane on Boston Legal. 

When William Shatner was asked who he looked forward to roasting him the most, with a pause and expressed only as he can “They’re all beasts of prey, and they’re going to jump on me with their claws and their fangs and tear me apart.”

 

 

With Sandra Clark from The Star magazine

 

If you want to roast Shatner yourself or a view uncensored clips from the Roast, exclusive red carpet interviews and the after party with Comedy Central’s comedian Jessi Klein, visit the “MotherLoad’s” coverage at www.comedycentral.com

 

Star Trek memories

 

Roasters on the Red Carpet

Andy Dick

Artie Lange

George Takei

Greg Giraldo

Jeffrey Ross

Kevin Pollak

Lisa Lampanelli

 

On the Red Carpet

Adrian Zmed

Alan Thicke

Anne Jeffreys

Betty White

Brad Paisley

Carlos Alazraqui

Carrie Fisher

Cedric Yarbrough

David Carradine

Dick Van Patten

Doug Benson

Farrah Fawcett

Fred Willard

Jeri Ryan

Joe Francis

Niecy Nash

Rene Auberjonois

Scott Hamilton

Trish Suhr

 

Comedian Doug Benson

Alan Thicke (Growing Pains) – “I’m here to honor an icon from Canada.”

 

Jeri Ryan (Boston Legal, Shark)

“I’m here to honor him for his long tenure in the business.”

“I’m a rock – et  man”

 

 

Betty White (The Golden Girls)

“I’m a little baudier than I appear on television.”

…on favorite memories – “Yesterday. He was wrestling with James Spader.  We did a Boston Legal and he was in this tight fitting wrestling thong…”

 

 

Carrie Fisher (Star Wars)

About appearing in a Star Wars now. – ““I could be Grandma Leia dispensing advice from one of those little forests with Yoda.”

 

Scott Hamilton (Olympic gold medalist)

On favorite memories with Bill – “being in his company on so many occasions…if I had to nail it down, a picture of my 2 year old son on a saddle with Bill and Bill was riding him around showing him everything with his horses.”

“He’s like a grandfather to my son”

 

Brad Paisley (Country singer)

…on comparing a Comedy Central Roast with the Academy of Country Music Awards – “I haven’t seen the roast yet how bad it’s going to be, but backstage at the ACM awards can be just as brutal.”

…on memories – “He comes out on the road with me.  Anytime he walks out on a stage and does his thing he’s awesome.  They go crazy.”

 

David Carradine (Kill Bill: Vol 2)

“He was a comic villain.  He’s hilarious.” “He’s always been a sweetheart.”

 

 

Rene Auberjonois (Boston Legal)

…on how to make him a better attorney -  “that’s the last thing we want him to be a better attorney.  It’s the jewel in the crown of the company is what a bad attorney he is…he’s never lost a case.  And what can you say about an attorney that’s never lost a case.  There’s no advice I can give.”

… on Bill – “sweet man, tremendous interest in everybody and everything around him, he has an insatiable curiousity”

 

Niecy Nash (Reno911!)

 

George Takei (Star Trek)

 “I’ve been waiting for a decade for this opportunity.”

…on favorite memories – “it’s been 40 years – how can I pick one?!  Those 10 will be distilled for tonight.

“I think he’s late for his autopsy.”

 

Comedian Greg Giraldo

 

Cedric Yarbrough (Reno911!)

 

Comedian Fred Willard

 

Comedian Jeffrey Ross

 

Roast Master Jason Alexander (Seinfeld)

“I’m wearing Kiton, from Barney’s.”

 

 

Comedian Kevin Pollak

…on how many times people have had him do his William Shatner this afternoon– “37”

“I’m wearing Ted Baker.”

 

 

Nichelle Nichol (Star Trek)

…on roasting -  “I’ve been waiting 40 years for the chance.”

 

 

Roastee William Shatner

 

 

 

Adrian Zmed (TJ Hooker)

 “I’m here to have my shot at Bill”

 

Anne Jeffreys (friend of Bill)

…on people being worried about her coming thinking people would say something that might upset her – “There’s not a lot people could say about Bill that could shock me.”

…if Bill were standing next to her now – “I’d say Go for it Bill.  Give ‘em hell!”

All in all, to sum it up, fans and friends of William Shatner number many and repeatedly hearing words such as “very sweet”, “honor” and his legendary sense of humor on the red carpet, makes it no mystery why he’s being roasted. 

(C) MBN 2006 (Joyce Chow, William Hoehne)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by ladymountbatten at 07:33 PM | Permalink

 Boeing Signs Swedish C-130 Modernization Contract

 

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Air Force have signed a $19.8 million engineering manufacturing development contract for the modernization of the first Swedish Air Force C-130 aircraft.

The Undefinitized Contract Action award, which falls under the Air Force C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), leads to a foreign military sales contract between Boeing and the U.S. Air Force. The contract, the largest ever administered by the U.S. Air Force for the Swedish Government, is expected to be definitized by October 2006.

"The C-130 AMP program will lower Sweden's total ownership costs for its C-130 fleet while giving their air force the most capable C-130 aircraft available," said Mike Harris, vice president and C-130 program manager for Boeing.

Sweden became the first European operator of the aircraft when it received its first C-130 in 1965. The country also is the first international C-130 AMP customer.

Current plans call for modifications to be completed at the Boeing Support Systems Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Building on Boeing's performance on the U.S. Air Force C-130 AMP, benefits of the program include advanced cockpit technology and commonality with the U.S. Air Force. This initiative will standardize aircraft configurations within the Swedish Air Force through the installation of a fully integrated, night-vision-goggle-compatible, digital glass cockpit and a new avionics suit. The avionics suite includes digital displays and the proven 737 commercial airliner flight management system, both of which provide navigation, safety and communication improvements to meet Global Air Traffic Management requirements.

Posted by ladymountbatten at 03:02 AM | Permalink

The recent events of plotted terrorist attacks on airliners between the United Kingdom and the United States has caused increased airport security. Officials determined that even everyday items such as toothpaste and shampoo have become material for terrorist plots.

What does this mean for travelers? Airline passengers have been requested to place carry on items in clear plastic bags and soon may be required to check valuables such as laptops, PDAs, cell phones, iPods and personal items like shampoos, cosmetics and liquid bottles.

Otter Products, LLC. manufactures of rugged carrying cases for technology and valuables, offers solutions to meet travel requirements, while providing airline passengers a sense of security that belongings remain protected.

Valuables:

Cosmetics, liquids, make-up, toothpaste and other carry-on valuables such as cell phones, music players and remote control devices are currently being checked at airport security. The OtterBox line is the ideal way of safeguarding these items from drops, pressure and other encounters of checked items. Available in a variety of sizes, the OtterBox is ideal for storing belongings and allows the addition of a lock for extra security. See them at http://www.otterbox.com/products/otterbox/.

Laptops:

The OtterBox Rugged Laptop Carrying Case, a recently introduced case for protecting expensive laptops, offers protection even in checked luggage. With a waterproof, crushproof, dustproof, drop-resistant design, this case provides the ultimate safeguard for laptop travel. In addition, a lock capability allows travelers to rest easy knowing their laptop, Tablet PC, slate, Ultra Mobile PC or Convertible Tablet PC is securely stowed. See details at: http://www.otterbox.com/products/pc_cases/laptop_case/.

iPods & PDAs:

The OtterBox for iPod is a waterproof, crushproof, interactive carrying case that protects all the iPods currently on the market—mini, 20GB, photo, shuffle, nano and video. Keeps iPods safe even in checked luggage. See more information on iPod protection at: http://www.otterbox.com/products/ipod_cases/.

OtterBox PDA cases come in a variety of models to meet individual needs. Totally rugged for travel. Cases fit 99% of PDAs on the market and provide protection from damage in checked baggage. See PDA cases: http://www.otterbox.com/products/pda_cases/.

About Otter Products, LLC.

Familiar with airport security requirements, Otter Products worked with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Zippo® in 2005 to design the only DOT approved carrying case for Zippo lighters in checked luggage.

Otter Products, LLC. is a leader in the design and production of rugged cases to safeguard technology and other valuables. With a complete line of waterproof, drop-resistant, interactive cases, Otter provides ideal solutions for travel.

Rugged cases include protection for iPAQs, Apple iPods®, Laptops, Tablet PCs, GPS, cigars, Zippo lighters and more. Built upon fundamentals of hard work, creativity, and perseverance, Otter Products is a powerhouse of innovation, manufacturing quality cases with a 100 percent lifetime guarantee.

For more information on Otter Products visit http://www.otterbox.com or call (888) 695-8820. OtterBox, never out of its element!

Posted by ladymountbatten at 02:59 AM | Permalink

The creatures, monsters, aliens and furry animals residing in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Fourth Floor Gallery have extended their stay in Beverly Hills through Sunday, September 10.

“It’s Alive! Bringing Animatronic Characters to Life on Film” presents nearly 100 memorable characters including Aslan, Doc Ock, Yoda, Mr. Tinkles, Audrey II, Mighty Joe Young and the flying reindeer from “The Santa Clause 2.”

The exhibition showcases models, maquettes, and animatronic creatures and their mechanisms, accompanied by video clips of the final product. The complementary installation in the Academy’s Grand Lobby Gallery includes 100 concept drawings, storyboards and photographs from workshops and sets, highlighting the complex process of designing and developing animatronic characters.

The films represented in “It’s Alive” include “102 Dalmatians,” “Alien3,” “Alien vs. Predator,” “An American Werewolf in London,” “Beetlejuice,” “Cats & Dogs,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” “The Dark Crystal,” “Doctor Dolittle,” “George of the Jungle,” “Ghostbusters,” “Gremlins 2,” “Harry and the Hendersons,” “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” “Labyrinth,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Jurassic Park,” “Men in Black II,” “Mighty Joe Young,” “Predator,” “RoboCop 2,” “Short Circuit,” “Snow Dogs,” “Spider-Man 2” and “The Empire Strikes Back.”

“It’s Alive! Bringing Animatronic Characters to Life on Film” will be on display through Sunday, September 10, 2006. The Academy’s galleries are open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a m. to 5 p.m., and weekends, noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free. The Academy will be closed for the Labor Day weekend – Saturday, September 2, through Monday, September 4.

 

©A.M.P.A.S.®

 

 

San Francisco International Film Festival Selected for 3-Year Academy Grant

The San Francisco International Film Festival has become the third major U.S. festival to receive a "secure foundation" grant from the Academy Foundation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The festival will receive $50,000 from the Academy in 2007 and $50,000 a year for the next two years, for a total of $150,000.

"With the Academy guaranteeing funds for three years, our hope is that this type of grant will help a festival build a sturdy foundation for a project," said Festival Grants Committee Chair Gale Anne Hurd. "That kind of security will permit a festival to take some chances with programs they might otherwise not be willing to try."

Last year, the Los Angeles Film Festival received this special grant from the Academy and two years ago, the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado was the first to receive the three years of funding.

"Next year we'll take a look at how Telluride and Los Angeles have fared with this funding and see if it's an idea we want to continue in future years," Hurd said.

In addition to these special grants, the Academy's annual festival grants program last year dispensed $300,000 in grants to 24 festivals, said Academy Grants Coordinator Shawn Guthrie, and later this year will allocate another $300,000. Under this annual program, the San Francisco International Film Festival received a $30,000 grant in 2000 and $25,000 grants in 2003 and 2005.

 

©A.M.P.A.S.®

 

 

 

Academy Library to Keep Longer Hours

Beverly Hills, CA — To better serve its numerous patrons, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Margaret Herrick Library is extending its public hours one day a week. Beginning August 15, the library will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays.

The longer hours are in response to requests from the library’s users, who indicated in a survey that additional time later in the day would be beneficial, particularly for those who work or attend school on a full-time basis.

“We hope the extended hours enhance the convenience for people who already know about and utilize the library,” said Library Director Linda Harris Mehr. “It would also be wonderful if new users, who might not otherwise be able to take advantage of our resources, would now be able to do so.”

The Margaret Herrick Library is one of the world’s most extensive and comprehensive research collections on the subject of motion pictures. Founded in 1928 as the Research Library and later named after a former Academy librarian and longtime executive director, the Herrick counts among its holdings more than 32,000 books; 1,800 periodical titles; 75,000 screenplays; 200,000 clipping files; 30,000 posters; lobby cards, pressbooks and other advertising ephemera; over 8 million photographs; over 1,000 manuscript and other special collections relating to prominent industry individuals, studios and organizations; sheet music, music scores and sound recordings; production and costume sketches; artifacts; and oral histories.

A valid I.D. is required for entrance to the Herrick and access to materials, which are non-circulating and for on-site reference use only. Hours on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays remain unchanged: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The library is closed on Wednesdays and weekends.

Since 1992, the Margaret Herrick Library has been located at 333 South La Cienega Boulevard in Beverly Hills, in a renovated former water treatment facility that has won national awards for adaptive reuse.

 

©A.M.P.A.S.®

Posted by ladymountbatten at 02:47 AM | Permalink

Maru Bakery & Wholesale Recalls Elsa Kolo Roasted Barley
Contact:

 -- Maru Bakery & Wholesale, Dallas, TX is recalling Elsa Kolo Roasted Barley because it contains undeclared peanuts.

The recalled Roasted Barley sold in 3 oz, ½ lb, 5 lb and 10 lb clear plastic bags, with or without labels, were sold in Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Atlanta, GA and Columbus, OH. The bags with labels identify the product as Elsa Kolo Roasted Barley. The product was also distributed in bulk 88 lb white bags that are labeled "Maru Import & Export Dallas, Texas U.S.A Item Elsa Kolo".

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The recall was initiated after a routine FDA inspection revealed the presence of peanuts in packages of roasted barley.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
Consumers who have purchased Elsa Kolo Roasted Barley should return it to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 214-221-3123

 

 

This listserv covers mainly Class I (life-threatening) recalls. A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html

Consumer Alert: Undeclared Sulfites In Dried Mushrooms 

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick H. Brennan today alerted consumers that Korica International Inc., 98 Bay 35 Street, Brooklyn, New York 11214, is recalling certain "Dried Mushrooms" due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites may run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled "Dried Mushrooms" are packaged in a 5-ounce, uncoded, plastic bag. They were sold nationwide. They are a product of China.

Routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the product contained high levels of sulfites which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites.

No illnesses have been reported to date to this Department in connection with this problem.
Consumers who have purchased "Dried Mushrooms" should return them to the place of purchase

 

 

 

Target® Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in SuperTarget™ & Archer Farms™ Mini Angel Food

Contact:
Target Media Relations
1-612-696-3400

Target®, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, is recalling SuperTarget™ brand Mini Angel Food cakes that were purchased before August 5, 2006 as they contain an undeclared Dried Egg White ingredient.  This item may have an ARCHER FARMS™ sticker on the package.  People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.  The recalled item is:

SuperTarget or ARCHER FARMS Mini Angel Food 6-pack, 9.52 oz
Sell By dates prior to 08/15/06 (printed on the white label)
Affected UPC Codes include 59608-00465, 32479-20399, 32479-30350, 32479-60299, 32479-70349, 32479-80798

The recalled item was sold at SuperTarget retail stores nationwide within the in-store Bakery area. 

One illness has been reported to date in connection with this problem.  Anyone concerned about an illness related to this product should contact a physician immediately.

Upon awareness of the issue, the ingredient statement was corrected to include the missing Dried Egg White ingredient.  Product with Sell By dates of 08/15/06 and after have the corrected ingredient statement which includes Dried Egg White and also lists Egg within the allergen Contain statement.

Consumers who have purchased this item are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.  Consumers with questions may contact Target Guest Relations at 1-800-316-6151.

 

 

 

The Mentholatum Company Issues a Nationwide Voluntary Recall of WellPatch® Cough & Cold Soothing Vapor Pads in the U.S. 
The Mentholatum Company announced today it is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of WellPatch® Cough & Cold Soothing Vapor Pads due to potential serious adverse health effects that could result if the product is ingested by a child removing the patch and chewing on it.

 

Consumers who have WellPatch® Cough & Cold Soothing Vapor Pads should stop using them immediately. The Mentholatum Company is taking this precautionary action to ensure the safety of the consumers who use this product. To date, there have been no serious adverse events reported.

The Mentholatum Company is initiating the recall due to the possibility of adverse events associated with use of the product. WellPatch® Cough & Cold Soothing Vapor Pads contain camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Possible adverse events associated with chewing or ingesting products containing camphor or eucalyptus oils can vary from minor symptoms, such as burning sensation in the mouth, headache, nausea and vomiting, to more severe reactions, such as seizures.

 

The recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the FDA. WellPatch® Cough & Cold Soothing Vapor Pads are labeled for use by children two (2) years of age and older. The directions on the label indicate the patch is to be applied to the throat or chest to allow the vapors to reach the nose and mouth. Once applied, the patch would be within close reach for a child to remove and place in his/her mouth. The Vapor Pad is a topical cough product applied externally and not intended for oral consumption.

The product is sold nationwide over-the-counter at pharmacies and retail stores. This recall affects only the Cough & Cold Soothing Vapor Pads. Consumers should immediately discontinue use of this product and return it to their point of purchase for a full refund or discard it. Consumers requiring more information about this recall can contact The Mentholatum Company Customer Service Department at 1-877-636-2677 or visit www.wellpatch.com.

Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product should also be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm], by phone [1-800-FDA-1088], or by returning the postage-paid FDA form 3500 [which may be downloaded from http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/getforms.htm]  by mail [to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787] or fax [1-800-FDA-0178].

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Posted by ladymountbatten at 02:32 AM | Permalink

 Lindsay Olives and The World Pizza Champions, Inc. invite independent pizzerias nationwide to join their national Kid’s Pizza Making Contest on Saturday, October 7, 2006.

The nationwide contest challenges children, ages 12 and younger, to make a kid-sized pie with their favorite ingredients, including olives, at the pizzeria, where it will be baked and judged. The winning Pizza will be named by its creator and added to the pizzeria’s menu. One Grand Prize winner randomly selected from winners at the independent pizzerias will be awarded a visit by one of The World Pizza Champion Team members to learn some pizza acrobatic tricks. Most recently The World Pizza Champions performed their breath-taking Pizza acrobatics on “Master of Champions,” ABC-TV’s prime time reality show. All winners will receive a case of their favorite Lindsay Olives.

Lindsay Olives will provide marketing, media outreach, sign-up materials and olives to each pizzeria. The World Pizza Champions will select the pizzerias and serve as a liaison with them. The pizzerias will be responsible for distributing marketing and media materials, selecting the judges, providing all ingredients except for the olives, which Lindsay Olives will supply, and implementing the contest and its prize. Contest rules can be reviewed at www.worldpizzachampions.com/lindsayolives.php.

Pizzerias can sign-up to host the contest for their neighborhood kids by contacting Tony Gemignani at 510-427-6979 / tony@worldpizzachampions.com or Michael Shepherd at 567-674-4464 / michael@worldpizzachampions.com, now through September 1, 2006. Please hurry as spots are limited!

Should your pizzeria be chosen to participate, please feel free to stop by our booth (#529) at Pizza Today's Northeast Pizza Show, September 13-14th 2006. We will be on hand to answer any of your questions. Pizza operators from around the country will be at hand at one of the biggest pizza shows in the U.S.

About two-thirds of U.S. adults (65%) consider pizza to be among their favorite meals to eat with their family, according to a recent survey commissioned by Lindsay Olives and conducted by Harris Interactive®. When asked about favorite pizza toppings, nearly half of these pizza makers (46%) selected olives as one of their favorite pizza toppings.

“We created this contest with the amazing World Pizza Champions to help America’s independent pizzerias strengthen their bonds with their customers,” said Ken Wienholz, Lindsay Olives. “The contest might also uncover a next-generation Champion or independent pizzeria owner.”

According to Tony Gemignani of World Pizza Champions, olives are a "must have topping" when it comes to making pizza. “When it comes to pizzerias, olives are one of the most important ingredients on a pizza,” says Tony. “All of the WPC's pizzerias use olives!”

Lindsay Olives’ parent Bell-Carter Foods was established in 1912 in Berkeley, Calif., and now produces more than 10 million cases of olives annually, making it the nation’s largest olive processor. The family business is operated by third and fourth-generation family members, with headquarters in Lafayette, CA. For recipes and photographs, please visit www.lindsayolives.com.

About the World Pizza Champions

Professionals of the Pizza Industry

The World Pizza Champions are made up of members Michael Shepherd of Michael Angelo's Pizza in Kenton & Rushsylvania, Ohio; Tony Gemignani & Ken Bryant of Pyzano's Pizzeria in Castro Valley, CA; Joe Carlucci of Famous Joe's in Danbury,CT; Siler Chapman of Pizza Works in Fort Mills, SC and Sean Brauser of Romeo's Pizza in Medina, OH.

Each member has earned the highest awards in several different categories in the pizza industry. They are considered by many pizza operators worldwide as professionals and pioneers.

Team members have appeared on the Today Show, Tony Danza Show, The Tonight Show, The Ellen Show, ESPN, the Food Network, Good Morning America, BBC Radio, and numerous industry magazine covers.

They have come together to form an affiliation to promote their restaurants and their skills. Individually each of them have performed on shows across the nation, but now they plan to tour the world as a team. The World Pizza Champions perform and/or compete at numerous festivals, fairs, sporting events, and food shows all year long.

America's #1 Pizza Team, The World Pizza Champions, will be in a town or on a TV near you.

The World Pizza Champions Sponsors

 

We would like to thank our Team Sponsors

Tony Gemignani would like to thank his individual sponsors 

Michael Shepherd would like to thank his individual sponsors 

Joe Carlucci would like to thank his individual sponsors 

Siler Chapman would like to thank his individual sponsor 

Sean Brauser would like to thank his individual sponsor

Posted by ladymountbatten at 02:30 AM | Permalink

 

 UN TALKS TO COMPLETE TREATY ON RIGHTS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO
RESUME MONDAY

Negotiators from around the world will convene at United Nations
Headquarters in New York on Monday to resume talks aimed at completing a new
convention that would protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

The delegates, from the 192 UN Member States and some 90
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focusing on disabilities issues, will work to
hammer out remaining differences in the 33-article draft convention. If
the negotiations succeed, the convention can be formally adopted by the
General Assembly at its next session and then open for signature and
ratification.
     
"There are many indications that the international community wishes to
conclude the work of the convention," said Don MacKay of New Zealand,
who is chairing the negotiations. "We will have a good crack at it," he
added, but cautioned that two weeks for the negotiations was a short
time to complete agreements on a number of complex issues.

"No one is going to get their own way," Mr. MacKay said.  "People are
going to have to start compromising."

In theory, the Chairman said, there is no need for a new convention,
which does not create any new rights.  But in practice, he added,
"persons with disabilities are one of the most marginalized groups in
society." He said the new treaty would help raise the standards for
accessibility that would help make life better for persons with disabilities.

The proposed United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities would mark a major shift in the way the world's 650 million
people with disabilities are treated. Presently, discrimination against
persons with disabilities is widespread -- for example it is estimated
that 90 per cent of children with disabilities in developing countries
do not go to school.

The UN's Economic and Social Council, at its July session in Geneva,
welcomed the progress achieved so far in the negotiations and, in a
resolution, called the a
priority."

Persons with disabilities remain among the most marginalized of all
populations and are barred by a wide range of physical, legal and social
barriers from achieving their full potential.  But officials say the
convention could lead the way to legislation that reshapes the public's
thinking about persons with disabilities, in everything from building and
civic design to transportation, education, employment and recreation.

Only about 45 countries presently have legislation that deals with
persons with disabilities. By ratifying the convention, a country accepts
its legal obligations and incorporates them into their own legal
mechanisms.

The pact would obligate countries, among other measures, to gradually
include disability-friendly features into the construction of new
facilities, promote and improve access to education and information and
introduce measures that eliminate discriminatory practices against persons
with disabilities. 

 

 

GLOBAL YOUTH GATHER AT UN HEADQUARTERS FOR INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY TALKS ON POVERTY New York,

Young people from the far reaches of the globe gathered at United Nations Headquarters in New York today to discuss measures they can take in tackling youth poverty at an event to commemorate International Youth Day, marked each year on 12 August. “The world’s young people, now numbering more than 1 billion, are a major human resource for development and can be key agents of innovation and positive social change. Yet the scale of youth poverty robs the world of that potential,” UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a message on the occasion. With almost half of the world’s population under 25 years old and surviving on less than $2 a day, the repercussions of youth poverty are immense. Problems include hunger and malnutrition, lack of access to education and basic services, unemployment, increased disease and illness, homelessness and lack of participation in decision-making, Director of the UN Division for Social Policy and Development Johan Schölvinck said at the opening of the event. International youth studying human rights as well as volunteers from New York-area YMCAs assembled to discuss poverty issues from their perspectives. “I came because I wanted to learn something more about how things work out in different countries. After my interaction with people from Nepal, people from Uzbekistan and all the different countries I think people are the same everywhere. The problems are the same everywhere,” Vikas Sharma from India told the UN News Service. “I knew poverty existed in the US, but I wasn’t aware that it was so similar. In Costa Rica, for example, a big issue a part of poverty there is the lack of education – there’s a lack of schools, a lack of money to pay teachers and that’s the same thing that we’re dealing with here (in New York). Before I went abroad, I wasn’t aware of how similar our problems are,” Janai Smith told the crowd of young people about her homestay visit to Costa Rica in 2005. Community service and education were the poverty solutions highlighted in discussions. “Our challenge is clear: we must pay more attention to education and in particular to the transition from education to employment. And the ability of youth to find full and productive employment must be a central objective of national development strategies, including poverty reduction policies,” Mr. Annan wrote. Many youth agreed with the Secretary-General. Rakhmadjon Sobirov of Uzbekistan stressed the potential of young people to help foster a better future in their countries by improving themselves through learning. “We see the only way is through education and becoming a specialist in our own field,” he said. “Whether as a lawyer or economist, everyone has their own share to contribute.” 2006-08-11 00:00:00.000

 

 

 

SECRETARY-GENERAL VOICES CONCERN ABOUT WORSENING SITUATION IN SUDAN

Warning of deteriorating security conditions in Darfur and the grave challenges facing relief efforts there, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has urged the Security Council to work urgently to address the situation in the war-torn region. In a letter dated 10 August to the Council President, Ambassador Nana Effah-Apenteng of Ghana, the Secretary-General noted that there had been an upsurge in violence in Darfur in recent weeks. Consequently, civilians were forced to flee an onslaught of indiscriminate killings, rapes, and abductions while humanitarian organizations were unable to assist hundreds of thousands of people in need. The Secretary-General called July “a harrowing month” for relief workers in the region, citing statistics from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) showing 36 reported attacks on aid operations and nine staff members killed. “As a result of the fighting and direct targeting of humanitarians, only 50 per cent of civilians affected by the conflict can be reached by humanitarian organizations,” Mr. Annan said, noting that 1.6 million people were either inaccessible or reachable only by putting the lives of aid workers directly at risk. Scores of thousands have been killed and more than 2 million displaced during the three-year-old Darfur conflict. Mr. Annan noted there had been some progress in the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) since its signing in May, though some deadlines for implementing its key aspects had been missed and several rebel groups were not yet parties to the agreement. “Both DPA signatories have violated the ceasefire arrangements, while non-signatories have violated pre-existing ceasefire obligations,” he said. Against this backdrop, the prospects for international assistance operations were bleak, he said, noting that the African Union has indicated that it may not have enough money to keep its 7,000-strong Darfur operation going until its mandate expires at the end of September. The possibility of having the UN take the place of the African Mission in Sudan (AMIS) also remained in doubt, he said, since the Sudanese government continued to oppose a UN mission in Darfur. “While the Government maintains its firm opposition to this plan, the situation on the ground is deteriorating,” he said. 2006-08-11 00:00:00.000

 

 

 

BRAZILIAN SOCCER GREAT RONALDINHO SCORES ROLE AS UN SPOKESPERSON FOR DEVELOPMENT

Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho, one of the world's best known sports figures, agreed today to use his celebrity status to help the United Nations fight poverty when he was appointed UN Spokesperson for Sport for Development and Peace. After meeting Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Ronaldo Assis de Moreira, or Ronaldinho as he is known worldwide, told a press conference in New York that he was “extremely honoured and excited” to lend his support to the world body’s peace and development work. “Sport is a universal language that has no barriers. Football has obviously provided me with a wonderful life, and I believe it is now my mission to give something back and to help youth understand that the power of sport can help them achieve their dreams,” he said. One of Ronaldinho’s first activities as Spokesperson will be helping mobilize youth worldwide to tackle poverty in connection with the UN’s Global Youth Leadership Summit in New York set to take place from 29 to 31 October, the world body said in a press release. His appointment was made on behalf of Adolf Ogi, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace, by Djibril Diallo, Director of the UN New York Office of Sport for Development and Peace 2005. “Ronaldinho’s appointment builds on the momentum of the International Year of Sport and Physical Education 2005 by helping mobilize the world of soccer and its fans in support of social and economic development, health, education and peace,” Mr. Ogi, former President of Switzerland, said in a message for today’s event. Ronaldinho, who is a midfield player for FC Barcelona and was the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005, will be paid a symbolic salary of $1 a year for his UN work, said Mr. Diallo, adding that the contract will be for two years. In a related development, Ronaldinho was also honoured today for his humanitarian contributions by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which is the regional office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). At a ceremony in New York, Ronaldinho received the PAHO “Champion of Health” award from Deputy Director Dr. Joxel García for his work in supporting the organization’s vaccination coverage throughout the Americas, as well as its programme to reduce youth violence through awareness campaigns. Ronaldinho also serves as a UN World Food Programme (WFP) Ambassador Against Hunger. 2006-08-11 00:00:00.000

 

 

 

 

UNICEF STRESSES NEED FOR HUMANITARIAN ACCESS IN LEBANON; AID AIRLIFTED INTO BEIRUT

With more than a thousand people killed in the worsening conflict between Hizbollah and Israel and around a quarter of Lebanon’s entire population forced to flee their homes, the United Nation’s Children’s Fund today stressed the urgent need to allow humanitarian aid to get through, as the world body said it was airlifting more emergency supplies into Beirut but that land convoys were still facing problems. Listing the growing humanitarian cost of the conflict, UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman highlighted its impact on children, noting that along with those killed and injured “countless others are living in extremely precarious conditions which are worsening daily, with limited access to clean water, food, medicine and hygiene supplies.” She pointed out that thousands of families and children critically need support. “At present we are unable to reach the majority of them,” she said. “We call upon the parties to urgently agree to a cessation of hostilities to allow humanitarian agencies to deliver needed supplies.” UNICEF, which is involved in various aspects of emergency work including supporting an immunization campaign to protect Lebanese children against measles and polio, is also working to help young people deal with the deaths, injury and other terrifying events they and their families have experienced. “By keeping families together and organising structured activities we can go some way towards putting normality back into the lives of these children and their parents,” says UNICEF regional child protection adviser Trish Hiddleston. “Children do have an inner resilience in times of crisis – we have to build on this.” Implementing Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s call for an immediate cessation of hostilities will be the most effective way to protect these children from further distress and provide an opportunity for their healing and recovery, the agency said in a press release. Also on the humanitarian front, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees ) has started an airlift from Jordan and Denmark to help rush tonnes of urgently needed supplies to Lebanon, including medicines from the UN World Health Organization (WHO), it said in a press release, adding that the first flight got through on Thursday and a second flight landed in Beirut this morning. UNHCR said more flights are being planned and sea routes are also being used to bring in supplies because the severely damaged roads between the border with Syria – where the agency has a major supply base – have slowed up the convoys and made it increasingly difficult to move emergency aid in bulk. Israeli warnings and air strikes in the densely populated southern suburbs of Beirut are also creating havoc as people flee to overcrowded areas for safety and the aid agencies scramble to help, according to UNHCR. “It is really impossible for thousands of civilians to leave their homes in a matter of hours and find safety nearby, particularly when the public centres are already bursting with displaced people,” said UNHCR's representative in Lebanon, Stephane Jaquemet. “For those who have already been displaced once and fled to find safety in Beirut, only to be displaced a second time, is exceptionally tough and frightening,” he added. The UN refugee agency has also started setting up tented camps in Syria to help deal with around 160,000 Lebanese who have fled to safety there, a UN spokesman told reporters in New York. Permission for UN convoys to southern Lebanon continues to be denied by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said today, while noting also that there’s been no improvement in the countrywide fuel shortage. OCHA says that according to the Lebanese Higher Relief Council, 1,056 Lebanese have been killed and 3,600 wounded in the past month of conflict, while Israel’s Government reports that 41 Israeli civilians have been killed. Adding his weight to broader UN calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, was the head of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (today who also warned of the conflict’s longer-term impact on the young people of the region. “Moreover, what does the future hold for the youth of the Middle East – whatever their nationality, affiliation or religion – when their minds risk being so deeply troubled that they will never be able to learn to talk to one another or live side by side?” Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura asked. 2006-08-11 00:00:00.000

 

 

 

SECURITY COUNCIL VOTES UNANIMOUSLY FOR AN END TO HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The Security Council voted tonight to halt the deadly conflict that has engulfed Lebanon and northern Israel for the past month, passing a resolution that calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities followed by the deployment of Lebanese troops and a significantly expanded United Nations peacekeeping presence across southern Lebanon as well as the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the same area. In a unanimous vote, conducted after weeks of intensive diplomacy with Secretary-General Kofi Annan pushing for action, the 15-member Council called for Hizbollah to stop all attacks immediately and for Israel to cease “all offensive military operations.” Welcoming the Lebanese Government’s plan to deploy 15,000 troops across the south of the country as Israel withdraws behind the Blue Line “at the earliest,” the Council backed the simultaneous deployment of a UN force with an enhanced mandate, equipment and scope of operation. The expanded UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will be authorized to have a maximum of 15,000 peacekeepers and its mandate has been extended by 12 months until August next year. The mission will be tasked with monitoring the cessation of hostilities, helping to ensure humanitarian access to civilians and the safe return of displaced persons, and supporting the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy in the south and enforce their responsibilities under the resolution. The Council said it reserved the right to make further enhancements to UNIFIL’s mandate in a later resolution. Underlining its desire “to help secure a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution to the conflict,” the Council urged Israel and Lebanon to work towards those goals while respecting several principles, including:<BR> <li>Respect for the Blue Line;</li> <li>Ensuring the area between the Blue Line and the Litani river in southern Lebanon is free of any armed personnel and weapons other than those of the Lebanese armed forces and UNIFIL; andFull implementation of the relevant provisions of the Taif Accords, as well as resolutions 1559 and 1680, that require the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon. The text stressed the importance of not just ending the violence, but the causes that gave rise to the current crisis, including “the unconditional release of the abducted Israeli soldiers.” It said the Council, “mindful of the sensitivity of the issue of prisoners,” encouraged efforts aimed at settling the issue of the hundreds of Lebanese prisoners detained in Israel. Council members also emphasized how vital it is that the Lebanese Government is able to extend its authority across all of the country’s territory through the deployment of its armed forces. The resolution also urged Member States to consider contributing to the expanded UNIFIL force while calling on the international community to offer financial and humanitarian aid to the Lebanese people, and to help displaced persons return safely to the country. The Secretary-General was asked to develop proposals within the next month on several issues, including the delineation of Lebanon’s border and the Shebaa farms area. More than 1,000 people, nearly all of them civilians, have been killed in Lebanon and northern Israel, and many more people injured, since fighting broke out following Hizbollah’s capture of two Israeli soldiers on 12 July. As many as a quarter of Lebanon’s population have been forced to flee their homes. 2006-08-11 00:00:00.000

 

 

 

ANNAN OFFERS UN SUPPORT TO INDIA AFTER DEADLY FLOODS AFFECT 6 MILLION PEOPLE

Expressing deep sadness over the deadly floods in India, which have killed over 160 people and affected more than 6 million, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today the world body was ready to offer whatever assistance was needed to help the Government deal with the disaster. “The Secretary-General regrets the loss of life due to this tragedy and extends his condolences to the victims and their families,” according to a statement released in New York, in which Mr. Annan also commended India authorities for their rapid search and rescue operations. He also regretted the damage to property caused by the recent floods that affected the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and said that the world body “stands ready to offer any assistance requested by the Indian Government to support the national response to this disaster.” 2006-08-11 00:00:00.000

 

 

 

UN RIGHTS COUNCIL CONDEMNS ‘ISRAELI VIOLATIONS’ IN LEBANON; SENDS TEAM TO INVESTIGATE

The United Nations Human Rights Council passed a resolution today condemning “grave Israeli violations of human rights” in Lebanon, called for all parties to respect the rules of humanitarian law, and decided to immediately send a high-level team to investigate. By a vote of 27 in favour, 11 against with four abstentions, today’s special session of the Council, which was called to discuss the worsening conflict, also requested that the inquiry commission report back to the 47-member body by 1 September. Among others, the Council “strongly condemns the grave Israeli violations of human rights and breaches of international humanitarian law in Lebanon…calls upon Israel to observe the principle of proportionality and refrain from launching any attack that may be expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life.” “[It]…urges all concerned parties to respect the rules of international humanitarian law, to refrain from violence against the civilian population and to treat under all circumstances all detained combatants and civilians in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.” The Council also decided to “urgently establish and immediately dispatch a high-level inquiry commission comprising eminent experts of human rights law and international humanitarian law.” Among others, the commission will investigate “the systematic targeting and killings of civilians by Israel.” At the start of the day-long debate, which saw speeches from more than 50 Member States and representatives of regional groups along with representatives from 14 non-governmental organizations, the top UN rights official stressed the need for a probe to investigate attacks against civilians both in Lebanon and northern Israel. “Civilians must never be the object of a direct intentional attack…And yet, almost on a daily basis, information from the field indicates an alarming pattern in the scale and choice of targets by all sides in the conflict,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour told the meeting in Geneva. “The deaths of hundreds of civilians in documented and corroborated incidents, involving either random or targeted attacks on civilian vehicles or buildings, strongly suggest the indiscriminate use of force,” she added, highlighting both the effect on civilians of Israeli attacks and Hizbollah’s indiscriminate shelling of northern Israel. “There is a clear and urgent need to bring clarity to a situation in which facts and allegations are now given the same credit but without the benefit of systematic, independent, thorough and credible scrutiny.” She drew attention to the Israeli attack on 30 July in Qana, southern Lebanon, which killed scores of civilians, including a large number of children, who had sought shelter there, and also spoke of the “repeated allegations of Hizbollah’s systematic use of civilians as human shields.” “The independence, impartiality and objectivity of such an inquiry must be guaranteed not only by the credibility of the panel members, but also by the scope and methodology of their mandate…It should address all violations by all parties, and lay the foundation for possible measures of reparation and accountability.” Ms. Arbour said she was “particularly concerned” about the humanitarian situation of the population remaining in the south of Lebanon, especially following the destruction of the last bridge over the Litani River. “They are in dire need of food, water, and medical assistance, which humanitarian workers are no longer able to deliver… The plight of displaced persons in the war zone and of refugees in neighbouring countries is also of grave concern. Their right to food, to health, to adequate housing, the right of their children to education must be respected.” “Nearly a month from its beginning and worsening by the day, this crisis demands a firm and meaningful response from this Council,” she said, of the body that was set up to replaced the much-criticized Human Rights Commission. Today’s special session was called in response to a request from Tunisia on behalf of the Group of Arab States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, which was supported in total by 16 Member States. In a related development, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination this afternoon adopted a statement on Lebanon expressing concern that the continuation of the conflict “may intensify racial discrimination and hatred in the region and the wider world.” The Committee held a debate on the worsening conflict earlier this month. 2006-08-11 00:00:00.000

 

 

ANNAN PRAISES MIDDLE EAST RESOLUTION AS KEY STEP ON ROAD TO LASTING CEASEFIRE

Welcoming tonight’s Security Council resolution that calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he believed it could serve as a base to reach “a sustainable and lasting ceasefire agreement” in the coming days and ultimately to the start of “a process to solve the underlying political problems in the region through political means.” In his address to the Council ahead of the vote on the resolution, Mr. Annan said he would work with the Lebanese and Israeli Governments over the weekend to determine “the exact date and time at which the cessation of hostilities will come into effect.” But the Secretary-General also told the 15-member body how “profoundly disappointed” he was that the Council took so long to agree to such a resolution. “All members of this Council must be aware that its inability to act sooner has badly shaken the world’s faith in its authority and integrity,” he said. In a unanimous vote, conducted after weeks of intensive diplomacy with Mr. Annan pushing for action, the 15-member Council called for Hizbollah to stop all attacks immediately and for Israel to cease “all offensive military operations.” The resolution welcomed the Lebanese Government’s plan to deploy 15,000 of its own troops in the country’s south as Israel withdraws its forces behind the Blue Line “at the earliest,” while at the same time the size and mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is significantly expanded. During his speech, Mr. Annan said that too many children have died in the conflict, and Lebanon’s economy and infrastructure have been devastated at a time when its population was “making real progress towards political reform and economic recovery.” The country’s attempts to “cast off the chains of external interference and domestic strife” will require not only constructive cooperation among Lebanon’s different groups, but “mutual goodwill and sustained dialogue” with key figures in the region, including the Syrian and Iranian Governments. Voicing “pride and admiration for the courage” of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers, as well as UN humanitarian workers, he observed that UNIFIL faces a task under the resolution “perhaps even more difficult and dangerous than its previous one. “It must be robust and effective, and ensure that no vacuum is left between the Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of Lebanese forces,” he said, adding it must be provided with sophisticated military capabilities and additional troops as soon as possible. Mr. Annan also called for:<BR> <li>humanitarian convoys and relief workers to be given “a real guarantee of safe passage and access to those who need help”;</li> <li>a resolution of the Shebaa Farms border dispute in accordance with resolution 1680;</li> <li>the release of prisoners in the region, “starting with those who have been taken hostage”;</li> <li>potential donors to respond swiftly to requests from Lebanon for financial help;</li> <li>and the Security Council and the wider international community to tackle the crises in the Middle East “not in isolation or bilaterally, but as part of a holistic and comprehensive effort.” He also warned Council members not to turn their backs “on the bloodshed, suffering and hardship” suffered by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, or the danger to Israelis from rockets launched from inside Gaza. The Lebanese Government said more than 1,000 of its civilians have been killed and another 3,600 others have been injured, while about a quarter of the population – or a million people – have been displaced from their homes. Some 41 Israeli civilians have also died, while many others have had to flee their homes or seek shelter from rocket attacks. 2006-08-11 00:00:00.000

 

FRANCE AGREES TO UN COURT HEARING ITS DISPUTE WITH DJIBOUTI OVER IMMUNITY OF WITNESSES New York

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, will hear a case between France and Djibouti over whether high-level figures in Djibouti, including its Head of State, can be summoned as witnesses as part of a French judicial investigation. In a statement issued this week from its headquarters in The Hague, the ICJ said France has formally consented to the Court's jurisdiction in this case following an application filed by Djibouti in January. The dispute relates to an investigation by French judicial authorities into the circumstances surrounding the death of Bernard Borrel, a French judge, in Djibouti in 1995. Djibouti's application states that France has violated its international obligations under two bilateral treaties -- the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (signed in 1977) and the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (1986) -- by not handing over information relating to its judicial investigation into Mr. Borrel's death. The ICJ statement noted that the Horn of Africa country said France has also breached its obligations by seeking to call as witnesses to the inquiry "certain internationally protected nationals of Djibouti, including the Head of State."

 

 

 

AS FIGHTING PERSISTS IN LEBANON, BLUE HELMET WOUNDED WHEN ISRAELI ROUNDS HIT UN POST

One day after the Security Council voted unanimously for a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, fighting continued today and one blue helmet was wounded when Israeli fire hit a United Nations position in the south. In a speech to last night's Council meeting, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he would be working with Israel and Lebanon this weekend to establish "the exact date and time at which the cessation of hostilities will come into effect." He also welcomed the resolution but said the Council should have acted much sooner. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which under the resolution is to be expanded from some 2,000 to 15,000 troops, today reported that military situation in the south of the country "for the most part has remained unchanged in the past 24 hours" with fighting between Hizbollah and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) continuing "with same intensity" as before. One member of the Ghanaian battalion with UNIFIL was wounded early this morning when two artillery rounds from the Israeli side impacted directly inside a UNIFIL position in the area of Haris in the central sector, the Force reported. There were four other incidents of firing from the Israeli side close to UN positions in the areas causing material damage but no casualties, according to UNIFIL, which reported that Hizbollah also fired rockets from the vicinity of UN positions. As it has repeatedly in recent weeks, UNIFIL strongly protested all the incidents to the Israeli and Lebanese authorities respectively. The effort to help civilians caught in the crossfire continued to be severely hampered by Israeli military operations and overall insecurity. "UNIFIL's freedom of movement and the ability to re-supply positions and provide humanitarian assistance were denied because of the lack of security clearance from the IDF and due to the intensive hostilities on the ground," the mission said in a press release. A sector, and other humanitarian activities planned by UNIFIL, could not proceed in the last six days due to the denial of consent by the IDF. The IDF also still not responded to the repeated requests by UNIFIL to reopen the road between Tyre and Beirut by putting up another provisional bridge over the Litani River in a bid to facilitate the delivery of aid to beleaguered civilians in the south. UNIFIL had also been accompanying a convoy of hundreds of Lebanese security forces and civilians with prior Israeli approval out of the Force's area of operations when, the Lebanese authorities reported, it came under Israeli air strikes and a number of people were killed and wounded. "UNIFIL conveyed this information to the IDF and asked them to immediately cease attacks on the convoy," the Force said. "At the request of the Lebanese authorities today, UNIFIL requested the IDF to give security clearance for the convoy to proceed towards Beirut." The Force also continued to help civilians, among other measures by sending a medical and rescue team to evacuate some two dozen people from the village of Haris to a UNIFIL position in the area of Tibnin. UNIFIL provided medical assistance to 10 of them who were wounded as a result of intensive Israeli air strikes overnight. Two who had sustained serious injuries were relocated to a UNIFIL hospital.

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M:i:III'' -- Tom Cruise and an All-Star Cast Deliver in the $386 Million Box Office Hit Igniting Day-and-Date on DVD, HD DVD and Blu-Ray; the Fuse is Lit on Mission, Monday, October 30, 2006HOLLYWOOD, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Aug. 11, 2006 "The Best Mission Impossible Yet!" - Jeffrey Lyons, NBC'S REEL TALK

"`M:i:III' delivers" (USA Today) and "pushes your pulse rate past the danger zone" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone), headlined by three-time Academy Award(R)-nominated(1) actor Tom Cruise. The "big, exciting film that never stops to take a breath" (Leonard Maltin, "Entertainment Tonight") features a star-studded cast who bring to life its shadowed world of intrigue and betrayal, including Oscar(R)-winner(2) Phillip Seymour Hoffman ("Capote"), Laurence Fishburne ("The Matrix"), Ving Rhames ("M:i:II"), Keri Russell ("Felicity"), Michelle Monaghan ("Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"), Billy Crudup ("Almost Famous") and Golden Globe(R)-winner(3) Jonathan Rhys Meyers ("Match Point"). Director J.J. Abrams' ("Alias," "Lost") weaves a fast-paced and clever spy thriller, fusing classic espionage techniques with pulse-pounding action and rich character drama.

"As a huge fan of DVDs and their special features, I'm happy to have been part of a DVD release with such extensive extra footage," said Abrams. "These are the kinds of behind-the-scenes featurettes I love: real, in-depth additional productions, not just glorified electronic press kits. I'm also thrilled that people will get a chance to see `M:i:III' with the best possible picture and audio, as Paramount is releasing the film in high definition."

From a devastating air attack on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to a daring kidnapping at the Vatican to Ethan Hunt's eye-popping fulcrum-jump from a skyscraper in Shanghai, "M:i:III" spans the globe, taking audiences on the most exciting thrill ride of the year. The "M:i:III Special Collector's Edition" DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD presentations are each two-disc sets fully loaded with exciting behind-the-scenes bonus material to take viewers even deeper undercover and inside the mission. The film and the high definition special features created exclusively for the HD presentations showcase the unprecedented picture and sound quality of the new formats. Rounding out the offerings, "M:i:III" also will be available as a single-disc DVD in either widescreen or full screen, featuring commentary, the making-of segment and deleted scenes.

Marketing Mission

Capitalizing on the 2nd largest shopping occasion of the year, the multimillion-dollar campaign will drive consumers in to stores for Mission Monday. The advertising fuse ignites with national and high definition television advertising, a comprehensive online initiative, targeted spot television and radio placements, and maximum exposure in retailer circulars. In addition, custom promotions with Spike, ESPN, USA Networks, IGN, Xbox 360, Amazon and AOL, as well as a high-profile publicity campaign will drive national awareness for the release. The marketing campaign will extend retailer and promotional opportunities through the holidays.

Synopsis

Tom Cruise returns as Special Agent Ethan Hunt, who faces the mission of his life in "Mission: Impossible III." Director J.J. Abrams ("Lost," "Alias") brings his unique blend of action and drama to the billion-dollar franchise.

High Definition DVDs

Presenting stunning picture and sound, the Blu-ray and HD DVD presentations will each be 1080p High Definition with English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus, with English, English SDH+, French and Spanish subtitles. The high-definition special features on both the HD DVD and Blu-ray discs include "The Making of the Mission," "Mission Action: Inside the Action Unit," "Visualizing the Mission," "Scoring the Mission," deleted scenes, theatrical trailers and Easter Eggs. Enhanced commentary with Tom Cruise and director J.J. Abrams is on HD DVD.

Special Collector's Edition DVD

The "M:i:III Special Collector's Edition" DVD is presented in widescreen with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround and French 2.0 Surround with English and Spanish subtitles. In addition to the featurettes and deleted scenes, the features include commentary by Abrams and Cruise; Moviefone Unscripted, where Cruise and Abrams answer fans questions; tribute montages; trailers; a photo gallery; and more.

Single Disc

The "M:i:III" single-disc DVD is presented in widescreen or full screen with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround and French 2.0 Surround with English and Spanish subtitles and includes the commentary, "The Making of the Mission" featurette and the five deleted scenes.

About Paramount Home Entertainment

Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B), a global entertainment company that produces and distributes filmed entertainment through the Paramount Motion Picture Group. PHE is responsible for the worldwide sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment, including: Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks SKG, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, CBS, PBS and Hasbro, and home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment. -0-

For artwork please visit: phepromo.com  M:i:III Street Date:                  October 30, 2006 Prebook:                      September 19, 2006 Runtime:                      125 minutes U.S. Rating:                  PG-13 Canadian Rating:              14A  M:i:III (single disc) Pricing:                      $19.99 U.S. (M.A.P.)/$26.99 Canada Catalog #:                    118454 (full screen)                               339874 (widescreen)  M:i:III Special Collector's Edition DVD Pricing:                      $24.99 U.S. (M.A.P.)/$41.99 Canada Catalog #:                    118464  M:i:III HD DVD Pricing:                      $29.99 U.S. (M.A.P.)/$46.99 Canada Catalog #:                    118484  M:i:III Blu-Ray Pricing:                      $29.99 U.S. (M.A.P.)/$46.99 Canada Catalog #:                    118474   NOTES:  (1) 2000 Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting     Role, "Magnolia"; 1997 Academy Award Nomination for Best Actor in     a Leading Role, "Jerry Maguire"; 1990 Best Actor in a Leading     Role, "Born on the Fourth of July"  (2) 2006 Academy Award winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role,     "Capote"  (3) 2006 Golden Globe winner for Best Performance by an Actor in a     Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television, "Elvis" 

Posted by ladymountbatten at 01:46 AM | Permalink

Tampa Bay 3, Oakland 6 at McAfee Coliseum
Tampa Bay Record: (47-70)
Oakland Record: (64-52)

Winning pitcher - Joe Blanton (13-9)
Losing pitcher - Casey Fossum (6-5)
SV - Huston Street (28)

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Tampa Bay	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	0	0		3	10	1
Oakland	0	5	0	0	0	0	1	0	X		6	10	0

TB HR - G. Norton (9)
OAK HR - None

 

San Francisco 5, Los Angeles 6 at Dodger Stadium
San Francisco Record: (54-62)
Los Angeles Record: (61-56)

Winning pitcher - Brad Penny (13-5)
Losing pitcher - Matt Cain (8-9)
SV - Takashi Saito (13)

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
San Francisco	0	0	0	3	1	0	1	0	0		5	10	0
Los Angeles	2	1	0	1	2	0	0	0	X		6	14	2

SF HR - None
LAD HR - W. Betemit (13)

Posted by ladymountbatten at 01:01 AM | Permalink

Genius in the Shadows: New Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum Shines Spotlight on Session Musicians Honky Tonk Survival: The Revival of Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

 

 

Genius in the Shadows: New Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum Shines Spotlight on Session Musicians
By John Hood

© 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.

 

 

Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, even the Red Hot Chili Peppers - these are all names that are instantly recognizable to most fans of popular music. The names Floyd Lightnin' Chance, Pete Drake, Marshall Grant, Joe Osborne and Billy Sherrill don't roll off the tongue with the same sense of connection, but these studio musicians were vital in the creation and recording of some of the biggest songs and albums of the 20th century.

Musicians who often work in the shadow of bigger stars now have their chance to step into the spotlight with the opening of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. The Museum, which opened in Nashville in June, honors the studio musicians who are often overlooked by the general public.

Entrepreneur Joe Chambers, a noted songwriter, producer and owner of Nashville guitar store Chambers Guitars, is the guiding force behind the new museum. He has long believed studio musicians deserve more recognition for their contributions to popular music.

"Working in the studio as songwriter and producer, I learned the importance of studio musicians," Chambers said. "They are the backbone of the record business. I had spoken to Chet Atkins, Duane Eddy and James Burton about doing a project that would talk about and educate people on musicians. Those conversations ultimately metamorphosed into the museum."

Doing research on the concept, Chambers discovered that there were no museums anywhere dedicated to studio musicians. That just fueled his fire to bring the concept into fruition. He also felt that it would solidify Nashville's reputation as a music epicenter for all types of music.

"We wanted to see Nashville continue to be recognized as a music center and give people more reasons to come to Nashville," he said. "There's so much more to Nashville than just one genre of music. Nashville is Music City, U.S.A. So many big records of all genres are recorded here that people don't associate with Nashville. Bands fly in and record and fly out and nobody knows anything about it."

Chambers believes the Hall of Fame will draw more visitors, especially ones who are music fans, back to Nashville. He said that the demise of Opryland, a music theme park that closed several years ago, led to a decline in tourism. City officials are also excited about the new project.

"With the addition of the Musicians Hall of Fame to the landscape of Nashville's diverse product offerings, the circle truly is unbroken," said Butch Spyridon, President of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Multiple music genres, songwriters and now the musicians are all being properly honored in their rightful home, Music City."

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum occupies a 30,000 square foot building in Downtown Nashville on the corner of Sixth Avenue South and Clark Place. The exhibit space features musical instruments, photos, movies and other memorabilia from musicians around the world. Currently on display are Drake's steel guitars, heard on Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay" and George Harrison's album All Things Must Pass, as well as many of the Country hits from George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Visitors can also see Billy Sherrill's cigarette-burned piano, on which he composed Country classics "Almost Persuaded," "The Most Beautiful Girl" and "Stand by Your Man," plus, Marshall Grant's basses, heard on Cash's "Walk the Line" and "Ring of Fire." Items will be added to the Museum regularly and a limited number of musicians will be inducted annually into the Hall of Fame.

In addition to exhibit space, the venue features a 5,000 square foot performance hall, a 1,100 square foot screening theater, a gift shop and a school of music where aspiring musicians can hone their craft. A fully functional recording studio is in the works and will be an important part of the Hall of Fame experience. Visitors will have a chance to get up close and personal with musicians while they are recording. Sennheiser, a world leader in microphone technology and the first official sponsor of the facility has provided all the audio equipment for the performance hall and audio engineer T.C. Furlong has designed the audio systems.

"During the tour of the museum you'll go into a viewing room where you can see the recording studio," Chambers said. "That room has tiered seating and three mirrored windows so that musicians won't know if anyone is watching them or not. The musicians can record without interruption and fans can see how a recording session really works. It's very educational, kind of like going to Hollywood and being able to walk onto a movie set and watch a movie being made."

Perhaps the best indicator of success for Chambers' new venture is the overwhelming support and encouragement he's received from both studio musicians and the stars they make sound so good. Garth Brooks and Neil Young are just two of the noteworthy artists who have voiced support of the project.

In a statement released by the Hall of Fame, the normally reticent Young offered these words of praise: "You can see the hood ornament on the car if you go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but if you want to look at the engine and see what's making it go, then you go to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum."

On the Web: www.musicanshalloffame.com

 

Honky Tonk Survival: The Revival of Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
By John Hood

© 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.

It's been the same way for more than 40 years - a little rowdy on Saturday nights with the sound of Country Music blaring from the stage. Country fans still fill Tootsie's Orchid Lounge soaking up the magic that has made the place America's most famous honky tonk. It hasn't changed much since 1960 when Hattie Louise "Tootsie" Bess bought a bar called Mom's, renamed it after herself and turned it into a haven for songwriters and singers.

Tootsie's has seen good times and down times (just like the songwriters who helped make it famous), but it remains one of Downtown Nashville's hottest spots. Tootsie passed away in 1978, but current owner Steve Smith and his brother John Taylor, who manages the venue, have kept the spirit of the place alive while shepherding Tootsie's into the 21st century.

"It's a living piece of history," said John Rumble, Senior Historian for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. "That aura of the 1960s heyday can still be absorbed down there. You can go down there, kick back, have a beer and let the vibes penetrate."

Those vibes exist because of Tootsie's compassion for and generosity to the struggling songwriters who were regular patrons in its early days.

"She became a den mother figure to the various folks who hung out there," Rumble explained. "Among these were folks were songwriters like Hank Cochran, Harlan Howard, Roger Miller and Willie Nelson. It's also right next to the Ryman Auditorium. The area between the Ryman and Tootsie's and Tootsie's itself became an informal meeting ground for Opry performers and their fans. It's easily one of the most famous Country bars in the world, historically speaking."

The club, along with much of Downtown Nashville, fell on hard times in the '70s and '80s. Smith bought the place in 1992. He wanted to revive the magic that had made Tootsie's so special in its heyday.

"It was the cornerstone of the careers of some of the older stars," Smith said. "It's a historic landmark and important to the heritage of Nashville's music community."

He and his brother are both quick to point to Tootsie Bess as the reason that the club is special.

"We just operate it," Taylor said. "This place was something Tootsie created. We like to joke that she still owns it and we're just running it for her."

Tootsie's was almost torn down to make a park in the early 1990s. At the time Downtown Nashville was a dark and dangerous shadow of its current vibrant self.

"It was terrible down here," Taylor said. "Steve fought tooth and nail to keep the place from being torn down. He actually lived here for about three months to keep it from being demolished. During that time he got it registered as a historic landmark, so it couldn't be torn down."

Smith knew Tootsie's held a special place in the musical history of Nashville. Many of the Opry stars of the '60s would sneak over between sets to have a drink. It was also a home away from home for songwriters, who held a special place in Tootsie Bess' heart. Her generosity made the place a favorite hangout for the famous and not-yet-famous. Patsy Cline, Tom T. Hall, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Webb Pierce, Mel Tillis and Faron Young were just a few of the patrons who made Tootsie's a favorite watering hole.

In many ways Downtown Nashville's resurgence and Tootsie's reemergence were intertwined.

"We wanted to help develop the Downtown area and we knew this place was of great historical value to the city," Taylor said. "We actually became a sponsor of the Opry in 2000. As we were advertising on the Opry, we told people to come back to the most famous honky tonk in the world. I had young and old coming in here. They'd tell us that their daddy or great granddaddy told them to come here. It was really neat."

Tootsie's became a hotspot for tourists wanting to see and hear great Country Music. Along the way the club became an important training ground for rising Country stars. Terri Clark was signed to Mercury Records while holding down a regular gig at the club. The Lynns (Lorretta Lynn's daughters) also got a deal while playing there. It's a trend that continues. Three finalists from the recent season of "Nashville Star" are Tootsie's performers.

Taylor said one of the biggest developments for Tootsie's in recent years is the development of a record label. Tootsie's Records was a natural outgrowth for the club because of their ability to find great singers and songwriters while they are still developing.

"We opened a record label in 2003," Taylor said. "It was primarily because when we met [Country artist] John Stone, we knew we had something. We'd been thinking about doing this for a long time. John is a high-energy performer and the complete package - great singer, songwriter and entertainer. He's what Tootsie's stands for."

Stone released his debut album Meet John Stone, which features the self-penned single, "Same on Me," on Tootsie's Records in October 2004. He's currently in the studio working on his sophomore release.

Smith, who also recently purchased another famous Nashville club, The Nashville Palace, revealed that he's pursuing other opportunities to expand the Tootsie's brand.

"I can't give many details because everything is still in the planning stages," Smith said. "But we're in negotiations to put a Tootsie's in the airport. It would be a great way for people just getting to Nashville to experience a little bit of what makes this place Music City."

On the Web: www.tootsies.net; www.johnwstone.com

 

 

 

POPULAR CMA SONGWRITERS SERIES CONTINUES AT JOE'S PUB IN NEW YORK CITY

NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: JAKE OWEN

 

 

POPULAR CMA SONGWRITERS SERIES CONTINUES AT JOE'S PUB IN NEW YORK CITY
By Wendy Pearl

 

© 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.

 

 

What began as a way to introduce some of Nashville's finest songwriters to New York City in advance of the CMA Awards in 2005 is being extended into 2006 as the CMA Songwriters Series returns to Joe's Pub for four nights of concerts spanning five months.

"These are exactly the sort of inroads we were hoping to make when we launched the Songwriter Series last year," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. "Hosting the CMA Awards in New York generated enormous interest and support for the format and the songwriters are the foundation of that success. What we discovered was that New Yorkers are a willing and enthusiastic audience for our music in its most basic form - unplugged and intimately delivered by the singer/songwriters who created it."

The talented and successful writers and recording artists taking part in these shows have had numerous, chart-topping hits and contributed on a wide scale to the popularity of Country Music. The CMA Songwriter Series is taking place over four nights at Joe's Pub (July 15, Aug. 29 and Sept. 23, with a final show scheduled for Nov. 18). 

"Our mission is to bring eclectic programming to the masses, which for years has included some of the best Country artists working today," said Kevin Abbott, General Manager of Joe's Pub. "With the help of CMA, we are broadening our audience and creating a home for Country Music in New York City. The songwriters shows were truly some of the best performances we have had on our stage in over eight years."

"One of our goals when we brought the 2005 CMA Awards to NYC was to build a foundation that would enable the Country Music industry to continue a presence in New York and expose advertisers, media representatives and consumers to Country Music," said Rick Murray, CMA Vice President of Strategic Marketing. "The excitement generated from the management at Joe's Pub and the response from the New York community directly impacted our decision to continue the series throughout 2006, and hopefully beyond."

Each night features three to four songwriters from Nashville, who line up on stage and take turns telling the stories behind their hits and then performing the song, often with added harmony from the other songwriters. In addition to the artists and songwriters, there is always the possibility of special guest appearance by additional Country artists, who may be in town.

Songwriter and CMA Board of Directors member Bob DiPiero once again assisted in identifying and securing songwriters for the series.

"The CMA is the friend of the songwriter and with their help, I have been able to get the very best songwriter/artists Nashville has to offer to sing their songs and tell their stories at the Joe's Pub series," DiPiero said. "I'm honored to be part of such a very special series that will help keep alive the Nashville/New York City music connection."

Songwriters* scheduled to appear include:
SATURDAY, JULY 15 - 6:30 and 9:30 PM/ET
- Bob DiPiero ("Blue Clear Sky," "Take Me As I Am," "Cumberland Road")
- Tony Mullins ("How Forever Feels," Something's Gotta Give," "Me And My Gang")
- Rivers Rutherford ("Ain't Nothing 'Bout You," "Real Good Man," "When I Get Where I'm Going," "When the Lights Go Down")
- Jeffery Steele ("Gone," "These Days," "What Hurts the Most")
- Jon Randall ("Whiskey Lullaby," "No Southern Comfort")

TUESDAY, AUG. 29 - 6:30 and 9:30 PM/ET
- Lori McKenna ("Fireflies," "Stealing Kisses")
- Jo Dee Messina ("It Gets Better," "Life is Good," "Love is Not Enough")
- Jamie O'Neal ("There Is No Arizona," "When I Think About Angels," "Somebody's Hero")

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23 - 6:30 and 9:30 PM/ET
- Gary Burr ("Empty," "Before Your Love," "A Thousand Times A Day")
- Don Henry ("Whole Lotta Holes," "Beautiful Fool," "Don't Let's Talk About Lisa")
- Victoria Shaw ("The River," "Nobody Wants to be Lonely," "I Love The Way You Love Me")

SATURDAY, NOV. 18 - 6:30 and 9:30 PM/ET
TBD

*Schedule subject to change.

"With the history of these events, the cool venue and the great audience we attract, everyone we have approached so far has jumped at the chance to participate in the showcases," DiPiero said. "The Nashville songwriters' bench is so deep that the main trouble is not having enough time and space to showcase other exceptional talent. NYC will be seeing the very best of the best, make no mistake about that."

"Music has always been an enormous part of my life," Messina said. "It's not just something I do, it's part of who I am. Songwriting to me is my refuge, a safe place to me where I can go to spell out my emotions, especially when dealing with tough situations. It helps me to gain perspective. You could say that songwriting gives me emotional freedom."

"I love playing NYC and I love playing Joe's Pub," Rutherford said. "It's a great room and the audiences there are starving for real songs."

"So many New Yorkers have been fans of our stories for so long, but there have not been many outlets to hear them," Steele said. "I really fell like New York or LA or Chicago are all just a million small towns strung together with the same kinds of people dealing with the same kinds of things, and that's what we write about everyday. Things big and small - that's what Country Music is."

Tickets for July 15, Sept. 23 and Nov. 18 cost $20. Tickets for Aug. 29 cost $30. For information about Joe's Pub, visit joespub.com or call (212) 539-8778. The CMA Songwriters Series official sponsors for July 15, Sept. 23 and Nov. 18 include ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and American Airlines, the official airline of the 2006 CMA Awards. The Aug. 29 date, which leads into the Aug. 30 announcement of the final nominees for "The 40th Annual CMA Awards," is presented by CMA.

Jessica Hutton from Long Island, N.Y., an aspiring songwriter, attended the Series, which was a sell-out in 2005. She found the stories the writers told so inspiring that she jotted them down on a napkin by candlelight. "This is like my sanctuary," Hutton said. "We don't get a whole lot of Country Music in Manhattan, so I am glad they decided to do this."

 

 

NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: JAKE OWEN
By Peter Cronin

 

© 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.

 

 

Jake Owen, Country artist, was almost Jake Owen, golf legend. When he was 12, the Vero Beach, Fla., native made up his mind that he would compete with Tiger Woods.

"I decided to start playing golf because I wanted to do something with my dad," Owen said. "Once I started playing, I found out that I was pretty good." But a waterskiing accident abruptly ended his professional golfing aspirations. "I had to have reconstructive surgery," he said. "I was so depressed."

While recuperating from his injury, Owen picked up an old guitar, and those hours on the fairway with his dad finally paid off. "My dad loved Vern Gosdin and Keith Whitley," Owen said. "I grew up listening to classic Country."

Owen soon realized that guitar came to him as naturally as golf. While sitting in Pot Belly's, a campus bar, he had a musical epiphany. As he watched a singer onstage accompanying himself on guitar, he thought, "I can do that." Later that night, he did. Seventy-five dollars and a few ladies' phone numbers later, Owen had successfully completed his first gig. At that point, he officially traded his golf clubs for a guitar. 

Shortly thereafter, Owen formed a band, Yee Haw Junction, which played covers of hit Country songs. But it wasn't long before he was writing his own. His first two efforts, "It's Been a While" and "8 Second Ride," received much praise. "I felt like I had something," he said.

Upon his arrival in Nashville, Owen teamed up with producer Jimmy Ritchey (Clay Walker, Mark Chesnutt). The pair spent 18 months co-writing and, with Ritchey's help, Owen was signed to RCA Records. Owen co-wrote every song on his debut album, Startin' with Me, released on July 25. Only two years after his migration to Music City, Owen has already scored a music-business hole-in-one, gaining an opening slot on a tour with Kenny Chesney.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

Who is your musical hero? "I have lots of musical heroes ... anyone original and innovative."

Which song would you secretly like to cover? "'Easy' by the Commodores."

What CD is on your stereo? "Danny O'Keefe's CD."

What book is on your nightstand? "The Bible."

On the Web: www.jakeowen.com

Posted by ladymountbatten at 12:53 AM | Permalink

Multi-Year Pact Calls for Google to Provide Search and Advertising
Across Fox Interactive Media's Growing Online Network Including the
MySpace Community

- News
Corporation's Fox Interactive Media and Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG)
today announced a multi-year search technology and services agreement
whereby Google will be the exclusive search and keyword targeted
advertising sales provider for Fox Interactive Media's growing network
of web properties including MySpace.com (http://www.myspace.com).

The agreement calls for Google to power web, vertical and site specific
search for MySpace.com and the majority of Fox Interactive Media
properties. Google will be the exclusive provider of text-based
advertising and keyword targeted ads through its AdSense program, for
inventory on Fox Interactive Media's network. Google will also have a
right of first refusal on display advertising sold through third
parties on Fox Interactive Media's network.

The integration of Google's services including consistent search
navigation across Fox Interactive Media's network of properties is
slated to begin in the fourth quarter 2006 and will provide users with
access to Google's industry leading search capabilities as well as text
and display advertising from its global advertiser base.

Under the terms of the agreement, Google will be obligated to make
guaranteed minimum revenue share payments to Fox Interactive Media of
$900 million based on Fox achieving certain traffic and other
commitments. These guaranteed minimum revenue share payments are
expected to be made over the period beginning in the first quarter of
2007 and ending in the second quarter of 2010.

"Our partnership with Google underscores News Corp's continued
evolution to become a powerful force in the digital media marketplace.
To have come this far and gained this much momentum in just over a year
is truly remarkable," said Peter Chernin, President and Chief Operating
Officer of News Corporation. "This is an exciting time in our history
as a forward thinking media company and this is just the first of many
steps we plan to take with Google. We look forward to expanding our
relationship into many new areas over years to come."

"We believe that our innovative technologies will be of real benefit to
Fox Interactive Media's growing number of users," said Eric Schmidt,
Chief Executive Officer of Google. "MySpace.com is a widely
acknowledged leader in user-generated content and incorporating search
and advertising furthers our mission of making the world's information
universally accessible and useful."

"This deal is the next step in our evolution as a significant
interactive player," said Ross Levinsohn, President of Fox Interactive
Media. "Forming a strategic partnership with one of the most innovative
companies in the world to expand our business together, monetize our
platforms effectively and leverage our combined scale will provide
substantial growth for our businesses."

"This agreement demonstrates our commitment to bring the same
innovation to monetizing user-generated content that we brought to
search advertising," said Omid Kordestani, Senior Vice President,
Global Sales & Business Development of Google. "We look forward to
other opportunities to partner with News Corp. to the benefit of its
community."

In addition to MySpace.com (http://www.myspace.com), Fox Interactive
Media properties that will benefit from the Google integration include
top ranked online videogame and entertainment site IGN
(http://www.ign.com), dynamic collegiate and pro sports network
Scout.com (http://www.scout.com), leading site for movie lovers
Rottentomatoes.com (http://www.rottentomatoes.com), popular men's
lifestyle site AskMen.com (http://www.askmen.com); as well as
Gamespy.com (http://www.gamespy.com), Gamespyarcade.com
(http://www.gamespyarcade.com), Fileplanet.com
(http://www.fileplanet.com), Direct2drive.com
(http://www.direct2drive.com), Teamxbox.com ( http://www.teamxbox.com),
3dgamers.com (http://www.3dgamers.com), Gamestat.com
(http://www.gamestat.com), Cheatscodesguides.com
(http://www.cheatcodesguides.com) and Gamermetrics.com
(http://www.gamermetrics.com).

About Google:
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people
around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by
Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a
top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted
advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable
results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google
is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the
Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.

About Fox Interactive Media:
A division of News Corp. (NWS and NWS.A), Fox Interactive Media (FIM)
is an integrated network of sites offering socially rich media
experiences centered on entertainment, news, information and
self-expression. The company's network includes Internet assets from
News Corp., including the highly trafficked Foxsports.com
(http://www.foxspports.com), Americanidol.com
(http://www.americanidol.com) and Fox.com (http://www.fox.com). FIM
also owns and operates such category leaders as MySpace.com
(http://www.myspace.com), the number one social networking site on the
Web; Scout.com (http://www.scout.com), a dynamic collegiate and pro
sports network; and IGN Entertainment (http://www.ign.com), a network
of leading gaming and entertainment sites including men's lifestyle
site AskMen (http://www.askmen.com) and premier destination for
movie-goers Rotten Tomatoes (http://www.rottentomatoes.com) among
others.


FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to the growth of
our business. Actual results may differ materially from our expected
results. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from our
expectations include competition, our ability to continue to attract
users to our web sites, our ability to attract web sites to our AdSense
program, general economic conditions and those economic conditions
specific to the Internet and Internet advertising, our ability to
innovate and improve monetization, and the growth of the market for
internet advertising. More information about potential risk factors is
included in our report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
2006, and from time to time in other reports that we file with the SEC.

Posted by ladymountbatten at 12:48 AM | Permalink