Spike TV Highlights - February 2007

  SPECIAL EVENTS / MARATHONS    --  SPIKE THE BALL WEEKEND   Telecasts Saturday, February 3 and Sunday, February 4   (2:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT). 

Celebrate Superbowl XLI with a weekend full of programming packed with action and movies. The complete schedule is as follows:

  Saturday, February 3    2:00 - 4:00 PM, ET/PT   RED DAWN (1984, Action/Drama) 

It is the dawn of World War III. In mid-western America, a group of teenagers bands together to defend their town, and their country, from invading Soviet forces. Starring Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen

  4:00 - 6:00 PM, ET/PT   ROAD HOUSE 2 (2006, Action) 

Shane Tanner, an undercover agent for the DEA, arrives at the Black Pelican Road House to help his uncle, Nate Tanner. Shane takes it upon himself to purge the criminal element from the Black Pelican once and for all. Starring Johnathon Schaech, Jake Busey, Will Patton.

  6:00 - 7:00 PM, ET/PT   UFC 67: COUNTDOWN   The special will highlight the February 3rd UFC PPV.    7:00 - 8:00 PM, ET/PT   SPIKE'S MOST AMAZING VIDEOS 

Featuring rescues, shootouts, and explosions, Spike's Most Amazing Videos delivers a combination of real and rare footage for some of the most heart- pounding and unbelievable moments ever captured on film. Hosted by Stacey Keach.

  8:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT   VIDEO JUSTICE: CRIME CAUGHT ON TAPE I 

Video Justice: Crime Caught On Tape features footage of criminals caught in the act. Viewers will see criminals committing crimes ranging from vandalism to drive-by shootings.

  9:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT   VIDEO JUSTICE: CRIME CAUGHT ON TAPE II    10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT   PRISONERS:  OUT OF CONTROL 

This special features prison security camera footage showing prisoners resisting guards, fighting each other, and going on full-scale riots. From the brutal results of these incidents, viewers see that the slammer can be a dangerous place for everyone inside.

  Sunday, February 4    2:00 - 3:00 PM, ET/PT   WORLD'S SCARIEST EXPLOSIONS CAUGHT ON TAPE   Some of the world's worst explosions caught on tape.    3:00 - 4:00 PM, ET/PT   TRAIN WRECKS 

Train Wrecks are every commuter's worst nightmare. This special features real footage of spectacularly horrifying train crashes and lucky near misses.

  4:00 - 5:00 PM, ET/PT   WHEN ANIMALS ATTACK III 

When Animals Attack presents unbelievable footage of people caught in dangerous situations with animals.

  5:00 - 6:00 PM, ET/PT   WHEN ANIMALS ATTACK IV    6:00 - 7:00 PM, ET/PT   WHEN GOOD PETS GO BAD I 

When Good Pets Go Bad uses amazing, never-before-seen video clips of shocking real-life incidents to show viewers what can happen when pets or performing animals let their instincts take over.

  7:00 - 8:00 PM, ET/PT   WHEN GOOD PETS GO BAD II    8:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT   WORLD'S MOST SHOCKING MOMENTS CAUGHT ON TAPE I 

World's Most Shocking Moments features the most unexpected accidents brought to fruition in horrifying ways. Some of the events featured are the result of mechanical error, some prove the awesome power of nature and some highlight the volatile nature of our fellow man.

  9:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT   WORLD'S MOST SHOCKING MOMENTS CAUGHT ON TAPE II    10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT   WORLD'S MOST SHOCKING MOMENTS CAUGHT ON TAPE III    Premiere!   --  EDDIE MURPHY RAW - UNCENSORED   Premieres Thursday, February 8 (2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT) 

Spike presents Eddie Murphy's classic stand up live performance UNCENSORED. Eddie Murphy talks about his favorite subjects: sex and women.

  --  SNIPER COUNTDOWN   Telecasts Sunday, February 11 (5:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).   Spike presents a marathon of Sniper movies.  The lineup is as follows:    5:00 - 7:00 PM, ET/PT   SNIPER (2004, Action) 

Hired by NSA officials, the sniper is out to find terrorists. Starring Tom Berenger.

  7:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT   SNIPER 2 (2002, Action) 

A former Marine sniper is lured back in on a top-secret mission to take out a Serbian general who is committing atrocities on the Muslim population. Starring Tom Berenger and Bokeem Woodbine.

  Premiere!   9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT   SNIPER (1993, Action / Drama) 

A sniper must track down and eliminate a powerful rebel leader and his Colombian drug-lord financier. It's a suicide mission into the jungles of Central America. Starring Tom Berenger and Billy Zane.

  --  PRESIDENT'S DAY THREE STOOGES MARATHON   Telecasts Monday, February 19 (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, ET/PT) 

Spike TV celebrates President's Day with a marathon of Larry, Moe and Curly showcasing their extremely physical and sometimes controversial brand of slapstick humor that made them one of the most famous comedy troupes in history.

  --  PROS VS JOES - SEASON 2 MARATHON   Mid-season marathon telecasts Sunday, February 25 (2:30 - 7:30 PM, ET/PT). 

Catch up on all the action from the new season of Pros vs Joes as Spike TV presents a midseason marathon. Pros vs. Joes features regular guys competing in a variety of sports against an incredible array of sports legends. America's bold and outspoken armchair quarterbacks get a shot at some of sports' biggest names, including Michael Irvin, Eric Dickerson, Wade Boggs, Jose Canseco, Darryl Strawberry, Bruce Smith, Roy Jones Jr., Andre Reed, John Starks, Vince Coleman, Kordell Stewart, Andre Rison, Tim Hardaway, Grant Fuhr, Rob Dibble, Rik Smits, Will Clark, Spud Webb, Kevin Willis, Randy Couture, Mark Jackson, Robby Ginepri, and Cobi Jones.

  --  DIE ANOTHER DAY - LIMITED COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTION   Telecasts Sunday, February 25 (8:30 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT) 

Agent 007 attempts to avert a war of catastrophic proportions by pursuing a traitor of Her Majesty's Secret Service from Korea to Hong Kong to Cuba to London--and back to Korea again. Starring Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry.

  ORIGINALS   --  TNA WRESTLING: iMPACT! (TV-14)   Telecasts Thursdays (9:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT); encores   Saturdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT). 

The new wrestling alternative, TNA: iMPACT!, delivers a distinct brand of high-risk, live-action athletic entertainment. TNA's roster features wrestling superstars Kurt Angle, Sting, Abyss, and Samoa Joe along with the most athletic roster in professional wrestling, including Christian Cage, AJ Styles, and Christopher Daniels. TNA features the high-flying "X Division," the "Six-Sided Ring," and concept matches such as "Ultimate X," "King of the Mountain," and "Six Sides of Steel."

  --  PROS VS JOES - SEASON 2   New episodes premiere Thursdays (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); encores Sundays   (1:00 - 2:00 PM, ET/PT) and Wednesdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).   Mid-season marathon telecasts Sunday, February 25 (2:30 - 7:30 PM, ET/PT). 

Spike TV presents a new season of the popular sports-themed reality series, Pros vs. Joes, featuring regular guys competing in a variety of sports against an incredible array of sports legends. America's bold and outspoken armchair quarterbacks get a shot at some of sports' biggest names, including Michael Irvin, Eric Dickerson, Wade Boggs, Jose Canseco, Darryl Strawberry, Bruce Smith, Roy Jones Jr., Andre Reed, John Starks, Vince Coleman, Kordell Stewart, Andre Rison, Tim Hardaway, Grant Fuhr, Rob Dibble, Rik Smits, Will Clark, Spud Webb, Kevin Willis, Randy Couture, Mark Jackson, Robby Ginepri, and Cobi Jones.

  --  AFRO SAMURAI   Series finale premieres Thursday, February 1 (11:00 - 11:30 PM, ET/PT);   encores Thursday, February 1 (12:30 - 1:00 AM, ET/PT) and Friday,   February 2 (1:30 - 2:00 AM, ET/PT). 

Spike TV presents the animated epic of a black samurai's hunt for the gunman who murdered his father. Samuel L. Jackson stars as the uncompromising hero, Afro, with Ron Perlman and Kelly Hu providing voices in this stylish series that crosses cultural boundaries as a fusion of animated samurai action and hip-hop culture. Revolutionary rap artist and producer The RZA crafts original music for the series.

  --  INSIDE THE UFC   New episodes premiere Thursdays (Midnight - 12:30 AM, ET/PT); encores   Fridays (1:30 - 2:00 AM, ET/PT).       Hosted by Joe Rogan, Spike TV presents a weekly magazine show that       takes a look into the world of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.    --  WILD WORLD OF SPIKE   New episodes premiere Fridays (Midnight - 12:30 AM, ET/PT) as part of the   Late Night Strip. 

Spike TV brings unheralded sports such as mop-jousting and blind-folded kickboxing into America's living rooms with the new comedic action series, Wild World of Spike. Focusing more on the agony of defeat than the thrill of victory, Wild World of Spike is hosted by mixed martial arts fighter Kit Cope, skateboarding legend Jason Ellis and comedian Sam Tripoli. In each episode, the hosts screen bizarre sporting events from around the world then try to recreate them.

  --  MXC - SEASON 5   New episodes premiere Fridays (12:30 - 1:00 AM, ET/PT); encores Thursdays   (1:00 - 1:30 AM, ET/PT). 

Spike TV's acclaimed original comedic series, is described as a wacky combination of "Fear Factor," "Jackass," "Iron Chef," with a touch of "Mystery Science Theater 3000." Using the actual footage from one of the most popular primetime Japanese reality game shows, Takeshi's Castle, MXC is re-written to create an entirely new comedic storyline. The series is not dubbed and there is not a single trace of literal translation from the original show.

  --  GAME HEAD   Telecasts Fridays (1:00 - 1:30 AM, ET/PT). 

Spike TV presents a weekly showcase on the world of video games. From the latest reviews, cheat codes, the hottest game of week and more, GAME HEAD offers viewers an uncompromised look at the hardcore culture of videogames.

  MOVIES PREMIERES    --  BAD BOYS (1983, Drama / Crime)   Premieres Monday, February 5 (9:00 - 11:30 PM, ET/PT). 

Chicago crime kid Mick O'Brien is sent to reform school after accidentally killing Paco Moreno's kid brother. Starring Sean Penn.

  --  PREDATOR 2 (1990, Action / Science Fiction)   Premieres Monday, February 19 (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT) 

The invisible creature from another world is back - but this time seeking out heat and conflict - is drawn to the gang-ruled and ravaged city of Los Angeles, 1997. The detective-lieutenant and his police force set out to capture this brutal murderer, ignoring the warnings from a mysterious government agent to stay away. Starring Danny Glover and Gary Busey.

  ACQUIRED SERIES    --  STAR TREK: VOYAGER      Telecasts Monday - Friday, (5:00 - 7:00 PM, ET/PT)      The 3rd installment of the Star Trek television franchise examines the      USS Voyager and her crew, who have become stranded in the Delta      Quadrant, seventy thousand light-years from Earth. Unless they can find      some kind of shortcut, it will take them seventy-five years to return      to the space of the United Federation of Planets.  Starring Kate      Mulgrew and Jeri Ryan.    --  CSI: NY      Telecasts Tuesdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).      The third edition of the "CSI" franchise sets up shop in the Big Apple,      where taciturn Detective Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise) and his partner,      Detective Stella Bonasera (Melina Kanakaredes), lead a crime-solving      team. Like his counterparts in Las Vegas and Miami, Taylor knows that      people may lie, but the evidence rarely does.    --  THE SHIELD      Telecasts  Monday - Friday (11:00 AM - Noon, ET/PT).      The story of in inner-city Los Angeles police precinct where some of      the cops aren't above breaking the rules or working against their      associates to both keep the streets safe and their self-interests      intact.  Starring Emmy Award(R) winner Michael Chiklis and Catherine      Dent.    --  CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (TV-PG)      Telecasts Monday -  Friday (7:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT); Monday - Wednesday      (Midnight - 1:00 AM, ET/PT), and Thursdays (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).      CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION revolves around a team of forensic Crime      Scene Investigators in the Las Vegas police department's Criminalistics      Bureau.  By relentlessly analyzing every detail at the scene of a      crime, no matter how seemingly irrelevant or grotesque in nature, the      team has science and experience on their side to solve the case.  The      series stars William Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, Gary Dourdan, George      Eads, Jorja Fox and Paul Guilfoyle.    WEEKEND PROGRAMMING    --  WEEKEND POWERBLOCK 

Spike TV puts sexy car enthusiast Courtney Hansen in the driver's seat as host of the network's "Power Block" lineup, a weekend (Saturdays Noon - 2:00 PM, ET/PT and Sundays 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, ET/PT) two-hour block of auto related programming. This month features new episodes of MUSCLE CAR and XTREME 4X4.

  Saturdays   Noon - 12:30 PM, ET/PT   HORSEPOWER TV 

Host Joe Elmore and tech expert Mike Galley work out of their to-die-for performance garage sharing speed secrets on how to transform everyday cars into road burners and how to get the most out of them on the street and at the strip. This series captures the performance lifestyle taking viewers to America's best events, rallies and races.

  12:30 - 1:00 PM, ET/PT   MUSCLE CAR 

Celebrating America's love affair with these fabled '60's and 70's era muscle cars, the series focuses on finding, restoring and modifying iconic Detroit iron like the Pontiac GTO, the Hemi Cuba, the Boss Mustang and the Chevelle SS.

  1:00 - 1:30 PM, ET/PT   XTREME 4X4 

Hosted by Ian Johnson and Jessi Combs, this series features hardcore 4x4 build-ups and off-road truck projects, plus extreme action events - rock crawling, desert racing, sand drags, mud racing, and trail riding adventure.

  1:30 - 2:00 PM, ET/PT   TRUCKS! 

This how-to/new vehicle series addresses the light truck market with special emphasis on pickups and sport utility vehicles. From the wildest jet drag trucks and monster trucks to the world's most radical 4x4 rock crawlers and customs, each episode takes viewers step-by-step modifying, customizing, restoring and testing classic and sport trucks, off-roaders and race trucks.

  Sundays   11:00 - 11:30 AM, ET/PT   HORSEPOWER TV    11:30 AM - Noon, ET/PT   MUSCLE CAR    Noon - 12:30 PM, ET/PT   XTREME 4X4    12:30 - 1:00 PM, ET/PT   TRUCKS! 

Source: Spike TV

New Pokemon to Make Diamond-and-Pearl-Studded Debut

Gotta Catch 'Em All! The Next Generation of Pokemon Soon Will Be Here

Pokemon trainers of the world, unite! How else will you manage to complete your Pokedex and challenge the sinister plot of Team Galactic? On April 22, Pokemon(R) Diamond and Pokemon(R) Pearl, the Pokemon series for the best-selling Nintendo DS(TM) game system, become available in the Americas. These two titles represent the latest adventure in the popular Pokemon franchise.

Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl offer a number of exciting new features to please both experienced and new Pokemon fans alike. Set in an entirely new region called "Sinnoh," players can choose to begin their adventure as either a boy or girl Pokemon trainer on a path to becoming Pokemon League Champion. The adventure continues as players can bring Pokemon from their Game Boy(R) Advance Pokemon games to Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl using the GBA game slot on their Nintendo DS.

As players trade and collect Pokemon to complete their Pokedex in this new challenge, for the first time they'll have the chance to catch new Pokemon, Munchlax(TM) and Weavile(TM). They also can play via local wireless with up to eight other trainers while new moves and abilities deepen strategy.

"After recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Pokemon franchise continues to get stronger," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "These two new titles represent the best that Pokemon has to offer, and a great opportunity for Game Boy users to upgrade to Nintendo DS."

Unique pre-sell styluses featuring new Pokemon from the new series will be available by reserving the game early at participating retailers. Stay tuned for more details about this special offer. Pokemon games continue to be wildly popular around the world, with more than 155 million units sold worldwide through September 2006. Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl are currently shattering sales records in Japan since their September launch.

Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl for Nintendo DS will be available April 22, and are Rated E for Everyone.

Pokemon USA, Inc., a subsidiary of The Pokemon Company in Japan, manages and oversees the property outside of Asia, which includes licensing activities, brand promotions, publication of the Pokemon Trading Card Game, TV animation, home video entertainment, the official Pokemon.com Web site and PokemonCenter.com, an e-commerce site. Nintendo of America manages marketing and distribution of Pokemon video games.

Pokemon was launched in Japan in 1996 for play on Nintendo's Game Boy(R) and has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Pokemon was introduced in North America in September 1998 and has since generated more than $26 billion in worldwide retail sales. More than 40 million Pokemon video games have been sold in the United States, including Pokemon Emerald, which was the No. 2 best-selling video game of 2005, according to the NPD Group. The Pokemon Trading Card Game, fueled by Pokemon Organized Play programs around the world, has spurred global sales of more than 14 billion cards to date, while the Pokemon animated series set to debut its ninth season, Pokemon: Battle Frontier, on Cartoon Network this fall, consistently ranks within the top three shows for boys ages 6 to 11. For more information, visit www.pokemon.com.

The worldwide innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii(TM), Nintendo DS(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance and Nintendo GameCube(TM) systems. Since 1983, Nintendo has sold nearly 2.2 billion video games and more than 387 million hardware units globally, and has created industry icons like Mario(TM), Donkey Kong(R), Metroid(R), Zelda(TM) and Pokemon(R). A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com

The 'Big' Event Gets Bigger With Host Elliott Gould Joining the Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles, January 25th at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel

Brad Rosenberg to Receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and Bob Bergen the Big Brother of the Year Award at the 15th Annual Awards Gala

Dec. 20  Veteran Hollywood actor, Elliott Gould, will serve as master-of-ceremonies at The "Big" Event, Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles' (JBBBSLA) Annual Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner, on Thursday, January 25, 2006 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel. At the event, JBBBSLA will honor Brad Rosenberg with the Sydney J. Rosenberg Lifetime Achievement Award and Bob Bergen as Big Brother of the Year.

"The beginning of each new year is the perfect time for us to look back and acknowledge the past year's successes and two individuals that best exemplify the spirit of our organization," said Margy Feldman, president and CEO of JBBBSLA. "We are thrilled to have someone as dedicated to community service as Elliott Gould, joining us to lead this year's celebration."

The Sydney J. Rosenberg Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates notable accomplishments comparable to Rosenberg's, who served the agency for over 50 years as a Big Brother, Board Member and Board President. This year, the agency recognizes Rosenberg's son, Brad, for following in his father's footsteps.

"Brad Rosenberg joined the JBBBSLA board 40 years ago and since that time has been continually dedicated to advancing the agency's goal of providing invaluable mentoring opportunities and relationships for the youth of Los Angeles," said Feldman. "He is a testament to the enduring spirit of JBBBSLA, and truly deserving of our highest honor."

Similarly, Bob Bergen has devoted himself to the Jewish Big Brother Big Sister program for more than 17 years (now with his 2nd Little Brother) and will be recognized at the event with the JBBBSLA Big Brother of the Year Award. Matched with his first Little Brother, Mark, for 12 years, Bergen last December celebrated his fifth anniversary with his second Little Brother, Ryan.

Please contact Rebecca Rauh of Jewish Big Brother Big Sisters of Los Angeles at (323) 761-8675 X 230 to purchase tickets for the 15th annual fundraising gala, The "Big" Event.

Past recipients of the Sydney J. Rosenberg Lifetime Achievement Award include David L. Swartz, Marshall J. Wax, Mark Canton, Karl Sussman, James Honore, Robert Shadur, Arnold S. Nelson, Robert Waldorf, Manny Light, Maurice Schwartz, Jr., Leonard Goldman, Scott R. Isdaner and Jerry Steinbaum.

About Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles

Founded in 1915, Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles specializes in mentoring children through its core matching program, Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters; its residential summer camp, Camp Max Straus, where almost 1,000 underserved, inner-city children have the opportunity to go to camp; its scholarship program; and its free weekend mentoring programs for children, Sports and Arts Buddies. The organization specializes in mentoring children through its extensive network of volunteers and staff. Approximately 1,800 children benefit from the organization's programs and services annually. For more information, visit www.jbbbsla.org, or call, 323-761-8675.

Source: Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles

New York Mets All-Star Third Baseman David Wright to Appear on the Cover of MLB 07 The Show(TM) for PLAYSTATION(R)3, PlayStation(R)2 and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) Systems

Critically Acclaimed Baseball Franchise Adds Mets All-Star

 Dec. 20 / Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the signing of New York Mets(TM) All-Star Third Baseman David Wright as the cover athlete for the MLB 07 The Show(TM), due to hit stores in early 07 as the only officially licensed first party videogame exclusively for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system.

In only his third year in the Big Leagues, Wright was named as the starting third baseman for the National League in the 2006 MLB All-Star Game. During the season, he collected 74 RBI before the All-Star Break, breaking the Mets record previously held by Mike Piazza, who had 72 RBI in 2000. Wright also participated in the Home Run Derby(R), reaching the final round and finishing second to Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies. He smacked 22 home runs in the contest including 16 in the first round, which is the third highest total in any one round in the history of the Home Run Derby.

Wright ranked among the club's top three hitters in all offensive categories for the 2006 Mets, who were the top run-scoring team in the National League. Fans at Shea Stadium routinely greeted Wright's performances with chants of "M-V-P" as he finished the season as only the fourth Met in history to have consecutive 100 RBI seasons, joining baseball legends such as Gary Carter, Darryl Strawberry and Mike Piazza.

"David Wright is the heart and soul of an exciting New York Mets team and possesses the qualities that make him a fan favorite," said Scott Rohde, director, sports product development for SCEA. "We are thrilled that he has chosen to become the next cover athlete for the MLB franchise, represent MLB 07 The Show, and become a part of an elite fraternity of MLB stars."

Wright chalks up his first cover for a videogame, an accolade that continues to be one of the most sought after status symbols for professional athletes. Wright joins an impressive group of previous MLB cover athletes and spokespeople including Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Oritz, Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, Oakland A's third baseman Eric Chavez, Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Troy Glaus, New York Mets outfielder Shawn Green, and Cincinnati Reds outfielder Adam Dunn.

Widely considered the most authentic baseball videogame franchise available, MLB 07 The Show looks to build upon its critical acclaim by unveiling new franchise features and platform specific advancements. Across all platforms, the all-new Road to The Show mode introduces an innovative option that allows players to create their own player and play on offense and defense. To create a more realistic experience from the mound, the new Pitching Command System (PCS) delivers authenticity and strategy to pitch selection by offering players a predetermined pitch comfort level based on a best to worst pitch scenario, while Adaptive Pitching Intelligence (API) allows users to either shake off the catcher, or trust the calls he makes, which are based on batter tendencies and the pitcher's strengths. MLB 07 The Show also introduces new Umpire Personalities, keeping players on their toes as each ump will have his own unique animation and definition of the strike zone. It will be up to the player to determine each umpires tendencies, providing a more authentic experience from the diamond and requiring strategic thinking from the player.

Adding to its already robust online feature set, the MLB franchise will now include Online League Play, which gives gamers the ability to set up leagues with up to 30 teams, complete statistical tracking, point benefits and full customization, while the My Sliders feature allows users to create their perfect game settings and upload them to the MLB 07 The Show server for others to try out. Also, MLB.com Headline News now features a Live MLB Ticker that will show the live status of all MLB games going on around the league.

Returning key features for the MLB franchise include the popular Career and Season Modes, Career Spotlight and Exhibition Mode. In addition, MLB 07 The Show provides fans with the features they expect in an unrivaled simulation, such as advanced batting controls, interactive hot and cold zones, player-scaled strike zones and release point pitching.

Along with all the key franchise features, returning gameplay favorites for PlayStation 2 include Rivalry Mode, which allows fans to set-up, track and maintain heated rivalries, King of the Diamond Mode, the classic playground duel where a pitcher and batter from opposing teams will square off head-to- head, the Home Run Derby and EyeToy(TM) functionality. For on-the-go baseball fans, MLB 07 The Show on PSP continues to be a fan favorite with its core features, ability to play anytime, anywhere, and multiplayer gameplay, either locally via Ad Hoc Mode or across the nation via Infrastructure Mode.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating for MLB 07 The Show is "RP" for "Rating Pending." For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com/ .

NOTE: PLAYSTATION, PlayStation and PSP are registered trademarks and PS3 is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc

Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit the official website at MLB.com. Visit the Players Choice on the web at www.MLBPLAYERS.com.

Taylor Hicks, First Arista/19 Album, Enters Chart at #2 With First Week Nielsen Soundscan Total of 298,199 Units

Hicks heads out on his first tour in support of the new album on February 21st in Jacksonville, Florida!

 Dec. 20 Arista Records/19 Recordings' artist Taylor Hicks takes a giant step up into the next phase of his musical career, as his self-titled first album for the label enters the Billboard 200 albums chart at #2, after an explosive first week Soundscan sales total of 298,199 units. Hicks will kick off his first tour in support of the album on Wednesday, February 21st, in Jacksonville, Florida at the Florida Theater with dates currently scheduled to run through April 27th in Kansas City, MO.

Underpinning the out-of-the-box success of the album was a busy schedule of television appearances that began last month on ABC's 20/20, the American Music Awards (as a presenter), and NBC's Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Plaza in New York. On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, Taylor sang the national anthem prior to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Ford 400, as part of the Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Immediately surrounding the album's December 12th in store date, Taylor visited NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (Dec. 1st); ABC's Good Morning America (5th), Live with Regis & Kelly (6th), and The View (11th); CBS's The Early Show (12th); MTV's TRL Countdown, the syndicated Martha Stewart Living and Dr. Phil, and TNT's "Christmas In Washington" (all on the 13th); and NBC's The Megan Mullally Show (14th).

In his own unique down-home way, Taylor is expanding his audience past the 36.4 million tv viewers who watched the May 24th finale of the fifth season of FOX's American Idol, and the "Soul Patrol!" legions who cast more than 63.4 million votes for him as the winning performer. The new album reaffirms the eternal power of pop, soul and R&B in the hands of a new young star, who prompted Vibe magazine to rave, "Taylor Hicks is the embodiment of the last fifty years of popular music."

                   TAYLOR HICKS TOUR DATES    Feb-21    Jacksonville, FL       Florida Theater   Feb-22    Tampa, FL              Tampa Theater   Feb-23    Coral Springs, FL      Coral Springs Center for the Arts   Feb-24    Orlando, FL            Universal Studios   Feb-27    Mobile, AL             Mobile Civic Center   Mar-2     Myrtle Beach, SC       House of Blues   Mar-3     Knoxville, TN          Tennessee Theatre   Mar-4     Asheville, NC          The Orange Peel   Mar-6     Huntsville, AL         Von Braun Center   Mar-9     Atlanta, GA            Tabernacle   Mar-10    Birmingham, AL         Alabama Theatre   Mar-25    Minneapolis, MN        Mystic Lake Casino Hotel   Mar-27    Green Bay, WI          Weidner Center   Mar-28    Milwaukee, WI          The Pabst Theater   Mar-29    Chicago, IL            House of Blues   Mar-31    Cleveland, OH          House of Blues   Apr-3     Boston, MA             Avalon   Apr-6     New Haven, CT          Foxwoods Casino   Apr-7     Westbury, NY           North Fork Theatre   Apr 12    Lancaster, PA          American Musical Theater   Apr-17    Baltimore, MD          Rams Head Live   Apr-24    Columbus, OH           The LC Pavillion   Apr-27    Kansas City, MO        Ameristar Casino 

Source: Arista Records

Graceland Kicks Off 30th Anniversary with Four Day Elvis Birthday Celebration

January 8th Marks the Late Superstar's Birthday and the Year 2007 Commemorates the 30th Anniversary of His Passing

Dec. 19, 2006 Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.: -0-

WHAT:   Various activities are planned over a four day period at          Graceland Mansion in Memphis to celebrate Elvis Presley's          birthday and to begin the year-long commemoration of the 30th          anniversary of his passing. The key activities include:  WHEN/ WHERE:         Friday, January 5         --------------------------------------------------------------         8:00 p.m. - Midnight         Elvis Birthday Dance Party         Ticket office pavilion in Graceland Plaza         Hundreds of fans gather to dance to Elvis music with Argo, a          popular dee-jay from Elvis Radio/Sirius Satellite 13.          Saturday, January 6         --------------------------------------------------------------         10:00 a.m. - Noon         Elvis Fan Club Presidents' Event         Memphis Marriott East         Elvis Fan Club Presidents from around the world gather to          speak with EPE representatives and exchange ideas. Special          guest speaker will be Lance LeGault, the popular character          actor and voice artist who was Elvis' stand-in and castmate          in Elvis movies and the '68 TV Special. This is his first          appearance at an Elvis celebration event.          8:00 p.m.         The Elvis Presley Birthday Pops         Cannon Center for the Performing Arts         The Memphis Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of Elvis          music performed from the original music charts from Elvis'          concert tours. The Terry Mike Jeffrey Band performs as the          rhythm section. Lead vocals performed by Terry Mike Jeffrey          with special guest vocalists, The Imperials.          Sunday, January 7         --------------------------------------------------------------         6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.         Elvis Insiders Reception & Graceland Evening Tour         Graceland         An "Elvis Insiders" evening tour of Graceland Mansion in its          holiday splendor, with a reception across the street in          Graceland Plaza, which includes Elvis' airplanes, the          "Sincerely Elvis" exhibit and The Elvis Presley Automobile          Museum. Appearances by some of Elvis' friends and associates.          Monday, January 8         --------------------------------------------------------------         9:00 a.m.         Graceland         The annual birthday proclamation ceremony on Graceland's front          lawn presented by city, county and Graceland officials to          proclaim Elvis Presley Day. On behalf of the US Army, members          from the 95th DIV (IT) will present to the Presley Estate a          special certificate and medal, earned but never received by          Elvis, in recognition of his service with the army. The          military group will also make a formal color guard          presentation as part of the ceremony. 

The Outdoor Channel(TM) Announces First Quarter '07 Programming Highlights

Network Offers New Primetime Blocks and New Titles to Attract Attention of America's 82 Million Outdoor Enthusiasts

The Outdoor Channel (TOC), the #1 television destination for outdoor enthusiasts, today announced several new programming titles and returning series season premieres planned for the 1st Quarter of 2007, including a revamped schedule that will accommodate primetime programming blocks of the network's most popular outdoor activities.

Beginning in January 2007, The Outdoor Channel will offer nightly programming blocks oriented around the following themes: Mondays -- Fishing; Tuesdays -- Big Game Hunting; Wednesdays -- Western Lifestyle/Shooting; Thursdays -- Bird Hunting; Fridays -- Off-Road Motorsports; Saturdays -- Adventure; and Sundays -- Big Game Hunting.

Commenting on the announcement, Wade Sherman, SVP of Programming for The Outdoor Channel, remarked: "We're very proud of the quality, excitement, and entertainment value exhibited by our new and returning shows in 2007 -- titles that will not only captivate our current audience but will also help to generate new subscribers by giving fans of outdoor lifestyle content more of the genres they want." He added, "In addition, with our new primetime programming blocks, we know outdoor enthusiasts will love tuning in to their favorite outdoor activity, putting up their feet, and staying with us for the entire evening."

Each nightly programming environment is highlighted by a high-quality TOC exclusive series that exemplifies the excitement of the individual genres:

  *  On Mondays, viewers can look forward to the premiere of TOC's all-new      adventure fishing series Speargun Hunter, featuring some of the world's      best free divers in their incredibly dangerous pursuit of record-      setting catch.  In addition to Speargun Hunter, the Monday night      primetime fishing line-up also includes new episodes of old favorites      In Fisherman -- with host Doug Stange and some of North America's      finest fishing locations, Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine, featuring      tried-and-true techniques from the master angler, and big game      saltwater adventures with Mark Sosin's Saltwater Journal.    *  On Tuesdays, fans of Big Game Hunting can tune into a line-up that      features TOC's popular returning series Step Outside, with hosts Doug      Painter and two-time Olympic gold medalist Kim Rhode furthering the      mission of the National Shooting Sports Foundation's (NSSF) Step      Outside program as they hunt some of North America's prime locations.      Step Outside is part of The Outdoor Channel's longest running      programming block "Tuesday Night Pursuits" presented by Mossy Oak Brand      Camo.  Mossy Oak is best known for its signature program Hunting the      Country, which has been part of The Outdoor Channel's Tuesday night      lineup since 1999.    *  Wednesdays will feature a block of Shooting and Western Lifestyle      programming including TOC returning original Cowboys, a celebration of      all things related to the Cowboy including world-class Cowboy Action      shooting, historical reenactments, and skills and crafts of the Old      West.    *  Thursday's block features Bird Hunting and TOC's exclusive series      Turkey Call, produced in association with the National Wild Turkey      Federation (NWTF) and hosted by Rob Keck, this returning favorite      brings viewers the best in turkey hunting throughout the world.  Turkey      Call joins Mossy Oak's Whistling Wings to present some of the most      exciting turkey hunting adventures ever captured.    *  Friday nights are Motorsports nights on TOC -- featuring Ride To      Adventure, a fast-paced series hosted by world famous adventurer Bill      Baker that provides a behind-the-scenes look at all manner of motoring      excitement on Land, Sea, and Air.  The rest of the Friday night lineup      offers the latest and greatest of TOC's Off-Road motoring programs.    *  Saturday nights are now reserved for TOC's Adventure series --      featuring marine, aviation and snowmobile programming.  Signature      series include the pioneering aviation program Wings To Adventure,      hosted by Tom Gresham, and Personal Watercraft Television, a high-      energy half-hour hosted by Kevin Cullen that presents the top events      and latest equipment in the personal watercraft industry.    *  Hunting programming wraps up TOC's week on Sundays, featuring the      return of one of TOC's longest running and most popular series, Bass      Pro Shops Outdoor World, showcasing top hunting pros like Brenda      Valentine, Jerry Martin, Bob Foulkrod, Walter Parrott and Alan      Treadwell, among others.  Also debuting on Sundays is Whitewater      Trails, hosted by popular outdoorsman Bodie Owens -- providing      one-of-a-kind tips, stories, and epic adventures in some of the most      pristine hunting and fishing locations throughout the country.  

In addition to the new primetime programming blocks, starting in January horizontal strips of some of TOC's most popular shows from past seasons including Ultimate Match Fishing, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Fishing, Getting Close, and Dream Season will air in daily blocks from 2-4pm EST -- as TOC shoots new episodes for a fall debut. Viewers can also look forward to an all-fishing block of programs on Saturday mornings from 8-11am EST, featuring past episodes of TOC standards Bass Champs' Tournament Trail, and Strike King's Pro Team Journal.

For more information regarding TOC's series, or for specific airtimes in your area -- please visit the website at: www.outdoorchannel.com

About The Outdoor Channel

Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. owns and operates The Outdoor Channel, a national television network dedicated to providing traditional outdoor programming to America's 82 million anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. The Company also owns and operates related businesses that serve the interests of viewers of The Outdoor Channel and other outdoor enthusiasts, including Outdoor Channel On Demand, LDMA-AU, Inc. (Lost Dutchman's) and Gold Prospector's Association of America, LLC (GPAA).

To get The Outdoor Channel in your area, please call your local cable or satellite provider and request that they add The Outdoor Channel to their channel lineup.

Source: The Outdoor Channel

Hustler TV Signs Exclusive Deal With Third Degree Films

 Dec. 19  LFP Broadcasting LLC, parent company of Hustler TV, today announced an exclusive agreement with leading adult entertainment studio, Third Degree Films. The company offers popular titles that are hits with both customers and industry charts.

Third Degree Films is under the direction of Joseph Wilson, an adult industry veteran with over two decades of experience. In their three years of existence, Third Degree has consistently been heralded for their ability to attract a pool of fresh, new female talent to their gonzo-style productions. In addition, Third Degree's emphasis has been on consistently high production values and -- as a result -- is recognized as a leader in their respective genre.

"The addition of Third Degree only reinforces the fact that Hustler TV has more titles that appear on the top 25 adult DVD rental and sales charts than any other adult network," said Michael H. Klein, President, LFP Broadcasting LLC. "We are committed to delivering truly unique and dynamic adult programming that reflects the quality our customers associate with the Hustler brand."

"The huge success of Hustler TV has allowed studios like Third Degree Films to expand beyond traditional outlets and into the world of VOD and pay per view," said Wilson. "I'm extremely excited to be associated with a company that has defined what quality adult entertainment is all about."

Hustler TV brings the top performing movies and original programs from some of the best adult film companies under one of the best brands in adult entertainment to Pay Per View and Video On Demand. Already one of the top adult television networks in North America, the company's exclusive VOD AND PPV product has consistently dominated the annual Adult Video News Awards as well as the AVN DVD sales and rental charts. Hustler TV delivers some of the industries top buy rates in adult PPV and VOD.

ABOUT LFP

LFP is the leading distributor of Adult Video/DVD, Print Publications, Internet and Adult Retail Stores. Hustler TV, now available in over 35 countries, brings the top performing movies and original programs from some of the best adult film companies under one of the best brands in adult entertainment to pay per view and video on demand. Tremendous cross promotional opportunities through the numerous Hustler properties help to ensure some of the highest buy rates in the industry.

Source: LFP Broadcasting LLC

Lionsgate Tries a Little TENDERNESS

Studio Secures North American, U.K., Australian and South African Rights to GreeneStreet Films' New Thriller, Directed By John Polson and Starring Academy Award(R) Winner Russell Crowe, Jon Foster, Sophie Traub and Academy Award(R) Nominee Laura Dern

 Calif., Dec. 19 -- Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) , the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, announced today that it has acquired the North American, U.K., Australian and South African distribution rights to GreeneStreet Films' TENDERNESS, a thriller directed by John Polson (HIDE AND SEEK, SWIMFAN). Written by Emil Stern and based on the novel by Robert Cormier, TENDERNESS is produced by GreeneStreet co-founder John Penotti, Howard Meltzer and Charles Randolph; GreeneStreet co-founder Fisher Stevens and Tim Williams are executive producers. Jana Edelbaum of iDeal Partners Film Fund and Scott Hanson and John Allen of Hanson Film Fund are also executive producers. GreeneStreet Films, iDeal Partners Film Fund and Hanson Film Fund co-financed TENDERNESS. The film stars Academy Award(R) winner Russell Crowe, Jon Foster, Sophie Traub and Academy Award(R) nominee Laura Dern. The announcement was made jointly by Lionsgate President of Theatrical Films Tom Ortenberg and President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions Peter Block.

"TENDERNESS delivers an unbeatable combination of story, filmmakers and actors," noted Ortenberg and Block. "The common denominator here is intensity: on the one hand, you have the heightened emotions of a young couple on the run, and on the other, the fierce resolve of the cop who is hard on their trail, trying to prevent disaster. John Polson, Russell Crowe, Jon Foster, Sophie Traub, and Laura Dern have given it their all -- which means that audiences can count on an incredibly gripping experience."

Said Penotti, "We are delighted to be partnering with Lionsgate on TENDERNESS. The entire Lionsgate team is renowned for their sharp ideas and enormous energy, and we are looking forward to working with them to bring TENDERNESS to moviegoers on four continents."

SYNOPSIS

Lori Cranston (Sophie Traub) is a confused fifteen-year-old dreamer in search of an escape from her troubled home life. She discovers and becomes enthralled with Eric (Jon Foster), a young man with a violent past. As they embark on a harrowing journey, a hardened local cop (Russell Crowe), who has been following Eric for years, is intent on exposing him as a serial killer before Lori's fate is determined.

The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Block, Jason Constantine, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions, and Wendy Jaffe, Senior Vice President Legal & Business Affairs, Acquisitions; and for GreeneStreet by Vicki Cherkas, GreeneStreet Head of Business Affairs, Business Development and New Ventures, and CAA.

ABOUT GREENESTREET FILMS (GSF)

GreeneStreet Films is an independent film company founded by John Penotti and Fisher Stevens. Most recently, GreeneStreet co-financed and executive produced Robert Altman's A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION (Picturehouse) and financed and produced ONCE IN A LIFETIME (Miramax). The company is also responsible for the five-time Academy Award(R) nominee IN THE BEDROOM. On the company's horizon is BILL, a comedy directed by Melissa Wallack and Bernie Goldmann starring Aaron Eckhart, Jessica Alba, Elizabeth Banks, Timothy Olyphant and Logan Lerman. In addition, Danny Leiner's GARY THE TENNIS COACH starring Seann William Scott, is in production. Soon-to-be-released GSF titles include THE PLEASURE OF YOUR COMPANY (MGM) starring Jason Biggs and Isla Fisher, on tap for a March 2007 release; AWAKE (The Weinstein Company) starring Hayden Christensen, Jessica Alba, Lena Olin and Terrence Howard, slated for early next year; and SLOW BURN (Lionsgate) with Ray Liotta, LL Cool J., Taye Diggs and Mekhi Phifer, set for June 2007.

ABOUT LIONSGATE

Lionsgate is the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, winning this year's Best Picture Academy Award(R) for CRASH, generating two consecutive years of $300 million-plus domestic theatrical box office, operating a $500 million-plus home entertainment business and producing a broad slate of prime time television series for fiscal 2007. It is a premier producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library of more than 10,000 titles is a valuable source of stable, recurring revenue and a foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

                            www.lionsgate.com

'The Gospel According To Patti' Mega Church Tour Cancelled 
  
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Patti LaBelle announced today the cancellation of LaBelle's current mega church tour, "The Gospel According to Patti." Patti LaBelle regrets the discontinuation of her gospel tour due to the promoter failing to meet their obligations. Says LaBelle, "I really had hoped to continue to reach the gospel audience as we had originally planned. But I have an obligation to my staff to make sure they can keep their plans without last minute changes and to make sure they are paid for the work they do."
According to LaBelle, inconsistencies coupled with a breach of contract have forced LaBelle to walk away from what has been a highly successful, sold- out run. The tour, which kicked off in October, is in support of Patti's latest album, The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle, which was released on November 21st and is currently #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart. Patti's upcoming schedule included tour stops in various markets including Philadelphia, Cleveland and St. Louis, among others.
Although disappointed with the outcome, LaBelle has established a great working relationship with tour sponsors, Chrysler & American Airlines, and is hopeful a reputable promoter would agree to continue the tour. Please visit www.pattilabelle.com for up-to-the-minute information and rescheduling updates. 
Source: Pattonium, Inc. 
 
 
Treat Williams, Samaire Armstrong and Kevin Pollak Star in the Lifetime Original Movie 'The Staircase Murders' (Working Title), a Riveting True Crime Story Based on the Disturbing Case of a Best-Selling Novelist Accused of Murdering His Wife 
Real Case Has Captured the Attention of Millions with Extensive Media Coverage on NBC's Dateline, ABC's Primetime Live, CNN and Court TV 
Dec. 19  Treat Williams (Brothers & Sisters," "Everwood"), Samaire Armstrong ("Entourage," "The O.C.") and Kevin Pollak ("The Usual Suspects") are set to star in the Lifetime Original Movie, "The Staircase Murders" (working title), a provocative drama based on the famed murder case of Michael Peterson, the novelist accused of killing his socialite wife in their North Carolina home. Production is underway in Louisiana. Produced by Lionsgate, "The Staircase Murders" will premiere in April 2007 on Lifetime Television.
"This is a fascinating story with lots of bizarre twists and turns. It has all the gripping elements of great drama with mysterious deaths, sensational rumors and shocking revelations," said Libby Beers, Vice President, Original Movies. Beers continues, "Treat Williams and Kevin Pollak are perfectly cast to capture the complex mind of Michael Peterson and his skeptical lawyer David Rudolf, while Samaire Armstrong sensitively portrays the determination of the grieving daughter."
In "The Staircase Murders," loving father, aspiring politician and successful New York Times best-selling novelist Michael Peterson (Williams) was the picture perfect husband to his wife Kathleen. But when a panic- stricken Michael frantically calls 911 to report Kathleen has accidentally fallen down the stairs, investigators arrive at their home to discover several suspicious findings at the crime scene and soon begin to question the truth about Kathleen's death.
Michael's children, biological sons Todd and Clayton from a previous marriage, adopted daughters Margaret and Martha and step-daughter Caitlin (Armstrong), quickly rally to their father's defense until autopsy findings reveal Kathleen's injuries could not have been sustained by a fall. Shocked and betrayed by her accused father's actions, Caitlin breaks rank with the family to publicly accuse Michael of murder.
All the while, Michael consistently maintains his innocence, even going so far as to allow cameras into his home to document his legal team's defense strategies. But as the trial looms, shocking discoveries about Michael's sexuality, previous marriage, war service and the mysteriously similar circumstances of an old friend are revealed, making even his own lawyer, David Rudolf (Pollak), question his client.
Treat Williams is an accomplished Broadway stage, theatrical and television actor, appearing most recently in the ABC drama series "Brothers & Sisters." Previously, Williams starred in the critically acclaimed WB drama, "Everwood," as Dr. Andrew Bowen, a role that won him two SAG Award nominations. He scored his first Golden Globe nomination for his part in the smash Broadway musical "Hair." He later went on to earn two additional nods -- one for the feature film "Prince of the City," and the other for the television adaptation of "A Streetcar Named Desire." Williams also received an Emmy nomination for Best Actor for his role on the HBO film "The Late Shift." Williams is also a director, winning two festival awards for his direction of "Texan" in Showtime's Chanticleer series.
Samaire Armstrong is best known for her role as sassy co-ed Anna on the Fox drama series "The O.C." She began acting in high school productions before attending Parsons School of Design which fostered her passion for design and fashion. Later, she moved to Los Angeles where she was cast in "Freaks and Geeks," "NYPD Blue," "Judging Amy" and "CSI: Miami." Armstrong has a recurring role as Emily on HBO's "Entourage." She was recently seen in the theatrical "Just My Luck" opposite Lindsay Lohan.
Stand-up comedian and actor Kevin Pollak landed his film debut in George Lucas' "Willow." Pollak received critical acclaim for his work in "Avalon," but gained wide recognition for his role in Rob Reiner's "A Few Good Men." Pollak also won fans with his appearances on the cult classic "The Usual Suspects" and "Casino." Pollak later co-created and co-executive produced "The Underworld." Recently, he starred alongside Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry in "The Whole Ten Yards."
"The Staircase Murders" is produced by Lionsgate for Lifetime Television. Judy Polone ("Widow on the Hill," "Infidelity") serves as executive producer and Judy Cairo ("One Day") produces. Aphrodite Jones, who wrote the book "A Perfect Husband" on which this movie is based, serves as co-producer. Tom McLoughlin (Lifetime Television's "Odd Girl Out," "Murder in Greenwich") serves as director and Donald Martin ("The Amber Frey Story," "Family Sins") wrote the screenplay.
Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) is the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, winning this year's Best Picture Academy Award(R) for CRASH, generating two consecutive years of $300 million-plus domestic theatrical box office, operating a $500 million-plus home entertainment business and producing a broad slate of primetime television series for fiscal 2007. It is a premier producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library is a valuable source of stable, recurring revenue and is a foundation for growth of the Company's core business. The Lionsgate brand name is synonymous with original, daring quality entertainment in markets around the globe.
Lifetime is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, Lifetime is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. Lifetime Television, LMN, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment and Lifetime Online (http://www.lifetimetv.com/) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company. 
Source: Lifetime Television 
 
MTV Networks' MHD: Music High-Definition Rings in the New Year With Exclusive Premiere of 'Gorillaz: Live in Harlem' Concert in High-Def 
Concert to Premiere Sunday, December 31st at 9PM ET/PT and Re-Air at Midnight 
Dec. 19  What's better than rocking out on New Year's Eve with your family and friends in the comfort of your own home and some Gorillaz? MTV Networks' MHD: Music High-Definition today announced that the channel will celebrate the New Year with the exclusive premiere of "Gorillaz: Live in Harlem," shot at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater in high-definition. The concert will premiere on Sunday, December 31st at 9pm ET/PT and re-air at midnight.
"More and more viewers are turning to high-definition television for a full entertainment experience and music is one of things they want to watch most," said Tom Calderone, Executive Vice President and General Manager of VH1 who also oversees MHD. "We are committed to growing this universe with quality content that satisfies our audiences' appetite for high-definition programming."
The first virtual hip-hop group, Gorillaz burst onto the music scene in 2001 with the debut on their first self-titled album and popular "Clint Eastwood" single. The group has achieved massive worldwide success with platinum level domestic sales. "Gorillaz: Live in Harlem" showcases some of the group's biggest hits, including "Dirty Harry," "Feel Good Inc," "El Manana," and "Demon Days," among others. The group's "Feel Good Inc." was also the first high-definition music video to ever play on MHD.
"New Year's Eve represents the culmination of a full month of weekly high-definition premieres on MHD," said Eric Sherman, Senior Vice President and General Manager for MHD, VH1 Classic and VH1 Digital Television. "Viewers can look forward to a growing high-def line-up in 2007 across every musical genre, including new concerts, specials and continued simulcasts of tentpole events from MTV, VH1 and CMT."
Launched in January 2006, MHD features high-definition performances, music videos, interviews, tentpole events, music festivals, concert series, special concerts, and other music related elements. In addition, MHD has begun simulcasting tentpole events from MTV, VH1, and CMT, including this year's VH1 Rock Honors, VH1 Hip Hop Honors Awards, MTV's Video Music Awards, and CMT Giants: Reba McIntyre. More are planned for the future.
MHD is already in more than half of the U.S. homes that have high-definition capability and is distributed through deals with Cox Cable, Charter, Comcast, Insight, Verizon FiOS and, most recently, Time Warner.
About MHD
MHD: Music High-Definition, MTV Networks' high-definition music channel, launched in January 2006 and features original music based programming for a variety of music genres, including hip hop, rock, country, pop, reggaeton, soul and more, as well as HDTV acquisitions and original content from MTV Networks Music Group's MTV, VH1, and CMT family of services including popular series such as MTV Unplugged, MTV2 $2 Bill concerts, VH1 Storytellers and CMT Crossroads, as well as network specials including the MTV Video Music Awards and the CMT Music Awards. 
Source: MTV Networks 
 
 
Borders(R) in L.A. Welcomes Spike Lee for DVD Signing 
, Dec. 19 Who: Multiple award-winning and nominated director, producer, writer, actor and author, Spike Lee.
What: Spike Lee signs copies of his DVD, "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts." "When the Levees Broke" is a film structured in four acts, each dealing with events that preceded and followed hurricane Katrina's path of destruction through New Orleans.
  When:  Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m.    Where:  Borders-Westwood           1360 Westwood Blvd.           Los Angeles, CA 90024           (310) 475-3444  
Why: Committed to enriching lives through entertainment and knowledge, Borders offers customers the opportunity to meet their favorite authors and musicians in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. This event gives longtime fans of Spike Lee the chance to meet the film legend and get a copy of the DVD signed, in time for the holiday season.
Additional
Information: To ensure that Spike Lee is able to meet as many customers as possible attending this event, he will personalize his message with first names only when autographing the DVD. Only customers who have purchased a copy of "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts" will be allowed in the signing line and there is a limit of three items per customer. No memorabilia will be signed. No posed photographs are allowed.
 
 
Nielsen Study Shows DVD Players Surpass VCRs 
Most Media Technology Trending Up, According to Nielsen's Quarterly Home Tech Study 
Dec. 19 Nielsen Media Research released findings today from its 3rd Quarter Home Technology Report which show that more U.S. households now own DVD players (81.2% of all households) than VCRs (79.2% of households). Findings from this quarterly study also show ownership of most media technology trending up from previous years, which could continue to climb as the upcoming Christmas season approaches.
As of third quarter 2006, DVD penetration in the U.S. is up 6% from the previous year and continues to grow, while VCR penetration has started a decline. In 1999 when Nielsen first started tracking DVD ownership in its Home Tech Report, DVD penetration was only 6.7% and was dwarfed by VCR ownership at 88.6%.
Nielsen's latest report also found that DVD households now rent DVDs about twice per month, compared to VCR homes renting VHS tapes only about once per month. The frequency with which households rent video tapes has leveled off during the past six months.
"This study shows the culmination of a long battle for share of consumers," said Paul Lindstrom, senior vice president of custom research for Nielsen Media Research. "Nielsen clients have used information from our Home Tech Report for the past decade to trend the changes in penetration and report use of new devices as they infiltrate the marketplace, and we now see that the popularity of DVDs has finally surpassed that of VCRs."
  Some additional topline findings from Nielsen's Home Tech study include:    * Computers -- 73.4% of U.S. homes currently have a computer in the     household, and homes with children and teens are more likely to have a     home computer.  There is a large difference in the percentage of lower     income homes vs. higher income homes that own a home computer.  Homes     with an income over $60K are 50% more likely to own a home computer than     homes with an income below $60K.    * Internet -- 95.4% of consumers with Internet access go online at least     once a week, and 37.3% of Internet users go online more than once a day.     78.2% of online users have made purchases over the Internet. 46.8% of     online users (ages 12+) have used the Internet to download and play     music from the Internet.    * MP3 Players -- 26.7% of U.S. homes own or rent an MP3 player.     Households with the presence of children 12-17 years of age are nearly     2-1/2 times more likely to own or rent an MP3 player than compared to     the Total U.S. The percentage of homes owning an MP3 player has risen by     149.5% since 3rd Quarter 2003.    * PDA -- 16.4% of U.S. homes own a PDA, and since 3rd quarter 2003, PDA     ownership has increased by 4.5%.  Not surprisingly, higher income homes     are more than four times as likely as lower income homes to own a PDA.  
For charts that illustrate the five-year penetration trends, please see: http://everyonecounts.tv/documents/HTRchart2002-06.pdf .
Methodology
Nielsen's Home Technology Report is a primary research survey conducted by phone with 1,253 randomly selected American homes four times per year. Issued quarterly to Nielsen clients as a supplement to their syndicated TV ratings service, for the past 10 years the Home Tech Report has been Nielsen's gauge of the penetration and usage of technology into American households.
About Nielsen Media Research
Nielsen Media Research is the leading provider of television audience measurement and related services, worldwide. In the United States, Nielsen's National People Meter service provides audience estimates for all national program sources, including broadcast networks, cable networks, Spanish language networks, and national syndicators. Local ratings estimates are produced for television stations, regional cable networks, MSOs, cable interconnects, and Spanish language stations in each of the 210 television markets in the U.S., including People Meter service in ten markets and electronic set-metered service in 46 markets. For more information, please visit www.NielsenMedia.com.
Nielsen Media Research is a unit of VNU, a global information and media company with leading market positions and recognized brands in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), business publications (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Computing, Intermediair) and trade shows. The privately held company is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and New York, USA. For more information, visit www.vnu.com.
               Table 1: DVD vs. VCR Penetration in the U.S.                             3Q     2Q     1Q     4Q     3Q     2Q     1Q                          2006   2006   2006   2005   2005   2005   2005    % of Homes with DVDs  81.2%   80.9%  81.4%  80.8%  76.5%  77.6%  78.5%   % of Homes with VCRs  79.2%   82.3%  82.3%  82.9%  82.9%  80.9%  82.2%           Source:  Nielsen Media Research's Home Technology Report               Table 2: Penetration of Media Devices in U.S. Homes                    3Q 02   3Q 03   3Q 04   3Q 05   3Q 06  % Diff 05                                                             vs 06    DVD             41.4%   59.8%   71.2%   76.5%   81.2%     +6.1%   VCR             87.5%   86.7%   84.7%   82.9%   79.2%     -4.5%   Wired Cable     65.9%   62.7%   65.2%   62.2%   63.5%     +2.1%   Satellite       20.9%   22.3%   22.2%   26.0%   26.5%     +1.9%   Internet Access 61.4%   63.9%   64.4%   68.1%   68.5%     +.06%   PC              66.4%   69.5%   71.7%   74.0%   73.4%     -.08%   Cell Phone      65.0%   67.1%   72.0%   73.8%   75.2%     +1.9%   PDA             13.9%   15.7%   16.4%   16.3%   16.4%     +.06%   MP3 Player       7.6%   10.7%   12.8%   16.9%   26.7%      +58%           Source:  Nielsen Media Research's Home Technology Report
 
Pop Culture Center Orange County to Be Focus of New Year Expansion by Wi-Fi TV(TM)
Home of "The OC," "The Real Housewives of Orange County" and MTV Real Orange County TV Shows Will Now Be Home to Social Internet TV(TM) 
December 19, 2006 -- Wi-Fi TV™ Inc.'s (PINKSHEETS: WTVI) push to put Social Internet TV™ and its web site www.Wi-FiTV.com on the world's popular culture map will get a big boost in early 2007. 
Orange County, California, the trend setting area that has already become a household word to young people internationally, will get a high profile media blitz intended to increase membership and viewing of Wi-Fi TV. 
"Our goal is to make Wi-Fi TV Orange County's leading social network web site. By doing this, we think that global memberships and interest in Wi-Fi TV and live interactive community will increase exponentially. We are implementing a TV, radio, billboard, and word of mouth blitz of such areas as Newport Beach, the town that is represented in the popular FOX TV Series 'The OC,' Laguna Beach which has been featured in an MTV beach house series, and other areas of Orange County represented in the TV show 'The Real Housewives of Orange County,'" said Alex Kanakaris, Chairman of Wi-Fi TV Inc. 
Wi-Fi TV has reserved the Internet domain names OCTV1.Com, OCTVOne.Com, and OCWi-FiTV.Com for the Wi-Fi TV Channel Sales Team. 
Wi-Fi TV's MyWi-FiParty technology, Wi-Fi TV Live Chat, and multiple categories of live TV channels, including Spanish language and Music Video are a great fit for today's Orange County, California demographics. 
Orange County is the center of Southern California's Tech Coast. Its population of 3,056,865 is larger than that of 20 states. It is the second most populous county in the state of California, and the fifth most populous in the United States. The county is known for its wealth and has become racially diversified with dramatically growing Hispanic and Asian communities. 
About Wi-Fi TV Inc. 
Wi-Fi TV Inc. provides a new generation TV delivery platform that has a geographic sphere out-distancing any traditional cable or over-the-air TV broadcaster. Ownership of Wi-Fi TV Channels are for sale at $25,000 (full details are on the web site www.Wi-FiTV.com). 
The Wi-Fi TV Channel Sales Blog is at http://www.wi-fitvchannelsales.blogspot.com 
Wi-Fi TV memberships are free at www.Wi-FiTV.com 
The Company was launched in 1995 and has been publicly traded since November 1997, and has been a pioneer in the delivery of video and books over the Internet. 
Press Relations 
Wi-Fi TV Inc. has opened a new content and technology demo room for the press in Newport Beach, California. For further information contact Colby Marceau, (949) 716-9397, info@wi-fitv.com. 
Forward-Looking Statements 
Any statements made in this press release which are not historical facts contain certain forward-looking statements; as such term is defined in the Private Security Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning potential developments affecting the business, prospects, financial condition and other aspects of the company to which this release pertains. The actual results of the specific items described in this release, and the company's operations generally, may differ materially from what is projected in such forward-looking statements. Although such statements are based upon the best judgments of management of the company as of the date of this release, significant deviations in magnitude, timing and other factors may result from business risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the company's dependence on third parties, general market and economic conditions, technical factors, the availability of outside capital, receipt of revenues and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the company. The company disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement. Wi-Fi TV and Social Internet TV are trademarks of Wi-Fi TV Inc. and all rights pertaining to these names are reserved. This press release shall not be deemed a general solicitation. 
 
 
Cingular Video subscribers can enjoy exclusive mobile access to Saturday Night Live content, including video clips from classic and current episodes, as well as original material produced especially for the mobile screen. Cingular customers can also purchase and download a diverse collection of SNL- themed ringtones and graphics -- both from current and classic seasons.
"For more than 30 years, SNL has entertained television audiences throughout the world with some of the most memorable comedic sketches Now, with the introduction of Saturday Night Live Mobile, Cingular becomes the first wireless carrier to deliver classic and current SNL shorts, as well as newly produced original content, to the mobile stage-exclusively for the enjoyment of our customers," said John Burbank, vice president of marketing, Cingular Wireless.
"Saturday Night Live is a legendary comedy brand that consistently makes an impact on pop culture," Salil Dalvi, Vice President, Wireless, NBC Universal. "We are proud to have Cingular as our first wireless partner to showcase this program to their customers."
"This is a landmark deal for NBC Universal and Cingular, said Ron Lamprecht, Vice President, New Media, NBC Universal Television Networks Distribution. "This agreement will allow consumers to watch NBC's Emmy Award- winning late-night comedy showcase, SNL, in a way that's convenient for them. NBC Universal is committed to providing our customers with content on a variety of platforms to meet their needs."
SNL Mobile Content: Cingular Video
Cingular Video subscribers will have exclusive access to an evolving library of more than 100 video shorts, ranging in duration of 2-3 minutes each, from current and classic SNL episodes, as well as some original shorts produced solely for Cingular Video. Shorts from the current season will appear on Cingular Video the day after the Saturday night premiere
Cingular Video uses the power of 3G phones as well as Cingular's new high- speed 3G wireless broadband network which is currently available in 145 major metropolitan areas including 65 of the top 100 largest cities in 33 states, Puerto Rico and Washington D.C.
To access Cingular Video, consumers need to purchase a 3G phone and sign up for the $19.99 MEdia Net Unlimited package, which includes Cingular Video.
SNL Mobile: Ringtone & Graphics
Cingular customers will also be able to purchase and download Music Tone ringtones and wallpaper graphics from current and classic SNL episodes, such as the SNL theme song and memorable sketch lines.
To download your favorite SNL Music Tone or wallpaper graphic from a GSM phone, Cingular customers should:
  * Go to MEdia Mall on their phone's main menu   * Select "Shop Ringtones & Graphics"   * Select "Movies/TV Hits"   * Follow the onscreen prompt to download the ringtone and/or graphic
Cingular customers will be charged a one-time download fee of $2.49 for each Music Tone ringtone and $1.99 for each SNL wallpaper graphic.
For more information on Cingular Video and Cingular's exclusive SNL Mobile content, visit http://www.cingular.com/cingularvideo. Artwork available upon request.
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving 58.7 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE: BLS), has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation -- the ALLOVER™ network -- and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is a leader in third generation wireless technology. Its 3G network is the first widely available service in the world to use HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover®, the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com/. Get Cingular Wireless press releases emailed to you automatically. Sign up at http://cingular.mediaroom.com/.
The nation's first broadcast network, NBC has evolved into a diverse, international media company. In addition to the NBC Television Network and 14 NBC television stations, the company owns CNBC, operates MSNBC in partnership with Microsoft, and maintains interests in a number of programming services, including the A&E Network, the History Channel, ValueVision, Inc. (ShopNBC), Paxson Communications, and Rainbow Media Holdings. In addition, NBC owns Telemundo, the nation's second-largest Spanish-language media company. NBC also has equity stakes in several new media companies. International holdings include CNBC Europe and CNBC Asia Pacific, which are services of NBC and Dow Jones, and an equity position in National Geographic Channels International.
Members of the media can get more information about NBC and its programming on the NBC Media Village Web site at http://www.nbcmv.com/.
Broadway Video Entertainment is one of New York's leading post-production services companies and a major independent producer of television and film entertainment. Founded in 1979 by Lorne Michaels, Emmy Award-winning creator and executive producer of the landmark television comedy "Saturday Night Live," its Broadway Video Enterprises division manages the company's extensive library of original and acquired entertainment content, distributing it to television and home video markets worldwide. Broadway Video Entertainment also develops and produces popular feature film and television entertainment through its motion picture division, Broadway Video Film Production, and its television production arm, Broadway Video Television. In addition Broadway Video provides award-winning design, video and audio production services, as well as duplication, encoding and DVD authoring services for leading entertainment and corporate clients. For information: http://www.broadwayvideo.com/.
-- Broadway Video Entertainment -- 
 
Gym Class Heroes Start New Year With Headline Trek; "The Darryl Hall For President Tour '07" Features Support From Rx Bandits, P.O.S., and k-os; Alt-Hip-Hop Band Set to Perform New Single "Cupid's Chokehold" on NBC's "Late Night With Conan O'Brien"
 December 19, 2006 -- Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen recording group Gym Class Heroes has unveiled plans for a major North American headlining tour. Dubbed "The Darryl Hall For President Tour '07," tickets for the seven-week trek (see itinerary below) go on sale this Friday, December 22nd. 
The Geneva, NY-based group -- whose sophomore effort, "AS CRUEL AS SCHOOL CHILDREN," has been hailed as one of 2006's best -- will top an electrifying and eclectic bill including progressive ska-punkers Rx Bandits, and two of today's most acclaimed alternative hip-hop artists, P.O.S. and k-os. The tour kicks off at Boston's Avalon Ballroom on February 17th, with dates continuing through an April 6th finale at New Orleans' House of Blues. 
Gym Class Heroes will herald "The Darryl Hall For President Tour '07" with a visit to NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," slated for Friday, January 12th. The appearance follows the band's previous TV performances on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live," DirecTV's "CD USA," and the syndicated "Fearless Music TV." 
"Cupid's Chokehold," the new single from "AS CRUEL AS SCHOOL CHILDREN," is currently impacting at rock radio outlets nationwide. 
Named MTV2's "Artists To Watch 2007," Gym Class Heroes are proving to be popular favorites at the network, where "Cupid's Chokehold" is already among the top 10 most played videos. The clip -- which features the band's good friend, Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy -- recently debuted across the MTV spectrum, including MTV's "TRL," mtvU, and MTV2, where it was an "Unleashed" premiere, receiving hourly airings throughout its first day on the air. In addition, Gym Class Heroes have just taped an appearance for MTV2's "T Minus Rock," slated to air in early January. 
"Cupid's Chokehold" is additionally the week's #3 most streamed video on MTV.com, and in "Summa Cum Laude" rotation at mtvU, where, this past fall, the band's breakthrough single/video, "The Queen and I," earned a "Woodie of the Year" nomination from the annual mtvU Woodie Awards. Gym Class Heroes later stole the show at the star-studded ceremonies, delivering a thrilling performance before the crowd at New York's Roseland Ballroom. 
What's more, "Cupid's Chokehold" has also begun blowing up at Fuse, coming in this week as the #4 most played video, with "The Queen and I" also continuing to be among the network's biggest hits. 
A remarkably dedicated live act, Gym Class Heroes has just wrapped up its final itinerary of the year, a schedule which saw the band playing a number of major radio-sponsored holiday shows, plus a pair of major dates with Fall Out Boy. The group spent much of 2006 on the road, including a stint on Vans Warped Tour which had them playing two shows a day to packed audiences. That was followed by their own "Jerry's Kids Short Bus Tour 06" (with support from Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen's own Cobra Starship), as well as a series of dates alongside the All-American Rejects. As if all that weren't enough, the band hit the United Kingdom for a handful of SRO headline dates in early September. 
Produced by S*A*M, aka Sam Hollander (Method Man, the Sounds, and Earth, Wind & Fire), and Sluggo, the alter-ego of renowned session bassist Dave Katz (Roger Daltrey), "AS CRUEL AS SCHOOL CHILDREN" also features co-production from Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump. The album drew rapturous praise in a number of national publications, including Alternative Press, which awarded the collection its top five-starred rating. Rolling Stone followed up with a "New Artist To Watch" feature on the band. 
Gym Class Heroes first garnered critical acclaim for their unique sound and approach with their Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen debut, 2005's "THE PAPERCUT CHRONICLES." It was the band's alternative hip-hop style and use of live instruments in favor of looped samples and canned beats that caught the attention of Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz, who immediately signed the group to his Decaydance imprint. With constant touring and a huge online presence, the band has built a large and dedicated fan base. 
Gym Class Heroes are: Travis McCoy (lead vocalist), Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo (guitarist), Eric Roberts (bassist), and Matt McGinley (drummer). 
For more information, visit the band's website at www.gymclassheroes.com, or check out their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/gymclassheroes. 
                     GYM CLASS HEROES          "The Darryl Hall For President Tour '07"          All Dates w/Rx Bandits, P.O.S., and k-os  FEBRUARY 17              Boston, MA             Avalon Ballroom 18              Troy, NY               Revolution Hall 20              Indiana, PA            Ohio Room - IU 21              Washington, DC         9:30 Club 22 New York, NY           Webster Hall 23              Rochester, NY          Douglas Hall 24              Pittsburgh, PA         Duquesne University - Union Ballroom 25              Philadelphia, PA       Trocadero 26              Norfolk, VA            Norva Theater 27              Jacksonville, FL       Freebird Live 28 Fort Lauderdale, FL Culture Room MARCH 1 Orlando, FL            The Club at Firestone 2               Atlanta, GA            The Masquerade 3               Nashville, TN          Rocketown 4               Cincinnati, OH         Bogart's 6               Cleveland, OH          House of Blues 7               Grand Rapids, MI       The Intersection 8               Detroit, MI            St. Andrews Hall 9               Toronto, ON            Opera House 10              Montreal, QC           Le National 11              Ottawa, ON             Babylon 13              Columbus, OH           Newport Music Hall 14              Indianapolis, IN       The Irving Theater 15              Chicago, IL            House of Blues 16              Sauget, IL             Pop's 17              Lawrence, KS           Granada 18              Minneapolis, MN        First Avenue 20              Englewood, CO          Gothic Theater 21              Salt Lake City, UT     Avalon Theater 23              Seattle, WA            El Corazon 24              Portland, OR           Hawthorne Theater 25              Orangevale, CA         The Boardwalk 26 West Hollywood, CA     House of Blues Hollywood 27              San Francisco, CA      The Fillmore 28              San Diego, CA          Soma 29              Anaheim, CA            House of Blues 30              Phoenix, AZ            Marquee Theatre 31              Tucson, AZ             Rialto Theatre  APRIL 1               Albuquerque, NM        Sunshine Theater 3               Dallas, TX             Gypsy Ballroom 4               San Antonio, TX        White Rabbit 5               Houston, TX            Meridian 6               New Orleans, LA        House of Blues 
 
Guy Clark with Rodney Crowell: Talking Shop
By Peter Cronin
 
© 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.
"Sure, I'll do that."  - Rodney Crowell
Rodney Crowell didn't hesitate for a second when CMA Close Up approached him about sitting down to interview his old friend Guy Clark. As friends, collaborators and creative rabble-rousers, Crowell and Clark go way back. Both Texas born-and-raised, they've continually shared that indefinable and quirky something that seems to distinguish singer/songwriters from that particular planet. Whatever the reason, the enduring friendship and creative energy between these two musical iconoclasts has constantly been special and still runs deep. 
They both hit Nashville in the early '70s, part of a new wave of free-thinking, deep-digging writers following in the formidable wake of Mickey Newbury, Jerry Jeff Walker and especially Townes Van Zandt, who drifted in and out of the scene like a ghost. In the decades since, Crowell and Clark have each found their own kind of success. Crowell flirted with Country stardom in the late '80s before veering to the left to become the consistent hit songwriter and premier Americana artist he is today. And Clark ? Well, he's just kept right on being Guy Clark - painting pictures, building world-class guitars, writing songs and releasing albums at his own pace (12 collections of new material throughout the last 31 years).
His latest album, Workbench Songs, which was released by Dualtone Records on Oct. 17, is a finely distilled collection of story-songs that fit like a favorite sweater. Celebrating the release, Clark gave a series of performances at the Country Music Hall of Fame® as the Museum's 2006 Artist-in-Residence. 
The following interview took place in the basement workshop of Clark's Nashville home, with the mingled scents of sawdust and tobacco filling the room and guitars in various stages of disassembly all over the place. Under a well-worn photo of their old friend and inspirer, Van Zandt, the two songwriters settled in for a little shop talk and a lot of laughs.
CROWELL:  When you were in your 20s, did you have a workbench?
CLARK: Oh yeah, I always had a workbench. First thing I'd do when I'd rent a garage apartment was find a corner cubby hole and make a workbench; got to have a workbench. I've got this little guitar shop where I make flamenco guitars and then this steel string.  In the last five years I've made 10 guitars. But it's something I've always loved to do and I swore I was gonna have a guitar shop so I could just come down and build guitars anytime I wanted to.
CROWELL: As long as I've known you I've never asked you this, where were you born?
CLARK: I was born in Monahans , Texas . 
CROWELL:  What was your dad doing out there?
CLARK: Well, at that time, in 1941, he was in the Army, and he was in Hawaii for most of the war. My grandmother had a hotel in Monahans. So he grew up there with a single mom. She had her leg amputated on the kitchen table when she was 12. Tough as nails, man. 
CROWELL: So your earliest memories would have been wartime?
CLARK: Oh yeah. My dad was overseas, so we lived in this little hotel most of the time. There was a B29 bomber base outside of Monahans in Pyote , Texas . The place was filled with these young pilots either going or coming back, and coming back they were real crazy; you had to be quiet around them, no sudden moves or loud noises.
CROWELL: Was there any music that surrounded wartime radio?
CLARK: Well, yeah, big band, swing stuff. 
CROWELL: Was that the first music that you took notice of?
CLARK: Yeah, probably so. That and Louis Armstrong. My parents liked to dance, and at their age the hippest music going was 16-piece dance bands which is really far out. They're all playing these charts and it's just so smokin' man. I remember going to hear a Texas swing band with my parents in some big barn place. I don't know if it was Ernest Tubb, but it was somebody like that in the '40s.
CROWELL: It could have been Bob Wills.
CLARK: Could have been and I just didn't know it. There was never anything but the radio. Nobody had a record player until I got into junior high and bought 45s. 
CROWELL: What did you buy?
CLARK: The first thing I bought was a collection of Louis Armstrong records, two songs on each side, the very first 45s. It was like a boxed set. My mother's uncle, who lived in Odessa , ran all the jukeboxes in West Texas , and he had this warehouse full of old 78s that came off of jukeboxes. We were allowed to take armloads of them home. We'd play them and make ashtrays out of them. Probably what was there was really priceless. (laughs)
CROWELL: Your childhood was all in West Texas , right?
CLARK: Not all. I was in the third grade when my father decided to go back to law school on the GI Bill. He had a wife and three kids and we moved to Houston and lived in those old Army barracks on campus while my father went to law school.     
CROWELL: You would have been in Houston in the early '50s?
CLARK: Yep. I remember we would take these trips and just drive around Texas . Up in the hill country, down the coast, everywhere just looking for the right small town to set up a law practice. 
CROWELL: When did you graduate and what was the world like? 
CLARK: 1960. The world was full of hope. John Kennedy was President. The first thing I did was join the Peace Corps. 
CROWELL: Did you go off somewhere?
CLARK: No, I got kicked out. (laughs) I spent a month in survival training in Puerto Rico, up in the mountains and then a month at the University of Minnesota at St. Paul studying the Indian language. Man, I spoke Spanish! So why are you sending me to India ? (laughs) It was my first confrontation with government bureaucracy. My heart wasn't really in it. Plus, I was having too much fun.
CROWELL: When did you pick up the guitar?
CLARK: Sophomore year in high school. My father had taken in a young woman law partner. She had just graduated from the University of Texas , and her name was Lola Bonner. She sang and played guitar. She was from South Texas and she played all those Mexican songs. It was the first time I'd ever seen anybody sit in a room, just right there. I was absolutely captivated from that moment on. There was just no question I was going to do this. First time I heard her I was like, "Wow, I want to do that."
CROWELL: One little known fact about you is that you were an art director of a teenage dance show, "The Larry Kane Show," which I used to watch as a kid in Texas . I remember seeing Roy Head and the Traits on there and a lot of that good, local stuff. Was there anything you did in school that would give you the background to become an art director for a television show?
CLARK: No, it was something that came very naturally to me. 
CROWELL: Besides being a performer and a songwriter, you build guitars, you're a painter, you're an art director. I remember you had that period where you really focused in on painting a lot. The results of your painting were just stunning. You have just a natural gift for the brush stroke.
CLARK: I know, and it just comes so easy to me, it's like, "This isn't fair, it's too easy!" (laughs) That's why I stuck with the guitar. It's like damn, this is hard.
CROWELL: Does building guitars strike you as being as easy as painting?
CLARK: Yep. All my life, we were always encouraged in the arts, in drawing, and just anything crafty. I always did that kind of stuff, and I was always good at it, but I never had any formal training. My first year in college, I majored in physics. (laughs)
CROWELL: That would apply to building guitars.
CLARK: Oh yeah. But it didn't take long to get over that.
CROWELL: I remember you telling me that as a kid you were encouraged to listen to recordings of spoken poetry. 
CLARK: When I was growing up, that was pre-TV. We didn't have a TV set until I was a junior in high school. So after supper, we would sit around and either play Scrabble, or Monopoly or read out loud. We'd pass the book around and read poetry out loud, or a novel or a short story or something.
CROWELL: I've said to people, "Besides his imagination and his gift for it, Guy is the best self-editor I've ever known."
CLARK: I like wrangling words. My mother, 'til the day she died, worked the New York Times Crossword Puzzle every day. The use of language was at the top of the list. Some of the poems that we were encouraged to read were really melodic and storytelling, like Robert Service, Vachel Lindsay, Stephen Vincent Benet, just amazing stuff. I still have it.
CROWELL: When did you bump into Townes [Van Zandt]?
CLARK: Probably '64, '65, '66, somewhere around there. I met him with Jerry Jeff [ Walker ]. Jerry Jeff was hangin' out in Houston , and he brought him to a party one night. That was the first time I saw him.
CROWELL: Had you started writing? 
CLARK: No.
CROWELL: But you were performing as a folk singer at the time.
CLARK: Yep.  It had to be squeaky clean traditional. The first thing, you had to learn a Bob Dylan song.
CROWELL: It seems to me you would have been ahead of Bob Dylan's songs. You would have been into Leadbelly.
CLARK: Oh yeah, and all that real traditional stuff. In Houston , we had access to Lightnin'  Hopkins and Mance Lipscomb. Any time you wanted to go see Lightnin', you could just go see him, you know?
CROWELL: Was Townes the catalyst that triggered you into writing songs?
CLARK: I think so. And Jerry Jeff too, because he was the one who was really doing it. He was out there hitchhiking around, living on the road and making a living playing and singing songs.
CROWELL: He had already written "Mr. Bojangles" probably.
CLARK: At that time is when he wrote it. 
CROWELL: So this meeting of you and Jerry Jeff and Townes, that's when you started writing.
CLARK: I said, "If these jerks can do it, I can too." (laughs) There is some of that, but it was also the natural place to go with what I was doing. 
CROWELL: With you and Townes and Jerry Jeff, that's three strong alpha males; and all of you in your 20s with that healthy competition and one-ups-manship. 
CLARK: It never was competitive, it was always encouraging. The first thing you'd do with a new song was, "Hey, listen to this." The other person isn't going to put it down and tell you it's no good. It wasn't a competitive sport.
CROWELL: Writing is not a competitive sport. But still, in your 20s, there's still that competitiveness. In the case of the Beatles, they wound up hating each other. In terms of Townes and Jerry Jeff, it took a lot of energy to be who they were. 
CLARK: Oh yeah. They were real self-centered jerks! (laughs) It was like "me, me, me."
CROWELL: You're a jerk, too. Your jerk always came out in not suffering fools gladly. 
CLARK: I guess so.
CROWELL: In the late-'60s you went to California , didn't you?
CLARK: I did. In '68 and '69. I had gotten divorced from my first wife, and went off to find myself, and moved to San Francisco and lived with my friend Minor Wilson. I worked in his guitar shop, and played and sang down in North Beach .
CROWELL: Is that where you started learning how to build guitars?
CLARK: No, that's another thing that just came very naturally to me. The first Mexican guitar I got, the first thing I did was fix it. I started taking it apart and trying to figure out how it worked. And it has fascinated me ever since. It's like, "Wow! What a cool thing!" Especially Spanish-built guitars, just from the craftsmanship point of it.
CROWELL: So, you were in San Francisco in the Summer of Love?
CLARK: I just missed the Summer of Love. The bloom was off the flower children (laughs). After I lived in San Francisco , I moved back to Houston , and that's when Susanna and I got together. We went to L.A. to try to make it in the music business. I was 30 or 31, and it was was like, "Man if you don't do it now, you're gonna die wishing you'd done it." So we packed up all our dishes in our Volkswagen bus. I didn't have any demo tapes, so every time I'd get an appointment with a publisher, I'd take my guitar and some lyrics and sit down and sing for 'em. One day, a guy at Sunbury Music said, "I want somebody to hear you." It was the President of RCA's publishing company, Sunbury/Dunbar. I played four songs, and he said "That's fine, how much money do you want, and where do you want to live?"
CROWELL: And you said " Nashville ."
CLARK: I knew already just from living in L.A. a year, that I did not really want to live there. And I knew Mickey [Newbury] lived here.
CROWELL:  When people ask me about your work I tell them it's a deep combination of brilliant imagination and melodic sense combined with this incredible jeweler's eye of a self-editor. Revision is the writer's friend.
CLARK: Yeah, it's like that first Mexican guitar I ever got, the first thing I wanted to do with it was fix it. And I just get a kick out of wrangling words, you know? I just enjoy it. 
CROWELL: Painting, building guitars and writing songs, does it all come from the same source, the same kind of influence?
CLARK: Sure, I think so. 
CROWELL: So what about the future, is there anything you haven't done that you'd like to do?
CLARK: Yeah. All these things that you're talking about, the painting, the writing and building guitars, are things that I do that no one ever gets to be the best there is at. And the more you do it the less you know, and the harder it is the better. I've always wanted to build a house, but it's always, "I don't think so right now." And I've always wanted to build a boat, but "I don't think so right now." And I still want to build another one of these guitars over here. 
CROWELL: But if you wanted to build a house, I bet you'd build yourself a good one.
CLARK: Yeah, I would!  
On the Web: www.guyclark.com; www.rodneycrowell.com 
 
Playboy to Open First European Concept Boutique in London 
, Dec. 19 -- Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (PEI) announced today that it will open a freestanding Playboy Concept Boutique on London's popular Oxford Street, next spring. Reflecting the global fashion- lifestyle brand's retail strategy to launch at least three stores per year over the next few years, Playboy's upscale shopping destination will be owned and operated under license by Global Designer Brands (GDB).
"Historically, Playboy has had a longstanding relationship with London, one of the biggest fashion capitals in the world. Playboy's growing retail success at London's preeminent retailers has demonstrated consumer demand to expand confidently to a freestanding Playboy Concept Boutique in this desirable market," said Christie Hefner, chairman and CEO of Playboy Enterprises, Inc. "Given Oxford Street's reputation for offering the latest fashions to discerning London shoppers, we believe that the freestanding Playboy store, while complementing our third-party distribution, will create additional interest and enthusiasm for our wide range of products."
The Playboy Concept Boutique in London will be the eighth in the world, following store openings in:
  * Tokyo (2002), which was recognized as one of 40 top stores in the world     by the Retail Leaders Association   * Las Vegas (May 2005), the first U.S. retail location at The Forum Shops   * Melbourne (September 2005), in Australia's fashionable Chapel Street     area   * Hong Kong (January 2006), in Causeway Bay's upscale Fashion Walk area   * Kuala Lumpur (July 2006), in Utama Shopping Mall, Malaysia's premier     fashion area   * Bangkok (August 2006), in the new Central World Plaza Mall   * Auckland (Spring 2007), in Sylvia Park, the country's largest shopping     center  
In addition to the Playboy Concept Boutiques, a high-end retail boutique opened in June 2006 in the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The store is part of a larger entertainment destination, which is operated by the Palms Casino Resort and the N9NE Group, and opened in October 2006, revealing a nightclub, boutique casino and lounge, and sky villa, all featuring the world- famous Playboy Rabbit Head.
The Playboy Concept Boutique in London will offer a unique shopping experience to style-conscious men and women, as well as to Playboy enthusiasts. Unlike traditional retailers, the Playboy Concept Boutiques emphasize a design-driven look, inspired by the spirit of Playboy and representing concepts inherent to the iconic brand. Their fixturing is purpose-developed for Playboy, making the architectural elements "concepts" unto themselves, with furniture and fixtures inspired by Playboy iconography, enhancing the shopping experience. The exciting format and design of the store undoubtedly will be a destination point for European shoppers. Offering men's and women's collections of Playboy apparel, jewelry, accessories, footwear, and swimwear, the new location also will feature the high-end "Playboy Intimates" white-label lingerie and Playboy "Icon" collection of evening dresses.
In addition to the Playboy Concept Boutique in London, Playboy opened its first-ever fashion showroom in May 2005, occupying two floors at 48 Beak Street in the trendy Soho area. The venue serves as a fashion hub for media and retail buyers. Further demonstrating its commitment to the London market, Playboy opened a regional office on Rosebery Avenue in Holborn in fall 2006.
In May 2006, Playboy Editor-in-Chief Hugh Hefner visited London for the first time in over five years to celebrate his 80th birthday with an exclusive in-store event to launch Playboy men's underwear at Harvey Nichols. Other London retail partnerships have included the debut at Selfridges of Playboy's prestige cosmetics collection, "Playboy Beauty" and "Playboy Exposed" at Harvey Nichols, a photo exhibit of the most iconic images in Playboy's history that were incorporated in men's and women's fashion items. Luxury retailers that have carried Playboy fashion merchandise also include Henri Bendel in New York; Kitson in Los Angeles; Colette in Paris; Galeries Lafayette in Berlin; Daslu in Sao Paolo, and Seibu and Sogo in Hong Kong.
Playboy's branded line of licensed fashion and consumer products has experienced exceptional growth at retail since its repositioning in 1999, with a product offering that includes men's and women's fashion apparel and accessories, underwear, legwear, outerwear and footwear, as well as home furnishings and lifestyle and entertainment products. Playboy's licensed products business as a whole now generates in excess of $700 million in global retail sales in more than 130 countries and territories. Celebrities and fashion influencers spotted wearing Playboy fashions and accessories include Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Jade Jagger, Snoop Dogg, and Lenny Kravitz.
About Playboy Enterprises, Inc.
Playboy Enterprises is a brand-driven, international multimedia entertainment company that publishes editions of Playboy magazine around the world; operates television networks and distributes programming globally; owns Playboy.com, a leading men's lifestyle and entertainment web site; and licenses the Playboy trademark internationally for a range of consumer products and services. 
Source: Playboy Enterprises, Inc. 
 
Oscar(R) Winners Adrien Brody and Ben Affleck, Academy Award(R) Nominee Diane Lane All Star in the 2006 Golden Globe-Nominated Thriller Inspired by Hollywood's Most Notorious Unsolved Mystery 'Hollywoodland' 
'The performances by Adrien Brody, Diane Lane and Ben Affleck are all Oscar(R)-worthy. This is one sensational film.' -Larry King 
On DVD February 6, 2007 From Universal Studios Home Entertainment 
Dec. 19 -- Ben Affleck ("Good Will Hunting," "Pearl Harbor") is a Golden Globe Award nominee* for his riveting performance in "Hollywoodland," a story of scandal, corruption and a star's mysterious death during Hollywood's Golden Era. The film comes to DVD and HDDVD/DVD Combo format on February 6, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
Academy Award(R) winner Affleck, along with Academy Award(R) winner Adrien Brody ("King Kong," "The Pianist") and Oscar(R) nominees Diane Lane ("The Perfect Storm," "Unfaithful") and Bob Hoskins ("Who Framed Roger Rabbit"), leads a sterling cast in the critically acclaimed account of the strange demise of actor George Reeves, known to a generation of Americans as television's Superman. The price of celebrity is viewed in a stark light in this compelling retelling of Tinsel Town's most infamous real-life mystery. Allen Coulter (The Sopranos, Sex and the City) makes an outstanding feature film directorial debut with a picture-perfect thriller set against the glamour and corruption of 1950s Hollywood. Affleck dazzles as the increasingly desperate Reeves, a performance that earned him Best Actor honors at the 2006 Venice International Film Festival. A murder mystery with a twist, "Hollywoodland" dramatizes a search for the truth that will keep audiences guessing at every turn. The DVD includes exciting bonus features that take viewers inside classic Hollywood for a glimpse of the toxic effects of celebrity.
In "Hollywoodland," low-rent private detective Louis Simo (Adrien Brody) is hired to investigate the premature death of Hollywood striver George Reeves (Ben Affleck). Haunted by his own success and unable to shed the superhero image created by his popular television show, Reeves is found dead, apparently by his own hand. As Simo probes the circumstances surrounding the actor's death, he finds tantalizing suggestions of foul play involving Reeves' fiancee, his wealthy lover and her movie mogul husband -- and puts himself at risk. The DVD is priced at $29.98 SRP. The combo disc is priced at $39.98. Preorder close is January 9, 2007.
To view a clip from "Hollywoodland", please access the link below: http://www.hollywoodlandmovie.com/media/hollywoodland_laugh_happy_300k.mov 
* Ben Affleck, 2006 Golden Globe nominee -- Performance By an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
SUPER CRITICAL SUCCESS FOR "HOLLYWOODLAND"
Critics agree that "Hollywoodland" is a must-see, and an awards contender. "Hollywoodland" is "a perfect crime thriller!" says Rex Reed of The New York Observer. "Hollywoodland" is "sexy, exciting, [and] mysterious," according to Jan Wahl, KRON TV in San Francisco. Larry King declared, "The performances by Adrien Brody, Diane Lane and Ben Affleck are all Oscar(R)-worthy," and that "this is one sensational film."
INTRIGUING BONUS FEATURES
The "Hollywoodland" DVD contains more than a half-hour of exclusive bonus features including:
  -  Deleted Scenes   -  Recreating Old Hollywood - In this piece, the production team      demonstrates how they re-created the glamour of the Hollywood of      yesteryear.  Interviews include ones with the film's production      designer, set decorator, costume designer, make-up artists and hair      stylists.   -  Behind the Headlines - Director Allen Coulter, screenwriter Paul      Bernbaum, and other members of the creative team reveal which elements      of the film story are based on fact, and what creative liberties they      had to take in order to tell the story of the unsolved mystery      surrounding George Reeves' death.   -  Hollywood Then and Now - With help from historians, filmmakers,      actors and other experts, explore how Hollywood has changed in the last      60 years, as the similarities and difference between "classic"      Hollywood and today's big city are examined.   -  Feature Commentary with Director Allen Coulter                                   SYNOPSIS 
Based on the true story of Hollywood's most notorious unsolved mystery, "Hollywoodland" is a tale of glamour, scandal, and corruption in 1950s Los Angeles. When George Reeves (Ben Affleck), star of TV's Adventures of Superman, is found dead in his home, millions of fans are shocked by the circumstances of his death. The police and the studio bosses want the case closed as a suicide, but rumors linger. Louis Simo (Adrien Brody), a private investigator, picks up the trail and begins to piece together the actor's last, tension-filled days. Who pulled the trigger? Was it the seductive yet scheming fiancee, the spurned lover (Diane Lane), the enraged husband (Bob Hoskins), or was it Reeves himself? Simo must find out before the truth is buried forever.
  For more information please visit: www.hollywoodlandmovie.com    CAST & FILMMAKERS   Director: Allen Coulter   Written By: Paul Bernbaum   Produced By: Glenn Williamson   Director of Photography: Jonathan Freeman   Film Editor: Michael Berenbaum   Production Designer: Leslie McDonald   Costume Designer: Julie Weiss   Music By: Marcelo Zarvos   Cast: Adrien Brody, Diane Lane, Ben Affleck, Bob Hoskins, Lois Smith,         Robin Tunney    TECHNICAL INFORMATION   DVD   Street Date: February 6, 2007   Pre-Order Close: January 9, 2007   Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.   Price:  $29.98   Selection Number: Widescreen 31975, Full Frame 30081   Running Time: 2 Hours 6 Minutes   Layers: Dual Layer   Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1 and Full Frame 1.33:1   Rating: R for language, some violence and sexual content   Technical Info:     -  English: Dolby Digital 5.1     -  French: Dolby Digital 5.1     -  Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French    HD DVD/DVD COMBO   Street Date: February 6, 2007   Pre-Order Close: January 9, 2007   Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.   Price:  $39.98   Selection Number: Widescreen   Running Time: 2 Hours 6 Minutes   Layers: Dual Layer   Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1 and Full Frame 1.33:1   Rating: R for language, some violence and sexual content   Technical Info:     -  English: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1     -  French: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1     -  Subtitles: English SDH, French  
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.
 
 
A Decade on the Web for Iconic Sports Site 
December 19 Sports fans have something extra to celebrate this Christmas as the iconic news and content portal, sportinglife.com celebrates 10 years on the web on Wednesday 20 December. 
It is a full decade since the Leeds-based site brought the historic brand bang up to date with an online offering that was originally a companion to the sports paper, founded in 1859. Much has changed in the ensuing years, but sportinglife.com remains one of the most recognisable brands in British sport. 
"I can't believe it's been 10 years, but the site has never stopped changing and developing in that time," says Graham Shaw, editor-in-chief of sportinglife.com, who has been with the site since 1996. "We've had many different styles and columnists,, but the biggest development has been the advent of broadband, which has brought more sports fans to the site and allowed them to follow the action nearly as fast as we can deliver the news and information. 
"What hasn't changed is our commitment to the delivery of high quality sports news, which helped us make the transition to an internet-focused brand when The Sporting Life newspaper closed in 1998." 
Launched as a joint venture between Trinity Mirror - then owners of the newspaper version - and the Press Association, sportinglife.com was sold in 2001 to what is now 365 Media Group plc (currently the subject of a recommended cash offer from BskyB). It has since become part of a stable of internet-based sports brands that includes Football365.com, Sportal.com and TEAMtalk.com. 
"sportinglife.com has continued to generate a huge loyal following because it continues to do its job so well" says Andy Roberts, head of marketing for 365 Media Group. "That's because for the sports fan, sportinglife.com has always been and still is the best for the latest breaking sports news, live scores and results." 
Broadcaster Tony Jardine is the F1 columnist for the site and sportinglife.com also sponsors his successful rally team. 
"2006 marks the seventh year of sportinglife.com's association with my rally campaign, during which time the site has really grown in profile and popularity," says Tony. "The team is very proud to be associated with such a prestigious website, which covers such a broad spectrum of sports and has such a powerful reach." 
Visit www.365mediagroup.co.uk for more information. 
Source: 365 Media Group Plc
 
 
Wicked, Jimmy Buffett and Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Are 'Most Requested Events' in 2006 
Disney on Ice and New England Patriots Are Year's Most Requested Family and Sporting Events, Respectively 
 Dec. 19 -- Wicked, the Broadway musical and theatrical tour was the top "Most Requested Event" in 2006 according to Ticketmaster, the world's leading ticketing company. Following closely behind on the chart ranked by online page views, information requests, and ticket sales from 1/1/06 to 12/13/06 were Jimmy Buffett and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's Soul2Soul II Tour.
Jimmy Buffett and McGraw/Hill's tour were also the top two "Most Requested Concerts" of 2006, followed by Dave Matthews Band and the Cheetah Girls ranking at #3 and #4 respectively. Wicked also ranked as the #1 "Most Requested Arts and Theatre Event" followed by IL Divo, Mary Poppins, and Blue Man Group. The New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and New York Yankees were Ticketmaster's "Most Requested Sporting Events" in 2006. And Disney On Ice followed by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and the Wiggles were the year's "Most Requested Family Attractions."
"It's wonderful to see every category of live entertainment represented among the year's most requested events," said Ticketmaster President, Sean Moriarty. "Fans have never had a greater opportunity to choose from such a wide set of live events and, based upon the choices they're making, they clearly like what they see."
  Following are the Most Requested Events of 2006:                     2006 MOST REQUESTED EVENTS   RANK   1       WICKED   2       JIMMY BUFFETT   3       TIM MCGRAW AND FAITH HILL SOUL2SOUL II   4       DAVE MATTHEWS BAND   5       THE CHEETAH GIRLS   6       NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS   7       CHICAGO BEARS   8       KENNY CHESNEY   9       SHAKIRA   10      AMERICAN IDOLS LIVE PRESENTED BY POP-TARTS                    2006 MOST REQUESTED CONCERTS   RANK   1       JIMMY BUFFETT   2       TIM MCGRAW AND FAITH HILL SOUL2SOUL II   3       DAVE MATTHEWS BAND   4       THE CHEETAH GIRLS   5       KENNY CHESNEY   6       SHAKIRA   7       AMERICAN IDOLS LIVE PRESENTED BY POP-TARTS   8       BON JOVI   9       BILLY JOEL   10      TOOL                2006 MOST REQUESTED SPORTING EVENTS   RANK   1       NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS   2       CHICAGO BEARS   3       NEW YORK YANKEES   4       DETROIT TIGERS   5       DALLAS MAVERICKS   6       PHILADELPHIA EAGLES   7       WWE WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT   8       DENVER BRONCOS   9       SEATTLE SEAHAWKS   10      MIAMI HEAT              2006 MOST REQUESTED ARTS & THEATRE EVENTS   RANK   1       WICKED   2       IL DIVO   3       MARY POPPINS   4       BLUE MAN GROUP   5       RENT   6       ANNIE   7       HAIRSPRAY   8       ANDREA BOCELLI   9       MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT   10      MAMMA MIA!                2006 MOST REQUESTED FAMILY ATTRACTIONS   RANK   1       DISNEY ON ICE   2       RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS   3       RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR   4       WIGGLES   5       HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO   6       SESAME STREET LIVE   7       DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE!   8       UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS   9       HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS   10      SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW AND RODEO    
Ticketmaster's ranking of the nation's most requested events is based on online page views, information requests, and ticket sales through Ticketmaster sales channels during 2006 (1/01/06 - 12/13/06). 
Source: Ticketmaster 
 
Bono, Gnarls Barkley, Nelly Furtado, The Flaming Lips, Sufjan Stevens, Sting and Others Receive Top Honors From Second Annual XM Nation Awards 
XM, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers, today announced the winners of the Second Annual XM Nation Awards. Music fans nationwide cast their votes for nominated artists and categories selected by XM's programming staff in categories ranging from "Best Comeback of the Year" to "Least Favorite Celebrity-turned-Music Act" to "Artist Most Overlooked By FM Radio." Fans were also able to write in their choice for the artist they'd most like to have their own music show on XM.
  Some of the winners include:                 Award Category                        Winner    "XMU Next" - Most Important Emerging    Sufjan Stevens    Indie Artist    "Off the Radar" - Artist Most           The Flaming Lips    Overlooked by FM Radio    "On the Rebound" - Best Comeback        Nelly Furtado    of the Year    "Dream Duet" - Artist Collaborations    Alice Cooper & Rob Zombie    We'd Like to See    "Dashboard Anthem" - Best Sing Along    "Crazy" - Gnarls Barkley    of 2006    "Closet Classic" - Favorite "Guilty     "Sweet Caroline" - Neil Diamond    Pleasure" Song    "Wish You Were Still Here" - Artist     John Lennon    We'd Like to Have Back    "Keep Your Day Job" - Least Favorite    Kevin Federline    Celebrity-Turned-Music Artist    "Sound Sidetrack" - Favorite "Musical   Sting - "Songs From the Labyrinth"    Departure" Album    "Live @ XM"- Favorite Live XM           Andrea Bocelli    Performance    "Enough Already!" - Most Played-Out     "You're Beautiful" - James Blunt    Song of 2006    "Call My Agent" - Artist We'd Like to   Bono    See Host a Show on XM  
Additionally, XM will air a four-hour XM Nation Awards special throughout New Year's Day 2007, highlighting this year's nominees and winners, along with the best musical moments of 2006. Hosted by XM on-air music programming staff, the special will debut at 12 midnight ET on January 1, 2007 on XM LIVE (XM 200), with encores airing throughout the day.
A complete list of winners is available at http://www.xmradio.com/xmnation.
  Editor's Note: The full list of winners is attached to this release.    About XM Satellite Radio 
XM (NASDAQ:XMSR) is America's number one satellite radio company with more than 7 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2006 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: commercial-free music, premier sports, news, talk radio, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information.
XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota is available in 140 different vehicle models for 2006. XM's industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. For more information about XM hardware, programming and partnerships, please visit http://www.xmradio.com/.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements in this press release include demand for XM Satellite Radio's service, the Company's dependence on technology and third party vendors, its potential need for additional financing, as well as other risks described in XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.'s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 3-9-06. Copies of the filing are available upon request from XM Radio's Investor Relations Department.
                             XM NATION AWARDS                                2006 WINNERS            XM NATION AWARD CATEGORY                  WINNER    XMU Next - Most Important Emerging Indie    Sufjan Stevens    Artist    Off the Radar - Artist Most Overlooked      The Flaming Lips    by FM Radio    On the Rebound - Best Comeback of the Year  Nelly Furtado    Dream Duets - Good Idea                     Alice Cooper & Rob Zombie    Don't Duet - Bad Idea                       Clay Aiken & 50 cent    Dashboard Anthem - Best Sing Along of 2006  Crazy - Gnarls Barkley    Closet Classic - Favorite "Guilty           Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond    Pleasure" song    XM Exile: The Song to be Banned in the      Who Let the Dogs Out - Baha    XM Nation                                   Men    Wish You Were Still Here - Artist We'd      John Lennon    like to have Back    Keep Your Day Job - Least Favorite          Kevin Federline    Celebrity-Turned-Music Artist    "Sound Sidetrack" - Favorite "Musical       Sting "Songs From the    Departure" Album                            Labyrinth"    Favorite Live at XM Performance             Andrea Bocelli    "Enough Already!" - Most Played-Out Song    You're Beautiful - James Blunt    of 2006    XM Sports Nation, Worst Sports Moment of    Zidane's head-butt    2006    XM Sports Nation: Best XM Sports Play by    Chicago White Sox win World    Play Moment                                 Series    "Call My Agent" - Artist We'd Like to See   Bono    Host a Show on XM    "The Supporter Cup" - Channel That          Squizz - XM 48    Inspires You To Buy The Most Music    Halo 2006 Christian Pop Artist of the Year  Casting Crowns    Cherub Award - Notable New Christian Pop    Sara Groves    Artist of 2006    "Most Anointed" - Award for Outstanding     Heroes - Kirk Franklin    Urban Gospel Album of 2006    Favorite Classical Confidential             Cecilia Bartoli    The Virtuoso Award - Favorite Classical     Renee Fleming - Sacred Songs    Album    Voices of Angels: Opera Singer Who Will     Lorraine Hunt Lieberson    Be Remembered Most    Big Schtick Award - Most Popular Comedy     Craig Shoemaker "Lovemaster"    Routine or Joke    Female "Stand-Up Comedy Champion" 2006      Lisa Lampanelli    Male "Stand-Up Comedy Champion" 2006        Lewis Black    X Country Best in Texas Award               Brian Burns    Best in Grass Bluegrass Award               Rhonda Vincent    Rookie Driver of the Year - Highway 16's    Carrie Underwood    Top New Country Artist    XM Country Superstar of the Year            Keith Urban    Disco Diva of All-Time                      Donna Summer    Most-Powerful Mixing Machine - Best         Armin Van Buuren    DJ/Mixer    Savoy Suave & Permanently Cool - What's     Frank Sinatra    Cool in the 40's is Cool Today    Spike Jones Award: Best Novelty Song        Purple People Eater by Sheb    of the 50's                                 Wooley    Favorite Protest/Anti-Protest Song          Blowin' in the Wind - Peter,                                                Paul & Mary    1970's Lyrically Challenged Award for       Blinded By the Light --    the Song Hardest to Understand              Manfred Mann's Earth band    (XM) Radio Killed the Video Star:           Thriller - Michael Jackson    Best MTV Video    Forever Flannel - 90s song that's still     Smells Like Teen Spirit -    cool                                        Nirvana    Early Reserve - Most-Anticipated Broadway   Les Miserables (revival)    Show of 2006/07    Favorite Million Dollar Ticket - Favorite   Wicked    Broadway Show Grossing $1 Million Plus    That's Entertainment Award - The most       Pirates of the Caribbean 2    "Fun" movie of 2006    The Score for 2006 - Favorite Movie         Superman Returns (John Ottman)    Soundtrack of the Year    Thanks for the Material: The Events/        Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie    People that gave us the best stuff to    talk about in 2006    The Theater-of-the-Mind Award -             Twilight Zone    Favorite Classic Radio Show    Most Innovative MOJA Album of the Year      Chick Corea    New & Blue -- Outstanding New Blues         Guitar George Baker    Artist of 2006    Epoch Award for Favorite Contemporary Jazz  The Rippingtons (20 yrs)    Band Celebrating a Milestone Anniversary    Real Jazz Icon Award - Living Legends       Sonny Rollins    The "Absolutely KINDIE" Award - Top         Terri Hendrix    Indie Kids Artist of 2006    Ultimate Earworm Award - Year's Most        The Hampsterdance    Relentlessly Catchy Kids Song    Best Latin "Make-Up" Song / Mejor           Chayanne - Te Echo de Menos    cancion para pedir perdon    Best Latin Drinking Song / Mejo             Valentin Elizalde - Como me    Cancion Para Tragos                         duele    Best Latin Song To Learn To Salsa /         Marc Anthony - Que Precio    Mejor Cancion para Aprender Salsa           Tiene El Cielo    Reggaeton Artist with the Best Body-Ink /   Daddy Yankee    Artista de Reggaeton con mas Tatuajes    The Golden Spliff Award - The Artist        Beenie Man    keeping it most Irie in 06    "We Believe" Award - Most Promising         The Fray    New Pop Act    Essential Pop Party Track of 2006           Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado    "Best Strange of the Year" - Squizz's       Hinder    Best New Artist    2006 Loft Artist of the Year                Neil Young    Welcome to The Loft - Notable New Artist    Peter Bradley Adams    of 2006    "Best Score Of The Year" - Tour that        Ozzfest    "scored" the most amount of groupies    XM Cafe Appetizer of the Year - Favorite    KT Tunstall - Eye to the    Adult Alternative New Release of 2006)      Telescope    XM Cafe Entree of the Year - Favorite       Ben Harper - Both Sides Of    Adult Alternative Album of 2006             The Gun    Alt Shaker Award                            Red Hot Chili Peppers    Fresh Ethel Seal of Approval -- New Ethel   Gnarls Barkley    Artist Most-Endorsed by the XM Nation    Stage Presence with Guitar -- Best          Pete Townsend    Guitar-hero Stance    Teflon Vinyl Award - Album With the         Dark Side of the Moon - Pink    Most Worn-out Grooves                       Floyd     The Giant Bone - Best Hard Rock             Queensryche "One Foot in    Performance                                 Hell"    The Go 2 Hell - Best Metal Performance      Slayer "Jihad"    The Golden Lougie 2006 - Best Punk          Time Again "Cold Concrete"    Performance    Return To Rhyme - Old school hip-hop        Salt-N-Pepa    group that should reunite    The "Spark" Award - The Artist who          Chris Brown    brought the HEAT in 2006    Mayor of The City - The Artist who Ran      Mary J. Blige    the Charts and the Streets this Year    My First Phantom - Best New Hip-Hop Artist  Yung Joc    Neo-Souled Out Award for the Notable        Ne-Yo    New R&B Artist    The Quincy Award The Greatest Soul    Artist of All Time                         Stevie Wonder 
Source: XM Satellite Radio 
 
Oscar® Gets Quoted
 
Beverly Hills, CA — “Stella!” “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!” “Snap out of it!” “You had me at hello.” Dozens of the most memorable and quotable lines from motion pictures will share the 79th Academy Awards® poster canvas with Oscar. 
The commemorative poster features words and phrases that have become part of society’s colloquial speech. “They are the unforgettable lines that you hear in everyday conversations, in meetings, at parties, or walking down the street,” said Sid Ganis, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. “They tap into what we think and give us great shorthand ways to express how we feel about those things. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then each quote is worth at least 500.”
All of the lines showcased in the poster except one are from films that have received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Picture, Writing, or both, between 1936 and 2005. (Finding the exception should be the first of many trivia contests that the Academy expects the poster to generate.)
The concept and design for the poster was created for the Academy by TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles. Photographer Albert Watson captured the Oscar statuette featured on the poster.
The 27x40 poster, printed on premium recycled paper, uses a black canvas and highlights the quotes in gold metallic ink, each in a distinctive typeface to reflect the movie it represents. 
Starting today, more than 65,000 posters will be distributed worldwide. The poster will be available for purchase through March 12, 2007, on the Academy’s Web site at http://www.oscars.org/publications/ or by calling 1-800-554-1814. 
Nominations for the 79th Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, January 23, 2007, at 5:30 a.m. PST in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST, beginning with a half-hour arrivals segment.
Editors: Please note that downloadable images are available at http://photos.oscars.org/.
# # #
79th Academy Awards® Poster - Quote List
“Can't you see I have you Chump? Get me some sviskey!” from “The Great Ziegfeld,” 1936
“Sometimes you're so beautiful it just gags me” from “You Can't Take It with You,” 1938
“Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn!” from “Gone with the Wind,” 1939
“I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!” from “The Wizard of Oz,” 1939
“I'm asking you to marry me, you little fool” from “Rebecca,” 1940
“Rosebud” from “Citizen Kane,” 1941
“Here's looking at you, kid” from “Casablanca,” 1943
“No, a golf course is nothing but a pool room moved outdoors” from “Going My Way,” 1944
“One's too many an'a hundred's not enough!” from “The Lost Weekend,” 1945
“I've seen nothing. I should have stayed at home and found out what was really going on” from “The Best Years of Our Lives,” 1946
“You don't want much. You just want the moon. …with parsley!” from “Gentleman's Agreement,” 1947
“Frailty, thy name is woman!” from “Hamlet,” 1948
“You throw money around like it was money” from “All the King's Men,” 1949
“All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my closeup” from “Sunset Blvd.,”1950
“STELLA!” from “A Streetcar Named Desire,” 1951
“Well, what am I? I'm a private no-class dogface. The way most civilians look at that, that's two steps up from nothin'” from “From Here to Eternity,” 1953
“I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am” from “On the Waterfront,” 1954
“An Englishman never jokes about a wager, sir” from “Around the World in 80 Days,” 1956
“All work and no play make Jack a dull boy” from “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” 1957
“Such stupidity is without equal in the entire history of human relations” from “Gigi,” 1958
“You can break a man's skull. You can arrest him. You can throw him into a dungeon. But how do you control what's up here? How do you fight an idea?” from “Ben-Hur,” 1959
“When you're in love with a married man, you shouldn't wear mascara” from “The Apartment,” 1960
“Come in, come in! We won't bite you--till we know you better” from “West Side Story,” 1961
“No prisoners! No prisoners!” from “Lawrence of Arabia,” 1962
“It is widely held that too much wine will dull a man's desire. Indeed it will, in a dull man” from “Tom Jones,” 1963
“Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the War Room” from “Dr. Strangelove,” 1964
“The Von Trapp children don't play. They march” from “The Sound of Music,” 1965
“Hope that was an empty bottle George! You can't afford to waste good liquor, not on your salary!” from “Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” 1966
“They call me MISTER Tibbs!” from “In the Heat of the Night,” 1967
“What we've got here is failure to communicate” from “Cool Hand Luke,” 1967
“Open the pod bay doors, HAL” from “2001: A Space Odyssey,” 1968
“Think you used enough dynamite there, Butch?” from “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” 1969
“I'm walking here! I'm walking here!” from “Midnight Cowboy,” 1969
“We're going to kick the hell out of him all the time and we're going to go through him like crap through a goose!” from “Patton,” 1970
“This is Doyle. I'm sittin' on Frog One” from “The French Connection,” 1971
“I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse” from “The Godfather,” 1972
“I love it when guys peel out” from “American Graffiti,” 1973
“Well, to tell ya the truth, I lied a little” from “Chinatown, 1974
“Hit me, Chief! I got the moves!” from “One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest,” 1975
“Attica! Attica!” from “Dog Day Afternoon,” 1975
“I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore!” from “Network,” 1976
“Follow the money” from “All the President’s Men,” 1976
“The Force is strong with this one!” from “Star Wars,” 1977
“Stanley, ya see this? This is this. This ain't something else. This is this. From now on, you're on your own” from “The Deer Hunter,” 1978
“The horror. The horror” from “Apocalypse Now,” 1979
“I am not an animal. I am a human being. I am a man” from “The Elephant Man,” 1980
“Wanna dance? Or would you rather just suck face?” from “On Golden Pond,” 1981
“E.T. phone home,” from “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” 1982
“Who was the best pilot I ever saw? Well, uh, you're lookin' at 'im” from “The Right Stuff,” 1983
“Wind in the hair! Lead in the pencil!” from “Terms of Endearment,” 1983
“Do I ice 'er? Do I marry 'er?” from “Prizzi's Honor,” 1985
“Shut up! Shut up and take the pain! Take the pain!” from “Platoon,” 1986
“Snap out of it!” from “Moonstruck,” 1987
“Greed is good” from “Wall Street,” 1987
“Ten minutes to Wapner” from “Rain Man,” 1988
“If you build it, he will come” from “Field of Dreams,” 1989
“In case I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight” from “Pretty Woman,” 1990
“Good evening, Clarice” from “The Silence of the Lambs,” 1991
“You can't handle the truth!” from “A Few Good Men,” 1992
“The truth, Helen, is always the right answer” from “Schindler's List,” 1993
“My Momma always said 'Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get” from “Forrest Gump,” 1994
“Show me the money!” from “Jerry Maguire,” 1996
“You had me at hello” from “Jerry Maguire,” 1996
“I'm the king of the world!” from “Titanic,” 1997
“You make me want to be a better man” from “As Good As It Gets,” 1997
“Off the record, on the QT, and very Hush-Hush” from “L.A. Confidential,” 1997
“I am a dead man and buggered to boot” from “Shakespeare in Love,” 1998
“Remember those posters that said ‘Today is the first day of the rest of your life?’ Well, that's true of every day except one--the day you die” from “American Beauty,” 1999
“My name is Gladiator” from “Gladiator,” 2000
“Frodo!” from “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” 2001
“Give 'em the old razzle dazzle” from “Chicago,” 2002
“You don't throw a whole life away just 'cause it's banged up a little” from “Seabiscuit,” 2003
“Don't jive me, man” from “Ray,” 2004
“No, if anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving” from “Sideways,” 2004
“I wish I knew how to quit you” from “Brokeback Mountain,” 2005
# # #
©A.M.P.A.S.®
 
 
 
Dec 18 2006
 
Reprise Records to Reissue Classic Green Day Albums "1,039" and "Kerplunk"
Reprise Records will release re-mastered versions of two classic Green Day albums, the Grammy Award-winning band's 1991 debut "1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hour" and its second full-length, 1992's "Kerplunk," on January 9, 2007. 
The reissues capture the best-selling Berkeley, California trio at the start of its long career, displaying singer Billie Joe Armstrong and bassist Mike Dirnt's relentless three-chord power-punk formula that eventually became a blueprint for countless imitators and led to a revival of interest in American punk. 
Originally released on Berkeley indie label Lookout! Records, "1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hour" was a compilation of Green Day's early no-frills EPs "39/Smooth," "Slappy," and "1,000 Hours." In 1992, Lookout! released the more melody-minded "Kerplunk," which marked the recorded debut of drummer Tré Cool, who brought an impressive blend of energy, speed, and technique to the mix. The album included the stand-out tracks "Welcome to Paradise" (re-recorded for Green Day's 1994 Reprise debut "Dookie"), and the rampaging opener "2,000 Light Years Away." "Kerplunk" sold 50,000 copies in the U.S., a considerable feat for an indie punk band at the time, and went on to sell more than 2 million copies worldwide. 
The remastered recordings will delight old and new fans alike, and prove once again why Entertainment Weekly has called Green Day "the most influential band of its generation." 
 
Sire Recording Artists Armor for Sleep Head Into the Studio
-- New Jersey-based post-hardcore quartet, Armor for Sleep, are heading into the studio to record their debut album for Sire Records and third studio album to date. 
Armor for Sleep has joined forces with renowned producer Ben Grosse (Filter, Marilyn Manson, Vertical Horizon) and will be recording at The Mix Room in Burbank, CA. Mixing will commence after production at The Mix Room as well. 
Hailing from Bergen County, Armor for Sleep -- lead singer/guitarist Ben Jorgensen, bassist Anthony DiIonno, guitarist PJ DeCicco, and drummer Nash Breen -- are one of the most buzzworthy bands to emerge from the area. Their 2005 independent release on Equal Vision Records, "What To Do When You Are Dead," sold more than 200,000 copies and debuted at #1 on Billboard's Heatseekers and Alternative Artists Chart -- a major leap from their first effort, 2003's "A Dream to Make Believe." The band has been writing feverishly to progress toward the next step ever since. 
Armor for Sleep joined Sire Records in April 2006. That same year, they were chosen as an MTV2 "Artist To Watch," featured on MTV's "10 Spot Drop," and were a headlining act on the Warped Tour. The accolades led to Jorgensen appearing with others on the cover of Alternative Press' Warped Tour issue. They also became the #1 most viewed band on MTV.com's A to Z pages, and stayed #1 on MTVU.com for five consecutive weeks. The band also won FUSE TV's Oven Fresh Battle with videos for "Car Underwater" and "Truth About Heaven." 
Armor for Sleep will be recording in Burbank into 2007 and are available for "In The Studio" features. Watch out for the new album later in the year! 
www.armorforsleep.com 
 
Koch Records Dominates Billboard Independent Chart Again With 23 Charted Titles!
#1 for 6th Consecutive Year! 
December 18, 2006 -- KOCH Records is proud to announce that once again, it is the Top Independent Label based on the number of Charted Titles according to Billboard. KOCH Records had the most charted titles (23) by an independent label for the year 2006, 28% more than any other independent label. The titles span various genres, including releases from, Jim Jones, The Wiggles, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Michael Franks, Unk, Scarface, Tha Dogg Pound and others. 
Amazingly for the seven year-old label, this marks the 6th year in a row the fastest-growing independent label has dominated the Independent Chart. In 2005, KOCH Records charted 25 titles, and in 2004, KOCH Records charted 27 titles, almost doubling the number of charted releases of any other independent label. In 2003, KOCH Records charted 28 titles, in 2002 it charted 25 titles, and in 2001, KOCH tied for first with TVT, with each label charting 19 titles. 
Between 2001 and 2006, KOCH Records had an impressive total of 147 charted titles on the Billboard Independent Chart. 
KOCH Records President Bob Frank says, "We are proud to maintain the number 1 slot for the 6th consecutive year. We have a great team who make it all possible and the plan is of course to go for our 7th in 07! We're still just warming up!" 
About KOCH Records 
KOCH Records is a division of KOCH Entertainment, the fastest-growing music company and the market leader among independents in North America. The KOCH Entertainment corporate umbrella encompasses the KOCH Records label, KOCH Vision home video, KOCH Music Publishing and KOCH Entertainment Distribution with operations in both the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Records proudly claims the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents for each of the last six years (2001-2006). For additional info on the KOCH Records label and its roster of artists, please visit www.kochrecords.com 
 
More New Online Buyers, Spending More, Account for Holiday Spending Increase 
According to a recent comScore Networks report on consumer online retail spending, online sales reached $12.42 billion during the period November 1st through December 3rd., an increase of 25 percent versus year ago. They conclude, hovever, that this gain is being driven by a 17 percent increase in the number of online buyers, coupled with a 7 percent increase in the average dollars spent per buyer. 
Non-Travel (Retail) Spending (Online Spending Drivers Nov. 1 - Dec. 3, 2006 vs. 2005) 
 
Percent Change 
E-Commerce Spending 
25% 
Number of Buyers 
17% 
Dollars Per Buyer 
7% 
Source: comScore Networks 
Gian Fulgoni, chairman of comScore Networks, said "... comScore's data are confirming that... more consumers are becoming comfortable buying online. But, an accentuating factor is that online spending per buyer is also increasing - as a result of more buying transactions and an increase in higher-ticket purchases." 
For the 2006 Holiday season, to-date, the computer hardware category has the highest average order value at $292, followed by consumer electronics, video game consoles & accessories, jewelry & watches, and event tickets. 
Top Online Product Categories by Average Order Value (Nov. 1 - Dec. 3, 2006 vs. 2005) 
Retail Category 
Avg. Order Value 
Computer Hardware 
$292 
Consumer Electronics 
$153 
Video Game Consoles & Accessories 
$141 
Jewelry & Watches 
$128 
Event Tickets 
$123 
Source: comScore Networks 
That most of the higher-ticket categories also appeared on the list of fastest growing retail categories confirms that they are significant growth drivers for this year's holiday season. 
Fastest Growing Online Product Categories, by Dollar Growth (Nov. 1 - Dec. 3, 2006 vs. 2005) 
Retail Category 
Percent Change 
Video Games 
85% 
Jewelry & Watches 
69% 
Event Tickets 
66% 
Video Game Consoles & Accessories 
51% 
Consumer Electronics 
37% 
Source: comScore Networks 
Mr. Fulgoni commented, "As broadband connectivity in the home continues to rise, we're seeing some online spending shift from work computers to home computers. Nonetheless, online buying at work still accounts for as many e-commerce dollars as buying from home. This could... (reflect) consumers' valuing of the workplace as the location where they're able to confidentially buy gifts online for immediate family members." 
Holiday E-Commerce Spending by Location (Billion $, Nov. 1 - Dec. 3, 2006 vs. 2005) 
Purchase Location 
2005 
2006 
Percent Change 
Home 
$4.18 
$5.44 
30% 
Work 
$4.51 
$5.36 
19% 
Source: comScore Networks 
 
Knott's Berry Farm Rings in New Year with Heavenly Sounds at Praise 2007
World Class Thrill Rides Combined with First Rate Entertainment and Spectacular Fireworks Adds up to a Fantastic New Year's Party
Dec. 18, 2006 Knott's Berry Farm jumps into the New Year with a special ticket contemporary Christian entertainment celebration including top musical headliners performing throughout the theme park. 
Praise 2007 combines a night of famous Knott's attractions such as Silver Bullet and GhostRider with the biggest names in contemporary Christian music. December 31 headliners include chart toppers BarlowGirl, Tree63, Sanctus Real, Aaron Shust, Stellar Kart, Telecast and comedian Bob Smiley. 
Artists Becca, Alyssa and Lauren Barlow of BarlowGirl hit the music scene in 2003 with their self-titled debut. They stirred up the male-dominated rock world with their hits "Mirror" and "Never Alone," the number one song that earned the trio numerous 2004 GMA (Gospel Music Association) nominations, including Best New Artist and Best Rock Song and Album. The BarlowGirl's rendition of the hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth" is currently featured in the holiday movie "The Nativity Story." 
Since 1999 the South African-bred group Tree63 has defied the odds by not only topping their homeland's mainstream charts, but by securing spots in American waters as well. The group's venerable string of singles from its self-titled Inpop debut, including "Look What You've Done" and "Treasure," which hit #1 stateside, resulted in the 2001 Dove Awards for "Rock Album of the Year." 
Partygoers can ring in the New Year aboard one of Knott's Berry Farm's many exciting attractions including GhostRider(R), Xcelerator(sm) and Silver Bullet, Knott's first suspended coaster. Also adding to the New Year's Eve festivities will be a spectacular midnight fireworks celebration. 
Praise 2007 on Dec. 31, 2006 is a special ticket event not covered by regular Knott's Berry Farm admission. Tickets are $38.95 each presale and $41.95 each day of event, $34.95 each for groups of 15 or more with two-day advance reservation (includes one free ticket for every 15 purchased). Discount coupons are available at selected Christian bookstores. For a list of bookstores in your area visit http://www.knotts.com. 
Tickets are now on sale at Knott's Guest Relations and Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at (714) 220-5220. There is limited seating at some performance venues. Outdoor concerts are presented weather permitting. 
Knott's Berry Farm is located just 10 minutes from Disneyland(R) Park; 30 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Southern California's famous beaches; and 45 minutes from Universal Studios Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Los Angeles-area sightseeing. 
The park is open every day except Christmas. For operating hours and information on the day you plan to visit, call Knott's Information at (714) 220-5200, or visit us online at http://www.knotts.com. 

 
The Bridge Collection Adds Exclusive New Songs on iTunes
Many New Selections Are Available December 19 
 December 18, 2006 -- Following the highly successful iTunes (www.itunes.com) launch of The Bridge Collection, an exclusive 6-volume set comprising some of the impressive live recordings from one of the world's most unique benefit concerts, more than 50 new selections are now available. 
Neil and Pegi Young have hosted The Bridge School Concerts every fall for the past 20 years. In November, The Bridge Collection made its debut on iTunes with 80 live songs from many of the concerts' guests. For the second part of this incredible project, iTunes is making downloads available of many more of the most stunning performances from the concerts, all available now for the first time. 
Exclusive tracks featured for the first time in this release are Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA," Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's "Déjà vu," Don Henley's "Best of My Love," Elvis Costello's "Alison," Jack Johnson's "Flake," John Mellencamp's "To Washington," Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen & Nils Lofgren's "Helpless," Phish's "Driver," the Pretenders' "Needle and the Damage Done," Tom Petty's "Shadow of a Doubt," Tom Waits' "16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought-Six," among many others. 
All proceeds will be donated to The Bridge School, an educational program dedicated to ensuring that children with severe speech and physical impairments achieve full participation in their communities through the use of augmentative and alternative means of communication. 
www.bridgeschool.org 
  
  
My Chemical Romance Announce 2007 U.S. Headlining Tour Dates
-- December 18, 2006 -- Reprise Records' My Chemical Romance will launch their first extensive tour in support of their Number One Rock album, the RIAA gold-certified, "The Black Parade." The U.S. arena tour, produced by Art Show -- a national touring division of Goldenvoice -- will kick off in Manchester, NH at the Verizon Wireless Arena on February 22, 2007. Fans will be able to purchase a limited number of tickets in a special fan-club presale starting today by visiting http://mcrblackparade.ducatking.com/. The official on sale date for tickets will be Saturday, January 6, 2007. 
"The Black Parade," an epic theatrical concept album about mortality, has been named "Album Of The Year" by Blender Magazine, stating, "My Chemical Romance transcended the cliché... to craft a grandiose epic that just might make them the biggest band in the world." Rolling Stone says, "'The Black Parade' is the best mid-Seventies record of 2006, a rabid, ingenious paraphrasing of echoes and kitsch from rock's golden age of bombast." 
The week after its release, "The Black Parade" claimed the Number One spot on SoundScan's Rock, Alternative, Top Albums Retailers, Indy/Small Chain, Internet, and Digital Album Charts. It also shot to Number 2 on Billboard's Top 200 album chart, selling more than 240,000 copies its first week of release. The first single, "Welcome To The Black Parade," has enjoyed eight weeks at the top of the Alternative / Modern Rock Radio Charts in the U.S. and the singles chart for two consecutive weeks in the UK. 
My Chemical Romance's upcoming tour dates with Rise Against are as follows*:  2/22/2007  Manchester, NH - Verizon Wireless Arena 2/23/2007  Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum 2/25/2007  Philadelphia, PA - Liacouras Center 2/26/2007  Cleveland, OH - Wolstein Center 2/28/2007  Detroit, MI - Joe Louis Arena 3/1/2007   Chicago, IL - Allstate Arena 3/3/2007   Lincoln, NB - Pershing Auditorium 3/4/2007   Denver, CO - Magness Arena 3/6/2007   Salt Lake City, IL - The E Center 3/7/2007   Las Vegas, NV - Orleans Arena 3/9/2007   Phoenix, AZ - Jobing.com Arena 3/10/2007  Los Angeles, CA - The Forum 3/11/2007  Anaheim, CA - Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center 3/13/2007  San Diego, CA - ipayOne Center 3/14/2007  Fresno, CA - Selland Arena 3/15/2007  Oakland, CA - ORACLE Arena 3/16/2007  Reno, NV - Lawlor Events Center  *more dates to be announced 
www.mychemicalromance.com 
 
Taffy Entertainment Grants DVD Rights for Emmy-Nominated Kids Series "ToddWorld" to Genius Products
Award-Winning Animated Program to Hit Retail Shelves This Spring 2007 
 December 18, 2006 -- Taffy Entertainment announced today it has licensed the home video rights of its award-winning, Emmy® nominated children's series, "ToddWorld," to Genius Products, LLC. Episodes of the series on DVD will be available in retail stores beginning this spring 2007. 
"ToddWorld" is a half-hour animated series that explores common themes and the social challenges of a young child's life with color, humor and quirky charm. Based on the best-selling books of Todd Parr, the show brings the same intelligence, offbeat sensibility and visual punch to television. Without preaching, the series offers a mixture of moral, emotional and skills-based messaging, always presented in a playful and whimsical manner. As a proven, critically acclaimed creative property, the series also includes a great emotional and intellectual foundation with a large fan base. 
 

(Click here for details)
Children's animated series 'ToddWorld' will be released on DVD 
by Genius Products, LLC, beginning Spring 2007.
 
Highlighted Links 
ToddWorld TV site
Taffy Entertainment site
"Genius Products' reputation for providing important and meaningful kids programming will be well-served with the addition of 'ToddWorld,'" said Cynthia Money, President, Worldwide Consumer Products for Taffy Entertainment. "Kids and parents will enjoy Todd Parr's message of tolerance, acceptance, self esteem and friendship." 
"There is an incredible amount of warmth and charm in 'ToddWorld,'" said Christine Martinez, Genius Products' Executive Vice President. "The engaging stories, vibrant colors and quirky characters make for a truly wonderful viewing experience. 'ToddWorld' is yet another quality program we're proudly adding to our expanding family portfolio." 
"ToddWorld," an international co-production, is produced by North America's most prolific independent animation studio, Mike Young Productions, along with Discovery Kids, India's Dataquest and Ireland's post production house, Telegael. The television series was created by Todd Parr, in collaboration with writer Gerry Renert, president of SupperTime Entertainment. In the US, the program airs on the "Ready Set Learn!" programming block on TLC and Discovery Kids. 
About Taffy Entertainment 
Taffy Entertainment (www.TaffyEntertainment.com) is a leading worldwide distribution, brand management and entertainment company representing brands from some of the largest animation producers across the globe. This includes the prolific Mike Young Productions; MoonScoop Productions, the top producer of animation in Europe; and select properties from third parties. Taffy's library for distribution and/or consumer products includes the Emmy Award-winning "Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks," "ToddWorld," "Pet Alien," "Titeuf" (TooTuff), "Growing Up Creepie," "Mix Master," "Fantastic Four," "Code Lyoko" and "Casper," among many others. With offices in Paris, Los Angeles, London and Shanghai, the company has fully-integrated production, distribution, licensing, merchandising and marketing facilities. It also has a library that includes over 3,000 half hours of animation, encompassing some of the most recognizable worldwide brands and best-loved animated creations in the global television market. The company also distributes to leading broadcasters in 160 countries around the world. 
About Genius Products 
Genius Products, Inc. (OTCBB: GNPI), along with The Weinstein Company, jointly own Genius Products, LLC, a leading independent home-entertainment distribution company that produces, licenses, and distributes a valuable library of motion pictures, television programming, family, lifestyle and trend entertainment on DVD and other emerging platforms through its expansive network of retailers throughout the U.S. Genius handles the distribution, marketing and sales for such brands as Asia Extreme™, Baby Genius®, Dragon Dynasty™, Dimension Films, ESPN®, IFC®, NBC News®, Sundance Channel Home Entertainment®, Wellspring™ and The Weinstein Company®. Genius Products, Inc. is the managing member of Genius Products, LLC, in which is holds a 30% equity interest. 
 
Mattel Donates Toys for Holiday Season 
Children's Hospitals Across the U.S. Receive Thousands of Toys as Part of Mattel's Toy Donation Program 
 Dec. 18 Mattel, Inc. (NYSE:MAT) today announced that in 2006 it has donated almost 1.5 million toys worth approximately $10 million to children in need around the world. Included in that donation is 45,000 toys worth $1 million to more than 160 children's hospitals in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Italy in cooperation with the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and Gifts in Kind International.
Mattel continues to dedicate more than 2% of its pretax profit to charitable efforts, including product donations and grant making activities. Mattel's toy donations in 2006 were distributed across the U.S. to more than 500 charities in 48 states and the District of Columbia, as well as many more internationally.
"Mattel is committed to leading the way in making a difference in the lives of children," said Deidre Lind, Executive Director of the Mattel Children's Foundation and Mattel philanthropy programs. "During the holiday season, we think it is especially important to bring smiles to children's faces, especially those who are battling illness and other challenges. It is our philanthropic mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children of need and our toy donation program is at the core of that mission."
Mattel's philanthropic programs include support of the Mattel Children's Foundation, which conducts international and domestic grantmaking, volunteer efforts engaging employees around the world in charitable activities and product donations.
The Mattel Toy Donation program is closed for 2006, but will accept applications beginning in early 2007. More information about Mattel's Toy Donation program can be found in the "About Us/Philanthropy" section of the company's corporate website (www.mattel.com).
About the Mattel Children's Foundation
The Mattel Children's Foundation was established in 1978. With a vision of "making a meaningful difference, one child at a time," the Foundation provides cash grants through domestic and international grantmaking programs, as well as international scholarships to children of employees, matching gifts and volunteer grants for Mattel employees. In addition, the Foundation continues its tradition of partnering with exemplary nonprofit partners. Mattel has partnered with Special Olympics, Save the Children, the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF). The Mattel Children's Foundation is funded exclusively by cash donations from Mattel, Inc.
About Mattel
Mattel, Inc., (NYSE:MAT) (www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever introduced. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R), American Girl(R), Radica(R) and Tyco(R) R/C, as well as Fisher-Price(R) brands (www.fisher-price.com), including Little People(R), Rescue Heroes(R), Power Wheels(R) and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than the 30,000 people in 42 countries and sells products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. Mattel's vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow. 
Source: Mattel, Inc. 
iTunes Sales Will Get a Boost From Jingle Dogs 
 Dec. 18 The new 20-song album features the woofs, howls and barks of 200 dogs spliced together without the use of tape machines and razor blades. The music was engineered in a digital studio in Hollywood. If the past is any indication of the future, there should be a few million iPods with animal sounds popping out of the earphones. That's music to anyone at Apple Computers' ears.
The dogs were their own worst critics. They knocked over lamps, chewed on the microphones and took liberties with the carpeting. Like any rock and roll bad boys, they smashed instruments, knocked over tables, threw food and chased females.
It's a wonder the album got finished. The best thing about this album is the variety of dog barks. The music is fun for the whole family. It is a wonderfully creative album. Early reviews have been enormously positive.
The Jingle Dogs last album was a smash hit when it was released in 1995. Now, the dogs are back, after several backup stints with the Jingle Cats on Meowy Christmas (1993), Here Comes Santa Claws (1994), and Rhythm and Mews (1995).
The next project for the Jingle pets is a comedy movie with the working title, "Jingle Cats Movie," which is in development.
Just when you thought the holidays couldn't get any kitschier, Mike Spalla and his world famous "Jingle Cats" are at it again. Spalla has been busy this year working on the new addition to the holiday tradition of cats meowing your favorite holiday tunes, and will release the new "Jingle Dogs" album this Christmas day.
So far, two million "Jingle Cats" albums have been sold worldwide, with the United States leading the consumption followed by Japan, Canada, Germany and Sweden.
Since December of 2004, consumers have downloaded over 78,000 "Jingle Cats" and "Jingle Dogs" songs from the iTunes website.
"Somebody called me up and wanted a recording of Jingle Bells and I didn't have one, and so I came into my studio to record it ... and I brought my cat with me. I was working on it for about an hour and my cat disappeared. He started meowing at me through the glass window and what I was hearing were meows that were perfectly in tune with the music. I looked over at him, I hit the record button, and I started waving at the cat and every time I waved, he would meow. So I tried waving in time with the music. I ended up with a rough take of Jingle Bells sung by my cat. I later overdubbed nine cats onto the track. Some people thought it was funny. I won a free camera from KIIS FM in Hollywood. People were asking me when the album was coming out. I had some funny friends that saw the humor in the 'project.' They kept insisting that I make an album of cats singing Holiday favorites. So eventually I was talked into it. I put together a little cassette tape that was 25 minutes long. It really was only about 7 minutes of music and a lot of repeating, so I was looping the music," said Spalla.
That album turned into the 1993 release, Jingle Cats "Meowy Christmas" which is now the original release by the Jingle Cats.
The Jingle Dogs new album will be released as a download first on December 25, 2006 from www.jinglecats.com, the CD will be released on January 1, 2007, and the songs will hit iTunes and other download services within 2-4 weeks. 
Source: Jingle Cats Music 
 
 
Grey's Anatomy, The O.C., Criminal Minds and More: Autodesk Solutions Spice Up 2006-2007 Television Lineup 
 Dec. 18 From sizzling dramas to science fiction adventures, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) Media & Entertainment solutions are shaping more than 40 new and returning television shows. Numerous post-production facilities are relying on Autodesk visual effects, editing and finishing, and 3D animation, modeling and rendering software to create captivating, future-proofed television content.
"Television programming is at an exciting growth stage. Content distribution methods are changing and growing, providing a variety of new revenue streams. However, content owners also face the challenge of ensuring that content produced today will meet future delivery requirements," explained Stig Gruman, vice president of Autodesk's Media & Entertainment systems. "Visual effects facilities choose Autodesk solutions because they enable digital artists to efficiently create and master visually appealing content at the highest resolutions. This investment helps to ensure that content will be compatible with future distribution methods."
Post-production facility RIOT works with the Autodesk Smoke and Autodesk Fire editing and finishing systems on a variety of primetime hit shows including Deadwood, The Sopranos, Cold Case, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Close to Home, John From Cincinnati and Big Love. The facility has relied on the systems since it started doing HD production more than six years ago.
"At that time, Autodesk Fire was the only real-time, uncompressed HD solution available," said Robb Cadzow, chief engineer at RIOT. "Today Smoke and Fire are still leaps and bounds ahead of other finishing products available. From real-time 4:4:4 and distributed rendering to SAN playback and integration with VFX systems, Fire and Smoke offer facility integration like no other product on the market today."
Vancouver-based Rainmaker uses Autodesk Inferno and Autodesk Flame visual effects systems, as well as Autodesk Maya 3D animation, modeling and rendering software for MGM's science fiction series, Stargate SGI and Stargate: Atlantis. The post house also uses the tools to shape Showtime's drama series, The L Word. For Stargate SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis, Rainmaker works on everything from the enhancement of principal photography to the creation of entirely digital shots. Rainmaker's work on The L Word is more subtle, with visual effects being used to enhance scenes through color correction and image processing.
"Autodesk Flame and Inferno have been the mainstays of our compositing efforts on both television series since day one," explained Bruce Woloshyn, visual effects supervisor at Rainmaker. "At every level of the compositing process, these products allow us to have complete control over the images. This has been paramount to our success on Stargate for many years. From real-time input/output at both standard- and high-definition, to superior tracking and keying toolsets, these products allow us to produce the highest-quality imagery on a tight schedule."
Many other visual effects facilities are working with Autodesk solutions to create content for the 2006-2007 TV season:
   *    MFX uses Flame and Maya on Grey's Anatomy, Dexter, Two and a Half         Men, Notes from the Underbelly, How I Met Your Mother and According         to Jim    *    Encore Hollywood relies on Inferno, Flame, and 3ds Max to shape Big         Love, Rome, CSI: NY, Boston Legal, Monk, Entourage, The Unit,         Nip/Tuck, The Closer, My Name is Earl, Deadwood, NCIS, The Loop and         House.    *    Buzz Image Group uses Flame HD to create The Flood and Killer Wave    *    Modern Video Film uses Inferno for visual effects and clean up work         on The O.C., Desperate Housewives, Stand Off, Jericho, Shark,         Smallville, Vanished, Dirt and Perfect Day    *    Look Effects uses Flame, Flint and Maya to shape Criminal Minds and         Bones    About Autodesk 
Autodesk, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 company, wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With seven million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the manufacturing, infrastructure, building, media and entertainment, and wireless data services fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage, become more productive, streamline project efficiency and maximize profits.
Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit http://www.autodesk.com/.
NOTE: Autodesk, 3ds Max, Flame, Fire, Flint, Inferno, Maya and Smoke are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. 
Record-Setting 1 Million King Tut Tickets Sold at The Field Museum 
CHICAGO, Dec. 18    WHAT:     More than one million tickets have been sold for The Field             Museum's blockbuster exhibition Tutankhamun and the Golden Age             of the Pharaohs.  The exhibition opened May 26, 2006 and will             continue through January 1, 2007.  Due to Tut's vast popularity,             The Field Museum has extended the hours of operation to             accommodate the public.  The Museum has opened one hour earlier             -- at 8 a.m. -- throughout December, and closes at 11 p.m. on             select days.    WHEN:     May 26, 2006 to January 1, 2007             8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended viewing until 11 p.m. on             select days.  See http://www.fieldmuseum.org/ for details.    WHERE:    The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago    DETAILS:  Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs includes more             than 130 treasures from Tut's tomb and his 18th dynasty Egyptian             ancestors.  All treasures are between 3,000 and 3,500 years old,             and many have never before left Egypt.  Visitors will also             explore the fascinating period of religious turmoil and artistic             creativity during Tut's reign, and discover what new             technologies are revealing about the king's life and mysterious             death.  An audio tour narrated by Omar Sharif is available as             well.              A few fun facts about Tut's current run to date ...               -- A record-setting 1 million tickets have been sold, a                  first-ever for any ticketed exhibition at the Museum.               -- More than 5,000 Tut Memberships for special viewings and                  6,000 regular Museum Memberships have been sold since the                  exhibition's opening.               -- More than 140 special Tut events have been booked,                  including corporate parties and benefits.               -- More than 110,000 tickets have been sold to groups, hotels                  and other clients.               -- Museum gift shops have sold an estimated 9,000 ankh mood                  rings, which retails at $3.50.              The exhibition is organized by National Geographic, AEG             Exhibitions, and Arts and Exhibitions International, with             cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities.             Northern Trust is the presenting sponsor and Exelon, Proud             Parent of ComEd, is the associate sponsor in Chicago.  
 
Viacom's MTV Networks Creates MTVN Mobile Media 
New Unit to Grow MTVN Wireless Entertainment Business Across Company's Brands 
 Dec. 18 Building upon the success of its wireless initiatives and its lead in creating original content for mobile, Viacom's (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks (MTVN) today announced it has created MTVN Mobile Media, a new unit dedicated to growing the company's mobile entertainment business. MTVN Mobile Media will be responsible for managing mobile partnerships and content distribution for the company, and will support the teams at the individual MTVN brands in developing a wide portfolio of mobile content and applications -- including personalization, entertainment, information and messaging products. The unit will be led by Greg Clayman, who has been promoted to Senior Vice President of MTVN Mobile Media. MTVN Mobile Media reports into MTVN Global Digital Media, led by Mika Salmi, President; and MTVN Affiliate Sales and Marketing, led by Nicole Browning, President.
"Connecting with our consumers on every platform they love is at the heart of our digital strategy," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO, MTV Networks. "MTVN Mobile Media will help our brands take it even further in distribution and product development, and it will expand our global wireless footprint even more, so the communities around our brands can access our content anywhere."
"Our audiences lead an on-demand lifestyle and our brands deliver the best pop-culture, music, comedy and entertainment programming on the handset," said Salmi. "With MTVN Mobile Media, we're poised to deliver even more compelling mobile content and further deepen our connection with our viewers."
As the world's leading provider of video programming for the handset, MTVN publishes more than 600 clips and 30 hours of video per month in the United States alone, across all major carriers and leading MVNOs. Globally, the company has partnerships with 68 carriers and connections with more than one billion subscribers, making MTVN the largest wireless content provider of any entertainment company.
Added Browning, "We're clearly primed to take our programming to the next level, and as we build on our fast-growing mobile video business and add more channels, more content, and more distribution around the world, we will continue to focus on mobile games, personalization products such as ringtones and graphics, and mobile web site development."
The MTVN mobile programming spanning every genre of entertainment and engaging nearly every demographic includes:
  * Original made-for-mobile programs, including MTV's popular  "Sway's Hip     Hop Owner's Manual", CMT's "Road Hammers", COMEDY CENTRAL's "Clip     Joint", and VH1's "Celebhead";   * Extensions from such television franchises as COMEDY CENTRAL's Peabody     and Emmy Award-winning "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"; MTV's "Laguna     Beach"; Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants"; VH1's "Best Week Ever";     Logo's "Noah's Arc"; and CMT's "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" series;   * Original animation, such as "Usavitch" and "Lightman" from Flux in Japan     and MTV International's "Wulffmorgenthaler";   * Innovative "making of," behind-the-scenes and after-shows developed     exclusively for the wireless medium;   * MTV, VH1 and CMT music video premieres and exclusive music performances     from such franchises as VH1's Live@VH1.com and CMT's "Studio 330     Sessions", and simulcasts of tentpoles like "The MTV Europe Music     Awards";   * Content highlighting social issues important to MTVN audiences, such as     MTVN International's HIV/AIDS prevention campaign, "Staying Alive";   * The largest selection of stand-up comedy on mobile, made available by     COMEDY CENTRAL.  
MTVN also has forged new ground with a number of notable industry firsts: Nickelodeon was the first kids' television network to offer text messaging promoted on-air. Spike TV Mobile, in partnership with Amp'd Mobile, was the first network to stream a sporting event live on the handset. VH1 is defining the standard for television/mobile integration with Mobile Junk 20, an extension of the "Web Junk 20" television show that seamlessly migrates viewers from the television set, to the handset and back to the television. And Neopets introduced the first entertainment-based web-to-wireless application of its kind, letting Neopets members engage with their Neopets characters, stories and activities on their handsets just as they would online.
In addition to Clayman, MTVN announced promotions for two other mobile executives. Alice Kim, now Vice President of Carrier Relations and Wireless Distribution, will cultivate the company's existing distribution partnerships for all MTVN brands and will also direct distribution, marketing and business development relationships with carriers. Jeremiah Zinn, now Vice President, Mobile Operations and Product Development, will work with the teams at each individual brand to manage the full lifecycle of wireless products and for forging relationships with leading service and technology companies. Zinn and Kim will continue reporting to Clayman.
Working closely with the company's Music, Logo and Films Group; Kids and Family Group; Entertainment Group; and MTVN International, MTV Networks' Mobile Media delivers a diverse array of video programming, ringtones, graphics and other content from its CMT, COMEDY CENTRAL, Logo, MTV, Nickelodeon, The N, Spike and VH1 brands. MTVN's mobile efforts reflects the company's overarching commitment to developing content for all screens, from television to broadband and wireless, and the company's video programming consistently ranks among the most viewed every month on major carriers and MVNOs.
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 135 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Engaging its audiences through television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom reaches its audiences wherever they consume content. Viacom's leading brands include the multiplatform properties of MTV Networks, including MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 135 networks around the world, as well as digital assets such as Neopets, Xfire and Atom Entertainment; BET Networks; Paramount Pictures; Paramount Home Entertainment; DreamWorks; and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com/. 
Source: MTV Networks 
 
Hip-Hop Star Kelis Will 'Push it to the Edge' in Ford's New 2007 Edge Urban Advertising 
* Grammy-nominated singer Kelis will star in a new urban marketing campaign to promote the all-new 2007 Ford Edge crossover. * Kelis creates a new song "Push it to the Edge" specifically for the campaign. * The Edge urban marketing campaign will begin airing on Dec. 20 with major radio, print, television and Internet outlets throughout the country. 
 Dec. 18 The all-new 2007 Ford Edge goes into overdrive this week with an urban marketing campaign featuring Grammy-nominated singer Kelis. Consumers will hear the hip-hop artist "Push it to the Edge" with a new song about Ford's bold crossover vehicle in ads that begin airing Dec. 20.
"With a bold style that breaks the rules, Kelis is the perfect spokesperson for the Edge urban marketing campaign," said Jeri Ward, Ford Edge marketing manager. "Our target buyer can easily relate to Kelis' sharp and sophisticated style."
"I am an informed buyer who likes to shop around for what I like," said Kelis. "I prefer bold designs and that's what I see when I look at the Edge. I believe it was built to defy expectations and change people's perceptions, two concepts that have helped me define who I am."
Kelis will kick off her new relationship with Ford on Dec. 18 in New York City at her husband's, rap icon Nas', black and white ball in New York City to celebrate the release of his new album, "Hip-Hop is Dead." Ford will give partygoers a glimpse of the new advertising campaign created by The Uniworld Group - Detroit.
On Dec. 20, the Edge campaign featuring Kelis will begin with a creative radio spot featuring the song that Kelis created specifically for the campaign titled, "Push it to the Edge." The song flows with a strong hip-hop beat to the following lyrics:
  So clean in my Edge   Steady headed to the spot   Speakers bump thump thump   All you hearin' on the block    I live life loud   Cause that's the only way to live it   I push it to the Edge   Never stop at the limit.  
The spot also features a cameo introduction of Kelis by hip-hop DJ Funkmaster Flex. The spot will air on national syndicated radio shows like The Steve Harvey Morning Show and The Tom Joyner Morning Show. Kelis is scheduled to participate in various Edge sweepstakes giveaways on these shows beginning in February.
The Edge urban television commercial, titled "On the Edge," stars Kelis and features the song. The ad opens with the Edge making a red carpet appearance in front of a captive paparazzi crowd. The photographers cannot keep their lens off the Edge as the optional panoramic Vista Roof(TM) slowly opens to reveal Kelis dressed to impress for a VIP event. The ad will begin airing in late December on major television networks throughout the country.
The Kelis song and the new urban Edge campaign will be an integral part of Ford's new urban Web site, www.fordurban.com . The new Web site is designed to attract and engage urban buyers with creative video content, third-party reviews, customer discussion rooms and downloadable music. The Web site will begin in late December with a targeted focus toward Edge buyers and eventually extend to the entire Ford brand line-up of car, trucks, SUVs and crossovers. Ford Edge banner ads starring Kelis will also be prevalent on major online portals like AOL - Black Voices and Black Planet.
Finally, a traditional print advertisement titled "Shattered" will serve as an integral component of the campaign with ads running in major urban publications such as Jet, Ebony, Upscale and Sister 2 Sister.
About the Ford Edge
The all-new Ford Edge hits the hottest segment in the industry, the growing crossover segment, and delivers on the package and features that customers want. The five-passenger 2007 Ford Edge has a bold design with a stylish, functional and clever interior. It features a powerful, yet fuel- efficient powertrain, with a 265-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Edge also features Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac(R) with Roll Stability Control (RSC(R)) system, seat-mounted side air bags and Safety Canopy(TM) air curtain system with rollover detection -- all as standard equipment. A center console that can fit a laptop computer and standard MP3-player audio input jack also are standard features.
In addition to optional all-wheel drive and 18-inch chrome wheels, the Edge is available with innovative features including an available class- exclusive, all-glass panoramic Vista Roof(TM) which gives a grand view of the sky and can open for a sense of freedom that front and rear passengers can enjoy.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) , a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.fordvehicles.com/ . 
Source: Ford Motor Company 
 
 
PBS 'Experiments' With Three New Science Pilots Starting New Year's Day 
Viewers Invited to Help Select Next New Weekly PBS Science Series Targeted to Premiere Fall 2007 
Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- In search of the next new science series, PBS will premiere three pilots on New Year's Day via streaming video on pbs.org, with the television broadcasts kicking off January 3 at 8:00 p.m. ET on PBS member stations. Audiences nationwide will be invited to weigh in on their favorite, and the ultimate choice will move on to become a new 10-week series projected to debut in fall 2007.
This is the first time PBS has introduced full specials online in advance of the television broadcast, offering a unique interactive dialogue with viewers about the programs they are seeking from their public television stations. The announcement was made by John Boland, Chief Content Officer, PBS.
"Technology is not only allowing PBS member stations more opportunities to provide viewers even greater access to the best content available, but also new ways to interact with our audiences, delivering a level of value and engagement that only a public service media environment can," said Mr. Boland.
The three new pilots include WIRED SCIENCE, a production of KCET Los Angeles in association with Wired magazine; SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS, from WGBH Boston and Lion TV; and 22ND CENTURY, produced by Tower Productions in collaboration with Boston Science Communications and Twin Cities Public Television. Each special will be available via free streaming video on pbs.org and as free video podcasts on Apple's iTunes player. The PBS television broadcasts begin January 3 for three consecutive Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. (check local listings); on-air promos will invite the audiences to submit reviews of the shows online at each of the program sites accessible through pbs.org/science. Viewer feedback, as well as additional audience-based research, will help inform PBS' decision to greenlight one pilot as the next new science series slated to premiere with an initial 10-week run in fall 2007.
"Popular, long-running shows like NOVA and specials such as THE ELEGANT UNIVERSE have proven that the American public has a rich appetite for science- related programming, and research has told us that they are looking for more high-quality choices from PBS," added John F. Wilson, Senior Vice President & Chief TV Programming Executive, PBS.
The science pilots were funded by a special grant co-managed by CPB (Corporation for Public Broadcasting) and PBS. The initiative was inspired by the results of a CPB primetime research study that indicated strong viewer interest in PBS science-related programming. From an initial request for proposals that yielded more than 19 submissions, PBS winnowed the field to the three finalists below:
  WIRED SCIENCE   Wednesday, January 3, 2007, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET  
WIRED SCIENCE is a one-hour program that translates Wired magazine's award-winning journalism into a fast-paced television show. WIRED SCIENCE brings Wired magazine's cutting-edge vision, stylish design and irreverent attitude to the screen with breakout ideas, recent discoveries and the latest innovations. The pilot episode takes the viewer into the world of meteorite hunters, where space, commerce and art intersect; travels to Yellowstone National Park to harvest viruses that may hold the key to a technology revolution; and dives underwater to explore NEEMO, NASA's extreme astronaut training facility. Viewers will meet rocket-belt inventors, stem cell explorers and the developer of an electric car that goes from zero-to-60 in under four seconds. As a series, WIRED SCIENCE hopes to span the globe to uncover novel developments in biomedicine, space exploration, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, robotics and military technology. January 1 Website launch: pbs.org/wired science
The hosts and personalities of WIRED SCIENCE include Brian Unger, a contributor to NPR's "Day to Day," frequent guest host on MSNBC's "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" and former correspondent for the "Daily Show"; Aomawa Shields, a graduate of MIT and author of the essay "Universe: The Sequel," which is included in She's Such a Geek: Women Write About Science, Technology, and Other Nerdy Stuff (Seal Press); and Ziya Tong, who hosted the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's Emmy-nominated interactive series "Zed," a pioneer of "open source" television. In addition, Wired senior editor Adam Rogers and roving reporters, such as Pulitzer Prize winner Dan Neil, will bring a fresh, youthful, and diverse perspective to the topics. (Adam Rogers is available for interviews.)
WIRED SCIENCE is a co-production of KCET/Los Angeles, the West Coast flagship station of PBS, and Wired, the pre-eminent science and technology magazine. WIRED SCIENCE is a production of executive producer Tod Mesirow ("MythBusters," "Monster Garage"), senior producer David Axelrod (Emmy winner for the NOVA special "Galileo's Battle for the Heavens") and production designer Grant Major (Lord of the Rings trilogy, King Kong). David Byrne, Grammy- and Oscar-winning composer (The Last Emperor) and co-founder of the Talking Heads, produced the theme music for the show. Executive producer for KCET is Karen Hunte; executive in charge of production for KCET is Mary Mazur. Executive producer for Wired magazine is Melanie Cornwell; Chris Anderson is Wired's editor in chief.
  SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS   Wednesday, January 10, 2007, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET  
SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS is a new and groundbreaking television program that takes a 21st century, cutting-edge approach to the subject of science. The show will provide solutions to a series of scientific mysteries in a fresh, captivating way. Full of information told through compelling stories, the pilot series is presented by four young, lively hosts, armed with the latest gadgets and technology, who make this a science show with attitude for the blog generation. In the first episode, SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS asks: What can DNA from a more than 30,000-year-old Neanderthal man tell us about ourselves? Are vanishing frogs an early warning sign of hazards to come? Why is the knuckleball one of the most mind-boggling pitches in baseball? Will bacteria be used to power iPods in the future? SI also tells the moving story of an injured Iraq war veteran searching for a better bionic arm. Finally, are NASCAR drivers ready for a new kind of racecar -- one that's all electric? January 1 Website launch: pbs.org/si
SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS is a Lion Television and WGBH Science Unit Production. Executive producers are Chris Bryson, Nick Catliff (British Academy Award winner), Tony Tackaberry (HISTORY DETECTIVES, a top-rated PBS summer series) and Susanne Simpson, Academy Award nominee and Emmy winner. Hosts are Basil Singer, physicist and robotics expert; Victoria Bruce, geologist, author of the best-seller No Apparent Danger; Kevin Hand, astrobiologist at Stanford and Princeton Universities; and Bahareh Azizi, biochemist and lecturer at Georgia Institute of Technology. Executive-in- charge is Paula S. Apsell, senior executive producer of NOVA, the most-watched science documentary series in the world.
  22ND CENTURY   Wednesday, January 17, 2007, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET  
What is the world going to be like 30 years from now? Will human life spans increase to 250 years or more? Will personal computers be smarter than the humans who use them? Will machines shrink to a micro-level so small that they can make repairs inside a human cell? This series is about dramatic changes being made by scientific and technological research conducted in laboratories across the globe today. The pilot episode, called "World Wide Mind," is about a new theory that suggests that in the coming decades all our brains will be wired together just as computers were wired together via the World Wide Web during the 1990s. Each episode will be driven by three characters viewing these scientific advances from a different perspective. One will be an actor portraying Aldous Huxley, late author of Brave New World, who worried about the dehumanizing consequences of new technology. The second will be an impartial observer from the present, an everyday person who, like our viewers, is affected by the changes taking place. The third will be a character from the future, who presents an optimistic view of all the possibilities these technologies offer. January 1 Website launch: pbs.org/22ndcentury
22ND CENTURY is a collaboration of Towers Productions, Boston Science Communications and Twin Cities Public Television. The director and executive producer of 22ND CENTURY is Gino Del Guercio (RED GOLD, TRANSISTORIZED, NERDS 2.0.1); production executive is John Lindsay (winner of six Emmy Awards); the composer is Charles Denler; animation is produced by Xvivo; the producers are Tresha Mabile and Scott Alexander; the host is Robin Robinson; the two characters are played by Mindy Bell and John Cunningham.
PBS is a media enterprise that serves 354 public noncommercial television stations and reaches almost 90 million people each week through on-air and online content. Bringing diverse viewpoints to television and the Internet, PBS provides high-quality documentary and dramatic entertainment, and consistently dominates the most prestigious award competitions. PBS is a leading provider of educational materials for K-12 teachers, and offers a broad array of other educational services. PBS' premier kids' TV programming and Web site, PBS KIDS Online (pbskids.org), continue to be parents' and teachers' most trusted learning environments for children. More information about PBS is available at pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org Web sites on the Internet. 
Source: PBS 
 
"Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan introduces Webinars
Written by Joyce Chow and William Hoehne
Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan comes to your home with webinars which began earlier today from the Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles, California. 
Millan, star of the Emmy-nominated "The Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic Channel has become a much in demand dog trainer.  Neighborhood dog owners who have been fortunate enough to obtain his attention, complain that they just wish they had more of it.  
  
Millan waved and smiled for the Hollywood Christmas Parade redcarpet and along the parade route on rollerskates with several dogs.  
Three topics are covered in a 45 minute short-series webinar.  The first topic covered earlier today was - The Basics: Tools and Techniques.  Topic 2 is Learning and Addressing Problem Behaviors and topic 3 is Your Energy, Your Dog, both of which are coming in 2007.  During the webinar sessions, there are 30 minutes of demonstration and a real-time 15 minute question & answer session and polls are taken from the viewers.  Enrollment for each session is limited.
Millan helps dog owners learn to become the pack leader.  His philosophy, "There are no problem dogs, only problem owners."
www.cesarmillanwebinars.com
www.cesarmillaninc.com
 
Sony Pictures Entertainment Breaks All-Time Motion Picture Industry Domestic Box-Office Record 
Studio Ends Remarkable Year by Passing $1.573 Billion at Domestic Box Office 
Dec. 17 /With this weekend's #1 release of The Pursuit of Happyness, Sony Pictures Entertainment's box office receipts for 2006 have passed $1.573 billion, setting a new motion picture industry record for domestic box-office in a single year, it was announced today by Jeff Blake, chairman, worldwide marketing and distribution for the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group and vice chairman of SPE. In passing the industry record, which Sony set in 2002, the studio caps an extraordinary year in which SPE released a record-breaking 13 #1 films. The studio also launched 13 films to opening weekends of more than $20 M, another industry record, and surpassed more than $3 billion in global ticket sales for the first time. Sony Pictures now holds the top two years in the all-time domestic box office record books.
Commenting on the achievement, Blake said, "We've set a bar that will be challenging for us - or any studio - to top; this has been an enormous year by anyone's definition. We successfully launched our animation division and we handled nearly every genre of movie, from broad comedies to family films, emotional dramas to event tentpoles. This kind of year is only possible when everyone is working at the top of their game, and our filmmakers really delivered exceptional product this year."
In addition to crediting the actors, producers and filmmakers behind Sony's 2006 slate of 27 motion pictures, Blake said, "This year is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the studio's production, marketing, and distribution teams who break their backs to bring it home year after year. But particular credit is deserved by our presidents of production Doug Belgrad and Matt Tolmach, president of marketing Valerie Van Galder, our president of creative advertising Josh Goldstine, our president of domestic distribution Rory Bruer, and the leadership of Michael Lynton. Of course, none of this dream slate comes together without Amy Pascal, who has been one of the most successful studio leaders in the history of our company."
2006 marks the third time in the past five years that SPE has been #1 studio in domestic market share. As Sony finishes the year, the studio controls over 18% of all tickets sold in the United States and Canada. Led by The Da Vinci Code, the worldwide blockbuster that has grossed over $750 million at the box office, SPE has seen four films open to more than $40 million in the US and Canada; ultimately, each exceeded more than $100 million in domestic box office - including Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Click, The Da Vinci Code, and Casino Royale. In addition, a record 13 films opened to more than $20 million - smashing the old record of 8 films, set in 2004 by Sony and Universal.
Other highlights of the 2006 slate include Pink Panther, Open Season, Monster House, R.V., Gridiron Gang, The Holiday, Silent Hill, Underworld: Evolution, and When A Stranger Calls, among others.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/. 
Source: Sony Pictures Entertainment 
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "The Pursuit of Happyness," $27 million. 
2. "Eragon," $23.45 million. 
3. "Charlotte's Web," $12 million. 
4. "Happy Feet," $8.5 million. 
5. "The Holiday," $8.2 million. 
6. "Apocalypto," $7.7 million. 
7. "Blood Diamond," $6.3 million. 
8. "Casino Royale," $5.7 million. 
9. "The Nativity Story," $4.7 million. 
10. "Unaccompanied Minors," $3.7 million. 
 
Sherry Lansing to Receive Hersholt Humanitarian Award at 79th Academy Awards®
Beverly Hills, CA — Sherry Lansing, the former chairman of Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group, has been voted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy President Sid Ganis announced today. The award, an Oscar® statuette, will be presented to Lansing during the 79th Academy Awards presentation on February 25, 2007. 
The Hersholt Award is given to an individual in the motion picture industry whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry. 
“Sherry is being honored not only for her passionate work in support of fighting cancer,” said Ganis, “but because the Board recognized and remembered the long list of charitable organizations and causes she has served, and her long history in serving them. Sherry has earned enormous respect throughout the industry not only for her successful career as a producer and studio head, but because she has never failed to further devote her enormous energy to the needs of others.”
Lansing helped Dr. Armand Hammer form the nonprofit organization Stop Cancer and serves on its board. She is on the board of the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation, founded to honor excellence in basic and clinical science, and is a trustee of the American Association for Cancer Research. In addition, she serves on the Citizens’ Oversight Committee of the California Institute for Stem Cell Research and on the American Red Cross Board of Governors Advisory Committee and is a trustee of the Carter Center, the human rights organization formed by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn. She also serves as a regent of the University of California.
A graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, Lansing got her feet wet in Hollywood as an actress, a career she quickly abandoned for production. She joined Talent Associates as an executive in charge of development in 1974, moving to MGM in 1975. She joined Columbia Pictures two years later as vice president in charge of production. She was named president of 20th Century-Fox Productions in 1980, and in 1983 formed Jaffe-Lansing Productions with Stanley Jaffe. After Jaffe was appointed president of Paramount Communications in 1990, Sherry became chairman of the Motion Picture Group in 1992. 
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award will be presented along with Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center® and televised live by the ABC Television Network beginning at 5 p.m. PST with a half-hour red carpet arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars®.”
# # #
©A.M.P.A.S.®
 
December 16
RICHIE KOTZEN TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM “INTO THE BLACK” IN THE U.S. 
RICHIE KOTZEN’S 14TH SOLO ALBUM AVAILABLE NOW
– INTO THE BLACK reflects the guitar style’s that has defined his career as a virtuoso. “With the exception of my last album GET UP a lot of my records have been a bit all over the map style-wise and on this cd I wanted to sort of pull it all together,” states Kotzen. “I wanted to make a cd that really defined who I am as a solo artist and I think I finally did it on this one.”
INTO THE BLACK is an absorbing collective blend of Kotzen’s musical influences and diversity. He decided to write more rock based music with R&B undertones than metal. “Growing up outside Philadelphia and listening to those old soul stations I ended up with that sound being a heavy influence in my writing even though the core of what I do is rock,” explains Kotzen.is an absorbing collective blend of musical influences and diversity.Hedecided to write more rock based music with R&B undertones than metal. “Growing up outside Philadelphia and listening to those old soul stations I ended up with that sound being a heavy influence in my writing even though the core of what I do is rock,” explains . 
The guitar virtuoso burst onto the heavy metal scene as a teenager with a lightning-fast guitar techniques. With his talents Kotzen has played with some of the best musicians; securing such major collaboration with the band Mr. Big and renowned jazz great Stanley Clarke as well as his own solo projects. “I have been lucky in the sense that I have been able to play with guys who I could learn from. The biggest musical lesson for me was playing in a band with Stanley Clarke and Lenny white. Obviously these guys are jazz musicians and I am not, but I learned so much from the time we recorded and toured together. My favorite rock bassist is Billy Sheehan and we were in Mr. Big together for 3 years which was awesome. 
INTO THE BLACK is in stores now – You can also get it now @ www.richiekotzen.com. is in stores now – You can also get it now @ . 
 
 
COFFIN CASE TEAMS UP WITH DIME HARDWARE
COFFIN CASE’S NEW COFFIN BLOOD DRIVE PEDAL @ GUITAR CENTER
Coffin Case has teamed up with Dime Hardware to offer exclusive Dimbag Darrell apparel – coming soon to select Hot Topic stores. Three exclusive Dimebag Darrell designs are scheduled at this time~
Also, Guitar Center is now carrying the first of a series of blood curdling effects pedals by Coffin Case. 
The Blood Drive features a classic rich analog distortion and warm boost circuit, but with more gain and tonal control for modern sounds as well as your favorite tones from times past! Guitarist extraordinaire John 5 (Rob Zombie) gives it a “5 skull rating.” 
Marilyn Manson, David Lee Roth and Rob Coffin Case is a music products company that brought the underground revolution to musicians with the coffin shaped guitar case. The following years saw a rapid succession of new, innovative, and award-winning products for guitarists, bass players, and drummers, working both on stage and in the studio. Today, Coffin Case continues to introduce more industry “firsts” such the Black Kross Skullplate and receive acclaims from both critics and musicians worldwide. The revolution has begun. Visit www.coffincase.com for more information. 
 
WINGER IV HITTING THE AIRWAVES AND TOUR
WINGER'S “BLUE SUEDE SHOES” HIT THE # 2 SPOT ON HIGH OCTANE RADIO 



Hollywood, CA - (December 11, 2006) - WINGER's been busy with their new release WINGER IV on Shrapnel Records – A solid rock album with emphasis on our Military and leaving politics at the door, Kip had a vision to support the American troops that are standing ground in Iraq. “I had been doing solo shows at Military bases and in speaking with many of the soldiers, it touched me” explains Kip. One day I woke up and knew what I wanted to do for an album so I called up Reb to start writing.
All music and lyrics by WINGER's guitarist Reb Beach and vocalist/bassist Kip Winger – The album examines what it must be like if it was us over in Iraq and realities of war. Winger's lyrics were motivated by playing for our Military at the bases and wanting to capture the lyrics from the perspective of the soldier. Songs like Generica, M16 and Blue Suede Shoes are some of the military inspired songs seen though the eyes of a soldier at war. 
The album artwork is handled by Ethan Van Sciver who wanted to put in his part for our Military – Sciver is a renowned DC Comic book artist and penciler who has contributed (among others) to Cyberfrog, New X-Men, The Flash: Iron Heights and Impulse. The album art depicts our Militaries finest protecting with guardian angels that are representative of our prayers we send.
WINGER will hit the road beginning January 24 on a five-week headline tour of North America. Dates are below – For more information go to www.kipwinger.com or www.myspace.com/wingertheband
 
UPDATE: Trick Daddy Plays Santa to Miami Youth;
 Thug Superstar's "Trick Luvs Da Kids" Foundation Holds 4th Annual Christmas Toy Drive; Star-Studded Events Slated for December 16th & 23rd; New Album, "Back By Thug Demand," Drops Next Week
Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic recording artist Trick Daddy is celebrating the season by giving a little something back to his beloved Miami community. The pioneering rap superstar and his "Trick Luvs Da Kids" Foundation will host their 4th annual Christmas Toy Drive, with events slated for the two weekends leading up to the Christmas holiday -- Saturday, December 16th at Miami's Moore Park, and Saturday, December 23rd at the city's Gould Park. 
The Christmas Toy Drive sees the "Trick Luvs Da Kids" Foundation partnering with KB Toys and Trick's fellow Floridian hip-hop icon, Pitbull, to bring cheer and distribute gifts to the community's underprivileged youth. The venture -- which kicked off last month -- invited KB Toys customers throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and West Palm Beach to purchase a gift card to be donated to the Foundation. 
Both Miami events will be hosted by Trick himself, who, along with Pitbull, Mobile Mike, and a host of other local luminaries, will be on hand to provide food, gifts, and entertainment to those in attendance. 
The mission of the "Trick Luvs Da Kids" Foundation is to inspire, aid and encourage underprivileged youth to achieve a better quality of life through educational, social and musical development. In addition to the Christmas Toy Drive, Trick Daddy and the Foundation have challenged Boys and Girls Clubs in New York, Florida, and Atlanta to nominate teen members who have taken the initiative to organize some type of community efforts for Christmas, whether it is a toy drive, coat drive, or volunteering at a soup kitchen. 
The contest -- sponsored by "Trick Luvs Da Kids" Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs, SNS/Atlantic Records, It's Cool To Be Smart, Inc., and BET -- will see five top leaders chosen, with one whose efforts have truly gone above-and-beyond selected as the Grand Prize winner. This youth leader will receive a variety of gifts and prizes, including a $1000 contribution to their local Boys and Girls Club for a youth scholarship. What's more, they will join Trick at his December 18th appearance on BET's 106 and Park, where they will receive a special on-air shout-out. All five top leaders will receive a Trick Daddy gift pack, and a personal call from Trick. 
Trick's eagerly awaited new album, "BACK BY THUG DEMAND," arrives in stores next Tuesday, December 19th. The collection -- which features the single, "Bet That (feat. Chamillionaire and GoldRush)" -- is the thug kingpin's first release in two years, following 2004's "THUG MATRIMONY: MARRIED TO THE STREETS," which reached #1 on Billboard's "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" chart and #2 on the Billboard 200. 
"BACK BY THUG DEMAND" sees the man known as T-Double-D joined by a rogues gallery of R&B/hip-hop stars, including Baby, 8Ball, Jaheim, The Dunk Ryders, Trey Songz, Trina and Young Buck. With their true-to-life lyrics and trunk-rattling beats, tracks such as the hard-edged "Breaka Breaka" and the boastful "Tuck Ya Ice (feat. Baby)" make it perfectly clear why Trick Daddy has been hailed as one of the most diverse and recognizable voices in hip-hop today. 
 
  
DIRECTV Spreads the Good Word With New Sunday Mass From Notre Dame
New Original Program Will Feature Live Masses From the Basilica of
the Sacred Heart on The University of Notre Dame Campus Every Sunday
                         Starting December 17
Dec. 16, 2006--Continuing the effort to bring more original, faith-based programming to television, DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider, will launch the new program Sunday Mass from Notre Dame to its channel 103 line-up starting Sunday, December 17 at 10 a.m. EST. Each Sunday, masses will be aired live from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, on the campus of The University of Notre Dame.
Sunday Mass from Notre Dame will join an already well-established Channel 103 line-up alongside Songs of Praise for Christmas, a 90-minute musical celebration hosted by Amy Grant and Darrell Waltrip; Amy Grant's concert special Time Again; and other original family-friendly programming.
As part of the Sunday Mass from Notre Dame series, DIRECTV will also feature a special live 75 minute midnight mass from Notre Dame on Christmas Day, which will re-air through out the day.
"We are blessed to announce the addition of Sunday Mass from Notre Dame to our 103 line-up," said David Hill, President of DIRECTV Entertainment. "Masses from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart are the most beautiful and inspirational ceremonies I have ever witnessed, and now DIRECTV customers and their families will get to enjoy this amazing experience every Sunday."
"This new initiative is yet another opportunity for Notre Dame to bring quality Catholic liturgies to individuals and families across the country and around the world," added Rev. Richard V. Warner, C.S.C., director of Campus Ministry.
Masses at Notre Dame are marked by the full participation of their assembly in the liturgy, and on Sundays the Basilica is regularly filled to capacity. Sunday Mass from Notre Dame will allow DIRECTV customers to experience the University's celebrated High Mass, complete with performances from the Liturgical Choir, under the direction of Gail Walton, during the academic year. During the summer months, the Basilica Collegium Choir, under the direction of Andrew McShane, will provide the summer liturgy music. A 5 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass can also be seen every week on the Hallmark Channel, which is also carried on DIRECTV.
DIRECTV will employ architecturally sensitive camera placements inside the Basilica to capture the beauty of the church, while not disturbing the solemnity of Mass. Technical production of the Mass is accomplished locally through the services of Pentavision Communications Inc., which produces the show from a control room in the basement of the Basilica. WNDU-TV will send the broadcast via fiber optics to DIRECTV's master control.
More information on the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is available at http://basilica.nd.edu/.
About DIRECTV, Inc.
DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 15.6 million customers through exclusive content, industry-leading customer service (which has surpassed cable for six years running) and superior technologies. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy over 250 channels of 100% digital picture and sound; exclusive programming and the most comprehensive collection of sports programming available anywhere including NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM), and MLB EXTRA INNINGS(TM). DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) also leads the digital television technology revolution with exclusives such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan(TM), US Open Interactive and YES Network Interactive and will soon have the capacity to offer over 150 channels in HD. DIRECTV is approximately 39 percent owned by News Corporation. For the most up-to-date information on the Company, please visit directv.com.
About the University of Notre Dame:
Founded in 1842 by Edward Sorin of the Congregation of Holy Cross and rated today among the top 20 universities in the nation, the University of Notre Dame is renown for excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and service, all in concert with a commitment to Catholic values. It stands on 1,250 acres adjacent to the city of South Bend, Ind., the center of a metropolitan area with a population of more than a quarter-million. Ranked among the nation's leading undergraduate teaching institutions, it also is highly regarded for research in a wide array of disciplines, including topical disease transmission, peace studies, cancer, robotics, theology, philosophy, astrophysics, Latin America, and Catholic and American religious history.
 
 
December 15
Bat Out of Hell III - Seize the Night Tour 
Meat Loaf Takes His Critically Acclaimed Bat Out of Hell Performance on the Road! 
Tickets on Sale Saturday, December 16 
 
Dec. 15 Grammy Award winner, Meat Loaf, brings his critically acclaimed live performance, featuring songs from all three Bat Out of Hell albums, on a U.S. and Canadian tour with dates beginning early 2007. Thirteen years in the making, Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster is Loose unleashed October 31st with a debut at #8 on the Billboard charts and a top 5 debut in more than 10 countries. Meat Loaf is now ready to take the epic trilogy on tour beginning Friday, February 23 in Pala, California. For tour information, please visit http://www.meatloaf.net/.
The three act performance includes hits from each Bat Out Of Hell installment, including "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad," "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth," and "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights." Act II features more favorites including the classic international chart-topper "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)," which earned Meat Loaf a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Solo Performance. Act III brings the franchise full circle with, "It's All Coming Back to Me Now," "Blind as a Bat" and a finale spanning the entire "Bat" series.
The new album was produced by hit-maker Desmond Child, and completed with Todd Rundgren, contributing vocal arrangements, and Jim Steinman, writing seven songs. Mixed by Grammy Award winning studio engineer Greg Collins (U2, Gwen Stefani), with string arrangements by David Campbell, this final installment of the Bat franchise includes guest appearances by Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx and Rob Zombie guitarist John 5, as well as guitar hero Steve Vai and unmistakable signature appearance by Queen guitarist Brian May on "Bad For Good."
Meat Loaf, one of most diverse talents in entertainment today, has appeared in more than 60 television and feature films. Bat Out Of Hell (1977), the genre-transforming original, ran for 82 weeks on the Billboard album chart and has sold over 14 million copies in the U.S. Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell (1993) earned Meat Loaf a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Solo Performance. Meat Loaf has a total of 24 multi-platinum, platinum and gold RIAA awards. 
Source: 10th Street Media 
 
Key Creative Team Announced for the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® 

SAG Awards™ Nominations Announcement to Air Live on TNT on Thursday, Jan. 4;
2007 SAG Awards™ will be Simulcast Live on TNT and TBS, Sunday, Jan. 28 
  
Los Angeles, California - Jeff Margolis, executive producer and director of the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®, has announced the creative team for this year’s Actors® honors. Many of the talented producers and artists behind the 12th Annual SAG Awards™ are returning to create this year’s ceremonies, joined by two new film segment producers.

Nominations for the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 4, at 6:05 am PT / 9:05 am ET at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. The announcement will be carried live on TNT, tnt.tv and tbs.com.

The 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremonies will be simulcast live on TNT and TBS from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, at 8 pm ET/PT, 7 pm CT and 6 pm MT.

“Each year our production team looks forward to the SAG Awards as a reunion of creative colleagues and an opportunity for fresh collaboration,” said Margolis. “We take great pride in designing a memorable evening for both our community of actors at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the audience at home.”

Kathy Connell will produce for the 13th consecutive year (the first two were as a producer for SAG). SAG Awards Committee founding members Yale Summers (committee chair), Daryl Anderson (committee vice-chair) and Paul Napier, as well as committee members Shelley Fabares and JoBeth Williams, will produce for SAG; supervising producers for the ninth consecutive year are Gloria Fujita O’Brien and Mick McCullough.  

Peabody Award-winner Stephen Pouliot will be writing his ninth SAG Awards script. In addition to the SAG Awards, Pouliot has collaborated with Margolis on numerous specials, including Julie Andrews: One Step Into Spring. (which Margolis directed and Pouliot wrote and produced,) CBS: 50 Years from Television City, The First Family's Holiday Gift to America: A Tour of the White House and A Gala for the President at Ford’s Theatre. 

Production designers John Shaffner & Joe Stewart, who together share 29 Emmy® nominations, four Art Directors Guild nominations and five Emmys (including their 2005 kudo for The George Lopez Show), will be designing their fourth new set for the SAG Awards.

Also returning for his fourth year is lighting designer Jeffrey Engel, an Emmy-winner and 21-time Emmy nominee for projects including the 63rd and 64th Academy Awards®, both directed by Margolis.

Composer and conductor Lenny Stack, an Emmy-winner for music arranging for the Screen Actors Guild 50th Anniversary Special and composer of the current SAG Awards™ theme, returns for his eighth Screen Actors Guild Awards. 

Filmmaker Douglass M. Stewart, Jr will produce the film tribute saluting the accomplishments of SAG Life Achievement Award honoree Julie Andrews. A veteran of 25 Oscar® telecasts and 11 Emmy shows, seven-time Emmy nominee Stewart returns for his third SAG Awards™ telecast.  The film salute to the Screen Actors Guild’s membership is being produced by Quinn Monahan, who just completed directing and editing the feature The Falls.  Monahan has created film packages for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. This is his first SAG Awards. Also joining the Screen Actors Guild Awards team is Paul Fagen, who will produce this year’s “In Memorium” homage. Fagen has created both film and live tributes for such events as the American Film Institute Awards, the Sundance Ray-Ban Visionary Awards and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Modern Master Awards.

Returning for his 10th SAG Awards is Keaton S. Walker who has served as the SAG Awards’ art director since 1997 and the Academy Awards’ art director for 24 years.  Walker is a multiple Emmy and Art Director’s Guild honoree for his work on the Oscars and the Emmys.

Keith Greco, who earlier this year designed gala premiere for Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles’ LOVE at the Mirage Las Vegas, returns for the fourth year to design the Award ceremonies’ grand entrance and showroom décor. SAG Awards™ event supervisor Andrea Wyn Schall, a two-time Special Events Gala award nominee, returns for the eighth year to coordinate event design and logistics. Together they will again create the Champagne Taittinger toast that opens the SAG Awards Red Carpet.

Also returning is the SAG Awards’ executive in charge of production since 1999, Benn Fleishman, who just completed line producing the HBO and TBS special Comic Relief 2006, as well as Maggie Barrett Caulfield, executive in charge of talent since 2001.

The 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® are produced by Jeff Margolis Productions in association with Screen Actors Guild.

Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is the nation’s largest labor union representing working actors. Established in 1933, SAG has a rich history in the American labor movement, from standing up to studios to break long-term engagement contracts in the 1940s to fighting for artists’ rights amid the digital revolution sweeping the entertainment industry in the 21st century. With 20 branches nationwide, SAG represents nearly 120,000 working actors in film, television, industrials, commercials, video games, music videos and other new media. The Guild exists to enhance actors’ working conditions, compensation and benefits and to be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists’ rights. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SAG is a proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO. More information is available online at www.sag.org.

Turner Network Television (TNT), television’s destination for drama and one of cable’s top-rated networks, offers original movies and series, including the blockbuster detective series The Closer, starring Emmy®. Golden Globe® and Screen Actors Guild Awards® nominee Kyra Sedgwick, and next year’s eagerly anticipated television event The Company, executive-produced by Ridley Scott and starring Chris O’Donnell, Michael Keaton and Alfred Molina.  TNT is also home to powerful one-hour dramas, such as Without a Trace, Law & Order, Las Vegas, Cold Case, ER, Charmed and Judging Amy; broadcast premiere movies; compelling prime-time specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards® and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR and the NBA.  TNT is also available in high-definition. 

TBS, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., is television’s “very funny” network.  It serves as home to such hot contemporary comedies as Sex and the City, Everybody Loves Raymond, Family Guy, Seinfeld and Friends; original comedy series like My Boys and 10 Items or Less; specials and special events, such as The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas; blockbuster movies; and hosted movie showcases. 

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and a leading provider of programming for the television industry.
STAR TREK: Legacy(TM) For Xbox 360(TM) and Windows Ships to North American Retail Stores 
Epic Game of Starfleet Command Spans Entire STAR TREK(R) Universe and Features Voices of all Five Captains 
Dec. 15  Bethesda Softworks(R) today announced that the highly anticipated strategy/action game, STAR TREK: Legacy(TM) for the Xbox 360(TM) videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft is shipping to North American retail stores. STAR TREK: Legacy for Windows was released last week and is currently on store shelves. The release of STAR TREK: Legacy completes Bethesda's current lineup of STAR TREK titles, which includes the highly popular STAR TREK(R): Encounters for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and STAR TREK: Tactical Assault(TM) for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system and the Nintendo DS(TM).
STAR TREK: Legacy places you in the Admiral's chair as you command your hand-selected fleet of starships into battle. Featuring striking space environments, detailed weapon effects, and full damage modeling, the single player Federation campaign and robust multiplayer modes span the entire STAR TREK Universe with over 80 ships and 4 playable races. While commanding Federation, Romulan, Gorn, or Borg fleets, this real-time combat game provides a strategic and tactical experience as you battle across vast sections of space.
STAR TREK: Legacy features the voices of all five actors who portrayed the original STAR TREK captains -- William Shatner, Patrick Stewart, Scott Bakula, Avery Brooks, and Kate Mulgrew. The collaboration marks the first time the five actors have participated in a single STAR TREK project together. In addition, Bethesda Softworks also worked with acclaimed STAR TREK writer, Dorothy "D.C." Fontana, and her writing partner, Derek Chester, to provide compelling and authentic storylines for STAR TREK: Legacy.
STAR TREK: Legacy, developed at Mad Doc Software under the direction of Bethesda Softworks, is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more information on the title, visit the official Web site at http://startrek.bethsoft.com/.
About Bethesda Softworks(R)
Headquartered in Rockville, MD, Bethesda Softworks LLC, a subsidiary of ZeniMax Media Inc., is a premier developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software and has produced numerous award-winning titles, most recently with The Elder Scrolls(R) IV: Oblivion(TM) and the 2002 PC and Xbox(R) Game of the Year and RPG of the Year, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrrowind(R). Among Bethesda's more popular franchises are The Elder Scrolls(R) series and Fallout(R), as well as its licensed properties, Pirates of the Caribbean(TM) and Star Trek(R). Its product line spans the sports, racing, RPG, strategy, and action genres. For more information on Bethesda Softworks' products, visit http://www.bethsoft.com/.
About Mad Doc(R) Software, LLC
Mad Doc(R) Software, LLC (http://www.maddocsoftware.com/) consists of game industry veterans with experience in every aspect of game development. An emerging force in the industry, Mad Doc was founded in 1999 by Dr. Ian Davis with the goal of developing AAA titles that expand the game playing experience and broaden the market through creative use of new Networking, Graphics, and AI technologies, Massachusetts-based Mad Doc team members are responsible for over ten million units in the game market worldwide, earning the acclaim of players, critics, and publishers alike. All rights reserved. MadAI is a trademark of Mad Doc(R) Software, LLC. All rights reserved.
About CBS Consumer Products
CBS Consumer Products manages the worldwide licensing, merchandising and video activities for a diverse slate of properties owned or controlled by the CBS Corporation. Additional information is available by visiting http://www.cbs.com/.
STAR TREK: Legacy(TM)/STAR TREK: Tactical Assault(TM); STAR TREK(R): Encounters. Bethesda Softworks LLC, a ZeniMax Media company. (TM), (R) CBS Studios. STAR TREK and related marks are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. CBS, the CBS EYE logo, and related marks are trademarks of CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. (R) Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. STAR TREK: Legacy developed in association with Mad Doc Software, LLC. STAR TREK: Tactical Assault developed in association with Quicksilver Software. STAR TREK: Encounters developed in association with 4J Studios Ltd. Bethesda Softworks, ZeniMax and related logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of ZeniMax Media Inc. in the United States and/or in other countries. Microsoft, Xbox, the Xbox logo, Xbox 360, the Xbox 360 logo, Xbox Live, and the Xbox Live logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or in other countries and are used under license from owner. Nintendo, Nintendo DS and the Official Seal are trademarks of Nintendo. 2004 Nintendo. "PlayStation", "PS" Family logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo(TM) may be required (sold separately). Certain limitations apply to Wi-Fi compatible connectivity. See manual for details. Player responsible for Wi-Fi compatible fees. All Rights Reserved. Other product and company names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved. 
Source: Bethesda Softworks 
 
Seven Vie for Visual Effects Oscar®
Beverly Hills, CA — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced that seven films are in consideration for achievement in Visual Effects for the 79th Academy Awards®.
The films are listed below in alphabetical order: 
“Casino Royale”
“Eragon”
“Night at the Museum”
“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
“Poseidon”
“Superman Returns”
“X-Men The Last Stand” 
On Wednesday, January 17, the Academy’s Visual Effects Award nominating committee will view 15-minute film excerpts from each of the seven shortlisted films. Following the screenings, members will vote to nominate three films for Oscar consideration.
Nominations for the 79th Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, January 23, 2007, at 5:30 a.m. PST in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST, beginning with a half-hour arrivals segment.
©A.M.P.A.S.®
 
LA Opera Presents Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s
Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny 
Music Director James Conlon Conducts a
Cast Led by Broadway Legends Audra McDonald and Patti LuPone
Tony Award Winner John Doyle Directs a New Production
Limited Engagement – February 10 - March 4, 2007
 December 15, 2006 – Los Angeles Opera will present a new production of Kurt Weill’s music-theater piece Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, conducted by Music Director James Conlon and directed by John Doyle, who won the 2006 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for his Broadway production of Sweeney Todd.  With book and lyrics by the influential playwright Bertolt Brecht, Mahagonny will feature a noteworthy cast of operatic and musical theater luminaries headed by Tony Award winners Audra McDonald as Jenny Smith and Patti LuPone as Leocadia Begbick. Also featured in the cast are tenor Anthony Dean Griffey as Jimmy MacIntyre, tenor Robert Wörle as Fatty the Bookkeeper, tenor John Easterlin as Jack O’Brien, baritone Mel Ulrich as Bank Account Bill, baritone Donnie Ray Albert as Trinity Moses, tenor Derek Taylor as Toby Higgins and bass Steven Humes as Alaska Wolf Joe. Sopranos Catherine Ireland, Karen Vuong and Rena Harms and mezzo-sopranos Natasha Flores, Sharmay Muscacchio and Priti Gandhi will be featured as the Maidens of Mahagonny.  The production is designed by set designer Mark Bailey, costume designer Ann Hould-Ward, lighting designer Thomas C. Hase and sound designer Dan Moses Schreier.  Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is a limited engagement of seven performances only, running Saturday, February 10 through Sunday, March 4, 2007 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles.
 
Superscape's No Brainer Mobile Game Comes to Cingular 
December 15 Superscape Group plc (LSE:SPS) announces that its No Brainer mobile game is now available for download from the Cingular network. 
No Brainer is based on the popular online game that tests brainpower and reflexes by a series of quickfire questions. Players must respond with 'yes' or 'no' as fast as possible. Crazy questions such as "Does Oprah sweat?" and "Can you squish Britney Spears", combined with a hilarious voiceover and fun graphics, make this a compelling mobile game. 
Kevin Roberts, CEO, Superscape Group plc said: "This game already has a strong fan base in its online version and we are finding that it is just as popular on mobile phones. It's a great example of a perfect pick up and play game for all ages." 
The game has two play modes and can be played against the clock in 'Time Attack'. 
Trademark acknowledgements 
No Brainer is licensed by Global Wireless Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. 
About Superscape 
Superscape is the world's leading publisher of 3D mobile games. The company was the first in the world to develop and launch international standard (JSR 184) compliant solutions for the delivery of innovative games on mass-market handsets. Superscape is quoted on the London Stock Exchange and has corporate offices in Hook, Hampshire (UK) and San Clemente, California (USA), together with development and production facilities in Moscow. 
www.superscape.com 
Source: Superscape Group plc
Electronic Gaming League's 2006-07 U.S. Tour Comes to Washington, D.C. 
 15 The burgeoning Electronic Gaming League (EGL) will host the fourth regional tournament of its inaugural interstate U.S. pro tour this season January 19-21 at the Sheraton Reston. Featuring major titles Halo 2, Super Smash Brothers Melee, and Dead or Alive 4 competitions, the EGL - D.C. tournament will boast diverse game play and professional competition from more than 50 teams and 250 players.
"The D.C. tournament is one of our most ambitious venues yet and promises to be a real battle of wits," says EGL Tournament Director Ryan Baron. "We're expecting to see some of the most intense gaming of the season. We've got people coming from all over the east coast to either make a name for themselves or defend their reputations. The area is known for fostering some the world's elites and it's definitely going to be a shootout."
The 2006-07 EGL season consists of ten regular-season regional tournaments in major metropolitan areas across the United States. Cyber athletes compete in teams and in a FFA (Free-For-All) platform throughout the exhibition season for cash prizes up to $3,500 per team and $750 for individual contenders. At the cessation of the regional tour in May, the top teams and individuals will be invited to face-off at the 2006-07 post-season finals in Las Vegas to contend for the national EGL Title and up to $15,000 in cash.
"I think we're going to see some surprises," says Baron. "Careers can be both won and lost here. These guys have a lot of talent they're brining to the table and we'll see who really steps it up."
As the freshest name in professional gaming, EGL is raising the bar in e- sports, mobilizing the best local and national competitors in concert to redefine the playing field for the next generation of true cyber-athletes. Throughout the season, EGL will maintain an online e-chronicle on the league's site featuring video-stream player interviews, highlights, depth and statistic charts, and play-by-play video screenshots.
For more information and a full list of tournament dates and locations, please visit: www.theegleague.com
 
 
He Is Music ... Manilow Has The Midas Touch 
GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES Goes Gold 
Ultimate Manilow Certified Double-Platinum 
Voted Artist of the Month at MSN.com 
 Dec. 15 2006 has been an incredible record- breaking year for Manilow. His brand new album THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES released October 31st was certified gold by the RIAA, exactly one month from its street date. This is the first time since 1981 for Manilow to have two albums of new material certify gold in the same calendar year, and his SIXTIES album hits the gold mark faster than his Fifties album released January 31st. In addition, his best-selling greatest hits collection, Ultimate Manilow (Arista, 2002) was just certified double platinum yesterday and was voted the artist of the month for December on MSN.com with a landslide 91% of votes over other chart topping contenders Jay-Z, Foo Fighters, Lucinda Williams and Tenacious D.
With the release of GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES, Manilow enjoyed an unprecedented record launch which garnered him the biggest sales week of his career when it debuted on the Billboard Top 200 at #2 with 201,904 copies sold, a 30% sales increase over his Fifties album released just 9 months before. THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES is his 13-song tribute that arrived in stores on October 31st and the follow-up to the RIAA platinum The Greatest Songs Of The Fifties, the first album in Barry Manilow's career to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart upon its release this year on January 31st. Manilow is the only artist of 2006 to have two albums debut in the top 2 chart positions in the same calendar year.
The two current Fifties and Sixties albums mark the winning reunion in the studio for co-producers Manilow and Clive Davis, Arista founder and BMG U.S. Chairman & CEO. THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES also caps one of the most remarkable years of Manilow's long and storied career, which includes the success of 2006's The Greatest Songs From The Fifties (his first #1 chart album in nearly three decades), the renewal extension of his exclusive performing contract with the Las Vegas Hilton Theater ("Manilow: Music & Passion") through 2008, and winning his second career Emmy Award (this past August), when "Manilow: Music & Passion" was awarded Outstanding Individual Performance In A Variety Or Music Program.
Each song on THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES is a classic in its own right from "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" (1965) to "And I Love Her" (1964), "When I Fall In Love" (1962) to three Burt Bacharach classics: "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" (1969), "What The World Needs Now Is Love" (1965) and "This Guy's In Love With You" (1968). Like the '60s itself, the album covers many genres, from "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over The World)" (1967), to "Blue Velvet" (1963), to "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime" (1964), "Can't Help Falling In Love" (1962), "Strangers In The Night" (1966), and the album's first single "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (1967). One of the highlights of the album is a great duet with The Association of their two #1 hits "Cherish" (1966) and "Windy" (1967).
With worldwide record sales exceeding 75 million, his work as a singer, songwriter, arranger and producer over the course of more than 40 albums has earned Barry Manilow the highest honors. He sits on the Board of Governors of the National Academy of Jazz, and in June 2002, he was inducted into the National Academy of Popular Music's Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside Ashford & Simpson, Michael Jackson, Randy Newman, and Sting. In addition to his own foundation, the Manilow Fund for Health and Hope, other involvements include The Prince's Trust, United Way, the Starlight Foundation, numerous organizations fighting the battle against AIDS, and many others. He is the national spokesperson for the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Honorary Chairman of the Palm Springs Art Museum and a Founder of the Music Center of Los Angeles. 
Source: Arista Records 
CBS Corporation Launches CBS Records 
New Entity to Feature a Marquee Brand From the Past and a New Paradigm for Music's Future - Utilizing CBS's Television and Media Platforms to Market and Distribute Music 
CBS Records Announces its Songs, Music Videos and More Will Be Available on iTunes 
Dec. 15  CBS Corporation is launching a new music label that will draw upon one of the great names in music history -- CBS Records -- and the considerable mass media assets across its Company to market and distribute new music, it was announced today by Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation. An emphasis of the new label will be to build awareness for CBS Records' artists and songs by integrating music into CBS television series.
In unveiling the new entity, CBS also announced plans to make songs, music videos and other music-related content from CBS Records available for purchase and download at the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com ).
Offering an alternative approach to introducing music into the marketplace, CBS Records will build a select roster of artists from the limitless ranks of independent musicians who write and perform their own songs with an initial focus on digital distribution of their content. In addition to the iTunes Store, the music will be offered through www.cbsrecords.com , as well as other agreements with online and wireless providers that will be announced at a later date. CBS Records will also offer physical distribution through partnerships with outside companies.
"CBS is one of the most powerful entertainment brands in the world, and music represents a natural and complementary extension of our content assets," said Moonves. "With more consumers choosing the online download model as the preferred way to purchase their favorite songs, we have an opportunity to use our unique and broad collection of media platforms to create a new music label paradigm for a small price of admission."
"The marriage of television and music with CBS Records offers tremendous creative and commercial potential for everyone," said Nancy Tellem, President, CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group. "Our artists will have access to an incredibly powerful medium (television) to drive music sales; our television producers will have greater flexibility to use music as a creative enhancement in their shows; and our Company will be able to reduce the Network and studio's music licensing cost center while transforming it into a new revenue stream."
CBS Records will harness the powerful marketing reach of the Corporation's diverse portfolio of mass media platforms to promote its music and talent directly to millions of consumers.
* Music from CBS Records will be included in primetime entertainment series on the CBS Television Network's top-rated schedule, as well as on shows broadcast across all day parts. * Artists and songs will be incorporated into programs produced by CBS Paramount Television, which supplies programming to the broadcast, basic and pay cable television networks. CBS Paramount's slate of shows includes "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (CBS), "Everybody Hates Chris" (The CW), "Medium" (NBC) and "The 4400" (USA Network), to name just a few. * Artists and their music will be available to programs on CBS's sister network The CW, which features some of television's most popular shows with young viewers, including "America's Next Top Model"; and on CBS-owned Showtime, a leading premium cable network with cutting-edge programming such as "Weeds" and "Dexter." * Music videos and other music-related content will be streamed on CBS's broadband channel "innertube," which offers a wide range of free content to Internet users. * Music videos, artist performances and music from CBS Records that is integrated into television programming will also be showcased as part of CBS's content and marketing partnerships with YouTube, and other digital outlets, as well as on wireless carriers. * CBS Records will draw upon the Company's extensive reach to college students through the CSTV Networks, which includes websites for 240 colleges across the country and 100 broadband channels. 
"We will continue to work closely with our friends and colleagues at the other labels to put their music and artists in our television shows in all day parts," said Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS Entertainment. "With CBS Records, we also have the ability to discover and develop new musical talent, deliver their content to the consumer, and provide them exposure on all of our various media platforms, including the biggest stage of all -- network television."
As part of its launch, CBS Records has signed several artists to its initial talent roster, including:
* Will Dailey, who was recently named Best Male Singer/Songwriter at the 2006 Boston Music Awards. CBS Records will release Dailey's debut album, Back Flipping Forward. Featured on that album is the song "Grand Opening," which was heard in the Nov. 29th episode of "Jericho," on the CBS Television Network. * P.J. Olsson, a 2007 Grammy Award nominee. Olsson's Words For Living album was a critical favorite, and his music has been featured prominently in commercials, on several network series and in films. Olsson has appeared on the "Late Show with David Letterman" and other national broadcasts. He's currently working on his CBS Records debut album. * Indie rock band Senor Happy, whose music has been featured on several series on MTV and VH1. Their album, I'm Sorry, will be released by CBS Records in January 2007. Their song, "Love If You're Real," will be featured on the Dec. 15th episode of "Ghost Whisperer," on CBS. 
CBS Records will be launched primarily utilizing the existing infrastructure of CBS Entertainment and CBS Interactive. It will operate as a newly created unit within the Entertainment division based in Los Angeles, reporting to Tellem.
Larry Jenkins, a 23-year music industry veteran with vast experience at major labels and currently head of his own management company, L J Entertainment, has been brought onboard to consult for CBS Records during the primary launch phase. Jenkins will work closely with Sussman, as well as Amy Osler, Vice President, Music, CBS Entertainment and CBS Paramount Network Television, and Jeff Sellinger from CBS Interactive to sign new talent, hire key music industry executives for the new venture and work with the various divisions to promote and distribute CBS Records music.
CBS Records has a long and storied history dating back to 1938. Over the next 50 years, the company's labels were home to some of the greatest artists in the history of recorded music, including Aerosmith, Tony Bennett, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Earth, Wind & Fire, Billie Holiday, Billy Joel, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, and many more. In 1988, CBS Records was acquired by Sony, and a few years later, its assets were integrated into Sony Music Entertainment.
CBS Corporation (NYSE:CBS.A) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:CBS) is a mass media company with constituent parts that reach back to the beginnings of the broadcast industry, as well as newer businesses that operate on the leading edge of the media industry. The Company, through its many and varied operations, combines broad reach with well-positioned local businesses, all of which provide it with an extensive distribution network by which it serves audiences and advertisers in all 50 states and key international markets. It has operations in virtually every field of media and entertainment, including broadcast television (CBS and The CW -- a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment), cable television (Showtime and CSTV Networks), local television (CBS Television Stations), television production and syndication (CBS Paramount Network Television and CBS Television Distribution Group), radio (CBS Radio), advertising on out-of-home media (CBS Outdoor), publishing (Simon & Schuster), digital media (CBS Interactive and CSTV Networks) and consumer products (CBS Consumer Products). For more information, log on to www.cbscorporation.com . 
Source: CBS Corporation 
 
A landmark in history was created when Ozura Mobile announced the winners of Malaysia's First & Largest Live Mobile Game Tournament, Beauty Queen featuring Miss Malaysia/World 2004 last Saturday, December 9, 2006 at Sky Bar, Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

 

THE GRAND FINALE OF BEAUTY QUEEN, 
MALAYSIA’S FIRST & LARGEST LIVE MOBILE GAME TOURNAMENT
FEATURING MISS MALAYSIA
-A Landmark in History
 Ozura Mobile, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nextnation Communication and a leading international publisher and developer of mobile entertainment, today announced the winners of the Beauty Queen Tournament Grand Finale, Malaysia ’s first and largest live mobile game tournament. The Beauty Queen mobile game series feature Miss Malaysia/World 2004 Gloria Ting.
Five of the nation’s best mobile gamers who qualified went head to head in the Grand Finale, vying for the Grand Prize of  MYR5,000 in cash and a dinner with Miss Gloria herself. After two hours of fierce competition, 18 year-old Hannie Ting from Sarawak , triumphed over other competitors to claim the Grand Prize and title of Beauty Queen Grand Finale Champion.
The Beauty Queen Grand Finale second and third place winners are 17-year old Mohd Farhan (Kelantan) and 29-year old Nik Zul Azmi (Negeri Sembilan) and they received MYR3,000 and  MYR2,000 cash prizes respectively.
The five Grand Finale qualifiers competed in the first elimination round of the Grand Finale to narrow down to four final contestants. The second and final round of the Grand Finale took place between those four to determine the winners. All three games in the Beauty Queen series were used to test the contestants’ gaming prowess built from the culmination of series of tournaments which has been ongoing since late March this year. The three editions of the Beauty Queen series in order of their release are Beauty Queen Workout, Beauty Queen Catwalk and Beauty Queen Charity.
The Beauty Queen tournament series was developed by Ozura in an effort to increase the public’s awareness of the mobile games industry and demonstrate Ozura’s capacity as one of Asia-Pacific’s leading player in the mobile entertainment market. Beauty Queen tournament games are powered by FunlogiX™, a proprietary mobile gaming community platform developed by Ozura. The platform is both GPRS and 3G ready, supporting all major handsets such as Nokia, Motorola, Samsung and Sony Ericsson.
A study by Juniper Research reveals that the global mobile entertainment market will be dominated by Asia Pacific. Over the entire period of 2006 to 2011, Asia Pacific is forecasted to contribute 37% of global mobile entertainment revenues.
“The success of the Beauty Queen Mobile Game Tournament provides strong indication that mobile gaming communities have begun to pick up significantly in Asia Pacific,” commented Ozura’s Chief Executive Officer, Lion Peh. “As the Grand Finale mark an end to our year-long efforts to promote mobile entertainment to the public, we have more plans in store for next year,“ he later revealed.
A prize giving ceremony for the Grand Finale winners was conducted on the same day, during which Sibu Community Services Association, a charitable organization which is involved in Methodist care and charity activities for the handicapped, received a donation from Ozura in honour of Miss Gloria Ting and in the spirit of charity reflected in the latest game series edition Beauty Queen Charity. Coverage of the event was done by Wise Tech Resources, and will be broadcasted across major media networks in Europe and Asia .

About Ozura Mobile
Ozura is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nextnation Communication and is a leading international developer and publisher for mobile games and game developer engine to carriers, aggregators, mobile phone manufacturers and service providers. The company creates games for mobile phones based on the J2ME, BREW and Symbian platforms. Ozura’s games are available all over the world through its distribution network of partners spanning across 130 countries. It is expected that the growth of mobile phones supporting these platforms will exceed one billion units worldwide in 2008. For more information, visit www.ozura.com.About Nextnation Communication
Nextnation Communication‚ a mobile application service provider‚ enables businesses and individuals to access‚ connect‚ and transact across today's complex global mobile networks. Its core product MINDCEP™ Platform is a mobile multimedia communication platform‚ facilitating and enabling mobile data transmission worldwide using WAP‚ MMS‚ SMS and Java technologies. MINDCEP™ is connected to some of the largest premium messaging networks in the world in order to offer a broad range of services from content distribution to mobile m-commerce and place the company at the forefront of this rapidly growing messaging market. Additional news and information about the company is available at www.nextnationnet.com. 
 
December 14
 
 
Written by Joyce Chow and William Hoehne
Frohawk Two Feather's Tundrafoot Whimsy T’s Soft as a Cloud
 
 
Tundrafoot, light as a feather and soft as a cloud.  Discovered in the midst of a sea of t-shirts and what’s hip for the younger set at the Pool Trade Show in Las Vegas was a baby blue back ground and bubbles and a quirky Frohawk Two Feathers in his white framed wide eyed glasses.
Frohawk Two Feathers, the artist behind the graphics, focuses on the positive aspects and the almost fairytale like innocence while weaving a story of polar cap characters in environmental awareness to prevent them from extinction.  
Tundrafoot’s cute cuddly characters represent virtues such as Tyberius the ambitious penguin, Ten the compassionate seal, Pink the whale with perseverance and Parka Posie the hopeful Eskimo girl.  Tanka is coming soon.
 
Frohawk Two Feathers, shared his name’s origination which isn’t quite Indian,  “I cut this mohawk(his hair), it’s like an afro and a Mohawk, so I called it a frohawk.”  On the two feathers, “A hawk is my favorite bird, next to the penguin of course.  The hawk would shed his feathers and I would wear the feather in my hair.”  We never did get to the idea behind the large white framed wide eyed glasses, but I did notice a similar wide-eyed look in his characters. 
  
Frohawk works in the mediums of drawings, paintings and sculpture with a variety of media with inspiration from the Tundra.  After searching for an escape from his mundane life as a salesperson where his drawings began as comics on invoice sheets colored by white out and hi-liters, his “cubicle gnome” life became no more as his “cubicle gnome” employer financed Tundrafoot, which was created in 2003.

Besides being a visual artist, Frohawk is a co-lead singer of his band called Foreign and Domestic, which is currently in the process of releasing a full-length cd entitled “Your Mountain VS My Iceberg.”  Their influences come from 80’s new wave, old school hip hop and prog rock.  Foreign and Domestic is kind of political, but mostly make songs about love and the human condition.  Other members rounding out the quartet are his wife Michiyo Suda, friend Iwei Lai and co-lead singer and main keyboardist Kim Haden.  
The band originally started because Frohawk was tired of rapping and disenchanted with the current state of hip hop, add to that a chance to sing and play in a band. Previously  he recorded a hip hop album in 1999 for F5 Records, a small record label in St. Louis , entitled Hi-Fidel and DJ Crucial, “Traveling between St. Louis and Chicago .”
Catch a glimpse into his creations to see “Glaciers are not forever” and Pink the whale in 
“Save the whales, save yourselves.”
Tundrafoot can be discovered online at www.tundrafoot.com
 
Fox Filmed Entertainment Earns Fourteen Golden Globe(R) Nominations
Fox Dominates Best Motion Picture, Comedy/Musical Category with Four out of Five Nominations Fox Searchlight Pictures Garners Eight Nominations and Twentieth Century Fox Receives Six Nods
Dec. 14, 2006 Fox Filmed Entertainment announced today that the Company had earned a total of fourteen Golden Globe nominations from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The studio received four out of the five nominations in the Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical category BORAT, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE and THANK YOU FOR SMOKING. 
Fox Searchlight Pictures received three nods for the upcoming December 27th release of NOTES ON A SCANDAL, including a Golden Globe nomination for Judi Dench for Best Performance By An Actress In A Motion Picture - Drama and Cate Blanchett for Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role. LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE and THANK YOU FOR SMOKING both received a nomination for Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical and Toni Collette for Best Performance By An Actress In A Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical and Aaron Eckhart for Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical respectively. Forest Whitaker continued his streak by garnering a nomination for Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture - Drama for his portrayal of Idi Amin in THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND. 
Twentieth Century Fox garnered three nominations for THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, including a Golden Globe nomination for Meryl Streep for Best Performance By An Actress In A Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical and Emily Blunt for Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role along with a nomination for Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical. BORAT received a nomination for Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical and Sasha Baron Cohen for Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical for his portrayal of Borat. THE FOUNTAIN received a nod for Best Original Score - Motion Picture. 
One of the world's largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, Fox Filmed Entertainment produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of FFE: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox Atomic, and Twentieth Century Fox Animation. 
Statement From Atlantic Records
December 14, 2006 -- Ahmet Ertegun, Founding Chairman of Atlantic Records, passed away today in New York City at the age of 83. He had been hospitalized with a head injury since October 29, when he fell backstage at a Rolling Stones concert at the Beacon Theatre in Manhattan. 
Dr. Howard A Riina, Mr. Ertegun's neurosurgeon at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center said, "Mr. Ertegun suffered a severe brain injury after he fell in October. He was in a coma and passed away today with his family at his bedside." 
Mr. Ertegun will be buried in a private ceremony in his native Turkey. A memorial service will be conducted in New York after the New Year. 
"All of us at Atlantic Records are profoundly saddened by the loss of our founder and mentor," said Atlantic Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman. "The music community has lost a pioneer and an icon, and we have lost our father. Ahmet changed the course of modern music and culture, and he will live on through the timeless legacy of work that was created under his direction and care. Musicians loved him, because he truly loved them and spoke their language. The essence of Ahmet Ertegun is the essence of Atlantic Records. His passion for music and his devotion to the artists who make it have been at the very heart of this company for six decades. The soul of Ahmet Ertegun will forever be our guiding spirit, and as long as there is an Atlantic Records, it will be Ahmet Ertegun's company. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ahmet's wife, Mica, and his family during this very difficult time." 
"Ahmet never stopped working, because for him, it was never work, it was life," said Atlantic President Julie Greenwald. "He started Atlantic with a fan's enthusiasm, an independent spirit, and a deep understanding of the music. Ahmet touched the lives of artists, producers, songwriters, and countless others who were blessed by his creativity, wisdom, and humor. He changed the music and he changed the music business, and he is the inspiration to an entire new generation of music people who will strive to follow in his amazing footsteps. Equally at home in New Orleans juke joints and foreign embassies, Ahmet was a human being of rare character, style, and humility. He was the real deal, and the world will be a far lesser place without him." 
"Ahmet's visionary talents as a businessman and as a recording industry pioneer are the stuff of legend, but it is his lifelong pursuit of truth -- as distilled into music -- that I find most inspiring," said Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Warner Music Group Chairman and CEO. "For all of us at Warner Music, it has been an honor to work with Ahmet. He showed us all how to live life with passion, integrity, generosity, and joy, and we will miss him deeply." 
"I feel so privileged to be able to say that Ahmet Ertegun was a mentor," said Lyor Cohen, Chairman and CEO, U.S. Recorded Music, Warner Music Group. "Here was a man who combined substance and style like no one else. Who affected millions upon millions of people through the music his artists created. Who nurtured those artists under his watchful eye. We were blessed to have him. There will never be another Ahmet Ertegun. His life was simply too incredible to ever be matched by a single human being." 
Ahmet M. Ertegun 
One of the most important figures in the history of modern music, Ahmet Ertegun was born in Istanbul, Turkey on July 31, 1923. The son of the Turkish Ambassador to the United States, Ahmet was raised and educated in Switzerland, Paris, London, and Washington, D.C. A passionate music fan and collector, Ertegun borrowed $10,000 from his dentist and founded Atlantic Records in New York City in the fall of 1947. He signed artists, produced records, wrote songs, and supervised the fledgling label. As he said, "We started Atlantic simply because we wanted to sign a few artists whose music we liked, and make the kind of records that we would want to buy." 
Under Ahmet's direction, Atlantic evolved from a groundbreaking, independent R&B and jazz label into one of the world's preeminent music companies. The artists Ahmet discovered and the music he pioneered led a revolution in R&B, soul, and rock music that reshaped the modern cultural landscape -- forming a legacy that includes such seminal artists as Ray Charles, Big Joe Turner, Ruth Brown, LaVern Baker, The Clovers, The Drifters, John Coltrane, Ben E. King, Bobby Darin, Sonny & Cher, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Solomon Burke, Wilson Pickett, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, The Rolling Stones, Bette Midler, Roberta Flack, Phil Collins, and many others. 
Ahmet was founder and Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In recognition of his pioneering contributions to contemporary music and culture, he was himself elected to the Hall of Fame in 1987, and the Museum's main exhibition hall in Cleveland bears his name. In 1991, Ahmet received an honorary doctorate in music from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and in 1993 he was presented with a Trustees Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. In 2000, he was honored as a "Living Legend" by the United States Library of Congress, on the occasion of the Library's Bicentennial. In June 2006, he was honored with the opening night concert at the 40th Montreux Jazz Festival. He never retired and remained active at Atlantic until his death, serving as Founding Chairman of the company he started six decades ago. 
For complete biographical information and photos, please visit: www.atlanticrecords.com/ahmet 
 
ANIME EXPO® 2007 ANNOUNCES
ONLINE REGISTRATION UP, AVAILABLE AND RUNNING

A Newly Designed Site for the Nation¹s Largest Convention Provides the
Perfect Holiday Present for the Anime/Manga Enthusiast


Anaheim, California (December 14, 2006) ‹ Wondering what to buy for 
the
Anime/Manga enthusiast this Holiday Season? Look no further than to the
newly designed Anime Expo® website to purchase their attendee badges 
for
2007!  Anime Expo® 2007 will be held from June 29, 2007-July 2, 2007 
at the
Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA.  More information can 
be
found on the website www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> .

Attendees who pre-register prior to December 31, 2006 will 
automatically be
entered into a drawing for hot manga titles from the young and up and 
coming
manga company Infinity Studios, LLC.  Winners selected will receive a 
host
of amazing titles including the newest titles releasing in January
2007-NININ GA SHINOBUDEN Vol. 2 and SWEETY Vol. 2!

All prices (all Major Credit Cards and any ATM Visa/Mastercard check 
card
accepted) are as follows:

·      All 4 Days-Now till Dec 31st = $45
·      All 4 Days-Jan 1st - Mar 16th = $50
·
All 4 Days-Mar 17th - May 31st = $55
·
All 4 Days-Jun 1st till the con = $60 (door price)
·      1-Day
(Fri 6/29) - $25.00
·
1-Day (Sat 6/30) - $30.00
·
1-Day (Sun 7/1) - $25.00
·
1-Day (Sun 7/2) - $20.00
·      2-Day
(Fri/Sat) - $50.00
·
2-Day (Sat/Sun) - $50.00
·
2-Day (Sun/Mon) - $40.00
·     Kids
4-day child - $30.00

The pre-registration contest ending December 31, 2006 applies only for 
All 4
Day passes ($45.00).  Winners will be announced January 2007.

Attendees interested in booking flights and hotels for Anime Expo® 
2007 can
do so via the AX Travel Store located at www.AXTravelStore.com
<http://www.AXTravelStore.com> .

Discussions about all current Infinity Studios, LLC offers and products 
can
be found on the internet in the forum area of the Infinity Studios, LLC
website located at www.infinitystudios.com 
<http://www.infinitystudios.com>
. 

About Anime Expo®
Located in Long Beach, California - Anime Expo®, the nation¹s largest
anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the 
interests
of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves 
as a
key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and
explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the
industry to conduct business. AX 2007 will be held June 29 ­ July 2, 
2007 at
the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California. More 
information
can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org).

About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a 
non-profit
organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American 
public
about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate
communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more
popularly known by its entertainment property ­ Anime Expo®.   More
information can be found at its website (www.spja.org).

The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts 
are
"forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are 
based on
current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and
uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that 
a
number of important factors could cause Anime Expo®/SPJA¹s actual 
future
results to differ materially from those expressed in any such
forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation,
product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and
industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of
relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers,
international economic and political conditions. The Company may change 
its
intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based 
upon
any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. 
The
Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to 
any
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the 
date
hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

About Infinity Studios, LLC

Headquartered in Richmond, California, Infinity Studios, LLC is a 
leading
worldwide developer and publisher of Asian Graphic Novels. Founded in 
2004,
Infinity Studios, LLC maintains operations in the U.S., Japan and 
Korea.
More information about Infinity Studios, LLC and its products can be 
found
on the company¹s World Wide Web site, which is located at
www.infinitystudios.com <http://www.infinitystudios.com> .

The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts 
are
"forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are 
based on
current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and
uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that 
a
number of important factors could cause Infinity Studio, LLC¹s actual 
future
results to differ materially from those expressed in any such
forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation,
product delays, retail acceptance of our products, industry 
competition,
rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of
proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, 
vendors
and third-party developers, international economic and political 
conditions,
integration of recently acquired subsidiaries and identification of 
suitable
future acquisition opportunities. The Company may change its intention,
belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any
changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The
Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to 
any
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the 
date
hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.