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Largest Holocaust Survivors Organization Invites Mel Gibson to Meet With Members

 The "1939 Club," one of the largest Holocaust Survivor Organizations in the world, today said that if Mel Gibson would like to learn about the Holocaust, its members would be pleased to meet with and educate him about what it is like to be a Jew both in an anti-Semitic and free society.

William Elperin, president of the "1939 Club" said, "Mr. Gibson said he 'is asking the Jewish community, whom I have personally offended, to help me on my journey through recovery.' Our members are offering that help, by assisting Mr. Gibson in understanding the extremes of anti-Semitism and what they and their families -- many of whom were slaughtered by the Nazis -- endured."

Mr. Elperin said that if Mr. Gibson is interested, his representatives can contact him to arrange the meeting.

The "1939 Club," which takes its name from the year Hitler invaded Poland and changed the lives of its members forever, was started in 1952 with 14 members and since grown to nearly a thousand members strong. It recently undertook a successful drive to recruit second generation members, the children of "1939 Club" members, so that its legacy will continue.

A non-profit organization, the "1939 Club" is based in Southern California. The Club established the first chair on Holocaust studies at a United States university (The "1939 Club" Chair on Holocaust Studies at UCLA). One of its past presidents was instrumental in getting Thomas Kineally to write "Schindler's List" and Steven Spielberg to make the movie. The Club has ongoing programs and lecture series at UCLA, Chapman University and California State University Northridge. Along with its partner, Chapman University, it sponsors the largest annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest in the country. This year, over 4,000 middle and high school students participated.

The Club honors Righteous Persons who saved Jews during the Holocaust while others stood by and did nothing, or even worse, collaborated with the Nazis. In this regard it has honored among others: Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat in Lithuania, who, against his government's orders issued visas for Jews to escape to Japan; Carl Lutz, a Swiss diplomat to Hungary who saved upwards of 50,000 Jews; and the entire nation of Denmark which saved virtually its entire population by hiding them in their homes, churches and hospitals while arranging boats to take them to Sweden.

The Club's website, www.1939club.com, is the only place on the Internet where anyone can visit and view a full length (one to three hour) Survivor interview. Over 100 interviews of Club members are posted with more to come.

Source: 1939 Club

'Barnyard' Slated for Nationwide Release on August 4, 2006

"Barnyard," starring Kevin James ("King of Queens"), Courteney Cox ("Friends"), Sam Elliott ("Tombstone"), Danny Glover ("Lethal Weapon"), Wanda Sykes ("Curb Your Enthusiasm"), and Andie MacDowell ("Four Weddings and a Funeral"), and directed by Steve Oedekerk will open nationwide on Friday, August 4, 2006 in over 3,300 theatres.

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

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

Paramount Pictures is a part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc., one of the world's largest entertainment and media companies and a leader in the production, promotion and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and music.

Legendary Actor Mickey Rooney Headlines a Group of Stars Who Will Attend the 2006 Twilight Zone Convention

-- Mickey Rooney and sixteen other actors will attend the 2006 Twilight Zone Convention, August 12-13, 2006, in the Grand Ballroom of New Jersey's Hilton Hasbrouck Heights, 10 AM to 5 PM each day. This will be his first-ever appearance at an East Coast collectors' show.

Rooney gave a tour de force solo performance in the 1963 Twilight Zone episode, "The Last Night of a Jockey." Written by Rod Serling, the creator of the 1959-1964 Emmy Award winning series, it is the only Twilight Zone episode in which only one actor appears, either in image or voice.

In 1926, Mickey Rooney landed his first film role in Fox's Not to Be Trusted. The six-year-old played the part of a cigar-smoking midget. In December, Rooney will appear as a night watchman in 20th Century Fox's Night at the Museum, starring Ben Stiller. Rooney's 80-year film career is the longest in motion picture history!

Other actors who starred in the classic Twilight Zone series, scheduled to appear at the show, are: Mary Badham, Morgan Brittany, Paul Comi, Susan Gordon, Chuck Hicks, Noah Keen, Tom Lowell, Arlene Martel, Kevin McCarthy, Ed Nelson, Lois Nettleton, Tom Reese, Peter Mark Richman, Jacqueline Scott, Fredd Wayne, and H. M. Wynant. Actors will be charging a fee for their autographs.

A panel discussion will include Twilight Zone actors, George Clayton Johnson (writer of eight Twilight Zone episodes, the first episode of Star Trek, and cowriter of Ocean's Eleven and Logan's Run), and Joseph Messerli, who, at UPA studio in 1958, created the Twilight Zone logo and the galaxy of stars seen at the beginning and ending of each episode.

There will also be door prizes, raffles, displays, TV and movie memorabilia/autograph dealers and a mini-marathon of Twilight Zone episodes. Daily admission to the Convention is $15 per person. A dinner honoring the Twilight Zone actors will be held on Saturday evening. The public is invited to attend at $100 per person. There will be at least one actor seated at each table.

Up-to-date information at www.tzconvention.com

'Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa' Wins Best Animated Film at Fantasia International Film Festival

Film to be available theatrically at limited engagements nationwide on August 25

 FUNimation(R) Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation and the market share leader for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States, today announced that "Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa" won the Best Animated Film award at this year's Fantasia International Film Festival.

"This is outstanding news for an outstanding movie," said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment. "The Fullmetal Alchemist series is very popular in the United States and for the movie to win such a significant award at the Fantasia International Film Festival demonstrates the highest level of artistic quality that fans have come to appreciate from Fullmetal Alchemist."

Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa is the conclusion of the Fullmetal Alchemist anime series. Taking place two years after the stirring finale of the series, Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa again joins the dramatic adventures of Edward and Alphonse Elric, this time in alternate worlds. One world is dominated by science and one is dominated by alchemy, but both are headed for war. The Elric brothers search for a way to reunite and to stop a terrible battle.

Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa will be released theatrically at limited engagements nationwide on August 25. Fans can find theatre locations in their area by visiting http://www.funimationfilms.com/. FUNimation plans to release Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa on DVD on September 12, which will be available at major retailers nationwide.

About FUNimation Entertainment

FUNimation(R) Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, is the leading company for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution. The company's most recent initiative is the FUNimation Channel(SM), a new, 24-hour digital network featuring programming from the top anime brands in the United States.

Source: FUNimation Entertainment

Motown Magic

Berry Gordy is giving back to Detroit with his after-school program

The following article written by Susan Whitall is rerun for Motown Center with permission from The Detroit News.

For Jontash Green, the assembly last winter at Southeastern High School was just another excuse for adults to talk, and for kids to tune out.

The visitors were from Berry Gordy Jr.'s Motown Center, but to a 15-year-old Detroiter in 2006, the name Motown has a faded, old-school ring to it.

Doubtful teenage faces glowered from underneath hooded sweat shirts as the students listened to Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp and Brian Stevenson of Motown Center as they gave their pitch.

The plan was for an after-school program with veteran Motown producers like Brian and Eddie Holland and Clay McMurray giving inspirational talks. A staff of young producers would lead the kids through the process of recording a CD.

Even given Motown's history molding teenagers into recording stars and producers, what happened at Southeastern over the next few months surprised everybody.

The kids came up with a name: Young Dynasty Entertainment, and designed a logo. They recorded a lively, polished CD, half rap (the "street side") and half ballads (the "sweet side") that is good enough to be shopped to record companies.

Along the way, the 83 students who ended up in the program discovered hidden talents, were shown how to turn negative feelings into poetry, rap and songs, and had a crash course in Gordy Work Ethic 101.

The Motown After School program -- launched at Southeastern and Detroit School of Arts in February -- has been so successful Motown Center plans to expand it to more schools next year.

At the celebration party at Southeastern in June, the teens were so excited they were bouncing off the cafeteria walls. And on Aug. 8, YDE will perform a free show at 7 p.m. at the City Theater in downtown Detroit and show everyone what they've accomplished.

Program shares the magic

Eighteen years after he sold Motown Records, Gordy, 76, is obviously thinking about his company's impact on future generations.

"We were trying to figure out how to best celebrate the Motown legacy in Detroit," said Heidelberg-Yopp, a Detroit attorney and president of Gordy's Motown Center, a nonprofit group dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the Motown legacy. "We wanted to share the magic, the family love, support and teamwork."

The after-school program that Gordy and Heidelberg-Yopp devised and launched in February was intended to not only teach the nuts and bolts of the recording process, but also to give Gordy-type motivation to drifting teens.

At Southeastern and the Detroit School of Arts, the kids were taught with some of the principles Gordy used to build Motown Records.

The producers used Gordy aphorisms like "competition builds champions," "respect the mike," and perhaps Gordy's most famous line, delivered at Motown's weekly "quality control" meetings: "If you had a dollar, would you buy this record, or would you buy a hot dog?"

The rules were clear: You had to attend class, or you couldn't come to the twice-weekly Motown after-school program.

Out of 1,200 students gathered that winter day at Southeastern, some 90 volunteered for the program and 83 showed up. Green was one of them.

He was determined not to get his hopes up. With 83 kids of a similar mind-set, the program didn't start with a bang. But the adults forged on.

Much of the program -- salaries for Heidelberg-Yopp and others and day-to-day expenses -- was funded by Gordy. Then U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit, and U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Detroit, were able to help tap into U.S. Department of Education funds.

Putting the program in the Detroit School of Arts, with its population of creative high achievers, was a no-brainer. Southeastern High, which is in the middle of a struggling neighborhood, seemed a less likely choice.

Surface impressions can be deceiving.

Gordy learned that in the late '50s and early '60s, when he took working- class kids from high schools like Northern, Northwestern and Miller, many from housing projects, and honed them into world-class recording stars.

Students had hidden talents

There still was no warning in February that a baritone David Ruffin-esque singing voice was thrumming somewhere within the slight frame of Southeastern student Dartez Jones, 17.

When producers asked at an early session who thought they could sing, a voice piped up from within Jones' hoodie: "I can sing."

Because the Motown Center facilitators had stressed that nobody should be discouraged from trying, they listened.

The wiry youth, his face still obscured by the hoodie, suddenly unleashed a honey on sandpaper baritone: "Sunshine, blue skies, please go away, my love has found another and gone away."

Mouths dropped. Where did that come from?

Jones, whose teenage reserve drops as soon as you say hello, bubbled over: "Oh, that was my record. I used to watch 'The Temptations' movie (on DVD), and I'd see him do that."

Jones did so well on the Temptations song that producers constructed a hip-hop ballad around it for Southeastern's finished CD, "Young Dynasty Entertainment." Jones starts out the song singing, but then he changes gears and starts rapping, Tupac-style.

"It turned out to be a wonderful thing to do a Motown song, since this was a Motown program," said producer Marcus Devine.

By the time Motown veteran McMurray visited, the kids had shucked their initial shyness.

"These kids are hungry to be nurtured and to have their talent developed, and this program is so right on the money," said McMurray, who produced Gladys Knight's "If I Were Your Woman."

Not all the students could sing or rap; some were steered to administrative jobs like marketing (that was, after all, Gordy's path) or became part of the dance team. But several of the kids made the cut and became the CD's featured artists.

Green, who refused to have any expectations in February, is now "JT," a confident rapper, and has seen his grades rise from a C to a C plus average. The poems that 10th-grader Angelisa Walker wrote into a school notebook are now two beautiful ballads, "Boy I Love U" and "Two Tears" (and "Ask Me My Name," co-written with Amber Kindrow).

Walker sings with a youthful vulnerability that will remind older listeners of a teenage Mary Wells.

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

"Raw gives you something to work with," he said. "Sometimes when people are polished, it's hard to work with them because they feel they're already arrived."

To the kids' surprise, not only did the adults talk in the Motown in the Schools program, but they also listened. What the program directors heard was surprising, and sometimes heart-rending.

In an early session, spoken word artist Mike "Mike E" Ellis tried to get the students to open up. He told the kids how once, during a low period, he wondered why he was ever born.

When Ellis asked the kids to raise their hands if any of them had ever felt the same way, a flurry of hands shot up from at least half the room.

"We were surprised," Stevenson said. "Most kids are very guarded, initially suspicious of people in authority."

Jones was bored and struggled with anger, but he says the program helped him deal with those feelings.

"Mrs. Yopp gave me a good idea, she said every time I get mad, if I could just make my music, everything would be good," Jones said. "So I took that advice. Every time I get mad, I take a piece of paper, and I just write."

For his part, Motown's founder is pleased with the kids' progress. Gordy commented, through Heidelberg-Yopp: "I'm happy with the job Tanya and her team are doing with this exciting program. I'm glad to see young people growing in a positive direction."

At the party in June celebrating the CD release, far from being cool and sullen, the students were practically airborne. As the kids, parents and the Motown Center staff ate lunch catered from Lola's and played the CD, Green was happy to admit he was wrong.

"Once I started coming on a day-to-day basis I saw the progress, and how much it changed me," Green said.

After remarks by the Motown Center staff, the complete CD of six songs was played.

It wasn't planned, but a fiery confluence of teenage hormones and party atmosphere prompted first Jones, and then the rest of the kids, to leap out of their seats and lip-synch their songs.

As Jones enacted first his Temptations vocal, then a fluid, articulate rap, he seemed to lose his teenage awkwardness.

Once the show was over, the teen reverted to form. "Do you want my autograph?" he asked a visitor excitedly.

Kanye West Joins The Rolling Stones as Special Guest on 'A Bigger Bang' World Tour

 The Rolling Stones are returning to North America this fall with 'A Bigger Bang' then ever before bringing along one of the most important creative forces in hip-hop music today, Kanye West. The hip-hop superstar will get fans fired up on September 20th at Gillette Stadium/Boston, September 23rd at Halifax Commons/Halifax and September 27th at Giant Stadium/New Jersey. The Rolling Stones are known for bringing fans the hottest guest artists and Kanye West joins the ranks of legendary performers over the past decades such as Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam, Dave Mathews Band and Metallica.

Since the release of his three million selling, critically acclaimed-debut album The College Dropout, Kanye West, the Chicago-born 27 year old rapper/producer/hip-hop icon has been at the top of the charts. At the 47th Grammy Awards he topped all nominees with a historic ten nods and took home awards for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song and Best R&B Song. Recently named to Time Magazine's list of 100 most influential people in the world, Kanye West has proven himself to be the most vital artist in hip-hop today.

Tickets are currently on-sale and selling out fast for the Boston, Halifax and New Jersey shows. Check local listings for more information.

There are a limited number of Gold Circle seats available while the remaining 90% of the house will average $89 for stadiums and $99 for arena shows. In most cities, students will receive an additional $20 off. (Current ID required). Buys will be limited to 12 tickets per person. Additionally, 200 fans will have the opportunity to be onstage with the Rolling Stones as part of the stadium set and share in the excitement. These seats will go on-sale at a later date.

Every ticket sold for the tour will include a Virtual Ticket membership to RollingStones.com. 'A Bigger Bang' ticket purchasers are invited to enjoy unprecedented, behind-the-scenes content with the return of Virtual Ticket, the on-line tour companion the band introduced in 2002. Virtual Ticket allows fans to intimately experience the band on the road via streaming video and audio, exclusive photographs and concert set lists.

The U.S. dates for 'A Bigger Bang' tour will be sponsored by RadioShack. The North American leg of the tour will be presented by Concert Productions International and The Next Adventure and produced by WPC Piecemeal Inc.

For Official Tour Information, Fan Club Memberships, Exclusive Merchandise and more, visit www.rollingstones.com

Source: The Rolling Stones

Queen Latifah Launches 2006 CURVATION(SM) PROJECT CONFIDENCE(SM) Awards at Sugar Water Festival

Second Annual Search Aims to Honor Women Who Embody Confidence & Make a Positive Impact on Their Community

 Grammy Award-winning musician and Academy Award nominee Queen Latifah will launch the 2006 CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE Awards during the Sugar Water Festival, a national tour featuring herself, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu. The tour, which kicks off on Thursday, August 3 in Dallas, TX, is being sponsored by the CURVATION(R) brand.

The CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE Awards is a nationwide search to recognize women who personify and project the power of confidence through contributions to their local communities -- via education, fund-raising, self-empowerment and volunteer work -- to help other women to gain confidence and self esteem. This is the second year the awards are being held.

"I was extremely inspired by the entries we received last year of amazing women who were, and still are, making a difference in other women's lives everyday," said Queen Latifah, the spokesperson, inspiration and creative advisor for VF Intimates' CURVATION(R) brand of intimate apparel for today's curvaceous women. "Building women's confidence ultimately helps them to live more fulfilling lives, so I am thrilled to be able to continue to honor these unsung heroes and I encourage people to nominate outstanding women that they know for these awards," said Queen Latifah.

Five finalists will be chosen by Queen Latifah and a panel of experts. The finalists will receive a $3,000 grant towards the program or cause with which they are affiliated, so that they can continue their work in building women's confidence. The panel will choose one national award recipient who will be awarded an additional $10,000 grant to support her project or program. All finalists will be honored at a CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE Awards luncheon in New York City, hosted by Queen Latifah, in early 2007.

Queen Latifah and the CURVATION(R) brand are encouraging people nationwide to nominate inspiring women who embody the spirit of confidence for the second annual awards by visiting www.curvation.com or mailing in a completed entry form. Forms will be available by calling 1-800-787-6060 and for download on www.ywca.org. Entries must be postmarked by November 3, 2006.

Queen Latifah and the CURVATION(R) brand recently partnered with the YWCA USA to announce the CURVATION(SM) PROJECT CONFIDENCE(SM) YWCA Educational Outreach Program, a multi-faceted women's confidence research, training and education program executed through YWCAs nationwide. The program is designed to give women the tools and information they need to build their personal confidence, achieve their dreams and enrich their communities. The program was launched on the first annual NATIONAL WOMEN'S CONFIDENCE DAY(SM), which took place on June 7, 2006 in Washington, D.C.

Exemplifying the spirit of NATIONAL WOMEN'S CONFIDENCE DAY, the 2005 CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE Awards national recipient was Yvonne Pointer of Cleveland, Ohio. Yvonne turned a heartbreaking personal tragedy into a one-woman quest to make the world a safer place and empower women and girls. She established the Gloria Pointer Annual Scholarship Award, funded by the proceeds of her self-published book "Behind the Death of a Child," which was written about the tragic rape and murder of her own fourteen year old daughter, Gloria. She also founded the non-profit Positive Plus, dedicated to motivating women to become responsible and seize control of their destiny; has been a role model for the Cleveland Public School's "Girl Power" program; and has spent time building the confidence and self-respect of inmates in women's and juvenile prisons. Yvonne is planning on using the winning grant to go to Ghana, Africa, where she is working to build a school for underprivileged children.

The other 2005 finalists include Lorraine Bowman of San Diego, California; Kristin Bradfield of Phoenix, Arizona; Jillian Bullock of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania; and Mattie Palmore of Alexandria, Virginia. Further information on all 2005 finalists can be found on www.curvation.com.

The CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE Awards is part of the CURVATION(SM) PROJECT CONFIDENCE(SM) initiative, which also includes CURVATION NATION(SM), an online location where women who have embraced the power of confidence can inspire and share their ideas with an ever-widening community; NATIONAL WOMEN'S CONFIDENCE DAY; and the CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE YWCA EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM. For further information on CURVATION(R) product and event updates, women can log onto www.curvation.com.

Additional Sugar Water Festival concerts dates include Chastain Park Amphitheater in Atlanta, Georgia on August 5; Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York on August 12; and Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland on August 13.

About VF Intimates

VF Intimates is a division of VF Corporation, a leader in branded apparel including jeanswear, outdoor products, intimate apparel, image apparel and sportswear. Its brands include Curvation(R), Lee(R), Wrangler(R), Riders(R), Rustler(R), Earl Jean(R), Vanity Fair(R), Vassarette(R), Bestform(R), Lily of France(R), Nautica(R), John Varvatos(R), JanSport(R), Eastpak(R), The North Face(R), Vans(R), Reef(R), Napapijri(R), Kipling(R), Lee Sport(R) and Red Kap(R). VF Corporation's press releases, annual report and other information can be accessed through the Company's home page, www.vfc.com.

About YWCA USA

Founded in 1858 and headquartered in Washington D.C., the YWCA USA is a women's membership movement whose mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. Strengthened by diversity, the YWCA draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership and power to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people. Currently, the YWCA represents approximately 2 million women, girls and their families in the United States, and 25 million women worldwide. The YWCA has nearly 300 associations throughout the United States. The World YWCA is at work in more than 100 other countries. For more information about the YWCA, visit our Web site, www.ywca.org, or contact the YWCA USA at 202-467-0801.

Source: CURVATION

C4-Sports Show Scores Major Points with Sports Media Industry

 Attendees, exhibitors, and speakers at C4-Sports, the electronic media trade show dedicated wholly to sports technology, are expressing their support of the first-annual show held in Las Vegas July 17-19, which included an exhibition featuring many top technology vendors as well as the highly successful Future Media Concepts Conference, Sports Book Summit, HD on a Budget production, and the session series "Introduction to Content & Delivery Fundamentals."

"Being leaders in sports and the technology of sports, we thought this show was a terrific way to interact with both suppliers and customers and just be a part of the community," said Brian Bedol, president and CEO of College Sports Television (CSTV) and keynote speaker at C4-Sports. "These events often grow and gain momentum as people talk about them, and I believe C4 will become well known as a forum for people within the sports community to go to and focus on the use of technology in sports, rather than just technology."

"The idea of C4-Sports to just bring the sports community together seemed like a very interesting idea, and the timing was right for this type of event. The show was a chance to meet new people, talk about what we are doing, and learn from others about the variety of solutions out there that will help us to make good decisions in the future," said Ken Adelson, NBA Entertainment's senior vice president of production operations and planning.

IT, broadcasting, and video directors from many sports teams and athletic departments attended C4-Sports, including collegiate teams such as Penn State University and Florida State University, as well as professional football teams such as the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills.

"With the advent of HD and the corresponding impact that it will have on each team, I felt that it was essential that we explore and acquaint ourselves with the technology that is available today and also try to get a clear perspective of those future technologies," said Henry Kunttu, video director for the Buffalo Bills. "This show was an ideal learning opportunity to visit the technology vendors and listen to the leaders who are defining the vision of sports media. It helped us create our media goals for the present and the future."

Attendees also included editors, writers, broadcasters, videographers, and Web and graphic designers from leading sports content creators and distributors.

"I think this conference was a fantastic opportunity to gain additional insight on ways to better reach our audience through technology, and in the process produce more appealing promotions and video display for our advertisers and consumers," said David Marshall Jr., senior designer at ESPN/ABC Sports. "ESPN is truly built on technology, and I am looking forward to taking back what I learned at C4-Sports, specifically the strengths of television and video, and applying them to my work on the ESPN Web site."

Harris Corporation provided all of the digital signage for C4-Sports, and joined well-known exhibitors such as Avid, Canon USA, Pioneer Electronics, and Sony in supporting the event.

"C4-Sports was a good way to reach the sports community that we normally don't reach. In one location, the show brought together many diverse people from different sporting organizations who were there to see the seminars, look at equipment and just be exposed to products and services that will add value to their offerings," said Rich Hajdu, Harris' Broadcast Corporation's vice president of graphics and post sales for the Americas.

"We were excited to be a part of the inaugural event, which brought together such a range of different types of manufacturers and providers and allowed members of the sports community to see various technologies that will help meet their range of needs and improve their programs. We enjoyed the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the end-users for our technologies," said Andre Floyd, marketing manager for SXRD Systems, Sony Electronics.

Gene Sanders, the show's general manager, felt C4-Sports was a successful beginning phase in uniting and servicing the needs of the sports community, and was pleased at the reaction to the show's exhibition, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.

"We are already making plans to use community reaction, as well as feedback of those who couldn't attend, to improve our brand and our offerings," said Sanders. "This event was only one service we will be providing to community members, as we plan to offer technology resource services, education services, technology demonstrations, and other industry needs in a manner that doesn't lose sight of our goal -- to keep our products accessible and focused."

To learn more about this year's show and hear comments from attendees, visit http://www.c4-sports.com/.

About C4-Sports

C4-Sports is the only exclusive exposition and conference dedicated to the sports content industry. Attracting athletic directors, facility managers, sports broadcasters, coaches, and athletes from across the nation, it will provide exhibitors with the unique opportunity to network with these professionals. More than 5,000 sports professionals are expected to converge in Las Vegas on July 17-19 for this dynamic marketplace of sports technologies, products, services, and ideas. More information about C4-Sports is available online at http://www.c4-sports.com/.

Source: C4-Sports

New Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll Presents In-Depth Profile of America's Tweens/Teens and Young Adults, Most Entertained - and Bored - Generation of the Information Age

Exclusive Five-Part Los Angeles Times Series Begins Aug. 7

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- In an exclusive five-part Los Angeles Times series beginning Aug. 7, a new Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll will present an in-depth -- and, for marketers, a worrisome -- profile of America's tweens/teens and young adults -- two highly prized consumer segments that, with their vast arsenals of electronic gear, are the most entertained -- and perhaps the most bored -- generation of the Information Age.

The survey is the first in an annual series of Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg polls focusing on pop culture, entertainment, and media consumption habits.

The five-part series will be available beginning Aug. 7 at www.latimes.com/entertainmentpoll. Corresponding poll results and analysis for each daily installment will be posted at www.latimes.com/timespoll.

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

Results are based on nationwide Web panel interviews, conducted from June 23-July 3, 2006, with 839 teenagers between the ages of 12-17 and 811 young adults 18-24 years of age.

About the Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll

The Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll surveys public attitudes about government and politics, economics and finance, international affairs, and social and cultural issues. The national opinion polls are conceived and designed by the Los Angeles Times Poll and Bloomberg, and conducted by the Los Angeles Times Poll. The first joint poll was launched in January 2006. The Los Angeles Times Poll was established in 1978.

About the Los Angeles Times

The Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country, with a daily readership of nearly 2.2 million and about 3.3 million on Sunday. With its media businesses and affiliates -- including latimes.com, TheEnvelope.com, Times Community Newspapers, Recycler Classifieds, Hoy, and California Community News -- the Los Angeles Times reaches approximately 7.6 million or 58 percent of all adults in the Southern California marketplace every week.

The Los Angeles Times, which this year marks its 125th anniversary covering Southern California, is part of Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) , one of the country's leading media companies with businesses in publishing, the Internet and broadcasting. Additional information about the Los Angeles Times is available at www.latimes.com/mediacenter.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Platinum Recording Artist Lyfe Jennings Gives Boost to Legendary Chicago Indie Retailer, Dedry Jones, at 'The Experience' Consumer Event

Dedry Jones' Creative Marketing Brings Music Consumers Back to Bricks & Mortar Retail

Lyfe's New Album, 'The Phoenix,' In Stores Tuesday, August 15

The platinum-selling urban/pop musician Lyfe Jennings was the featured artist in "The Experience," a highly successful consumer event held at Chicago's DuSable Museum of African-American History on June 1, 2006. Granting fans an intimate performance and up-close conversation, Lyfe joined the ranks of such esteemed artists as John Legend, Patti LaBelle, CeCe Winans and Lalah Hathaway, all of whom have previously participated in this special event.

"The Experience" with Lyfe Jennings was a customer appreciation event giving Lyfe Jennings and The Music Experience an opportunity to thank consumers for their ongoing support of retail. Lyfe's performance at "The Experience" was recorded for an exclusive limited edition "live" CD which consumers will receive with the purchase of "The Phoenix," Lyfe's eagerly-awaited sophomore album, available in stores on Tuesday, August 15 from Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records. The value-added CD, "The Experience with Lyfe Jennings," is a "first" in the music industry for independent retailers across the country.

"The Experience," a series of fan-only consumer events, allows consumers to enjoy a personal conversation with an artist who is interviewed about his/her career, personal interests and latest album release. The interviews are typically followed by an intimate performance and autograph session. Each fan attending "The Experience" receives a copy of the participating artist's latest album, which is included in the event's ticket price. Dedry Jones, the creator of "The Experience," has helped drive Chicago consumers back to bricks & mortar retail through creative marketing strategies including exclusive fan-only events such as "The Experience."

Dedry Jones, a Chicago native, entered the music industry as a part-time employee of Spin-It Records while working as a graphic arts photographer and coordinator for RR Donnelly and Sons. In 1989, Dedry Jones opened the legendary independent retail store, Track One Records. In 2003, Mr. Jones opened his current retail outlet, The Music Experience. Mr. Jones was a founding member and spokesperson for The United Music Retailers, the nation's second oldest retail coalition.

Lyfe's debut album, the critically-acclaimed "Lyfe 268-192," was certified RIAA platinum in January 2006.

It's been an amazing year for Lyfe, whose recent duet with Alicia Keys, a soul-shaking version of the Curtis Mayfield classic, "People Get Ready," may be heard in the Jerry Bruckheimer film, "Glory Road."

Lyfe closed out 2005 with his highly successful "Lyfe Experience" headline tour, which included guest artists Goapele and Vivian Green. Lyfe spent the larger part of summer 2005 on tour with his Grammy-winning Columbia Records labelmate John Legend.

A two-time #1 Billboard Heatseekers album (2/20/05 & 3/6/05), "Lyfe 268-192," was released on August 17, 2004 and immediately established the worldly and poetic Lyfe as an aesthetic force of nature with mainstream and underground support.

Rolling Stone (Nov. 11, 2004) found Lyfe's songs " ... eloquent in their depiction of struggle ..."

"Filled with a genuine rawness reminiscent of Sam Cooke or Donny Hathaway," wrote the edgy New York taste-making YRB, "'Lyfe 268-192' is a thought-provoking journey into the soul of a man whose lyrics tell a melodic story of the everyday realities that affect us all, yet allows us to exhale because somebody finally gets it."

Lyfe brings the full force of his songs to his concert audiences, winning converts wherever he plays. "Bringing only an acoustic guitar to the hallowed 125th Street venue," wrote the hip-hop bible The Source (July 2004), "Lyfe won over the notoriously demanding Apollo crowd and dominated the Amateur Show competition, winning five straight times."

Source: Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records

FUNimation Acquires 'Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles' Feature Film from Harmony Gold

After 20 years, Robotech is back with a vengeance!

-- FUNimation(R) Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation and the market share leader for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States, announced today that it has acquired rights to the feature film "Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles" from Harmony Gold. In the agreement, FUNimation acquired home video, broadcast and theatrical rights to this movie that delivers the continuation that fans have been anticipating for 20 years.

"Robotech is the series that introduced an entire generation to anime," said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation. "It captured fans with its tremendous storylines and great storytelling. The Robotech series also ended on a cliffhanger that left fans waiting for 20 years. FUNimation is very excited to be part of the team that will bring expectant fans the ending they have been waiting for in Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles."

"While I watched over Robotech for the past twenty years, we were met with boundless enthusiasm from fans and companies alike," explained Frank Agrama, executive producer and CEO of Harmony Gold. "Robotech has a timeless quality that will live on forever. Then when I met this enthusiastic leader named Gen from FUNimation, I knew he had the right energy to help us take it twenty more years into the future."

Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles is the latest exciting chapter of the Robotech saga. A heroic cast of returning characters, led by Scott Bernard and Vince Grant, fight to end a decades-long struggle against an enigmatic alien race known as the Invid. However, the mysterious disappearance of the legendary Admiral Hunter will unfold in a treacherous mystery that could tear apart our young heroes and threaten their very survival!

Tommy Yune, director of Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles, explains, "Beneath the mesmerizing science fiction and anime world of Robotech, lies a palette of endearing characters that have become a part of the lives of countless fans. We couldn't leave their story unfinished. It's about time for Robotech to open this new chapter and more!"

Featuring the voices of Mark Hamill (Star Wars) and Chase Masterson (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), the animation of Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles also takes a generational leap into the future through a technological marriage of CG graphics beautifully composited with vibrant anime characters. The heightened production values showcase high-definition video, 5.1 digital surround sound, and an incredible musical score performed by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. FUNimation plans to release the Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles DVD on November 21, 2006.

About Harmony Gold

Harmony Gold has been active in the production, acquisition and distribution of quality programming worldwide since its inception in 1983, producing some of the television industry's classic and history-making programs. Visit harmonygold.com or robotech.com for additional information.

About FUNimation Entertainment

FUNimation(R) Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation is the leading company for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States. The company's most recent initiative is the FUNimation Channel(SM), a new, 24-hour digital network featuring programming from the top anime brands in the United States. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution.

Source: FUNimation Entertainment

Carlos Santana and Les Paul Added to Growing Number of Artists Contributing to the 'Wear Your Music' Campaign

Relix, The Magazine for Music(TM), and AZU Create Bracelets With Donated Guitar Strings From Top Artists; All Profits Go to Music-Related Charities

 Relix, the magazine for music, announced that guitar legends Carlos Santana and Les Paul have been added to the list of musicians participating in its "Wear Your Music" campaign. Created by noted designer Hannah Gasner of AZU Studio and Relix President/Publisher Steve Bernstein and sponsored by DR Handmade Strings, the Relix Band is a fashionable accessory created by previously played strings from top artists. The bracelets are available at www.relix.com/wearyourmusic.

"I think this is a terrific idea and I'm more than happy to be a part of it," said Carlos Santana. "The charity component is very important to me -- and this is a great way to repurpose something that might otherwise just be thrown away."

Participating artists currently include blues legend Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, Maroon 5's Adam Levine, Counting Crows, Les Paul, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Peter Frampton, Dickey Betts, Mike Gordon, Warren Hayes, Les Claypool, Goo Goo Dolls, Spearhead front man Michael Franti, Hot Tuna, Ziggy Marley, David Grisman, Keller Williams, moe., Bela Fleck, Umphrey's McGee, Slightly Stoopid, Little Feat and Baaba Maal. Additional artists will be announced in the near future.

All profits go to charities personally selected by the donating artists, or to the following music-related charities: voter-registration organization Headcount; Carlos Santana's Milagro Foundation; Grateful Dead charity The Rex Foundation; SEVA, which works to reduce avoidable blindness; and Rock 'n' Wrap It Up, which delivers leftover backstage catering to people in need.

About Relix: The Magazine for Music

Founded in 1974, Relix magazine has for over three decades been one of the most trusted and respected music magazines in the United States. Relix is known as the bible of improvisational rock music -- while also covering everything from folk and blues to reggae, world beat and electronic music. With a readership of 300,000, Relix is a trusted voice for the passionate live music fan.

About AZU, Inc

AZU is committed to making exclusive designs available to the public at competitive prices. Because each unique, handcrafted piece is purchased directly from the studio, there are no additional costs between the designer of the piece and its new owner. While AZU has signature designs, no two pieces are ever the same.

SONY BMG Strategic Marketing Group and Elvis Presley Enterprises to Release Two New Elvis Presley DVDs

Elvis: '68 Comeback - Special Edition Elvis, Aloha From Hawaii - Special Edition

Bonus Content, Remastered Audio, Additional Footage

In Stores August 1, 2006

 The SONY BMG Strategic Marketing Group and Elvis Presley Enterprises released two new single-disc versions of Elvis: '68 Comeback - Special Edition DVD and Elvis, Aloha from Hawaii - Special Edition DVD on August 1 as follow-ups to the smash hit, deluxe edition box sets, which were released 2004.

Elvis: '68 Comeback - Special Edition features a new expanded version of the historic TV broadcast including additional footage of Elvis clad in his iconic black leather suit. Elvis, Aloha from Hawaii - Special Edition includes the original January 14, 1973 concert from Honolulu, Hawaii. Both discs boast bonus content including a photo gallery and hidden content as well as audio that has been remastered for optimum sound quality and rechanneled and remixed for 5.1 surround. The discs will be priced at $19.98 and have a total running time of 94 ('68 Comeback) and 87 minutes (Aloha from Hawaii)

ELVIS: '68 COMEBACK - Special Edition DVD

In the 1950's, singer Elvis Presley led the rock 'n' roll revolution in music and pop culture. In the 1960's he concentrated mainly on his successful movie career. By 1968, it had been more than seven years since he had appeared on stage in front of a live audience. In his first television special, clad in his now-iconic black leather suit, Elvis performed classic hits both on stage alone and, in sequences generally regarded as the forerunner of today's popular "unplugged" jam sessions, with friends and original bandmates. The program also included splashy production numbers. Usually referred to as the '68 Comeback Special, the actual name of the program was Elvis. Taped in June 1968 in Burbank, it first aired that December 3rd on NBC -- the network's biggest ratings victory that year and the season's top-rated show. It stands today as one of the great moments in rock music history and as a stunningly brilliant milestone in Elvis Presley's career. After this triumph, Elvis poured renewed creative vigor into his recording work, wrapped up his movie contract obligations and returned full-time to the concert stage, beginning a new and exciting era of the Elvis phenomenon.

ELVIS: ALOHA FROM HAWAII - Special Edition DVD

Elvis Presley made television and entertainment history with his Elvis, Aloha from Hawaii concert, performed at the Honolulu International Center Arena on January 14, 1973. It was beamed live via to various countries and it first aired in America on April 4th on NBC in edited form, including four "insert" songs shot just after concert. In all, the concert was seen in about forty countries by close to 1.5 billion people that year which was a global ratings smash. Never before had one performer held the world's attention in such a way. Aloha from Hawaii presents Elvis Presley at the pinnacle of his superstardom, giving one of the most outstanding concert performances of his career.

Source: SONY BMG

Clay Aiken Releases New RCA Records Album 'A Thousand Different Ways' in Stores on September 19th

The long wait for Clay Aiken fans is over. RCA Records will release the singer's third album, "A Thousand Different Ways" on September 19th. The project, Aiken's first outing since 2004, combines 10 cover versions of well-known songs from the '70s, '80s and '90s with four brand-new songs.

The album is a follow-up to Aiken's debut set, "Measure of a Man," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart and is certified triple-platinum, as well as the platinum-selling "Merry Christmas with Love," the best-selling holiday album of the 2004 season.

For Aiken, the new album's title has multiple meanings. "This is an album of love songs," he explains, "but they are about all different kinds of love. Romantic love, Friendship, Unconditional love. There are a thousand different kinds of love; a thousand different ways to tell someone you love them. And, on top of that, since so many of these songs are covers, it's realistic to say that many of them have been or could be sung a thousand different ways."

In fact, Aiken has put his own spin on some of the well-known songs he has recorded for his new album. "These are songs I heard growing up. I loved them then and I still love them today, but we decided to do them a little differently. They have new arrangements and we put our own style on some of them."

Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil's "Here You Come Again," a No. 3 hit for Dolly Parton in 1978, stands out for Aiken. "I've always loved that song," he says. "But for this album, we didn't use a country arrangement. It's a ballad version now. Adam Anders produced the most amazing arrangement and I couldn't wait to sing it."

Aiken credits Chairman CEO BMG U.S., Clive Davis for coming up with the concept for the album. "When we first embarked on making an album, my executive producer Jaymes Foster and I started out with one or two covers, then we had three. We slowly discovered that it's harder these days to come by songs that are as superb as the songs that I grew up on. Based on that, it was Clive's brainchild that we take classic love songs of the last 30 years and pair them with four new songs. He is a man who not only knows music, but really has his finger on the pulse of what listeners want to hear."

Those who have come to expect Aiken to belt out a song won't be disappointed. The album shows off Aiken's vocals in a big way with songs like the Bad English hit "When I See You Smile" and Harry Nillsson's "Without You." But Aiken will surprise fans by singing in a more relaxed style on some tracks than they have heard before, showing a different, sexier side.

Aiken fans will also be glad to know he was personally involved with the selection of every track and that he participated in every aspect of the album. "For the first album, most of the songs were chosen ahead of time. I was less of a participant in the process. The second album was a Christmas album, so we naturally chose songs of the season. This new album has much more of me in it. Right from the beginning, Clive and Jaymes wanted to find songs that were right for me. Jaymes told me, "Stay in your lane, but remember it's okay to swerve a little and see where it takes you.' That's exactly what we did."

The following is a complete track listing for the much-anticipated "A Thousand Different Ways," including writer and producer credits:

  RIGHT HERE WAITING   Originally recorded by: Richard Marx   

Written by: Richard Marx / Produced by: John Fields    

WHEN I SEE YOU SMILE   Originally recorded by: John Waite   

Written by: Diane Warren / Produced by: John Fields    

WITHOUT YOU   Originally recorded by: Badfinger and Then Harry Nilsson   

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

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

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

Mimmi Waermo & Clay Aiken   Produced by: Andreas Carlsson

 and Samuel Waermo    SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD

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

Bernie Taupin   Producer by: Per Magnusson & David Kreuger 

   EVERYTIME YOU GO AWAY   Originally recorded by: Paul Young

   Written by: Daryl Hall   Produced by: Adam Anders    

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

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

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

Guest Vocals by Suzie McNeil   Originally recorded by: Foreigner   

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

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

Jon Bon Jovi & Desmond Childs   Produced by: John Fields    

BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME   Originally recorded by: Celine Dion   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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