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January 30, 2007

A CELEBRATION OF OSCAR FASHIONS

Jan 30

 

Talley Brings Glamour Back From Past Academy Awards®

Beverly Hills, CA — Vogue editor-at-large André Leon Talley curated “A Celebration of Oscar® Fashion” to a standing-room-only crowd attending the presentation of gowns worn by nominees, winners and presenters at the Academy Awards over the years.

“We searched high and low to find the best-of-the-best gowns worn over the years,” said Talley. “Of course, we wanted Cher’s infamous black Bob Mackie - that dress made history all on its own. And who could forget Charlize Theron in that shimmering gold Gucci that she wore when she won the Oscar for ‘Monster’?”

The retrospective was the idea of 79th Academy Awards producer Laura Ziskin, who asked Talley to curate the collection and announce the show. “I have vivid memories of the actresses first appearing in gowns,” said Ziskin. “In each of those moments, they were perfect. Those moments can’t be re-created, but these dresses are little pieces of history and we wanted to remind people of them.”

The invitation-only event showcased over 40 previously worn gowns and was attended by designers, current owners and, in some cases, the original wearers. To preserve some of the more delicate gowns, several were displayed on mannequins, including the Gold American Express gown worn by Lizzy Gardiner when she won the Academy Award® for Costume Design for her work on “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.”

The event represented a collection of gowns worn over the past few decades, including gowns worn by Cher, Annette Bening, Ingrid Bergman, Halle Berry, Cate Blanchett, Geena Davis, Edith Head, Angelina Jolie, Keira Knightley, Sophia Loren, Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor and Charlize Theron.

Celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend and makeup artist Paul Starr guided a team of artists to create the looks to expect on the red carpet this Awards season.

To complete the looks, the Oscar gowns were paired with contemporary jewels by Cartier, Martin Katz, Neil Lane, Fred Leighton, Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston. Shoes and accessories were provided by Manolo Blahnik, Judith Leiber, Christian Louboutin, Prada, Roger Vivier and Stuart Weitzman.

Vogue West Coast editor Lisa Love and Vogue fashion editor Lawren Howell collaborated with Talley to create the show. Rabin Rodgers Inc., a creative and consulting lifestyle marketing firm specializing in event production, produced the show.

West Coast editor Lisa Love and fashion editor Lawren Howell collaborated with Talley to create the show. Rabin Rodgers Inc., a creative and consulting lifestyle marketing firm specializing in event production, produced the show.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

The Oscars® will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour red carpet arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

©A.M.P.A.S.®

A CELEBRATION OF OSCAR FASHION DRESS LIST

1.ARNOLD SCAASI FOR BARBRA STREISAND

BELL BOTTOM TROUSER SUIT WITH IRIDESCENT SEQUINS WINNER: BEST ACTRESS FOR "FUNNY GIRL"

41 STANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BAG: JUDITH LEIBER

JEWELRY: NEIL LANE

2.GUCCI FOR CHARLIZE THERON

JEWELED NUDE GOWN WITH SLIT UP FRONT WINNER: BEST ACTRESS FOR "MONSTER"

76TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: MANOLO BLAHNIK JEWELRY: FRED LEIGHTON

 

3.VINTAGE CHANEL COUTURE FOR KIRSTEN DUNST BLACK LACE DRESS

PRESENTER: BEST FILM EDITING

77TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: ROGER VIVIER JEWELRY: FRED LEIGHTON

4.RALPH LAUREN FOR GWYNETH PALTROW PALE PINK SILK TAFFETA DRESS

WINNER: BEST ACTRESS FOR "SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE" 71 STANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN EARRINGS: FRED LEIGHTON NECKLACE: VAN CLEEF & ARPEL

5.VINTAGE VALENTINO FOR JULIA ROBERTS

BLACK VELVET DRESS WITH WHITE SATIN FANNING STRIPES OVER TULLE BACK WINNER: BEST ACTRESS FOR "ERIN BROCKOVICH" 73RD ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: STUART WEITZMAN

EARRINGS: CARTIER

BRACELETS: VAN CLEEF & ARPEL

6.ELIE SAAB FOR HALLE BERRY

BURGUNDY SILK TAFFETA SKIRT WITH FULL LENGTH SIDE SLIT AND EMBROIDERED MESH TOP

WINNER: BEST ACTRESS FOR "MONSTER'S BALL" 74TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: STUART WEITZMAN JEWELRY: HARRY WINSTON

7.THEADORA VAN RUNKLE FOR FAYE DUNAWAY

BLACK SATIN BACKED CREPE DRESS TRIMMED WITH FLORAL APPLIQUE IN BLACK SILK

NOMINEE: BEST ACTRESS FOR "BONNIE AND CLYDE" 40TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: SERGIO ROSSI EARRINGS: MARTIN KATZ NECKLACE: FRED LEIGHTON

8.GIORGIO ARMANI FOR :JODIE FOSTER

BLACK AND WHITE BEADED LONG SLEEVE DRESS NOMINEE: BEST ACTRESS FOR "NELL"

67TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: STUART WEITZMAN EARRINGS: NEIL LANE

BAG: VBH

9.GUY LAROCHE FOR HILARY SWANK

LONG SLEEVED MIDNIGHT BLUE BACKLESS DRESS WINNER: BEST ACTRESS FOR "MILLION DOLLAR BABY"

77TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: PRADA

EARRINGS: FRED LEIGHTON CUFF: VAN CLEEF & ARPEL

1 O. VINTAGE VALENTINO FOR JENNIFER GARNER

BURNT ORANGE ONE SHOULDER CHIFFON AND SILK TAFFETA DRESS WITH TRAIN

PRESENTER: SCI-TECH AWARDS

76TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: STUART WEITZMAN JEWELRY: NEIL LANE

1 1 . GIORGIO ARMAN I PRIVE FOR ANNETTE BENING

BLACK JERSEY LONG-SLEEVED GOWN WITH A PORTRAIT NECKLINE

NOMINEE: BEST ACTRESS FOR "BEING JULIA" 77TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: STUART WEITZMAN BAG: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN JEWELRY: FRED LEIGHTON

1 2. CHRISTIAN LACROIX COUTURE FOR KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS

BLACK ORGANZA WRAP STYLE EVENING GOWN WITH TULLE BUSTLE

NOMINEE: BEST ACTRESS FOR "THE ENGLISH PATIENT" 69TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: MANOLO BLAHNIK BAG: JUDITH LEIBER EARRINGS: CARTIER BROOCH: FRED LEIGHTON

CAROLINA HERRERA FOR RENEE ZELLWEGER

PRINCESS RED GOWN WITH WHITE TULLE TRIM AND FANTAIL PRESENTER: BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

77TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: ROGER VIVIER BAG: FIONA KOTUR JEWELRY: CARTIER

VALENTINO, ARMANI AND GAP FOR SHARON STONE

BLACK TAFFETA SKIRT, BLACK VELVET COAT, BLACK MOCK TURTLENECK, GARDENIA

NOMINEE: BEST ACTRESS FOR "CASINO" 68TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: MANOLO BLAHNIK RING: FRED LEIGHTON

1 5. ROLAND MOURET FOR SCARLETT JOHANSSON BLACK OFF THE SHOULDER FITTED GOWN PRESENTER: SCI-TECH AWARDS

77TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: MANOLO BLAHNIK JEWELRY: FRED LEIGHTON

 

16. JEAN LOUIS FOR MARLENE DIETRICH WORN BY JAMIE LEE

CURTIS

IVORY BEADED 40S CAP SLEEVE, NEHRU STYLE COLLARED KNEE LENGTH DRESS

PRESENTER: BEST SOUND EFFECTS EDITING 55TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: MANOLO BLAHNIK BAG: JUDITH LEIBER BROOCH: NEIL LANE EARRINGS: HARRY WINSTON

 

ARNOLD SCAASI FOR MITZI GAYNOR

STRAP-LESS NUDE TULLE DRESS EMBROIDERED WITH SEQUINED SHELL SHAPES AND RHINESTONE PATTERNED WORN UNDER FLOOR LENGTH NUDE TULLE CAPE WITH SATIN TRIM RIBBON TIE

PERFORMED NOMINATED SONG: "GEORGY GIRL"

FROM "GEORGY GIRL"

39TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: MANOLO BLAHNIK BAG: JUDITH LEIBER

JEWELRY: FRED LEIGHTON

EDITH HEAD FOR JANET LEIGH

HIGH COLLARED SLEEVELESS SILVER BEADED GOWN PRESENTER: BEST SCREENPLAY 32NDANNUALACADEMYAWARDS

SHOES: MANOLO BLAHNIK JEWELRY: NEIL LANE

BOB MACKIE FOR CHER

JET BLACK BEADED DESIGN OVER SHEER GOWN WINNER: BEST ACTRESS FOR "MOONSTRUCK"

60TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: MANOLO BLAHNIK JEWELRY: FRED LEIGHTON

 

CAROL CHANNING (DESIGNER UNKNOWN)

RHINESTONE ENCRUSTED FULL SLEEVE HIGH NECK SPARKLER AND HIGH SIDE SLIT

NOMINEE: BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS FOR "THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE" 40TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: ROGER VIVIER JEWELRY: NEIL LANE

2 1 . EDITH HEAD OF HER OWN DESIGN

STRAPLESS, FULL-SKIRTED DRESS EMBROIDERED WITH RAFFIA IN CHAMPAGNE

NOMINEE: BEST COSTUME DESIGN FOR "THE BUCCANEER"

31 STANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: MANOLO BLAHNIK BAG:JPTOD'S

JEWELRY: NEIL LANE

 

EDITH HEAD FOR ELIZABETH TAYLOR

LAYERED VIOLET BLUE CHIFFON, BELTED DRESS WITH PLUNGING NECKLINE WITH RUFFLE AT SLIT OF SKIRT

PRESENTER: BEST PICTURE

42NDANNUALACADEMYAWARDS

SHOES: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

PRADA FOR UMA THURMAN

LAVENDER GOWN WITH OPALESCENT BEADS AND LAVENDER ORGANZA SHAWL

NOMINEE: BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS FOR

"PULP FICTION" .

67TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: MANOLO BLAHNIK BAG: ROGER VIVIER

JEWELRY: FRED LEIGHTON

24, VERA WANG FOR KEIRA KNIGHTLEY ONE-SHOULDERED DEEP CLARET TAFFETA NOMINEE: BEST ACTRESS FOR "PRIDE & PREJUDICE" 78TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN NECKLACE: FRED LEIGHTON

VERA WANG FOR MICHELLE WILLIAMS

SAFFRON COLORED DRESS WITH PLEATED COLLAR, RUCHING AT SKIRT AND LONG TRAIN

NOMINEE: BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS FOR "BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN" 78TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: MANOLO BLAHNIK

JEWELRY: FRED LEIGHTON

MARC JACOBS FOR SOFIA COPPOLA

AUBERGINE SILK SATIN GOWN WITH FLUTTER SLEEVES AND WAIST TIES

NOMINEE: BEST DIRECTING AND BEST PICTURE WINNER: BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY FOR

"LOST IN TRANSLATION"

76TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: MANOLO BLAHNIK BRACELET: FRED LEIGHTON

27. KARL LAGERFELD FOR CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE FOR JENNIFER

LOPEZ

ONE SHOULDERED GREY CHIFFON TOP OVER FULL SILK SKIRT PRESENTER: BEST ORIGINAL SONG

73RD ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: DOLCE VITA JEWELRY: MARTIN KATZ

 

JOHN GALLIANO FOR DIOR HAUTE COUTURE FOR CHARLIZE THERON

ICE WATER BLUE CUT RUFFLE TULLE GOWN PRESENTER: BEST ACTOR

77TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

SHOES: STUART WEITZMAN JEWELRY: FRED LEIGHTON

ON MANNEQUINS:

JOHN GALLIANO FOR DIOR HAUTE COUTURE FOR NICOLE KIDMAN* CHARTREUSE CHINOISERIE GOWN

PRESENTER: BEST FILM EDITING; INTRODUCED PERFORMANCE BY MICHAEL FLATLEY AND LORD OF THE DANCE

69TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

"DUPLICATE COURTESY OF DIOR HAUTE COUTURE ARCHIVE

JEAN DESSES FOR RENEE ZELLWEGER

CANARY YELLOW CHIFFON STRAPLESS GOWN PRESENTER: SCI-TECH AWARDS

73RD ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

VALENTINO COUTURE FOR CATE BLANCHETT

PALE YELLOW ONE-STRAPPED DRESS WITH A RED BELT WINNER: BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS FOR

"THE AVIATOR"

77TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

GEENA DAVIS/BILL HARGATE FOR GEENA DAVIS

ICE-BLUE SATIN STRAPLESS GOWN WITH TULLE BUSTLE WINNER: BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS FOR

"THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST"

61 STANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

ESCADA FOR KIM BASINGER

PALE GREEN SLEEVELESS SATIN DRESS WINNER: BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS FOR

"L.A. CONFIDENTIAL"

70TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

LIZZY GARDINER GOLD AMEX DRESS FOR HERSELF GOLD AMEX DRESS

WINNER: BEST COSTUME DESIGN FOR

"THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA. QUEEN OF THE DESERT"

67TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

 

DONATELLA VERSACE FOR CATHERINE ZETA-JONES

RED MERMAID STYLE WITH SCALES DETAIL IN BUSTIER PRESENTER: BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

76TH ANNUALACADEMY AWARDS

VALENTINO FOR SOPHIA"LOREN

BLACK DRESS WITH WHITE LACE OVER RECIPIENT: HONORARY AWARD

63RD ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

MARC BOUWER FOR ANGELINA JOLIE

LONG IVORY SILK HALTER DRESS WITH IVORY SILK SHAWL PRESENTER: BEST ART DIRECTION

76TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

CHANEL FOR INGRID BERGMAN

FLORAL TWO-PIECE LONG-SLEEVED PARTY PAJAMA WINNER: BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS FOR

"MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS"

47TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

 

Andre Leon Talley Editor at Large

Andre Leon Talley is Vogue's Editor at Large, regularly delivering a witty, pithy column called "Life with Andre," as well as taking charge of many special fashion and celebrity projects for the magazine. His career at Vogue began in 1983, when he was hired as Fashion News Director; he then served as Creative Director, from 1988 to 1995. After living in Paris for a few years, Andre returned to Vogue in 1998 to take on his current role.

Andre graduated from Brown University with a master's degree in French

Studies and then went on to work with Andy Warhol at Interview magazine. From there, he began to forge a career in the world of high style, working closely with some of the most celebrated names in fashion, the arts, and Hollywood ..

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, Andre's work with legendary style authority Diana Vreeland, his professed mentor, served to confirm his interest in fashion and its many cultural manifestations. Like Bennie Frances Davis, the grandmother who raised him, Mrs. Vreeland became one of the primary inspirations in Andre's life, and their relationship is richly detailed in his autobiography, ALT.: A Memoir (Villard, 2003). His latest book, ALT. 365+ (powerHouse, 2005), is his first art monograph. Andre's photographs-taken with numerous disposable cameras-and text chronicle 365 days of his life, and offer a privileged and rare inside look at the people and places he encounters in his work and travels.

Today, in addition to his work at Vogue, Andre is a member of the board of the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, where a lifetime-achievement award has been named for him. He is also the 2003 recipient of the CFDA' s Eugenia Sheppard Award for Excellence in Fashion Journalism. Andre is an active member of Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church and is deeply involved in its many programs.

 

MARK TOWNSEND

CELEBRITY STYLIST for VA VOOM & BIOLAGE

Whether sleek, sophisticated or edgy, fashion and celebrity hairdresser Mark Townsend knows how to bring out the beauty in everyone.

"Even if the look isn't the edgiest thing in the world, I can always find a way to make it look pretty" - Mark Townsend

This confident attitude and keen attention to detail has rendered Mark Townsend as one of the most highly revered hair stylists in the business.

An army brat, Mark was born in Lakeland, Florida and grew up there. Directionless after high school, Mark took a year off to figure out what exactly he wanted to do. On recommendation from a friends and family, Mark entered cosmetology school and quickly found his calling. He supported himself through beauty school while assisting at a local hair salon that he eventually began working at after graduation.

After perfecting his skill at his hometown salon, Mark decided it was time to move on to bigger and better endeavors. His strong interest in the fashion world eventually drove him to New York City where he began assisting other hairdressers, including Oribe, Danilo and Sally Hershberger. This is how Mark became introduced to location work on photo shoots, runway shows, and production.

Trying his hand at film, Mark started with the film Julie Johnson, styling Courtney Love's hair, then later on in his film career he worked on larger productions including Vanilla Sky and Minority Report, films that launched his career into the higher end of hairsty ling.

From there it became easy for Mark to spread his wings and become more of a freelance artist, working on photo shoots, advertising and celebrities it's become a career that covers every aspect of the business. He has managed in his time to collect a loyal following of clients from photographers like Terry Richardson, Paul Jasmine, and Maciek Kobielski. Working with celebrities like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Natalie Portman, Hilary Swank, Selma Blair, to models like Amber Valletta, Carolyn Murphy.

Most recently, Mark has partnered with Matrix hair care to serve as chief celebrity stylist for their Hollywood salon brands of choice, BIOLAGE and VA VOOM. Mark is currently based in Los Angeles and works regularly in New York. Of his chosen profession Mark concludes, "I never see myself tiring of this or ever getting jaded. I have ajob and I'm constantly learning something new all the time, it's always evolving and I love it."

 

 

Fashion Questions

MICHELLE WILLIAMS

How did this dress come into being? Was there an existing relationship between the designer and the actress?

No, but this was a very hands on process. There were many fittings and changes made a long the way. As she is based in New York, Michelle was involved with the entire process.

Did the actress come to this design house?

Yes she did come to the design house. Michelle came with her husband, Heath Ledger, and baby Matilda!

How was the color, the theme, selected?

Michelle loved the citrine color and chose it from the beginning of the design process. There were many different shades shown to her before the perfect one was selected for the dress.

Does the design house have an original sketch of this dress? If so, would it provide a scan for us to include in the show?

Were there any remarkable 'hardships' in the making of the dress or "last minute" changes to the dress that might be noteworthy?

It was very important to keep the dress looking light and romantic while having the foundation underneath the dress remain structured. A difficult combination. This one of a kind gown was created in one week!

KEIRA KNIGHTLY

How did this dress come into being?

Was there an existing relationship between the designer and the actress?

NO- Although Vera loves Keira's style and look.

Did the actress come to this design house?

No she did not come to the design house. This was all done via sketches, digital pictures and email.

How was the color, the theme,

Keira was very specific about girlie .. no bows and ruffles! was very important

what she wanted. Dramatic, sexy, nothing too Also she did not want pastels so the dark color

Does the design house have an original sketch of this dress?

If so, would it provide a scan for us to include in the show? Were there any remarkable 'hardships' in the making of the dress or "last minute" changes to the dress that might be noteworthy?

This all happened in a very short amount of time. After the first set of digital photos was sent things started to move quickly. When Keira tried it on, we immediately heard back that this was her favorite dress.

 

 

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(C) MBN 2007 William Hoehne

The private runway show, curated by Andre Leon Talley of Vogue magazine, was designed to inspire this year's nominees and presenters to express their personal style and "create their own memorable moment" at the Oscars, said telecast producer Laura Ziskin.

Opening the show was designer Arnold Scaasi's sequined, bell-bottomed suit worn by Barbra Streisand to accept her best actress Oscar for 1968's "Funny Girl." Its see-through fabric still makes audiences nearly four decades later gasp.

Bob Mackie's art deco-inspired creation Cher wore in 1987 when named best actress for "Moonstruck" drew applause for pushing the envelope with its revealing glimpses of skin.

"Cher, I applaud you for your inventiveness, your daring," gushed Talley, who will co-host 2007's pre-Oscar fashion show.

Cher is "one of the most original Oscar red-carpet sweepstakes winners," Talley said, joking he had spent some time in choir with Cher, called her sheer, beaded Bob Mackie dress "bold but brilliant."

"Cher chic does not get any better than this," he said.

The oldest dress on display Tuesday dated back to 1942. Jamie Lee Curtis wore the ivory beaded confection, which originally belonged to Marlene Dietrich, to the Oscars in 1984.

Legendary Hollywood costumer Edith Head created three of the show's featured gowns: a silver beaded sheath worn by Janet Leigh in 1960, Taylor's 1970 stunner, and the eloquent embroidered, cream-colored strapless dress she wore herself to the 1959 Academy Awards, where she celebrated her 15th costume-design nomination.

Carol Channing's rhinestone-encrusted number from 1968, which Talley said weighs 50 pounds, and a champagne tulle dress designed by Arnold Scaasi (who created Streisand's news-making pantsuit) worn by Mitzi Gaynor in 1967.

Sharon Stone's T-shirt/designer skirt/velvet coat ensemble is "history at its best."

Stone plucked the items from her closet at the last minute after deciding she didn't like the dress she'd chosen, he said

Two of Renee Zellweger dresses were shown: the pastel yellow strapless column she wore in 2001, and the ruby-hued mermaid gown she wore in 2005.

Two gowns worn by Charlize Theron were also on the runway: the jeweled nude sheath she wore when she won best actress for "Monster" in 2004 and her ice blue tulle dress from the following year.  

 William Hoehne


 

 

 

 

January 29, 2007

Sports & Auto News

 Feb 16

NASCAR.COM Offers Daytona 500 Video Downloads on the iTunes Store

Expanded Highlights and Post-Race Interviews Available on iTunes for $1.99

ATLANTA, Feb. 16  NASCAR.COM, the premier online destination for NASCAR fans, today announced that race fans will be able to download video highlights of the 2007 Daytona 500 from the iTunes(R) Store (www.itunes.com). Video highlights of the race, viewable on a computer or iPod(R), will be available as a download from iTunes for $1.99 the day after the race.

The highlights will be produced by NASCAR.COM, a division of Turner Sports New Media, and will capture the action from green flag to checkered flag along with interviews from drivers following the action. The video download gives race fans the ability to relive the key action of The Great American Race, in addition to listening in on key radio communications between drivers and crew chiefs as they battle for this season's most prestigious title.

"We're thrilled to have the opportunity to provide NASCAR fans with this unique ability to take a piece of the Daytona 500 with them anywhere on their iPods," said Dennis Quinn, executive vice president, business development, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. "It's yet another way for NASCAR fans to follow their favorite drivers and relive all the excitement of America's most famous race."

"Over the past year iTunes has given sports fans the ability to download highlights from the country's most popular sporting events," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "We're excited to provide Daytona 500 downloads to our customers and think NASCAR fans everywhere will jump at the chance to own video highlights of this year's race."

In its second year providing NASCAR highlights as a digital download, iTunes will be offering fans a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Season Pass for $19.99 where highlights from each of this season's 36 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races will be automatically downloaded when they become available the day after each race.

The iTunes Store features the world's largest catalog with over four million songs, 350 television shows and over 400 movies. The iTunes Store has sold over two billion songs, 50 million TV shows and over 1.3 million movies, making it the world's most popular online music, TV and movie store.

Turner Sports New Media (TSNM), the interactive division of Turner Sports, Inc., acquired all of NASCAR's interactive rights in October 2000 and became the exclusive producer of NASCAR.COM in January 2001. One of the fastest growing sports Web sites, NASCAR.COM is home to broadband news coverage, fantasy games and the NASCAR.COM SuperStore. The site consistently ranks among the top league sites and was named one of the best sports Web sites on the Internet by BusinessWeek (October 2005).

Through September 2006, the site averaged 3.9 million unique users per month during the 2006 NASCAR season. Additionally, multimedia usage on NASCAR.com is up 40% over 2005. In 2003, NASCAR.COM was awarded an Emmy(R) by the National Television Academy for its TrackPass - PitCommand application.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

Source: Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

Web site: http://www.turner.com/
http://www.nascar.com/
http://www.apple.com/itunes

 

 Feb 13

Chicago Ford Dealers Bring Celebrities, Music, and Fun to Chicago Auto Show

Ford is enlisting Mexican performing artist Patricia Manterola and Grammy-nominated hip-hop singer Kelis to turn up the heat at the Chicago Auto Show. These artists will be supporting various Ford activities including its exclusive automotive sponsorship of the first ever Hispanic day on Feb. 16th.

"We know that these artists will do a great job of generating buzz for Ford," said David Sanabria, Ford Division cross functional marketing manager. "Patricia and Kelis represent great examples of how Ford is finding new and creative ways to connect with our customers."

On Feb. 16th, Ford will be serving as the exclusive automotive sponsor of Hispanic Day. To celebrate this special day, Patricia Manterola will perform on the Telemundo network stage. Manterola will pass out copies of her newest CD and sign autographs. Ford's bilingual product specialists will also provide show goers a chance to win special prizes including T-shirts and key chains. The grand prize will be a trip for two to attend a live taping of the Telemundo sports show, Titulares Y Mas, and a choice between attending tapings of three other popular Telemundo shows: Cada Dia, Cotorreando or Al Rojo Vivo. The winners will also get an exclusive boat ride around Star Island in Florida to see the homes of various celebrities.

Hispanic Day marks a special day for Chicagoland Ford Dealers who will be hosting students from the Hispanic studies program at DePaul University. The students will get a first hand experience of what goes into making an auto show happen for a company like Ford. Ford Motor Company Fund will make a special outreach to young people with a display highlighting its Driving Skills for Life program which focuses on reducing the tragic number of teenagers killed annually in vehicle crashes.

Finally, on Feb. 17th Grammy nominated hip-hop artist Kelis will make an appearance at the Ford display. Kelis is the star of Ford's latest urban marketing campaign for the all-new crossover the Ford Edge. While at the show, she will sign autographs, raffle off autographed Apple iPod Nanos and give away www.FordUrban.com T-shirts.

For more details surrounding Ford's hottest products from the Chicago Auto Show visit: www.fordenespanol.com, www.fordurban.com or www.fordvehicles.com.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Web site: http://www.fordvehicles.com/
http://www.fordurban.com/
http://www.fordenespanol.com/

 

Feb 12

Auto Affordability Shows a Record Deterioration; Comerica Bank Chief Economist Reports

DETROIT, Feb. 12 The purchase of an average- priced new vehicle took 26.2 weeks of median family income in the fourth quarter, according to the Auto Affordability Index compiled by Detroit-based Comerica Bank. That 2.2 rise in the number of weeks of work required to purchase a new vehicle was the biggest one-quarter deterioration in affordability ever recorded by the index. The sharp drop in affordability in the fourth quarter reversed most of the improvements in affordability recorded over the prior three quarters. Including finance charges, the total cost of buying an average-priced light vehicle was $29,400 in the fourth quarter, up three percent from a year ago. Median family income rose about four percent over those same four quarters.

"The average amount spent on a new car jumped by more than $1,000 in the fourth quarter," said Dana Johnson, Chief Economist at Comerica Bank. "With gasoline prices down sharply and wage and salary incomes showing healthy gains, consumers opened their wallets when shopping for cars and light trucks. That along with a rebound in financing costs reflecting less generous incentive programs resulted in a sharp deterioration in our affordability index in the fourth quarter."

This report incorporates the latest data on consumer spending on light vehicles and on the terms available on auto loans. The entire history of the index is shown in the chart below and is available upon request from Marsha Halliburton (313-222-4568 or mlhalliburton@comerica.com).

Comerica Incorporated (NYSE:CMA) is a financial services company headquartered in Detroit, strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth & Institutional Management. Comerica focuses on relationships and helping businesses and people to be successful.

To receive this index directly to your email inbox, go to www.comerica.com/econsubscribe to subscribe.

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

 

Dodge Unleashes a Demon With Its New Concept Roadster; Spyder 3-Wheeler Could Revolutionize Motorcycling; Ford Hauls With F-250 SuperDuty; Spy Shots of Secret Mazda2; and GM Rethinks Robot Suicide -- All That and More on TheCarConnection.com.

Complete coverage of the Chicago Auto Show, including previews of the new Scion xB and xD, Ford Taurus, Pontiac G8 and more highlight this week's issue.

DETROIT, Feb. 12  Dodge is ready to unleash a Demon and TheCarConnection.com, <<http: www.thecarconnection.com>> , gives its readers a close-up look at the affordable new concept roadster that won't be unveiled, officially, at least, until next month's Geneva Motor Show. Can the Caliber- based two-seater challenge the established leader, Mazda's Miata, as well as up-and-comers like the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky? Check this week's issue for the details.

For those who love driving al fresco, there are two traditional options: convertibles and motorcycles. But Canadian power sports maker BRP hopes to create a whole new niche with its aggressive and unusual Can-Am Spyder Roadster. The three-wheeler is stylish and swift, but will it really launch a new market segment -- or turn into the next Segway? Turn to TheCarConnection.com for the answer.

Looking to haul ash -- or lumber, wood or, just about anything up to a 25,000 trailer? Join TheCarConnection.com reviewers as they put Ford's new F- 250 SuperDuty through its paces.

At the other end of the auto spectrum, the hip, youth-oriented Scion division has a pair of striking new products in its line-up. How do the new xB and xD stack up? Check out this week's report from the Chicago Auto Show. Complete coverage from the Windy City also includes the new Toyota Highlander, BMW Alpina B7, sporty Pontiac G8, next-generation Nissan Pathfinder, Titan and Armada and more.

Then catch spy shots of Mazda's tiny Mazda2 and find out if it's heading to U.S. showrooms.

In business news, see why GM is re-cutting a commercial about a forlorn robot that has suicide prevention groups up in arms.

Then find out why Ford is bringing back the once-popular Taurus and Mercury Sable nameplates.

Looking to buy a new car, truck or crossover? TheCarConnection.com is your one stop source for news, buying tips, pricing and more.

TheCarConnection.com has teamed up with J.D. Power and Associates, readers access to J.D. Power's benchmark quality and reliability ratings, tools to "build" a virtual car, and the ability to compare product prices and features.

Web users can access TheCarConnection through the PR Newswire site www.prnewswire.com.

Source: TheCarConnection.com

 

Feb 10

SnoCountry Reports Latest Skiing Conditions Information

Latest Skiing Conditions Information as Supplied By SnoCountry Mountain Reports as of Friday, Feb 9 2007, 6:03:49 AM EST

SNOW CONDITION DEFINITIONS & TERMS

This glossary of terms is used by all ski areas when they report to SCR. The code allows for communication with skiers in a universal language.

NOTE: The standard abbreviations next to each definition reflect the way ski reports are communicated in print (newspapers).

New Snow: Natural snowfall which has fallen in the past 24 hours or continuously for more than one day. An average accumulation from summit to base is reported.

Average Base Depth: An average of the high and low amounts of snow over the entire ski area. Machine made and natural snow amounts are combined.

Primary Surface Condition: The type of snow condition which covers at least 70 percent of the terrain open to skiers.

Secondary Surface Condition: The next most prevalent snow conditions, covering at least 20% of the skiing terrain open to skiers.

Powder-PDR: Cold, new, loose, fluffy, flaky and dry snow which has not been compacted.

Packed Powder-PP: Powder snow, either natural or machine made, that has been packed down by skier traffic or grooming machines. The snow is no longer fluffy, but is not so extremely compacted that it is hard.

Hard Pack-HP: When natural or machine made snow becomes very firmly packed. The snow has never melted and re-crystallized, but it's been tightly compressed through grooming and continuous wind exposure. You can plant a pole in hard packed snow, but it takes more effort than packed powder.

Machine Groomed Snow-MGS: Loose granular snow that has been repeatedly groomed by power tillers so that the texture is halfway between LSGR & PP. Some of the snow is granular & has been so pulverized that the crystals are like powder sugar. It's neither LSGR or PP.

Wet Snow-WETSN: Powder or packed powder snow that has become moist due to a thaw or rainfall, or snow which was moist when it fell.

Wet packed Snow-WPS: Natural or machine made snow that has been previously packed and becomes wet usually because of rainfall.

Loose Granular-LSGR: This surface results after powder or packed powder thaws, then refreezes and recrystalizes, or from an accumulation of sleet. This is also created by machine grooming of frozen or icy snow.

Frozen Granular-FRGR: This is undoubtedly the most misunderstood surface condition in ski reporting. It is defined as a hard surface of old snow formed by granules freezing together after rain or warm temperatures. Frozen granular will support a ski pole stuck into its surface while ice will chip away and not support a pole.

Wet Granular-WETGR: Loose or frozen granular snow which becomes wet after rainfall or high temperatures.

Icy-ICE: Not to be confused with frozen granular, ice is a hard, glazed surface created either by freezing rain, ground water seeping up into the snow and freezing or by the rapid freezing of snow saturated with water from rain or melting. Ice will chip away and not support a ski pole when stuck into it.

Variable Conditions-VC: When no primary surface (70%) can be determined, variable conditions describe a range of surfaces that a skier may encounter. Parts of trails can be Loose Granular, partly Packed Powder, and parts Frozen Granular, for example.

Corn Snow-CORN: Usually found in the spring, Corn Snow is characterized by large, loose granules during the day, which freeze together at night, then warm up again and loosen during the day.

Spring Conditions-SC: This is the spring version of Variable Conditions. It is used when no one surface can describe 70% or more of the terrain open for skiers.

Windblown Snow-WBLN: Powder or granular snow which has been blown by wind into forming a base.

Alpine Skiing/Riding conditions are subject to change due to weather, skier traffic and other factors. Be aware of changing conditions.

NORTHEAST

CONNECTICUT

Mohawk Mountain - Thu 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 35 - 45 base 20 trails, 83% open, 5 lifts

Mt Southington - Thu 10:40p packed powder machine groomed 42 - 52 base 13 trails, 95% open, 6 lifts

MAINE

Black Mountain - Thu 12:55p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 12 base 6 trails, 29% open, 2 lifts

Camden Snow Bowl - Thu 5:00p frozen granular machine groomed 18 - 24 base 5 trails, 35% open, 2 lifts

Eaton Mountain - Thu 5:30p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 21 base 9 trails, 50% open, 1 lift

Hermon Mtn - Fri 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 15 - 36 base 6 trails, 30% open, 1 lift

Lost Valley - Thu 7:00p packed powder machine groomed 28 - 68 base 12 trails, 67% open, 2 lifts

Mt Abram - Thu 5:30p packed powder machine groomed 23 - 41 base 38 trails, 25 miles, 170 acres, 80% open, 5 lifts

Mt Jefferson - Opening Soon for Snow Sports

Saddleback - Thu 8:34a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 30 base 49 trails, 108 acres, 82% open, 5 lifts

Shawnee Peak - Thu 4:20p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 30 base 37 trails, 220 acres, 92% open, 5 lifts

Sugarloaf/USA - Thu 2:35p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 30 base 98 trails, 44 miles, 506 acres, 75% open, 9 lifts

Sunday River - Thu 2:30p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 36 base 120 trails, 46 miles, 587 acres, 92% open, 12 lifts Feb 10: 123 trails, 17 lifts,

Titcomb Mountain - Wed 11:10p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 27 base 16 trails, 90% open, 2 lifts

MASSACHUSETTS

Berkshire East - Thu 9:01p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 55 base 20 trails, 80% open, 4 lifts

Blandford - Fri 3:55a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 40 base 11 trails, 75% open, 3 lifts

Blue Hills - Fri 4:50a packed powder machine groomed 6 - 12 base 2 trails, 30% open, 3 lifts

Bousquet - Wed 9:00p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 42 base 16 trails, 75% open, 3 lifts

Bradford - Fri 2:30a packed powder machine groomed 15 - 32 base 13 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Catamount - Wed 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 14 - 30 base 24 trails, 75% open, 4 lifts Feb 10-11: 25 trails, 5 lifts, 85%,

Jiminy Peak - Thu 10:08p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 55 base 37 trails, 10 miles, 143 acres, 82% open, 5 lifts

Nashoba Valley - Thu 9:24a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base 17 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Ski Butternut - Thu 6:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 40 base 20 trails, 13 miles, 95% open, 3 lifts

Ski Ward Ski Area - Thu 7:15p packed powder machine groomed 36 - 48 base 9 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Wachusett - Thu 6:10p hard packed machine groomed 27 - 48 base 21 trails, 99% open, 7 lifts

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Arrowhead - Sat Open Sat/Sun 10:47p packed powder machine groomed 1 - 6 base 1 trail 11% open, 1 lift

Attitash - Thu 2:55p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 40 base 45 trails, 16 miles, 190 acres, 64% open, 7 lifts

Balsams/Wilderness - Thu 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 14 - 24 base 12 trails, 1 mile , 75% open, 3 lifts

Black Mountain - Thu 11:00a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 30 base 33 trails, 82% open, 2 lifts

Bretton Woods - Thu 2:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base 81 trails, 30 miles, 417 acres, 96% open, 6 lifts

Cannon Mountain - Thu 2:50p packed powder machine groomed 14 - 32 base 45 trails, 85% open, 6 lifts

Cranmore - Thu 11:03a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 36 base 33 trails, 82% open, 5 lifts

Crotched Mountain - Thu 8:45a packed powder machine groomed 25 - 54 base 18 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Dartmouth Skiway - Thu 8:18a packed powder machine groomed 10 - 20 base 22 trails, 73% open, 3 lifts

Granite Gorge - Thu 8:00p hard packed machine groomed 18 - 42 base 4 trails, 40% open, 3 lifts

Gunstock - Thu 6:00p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 36 base 38 trails, 80% open, 7 lifts

King Pine - Thu 10:10p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 48 base 17 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Loon Mountain - Fri 12:41a loose granular machine groomed 15 - 21 base 45 trails, 18 miles, 259 acres, 8 lifts

Mount Sunapee - Thu 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 28 - 40 base 50 trails, 17 miles, 200 acres, 87% open, 8 lifts

Pats Peak - Thu 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 8 - 36 base 22 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

Ragged Mountain - Thu 11:20p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base 9 trails, 18% open, 3 lifts

Storrs Hill - Thu 9:45a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 12 base 1 trail 100% open, 1 lift

Waterville Valley - Thu 11:58a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 30 base 45 trails, 189 acres, 87% open, 7 lifts

Whaleback - Fri 3:30a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 24 base 14 trails, 40% open, 4 lifts

Wildcat - Thu 6:00p packed powder machine groomed 8 - 28 base 41 trails, 90% open, 2 lifts

NEW JERSEY

Campgaw Mtn - Thu 8:14p packed powder machine groomed 50 - 65 base 6 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Hidden Valley - Thu 9:30a packed powder machine groomed 15 - 30 base 9 trails, 69% open, 4 lifts

Mountain Creek - Thu 9:55p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 24 base 26 trails, 60% open, 5 lifts

NEW YORK

Belleayre - Thu 6:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 40 base 32 trails, 116 acres, 65% open, 7 lifts

Brantling Ski Slopes - Thu 8:15a powder machine groomed 9 - 52 base 11 trails, 90% open, 3 lifts

Bristol Mountain - Thu 6:50a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 65 base 31 trails, 94% open, 6 lifts

Buffalo Ski Club - Thu 9:30a powder machine groomed 8 - 38 base 15 trails, 40% open, 4 lifts

Cockaigne - Wed 8p sany packed powder machine groomed 9 - 29 base 15 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Dry Hill - Thu 8:30p 4 new packed powder machine groomed 12 - 40 base 5 trails, 62% open, 1 lift

Four Seasons - Wed 2p sany packed powder machine groomed 8 - 16 base 6 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Gore Mountain - Thu 3:55p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 46 base 48 trails, 18 miles, 211 acres, 65% open, 8 lifts

Greek Peak - Thu 3:35p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 38 base 28 trails, 90% open, 6 lifts

Holiday Mountain - Wed 1:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 30 base 4 trails, 44% open, 2 lifts

Holiday Valley - Thu 6:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 50 base 53 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

HoliMont - Thu 8:09a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 44 base 49 trails, 92% open, 8 lifts

Hunter Mountain - Thu 4:09p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 70 base 42 trails, 78% open, 5 lifts

Kissing Bridge - Wed 8p sany powder machine groomed 14 - 35 base 36 trails, 97% open, 4 lifts

Labrador Mountain - Thu 10:50p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 25 base 13 trails, 85% open, 3 lifts

McCauley - Thu 2:00p packed powder machine groomed 32 - 34 base 19 trails, 90% open, 3 lifts

Mt Peter - Thu 10:30p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 60 base 8 trails, 90% open, 4 lifts

Peek' n Peak - Thu 8:24p 3 new packed powder machine groomed 18 - 40 base 28 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Plattekill - Thu 9:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 36 base 13 trails, 40% open, 3 lifts Feb 10: 14 trails,

Royal Mountain - Thu Open Sat/Sun 3:00p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 30 base 14 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Sawkill Family Ski Center - Sat 7:00p packed powder machine groomed 2 - 10 base 2 trails, 6 acres, 100% open, 1 lift

Snow Ridge - Wed 9:00a powder machine groomed 24 - 54 base 15 trails, 70% open, 3 lifts

Swain - Thu 8:31p packed powder machine groomed 32 - 60 base 22 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Thunder Ridge - Thu 5:10p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 36 base 23 trails, 96% open, 3 lifts

Titus Mountain - Thu 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 13 - 19 base 27 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Toggenburg - Thu 9:45p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 24 base 24 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Tuxedo Ridge - Wed 8p sany packed powder machine groomed 10 - 45 base 4 trails, 57% open, 2 lifts

West Mountain - Thu 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base 12 trails, 1 mile , 70% open, 2 lifts

Whiteface - Fri 5:22a 5 new powder machine groomed 24 - 38 base 67 trails, 16 miles, 184 acres, 84% open, 6 lifts

Willard Mountain - Thu 7:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 12 trails, 85% open, 4 lifts

Windham Mtn - Thu 2:00p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 54 base 34 trails, 15 miles, 240 acres, 90% open, 6 lifts

Woods Valley - Thu 8:00p powder machine groomed 10 - 40 base 12 trails, 86% open, 2 lifts

PENNSYLVANIA

Alpine Mountain - Thu 9:00a packed powder machine groomed 22 - 50 base 20 trails, 95% open, 5 lifts

Bear Creek - Fri 4:59a packed powder machine groomed 40 - 65 base 21 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Blue Knob - Thu 10:00a powder machine groomed 30 - 45 base 34 trails, 90% open, 4 lifts

Blue Mountain - Thu 9:00p packed powder machine groomed 30 - 60 base 30 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Camelback - Thu 3:16p packed powder machine groomed 30 - 70 base 33 trails, 156 acres, 100% open, 13 lifts

Elk Mountain - Thu 8:43a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 56 base 25 trails, 98% open, 4 lifts

Hidden Valley - Fri 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 32 - 36 base 28 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Liberty Mountain - Thu 8:40a packed powder machine groomed 38 - 48 base 15 trails, 99% open, 8 lifts

Mystic Mountain - Sun 8:42a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 40 base 10 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Seven Springs - Fri 5:10a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 56 base 40 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

Shawnee Mountain - Thu 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 36 - 60 base 22 trails, 95% open, 7 lifts

Ski Big Bear - Thu 5:15p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 40 base 18 trails, 1 mile , 26 acres, 100% open, 4 lifts

Ski Denton - Thu 6:40a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 36 base 22 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Ski Roundtop - Thu 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 32 - 42 base 16 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Ski Sawmill - Thu 12:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 48 base 13 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Spring Mountain - Thu 6:30p packed powder machine groomed 30 - 72 base 7 trails, 92% open, 5 lifts 95% open 8 of 9 trails,

Tanglwood - Thu 8:30a packed powder machine groomed 15 - 60 base 8 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Whitetail - Thu 11:50a packed powder machine groomed 26 - 42 base 18 trails, 95% open, 6 lifts

RHODE ISLAND

Yawgoo Valley - Thu 3:22p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 48 base 12 trails, 3 miles, 36 acres, 100% open, 4 lifts

VERMONT

Ascutney Mountain - Thu 5:30p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 30 base 32 trails, 75% open, 4 lifts

Bolton Valley - Fri 2:04a 5 new packed powder machine groomed 15 - 30 base 55 trails, 86% open, 5 lifts

Bromley Mountain - Thu 6:51a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 27 base 34 trails, 77% open, 6 lifts

Burke Mountain - Thu 2:20p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 28 base 39 trails, 86% open, 4 lifts

Jay Peak - Fri 5:55a 3 new powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 62 trails, 90% open, 6 lifts

Killington - Thu 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 30 base 166 trails, 73 miles, 83% open, 18 lifts

Mad River Glen - Fri 6:00a powder machine groomed 24 base 45 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Magic Mountain - Thu 5:45a packed powder machine groomed 6 - 30 base 14 trails, 30% open, 2 lifts

Middlebury College Snow Bowl - Thu 11:37p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 36 base 6 trails, 28% open, 2 lifts

Mount Snow - Thu 6:40a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 48 base 70 trails, 26 miles, 374 acres, 68% open, 10 lifts

Okemo Mountain - Thu 2:45p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 30 base 98 trails, 84% open, 14 lifts

Pico - Thu 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 30 base 32 trails, 12 miles, 64% open, 3 lifts

Quechee Lakes - Thu 5:30p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 32 base 13 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Smugglers' Notch - Thu 4:39p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 44 base 69 trails, 90% open, 7 lifts

Stowe - Thu 9:00p powder machine groomed 24 - 54 base 48 trails, 39 miles, 480 acres, 100% open, 10 lifts

Stratton Mountain - Thu 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 38 base 80 trails, 31 miles, 428 acres, 90% open, 7 lifts

Sugarbush - Thu 2:00p powder machine groomed 14 - 50 base 111 trails, 53 miles, 484 acres, 100% open, 13 lifts

Suicide Six - Thu 3:50p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 30 base 20 trails, 87% open, 2 lifts

SOUTHEAST

ALABAMA

Cloudmont - Thu 8:56a frozen granular machine groomed 32 - 60 base 2 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

MARYLAND

Wisp - Thu 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 29 - 78 base 31 trails, 95% open, 7 lifts

NORTH CAROLINA

Appalachian - Thu 3:39a packed powder machine groomed 37 - 67 base 10 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Cataloochee - Thu 10:00p packed powder machine groomed 35 - 81 base 12 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Hawksnest - Thu 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 32 - 50 base 9 trails, 75% open, 4 lifts

Sapphire Valley - Wed 12:30p powder machine groomed 38 - 60 base 2 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Ski Beech - Thu 8:14p packed powder machine groomed 30 - 50 base 15 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Sugar Mountain - Thu 9:00p packed powder machine groomed 45 - 80 base 20 trails, 115 acres, 100% open, 6 lifts

Wolf Ridge - Thu 11:52p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 62 base 16 trails, 80% open, 4 lifts

VIRGINIA

Bryce Resort - Thu 11:00p packed powder machine groomed 37 - 52 base 8 trails, 25 acres, 100% open, 4 lifts

Massanutten - Thu 4:30p packed powder machine groomed 30 - 42 base 14 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Wintergreen - Wed 7:00p packed powder machine groomed 60 - 80 base 24 trails, 99 acres, 99% open, 4 lifts

WEST VIRGINIA

Canaan Valley - Thu 4:00a powder machine groomed 30 - 60 base 37 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Snowshoe Mountain - Thu 9:44p packed powder machine groomed 34 - 44 base 57 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

Timberline Four Seasons - Thu 9:45a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 60 base 30 trails, 81% open, 2 lifts

Winterplace - Thu 8:00p packed powder machine groomed 52 - 72 base 25 trails, 86% open, 6 lifts

MIDWEST

ILLINOIS

Chestnut Mountain - Thu 8:36a packed powder machine groomed 48 - 72 base 19 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Four Lakes Village - Thu 10a srp packed powder machine groomed 12 - 20 base 4 trails, 75% open, 2 lifts

Ski Snowstar - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 42 - 74 base 14 trails, 28 acres, 100% open, 8 lifts

Villa Olivia - Thu 10:01p variable machine groomed 18 - 24 base 7 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

INDIANA

Paoli Peaks - Thu 8:50a packed powder machine groomed 48 - 90 base 13 trails, 85% open, 5 lifts

Perfect North - Thu 7:07a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 70 base 22 trails, 90 acres, 100% open, 11 lifts

IOWA

Seven Oaks - Thu 7:45a packed powder machine groomed 15 - 18 base 7 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Sundown Mountain - Thu 7:03a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 60 base 21 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

MICHIGAN

Alpine Valley - Fri 9:00a packed powder machine groomed 2 - 38 base 20 trails, 80% open, 10 lifts

Apple Mountain - Thu 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 36 base 12 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Bittersweet - Thu 9:05p packed powder machine groomed 25 - 40 base 20 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Blackjack - Mon 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 42 base 20 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Boyne Highlands - Thu 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 40 - 70 base 50 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

Boyne Mountain - Thu 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 40 - 70 base 43 trails, 70% open, 8 lifts

Caberfae Peaks - Thu 9:00a packed powder machine groomed 40 - 78 base 34 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Crystal Mountain - Thu 7:44a packed powder machine groomed 65 - 65 base 45 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Hickory Hills - Wed 2:00p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 36 base 8 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Indianhead - Thu 10:18a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 44 base 28 trails, 200 acres, 100% open, 9 lifts

Marquette - Thu 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 30 base 19 trails, 76% open, 4 lifts

Mt Holly - Thu 10:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 54 base 19 trails, 100% open, 14 lifts

Norway Mountain - Thu 9:51p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 40 base 16 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts Feb 10: 16 trails, 5 lifts,

Nub's Nob - Thu 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 75 base 53 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Pine Mountain - Wed 3:00p hard packed machine groomed 18 - 48 base 19 trails, 95% open, 4 lifts

Shanty Creek - Thu 8:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 36 base 49 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Ski Brule - Fri 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 6 - 42 base 17 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Swiss Valley - Fri 5:14a packed powder machine groomed 8 - 34 base 11 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

The Homestead - Thu 10:00a w packed powder machine groomed 20 - 24 base 15 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Timber Ridge - Thu 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 32 base 15 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Treetops - Wed 4:35p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 44 base 20 trails, 85% open, 5 lifts

MINNESOTA

Afton Alps - Thu 1:20p packed powder machine groomed 26 - 60 base 48 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Andes Tower Hills - Thu 9:12a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 24 base 14 trails, 40 acres, 100% open, 3 lifts

Buena Vista - Wed 1:30p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 32 base 16 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Hyland Ski Snowboard - Wed 10:00p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 48 base 12 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Lutsen Mountains - Thu 10:00a hard packed machine groomed 25 - 50 base 65 trails, 84% open, 7 lifts

Spirit Mountain - Thu 10:00a hard packed machine groomed 18 - 24 base 22 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Steeplechase - Thu 10:00p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 56 base 17 trails, 3 miles, 40 acres, 100% open, 4 lifts

Welch Village - Thu 11:15a packed powder machine groomed 26 - 60 base 46 trails, 96% open, 8 lifts

Wild Mountain - Thu 8:00a powder machine groomed 30 - 70 base 25 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

MISSOURI

Snow Creek - Wed 5:50p packed powder machine groomed 36 - 60 base 12 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

NORTH DAKOTA

Huff Hills - Thu 10:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 25 base 12 trails, 80% open, 2 lifts

OHIO

Mad River - Thu 8:40a packed powder machine groomed 64 - 64 base 23 trails, 144 acres, 100% open, 12 lifts

Snow Trails - Thu 9:25a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 60 base 13 trails, 50 acres, 100% open, 7 lifts

SOUTH DAKOTA

Terry Peak - Thu 7:30a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 24 base 19 trails, 80% open, 4 lifts

WISCONSIN

Alpine Valley - Thu 9:20p packed powder machine groomed 48 - 56 base 20 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

Camp 10 - Thu 9:00a packed powder machine groomed 7 - 40 base 9 trails, 75% open, 3 lifts

Cascade Mountain - Thu 10a srp packed powder machine groomed 22 - 51 base 34 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Christie Mountain - Thu 7:50a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 38 base 18 trails, 80% open, 4 lifts Feb 09: 100%,

Devil's Head - Thu 2:00a packed powder machine groomed 50 - 56 base 25 trails, 89% open, 7 lifts

Nordic Mountain - Thu 10a srp packed powder machine groomed 4 - 18 base 12 trails, 5 lifts

Sunburst - Thu 6:45a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 36 base 12 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Tyrol Basin - Thu 9:45a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 40 base 15 trails, 98% open, 5 lifts

Whitecap Mountain - Thu 10:30p packed powder machine groomed 40 - 45 base 43 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Wilmot Mountain - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 45 base 25 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

ROCKIES

COLORADO

Arapahoe Basin - Thu 5:10a packed powder machine groomed 45 - 45 base 58 trails, 488 acres, 100% open, 6 lifts

Aspen Highlands - Thu 4:30a packed powder machine groomed 46 - 58 base 121 trails, 96% open, 5 lifts

Aspen Mountain - Thu 4:30a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 38 base 76 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Beaver Creek - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 43 - 43 base 148 trails, 1805 acres, 100% open, 16 lifts

Breckenridge - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 48 - 61 base 147 trails, 2211 acres, 94% open, 27 lifts

Buttermilk - Thu 4:30a packed powder machine groomed 37 - 37 base 41 trails, 92% open, 4 lifts

Copper Mountain - Thu 5:02a loose granular machine groomed 49 - 58 base 130 trails, 2437 acres, 99% open, 21 lifts

Crested Butte - Thu 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 34 - 41 base 100 trails, 92% open, 16 lifts

Echo Mountain Park - Thu 9:19a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 47 base 10 trails, 100% open, 1 lift

Eldora - Thu 8:20a packed powder machine groomed 60 - 60 base 53 trails, 680 acres, 100% open, 12 lifts

Keystone - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 46 - 46 base 115 trails, 3110 acres, 99% open, 19 lifts

Loveland - Thu 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 48 - 49 base 77 trails, 92% open, 8 lifts

Monarch - Fri 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 53 - 55 base 55 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Powderhorn - Thu 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 31 - 31 base 40 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Purgatory at Durango - Thu 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 41 - 45 base 85 trails, 1200 acres, 100% open, 10 lifts

Silverton Mountain - Thu 7:30p powder 63 - 120 base 100% open, 1 lift

Ski Cooper - Thu 8:15a packed powder machine groomed 44 - 45 base 26 trails, 400 acres, 100% open, 4 lifts

Snowmass - Thu 4:30a packed powder machine groomed 39 - 51 base 86 trails, 94% open, 20 lifts

SolVista Basin - Thu 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 38 - 40 base 32 trails, 84% open, 5 lifts

Steamboat - Thu 8:17a packed powder machine groomed 48 - 48 base 162 trails, 2908 acres, 98% open, 19 lifts

Sunlight - Thu 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 39 - 42 base 67 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Telluride - Thu 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 43 - 50 base 84 trails, 100% open, 16 lifts

Vail - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 35 - 35 base 189 trails, 5159 acres, 98% open, 33 lifts

Winter Park - Thu 5:40a packed powder machine groomed 50 - 58 base 126 trails, 2411 acres, 79% open, 16 lifts

Wolf Creek - Thu 6:30a powder machine groomed 76 - 86 base 77 trails, 1600 acres, 100% open, 6 lifts

MONTANA

Big Mountain - Thu 6:57a powder machine groomed 31 - 72 base 93 trails, 3000 acres, 100% open, 10 lifts

Big Sky - Thu 8:00a variable machine groomed 39 - 59 base 150 trails, 100% open, 17 lifts

Blacktail Mountain - Thu 6a nmsr packed powder machine groomed 42 - 68 base 24 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Bridger Bowl - Thu 5:40a wet granular 41 - 41 base 71 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Discovery - Thu 5:44a packed powder machine groomed 32 - 52 base 55 trails, 95% open, 5 lifts

Lost Trail - Thu 5:45a packed powder machine groomed 59 - 65 base 45 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Montana Snowbowl - Thu 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 32 - 60 base 39 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Moonlight Basin - Thu 6:04a packed powder machine groomed 40 - 40 base 80 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Red Lodge - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 39 - 39 base 38 trails, 54% open, 6 lifts

Showdown - Thu 6a nmsr packed powder machine groomed 38 - 46 base 34 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Turner Mountain - Thu 9:00a w packed powder machine groomed 36 - 55 base 20 trails, 100% open, 1 lift

NEW MEXICO

Angel Fire - Thu 6:36a packed powder machine groomed 61 - 61 base 72 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Pajarito - Sat 8:09a w powder machine groomed 50 - 50 base 39 trails, 98% open, 5 lifts

Red River - Thu 6:58a packed powder machine groomed 51 - 51 base 50 trails, 90% open, 7 lifts

Sandia Peak - Thu 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 48 - 50 base 32 trails, 97% open, 4 lifts

Sipapu - Thu 10:13p packed powder machine groomed 37 - 51 base 39 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Ski Apache - Thu 9:07p hard packed machine groomed 75 - 78 base 50 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Taos - Thu 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 65 - 67 base 93 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

UTAH

Alta - Thu 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 58 - 58 base 114 trails, 98% open, 7 lifts

Beaver Mountain - Thu 6a usr packed powder machine groomed 39 - 39 base 30 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Brian Head - Thu 6a usr packed powder machine groomed 46 - 46 base 54 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Brighton - Thu 5:52a packed powder machine groomed 54 - 54 base 66 trails, 26 miles, 1050 acres, 100% open, 6 lifts

Deer Valley - Thu 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 46 - 48 base 91 trails, 99% open, 21 lifts

Park City - Thu 7:17a packed powder machine groomed 37 - 54 base 104 trails, 100% open, 15 lifts

Powder Mountain - Thu 6a usr packed powder machine groomed 46 - 49 base 83 trails, 73% open, 6 lifts

Snowbasin - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 46 - 48 base 82 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

Snowbird - Thu 4:40a packed powder machine groomed 53 - 56 base 83 trails, 93% open, 12 lifts

Solitude - Thu 6:50a packed powder machine groomed 50 - 53 base 61 trails, 95% open, 8 lifts

The Canyons - Thu 6:25a packed powder machine groomed 40 - 49 base 141 trails, 100% open, 16 lifts

Wolf Mountain - Thu 6a usr packed powder machine groomed 28 - 32 base 16 trails, 80% open, 3 lifts

WYOMING

Grand Targhee - Thu 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 78 - 78 base 72 trails, 2000 acres, 100% open, 5 lifts

Hogadon - Thu 8:00a packed powder machine groomed 29 - 31 base 24 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Jackson Hole - Thu 5:00p powder 19 - 58 base 109 trails, 100% open, 11 lifts

White Pine - Thu 5:47a packed powder machine groomed 35 - 35 base 24 trails, 96% open, 2 lifts

PACIFIC SOUTH

ARIZONA

Arizona Snowbowl - Thu 6:10a packed powder machine groomed 11 - 32 base 24 trails, 90% open, 3 lifts

Elk Ridge - Opening Soon for Snow Sports

Sunrise Park - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 40 - 47 base 66% open, 4 lifts

CALIFORNIA

Alpine Meadows - Thu 6:00a powder machine groomed 29 - 61 base 80 trails, 80% open, 8 lifts

Badger Pass - Thu 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 24 base 10 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Bear Mountain - Thu 7:00a hard packed machine groomed 24 - 48 base 25 trails, 93% open, 12 lifts

Bear Valley - Thu 6:10a packed powder machine groomed 25 - 35 base 48 trails, 72% open, 6 lifts

Boreal - Thu 6:00a powder machine groomed 34 - 54 base 38 trails, 80% open, 5 lifts

Dodge Ridge - Thu 5:15a powder 12 - 34 base 58 trails, 705 acres, 85% open, 8 lifts

Donner Ski Ranch - Thu 9:55a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 44 base 49 trails, 70% open, 4 lifts

Heavenly - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 52 base 60 trails, 1500 acres, 50% open, 28 lifts

Homewood - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 27 - 47 base 45 trails, 75% open, 4 lifts

Kirkwood - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 48 - 52 base 65 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Mammoth - Thu 8:40a powder machine groomed 24 - 48 base 100 trails, 80% open, 23 lifts

Mountain High - Thu 6:45a variable 12 - 30 base 18 trails, 55% open, 11 lifts

Mt Shasta - Thu 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 17 - 20 base 13 trails, 41% open, 3 lifts

Northstar at Tahoe - Thu 5:44a variable machine groomed 17 - 43 base 76 trails, 96% open, 14 lifts

Royal Gorge - Thu 8:30a powder machine groomed 30 - 30 base 51 trails, 57% open, 1 lift

Sierra at Tahoe - Thu 7:51a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 51 base 39 trails, 85% open, 7 lifts

Sierra Summit - Thu 9:50a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 20 base 30 trails, 75% open, 8 lifts

Snow Summit - Thu 7:00a hard packed machine groomed 24 - 48 base 26 trails, 84% open, 14 lifts

Snow Valley - Thu 6:15a loose granular machine groomed 12 - 36 base 11 trails, 105 acres, 45% open, 5 lifts

Soda Springs - Thu 6:00a powder machine groomed 34 - 64 base 30 trails, 80% open, 6 lifts

Squaw Valley USA - Thu 5:33a packed powder machine groomed 26 - 62 base 125 trails, 74% open, 19 lifts

Sugar Bowl - Thu 6:30a powder machine groomed 39 - 62 base 78 trails, 93% open, 7 lifts

NEVADA

Diamond Peak - Thu 6:00a wet snow 28 - 48 base 20 trails, 65% open, 5 lifts

Las Vegas Ski - Thu 9:46a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 18 base 8 trails, 70% open, 3 lifts

Mt Rose - Thu 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 22 - 34 base 18 trails, 30% open, 5 lifts

PACIFIC NORTH

IDAHO

Bogus Basin - Thu 6:40a variable 36 - 41 base 45 trails, 80% open, 6 lifts

Brundage - Thu 5:47a powder machine groomed 45 - 60 base 43 trails, 96% open, 4 lifts

Lookout Pass - Thu 5a insa packed powder machine groomed 84 - 129 base 24 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Pebble Creek - Thu 3:49a packed powder machine groomed 14 - 37 base 95% open, 3 lifts

Pomerelle - Thu 6:17a packed powder machine groomed 62 - 89 base 24 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Silver Mountain - Thu 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 60 - 84 base 70 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Soldier Mountain - Thu 8:45a packed powder machine groomed 25 - 30 base 36 trails, 1147 acres, 100% open, 3 lifts

Sun Valley - Thu 5:30a hard packed machine groomed 38 - 52 base 79 trails, 90% open, 18 lifts

Tamarack - Thu 6:00a wet packed snow machine groomed 40 - 45 base 36 trails, 92% open, 6 lifts

OREGON

Cooper Spur - Fri 8:01a w packed powder machine groomed 34 - 34 base 10 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Hoodoo - Thu 4:50a packed powder machine groomed 56 - 56 base 30 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Mt Ashland - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 46 - 76 base 23 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Mt Bachelor - Thu 7:25a variable 94 - 101 base 71 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Mt Hood Meadows - Thu 5:01a packed powder machine groomed 84 - 108 base 87 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Ski Anthony Lakes - Thu 5:00a loose granular machine groomed 43 - 51 base 21 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Timberline - Thu 7:08a variable machine groomed 109 - 115 base 100% open,

Willamette Pass - Thu 8:50a variable 51 - 90 base 29 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

WASHINGTON

49 Degrees North - Tue 5a insa packed powder machine groomed 102 - 147 base 68 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Badger Mountain - Open Sat/Sun

Bluewood - Thu 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 56 - 57 base 24 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Crystal Mountain - Thu 5:20a variable machine groomed 74 - 99 base 50 trails, 85% open, 6 lifts

Loup Loup Ski Bowl - Wed 6:25a frozen granular 46 - 48 base 10 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Mission Ridge - Thu 8:42a variable 40 - 60 base 27 trails, 800 acres, 75% open, 4 lifts

Mt Baker - Thu 4:51a packed powder machine groomed 140 - 153 base 38 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Mt Spokane - Thu 5a insa packed powder machine groomed 52 - 82 base 45 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Stevens Pass - Thu 4:00p wet packed snow machine groomed 90 - 101 base 37 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Summit at Snoqualmie-Alpental - Thu 5a insa packed powder machine groomed 91 - 120 base 24 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Summit at Snoqualmie-Central - Thu 5a insa packed powder machine groomed 86 - 86 base 20 trails, 91% open, 8 lifts

Summit at Snoqualmie-East - Open Sat/Sun

Summit at Snoqualmie-West - Thu 5a insa packed powder machine groomed 86 - 91 base 12 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

White Pass - Thu 5:45a packed powder machine groomed 74 - 102 base 32 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

CANADA

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Apex Mountain - Thu 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 65 - 65 base 60 trails, 90% open, 3 lifts

Big White - Thu 5:48a packed powder machine groomed 73 - 79 base 118 trails, 100% open, 16 lifts

Crystal Mountain - Thu 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 47 - 47 base 24 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Fairmont Hot Springs - Fri 2:50a packed powder machine groomed 31 - 47 base 14 trails, 95% open, 2 lifts

Fernie Alpine - Thu 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 94 - 106 base 111 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Grouse Mountain - Thu 2:00p variable 148 - 160 base 25 trails, 96% open, 5 lifts

Kicking Horse - Thu 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 68 - 70 base 106 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Kimberley - Thu 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 34 - 55 base 80 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Mt Baldy - Thu 5:40a hard packed 38 - 65 base 25 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Mt Timothy - Thu 6:18a powder machine groomed 44 - 44 base 28 trails, 90% open, 2 lifts

Mt Washington Alpine Resort - Thu 9:26a variable machine groomed 108 - 110 base 50 trails, 80% open, 8 lifts

Panorama Mountain - Thu 8:24a packed powder machine groomed 31 - 46 base 120 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

Powder Springs - Wed 6:20p packed powder machine groomed 51 - 115 base 27 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Red Resort - Thu 6:30a wet snow machine groomed 37 - 75 base 85 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Silver Star - Thu 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 70 - 70 base 113 trails, 98% open, 12 lifts

Sun Peaks - Thu 5:58a powder machine groomed 56 - 56 base 121 trails, 100% open, 11 lifts

Whistler/Blackcomb - Thu 6:00a hard packed machine groomed 101 - 101 base 200 trails, 8171 acres, 100% open, 38 lifts

Whitewater - Thu 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 101 - 101 base 47 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

MANITOBA

Asessippi Ski Area - Thu 11:30a variable machine groomed 31 - 35 base 19 trails, 80% open, 4 lifts

Falcon Ridge - Tue Open Sat/Sun 12:00p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 10 base 11 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

QUEBEC

Camp Fortune - Wed 9p oesr packed powder machine groomed 18 - 28 base 16 trails, 89% open, 4 lifts

Edelweiss Valley - Wed 9p oesr packed powder machine groomed 18 - 25 base 10 trails, 56% open, 3 lifts

Le Massif - Thu 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 16 base 38 trails, 88% open, 4 lifts

Mont Avila - Thu 8:01a w packed powder machine groomed 12 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Mont Belu - Wed 10:26p w packed powder machine groomed 9 trails, 90% open, 1 lift

Mont Blanc - Thu 7:42a w packed powder machine groomed 34 trails, 85% open, 5 lifts

Mont Gabriel - Thu 8:01a w packed powder machine groomed 13 trails, 72% open, 3 lifts

Mont Gleason - Wed 10:44p packed powder machine groomed 12 base 15 trails, 71% open, 2 lifts

Mont Habitant - Wed 8:01p w loose granular machine groomed 11 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Mont Olympia - Thu 8:01a w packed powder machine groomed 21 trails, 88% open, 4 lifts

Mont Orford - Thu 7:10a w packed powder machine groomed 30 trails, 54% open, 3 lifts

Mont Rigaud - Thu 8:44a w packed powder machine groomed 9 trails, 100% open, 1 lift

Mont Sainte-Anne - Thu 7:45a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 28 base 63 trails, 95% open, 6 lifts

Mont Saint-Sauveur - Thu 8:01a w packed powder machine groomed 4 - 8 base 38 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Mont Ste-Marie - Wed 9p oesr loose granular machine groomed 20 - 24 base 18 trails, 84% open, 2 lifts

Mont Sutton - Thu 5:58a powder machine groomed 8 - 22 base 53 trails, 22 miles, 173 acres, 100% open, 4 lifts

Owl's Head - Thu 6:48a powder machine groomed 23 - 25 base 39 trails, 95% open, 4 lifts

Ski Bromont - Thu 10:12a packed powder machine groomed 14 - 16 base 59 trails, 75% open, 7 lifts

Ski La Reserve - Thu 5:20a packed powder machine groomed 29 - 31 base 19 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Ski Morin Heights - Thu 8:01a w packed powder machine groomed 17 trails, 74% open, 3 lifts

Stoneham - Fri 5:40a frozen granular machine groomed 18 - 18 base 29 trails, 90% open, 7 lifts

Tremblant - Fri 5:46a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 22 base 88 trails, 44 miles, 581 acres, 94% open, 12 lifts

Val D'Irene - Thu 6:55a w packed powder machine groomed 18 trails, 69% open, 4 lifts

Vorlage - Wed 9p oesr loose granular machine groomed 18 - 22 base 10 trails, 70% open, 3 lifts

ONTARIO

Blue Mountain - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 45 - 48 base 34 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

Calabogie Peaks - Wed 9p oesr loose granular machine groomed 18 - 20 base 16 trails, 80% open, 2 lifts

Centennial Park - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 10 - 12 base 3 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Chicopee - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 14 - 18 base 14 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Dagmar Ski Resort - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 24 - 26 base 14 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Devils Elbow - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 11 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Glen Eden - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 10 - 12 base 12 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Hidden Valley - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 12 - 20 base 8 trails, 62% open, 4 lifts

Hockley Valley - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 16 - 22 base 14 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Horseshoe Resort - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 26 - 38 base 23 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Lakeridge Ski Resort - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 22 - 24 base 16 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Loch Lomond - Thu 9:00a powder machine groomed 18 - 31 base 14 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

London Ski Club - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 16 - 18 base 10 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Mansfield Ski Club - Reopen TBA

Mt Chinguacousy - Reopen TBA

Mt Pakenham - Wed 9p oesr loose granular machine groomed 18 - 24 base 10 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Mt St Louis-Moonstone - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 28 - 42 base 36 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

North York - Thu 6a osr hard packed 24 - 28 base 4 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Oshawa Ski Club - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 13 - 20 base 18 trails, 90% open, 4 lifts

Searchmont Resort - Fri 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 31 base 15 trails, 90% open, 4 lifts

Sir Sam's - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 12 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Skyloft Ski Club - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 16 - 17 base 11 trails, 61% open, 3 lifts

Snow Valley - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 24 - 28 base 20 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Talisman Mountain - Thu 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 26 - 28 base 17 trails, 94% open, 5 lifts

Uplands - Reopen TBA

NOVA SCOTIA

Ski Martock - Thu 2:39p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 6 trails, 86% open, 4 lifts

NEW BRUNSWICK

Crabbe Mountain - Thu 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 24 base 18 trails, 94% open, 2 lifts

Poley Mountain - Thu 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 28 - 28 base 23 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

ALBERTA

Canada Olympic Park - Thu 6a alb packed powder machine groomed 34 - 34 base 3 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Castle Mountain - Thu 7:00a variable 33 - 120 base 65 trails, 95% open, 4 lifts

Lake Louise - Thu 6:02a packed powder machine groomed 60 - 65 base 139 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Marmot Basin - Thu 6a alb packed powder machine groomed 45 - 45 base 84 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

Nakiska Ski Area - Thu 6a alb packed powder machine groomed 18 - 31 base 26 trails, 93% open, 5 lifts

Silver Summit - Sat Open Sat/Sun 11:50p packed powder machine groomed 13 - 18 base 13 trails, 100% open, 1 lift

Ski Banff @ Norquay - Thu 6a alb packed powder machine groomed 54 - 54 base 28 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Sunshine Village - Thu 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 61 - 61 base 107 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

ALASKA

ALASKA

Alpenglow/Anchorage Ski Club - Open Sat/Sun

Alyeska Resort - Thu 7:50a hard packed machine groomed 44 - 116 base 69 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Birch Hill - Wed 7:55p c packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 12 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Eaglecrest - Thu 7:15a packed powder machine groomed 61 - 162 base 35 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Latest Cross Country Skiing Conditions Information as Supplied By SnoCountry Mountain Reports as of Friday, Feb 9 2007, 6:03:50 AM EST

Alpine Skiing/Riding conditions are subject to change due to weather, skier traffic and other factors. Be aware of changing conditions.

NORTHEAST

CONNECTICUT

Winding Trails XC Wed 2:24p frozen granular grmg1--8 base 1 trail 1 km,

MAINE

10th Mountain Center XC Thu 11:00a packed powder grmg4--6 base 5 trails, 21 km,

Bethel Inn XC Thu 8:00a packed powder grmg6--6 base 8 trails, 25 km,

Harris Farm XC Wed 8:00p powder grmg4--8 base 40 km,

Nordic Heritage XC Wed 9:00p packed powder grmg6--10 base 20 km,

Pineland Farms XC Thu 7:00p packed powder grmg3--4 base 8 trails, 22 km,

Sugarloaf USA Outdoor XC Thu 8:30a hard packed grmg6--14 base 70 km,

Sunday River XC Thu 9:16p packed powder grmg8--12 base 23 trails, 30 km,

Titcomb Mountain XC Wed 11:15p packed powder grmg10--15 base 18 trails, 16 km,

MASSACHUSETTS

Canterbury Farm XC Thu 5:00p powder grmg4--4 base 6 trails, 15 km,

Great Brook XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

Maple Corner Farm XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

Northfield Mtn XC Wed 9:47a windblown grmg1--3 base 1 trail 1 km,

Notchview Reservation XC Wed 8:45a packed powder grmg2--4 base 15 trails, 25 km,

Ski Butternut XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

Stump Sprouts XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

Weston Ski Track XC Wed 7:00p hard packed grmg6--30 base 2 trails, 2 km,

NEW HAMPSHIRE

BrettonWoods XC Wed 7:44a powder grmg4--12 base 29 trails, 70 km,

Chase House XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

Dexters Inn Norsk XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

Franconia XC Thu 9:30a packed powder grmg6--12 base 22 trails, 65 km,

Great Glen Trails XC Thu 7:00a packed powder grmg7--12 base 40 km,

Gunstock XC Thu 5:00p packed powder grmg4--6 base 28 trails, 10 km,

Jackson XC Thu 5:57a packed powder grmg10--14 base 41 trails, 110 km,

Jumpin' Jack Frost XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

Mt Washington Valley XC Plan to Open TBA

Nordic Skier XC Wed 4:55p packed powder grmg4--8 base 32 trails, 30 km,

The Balsams Wilderness XC Thu 5:00p packed powder grmg6--15 base 41 trails, 76 km,

Waterville Valley XC Thu 11:00a packed powder grmg5--7 base 30 trails, 59 km,

Windblown XC Reopen TBA

NEW JERSEY

High Point XC Plan to Open TBA

NEW YORK

Black River XC Fri 12:00a packed powder grmg3--3 base 52 km,

Cascade XC Thu 6:31a packed powder grmg9--12 base 20 km,

Fahnestock Winter Park XC Plan to Open TBA

Garnet Hill Lodge XC Thu 2:30p packed powder grmg3--5 base 21 trails, 50 km,

Lapland Lake XC Thu 6:25a powder grmg4--6 base 17 trails, 50 km,

Mohonk Mt House XC Plan to Open TBA

Mountain Trails XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

Oak Hill Farms XC Plan to Open TBA

Olympic Sports Complex XC Thu 9:00a packed powder grmg6--8 base 15 trails, 50 km,

Osceola Tug Hill XC Thu 5:58a powder grmg33--46 base 18 trails, 40 km,

Pineridge XC Thu 8:00a packed powder grmg2--4 base 13 trails, 25 km,

Salmon Hills XC Thu 8:30a packed powder grmg29--41 base 15 trails, 35 km,

Tree Haven Trails XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

PENNSYLVANIA

Crystal Lake XC Thu 1:00a packed powder grmg8--9 base 30 km,

Starlight Lake XC Plan to Open TBA

VERMONT

Blueberry Lake XC Thu 8:00a packed powder grmg4--6 base 11 trails, 30 km,

Bolton Valley XC Thu 9:33a packed powder grmg26--29 base 100 km,

Craftsbury Outdoor Center XC Thu 1:26p packed powder grmg3--6 base 15 trails, 75 km,

Grafton Ponds XC Wed 8:00a packed powder grmg10--20 base 3 km,

Hazen's Notch XC Thu 1:40p packed powder grmg12--14 base 20 trails, 40 km,

Highland Lodge XC Wed 8:45p powder grmg7--14 base 12 trails, 52 km,

Hildene XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

Memphremagog XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

Millstone XC Thu 8:00a packed powder grmg6--14 base 10 trails, 35 km,

Ole's XC Thu 12:45p packed powder grmg12--24 base 50 km,

Smugglers' Notch XC Wed 8:33a hard packed grmg4--7 base 30 km,

Stowe Mountain XC Thu 4:30p packed powder grmg8--12 base 24 trails, 45 km,

Timber Creek XC Thu 3:00p packed powder grmg6--6 base 13 trails, 13 km,

Viking Nordic XC Thu 5:00p hard packed grmg3--6 base 3 trails, 15 km,

Wilderness Trails XC Thu 5:00p packed powder grmg3--5 base 8 trails, 12 km,

Wild Wings XC Fri 5:19a 1-newPP grmg4--8 base 9 trails, 20 km,

Woodstock XC Wed 3:30p packed powder grmg4--7 base 40 km,

SOUTHEAST

WEST VIRGINIA

White Grass XC Thu 6:00a powder grmg8--18 base 44 trails, 50 km,

MIDWEST

MICHIGAN

Boyne Nordican XC Thu 7:00a packed powder grmg8--12 base 8 trails, 35 km,

Champion Hill XC Thu 11:40a packed powder grmg8--9 base 13 trails, 23 km,

Cross Country Ski HQ Wed 6:20a powder grmg6--10 base 8 trails, 18 km,

Crystal Mountain XC Thu 7:46a packed powder grmg15--18 base 14 trails, 40 km,

Hickory Hills XC Wed 2:00p packed powder grmg10--12 base 2 trails, 2 km,

Nordic Nights XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

MINNESOTA

Bluefin Bay Resort XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

OHIO

Chapin Forest Pine Lodge XC Thu 9:13a packed powder grmg4--12 base 6 km,

WISCONSIN

Justin Trails XC Wed 8:11a packed powder grmg4--4 base 18 km,

ROCKIES

COLORADO

Ashcroft XC Thu 7:00a powder grmg22--32 base 16 trails, 35 km,

Crested Butte XC Wed 5:35p wet packed snow grmg20--45 base 40 km,

Snow Mountain XC Thu 8:42a hard packed grmg18--27 base 110 km,

MONTANA

Big Mountain XC Thu 6:57a packed powder grmg35--43 base 7 trails, 16 km,

Bohart Ranch XC Thu 6:13a packed powder grmg10--10 base 27 km,

Izaak Walton Inn XC Thu 9:00p packed powder grmg24--40 base 17 trails, 33 km,

Lone Mountain Ranch XC Wed 4:30p wet packed snow grmg15--30 base 23 trails, 77 km,

Stillwater XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

UTAH

Homestead Resort XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

WYOMING

Grand Targhee XC Thu 5:00a packed powder grmg39--41 base 5 trails, 15 km,

Pinedale XC Thu 9:30a packed powder grmg30--30 base 30 km,

PACIFIC SOUTH

CALIFORNIA

Bear Valley XC Thu 7:00a packed powder grmg18--20 base 27 trails, 35 km,

Green Valley XC Not Open 2006-2007 season

Royal Gorge XC Thu 8:30a powder grmg30--30 base 51 trails, 189 km,

Yosemite XC Thu 8:50a powder grmg18--30 base 39 km,

CANADA

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Whistler XC Thu 9:45a hard packed grmg39--47 base 32 km,

QUEBEC

Camp Mercier XC Thu 3:15p packed powder grmg15--22 base 5 trails, 80 km,

Parc National Gaspesie XC Thu 8:20a powder grmg26--33 base 24 km,

Parc National Mont Orford XC Thu 8:00a powder grmg8--14 base 50 km,

Parc National Mont-Tremblant XC Thu 9:45a hard packed grmg12--14 base 10 trails, 52 km,

Station Duchesnay XC Thu 7:44a variable 23--26 base 13 trails, 65 km,

Station Mont Sainte Anne XC Thu 7:50a packed powder grmg12--20 base 18 trails, 145 km,

Gatineau Park XC Thu 3:30p packed powder grmg5--15 base 114 km,

ONTARIO

Haliburton XC Thu 6a osr packed powder grmg8--11 base 92 km,

Hardwood Hills XC Thu 6:00a packed powder grmg14--18 base 10 trails, 30 km,

Highland's XC Thu 6a osr packed powder grmg7--12 base 24 km,

Horseshoe Resort XC Thu 6a osr packed powder grmg12--16 base 35 km,

Mansfield Outdoor Centre XC Thu 6a osr packed powder grmg3--3 base 30 km,

Scenic Caves Nordic Thu 6a osr packed powder grmg11--13 base 20 km,

Stokely Creek XC Not reporting

Wasaga Beach XC Thu 6a osr packed powder grmg4--7 base 30 km,

Wye Marsh Wildlife XC Thu 6a osr packed powder grmg12--16 base 22 km,

Source: SnoCountry Worldwide

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

 

 

Feb 9

 

Kia Sedona Named 'Best Minivan' by MotorWeek

Minivan Receives Kia's First-Ever Drivers' Choice Award From the Popular Television Series

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9  The Kia Sedona added another accolade to its growing trophy case earlier this week at the Chicago Auto Show when MotorWeek announced its selection as "Best Minivan" in its 2007 Drivers' Choice Awards. The recognition marks the first time Kia has received a Drivers' Choice Award from the long-running automotive television program.

"Sedona has been a smash hit with both consumers and the automotive press since its debut last year, and receiving this award from the venerable and well-respected team at MotorWeek is further proof of the impact the vehicle has had in the marketplace," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America (KMA).

MotorWeek evaluated more than 150 cars and trucks for this year's Drivers' Choice Awards, focusing on superior performance, technology, practicality and dollar value from the consumer's perspective. The winning vehicles were put through a battery of road and track tests as well as comprehensive comparisons to competitors.

"The second-generation Korean-branded design matches all the best features of its rivals, and then beats them in price and powertrain warranty," said John Davis, executive producer, host and creator of MotorWeek. "The leaps that Kia has made in perceived quality with each new vehicle are well documented and Sedona is just the latest example. From school bus to apartment moving, minivans are the most versatile vehicles on the planet, and this one is tops."

Sedona is recognized as an industry leader in safety, proven by its five star crash safety rating from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and "Top Safety Pick" honor by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Additional praise includes being named a "Best Buy" by Consumer Digest; "Total Value" and "Most Delightful Vehicle" awards from Strategic Vision; and being tabbed "Best Buy -- 2007 Minivan" by Consumer Guide Automotive.

Kia Motors America -- the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea -- offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. Star ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's SaferCar.gov program (www.safercar.gov).

 

Source: Kia Motors America

 

 

Feb 5

SnoCountry Reports Latest Skiing Conditions Information

LEBANON, N.H., Feb. 5 Latest Skiing Conditions Information as Supplied By SnoCountry Mountain Reports. As of Monday, Feb 5 2007, 6:01:35 AM EST

SNOW CONDITION DEFINITIONS & TERMS

This glossary of terms is used by all ski areas when they report to SCR. The code allows for communication with skiers in a universal language.

NOTE: The standard abbreviations next to each definition reflect the way ski reports are communicated in print (newspapers).

New Snow: Natural snowfall which has fallen in the past 24 hours or continuously for more than one day. An average accumulation from summit to base is reported.

Average Base Depth: An average of the high and low amounts of snow over the entire ski area. Machine made and natural snow amounts are combined.

Primary Surface Condition: The type of snow condition which covers at least 70 percent of the terrain open to skiers.

Secondary Surface Condition: The next most prevalent snow conditions, covering at least 20% of the skiing terrain open to skiers.

Powder-PDR: Cold, new, loose, fluffy, flaky and dry snow which has not been compacted.

Packed Powder-PP: Powder snow, either natural or machine made, that has been packed down by skier traffic or grooming machines. The snow is no longer fluffy, but is not so extremely compacted that it is hard.

Hard Pack-HP: When natural or machine made snow becomes very firmly packed. The snow has never melted and re-crystallized, but it's been tightly compressed through grooming and continuous wind exposure. You can plant a pole in hard packed snow, but it takes more effort than packed powder.

Machine Groomed Snow-MGS: Loose granular snow that has been repeatedly groomed by power tillers so that the texture is halfway between LSGR & PP. Some of the snow is granular & has been so pulverized that the crystals are like powder sugar. It's neither LSGR or PP.

Wet Snow-WETSN: Powder or packed powder snow that has become moist due to a thaw or rainfall, or snow which was moist when it fell.

Wet packed Snow-WPS: Natural or machine made snow that has been previously packed and becomes wet usually because of rainfall.

Loose Granular-LSGR: This surface results after powder or packed powder thaws, then refreezes and recrystalizes, or from an accumulation of sleet. This is also created by machine grooming of frozen or icy snow.

Frozen Granular-FRGR: This is undoubtedly the most misunderstood surface condition in ski reporting. It is defined as a hard surface of old snow formed by granules freezing together after rain or warm temperatures. Frozen granular will support a ski pole stuck into its surface while ice will chip away and not support a pole.

Wet Granular-WETGR: Loose or frozen granular snow which becomes wet after rainfall or high temperatures.

Icy-ICE: Not to be confused with frozen granular, ice is a hard, glazed surface created either by freezing rain, ground water seeping up into the snow and freezing or by the rapid freezing of snow saturated with water from rain or melting. Ice will chip away and not support a ski pole when stuck into it.

Variable Conditions-VC: When no primary surface (70%) can be determined, variable conditions describe a range of surfaces that a skier may encounter. Parts of trails can be Loose Granular, partly Packed Powder, and parts Frozen Granular, for example.

Corn Snow-CORN: Usually found in the spring, Corn Snow is characterized by large, loose granules during the day, which freeze together at night, then warm up again and loosen during the day.

Spring Conditions-SC: This is the spring version of Variable Conditions. It is used when no one surface can describe 70% or more of the terrain open for skiers.

Windblown Snow-WBLN: Powder or granular snow which has been blown by wind into forming a base

Alpine Skiing/Riding conditions are subject to change due to weather, skier traffic and other factors. Be aware of changing conditions.

NORTHEAST

CONNECTICUT

Mohawk Mountain - Sat 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 30 base 24 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Mt Southington - Sun 10:40p packed powder machine groomed 34 - 44 base 13 trails, 95% open, 6 lifts

Ski Sundown - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 50 - 60 base 15 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Woodbury - Sun 9:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 40 base 12 trails, 80% open, 6 lifts

MAINE

Black Mountain - Sun Open Tue-Sun 10:00a packed powder machine groomed 10 - 12 base 6 trails, 29% open, 2 lifts

Camden Snow Bowl - Sun Open Tue-Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 24 base 5 trails, 45% open, 2 lifts

Eaton Mountain - Sun Open Tue-Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 21 base 12 trails, 63% open, 1 lift

Hermon Mtn - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 36 base 20 trails, 100% open, 1 lift

Lost Valley - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 28 - 68 base 17 trails, 94% open, 2 lifts

Mt Abram - Sat Open Thu-Sun 5:28p packed powder machine groomed 23 - 41 base 38 trails, 14 miles, 195 acres, 86% open, 5 lifts

Saddleback - Sun 5:45p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 30 base 46 trails, 78% open, 5 lifts

Shawnee Peak - Sun 7:30a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 30 base 37 trails, 222 acres, 92% open, 5 lifts

Sugarloaf/USA - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 30 base 98 trails, 42 miles, 506 acres, 78% open, 9 lifts

Sunday River - Sun 2:00p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 36 base 113 trails, 42 miles, 524 acres, 86% open, 11 lifts

Titcomb Mountain - Sun 11:40p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 27 base 16 trails, 90% open, 2 lifts

MASSACHUSETTS

Berkshire East - Sun 6:50p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 55 base 20 trails, 80% open, 3 lifts

Blandford - Mon 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base 9 trails, 45% open, 4 lifts

Bousquet - Sun 7:00p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 42 base 16 trails, 75% open, 3 lifts

Bradford - Sat 7:30p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 32 base 13 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Catamount - Sun 6:30p packed powder machine groomed 14 - 30 base 25 trails, 80% open, 4 lifts

Jiminy Peak - Sun 10:16p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 55 base 35 trails, 10 miles, 142 acres, 82% open, 5 lifts

Nashoba Valley - Sun 7:40a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 17 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Otis Ridge - Reopen 02/06 at 5p

Ski Butternut - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 40 base 18 trails, 10 miles, 85% open, 8 lifts

Ski Ward Ski Area - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 36 - 48 base 7 trails, 95% open, 5 lifts

Wachusett - Sun 3:00p packed powder machine groomed 27 - 48 base 21 trails, 99% open, 7 lifts

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Arrowhead - Sat 10:47p packed powder machine groomed 1 - 6 base 1 trail 40% open, 1 lift

Attitash - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 14 - 36 base 44 trails, 15 miles, 178 acres, 63% open, 7 lifts

Balsams/Wilderness - Sun 3:00p packed powder machine groomed 14 - 24 base 12 trails, 1 mile , 75% open, 3 lifts

Black Mountain - Sun 8:00a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 30 base 33 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Bretton Woods - Sun 3:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base 80 trails, 29 miles, 412 acres, 95% open, 6 lifts

Cannon Mountain - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 14 - 32 base 47 trails, 85% open, 9 lifts

Cranmore - Sun 11:32a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 36 base 32 trails, 80% open, 9 lifts

Crotched Mountain - Sun 8:25a packed powder machine groomed 25 - 54 base 18 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Dartmouth Skiway - Sun 7:19a packed powder machine groomed 10 - 20 base 22 trails, 73% open, 3 lifts

Granite Gorge - Open Wed-Sun

Gunstock - Sun 5:09a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 36 base 38 trails, 70% open, 7 lifts

King Pine - Sun 9:30p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 48 base 17 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Loon Mountain - Sun 11:40p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 21 base 45 trails, 18 miles, 259 acres, 8 lifts

Mount Sunapee - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 28 - 40 base 50 trails, 17 miles, 200 acres, 77% open, 8 lifts

Pats Peak - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 8 - 36 base 22 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Ragged Mountain - Sun 5:50p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base 9 trails, 40% open, 3 lifts

Waterville Valley - Sun 10:43a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 30 base 44 trails, 175 acres, 85% open, 7 lifts

Whaleback - Sun 9:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 24 base 19 trails, 60% open, 4 lifts

Wildcat - Sun 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 8 - 28 base 40 trails, 90% open, 3 lifts

NEW JERSEY

Campgaw Mtn - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 40 base 6 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Hidden Valley - Sun 9:00a packed powder machine groomed 15 - 30 base 9 trails, 69% open, 4 lifts

Mountain Creek - Sun 10:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 24 base 24 trails, 50% open, 5 lifts

NEW YORK

Belleayre - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 40 base 30 trails, 101 acres, 65% open, 6 lifts

Brantling Ski Slopes - Sun 9:44a powder machine groomed 25 - 50 base 10 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Bristol Mountain - Sun 6:43a packed powder machine groomed 26 - 58 base 31 trails, 94% open, 6 lifts

Buffalo Ski Club - Wed Open Wed-Sun 7:00a powder machine groomed 6 - 30 base 20 trails, 49% open, 4 lifts

Cockaigne - Sun Open Tue-Sun 12a sany packed powder machine groomed 9 - 29 base 15 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Dry Hill - Open Tue-Sun

Four Seasons - Sun Open Thu-Sun 12a sany packed powder machine groomed 6 - 12 base 6 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Gore Mountain - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 46 base 50 trails, 19 miles, 223 acres, 69% open, 8 lifts

Greek Peak - Sun 8:20p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 32 base 24 trails, 70% open, 5 lifts

Holiday Valley - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 50 base 52 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

HoliMont - Sun 8:09a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 44 base 49 trails, 95% open, 8 lifts

Hunter Mountain - Sun 3:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 70 base 42 trails, 80% open, 6 lifts

Kissing Bridge - Sun 12a sany powder machine groomed 14 - 35 base 37 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Labrador Mountain - Sun 9:30p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 25 base 13 trails, 85% open, 3 lifts

Maple Ski Ridge - Thu Open Tue-Sun 8:00p packed powder machine groomed 30 - 50 base 7 trails, 88% open, 3 lifts

McCauley - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 44 base 21 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Mt Peter - Sun 10:30p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 40 base 8 trails, 90% open, 4 lifts

Peek' n Peak - Sat 7:00p powder machine groomed 18 - 40 base 27 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Plattekill - Sat Open Fri-Sun 10:45p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 36 base 13 trails, 37% open, 3 lifts

Royal Mountain - Fri Open Sat/Sun 9:00p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 30 base 12 trails, 86% open, 3 lifts

Sawkill Family Ski Center - Sat Open Fri-Sun 7:00p packed powder machine groomed 2 - 10 base 2 trails, 6 acres, 100% open, 1 lift

Snow Ridge - Sun 4:00p powder machine groomed 18 - 45 base 15 trails, 70% open, 3 lifts

Song Mountain - Sat 7:00p powder machine groomed 8 - 38 base 22 trails, 92% open, 3 lifts

Swain - Sun 10:30p packed powder machine groomed 32 - 60 base 21 trails, 95% open, 3 lifts

Thunder Ridge - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 36 base 15 trails, 95% open, 3 lifts

Titus Mountain - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 19 base 27 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Toggenburg - Sun 5:55p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 20 base 24 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Tuxedo Ridge - Sat 6:00p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 45 base 4 trails, 50% open, 2 lifts

West Mountain - Sun 5:30p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base 7 trails, 1 mile , 70% open, 2 lifts

Whiteface - Mon 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 21 - 33 base 66 trails, 16 miles, 184 acres, 83% open, 6 lifts

Willard Mountain - Sat 7:30p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 20 base 12 trails, 85% open, 4 lifts

Windham Mtn - Sun 12:19p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 52 base 34 trails, 15 miles, 240 acres, 90% open, 6 lifts

Woods Valley - Sat Open Tue-Sun 7:00p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 40 base 12 trails, 86% open, 3 lifts

PENNSYLVANIA

Bear Creek - Mon 5:18a packed powder machine groomed 40 - 65 base 21 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Blue Mountain - Sun 8:00p packed powder machine groomed 30 - 60 base 29 trails, 95% open, 9 lifts

Camelback - Sun 4:30p packed powder machine groomed 30 - 70 base 32 trails, 150 acres, 96% open, 5 lifts

Elk Mountain - Sun 8:19a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 56 base 24 trails, 89% open, 6 lifts

Hidden Valley - Mon 5:30a 1 new packed powder machine groomed 28 - 35 base 28 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Liberty Mountain - Sun 7:06a packed powder machine groomed 35 - 42 base 15 trails, 94% open, 8 lifts

Mystic Mountain - Sun 8:42a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 40 base 10 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Seven Springs - Mon 4:50a 1 new packed powder machine groomed 30 - 56 base 40 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

Shawnee Mountain - Sun 4:30p packed powder machine groomed 28 - 52 base 21 trails, 90% open, 5 lifts

Ski Big Bear - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base 17 trails, 1 mile , 95% open, 4 lifts

Ski Denton - Sun 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 36 base 21 trails, 95% open, 4 lifts

Ski Roundtop - Sun 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 28 - 38 base 16 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Ski Sawmill - Sun 8:56a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 48 base 13 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Spring Mountain - Sun 7:15p packed powder machine groomed 25 - 68 base 8 trails, 95% open, 6 lifts

Tanglwood - Sun 9:02a packed powder machine groomed 15 - 60 base 8 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Whitetail - Sun 8:05a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 38 base 18 trails, 98% open, 6 lifts

RHODE ISLAND

Yawgoo Valley - Sun 3:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 40 base 11 trails, 3 miles, 33 acres, 95% open, 4 lifts

VERMONT

Ascutney Mountain - Sun 8:21a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 30 base 20 trails, 35% open, 4 lifts

Bear Creek - Sun Open Thu-Sun 8:00a packed powder machine groomed 15 - 28 base 8 trails, 50% open, 2 lifts

Bolton Valley - Sun 7:49p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 28 base 61 trails, 95% open, 6 lifts

Bromley Mountain - Sun 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 27 base 32 trails, 73% open, 8 lifts

Burke Mountain - Sun 2:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 36 trails, 80% open, 4 lifts

Jay Peak - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 72 trails, 96% open, 8 lifts

Killington - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 30 base 164 trails, 71 miles, 82% open, 18 lifts

Mad River Glen - Sun 4:30p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 24 base 40 trails, 89% open, 3 lifts

Magic Mountain - Sun 6:20a powder machine groomed 6 - 30 base 14 trails, 30% open, 2 lifts

Middlebury College Snow Bowl - Sun 9:38p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 36 base 6 trails, 35% open, 2 lifts

Mount Snow - Sun 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 48 base 77 trails, 24 miles, 390 acres, 75% open, 19 lifts

Okemo Mountain - Sun 7:16a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 30 base 101 trails, 38 miles, 552 acres, 88% open, 18 lifts

Pico - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 30 base 31 trails, 11 miles, 62% open, 3 lifts

Quechee Lakes - Sat Open Fri-Sun 4:20p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 32 base 13 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Smugglers' Notch - Sun 4:00p powder machine groomed 14 - 40 base 73 trails, 94% open, 8 lifts

Stowe - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 48 base 48 trails, 100% open, 13 lifts

Stratton Mountain - Sun 6:45a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 38 base 82 trails, 32 miles, 434 acres, 84% open, 11 lifts

Sugarbush - Sun 6:41a packed powder machine groomed 10 - 50 base 111 trails, 53 miles, 508 acres, 100% open, 16 lifts

Suicide Six - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 16 base 20 trails, 87% open, 3 lifts

SOUTHEAST

ALABAMA

Cloudmont - Sun 8:15a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 42 base 1 trail 70% open, 1 lift

MARYLAND

Wisp - Sun 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 25 - 70 base 30 trails, 98% open, 8 lifts

NORTH CAROLINA

Appalachian - Sun 4:02a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 64 base 10 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Cataloochee - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 35 - 75 base 12 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Hawksnest - Sun 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 48 base 9 trails, 95% open, 4 lifts

Sapphire Valley - Fri Open Thu-Sun 11:00a powder machine groomed 30 - 60 base 2 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Ski Beech - Mon 5:34a packed powder machine groomed 22 - 42 base 15 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Sugar Mountain - Sun 9:30p packed powder machine groomed 43 - 75 base 20 trails, 115 acres, 100% open, 6 lifts

Wolf Ridge - Sun 10:30p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 60 base 17 trails, 80% open, 4 lifts

VIRGINIA

Bryce Resort - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 33 - 48 base 8 trails, 25 acres, 100% open, 4 lifts

Massanutten - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 28 - 40 base 14 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Wintergreen - Sun 9:00p loose granular machine groomed 55 - 65 base 22 trails, 88 acres, 88% open, 4 lifts

WEST VIRGINIA

Canaan Valley - Mon 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 48 base 35 trails, 95% open, 2 lifts

Snowshoe Mountain - Sun 9:00p packed powder machine groomed 30 - 44 base 56 trails, 95% open, 13 lifts

Timberline Four Seasons - Sun 7:54a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 60 base 30 trails, 81% open, 3 lifts

Winterplace - Sun 8:00p packed powder machine groomed 48 - 60 base 23 trails, 85% open, 6 lifts

MIDWEST

ILLINOIS

Ski Snowstar - Sun 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 40 - 70 base 14 trails, 28 acres, 100% open, 8 lifts

INDIANA

Paoli Peaks - Sun 10:00a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 72 base 17 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Perfect North - Sun 9:45a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 60 base 22 trails, 90 acres, 100% open, 11 lifts

IOWA

Fun Valley - Fri Open Thu-Sun 10:33a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 48 base 13 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Seven Oaks - Sun 8:55a hard packed machine groomed 15 - 18 base 7 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Sundown Mountain - Sun 7:14a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 60 base 21 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

MICHIGAN

Alpine Valley - Sun 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 2 - 38 base 22 trails, 88% open, 12 lifts

Big Powderhorn - Sun 8:00a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 44 base 29 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Bittersweet - Sun 9:10p packed powder machine groomed 22 - 40 base 20 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Blackjack - Sun 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 42 base 20 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Boyne Highlands - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 70 base 50 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Boyne Mountain - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 70 base 43 trails, 70% open, 7 lifts

Cannonsburg - Sun 12:25p powder machine groomed 48 - 48 base 15 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Crystal Mountain - Sun 7:51a packed powder machine groomed 50 - 62 base 45 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

Hickory Hills - Sun 12:45p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 36 base 8 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Marquette - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 30 base 19 trails, 76% open, 3 lifts

Norway Mountain - Sun 10:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 40 base 16 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Nub's Nob - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 75 base 53 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Shanty Creek - Sun 9:30p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 36 base 49 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Ski Brule - Sun 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 42 base 17 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

Swiss Valley - Mon 5:14a 1 - 2 new packed powder machine groomed 8 - 34 base 11 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Timber Ridge - Sun 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 32 base 15 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Treetops - Sun 8:57a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 42 base 19 trails, 83% open, 5 lifts

MINNESOTA

Afton Alps - Sun 7:15a variable machine groomed 24 - 50 base 48 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

Buena Vista - Wed Open Fri-Sun 1:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 32 base 16 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Coffee Mill - Thu Open Wed-Sun 10:50p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 48 base 9 trails, 82% open, 3 lifts

Hyland Ski Snowboard - Sun 9:25p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 48 base 12 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Lutsen Mountains - Sun 9:20a packed powder machine groomed 25 - 50 base 55 trails, 82% open, 9 lifts

Spirit Mountain - Sun 9:18a powder machine groomed 18 - 24 base 22 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Welch Village - Sun 5:33p packed powder machine groomed 26 - 58 base 46 trails, 98% open, 8 lifts

Wild Mountain - Sun 3:00p packed powder machine groomed 30 - 70 base 25 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

MISSOURI

Snow Creek - Sun 6:00p packed powder machine groomed 36 - 60 base 12

trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

NORTH DAKOTA

Huff Hills - Sat Open Thu-Sun 10:00p hard packed 12 - 20 base 5 trails, 31% open, 3 lifts

OHIO

Snow Trails - Sun 8:00a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 60 base 13 trails, 40 acres, 100% open, 7 lifts

SOUTH DAKOTA

Terry Peak - Sun 7:40a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 24 base 19 trails, 80% open, 4 lifts

WISCONSIN

Alpine Valley - Sun 6:45p packed powder machine groomed 48 - 56 base 20 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

Camp 10 - Wed Open Fri-Sun 3:45p packed powder machine groomed 5 - 37 base 9 trails, 75% open, 3 lifts

Christie Mountain - Sun Open Wed-Sun 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 38 base 18 trails, 78% open, 4 lifts

Mountain Top at Grand Geneva - Sun 8:45a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 40 base 18 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Sunburst - Sun 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 36 base 12 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Trollhaugen - Sun 12:52a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 40 base 22 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Whitecap Mountain - Sun 9:25p packed powder machine groomed 40 - 45 base 43 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Wilmot Mountain - Sun 8:26a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 45 base 25 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

ROCKIES

COLORADO

Arapahoe Basin - Sun 6:34a packed powder machine groomed 46 - 46 base 58 trails, 488 acres, 100% open, 6 lifts

Aspen Highlands - Sun 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 48 - 62 base 121 trails, 92% open, 5 lifts

Aspen Mountain - Sun 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 39 - 41 base 76 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Beaver Creek - Sun 5:30a powder machine groomed 48 - 48 base 148 trails, 1805 acres, 100% open, 16 lifts

Breckenridge - Sun 5:30a powder machine groomed 51 - 63 base 147 trails, 94% open, 29 lifts

Buttermilk - Sun 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 39 - 39 base 37 trails, 84% open, 4 lifts

Copper Mountain - Sun 5:10a packed powder machine groomed 51 - 56 base 130 trails, 100% open, 21 lifts

Crested Butte - Sun 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 35 - 43 base 100 trails, 1065 acres, 91% open, 16 lifts

Echo Mountain Park - Sun 8:14a packed powder machine groomed 37 - 47 base 10 trails, 100% open, 1 lift

Eldora - Sun 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 60 - 60 base 53 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

Keystone - Sun 5:30a powder machine groomed 48 - 48 base 113 trails, 93% open, 19 lifts

Loveland - Sun 5:45a packed powder machine groomed 49 - 49 base 77 trails, 94% open, 8 lifts

Monarch - Sun 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 59 - 63 base 55 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Powderhorn - Sun 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 39 - 39 base 40 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Purgatory at Durango - Sun 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 45 - 49 base 85 trails, 1200 acres, 100% open, 10 lifts

Silverton Mountain - Sat 5:00p powder machine groomed 63 - 78 base 100% open, 1 lift

Ski Cooper - Sun 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 48 - 49 base 26 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Snowmass - Sun 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 43 - 61 base 85 trails, 97% open, 22 lifts

SolVista Basin - Sun 6a csr powder machine groomed 38 - 38 base 32 trails, 84% open, 5 lifts

Steamboat - Sun 5:07a powder 51 - 51 base 162 trails, 2923 acres, 98% open, 19 lifts

Sunlight - Sun 6a csr powder machine groomed 42 - 42 base 67 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Telluride - Sun 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 49 - 58 base 84 trails, 100% open, 16 lifts

Vail - Sun 5:30a powder machine groomed 38 - 38 base 189 trails, 98% open, 33 lifts

Winter Park - Sun 5:35a powder machine groomed 53 - 60 base 126 trails, 2411 acres, 85% open, 23 lifts

Wolf Creek - Sun 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 85 - 95 base 77 trails, 1600 acres, 100% open, 6 lifts

MONTANA

Big Mountain - Sun 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 33 - 74 base 93 trails, 3000 acres, 100% open, 10 lifts

Big Sky - Sun 8:30a packed powder machine groomed 41 - 62 base 150 trails, 100% open, 18 lifts

Blacktail Mountain - Sun Open Wed-Sun 6a msr packed powder machine groomed 46 - 72 base 24 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Bridger Bowl - Sun 2:00p packed powder machine groomed 40 - 40 base 71 trails, 1500 acres, 100% open, 7 lifts

Discovery - Sun 8:12a powder machine groomed 32 - 52 base 60 trails, 95% open, 6 lifts

Great Divide - Fri Open Wed-Sun 6:41a powder machine groomed 27 - 37 base 60 trails, 43% open, 4 lifts

Lost Trail - Sun Open Thu-Sun 6:00a powder 59 - 65 base 45 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Maverick - Sat Open Thu-Sun 6a msr packed powder machine groomed 34 - 47 base 22 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Montana Snowbowl - Sun 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 35 - 64 base 39 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Moonlight Basin - Sun 6:15a packed powder machine groomed 40 - 40 base 80 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Red Lodge - Sun 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 39 - 39 base 39 trails, 55% open, 6 lifts

Showdown - Sun 6a msr packed powder machine groomed 38 - 46 base 34 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Teton Pass - Sun 6a msr packed powder machine groomed 34 - 45 base 26 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Turner Mountain - Sun 6a msr packed powder machine groomed 36 - 55 base 20 trails, 100% open, 1 lift

NEW MEXICO

Angel Fire - Mon 5:36a packed powder machine groomed 61 - 61 base 72 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Pajarito - Sat Open Fri-Sun 8:09a w powder machine groomed 50 - 50 base 39 trails, 98% open, 5 lifts

Red River - Sun 8:30a packed powder machine groomed 51 - 51 base 55 trails, 90% open, 7 lifts

Sandia Peak - Sun Open Wed-Sun 5:31a packed powder machine groomed 52 - 53 base 32 trails, 97% open, 5 lifts

Sipapu - Sat 10:42p packed powder machine groomed 38 - 51 base 39 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Ski Apache - Sun 8:02p packed powder machine groomed 76 - 79 base 47 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Taos - Sun 7:00a powder machine groomed 67 - 67 base 93 trails, 95% open, 12 lifts

UTAH

Alta - Sun 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 61 - 61 base 114 trails, 2200 acres, 100% open, 7 lifts

Beaver Mountain - Sun 6a usr packed powder machine groomed 39 - 39 base 30 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Brian Head - Sun 6a usr packed powder machine groomed 49 - 49 base 54 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Brighton - Sun 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 55 - 55 base 66 trails, 26 miles, 1050 acres, 100% open, 7 lifts

Deer Valley - Sun 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 50 - 50 base 91 trails, 99% open, 21 lifts

Park City - Sun 5:45a packed powder machine groomed 37 - 55 base 104 trails, 100% open, 15 lifts

Powder Mountain - Sun 6a usr packed powder machine groomed 49 - 49 base 83 trails, 73% open, 6 lifts

Snowbasin - Sun 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 47 - 48 base 82 trails, 99% open, 10 lifts

Snowbird - Sun 4:45a packed powder machine groomed 55 - 56 base 83 trails, 93% open, 12 lifts

Solitude - Sun 6:45a packed powder machine groomed 53 - 53 base 61 trails, 95% open, 8 lifts

Sundance - Sun 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 36 base 38 trails, 90% open, 4 lifts

The Canyons - Sun 6:20a packed powder machine groomed 43 - 51 base 141 trails, 95% open, 16 lifts

Wolf Mountain - Sun 6a usr packed powder machine groomed 35 - 35 base 16 trails, 80% open, 3 lifts

WYOMING

Grand Targhee - Sun 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 81 - 81 base 72 trails, 2000 acres, 100% open, 5 lifts

Hogadon - Sat Open Wed-Sun 8:00a packed powder machine groomed 29 - 31 base 22 trails, 92% open, 3 lifts

Jackson Hole - Sun 3:00p packed powder machine groomed 22 - 58 base 109 trails, 2500 acres, 100% open, 11 lifts

White Pine - Sun 5:53a powder machine groomed 35 - 36 base 24 trails, 96% open, 2 lifts

PACIFIC SOUTH

ARIZONA

Arizona Snowbowl - Sun 6:10a powder machine groomed 17 - 36 base 30 trails, 95% open, 4 lifts

Sunrise Park - Sun 6:00a powder machine groomed 54 - 61 base 100% open, 6 lifts

CALIFORNIA

Alpine Meadows - Sun 6:25a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 62 base 80 trails, 80% open, 9 lifts

Badger Pass - Sun 12:34p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 30 base 10 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Bear Mountain - Sun 2:14p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 48 base 25 trails, 93% open, 12 lifts

Bear Valley - Sun 6:35a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 34 base 48 trails, 60% open, 6 lifts

Boreal - Sun 6:25a packed powder machine groomed 40 - 60 base 42 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Dodge Ridge - Sun 5:30a hard packed 12 - 34 base 58 trails, 715 acres, 88% open, 8 lifts

Donner Ski Ranch - Sun 7:30a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 44 base 49 trails, 460 acres, 90% open, 5 lifts

Heavenly - Sun 8:00a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 52 base 60 trails, 55% open, 28 lifts

Homewood - Sun 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 29 - 47 base 51 trails, 1260 acres, 85% open, 7 lifts

Kirkwood - Sun 6:00a hard packed machine groomed 48 - 52 base 65 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Mammoth - Sun 7:05a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 48 base 100 trails, 80% open, 26 lifts

Mountain High - Sun 6:30a hard packed machine groomed 12 - 30 base 18 trails, 65% open, 11 lifts

Northstar at Tahoe - Sun 5:45a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 44 base 78 trails, 99% open, 15 lifts

Royal Gorge - Sun 7:45a packed powder machine groomed 58 - 58 base 62 trails, 69% open,

Sierra at Tahoe - Sun 6:58a packed powder machine groomed 15 - 50 base 39 trails, 85% open, 9 lifts

Sierra Summit - Sun 8:13a packed powder machine groomed 26 - 26 base 30 trails, 75% open, 8 lifts

Snow Summit - Sun 11:08a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 48 base 26 trails, 84% open, 14 lifts

Snow Valley - Sun 6:10a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 36 base 12 trails, 110 acres, 45% open, 5 lifts

Soda Springs - Sun 6:24a packed powder machine groomed 40 - 60 base 30 trails, 80% open, 7 lifts

Squaw Valley USA - Sun 4:45a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 65 base 130 trails, 76% open, 23 lifts

NEVADA

Mt Rose - Sun 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 22 - 34 base 18 trails, 40% open, 7 lifts

PACIFIC NORTH

IDAHO

Bogus Basin - Sun 7:04p hard packed 40 - 45 base 52 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Brundage - Sun 5:45a powder machine groomed 47 - 60 base 43 trails, 1340 acres, 100% open, 4 lifts

Lookout Pass - Sun 5a insa packed powder machine groomed 94 - 139 base 24 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Pebble Creek - Sun 3:33a packed powder machine groomed 17 - 39 base 95% open, 3 lifts

Schweitzer Mountain - Sun 5:20a packed powder machine groomed 57 - 107 base 82 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Silver Mountain - Sun 8:28a packed powder machine groomed 70 - 97 base 70 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Soldier Mountain - Sun 8:00a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 36 base 36 trails, 1147 acres, 100% open, 3 lifts

Sun Valley - Sun 5:30a hard packed 38 - 51 base 79 trails, 90% open, 18 lifts

Tamarack - Sun 6:00a loose granular machine groomed 36 - 45 base 39 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

OREGON

Cooper Spur - Fri Open Fri-Sun 8:01a w packed powder machine groomed 34 - 34 base 10 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Mt Ashland - Sun 6:00a corn snow machine groomed 44 - 74 base 23 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Mt Bachelor - Sun 4:46a packed powder machine groomed 97 - 104 base 71 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Mt Hood Meadows - Sun 5:04a packed powder machine groomed 96 - 108 base 87 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Willamette Pass - Sun 6:55a hard packed 51 - 90 base 29 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

WASHINGTON

49 Degrees North - Sun 6a insa packed powder machine groomed 102 - 147 base 68 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Badger Mountain - Open Sat/Sun

Bluewood - Sun Open Wed-Sun 12:00p packed powder machine groomed 64 - 64 base 24 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Crystal Mountain - Sun 5:15a packed powder machine groomed 76 - 104 base 50 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Loup Loup Ski Bowl - Sun Open Wed, Fri-Sun 6:21a packed powder machine groomed 50 - 51 base 10 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Mission Ridge - Sun 5:27a variable machine groomed 45 - 60 base 36 trails, 1000 acres, 100% open, 5 lifts

Mt Baker - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 150 - 167 base 38 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

Mt Spokane - Sun Open Wed-Sun 6a insa packed powder machine groomed 62 - 90 base 45 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Stevens Pass - Sun 5:00p variable machine groomed 96 - 105 base 37 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Summit at Snoqualmie-Alpental - Sun 5a insa packed powder machine groomed 93 - 129 base 24 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Summit at Snoqualmie-Central - Sun 6a insa packed powder machine groomed 86 - 86 base 20 trails, 91% open, 8 lifts

Summit at Snoqualmie-East - Open Sat/Sun

Summit at Snoqualmie-West - Sun 6a insa packed powder machine groomed 86 - 93 base 12 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

White Pass - Sun 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 82 - 107 base 32 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

CANADA

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Big White - Sun 5:40a packed powder machine groomed 73 - 80 base 118 trails, 100% open, 16 lifts

Crystal Mountain - Sun Open Thu-Sun 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 50 - 50 base 24 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Fairmont Hot Springs - Mon 1:50a packed powder machine groomed 31 - 47 base 14 trails, 95% open, 2 lifts

Fernie Alpine - Sun 8:00a loose granular machine groomed 97 - 106 base 11 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Grouse Mountain - Sat 5:00p variable 154 - 160 base 22 trails, 85% open, 5 lifts

Kicking Horse - Sun 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 68 - 69 base 106 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Kimberley - Sun 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 35 - 55 base 80 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Mt Baldy - Sun 5:39a hard packed 40 - 66 base 25 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Mt Timothy - Sun 6:22a packed powder machine groomed 44 - 44 base 28 trails, 95% open, 2 lifts

Mt Washington Alpine Resort - Sun 9:50a icy 110 - 112 base 50 trails, 83% open, 8 lifts

Panorama Mountain - Sun 5:19a packed powder machine groomed 32 - 47 base 120 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

Red Resort - Sun 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 43 - 82 base 85 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Silver Star - Sun 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 69 - 69 base 113 trails, 98% open, 12 lifts

Whistler/Blackcomb - Sun 6:20a powder machine groomed 102 - 104 base 200 trails, 100% open, 37 lifts

Whitewater - Sun 5:04a packed powder machine groomed 100 - 100 base 47 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

MANITOBA

Asessippi Ski Area - Sun 11:16a variable machine groomed 31 - 35 base 19 trails, 80% open, 4 lifts

Falcon Ridge - Tue Open Sat/Sun 12:00p packed powder machine groomed 10

- 10 base 11 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

QUEBEC

Camp Fortune - Sun 6a oesr packed powder machine groomed 18 - 28 base 15 trails, 80% open, 5 lifts

Edelweiss Valley - Sun 6a oesr packed powder machine groomed 18 - 22 base 10 trails, 45% open, 3 lifts

Gray Rocks - Sun 11:32a w hard packed machine groomed 4 - 18 base 16 trails, 73% open, 3 lifts

Le Massif - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 16 base 41 trails, 95% open, 3 lifts

Mont Avila - Sun 11:27a w hard packed machine groomed 11 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Mont Gabriel - Wed Open Wed-Sun 7:35a w hard packed machine groomed 11 trails, 61% open, 3 lifts

Mont Gleason - Sun 11:35a hard packed machine groomed 6 - 12 base 15 trails, 71% open, 4 lifts

Mont Habitant - Sun 11:17a w hard packed machine groomed 11 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Mont Olympia - Wed Open Wed-Sun 7:35a w hard packed machine groomed 21 trails, 88% open, 4 lifts

Mont Rigaud - Sun 10:49a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 18 base 9 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Mont Sainte-Anne - Sun 7:16a powder machine groomed 12 - 20 base 61 trails, 95% open, 11 lifts

Mont Saint-Sauveur - Sun 11:29a w hard packed machine groomed 4 - 8 base 38 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Mont Ste-Marie - Sun 6a oesr packed powder machine groomed 20 - 24 base 19 trails, 88% open, 3 lifts

Mont Sutton - Sun 5:41a packed powder machine groomed 7 - 22 base 53 trails, 22 miles, 173 acres, 100% open, 8 lifts

Owl's Head - Sun 6:47a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 22 base 39 trails, 95% open, 5 lifts

Ski Bromont - Sun 10:36p 1 new hard packed 14 - 16 base 57 trails, 55% open, 7 lifts

Ski La Reserve - Sun 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 29 - 31 base 19 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Ski Morin Heights - Sun 11:35a w hard packed machine groomed 22 trails, 96% open, 6 lifts

Stoneham - Sun 5:30a loose granular machine groomed 12 - 12 base 29 trails, 92% open, 6 lifts

Tremblant - Mon 5:45a 1 new packed powder machine groomed 18 - 22 base 70 trails, 37 miles, 501 acres, 75% open, 10 lifts

Vorlage - Sun 6a oesr packed powder machine groomed 18 - 20 base 10 trails, 67% open, 3 lifts

ONTARIO

Blue Mountain - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 45 - 48 base 34 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

Calabogie Peaks - Sun 6a oesr loose granular machine groomed 18 - 20 base 16 trails, 80% open, 3 lifts

Centennial Park - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 10 - 12 base 3 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

Chicopee - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 14 - 18 base 14 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Dagmar Ski Resort - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 24 - 24 base 14 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Devils Elbow - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 11 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Glen Eden - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 10 - 12 base 12 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Hidden Valley - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 12 - 16 base 8 trails, 62% open, 4 lifts

Hockley Valley - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 12 - 17 base 14 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Horseshoe Resort - Sun 6a osr powder machine groomed 18 - 30 base 23 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Lakeridge Ski Resort - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 24 - 26 base 18 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Loch Lomond - Sun 8:46a powder machine groomed 18 - 31 base 13 trails, 90% open, 2 lifts

Mansfield Ski Club - Reopen TBA

Mt Chinguacousy - Reopen TBA

Mt Pakenham - Sun 6a oesr loose granular machine groomed 18 - 24 base 10 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

Mt St Louis-Moonstone - Sun 6a osr 2 24 - 38 base 36 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

North York - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 20 - 24 base 4 trails, 100% open, 1 lift

Oshawa Ski Club - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 13 - 15 base 18 trails, 90% open, 9 lifts

Searchmont Resort - Sun 8:30a packed powder machine groomed 34 - 70 base 14 trails, 80% open, 4 lifts

Sir Sam's - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 12 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Skyloft Ski Club - Operating, no details

Snow Valley - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 24 - 24 base 20 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

Talisman Mountain - Sun 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 20 - 24 base 17 trails, 94% open, 6 lifts

Uplands - Reopen TBA

NOVA SCOTIA

Ski Martock - Sun 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 6 trails, 86% open, 4 lifts

NEW BRUNSWICK

Crabbe Mountain - Mon 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 24 base 18 trails, 95% open, 2 lifts

Poley Mountain - Sun 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 28 - 28 base 23 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

ALBERTA

Canada Olympic Park - Sun 6a alb packed powder machine groomed 34 - 34 base 3 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

Canyon Ski Area - Mon Open Wed-Sun 9:18a packed powder machine groomed 35 - 35 base 7 trails, 39% open, 3 lifts

Castle Mountain - Sun 5:00a windblown machine groomed 33 - 122 base 65 trails, 95% open, 4 lifts

Lake Louise - Sun 6:11a packed powder machine groomed 61 - 65 base 139 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

Marmot Basin - Sun 6a alb packed powder machine groomed 45 - 45 base 84 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

Nakiska Ski Area - Sun 6a alb packed powder machine groomed 18 - 31 base 26 trails, 93% open, 6 lifts

Silver Summit - Sat 11:50p packed powder machine groomed 13 - 18 base 13 trails, 95% open, 1 lift

Ski Banff @ Norquay - Sun 6a alb packed powder machine groomed 54 - 54 base 28 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

Sunshine Village - Sun 7:53a packed powder machine groomed 63 - 63 base 107 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

ALASKA

ALASKA

Alyeska Resort - Sun 9:00a variable 44 - 118 base 69 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

Eaglecrest - Sun 8:00a wet packed snow machine groomed 62 - 164 base 35 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

Latest Cross Country Skiing Conditions Information as Supplied By SnoCountry Mountain Reports as of Monday, Feb 5 2007, 6:01:35 AM EST

NORTHEAST

MAINE

A Fierce Chase XC Sat 9:18a packed powder grmg8--12 base 14 trails, 20 km,

Bethel Inn XC Sun 8:30a packed powder grmg6--6 base 7 trails, 23 km,

Black Mountain XC Sun 9:30a packed powder grmg8--10 base 5 km, Open Tue- Sun

Carters Bethel XC Sat 9:00a packed powder grmg5--7 base 50 km,

Carters Oxford XC Sat 8:58a packed powder grmg3--6 base 30 km,

Five Fields Farm XC Sat 6:30p powder grmg4--5 base 10 km,

Harris Farm XC Mon 5:30a packed powder grmg4--8 base 40 km,

Nordic Heritage XC Sat 11:10a packed powder grmg6--9 base 20 km,

Pineland Farms XC Sat 7:30a packed powder grmg3--4 base 8 trails, 22 km,

Rangeley Lakes XC Sat 8:45a hard packed grmg4--6 base 20 km,

Smiling Hill Farm XC Sat 1:00a powder grmg6--12 base 35 km,

Split Cedar Trails XC Sun 4:00p packed powder grmg6--15 base 4 trails, 20 km,

Sugarloaf USA Outdoor XC Sun 8:30a packed powder grmg8--17 base 50 km,

Sunday River XC Sat 10:00p packed powder grmg8--12 base 23 trails, 30 km,

Titcomb Mountain XC Sun 11:40p packed powder grmg10--17 base 14 trails, 17 km,

MASSACHUSETTS

Canterbury Farm XC Sat 8:23a powder 3--3 base 4 km,

Northfield Mtn XC Sun 9:28a packed powder grmg1--4 base 1 trail 1 km,

Notchview Reservation XC Sun 10:15a packed powder grmg2--7 base 15 trails, 25 km,

Weston Ski Track XC Sun 4:00p hard packed grmg6--30 base 2 trails, 2 km,

NEW HAMPSHIRE

BrettonWoods XC Sun 7:35a powder grmg4--12 base 29 trails, 50 km,

Eastman XC Sun 10:00a packed powder grmg4--4 base 12 trails, 20 km,

Franconia XC Sat 5:00p packed powder grmg8--12 base 25 trails, 22 km,

Granite Gorge XC Sun 8:30a packed powder grmg6--12 base 1 km, Open Wed- Sun

Great Glen Trails XC Sun 6:33a powder grmg7--12 base 40 km,

Gunstock XC Sun 4:00p packed powder grmg4--6 base 5 trails, 10 km, Open Sat/Sun

Jackson XC Sun 6:01a packed powder grmg6--10 base 32 trails, 105 km,

Nordic Skier XC Sun 5:00p packed powder grmg4--8 base 32 trails, 30 km,

The Balsams Wilderness XC Sun 5:00p packed powder grmg3--12 base 40 trails, 76 km,

Waterville Valley XC Sun 8:00a packed powder grmg5--9 base 22 trails, 46 km,

Windblown XC Sat 6:00p powder grmg3--4 base 14 km,

NEW JERSEY

High Point XC Plan to Open TBA

NEW YORK

Cascade XC Sun 6:58a packed powder grmg8--10 base 20 km,

Garnet Hill Lodge XC Sat 1:30p packed powder grmg3--5 base 21 trails, 45 km,

Lapland Lake XC Sun 5:30a powder grmg3--5 base 17 trails, 50 km,

Olympic Sports Complex XC Sun 9:39a packed powder grmg8--10 base 15 trails, 50 km,

Osceola Tug Hill XC Sun 5:53a packed powder grmg20--30 base 18 trails, 40 km,

Pineridge XC Sun 6:00a packed powder grmg2--4 base 12 trails, 25 km,

Salmon Hills XC Sat 8:23a packed powder grmg16--22 base 15 trails, 35 km,

PENNSYLVANIA

Crystal Lake XC Mon 5:25a packed powder grmg8--9 base 30 km,

VERMONT

Blueberry Hill Inn XC Sat 10:20a hard packed grmg4--8 base 50 km,

Blueberry Lake XC Sun 6:00a packed powder grmg8--10 base 11 trails, 30 km,

Bolton Valley XC Sun 9:18a packed powder grmg14--22 base 100 km,

Brattleboro Outing Club Sat 9:20a powder 2--4 base 6 trails, 12 km,

Hazen's Notch XC Sat 8:00p packed powder grmg10--12 base 20 trails, 35 km,

Highland Lodge XC Sat 8:38p powder grmg8--12 base 12 trails, 52 km,

Kingdom Trails XC Sun 8:31a packed powder grmg10--14 base 45 km,

Mountain Top XC Sun 6:00p packed powder grmg6--20 base 14 trails, 35 km,

Ole's XC Sat 2:00p packed powder grmg8--20 base 12 trails, 45 km,

Smugglers' Notch XC Sun 8:43a packed powder grmg4--7 base 30 km,

Stowe Mountain XC Sun 4:00p packed powder grmg8--12 base 24 trails, 45 km,

Timber Creek XC Sat 8:00p packed powder grmg4--5 base 13 trails, 13 km,

Trapp Family Lodge XC Sun 11:00a powder grmg8--20 base 23 trails, 55 km,

Viking Nordic XC Sat 9:00p hard packed grmg3--6 base 3 trails, 6 km,

Wild Wings XC Mon 4:50a packed powder grmg3--6 base 8 trails, 18 km,

Woodstock XC Sun 2:10p packed powder grmg4--7 base 40 km,

SOUTHEAST

WEST VIRGINIA

White Grass XC Sun 6:42a powder grmg6--14 base 44 trails, 50 km,

MIDWEST

MICHIGAN

Champion Hill XC Sun 10:45a packed powder grmg7--7 base 13 trails, 23 km,

Crystal Mountain XC Sun 7:53a packed powder grmg15--18 base 14 trails, 40 km,

Hickory Hills XC Sun 12:45p packed powder grmg10--12 base 2 trails, 2 km,

ROCKIES

COLORADO

Snow Mountain XC Sun 8:16a hard packed grmg18--27 base 50 km,

MONTANA

Big Mountain XC Sun 7:00a packed powder grmg35--43 base 7 trails, 16 km,

Bohart Ranch XC Sun 6:12a packed powder grmg10--10 base 27 km,

Izaak Walton Inn XC Sat 8:00p packed powder grmg24--44 base 17 trails, 32 km,

Lone Mountain Ranch XC Sat 5:00p packed powder grmg19--36 base 25 trails, 77 km,

Rendezvous Ski Trails XC Sun 6:30a packed powder grmg25--25 base 8 trails, 35 km,

NEW MEXICO

Enchanted Forest XC Sat 6a nmsr powder grmg50--65 base 35 trails, 35 km,

Valles Caldera XC Fri 6a nmsr powder 44--44 base 35 km,

WYOMING

Grand Targhee XC Sun 5:00a packed powder grmg40--41 base 5 trails, 15 km,

Pinedale XC Sun 10:45a packed powder grmg30--30 base 30 km,

PACIFIC SOUTH

CALIFORNIA

Bear Valley XC Sun 7:00a packed powder grmg20--22 base 27 trails, 35 km,

Royal Gorge XC Sun 7:45a packed powder grmg58--58 base 62 trails, 259 km,

Yosemite XC Sat 9:45a hard packed grmg18--28 base 39 km,

CANADA

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Mount Washington XC Sun 5:20a variable 121--121 base 13 trails, 45 km,

Whistler XC Sun 8:33a hard packed grmg39--47 base 32 km,

QUEBEC

Camp Mercier XC Sun 6:10p powder grmg15--22 base 5 trails, 80 km,

Parc National Gaspesie XC Sat 8:45a powder grmg26--35 base 24 km,

Parc National Mont Orford XC Sun 7:00a powder 6--12 base 50 km,

Station Duchesnay XC Mon 5:50a 1-newPP grmg22--26 base 13 trails, 65 km,

Station Mont Sainte Anne XC Sun 7:22a packed powder grmg12--20 base 18 trails, 145 km,

Gatineau Park XC Sun 4:00p powder grmg5--15 base 113 km,

ONTARIO

Haliburton XC Sun 6a osr packed powder grmg8--10 base 92 km,

Hardwood Hills XC Sun 6a osr packed powder grmg6--8 base 10 trails, 30 km,

Highland's XC Sun 6a osr packed powder grmg7--9 base 24 km,

Horseshoe Resort XC Sun 6a osr packed powder grmg8--8 base 35 km,

Mansfield Outdoor Centre XC Sun 6a osr packed powder grmg3--3 base 40 km,

Scenic Caves Nordic Sun 6a osr packed powder grmg11--12 base 22 km,

Stokely Creek XC Not reporting

Wasaga Beach XC Sun 6a osr packed powder grmg4--5 base 30 km,

Wye Marsh Wildlife XC Sun 6a osr packed powder grmg6--10 base 22 km,

Source: SnoCountry Worldwide

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

 

Volkswagen to Elevate Urban Owners and Prospects to Celebrity Status During All-Star Weekend

Volkswagen million dollar sweepstakes, personal paparazzi, big ticket giveaways, celebrity sightings and more throughout 'In it to Win it' weekend

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 5  Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that it's taking its Volkswagen Important People (VW i.p.) initiative a step further by creating a complete "VW i.p. Experience" from Friday, February 16, 2007 through Sunday, February 18, 2007. As Las Vegas guests cruise the Strip or visit the Fashion Show mall they will get a firsthand look into celebrity life. The VW i.p. Experience creates a destination where anyone can be treated as a star and allows Volkswagen an opportunity to communicate a direct message of respect, appreciation and value to the African-American and urban community.

"Whether it's having their picture taken by personal paparazzi, being pampered at the VW i.p. Experience Lounge, taking a Million Dollar Joy Ride or winning prizes, the goal is to create an environment where people find themselves completely engulfed in the VW i.p. Experience," says Kenyatta Bynoe, brand marketing manager at Volkswagen.

The Million Dollar Joy Ride is an integral part of the VW i.p. Experience, where participants can test drive a Touareg, Volkswagen's luxury SUV, on a dual course track, located in the south parking deck of the Fashion Show mall. The uniquely designed driving course is meant to showcase both the Touareg's on and off-road capabilities. After a test drive, participants can try their luck by "pulling the lever" on a customized slot machine with prizes ranging from party tickets to iPod shuffles. One lucky person could even win a grand prize of one million dollars! Other prizes include: An all-expense paid trip to the 2008 All-Star weekend in New Orleans (this package contains two first class airline tickets; hotel accommodation; airport transfers; spending cash and tickets to the game); customized VW First Act guitars; Apple TVs; Verizon chocolate V-Cast phones; VIP gift cards (e.g., Louis Vuitton, Still) and many more big ticket items.

Those who participate in the drive will also receive an all-access pass to the VW i.p. Experience Lounge, a 1,000-square-foot custom-designed VW i.p. day spa strategically positioned within the Fashion Show mall. Upon entry, guests will receive nothing less than the royal treatment. Spa services include complimentary manicures, massages, barber services and makeovers given by experienced professionals. Guests will also enjoy light refreshments, video games and music provided by celebrity guest DJ's, such as the legendary DJ Biz Markie. The VW i.p. Experience Lounge and Million Dollar Joy Ride will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, February 16th through Sunday, February 18th.

By getting "in" and test driving the award-winning Touareg, the VW i.p. "In it to win it" drive event lets consumers gain entry into a world that personifies capability and luxury. As with past VW i.p. sponsored events, Volkswagen will continue its all-inclusive message that everyone should be treated like a VIP and enjoy the VW i.p. lifestyle.

In keeping with the VW i.p. Experience theme is the VW i.p. Paparazzi, a service provided by Picture Marketing, Inc. The idea is to have a paparazzi visit popular places around Vegas snapping candid and staged photos of pedestrians, thus treating them like the celebrities Volkswagen considers them to be. After their personal photo shoot, they are presented with a VW i.p. access card bearing a web address, where they can view and retrieve their free photos. Once on the site, participants can either print or share their images with family and friends.

VW i.p. Celebrity Shuttle service will be provided throughout the weekend to some of the most sought after celebrities and athletes in the business. Additionally, Volkswagen will sponsor and provide car service for two of the weekend's hottest and heavily attended celebrity events: National Basketball Players Association's Gala and the Kenny Smith All-Star Bash, featuring Kenny Smith's Celebrity Poker Tournament (TNT to broadcast live).

Past guests included: Dwyane Wade, Shawn Merriman, Andre 3000 and Big Boi of Outkast, Regina King, Carl Thomas, Ed Lover, Biz Markie, Sleepy Brown, Malinda Williams, Donnell Rawlings, Steven A. Smith and Alonzo Mourning.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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

 

Preview Chicago Auto Show, First Look at Geneva Motor Show, Test Drive New Jeep Patriot and Dodge Avenger, Get Sneak Peek of BMW's New 1-Series, Check Out the ZAP/Lotus EV and See Why Shakira is Designing Cars - All That and More on TheCarConnection.com.

DETROIT, Feb. 5 It's down into single digits in the Windy City this week, but TheCarConnection.com, http: www.thecarconnection.com, heats things up with its exclusive 2007 Chicago Auto Show preview. Get a look at BMW's new Alpina B7, a trio of trucks from Nissan - including the updated Titan, Pathfinder and Armada - a pair of special-edition Corvettes, Kia's new Rondo and more.

Keep coming back all week, as TheCarConnection.com braves the Midwest cold snap to bring you exclusive, live Chicago Auto Show coverage from the floor of massive McCormick Place.

Speaking of auto shows, that annual European extravaganza, the Salon de l'Automobile, otherwise known as the Geneva Motor Show, is coming up, and as always, TheCarConnection.com is rolling out previews of what you'll soon find in the City on the Lake, including Volvo's next-generation, turbocharged V70.

Don't miss TheCarConnection's exclusive spot shots of the 2009 BMW 1- Series coupe and convertible, both coming to the U.S. TCC's spies have also caught the undisguised, 2008 BMW 7-Series and the '08 Subaru WRX update, as well as the reshaped 2008 Porsche Boxster.

Two critical new Chrysler products are getting ready to roll into your local showroom, and TheCarConnection.com has the first test drive of both of them. Check out our exclusive report on the new Dodge Avenger, to see if this downsized Charger really has some muscle. Then join TCC as it puts the Jeep Patriot through its paces, on-road and off.

Other reviews, this week include the new VW Golf TSI and the 2008 Lexus RX350 crossover.

Check out the Victory Edition Hummer. Find out more about Nissan's first HEV, the Altima Hybrid.

Then learn about the unusual deal that has electric carmaker ZAP teaming up with Britain's Lotus to come up with a high-performance EV. Is it finally time for a battery car comeback?

In business news, January sales slump again for the Big Three, CEO Alan Mulally fights for a Ford turnaround, and car ads win the Super Bowl.

And see who the World Car finalists are.

Shakira shakes it up, and now the hot recording star is moving metal as a new Leon edition is released by the hip European maker, Seat.

Looking to buy a new car, truck or crossover? TheCarConnection.com is your one stop source for news, buying tips, pricing and more.

TheCarConnection.com has teamed up with J.D. Power and Associates giving readers access to J.D. Power's benchmark quality and reliability ratings, tools to "build" a virtual car, and the ability to compare product prices and features.

Source: TheCarConnection.com

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

 

Feb 4

 

Hybrid Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: HYBT) Untited States President George W. Bush, Acknowledges Hybrid's NYC Taxi Project at State of Economy Speech in New York

WASHINGTON, DC and NEW YORK, NY -- February 05, 2007 -- Hybrid Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: HYBT) www.hybridtechnologies.com, emerging leaders in the development and marketing of lithium powered products worldwide, are honored to note that as part of President George W. Bush's State of The Economy speech on January 31st, 2007 in New York City, Hybrid's lithium ion taxi project was mentioned as part of the President's inspired comments on advanced technology corporations.

President Bush said: "Imagine what these technologies will mean for somebody living in New York. The fuel in your car is going to come from a corn field in Iowa or perhaps switchgrass out of Texas. Hybrid electric taxi cabs will be running on new generation lithium ion batteries. The financial pages will be filled with new stock symbols for dynamic American companies in the growing field of alternative fuels."

Click here to hear clip of President Bush's Address: www.hybridtechnologies.com/media/070205.wav

The Hybrid Technologies lithium ion taxi has been delivered to New York City and will represent the first all lithium taxi in the world. Hybrid Technologies, working under a Space Act Agreement with NASA, developed and tested the advanced lithium ion system. The development of the lithium taxi produced impressive feedback from international media and is expected to encourage the addition of electric vehicles into federal and civil fleets across the United States and around the world.

Hybrid Technologies has scheduled an event to present the NYC taxi to the general public and will address the need for further government support in the area of fleet replacement and sustainable zero emission vehicles.

About Hybrid Technologies: www.hybridtechnologies.com

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on the Company's current expectations as to future events. However, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release might not occur, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

 

Feb 1

Kia Motors America Announces Record January Sales

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 1 Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced its best January sales ever of 22,524 units, a 24.4-percent increase over the same period in 2006. The Sedona was the leading seller at 6,947 units, a 26.7-percent increase over the same period last year. The all-new Rondo continued its impressive ramp-up, with 478 units sold, a 16.9-percent increase over last month.

"Kia has started the new year much the same way we ended 2006," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "The automotive market continues to be more competitive and faces many outside challenges. We are confident that the product line we have in place puts us in a good position toward another very successful year."

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

MONTH OF JANUARY YEAR-TO-DATE

Model 2007 2006 2007 2006

Rio 1,624 1,993 1,624 1,993

Spectra 4,273 2,803 4,273 2,803

Optima 2,201 1,266 2,201 1,266

Amanti 567 607 567 607

Sportage 3,474 3,211 3,474 3,211

Sorento 2,960 2,746 2,960 2,746

Sedona 6,947 5,484 6,947 5,484

Rondo 478 N/A 478 N/A

Total 22,524 18,110 22,524 18,110

Source: Kia Motors America

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

 

Volvo Cars North America Sales Report for January

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 1 Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, reports sales in the United States of 7,819 units for January, representing a 12 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.

Overall, Volvo sales for North America (United States, including Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico) were 8,628 units, which is 11 percent down compared to the beginning of 2006. Volvo Canada sales were down 4.5 percent, with 571 units sold, while Volvo sales in Mexico were ahead of last year by 15.5 percent, selling 238 units.

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA), based in Irvine, Calif., is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corporation of Goteborg, Sweden. VCNA provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Volvo has been building cars with safety in mind for nearly 80 years. The current 2007 model line up of Volvo cars includes: the award-winning new S40 and its wagon counterpart the V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan -- including the award-winning performance sedan -- S60 R and the performance wagon version -- V70 R; the versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); the new Volvo C70 -- the convertible with the innovative retractable hardtop, and the all-new Volvo S80.

* U.S. sales include Puerto Rico

 

 

VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Retail Sales by Model 01-Feb-07

UNITED STATES

January * Year-to-Date *

2007 2006 % 2007 2006 %

Volvo Model

S40 1,377 1,976 -30.3% 1,377 1,976 -30.3%

V50 195 381 -48.8% 195 381 -48.8%

S60 1,235 2,067 -40.3% 1,235 2,067 -40.3%

V70 257 449 -42.8% 257 449 -42.8%

XC70 855 1,023 -16.4% 855 1,023 -16.4%

C70 387 27 1333.3% 387 27 1333.3%

S80 1,131 568 99.1% 1,131 568 99.1%

XC90 2,382 2,390 -0.3% 2,382 2,390 -0.3%

USA TOTAL 7,819 8,881 -12.0% 7,819 8,881 -12.0%

 

CANADA

January Year-to-Date

2007 2006 % 2007 2006 %

Volvo Model

C30 1 n/a n/a 1 n/a n/a

S40 55 82 -32.9% 55 82 -32.9%

V50 42 45 -6.7% 42 45 -6.7%

S60 118 111 6.3% 118 111 6.3%

V70 42 48 -12.5% 42 48 -12.5%

XC70 104 101 3.0% 104 101 3.0%

C70 6 0 n/a 6 0 n/a

S80 38 25 52.0% 38 25 52.0%

XC90 165 186 -11.3% 165 186 -11.3%

CANADA TOTAL 571 598 -4.5% 571 598 -4.5%

 

MEXICO

January Year-to-Date

2007 2006 % 2007 2006 %

Volvo Model

S40 116 113 2.7% 116 113 2.7%

V50 3 3 0.0% 3 3 0.0%

S60 33 19 73.7% 33 19 73.7%

V70 0 0 n/a 0 0 n/a

XC70 1 0 n/a 1 0 n/a

C70 2 0 n/a 2 0 n/a

S80 9 4 125.0% 9 4 125.0%

XC90 74 67 10.4% 74 67 10.4%

MEXICO TOTAL 238 206 15.5% 238 206 15.5%

NAFTA TOTAL 8,628 9,685 -10.9% 8,628 9,685 -10.9%

* U.S. totals include Puerto Rico

Source: Volvo Cars of North America, LLC

Web site: http://www.volvocars-pr.com/

 

Hyundai Motor America Reports January 2007 Sales

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 1 Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 27,721 units for the month of January. Sales were down 8 percent from Hyundai's record January sales in 2006. The all-new 2007 Santa Fe and Accent showed strong gains over the previous year, posting 89 percent and 80 percent increases respectively.

"We are disappointed with the results for January sales, especially given the continued quality improvements in our products. We experienced lower than anticipated sales in our California region and our South Central region sales were depressed due to difficult weather," said Chief Operating Officer Steve Wilhite. "We are confident that our plan going forward is sound and will gain traction through the balance of the first quarter."

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

Following is the sales breakdown for January 2007.

CARLINE January 2007 January 2006 CY2007 CY2006

ACCENT 2,437 1,353 2,437 1,353

SONATA 7,276 11,643 7,276 11,643

ELANTRA 6,361 7,780 6,361 7,780

TIBURON 777 1,019 777 1,019

SANTA FE 5,635 2,986 5,635 2,986

AZERA 1,685 1,807 1,685 1,807

TUCSON 2,769 3,620 2,769 3,620

ENTOURAGE 781 0 781 0

TOTAL 27,721 30,208 27,721 30,208

Source: Hyundai Motor America

CONTACT: Toni Honsowetz of Hyundai Motor America, +1-714-594-1629

 

Acura Announces January Sales

Light Truck Sales Set New January Record

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 1 Propelled by sales of the all-new 2007 MDX luxury performance SUV, Acura sold a January record of 5,951 light trucks, up 48.7 percent versus last year, the division announced today. The previous record of 4,165 was set in January 2004.

Overall, Acura began 2007 with sales of 13,017 units sold for the month, down 10.6 percent from a year ago based on the daily selling rate that included one fewer day than last January.* MDX led Acura sales for the month with 4,153 units sold, eclipsing its total from a year ago by 3.8 percent and making it the model's second-best January ever.

"We are certainly pleased with the way customers have reacted to the new MDX," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. "The combination of its dynamic styling and track-tuned performance have really hit home."

Continuing its steady sales pace, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV sold 1,798 units for the month. Meanwhile, sales of the TSX sports sedan totaled 2,628 units.

* All percentages calculated on 25 selling days in January 2007, versus 24 selling days in January 2006.

American Honda Vehicle Sales For January 2007

Month-to-Date Year-to-Date

January January DSR** January January DSR**

2007 2006 % Chg. 2007 2006 % Chg.

MODEL BREAKOUTS BY

DIVISION

Acura Division Total 13,017 13,981 -10.6% 13,017 13,981 -10.6%

RSX 127 1,288 -90.5% 127 1,288 -90.5%

TL* 3,878 4,868 -23.5% 3,878 4,868 -23.5%

TSX 2,628 3,204 -21.3% 2,628 3,204 -21.3%

RL 433 773 -46.2% 433 773 -46.2%

NSX 0 7 0 7

MDX* 4,153 3,841 3.8% 4,153 3,841 3.8%

RDX* 1,798 0 1,798 0

Selling Days 25 24 25 24

* Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced

parts.

** Daily Selling Rate

Source: Acura

 

 

 

American Honda Reports Best-Ever January Sales

Record CR-V Sales Help Increase Light Truck Sales by 11.0 Percent

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 1 American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted a new January record for total vehicle sales of 100,790, eclipsing the 2006 record of 98,394, the company announced today. With one additional selling day in 2007, sales declined 1.7 percent based on the daily selling rate.* American Honda January light truck sales hit a record high of 47,378, up 11.0 percent compared to 2006.

Honda Division posted record January sales of 87,773, up from last year's record of 84,413, and was supported by record light truck sales of 41,427. Light truck models that broke January records included the CR-V, up 48.1 percent to 14,390; and the Odyssey, up 4.5 percent to 11,165. Sales for Accord, the company's volume leader, increased 12.0 percent for the month to 25,714.

"A strong light truck lineup contributed to the company's record January sales," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "The crossover segment continues to grow and key products like the Honda CR-V are increasingly important."

The all-new Acura MDX, up 3.8 percent to 4,153, led the Acura Division's sales volume of 13,017. Sales for the MDX and RDX sport luxury SUVs resulted in record Acura light truck sales of the month totaling 5,951. Compared to record January 2006 Acura sales of 13,981, total division sales decreased 10.6 percent based on the daily selling rate.

*The daily selling rate is calculated with 25 days for January, 2007, versus 24 for 2006.

Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.

 

 

American Honda Vehicle Sales For January 2007

Month-to-Date Year-to-Date

January January DSR** January January DSR**

2007 2006 % Chg. 2007 2006 % Chg.

American Honda Total 100,790 98,394 -1.7% 100,790 98,394 -1.7%

Total Car Sales 53,412 57,429 -10.7% 53,412 57,429 -10.7%

Total Truck Sales 47,378 40,965 11.0% 47,378 40,965 11.0%

Honda Total Car

Sales 46,346 47,289 -5.9% 46,346 47,289 -5.9%

Honda Total Truck

Sales 41,427 37,124 7.1% 41,427 37,124 7.1%

Acura Total Car

Sales 7,066 10,140 -33.1% 7,066 10,140 -33.1%

Acura Total Truck

Sales 5,951 3,841 48.7% 5,951 3,841 48.7%

Domestic Car Sales* 40,394 48,146 -19.5% 40,394 48,146 -19.5%

Honda Division 36,516 43,278 -19.0% 36,516 43,278 -19.0%

Acura Division 3,878 4,868 -23.5% 3,878 4,868 -23.5%

Domestic Truck Sales* 32,988 31,640 0.1% 32,988 31,640 0.1%

Honda Division 27,037 27,799 -6.6% 27,037 27,799 -6.6%

Acura Division 5,951 3,841 48.7% 5,951 3,841 48.7%

Import Car Sales 13,018 9,283 34.6% 13,018 9,283 34.6%

Honda Division 9,830 4,011 135.3% 9,830 4,011 135.3%

Acura Division 3,188 5,272 -41.9% 3,188 5,272 -41.9%

Import Truck Sales 14,390 9,325 48.1% 14,390 9,325 48.1%

Honda Division 14,390 9,325 48.1% 14,390 9,325 48.1%

MODEL BREAKOUTS BY

DIVISION

Honda Division Total 87,773 84,413 -0.2% 87,773 84,413 -0.2%

Fit 2,036 2,036

Accord* 25,714 22,046 12.0% 25,714 22,046 12.0%

Memo: Accord

Hybrid 248 351 -32.2% 248 351 -32.2%

Civic* 18,378 24,788 -28.8% 18,378 24,788 -28.8%

Memo: Civic Hybrid 1,783 3,165 -45.9% 1,783 3,165 -45.9%

S2000 218 396 -47.2% 218 396 -47.2%

Insight 0 59 0 59

FCX 0 0 0 0

Odyssey* 11,165 10,257 4.5% 11,165 10,257 4.5%

Pilot* 9,375 9,999 -10.0% 9,375 9,999 -10.0%

CR-V 14,390 9,325 48.1% 14,390 9,325 48.1%

Element* 3,065 3,729 -21.1% 3,065 3,729 -21.1%

Ridgeline 3,432 3,814 -13.6% 3,432 3,814 -13.6%

Acura Division Total 13,017 13,981 -10.6% 13,017 13,981 -10.6%

RSX 127 1,288 -90.5% 127 1,288 -90.5%

TL* 3,878 4,868 -23.5% 3,878 4,868 -23.5%

TSX 2,628 3,204 -21.3% 2,628 3,204 -21.3%

RL 433 773 -46.2% 433 773 -46.2%

NSX 0 7 0 7

MDX* 4,153 3,841 3.8% 4,153 3,841 3.8%

RDX* 1,798 0 1,798 0

Selling Days 25 24 25 24

* Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced

parts.

** Daily Selling Rate

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.


Honda Motor Co., Inc.

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

 

 

Toyota Reports January Sales

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 1 Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported best-ever January sales of 175,850 vehicles, an increase of 5.1 percent over January 2006.

The Toyota Division posted best-ever January sales of 153,732, up 4.7 percent. The Lexus Division reported best-ever January sales of 22,118 units sold, an increase of 8 percent.

Toyota Division

Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever January sales of 86,682, up 7.2 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted January sales of 31,461, up 10.1 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 2,801 units in January. The Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan posted best-ever January sales of 8,299, an increase of 4.1 percent. The Yaris subcompact posted sales totaling 5,870 units for the month. Corolla reported January sales of 25,519.

Toyota Division light truck sales were up 1.6 percent, with a best-ever January total of 67,050 units. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), which reported best-ever January sales of 11,925, up 22 percent over the same period last year. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined January sales of 10,322, up 13.3 percent over the same period last year. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales of 1,810 units for the month. FJ Cruiser reported January sales of 4,948 units.

Scion reported January sales of 9,004 units. The tC sports coupe led the way with January sales of 4,413 units. Scion xB posted sales of 2,833 units for the month.

Lexus Division

Lexus passenger cars reported best-ever January sales of 13,574 units, an increase of 18.7 percent over January 2006. Passenger car sales were led by the ES 350 luxury sedan with best-ever January sales of 5,320 units, up 53.2 percent. The all-new LS 460 reported sales of 3,006, an increase of 142.5 percent.

Lexus Division light trucks reported January sales totaling 8,544 units. The RX 350 and RX 400h enjoyed combined January sales of 6,544 units, an increase of 1.5 percent. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,245 units for the month.

In January, TMS posted sales of 14,322 hybrid vehicles. There were 25 selling days this sales month compared to 24 selling days last January.

Public Web sites: http://www.toyota.com/

http://www.lexus.com/

http://www.scion.com/

 

 

TOYOTA RETAIL SALES

(INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII)

January, 2007

---- CURRENT MONTH ---- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE --

DSR% DSR%

2007 2006 CHG 2007 2006 CHG

YARIS 5,870 0 -- 5,870 0 --

COROLLA 25,519 24,887 -1.6 25,519 24,887 -1.6

CAMRY 31,461 27,440 10.1 31,461 27,440 10.1

AVALON 6,529 6,946 -9.8 6,529 6,946 -9.8

PRIUS 8,299 7,654 4.1 8,299 7,654 4.1

SCION xA 1,758 2,058 -18.0 1,758 2,058 -18.0

SCION xB 2,833 3,836 -29.1 2,833 3,836 -29.1

SCION tC 4,413 4,807 -11.9 4,413 4,807 -11.9

TOTAL TOYOTA

DIV. PASS. CAR 86,682 77,638 7.2 86,682 77,638 7.2

ES 350 5,320 3,333 53.2 5,320 3,333 53.2

LS 430/460 3,006 1,190 142.5 3,006 1,190 142.5

SC 430 302 405 -28.4 302 405 -28.4

GS 350 1,368 1,699 -22.7 1,368 1,699 -22.7

GS 430/450h 183 279 -37.0 183 279 -37.0

IS 250/350 3,395 4,073 -20.0 3,395 4,073 -20.0

TOTAL LEXUS

PASS. CAR 13,574 10,979 18.7 13,574 10,979 18.7

TOTAL TOYOTA

PASS. CAR 100,256 88,617 8.6 100,256 88,617 8.6

SIENNA 10,849 11,774 -11.5 10,849 11,774 -11.5

RAV4 11,925 9,382 22.0 11,925 9,382 22.0

FJ CRUISER 4,948 0 -- 4,948 0 --

4RUNNER 7,330 8,512 -17.3 7,330 8,512 -17.3

HIGHLANDER 10,322 8,748 13.3 10,322 8,748 13.3

LAND CRUISER 234 290 -22.5 234 290 -22.5

SEQUOIA 2,058 2,754 -28.3 2,058 2,754 -28.3

TOTAL SUV 36,817 29,686 19.1 36,817 29,686 19.1

4X2 TACOMA 7,478 7,390 -2.9 7,478 7,390 -2.9

4X4 TACOMA 5,585 5,020 6.8 5,585 5,020 6.8

TOTAL TACOMA 13,063 12,410 1.1 13,063 12,410 1.1

TUNDRA 6,321 9,459 -35.8 6,321 9,459 -35.8

TOTAL PICKUP 19,384 21,869 -14.9 19,384 21,869 -14.9

TOTAL TOYOTA

DIV. LT TRUCK 67,050 63,329 1.6 67,050 63,329 1.6

LX 470 287 544 -49.4 287 544 -49.4

GX 470 1,713 1,946 -15.5 1,713 1,946 -15.5

RX 350/400h 6,544 6,189 1.5 6,544 6,189 1.5

TOTAL LEXUS

LIGHT TRUCK 8,544 8,679 -5.5 8,544 8,679 -5.5

TOTAL TOYOTA

LIGHT TRUCK 75,594 72,008 0.8 75,594 72,008 0.8

TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 153,732 140,967 4.7 153,732 140,967 4.7

TOTAL LEXUS 22,118 19,658 8.0 22,118 19,658 8.0

TOTAL TOYOTA 175,850 160,625 5.1 175,850 160,625 5.1

MEMO:

DOM. COROLLA 22,762 23,244 -6.0 22,762 23,244 -6.0

DOM. CAMRY 22,844 24,864 -11.8 22,844 24,864 -11.8

DOM. PICKUP 19,384 21,869 -14.9 19,384 21,869 -14.9

DOM. RX 350 3,789 3,354 8.5 3,789 3,354 8.5

SELLING DAYS 25 24 25 24

TOYOTA DIV.

IMPORT CAR 34,547 22,584 46.9 34,547 22,584 46.9

LEXUS IMPORT CAR 13,574 10,979 18.7 13,574 10,979 18.7

TOYOTA DIV NA

BUILT CARS 52,135 55,054 -9.1 52,135 55,054 -9.1

TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 100,256 88,617 8.6 100,256 88,617 8.6

TOYOTA DIV.

IMPORT LT TRUCK 34,759 26,932 23.9 34,759 26,932 23.9

LEXUS IMPORT

LT TRUCK 4,755 5,325 -14.3 4,755 5,325 -14.3

TOYOTA DIV NA

BUILT LT TRUCK 32,291 36,397 -14.8 32,291 36,397 -14.8

LEXUS NA BUILT

LT TRUCK 3,789 3,354 8.5 3,789 3,354 8.5

TOTAL TOYOTA

LT TRUCK 75,594 72,008 0.8 75,594 72,008 0.8

SPORT UTILITY

VEHICLES 40,413 38,365 1.1 40,413 38,365 1.1

Memo: Lexus

Sport Utility 8,544 8,679 -5.5 8,544 8,679 -5.5

SMALL VANS 10,849 11,774 -11.5 10,849 11,774 -11.5

PICKUPS 19,384 21,869 -14.9 19,384 21,869 -14.9

* NORTH AMERICAN

BUILT VEHICLES

COROLLA 22,762 23,244 -6.0 22,762 23,244 -6.0

CAMRY 22,844 24,864 -11.8 22,844 24,864 -11.8

AVALON 6,529 6,946 -9.8 6,529 6,946 -9.8

SIENNA 10,849 11,774 -11.5 10,849 11,774 -11.5

PICKUP 19,384 21,869 -14.9 19,384 21,869 -14.9

SEQUOIA 2,058 2,754 -28.3 2,058 2,754 -28.3

RX 350 3,789 3,354 8.5 3,789 3,354 8.5

TOTAL 88,215 94,805 -10.7 88,215 94,805 -10.7

N.A. VEHICLES

% OF TOTAL 50.2% 59.0% 50.2% 59.0%

SELLING DAYS 25 24 25 24

DSR = DAILY SELLING RATE

 

 

Web site: http://www.toyota.com/
http://www.lexus.com/
http://www.scion.com/

 

 

 

Mitsubishi January Sales Soar to 25 Percent Increase

CYPRESS, Calif., Feb. 1 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported January sales of 9,383 units, up 25.6% from last January's total of 7,463.

It was Mitsubishi's best January since 2004 and the largest single month percentage increase in four-and-half years (July 2002).

"We are very encouraged at this tremendous start to the year," said MMNA CEO Hiroshi Harunari. "Customers are embracing the all-new Outlander crossover sport utility, while our established models like the sporty Eclipse coupe still have tremendous appeal. We are very excited at the prospects for our all-new Lancer sedan, which will begin sales in the Spring."

Outlander sales were 1,918 units, up 166 percent from last year's January volume. Eclipse coupe sales were 2,129, up 37 percent from a year ago.

Other January sales highlights:

* Eclipse Spyder closed at 306 units, more than five times the sales in

January of 2006.

* Lancer closed at 1,684 units, up 15 percent from last January volume.

* Galant sales were 1,654, an increase of more than four percent

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 520 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

Source: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

 

 

Ford Motor Company's January Sales Off 19%; Daily Rental Down 65%

* Ford's January Sales Totaled 166,835, Down 19 Percent Compared With a Year Ago.

* Lower Sales to Daily Rental Companies (Down 65 Percent) Account for Most of the Decline.

* Sales to Retail Customers Were Down Slightly (5 Percent).

* New Crossover Utility Vehicles (Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX) Heat Up Dealer Showrooms.

* Demand Continues to Grow for New Mid-Size Sedans (Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ).

* All-New Expedition and Navigator Extend Sales Winning Streaks.

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 1 Ford Motor Company's (NYSE:F) January U.S. sales declined 19 percent compared with a year ago, largely as a result of a planned reduction in sales to daily rental companies. Sales to daily rental companies were cut by 65 percent.

"All of us at Ford are focused on restructuring our business to be profitable at lower volumes and offering more of the products people want, including more cars and more crossovers," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas. "We are focusing more of our attention on retail customers and reducing sales to daily rental companies sharply. Our customers benefit from this plan because their vehicles' residual values will improve -- a trend we already are seeing with our newest products."

The resale values of Ford's newest products have improved by as much as 11 percentage points -- with Ford closing the gap on many Asian competitors -- according to the Automotive Leasing Guide. Residual values have improved 2 percentage points compared with the prior model year for the 2007 Ford Fusion sedan, 6 points better for the 2007 Lincoln Navigator, 9 points better for the 2007 Ford Expedition and 11 points better for the 2008 Ford Escape. Ford's new 2007 Edge crossover has resale values higher than Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano.

January marked the first full month on sale for the company's new crossover utilities -- the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. Edge sales were 5,586 and MKX sales were 1,699. In fact, the Edge post higher sales in its introduction month than did Ford's popular Fusion in its first month (4,078 in October 2005).

Dealers reported higher retail sales for the company's 2007 model mid-size cars, the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ. In addition, the all- new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full-size SUVs extended their winning streaks into 2007. Expedition sales have been higher than a year ago for five months in a row and Navigator sales have been up the last four months.

The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner utility vehicles posted sharply higher retail sales in advance of a new 2008 model, which now is being shipped to dealers from Ford's Kansas City (Mo.) Assembly Plant.

Ford saw lower sales for its popular F-Series pickup truck in January (down 15 percent), which compares with a strong performance for America's best-selling pickup last year. The company expects softness in new home construction to adversely affect full-size pickup sales through the first half of 2007.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY JANUARY 2007 U.S. SALES

------------------------------------------

January Month January CYTD

------------- % ------------ %

2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change

---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------

Sales By Brand

Ford 132,006 169,412 -22.1 132,006 169,412 -22.1

Mercury 12,604 12,781 -1.4 12,604 12,781 -1.4

Lincoln 9,594 9,345 2.7 9,594 9,345 2.7

Jaguar 1,390 1,596 -12.9 1,390 1,596 -12.9

Volvo 7,808 8,844 -11.7 7,808 8,844 -11.7

Land Rover 3,433 3,693 -7.0 3,433 3,693 -7.0

----- ----- ----- -----

Total Ford Motor

Company 166,835 205,671 -18.9 166,835 205,671 -18.9

Memo: Cars and Trucks

Cars 55,842 82,710 -32.5 55,842 82,710 -32.5

Trucks 110,993 122,961 -9.7 110,993 122,961 -9.7

------- ------- ------- -------

Total Ford Motor

Company 166,835 205,671 -18.9 166,835 205,671 -18.9

 

 

FORD BRAND JANUARY 2007 U.S. SALES

----------------------------------

January Month January CYTD

------------- % ------------ %

2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change

---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------

Crown Victoria 5,424 5,200 4.3 5,424 5,200 4.3

Five Hundred 3,526 7,163 -50.8 3,526 7,163 -50.8

Taurus 0 14,655 -100.0 0 14,655 -100.0

Fusion 10,529 9,999 5.3 10,529 9,999 5.3

Focus 8,035 12,452 -35.5 8,035 12,452 -35.5

Mustang 9,064 11,208 -19.1 9,064 11,208 -19.1

Thunderbird 0 244 -100.0 0 244 -100.0

GT 62 157 -60.5 62 157 -60.5

-- --- -- ---

Total Ford Cars 36,640 61,078 -40.0 36,640 61,078 -40.0

Escape 8,408 11,010 -23.6 8,408 11,010 -23.6

Edge 5,586 0 NA 5,586 0 NA

Freestyle 2,011 4,729 -57.5 2,011 4,729 -57.5

Explorer 8,876 12,000 -26.0 8,876 12,000 -26.0

Expedition 6,143 5,316 15.6 6,143 5,316 15.6

Excursion 0 390 -100.0 0 390 -100.0

Freestar 1,072 5,746 -81.3 1,072 5,746 -81.3

Econoline/Club Wagon 12,521 9,001 39.1 12,521 9,001 39.1

Ranger 4,652 6,186 -24.8 4,652 6,186 -24.8

F-Series 44,919 52,771 -14.9 44,919 52,771 -14.9

Low Cab Forward 220 221 -0.5 220 221 -0.5

Heavy Trucks 958 964 -0.6 958 964 -0.6

--- --- --- ---

Total Ford Trucks 95,366 108,334 -12.0 95,366 108,334 -12.0

------ ------- ------ -------

Total Ford Brand 132,006 169,412 -22.1 132,006 169,412 -22.1

 

 

LINCOLN AND MERCURY BRAND JANUARY 2007 U.S. SALES

-------------------------------------------------

January Month January CYTD

------------- % ------------ %

2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change

---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------

Grand Marquis 4,053 4,440 -8.7 4,053 4,440 -8.7

Montego 1,190 1,986 -40.1 1,190 1,986 -40.1

Milan 2,662 2,023 31.6 2,662 2,023 31.6

----- ----- ----- -----

Total Mercury Cars 7,905 8,449 -6.4 7,905 8,449 -6.4

Town Car 3,124 2,583 20.9 3,124 2,583 20.9

LS 0 873 -100.0 0 873 -100.0

MKZ 2,209 2,692 -17.9 2,209 2,692 -17.9

----- ----- ----- -----

Total Lincoln Cars 5,333 6,148 -13.3 5,333 6,148 -13.3

----- ----- ----- -----

Total Mercury

and Lincoln Cars 13,238 14,597 -9.3 13,238 14,597 -9.3

Mariner 2,633 2,002 31.5 2,633 2,002 31.5

Mountaineer 1,891 1,997 -5.3 1,891 1,997 -5.3

Monterey 175 333 -47.4 175 333 -47.4

--- --- --- ---

Total Mercury Trucks 4,699 4,332 8.5 4,699 4,332 8.5

MKX 1,699 0 NA 1,699 0 NA

Navigator 1,788 1,630 9.7 1,788 1,630 9.7

Aviator 0 536 -100.0 0 536 -100.0

Mark LT 774 1,031 -24.9 774 1,031 -24.9

--- ----- --- -----

Total Lincoln Trucks 4,261 3,197 33.3 4,261 3,197 33.3

----- ----- ----- -----

Total Mercury

and Lincoln Trucks 8,960 7,529 19.0 8,960 7,529 19.0

----- ----- ----- -----

Total Mercury

and Lincoln Vehicles 22,198 22,126 0.3 22,198 22,126 0.3

Total Lincoln Brand 9,594 9,345 2.7 9,594 9,345 2.7

Total Mercury Brand 12,604 12,781 -1.4 12,604 12,781 -1.4

 

 

JAGUAR BRAND JANUARY 2007 U.S. SALES

------------------------------------

January Month January CYTD

------------- % ------------ %

2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change

---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------

XJ 384 465 -17.4 384 465 -17.4

S-TYPE 310 578 -46.4 310 578 -46.4

X-TYPE 269 432 -37.7 269 432 -37.7

XK 427 121 252.9 427 121 252.9

--- --- --- ---

Total Jaguar 1,390 1,596 -12.9 1,390 1,596 -12.9

 

 

VOLVO BRAND JANUARY 2007 U.S. SALES

-----------------------------------

January Month January CYTD

------------- % ------------ %

2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change

---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------

S40 1,371 1,952 -29.8 1,371 1,952 -29.8

V50 195 379 -48.5 195 379 -48.5

S60 1,235 2,064 -40.2 1,235 2,064 -40.2

V70 257 449 -42.8 257 449 -42.8

XC70 855 1,022 -16.3 855 1,022 -16.3

C70 385 27 1,325.9 385 27 1325.9

S80 1,131 568 99.1 1,131 568 99.1

XC90 2,379 2,383 -0.2 2,379 2,383 -0.2

----- ----- ----- -----

Total Volvo 7,808 8,844 -11.7 7,808 8,844 -11.7

 

 

LAND ROVER BRAND JANUARY 2007 U.S. SALES

----------------------------------------

January Month January CYTD

------------- % ------------ %

2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change

---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------

Range Rover 930 917 1.4 930 917 1.4

Range Rover Sport 1,263 1,400 -9.8 1,263 1,400 -9.8

LR3 1,239 1,369 -9.5 1,239 1,369 -9.5

Discovery 0 0 NA 0 0 NA

Freelander 1 7 -85.7 1 7 -85.7

- - - -

Total Land Rover 3,433 3,693 -7.0 3,433 3,693 -7.0

Source: Ford Motor Company

Web site: http://www.ford.com/
http://media.ford.com/

 

Subaru Reports January Sales

-- Legacy sales up 10 percent; Impreza sales up five percent --

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 1 Subaru of America, Inc. today reported January sales of 12,074 total units. Both the Legacy and Impreza model lines recorded gains over the same period last year.

Subaru B9 Tribeca posted 1,125 units for the month. Subaru Legacy recorded a 10 percent gain with unit sales of 5,257, while the Outback accounted for 3,880 units of that line for the month. Subaru Forester recorded 2,739 units in January, while Baja posted 268 units for the month. Subaru Impreza was up five percent from the same period last year, posting a strong 2,685 units in January.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2004. For additional information visit http://www.subaru.com/.

Web site: http://www.subaru.com/
http://www.media.subaru.com/

 

DaimlerChrysler AG Reports 3 Percent Increase in U.S. Sales for Passenger Vehicles for January 2007

* Chrysler Group Reports Sales of 156,308 Vehicles, a 1 Percent Increase for January 2007

* Mercedes-Benz USA Reports Sales of 17,069 Vehicles a 37 Percent Increase

for January 2007

NEW YORK, Feb. 1 DaimlerChrysler AG (NYSE:DCX) , the third largest U.S. auto maker, today reported total group sales of 173,377 passenger vehicles in the U.S. for January 2007, a 3 percent increase compared to January 2006. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

Reporting its best January in six years, Chrysler Group, consisting of the Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge brands, posted sales of 156,308 vehicles in the U.S., an increase of 1 percent. Based on the continued strength and popularity of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, total Jeep sales increased 19 percent for the month. Following its most aggressive product launch in company history of 10 all-new vehicles in 2006, Chrysler Group continues its product offensive with the launch of eight all-new vehicles in 2007.

Coming off the heels of its thirteenth consecutive year of sales growth, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported its best January sales on record with 17,069 units sold, a 37 percent increase over last January.

Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA and Chrysler Group will be announced later today in separate press releases issued by the groups. January 2007 had 25 selling days while January 2006 had 24 selling days.

DaimlerChrysler AG U.S. Sales Summary Through January 2007

Month Sales % Sales CYTD %

Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change

CHRYSLER GROUP 156,308 155,465 1% 156,308 155,465 1%

MERCEDES-BENZ USA 17,069 12,469 37% 17,069 12,469 37%

DAIMLERCHRYSLER 173,377 167,934 3% 173,377 167,934 3%

Selling Days 25 24 25 24

Further information from DaimlerChrysler is available on the internet at: www.media.daimlerchrysler.com

Source: DaimlerChrysler AG

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

 

Jan 31

Volkswagen Partners with Fashion Designers to Unveil Line of Exclusive Designer Accessories for New Eos Convertible

Accessories by Lutz & Patmos, Hable Construction and Sigerson Morrison

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 31 Volkswagen of America, Inc. has teamed up with designers Lutz & Patmos, Hable Construction and Sigerson Morrison to create a unique and exciting line of lifestyle accessories designed exclusively for the new Volkswagen Eos. The chic yet practical accessory line includes silk scarves and cashmere blankets and wraps, as well as the perfect set of driving shoes and gloves that are an ideal complement to the savvy and active lifestyle of the Eos consumer.

Volkswagen has partnered with the foremost artisans of cashmere design, Lutz & Patmos, to create two exclusive items for this spring that express style, elegance and sophistication. The Volkswagen Eos and Lutz & Patmos brands appeal to women who seek out clever design with minimalist aesthetics and an appreciation for quality. The first Lutz & Patmos accessory for the Eos -- the Origami Wrap -- was crafted from a light cashmere blend and is the ideal solution when you need to transition throughout the day and in between seasons. The next unique item, the Two In One/Sculptural Coat and Blanket for Two, is a cashmere wool blend in a choice of black or light grey, and can be worn by the driver as a sculptural coat or as a blanket for the two passengers in the backseat when the top is down.

These chic and wearable items have the ability to change functions yet, maintain their beauty, and are perfect while on the road, or even out for the night. The Lutz & Patmos cashmere accessories eloquently accentuate the Eos features and are perfect for year round occasions.

"The Volkswagen Eos customer appreciates simple design and classic, tasteful lines," said Amy Gushman, Eos marketing manager at Volkswagen. "With the introduction of the Eos accessories line for the sophisticated female, Eos owners can extend their appreciation for luxurious craftsmanship from their automobiles to their own wardrobe."

Volkswagen's line of headscarves has been creatively designed around the image of the Eos Goddess. The scarves are the perfect accessories for a top-down drive. Volkswagen has also paired with noted designers Susan and Katharine Hable of Hable Construction for a third silk scarf with a signature Hable Construction design. All of these fun and fashionable scarves can be worn on the head, around the neck or even as a belt.

"Partnering with Volkswagen to create accessories for the Eos has been a unique and exciting opportunity for us," said Tina Lutz of Lutz & Patmos. "To create stylish accessories that combine luxurious fabric and a chic, simple design for the Eos was a flawless fit for the brand since our products speak directly to the sophistication of the Eos woman."

To meet the needs of the woman on the go, Sigerson Morrison will introduce in late Spring of '07 the Driving Slip On, Driving Gloves and the perfect shoe solution for the car, customized for driving and inspired by the Volkswagen Eos lifestyle and mindset.

These Volkswagen Eos accessories can be purchased online at eosboutique.com and in select specialty stores. The Lutz & Patmos Origami Wrap retails for $395.00 and the Two In One/Sculptural Coat and Blanket for Two is $525.00. The Eos silk scarves retail from $56.00 to $68.00.

The Volkswagen Eos is currently available across America starting at $27,990. It has a five-panel folding hardtop roof with integrated sunroof that retracts in only 25 seconds. The Eos is available in Black Uni, Candy White, Eismeer Blue, Island Gray, Paprika Red, Silver Essence, Thunder Blue and Wheat Beige Metallic with interior seating options of leather or leatherette in Moonrock Gray, Cornsilk Beige or Titan Black.

For more information about the new Volkswagen Eos push button hard top convertible, please visit vw.com.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Web site: http://www.vw.com/
http://eosboutique.com/

 

Ford Edge Brings the Latest Music to Fans Via Innovative Video Podcast

* Building on an unprecedented digital launch, Ford Edge is partnering with Rock River Music to launch a series of downloadable, full-length, major label music video podcasts.

* Music has been incorporated into the Edge launch and will continue with artists such as Cat Power, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Wolfmother and Gomez.

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 31 Ford Edge launches the industry's first free music video podcasts from Cat Power, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Wolfmother and Gomez. Music fans can download this first-of-its-kind series each month at http://www.fordvehicles.com/edgevideocast. Beginning Jan. 31, customers will be able to go to the Ford Edge Web site, iTunes and other music sites to receive a series of free music videos from Ford.

"It's the first time consumers will be able to download videos for free. A television ad is only 30 seconds, but the video will be 15 minutes," says Dave Sanabria, SUV marketing communications manager for Ford. "It's more time to engage our audience and show them the all-new Edge."

Once somebody clicks on the series it will be delivered through RSS (real simple service) feed. Each month they will receive an automatic update of the series. All monthly episodes will be available for the full year.

"We are using the music to attract the demographic and bring them to the brand," says Jon Melrod, vice president of Rock River Music who is collaborating with Ford on the program. "There will be imagery that evokes what the Edge is about and links so the subscriber can view the product."

In the next couple of years, video podcasts will explode just the way audio podcasts did, says Sanabria and Ford wants to be at the forefront of the industry.

"We expect more customers to look at the Edge, but what we are really trying to do is create a community of users that is interested in the Edge and the music," says Sanabria.

About the Edge Vodcast Artists and Songs

Wolfmother - "Woman"

With their aggressive, melodic songwriting and vintage classic rock sound, Australian band Wolfmother has drawn comparisons to legendary groups like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. The Grammy-nominated, top 10 single "Woman" comes from Wolfmother's self-titled debut album in stores now.

Cat Power - "Lived In Bars"

Indie rock chanteuse Chan Marshall, who records under the name Cat Power, delivered one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2006. Recorded in Memphis, The Greatest features an all-star cast of Southern soul musicians. The latest single, "Lived In Bars," is a prime example of Marshall's unique songwriting gift and her hauntingly beautiful vocals.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Gold Lion"

The lead single off of this year's Grammy-nominated record Show Your Bones ("Best Alternative Album") is a more polished version of the garage/art rock sound that first ignited the attention of fans and critics upon the group's debut in 2003. "Gold Lion" still packs a powerful punch, but the sinuous melody remains long after the crunch of guitars fades.

Gomez - "How We Operate"

Mercury Prize-winning UK band Gomez is quietly building a reputation as one of the finest songwriting groups in rock. The band features a stunning triple threat: three of the group's five members trade lead vocal duties depending on the song. The title track to the album How We Operate is an ageless slice of Britpop that rewards repeated spins.

About the Edge

Bold American design distinguishes the 2007 Ford Edge in the red-hot crossover utility vehicle market -- along with a dynamic driving character and innovative features. Equipped with an all-new 265-horsepower V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, Edge will deliver performance, quietness and fuel efficiency. Ford Edge has impressive fuel economy of 25 mpg on the highway.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, 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.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Web site: http://www.fordvehicles.com/
http://www.fordvehicles.com/edgevideocast

 

 

 

 

First Seat Raises the Standards for Child Car-Seat Safety

MONTEREY, Calif., Jan. -- First Seat, LLC announces the design of a passive child car-seat safety system that will significantly raise the standards for child car seats. First Seat applies innovative technology to more effectively deal with frontal impact, and focuses on side impact safety, for which there currently is no standard.

"Side impact is potentially the most dangerous kind of collision," said Shreve Archer, M.D., who designed the seat. "And our seat is designed based on experience from the most extreme accident environment: Formula One racing. The application of this technology to the protection of children will set new standards for the industry."

Recent medical research has shown conclusively that the brain is injured by rapid rotational movements rather than by direct impact. Specifically, side-to-side rotation of the head causes internal 'stretching' forces on the brain. The axon (output wires of the nerves) are stretched, causing them to immediately stop functioning.

The First Seat design limits rotational movements of the head, especially in side impact. This is accomplished by enclosing the child in a rigid shell while protecting the head with viscoelastic foam-the same type used in Formula One racecars. In addition, the child's shoulders are supported, minimizing neck strain.

It is well accepted that controlling the child's forward movement reduces the severity of frontal impact. "While all existing seats rely on 'belt stretch' to decelerate the child, we utilize patented technology that provides for a seat that glides forward with gradual deceleration. The child is held firmly in the seat instead of being allowed to move forward out of the seat and be caught by the belts," said Daryl Donovan, President of First Seat, LLC.

"The combination of these two integrated designs creates a comprehensive safety system for children, and sets a new standard in child-car seat safety design," Donovan said.

First Seat is in the final stages of product testing. "We have found that First Seat keeps children significantly safer in the event of side impact, and we're thrilled to be able to offer this level of safety to parents and consumers," said Birgit Garcia, Chairman of First Seat, LLC.

About First Seat

First Seat, LLC is the manufacturer of First Seat, a child car-seat safety system manufacturer. Founded in 2003, First Seat, LLC is headquartered in Monterey, CA. For more information, visit http://www.firstseat.com/.

Source: First Seat, LLC

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

 

 

Jan 30

 

Newly Crowned National Skating Champ Kimmie Meissner Nails Another Triple: Three Major Endorsement Deals

Meissner Lands National TV Spot With Subway, Also Signs With Under Armour, Visa

DENVER, Jan. 30 America's newest teenage figure skating sensation, Kimmie Meissner, who claimed her first national title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships this past weekend in Spokane, Wash., has now landed three major endorsement deals.

Meissner, 17, who is also the reigning World Champion, will appear in her first national TV commercial with Subway, the sandwich food chain. In addition, she signed pacts with Under Armour, Inc., an athletic clothing company, and Visa.

"I am really excited about working with Subway. I eat there every day after practice," Meissner says. "I am also excited about Under Armour. I like wearing their clothes for practice, to work out and to school. I am really proud of the Visa deal. It's nice to be honored in the same way as someone like Michelle Kwan, who has always been my role model."

Meissner flew from Spokane to New York City to shoot the national TV spot for Subway on Tuesday. The deal with Subway is a perfect fit. She has been a regular customer at a local Subway shop. She stops there daily to order a turkey sub, complete with carrot sticks, on her way to practice sessions at the University of Delaware. After the Olympics in Torino, Italy, the owner of the Subway restaurant where she regularly eats, helped arranged a regional TV commercial.

For the national commercial, she is expected to appear with Subway star Jared Fogle, a college student who lost 245 pounds after eating the subs. Meissner will bring a fresh face to these ads. Since she is a physically fit athlete, she will capture the company's message, by inspiring the American public to "Eat Fresh."

Her pact with Under Armour is especially exciting since the company is based in Baltimore.

She also will be endorsed by Visa, which is a major sponsor of the Olympics. Meissner, who was the youngest American on the U.S. team in Torino, Italy, last year, finished sixth at the Winter Olympics. She followed up that performance by winning the World title in Calgary, Alberta, in March.

Meissner has become the new face of American skating. She is only the second American woman to ever land a triple axel in competition. She achieved that feat at the 2005 U.S. Championships, where she placed third overall. She was second in 2006. By winning the national title this past week, she became the first American since Kristi Yamaguchi to claim the U.S. crown after capturing a world title. Her next goal is to defend her world title in March in Tokyo.

Source: LP Communications on behalf of Kimmie Meissner

 

 

Jan 29

 

First Drivers Get on Board for Exclusive New NASCAR HOTPASS(TM) Only on DIRECTV

Satellite Television Leader Also Debuts National Advertising Campaign Featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr. as the Debut of the Service Draws Near

In 2007, DIRECTV will take the NASCAR television experience to another level as it debuts the highly anticipated and exclusive NASCAR HOTPASS(TM) only on DIRECTV during the Daytona 500 on February 18 at Daytona International Speedway. Today, the nation's leading satellite television service provider announced the first five drivers for the debut of this new interactive television service that will enable fans to ride shotgun with their favorite drivers by literally taking them into the cars and pits of the top drivers and teams in NASCAR.

NASCAR HOTPASS(TM) only on DIRECTV, will feature five channels (DIRECTV channels 794-799) completely devoted to specific drivers and their racing teams each week. The service will debut at the Daytona 500 with the following lineup of top NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers:

-- Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Dale Earnhardt Incorporated

-- Kevin Harvick - Richard Childress Racing

-- Jimmie Johnson - Hendrick Motorsports

-- Tony Stewart - Joe Gibbs Racing

-- Michael Waltrip - Waltrip-Jasper Racing

"We're proud that the first five drivers who have decided to participate in this incredible new service are among NASCAR's most elite competitors," said David Hill, president of entertainment for DIRECTV. "The drivers are energized and excited about this new way to translate the incredible NASCAR experience, but it is the fans who are in for a truly amazing experience."

To drive national awareness for this exciting and exclusive new package, DIRECTV has completed its first national advertising campaign for the service, featuring the sport's most popular personality, Dale Earnhardt Jr. The spot is set to debut just before the Daytona 500 and is a continuation of DIRECTV's "Fourth Wall" campaign where top actors and athletes recreate a scene from a famous movie or a noteworthy moment of sports competition.

The resulting effect in this case will be Earnhardt Jr. directly addressing the viewing audience while in the middle of a Victory Lane celebration following an actual NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race victory. This same technology was employed in previous DIRECTV spots using footage from popular films such as "Star Trek-The Undiscovered Country," "Dukes of Hazard," "Back to the Future" and recently, NFL game footage featuring Colts quarterback and DIRECTV NFL SUNDAY TICKET spokesman Peyton Manning.

With NASCAR HOTPASS(TM) only on DIRECTV, each of the five dedicated driver channels will offer multiple camera angles, real-time car telemetry, in-car audio communication and a dedicated announcer team. The new service, combined with race day telecasts and nascar.com coverage, will give fans the most comprehensive and powerful NASCAR experience possible.

DIRECTV customers can now purchase NASCAR HOTPASS only on DIRECTV(TM). The full-season price of the package is $99, but customers can take advantage of an Early Bird offer by purchasing the package by Jan. 31, 2007 for $79. The exclusive service is also available on a pay-per-week basis for $29.99. More information is available on http://www.directv.com/hotpass.

DIRECTV is an official sponsor of NASCAR and an official sponsor of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and the # 07 car.

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 up to 150 national channels in HD. For the most up-to-date information on the Company, please visit directv.com.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR), which began in 1948, is the sanctioning body for one of America's premier sports. NASCAR is the No. 1 spectator sport - holding 17 of the top 20 attended sporting events in the U.S., the No. 2-rated regular season sport on television with broadcasts in more than 150 countries, and has 75 million fans that purchase more than $2.1 billion in annual licensed product sales. These fans are the most brand loyal in all of sports and as a result, more Fortune 500 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport. NASCAR consists of three major national series (NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) as well as eight regional tours and one local grassroots series. NASCAR sanctions 1,500 races at over 100 tracks in 35 states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach, NASCAR has offices in Bentonville (Ark.), Charlotte, Concord (N.C.), Conover (N.C.), Los Angeles, New York, Mexico City and Toronto

 

Peripheral Electronics® introduces FIRST-EVER aUTOMOTIVE multimedia gateway
Revolutionary interface provides seamless connectivity for iPod™, HD Radio®, Bluetooth®, and PlaysForSure® MP3/WMA compatible portable media player; enables full control of multiple portable consumer electronics from the factory head-unit; and retains all system features and functions.

 

– Peripheral Electronics®, AAMP of America’s innovative OEM integration division, announced today it will introduce the first-ever gateway interface enabling multiple consumer electronics technologies in the automobile. The Automotive Multimedia Gateway (PXDG) provides seamless integration of these technologies into the factory stereo and lets consumers control all the devices directly from the factory head unit.

 

Peripheral’s Automotive Multimedia Gateway will be compatible with numerous select late-model vehicles. These models include Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Hummer, Pontiac, and Saturn; Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury; Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep; Acura and Honda; Lexus, Scion, and Toyota; Infinity and Nissan; Hyundai and Kia; and Volkswagon.

 

The PXDG allows connectivity for iPod and MP3 players as well as HD Radio and Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone and audio streaming. In addition to enabling full control of all aftermarket devices from the head unit, it also retains original system features such as satellite radio.  

 

Providing a gateway into the automobile’s multimedia network has long been considered the holy grail of OEM integration. And according to Chris Cook, Peripheral’s Director of Strategic Business, the Gateway addresses a major challenge facing the aftermarket OEM integration industry today: finding a solution to accommodate the influx of portable media devices as well as the needs of an ever-evolving aftermarket mobile electronics market.

 

“Right now, the mobile electronics industry is experiencing tremendous change,” said Cook. “More and more consumers want to bring their iPods and portable MP3 players with them everywhere, including their cars. But in the last ten years, as automotive technologies have become more computerized, they’ve also become more complex. It’s a lot harder now to integrate traditional aftermarket mobile electronics into these systems.”

 

The Automotive Multimedia Gateway solves this problem with sophisticated technology of its own. Plugging directly into the factory stereo, the PXDG interface allows for direct communication between the factory stereo and aftermarket devices without losing any of the system’s functionality and control from the factory head unit. Connectivity to iPod and MP3 portable media players, Bluetooth, and HD Radio make it the best solution for consumers who want to take these devices wherever they go.

 

The Gateway also maintains the system’s factory look and digital-quality sound, a must for anyone looking for true integration of aftermarket mobile electronics into their automobile.

 

With the most advanced electronics to date, Peripheral’s Automotive Multimedia Gateway represents a milestone in aftermarket mobile audio solutions. Both dealers and consumers will appreciate a solution that finally answers the call of a rapidly growing market.

_________________________________________________________

About AAMP of America:
AAMP of America is a global supplier of a broad spectrum of car and home audio video accessories, installation supplies and OEM integration solutions. AAMP of America brings many new technologies to the forefront including; convergence of personal audio devices into the automotive environment, integration of mobile video into OEM systems, and storefront point of purchase profit centers.

Peripheral Electronics can be found on the Web at www.Peripheralelectronics.com.

January 28, 2007

Entertainment,Arts,Fashion & Technology

Feb 1

iLove. iFlirt. iSweet. iTreat. iCheat: Whatever Your Status, iVillage Has a Little Love for Everyone on Valentine's Day

NEW YORK, Feb. 1 Spending Valentine's Day with someone special? Or trying to avoid it like the plague? Whatever your status, iVillage.com, the leading online destination for women, will throw a little love your way with its annual Red Hot Valentine's Day Guide, launching February 1st.

This year's Valentine's Day guide, found at http://www.ivillage.com/valentinesday includes features on:

* How To Kiss Like a Movie Star: Make your kisses hotter than Hollywood

with this how-to guide to smooching like a megastar. Choose one of many

famous Hollywood kisses to re-enact, including "Jerry Maguire's"

cant-say-goodbye kiss; the Demi-Patrick kiss in "Ghost" that inspired a

pottery-making craze; John Cusack's first love kiss in "Say Anything,"

and the upside down superhero kiss in "Spiderman."

* Host a Fabulous Girls' Night In: If you find yourself flying solo on

February 14th, take advice from iVillage's Grrl Genius blogger Cathryn

Michon on how to host a Girls Night In, including tips on everything

from the all-girl guest list to a menu that will satisfy any craving.

* 5 Hilarious Comebacks to "Why are you still single?": Married people are

not necessarily better catches simply because they were caught!

iVillage arms you with the figures you need to combat the curiosity,

including cool single role models (all superheroes from Wonder Woman to

the Lone Ranger are single).

* Stuff We Love: iVillage's hot-list franchise will feature Valentine's

Day gifts for him under $50 so you can please your honey without

spending too much money.

* Valentine's Day Confessions: iVillage hits the streets with a camera to

find out who's been naughty and who's been nice on Valentine's Day.

Watch these video confessions on re-gifting, having more than one

valentine and making plans just for the presents!

* Love Compatibility Quiz: Put an end to the guessing games! You and

your valentine can take this 15-question quiz and iVillage will compare

your responses, calculate your compatibility, then send you a full

assessment in the areas of romance, sex, communication and astrology.

Can you hardly wait?!

In addition to Red Hot features and easy-to-use tools on the site, a group of iVillage experts will be available for interviews on everything from sex appeal to self esteem on Valentine's Day: Josey Miller is the fearless Love & Sex Editor for iVillage and telegenic host of the site's Sex on My Desk video blog; Cathryn Michon is an actress, writer and stand-up comic, author of The Grrl Genius Guide to Sex (with Other People) and the Grrl Genius blog on iVillage; Jess Weiner is the self proclaimed self-esteem queen, whose efforts as an author and motivational speaker have inspired women and teens around the country to take control of their lives, and Logan Levkoff is a candid sexologist, relationship expert, TV personality, and advice columnist.

About iVillage Properties:

iVillage, a division of NBC Universal, is the first and largest media company dedicated exclusively to connecting women at every stage of their lives. Ranked the #1 online destination for women with 16 million unique visitors (comScore MediaMetrix), iVillage.com offers an authentic community infused with compelling content from experts on parenting, pregnancy, beauty, style, fitness, relationships, food and entertainment. The site's interactive features, including thousands of message boards and blogs, allow women around the world to connect, share ideas, and seek advice and support about everything from fertility to fashion.

Established in 1995, iVillage's brand extensions include iVillage UK, iVillage Parenting Network and owned sites Astrology.com, gURL.com, GardenWeb, HealthCentersOnline & Healthology. The company, acquired by NBC Universal in May 2006, is based in New York.

Source: iVillage.com

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

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

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

 

StarStyle Premieres Film Section With Universal Pictures New Comedy 'Because I Said So,' Starring Diane Keaton, Mandy Moore, Lauren Graham and Piper Perabo

NEW YORK, Feb. 1 For viewers who love the apparel and accessories in their favorite feature films, but until now have had little opportunity to identify them, StarStyle announced today the launch of its Film Section with Universal Pictures' upcoming feature "Because I Said So," starring Diane Keaton, Mandy Moore, Lauren Graham and Piper Perabo.

From the latest styles in dresses and sweaters to accessories and shoes, these four trend-setting actresses bring their keen fashion sense to the big screen in a new comedy about knowing when to cut the apron strings, opening nationwide on February 2nd. Now, visitors to www.starstyle.com can find fashions inspired by director Michael Lehmann's new comedy and purchase those products for themselves.

"In less than one year, it's incredibly satisfying to us that we've amassed the top projects in film, television and music," said Ashley Heather, CEO of Entertainment Media Works. "With a style icon like Diane Keaton and the fashion savvy of the entire cast, the trends set by this film make 'Because I Said So' the perfect comedy to launch our film section."

"This quintessential comedy about mother/daughter relationships is filled with exceptional fashion. We are very pleased to partner with Entertainment Media Works to enable fans of the film's clothing to identify and purchase the same or similar brands," commented Doug Neil, Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing for Universal.

About StarStyle

Entertainment Media Works (EMW) launched StarStyle (www.starstyle.com) on March 20, 2006, as a groundbreaking "supersite" that has already enabled millions of viewers to identify and purchase the apparel, furnishings, gadgets and music featured in their favorite TV shows, music videos and now movies. To date, launch partnerships for the site have included "American Idol" for the launch of its television component, "The Real World: Key West" for its auctions, and Universal Music Group for its commerce-enabled music videos. Through its music deals, StarStyle sells apparel and accessories featured in the music videos of more than two dozen artists including Mary J. Blige, Fergie featuring Ludacris, The Game featuring Kayne West, James Morrison, Joan Jett and Brooke Hogan.

Additionally, EMW has signed deals with such content partners as NBC Universal, ABC, Showtime Networks, 20th Century Fox Television, Warner Bros., FreemantleMedia, 19 TV Ltd., Sony Pictures, TeleVest, and Universal Music Group. Through these relationships and others, StarStyle includes such popular series as "The L Word," "Weeds," and "The Simple Life: 'till death do us part" "Young and the Restless" and will feature many new shows as part of the 2006-2007 season. StarStyle also features community areas and unique, 360-degree virtual set tours as well as advice and the inside scoop from expert Hollywood stylists.

About the Film

Diane Keaton stars as Daphne Wilder, a mother whose love knows no bounds or boundaries. She is the proud mom of three daughters: stable psychologist Maggie (Lauren Graham), sexy and irreverent Mae (Piper Perabo) and insecure, adorable Milly (Mandy Moore) -- who, when it comes to men, is like psychotic flypaper.

In order to prevent her youngest from making the same mistakes she did, Daphne decides to set Milly up with the perfect man. Little does Milly know, however, that her mom placed an ad in the online personals to find him. Comic mayhem unfolds as Daphne continues to do the wrong thing for the right reasons ... all in the name of love.

In a hilarious battle of strong wills, the mother-daughter dynamic is tested in all its fierce, wacky complexity. The girls help Daphne finally discover the truths and impossibilities of motherly love, all while trying to answer the questions: where does it begin and where should it end? www.becauseisaidsomovie.com

Source: Entertainment Media Works


Entertainment Media Works

Web site: http://www.starstyle.com/
http://www.becauseisaidsomovie.com/

 

Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures' SAW III 'Three-Peats' at Number One on DVD Charts While Also Claiming Most Successful Week One Blu-Ray Debut to Date

SAW III, the Top-Grossing Horror Movie of 2006, Debuts at Number One With 2.5 Million Units Sold in the United States and Canada; 1.6 Million Units Sold on First Day

Lionsgate Dominates DVD Charts With Four of Top Seven Titles, Six of Top 20 This Week

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 1 -- For the third year in a row, blood reigned supreme as SAW III, the highest-grossing theatrical horror film of 2006, followed in the footsteps of its predecessors by slicing through the competition to finish at number one among this week's new home entertainment releases. Debuting on DVD and Blu-ray disc, the psychological thriller from Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) , the premier independent filmed entertainment studio, and Twisted Pictures sold 1.6 million units its first day and finished the week in the top spot with 2.5 million units sold. Also, according to Rentrak Home Essentials, SAW III Blu-Ray disc is the largest and most successful Blu-Ray debut to date. Released theatrically by Lionsgate in October 2006, SAW III "gross"ed over $80 million domestically and more than $100 million in worldwide theatrical box office.

The success of SAW III highlights a dominant week for Lionsgate on the national DVD charts, scoring four of the top seven titles (SAW III #1, Lionsgate and Marvel's INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #3, EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH #5 and former chart-topper CRANK #7) and six of the top 20 (catalyzed by the success of SAW III, SAW II re-entered the charts at #15 and SAW reappeared at #16). Continuing an impressive start of the year for Lionsgate, SAW III is the second number one DVD release for Lionsgate this month, following in the footsteps of CRANK, which reigned supreme on the DVD charts following its January 9 release. CRANK earned $30 million in domestic box office, sold 2 million units in its first week and appears positioned to significantly overindex its theatrical box office performance on DVD, reflecting another example of Lionsgate's typically high theatrical box office-to-DVD conversion rate.

The performance of SAW III continues the overwhelming dominance of the SAW franchise. One of the most successful global horror franchises in history, the first three SAW releases have earned more than $400 million in worldwide box office receipts. Additionally, SAW and SAW II have sold more than 10 million DVDs combined to date. In fact, the first SAW release continues to rack up sales, ranking among the top 10 on VideoScan's top horror sellers as recently as January 7 of this year. SAW II was also in the news this week as the title made its long-awaited debut on Blu-ray disc.

"Jigsaw is one of the more unique madmen in horror movie history and his life-and-death games continue to fascinate horror fans, assuring that the Saw franchise will have legs for a very long time," said Ron Schwartz, Lionsgate Home Entertainment General Manager and Executive Vice President. "While the success at the box office gives SAW III momentum for its DVD release, we also ensure that it will stand out at retail with unique packaging and an extensive marketing and promotional campaign. That same strategy carries over into our Blu-ray campaigns, with SAW III being our third number one title this month. We are seeing huge growth within the category as consumers are able to experience what Blu-ray has to offer with titles that enhance and display the format's capabilities."

Mark Burg and Oren Koules of Twisted Pictures commented, "We are delighted to see Jigsaw once again wreaking havoc in home entertainment, and applaud the Lionsgate team for their characteristically inspired work on SAW III. Their efforts have been invaluable in making the entire Saw franchise a smashing and continuing success, and we think the future looks bright -- if necessarily rather bloody."

SAW III SYNOPSIS/EXTRA FEATURES

Jigsaw has disappeared. With his new apprentice Amanda (Shawnee Smith), the puppet-master behind the cruel, intricate games that have terrified a community and baffled police, has once again eluded capture and vanished. While city detectives scramble to locate him, Doctor Lynn Denlon (Bahar Soomekh) and Jeff (Angus Macfadyen) are unaware that they are about to become the latest pawns on his vicious chessboard.

The unrated SAW III DVD features an additional five minutes of film footage, along with multiple commentaries, deleted scenes and featurettes. The SAW III Blu-ray disc will include all of the special features on the already loaded unrated DVD plus even more featurettes.

ABOUT TWISTED PICTURES

Twisted Pictures is helmed by Mark Burg and Oren Koules, and is the horror/thriller division of their company Evolution Entertainment. SAW, one of the most profitable films of 2004, was the first picture released under the Twisted banner. The film was distributed by Lionsgate, which entered into a nine-picture distribution deal with Twisted Pictures in November 2004. In 2005, Twisted Pictures produced SAW II, which opened at #1 on Halloween weekend and became the year's highest-grossing horror film. Halloween 2006 saw the release of SAW III, which opened at #1 in North America, the U.K. and Australia. Twisted Pictures' slate includes the upcoming DEAD SILENCE by SAW creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell; CATACOMBS, currently in post production; and SAW IV.

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

 

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

 

 

From Universal Studios Home Entertainment: First in a Series of Collections From the New PBS Kids(R) TV Series Which Launched as #1 Among Kids 2 to 5 Years Old*, 'Curious George: Zoo Night and Other Animal Stories'

Eight Fun and Entertaining Escapades Featuring Everyone's Favorite Inquisitive Monkey Available on DVD February 20, 2007

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Feb. 1 Kids all over the country will cheer when the "Curious George" series seen on PBS KIDS(R) -- which was #1 among kids ages 2 to 5 and moms* in its launch month, September 2006 -- swings on to DVD February 20, 2007. The first in a series of DVDs drawn from the new hit show which, at launch, was seen by nearly nine million people**, "Curious George: Zoo Night and Other Animal Stories" follows the incurably curious monkey as he meets new friends and takes on entertaining escapades that will help kids build their math, science and engineering skills in a fun and wholesome way. Narrated by Emmy Award(R) winner William H. Macy ("Seabiscuit," "Pleasantville"), the "Curious George" television series is a production of Imagine Entertainment, WGBH Boston and Universal Studios Family Productions.

Over two hours of fun and entertainment, the eight shows from the TV series' adorable first season feature Curious George and his best friend, The Man with the Yellow Hat, in rib-tickling stories. With visuals that remain faithful to the beloved books by Margret and H.A. Rey published by Houghton Mifflin Company, "Curious George: Zoo Night and Other Animal Stories" expands George's world to include a host of lovable new characters including Gnocchi the cat, Hundley the dachshund, Chef Pisghetti, and Compass the confused homing pigeon, as well as neighbor Bill and Professor Wiseman. The DVD is priced at $16.98.

CURIOUSLY FUN BONUS FEATURES SURE

TO DELIGHT ALL AUDIENCES

After enjoying Curious George's fun adventures, families will be entertained by the DVD's educational games and activities, including:

* MAGIC NUMBERS GAME: Kids will have fun identifying and exploring

numbers with Curious George in the Magic Numbers Game. Prompted by a

narrator to find a number integrated into a setting from Curious

George's life, such as his apartment, his street or out in the country,

the number, when correctly selected, magically transforms into items

from George's world.

* DAILY DONUTS GAME: Kids will love to help Curious George shop for one

of his favorite treats: donuts. With a shopping list from The Man with

the Yellow Hat, players must match the number of donuts on the list to

illustrations on the screen.

* DVD-ROM FEATURE: Printable coloring pages.

PROMOTIONAL PARTNERS JOIN THE ADVENTURE

KFC(R), the world's most popular chicken restaurant chain, welcomes all curious kids with a 12-week dedicated "Curious George" KFCs Kids Laptop Meal program in over 4700 restaurants that will generate over 254 million impressions with on-package, in-store and online promotional components. The promotional program and a $3 off DVD coupon will receive packaging exposure on over 4.5 million Kids Laptop Meal boxes. In-store merchandising consisting of door clings, counter streamer and drive-thru menu topper, as well as an online program on both KFC's home page (www.kfc.com) and popular Kids Laptop website (kids.kfc.com) will provide maximum exposure for the program. KFC Corporation is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., Louisville, Ky.

Additionally, Marvel Toys, the master toy licensee for the "Curious George" movie and television show, expands its product line in 2007 to include more educational and activity toys to complement the PBS KIDS television series. New toys became available at mass-market retailers in January 2007. Also, starting January 2007, Marvel Toys will promote the TV series on DVD in over one million toy packages. Marvel Toys is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a global leader in character-based entertainment.

"CURIOUS GEORGE" TV SERIES KEEPS THE FUN COMING!

The "Curious George" TV series, which TV Guide declares "a top flight hit," can be seen daily as part of PBS KIDS(R) new hosted preschool block. The fun continues with more new episodes of "Curious George" kicking off the week of February 19-23.

DVD SYNOPSIS

"Curious George: Zoo Night and Other Animal Stories" will delight kids and their parents with eight entertaining adventures from the hit PBS KIDS television series. With the help of his friends, George gets in and out of scrapes that will keep kids laughing, while introducing them to key concepts in science, math and engineering. The first in a series, the DVD's animal-themed adventures include:

Zoo Night: George is so entranced by the new, adorable baby panda at the

zoo that he stays through closing time and is accidentally locked inside.

While trying to find the way out, he mistakenly opens a few wrong doors

and finds himself surrounded by gorillas, giraffes, meerkats, and

penguins! Now George has to use his map of the zoo to put all the animals

back in the correct habitats before they wake up the baby panda!

Educational Objective (Math): To demonstrate how maps can be used to

locate objects.

Curious George's Bunny Hunt: In the country, George falls in love with

neighbor Bill's new pet bunnies. They are so irresistible that when Bill

leaves to do his paper route, George just has to pet one. But as soon as

he opens the bunny hutch, they all escape. By following their footprints

and counting carefully, George restores order and returns the missing

bunnies to their home. Educational Objectives (Math & Science): To

encourage problem solving; to demonstrate counting; to show how different

animals make different tracks.

Bee Is for Bear: While exploring the country, George meets up with a baby

bear and a stinging bee. No one believes that George has seen a bear, but

they do try to help George learn more about bees. It takes a helping hand

from the baby bear to save the bunnies from the bees and to prove to

everyone that George knows a bear when he sees one. Educational Objective

(Science): To demonstrate that an organism's behavioral patterns are

related to several things: the nature of the organism's environment, other

organisms present, and the availability of food and resources.

Curious George's Home for Pigeons: Compass may be a homing pigeon, but

sometimes he has trouble finding his way home. George decides to make him

a place to stay on their balcony. After much experimentation, George

creates a tree that The Man with the Yellow Hat might not recognize, but

in Compass's eyes is the perfect pigeon perch. Educational Objective

(Engineering): To illustrate the engineering design process.

From Scratch: Gnocchi the cat, is accused of scratching the booths in Chef

Pisghetti's restaurant. To prove Gnocchi's innocence (and eat cannoli),

George decides to mount an investigation. Using his scientific inquiry

skills, he observes the differences between the scratches Gnocchi makes

with her claws and the scratches left on the booth, and shows that his

friend was wrongfully accused. Educational Objective (Science): To aid in

the development of problem-solving and inquiry skills.

Curious George, Dog Counter: It's Dog Show Day! George and Professor

Wiseman spend the day with all kinds of different dogs: big, small,

hairy...and hungry. With the help of his sandwich, George tempts the

winning dogs to follow him home to show The Man with the Yellow Hat. Once

there, George can't keep track of all the dogs, so he and Hundley the

dachshund come up with creative ways to sort and count the dogs in the

apartment. Educational Objective (Math): To demonstrate sorting and

classifying sets of objects (or animals) by size, number, and other

characteristics (properties).

Squirrel For a Day: When Bill shows George how Jumpy Squirrel stores his

food in the ground, George decides this is a pretty good idea and tries to

store all the food from the country house in the ground, too. The Man

with the Yellow Hat rescues their supplies and tries to explain that they

should only put things in the ground if they want them to grow. That

sounds like another great plan. George tries to see what else might grow.

Will car keys grow into a car? Will a rubber band grow into an inner

tube? Educational Objective (Science): To demonstrate how plants grow

from seeds.

Curious George Discovers the Poles: George is thrilled when Bill asks him

to look after his tadpoles. He conscientiously feeds them and even

decides to give them a little vacation in the lagoon. But the tadpoles

disappear, and George worries that he's lost Bill's pets forever. After

weeks of searching, George is ready to give up hope, until he learns that

the tadpoles haven't vanished; they've grown into frogs! Educational

Objective (Science): To help develop the understanding that all living

organisms have a life cycle.

* Source: For PBS, NTI Pocketpieces for September 2006. For broadcast,

cable, and syndication, Nielsen Galaxy Explorer, September 1-30, 2006.

** Source: NTI National Ratings Database for September 2006.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

DVD

Street Date: February 20, 2007

Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Price: $16.98 SRP

Selection Number: 63020308

Running Time: 1:52

Layers: Single

Aspect Ratio: Full frame 1.33:1

Technical Info:

* English: Dolby Digital 2.0, SDH

CURIOUS GEORGE is a production of Imagine Entertainment, WGBH Boston, and Universal Studios Family Productions. Executive producers are Ron Howard (Imagine), Brian Grazer (Imagine), David Kirschner, Jon Shapiro, Carol Greenwald (WGBH) and Ellen Cockrill (Universal). Funding for CURIOUS GEORGE is provided by public television viewers. Corporate funding is provided by Shea Homes. The CURIOUS GEORGE Web site is pbskids.org/curiousgeorge. Curious George and related characters, created by Margret and H.A. Rey, are copyrighted and trademarked by Houghton Mifflin Company and used under license. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. Television series: (C) 2007. Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

About Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Company is one of the leading educational publishers in the United States, with more than $1.4 billion in sales. The Company publishes a comprehensive set of educational solutions, ranging from research-based textbook programs to instructional technology to standards-based assessments for elementary and secondary schools and colleges. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-wining fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers. In 2006, Houghton Mifflin merged with Riverdeep, bringing together one of the most respected print publishers with the leader in interactive courseware. With origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. To learn more about Houghton Mifflin, visit www.hmco.com.

The Universal Studios Family Productions banner, which includes Universal Animation Studios, develops, produces, and acquires live-action and animated family productions directly for the home entertainment and television markets. Among the group's portfolio of prized properties is "The Land Before Time", the most successful feature-length children's home entertainment franchise of all time, having earned more than one billion dollars worldwide to date. Since its formation in 2005, the group has built an exceptional slate of family fare including the all new DVD Original release "Bring It On: All or Nothing", the latest winning installment in the hugely successful "Bring It On" film franchise, "Curious George" television series on PBS KIDS, a critical darling among critics; and "Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses" and "Polly World", based on the world-renowned Mattel-branded dolls. Making its debut in 2007 is "The Land Before Time" television show on Cartoon Network. Universal Studios Family Productions is part of Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

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, 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.

 

Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Web site: http://www.universalstudios.com/
http://www.hmco.com/
http://pbskids.org/curiousgeorge
http://www.kfc.com/
http://kids.kfc.com/

 

 

2007 GRAMMY(R) Nominees CD Debuts as the #1 Compilation, #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart - 77,267 Units Scanned

2007 GRAMMY Nominees CD Features 49th Annual Grammy Awards Nominees

NEW YORK, Feb. 1 -- The Recording Academy(R) teamed up with Sony BMG Music Entertainment to release the 2007 GRAMMY(R) Nominees CD, which celebrates many of the year's GRAMMY-nominated artists and songs.

Scanning at more than 77,000 units this week -- this year's compilation has started off very strong with a #1 debut on the Billboard Top Compilation Albums and a #4 debut on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the CD will benefit the MusiCares Foundation(R) and the GRAMMY Foundation(R).

The disc contains many of the most widely recognized GRAMMY categories. The 23 tracks from the 2007 GRAMMY Nominees CD represent nominees from the Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Best New Artist, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals categories. The CD is made possible by a special arrangement with all of the major music distribution companies and rotates distributors from year to year.

The 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Feb. 11, 2007, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio via Westwood One worldwide and XM Satellite Radio, and covered online at GRAMMY.yahoo.com.

About The Recording Academy

Established in 1957, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc., also known as The Recording Academy, is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards, The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs - including the creation of the national public education campaign What's The Download(R) (WhatsTheDownload.com).

Web site: http://www.bmg.com/
http://www.grammy.com/
http://www.2007grammycd.com/
http://www.grammy.yahoo.com/

 

 

 

HBO's Bob Costas to Host 66th Annual Peabody Awards

ATHENS, Ga., Feb. 1 Bob Costas, one of television's most accomplished broadcasters, will host the 66th Annual George Foster Peabody Awards ceremony on Monday, June 4, at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.

"We are delighted to have Bob as the host for the 66th Annual Peabody Awards," said Horace Newcomb, director of the Peabody Awards at the University of Georgia. "He has made the world of sports accessible to everyone and has guided television audiences through some of history's greatest moments in sports. The breadth and depth of his experience matches the Peabody search for excellence in electronic media wherever it appears."

The winners of the Peabody Awards for original broadcast, cablecast and Webcast programs presented in 2006 will be announced via Webcast and satellite on April 5 from the University of Georgia.

A 19-time Emmy Award winner, Costas is primarily known for his work on HBO and NBC. Costas joined HBO in February 2001 and currently hosts "Costas Now," a hard-hitting, intelligent and topical sports series for the cable network.

During his first four years at HBO, Costas hosted "On the Record With Bob Costas," which established itself as one of network television's most respected programs for its compelling mix of interviews, commentary and opinion. In addition, since 2002, he has been a co-host of HBO's Emmy-Award- winning football program, "Inside the NFL."

A 27-year veteran of NBC Sports, he has anchored television coverage of seven Olympic Games (including prime time host from the 2006 Games in Torino, Italy) and participated in the broadcast of virtually every major sports event from Super Bowls to World Series. From August 1988 through January 1994, he hosted his own late-night interview show, "Later with Bob Costas," on NBC; the program won the 1993 Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Series. Costas has been honored as Sportscaster of the year by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association a record eight times.

The Peabodys, the oldest awards in broadcasting, are considered among the most prestigious and selective prizes in electronic media. The Peabody Awards recognize excellence and meritorious work by radio and television stations, networks, Webcasters, producing organizations and individuals. The 16-member Peabody Board is a distinguished panel of television critics, industry practitioners and experts in culture and the arts. Selection is made by the Board following review by special screening committees of University of Georgia faculty, students, and staff. For more information regarding the Peabody Awards program, the Peabody Awards Collection, and the Peabody Center for Media and Society visit www.peabody.uga.edu.

The Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at UGA administers the Peabody Awards, as it has since the program's inception in 1940. Established in 1915, the Grady College provides seven undergraduate majors including advertising, broadcast news, magazines, newspapers, public relations, publication management and telecommunication arts. The college offers two graduate degrees and is home to the Knight Chair in Health and Medical Journalism. For more information, visit www.grady.uga.edu.

Source: The George Foster Peabody Awards

Web site: http://www.peabody.uga.edu/
http://www.grady.uga.edu/

Gospel Music Channel to Air 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Co-Hosted by Cedric The Entertainer

Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker Among Gospel Icons Teaming With NFL's Elite For All-Star Concert Sanctioned For Super Bowl XLI Weekend In Miami

Patti LaBelle And Tony Dungy To Make Special Guest Appearances

Kyle Bowser Announced As Producer of 8th Annual Gospel Event

MIAMI, Feb. 1 Atlanta-based entertainment production company, Results, Inc. today announced the confirmation of comedian Cedric The Entertainer as co-host of the 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. Premiering on Gospel Music Channel, the nation's first 24-hour television network dedicated to all styles of gospel music, Saturday, February 3, 2007 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT., the show features Grammy award-winning artists including Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker and the legendary Patti LaBelle. Additionally, popular Gospel artists J Moss, Tye Tribbett, Jaci Velasquez and a host of the NFL's top players are also scheduled to appear. Results, Inc. president, Melanie Few, the event's founder and executive producer, made the announcement. Additionally, Few announced that Kyle Bowser, veteran producer of television and live events will serve as an Executive Producer of this year's event. Plans for unveiling a new look for the concert, which maintains its distinguished tradition as the first and only Gospel music event sanctioned for Super Bowl weekend by the National Football League (NFL) were also announced.

The 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration concert and taping will take place at Miami's James L. Knight Center, the show's new home. Presented by Sam's Club, the taping is scheduled on Friday, February 2, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. Ranked by USA Today in 2006 as one of the top 3 "must see" events, the inspirational evening celebrates the best of the human spirit. Highlighting the show will be a special moment staged in honor of this year's historical coaching match-up. Tony Dungy, head coach of the Super Bowl bound Indianapolis Colts will make a guest appearance. Among the featured NFL players are: Mike Adams (49ers), Marques Colston (Saints), Andre Davis (Buffalo Bills), Derrick Dockery (Redskins), Jamin Elliott (Falcons), John Elway (Retired/Denver Broncos), Demetric Evans (Redskins), Michael Gaines (Panthers), Tommie Harris (Bears), Michael Lehan (Dolphins), Mike Lewis (Saints), Ray Lewis (Ravens), Derrick Mason (Ravens), Jerome McDougal (Eagles), Bryant McKinnie (Vikings), Ovie Muhelli (Ravens), Jeffery Posey (Redskins), Allen Rossum (Atlanta Falcons), Richard Seymour (Patriots), Will Smith (Saints), Donnie Spragan (Dolphins), Donte Stallworth (Eagles), Max Starks (Steelers), Troy Vincent (Redskins), DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys), Ty Warren (Patriots), Ben Watson (Patriots), Roddy White (Falcons), Roland Williams (Rams), and Quincy Wilson (Bengals).

"Since the event was launched in 1999, the show has experienced steady growth year-to-year through the support of the NFL, the entertainment community, national faith based organizations and our corporate partners," said Few. "Our production team is excited to further that growth with the high caliber Gospel artists, NFL players and Cedric The Entertainer, one of the original kings of comedy as the driving force behind the memorable moments being planned for this year's show.

In his capacity as Executive Producer of the 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, Bowser brings expertise garnered via a career that has spanned two decades. Bowser has produced an impressive roster of television features and specials such as the Lifetime original movie, "For One Night" and the "E! Super Bowl Special," which was produced in conjunction with Super Bowl XXXVII weekend. Over the course of his entertainment career, Bowser has held executive positions with Fox Broadcasting Company, HBO Independent Productions, NFL Films and Philadelphia's MLK Arena.

Few commented: "Kyle is an exceptional producer and we are poised to seamlessly enhance the production value of the show by leveraging his talent, drive and leadership."

"I am honored to join Melanie and the team in continuing the concert's legacy as the premiere Super Bowl weekend attraction where the players and fans can gather for an inspirational evening marked by the rich culture of Gospel Music," said Bowser.

Gospel Music Channel will present encores of the 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration throughout the month of February.

The 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration is presented by Sam's Club and sponsored in part by Greater Fort Lauderdale and Inspired By...The Bible Experience. Media partners include Ebony Magazine and Sheridan Gospel Network. The Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Complex for Education, Heritage and Preservation is the benefiting charity. For more information on the 8th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration visit http://www.superbowlgospelcelebration.com/ .

ABOUT SAM'S CLUB

Sam's Club is a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and ranks as one of the nation's largest warehouse clubs with 47 million U.S. members. The first Sam's Club opened its doors in Mid west City, Oklahoma in 1983. Sam's Club offers exceptional values on merchandise and services for business owners and consumers. Online merchandise and club information is available at http://www.samsclub.com/ .

ABOUT GOSPEL MUSIC CHANNEL

Gospel Music Channel ( http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com/ ) is the first 24-hour, all music television entertainment network devoted to the uplifting, inspiring and diverse music that is gospel. From the soulful sounds of artists like CeCe Winans, to the country gospel roots of Johnny Cash and Randy Travis, to the contemporary Christian music stylings of Kirk Franklin and Jars of Clay -- Gospel Music Channel celebrates music that has a deep, spiritual place in people's lives. It embraces an audience that crosses cultures and captures generations delivering a fan base so large and passionate it deserves its own network. From the soulful voices that fill the storied halls of Harlem to the contemporary sounds of today's Christian pop, rock, hip hop and R&B, gospel music has never been more diverse, and Gospel Music Channel has it all.

ABOUT RESULTS, INC.

Results Inc. is a leading entertainment and promotional agency that provides senior level marketing expertise to Clients looking for alliances with entertainment properties targeted to multicultural consumers. Founded in 1995, Results, Inc has established itself as a leading Urban Marketing and Entertainment agency, pioneering programs that effectively aligned the various industries with corporate America. Results, Inc has partnered with agencies and corporations alike to create, plan, produce and measure over one hundred integrated marketing events, representing more than thirty brands across sixty product categories.

Source: Sam's Club

Web site: http://www.superbowlgospelcelebration.com/
http://www.samsclub.com/
http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com/

 

Hard Rock International Announces Sale of Limited-Edition Music Rising T-Shirt

Sales of T-Shirt Worn by U2's The Edge Sold at Hard Rock International Locations Worldwide to Benefit Gulf Coast Musicians

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International is partnering with Music Rising -- a campaign founded by U2's The Edge in 2005 to replace the lost instruments of the musicians affected by the hurricanes that devastated the Gulf Coast region -- as the global retailer of a charitable Music Rising T-shirt. The shirt, designed by award winning designer William Cathcart and worn by The Edge for numerous performances, has become a symbol of support for the many devastated by the hurricanes and those who continue to struggle.

January kicks off the sale of the limited-edition shirt at Hard Rock Cafes and Hotels around the country and on www.hardrock.com/rockshop, with proceeds from the sale of the shirt benefiting charity. This striking T-shirt was worn by The Edge during U2's performance at the 2006 Grammy Awards and features the winged Music Rising logo on a black background.

"Hard Rock is thrilled to align with such a musical legend for a cause that's important to us all," said Hamish Dodds, president and CEO of Hard Rock International. The preservation and advancement of great music is not only a priority for Hard Rock, but a necessity for the revitalization of New Orleans."

"My visits to the Gulf Region gave me a firsthand look at the devastation which tragically destroyed the lives of thousands. Providing replacement instruments through Music Rising has not only helped professional musicians but also the churches and schools in need through Music Rising's second phase," said The Edge. "Music Rising is dedicated to helping regain one of the Gulf Coast's greatest assets, its music."

Since it was established in 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities around the world. With its own Signature Series program, and through various rock star partnerships, concerts, benefits and raffles, Hard Rock International has helped to raise millions for a wide variety of organizations, such as The Dr. Susan Love Breast Cancer Foundation, the Elton John AIDS Foundation and World Hunger Year.

Music Rising

Music Rising was formed in late 2005 by U2's the Edge, legendary producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. Since its inception it has been recognized throughout the world and has aided more than 2,300 professional musicians. Many of the Gulf Region musicians who have depended on the local music industry for their livelihood have been supported by Music Rising through the replacement of lost instruments and equipment. Music Rising Phase II, a segment of the campaign dedicated to helping churches and schools of the Gulf Region by replacing their lost or destroyed instruments has helped numerous parishioners to date. Music Rising is administered by The Gibson Foundation. For more information on Music Rising, go to www.musicrising.org. Rebuilding the Gulf Region "Note By Note" has become a symbolic tagline of the Music Rising campaign.

About Hard Rock International

With 123 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes, seven Hotel & Casinos and one stand-alone Casino in 45 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally-recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by The Rank Group Plc (RNK.L). For more information on Hard Rock, visit www.hardrock.com.

Web site: http://www.hardrock.com/
http://www.musicrising.org/

 

CMT ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR THE “2007 CMT MUSIC AWARDS”

COUNTRY MUSIC’S ONLY FAN-VOTED AWARDS SHOW

Online Voting Begins Thursday, February 1 on CMT.com and Ends February 23

Carrie Underwood, Dixie Chicks, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and Sugarland

Lead the Pack With Three Nominations Each

            NASHVILLE – February 1, 2007 – CMT turns the fate of the 2007 CMT MUSIC AWARDS over to the fans as it announces finalists and opens up voting for country music’s only fan-voted awards show.  Beginning Thursday, February 1 on CMT.com, fans can vote for their favorite videos to determine the final nominees for CMT’s sixth annual awards show.  Comedian Jeff Foxworthy returns as host for the third consecutive year when the 2007 CMT MUSIC AWARDS premieres live from Nashville’s Curb Event Center at Belmont University on Monday, April 16 at 8:00 p.m., ET.*

            The first round of voting runs from February 1 through February 23, only at CMT.com, where fans will select from the top eight nominees in each of the 2007 CMT MUSIC AWARDS categories, including a brand new category, WIDE OPEN COUNTRY VIDEO OF THE YEAR, recognizing those artists who stretch the boundaries of mainstream country music.  Also new to this year’s categories are the separation of the GROUP and DUO awards, both of which pit acts such as Rascal Flatts, Sugarland and Brooks & Dunn against themselves, garnering entries for more than one video in the same category.

On February 28, CMT will announce the four finalists in each of the eight 2007 CMT MUSIC AWARDS categories except VIDEO OF THE YEAR.  Fans can then vote online at CMT.com through Friday, April 13 to determine the winners.  The final nominees for VIDEO OF THE YEAR will be announced at the beginning of the show, and fans can vote at CMT.com as well as via mobile phone throughout the live broadcast (ET/CT only) to determine the night’s big winner.

            Videos that debuted on CMT between February 1, 2006 and January 15, 2007 are eligible for the 2007 CMT MUSIC AWARDS and finalists have been determined by a blue-ribbon panel that includes noted country music journalists, as well as music industry and CMT executives.  Log on to CMT.com to view streaming clips of nominated videos.

            The eight nominees in the 2007 CMT MUSIC AWARDS categories include:

CMT MUSIC AWARDS VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration). Final four nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.

·         Carrie Underwood – “Before He Cheats”

·         Dixie Chicks – “Not Ready to Make Nice”

·         George Strait – “The Seashores of Old Mexico ”

·         Keith Urban – “Once In a Lifetime”

·         Kenny Chesney – “You Save Me”

·         Rascal Flatts – “What Hurts the Most”

·         Sugarland – “Want To”

·         Toby Keith – “A Little Too Late”

CMT MUSIC AWARDS MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR      

Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist.                                                                                         

·         Alan Jackson – “Like Red on a Rose”

·         Dierks Bentley – “Long Trip Alone”

·         George Strait – “The Seashores of Old Mexico ”

·         Josh Turner – “Would You Go With Me”

·         Keith Urban – “Once in a Lifetime”

·         Kenny Chesney – “You Save Me”

·         Tim McGraw – “My Little Girl”

·         Toby Keith – “A Little Too Late”

CMT MUSIC AWARDS FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist.

·         Carrie Underwood – “Before He Cheats"

·         Faith Hill – “Stealing Kisses"

·         Gretchen Wilson – “ California Girls"

·         LeAnn Rimes – “Some People"

·         Lee Ann Womack – “Finding My Way Back Home"

·         Reba McEntire – “Love Needs a Holiday ”

·         Sara Evans – “You’ll Always Be My Baby"

·         Taylor Swift – “Tim McGraw”

CMT MUSIC AWARDS GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video by a group; awarded to the artists

·         Alison Krauss and Union Station – “If I Didn’t Know Any Better”

·         Dixie Chicks – “Not Ready To Make Nice”

·         Emerson Drive – “Moments”

·         Little Big Town – “Good as Gone”

·         Lonestar – “Mountains”

·         Rascal Flatts – “Life is A Highway ”

·         Rascal Flatts – “What Hurts the Most”

·         SHeDAISY – “In Terms of Love”

CMT MUSIC AWARDS DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists

·         Big & Rich – “8th Of November”

·         Brooks & Dunn – “Building Bridges”

·         Brooks & Dunn – “Hillbilly Deluxe”

·         Montgomery Gentry – “Some People Change”

·         Sugarland – “Settlin’”

·         Sugarland – “Want To”

·         The Wreckers – “Leave The Pieces”

·         Van Zant – “Things I Miss the Most”

CMT MUSIC AWARDS BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video from an artist's major debut album; awarded to the artist (male, female, or group/duo).

·         Ashley Monroe – “I Don’t Want To”

·         Chris Young – “Drinkin’ Me Lonely”

·         Danielle Peck – “Findin’ A Good Man”

·         Jake Owen – “Yee Haw”

·         Jason Aldean – “ Amarillo Sky”

·         Kellie Pickler – “Red High Heels”

·         Taylor Swift – “Tim McGraw”

·         The Wreckers – “Leave The Pieces”

CMT MUSIC AWARDS WIDE OPEN COUNTRY VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Video that aired on CMT during WIDE OPEN COUNTRY and pushes the boundary of country music; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration).

·         Alison Krauss and Union Station – “If I Didn’t Know Any Better”

·         Jack Ingram – “Love You”

·         Jimmy Buffett – “Bama Breeze”

·         Johnny Cash – “God’s Gonna Cut you Down”

·         Pat Green – “ Dixie Lullaby”

·         Sheryl Crow and Sting – “Always On Your Side”

·         Shooter Jennings – “Gone To Carolina ”

·         Willie Nelson – “You Don’t Know Me”

CMT MUSIC AWARDS VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Video with the best direction (video that best captures the mood, tempo, and intensity of the song); awarded to the video director for work on a specific video and accepted by the director and the artist.

·         Charles Mehling / Dierks Bentley – “Long Trip Alone”

·         David McClister / LeAnn Rimes – “Some People”

·         Paul Boyd / Gary Allan – “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful”

·         Roman White / Carrie Underwood – “Before He Cheats”

·         Shaun Silva / Kenny Chesney – “You Save Me”

·         Sophie Muller / Dixie Chicks – “Not Ready to Make Nice”

·         Sophie Muller / Faith Hill – “Stealing Kisses”

·         Wes Edwards / Jason Aldean – “ Amarillo Sky”

CMT, America ’s No. 1 country music network, carries original programming, specials, and live concerts and events, as well as a mix of videos by established country music artists and new cutting-edge acts, including world premiere exclusive videos. Founded March 6, 1983, CMT, owned and operated by MTV Networks, reaches more than 83 million households in the United States .  Go to country music’s biggest web site at www.cmt.com.

From Universal Studios Home Entertainment, a Brutal Murder, a Series of Shocking Discoveries and Mounting Horror Stalk Sarah Michelle Gellar in the Terrifying Supernatural Thriller 'The Return'

Available on DVD February 27, 2007

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Feb. 1 A troubled young woman is forced to confront her childhood nightmares when "The Return" comes to DVD February 27, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Sarah Michelle Gellar ("The Grudge") stars in a nail-biting thrill ride that will keep audiences guessing right up to its shocking conclusion. A psychological thriller with a paranormal twist, The Return ramps up the suspense with unexpected plot turns and chilling surprises. The DVD includes more than 30 minutes of special bonus features including deleted scenes, an alternate ending and exclusive behind-the-scenes documentaries.

Joanna Mills (Sarah Michelle Gellar) returns to her Texas hometown on a business trip and unwittingly unravels a tangled web of homicide, inexplicable events and long-unsolved mysteries. Determined to learn the truth behind the frightening supernatural visions that have haunted her since childhood, Johanna finds herself powerfully drawn into the heart of a frightening secret. The DVD is priced at $29.98.

Killer Bonus Features

A collection of exclusive bonuses and special features ratchet up the suspense and provide an insider's look at "The Return." DVD extras include:

  * The Making of The Return -- Sarah Michelle Gellar takes viewers     
backstage for an intimate look at the creation of a thriller.    
* Shocking Alternate Ending -- this chilling footage reveals the     
horrifying conclusion not seen in theaters.    * Plus more than 10 minutes of Deleted Scenes!                                   Synopsis 

Sarah Michelle Gellar ("The Grudge") stars in this shocking, non-stop supernatural thriller unlike anything you've ever experienced before. Joanna Mills (Gellar) is haunted by increasingly terrifying visions where she can see and feel the brutal murder of a woman she's never met. With her life spiraling out of control, she follows the relentless nightmares to an eerie small town in Texas -- a place where secrets can't be buried, a spirit seeks vengeance, and the horrific murder from Joanna's visions may just be her own.

  For more information please visit: www.thereturnmovie.net    
CAST & FILMMAKERS   Director: Asif Kapadia   Written By: Adam Sussman   
Produced By: Aaron Ryder, Jeffrey Silver   Director of Photography: 
Roman Osin B.S.C.   Editor: Claire Simpson   Production Designer: 
Therese DePrez   Costume Designer: John Dunn   Music By: Dario Marianelli   
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sam Shepard, Peter O'Brien, Adam Scott    
TECHNICAL INFORMATION   DVD   Street Date: February 27, 2007   
Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.   Price:  $29.98   
Selection Number: 6202876   Running Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes   
Layers: Dual Layer   Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1   
Rating: PG-13 for violence, terror and disturbing images   Technical Info:     
* English, French Dolby Digital 5.1     * Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and 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.

Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment 

Web site: http://www.thereturnmovie.net/

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

 

 

Jan 31

 

Spike TV Highlights - March 2007

Original Series Premiere

NEW YORK, Jan. 31 * BULLRUN

Premieres Tuesday, March 13 (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); encores Tuesday,

March 13 (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT), Thursdays (11:00 PM - Midnight)

and Saturdays (11:00 AM - Noon, ET/PT).

Wrestling icon and devoted car enthusiast, Bill Goldberg, hosts Spike

TV's new original series, Bullrun. Based on the international

automotive rally of the same name, Bullrun features 12 teams of two

drivers who use their own cars in a rally that takes them across

America. This series puts real people behind their favorite wheels in

an all-out rally across North America, competing for big prize money,

the 2007 Bullrun Trophy, and even bigger bragging rights waiting at the

finish line. From classic muscle cars to exotic automobiles, Bullrun

will feature some of the hottest, coolest, and fastest tricked-out cars

ever assembled on television.

SPECIAL EVENTS / MARATHONS

* PROS VS JOES - SEASON 2 FINALE

New episodes premiere Thursdays (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); encores

Sundays (1:00 - 2:00 PM, ET/PT). Season finale premieres Thursday,

March 29 (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).

Season 2 of PROS VS JOES continues in March, culminating with the season

finale on Thursday, March 29. PROS VS JOES features regular guys

competing in a variety of sports against an incredible array of sports

legends 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.

* PROS VS JOES BOWL 2

Season 1 marathon telecasts Saturday, March 24 (2:00 PM - Midnight,

ET/PT); Season 2 marathon telecasts Sunday, March 25 (2:00 - 11:00 PM,

ET/PT).

In honor of the PROS VS JOES SEASON 2 FINALE, Spike TV presents

marathons of seasons one and two of the popular sports themed reality

series.

* MARCH OF THE MOB

This month, Spike TV features special presentations of some of the best

mob movies ever made. The schedule is as follows:

Sunday March, 4

2:00 - 6:00 PM, ET/PT

THE GODFATHER (1972, Crime / Drama)

The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of

his clandestine empire to his reluctant son. Starring Marlon Brando,

Al Pacino, James Caan, and Robert Duvall.

6:00 - 10:30 PM, ET/PT

THE GODFATHER: PART II (1974, Crime / Drama)

The continuing saga of the Corleone crime family tells the story of a

young Vito Corleone growing up in Sicily and in 1910s New York; and

follows Michael Corleone in the 1950s as he attempts to expand the

family business into Las Vegas, Hollywood and Cuba. Starring Al

Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Robert Duvall.

10:30 PM - 1:30 AM, ET/PT

GOODFELLAS (1990, Action/Drama)

The story of Irish-Italian American, Henry Hill, and how he lives day-

to-day life as a member of the Mafia. Based on a true story, the plot

revolves around Henry and his two unstable friends Jimmy and Tommy as

they gradually climb the ladder from petty crime to violent murders.

Saturday, March 10

9:00 - 11:30 AM, ET/PT

THE UNTOUCHABLES (1987, Crime/Crama)

Federal agent Elliot Ness assembles a personal team of mob fighters to

bring Chicago crime boss Al Capone to justice using unconventional

means during the mob wars of the 1920s.

1:30 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT

THE UNTOUCHABLES (1987, Crime/Crama)

Sunday, March 18

3:00 - 7:00 PM, ET/PT

THE GODFATHER, PART III (1990 Crime/Drama)

The final installment of Francis Ford Coppola's epic trilogy of this

mafia family finds an aging Don Corleone seeking to legitimize his

family's business and removing himself from the violent crime world.

Starring Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Andy Garcia and Bridget Fonda.

8:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT

GOODFELLAS (1990, Action/Drama)

* FIGHTIN' IRISH

Telecasts Saturday, March 17 (3:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT)

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a UFC Fight Night marathon, as Spike TV

presents encores of four fight cards with main events such as Tito Ortiz

vs Ken Shamrock, Diego Sanchez vs Karo Parisyan, and Diego Sanchez vs

Joe Riggs.

* APRIL FOOL'S MARATHON

Telecasts Saturday, March 31 (2:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT).

April Fool's Day comes one day early for Spike TV, which presents a

comedy movie marathon in its honor. The complete schedule is as

follows:

2:00 - 4:00 PM, ET/PT

SUMMER RENTAL (1985, Comedy)

Jack Chester, an overworked air traffic controller, takes his family

on vacation to the beach. Things immediately start to go wrong for the

Chesters, and steadily get worse. Jack ends up in a feud with a local

yachtsman, and has to race him to regain his pride and family's

respect. Starring John Candy, Karen Austin, and John Larroquette.

4:00 - 6:00 PM, ET/PT

BEVERLY HILLS COP III (1994, Action / Comedy)

Axel Foley, while investigating a car theft ring, comes across

something much bigger than that: the same men who shot his boss are

running a counterfeit money ring out of a theme park in Los Angeles.

Starring Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold.

6:00 - 8:00 PM, ET/PT

FLETCH (1985, Comedy, TV-PG)

Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher, a Los Angeles journalist, really lives for

his profession. As Jane Doe, he publishes articles that have caused

several heads to roll in the past. Now, he's at it again, going

undercover for a story about possible connections between the L.A.

police department and the local drug trade. Starring Chevy Chase.

8:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT

FLETCH LIVES (1989, Comedy, TV-PG)

Fletch is a reporter for a Los Angeles newspaper, but he acts more

like a detective. When an obscure relative leaves him a Louisiana

mansion in his will, Fletch is naturally curious. Arriving in

Louisiana, events occur that make him suspect that all is not well,

and there is more to the property than he has been led to believe.

Starring Chevy Chase.

ORIGINALS

* TNA WRESTLING: iMPACT! (TV-14)

New episodes premiere Thursdays (9:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT) and encores

Saturdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).

The new wrestling alternative, "TNA: iMPACT!" delivers a distinct brand

of high-risk, athletic entertainment. Viewers are drawn in by TNA's

philosophy of less talk and more action and the technically advance six-

sided ring. TNA's roster integrates well-known wrestling superstars

like Kurt Angle, Sting, Christian Cage, Jeff Jarrett, and Team 3D with

the world's best up-and-coming talent, such as AJ Styles, Christopher

Daniels, and Samoa Joe.

* UFC UNLEASHED

Special episodes premiere back-to-back Tuesday, March 13 (8:00 - 9:00

PM, ET/PT and 9:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT).

This one-hour series features the greatest moments from the UFC(R)'s

vast library of fight footage. The show includes classic bouts never

before seen on television except on pay-per-view.

* INSIDE THE UFC

Telecasts Thursdays (Midnight - 12:30AM, 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

Telecasts Fridays (Midnight - 12:30 AM, ET/PT) as part of the Late Night

Strip. New episodes premiere beginning Friday, March 30 (Midnight -

12:30 AM, ET/PT).

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, the series 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

Telecasts Thursdays (1:00 - 1:30 AM, ET/PT) and Fridays (12:30 - 1:00

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.

MOVIE PREMIERES

* NICK OF TIME (1995, Crime / Thriller)

Premieres Saturday, March 3 (4:00 - 6:00 PM, ET/PT)

An ordinary public accountant is told that he must kill the Governor in

1 hour and 15 minutes or his daughter will die. Starring Christopher

Walken, Johnny Depp, Charles S. Dutton, and Courtney Chase.

* DROP ZONE (1994, Action / Drama)

Premieres Monday, March 12 (9:00 - 11:30 PM, ET/PT) as part of "Casino

Cinema."

A team of skydiving crooks led by DEA-agent-turned-bad Busey specialize

in landing on police roofs and breaking in so their evil computer nerd

can steal undercover agents' files and sell them to drug lords. Federal

Marshal Snipes lost a brother to this crew and learns skydiving with the

help of tough-but-lovable instructor Butler so he can track them down.

Starring Wesley Snipes 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 Kirk Mulligan.

* CSI: NY

Telecasts Wednesdays (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 - Friday

(Midnight - 1:00 AM, ET/PT), Wednesdays (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. Throughout March, the Power Block features

new episodes of MUSCLE CAR and XTREME 4X4, and, beginning Sunday, March

25, new episodes of TRUCKS! AND HORSEPOWER

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Sheryl Crow Launches New Revlon Colorist(TM)

A New Line of Premium Haircolor Products With a Revolutionary Weekly Anti-fade Colorglaze

NEW YORK, Jan. 31 Sheryl Crow, one of the music industry's biggest stars, and the newest member of the Revlon family, will celebrate the nationwide launch of Revlon Colorist today.

Revlon Colorist is the first-to-market haircolor system that uniquely delivers one of the most sought-after features in home haircolor: fade resistant color. Revlon Colorist provides a great base of rich, radiant all over color that stays refreshed and shining for up to six weeks with an easy 2-minute application of Colorglaze once a week in place of regular conditioner. Each kit comes with salon-quality, permanent haircolor plus a shade-matched Colorglaze. The line is available in 26 vibrant shades.

The product will be supported by a multi-media campaign that will include television, print, in-store and internet placements featuring Crow's original version of the Buddy Holly hit "Not Fade Away." The campaign was shot by famed photographer Ellen Von Unworth in Nashville and New York.

"We are thrilled to launch this revolutionary product with Sheryl Crow as our spokesperson," says Debra Dowd, Vice President of marketing for Revlon's hair business. "The 'Not Fade Away' message stays true to our product as well as to Sheryl's determination and commitment to women's issues."

In addition to her role as spokesperson for Revlon Colorist, Crow will serve on the advisory board of The Revlon/UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program's national clinical network of oncologists. The network provides patients throughout the country with access to cutting edge clinical trials without having to travel away from homes and families to comprehensive cancer centers for treatment. As an advisory board member she will help identify network sites in underserved communities around the nation. Crow will also act as an ambassador for the Revlon supported National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC), the largest grass-roots organization for breast cancer policy and advocacy, to help pass legislation for uninsured and underinsured women across the country. She will be guest of honor and participate in the Revlon Run/Walk in both New York and Los Angeles in which tens of thousands of breast cancer survivors and others touched by the disease participate raising money to support education and research programs.

"We are very excited to have someone of Sheryl's great beauty, both inner and outward, as the new spokesperson for our company," says Revlon CEO David Kennedy. "Sheryl will not only be a terrific partner in our business but she will be invaluable to us in supporting our various initiatives in women's cancer research and treatment. I think together we can truly make a difference."

"I'm happy to be part of the Revlon family and to be associated with a company that -- through their various initiatives -- has and continues to support breast cancer research and women's issues." - Sheryl Crow.

Revlon Colorist will be available at drug and mass retailers nationwide.

About Sheryl Crow

Since exploding onto the global stage in 1993 with the multi-platinum Tuesday Night Music Club album, Sheryl Crow has forged a legendary career, becoming the finest female singer/songwriter of her generation. Crow followed the success of her first album with six critically acclaimed albums and best-selling tours. Over the course of her career, Sheryl has collaborated with everyone from the Rolling Stones to Kid Rock to Willie Nelson. She has won countless awards (including 9 Grammy Awards) and sold over 30 million albums worldwide. In early 2006, Sheryl was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer. The event changed her life, and her recovery has reinforced her zest for a full, joyful life. Sheryl continues writing new music and through her strength and perseverance, she continues to be an inspiration to cancer survivors everywhere.

About Revlon

Revlon(R) is a worldwide cosmetics, skin care, fragrance and personal care products company. The company's vision is to become the world's most dynamic leader in global beauty and skin care. A web site featuring current product and promotional information can be reached at http://www.revlon.com/. Revlon brands include Revlon(R), Almay(R), Ultima II(R), Mitchum(R), Charlie(R) and Flex(R), which are sold worldwide.

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

 

 

 

Dennis Hopper, Quincy Jones, Edward Norton, John Turturro Join Star-Studded Roster of Turner Classic Movies' BRANDO, a Two-Part Original Documentary Premiering May 1-2

ATLANTA, Jan. 31 -- Angie Dickinson, Dennis Hopper, Cloris Leachman, Quincy Jones, Edward Norton and John Turturro are among additions to the line-up of peers, family members and childhood friends featured in BRANDO, a new original two-part documentary premiering May 1-2, that sifts through the mystery behind one of Hollywood's most-respected and celebrated practitioners of the art and craft of acting. These actors and filmmakers join an already impressive list, including Ellen Adler, Ed Begley, Andrew Bergman, Bernardo Bertolucci, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Jane Fonda, Martin Landau, Penelope Ann Miller, Al Pacino, Arthur Penn, Martin Scorsese, John Travolta, Jon Voight and Eli Wallach.

Piecing together performances from throughout the decades with never- before-seen footage and a series of original, in-depth interviews, TCM, along with The Greif Company (Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool), has worked to unmask the man behind the exceptional talent, captivating persona and apathy (and frequent aversion) toward his profession that was Marlon Brando.

The film explores the challenges he faced in almost every personal and working relationship throughout his life and highlights his most notable performances, including Broadway's Truckline Cafe, which first gained him major recognition; the phenomenon he created with A Streetcar Named Desire (1951); the classical acting in Julius Caesar (1953), which silenced critics who labeled him a "mumbler"; his awe-inspiring work in The Godfather (1972); and what was arguably his most intimate effort on screen in Last Tango in Paris (1972).

It also looks at Brando's involvement in civil rights and features interviews with Russell Means on Brando and the Native American movement; Bobby Seale, on his association with the Black Panthers; and Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American actress whose on-stage rejection of Brando's Oscar(R) for The Godfather is the stuff of Hollywood legend. Other interviews include family members and acquaintances that can shed light on Brando's very private life.

Accompanying the two-night premiere will be a celebration of Brando's work, including A Streetcar Named Desire; On the Waterfront (1954); The Missouri Breaks (1976); The Wild One (1953); Guys and Dolls (1955); The Teahouse of the August Moon (1956); and Sayonara (1957).

Turner Classic Movies, currently seen in more than 75 million homes, is a 24-hour cable network from Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company. TCM presents the greatest motion pictures of all time from the largest film library in the world, the combined Time Warner and Turner film libraries, from the '20s through the '90s, commercial-free and without interruption. The network also offers critically acclaimed original documentaries and specials, including the recent Emmy-winning Stardust: The Bette Davis Story and Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool. In addition to Brando, on the slate for 2007 are such original productions as Private Screenings: Jane Fonda, Bienvennue Cannes and Spielberg on Spielberg, among others. Please visit tcm.com for more information.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

Source: Turner Classic Movies

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

 

 

 

Candie's Announces 2x Grammy Award Winning Artist, Fergie to Appear in its New Advertising Campaign

New Multi-Media Marketing Campaign for Candie's Only at Kohl's to Launch this Spring

NEW YORK, Jan. 31 Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:ICON) (the "Company") announced today that superstar artist, Fergie will appear in the Company's popular junior brand, Candie's(R), Spring 2007 multi-media advertising and marketing print and television campaign. Fergie is known to most as the fashion forward female singer in the multi-platinum, Grammy award winning group, The Black Eye Peas. Fergie is noted for her powerful vocals as much as her sense of style.

Fergie has topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, Hot Digital Songs chart and Pop 100 chart with her singles, "London Bridge" and most recently, "Fergalicious" from her platinum solo debut, The Dutchess. Fergie is also the first female artist to have back-to-back #1 songs on the Billboard Pop 100 chart. Fergie joins past Candie's spokespeople Destiny's Child, Hilary Duff, Dixie Chicks and Jenny McCarthy. Candie's is sold exclusively at Kohl's Department Stores and on Kohls.com.

Fergie will appear in Candie's only at Kohl's print advertising campaign, which will debut in March issues of fashion, entertainment and lifestyle magazines, online at teen dominated websites, and star in a television campaign to be aired on major networks nationwide beginning in February. The TV commercial will debut on the Grammy's(R) on February 11th in select markets.

"I was really flattered when they asked me to be the next Candie's girl. There are so many wonderful women who have done past campaigns," stated Fergie. "I had so much fun shooting the campaign, playing up the glam side of my personality and I am excited to have my current single, 'Glamorous' be the music for the TV commercial."

The creative for the campaign revolves around an over-the-top and glamorous Fergie. The always glam Fergie is caught in playful moments that only our Candie's girl experiences. The commercial features Fergie hanging out in her posh Beverly Hills home, while a voyeur looks on. Fergie realizes that someone is watching her and she plays it up in a fun and sexy Candie's way. The soundtrack for the television commercial is Fergie's, "Glamorous" from her solo debut album, The Dutchess.

Neil Cole, CEO, Iconix, stated, "Candie's always aligns itself with the biggest names in the music industry and we are excited to be working with Fergie. Our new campaign will further grow and support our Candie's at Kohl's business."

Julie Gardner, Kohl's senior vice president and chief brand officer stated, "Fergie is a pop culture icon and embodies the spirit of the Candie's brand. We are confident that the culturally relevant advertising and marketing campaign will resonate with our junior shoppers and further differentiate Kohl's in the marketplace."

The campaign was created by Iconix's in-house marketing team. The print campaign was shot by famed celebrity photographer, Matthew Rolston and the television commercial was directed by Chris Appelbaum, who is known for his MTV music videos.

Candie's and Kohl's will be a sponsor of Fergie's "The Dutchess" tour this spring/summer. The tour will be high tech, innovative and groundbreaking. Fergie will make personal appearances on behalf of the brand as well as participate in campaign launch events. The campaign will be integrated into Kohl's spring marketing plans.

The Candie's website will feature "That Is So Candie's" theme. Users can log on to www.candies.com and upload their real life Candie's moments to "C- tube" via video, photos or stories and also enter to win a sweepstakes to be a "Dutchess for a day". One lucky winner will be flown to Los Angeles for the next Candie's and Fergie photo shoot to have lunch with the star.

About Iconix Brand Group, Inc.

Iconix Brand Group Inc., (NASDAQ:ICON) owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE'S (R), BONGO (R), BADGLEY MISCHKA (R), JOE BOXER (R) RAMPAGE (R), MUDD (R), LONDON FOG (R), MOSSIMO (R) and OCEAN PACIFIC (R). The Company's brands touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market. Iconix, through its in-house advertising agency, advertises and markets its brands to continually increase consumer awareness and loyalty and licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers.

About Kohl's

Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl's is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. Kohl's operates 817 stores in 45 states. For a full list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.kohls.com.

About Interscope Geffen A&M

Combining the legacies of three of the most influential record labels in modern music history, Interscope Geffen A&M Records embarked on a new tradition of musical achievement with its unification on January 1, 1999. Headed by Chairman Jimmy Iovine, Interscope Geffen A&M is a major force in global music, developing chart-topping artists across a wide range of musical genres including rock, rap, pop and alternative. Interscope Geffen A&M Records is part of Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company.

 

Web site: http://iconixbrand.com/
http://www.kohls.com/

 

 

 

With No 'Doggone' Competition, Spike TV Will Telecast Two-Hour TNA Wrestling Special Monday, February 12

Two-Hour Wrestling Special Features 5 Of The Greatest Bouts In TNA History, Never-Before-Seen On Cable And Showcases TNA's Innovative Concept Matches With Members Of Its All-star Roster Including Kurt Angle, Sting, Christian Cage, Jeff Jarrett, Abyss and Samoa Joe

Countdown The Top 5 Moments In TNA Wrestling History

TNA To Unveil Newest Concept Match To Debut At March PPV Event

NEW YORK, Jan. 31 Spike TV and Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling today jointly announce that they will telecast a special primetime two-hour wrestling event on Monday, February 12 (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT) entitled "This is TNA!" The two-hour special encores on Thursday, February 15 (7:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT), and will be followed by an all new "TNA: iMPACT!" (9:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT).

"Spike's not going to stand by and let wrestling go to the dogs on Monday February 12th. Wrestling fans deserve better!" says Kevin Kay, EVP and General Manager, Spike TV. "This special event is an opportunity for viewers not familiar with TNA's distinct brand of high-impact wrestling to tune-in and see what TNA is all about."

"This is TNA!" will offer die-hard fans and the casual viewer a fast- paced, action-packed look at TNA Wrestling. The two-hour spectacular will showcase five of the greatest bouts in TNA history never before seen on television except pay-per-view, featuring some of the biggest names in wrestling today including Kurt Angle, Sting, Christian Cage, Jeff Jarrett, Abyss and Team 3-D, as well as TNA's amazing young talent -- AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe and Chris Sabin. The special will spotlight TNA's innovative concept matches including "King of the Mountain" and "Six Sides of Steel." Throughout the night, there will be a countdown of some of the most extraordinary moments in TNA history -- recalling the timeless wrestling memories that will stay emblazoned on the minds of wrestling fans forever.

"TNA is proud to answer the call of fans and bring the best wrestling in the world to a Monday night event. 'This is TNA' will give new fans an introduction and TNA fans a chance to relive their favorite moments," says Dixie Carter, president of TNA Entertainment, LLC. "We're confident that by experiencing the unforgettable action of our past and present, fans will call out the future of professional wrestling by chanting 'TNA.'"

An added bonus for viewers, TNA will reveal its newest concept match which will debut at their March 11 "Destination X" PPV event.

TNA Entertainment, LLC is a privately held company headquartered in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit http://www.tnawrestling.com/.

Spike TV is available in 91.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Source: Spike TV

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

 

 

Jan 30

903 Music Aims to be Artists' Missing Link
By Edward Morris

 

© 2007 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.

As a performer, Neal McCoy had all he could hope for - except a record company that loved him as much as the crowds did. So he started his own label, dubbing it "903 Music" after the area code of Longview, Texas, his hometown.  So far, the new enterprise has done well. For starters, it generated McCoy his first Top 10 single in nine years. It's also developed enough muscle and confidence to take on two more acts: Darryl Worley and the Drew Davis Band. Worley's first 903 album was released on Nov. 21, while Drew Davis Band is scheduled to make its recording debut the second quarter of 2007.

After working with Charley Pride for six years, McCoy signed to 16th Avenue Records, Gaylord Entertainment's short-lived label, in 1988.  In 1990, he migrated to Atlantic Records, where he would spend the next decade. His first few singles fizzled on the charts, but his career appeared to skyrocket in 1994 when "No Doubt About It" went to No. 1. He followed it with "Wink," an even bigger hit that stayed at the top of the Billboard chart for four weeks. Throughout the next three years, he scored six more Top 5 singles. Then things began tapering off.  From 1997 until "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On" came along in 2005, none of his singles rose higher than No. 22.

When Atlantic shut down, McCoy moved to Giant Records and then briefly to Warner Bros. Records.  But despite being plagued by label closings, executive turnovers, priority shifts and a frustrating indifference at radio, the lanky singer was such a dynamic live performer and tireless touring act that he still racked up one Gold and three Platinum albums.

Allied with McCoy in 903 Music are two silent-partner financial backers and his long-time manager, Karen Kane. They launched the label in July 2004, Kane said, but didn't announce it until the following February, after they had a staff in place. In the interim, McCoy completed his album, That's Life, and shot the music video for his rollout single, "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On."

"We realized that as an independent [label], we had a lot of things working against us," Kane said. "But, luckily, when we did launch the label, it was the perfect time for one in the marketplace. We needed to have a really strong promotion team in-house. That's the first thing that we did." (Prior to becoming McCoy's manager, Kane spent 13 years in marketing and sales with Warner Bros. and WEA Distribution.)

Kane's first hire was Bill Mayne, a former General Manager and promotion executive at Warner Bros. whom she once described as "Vice President of anything and everything." He was put in charge of promotion and artist development. Then came four regional in-house promotional reps, a digital content staffer, a marketing consultant and an independent publicist. Recently, Kane added Chris Rogers, the veteran music video director, to the marketing staff. The label uses independent producers.

"The landscape has changed completely," Mayne said. "To me, the exciting part is understanding the changes in the marketplace and adapting to a new methodology to getting music exposed. First and foremost, you have to have credible people and credible product. We've got a smaller staff than anybody out there in the marketplace, so it's a matter of working hard and working smart. It's not about unlimited resources and large staffs. We're forced to be more creative."

To raise both McCoy's and the new label's visibility, 903 signed on as a sponsor of the 2005 Country Radio Seminar. This enabled the video for "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On" to be played prominently throughout the Seminar, including at the heavily attended New Faces Show. That's Life was released in August 2005, and "Billy" peaked at No. 10 in late November. 

Once it became apparent that 903 was gaining traction for McCoy, the principals decided to "grow the label" by signing other acts, Kane explained. Worley was a natural choice. A casualty of DreamWorks' closing, he had a catalog of hits that included "I Miss My Friend," "Have You Forgotten" and "Awful, Beautiful Life."  More important, as far as the label was concerned, he had an organization behind him.

So did the Drew Davis Band. "They're a new act, but they already have a business in place," Kane said. "They've been touring for three years. And that's really our criterion - signing acts that already have businesses in place. The way our business model works is that we view ourselves as sort of a link in the chain of the artist's business. One of the issues with Neal was that we felt like our organization was working on all levels except for our records. We decided if we did everything else in-house, why not pull that in-house too."

Based in Los Angeles, the Drew Davis Band, Kane said, already has a publishing deal and a booking agent and is managed by Doc McGhee of McGhee Entertainment. Currently, the band is shopping for songs and a producer. And so is McCoy, as he looks toward his second album.

Kane speculated that the label's album budgets will vary widely, "depending on which producer you have and what kind of deals you cut. But I think the budgets that we have for albums are comparable to what the majors have. We want to put out quality products."

While 903 products are available via all the major digital providers, Kane said that most of the company's sales are through conventional retail outlets. She turned to another former colleague at Warner Bros. - Neal Spielberg - to advise the label on how to get its albums into the marketplace most effectively. "Because we have a real seasoned professional advising us in Neal, we're pretty conservative on what we manufacture as opposed to what we ship. We want to make sure that we don't have a lot of returns.  Because of Neal's experience, we've been able to keep that percentage pretty tight and not over-manufacture. Our distributor is Navarre, and they've been really great about turning around product very quickly."

Kane admitted she couldn't comprehend the gulf that exists between McCoy's enormous crowd appeal and his generally tepid reception at radio. "After 10 years with Neal, I still scratch my head about that. Of course, every station wants him for its listener-appreciation show. We try to explain to radio that their consumers are buying tickets to his shows, putting out cold cash to see him and that he has a real impact in the market. But sometimes there's just a disconnect there that I haven't really been able to explain.

"I know that [radio programmers] love Neal personally. It's not that they've turned their backs on him as an artist. But they just haven't felt - this is what they're telling us - that he's had the right songs. And then we came with 'Billy,' and they gave us that support. They felt like their audiences demanded that song.  Neal's biggest successes have been from songs that consumers have demanded." 

Kane estimated that McCoy does about 120 shows a year.  "He would do many more," she said with a laugh, "if we would let him. He's really in heavy, heavy demand as a live performer." Later on, McCoy plans to give the Drew Davis Band a shot as his opening act.

"Neal generally tours on his own," Kane observed. "He's headlined his own tours from the very beginning because nobody would follow him."

On the Web: www.903music.com

 

 

The Truth: Too Hot for Hollywood?

Variety Pulls Open Letter Demanding Celebrities Withdraw Support for PETA

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF), a non-profit consumer watchdog group, was set to run a full-page open letter in Friday's Hollywood edition of Variety, but it was pulled at the 11th hour. The well-sourced letter called on Pamela Anderson, Alec Baldwin, Simon Cowell, James Cromwell, Jorja Fox, Moby, and other celebrities to stop their support of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Once PETA caught word that the ad was scheduled for publication, they used their Hollywood muscle to choke off the press. Variety never questioned CCF regarding its well-documented claims. They simply caved in and refused to run the ad, which stated the following:

Dear supporters of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals,

Reality check: PETA kills animals.

This week in North Carolina, two PETA employees are facing felony animal- cruelty charges. Police caught them red-handed as they tossed the bodies of 31 dead pets into a trash dumpster. They promised an animal shelter and a veterinarian that these animals would find good homes. Then they killed them in the back of a PETA-owned van.

These weren't unwanted, diseased strays. They were healthy animals, including puppies and kittens.

And this wasn't an isolated incident. Public records from the state of Virginia show that PETA has killed over 14,400 pets since 1998. In 2005 PETA killed 90 percent of the animals it took in. Not buying it? Visit http://www.petakillsanimals.com/ and see the documents for yourself.

Despite the fact that PETA takes in $25 million a year -- enough to care for all the animals the group puts to death -- PETA would rather spend the donations on publicity stunts. Shouldn't PETA use that money to actually care for animals? Killing 90 percent of your puppies and kittens while rolling in dough isn't "ethical," regardless of what PETA's president says.

We know that stars often want to use their celebrity to promote good causes and we applaud those who do. But anyone supporting PETA -- celebrity or not -- should know that they're supporting a radical agenda.

If you stick with them, you'll have to rethink wearing that AIDS ribbon or the breast cancer ribbon: PETA is against lifesaving research. All those lab rats, you know.

Sincerely,

Your fans at the Center for Consumer Freedom

P.S. If killing the animals you've pledged to save isn't enough to question lending your name to PETA, remember that they're the group that equates chickens with Holocaust victims, and cows with lynched African Americans.

"PETA is pulling out all the stops to prevent Hollywood from hearing about PETA's latest image problem," said David Martosko, director of research at the Center for Consumer Freedom. "But this trial is receiving national attention. It's only a matter of time before PETA's supporters realize they've only heard half the story."

For more information about the felony animal-cruelty trial of two PETA employees, including photographs from the scene of the 2005 arrests, visit http://www.petakillsanimals.com/.

The Center for Consumer Freedom is a nonprofit coalition supported by restaurants, food companies, and consumers, working together to promote personal responsibility and protect consumer choices.

Source: Center for Consumer Freedom

Web site: http://www.consumerfreedom.com/
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/

IHOP and Miss America Flip for Charity to Celebrate National Pancake Day

Free Pancakes to Benefit Charity on February 20

GLENDALE, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- January 30, 2007 -- Just one day after being crowned Miss America, Lauren Nelson, has been named the official spokesperson for National Pancake Day. On Tuesday, February 20, IHOP (NYSE: IHP) and Miss America will flip for charity with the second National Pancake Day celebration. IHOP will give away one free short stack of its famous buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to all its guests, and in return, invite them to donate to their local children's hospital through Children's Miracle Network.

The newly crowned Miss America, Lauren Nelson, will take the stage as the official spokesperson for National Pancake Day, also known as Mardi Gras and Shrove Tuesday, a centuries-old tradition brought back to life by America's favorite pancake powerhouse. The Miss America Organization is also a partner of Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals throughout the United States.

"National Pancake Day is the perfect occasion to bring together families and friends, while raising significant funds for their local communities," said Carolyn O'Keefe, Chief Marketing Officer of IHOP Corp. "We're thrilled to partner with Miss America to help spread this message in support of Children's Miracle Network, and truly make a difference in the lives of thousands of children."

 

"I am honored to be a part of National Pancake Day as my first official charitable duty as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network," said Lauren Nelson, of Lawton, Okla., who was crowned Miss America on January 29. "I love pancakes, and Children's Miracle Network is an important cause to the Miss America Organization and me personally, so I'm excited to help turn pancakes into miracles for children across the country."

Pancake Day has been celebrated for centuries in England on the day before Lent, with a tradition and lore all its own. Tradition prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk and butter, hence the name Pancake Day.

All 1,302 IHOP restaurants will have a designated Children's Miracle Network hospital or other local charity as the recipient of funds raised on National Pancake Day. There is a limit of one free short stack per guest. The offer is valid at participating restaurants for dine-in only while supplies last, and is not valid with any other offer, special, coupon or discount. To find an IHOP location, please visit www.IHOP.com.

ABOUT IHOP CORP.

The IHOP family restaurant chain has been serving a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections for more than 45 years. Offering 14 types of pancakes as well as omelettes, breakfast specialties, burgers, sandwiches, salads, chicken and steaks, IHOP's diverse menu appeals to people of all ages. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, California-based IHOP Corp. As of December 31, 2006, the end of IHOP's fourth quarter, there were 1,302 IHOP restaurants in 49 states and Canada. IHOP Corp. common stock is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol "IHP." For more information, call the Company's Restaurant Support Center at (818) 240-6055 or visit the Company's Web site located at www.ihop.com.

ABOUT CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK

Children's Miracle Network -- the alliance of premier hospitals for children -- is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals across North America. Each year the 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. To learn more go to www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org.

ABOUT THE MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION

The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. For more information, go to www.missamerica.org.

 

 

The Goo Goo Dolls Let the Love in on QVC(R)

Band to Launch DVD and CD Set from Nightclub 9:30 in Washington, D.C.

Platinum-selling, chart-topping rock band The Goo Goo Dolls are scheduled to make their QVC debut on Tuesday, February 6 at 9 PM (ET) with a specially packaged, bonus material DVD and CD set three weeks before the scheduled street release date.

In a broadcast live from Washington, D.C.'s premier music venue Nightclub 9:30, QVC will grant viewers a special behind-the-scenes interview with The Goo Goo Dolls, who will share the inspiration behind their eighth album "Let Love In." Immediately following the interview, the QVC broadcast continues as the band takes the stage, giving QVC viewers access to the live Goo Goo Dolls concert.

The Goo Goo Dolls, John Rzeznik (vocals, guitar), Robby Takac (bass, vocals) and Mike Malinin (drums) are known worldwide for such blockbuster hits as "Stay With You," "Black Balloon," "Iris" and many others. The band is currently on tour in support of the "Let Love In" album.

"Having The Goo Goo Dolls on QVC will expose the band to a new audience in a unique way and certainly attract new customers to QVC," said Rich Yoegel, director of merchandising for QVC. "In addition, the broadcast provides viewers with a kind of 'all access' feel, which many fans don't get to enjoy firsthand."

The Goo Goo Dolls "Live and Intimate" DVD with "Let Love In" CD set features music videos and rare acoustic tracks compiled especially for QVC (QVC Item #E02449) and will be available at 800.345.1515 or http://www.qvc.com/ while supplies last.

About QVC:

QVC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation attributed to the Liberty Interactive Group (NASDAQ:LINTA) , is one of the largest multimedia retailers in the world, with annual revenue of more than $7 billion. Distributed to more than 160 million homes worldwide, QVC is committed to providing its customers with thousands of the most innovative and contemporary beauty, fashion, jewelry and home products. The company's website, QVC.com, is ranked among the top general merchant Internet sites. With subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan, West Chester, PA- based QVC has shipped close to a billion packages in its 20-year history.

Source: QVC, Inc.


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

 

Jill Scott Releases CD Of Top Collaborations; Earns 10th GRAMMY Nod For Another Classic Collaboration; Third Solo Album Due Out Summer '07

NEW YORK, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of the announcement of celebrated vocalist Jill Scott's 10th GRAMMY nomination for her collaboration with legends George Benson and Al Jarreau, "God Bless The Child," Hidden Beach/Universal Records releases an album of all Jill Scott's top collaborations, in stores Tuesday, January 30, 2007. Acclaimed for her ability to smoothly weave pop, R&B, jazz, and even operatic styles, Jill Scott: Collaborations is a tour de force of cool.

Included on the album is the GRAMMY-nominated partnership with jazz greats Benson and Jarreau, as well as two other tracks honored this year -- her duet with famed jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, "Good Morning Heartache" (Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists) and the sensual "Daydreamin," off of Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor (Best Rap Album), which the two recently performed on The Late Show with David Letterman.

The album features guest spots from these collaborators and hip-hop heavyweights: Common, Mos Def, will.i.am, and Will Smith, as well as legendary performers such as Kirk Franklin, The Isley Brothers, and Sergio Mendes. The genre-hopping album is Jill Scott and her signature stylings at their best.

Next up Jill Scott heads to the studio for work on her third studio album, due out in Summer 2007. She recently made the scene at Sundance in support of her role in the Dakota Fanning movie "Hounddog," in which she plays Big Momma Thornton, the artist who originally sang the Elvis Presley hit. Acting has become a new joy for Scott, who will begin production on two Tyler Perry movies this year.

In 2005, Jill Scott won her first GRAMMY for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for "Cross My Mind," from her sophomore album, Beautifully Human: Words & Sounds Vol. 2, nominated for Best R&B Album that same year. It was the follow-up to 2001's critically acclaimed Who Is Jill Scott?: Words & Sounds Vol. 1, which earned Jill four GRAMMY nominations, including a Best New Artist nomination.

Source: Hidden Beach

 

 

 

Comedians David Alan Grier, Kevin Avery and Kristopher Tinkle to Perform for Troops on USO Tour to the Persian Gulf Region

Actor and comedian David Alan Grier will soon embark on his first USO tour and perform his stand- up act for service members stationed in the Persian Gulf region. Grier will be joined by fellow comedians Kevin Avery and Kristopher Tinkle. This tour is co-sponsored by the U.S. Army's Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Best known for his starring role in the Emmy Award-winning television show "In Living Color," Grier currently stars in the revival production of "The Wiz" at the LaJolla Playhouse. The Detroit native was recently recognized for his outstanding work in theatre with the Theatre World Award and a Tony Award nomination for his role as Jackie Robinson in "The First."

Grier also has appeared in such films as "Boomerang," "Jumanji," "Bewitched" and most recently "Little Man." He recently won The Golden Lion Award for best actor at the Venice Film Festival for his role in "Streamers." He also starred in his own standup comedy special on Comedy Central, "The Book of David -- The Cult Figures Manifesto."

This tour continues the USO's tradition of bringing celebrities to troops stationed far from home. Entertainers who recently participated in USO tours include Carrie Underwood, Wilmer Valderrama, Jo Dee Messina, Al Franken, Bill Engvall, Craig Ferguson and Henry Rollins.

USO tours are sponsored by AT&T, Inc., the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours.

About the USO: For more than 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems North America, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Military Channel, S & K Sales Co., TriWest Healthcare Alliance and The Walt Disney Company. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit our Web site at http://www.uso.org/.

 

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

 

Auction of Fox Documents Raises $250,000.00 for the Motion Picture Television Fund Insurance Premium Fund

-- The Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) today announced that the benefit auction, From the Twentieth Century Fox Archives: Documents from the Golden Age of Hollywood, raised in excess of $250,000.00 for the organization's Financial Assistance Program.

Documents sold at auction were donated by Twentieth Century Fox and included more than 200 rare items including signed contracts and internal memos. All of the items were sold and the sale brought in 25% more than the high pre-sale estimate.

A Jackie Gleason signed contract for "The Hustler," had the highest amount of bids with more than 36 people competing off the internet, by phone, and live. The item had a pre-sale estimate of $200-$300 and ultimately sold for $2400.

Other top selling items include:

* A contract signed by John Steinbeck assigning the motion picture

rights to "Grapes of Wrath" (1940) which sold for $24,000.00, the

highest sale price in the auction.

* A typed letter signed by Marilyn Monroe regarding the terms for her

appearance on the Lux Radio Theatre program -- Marilyn's radio

debut, February 19, 1947 which sold for $7,000

* A typed letter signed by Marilyn Monroe appointing Inez Melson as

her business manager, Nov. 11, 1953, sold for $6,500.

"The mission of MPTF's founders, 'taking care of our own' continued with this auction when the legends of Hollywood were able to support those working to make it in today's industry," said Ken Scherer, CEO of the Motion Picture Television Fund. "We are grateful to 20th Century Fox for their generous donation and to Swann for their hard work."

Items in the auction represent dealings with over 50 Hollywood legends including: Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn and Elvis Presley, and involve some of the greatest films of all time including: "Seven Year Itch," "Miracle on 34th Street," "The King and I," "All About Eve," and "Love Me Tender."

"Swann Galleries was privileged to be able to host and conduct an auction of Documents from the Golden Age of Hollywood from the Twentieth Century Fox Archives. Combining the glitter of Hollywood and the kind of fabulous autographs that Swann is accustomed to selling, the auction proved to be a success beyond everyone's expectations," said Nicholas D. Lowry, President and Principal Auctioneer at Swann Galleries. "It was the perfect opportunity for fans to own rare (and never again available) documents signed by their favorite stars, as well as a wonderful gesture on the part of the Studio, which donated all of the proceeds from the sale to the MPTF."

One key component of the Fund's Financial Assistance Program is the health insurance premium support program that supports the payment of health insurance premiums for those who temporarily fall out of coverage. The program was created in 2003 and since its inception, the program has helped many, but now, years later, the program's resources have been almost completely depleted. Proceeds from this auction will go to replenish the resources of this vital program.

MPTF has served people in the entertainment industry for more than 85 years with a safety net of services including charitable assistance, health care, retirement care at all levels, social services, Elder Connection and child care. For more information on how we can help you, and you can help others, visit our website at www.mptvfund.org.

Swann Galleries:

Swann Auction Galleries was founded in 1941 as an auction house specializing in Rare and Antiquarian Books, and today is the largest specialist auctioneers of Works on Paper in the world. Swann conducts an average of 40 sales a year, encompassing Books, Autographs, Maps, Photographs & Photographic Literature, Prints & Drawings, and Vintage Posters. There are annual special-subject sales devoted to African-Americana, Magic and Space Exploration. Visit www.swanngalleries.com for more information.

Fox Filmed Entertainment:

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.

Source: Motion Picture & Television Fund

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

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

 

Lifetime Networks Celebrates Valentine's Day Throughout February With Movie Festivals on Lifetime Television and LMN Along With Romance Advice From Relationship Experts on lifetimetv.com and LMNtv.com

- U.S. Television Premiere of 'A Valentine Carol' Sunday, February 11 at 9PM (ET/PT) -

This February, where else to turn but television's two most popular women's networks for a healthy dose of heart- throbbing movies depicting all the exhilarating highs and lows of romance? The Valentine's Day love marathon begins on Lifetime Television with the U.S. Television Premiere of "A Valentine Carol," starring Emma Caulfield, on Sunday, February 11 at 9PM (ET/PT), followed by the U.S. Television Premiere of "Nora Roberts' Blue Smoke," starring Alicia Witt, on Monday, February 12 at 9PM (ET/PT), with "Shall We Dance," starring Richard Gere, airing on Valentine's Day, Thursday, February 14 at 9PM (ET/PT).

Sister network LMN picks up the roses starting February 17 with a 17-movie weekend extravaganza, while Lifetime's Online networks, lifetimetv.com and LMNtv.com, herald love throughout the month with a variety of fun features from relationship experts for couples and singles looking to become a couple.

Lifetime Valentine's Day Highlights

"A Valentine Carol" -- Sunday, February 11 at 9PM (ET/PT) -- In this Valentine's Day re-imagining of "A Christmas Carol," Carolyn is an irrepressible romantic, but she gets cold feet on the eve of her engagement to Maybe-Not-So-Mr.-Right, and is visited by the three "spirits" of Boyfriends Past, Present, and Future to restore her faith in true love.

"Nora Roberts' Blue Smoke" -- Monday, February 12 at 9PM (ET/PT) -- Based on the book by bestselling author Nora Roberts. A young girl's life is changed after watching her family business burn to the ground as a child. Years later, she becomes an arson investigator working along side the man who found out who was responsible for the fire.

LMN Highlights

All weekend long from Saturday, February 17 through Sunday, February 18, LMN airs movies showcasing actresses such as Shannen Doherty ("Sleeping With the Devil"); Keri Russell ("The Babysitter's Seduction"); Katherine Heigl ("My Father the Hero"); Lauren Holly ("Dangerous Heart"); Vanessa Marcil ("To Love, Honor & Deceive"); and Christine Lahti ("The Pilot's Wife").

Lifetime Online Highlights

Lifetimetv.com "Love Stories":

* Content for couples: Sexy Alphabet, 28 Great Dates, Romantic Dinner,

Great Valentine's Day Gifts & Songs

Content for singles: Going Solo, Love Horoscopes, Great Valentine's

Day Gifts and Great Songs for Single Girls

* Wendy Bolton Floyd & Judy Floyd, authors of When Did You Know ... He

Was Not the One? are write "Go Solo on Valentine's Day: Five Fun

Ideas"

LMNtv.com "Foolish Hearts":

* Wendy Bolton Floyd & Judy Floyd write "Five Ways to Survive a

Breakup"

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 (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

Web site: http://www.lifetimetv.com/
http://www.lmntv.com/

 

 

From Universal Studios Home Entertainment Four Academy Award(R) Favorites Launch New DVD Series Featuring Some of the Most Influential and Honored Films in Hollywood History: Universal Cinema Classics - Wave 1

'All Quiet on The Western Front,' 'Going My Way,' 'The Heiress' and 'Arabian Nights,' Each Digitally Remastered for DVD, Are Available February 6, 2007 From Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Universal Cinema Classics brings Universal Studios' library of classic titles to DVD on February 6, 2007 in a very special series from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. A new series of top-notch, must-own DVDs for every film collector and classic movie buff, the Universal Cinema Classics line launches with an array of Oscar(R)-worthy films featuring "All Quiet on the Western Front," "Arabian Nights," "Going My Way" and "The Heiress." Four of the most honored films in Hollywood history, these selections earned a combined 26 Academy Award(R) nominations and 12 Academy Awards(R). Screen legends including Bing Crosby, Olivia de Havilland, Montgomery Clift, Barry Fitzgerald, Maria Montez and Lew Ayres star in the first wave of a series that takes viewers from a magic carpet ride over ancient Baghdad to a Washington Square mansion, an inner city church and a barren battleground with acclaimed performances, songs and scripts.

Universal Cinema Classics will showcase some of the finest films in the Universal archives, many for the first time on DVD. All four films have been digitally remastered for optimum picture quality and include exclusive introductions by Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne. Just in time for Oscar season, each DVD is priced at $14.98 SRP.

SYNOPSES

"All Quiet on the Western Front"

Relive the drama, conflict and power of one of the most influential anti-war films ever made -- "All Quiet on the Western Front." Universal's first Best Picture Academy Award(R)-winner is now available in its original glory with a digitally remastered picture restored by the Library of Congress. Follow a group of idealistic young men as they join the German Army during World War I and are assigned to the Western Front, where their patriotism is destroyed by the harsh realities of combat. The hard-hitting, timeless masterpiece returns with stunning visual enhancement to its deserving place in film history! "****! Time hasn't dimmed its power, or poignancy, one bit." (Leonard Maltin)

"Arabian Nights" -- FIRST TIME EVER ON DVD!

Prepare for every wish to be answered in the dazzling film spectacular "Arabian Nights!" See the passionate romance, lavish riches and exotic splendor of this classic fable that was "beautifully mounted in Technicolor" (Leonard Maltin), nominated for four Academy Awards and is now magically brought to life with a digitally remastered picture. Jon Hall, Maria Montez and Sabu star in this lush epic story of two half brothers who battle each other for the power of the throne and the love of a sensual, gorgeous dancing girl, Scheherazade. It's a thrilling adventure you can't afford to miss!

"Going My Way"

Winner of seven Academy Awards(R) including Best Picture and Best Director, the unforgettable classic "Going My Way" lights up the screen as it warms the heart. Best Actor winner Bing Crosby shines as Father O'Malley, a young priest new to an established but financially failing parish. When his philosophies conflict with those of curmudgeonly Father Fitzgibbon (Best Supporting Actor winner Barry Fitzgerald), the result is a timeless story of patience, compromise and -- just maybe -- understanding. Featuring an all-new digitally remastered picture and filled with mesmerizing music including the Academy Award(R)-winning song "Swinging on a Star," "Going My Way" exemplifies the silver screen at its golden best! "****! Hard to resist!" (Leonard Maltin)

"The Heiress" -- FIRST TIME EVER ON DVD!

Academy Award(R) winner Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift light up the screen in this spellbinding, landmark drama. De Havilland is Catherine Sloper, an aristocratic young woman living under the scrutiny of her malevolent father. When a handsome but penniless suitor proposes, her father believes he could only be after her vast estate and threatens disinheritance. Can she be rich in love and money? Based on the stage version of Henry James' renowned novel Washington Square, this is the "****" (Leonard Maltin) winner of four Academy Awards(R), featuring an all-new, digitally remastered picture. A masterpiece of love, deception and betrayal, "The Heiress" remains a shining example of a true cinematic achievement!

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

DVD

"All Quiet on the Western Front"

Street Date: February 6, 2007

Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Price: $14.98 SRP

Selection Number: 61032368

Running Time: 2 Hours, 12 Minutes

Layers: DVD-9 (Single Sided)

Aspect Ratio: Full Frame (1.33:1)

Rating: NR

Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono, English SDH, French

Subtitles

"Arabian Nights"

Street Date: February 6, 2007

Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Price: $14.98 SRP

Selection Number: 61024197

Running Time: 1 Hour, 27 Minutes

Layers: DVD-5 (Single Sided)

Aspect Ratio: Full Frame (1.33:1)

Rating: NR

Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono, English SDH, French

Subtitles

"Going My Way"

Street Date: February 6, 2007

Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Price: $14.98 SRP

Selection Number: 61032369

Running Time: 2 Hours, 6 Minutes

Layers: DVD-9 (Single Sided)

Aspect Ratio: Full Frame (1.33:1)

Rating: NR

Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono, English SDH, French

Subtitles

"The Heiress"

Street Date: February 6, 2007

Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Price: $14.98 SRP

Selection Number: 61032367

Running Time: 1 Hour, 56 Minutes

Layers: DVD-9 (Single Sided)

Aspect Ratio: Full Frame (1.33:1)

Rating: NR

Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono, English SDH, French

Subtitles

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.

 

Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment

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

 

Jan 29

 Oklahoman wins Miss America crown

Lauren Nelson, an aspiring Broadway star, was crowned Miss America on Monday night, the second year in a row that a Miss Oklahoma has won the crown.

Nelson, 20, of Lawton, Okla., is a student at the University of Central Oklahoma and wants to get her master's degree in musical theater.

Shilah Phillips, the first black Miss Texas, was first runner-up, and Miss Georgia, Amanda Kozak, was second runner-up. Viewers voted Miss Alabama, Melinda Toole, as Miss Congeniality.

Nelson was crowned by last year's winner, Jennifer Berry. Nelson, a blonde who told judges she wishes she was taller, sang "You'll Be In My Heart" in the talent competition and plans to promote protecting children online during her yearlong reign as Miss America.

She gets a $50,000 scholarship with the crown and stands to make thousands more in appearance fees.

The pageant tossed in a few reality-TV twists on the way toward selecting its ideal woman in a new time slot on the Las Vegas Strip.

Mario Lopez, of "Dancing with the Stars" and "Saved by the Bell," hosted the show, its second year at the Aladdin Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The pageant moved from Atlantic City, N.J., last year in an attempt breathe new life into an institution that had fallen far from the forefront of American pop culture.

After a long reign as a cultural icon, Miss America's ratings have plummeted, and sexier reality shows have eclipsed her girl-next-door appeal. The addition of pop quizzes and casual-wear contests couldn't save the pageant from losing its network TV contract in 2004.

MTV-Networks' CMT picked it up in 2005 and has been attempting to restore the old girl to her former glory. It stripped the pageant of the failed gimmicks, and for the first time in decades brought back Miss Congeniality.

The 2006 live crowning of Berry attracted less than a third of the viewers it had the year before, but was replayed 20 times on CMT and its sister-network VH1 for a total of 36 million viewers.

With a year to market its new product, CMT came back with its own set of gimmicks — a Bert Parks ringtone, a $1 million giveaway for picking the winner and a reality-TV special intended to help viewers connect with the contestants in the days before the crowning.

CMT, which reaches 83 million households, hoped the Monday-night airing would attract a broader, younger audience — the sort of viewers whose devotion first catapulted the beauty queen to prominence.

 

'Dreamgirls' Leads 79th Academy Awards Pack With Eight Nominations Including Three In Best Original Song Category

America's #1 Album & #1 Soundtrack, 'Dreamgirls - Music From the Motion Picture,' on Music World /Columbia/Sony Music Soundtrax, Is First Movie Musical Soundtrack to Hit #1 on Billboard Top 200 Since 1978's 'Grease'

 "Dreamgirls," the acclaimed DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures film directed by Bill Condon, leads the pack for the 79th Academy Awards with a total of eight nominations including a phenomenal three in a single category: Best Original Song.

  Oscar nominations for "Dreamgirls" include:    Best Original Song:   
"Listen" from "Dreamgirls" - Henry Krieger, Scott Cutler and Anne Preven   
"Love You I Do," from "Dreamgirls" - Henry Krieger and Siedah Garrett   
"Patience" from "Dreamgirls" - Henry Krieger and Willie Reale    
Best Supporting Actor: Eddie Murphy in "Dreamgirls"   
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson in "Dreamgirls" 

Best Art Direction: "Dreamgirls" - Art Direction: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh

Best Sound Mixing: "Dreamgirls" - "Dreamgirls" - Michael Minkler, Bob Beemer and Willie Burton

Best Costume Design: "Dreamgirls" - Sharen Davis

The 79th Academy Awards ceremony will be broadcast live on February 25, 2007 at 5 p.m. (Pacific)/8 p.m. (Eastern) on ABC (check your local listings).

"Dreamgirls," the movie version of the 1981 Grammy and Tony-winning Broadway musical, took home three Golden Globes this year including Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy; Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Hudson) and Best Supporting Actor (Eddie Murphy).

DREAMGIRLS - Music From the Motion Picture, the official soundtrack album from the heralded Dreamworks and Paramount Pictures film, reached #1 for two weeks running on the Billboard Top 200 becoming the first soundtrack from a movie musical to hit the top slot since Paramount's "Grease" in 1978.

Beyonce's "Listen," the first single from DREAMGIRLS - Music From the Motion Picture, was co-written by Beyonce with "Dreamgirls" composer Henry Krieger, Anne Preven and Scott Cutler and is one of four original songs on the soundtrack not featured in the original Broadway production. "Listen" won the prestigious Broadcast Film Critics Association award for Best Song while DREAMGIRLS - Music From the Motion Picture took home the BFCA trophy for Best Soundtrack. The film also took home BFCA and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) honors for Best Supporting Actor (Eddie Murphy) and Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Hudson).

"Music World was always excited about being involved in the 'Dreamgirls' soundtrack. When we signed on, we knew there was something very special about the music and the motion picture. There was also a certain magic with the ensemble cast of multi-talented actors/singers and being involved with the music was an incredible experience. I am excited to see history being made and to see everyone being recognized for all their hard work," says Mathew Knowles, President and CEO of Music World Entertainment.

The smash soundtrack album features an incredible line-up of award-caliber performances from Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Anika Noni Rose and breakout star Jennifer Hudson.

Columbia Records

One of the oldest and most respected record labels in the world, Columbia Records traces its origins back to the late 1880s. The Columbia Records roster has boasted such superstars as Marc Anthony, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Cypress Hill, Miles Davis, Destiny's Child, Dixie Chicks, Bob Dylan, Duke Ellington, the Fugees, Jagged Edge, Ricky Martin, John Mayer, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Train, Pete Yorn, and many more.

Music World Entertainment

Music World Entertainment (MWE) is one of the world's leading entertainment and music conglomerates dedicated to bringing quality entertainment to the world. MWE worldwide business includes record labels, artist and producer management, staff producers, artist development, Master catalog series, investment and property holdings, including offices in Houston, Los Angeles, and New York with a London office opening in January 2007. MWE is the brainchild of President and CEO Mathew Knowles, the powerhouse management behind the success of Grammy Award-winners Beyonce and global phenomenon Destiny's Child, the most successful "girl group" in the history of pop music.

Music World is one of the most successful labels in the world with over 100 million records sold to date including releases by Destiny's Child, Beyonce, Solange Knowles, Michelle Williams, the "Dreamgirls," "Roll Bounce," and "Kids Rap Radio" soundtracks and the highly anticipated upcoming Music World Master Series releases.

   http://www.dreamgirlsmovie.com/   http://www.columbiarecords.com/   http://www.musicworldent.com/  

Source: Music World/Columbia/Sony Music Soundtrax

 

Kathy Griffin to Host 2007 GAYVN Awards Show

Multi-Faceted Performer, Star of Bravo Cable Network's Reality Series,"My Life on the D List," to Spice Up Top Awards Show for Gay Community

Comic Kathy Griffin, star of Bravo Cable Network's reality show, "My Life on the D-List," will host the gay adult entertainment industry's biggest night of the year, the GAYVN Awards 2007 ceremony, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007, at the landmark Castro Theater, 429 Castro St. in San Francisco.

Operated by AVN Media Network, the GAYVN Awards Show, a notoriously hilarious event which recognizes movies, talent and individuals who've contributed to the advancement of the gay entertainment industry, is considered the highlight of the gay community year. The event will start with a pre-show reception at The Café, 2367 Market St., just around the corner from the theater.

 

A stand-up comedienne, Griffin is best known for her four-year stint on the NBC sitcom, "Suddenly Susan" as Vickie Groener, Brooke Shields' acerbic colleague. She has supplied voices in several animated series including "Dilbert" and "The Simpsons" and had a dual role on the "X Files" TV series. Her Bravo reality show, "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List," was renewed for a third season. The all-new eclectic mix of adventures chronicling Kathy's latest indignities will unfold over six unscripted episodes Tuesdays at 9 p.m.

"I'm thrilled that 'My gays' have asked me to join them for their big event," Griffin, known for her quick humor, said. "I can't wait to skewer my favorites."

Excerpts from the show will be used as part of Kathy's show on Bravo Television Network.

"Kathy is going to make the 2007 GAYVN Awards Show more fun than ever," Chad Beecher, Vice President, AVN Business Relations, says. "Sarcastic comments just tumble off her lips. She'll have us rolling in the aisles."

The GAYVN Awards, the most respected and recognized awards in the gay adult entertainment industry, honor outstanding movies and the talented individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the gay adult entertainment industry. Sponsors include ASACP, CommerceGate, Cybersocket, Epoch, GayImLive, GayHotMovies, Maleflixxx, ManShop, Nakedsword, Rentboy and VideoSecrets.

AVN Media Network, the leading adult entertainment media company, publishes the most widely read industry trade journals and operates avn.com.

 

 

Jay Matthews unveils plans for All-Star 2007 Vegas Weekend!

The events

will be held at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Friday February 16th through

Sunday, February 18th 2007, consisting of a spectacular series of A-list

celebrity events and hosted by NBA Superstar Allen Iverson, including:

* Bigger Than Life Model of Excellence Awards - Tribute to Bob Johnson

(Invitation Only)

* "Street Ball on The Strip" Basketball Game with The Source Magazine

Soundstage

* Allen Iverson and Friends Party, Caesars Palace

 

Friday February 16, 2007

- Bigger Than Life Model of Excellence Awards at Caesars Palace

(Invitation Only):

6:00pm - Midnight

Red Carpet 6:30-7:30pm

Award Presentation: 8:30pm-10:00pm

Honoring Bob Johnson (BET Founder/1st black NBA team owner, Charlotte

Bobcats), Legendary Boxing Promoter Don King, retired Pro-Tennis player

Andre Agassi and Willie Gary, "The Giant Killer" Attorney at Law.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

-Street Ball on The Strip Basketball Game at Caesars Palace

11:00am - 3:00pm THE MAIN EVENT

3:00pm - 6:00pm Hip Hop 101 The Source Soundstage

You've seen them on ESPN2, Ball For Life players (AND 1 mix tour -- Baby

Shaq, Main Event, Escalade, The Air Up There, The Professor, The Dribbling

Machine, 1/2 Man 1/2 Amazing, Killa Kirb, Special FX, Silk, 50 and Go

Get It) -vs.- Pro Football All-Stars (Randy Moss, Plaxico Burress, Julius

Peppers, Samari Rolle, Carlos Dansby, Antonio Gates, Gilbril Wilson,

others). Followed by post game Hip Hop 101 The Source Soundstage mini-

concert, featuring Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, Dana Dane, Nice & Smooth,

Grand Puba, Dres (of Black Sheep) and Joe Ski Love.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

-The Official Allen Iverson and Friends Party at Caesars Palace

10:00pm - 3:00am

The hottest Saturday night party of the weekend will feature a live

concert featuring R&B sensation Sisqo performing songs from his highly

anticipated album due to drop on February 20th with Hosts Allen Iverson

(Denver Nuggets) and Ed Lover (Power 105 NYC). Music by DJ Biz MARKIE,

this event is guaranteed to be filled with host of Celebrity Guests &

VIP's and is only for the grown and sexy!

ALL EVENTS ARE 21 AND OVER

Tickets on Sale NOW!: www.allstar2007vegas.com

Corporate Sponsorships contact:

 Troy@MEGAManagementInc.com


troy@megamanagementinc.com

Web site: http://www.allstar2007vegas.com/

 

Norah Jones' "Not Too Late" Becomes Most Pre-Ordered Album of All Time on Amazon.com

Enormous Fan Support Pushes Jones To The Top Of The All-Time List

--Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced that Norah Jones' third album, "Not Too Late" has become the most pre-ordered album of all time on Amazon.com, marking the second time she has graced the online retailer's top 10 pre-order list. "Not Too Late" will be released on January 30, 2007 and is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) for $9.99 -- a savings of 47 percent.

Earlier this year, Amazon.com began offering the critically acclaimed singer's throng of fans an exclusive first listen to her third studio album "Not Too Late," with a never-before-seen performance of "Rosie's Lullaby." Fans can still watch this exclusive video performance and pre-order "Not Too Late" by visiting http://www.amazon.com/norah.

There has been enormous excitement surrounding Norah Jones' upcoming album. "Our customers watched the Amazon.com exclusive footage on Norah Jones singing 'Rosie's Lullaby' in record numbers, and they clearly liked what they heard, making it the largest pre-ordered album in Amazon history," said Peter Faricy, vice president of music at Amazon.com.

Other top 10 pre-ordered albums on Amazon.com include (in no order): Jones' second album "Feels Like Home"; "Taking The Long Way" by Dixie Chicks; "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" and "The Best of 1990-2000" by U2; "Bridge Over Troubled Water/This Is The Night" and "Measure of a Man" by Clay Aiken; "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" by The Beatles; and "Awake" by Josh Groban.

"Amazon.com continues to be one of our top retailers for Norah Jones' work," said Saul Shapiro, senior vice president of sales, Blue Note Label Group. "We were very pleased that Amazon's customers were so enthusiastic once again about Norah's unique, intimate sound."

About Amazon.com

Amazon.com, Inc., (Nasdaq: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as health and personal care, jewelry and watches, gourmet food, sports and outdoors, apparel and accessories, books, music, DVDs, electronics and office, toys and baby, and home and garden.

Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, and www.joyo.com.

As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Forward Looking Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to competition, management of growth, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfillment center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, significant amount of indebtedness, inventory, limited operating history, government regulation and taxation, payments, fraud, consumer trends, and new business areas. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, and all subsequent filings.

 

 

an 28

VIN SCULLY, ED ARNOLD TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BROADCASTERS

(Los Angeles)-Sportscasting legend Vin Scully and longtime sportscaster and newscaster Ed Arnold are being honored with the Radio & Television News Association of Southern California’s 2007 “Lifetime Achievement” awards.

Scully has been the voice of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers for more than half a century and is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame.

Among his many notable moments are calling Sandy Koufax’s perfect game in 1965 and the come-from-behind win of the Dodgers in the first game of the 1988 World Series, through Kirk Gibson’s dramatic ninth-inning home run.

Arnold is a Golden Mike Award winning radio, television news, and sports anchor. His more than 50 years on the air include long stints at KABC-TV and KTLA in Los Angeles. He’s currently anchor of Real Orange, the Orange County news and public affairs show on KOCE-TV.

The Radio & Television News Association (RTNA) is a non-profit organization representing broadcast newsrooms in Southern California for more than half a century.

RTNA President Steve Kindred announced Scully and Arnold will be honored during the organization’s 57th Golden Mike Awards banquet on January 27th, 2007 at the Universal Hilton Hotel in Universal City. The Golden Mike Awards pay tribute to the best in local broadcast journalism––from Bakersfield to San Diego––for the last year.

USA Film Festival Hosts Dallas' Official Oscar Night(R) America Party

The prestige and glamour of Hollywood is coming to Dallas on Oscar Night. Residents of Dallas can experience the excitement of the 79th Annual Academy Awards® Presentation on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at Dallas' own Academy-sanctioned Oscar Night® America party, hosted by the USA Film Festival. The Dallas party is one of 49 official parties, sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, that will be held across the country on Oscar Night.

Presented by and benefiting the year-round programs of the USA Film Festival, the Dallas Oscar Night celebration will be held at the newly renovated Studio Movie Grill, 5405 Beltline Road at Prestonwood Drive in Dallas. The red carpet arrivals pre-show will start at 7:00pm CST, and the telecast will begin at 7:30pm CST. Doors will open at 6:00pm.

Tickets are: $75, $50, and $35 (light buffet dinner included). To purchase tickets, call the USA Film Festival office at 214-821-6300.

Dallas Oscar Night partygoers will watch the Academy Awards telecast on a large theater-size screen, courtesy of WFAA Channel 8, the Dallas affiliate of the ABC Television Network, which broadcasts the Academy Awards® presentation. ABC and the Academy are cooperating for the 14th year with local charities to support official Oscar Night viewing parties throughout the country. This year marks the 14th year that Dallas' party has been officially sanctioned by the Academy.

"Oscar Night America offers a taste of the Academy Awards show to communities across the country, many of which are happy not only to share in the glamour, but to support a good cause," said Academy Executive Director Bruce Davis. "Oscar Night America enables the public to participate on a local level, where the festivities and fundraising can yield the greatest benefit."

Official Oscar Night parties last year raised over $2.5 million for local charities in 47 cities. All money raised stays in the community.

The Academy will make available to party guests in Dallas the same official Program distributed to guests seated at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland® in Hollywood, California. Copies of the 79th Academy Awards commemorative poster will also be distributed at the Dallas event.

The Dallas Oscar Night celebration will include a complimentary light buffet, live auction, and door-prize chance drawings throughout the evening for donated prizes including:

-- Artwork -- DVDs of top movies and programs -- Home furnishings -- Spa certificates -- Autographed memorabilia -- Dinners, tickets to movies, sporting events and more!

"Oscar Night generates excitement all over the world," said Suzanne Collins, USA Film Festival Board of Directors member and co-chair for the Dallas event. "With the Academy's help, our guests will feel that they are on the A-list."

"We had an incredibly enthusiastic turnout last year and, as an organization dedicated to the acknowledgment of film, we are so thankful for the support that the Dallas community has given us through this event," said USA Film Festival Board of Directors member and event co-chair Kristin Carter Schor. "We hope to raise even more money for the USA Film Festival this year."

Major sponsors for the Dallas Oscar Party include Blockbuster Inc., Studio Movie Grill, Hawkeye/FFWD, American Airlines.

The USA Film Festival is a Dallas-based 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the encouragement and recognition of excellence in the film and video arts. Proceeds from the event will benefit the year-round programs and operation of the USA Film Festival. For more information regarding purchasing tickets to Oscar Night® America Dallas, contact the USA Film Festival at 214-821-6300.

Jan 27

Miss Hawaii Pilialoha Gaison and Miss Nebraska Molly McGrath were the winners in the second night of preliminary competition for the 2007 Miss America Pageant.

The televised finals and crowning of Miss America will be Monday at the Aladdin Resort & Casino.

On Friday, Gaison, 23, of Kaneohe, won a $2,000 scholarship and the crowd's cheers with a high-energy Tahitian dance in the talent competition. She is a business management major at Hawaii Pacific University, and wants to be an entrepreneur in the resort industry.

McGrath, 23, is a graduate of New York University pursing her master's degree in economics at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. Her walk across the stage in a pink ruffled bikini won her a $1,000 scholarship in the swimsuit contest.

In preliminaries, the 52 women seeking the crown compete on three consecutive nights, their cumulative scores determining who makes the top 10 on Monday. The preliminary scores account for 30 percent of their totals.

The shows also serve as a sort of dress rehearsal for the Monday pageant, which will be telecast by cable network Country Music Television starting at 8 p.m. EST.

Friday's preliminary winners joined Miss Texas Shilah Phillips and Miss Oklahoma Lauren Nelson, who won in talent and swimsuit Thursday.

The pageant's Monday night time slot is a break from tradition. CMT took the pageant off Saturday night in search of a bigger audience.

__

On the Net:

Miss America Organization http://www.missamerica.org

 

Jan 26

M2B WORLD DEBUTS “THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER TV 80”

VIGNETTE SERIES

“The Hollywood Reporter TV 80” vignette series to launch in February; M2B expands U.S. Headquarters to better service advertisers and subscribers.

Hollywood, CA – January 26, 2007 – M2B World Inc. (“M2B

World”), U.S. subsidiary of Amaru, Inc. (AMRU), has partnered with The Hollywood Reporter to launch “The Hollywood Reporter TV 80” vignette series for distribution on Internet and broadband platforms.

The 80-second vignettes will offer viewers up-to-the-minute news on the business of entertainment, Hollywood celebrities, movie premieres, box office results and other trends in show business, drawing on the editorial resources of the industry’s oldest daily entertainment newspaper. The series debuts February 2007 and will be available 24/7 and updated three times a week.

M2B World Inc. and “Hollywood Reporter TV 80” executive producers Ettore Botta and Brooks Parsons previewed the vignettes on Wednesday - Jan 24th - during a party to inaugurate M2B World’s newly expanded headquarters on Sunset Boulevard.

This expanded headquarters will enable M2B to continue servicing its advertisers and subscribers with the utmost in quality programming and broadband technology. With over 3,200-square feet, M2B has created a M2Btv Showroom of style and sophistication, with classic film posters, plush seating, and hi-tech plasma screens and PONY boxes constantly displaying all that M2B has to offer. In addition, M2B has added an in-house calling center to better service its expanding subscriber base, as well as a Graphic Design Department and Video Editing Suite (complete with its own in-house servers) to provide advertisers with an attractive “one-stop shop” appeal.

M2Btv and PONY, recognized as the “ultimate lifestyle choice,” is the first-of-its-kind. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this Broadband TV service enables subscribers to access over 50 channels of video on-demand programming, along with other unique features available through the PONY, including:

.. “Face2Face” - user-friendly Video Conferencing at no extra

charge;

.. “Video Mail” - live video recording of a subscriber’s message;

.. “Shopping” – online shopping services;

.. “Travel” – online travel guides and booking services;

.. “Internet” – the expected standard for Internet browsing;

.. “Karaoke” – on demand instrumental music; and

.. “Games” – casual interactive games including Suduko

Rebecca Binny, General Manager of M2B World, Inc., affirms “Hollywood is internationally renowned as the entertainment epicenter of the world, and M2B is proud to further feature the best in entertainment coverage, namely ‘The Hollywood Reporter TV 80’ Vignette Series. M2B has created a reputation for providing what the public wants every single day, and PONY subscribers can now share in the glitz and glamour of their favorite stars every single day, easily pairing that ‘ultimate lifestyle’ with their ‘ultimate lifestyle choice.’”

M2B World has established its competitive edge by offering access to an expansive range of content libraries for aggregation, distribution and syndication on Broadband and other media; including rights for merchandising, product branding, promotion and publicity. Its content covers diverse genres such as movies, dramas, comedies, documentaries, music, fashion, lifestyle, edutainment, and more. Its parent company, Amaru, Inc., a Nevada corporation, is a leader in the Broadband Media Entertainment business, and a major provider of interactive Entertainment-on-demand, Education-on-demand and e-commerce streaming over Broadband channels, Internet portals, and 3G devices, with over 100 channels designed to cater to various consumer segments and lifestyles.

About Amaru Inc. (AMRU) and M2B

Amaru, Inc., a Nevada corporation, through its subsidiaries under the M2B brand, is a leader in the Broadband Media Entertainment business, and a major provider of interactive Entertainment-on-demand, Education-on-demand and e-commerce streaming over Broadband channels, Internet portals, and 3G devices. To date, the Company has launched multiple Broadband TV websites for Hollywood and Asian entertainment, education and online shopping, with over 100 channels designed to cater to various consumer segments and lifestyles. Its content covers diverse genres such as movies, dramas, comedies, documentaries, music, fashion, lifestyle, edutainment, and more. The M2B brand has established its competitive edge by offering access to an expansive range of content libraries for aggregation, distribution and syndication on Broadband and other media; including rights for merchandising, product branding, promotion and publicity.

Globally, Amaru Inc and M2B are expanding through several integrated companies including:

1 M2B World Inc – leads the US market and is based in Hollywood, CA.

2 M2B World Pte Ltd – directs the Asian markets through its Singapore office and representative office

in Shanghai, China

3 M2B Australia Pty Ltd – oversees Oceania markets

4 M2B Entertainment Inc. – oversees Canadian market

5 M2B Commerce Limited – focuses on e-commerce and e-trading

6 M2B World Travel Limited - offers e-travel services

7 M2B Game World Pte Ltd – develops online gaming platforms and content

8 M2B Commerce Ltd (Cambodia) – oversees Cambodian market

9 Amaru Holdings – drives content syndication and distribution

M2B offers consumers personalized entertainment through its wide range of broadband streaming channels available at www.m2bworld.com.

Safe Harbor Act

The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. For full statement, please refer to www.M2BWorld.com

About Hollywood Reporter

The Hollywood Reporter is the entertainment industry’s top news-gathering and publishing organization and a must-read for entertainment’s most powerful, influential people. The Hollywood Reporter, a unit of Nielsen Business Media, is online at www.hollywoodreporter.com and through its digital publications, THR

East and The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ.

America's Beloved Prehistoric Pals Return in an All-New Dino-Mite Adventure 'The Land Before Time(R): The Great Day of the Flyers'

The Newest Feature-Length Adventure in the Billion Dollar Franchise Available Exclusively on DVD February 27, 2007 From Universal Studios Home Entertainment

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Jan. 26 The #1 best-selling animated feature-length made-for-DVD series(1) of all time and one of today's most beloved and successful family franchises takes flight in an all-new, exciting adventure on February 27, 2007 -- "The Land Before Time(R): The Great Day of the Flyers" from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. A festive celebration of the magic of friendship and loyalty, "The Land Before Time(R): The Great Day of the Flyers" stars everyone's favorite quintet of prehistoric pals as well as a charming newcomer to the Great Valley. This brand new adventure features the brilliant animation fans have come to expect from "The Land Before Time(R)" series and is filled with plenty of laughter, music and fun that continue to delight families. This brand new adventure is the latest in the hugely popular franchise expands this year with an all-new TV series on the Cartoon Network reaching a potential audience of 88 million households five days a week. "The Land Before Time(R): The Great Day of Flyers" is available for $19.98 S.R.P.

Recognized by an impressive 95% of moms(2), Littlefoot, Cera, Spike, Petrie and Ducky are back in with a new friend. The tiny dinos must help newcomer Guido figure out exactly what sort of dinosaur he is. In addition, independent, free-spirited Petrie needs the support of his best friends as he prepares for the biggest day of his life -- the Day of the Flyers!

CRITICS LOVE THE LIL' DINOS

Long hailed as endearing family entertainment coupled with gentle messages about life's lessons, Bruce Kluger of Parenting Magazine calls "The Land Before Time(R): The Great Day of the Flyers," "Charming and fun and dino-liciously darling!" Francine Brokaw of Los Angeles Family Magazine writes, "It's a high dino-soaring adventure that will delight the entire family."

A TREASURE TROVE OF INTERACTIVE BONUSES

"The Land Before Time(R): The Great Day of the Flyers" is packed with more than 90 minutes of bonus features, games and activities that will keep kids enthralled, including:

* Petrie and Guido's Flying Game -- Help Guido keep up with Petrie's master flying moves! * Guido's Sleepwalking Adventure -- It's up to you to guide sleepwalking Guido safely home! * Sing-Along Songs -- 3 All-New songs with sing-along feature! * Dino-Mite Read-Along -- Follow the story from Petrie's point of view, reading along on screen as you view stills from the movie. * PLUS enough interactive coloring pages, wallpapers and printable activities to keep kids happily entertained for hours. SYNOPSIS

Fun takes flight with prehistoric pals Littlefoot, Cera, Petrie, Spike and Ducky in this all-new soaring adventure Parenting Magazine calls "Charming and fun and dino-liciously darling!" "The Day of the Flyers," an important event for the flyers in the Great Valley, is approaching, and free-style Petrie is having trouble flying in formation with his siblings. His friends try to help him, but a "fuzzy" newcomer named Guido gives the most helpful advice -- that it's always best to just "be yourself." No one has ever seen anyone else like Guido, and when the gang tries to figure out what kind of dinosaur he is, their questions lead them on a thrilling journey to the Mysterious Beyond.

Featuring the voice talent of Camryn Manheim and unforgettable new songs, "The Great Day of the Flyers" is a delightful story of friendship and loyalty that your family will cherish for years to come!

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD Street Date: February 27, 2007 Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Price: $19.98 SRP Selection Number: 63029642 Running Time: 1 Hr. 21 Mins. Layers: DVD-9 Aspect Ratio: Full Frame 1.33:1 Rating: Not Rated Technical Info: - English, Spanish and French Dolby Digital 5.1 - English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles

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 and 20% owned by Vivendi.

(1) #1 Best-selling feature-length, animated DTV Franchise, AC Nielsen (2) Market Evaluations, INC.

Tyler Perry Honored at CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL '07 Premiering This Sunday, January 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET

Quincy Jones, Fantasia, Blair Underwood, Gabrielle Union, Loretta Devine, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Malinda Williams, Juanita Bynum, Lou Gossett, Jr. and Host Steve Harvey Among Those Appearing on Telecast

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 26 With spiritually uplifting performances by some of the biggest names in gospel and mainstream music, a heartfelt tribute to Tyler Perry, and a powerful new element of spoken word, BET's CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL '07 will have viewers 'shouting' in their living rooms! Gospel and R&B stars and Hollywood's finest are brought together for this inspirational affair which premieres on BET Sunday, January 28 from 8-10 p.m. ET/PT.

Hosted again by veteran comedian/actor and popular syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey, this highly anticipated annual praise-fest kicked off with a star-studded red carpet arrivals event, followed by a show-stopping opening performance of "Jesus Can Fix It" by Yolanda Adams and Pastor Shirley Caesar. CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL '07 is a hand-clapping, foot-stomping two-hour revival, filled with rousing performances by Fantasia, Loretta Devine, Smokie Norful, Juanita Bynum, Tye Tribbett, Kelly Price, Fred Hammond, The Caravans, Dr. Bobby Jones, Lil Mo, Kiki Sheard and Coko along with others who hit the stage in front of the standing-room only crowd.

"Every year BET is proud to celebrate Black History Month with one of the foundations of the African-American experience, gospel music," said Reginald Hudlin, BET President of Entertainment. "From The Caravans to Tye Tribbett, the full range of our spiritual expression is represented."

Show highlights include a special segment honoring writer, producer, director, and actor extraordinaire, Tyler Perry for embodying the theme of this year's show, "Taking You Higher." Quincy Jones, Gabrielle Union, Lou Gossett, Jr., Blair Underwood, Yolanda Adams, producer Reuben Cannon and Keke Palmer all took part in the emotional tribute recognizing Perry's body of work and his successful approach to making gospel-themed urban theatre accessible to the masses.

"It's really an amazing thing for me to be honored by BET at Celebration of Gospel because gospel music is our heritage and so much a part of what I'm about," said Perry in a backstage interview with press gathered to cover the taping. "So, to have BET honor me within a gospel celebration was an amazing thing. It was very moving and very personal to me, and I thank God for it."

Celebrities such as Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews (Everybody Hates Chris), Ananda Lewis, Kym Whitley (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Reno 911), Sherri Shepherd (Less Than Perfect, Beauty Shop), casting director Robi Reed, and stars from Tyler's upcoming film "Daddy's Little Girls" Tasha Smith and Denise Boutte, joined the "congregation" which transformed L.A.'s historic Orpheum Theatre into a rollicking church sanctuary as soon as the 20-piece orchestra struck up the opening number led by world-renowned musical director Ray Chew.

The momentum continued building all evening long and other rousing performances, including a Bob Hope-inspired duet with Dr. Bobby Jones and Steve Harvey to old-school spiritual "Give Me That Old Time Religion" got the crowd feeling the spirit. Spoken word presentations featuring Bible verses by Blair Underwood, Malinda Williams and Derek Luke added additional anointing to the evening, and Kirk Franklin and Tye Tribbett ended the night with a soul- stirring performance of "Could Have Been Me."

Viewers can catch their favorite moments during encore airings on Tuesday, January 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT; Saturday, February 3 at 8 p.m. ET/PT; Wednesday, February 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 84 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, a leading internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET Digital Networks -- BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, a service venture into the lucrative world of ring tones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, an extension of BET network programming for global distribution

Lay's Potato Chips Breathes New Life Into Classic Candyskins Single, "Feed It" With "Sunflower" Television Spots

January 26, 2007 -- Ten years after its initial run on the alternative rock charts, the Britpop nugget "Feed It" has become a hit all over again -- thanks to potato chips, television and digital music stores.

The single, "Feed It" from the U.K.'s legendary Candyskins is being heard heavily in the "Sunflower" television ads for Lay's Potato Chips. The spots mix the iconic Lay's logo with bright yellow sunflower imagery and fun-filled, sun-soaked outdoor scenes. Much of the message is conveyed by type, not voice over, while the song plays in the foreground from beginning to end of the spot.

With the "Sunflower" TV campaign, Lay's is announcing the nationwide launch of its new, more health-friendly snacks that use 100% Sunflower oil to cut saturated fats by more than half. The spots have been widely played in prime network programming since the end of '06, including virtually all of the major college bowl games and the NFL playoffs.

The television spots can now be seen on Lay's website at http://www.lays.com/#Ads and the original music video can be seen at http://music.yahoo.com/video/default.asp?vid=2150336 and at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPjVhsGpEhU

"Feed It" and other Candyskins songs can be found exclusively in digital music stores including iTunes, EMusic, Rhapsody, Yahoo! Music, MTV's URGE, Microsoft's ZUNE, Napster, Sony Connect and other digital music stores.

The Candyskins came from the same Oxford, England scene that also spawned pop supergroup Radiohead. The group released four albums in the 90s, culminating with 1997's "Death of a Minor Celebrity" on Velvel Records. "Feed It" was the first hit single from the album, and also became a popular music video on the alternative rock and Britpop scenes.

"Feed It" also played a central role in the soundtrack to "Waterboy," Adam Sandler's 1998 movie smash, and since then the song has quietly become a favorite in the alternative rock underground.

Lay's Potato Chips are made by Frito-Lay North America, the $10 billion convenient foods division of PepsiCo, which is headquartered in Purchase, NY. In addition to Frito-Lay, PepsiCo divisions include Pepsi-Cola, Quaker Foods, Gatorade and Tropicana.

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 Kix Brooks Celebrates 1st Anniversary Hosting American Country Countdown

- Country Music's Longest Running Syndicated Countdown and Superstar Brooks Take Listeners Behind the Scenes in Nashville -

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 26 Kix Brooks has been making radio history again, but this time it's not for topping the Country charts as Brooks & Dunn with partner Ronnie Dunn. One year ago, Kix became the first Country Music Superstar to host a national radio show -- and of course, he chose the most famous program of all -- ABC Radio's American Country Countdown.

American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks is heard on over 250 stations nationwide and the show proudly airs on the American Forces Radio Network to U.S. troops and their families wherever they are stationed.

"Hosting ACC is completely different than what I'm used to doing, but I'd like to think that it's something I know a little bit about -- the music and the artists anyway," notes Brooks. "For the last twenty five years I've lived and died by this chart, first as a songwriter and now with Brooks & Dunn, and I know how these artists feel from week to week. I'm honestly interested in what they're up to and it's fun to share it with the fans, and amazingly, most of them are actually still talking to me," he adds with a grin. "There's also a lot of great music being made right now, and it's fun to be in the middle of it -- I'm having the time of my life!"

Stations were quick to embrace Kix's down-to-earth story telling and inside connections. "We have been with Kix since day one! ACC is one of the highest rated time slots on our station," said Mike O'Brian, KUSS San Diego. "He has such a natural ability! I don't think I have ever heard anyone tell a story like Kix. You feel like you're sitting around a campfire with him and a few of your friends. And the guests ... are you kidding?! Every week he has another superstar on the show and the big difference between ACC and other shows ... Kix is actually buddies with these guys ... and you know what? it shows!"

Kix attracts the best of Country artists to the show with guests such as George Strait, Rascal Flatts and Faith Hill to name a few. "He brings an incredible gift to Country fans in terms of familiarity with the Nashville scene but also his close personal relationships with the stars, and the music," said John McConnell, Sr. Vice President, ABC Radio Networks.

Kix Brooks, half of superstar duo Brooks & Dunn, together with partner Ronnie Dunn hosted the 2005 and 2006 CMA Awards. This year they brought home four more trophies, making them the winners of more CMA and ACM awards than any other duo in history.

About ABC Radio Networks

ABC Radio Networks has over 4,400 affiliate radio stations reaching nearly 105 million people age 12 and over each week. Programs and services include ABC News Radio, Paul Harvey News and Comment, The Sean Hannity Show, Satellite Sisters, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Doug Banks Morning Show, MoneyTalk with Bob Brinker, The Mark Levin Show, The Mark Davis Show, The Larry Elder Show, American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks, The Dan Patrick Show, The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Mike and Mike in the Morning, The Michael Baisden Show, Dick Bartley's Rock & Roll's Greatest Hits, Renan Almendarez Coello-El Cucuy de la Manana and El Vacilon de la Manana with Enrique Santos and Joe Ferrero, Daddy Yankee On Fuego Radio and ESPN Deportes Radio. Other ABC broadcast services include ABC Sports Radio, Radio Disney, syndicated music and talk programs including Flashback, format-specific ePREP and production libraries, ABC's Jack FM(TM) and nine other 24-Hour Formats, including Scott Shannon's True Oldies Channel and ESPN Radio, which is the exclusive network radio home of Major League Baseball, the NBA and the Bowl Championship Series.

SAG AWARDS LIVE

Jan 28

 

SCREEN ACTORS GUILD HONORS OUTSTANDING FILM AND TELEVISION PERFORMANCES IN
13 CATEGORIES AT THE 13th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS®


Los Angeles, California - Screen Actors Guild presented its coveted Actor® statuette for the outstanding motion picture and primetime television performances of 2006 at the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® in ceremonies attended by film and television’s leading actors, held Sunday, Jan. 28 at the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. The 13h Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® was simulcast by TNT and TBS at 8 p.m., ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT and 6 p.m. MT

The honorees were selected by the active Guild membership nationwide.

Julie Andrews was presented with Screen Actors Guild’s highest honor, the 43rd Annual Life Achievement Award by Dick Van Dyke following a filmed tribute introduced by Anne Hathaway.

Honored with individual awards were Jennifer Hudson, Helen Mirren, Eddie Murphy and Forest Whitaker for performances in motion pictures and Alec Baldwin, America Ferrera, Jeremy Irons, Hugh Laurie, Helen Mirren and Chandra Wilson for performances in television. Screen Actors Guild originated awards for the outstanding performances by a motion picture cast and by television comedy and drama ensembles. The Actor® for a motion picture cast performance went this year to Little Miss Sunshine and the Actors® for television comedy and drama ensemble performances went this year to The Office and Grey’s Anatomy.

Kiefer Sutherland introduced a cinematic salute to SAG members who are “Heard but Not Seen”.

PEOPLE magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) hosted the Screen Actors Guild Post-Awards Gala for the eleventh consecutive year. This exclusive event honors the philanthropic causes and good works of the members of the Screen Actors Guild. The gala, benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, immediately followed the SAG Awards on the back lot of the Shrine Exposition Center.

The Screen Actors Guild Awards® is a presentation of Jeff Margolis Productions in association with Screen Actors Guild. Jeff Margolis is the executive producer and director. Kathy Connell is the producer. Yale Summers, Daryl Anderson, Shelley Fabares, Paul Napier and JoBeth Williams are producers for SAG. Gloria Fujita O’Brien and Mick McCullough are supervising producers. Stephen Pouliot is the writer. Benn Fleishman is executive in charge of production.

The complete list of recipients of the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® follows. - Screen Actors Guild presented its coveted Actor® statuette for the outstanding motion picture and primetime television performances of 2006 at the in ceremonies attended by film and television’s leading actors, held Sunday, Jan. 28 at the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. The was simulcast by TNT and TBS at 8 p.m., ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT and 6 p.m. MT

The honorees were selected by the active Guild membership nationwide.Julie Andrews was presented with Screen Actors Guild’s highest honor, the 43rd Annual Life Achievement Award by Dick Van Dyke following a filmed tribute introduced by Anne Hathaway.Honored with individual awards were Jennifer Hudson, Helen Mirren, Eddie Murphy and Forest Whitaker for performances in motion pictures and Alec Baldwin, America Ferrera, Jeremy Irons, Hugh Laurie, Helen Mirren and Chandra Wilson for performances in television. Screen Actors Guild originated awards for the outstanding performances by a motion picture cast and by television comedy and drama ensembles.

The Actor® for a motion picture cast performance went this year to Little Miss Sunshine and the Actors® for television comedy and drama ensemble performances went this year to The Office and Grey’s Anatomy.Kiefer Sutherland introduced a cinematic salute to SAG members who are “Heard but Not Seen”.PEOPLE magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) hosted the Screen Actors Guild Post-Awards Gala for the eleventh consecutive year. This exclusive event honors the philanthropic causes and good works of the members of the Screen Actors Guild. The gala, benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, immediately followed the SAG Awards on the back lot of the Shrine Exposition Center.

The is a presentation of Jeff Margolis Productions in association with Screen Actors Guild. Jeff Margolis is the executive producer and director. Kathy Connell is the producer. Yale Summers, Daryl Anderson, Shelley Fabares, Paul Napier and JoBeth Williams are producers for SAG. Gloria Fujita O’Brien and Mick McCullough are supervising producers. Stephen Pouliot is the writer. Benn Fleishman is executive in charge of production.The complete list of recipients of the ® follows.

13TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS®

®

THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

Forest Whitaker / THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND – Idi Amin Fox Searchlight Pictures


Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

Helen Mirren / THE QUEEN – The Queen Miramax Films.


Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Eddie Murphy / DREAMGIRLS – James “Thunder” Early Paramount Pictures


Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

Jennifer Hudson / DREAMGIRLS – Effie White Paramount Pictures


Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE Fox Searchlight Pictures

Alan Arkin Grandpa
Abigail Breslin Olive
Steve Carell Frank
Toni Collette Sheryl
Paul Dano Dwayne
Greg Kinnear Richard

PRIMETIME TELEVISION

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries

Jeremy Irons / ELIZABETH I – Earl of Leicester HBO


Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries

Helen Mirren / ELIZABETH I – Elizabeth I HBO


Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series

Hugh Laurie / HOUSE – Dr. Gregory House FOX


Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

Chandra Wilson / GREY’S ANATOMY – Dr. Miranda Bailey ABC


Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series

Alec Baldwin / 30 ROCK – Jack Donaghy NBC


Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series

America Ferrera / UGLY BETTY – Betty Suarez ABC


Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

GREY’S ANATOMY ABC

Justin Chambers Alex Karev
Eric Dane Mark Sloan
Patrick Dempsey Derek Shepherd
Katherine Heigl Isobel “Izzie” Stevens
T.R. Knight George O’Malley
Sandra Oh Cristina Yang
James Pickens, Jr. Richard Webber
Ellen Pompeo Meredith Grey
Sara Ramirez Callie Torres
Kate Walsh Addison Montgomery Shepherd
Isaiah Washington Preston Burke
Chandra Wilson Miranda Bailey


Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series


THE OFFICE NBC


Leslie David Baker Stanley Hudson
Brian Baumgartner Kevin Malone
Steve Carell Michael Scott
David Denman Roy Anderson
Jenna Fischer Pam Beesly
Kate Flannery Meredith Palmer
Melora Hardin Jan Levinson
Mindy Kaling Kelly Kapoor
Angela Kinsey Angela Martin
John Krasinski Jim Malpert
Paul Lieberstein Toby Flenderson
B.J. Novak Ryan Howard
Oscar Nunez Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Smith Phyllis Lapin
Rainn Wilson Dwight Schrute

 

Screen Actors Guild Awards 43rd Annual Life Achievement Award

Julie Andrews

 

SAG WINNERS Live Coverage of event 7:25pm PST all winners listed

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Helen Mirren / THE QUEEN – The Queen - Miramax Films.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Forest Whitaker / THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND – Idi Amin - Fox Searchlight Pictures

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE - Fox Searchlight Pictures
Alan Arkin - Grandpa
Abigail Breslin - Olive
Steve Carell - Frank
Toni Collette - Sheryl
Paul Dano - Dwayne
Greg Kinnear - Richard

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Jennifer Hudson / DREAMGIRLS – Effie White -

Paramount PicturesGREY’S ANATOMY - ABC
Justin Chambers - Alex Karev
Eric Dane - Mark Sloan
Patrick Dempsey - Derek Shepherd
Katherine Heigl - Isobel “Izzie” Stevens
T.R. Knight - George O’Malley
Sandra Oh - Cristina Yang
James Pickens, Jr. - Richard Webber
Ellen Pompeo - Meredith Grey
Sara Ramirez - Callie Torres
Kate Walsh - Addison Montgomery Shepherd
Isaiah Washington - Preston Burke
Chandra Wilson - Miranda Bailey

Female Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries
Helen Mirren / ELIZABETH I – Elizabeth I - HBO


Female Actor in a Comedy Series
America Ferrera / UGLY BETTY – Betty Suarez - ABC


Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin / 30 ROCK – Jack Donaghy - NBC


Ensemble in a Comedy Series
THE OFFICE - NBC Leslie David Baker - Stanley Hudson Brian Baumgartner - Kevin Malone Steve Carell - Michael Scott David Denman - Roy Anderson Jenna Fischer - Pam Beesly Kate Flannery - Meredith Palmer Melora Hardin - Jan Levinson Mindy Kaling - Kelly Kapoor Angela Kinsey - Angela Martin John Krasinski - Jim Halpert Paul Lieberstein - Toby Flenderson B.J. Novak - Ryan Howard Oscar Nunez - Oscar Martinez Phyllis Smith - Phyllis Lapin Rainn Wilson - Dwight Schrute

Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Eddie Murphy / DREAMGIRLS – James “Thunder” Early Paramount Pictures

Life Achievement Award
Julie Andrews

Female Actor in a Drama Series
Chandra Wilson / GREY’S ANATOMY – Dr. Miranda Bailey -

ABC Male Actor in a Drama Series12th Annual SAG Awards™ Acceptance Speeches:

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries

Helen Mirren / ELIZABETH I – Elizabeth I HBO

HELEN MIRREN: Thank you so much. I’m so proud… I love this award more than any other awards… [applause] I think especially being a Brit, you know, American film acting has always inspired us and influenced us, and impressed us – or me anyway. I’ve always looked to American film actors to teach me how to do it basically.

For Elizabeth I had the great advantage of two great writers, Nigel Williams and Elizabeth herself. Because actually that clip you just saw was actually written by Elizabeth I. I had an incredible cast, as those of you who saw the piece know, the most extraordinary actors, Jeremy Irons, who’s here tonight, Toby Jones, Patrick Malahide, Hugh Dancy, and many, many others. I thank you Screen Actors Guild.

I thank my director, Tom Hooper, and HBO who allowed you all to see it. So thank you very much. [applause]



Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries

Jeremy Irons / ELIZABETH I – Earl of Leicester HBO

JEREMY IRONS: Into the lion’s den. As Helen said, it was you lot… that sort of taught me what it was – what one was supposed to do. In fact, I remember the very first time I went to New York and I asked the guy on Fifth Avenue the way to get to Madison Avenue. And he said, “What do I look like, an employee bureau?” I mean, “an information bureau?” [laughter] It was a joke.

And I thought, everybody in America wants to be a movie star, they all sound like movie stars. And here is a room full of movie stars giving me, who, whenever I start a job, feel like a plumber, [laughter] giving me an accolade, it is fantastic to be singled out among such… co-nominees: Mr. Duvall, who, the first time I heard word of Duvall was when I was going to play with Miss Glenn Close and he was a great friend of hers. And he said, “How can you trust a guy who sounds like that?” [laughter] And yet she did, and it worked, and I don’t know, we just do our… I’m just amazed by this.

Thank you very much. It’s a huge honor. I shall treasure it forever. [applause]



Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series

Alec Baldwin / 30 ROCK – Jack Donaghy NBC

ALEC BALDWIN: Thank you, thank you to everyone in the Academy, this is a real honor. I’m really proud to be a member of this Union. This is a great Union that represents all of the actors that aren’t in this room tonight, who does great work on their behalf, [applause] who do great work on their behalf. And congratulations to all the other nominees.

I want to thank our writers, of course, no sitcom works without good writing, and Tina Fey, our cast, our crew. Especially Jonathan the focus puller, who at my age, misses the mark every now and then, [laughs] and shaves six or eight years off my close-ups, out there a silver cup. Thank you, Jonathan, very much. [laughter]

I want to thank the production people, Steve Davis, Rob Albertell, Jerry Kupferord. I want to thank NBC, Jerry Zucker, NBC Studios, Tifffany Nishimoto, and Summer Grindall [sp], who worked with me. Matt Heilsig [sp], the people at CAA, Mike Rosenthal, Matt Delpiano, Lorne Michaels, my dear friend, because we all have to go to work for somebody every day, and I have a great boss in Lorne Michaels.

And I want to thank my mom. Mom, I love you. And I want to thank Nicole for all your love and all your kindness, and all your friendship. And thank you all very much. This is a real honor. Thank you. [applause]



Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series

America Ferrera / UGLY BETTY – Betty Suarez ABC

AMERICA FERRERA: I am completely out of things to say. I don’t have anything to say anymore. I think that what’s so special about being in this room is that I look out and I see faces that have inspired me, and moved me, my entire life, since I was just a wee little one. And being here, honored by these faces, is more than I can express.

And I think what’s amazing is that we share a common knowledge of struggle and of rejection, and now of success. And that I think only your fellow peers know how sweet the taste it is, because you know the other side of it.

And it’s really an incredible knowledge. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Have a wonderful night. [applause]



Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

THE OFFICE NBC Leslie David Baker Stanley Hudson
Brian Baumgartner Kevin Malone
Steve Carell Michael Scott
David Denman Roy Anderson
Jenna Fischer Pam Beesly
Kate Flannery Meredith Palmer
Melora Hardin Jan Levinson
Mindy Kaling Kelly Kapoor
Angela Kinsey Angela Martin
John Krasinski Jim Malpert
Paul Lieberstein Toby Flenderson
B.J. Novak Ryan Howard
Oscar Nunez Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Smith Phyllis Lapin
Rainn Wilson Dwight Schrute

STEVE CARELL: This is quite the honor having these people present this to us. [applause] I was craning my neck, “Oh my God! There she is! They’re there! Oh my God!” Let’s get serious for just one second. Webster’s defines the word “ensemble” as follows: “a complete costume of complementary clothing and accessories.” [laughter] And even though this is not the right definition, I think it applies to our cast. [laughter]

I’d like to – we’d like to thank Greg Daniels, our executive producer… [applause] for being the person who assembled the ensemble, and choosing people who get along, who work well together, who enjoy each other’s company, who are friends. Also Allison Jones who took part in that trip. [applause] It’s really a great honor and we will treasure this. Thank you. [applause]

 

13TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS® NOMINATIONS


THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Leonardo DiCaprio / BLOOD DIAMOND – Archer - Warner Bros. Pictures
Ryan Gosling / HALF NELSON – Dan Dunne - THINKFilm
Peter O’Toole / VENUS – Maurice - Miramax Films
Will Smith / THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS – Chris Gardner - Sony Pictures
Forest Whitaker / THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND – Idi Amin - Fox Searchlight Pictures

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Penelope Cruz / VOLVER – Raimunda - Sony Pictures Classics
Judi Dench / NOTES ON A SCANDAL – Barbara Covett - Fox Searchlight Pictures
Helen Mirren / THE QUEEN – The Queen - Miramax Films.
Meryl Streep / THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA – Miranda Priestly - 20th Century Fox
Kate Winslet / LITTLE CHILDREN – Sarah Pierce - New Line Cinema

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Alan Arkin / LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE – Grandpa Fox Searchlight Pictures
Leonardo DiCaprio / THE DEPARTED – Billy Warner Bros. Pictures
Jackie Earle Haley / LITTLE CHILDREN – Ronnie J. McGorvey New Line Cinema
Djimon Hounsou / BLOOD DIAMOND – Solomon Warner Bros. Pictures
Eddie Murphy / DREAMGIRLS – James “Thunder” Early Paramount Pictures

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Adriana Barraza / BABEL – Amelia - Paramount Vantage
Cate Blanchett / NOTES ON A SCANDAL – Sheba Hart - Fox Searchlight Pictures
Abigail Breslin / LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE – Olive - Fox Searchlight Pictures
Jennifer Hudson / DREAMGIRLS – Effie White - Paramount Pictures
Rinko Kikuchi / BABEL – Chieko - Paramount Vantage

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

BABEL - Paramount Vantage
Adriana Barraza - Amelia
Cate Blanchett - Susan
Gael García Bernal - Santiago
Rinko Kikuchi - Chieko
Brad Pitt - Richard
Kôji Yakusho - Yasujiro

BOBBY - MGM/The Weinstein Company
Harry Belafonte - Nelson
Joy Bryant - Patricia
Nick Cannon - Dwayne
Emilio Estevez - Tim Fallon
Laurence Fishburne - Edward Robinson
Brian Geraghty - Cooper
Heather Graham - Angela
Anthony Hopkins - John Casey
Helen Hunt - Samantha
Joshua Jackson - Wade
David Krumholtz - Phil
Ashton Kutcher - Fisher
Shia LaBoeuf - Jimmy
Lindsay Lohan - Diane
William H. Macy - Paul
Svetlana Metkina - Lenka Janacek
Demi Moore - Virginia Fallon
Freddy Rodriguez - José
Martin Sheen - Jack
Christian Slater - Timmons
Sharon Stone - Miriam
Jacob Vargas - Miguel
Mary Elizabeth Winstead - Susan Taylor
Elijah Wood - William

THE DEPARTED - Warner Bros. Pictures
Anthony Anderson - Brown
Alec Baldwin - Ellerby
Matt Damon - Colin
Leonardo DiCaprio - Billy
Vera Farmiga - Madolyn
Jack Nicholson - Costello
Martin Sheen - Queenan
Mark Wahlberg - Dignam
Ray Winstone - Mr. French

DREAMGIRLS - Paramount Pictures
Hinton Battle - Wayne
Jamie Foxx - Curtis Taylor, Jr.
Danny Glover - Marty Madison
Jennifer Hudson - Effie White
Beyoncé Knowles - Deena Jones
Sharon Leal - Michelle Morris
Eddie Murphy - James “Thunder” Early
Keith Robinson - C.C. White
Anika Noni Rose - Lorrell Robinson

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE - Fox Searchlight Pictures
Alan Arkin - Grandpa
Abigail Breslin - Olive
Steve Carell - Frank
Toni Collette - Sheryl
Paul Dano - Dwayne
Greg Kinnear - Richard


PRIMETIME TELEVISION

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Thomas Haden Church / BROKEN TRAIL – Tom Harte - AMC
Robert Duvall / BROKEN TRAIL – Print Ritter - AMC
Jeremy Irons / ELIZABETH I – Earl of Leicester - HBO
William H. Macy / NIGHTMARES & DREAMSCAPES – Clyde Umney - TNT
Matthew Perry / THE RON CLARK STORY – Ron Clark - TNT

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Annette Bening / MRS. HARRIS – Jean Harris - HBO
Shirley Jones / HIDDEN PLACES – Aunt Batty - Hallmark Channel
Cloris Leachman / MRS. HARRIS – Tarnower’s Sister - HBO
Helen Mirren / ELIZABETH I – Elizabeth I - HBO
Greta Scacchi / BROKEN TRAIL – Nola Johns - AMC

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
James Gandolfini / THE SOPRANOS – Tony Soprano - HBO
Michael C. Hall / DEXTER – Dexter Morgan - Showtime
Hugh Laurie / HOUSE – Dr. Gregory House - FOX
James Spader / BOSTON LEGAL – Alan Shore - ABC
Kiefer Sutherland / 24 – Jack Bauer - FOX

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Patricia Arquette / MEDIUM – Allison Dubois - NBC
Edie Falco / THE SOPRANOS – Carmela Soprano - HBO
Mariska Hargitay / LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT – Det. Olivia Benson - NBC
Kyra Sedgwick / THE CLOSER – Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson - TNT
Chandra Wilson / GREY’S ANATOMY – Dr. Miranda Bailey - ABC

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin / 30 ROCK – Jack Donaghy - NBC
Steve Carell / THE OFFICE – Michael Scott - NBC
Jason Lee / MY NAME IS EARL – Earl Hicke - NBC
Jeremy Piven / ENTOURAGE – Ari Gold - HBO
Tony Shalhoub / MONK – Adrian Monk - USA

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
America Ferrera / UGLY BETTY – Betty Suarez - ABC
Felicity Huffman / DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES – Lynette - ABC
Julia Louis-Dreyfus / THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE – Christine Campbell - CBS
Megan Mullally / WILL & GRACE – Karen Walker - NBC
Mary-Louise Parker / WEEDS – Nancy Botwin - Showtime
Jaime Pressly / MY NAME IS EARL – Joy - NBC

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

24 - FOX
Jayne Atkinson - Karen Hayes
Jude Ciccolella - Mike Novic
Roger Cross - Curtis Manning
Gregory Itzin - Charles Logan
Louis Lombardi - Edgar Stiles
James Morrison - Bill Buchanan
Glenn Morshower - Aaron Pierce
Mary Lynn Rajskub - Chloe O’Brian
Kim Raver - Audrey Raines
Jean Smart - Martha Logan
Kiefer Sutherland - Jack Bauer

BOSTON LEGAL - ABC
Rene Auberjonois - Paul Lewiston
Candice Bergen - Shirley Schmidt
Craig Bierko - Jeffrey Coho
Julie Bowen - Denise Bauer
William Shatner - Denny Crane
James Spader - Alan Shore
Mark Valley - Brad Chase

DEADWOOD - HBO
Jim Beaver - Ellsworth
Powers Boothe - Cy Tolliver
Sean Bridgers - Johnny Burns
W. Earl Brown - Dan Dority
Dayton Callie - Charlie Utter
Brian Cox - Jack Langrishe
Kim Dickens - Joanie Stubbs
Brad Dourif - Doc Cochran
Anna Gunn - Martha Bullock
John Hawkes - Sol Starr
Jeffrey Jones - A.W. Merrick
Paula Malcomson - Trixie
Gerald McRaney - George Hearst
Ian McShane - Al Swearengen
Timothy Olyphant - Seth Bullock
Molly Parker - Alma Garret
Leon Rippy - Tom Nuttall
William Sanderson - E.B. Farnum
Brent Sexton - Harry Young
Bree Seanna Wall - Sofia Metz
Robin Weigert - Calamity Jane
Titus Welliver - Silas Adam

GREY’S ANATOMY - ABC
Justin Chambers - Alex Karev
Eric Dane - Mark Sloan
Patrick Dempsey - Derek Shepherd
Katherine Heigl - Isobel “Izzie” Stevens
T.R. Knight - George O’Malley
Sandra Oh - Cristina Yang
James Pickens, Jr. - Richard Webber
Ellen Pompeo - Meredith Grey
Sara Ramirez - Callie Torres
Kate Walsh - Addison Montgomery Shepherd
Isaiah Washington - Preston Burke
Chandra Wilson - Miranda Bailey

THE SOPRANOS - HBO
Sharon Angela - Rosalie Aprile
Lorraine Bracco - Dr. Jennifer Melfi
Max Casella - Benny Fazio
Dominic Chianese - Corrado “Junior” Soprano
Edie Falco - CarmelaSoprano
James Gandolfini - Tony Soprano
Joseph R. Gannascoli - Vito Spatafore
Dan Grimaldi - Patsy Parisi
Robert Iler - Anthony Soprano, Jr.
Michael Imperioli - Christopher Moltisanti
Steven R. Schirripa - Bobby “Bacala” Baccalieri
Jamie Lynn Sigler - Meadow Soprano
Tony Sirico - Paulie “Walnuts” Gaultieri
Aida Turturro - Janice Soprano-Baccalieri
Maureen Van Zandt - Gabriella Dante
Steven Van Zandt - Silvio Dante
Frank Vincent - Phil Leotardo

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES - ABC
Andrea Bowen - Julie Mayer
Richard Burgi - Karl Mayer
Mehcad Brooks - Matthew Applewhite
Ricardo Antonio Chavira - Carlos Solis
Marcia Cross - Bree Hodge
James Denton - Mike Delfino
Teri Hatcher - Susan Mayer
Josh Henderson - Austin McCann
Zane Huett - Parker Scavo
Felicity Huffman - Lynette Scavo
Kathryn Joosten - Mrs. McCluskey
Nashawn Kearse - Caleb Applewhite
Brent Kinsman - Preston Scavo
Shane Kinsman - Porter Scavo
Joy Lauren - Danielle Van De Kamp
Eva Longoria - Gabrielle Solis
Kyle MacLachlan - Orson Hodge
Laurie Metcalf - Carolyn Bigsby
Shawn Pyfrom - Andrew Van De Kamp
Doug Savant - Tom Scavo
Dougray Scott - Ian Hainsworth
Nicollette Sheridan - Edie Britt
Brenda Strong - Mary Alice Young
Kiersten Warren - Nora
Alfre Woodard - Betty Applewhite

ENTOURAGE - HBO
Kevin Connolly - Eric Murphy
Kevin Dillon - Drama
Jerry Ferrara - Turtle
Adrian Grenier - Vincent Chase
Rex Lee - Lloyd
Debi Mazar - Shauna
Jeremy Piven- Ari Gold
Perrey Reeves - Mrs. Ari

THE OFFICE - NBC
Leslie David Baker - Stanley Hudson
Brian Baumgartner - Kevin Malone
Steve Carell - Michael Scott
David Denman - Roy Anderson
Jenna Fischer - Pam Beesly
Kate Flannery - Meredith Palmer
Melora Hardin - Jan Levinson
Mindy Kaling - Kelly Kapoor
Angela Kinsey - Angela Martin
John Krasinski - Jim Halpert
Paul Lieberstein - Toby Flenderson
B.J. Novak - Ryan Howard
Oscar Nunez - Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Smith - Phyllis Lapin
Rainn Wilson - Dwight Schrute

UGLY BETTY - ABC
Alan Dale - Bradford Meade
America Ferrera - Betty Suarez
Mark Indelicato - Justin
Ashley Jensen - Christina
Eric Mabius - Daniel Meade
Becki Newton - Amanda
Ana Ortiz - Hilda
Tony Plana - Ignacio
Kevin Sussman - Walter
Michael Urie - Marc
Vanessa Williams - Wilhelmina Slater

WEEDS - SHOWTIME
Martin Donovan - Peter Scottson
Alexander Gould - Shane Botwin
Allie Grant - Isabelle Hodes
Indigo - Vaneeta
Justin Kirk - Andy Botwin
Romany Malco - Conrad Shepard
Andy Milder - Dean Hodes
Kevin Nealon - Doug Wilson
Maulik Pancholy - Sanjay
Mary-Louise Parker - Nancy Botwin
Hunter Parrish - Silas Botwin
Tonye Patano - Heylia Jones
Elizabeth Perkins- Celia Hodes
Eden Sher - Gretchen


Screen Actors Guild Awards 43rd Annual Life Achievement Award
Julie Andrews Past Life Achievement Award Recipients


1962 Eddie Cantor
1963 Stan Laurel
1965 Bob Hope
1966 Barbara Stanwyck
1967 William Gargan
1968 James Stewart
1969 Edward G. Robinson
1970 Gregory Peck
1971 Charlton Heston
1972 Frank Sinatra
1973 Martha Raye
1974 Walter Pidgeon
1975 Rosalind Russell
1976 Pearl Bailey
1977 James Cagney
1978 Edgar Bergen
1979 Katharine Hepburn
1980 Leon Ames
1982 Danny Kaye
1983 Ralph Bellamy
1984 Iggie Wolfington
1985 Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward
1986 Nanette Fabray
1987 Red Skelton
1988 Gene Kelly
1989 Jack Lemmon
1990 Brock Peters
1991 Burt Lancaster
1992 Audrey Hepburn
1993 Ricardo Montalban
1994 George Burns
1995 Robert Redford
1996 Angela Lansbury
1997 Elizabeth Taylor
1998 Kirk Douglas
1999 Sidney Poitier
2000 Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee
2001 Edward Asner
2002 Clint Eastwood
2003 Karl Malden
2004 James Garner
2005 Shirley Temple Black

1

A Brief History of the SAG Awards

The inaugural Screen Actors Guild Awards® aired live on NBC from Stage 12, Universal Studios, on February 25, 1995. Present that evening were some of the most talented actors in the world, including Tom Hanks, John Travolta, Jessica Lange, Morgan Freeman, Susan Sarandon, Edward James Olmos, Helen Hunt, and hundreds more. Ann-Margret was present to acknowledge her dear friend George Burns as he received the first televised presentation of the Life Achievement Award, the Guild’s highest honor. Unveiled during this evening for the first time was the Guild’s new award statuette, The Actor®™, as well as the first awards for ensembles in drama series and comedy series which honor all of the actors who are the regulars in television series. It is this unique recognition that goes to the fundamental spirit of Screen Actors Guild™, our union -- the acknowledgement of a group effort, both lead and support. From this auspicious beginning the Screen Actors Guild Awards® has been embraced as one of the most prestigious in the entertainment industry

The 2nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® aired live on NBC from the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on February 24, 1996. The brightest stars from film and television were in attendance including Jodie Foster, James Earl Jones, Tom Hanks, Alfre Woodard, Kurt Russell, Harry Connick Jr., Jerry Seinfield, Jimmy Smits, and many more. Tom Skerritt presented Robert Redford’s Life Achievement Award. Enthusiastic response to the first show’s television ensemble categories led to the creation of a similar tribute for motion picture casts. The show also acknowledged the work of background singers and stunt performers and initiated a concept which was to become a staple of future shows, a vignette in which actors tell us "How I Got My SAG Card."

On February 22, 1997 the 3rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® was telecast live on NBC from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. Star studded, the actor friendly event saw Glenn Close present the Life Achievement Award to Angela Lansbury. Other highlights of the evening included the reuniting of Michael Cole, Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III of the "Mod Squad" to present the Outstanding Performance of an Ensemble of a Drama Series, and LeVar Burton, Cicely Tyson, and Edward Asner, cast members of "Roots", the most watched miniseries in television history, to present the awards for Outstanding Performances by a Male and a Female in a movie or miniseries. The show also saluted stunt women and background singers. Following the evenings events, the Awards Show guests moved onto the stage of the Shrine Auditorium for a post-awards gala benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, hosted by the Entertainment Industry Foundation and People Magazine.

The 4th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® was telecast live on TNT on Sunday, March 8, 1998 from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center.Within the glamorous setting one could get a distinct feeling that a large family had gathered to enthusiastically applaud their fellow family members who received The Actor®™. Due to her hospitalization, Gregory Peck was present to accept Elizabeth Taylor’s Life Achievement Award. Other special acknowledgements went to background performers and founding member and nominee, Gloria Stuart. For the second consecutive year, the Awards Show luminaries moved to the stage of the Shrine Theater for a post-awards gala benefiting Screen Actors Guild Foundation which was sponsored by People Magazine, The Entertainment Industry Foundation, and the Nexxus Products Company.

Celebrating its 5th anniversary on Sunday, March 7, 1999, the Screen Actors Guild Awards® again aired live on TNT from the Shrine Exposition Center. The evening brought out hundreds of motion picture and television actors to honor their peers. SAG members on hand to present the Life Achievement Award to Kirk Douglas included Janet Leigh, Karl Malden, Lauren Bacall, and Dan Aykroyd, along with a moving tribute from son Michael Douglas. A highlight of the evening included a tribute to voice-over performers in animation. The glamorous post-awards gala, benefiting the SAG Foundation and hosted by People Magazine, The Entertainment Industry Foundation and Excite.com, featured the popular band ‘Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.’

The Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center was transformed into a dramatic candlelit dinner venue for the 6th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® , which aired live on TNT on Sunday, March 12, 2000. A sold-out audience of film and television luminaries gave a standing ovation as Denzel Washington presented SAG's 36th Annual Life Achievement Award to Sidney Poitier, whose moving acceptance speech paid tribute to the actors and filmmakers who shared his groundbreaking artistic journey. Other highlights of the evening included salutes to the talented actors who earn their living creating memorable characters in commercials and to TV's great funny women. The elegant post-awards gala benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation was again hosted by People Magazine and The Entertainment Industry Foundation, joined this year by Cadillac.

"Classic Hollywood" was the décor theme and today's finest actors the focus at the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center when the 7th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® aired live on TNT on Sunday, March 11, 2001. Film and television's leading lights rose to their feet as Whoopi Goldberg presented SAG's 37th Annual Life Achievement Award to Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. In an acceptance speech that was a lovely and moving verbal duet, the elegant and eloquent couple characterized themselves as artists, workers, image makers and peacemakers, devoted to elevating by precept and example. Other highlights of the evening included salutes to the flexible "Actors of a Thousand Faces" and to the union's versatile character actors. The very popular post-awards gala benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation overflowed the dramatically decorated tent, and was again hosted by PEOPLE Magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation, joined this year by BalanceBar®.

Film and television’s finest actors were greeted by a luminous new set and contemporary table décor when they entered the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition for the 8th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® ceremonies which aired live on TNT on Sunday, March 10, 2002. Tom Selleck’s presentation of SAG’s 38th Annual Life Achievement Award to Edward Asner included a retrospective of Mr. Asner’s work as well as reflections by Kate Asner, Ed Begley, Jr., Mike Farrell, Danny Glover and Mary Tyler Moore. Mr Asner’s acceptance speech, like his formidable acting career, was a marvelous mix of humor and serious emotion. Another highlight of the evening was a salute to “Child Actors” introduced by Dakota Fanning, the youngest performer ever to receive an individual Actor® nomination. The post-awards gala benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation was again hosted by PEOPLE Magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation, joined by new co-presenter GMC Yukon and, for the second consecutive year, by co-sponsor BALANCE® Bar. The nearly 1100 guests danced, dined and mingled in the domed and tented futurist complex constructed just for the occasion.

When film and television's leading actors stepped on the red carpet for the 9th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®, they were greeted by 10-foot, 200-pound likenesses of the coveted Actor® statuettes. Live music welcomed the 1,000 actors and industry guests inside the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center, which had been transformed into a richly dramatic supper-club setting before a sweeping arched stage for the ceremonies which aired live on TNT on Sunday, March 9, 2003. Humor and affection marked Clint Eastwood's acceptance of SAG's 39th Annual Life Achievement Award from Ray Romano, following a filmed tribute featuring Morgan Freeman, Marcia Gay Harden, Sean Penn, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Meryl Streep, The Guild also celebrated the versatility of its members with a special film montage saluting "Actors Who Sing", introduced by three-time Actor® recipient Megan Mullally and a filmed appreciation of "Regional Actors" introduced by previous Actor®-nominee Michael Clarke Duncan. For the seventh consecutive year, PEOPLE magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) in support of the Screen Actors Guild Awards® presented a donation to the Screen Actors Guild Foundation and, along with first year co-presenting sponsor, The Mirage Hotel & Casino and third year co-sponsor, Balance® Bar, hosted the official Post-Awards Gala.

More than 1100 actors and industry notables gathered at the Shrine Exposition Center on February, 22, 2004 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Actor® ceremonies and the 70th anniversary of Screen Actors Guild. The art deco movie palaces of the 1930’s, when Screen Actors Guild was in its infancy, were the inspiration for a new set and décor designed to create the evening’s elegant ambiance. In tribute to the Screen Actors Guild Awards® 10th annual ceremony, Sean Hayes introduced “And The Actor Went To…,” an exuberant look back at a decade of memorable SAG Awards® moments. After an homage on film by Kirk Douglas, Patty Duke, Angela Lansbury and Eva Marie Saint, a graciously eloquent Karl Malden accepted Screen Actors Guild’s 40th Life Achievement Award from Michael Douglas. PEOPLE magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), hosted the Screen Actors Guild Post-Awards Gala for the eighth-consecutive year to honor the philanthropic causes and good works of the members of the Screen Actors Guild. The gala, benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation and commemorating PEOPLE’s 30th Anniversary, immediately followed the SAG Awards in a flower-filled tent on the the Shrine Exposition Center’s backlot. Gala guests were treated to a spirited performance by rock sensation Gavin DeGraw who was spontaneously introduced by Actor® honoree Charlize Theron.

A who's who of American acting celebrated 2004's finest performances and the start of the SAG Awards second decade in ceremonies telecast live on TNT on Sunday, February 5, 2005 from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. The 11th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® stunning production design paid visual tribute to the film and television industry. Flowing sheets of water were a reminder that the Actors® honor performances conveyed through a moving image. Design elements in glass, copper and silver were used in the set architecture, showroom and table decor in homage to the materials from which lenses, lights, cables and film are made. In one of the evening's many emotional high points, Mel Gibson and Julie Andrews presented SAG's 41st Life Acheivement Awards to James Garner, following a unique autobiographical short film in which the beloved actor reflected on the personal and creative journey that brought him to receive SAG's highest honor. The SAG Awards tradition of saluting the Guild's membership took a personal turn as well this year, with the filmed profiles of some of the most accomplished artists among the Guild's stunt performers, puppeteers, voice actors, background actors, singers and dancers. For the ninth consecutive year PEOPLE magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) celebrated actors' work both on and off the screen by hosting the official SAG Awards Gala. The tented back lot of the Shrine Exposition Center was transformed by walls, ceiling and furniture themed in black and white circular shapes accented by thousands of yellow roses into a playful space reminiscent of magical 1960's film sets, where with exuberant partygoers rocked on well into the night.

The luminaries of film and television celebrated 2005's finest performances on Sunday, January 29, 2006 in ceremonies telecast for the first time simultaneously on two networks, TNT and TBS. The live simulcast from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center brought the 12th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards its highest ratings ever on TNT. Just as the Screen Actors Guild Awards celebrates performances conveyed through a moving image, the 12th Annual SAG Awards' production design and decor paid tribute to the cinematic arts. Topped by a projecting canopy of light, the translucent architectural space of the this year's stage conveyed movement through fountains of water and changing color. Larger-than-life Actor statues seemed to float above reflecting pools in homage to the display of statuary in the world's arts institutions, public spaces and water gardens. In one of the events most emotional moments, a long and heartfelt standing ovation greeted SAG's 42nd Life Achievement Award recipient Shirley Temple Black, who was presented Screen Actors Guild's highest honor by Jamie Lee Curtis, following a filmed tribute introduced by Dakota Fanning. A cinematic salute to SAG members who perform in commercials, introduced by William Shatner, continued the SAG Awards tradition of spotlighting the Guild's diverse acting talent. For the tenth consecutive year PEOPLE Magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) celebrated actors' work both on and off the screen by hosting the official SAG Awards Gala. The tented back lot of the Shrine Exposition Center was transformed into a chic white ballroom with sleek black detailing, punctuated by dramatic arragements of calla lilies and fragrant gardenias, where partygoers danced, mingled and lingered late into the evening.

aired live on NBC from Stage 12, Universal Studios, on February 25, 1995. Present that evening were some of the most talented actors in the world, including Tom Hanks, John Travolta, Jessica Lange, Morgan Freeman, Susan Sarandon, Edward James Olmos, Helen Hunt, and hundreds more. Ann-Margret was present to acknowledge her dear friend George Burns as he received the first televised presentation of the Life Achievement Award, the Guild’s highest honor. Unveiled during this evening for the first time was the Guild’s new award statuette, The Actor®™, as well as the first awards for ensembles in drama series and comedy series which honor all of the actors who are the regulars in television series. It is this unique recognition that goes to the fundamental spirit of Screen Actors Guild™, our union -- the acknowledgement of a group effort, both lead and support. From this auspicious beginning the Screen Actors Guild Awards® has been embraced as one of the most prestigious in the entertainment industryThe aired live on NBC from the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on February 24, 1996.

The brightest stars from film and television were in attendance including Jodie Foster, James Earl Jones, Tom Hanks, Alfre Woodard, Kurt Russell, Harry Connick Jr., Jerry Seinfield, Jimmy Smits, and many more. Tom Skerritt presented Robert Redford’s Life Achievement Award. Enthusiastic response to the first show’s television ensemble categories led to the creation of a similar tribute for motion picture casts. The show also acknowledged the work of background singers and stunt performers and initiated a concept which was to become a staple of future shows, a vignette in which actors tell us "How I Got My SAG Card."On February 22, 1997 the was telecast live on NBC from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. Star studded, the actor friendly event saw Glenn Close present the Life Achievement Award to Angela Lansbury. Other highlights of the evening included the reuniting of Michael Cole, Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III of the "Mod Squad" to present the Outstanding Performance of an Ensemble of a Drama Series, and LeVar Burton, Cicely Tyson, and Edward Asner, cast members of "Roots", the most watched miniseries in television history, to present the awards for Outstanding Performances by a Male and a Female in a movie or miniseries.

The show also saluted stunt women and background singers. Following the evenings events, the Awards Show guests moved onto the stage of the Shrine Auditorium for a post-awards gala benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, hosted by the Entertainment Industry Foundation and People Magazine.The was telecast live on TNT on Sunday, March 8, 1998 from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center.Within the glamorous setting one could get a distinct feeling that a large family had gathered to enthusiastically applaud their fellow family members who received The Actor®™. Due to her hospitalization, Gregory Peck was present to accept Elizabeth Taylor’s Life Achievement Award. Other special acknowledgements went to background performers and founding member and nominee, Gloria Stuart. For the second consecutive year, the Awards Show luminaries moved to the stage of the Shrine Theater for a post-awards gala benefiting Screen Actors Guild Foundation which was sponsored by People Magazine, The Entertainment Industry Foundation, and the Nexxus Products Company.Celebrating its again aired live on TNT from the Shrine Exposition Center.

The evening brought out hundreds of motion picture and television actors to honor their peers. SAG members on hand to present the Life Achievement Award to Kirk Douglas included Janet Leigh, Karl Malden, Lauren Bacall, and Dan Aykroyd, along with a moving tribute from son Michael Douglas. A highlight of the evening included a tribute to voice-over performers in animation. The glamorous post-awards gala, benefiting the SAG Foundation and hosted by People Magazine, The Entertainment Industry Foundation and Excite.com, featured the popular band ‘Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.’The Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center was transformed into a dramatic candlelit dinner venue for the , which aired live on TNT on Sunday, March 12, 2000. A sold-out audience of film and television luminaries gave a standing ovation as Denzel Washington presented SAG's 36th Annual Life Achievement Award to Sidney Poitier, whose moving acceptance speech paid tribute to the actors and filmmakers who shared his groundbreaking artistic journey. Other highlights of the evening included salutes to the talented actors who earn their living creating memorable characters in commercials and to TV's great funny women.

The elegant post-awards gala benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation was again hosted by People Magazine and The Entertainment Industry Foundation, joined this year by Cadillac."Classic Hollywood" was the décor theme and today's finest actors the focus at the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center when the aired live on TNT on Sunday, March 11, 2001. Film and television's leading lights rose to their feet as Whoopi Goldberg presented SAG's 37th Annual Life Achievement Award to Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. In an acceptance speech that was a lovely and moving verbal duet, the elegant and eloquent couple characterized themselves as artists, workers, image makers and peacemakers, devoted to elevating by precept and example. Other highlights of the evening included salutes to the flexible "Actors of a Thousand Faces" and to the union's versatile character actors. The very popular post-awards gala benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation overflowed the dramatically decorated tent, and was again hosted by PEOPLE Magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation, joined this year by BalanceBar®.Film and television’s finest actors were greeted by a luminous new set and contemporary table décor when they entered the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition for the ceremonies which aired live on TNT on Sunday, March 10, 2002. Tom Selleck’s presentation of SAG’s 38th Annual Life Achievement Award to Edward Asner included a retrospective of Mr. Asner’s work as well as reflections by Kate Asner, Ed Begley, Jr., Mike Farrell, Danny Glover and Mary Tyler Moore. Mr Asner’s acceptance speech, like his formidable acting career, was a marvelous mix of humor and serious emotion. Another highlight of the evening was a salute to “Child Actors” introduced by Dakota Fanning, the youngest performer ever to receive an individual Actor® nomination.

The post-awards gala benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation was again hosted by PEOPLE Magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation, joined by new co-presenter GMC Yukon and, for the second consecutive year, by co-sponsor BALANCE® Bar. The nearly 1100 guests danced, dined and mingled in the domed and tented futurist complex constructed just for the occasion.When film and television's leading actors stepped on the red carpet for the , they were greeted by 10-foot, 200-pound likenesses of the coveted Actor® statuettes. Live music welcomed the 1,000 actors and industry guests inside the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center, which had been transformed into a richly dramatic supper-club setting before a sweeping arched stage for the ceremonies which aired live on TNT on Sunday, March 9, 2003. Humor and affection marked Clint Eastwood's acceptance of SAG's 39th Annual Life Achievement Award from Ray Romano, following a filmed tribute featuring Morgan Freeman, Marcia Gay Harden, Sean Penn, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Meryl Streep, The Guild also celebrated the versatility of its members with a special film montage saluting "Actors Who Sing", introduced by three-time Actor® recipient Megan Mullally and a filmed appreciation of "Regional Actors" introduced by previous Actor®-nominee Michael Clarke Duncan. For the seventh consecutive year, PEOPLE magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) in support of the Screen Actors Guild Awards® presented a donation to the Screen Actors Guild Foundation and, along with first year co-presenting sponsor, The Mirage Hotel & Casino and third year co-sponsor, Balance® Bar, hosted the official Post-Awards Gala.More than 1100 actors and industry notables gathered at the Shrine Exposition Center on February, 22, 2004 to celebrate the ceremonies and the 70th anniversary of Screen Actors Guild.

The art deco movie palaces of the 1930’s, when Screen Actors Guild was in its infancy, were the inspiration for a new set and décor designed to create the evening’s elegant ambiance. In tribute to the Screen Actors Guild Awards® 10th annual ceremony, Sean Hayes introduced “And The Actor Went To…,” an exuberant look back at a decade of memorable SAG Awards® moments. After an homage on film by Kirk Douglas, Patty Duke, Angela Lansbury and Eva Marie Saint, a graciously eloquent Karl Malden accepted Screen Actors Guild’s 40th Life Achievement Award from Michael Douglas. PEOPLE magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), hosted the Screen Actors Guild Post-Awards Gala for the eighth-consecutive year to honor the philanthropic causes and good works of the members of the Screen Actors Guild. The gala, benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation and commemorating PEOPLE’s 30th Anniversary, immediately followed the SAG Awards in a flower-filled tent on the the Shrine Exposition Center’s backlot. Gala guests were treated to a spirited performance by rock sensation Gavin DeGraw who was spontaneously introduced by Actor® honoree Charlize Theron.

A who's who of American acting celebrated 2004's finest performances and the start of the SAG Awards second decade in ceremonies telecast live on TNT on Sunday, February 5, 2005 from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. The stunning production design paid visual tribute to the film and television industry. Flowing sheets of water were a reminder that the Actors® honor performances conveyed through a moving image. Design elements in glass, copper and silver were used in the set architecture, showroom and table decor in homage to the materials from which lenses, lights, cables and film are made. In one of the evening's many emotional high points, Mel Gibson and Julie Andrews presented SAG's 41st Life Acheivement Awards to James Garner, following a unique autobiographical short film in which the beloved actor reflected on the personal and creative journey that brought him to receive SAG's highest honor.

The SAG Awards tradition of saluting the Guild's membership took a personal turn as well this year, with the filmed profiles of some of the most accomplished artists among the Guild's stunt performers, puppeteers, voice actors, background actors, singers and dancers. For the ninth consecutive year PEOPLE magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) celebrated actors' work both on and off the screen by hosting the official SAG Awards Gala. The tented back lot of the Shrine Exposition Center was transformed by walls, ceiling and furniture themed in black and white circular shapes accented by thousands of yellow roses into a playful space reminiscent of magical 1960's film sets, where with exuberant partygoers rocked on well into the night.The luminaries of film and television celebrated 2005's finest performances on Sunday, January 29, 2006 in ceremonies telecast for the first time simultaneously on two networks, TNT and TBS. The live simulcast from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center brought the its highest ratings ever on TNT.

Just as the Screen Actors Guild Awards celebrates performances conveyed through a moving image, the 12th Annual SAG Awards' production design and decor paid tribute to the cinematic arts. Topped by a projecting canopy of light, the translucent architectural space of the this year's stage conveyed movement through fountains of water and changing color. Larger-than-life Actor statues seemed to float above reflecting pools in homage to the display of statuary in the world's arts institutions, public spaces and water gardens. In one of the events most emotional moments, a long and heartfelt standing ovation greeted SAG's 42nd Life Achievement Award recipient Shirley Temple Black, who was presented Screen Actors Guild's highest honor by Jamie Lee Curtis, following a filmed tribute introduced by Dakota Fanning. A cinematic salute to SAG members who perform in commercials, introduced by William Shatner, continued the SAG Awards tradition of spotlighting the Guild's diverse acting talent. For the tenth consecutive year PEOPLE Magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) celebrated actors' work both on and off the screen by hosting the official SAG Awards Gala. The tented back lot of the Shrine Exposition Center was transformed into a chic white ballroom with sleek black detailing, punctuated by dramatic arragements of calla lilies and fragrant gardenias, where partygoers danced, mingled and lingered late into the evening.

 

 

Photogallery CES

 

Bill Gates On Windows Vista On Sale Monday the 29th Of January

BILL GATES: Well, good evening. I've always loved coming back from Christmas vacation, you're nice and relaxed, and you come right into the most managed environment ever, seeing all these thousands of companies delivering on the promise of the Digital Decade. It's always been fun to come here. I love giving the keynote. In fact, people ask me, are you going to keep doing it, what's the plan there? And the answer is, yes, next year I'll give the  be involved in the keynote like I always have been. After that, I'm not sure they'll want to invite me, because I might talk a lot more about infectious diseases than great software. So if they want me, fine, but they've been warned what they would hear about.

It's amazing to see the progress over the course of the year, and truly the Digital Decade is happening. We see it everywhere we look. We see it in photography over 2 billion digital photos were taken this last year; 65 percent of homes are using digital cameras. We see it in the Internet adoption, higher and higher penetration on a worldwide basis, and more and more activity there, whether it's buying and selling, or whether it's planning, or being creative, the Internet connected up to the Windows PC and other devices is taking over things that would have been done without it before. Over 40 percent of U.S. homes now have multiple personal computers. And if you look at young people, the new generation, they actually spend more time on their Windows PC than they spend watching TV. Now that's a pretty dramatic change.

We see portable devices proliferating, a higher and higher part of the growing PC market. We see the connections, both through Wi-Fi and 3G getting to the point where you can get information wherever you want to go. And we're just scratching the surface. More and more can be done because as this marketplace is extended, the number of startups, the R&D budgets of the established companies, all are investing in this global market to do better and better work.

How do we look at that, what are some of the metrics that we have here? Well, we have incredible devices with very high fidelity. Think about cameras, six megapixels and up. Think about these high definition screens that when you buy it you just drool looking at that picture, it's such an improvement over the classic TV screen that you used to have, and now it connects up to your high definition cable, to your PC, to your games, all those experiences taking advantage of that incredible visual capability. Network bandwidth has gone up very dramatically, we're avoiding that being a bottleneck, even as we're sending high definition signals around. The processors are now opening the memory capability up to 64-bit, and that's a transition we're making without a lot of incompatibility, without paying a lot of extra money. Software, the old 32-bit software can run, but if you need to get more space, it's just there.

The graphics resolution is letting us think about representing reality on the screen. So when you shop, you won't just see a list of things, it will be that environment, either the stores that really exist, or the stores that would exist if it was designed for you personally. So we're seeing that in games, we're seeing that in virtual reality, that this presentation richness that all these great devices deliver, because of the graphics chips and the screens, and the development tools, is really quite phenomenal.

Storage space, people aren't talking gigabytes anymore, they're talking terabytes of storage, or petabytes of storage, where really that doesn't hold us back at all, even with the largest databases. So we have amazing hardware. I love walking around the CES floor seeing, okay, who's got the biggest LCD this year, who's got the biggest plasma, who's got the biggest hard disk. So those are an element of the equation of what we need to deliver on the promise of digital decade.

That alone is not enough. There are some key things missing, and in particular the key thing missing is the connection. Delivering on connected experiences requires more than just great hardware. So consumer electronics has been defined to be a much broader industry. As Jerry alluded to, the content people now need to think about how they create around this environment, how they connect into it. It's an environment where people want to do things across multiple devices, working with many other people.

I want my music when I'm in the car, when I'm at home, when I'm in the living room. I want that to be simple. I want my family's schedule, and the ease of updating it, from the phone, the PC, just touching something on the refrigerator. I want to collaborate with people. I want to have the experience connect up to people at work, as well as at home. So we can't just say consumer, because the experiences span into that business environment.

So delivering on connected experiences, where people are being productive, doing new creative things, where they're sharing with each other, where they're mobile, where they're just playing games, that is the key element that's missing, and something that we've all got to deliver on to take full advantage of that hardware, and deliver on the promise.

Now, for Microsoft this year it's a big, big milestone, because the products we've been working on for many years that are foundational products are now moving into the marketplace. First, of course, that's Windows Vista. It's been many years of hard work with millions of people giving us great feedback on that. This is by far the most important release of Windows ever. It's also the highest quality release that we've ever done, whether it's security, or testing, or usability, all of these things we have learned a lot, driven by the feedback that those hundreds of millions of users are able to provide to us.

Vista and the PC continue to have a central role. All these other devices are very, very important, but they've got to work together. As we look at the rise of user generated content and tools of creativity, that is happening on the PC, and yet those have to be available and acceptable on all the different devices. Vista is a big project, and rather than talk about the features I just want to talk about what we've been through to pull this all together. You'll be discovering features as you go forward, because of the depth that's there. A good example of that is I had a friend come up and say, hey, I didn't realize parental controls were built in. I just have to think about buying software, paying for that, I'm not sure I can configure it the right way. It's a lot more immune from tampering, a lot better, when it's just built into the system from the very beginning.

The process we've been through over this year, there was a beta 2 got out to over 2 million people. The release candidate, which was our last chance for feedback, got out over to 5 million. We had a lot of in-depth things where we went in and sat and interviewed people using Windows Vista in family situations. We did that in seven different countries. We did incredible performance simulation, getting over 60 years equivalent of performance testing with all the common mix of applications that were out there.

So a big investment, in fact, the biggest investment ever put into a piece of software. Why? Because it's by far the most used piece of software, and any improvement we can make there not only can save time for people, but can enable everyone who builds on top of it to do some pretty fantastic things.

Having a Microsoft Office release at the same time is fantastic for us. Last time we did that was back in 1995, that was sort of the UI of 32-bit generation, just like this is for the 64-bit generation. So the fact that people can think about moving up to those at the same time really will simplify a lot of the migration, and take out some of the hesitation that's often there when you only move one piece at a time.

With Office it's got a new user interface, it's got new ways of connecting up to Office Live services and SharePoint, and again, very broad, very deep, but the discoverability of the richness is advanced dramatically by that user interface. We've observed over 1 billion sessions of people using this new version of Office. So we know for sure that they are  all those features they used to ask us about that we had but they couldn't find, now they are finding those features. So that makes us feel great, because the new user interface was actually a risk, a leap that had to be taken, had to be taken at some point. Now we've taken it, and the feedback has been fantastic on that.

Windows and Office, of course, will connect up to services, services from Microsoft and services from other companies. In our case we talked about Live services, the ability to share files, to connect your e-mails, connect your schedule up into the Internet and so they can flow to your other devices, or flow to other people's, as well. So a lot innovation would be taking place to connect Windows up more and more through those services.

Today we've got literally hundreds of millions of people, whether it's instant messaging, or doing the e-mail capability, and so as we expand those things, building on that very strong base, we can get, I think, most Windows PC users viewing that as an integral part of the experience.

Already the idea of updating their machines, providing them with better software and security improvements on an ongoing basis, it's a well-defined part of the Windows experience. And more and more services come along. So we've come a long way from the idea that this is just a product you get one time and it stays the same. A huge part of that value is the ongoing work that we do and connect up to you through that Internet connection, providing free services, and some add-on services, as well. So that really creates and environment, Windows, Office and those services and third parties connecting up and building on that.

A great way to understand why we're so thrilled to have it out is to see a demonstration. So let me ask Justin Hutchinson to come up and give you a little look at Vista and I'll bet for most of you you'll see at least a couple of things that you're excited about that you've never seen before.

Thank you. (Applause.)

JUSTIN HUTCHINSON: Thanks, Bill.

Hi. Tonight we're going to give you a glimpse of Windows Vista, and we're going to show you a couple of things that we haven't shown publicly before. Now, Windows Vista makes it easier, safer, and more fun to use your PC. And as Bill just mentioned, Vista, Office, and Windows Live will come together to deliver amazing connected experiences. So let's take a look.

One of the first things I notice when I use Windows Vista is how easy it is to find all my information on the PC. Last night I was working on a file, I can't remember where I saved it, but if I just go here and type in the first couple of letters of the item I'm looking for, Windows Vista will look across all my programs, Web sites I've visited, my files, my folders, even my e-mail to bring me back the results I'm looking for. Windows Vista will also not only look on this PC, and this is something we haven't told you before, I can set it up to search every Vista PC on my home network. So Windows Vista is not about searching, it's about finding.

So here is the folder I was looking for. The first thing you'll notice, if you're new to Vista, are thumbnail previews. I have previews here that tell me, give me a hint of what's in this file. And if I want to see a larger preview, I can simply open this preview pane, and Vista will show me the contents of every file in this folder. So here's the document I'm looking for, and in preview pane I can see that I made a mistake last night. I saved the wrong document. This is an invitation to something special we're planning tomorrow night at CES, and making a mistake like this before Windows Vista would be a problem, but thanks to a new feature called Shadowcopy in Windows Vista, I can restore previous versions of this document with just a couple clicks. So when I click restore, you're going to see this document on the right revert back to the original. Just like that, Vista reverted back to the original and it got me out of a jam. It's better than going back in time. (Applause.)

So Windows Vista gives me a safety net, and it lets me worry less about making mistakes on my PC. So here I have the document, and it's still pretty rough looking, but using the new Microsoft Word in just a couple clicks I can actually make this dramatically better. Notice as I scroll over these themes, I get a preview of exactly what the changes are going to look like, and as a finishing touch, why don't we format this photo. There we go, just like that. In a couple clicks, I've taken this document from something that was pretty rough looking to something that looks like it could have been done by a professional.

Now I have a link here, and this link takes me to the location of the event tomorrow night, and it's perfect because I don't know Vegas that well. I'll open this up, and this will launch Windows Live Search. Now Live Search will give me information about the location of the event, it will give me driving directions, phone numbers, but that's not what I'm going to show you. What I'm going to show you is the Virtual Earth 3D technology that's built into Windows Live. And this is pretty cool to demo using a mouse and keyboard like I'm doing here, but it's more fun to use an Xbox 360 controller. I can plug any Xbox 360 controller into any Windows Vista PC to play all my games, and I can also use it to fly around Las Vegas here. (Applause.)

This is fun. So you see here a virtual 3D map of Las Vegas. Not only can I fly around, I can actually drive right down the street. This is pretty fun. It's also practical. So if I'm new to town, I can get a sense of where everything is, get a sense of my landmarks. We can also lay down real time traffic information  I want to make sure I don't hit the Bellagio there  real time traffic information, and that lets me decide not only  that lets me see not only what streets I want to drive down, it also tells me the quickest way to get there.

So the best part about this demo, this is live right now on Windows Live. You can go use this tonight. That's just a real quick example of how  no clap? (Applause.) Great example of how Windows Vista, Live, and Office come together to deliver some amazing connected experiences.

That was fun. What else is fun on the PC is Media Center and Windows Vista. Media Center is where I can kick back, I can listen to all my music, I can watch and record live high definition television, download movies, and tonight we're going to show you a new experience called SportsLounge. SportsLounge was developed with Microsoft and FoxSports.com, and it's a dream if you're a sports fan, or have a sports fan in your house. Here I'm watching a live HD feed of a football game. Up top I'm getting real-time information, and real-time scores for every sports program in my channel line up. And across the bottom here, I'm getting real-time alerts about my favorite players, about my favorite teams. I can queue up, SportsLounge tells me what's on later, and I can queue it up to record programs. So I know I'm going to work during the BCS title game tomorrow night, Media Center will record it for me automatically. I can get in-depth scores for games that are in my channel line up, or not in my channel line up. And if you love fantasy sports, you're going to really dig this one, I can set SportsLounge up to track all my fantasy teams, football, basketball, baseball and hockey. It will update me on all my players' stats, and I can set up alerts. So if someone is coming up to bat, someone just made a big play, Media Center will send me an alert, and I can automatically tune the channel. It's great, it's a dream if you're a sports fan. (Cheers and applause.)

We're also proud tonight to talk about some new content partnerships in Media Center. Showtime, Nickelodeon, Starz Vongo service will all deliver on demand video content and video services to Media Center customers. Now in Media Center I just showed you how you can enjoy it in full screen with a mouse and keyboard. You can also use a remote control. I can also shrink this down, you're watching live high definition television while I'm going about my business using my PC. Now SportsLounge, Media Center, high definition television, and these rich on demand video services are great examples of how Windows Vista will take entertainment on the PC to the next level.

What else are people doing for fun on the PC? Well, photos. We know that close to two billion photos were taken last year, probably everyone in this room has taken a handful of digital photos. And in Windows Vista the place to edit and organize all your photos is Photo Gallery. Here I have all my pictures, and all my digital videos that I've taken with a digital camera, or a camera phone, but I don't want to leave them on my PC. I want to be able to burn them to a DVD. DVD Maker in Windows Vista makes it simple to share my memories. Here I've added not just my photos but digital video to this DVD I'm going to burn. I click next, I can select from a handful of preinstalled themes, and when I click preview I can see exactly how this DVD is going to look when my friends and family pop it in their home DVD player, just like that. (Applause.)

So let's talk for a second about Windows Vista Ultimate. Ultimate is the flagship edition of Windows Vista, and it gives me everything I need to have more fun at home, and be more productive at work. Now one of the cool things about Ultimate is that Microsoft continues to download features to me on a regular basis, and we call these new features Ultimate Extras. An example of one of these is this technology from Microsoft Research called GroupShot. Now my problem with photos is not necessarily technology, it's not that I can edit them, and organize them, or share them, I can't take a picture to save my life. I'm always cutting people's heads off, or I'm catching people, like in this case, with their eyes closed. So here I have two pictures. In this one her eyes are closed, in this one his eyes are closed. What I want to do is put both of these pictures together into one good picture. So GroupShot is going to let me do that. I simply select here, take the good part of this picture, I go back here and take the good part of this picture. Now GroupShot didn't fix these pictures, it created the picture I wish I would have taken. Pretty cool. (Cheers and applause.)

So what else are people doing with photos? Well, we know that people love to personalize their desktops with all their pictures. And with every version of Windows we ship a whole batch of new themes and wallpapers. Well, a new Ultimate Extra called DreamScene in Windows Vista takes that to the next level with full motion desktop. (Cheers and applause.) And just like with any picture on my PC, I can go to any video and set that as my desktop background. Awesome. (Cheers and applause.)

So you've just seen how Windows Vista is going to make it easier, safer and more fun than ever before to use your PC. We have 22 days until launch, that's it for me. Thank you very much. (Cheers and applause.)

 

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(C) MBN 2007 William Hoehne

January 26, 2007

Recent Posts

Jan 26

 

Travel News

Feb 18 

 

Spring into Savings with CheapCaribbean.com's Top Deals

CheapCaribbean.com Has High-Season Vacations at Low-Season Prices!

If you're waiting for the perfect deal on a winter or spring getaway, look no further. CheapCaribbean.com has a vacation package for every traveler and every budget.

Tons of deals on travel to high-end, luxurious resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda and Mexico are available now on CheapCaribbean.com, including:

  *  Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort.  This exclusive deal,      
which usually costs $649, is only available until space runs out.      
(Prices start at just $299 for three luxurious nights.)    *  
Mexico's Cozumel Palace.  Book your trip before February 21 using promo      
code PALACE200 to get $100 off per person, free golf and spa vouchers,      
and free excursions worth $400. (Prices start at $899 for a four-night      
stay.)    *  Sun Village Resort & Spa in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.  
This      package features free admission to Ocean World at no extra cost.      
(Prices start at $589 for five all-inclusive nights.)    *  Viva Wyndham 
Fortuna Beach on Grand Bahama Island.  (Prices start at      $699 for 
four all-inclusive nights.  Many other packages are also      available.)  

All packages are priced per person, based on double occupancy, including air. Packages also feature CheapCaribbean.com's groundbreaking "Free Your Mind" travel protection program, which includes a Passport Rebate until February 28, a $5 international phone card, a "Cancel/Change One-Time Waiver," full TravelGuard insurance and more ... all included with every vacation package at no extra charge.

"We were remarkably pleased with our recent trip - everything from the flight to the hotel was perfect," said Paige and Matt Tobin, VIP travelers with CheapCaribbean.com. "Our daughter got sick, but thanks to CheapCaribbean.com's 'Free Your Mind' travel protection program, we were able to have her treated and back on the beach by that afternoon!"

You can book online at http://www.cheapcaribbean.com/ or by calling CheapCaribbean.com's 24-hour customer service center toll-free at 800-915-2322.

About CheapCaribbean.com

Headquartered in Doylestown, PA, CheapCaribbean.com is a member of Customer Oriented Marketing and Management Group (COMM Group Inc.) and is dedicated to providing top-notch, premium service to every person who books a trip at CheapCaribbean.com for travel to the Caribbean, Bermuda, or Mexico. For more information, visit http://www.cheapcaribbean.com/.

Source: CheapCaribbean.com

 

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

 

Downhome Plus Uptown Equals Good Times in San Angelo

From Gemstones and Modern Art to Low Riders and Honky Tonks, Authentic Texas Experiences Abound for Travelers

Travelers looking for downhome, authentic Texas experiences and those in search of uptown culture can satisfy both urges in an unexpected place -- San Angelo, in the heart of the Concho Valley in north central Texas.

First: where to stay. There are many accommodations at all budget levels in San Angelo, and the San Angelo Convention and Visitors Bureau (http://www.sanangelo.org/) can help you choose the right one for you. One option is The Inn at the Art Center. The rooms are part of the Chicken Farm Art Center of artist studios, galleries, residences and the Silo House restaurant.

Another choice is the Hummer House, a comfortable cottage perfect for birdwatching, with Texas' highest concentration of black chinned hummingbirds. The birds aren't the only jewels to enjoy there -- check out the gems with the beautiful "Lone Star" gemstone facet design, created by family members in 1974. Owner Dan Brown can facet and set a gemstone especially for you.

San Angelo's own rock stars, Los Lonely Boys, aren't just musical wonders. They also love muscle cars. They've opened their own shop specializing in low riders and other customized rides. Stop by their Texican Chop Shop to see some of their work.

From lowriders to high art ... the San Angelo Museum of Art boasts a world-class collection of ceramics and modern Texas paintings. The architecturally magnificent museum also features monthly chamber music concerts the third Saturday of each month draw top players from all over Texas.

After (or before) checking out some of the sites, enjoy a cold beer and hot music at Blaine's Pub. Blaine's is the kind of place to hear up-and-coming Texas troubadours while rubbing elbows with the likes of Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. It's is also the kind of place that inspires people to dance on its well-worn bar.

Grass-fed, hormone-free beef and arguably the best onion rings in West Texas are the specialty at the Zentner's Daughter steakhouse at 1901 Knickerbocker Rd. It's the kind of place people drive hours to visit, and has for years been THE go-to place for dinner in San Angelo.

For a colorful bit of Texana not found in history books, stop by Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum in downtown San Angelo. A working bordello until the Texas Rangers closed it down in 1946, Miss Hattie's offers tours Thursday through Saturday afternoons. And you can rent out the whole place for the evening -- but please, only for fun, not profit.

Source: San Angelo Convention and Visitors Bureau

 

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

Exotic, Domestic Destination Wedding Venues Often Found Close to Home

 You're newly engaged and planning the big day -- perhaps even daydreaming of an exotic "destination wedding." These foreign affairs may be all the rage, but flying friends and families to far-flung destinations might best be left to the "TomKat" crowd. When work schedules and modest budgets give wedding planning a reality check, couples can look closer to home for an "exotic, domestic" destination wedding.

"Sometimes it just isn't feasible for two busy, working people to schedule an off-shore destination wedding," notes Nancy Byrne, Executive Director of the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism -- herself a recent newlywed. "Fortunately, you often don't have to go far, or have an outlandish budget, to find a venue that will create wonderful memories and still 'wow' your guests."

New Jersey's surprising array of alternative wedding venues invites couples to save on airfare, yet still enjoy the thrill of a destination wedding -- Garden State style. Newlyweds can take their guests to the Caribbean, West Africa, even beneath the deep blue sea with a ceremony and reception at Adventure Aquarium on Camden's waterfront. Highlights include an elegant dinner in front of two movie-screen-sized windows, where the bridal party and guests will be joined by loggerhead turtles, stingrays, and thousands of brilliantly-colored fish in the adjoining 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm. The newlyweds will also enjoy strolling hand-in-hand among fierce-looking sharks in the 40-foot walk-through Shark Realm tunnel.

Hamilton's Grounds for Sculpture is as grand as any European garden, featuring 35 acres of lush landscape artfully decorated with more than 250 contemporary sculptures. For an outdoor ceremony, one of the most popular settings for weddings is at The Nine Muses sculpture by Carlos Dorrien, a piece that evokes the timelessness of ancient temples and past civilizations.

Couples who share a concern for the global environment can green up their wedding -- while reducing the jet fuel needed to carry them and their guests to an overseas destination -- with an Eco-Wedding at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor. The bride and groom can recite their vows while enjoying expansive views of 6,000 acres of pristine coastal wetlands. The newlyweds can share a toast in the beautiful gardens brimming with birds and butterflies, or simply step back to reflect on the moment and enjoy a spectacular sunset.

For a wedding steeped in the pleasures of food and wine, who needs Italy when New Jersey is home to more than a dozen romantic wineries, each ready to help couples toast their exciting new "pairing." Egg Harbor's Renault Winery features a variety of settings, beginning with the Renault Grand Ballroom, featuring a handsome staircase for a couple's dramatic entrance. For a more intimate experience, the Vintage Room heightens the romantic ambiance old-world vineyard style, with wine caskets and a working fireplace.

For more imaginative wedding ideas and off-the-beaten path reception venues, visit www.visitnj.org.

Source: New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism 

 

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

 

Feb 16

 

 

French Train Travel Speeds Up in 2007; See More of France in Less Time

NEW YORK, NY --  February 16, 2007 -- French trains, particularly the sleek TGVs*, have been a convenient and comfortable way to travel around France for 25 years and a must-see tourist attraction for automotive-centric North Americans -- but in 2007, they will take a leap into the future with the June 10 launch of the TGV Est (East). This new line will cut travel times nearly in half between Paris and eastern regions such as Champagne-Ardenne, Lorraine and Alsace, and the frequency of train service within those fascinating regions and between these regions and others in France will increase 15-20%, making it easy to see more in less time.

Late in the year (mid-November), Eurostar will operate even faster between Paris and London -- cutting an average of 20 minutes off the already quick 2 hrs 35 min journey, thanks to the completion of the final segment of high-speed track leading into -- and under -- London.

Rail Europe is the White Plains, NY-based subsidiary of SNCF (French National Railroads). The company offers the widest range of economically-priced point-to-point rail tickets (including advance purchase tickets that can save up to 45%) and is the exclusive distributor of France Railpass and related tour products used for individual or group travel in France and throughout Europe and the U.K.

The company's website, www.raileurope.com, offers a user-friendly booking engine, helpful rail trip planning information, virtual rail tours, interactive rail maps and much more. You can buy everything you need before you go. Many of the rail products sold by Rail Europe cannot be purchased in Europe.

RAIL EUROPE'S MENU OF FRENCH TRAVEL PRODUCTS:

France Railpass

If you are planning on seeing several places in France, a France Railpass could save substantially over buying individual point-to-point tickets. You qualify for even lower prices on a France Railpass if you are traveling with one or more companions, if you're 60+ or under 26 :

--  France Railpass  3-9 days of unlimited rail travel within 1 month,     
starts at $ 222 (2nd class), $ 261 (1st). --  France Saverpass -- 
for 2 or more traveling together, starts at $191     
(2nd), $223 (1st) per person. --  France Senior Pass --  
3-9 days starts at $ 238 (1st only). --  France Youth Pass --  starts at $164 (2nd) or $194 (1st).     

New for '07 extras/bonuses for France Railpass

There have always been discounts and other bonuses for France Railpass holders, but this year several new ones have been added -- some of which specifically relate to the new TGV East high-speed rail line:

--  20% discount on the Strasbourg Pass (www.ot-strasbourg.fr), Nancy City     
Pass (www.ot-nancy.fr), Discovery Pass in Dijon (www.dijon-tourism.com) and     
admission to the National Monuments, such as Mont-Saint-Michel, La     
Chapelle, etc. (www.monum.fr). --  10-20% discount on various Accor 
Group hotels, such as Mercure-     Sofitel, Mercure-Novotel-Suitehotel 
and Sofitel (reservations must be made     in advance).     

France Rail 'n Drive -- best way to see the most

Use the efficient French rail system to go quickly and easily between cities and major towns and then a rental car to explore the countryside for vineyards, mountains, chateaux or picnic spots. The combination lets you save money over buying rail tickets and car rental separately, and the big advantage over most other car rental offers is that the car days need not be consecutive.

Rail Europe's France Rail 'n Drive provides 2 rail days and 2 car rental days using 1st class rail and any one of 6 different car categories, starting at $325 for 1 adult or $271 per person for two people sharing a car (with economy car). Additional rail and car days and 6 car categories are available.

Discount on Eurostar -- see London too!

Holders of a France Railpass (or other railpass that includes travel in France) receive a low passholder fare on Eurostar tickets to London, from $81 standard (2nd) class, $144 1st class for a one-way ticket. These passholder fares are exchangeable. Comparable non-exchangeable tickets without a pass cost $94 std class, $167 1st class.

Non-exchangeable, non-refundable low fares on Eurostar are available for a limited number of seats, starting at $101 round trip (to be completed in one day). Eurostar takes just 2 hrs 35 min to travel Paris-London.

Tour products to get the most out of your vacation to France

Besides train tickets, passes and Rail 'n Drive, Rail Europe also offers American travelers to France the following tour products, including several new ones:

--  Paris Visite for unlimited use of Paris metros and buses, as well as     RER and SNCF trains in the greater Paris region, starting at $26; --  Paris Museum Pass for entrance to 70 museums and monuments with no     waiting in line plus free or priority admission to permanent collections,     starting at $22; --  NEW Paris Historical Tour -- 3 hr 45 min guided tour by motor coach     and boat of historic sites in Paris, such as Latin Quarter, Bastille,     Pantheon, Notre Dame and many others, starting at $74; --  NEW Wine tasting mini-classes in Paris -- learn about the mysteries of     wine from a French sommelier  -- choose from "Wine Two Three" (tasting 3     wines) or go for 5 wines with "Wine & Cheese Tasting Lunch" or "Grand 7"     (seven wines).  A fun and informative way to enjoy great French wines in a     relaxing atmosphere.  Starts at $30; --  Paris Dinner Cruise -- glass-sided boats with panoramic views and live     music with dinner, starting at $145; --  Grand Louvre Museum guided tour -- 2.5 hour tour starting at $54     adult; --  CitiRama Paris L'Open -- 1 or 2 days of travel on hop-on-hop-off bus     with 4 different sightseeing routes, over 50 stops, starting at $37.     

For more information or to book any Rail Europe product to France or anywhere in Europe, contact a travel agent or Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 or log on to www.raileurope.com. Rail Europe is the largest North American supplier of European rail travel products for individuals, families or groups.

Notes:

*TGV= Train a Grande Vitesse (French high-speed trains, traveling 186 -- nearly 200 mph):

** Prices subject to change. For the latest prices, log on to www.raileurope.com

 

Feb 1

 

 

Free Extra Day on Eurail Select Pass Purchased February and March 2007 From Rail Europe

WHITE PLAINS, NY -- February 01, 2007 -- Travel one more day free on Europe's convenient rail network when you purchase a 6-, 8- or 10-day Eurail Select Pass from Rail Europe here in North America between February 1 - March 31, 2007. Rail travel days may be used non-consecutively within a 2-month period up to 6 months after the purchase date -- which means that this promotion can be used during peak summer travel season, depending on purchase date.

 

The Eurail Select Pass is a "create-your-pass" product, allowing the buyer to select 3, 4 or 5 European countries out of 23 possibilities*. The selected countries must be connected by rail or ferry.

"This promotion has always been popular with North American travelers," notes Fabrice Morel, President and CEO of Rail Europe, the largest North American distributor of Eurail and other European rail passes and tickets. "There are many ways we try to save people money on their European trips -- we regularly offer a variety of promotions and deals, including kids ride free, or buy a pass and save 50% on your next railpass. In addition, we sell advance purchase point-to-point tickets in some countries that can save up to 40% on the usual price, for those only going between points A and B."

2007 prices for the Eurail Select Pass start at $379 US/ $444 CAD for a 6-day 3-country pass (providing 7 travel days with this promotion), $450 US/$527 CAD for an 8-day 3-country pass (9 travel days) and $518 US/$607 CAD for a 10-day pass (11 travel days); these lowest per person prices are for a Eurail Select Pass Saver (when two or more traveling together). There are also less expensive Youth versions for travelers under 26.

For more information or to book any of Rail Europe's wide range of economical railpasses and point-to-point tickets on trains throughout Europe and the U.K., consult a travel agent or log on to Rail Europe's web site, www.raileurope.com (in the U.S.) or www.raileurope.ca (in Canada) or call Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 (U.S.) or 1-800-361-7245 (Canada).

Notes:

* The 23 countries from which 3, 4 or 5 can be selected include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

**Prices are subject to change; check www.raileurope.com (US) or www.raileurope.ca (Canada) for the latest prices.

 

Jan 26

 

Travelzoo Reveals Top 10 Tips for Finding the Best Family Cruise Deals

NEW YORK, Jan. 26  Travelzoo (NASDAQ:TZOO) , a global Internet media company, today revealed the top 10 tips to help families find great deals on cruise vacations this season.

"Wave season is upon us now and it's becoming increasingly important to book early for families," said Lynn Nugent, Director of Cruise Content, Travelzoo. "More than 10 million North Americans are projected to take a cruise this year and many of these bookings will happen within the next three months. Cruising has become a very popular vacation option for families since most sailings include all meals, entertainment and accommodations. They provide excellent overall value."

  Travelzoo's top 10 tips for finding family cruise deals:    
1.  Look for cruises sailing from ports outside of South Florida    
2.  Consider cruising from Northeast port cities to the Caribbean during peak times    
3.  'Shoulder Seasons' are best for Alaska    
4.  Ask for family suites or adjoining rooms    
5.  Consider Hawaii    
6.  Reserve 'best available' cabins that are assigned at the time of booking    
7.  Check for discounts for 3rd and 4th passengers    
8.  Get insurance from your cruise agent as it can be less expensive than a cruise line    
9.  Book your school holiday/summer vacation cruise early to get the best rate    
10. Cruise prices fluctuate on a daily basis so check back often  

For more information on these tips and to view Travelzoo's cruise tips video visit www.travelzoo.com.

The Travelzoo Newsdesk reports the following great values currently on cruises:

- Viva Voyage is offering a 7 night upscale Alaska cruise with summer departures on the Celebrity Mercury or Summit. Prices start at $599 per person with Oceanview cabins starting at just $100 more per person.

- CruiseBrothers.com is offering a 7 or 8 night cruise to the Mexican Riviera for $499 per person on board the Celebrity Mercury for travel dates in March and April.

- Royal Caribbean is offering a 4 night cruise this spring to the Bahamas for $249 per person for departure dates in April and May on board the Majesty of the Seas or the Sovereign of the Seas. The Majesty is currently in dry- dock getting a major makeover so this will be a great time to cruise on this ship.

For more information on these and other great cruise deals visit www.travelzoo.com. All of the offers published in Travelzoo's cruise deal section are verified for accuracy and availability by the Travelzoo Test Booking Center(TM).

About Travelzoo

Travelzoo is a global Internet media company. Travelzoo's media properties, which reach more than 10 million travel enthusiasts in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Germany, include the Travelzoo(R) Web site (www.travelzoo.com), the Top 20(R) e-mail newsletter, the Newsflash(TM) e-mail alert service and SuperSearch(TM), a travel search engine. Travelzoo publishes offers from more than 500 advertisers. Travelzoo's deal experts review each offer to find the best travel deals and confirm their true value. Travelzoo is headquartered in New York City.

Certain statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions, markets in which we participate and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts. When used in this press release, the words "expect", "predict", "project", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "seek" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because these forward- looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including changes in our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions and other factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. We cannot guarantee any future levels of activity, performance or achievements. Travelzoo undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release. Travelzoo and Top 20 are registered trademarks of Travelzoo. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

 

Source: Travelzoo

 

 

Just keeping in touch with some information you may find helpful! Please remember, if you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home, you can count on me to deliver the best results, no matter the season. Much of my business comes from repeat clients and referrals, so please keep me in mind.

Sincerely,
Valarie Blake
VALARIE BLAKE, BROKER Associate [The Real Estate Consultants]

310-574-0926
vblake@vblakehomes.com
www.vblakehomes.com



Five Winter Gardening Tips

  1. Dont throw away your dead plants! Dead potted plants are full of useful, organic matter, so dont waste them. Use them in a compost pile and chop everything up into small chunks to use for great enriched soil later on.
  2. Take good care of your pots. Freezing temperatures can damage clay pots, so clean them up and store them out of the weather.
  3. Dont forget to water. As long as the ground isnt frozen, you should water some. Not too much because your plants are likely dormant, but keeping water supplied to the roots will help reduce their winter stress.
  4. Order Spring seeds early! If you order seeds from a catalog, be sure to order by the end of January. Youll have the best selection and can then start the seeds indoors if you want.
  5. Take care of your gardens best friends. The best part of a Winter garden is the birds, so make sure they have shelter, food and water to thrive all season.

Brian Wilson For Gibson

Jan 25

 

 

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Brian Wilson Brings Good Vibrations to NAMM
Brian Wilson, musical and cultural icon, of the Beach Boys appeared at the NAMM show in Anaheim, to lines of fans, eagerly waiting to meet him, get his autograph and take a picture outside the Gibson suite. 
The week prior, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys played to a standing room only intimate crowd of two hundred overflowing the Gibson tent at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas . 
When a legend is present, you never know who might show up – such as David James Elliott of tv’s “Close to Home.”  Elliott is a musician too, rock ‘n roll, and collector of guitars who came with his bandmate Razz.  Seeing Elliott, I’d realized how much I’d missed seeing him in his best known role as an attorney in JAG, now I know where to find him.  The time slot, Fridays at 9 pm on CBS.  And yes, he is as good looking in person as on tv.  Not surprisingly, he was once one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People in the World (1996).
Getting back to Wilson , just the thought of him, recalls memories of growing up with The Beach Boys.  Upbeat music singing of “Good Vibrations” and “Fun Fun Fun”, are much like icing on the cake or the tip of the iceberg.  Wilson’s rocky road could better be described by “Help Me Rhonda” or “Sail on Sailor” because “God Only Knows” when you “Ride the Wild Surf”.  He has managed to “Lay Down Burden”, return, now “Wouldn’t It be Nice” just to be on a “Surfin’ Safari”?
At the height of The Beach Boys popularity, Wilson ’s writing took the Beach Boys in a different direction.  With the project SMiLE, the style change to more instrumentation, and coupled with personal issues contributed to the breakup of The Beach Boys.  Heavily bootlegged copies reached mythic proportions within Beach Boys fandom.  Nearly 40 years later, a re-recorded version of SMiLE was released in 2004 and was an award winning two-DVD set with documentary and a live presentation of the work.  Wilson was awarded with a Grammy for “Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow (Fire)” for best rock instrumental. 
Besides being a rock royalty and a legendary performer, Wilson is also legendary as a writer, producer, and arranger of some of the most cherished music in rock history. Wilson’s writing extended beyond The Beach Boys and co-writing many of Jan and Dean’s biggest hits to writing for The Departed and Happy Feet, both of which have been showered with nominations this award season with Golden Globes and Academy Award nominations. 
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(writer: "Sail on Sailor") The Departed

(writer: "Do It Again")  Happy Feet

Wilson ’s Pet Sounds, reached 2nd place on the Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and has been named by various music polls as one of the greatest pop albums ever recorded.  The Pet Sounds album, according to Paul McCartney, inspired the Beatles’ Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Wilson was a co-founder of The Beach Boys, but is no longer a part of The Beach Boys touring band, he remains a member of The Beach Boys corporations, Brother Records Incorporated.  Last summer fans came from around the world to visit the birthplace of the Wilson brothers being dedicated as The Beach Boys Historic Landmark.
When Wilson performs, you can see the focused intensity expression on his face when he performs.  He is a perfectionist.  Previously when I’ve seen him perform, I’ve seen him stop during a song, have musicians correct it, and continue.  You would never expect that he is 96% deaf in his right ear. 
Al Jardine, a one time Beach Boy who initially met Brian Wilson in high school, and played occasional lead vocalist and singer, is currently on tour with Brian Wilson.  Jardine credits Wilson , “It’s a great honor to be working with Brian again.  I give him all the credit for the Beach success.  I compare Brian to Cole Porter.  His genius really shines on Pet Sounds.”
Jeff Foskett,  joined the Beach Boys in 1980 as a guitarist and singer.  A longtime bandmate and musical director, Foskett joins Wilson on tour playing Gibson and Epiphone and has recently released “Stars in the Sand” continuing the surf sound.
Fortunate for his fans, Pet Sounds, the 40th Anniversary Celebration still has its final performances which will be held this weekend in San Diego (Jan 26), Long Beach (Jan 27) and Oakland (Jan 28).  The kickoff concert for his tour on November 1, 2006 was at UCLA’s Royce Hall in Los Angeles to a sell out crowd.    
If you truly want to experience a rock ‘n roll fantasy with Brian Wilson, join him in
Gibson’s Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy Camp this President’s Day weekend.   Musicians live their fantasy of jamming with greats such as Brian Wilson co-founder of The Beach Boys, Paul Stanley of KISS, and Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead.

 

 

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Close to Home & Jags David James Elliott at Namm to see Brian Wilson

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January 25, 2007

Production Notes

Production Notes Epic Movie

 

 

 

 

EPIC MOVIE is big. Really big. It’s a movie of, well, epic proportions.

We know…because we measured.

The story centers on four not-so-young orphans: one reared by a curator at the Louvre

(where an albino assassin lurks); another, a refugee from Mexican “libre” wrestling; the third a

recent victim of snakes on her plane; and the fourth a “normal” resident of a mutant “X”-

community. The hapless quartet visits a chocolate factory, where they stumble into an enchanted

wardrobe that transports them to the land of Gnarnia (with a silent “G”). There they meet a

flamboyant pirate captain and earnest students of wizardry – and join forces with, among others, a

wise-but-horny lion to defeat the evil White Bitch of Gnarnia.

EPIC MOVIE comes from the new masters of the parody genre – Jason Friedberg &

Aaron Seltzer – who now set their parodic sights on the largest genre of them all: Hollywood’s

big-budget, special effects-laden, blockbuster franchise films. After successfully skewering the

scary movie and romantic comedy franchises as two of the six writers of “Scary Movie,” and as

the writers/director of “Date Movie,” the duo now focus on this untapped niche – Hollywood’s

summer and fall tentpoles - proving once again that they are proud of being “first to be second.”

 

For the last thirty years, from “Airplane” to “Hot Shots” to “Scary Movie,” parodic

comedies have focused on specific movie genres. With the studios’ ongoing deluge of summer

and holiday blockbusters becoming the norm, writers/directors Jason Friedberg & Aaron Seltzer

felt the time was ripe to expand the scope of genre parodies to include recent action films, comic

book films, and children’s fantasy films.

The idea for the film came to Friedberg and Seltzer while they were making “Date

Movie” with producer Paul Schiff. “We had so much fun making that movie we didn’t want to

 

 

stop, so we came up with another one,” says Schiff. “We were just brainstorming and talking

about targets of opportunities ripe for parodies.”

Friedberg and Seltzer decided to build the framework for the film around the general plot

of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” Thus was born the

characters of Edward, Peter, Susan and Lucy – four unrelated orphans in search of their homes,

who are magically transported into the fantasy world of Gnarnia (“with a G, like Gnarly”), where

they meet The White Bitch (Jennifer Coolidge), and her team of assistants and assassins. Along

the way they meet numerous incarnations of characters from recent tentpole films.

“We just like these movies and thought they’d be great movies to ridicule,” says Aaron

Seltzer. “Like ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and ‘Superman’ and ‘X-Men’ and ‘Nacho Libre.’ It just

seemed like fun to parody them all, using ‘Narnia’ as the broad outline, and then it just stemmed

from there.”

EPIC MOVIE reunites four of the stars from “Date Movie” – Adam Campbell, Jennifer

Coolidge, Tony Cox and Fred Willard - and introduces many actors new to the directors’

repertory company. The filmmakers note that they fell in love with a lot of great, funny actors on

“Date Movie,” and felt lucky to be able to bring some of them back. “Overall,” notes Jason

Friedberg, “we wanted a really strong ensemble cast and lots of different personalities.”

A quartet of talented comedic actors plays the orphans who, strangely, look nothing alike.

Kal Penn plays Edward, who falls under the White Bitch’s spell; Adam Campbell is Peter, who

tries to be a true leader even though his natural inclinations are to cut and run; Faune Chambers is

Susan, the practical and stoic one; and Jayma Mays is Lucy…the idiot.

“Edward is loosely based on the Edmund character from ‘Narnia,’” Kal Penn relates.

“He’s jealous of his older brother, Peter, and doesn’t really think that he’s part of the family.

He’s the traitorous character. He’s led to believe that the witch is going to make him king of this

land, whereas my siblings are on a separate mission. He doesn’t feel like he really belongs, but

through the course of the story they all come together as a family to fight off the witch.”

In a spoof of Penn’s own body of work, the directors added a reference to “Harold and

Kumar Go to White Castle.” “It was definitely important to me to ridicule something that I’ve

done as just part of the good-natured aspect of EPIC MOVIE,” Penn says. “I think the great thing

about all the movies we’re ridiculing is that they’re such a form of pop culture reference, that to

even have the White Castle reference was kind of an honor.”

Adam Campbell, who starred as the foppish, charming, bumbling British lad Grant

Funkyerdoder in Seltzer & Friedberg’s romantic comedy spoof “Date Movie,” portrays the

foppish British lad, Peter, who sprouts chicken wings. But instead of flying majestically through

 

 

the air, Peter clucks and runs. “My character is a rather anxious, nervous, frightened mutant boy

who eventually gains his courage and becomes something bigger than he’s ever dreamt,” says

Campbell.

Jayma Mays, who co-starred opposite Rachel McAdams in “Red Eye,” plays dimwitted

Lucy, a parody of the youngest of “Narnia’s” Pevensie children. Lucy discovers early on that the

only person in her life is killed, but they’ve left her a trail of clues. Along with the others, Lucy

goes on a quest where she eventually discovers that she actually has had a family all along.

“Lucy’s a simple gal,” says Mays. “She’s definitely a little slower than the rest of the

group. She figures things out a few steps behind everybody else.”

For the role of Susan, the most responsible and practical of the orphaned adventurers, the

filmmakers selected Faune Chambers, whose credits include “White Chicks” and “Bring It On

Again.” In casting the role they were looking for someone to provide a good counterbalance to

Jayma Mays’ Lucy.

“Susan has been an orphan all of her life,” explains Chambers, “so she feels that she’s

never been a part of anything worthwhile. So when she finds this golden ticket that says, ‘an epic

adventure,’ she’s just so excited. And once she gets there, of course, it turns into something

they’re not expecting, but what she’s discovered is a nice little family unit that she’s never had

and never been a part of.”

Jennifer Coolidge plays The White Bitch, a reference to Jadis, the White Witch, the

principal villain from “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Coolidge, who co-starred for Seltzer &

Friedberg in “Date Movie,” is best known for her work in a host of Christopher Guest comedies,

including the recent “For Your Consideration,” as well as the “Legally Blonde” films.

Coolidge says that playing the bad girl is more interesting to play than a more virtuous

character. “I guess I just get offered the bad girl a lot,” she says. “I seem kind of typecast, I

guess, but yeah, it’s just more fun.”

In a first for a parodic film – or any film in history – two separate actors portray roles

originated by Johnny Depp in other films. “Saturday Night Live” veteran Darrell Hammond, best

known for his brilliant takes on everyone from Bill Clinton to Sean Connery, plays the roguish

Captain Jack, referencing Johnny Depp’s memorable performances as Captain Jack Sparrow in

the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films.

In preparing for the role, Hammond says “I spent almost every hour of every day

watching ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’ trying to get every single little thing I could get my hands on,

because the thing about the character is that it has so many layers to it, so I had to take a look and

find as many aspects to parody as I could.”

 

 

Crispin Glover (“Back to the Future”) injects his trademark eccentricities into the

character of Willy, channeling Johnny Depp’s performance from “Charlie and the Chocolate

Factory,” Gene Wilder’s original Willy Wonka – and even a bit of Michael Jackson.

“We were searching high and low for an actor to have the courage and sense of abandon

to ridicule Willy Wonka as played by Johnny Depp,” recalls Paul Schiff. “Crispin twisted the

character and played with it.”

Fred Willard plays Aslo, in a tongue in cheek reference to the computer-generated lion,

Aslan, from “The Chronicles of Narnia.” “Aslo is kind of a randy lion, who has an eye for the

ladies,” says the comedy veteran.

Willard undertook some unorthodox research to get into the mind of a lion. “I went to

several zoos,” he says. “I ate with the lions. I slept with the lions. Made love to the lions. Made

love to the zookeepers. And finally they said, ‘That’s enough. Out you go.’ And I said, ‘But I’m

preparing for a movie.’”

In creating Aslo’s makeup effects, every expense was spared. “My days consisted of

them slicking down my hair, putting on a skullcap, putting on the wig, struggling with the pants

and shoes, and shaving my chest so they could glue the fake chest hair on,” Willard says.

Diminutive character actor Tony Cox, best known as Billy Bob Thornton’s sidekick in

“Bad Santa” as well as his spoof of Hitch in “Date Movie,” plays Bink, an assistant (and

chauffeur) to the White Bitch. “Bink is a real bad-ass mo-fo sidekick to the White Bitch,” says

Cox, whose character sports a Fu Manchu beard.

Kevin Hart, a veteran of the “Scary Movie” series, plays Silas, the Albino Monk, a

parody of the self-flagellating assassin portrayed by Paul Bettany in “The Da Vinci Code.” In

EPIC MOVIE, Silas works for the White Bitch as one of her many assassins. Hart underwent

three hours of makeup and sported special contact lenses to play the character.

Even the blockbuster “X-Men” series doesn’t escape ridicule. When we first meet Peter,

he’s a classmate of Mystique, Rogue, Wolverine, Storm, Cyclops, and Magneto at the “Mutant

Academy of Arts and Sciences.”

Carmen Electra, who appeared in a “King Kong” parody in “Date Movie,” portrays a

character modeled after Mystique, shape-shifting mutant in the “X-Men” films. “I worked with

directors on ‘Date Movie’ and on the first ‘Scary Movie,’” explains Electra. “So we’ve built this

relationship, and when they called me up last-minute and asked me to be in this movie I thought it

would be fun to dress up as Mystique and get to work with the guys again.”

 

 

 

Had EPIC MOVIE faithfully followed the films it ridicules, it would have been a globe-

spanning adventure for the cast and crew alike, taking them from the lush forests and fields of

New Zealand to the waters of Costa Rica; and from the museums of Paris to a tiny backwater

village in Kazakhstan. However, with the help of movie magic, the filmmakers were able to

create magisterial sets in the suburbs and stages of Southern California.

Producer Paul Schiff notes that making a parodic movie like EPIC MOVIE is deceptively

complicated. “Because we’re taking on some pretty big and spectacular movies to ridicule, in

order for the joke to work the scene has to be grounded in enough reality of that movie so that

you can twist it and turn it and ridicule it.”

Executive producer Rodney Liber agrees that there is a level of difficulty inherent in

parody films that aren’t found in more mainstream movies. “Unlike other movies where you’re

actually concentrating on one storyline, with this one you have maybe twenty to thirty storylines

you could be concentrating on, because you’re commenting on so many different movies,” he

says.

Los Angeles’ Museum of Natural History stands in for the Louvre Museum in Paris,

where we are introduced to the character of Lucy (Jayma Mays), who is sent on her adventure

after discovering an intriguing code from an elderly, breakdancing museum curator played by

veteran actor David Carradine of “Kung Fu” and “Kill Bill” fame.

“The Chronicles of Narnia” was filmed in New Zealand, but EPIC MOVIE found its

lush, rolling hills in Newhall, California, about 30 miles north of Los Angeles.

A ranch in Placerita Canyon in Newhall was the setting for the exterior battlefields of

Gnarnia, along with Aslo’s camp. A veritable Renaissance Fair of vintage-garbed background

performers – woodsmen, archers, and soldiers – usually 100-200 in total, were brought in daily to

the location for two weeks of filming, mostly in sweltering heat approaching 110 degrees.

Costume designer Frank Helmer had one of his proudest moments with the work he did

with Jennifer Coolidge’s The White Bitch. “The first time the White Bitch was shot in her full

glory was part of the battle scene in which she is reviewing her troops,” he recalls. “It was the

first time we had her complete look together: her amazing dreadlock wig, the jackalope headdress

I designed, the brown battle dress and her leather arm gauntlets. When I saw her finally in place

with the 200 Gnarnia warriors and Bink by her side she looked exactly as I had envisioned, and it

was a glorious moment.”

In an age where the visual effects budgets of major Hollywood blockbusters alone is

more than the entire budget of most films, visual effects producer Greg Baxter and visual effects

 

 

supervisor Ariel Shaw, were charged with the task of creating – and at some times recreating –

lavish visual effects sequences from the vast array of films parodied by EPIC MOVIE.

The most complicated sequence for the duo and their team of CGI animators and

technicians was a sequence featuring a certain pirate captain atop an out-of-control mill wheel.

A talking beaver character and a White Bitch/Davy Jones octopus tentacle character were

designed and operated by master puppeteer Mark Rappaport and his team of on-set puppeteers

from his special effects company Creature Effects Inc. Five animatronic puppeteers articulated

the body and facial features of Mr. Beaver, with the on-set voice provided by Katt Williams.

Supervising the vast army of stunt soldiers and other stunt performers throughout the film

was stunt coordinator Keith Adams, best known for his stunt coordinating work on Quentin

Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” films.

Production designer William Elliott replicated the original films’ looks as much as

possible, while avoiding obvious touches. “We try to base all the comedy in reality and let the

comedy come from the script and the actors, to give them a good, firm foundation in which to

work.”

 

Not content with mastering the art of parodic movie screenwriting, with EPIC MOVIE,

writers/directors Jason Friedberg & Aaron Seltzer have turned to the craft of songwriting.

“We’re more songwriters than filmmakers,” jokes Friedberg.

The duo wrote the lyrics for two memorable song and dance numbers: the maniacal “He’s

Willy,” performed by Loompa Oompas, and “Lazy Pirate Day,” as executed by Captain Jack and

his merry band of pirates.

“We like lots of music in our movies,” says Seltzer. “It keeps things upbeat, fun and

different, and some of the movies we’re parodying have music in them, like “Willy Wonka and

the Chocolate Factory.”

The dancing in the film’s two big musical numbers was choreographed by Stacy Walker,

who also choreographed sequences for Friedberg and Seltzer on “Date Movie.”

 

ABOUT THE CAST

KAL PENN (Edward) recently returned from India where he had an incredible

experience filming “The Namesake,” based on the novel by Pulitzer Prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri

and directed by Mira Nair. The film deals with issues that many immigrants around the world

face on a daily basis, trying to discover their identity when they are forced to grow up in two

worlds simultaneously and having to choose which world they ultimately want.

 

 

Kal recently spent some time in Romania and London where he filmed the starring role in

“Van Wilder 2: Rise Of The Taj.” Also in this last year, Kal was in Australia where he filmed

“Superman Returns,” directed by Bryan Singer, alongside Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth.

Released in 2005, Kal starred in “A Lot Like Love,” alongside Ashton Kutcher and

Amanda Peet. He has also since been recently nominated for an MTV Movie Award for his role

as “Kumar” in “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle,” alongside John Cho. Kal also shined

playing the best friend and co-worker, “Jorge,” to Jamie Kennedy’s character “Tim Avery” in

“Son of The Mask.”

Kal is also making a name for himself on the indie film circuit. He plays “Bobby” in

Victory Productions “Arrangement” and El Camino Pictures’ “Sueno.” He can also be seen in

2005’s “Dancing in Twilight” with Mimi Rogers and Erik Avari and 2003’s “American Made.”

Kal will forever be remembered for his hilarious role as “Taj” opposite Ryan Reynolds

and Tara Reid in the comedy “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder.” In addition, Kal starred in

“Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” an urban re-make of the 80’s hit comedy “Can’t Buy Me Love,”

alongside Christina Milian and Steve Harvey. Kal was also seen in “Malibu’s Most Wanted”

opposite Jamie Kennedy. Kal’s additional feature film credits include Eros Entertainment’s

“American Desi” and Tom Huang’s “Freshman.”

After his supporting role in the Emmy® Award winning HBO Films comedy “Express:

Aisle To Glory,” Kal went to work on episodes of “Spin City,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,”

“Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and “The Steve Harvey Show.” During the 1999-2000 TV season,

Kal was a series regular on the ABC/Touchstone pilot “Brookfield” produced by the Shepard-

Robin Company. During the 2001-2002 TV season Kal had guest spots on “NYPD Blue,” “The

Agency,” “Angel” and “That’s Life.”

Kal was born and raised in New Jersey, which allowed him to train extensively in theatre

all over the metropolitan New York area. His most memorable experiences include working with

the George Street Playhouse, The Atlantic Theatre Company, The New Jersey Governor’s School

of the Arts and Rutgers’ University Summer Arts Institute.

When Kal graduated from the Freehold Regional High School District’s Performing Arts

High School, he was accepted into the prestigious School of Theater, Film and Television at the

University of California Los Angeles. During his time at UCLA, Kal continued to build his body

of work in film and television both inside and outside of the classroom.

 

 

 

ADAM CAMPBELL (Peter) starred as Grant Funkyerdoder in Aaron Seltzer & Jason

Friedberg’s “Date Movie,” his motion picture debut. He followed that up with a starring role in

the romantic comedy, “You Are Here.”

Campbell is a classically trained actor who graduated from the prestigious Royal

Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Before graduation, he was cast as one of the leads in the

WB series “Commando Nanny.” That same year, David E. Kelly handpicked Campbell to star in

the WB pilot “Halley’s Comet.”

 

JENNIFER COOLIDGE (The White Bitch) played Roz Funkyerdoder in “Date

Movie.”

In motion pictures, Coolidge was most recently featured in the Twentieth Century Fox

animated film “Robots” as the voice of Aunt Fanny; and was also seen in Brad Silberling’s

“Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” with Jim Carrey and Meryl Streep.

In 2003, Coolidge reprised roles in two of the largest grossing comedies of that summer,

Paulette in “Legally Blonde II: Red, White and Blonde,” and as Stifler’s Mom in the third

installment of the “American Pie” trilogy, “American Wedding.”

Probably best known for her breakout performance in Christopher Guest’s critically

acclaimed “Best In Show,” Coolidge re-teamed with Guest with equal success in 2003’s “A

Mighty Wind” and in the recent “For Your Consideration.”

Coolidge starred in the Broadway production of Claire Booth Luce’s comedy “The

Women” and was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play.

Notable television appearances include guest roles on “Sex and the City,” “Friends,” “Frasier”

and “Seinfeld.” Coolidge also had recurring roles in Fox’s animated series “King of the Hill.”

 

JAYMA MAYS (Lucy) was born and raised in a small coal-mining town in southwest

Virginia. She majored in Performing Arts at Radford University and spent one summer in

Sacramento as an apprentice at Timothy Busfield’s B-Street Theatre. Following graduation,

Mays moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career and has not stopped working since.

Mays portrayed a harried assistant hotel manager in Wes Craven’s “Red Eye” opposite

Rachel McAdams. Next, she appeared in director Clint Eastwood’s “Flags of Our Fathers” and in

the independent romantic comedy “Smiley Face” opposite Anna Faris. Mays’ other film credits

include “Blind Guy Driving” for director James Keach and “Bar Starz.”

 

 

On television, Mays was most recently seen on the hit series “House, M.D.,” “How I Met

Your Mother” and “Stacked.” She had recurring roles on the series “Entourage,” “Heroes” and

“Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.”

 

FAUNE CHAMBERS (Susan) co-starred opposite Marlon and Shawn Wayans in the

comedy “White Chicks.” She has had roles in the features “The Cutting Edge II,” “Bring It On

Again,” “The Breakup Handbook,” and “Showstoppers,” and in the upcoming dance film

“Bailar.” For television, she has appeared on “Las Vegas,” “Eve,” “All of Us,” and “Listen Up.”

 

 

CRISPIN GLOVER (Willy) has distinguished himself as one of the most intriguing

personalities in the movie business. His unusual characters and artworks have inspired a cult-like

following that has dubbed him both madman and genius. Glover has delivered standout

performances in more than thirty films, including “River’s Edge,” “Back to the Future,” “Wild at

Heart,” “The Doors” (as Andy Warhol), “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “Nurse Betty,” “Charlie’s

Angels” and its sequel, “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle,” and “Willard.” He will next be seen as

Grendel in Robert Zemeckis’ cinematic adaptation of the epic poem “Beowulf.”

Glover is the author of multiple works of fiction (Rat Catching, Oak Mot, Concrete

Inspection, What It Is And How It Is Done, A Son of Mother, The Happy Journey, A New World),

and recordings (“The Big Problem Does Not Equal the Solution. The Solution = Let It Be.”)

Financed mostly by his acting and writing career, Glover produced and directed the feature

film, “What is It?,” a project nine and a half years in the making, that in 2005 won Best Narrative

Film at the Ann Arbor Film Festival, and the Maverick Award at the Method Fest Film Festival.

 

HECTOR JIMENEZ (Mr. Tumnus) gave his breakout performance as Jack Black’s rail-

thin wrestling partner, Esqueleto (the Skeleton), in “Nacho Libre.” He stars in the upcoming

horror-comedy “Killer Pad.”

 

TONY COX (Bink) studied at the Merrick Studio School of Acting. He also became

very active in the Little People of America organization. During this time, he also became a table-

tennis champion, and developed an interest in martial arts.

Cox’s first commercial was for Burger Chef and his first feature role was as an Ewok in

“Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.” Subsequently, Cox amassed over 50 film and

 

 

television credits, including: “Date Movie,” “Bad Santa,” “Me, Myself, and Irene,” “Friday,”

“Willow” and “Beetlejuice.”

 

Born and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio, FRED WILLARD (Aslo) began his career by

spending a year at Chicago's famed Second City.

Willard's improvisational performance as Buck Laughlin in Best in Show earned him the

Boston Society of Film Critic’s Award for Best Supporting Actor, and an American Comedy

Award for funniest performance by a supporting actor as well as nominations for Best Supporting

Actor from the New York Film Critics and The National Film Critic’s Society, and an Official

Selection Award from AFI.

Willard appeared in the Christopher Guest film, “Waiting for Guffman,” which earned

him an American Comedy Award nomination and a Screen Actor's Guild nomination for Funniest

Supporting Actor. Additional film credits include “This Is Spinal Tap,” “Roxanne,” “The

Wedding Planner,” “How High,” “American Pie 3,” “A Mighty Wind,” “Anchorman” and the

recent “For Your Consideration.”

Willard has received three Emmy nominations for his role as Martin Mull's gay lover on

“Roseanne” and his recurring role on “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

Willard co-starred with Martin Mull in Norman Lear's innovative cult classic talk show

satire “Fernwood 2-Night,” which aired recently on Nick At Nite and was celebrated at the

Museum of Television & Radio and the HBO Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen. Willard has also

had recurring roles on “Ally McBeal,” “The Simpsons,” and “Mad About You.” In addition he

has made more than 50 appearances on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Willard has numerous stage roles to his credit, including off-Broadway performances in

“Little Murders,” directed by Alan Arkin and “Arf,” directed by Richard Benjamin. Some of his

regional roles include “Call Me Madam” in Chicago, and in Los Angeles for the Reprise! series,

the musicals “Promises, Promises” with Jason Alexander, and “Anything Goes” with Rachel

York. He starred in Wendy Wasserstein's “Isn't It Romantic” and “Elvis and Juliet,” which was

written by his wife Mary. He recently completed a sold-out run of his "one-man show," Fred

Willard: Alone at Last! (actually a sketch show with a cast of 12) and received two Los Angeles

Artistic Director Awards for Best Comedy and Best Production.

 

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

JASON FRIEDBERG (Director, Writer, Executive Producer) and AARON SELTZER

(Director, Writer, Executive Producer) are longtime writing partners who have sold more than 20

 

 

screenplays over 17 years, including the very successful lampoons “Spy Hard” and “Scary

Movie.” (They were two of the six credited writers on “Scary Movie”). Seltzer and Friedberg

wrote “Date Movie,” which Seltzer directed.

Both natives of Southern California, Seltzer and Friedberg met at the University of

California - Santa Barbara, where the duo developed several businesses together while putting

themselves through school. By graduation, they owned two successful shoe stores on trendy

Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood and had sold their first screenplay, “Spy Hard,” which was

produced by Hollywood Pictures. Before long, they were selling original screenplays as well as

adaptations with such frequency that they decided to sell the shoe stores and focus exclusively on

their writing career.

 

PAUL SCHIFF (Producer) began his career as a documentary cameraman in New York

City. He segued to directing for MTV, where he was on staff for four years during the

groundbreaking early days of the cable channel. Schiff moved to feature films as an associate

producer of “Streets of Gold,” beginning a longstanding collaboration with its director,

Revolution Studios founder and head, Joe Roth.

Schiff then spent a successful seven years at Twentieth Century Fox, where he produced

such films as “My Cousin Vinny” starring Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei; “The Vanishing” starring

Jeff Bridges and Kiefer Sutherland; “PCU” and “Ghost in the Machine.” Prior to his tenure at

Fox, Schiff produced “Coupe de Ville,” directed by Joe Roth; “Renegades;” and “Young Guns”

and its sequel “Young Guns II” at Morgan Creek Productions.

In 2006, Schiff produced the hit romantic comedy spoof “Date Movie” from the

writing/directing duo of Aaron Seltzer & Jason Friedberg. Schiff also produced three

independent films that completed production in 2006: “The Air I Breathe,” featuring an all-star

cast led by Kevin Bacon, Brendan Fraser, Andy Garcia and Sarah Michelle Gellar; the ensemble

comedy “You Are Here;” and “Numb,” starring Matthew Perry.

Schiff’s producing credits include “Green Street Hooligans,” starring Elijah Wood;

“Maid in Manhattan,” the hit romantic comedy starring Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes; and

“Mona Lisa Smile” starring Julia Roberts and directed by Mike Newell.

Schiff also produced Wes Anderson’s critically acclaimed “Rushmore” starring Bill

Murray and Jason Schwartzman, and served as head of production at Propaganda Films.

 

ARNON MILCHAN (Executive Producer) is widely renowned as one of the most prolific

and successful independent film producers of the past 25 years, with over 100 feature films to his

 

 

credit. Born in Israel, Milchan was educated at the University of Geneva. His first business venture

was transforming his father’s modest business into one of his country’s largest agro-chemical

companies. This early achievement was a harbinger of Milchan’s now-legendary reputation in the

international marketplace as a keen businessman.

Soon, Milchan began to underwrite projects in areas that had always held a special interest

for him – film, television and theater. Early projects include Roman Polanski’s theater production of

“Amadeus,” “Dizengoff 99,” “La Menace,” “The Medusa Touch” and the mini-series “Masada.” By

the end of the 1980s, Milchan had produced such films as Martin Scorsese’s “The King of Comedy,”

Sergio Leone’s “Once Upon at Time in America” and Terry Gilliam’s “Brazil.”

After the huge successes of “Pretty Woman” and “The War of the Roses,” Milchan founded

New Regency Productions and went on to produce a string of successful films including “J.F.K,”

“Sommersby,” “A Time to Kill,” “Free Willy,” “The Client,” “Tin Cup,” “Under Siege,” “L.A.

Confidential,” “The Devil’s Advocate,” “The Negotiator,” “City of Angels,” “Entrapment,” “Fight

Club,” “Big Momma’s House,” “Don’t Say a Word,” “Daredevil,” “Man on Fire,” “Guess Who,”

“Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “Big Momma’s House 2” and “Date Movie.”

Upcoming projects include: “Firehouse Dog,” a family comedy starring Josh Hutcherson,

Bruce Greenwood, Dash Mihok, Steven Culp and Bree Turner, directed by Todd Holland; “Jumper,”

a sci-fi action-adventure starring Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Jamie Bell, and Samuel L.

Jackson, directed by Doug Liman; “Dallas,” based on the television phenomenon starring John

Travolta, directed by Gurinder Chadha; and “Shutter,” a horror-thriller directed by Masayuki Ochiai

Along the way, Milchan brought on board two powerful investors and partners who share his

vision: Nine Network and Twentieth Century Fox. Fox distributes Regency movies in all media

worldwide (excluding an output arrangement Regency has in Germany), including on U.S. pay

television, and international pay and free television.

Milchan also successfully diversified his company’s activities within the sphere of

entertainment, most specifically in the realm of television through Regency Television (“Malcolm in

the Middle,” “The Bernie Mac Show”). Regency recently acquired a stake in Channel 10,

BabyFirstTV, and an Israeli TV network. In addition, Regency holds television rights to Sony

Ericsson Women’s Tennis Association events.

 

RODNEY LIBER (Executive Producer) recently collaborated with director Paul Weitz

as producer of the comedy “American Dreamz,” starring Hugh Grant and Dennis Quaid, and as

executive producer of the critically acclaimed drama “In Good Company,” also starring Quaid,

Scarlett Johansson and Topher Grace.

 

 

In 2000, Liber executive produced the box-office smash hit comedy “Big Momma’s

House,” starring Martin Lawrence.

Liber served as producer of the sexual thriller “Wild Things,” starring Matt Dillon, Kevin

Bacon and Neve Campbell, and was executive producer of “Dunston Checks In,” starring Jason

Alexander, Faye Dunaway and Rupert Everett.

As a vice president of production for 20th Century Fox, Liber worked on Michael

Mann’s “The Last of the Mohicans,” Ron Shelton’s “White Men Can’t Jump,” and the classic

spoof comedy “Hot Shots!” directed by Jim Abrahams. He also supervised production on the

comedies “My Cousin Vinny” and “Dutch,” and served as production consultant on “Bad Girls”

and “Cousin Bette.”

Liber began his career as a production assistant on such notable feature films as the hit

Zucker/Abrams/Zucker comedy “Ruthless People” and the crime thriller “F/X.”

 

SHAWN MAURER (Director of Photography) collaborated with directors Jason

Friedberg & Aaron Seltzer on their first film, the hit spoof comedy “Date Movie.” Maurer’s

recent credits also include the comedies “The Honeymooners” and “Johnson Family Vacation.”

Maurer’s first feature credit was “Bandwagon,” directed by John Schultz. Maurer re-

teamed with Schultz on Twentieth Century Fox’s “Like Mike,” and on the independent feature

“When Zachary Beaver Came to Town.” Two of Maurer’s feature films, “The Big Empty” and

“Show and Tell,” were selected for Kodak’s First Look Series, which showcases notable

independent films by first-time directors.

Maurer’s first feature for a major studio, the cheerleading drama “Bring It On,” was a

box-office hit for Universal Pictures.

Born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, Maurer received a BFA in cinema from Loyola

Marymount University in Los Angeles. His student film, “Leila,” won best documentary at the

Student Academy Awards.

 

WILLIAM ELLIOTT (Production Designer) previously collaborated with Aaron

Seltzer and Jason Friedberg on the comedy “Date Movie.” His extensive feature film credits also

include “Roll Bounce,” “Scary Movie 3,” “Undercover Brother,” “Malibu’s Most Wanted,”

“Ghosts of Mars,” “The Nutty Professor” and “Nutty Professor II: The Klumps,” “Jane Austen’s

Mafia!,” “Doctor Dolittle,” “Metro,” “For Better or Worse,” “Andre,” “Ace Ventura: Pet

Detective,” “Honeymoon in Vegas,” “Hot Shots!” and “Hot Shots! Part Deux” and “Impulse.”

 

 

Earlier in his career, Elliott earned an Oscar® and BAFTA nomination for his work as an

art director on Brian De Palma’s “The Untouchables.”

 

PECK PRIOR (Editor) began his career as an apprentice at Universal Studios where he

worked on “Blues Brothers,” “Continental Divide” and “Conan The Barbarian.” He has a strong

comedy background, having edited on such projects as “The Benchwarmers,” “Deuce Bigalow:

European Gigolo,” “Joe Dirt,” “Without a Paddle,” “The Hot Chick,” “The Master of Disguise,”

and “The Animal.” He also edited “Dating Games People Play,” Taylor Hackford’s Oscar-

nominated “Ray,” “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer,” and “Terminal Velocity.” He was

also an editor on John Hughes’ “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” and was the supervising film

editor for “Curly Sue.”

 

EDWARD SHEARMUR (Music) is one of today’s most in-demand score composers.

His many credits include “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” “The Skeleton Key,” “Bad News Bears”

(2005), “Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle,” “Reign of

Fire,” “Miss Congeniality” and “Charlie’s Angels.”

He has won three BMI Film & TV Awards – for his scores for “Charlie’s Angels: Full

Throttle,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “Miss Congeniality.” He was awarded an Emmy for

Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music for the series “Masters of Horror.”

 

© 2006 by Regency Entertainment (USA) and Monarchy Enterprises S.a.r.l.

All rights reserved. Property of Regency. Permission is granted to newspapers and periodicals to

reproduce this press kit in articles publicizing the distribution of the motion picture. All other use is strictly

prohibited, including sale, duplication, or other transfers of this material. This press kit, in whole or in part,

must not be leased, sold or given away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credits Epic Movie

 

Written and Directed by...................................

....JASON FRIEDBERG & AARON SELTZER

Produced by.............................PAUL SCHIFF

Executive Producers..........ARNON MILCHAN

.JASON FRIEDBERG and AARON SELTZER

.............................................RODNEY LIBER

Director of Photography.....SHAWN MAURER

Production Designer..........WILLIAM ELLIOTT

Film Editor.................................PECK PRIOR

Costume Designer...............FRANK HELMER

Music by.....................EDWARD SHEARMUR

Music Supervisors..........DAVE JORDAN and

........................................JOJO VILLANUEVA

 

KAL PENN

ADAM CAMPBELL

JENNIFER COOLIDGE

JAYMA MAYS

FAUNE CHAMBERS

CRISPIN GLOVER

TONY COX

HECTOR JIMENEZ

DARRELL HAMMOND

CARMEN ELECTRA

JIM PIDDOCK

And

FRED WILLARD

 

Casting by..........................AMANDA KOBLIN

.......................................AMANDA HARDING

 

A REGENCY ENTERPRISES

Presentation

 

A NEW REGENCY / SCHIFF Production

 

 

Unit Production Manager.................................

.................................ANDREW G. LaMARCA

First Assistant Director.........HAL OLOFSSON

Second Assistant Director.........GREG GUZIK

Associate Producer..............HAL OLOFSSON

 

CAST

Edward..........................................KAL PENN

Peter.................................ADAM CAMPBELL

White Bitch.................JENNIFER COOLIDGE

Lucy.........................................JAYMA MAYS

Susan.............................FAUNE CHAMBERS

Willy..................................CRISPIN GLOVER

Bink...............................................TONY COX

Mr. Tumnus......................HECTOR JIMENEZ

Captain Jack SwallowsDARRELL HAMMOND

Mystique.........................CARMEN ELECTRA

Aslo.......................................FRED WILLARD

Museum Curator............DAVID CARRADINE

Harry Potter......................KEVIN McDONALD

Ron................................GEORGE ALVAREZ

Hermoine.......................CRISTA FLANAGAN

Flight Attendant....................DANA SELTZER

Dumbledore.........................DANE FARWELL

Cyclops........................TAD HILGENBRINCK

Magneto...................................JIM PIDDOCK

Wolverine.........................................GROOVY

Storm...........................KAHSHANNA EVANS

Rogue.................................LINDSEY KRAFT

Nacho Libre.....................JAREB DAUPLAISE

Chanchito.........................RICO RODRIGUEZ

Borat / Pirate With Eye Patch..........................

.............................................DANNY JACOBS

Ashton Kutcher Look-Alike......DAVID LEHRE

Samuel Jackson Look-Alike............................

......................................JAMES WALKER, Sr.

Kanye West Look-Alike...CORDELE TAYLOR

Paris Hilton Look-Alike............ALLA PETROU

Mel Gibson Look-Alike......GREGORY JBARA

Singing Pirate Girl....................JILL LATIANO

Flavor Flav Look-Alike.............ABE SPIGNER

P. Diddy Faun...............SHAWN McDONALD

Lauren Conrad..........................AS HERSELF

Harry Beaver...................KATT M. WILLIAMS

Lead Archer.............................NICK STEELE

Woodsman.....................BRENNAN THOMAS

Aslo’s Camp Band ..........................................

..........................EAGLES OF DEATH METAL

.........DAVID J. CATCHING, JESSE HUGHES

......BRIAN O’CONNOR, GENE TRAUTMANN

Pirate With Heart....................KENNY YATES

Pirates.................................DANIEL JOSEPH

..............TARAN KILLAM, JEREMY ROWLEY

Pirate Wenches.......................QIANA CHASE

.....................JILLIAN GRACE, MASHA LUND

......................POLLYANNA SALAS-URUENA

.....................................SARA UNDERWOOD

Cribs Fauns.............................OLIVIA HARDT

..........................ZEE JAMES, GINNY JONES

BRITTEN KELLEY, ARIELLE VANDENBERG

Aslo’s Girl.........................HEATHER STORM

Jogging Girl........................IRINA VORONINA

Wardrobe Girl...........................AUDRA LYNN

James Bond...................DARKO BELGRADE

Bond Girls......................BROOKLYN FREED

................................MICHELLE MISTY LANG

 

 

Blacksmith...................................SABI DORR

Monk...................................DAVID WHATLEY

Prison Guard..............................MIKE GRIEF

Breast Bite Woman................MARY CASTRO

Nose Bite Guy............................RON LéROY

Crotch Bite Guy.........THOMAS VAN TASSEL

Morphed Mystique........LICHELLE D. EBNER

Thug.............................................PAUL ZIES

Narrator...................ROSCOE LEE BROWNE

Oompa Loompas.........RONALD LEE CLARK

.......JOE GIEB, ARTURO GIL, RICARDO GIL

.MICHAEL LEE GOGIN, JOSEPH S. GRIFFO

...PANCHO MOLER, MIGHTY MIKE MURGA

.............MARK POVINELLI, JON SIMANTON

..............DAVID STEINBERG, JOHN TAMAKI

........................................KEVIN THOMPSON

Willy Dance Double..................TYCE DIORIO

Curator Dance Double.....................................

........................RICHARD STEEIO VAZQUEZ

Dancing Pirate Girls.........MEGAN HIRATZKA

............................................SAMANTHA LEE

Breakdancing Pirates.......................................

................PHILIP “SPEE-D” ALBUQUERQUE

.........................JAIME “VENUM” BURGOS III

....................OREN “FLEA ROCK” MICHAELI

Dancing Soldiers........FRANKIE DeMIRANDA

...............................................CHADD SMITH

Michael Jackson Look-Alike.............................

..........................................ANWAR BURTON

Supervising Puppeteer...MARK RAPPAPORT

Puppeteers.................KEITH CHRISTENSEN

....................RUSS HERPICH, JEFF HIMMEL

.................JAMIE KELMAN, SUE La PRELLE

....................................LENNIE MacDONALD

..MICHAEL McCRACKEN, TODD K. MINOBE

................................MATTHEW W. MUNGLE

........................................ROBERT NEWTON

..........AINA S. O’KANE, DWIGHT ROBERTS

Stunt Coordinator / Second Unit Director.........

................................................KEITH ADAMS

Lucy Stunt Double...........HELENA BARRETT

Edward Stunt Double........ROBERT ALONZO

Stunts By:.................................WADE ALLEN

.......JONI AVERY, SALA BAKER, JOEY BOX

...........TRAV W. CADWELL, ARNOLD CHON

......................CLAY CULLEN, BRIAN DUFFY

.................ANDY DYLAN, CRYSTAL DYSON

................JARED EDDO, CHEYENNE ELLIS

.....JONATHAN EUSEBIO, SANDRA GIMPEL

......DAVID GUZMAN, MARGUERITE HAPPY

..................................CASEY HENDERSHOT

........MICHAEL HUGGHINS, GARY KASPER

............DENNIS KEIFFER, MARTIN KLEBBA

...........LUKE LaFONTAINE, DAVID MATTEY

...CLIFF McLAUGHLIN, DAVID M. MORIZOT

.............MARTY MURRAY III, BRIAN OERLY

...........................JEN SUNG OUTERBRIDGE

...................TANOAI REED, MATT RUGETTI

..............SCOTT L. SCHWARTZ, TIM SITARZ

..............RUSSELL SOLBERG, JON VALERA

..RYAN WATSON, CHRISSY WEATHERSBY

........RALIEGH WILSON, SCOTT WORKMAN

.................................................KOFI YIADOM

Visual Effects Producer..........GREG BAXTER

Visual Effects Supervisor................................

.................................ARIEL VELASCO SHAW

Visual Effects Editor...................JOHN BERRI

Art Director......................DANIEL A. LOMINO

Set Decorator..................TERESA VISINARE

Makeup Department Head....DOUGLAS NOE

Hair Department Head....CANDY L. WALKEN

Sound Mixer...........................DAVID WYMAN

Chief Lighting Technician..JEREMY LAUNAIS

Key Grip...........................DARWIN BROWNE

Production Accountant....PAUL BELENARDO

Production Coordinator...CHERYL A. MILLER

Construction Coordinator................................

.....................................ROBERT J. CARLYLE

Special Effects Coordinator......MARK BYERS

Transportation Coordinator.............................

...............................STEVE D. WEINMULLER

Location Manager.....CRAIG W. VAN GUNDY

Property Master.........TONY BONAVENTURA

Costume Supervisor.........MARY MATTHEWS

Special Makeup Created & Applied by............

.................................MATTHEW W. MUNGLE

Harry Beaver Created by.................................

..........................CREATURE EFFECTS, INC.

Camera Operator................MARK LaBONGE

First Assistant Camera..........KEITH B. DAVIS

Second Assistant Camera.KENNY BAZAL, Jr.

B Camera Operator..............PAUL SANCHEZ

B Camera First Assistant ..KEITH ROBINSON

B Camera Second Assistant ..........................

........................................BLAKE H. SCRIPPS

Loader........................VICTORIA GONZALES

Digital Imaging Technician.....EVAN NESBITT

Still Photographer............JOHN P. JOHNSON

Boom Operator..........................KNOX WHITE

Sound Utility..........................BUD RAYMOND

Audio Playback.................MARK AGOSTINO

Video Assist Operator.......ROBERT STERRY

24 Frame Playback..................STEVE IRWIN

Leadman..............................ROBERT LUCAS

On Set Dresser.................GLENN ROBERTS

Set Designer.........................JOHN WARNKE

Storyboard Artist................DAN SWEETMAN

Model Maker....................JASON MAHAKIAN

Art Department Coordinator..DAWN ASCHER

Art Department Production Assistant...............

................................STEPHANIE KOPELSON

Buyer.................ANTONIA SHERRY-NUNEZ

Swing Gang.....................ETHAN GOODWIN

.....MICHAEL G. MILLER, MARTIN MILLIGAN

......................................................ELY VEGH

 

 

 

Assistant Property Master................................

.......................................ELLIS BARBACOFF

Props Assistant.............ANDREA CANTRELL

Post Production Supervisor.............................

..........................................DAVID McKIMMIE

First Assistant Editor........................................

................................SIOBHAN MARY PRIOR

Apprentice Editor .......DESIREH SEDAGHAT

Editorial Production Assistant..........................

......................................MIGUEL CALVENTO

Editorial Intern.............................GINO SEPE

Supervising Sound Editor ANNA MacKENZIE

Re-Recording Mixers ...........ADAM JENKINS

...........................................OREST SUSHKO

Best Boy Electric..........................TIM SPEED

Electricians.............................IVAN C. ALLEN

..........PHIL HARDT, MICHAEL A. KENNEDY

...................DAN McMAHON, FELIX RIVERA

......................................ANTHONY VAN DYK

Dimmer Board OperatorMATTHEW J. LITTLE

Rigging Gaffer....................JERALD WILSON

Rigging Best Boy Electric.................................

.....................................GREGORY F. LOPEZ

Rigging Electrician..BRANDON AINSWORTH

..AUGUSTUS GORDON, BILL GREENBERG

Best Boy Grip......................DANNY BRAZEN

Dolly Grips............................JIM LEIDHOLDT

................................................CHRIS OLSEN

Company Grips........TINO LEE CONTRERAS

...........................................DUANE COOPER

.............................LUIS LOPEZ DeVICTORIA

................KENNETH MILLS, SCOTT WELLS

Rigging Key Grip..............CHRIS LEIDHOLDT

Best Boy Rigging Grip...........SCOTT McGEO

Rigging Gang Boss..........................................

............................GERALD “CRAIG” HARRIS

Rigging Grip.........................BRIAN HARVICK

Greens Leadman............FRANK CAPPIELLO

On Set Greens...............BENNET ANDREWS

Greensmen...........................MICHAEL COLE

......MATT ROBBINS, ROBERT SAMARZICH

........................................JEFFREY THOMAS

Key Set Costumer............PAUL CORRICELLI

Set Costumers.................ANTHONY LUKINS

.....MICHELLE MATT, HEATHER L. PATTON

.................SUMMER RAMSEY, TRICIA YOO

Costumer............................MARNIKA WEISS

Shopper..........................DALHIA SCHUETTE

Pattern Maker/Fitter................KRISTA WAITE

Drapery Foreman...............SCOTT GARRETT

Drapers.............................PERRY BRET ASH

........................................GOHAR AVAGYAN

...............................MARINA BABITCHENKO

...........................PATRICIA LOPEZ-PADILLA

......................................ANGELINA PADRON

........REBECCA S. SANCHEZ, MIKE VIRNIG

Costume Production Assistants.......................

....MATTHEW Di PANE, EMILY DOMINGUEZ

.................HAYLEY FOX, TRACI PERLSTEIN

Key Makeup Artists..............DAVID De LEON

..............................................LESLIE DEVLIN

Makeup Artist......................SILVINA KNIGHT

Assistant Makeup ArtistCHELSEA BEHRENS

Prosthetic Makeup Artists...ROXY D’ALONZO

....GABRIEL De CUNTO, EDWARD FRENCH

.........................KELCEY FRY, RUTH HANEY

..JAMIE KELMAN, MARGIE LATINOPOULOS

...........DEBORAH PATINO, MARY KAY WITT

Prosthetic Lab Artists.......STEVEN BETTLES

............AURELIO GUZMAN, AARON KOONS

...........ERIC LUSK, ROMESH McCULLOUGH

.............RYAN McDOWELL, EDDIE VARGAS

Creature Shop.....................JOSH CAMERON

..................................MATTHEW CORRIGAN

.............ALANA GARDETTE, GENE HEETER

...................ALAN PILKINGTON, DAN SMITH

Assistant Hair Department Head.....................

..........................................JASON C. GREEN

Key Hair Stylist....YVONNE DePATIS KUPKA

Wig Makers............................ERWIN KUPITZ

..................................TERESA VALENZUELA

Key Assistant Location Manager.....................

...................................PAVEL PAUL STERBA

Assistant Location Manager............................

.........................................DEBORA DEIBLER

Special Effects Foreman.MORGAN GUYNES

Special Effects Technicians............................

......................................JOHNNY FRANCO III

..............CHRIS D. JONES, MATT PROSSER

.........STEVE SOSNER, TOM VON BADINSKI

Construction Foreman...JAMIE ORENDORFF

Labor Foreman...................WILLIAM G. HALL

Propmaker Gangboss.............GARY A. STEL

Propmakers........................ALAN ALVARADO

...JOHN BANSBACH, GEORGE CRAWFORD

.................DAMON EVERETT, STEVE GOLD

....................DALE GORDON, HUGH HANNA

.........................DAVE HAWK, JASON HAWK

...............GARY L. HUNTER, KENNY KEAVY

...............TIM R. LAFFERTY, BRET LENNON

...............JAMES R. LORD, KEITH P. McGEE

.THOMAS C. PURSER, GARETT M. SALZER

.............ROBERT SILCOCK, DAVID STUART

...........................................JAMES TRIPHON

Paint Supervisor...........ENRICO PARONELLI

Paint Gangbosses..............JOHN CAMPBELL

.................CHUCK ESKRIDGE, WILL GIROD

..............................................CURT POWLEY

Painters............MICHAEL MALIN CAMPBELL

.............MARTIN ESPINOZA, MICHAEL GILL

............JOSEPH L. KELLEY, JERRY MILLER

Stand-By Painter...............PAUL A. COOPER

Plaster Foreman..........EUGENIO QUINTERO

Plasterers.....................ELIXANDRO DIAZ, Jr.

..............................................GREGG SMETS

Lead Sculptor.........................JAMES JONES

 

 

Sculptors............................FRED ARBEGAST

........SARENA BHARGAVA, DAVID FRENCH

................KENNETH GARRETT, GREY HILL

.......................................CAROLE A. KNAUS

.................................GERARD O’HALLORAN

Toolman.......................WILLIAM A. FOBERT

Laborers.........................JOHN P. ESPINOZA

...........................................ALLEN HEADLEY

..GUSTAVO HERNANDEZ, STEVE KISSELL

...............DAVID MILLER, ROGER STEVENS

.........................................JOHN M. WALTON

Assistant Production Coordinators...................

.............JUSTIN HAUT, SASHA VENEZIANO

Second Second Assistant Director...................

................................................DAVID BERKE

Additional Second Second Assistant

Directors...................STACY CHRISTENSON

..................................MARK S. CONSTANCE

Assistants to Arnon Milchan....JANE BULMER

........................MICHAEL BRADLEY COMBS

Assistant to Messrs. Friedberg and Seltzer .....

...............................................KENNY YATES

Assistant to Paul Schiff....................................

................................ROSIE CHARBONNEAU

Assistant to Rodney Liber......ALEX CAPALDI

Production Assistants...MICHAEL BEATRICE

.................................ALEXANDER T. CAREY

..........MICHAEL ETHERIDGE, GLEN EVANS

.......MATTHEW PADO, WILLIAM F. REED IV

.......BRIANNE RICHARDS, ANNEKE SCOTT

...............MICHELE STOLL, EDWARD TAPIA

..................DAWN TERASHIMA, KEN C. WU

First Assistant Accountant...............................

.........................................JUSTIN CARVILLE

Second Assistant Accountant....JERRY SHIH

Payroll Accountant............CHERYL McHUGH

Accounting Clerk...............NICHOLAS SMITH

Construction Auditor....................JERRY LEE

Casting Associates...................LEIA DEYHLE

.........................................JOANNE JIMENEZ

Additional Casting by..............KRIS NICOLAU

Extras Casting.............................JEFF OLAN

Choreographer....................STACY WALKER

Script Supervisor..................FAITH CONROY

Unit Publicist.........................ALEX WORMAN

Research Consultant ....MARK MELOCCARO

Product Placement............SCOTT SHAFFER

Graphic Consultant.......STEPHEN EDELMAN

Catering..............................GALA CATERING

...........................................FRED GABRIELLI

Executive Chef.........FERNANDO ESPINOSA

Craft Service......................MICHAEL KEHOE

Set Medic..........................TONY WHITMORE

Construction Medic................AHMED SAKER

Dialect Coach for Gregory Jbara......................

.................................................JOY ELLISON

Marine Coordinator......MICHAEL E. NEIPRIS

Teacher......................................BILL CLARK

Security Provided by....SULLY’S CREW, INC.

Transportation Captain.CESAR ANGOBALDO

Technical Advisors – Picture Vehicles.............

............................................MICHAEL CURMI

...........................DR. FERDINAND FRONING

Animal Wranglers..........TAMARA ANDREWS

................................................CARRIE PARK

..............................PAUL “SLED” REYNOLDS

.........................................TITUS REYNOLDS

Snake Wrangler.............JULES SYLVESTER

First Assistant Sound Editor...BOB BOWMAN

Digital Sound Assistant...................................

.....................................PAUL FLINCHBAUGH

Dialogue Editor...................DAVID A. COHEN

Sound Effects Editors..DINO DiMURO, MPSE

..............................................DAN HEGEMAN

Additional Audio......DANIEL R. KERR, MPSE

Re-Recording Stage Recordist.CRAIG MANN

Sound Editorial Services Provided by..............

..................................................SOUNDELUX

Re-Recorded at.....................Todd AO–WEST

ADR Mixers.................ROBERT DESCHAINE

........RON BEDROSIAN, BOBBY JOHANSON

...............................................GREG STEELE

ADR Recordists................TAMI TREADWELL

...........................................JULIO CARMONA

......KRIS CHEVANNES, GREG ZIMMERMAN

Voice Casting...................CAITLIN McKENNA

ADR Recorded at.......................SOUND ONE

.................................Todd-AO–HOLLYWOOD

..............................................Todd-AO–WEST

Foley Artist...............................ZANE BRUCE

Foley Mixer...............................DON GIVENS

Foley Recorded at...........................................

................Todd-AO–VINE STREET STUDIOS

Preview Projection Engineer.....LEE TUCKER

Negative Cutter.....................GARY BURRITT

Lab Color Timer.........................JIM PASSON

Main Title Design by..............COLOURMOVIE

End Titles By..........................PACIFIC TITLE

Post Production Services Provided by.............

GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERS AND

...............................DELUXE DIGITAL MEDIA

Digital Intermediate and Opticals by................

.....................TECHNICOLOR CULVER CITY,

........................A TECHNICOLOR COMPANY

Digital Film Colorist ......JOHN PERSICHETTI

Digital Intermediate ProducerJULIA NESSLING

Digital Conform and OpticalsBOB SCHNEIDER

Imaging Technicians..EDUARDO CISNEROS

........................................ALEX HERNANDEZ

....................................................ANN LOPEZ

Digital Restoration...........................................

.............................ELIZABETH OSTERMANN

..................LORI RASKIN, PAOLA VARVARO

Data Wranglers.......................TIM HEUGELE

...............................................GEORGE ZIDD

Music Editing by.......................MAD 4 MUSIC

 

 

Supervising Music Editor.................................

.............................MICHAEL T. RYAN, MPSE

Score Supervisor............AUDREY deROCHE

Assistant to Score Supervisor..........................

....................................MICHELLE deROCHE

Score Mixer.............................CHRIS FOGEL

Vocal Contractor........................BOBBI PAGE

Music Coordinator.................ALEX NICKSON

Orchestra..........CZECH FILM ORCHESTRAS

Contractor.......................ALEX PELIKANOVA

Assistant to Composer.........KAYLA SCHMAH

Music Production...............................ALI DEE

Music Clearance and Legal Provided by..........

..................................CHRISTINE BERGREN

 

NEW JERSEY UNIT

Director of Photography...DAVID M. DUNLAP

First Assistant Camera........LARRY HUSTON

Location Manager.CHRISTOPHER GEORGE

 

PARIS UNIT

Producer.............................PAT THOMPSON

Director of Photography.LUBOMIR BAKCHEV

Production Manager.....................NIKI COOK

First Assistant Camera....MANU DE FLEURY

Key Grip............................FRANCK BONOMI

Grip..........................................ALAINE DREZ

 

Camera Cranes, Dollies & Remote

Camera Systems by........................................

..................................CHAPMAN / LEONARD

...........................STUDIO EQUIPMENT, INC.

 

Visual Effects Scanning by..............................

................PACIFIC TITLE AND ART STUDIO

 

Visual Effects by

DIGITAL DIMENSION

President.............................BENOIT GIRARD

Executive Producer.............DAN LOMBARDO

VFX Producer.................CHRIS DEL CONTE

Composite Supervisor......ERIK BRUHWILER

2D Coordinating SupervisorTAMMY SUTTON

Lead Compositor..............RYAN SMOLAREK

Compositors.............TATJANA BOZINOVSKI

...................TODD CARSON, BRIAN FISHER

.......................DAVID FOGG, MARTIN HILKE

.................TRAVIS WADE IVY, WING KWOK

...........BRIAN SMALLWOOD, TOMMY TRAN

Roto/Paint..................GEORGE GERVAN, Jr.

........................................RICHARD GERVAN

......ANTHONY KRAMER, CHAD RIDGEWAY

................................................DAN WALKER

3D Supervisor................ANDREW ROBERTS

3D Artists..............................BRIAN DEMETZ

...............MITCH GATES, JUSTIN MITCHELL

..PHI TRAN, TONG TRAN, TRAVIS YOHNKE

VFX Production Manager.........JOSEPH BELL

VFX Coordinator................SARAH MIHALEC

VFX Production Assistant................................

.....................................LANDON MEDEIROS

Production Accountant...TRACEY ROULHAC

Pipeline Architect...................SEAN LOOPER

Systems Administrator.............JOHN BRAKE

 

Visual Effects by

PIXEL MAGIC

VFX Supervisor...............RAY McINTYRE, Jr.

General Manager.....................RAY SCALICE

Digital Effects Producer...........TYLER FOELL

3D Supervisor........................KEVIN KIPPER

2D Artists.................................MIKE CURTIS

..........PATRICK FLANAGAN, AUSTIN HISER

..............................................BRAD MOYLAN

 

Visual Effects by

AMALGAMATED PIXELS, INC.

Head of Production................DERRY FROST

Executive Producer.MICHAEL J. MORREALE

Senior Animator....................JEREMY ODDO

VFX Coordinator............PHILLIP PALOUSEK

 

Visual Effects by

HANDMADE DIGITAL

Lead Compositor........LEE “ROD” RODERICK

VFX Producer...JENNIFER VECCHIARELLO

Compositors.................SAEED FARIDZADEH

................................................JULIE NEVIUS

 

SONGS

 

PICK IT UP

Written by Ali Theodore, Aaron Sandlofer,

Julian Davis and Joseph Katsaros

Performed by LP featuring Jose Fuego

Courtesy of DeeTown Entertainment

By arrangement with format

 

FIRE FIGHT

Written by Jonathan Hylander, Raymond

Gurrola,

Sean Johnson and Joseph Hylander

Performed by E>K>U>K

Courtesy of Pulse Recording

By arrangement with format

 

LORCAS GRANADA

Written and Performed by Juan Martin

Courtesy of FirstCom Music

CALAMITY LANE

Written and Performed by James Griffith

and

Mark Lauren Matthews

Courtesy of FirstCom Music

 

RODEO SPANISH MARCH

 

 

Written by Ali Theodore, Vincent Alfieri and

Joseph Katsaros

Performed by Rohaus Rosado

 

WIG POPS

Written and Performed by Ray Flowers,

Jez Poole and

Craig Joiner

Courtesy of FirstCom Music

 

ROSADO MARCH

Written by Ali Theodore, Vincent Alfieri and

Joseph Katsaros

Performed by Rohaus Rosado

 

BRING 4TH YA BOOTY

Written by Storey, Gilden, Destouche and

Destouche

Performed by 10 Sui & La Resistance

featuring

The Ragga Twins

Courtesy of New State Entertainment

 

FIGHT SONG

Written and Performed by Bruce Chianese

and

Geoff Levin

Courtesy of FirstCom Music

 

EYE OF THE TIGER

Written by James Peterik and Frank

Sullivan

Performed by Survivor

Courtesy of Volcano Entertainment III, LLC

By arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC

ENTERTAINMENT

 

PROMISCUOUS

Written by Timothy Clayton, Nelly Kim

Furtado,

Nathaniel Floyd Hills and Timothy Mosley

Performed by Nelly Furtado featuring

Timbaland

Courtesy of Geffen Records

Under license from Universal Music

Enterprises

 

BE MORE ROBOTIC

Written by Jonathan Hylander, Raymond

Gurrola,

Sean Johnson and Joseph Hylander

Performed by E>K>U>K

Courtesy of Pulse Recording

By arrangement with format

FERGALICIOUS

Written by William Adams, Derrick

Rahming,

Juana Burns, Stacy Ferguson, Dania Briks,

Juanita Lee, Fatimah Shaheed and Kim

Nazel

Performed by Fergie featuring will.i.am

Courtesy of A& M Records

Under license from Universal Music

Enterprises

Contains a sample of “Give It All You Got”

Performed by Afro Rican

Courtesy of Hip Rock Records

 

LAZY PIRATE DAY

Written by Ali Theodore, Zach Danziger,

Julian Davis and

Alana de Fonseca

Produced by Ali Dee

Performed by Zach Danziger, Ali Dee and

Chris Davis

 

MY BLOCK

Written by Ali Theodore, Julian Davis and

Zach Danziger

Performed by Cham Pain

Courtesy of DeeTown Entertainment

By arrangement with format

 

DON’T SPEAK (I CAME TO MAKE A

BANG!)

Written by Jessie Everett Hughes and Josh

Homme

Performed by Eagles of Death Metal

Courtesy of Downtown Records

 

THE WHOLE WORLD

Written by David Hilker, John Costello III,

Marcus Latief Scott and Marc Ferrari

Performed by Marcus Latief Scott

Courtesy of Marc Ferrari/Mastersource

 

FUNERAL MARCH

Composed by Nigel Ogden

Courtesy of Opus 1

 

ART OF WAR

Written by Ali Theodore, Julian Davis,

Vincent

Alfieri and Aaron Sandlofer

Performed by SWJ featuring Sizzle C

Courtesy of DeeTown Entertainment

By arrangement with format

 

MS. NEW BOOTY

Written by Michael Crooms, Deongelo

Holmes,

Eric Jackson and Warren Mathis

Performed by Bubba Sparxxx

Courtesy of Virgin Records America, Inc.

Under license from EMI Film & Television

Music

 

 

FOR SHO’

Written by Darrin Milton, Sr., Jamie Dunlap

and

Scott Nickoley

Performed by D Note

Courtesy of Marc Ferrari/Mastersource

 

KUNG FU FIGHTING

Written and Performed by Carl Douglas

Courtesy of Edition Carren c/o SMV

Schacht Musikverlage

GmbH & Echobeach

 

THROW YOUR CASH UP

Written by Ali Theodore, Zach Danziger,

Vincent Alfieri and Julian Davis

Performed by SWJ featuring Sizzle C

Courtesy of DeeTown Entertainment

By arrangement with format

 

LET’S GET DIRTY

Written by Sharron March and Tameka

Wilson

Performed by Tika Rainn

Courtesy of Position Music/Choicetracks,

Inc.

 

 

QUESTION EVERYTHING

Written by Mike Hornak, Adam Andersen,

Jeff Zazueta, Jimmy Rees and Collin

Torres

Performed by Stigma

Courtesy of Stigma

By arrangement with format

 

HE’S WILLY

Written by Ali Theodore and Zach Danziger

Produced by Ali Dee

Performed by LeeTown

WAITING FOR A GIRL LIKE YOU

Written by Louis Grammatico and Michael

Jones

Performed by Foreigner

Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp.

By arrangement with Warner Music Group

Film &

TV Licensing

 

BOUNCE DAT AZZ

Written and Performed by Dorian Childs

Courtesy of Song and Film

 

© Pyramide du Louvre, architect I.M. PEI

 

 

Color and Prints by DELUXE®

 

 

LENSES AND CAMERAS

BY ARRIFLEX AND OTTO NEMENZ®

 

Same size as color or lab credit but n/l/t 1/4

size of type of title.

 

FUJI

FILM STOCK

 

To be displayed among the technical

credits on all movies.

 

DOLBY (logo)

In Selected Theatres

 

 

DTS

 

American Humane Association monitored

the animal action. No animal was harmed

in the making of this film. (AHA 01219)

 

Approved No. 43041

 

 

Copyright © 2007 by Regency

Entertainment (USA), Inc. in the U.S.

Copyright © 2007 by Monarchy Enterprises

S.a.r.l. in the rest of the world.

All Rights Reserved.

 

Regency Entertainment (USA), Inc. and

Monarchy Enterprises S.a.r.l. are the

authors of this motion

picture for purposes of copyright and other

laws.

 

REGENCY and Regency’s “R” logo are

registered trademarks of Monarchy

Enterprises S.a.r.l.

 

The events, characters and firms depicted

in this photoplay are fictitious. Any

similarity to actual persons, living or dead,

or to actual events or firms is purely

coincidental.

 

 

Ownership of this motion picture is

protected by copyright and other applicable

laws, and any unauthorized duplication,

distribution or exhibition of this motion

picture could result in criminal

prosecution as well as civil liability.

 

 

 

 

 

January 24, 2007

Super Bowl XLI News

Feb 5

 

Brain Scans Reveal Why Coca Cola's Super Bowl Ad Won Over American Consumers While So Many Other Brands Fumbled

In The Year of the 'Amygdala,' Advertisers Trigger Anxiety with their Super Bowl Advertising

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 5 FKF Applied Research, LLC and Professor Marco Iacoboni of the UCLA Ahmanson Lovelace Brain Mapping Center have released their Second Annual Ranking of the most effective Super Bowl ads using fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) brain imaging. Many of the Super Bowl ads stoked regions of the brain associated with anxiety, including the amygdala. The best testing advertisements, such as the: 60 "Video Game" ad for Coca Cola, fired the region of consumers' brains associated with positive emotions.

"This clearly was the year of the amygdala, the brain's 'threat detector.' Compared to last year's ads there was much more anxiety, and far less positive emotion in these highly touted commercials, said Dr. Joshua Freedman UCLA Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and a co-founder of FKF Applied Research. "Much of the anxiety seemed caused by violence, but was also rooted in economic fears. The Nationwide ad had a spike when Kevin Federline was revealed to be working in fast food, and also when the GM robot turned out to be OK but afraid for its job."

Arguing about which ads are best has been an integral part of the Super Bowl experience. Now, UCLA and FKF are employing a technology that has revolutionized neuroscience to peer more deeply than traditional methods like focus groups into the question of which ads are really effective with consumers.

  Top Ranking Ads   Coca Cola -- Video Game   Doritos -- Live the Flavor   Bud Light -- Hitchhiker    Bottom Ranking Ads   Emerald Nuts -- Robert Goulet   Honda -- CRV Crave   Sprint -- Connectile Dysfunction  

The group's Super Bowl rankings along with color images of peoples' brain responses to the ads are posted on http://www.fkfrank.com/.

FKF and UCLA's empirical approach measures activity in regions of the brain known to help control whether a consumer will buy or reject a marketer's sales pitch. The fMRI used by FKF and UCLA displays activity in parts of the brain responsible for elemental responses, including wanting, reward, surprise, fear, disgust, conflict, and attempts to control emotions.

"Asking someone what is going on in their brain is in some ways like asking them what is going on in their heart," said Dr. Freedman. "Much of the important activity is outside of their awareness. Coke's ad did well because it engaged a full range of emotions, including the mirror region, which is associated with connection and empathy. Typically, between 1/3 and 1/2 of ads are filtered out and are essentially ignored by viewers' brains. Usually the Super Bowl ads do somewhat better, but not this year. The majority elicited very little response."

FKF Applied Research and Dr. Marco Iacoboni's group at the UCLA Ahmanson Lovelace Brain Mapping Center recruited men and women ages 18-34 to watch this year's Super Bowl ads. The subjects viewed the ads while in UCLA's high-field fMRI scanner, which monitors the activity in their brains.

For an interview with Dr. Joshua Freedman, UCLA Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and co-founder of FKF Applied Research, contact Debra DeShong Reed (+1-202-528-4214), Amy Weiss (+1-202-203-0448) or Mark Wheeler with UCLA (+1-301-794-2265).

About FKF

FKF Applied Research (http://www.fkfappliedresearch.com/) uses fMRI technology to better understand commercially and culturally important communications. fMRI is viewed by most neuroscientists as the most powerful technology ever developed to understand how people think, feel, and make decisions. It has revolutionized the scientific study of human behavior and choice at most major Universities around the world, and is rapidly changing the field of market research and advertising.

Source: FKF Applied Research, LLC

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

 

Emerald Scores #1 Ranking in Advertising Age With 2007 Super Bowl Spot

STOCKTON, Calif., Feb. 5 -- Emerald, the snack brand of Diamond Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:DMND) scored well with its advertising during Super Bowl XLI on Sunday, February 4, 2007. A record audience of more than 140 million football fans worldwide watched the company's 30-second spot, which aired during the third quarter of the game. Among the most notable accolades was being ranked #1 in Advertising Age's post-game commercial review by ad critic Bob Garfield, who also called the ad "hilarious and brilliant." The Emerald ad combines the company's trademark offbeat sense of humor with the star power of actor and entertainer Robert Goulet.

Garfield's four-star review of the Emerald spot reads: "At 3 p.m., when your blood sugar is low, Robert Goulet sneaks into your cube and messes with your stuff -- so eat nuts at 3 p.m. every day. Robert Goulet! Putting aside the absurd genius of the premise, here's an ad that creates not just a USP but an entire new market. Hilarious and brilliant."

"We are extremely pleased to be rated as the top Super Bowl commercial by Advertising Age, which is one of the major industry authorities on effective advertising," said Michael J. Mendes, president/CEO of Diamond Foods. "It is our intent to build Emerald brand equity and to effectively position the brand as delivering natural energy when people need it most, and to do this in an entertaining manner that engages the consumer. We are pleased that we have been recognized as achieving this objective with our commercial, and are continuing to build on this with our new consumer campaign."

The campaign was developed by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners of San Francisco, creators of the "GOT MILK?" campaign and Emerald's previous two Super Bowl spots.

The Emerald snack product line achieved national distribution in August 2004, garnering attention for its on-the-go ergonomically designed emerald green canisters, whose lids measure out the recommended daily 1.5 ounces, as well as a wide variety of tasty trans fat-free offerings. In two years, the line has grown from 14 to 23 products, most of which are available nationwide at more than 60,000 retail locations. The product line expanded in January 2007 to include three varieties of oven-roasted nuts.

For more information about Emerald snack products and to obtain screenshots to accompany coverage of the Super Bowl ad, visit the Press Center at www.emeraldnuts.com.

Source: Diamond Foods, Inc.

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

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

 

Did Super Bowl Advertisers Score a Touchdown With Search Engine Marketing?

A Post-Super Bowl Analysis Reveals the Winners and Losers of the Advertising Game

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 5 An estimated audience of 90.7 million households tuned in on Sunday evening to watch not only the Super Bowl, but also the infamous advertisements during timeout commercial breaks. Many companies once again missed the mark, failing to adequately tie television commercials to their search engine marketing campaigns. Marketers that have awakened to the power of an integrated approach were able to sack consumers, seeing an increase in traffic anywhere from 10%-10,000%, while those left behind the curve were sidelined. The results are in -- Colts win 29-17, but the big Super Bowl advertising winner is yet to be announced. While naming the winners, the advertising game needs to move past "funny, cute and memorable" to interacting with the brands. SendTec, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: SNDN) , a progressive full service multi-channel marketing agency, examined how well each Super Bowl advertiser played the search game this year.

SendTec's analysis identified the advertisers that created a unique online destination, which was communicated through the Super Bowl television commercial. Those advertisers were evaluated based on their search engine visibility and ranking for both paid search and organic search listings in association with general ad recall. By answering how well prepared for the onslaught of enhanced web traffic they were and how easy it was for the search user to find the promotion online within Search Engine Results Pages (SERP's), SendTec found which companies succeeded (and which companies failed) at executing an integrated offline to online marketing communication.

"Consumers routinely turn to the search engines to learn more after they view a television commercial, whether the ad is featured during the Super Bowl or not. Marketers fumbled by not taking full advantage of this opportunity to engage consumers, and by focusing too heavily on television advertisements alone. Instead, marketers needed to integrate their offline marketing into their online presence via the search engines in order to catch consumers at every angle," says Eric Obeck, President of SendTec, Inc.

  The winners are:    --  Garmin: The real 2007 Super Bowl champion, featuring the "Maposaurus"       campaign which played off the memorable Godzilla movies, provided a       clear call to action for the consumer to follow.  If you forgot the       URL, a simple search on Garmin or GPS gets you there.    --  GoDaddy.com: There is nothing wrong with coming in second, unless       you're the Chicago Bears.  This commercial was highly memorable, grabs       a good laugh and was perfectly integrated with online.  Bob Parsons       keeps pushing the envelope and widens the gap between GoDaddy.com and       its competition.  Over the past 2 years, GoDaddy has been the front-       of-the-pack winner showing massive online traffic gains not only from       the quick spot, but also a residual effect thereafter.    --  Snickers: Despite being perhaps the most off-balance advertising spot       of the night, the Snickers' commercial exhibited a perfect use of       search engine marketing that supported an offline marketing campaign.       Their website provides the consumer with a completely interactive       experience by directing viewers to AfterTheKiss.com, allowing users to       vote for their favorite ending.  They should have, however, used paid       search to create results for searches on the term "after the kiss."     The losers are:    --  The Car Companies: Hardly deserving of a yawn, the automobile       manufacturers did not seem as interested this year in leveraging their       Super Bowl spots via search marketing or their web sites.  We've come       to expect more from these advertisers, but their performance was       reflective of Rex Grossman's, with the exception of GM who, for       example, wisely positioned itself as #1 under the term "GM robot" to       reinforce their message of commitment to quality.    --  eTrade: eTrade quickly and completely diminished their "dot.com"       status and left consumers, who are less familiar with their services,       scratching their heads.  As an Internet based company, the consumer       would expect to be directed to go online, however, their commercials       gave the impression that eTrade had shifted to a brick-and-mortar       provider of financial services.    --  BeatYourRisk.com:  It's not popular to criticize a non-profit       organization, but their marketing campaign clearly missed a step.       BeatYourRisk.com was created by the American Heart Association so       consumers could learn more about the dangers of high blood pressure.       This web site got great exposure in a beautiful ad with a clear call       to action for a wonderful cause; however, it has almost no visibility       at all in search engines.  In fact, other relevant marketers have       wisely positioned themselves under the term "beat your risk."  It is       difficult to watch a good-intentioned organization not reap the       financial benefits due to poor execution.   

"Before spending millions on television commercials, advertisers undoubtedly turned to focus groups for consumer feedback. Specific concepts and keywords become apparent during these sessions, and should have been utilized by marketers in their online campaigns," states Tim Daly, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategy for SendTec. "Ignoring the web as a vital marketing avenue during and after the Super Bowl will continue to prove to be a costly mistake, and taking an integrated approach will continue to be invaluable."

About SendTec

SendTec, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: SNDN) , a future-focused, direct marketing organization, offers next generation Search Engine Marketing (SEM) services aimed at dramatically increasing ROI. SendTec's expertise in direct marketing gives them a strong edge in the booming SEM industry. SendTec defines successful search campaigns as Humanology, the convergence of technology with the human brain to generate superior paid search results. SendTec has also earned Microsoft's Gold Certified Partner status, one of the first direct marketing companies to achieve this honor. Since their founding in 2000, SendTec continues to be one of the premier marketing services companies providing full service Direct Response Television consulting, script-to-screen production, media planning/buying/optimization, desktop reporting, and account services; Internet Pay per Performance; Direct Response Advertising; Online Direct Marketing and Response Optimization and Tracking. Servicing over 90 clients, SendTec is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida with offices in New York City and Chicago. Clients include Intuit, uBid,

Extra Space Storage, Euro-Pro, RealNetworks and Conde Nast. http://www.sendtec.com/

Safe Harbor

To the extent that any statements made in this release contain information that is not historical, these statements are essentially forward-looking. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "plans" "will," "may," "anticipates," believes," "should," "intends," "estimates," and other words of similar meaning. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, additional financing requirements, development of new products, the effectiveness, profitability, and marketability of such products, the ability to protect proprietary information, the impact of current, pending, or future legislation and regulation on the electronic marketing industry, the impact of competitive products or pricing, technological changes, the effect of general economic and business conditions and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements. As a result, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Source: SendTec, Inc.

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

 

User Generated Commercials for Doritos Break Into the Top 10, According to TiVo

Bud Light Reclaims Throne With Top Two Commercial Spots

TiVo Subscribers Able to Download The Big Game's Most Popular Commercials Immediately Following The Game

ALVISO, Calif., Feb. 5 TiVo (NASDAQ:TIVO) , the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVR), announced today this year's top Super Bowl broadcast moments. This information was prepared using aggregated, anonymous, second-by-second audience measurement data about how TiVo subscribers watched the game.

For the first time, TiVo also offered its subscribers the ability to download their favorite commercials to their TiVo box using the Product Watch advertising search service. Anheuser-Busch, Chrysler, Emerald Nuts, Fed Ex, GM, GoDaddy.com, Honda, Michelin, Nationwide, Sprint, and Taco Bell are some of the companies offering their commercials to be downloaded. Advertisers are taking advantage of TiVo's Trick Play feature which enables viewers to rewind and view the commercials over and over.

"Once again, the commercials were the big winner with the top spots drawing more viewership than any of the action on the field," Todd Juenger, Vice President & General Manager, Audience Research and Measurement, at TiVo. "With TiVo's unique ability to measure second-by-second viewership, as well as TiVo Trick Play features including rewind, fast-forward, and pausing of live television, we have detailed insight into what moments actually hit home with viewers. The broadcast was a real reflection of the dramatic shift in our media culture; the time was ripe for the best user-generated spots to join the ranks of the best professionally developed spots. Both of the Doritos contest winners ranked among the Top 10 most viewed commercials by TiVo subscribers."

  TiVo Highlights:   The top ten rated commercials of this year's game were:    1. Bud Light: Language Course with Carlos Mencia   2. Bud Light: Rock Paper Scissors   3. FedEx: Don't Judge   4. Nationwide: Kevin Federline Rollin' VIP   5. Doritos Crash the Super Bowl   6. CareerBuilder: Office Jungle   7. Blockbuster: Mouse   8. Doritos Crash The Super Bowl: Checkout Girl   9. Chevrolet: Everybody Loves a Chevy   10. Schick: Quarto Science  

The broadcast of the game is one of the biggest watch-from-home events of the year, and of course homes with TiVo boxes are always the most popular places to watch it. The TiVo audience measurement analysis shows TiVo households on average utilized the Trick Play features -- pausing, rewinding, fast forwarding during live broadcasts -- an average of 109 times during the game.

TiVo's audience measurement analysis is based on aggregated data from a sample of 10,000 anonymous households with the acclaimed TiVo(R) service. TiVo viewership information gauges the interest in programming content by measuring the percentage of the TiVo audience watching in "play" speed.

For more information from TiVo on Super Bowl viewership, please visit www.tivo.com/biggame.

About TiVo Inc.

Founded in 1997, TiVo pioneered a brand new category of products with the development of the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers, TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers as providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its full set of DVR service features into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo's DVR functionality and ease of use, with such features as Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList(R) searches and TiVo KidZone, have elevated its popularity among consumers and have created a whole new way for viewers to watch television. With a continued investment in its patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal point of the digital living room, TiVo's DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and photos. With innovative features, such as TiVoToGo(TM) transfers and online scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers experiencing "TiVo, TV your way.(R)" The TiVo(R) service is also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing solutions for the television industry, including a unique platform for advertisers and audience measurement research.

NOTE: TiVo, 'TiVo, TV your way.' Season Pass, WishList, and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. and its subsidiaries worldwide.

Source: TiVo Inc.

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

 

Anheuser-Busch Wins USA Today Ad Meter Title

MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 5 Anheuser-Busch grabbed the top spot in USA TODAY's Super Bowl Ad Meter for a record ninth year in a row.

Anheuser-Busch's ad featuring crabs worshiping a cooler of Budweiser on the beach was the most popular, according to USA TODAY's Ad Meter. Volunteers gave the ad a score of 8.56 (on a scale of 0 to 10).

For complete results, see today's editions of USA TODAY or log on to http://www.usatoday.com/.

  The top five ads and each one's rating:   1.  Anheuser-Busch - Crabs worship a cooler of Budweiser on                        the beach - 8.56   2.  Anheuser-Busch - Stray dog makes good in Clydesdale parade - 8.29   3.  Anheuser-Busch - Guy throws real rock in Rock, Paper,                        Scissors game - 8.28   4.  Frito-Lay      - Live the flavor - Winner of online voting for best                        homemade Doritos ad - 7.95   5.  Anheuser-Busch - Immigrants learn how to ask for Bud Light - 7.87  

USA TODAY's 19th annual Ad Meter was held in Houston, Texas and McLean, Virginia, during the Super Bowl on February 4th. Volunteers charted their second-by-second reactions to national Super Bowl commercials. The 238 volunteers used hand-held meters to register how much they liked or disliked an ad. A computer averaged the scores continuously.

  Previous Ad Meter winners:   2006 - Anheuser-Busch: Secret refrigerator stocked with Bud Light - 8.39   2005 - Anheuser-Busch: Pilot jumps out of airplane for Bud Light - 8.65   2004 - Anheuser-Busch: Owners demonstrate how their dogs fetch                          Bud Light - 9.04   2003 - Anheuser-Busch: Replay - 8.99   2002 - Anheuser-Busch: Satin Sheets - 9.11   2001 - Anheuser-Busch: Cedric's dream date - 8.63   2000 - Anheuser-Busch: Rex the Dog recalls his worst day - 8.09   1999 - Anheuser-Busch: Separated at Birth - 8.01   1998 - Pepsi: Flying Geese - 9.08   1997 - Pepsi: Dancing bears - 8.22   1996 - Pepsi: On security camera, Coke driver nabs Pepsi - 9.42   1995 - Pepsi: Boy gets sucked into bottle - 9.66   1994 - Pepsi: Chimp escapes lab, hits the beach - 9.34   1993 - McDonald's: Jordan and Bird shoot hoops - 9.00   1992 - Nike: Bugs Bunny and Michael Jordan team - 8.51   1991 - Diet Pepsi: Ray Charles' new jingle catches on - 8.52   1990 - Nike: Famous announcers call imaginary game - 8.17   1989 - American Express: Dana Carvey and John Lovitz travel to the                            Super Bowl - 7.52.  

USA TODAY is the nation's top-selling newspaper. It is published via satellite at 36 locations in the USA and at four sites abroad. With a total average daily circulation of 2.3 million, USA TODAY is available worldwide. USA TODAY is published by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) .

Source: USA TODAY

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

 

Feb 4

 

A wet Super Bowl, a winning conditions for Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. A team built for indoors found its footing on a rain-soaked track and outplayed the Chicago Bears to win the NFL title 29-17 Sunday.

 

Doritos Surprises Super Bowl Television Audience Airing Two Consumer-Created Commercials; 'Live the Flavor' and 'Check Out Girl'

Top Two Ads Kick-Off National Doritos Television Campaign Featuring Five Consumer-Created Ads From All 'Crash the Super Bowl' Finalists

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 4 -- The Doritos brand today aired both "Live the Flavor" and "Check Out Girl" as its Super Bowl XLI spots, marking the first time ever for consumer-created Doritos tortilla chip ads to air as shot by consumers. The top-voted ad by consumers was "Live the Flavor" created by Wes Phillips (age 22) and Dale Backus (age 21) of Cary, N.C. Separated by only a few hundred votes was "Check Out Girl," created by Kristin Dehnert (age 37) of Pacific Palisades, Calif.

"Doritos made the decision to air both 'Live the Flavor' and 'Check Out Girl' because of very close results of the online consumer vote and the quality of the two spots," said Ann Mukherjee, vice president, marketing, Frito-Lay. "The goal of this program was to give consumers an opportunity to express themselves and showing both of these ads showcases the enormous talent that stepped up for Doritos."

The brand also announced that these two Super Bowl ads officially kicked- off the first-ever consumer-created Doritos television ad campaign, in which all five of the Doritos "Crash the Super Bowl" finalists' ads will air on national television through March. In addition to "Live the Flavor" and "Check Out Girl," the other finalists' ads will be at the center of Doritos' new campaign for the next two months. Those ads are: "A Chip Lover's Dream" by Jared Cicon of Claremont, Calif.; "Duct Tape" by Joe Herbert and Dave Herbert of Batesville, Ind.; and "Mouse Trap" by Billy Federighi of Beverly Hills, Calif.

"All five 'Crash the Super Bowl' finalists celebrated the Doritos brand and expressed their creativity in such unique ways," added Mukherjee. "We would have been proud to air any of the finalists' Doritos commercials during the Super Bowl. So, we decided to continue our commitment to putting our fans in control, and air each of the ads on national television."

"Live the Flavor" and "Check Out Girl" were two of the five top ads selected by the Doritos brand from more than 1,000 submissions uploaded to Yahoo! Video and Jumpcut, and voted on by consumers to air during the Super Bowl as part of the Doritos "Crash the Super Bowl" contest. Thousands of fans voted at www.crashthesuperbowl.com between Jan. 5 and Jan. 19 to determine the winners, giving them a sweet taste of Super Bowl-sized success.

"We're still enjoying the excitement and attention of being selected as a finalist," explained ad co-creator Wes Phillips. "But, to think that 'Live the Flavor' aired tonight during the Super Bowl, is unbelievable." Wes' co- creator, Dale Backus, added, "We love the fact that this Doritos commercial is going to give us our time in the spotlight. Not many people can say they made a Super Bowl ad for Doritos on a $12 budget. Who knows what's next, but we're hoping this will open more doors and provide opportunities for us in the future."

With the words "spicy," "cheesy," "crunchy" and "bold" exploding on the screen between scenes, Backus and Phillips truly delivered for Doritos in "Live the Flavor." The youngest team of the five finalists, the creative duo developed the winning ad without a traditional multi-million dollar Super Bowl ad budget and professional film equipment. Instead, the creators turned to Backus' wife, Cori, and friend, Nick Dimondi, to star in the 30-second romantic spoof and used in-line skates in place of a professional camera dolly.

"To see 'Check Out Girl' air on what I consider to be the biggest and best stage, is absolutely amazing," said creator Kristen Dehnert. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity not just for me, but for our entire 'Check Out Girl' team."

Up and coming actors Stephanie Lesh-Farrell and George Reddick steal the show in this ad that captures a flirty and humorous exchange at a supermarket check-out line between the animated 'check out' girl and gentleman purchasing his favorite flavors of Doritos chips.

The Doritos "Crash the Super Bowl" challenge is just the first of many unexpected programs that will put consumers in control of celebrating what they love about Doritos tortilla chips. Next up is Doritos "Fight for the Flavor" program. This time, the Doritos brand will introduce two new flavors in store -- Doritos Smokin' Cheddar BBQ tortilla chips and Doritos Wild White Nacho tortilla chips -- and let consumers determine which flavor survives on store shelves and which one eventually gets pulled out. The two new flavors will hit stores in March, and consumers can log onto www.snackstrongproductions.com, the brand's newly launched Web site, to select the flavor of their choice.

Program partner Yahoo! Video, a leading destination for video on the Web, provided participants an engaging environment to upload and share their Doritos Super Bowl ads, as well as discover the widest selection of video on the web.

Doritos, which translated means "little bits of gold," is made from ground corn, corn oil, and seasoning. Originally launched in 1966, the brand has since grown into one of America's leading snack brands with more than $1.5 billion in annual U.S. sales. Doritos tortilla chip flavors include Doritos Nacho Cheese, Doritos Cool Ranch, Doritos Spicy Nacho, Doritos Fiery Habanero, and new Doritos Blazin' Buffalo & Ranch, along with Baked! Doritos, Natural Doritos, and Doritos Light tortilla chips.

Frito-Lay North America is the $10 billion convenient foods division of PepsiCo, which is headquartered in Purchase, NY. In addition to Frito-Lay, PepsiCo divisions include Pepsi-Cola, Quaker Foods, Gatorade, and Tropicana.

Source: Frito-Lay North America

Web site: http://www.crashthesuperbowl.com/
http://www.snackstrongproductions.com/

 

Feb 3

All-Star Celebrities and Athletes Battle to Win the 5th Annual Cadillac Super Bowl Grand Prix

Leanne Tweeden takes first place and receives $10,000 Benefiting the Wounded Warriors with Nick Lachey finishing second and Access Hollywood's Tony Potts taking third place

MIAMI, Feb. 3  Celebrities and athletes revved-up their engines and tested their need for speed in a wheel-to-wheel competition for charity in the 5th Annual Cadillac Super Bowl Grand Prix. Racing for the finish line using SuperKarts on a raceway adjacent to the American Airlines Arena, the event allowed athletes and celebrities to show off their driving skills.

With a race changing collision in the fourth lap, Leeann edged-out other celebrities including Fergie, Terrence Howard, Nick Lacey, Melina Kanakaredes, Venus Williams, Matt Leinart, Queen Latifah, Paul Rudd, Missy Elliott, Shawne Merriman plus defending champion, Josh Duhamel. In addition, Vivica A. Fox kicked off the festivities as the official Cadillac Grand Prix flag girl.

The parking lot next to the arena was transformed into an ultimate racetrack for the event. Each celebrity operated a SuperKart, go-karts specifically designed for racing, powered by a 10 horsepower engine (allowing speeds up to 65 miles-per-hour) that offers amazingly high performance driving. A team of expert racing specialists from the Bob Boundurant School of High Performance Driving were on hand to take the celebrities through the safety and on-track training regulations prior to the official race.

Cadillac was proud to present the MVR (Most Valuable Racer) Award to Leanne, along with $10,000, which will be donated to her charity, Wounded Warriors; $5,000 to Nick Lachey, which will be donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation; and $3,500 to Tony Potts of Access Hollywood, which will be donated to the Haven House.

In addition, Cadillac surprised the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which was in attendance at the event, with a $10,000 donation.

Cadillac is the official vehicle of Super Bowl XLI and the official sponsor of the Super Bowl MVP Award. Cadillac is a division of General Motors (NYSE:GM) . General Motors, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. Cadillac products include the CTS sport sedan, SRX luxury utility, STS performance luxury sedan, DTS large luxury sedan, XLR luxury roadster, Escalade full-size SUVs (Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT) and the high-performance V-Series (CTS-V, STS-V, XLR-V) three cars that go 0-60 in under 5 seconds.

More information on Cadillac and its products can be found on http://www.cadillac.com/ or http://media.gm.com/division/cadillac.

Source: Cadillac

Web site: http://www.cadillac.com/
http://media.gm.com/division/cadillac

 

Feb 2

 

Marlee Matlin to Sign National Anthem During Billy Joel Performance at Super Bowl XLI on CBS

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2  Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin will sign the National Anthem in American Sign Language along side Grammy Award winning singer Billy Joel at the SUPER BOWL XLI PREGAME SHOW on CBS at Dolphin Stadium in South Florida on Sunday, February 4, the NFL announced today. This is Matlin's second time performing the National Anthem in Sign Language at the Super Bowl; she was featured in the Super Bowl XXVII pregame show in Pasadena in 1993, with Grammy Award winning singer Garth Brooks.

Matlin, who won the Academy Award for her debut film "Children of A Lesser God," is the youngest person ever to receive the award for Best Actress and was also honored with a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama for the same film. She has been nominated for four Emmy Awards for her work in "Seinfeld," "Picket Fences" "The Practice" and "Law and Order: SVU." For the last 7 years she starred in the NBC drama "The West Wing" and recently joined the cast of Showtime's "The L Word." Matlin also appeared in Billy Joel's music video "We Didn't Start the Fire," and performed with Joel on the PBS series, "Sesame Street."

Super Bowl XL was watched by more than 141 million viewers in the U.S. last year. It is annually the nation's highest-rated TV program and the most-watched single-day sporting event. The game will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of 1 billion in more than 230 countries and territories.

Matlin is among many performers who have been honored with performing the Super Bowl National Anthem including: Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston, Harry Connick, Jr., Vanessa Williams, Cher, Faith Hill, Mariah Carey, Dixie Chicks, Beyonce Knowles and many more.

Source: Marlee Matlin

 

Super Bowl ads: Jessica Wins in Pre-Game Survey

The 2006 Super Bowl Ad Rated 'Worst' Proved Most Memorable One Year Later

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 2 -- Sex doesn't always sell, but it retains the attention of both men and women.

Nearly half of all area viewers recall a Super Bowl ad featuring Jessica Simpson -- with more women than men remembering it. The sexy ad for Pizza Hut had the highest recall, even though it ranked the least favorite in a poll taken immediately after last year's game.

That's one finding from an online survey about Super Bowl ads taken by more than 650 viewers. The survey, developed and analyzed with the help of BRX Global Research Services, Inc., is part of Roberts Communications' Customer Bowl II: Rochester Rates the Ads. Findings include:

* More than 75 percent of viewers remember at least one commercial; but

fewer than half even tried answering the question of what teams played

last year; and 20 percent of the people who tried got the teams wrong.

* The majority of people remember at least one Super Bowl ad from last

year: 43 percent recalled one to two ads; 25 percent recalled three to

four ads; and 22 percent didn't remember any ads.

* Of respondents who remembered commercials, 61 percent recalled the

Jessica Simpson spot; 55 percent remember the Bud Light's "Magic

Fridge;" and 51 percent remember Budweiser's "Clydesdale American

Dreams."

* 52 percent of people would not pay to watch the Super Bowl, but among

those who would pay, 40 percent would still want the commercials.

* 64 percent will be watching the game with other people -- at a party or

at their own home with guests -- while 28 percent will be watching at

home without guests.

Bill Murtha, CEO of Roberts Communications, noted that the poll is not a random sample, and a variety of factors could affect the results -- including additional airings of the ads.

"It would be easy to overanalyze the data, but our Customer Bowl project demonstrates the continued power of TV advertising," Murtha said. "In the age of new media, where television is losing much of its impact, commercials with a clever story or the right celebrity can make a strong and memorable impression."

Source: Roberts Communications

 

Feb 1

Legendary QB Doug Flutie & Hip-Hop Star Darryl ''DMC'' McDaniels to Play Ball, Perform Together at Super Bowl Weekend Celebrity Flag Football Challenge(TM)

Super Saturday in the Sand Super Bowl XLI Celebration Event Will Benefit Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

BOSTON & MIAMI  Feb. 1, 2007 Famed quarterback and former Chicago Bear Doug Flutie, recently retired from pro football and now an ABC/ESPN sports commentator, and hip-hop artist Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, co-founder of the trailblazing group Run-DMC, will be featured players and performers for the Celebrity Flag Football Challenge(TM) on February 3 in Hollywood, Florida. Both Flutie and DMC are represented by Paid, Inc. (OTCBB:PAYD) celebrity services.

In between hitting the sandy gridiron on Hollywood Beach, Flutie will play drums with his Flutie Brothers Band for the event's "halftime" show. He will team up to perform "Walk this Way" with McDaniels. As a member of Run-DMC, McDaniels famously covered this rock anthem with members of Aerosmith, which originally wrote and recorded the song.

The celebrity flag football game is part of the Super Saturday in the Sand festivities in Hollywood, Florida, on February 3 to benefit the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. The event celebrates Super Bowl XLI in nearby Dolphins Stadium in Miami Gardens the following day. More than 15,000 attendees are expected, including about 20 current and alumni NFL players and celebrities, Miami Dolphin and other NFL cheerleaders, representatives from various charities, and corporate partners.

The celebrity flag football game will be played in the sand at Hollywood Beach and kicks off at 11 a.m. During the 20-minute halftime show, DMC and Flutie will put down the pigskin and team up for a musical seaside celebration.

Flutie started the Flutie Brothers Band with his brother, fellow pro football alum and guitarist Darren Flutie, as a way to have fun and raise money for charitable causes during the off seasons of his high-profile career -- which included two decades in pro football before he retired from the New England Patriots in 2006 (not to mention his college days made legendary with his "Hail Mary" pass against Miami that won him the 1984 Heisman Trophy with Boston College). He continues to play with the Flutie Brothers in addition to working as an ABC/ESPN college football analyst. Flutie has been voted by fans as the NFL's best musician for his appearances with the Barenaked Ladies on Monday Night Football special feature, "Monday Night at the Mic," which earned him a spot in the halftime show for the Pro-bowl. The group has played throughout the U.S. and Canada, opening for acts such as Lynyrd Skynrd, Bo Diddley and Meredith Brooks. They also wrote and recorded the Saturday Night Football theme song for the Canadian Football League that is featured weekly on CBC.

McDaniels, meanwhile, has been an entertainment icon since forming the legendary, multi-platinum group Run-DMC with Joseph (Rev. Run) Simmons and the late Jason (Jam Master Jay) Mizell two decades ago and bringing hip hop into the musical mainstream. They were the first rap/hip-hop group to win a Grammy, the first rap act to reach the Billboard Top 10 and the first to get airplay on MTV. The biggest among their long list of mega-hits, often featuring their unique fusion of rock and rap, was "Walk this Way," recorded with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. After Run-DMC disbanded and Jam Master Jay's untimely death, DMC began work on his recently released solo album, "Checks, Thugs, Rock N Roll." He remains a legend in hip-hop and among his very loyal, global fan base. DMC's web site http://www.me-dmc.com has the latest news, merchandise, downloadable ring tones, fan club details and information on his debut solo album.

Tickets to the event, which will benefit the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, are available to the general public online at http://www.sppsports.com or the day of the event. All tickets are general admission and are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. After the game, Flutie, DMC and other celebrity participants will spend an hour greeting fans and autographing pictures, cards and banners.

More information on Flutie, his fan club, charitable foundation and band can be found on his official personal site, http://www.dougflutie2.com/, and the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism site, http://www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org. DMC's official web site http://www.me-dmc.com has the latest news, merchandise, downloadable ring tones, fan club details and information on his debut solo album "Checks Thugs and Rock N' Roll."

About Paid, Inc.:

Paid, Inc.'s celebrity services provides celebrities with official Web sites and fan club services that include e-commerce storefronts, ticketing and fan experience packages, and Web site content, to attract tens of thousands of visitors daily, as detailed on its Web site, http://www.paidcelebrity.com. The Company provides a broad range of sports marketing services for professional athletes and also sponsors autograph signing events. Using patent pending technology, Paid's innovative AuctionInc brand shipping calculation and auction management software and services are utilized to streamline online auctions, ecommerce and Web site development and hosting. For further information, visit http://www.paid.com.

 

Jan 31

The Nielsen Company's Guide to the Super Bowl

NEW YORK, Jan. 31 -- Several Nielsen businesses - including Nielsen Media Research and ACNielsen - today released a wide range of consumer and media information illustrating the enormous impact that the Super Bowl has on all areas of media and marketing in the U.S.

As the NFL prepares for Super Bowl XLI on February 4 in Miami, Nielsen has combined data on television ratings, advertising expenditures, Internet measurement, album sales, box-office receipts, consumer and lifestyle information of NFL fans in Indianapolis and Chicago, NFL merchandise and retail sales, consumer segmentation and marketing, and comprehensive market research for an in-depth analysis of one of the world's biggest sporting events. Among the findings:

-- Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts sports merchandise have seen a

dramatic rise in retail sales this year.

-- More women are drawn to the Indianapolis Colts than the Chicago Bears.

Data show that 59% of Indianapolis women are Colts fans, vs. 46% of

Chicago women who are Bears fans.

-- The 2006 Super Bowl was the highest rated TV show of the year,

attracting more than 90 million U.S. viewers.

-- The cost for a 30-second TV advertisement reached an all-time high in

2006, while traditional advertiser categories continued to dominate

the broadcast.

-- Super Bowl advertisers in 2006 saw a sharp increase in visits to their

web sites following the big game.

-- Album sales of the Super Bowl halftime performers soared in the week

following their appearance in the halftime show.

-- Box office figures continue to plunge on Super Bowl Sunday.

-- Sales of soft drinks, beer and chips rise significantly before the

Super Bowl.

Television Ratings

Super Bowl Viewers

2006 -- ABC -- 90.7 million

2005 -- FOX -- 86.1 million

2004 -- CBS -- 89.8 million

2003 -- ABC -- 88.6 million

2002 -- FOX -- 86.8 million

2001 -- CBS -- 84.3 million

Program After the Game (average viewers in millions)

2006 -- Grey's Anatomy (21.0)

2005 -- The Simpsons (23.1)

2004 -- Survivor All-Star (33.5)

2003 -- Alias (17.4)

2002 -- Malcolm in the Middle (21.4)

2001 -- Survivor II (45.4)

Top-10 Local Market Average Household Ratings-2006

1. Pittsburgh 57.5%

2. Seattle-Tacoma 55.1%

3. Detroit 52.6%

4. Denver 51.9%

5. Jacksonville 50.9%

6. Cleveland-Akron (Canton) 50.3%

7. Philadelphia 49.0%

8. Indianapolis 48.4%

9. Columbus 48.2%

10. Orlando-Daytona Beach 48.1%

Source: Nielsen Media Research

Super Bowl XL Shows Slight Increase In Viewers (Nielsen Media Research)

In 2006, an average of 90.7 million Americans tuned in to the ABC Network to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks. The event averaged a 41.6% household rating, up slightly from the 2005 match-up between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots, which was watched by only 86.1 million viewers in an average of 41.1% of U.S. households.

In local markets, the highest overall local rating in 2006 - at nearly 58% -- was in Pittsburgh, PA., home of Super Bowl XL champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The second largest local TV audience, with an average of 55.1%, was in the Seahawks home town of Seattle, while Detroit, the hosts of Super Bowl XL, ranked third with an average of 52.6%. Denver, Jacksonville and Cleveland followed respectively as the next three markets with the largest Super Bowl audiences (see TV Ratings chart).

Over the past ten years, the most-watched Super Bowl was the 1996 contest between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX, which drew 94.1 million viewers for an average household rating of 46%. With a rating of 49.1% the 1982 Super Bowl is the most-watched Super Bowl of all time and the fourth-highest rated television program since 1961 (just behind the final episodes of M*A*S*H, Dallas and Roots Part VIII). Overall, the Super Bowl accounts for seven of the top-10 telecasts of all time. Of the top-40 sports telecasts since January 1961, all but six telecasts were Super Bowls.

Super Bowl Viewers Reflect Diversity of American Sports Fans

(Nielsen Media Research)

Although men are the demographic with the highest interest in watching the Super Bowl on TV (41.0%, or 42.6 million viewers), a significant number of women, Hispanics and African Americans also tuned in to the broadcast.

Approximately 34.7 million women over the age of 18 watched the 2006 Super Bowl for a 31.0% average rating. Among women viewers, those in the 25-54 age group had the highest interest, with a 33% average household rating.

An average of 27.2% of African Americans, or approximately 9.7 million viewers, tuned in to Super Bowl XL. The highest watching African American age category was 25-54 years olds, with a rating of 33.4%. An average of 15.7% of Hispanics, or approximately 6.1 million viewers, watched the 2006 Super Bowl. About 19.1% of Hispanics over age 55 watched the game, the highest rating for any age category of Hispanic viewers.

Cost of Super Bowl Advertising Continues to Rise

(Nielsen Monitor-Plus)

In 2006, advertisers continued to pay an increasingly high premium for exposure to one of television's largest national audiences. According to Nielsen Monitor-Plus, the cost for a 30-second spot during the 2006 game rose to $2,500,000 from $2,402,200 in 2005.

The cost for 30-second advertisements during the Super Bowl has continued to increase over the past ten years, with the exception of 2003, which saw a slight drop of $50,000 in the rate from the previous year to $2,150,000.

Advertising Expenditures

Average 30-second Cost

2006 -- $2.5 million

2005 -- $2.4 million

2004 -- $2.3 million

2003 -- $2.15 million

2002 -- $2.2 million

Top Advertiser (seconds of exposure)

2006 -- Anheuser-Busch(270)

2005 -- Anheuser-Busch(300)

2004 -- Anheuser-Busch(330)

2003 -- Anheuser-Busch(330)

2002 -- Anheuser-Busch(300)

# Commercial Minutes:Seconds

2005 -- 43:10

2004 -- 49:25

2003 -- 40:41

2002 -- 38:39

2001 -- 37:45

Source: Nielsen Monitor-Plus

Traditional Advertiser Categories Dominated at Super Bowl 2006

(Nielsen Monitor-Plus)

Fifty-seven unique brands advertised over 47 minutes and 20 seconds of commercial time during the 2006 Super Bowl, according to Nielsen Monitor-Plus. The categories that advertised the most during the 2006 Super Bowl included Beer, Motion Pictures, Automotive and Wireless Telephone Services.

The Beer category increased its airtime from 4 minutes in 2005 to 4 1/2 minutes in 2006. Motion Pictures decreased ad time in 2006 versus the prior year by one minute from 5 1/2 to 4 1/2 minutes. Automotive also saw a decline in ad budgets by 1 1/2 minutes to 4 minutes in 2006.

Anheuser-Busch aired the most commercial time with 4 1/2 minutes for their Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Amber brands. Budweiser aired one 60-second ad and two 30 second ads. Bud Light ran four 30-second ads, while Michelob Ultra aired just one 30-second spot.

Pepsi-Cola aired 2 minutes of commercials, making it the second largest advertiser. Gillette, Mobile ESPN, Walt Disney World, and Warner Brothers Entertainment tied for third place, each airing 90 seconds of ads.

In 2006, the automotive category included advertising for Toyota, Cadillac, Ford, Hummer and Honda. Toyota promoted its Camry Hybrid and Tacoma Truck with 30-second spots for each; Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda Ridgeline also ran one 30-second ad for their brands, while Cadillac Escalade and Hummer H3 each ran one 60-second commercial.

In the Motion Picture category, nine different films were advertised, each with a 30-second commercial. Warner Brothers Entertainment ran the most commercials, advertising for its movies: 16 Blocks, V for Vendetta, and Poseidon.

Finally, in 2006, the Wireless Telephone category was dominated by Mobile ESPN and Sprint, accounting for a total of 2-1/2 minutes of commercial time.

To view the commercials that aired during the last eight Super Bowls, visit our creative website at https://www.nielsenmedia.com/monitorplus/superbowl/. The commercials for this year's game will be posted on this website Wednesday, February 7. Please check back.

Advertising Information

Top Advertiser (seconds of exposure)

2006 -- Anheuser-Busch(270)

2005 -- Anheuser-Busch(300)

2004 -- Anheuser-Busch(330)

2003 -- Anheuser-Busch(330)

2002 -- Anheuser-Busch(300)

Average 30-second Cost

2006 -- $2.5 million

2005 -- $2.4 million

2004 -- $2.3 million

2003 -- $2.15 million

2002 -- $2.2 million

2006 Top Categories (seconds of exposure)

1. Beer - 270 seconds

Motion Pictures - 270 seconds

2. Autos & Trucks - 240 seconds

3. Wireless Tel. Svcs - 150 seconds

2006 Top Advertisers (seconds of exposure)

1. Anheuser-Busch - 270 seconds

2. Pepsi-Cola - 120 seconds

3. Gillette - 90 seconds

Mobile ESPN - 90 seconds

Walt Disney World - 90 seconds

Warner Brothers Entertainment - 90 seconds

Source: Nielsen Monitor-Plus

Internet Traffic: Web Becomes Integral part of Super Bowl Ad Campaigns

(Nielsen//NetRatings)

In 2006, Super Bowl advertisers saw an impressive 55 percent increase in their Web traffic on the day after the big game, from 7.9 million unique visitors on Super Bowl Sunday to 12.1 million on Monday (see Table 1).

Fidelity Investments was the fastest growing Web site day over day, increasing 203 percent. Overstock.com ranked No. 2 with a 145 percent increase, and Expedia rounded out the top three, growing 141 percent from Sunday to Monday.

Leading up to the Super Bowl, fans go online to check out stats and prepare for armchair quarterbacking. In the week ending February 5, 2006, Superbowl.com had a unique audience of 2.3 million, a 26 percent increase over Super Bowl week in 2005. NFL.com and NFL Team Sites had 2.0 million unique visitors each during that same week in 2006, a 46 and 17 percent year-over- year increase, respectively.

Web Traffic Growth for Super Bowl Advertisers (U.S., Home & Work)

Web Site 2/5/06 Unique 2/6/06 Unique Traffic

Audience (000) Audience (000) Growth

Aggregation of

All Advertiser

Sites 7,850 12,149 55%

Fidelity

Investments 284* 861 203%

Overstock.com 337* 925* 145%

Expedia 511 1,230 141%

godaddy.com 639 1,094 71%

Career Builder 852 1,450 70%

Source: Nielsen//Net Ratings, February 2006

* Note: These estimates are calculated on small sample sizes and are

subject to increased statistical variability as a result.

Super Bowl Buzz on the Internet

Nielsen BuzzMetrics audits brand buzz before, during and after the Super Bowl, arming advertisers with comprehensive data and deep insight around commercial talk-value, stickiness, virality and even the popularity and appeal of the spokespersons and celebrities in the television advertising event.

The accompanying chart shows the most buzzed about commercials from the 2006 Super Bowl. Conversation "lifts" in brand related discussion coming from the BuzzMetrics database of approximately 40 million blogs.

Among total blog posts related to 2007 Super Bowl advertising, Britney Spear's ex, Kevin Federline - also known as "K-Fed" - is leading the discussion thanks to his recently announced role as pitchman for Nationwide Insurance. In the seven-day period ending January 21, 2007, K-Fed buzz around Super Bowl advertising represented 26% of all blog conversations related to Super Bowl advertising, and fully 49% on January 17.

Other top issues being discussed prior to the game include buzz around the "user generated ad" contests by several advertisers, and a marriage proposal that is scheduled to take place during one of the ads. As in past years, total blog buzz around the Super Bowl is expected continue building rapidly and peak the day after the game.

Most Bussed Ads from Super Bowl 2006

Company 2006 Weighted Buzz Ranking

Budweiser 1

Bud Light 2

Degree 3

Burger King 4

Pepsi 5

Sprint 6

FedEx 7

Michelob Amber 8

Hummer 9

Pizza Hut 10

Source: Nielsen BuzzMetrics

Box Office Gross (Nielsen EDI)

As usual, movie-going plunged on 2006 Super Bowl Sunday. Box office receipts, which averaged $31.1 million on a typical winter Sunday in 2006, fell to $19.4 million on Sunday, February 5, 2006 - a 38% decline. Over the past five years, the average domestic box office for Super Bowl Sunday versus the average winter Sunday is down by about $11.8 million.

Album Sales of Half Time Performers Again See Strong Increase

(Nielsen SoundScan)

This year, recording artist Prince will take a break from his Las Vegas show to perform in the Pepsi Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. According to past trends, Prince and other Super Bowl performers can expect to see a sharp increase in album sales in the week following the big game.

As a halftime performer during the 2006 Super Bowl, The Rolling Stones saw a significant increase in sales of their albums. Nielsen SoundScan compared album sales data from the week prior to Super Bowl XL, ending February 5, 2006, versus the week ending February 12, 2006, and the Rolling Stones "A Bigger Bang" saw a 34% increase in sales.

Super Bowl performers in 2005 also saw their album sales increase in the week following the game. Paul McCartney's 2002 Back in the U.S. saw a 542% increase in sales. Similarly, his 1987 album, All the Best, saw a 246% increase in sales, while his 2001 release, Wingspan: Hits and History, recorded a 161% increase. Sales of The Beatles albums also rose, including The Beatles 1, released in 2000, which saw a 72% increase in sales.

In 2004, performers also saw their album sales increase in the week following the game. Justified by Justin Timberlake saw an increase in sales of 160% and three of Janet Jackson's albums, including Rhythm Nation, Velvet Rope and All For You all had over a 100% increase in sales. At the same time, Nelly saw a 56% increase of sales for Nellyville, while Kid Rock's self-titled album had a sales increase of 25%.

Film - Over the past five years the average domestic box office

gross for a winter weekend versus the average Super Bowl weekend

is down by about $11.8 million on game day.

Box Office Receipts (In millions of dollars)

2006

Avg. Winter Sunday $31.1

Super Bowl Sunday $19.4

2005

Avg. Winter Sunday $30.2

Super Bowl Sunday $18.2

2004

Avg. Winter Sunday $32.0

Super Bowl Sunday $17.3

2003

Avg. Winter Sunday $29.8

Super Bowl Sunday $18.8

2002

Avg. Winter Sunday $29.1

Super Bowl Sunday $19.3

Halftime Performers Album Sales -- Percent Increases

2006 -- Rolling Stones -- A Bigger Bang -- 34%

2005 -- Paul McCartney -- Back in the U.S. -- 542%

2004 -- Justin Timberlake -- Justified -- 160%;

Janet Jackson -- All For You -- 160%

2003 -- No Doubt -- Tragic Kingdom -- 58%

2002 -- U2 -- All That You Can't Leave Behind -- 142%

2001 -- Aerosmith -- Greatest Hits -- 100%

Internet Source: Nielsen//Net Ratings

Music Source: Nielsen SoundScan

Box Office Source: Nielsen EDI

Super Bowl Continues to Influence Sports Merchandise Sales (SportScanINFO)

A dramatic increase in retail sales of Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts merchandise reflect how loyal football fans are voting with their pocketbooks again this year for their favorite Super Bowl teams.

The Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts are both among the top five overall best selling teams in the NFL to date. Over the past four weeks, since the start of the NFL playoffs, the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears are the top two best selling teams, respectively.

In terms of jersey sales, both Peyton Manning and Joseph Addai of the Indianapolis Colts, along with Brian Urlacher of the Chicago Bears, are currently among the top 6 best sellers among all NFL players

In 2006, the NFL finished the year up 15.0% in terms of dollar sales at retail and is currently up 41.7% for the first 4 weeks of 2007 in terms of all licensed merchandise.

Consumer Products (ACNielsen)

ACNielsen reviewed over 650 food and beverage product categories sold in U.S. grocery stores to see which ones benefit most from the Super Bowl. This analysis was conducted by comparing last year's average one-week sales performance for the two-week period including game day (two-weeks ending on February 11, 2006) with average one-week sales performance over a six-week period (three-weeks ending January 28, 2006, plus three-weeks ending March 4, 2006). The accompanying chart shows those product categories that benefited the most in terms of total incremental sales dollars and those that enjoyed the largest percentage sales gain from the Super Bowl.

Comparing last year's Super Bowl food preferences in the two markets that are home to this year's teams - Chicago and Indianapolis - there are some noteworthy similarities and difference between the two cities. Looking at the largest overall percentage of sales increases, both markets showed strong sales growth in cocktail franks and processed cheese loaves. However, Chicago area supermarkets showed strong growth in sales of frozen unbreaded crab, refrigerated fruit, dip mixes, and dairy dips; while Indianapolis area supermarkets experienced bumps in the sales of 'Miracle Whip' type salad dressing, frozen hors d' oeuvres & snacks, brownie mixes, and bratwurst & knockwurst.

Product Categories -- Super Bowl Weeks*

Largest Overall Sales Increase

-- Tortilla Chips -- $10.2 million

-- Light Beer -- $9.2 million

-- Regular Beer -- $8.7 million

-- Potato Chips -- $7.8 million

-- Regular Cola -- $7.7 million

-- Frozen Pizza -- $7.3 million

-- All remaining Carb Bev -- $5.5 million

-- Frzn Poultry 1-Food Entree's -- $5.4 million

-- Mexican Sauce -- $5.3 million

-- Ice Cream -- $4.7 million

Product Categories -- Super Bowl Weeks*

Largest Overall Percentage Sales Increase

-- Cocktail Franks -- 118.1%

-- Beef Steak-Frozen -- 58.4%

-- Pork-Frozen -- 48.8%

-- Dip Mixes -- 37.0%

-- Processed Cheese Loaves -- 36.3%

-- Dairy Dip -- 36.1%

-- Bread Mushrooms-Frozen -- 35.6%

-- Tabasco/Pepper Sauce -- 34.8%

-- Canned Dip -- 32.2%

-- Barbecue Sauces -- 31.7%

* Two-weeks ending February 11, 2006

Source ACNielsen; Supermarket sales

More Women are Fans of the Indianapolis Colts than the Chicago Bears, According to Scarborough Sports Marketing

Scarborough Sports Marketing, a media and marketing service which measures lifestyles shopping habits, and media patterns of America's sports fans, finds that Bears and Colts fans have distinct demographics and lifestyles.

The Scarborough analysis found that 59% of Indianapolis women are Colts fans, versus 46% of Chicago women who are Bears fans. Both Bears and Colts fans are more likely than others in their cities to have an annual household income of $100k+, but more Bears fans fall into this bracket. Thirty percent of Bears fans have this income level, versus 16% of Colts fans. Fans of both teams are more likely than others in their market to be in white collar jobs.

Expect lots of golfing in Miami. Both Bears and Colts fans are avid golfers. Bears fans are 44% more likely than other Chicagoans to have golfed during the past year, and Colts fans are 45% more likely than others in Indianapolis to hit the links. Fans of both teams are active and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. Among their top five leisure activities, both teams enjoy gardening, swimming and bowling as favorites.

When it comes to beverages, it is no surprise that fans of both teams enjoy beer all types of beer: domestic and foreign, microbrews and light beers, Bears and Colts fans are more likely than others in their cities to enjoy them all. Vodka, rum, and tequila are the top choices for Bears and Colts fans in the liquor category.

In the restaurant category, both Bears and Colts fans cite McDonald's as their fast food restaurant of choice, and, they are avid fast food restaurant goers. Bears fans are 15% more likely than other Chicagoans to have eaten at a fast food restaurant 10 or more times during the past month. Colts fans are 12% more likely than others in Indianapolis to have done so.

Sporting goods and apparel shopping varies slightly between both teams, in part because the stores available in each of their cities differ. Dick's Sporting Goods is the top sporting goods store for Colts fans. 28% percent of Colts fans shopped at Dick's during the past three months. Wal-Mart is the leading sporting goods store for Bears fans. 19% of Bears fans shopped Wal- Mart for sporting goods during the pat three months. Bears fans are 55% more likely than other Chicagoans to have purchased NFL apparel during the past year. Colts fans are 31% more likely than all adults in Indianapolis to have done so.

Bears and Colts fans are more likely than others in their cities to use their cell phone for instant messaging. In fact, they use a variety of features on their cell phone, from picture taking and ring tone downloads to Internet and push-to-talk (2-way).

Brands Appearing in the 2006 Super Bowl Game

(Nielsen Sponsorship ScoreCard)

Nielsen's Sponsorship Scorecard monitors advertising sponsorships of sporting events by measuring the time each brand is seen or heard on screen, and how many people were exposed to each brand. Scorecard data from the 2006 Super Bowl illustrates a surprising correlation between brand duration and impressions, or the aggregated number of times a brand is seen. The data show that more time on screen does not necessarily yield more impressions of those who viewed or heard each sponsor's brand.

In comparing all brands across all locations throughout the 2006 Super Bowl game, Sprint (ranked 3rd) appeared on screen for ONLY one (1) second longer than Pepsi (ranked 4th), but delivered nearly 79 million more household impressions (see chart below)

A similar pattern is evident when evaluating different sponsorship locations in the stadium. The "primary scoreboard" location was on screen for 37 seconds and delivered over 52 million household impressions, compared to the "commentator booth," which was on screen for 42 seconds and only received 42 million impressions.

The "commentator booth" was on screen for 5 seconds longer than the "primary scoreboard", but still obtained 10,000 impressions less.

Brands Seen/Heard During the Super Bowl 2006

Brand Total # of Total Duration Total Households

Occurrences in Seconds (000)

Motorola

Electronic

Equip 93 377 585119

Gatorade

Drinks-

Isotonic 95 326 497731

Sprint Telcm

Svcs 8 169 251647

Pepsi-Cola

Reg Soft Drink 26 168 173033

Cadillac

Autos & Trucks 14 109 138616

 

Top Brand Locations at Ford Field

Super Bowl 2006

Location Total # of Total Duration in Total Households

Occurrences Seconds Seen/Heard (000)

on Screen

On-Screen

Graphic 45 415 589,437

Sideline-

Headset 91 374 580,697

Arena-

Stadium AD 65 351 407,884

Sideline-

Towel 24 88 135,399

Sideline-

Cooler 25 87 129,542

Source: Nielsen Sponsorship Scorecard

 

Indianapolis and Chicago Super Bowl Fans Trend Towards Different Lifestyles (Spectra)

A consumer segmentation analysis from the marketing company Spectra revealed some of the unique characteristics of Super Bowl viewers from Miami, Indianapolis, and Chicago compared with national professional football fans. Utilizing Spectra's BehaviorScape framework, viewer characteristics can be determined based upon BehaviorStages (which bring to life key household factors that impact consumer purchasing behavior), and LifeStyles, (which further differentiate consumers by highlighting affluence and the neighborhood type in which they live).

For instance, most viewers of professional football across the U.S. typically watch on the weekend one or more times per month, and tend to come from affluent neighborhoods from a variety of household types. They span across all neighborhood types and tend to skew toward couples 35+ without children in the household as well as singles under 35 with no children. Popular Super Bowl snacks that skew highly across the average US viewer are bags of nuts, brats, popcorn, and frozen poultry.

Super Bowl viewers in the host city of Miami watch the game on TV live in both urban and affluent suburban households across household types.

Indianapolis residents who watched the Super Bowl last year generally come from rural and downscale suburban neighborhoods. Additionally:

-- Indianapolis viewers purchase above average amounts of sausage, buns,

and brats than the average viewer.

-- Indianapolis viewers are likely to do their grocery shopping (possibly

for Super Bowl snacks) at Wal-Mart, Aldi, or Kroger.

-- There is also a very high concentration of Super Bowl viewers who are

likely to shop in smaller accounts such as IGA and Buehler's Buy Low.

Chicago residents who watched the Super Bowl last year likely live in urban and affluent suburban households across household types. Additionally:

-- Viewers in Chicago tend to purchase more bagged nuts, beer, frozen

poultry and meat than the average viewer.

-- Chicago viewers are likely to do their grocery shopping (possibly for

Super Bowl snacks) in Dominick's, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods.

There is also a very high concentration of Super Bowl viewers who are likely to shop in smaller accounts such as Wild Oats and Sunset Food Marts.

About Nielsen

Nielsen Media Research is a part of The Nielsen Company, 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, Adweek), trade shows and the newspaper sector (Scarborough Research). The privately held company has more than 42,000 employees and is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and New York, USA. For more information, please visit, www.nielsen.com.

For more information, please visit the Nielsen website at www.nielsen.com

Source: Nielsen Media Company

CONTACT: Gary Holmes, +1-646-654-8975, or Karen Gyimesi,
+1-646-654-8631

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

 

 

Jan 30

 

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2007 - The U.S. Air Force's elite demonstration
squadron, the "Thunderbirds," will help kick off Super Bowl XLI in Miami
with a flyover of Dolphin Stadium on Feb. 4.

The team's six red, white and blue F-16 fighter jets will roar over in
their signature six-ship Delta formation at the conclusion of the
national anthem. The aircraft will fly over at about 500 feet and 450 miles
per hour.

"We are honored to participate in the Super Bowl, especially this year,
as the United States Air Force commemorates our 60th anniversary," said
Lt. Col. Kevin Robbins, Thunderbird commander.

The flyover is just one of many events the Thunderbirds will
participate in during 2007 to commemorate the Air Force's six decades of air and
space power.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is an Air Combat Command
unit composed of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots),
four support officers, four civilians and about 120 enlisted airmen
performing in more than 25 career specialties. "Our job is to represent the
thousands of airmen who serve their country on a daily basis, including
the more than 25,000 fighting on the front lines in the global war on
terror," Robbins said.

The Super Bowl is the nation's highest-rated TV program annually.
According to the National Football League, more than 141 million viewers in
the United States tuned in to the last Super Bowl game. Super Bowl XLI
will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of 1 billion in
more than 230 countries and territories.

 

Open Labs®, Inc the leading designer and developer of computer-based music production solutions, today announced that the company’s award-winning NeKo® and MiKo™ keyboard workstations will be played during Prince’s performance on the Pepsi Super Bowl XLI halftime show on Sunday, February 4th, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami.  The event marks the first time that a computer keyboard instrument has been played live at the Super Bowl.  CBS will broadcast Super Bowl XLI starting at 6:25 pm EST.

The full press release appears below.

Morris Hayes and Renato Neto, the renowned groove-funk keyboardists with Prince’s New Power Generation, or NPG, band, will play the new Open Labs Gen3 MiKo and NeKo during the halftime performance.  Introduced earlier this month at the Winter NAMM conference in Anaheim , California , the Gen3 MiKo and NeKo are the latest incarnations of the award-winning product line that Open Labs originally introduced in 2004.  The Open Labs Gen3 MiKo and NeKo represent the first line of keyboard workstations to incorporate a Windows® PC-based architecture and are now the first musical instruments to use Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors, offering processing speeds up to 70% faster than Gen 2 models.

The Open Labs MiKo and NeKo Gen3 keyboards are the first portable digital music and internet media creation systems that combine the power of Windows PC architecture, a large-format touchscreen interface, and internet connectivity in a compact, user-friendly instrument.  The Gen3  series enable users to record up to 140 tracks of 24-bit audio; play up to 500-note polyphony, and support up to 300 plug-ins in a single instrument.

If you would like to speak with an Open Labs executive, please contact me on 201-218-0262 or c.pfaff@att.net.

Thanks,

--- Chris

OPEN LABS® MIKO AND NEKO® INSTRUMENTS MAKE SUPER BOWL DEBUT WITH PRINCE;
FIRST COMPUTER-BASED KEYBOARD PLAYED ON TELEVISION’S BIGGEST EVENT

Prince NPG Keyboardists Morris Hayes and Renato Neto to Play the Open Labs® Gen3 MiKo™ and NeKo®

During Pepsi Super Bowl XLI Halftime Performance; First Windows®-Based Keyboard Workstation is

First Musical Instrument to Use Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processors

            AUSTIN, TX -- Open Labs®, Inc the leading designer and developer of computer-based music production solutions, today announced that the company’s award-winning NeKo® and MiKo™ keyboard workstations will be played during Prince’s performance on the Pepsi Super Bowl XLI halftime show on Sunday, February 4th, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami.  The event marks the first time that a computer keyboard instrument has been played live at the Super Bowl.  CBS will broadcast Super Bowl XLI starting at 6:25 pm EST.

Morris Hayes and Renato Neto, the renowned groove-funk keyboardists with Prince’s New Power Generation, or NPG, band, will play the new Open Labs Gen3 MiKo and NeKo during the halftime performance.  Introduced earlier this month at the Winter NAMM conference in Anaheim , California , the Gen3 MiKo and NeKo are the latest incarnations of the award-winning product line that Open Labs originally introduced in 2004.  The Open Labs Gen3 MiKo and NeKo represent the first line of keyboard workstations to incorporate a Windows® PC-based architecture and are now the first musical instruments to use Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors, offering processing speeds up to 70% faster than Gen 2 models.

“Prince is one of the most technically demanding artists working today, and the Super Bowl is one of the largest telecasts in the world, so we are delighted to have such a grand stage on which to debut the Gen3 MiKo and NeKo instruments,” said Victor Wong, chairman of Open Labs.  “We have essentially redesigned our products to create a powerful musical experience that is only limited by the user’s imagination.”

 “The Core 2 Duo processor line enables faster real-time operations, and we can’t think of a more demanding real-time situation than live musical performance.  The Open Labs team provides a great example of the innovation that is being brought to music creation,” said Diane Bryant, vice president in the Digital Enterprise Group, Intel (Nasdaq: INTC).  “We believe that the convergence of the PC workstation and the music synthesizer keyboard will support creativity for new generations of composers and performers.”

            “The power and creativity embodied by Open Labs is well-represented by the renowned artists who use these platforms, and we are pleased to see that the Microsoft platform has helped enable these developments,” said Liron Shaked, director of the Worldwide Consumer ISV Group at Microsoft Corp (Nasdaq: MSFT).  “These innovations, in combination with the cutting-edge enhancements in Windows Vista, will serve to dramatically expand the creative possibilities for today’s digital artists.”

“The combination of Intel’s latest processors and our future migration to Windows Vista ensure that Open Labs instruments continue to offer musicians and producers sustainable world-class performance without peer,” continued Wong.

The Open Labs MiKo and NeKo Gen3 keyboards are the first portable digital music and internet media creation systems that combine the power of Windows PC architecture, a large-format touchscreen interface, and internet connectivity in a compact, user-friendly instrument. 

The Gen3  series enable users to record up to 140 tracks of 24-bit audio; play up to 500-note polyphony, and support up to 300 plug-ins in a single instrument.

The Gen 3 MiKo and NeKo feature Open Labs suite of software applications – Karsyn™, mFusion™, and the Open Labs Navigator™ - which are a breakthrough set of technologies that allow users to control different musical keyboard devices and software packages through a single interface. Together, they create a clean, efficient environment for creation and performance. Instead of a complicated general-purpose computing environment, the 15-inch touchscreen interface presents a streamlined user experience ideally suited for efficiency in the studio, and clarity and speed on stage.

“The Open Labs MiKo and NeKo provide me with the power of a recording studio in a single piece of equipment, and this greatly expands my musical canvas” said Hayes.  “I have been a staunch supporter of Open Labs equipment from day one, because it is rugged, portable, and ultra-powerful, and it represents the ultimate state-of-the-art in music technology.”

The Super Bowl is annually the nation's highest-rated TV program. More than 141 million viewers watched last year's game in the U.S. Super Bowl XLI will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of 1 billion in more than 230 countries and territories.

About Open Labs

Open Labs designs, manufactures, and markets computer music and media creation tools for musicians and producers of every level of expertise.  The company’s products, NeKo® and MiKo™, are the first keyboard instruments to incorporate Windows PC architecture enabling the use of existing and future music and media PC software applications.  Open Labs, formed in 2002, combines decades of expertise in computer technology, keyboard technology, and product design. The company is headquartered in Austin , Texas .  For more information, visit the Web site at www.openlabs.com


 

Miami's Own Gloria Estefan to Introduce Cirque du Soleil in Super Bowl XLI Pregame Show Feb. 4 on CBS

MIAMI, Jan. 30  International superstar and Miami resident GLORIA ESTEFAN will introduce CIRQUE DU SOLEIL'S pregame show at Super Bowl XLI on CBS at Dolphin Stadium in South Florida on Sunday, February 4, the NFL announced today.

Estefan is a five-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter who has performed at Super Bowl XXVI and Super Bowl XXXIII halftime shows, held in Minneapolis and Miami respectively. She is currently writing and recording a new album to be released later this year and is a New York Times best-selling author of two children's books.

Grammy(R) Award Winner LOUIE VEGA will supply an original musical score and will perform with his Elements of Life Orchestra featuring vocalist Anane while the Cirque du Soleil performance comes to life. The Cirque du Soleil performers will be a living, breathing canvas for Miami-based artist ROMERO BRITTO, whose signature pop-art has come to define the color and vibrancy of South Florida.

The Super Bowl is annually the nation's highest-rated TV program. More than 141 million viewers watched last year's game in the U.S. Super Bowl XLI will be broadcast to more than 230 countries and territories.

Don Mischer Productions and White Cherry Entertainment will produce the Super Bowl XLI pregame show as part of their season-long marquee entertainment agreement with the NFL. Don Mischer Productions will serve as executive producer and director, while White Cherry Entertainment, led by Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss, will serve as executive producers. David Saltz of Red Eye Flight Productions will also serve as producer of the pregame show. Saltz has worked with Cirque on their Beatles inspired LOVE production and has brought them together with Britto for this original Super Bowl performance.

Source: NFL

 

Rocking the Gridiron Red Carpet Evening, Super Bowl Thursday

MIAMI, Jan. 30 Sports Legends Classic returns for a 3rd consecutive year to present Rocking The Gridiron on Thursday, February 1 at the Miami Seaquarium. Doors open for V.I.P.'s at 7:00PM. General admission begins at 9:00PM.

The event will be hosted by Miami's own Hurricane greats and NFL running back legends, Ottis "OJ" Anderson (Super Bowl MVP, NY Giants) and Chuck Foreman (All-Pro, Minnesota Vikings).

"These 'see and be seen' high-profile parties are almost as popular as the on-field competition," said Wayne Mogel, President/CEO of Sports Legends Classic and a veteran entertainment producer.

"Our company has pioneered some of the most creative and exciting parties in the sporting world. We pride ourselves on the ability to cater to the needs of celebrities and athletes, while still giving fans an opportunity to rub elbows with these legendary heroes in an amazing red carpet event environment," added Mogel.

Short list of the celebrities and athletes that have attended past Sports Legend Classic events include: N'Sync, Kid Rock, Black Eyed Peas, Owen Wilson, Ying Yang Twins, Boyz II Men, Nick Lachey, MC Hammer, Marcus Allen, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Lennox Lewis, Jim McMahon, Emmitt Smith, Eddie George, John Riggins, Marcus Allen, Warren Moon, Jerome Bettis, Daunte Culpepper, Tony Dorsett, John Elway, Carl Eller, Ready For The World, Jeff Gordon, Deion Sanders, Shannon Sharpe, Lynn Swann, Thurman Thomas, Spud Webb, and Ricky Watters.

Named last year, "the only Super Bowl party that produced," by the Detroit Free Press, Rocking the Gridiron is one of the only high profile events open to the public. General admission tickets are $150. VIP tickets are $350. Tickets are available for purchase online: http://www.rockthegridiron.com/.

Sports Legends Classic is dedicated to creating and delivering premium entertainment experiences to fans across the country. For more information about event tickets, sponsorship or interview opportunities please contact Vanessa Adams at 888-435-8006 ext 4 or email Athletes@VanAdamsports.com.

About Sports Legends Classic.

Co-owned by Wayne Mogel and Vanessa Adams of VanAdams Sports Group. It is an annual event designed to present legends of the gridiron at each Super Bowl as well as other venues across the country. Each year, a different aspect of the sport of football will serve as the backdrop of the evening. Sports Legends Classic events include an invitation only private reception, which is immediately followed by a party open to the general public.

  * Super Bowl 39, Running Back in Time, featured running backs with     10,000-career rushing yards or more.   * Super Bowl 40, Celebrate the Defense, featured a tribute to Hall of Fame     legend Lem Barney.   * Super Bowl 41, Rocking the Gridiron, features gridiron greats.    For more information, visit http://www.sportslegendsclassic.com/    About VanAdams Sports Group 

The VanAdams Sports Group, a woman and minority owned marketing firm based in New Jersey, provides a range of marketing and consulting services to athletes and corporations. The VanAdams Sports Group conceptualizes and manages exceptional special events, integrated marketing programs as well as connects corporations with athletes for personal appearances and endorsements. The VanAdams Sports Group represents and markets a number of athlete off-field endeavors.

For more information, visit http://www.vanadamsports.com/

Source: Sports Legends Classic

 

Web site: http://www.sportslegendsclassic.com/
http://www.rockthegridiron.com/
http://www.vanadamsports.com/

 

Jan 29

Eagles Cheerleaders Part of "Beauties on the Beach" Super Bowl Pre-Game Competition

 Six members of the elite Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleading squad are heading down to Hollywood Beach, Florida, for "Beauties on the Beach" - an NFL-sponsored cheerleader challenge taking place Saturday, February 3, at 2 p.m. They will be part of the NFL Super Bowl pre-game events, attracting one of the largest national and international media audiences in the world.

The contest is part of "Super Saturday in the Sand," a fun-filled family day featuring celebrity flag football and a variety of NFL-organized games and activities.

The Eagles cheerleaders selected, Valerie, Tara, Jennifer, Stephanie, Kjersti, and Tiffany, will compete against cheerleaders from the Houston Texans, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Jacksonville Jaguars in the two-hour challenge.

The event, hosted by the Super Bowl XLI host committee, will feature beach volleyball, flag football, kayaking, tug of war and a dance competition. The winner will be named the "Beauties on the Beach" Champion.

"We are thrilled to be a part of Super Bowl weekend," said Director of the Eagles Cheerleaders Barbara Zaun, who will also attend. "We are honored that the NFL continues to recognize our talented squad."

In December, 12 Eagles cheerleaders were chosen to represent the National Football League as part of a seven-week promotional tour of the United Kingdom. Invited by the League's UK office, the women spent two days performing at venues in Liverpool and Bath to promote the NFL in Europe.

The cheerleaders will also be appearing at several VIP events throughout Super Bowl weekend, including a swimsuit fashion show in South Beach with Cheerleader Tara to be aired on CBS, Friday, February 2.

Source: The Philadelphia Eagles

 

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

 

Jan 27

 

790 The Ticket, the Official Super Bowl Radio Station, Hosts Exclusive Super Bowl Parties for Shaquille O'Neal, Terrell Owens and Super Agent Drew Rosenhaus at the Boost Mobile Villa

Featuring the W South Beach Roof Deck & Lounge and Marquis Jet Hospitality Suite

790 The Ticket's CEO and President Joel Feinberg has taken over the former "Versace Mansion," transforming it into the Boost Mobile Villa, the only place to be for Super Bowl XLI. The four-day super-premium Hospitality/Destination project at Casa Casaurina will pamper and cater 400 VIP guests including day and night from February 1 - 4, 2007. Expected guests like Jessica Biel, Nas, Diddy, Mark Wahlberg, Hilary Duff, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Matt Leinart, Kanye West, Nick Lachey, Jay-Z, Jamie Foxx, Jeremy Piven, Beyonce, Paris Hilton and Queen Latifah will get to find their inner rock star in the Gibson Musical Instruments lounge and soak up the sun while relaxing on the W South Beach Roof Deck.. "790 The Ticket is the number one player in South Florida, and we're going to throw the party this weekend to prove it. Terrell Owens will be there. Shaq will be there. If its sports and its huge, we're not just at the party. We host it," says CEO and 790 The Ticket President Joel Feinberg.

"Boost Mobile decided to team up with Joel Feinberg and the 'official' Super Bowl station, 790 The Ticket, to host premium Super Bowl events at the Boost Mobile Villa creating the perfect blend of sports and lifestyle elements," said Lisa Spiritus, director of entertainment marketing, Boost Mobile. "We are looking forward to our exciting lineup of events at the Boost Mobile Villa to celebrate America's favorite sports weekend featuring top athletes such as Shaquille O'Neal and Terrell Owens, who was previously featured in a Boost Mobile advertising campaign."

BOOST MOBILE VILLA SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday: -- 790 THE TICKET HOSTS SHAQ'S 50 BEST AT THE BOOST MOBILE VILLA -- Shaquille O'Neal will host a dinner for 50 of the hottest celebrities and athletes in town. It will be a sit-down ultra-exclusive poolside soiree that will turn into a late-night cocktail party. "As you know, I don't do anything small...my party is going to be like me... big and sexy," says Shaq, the unofficial Mayor of Miami.

Friday: -- 790 THE TICKET'S HOSTS T.O. BBQ AT THE BOOST MOBILE VILLA -- The controversial Cowboys star Terrell Owens hosts his exclusive Super Bowl party with 300 of his closest superstar friends. The hottest celebrities and athletes will enjoy an upscale BBQ -- Super Bowl style.

Saturday: -- 790 THE TICKET'S ROSENHAUS LATE-NIGHT SOIREE AT THE BOOST MOBILE VILLA -- Super Agent Drew Rosenhaus hosts a late-night party for his multitude of Superstar NFL clients including Giants Jeremy Shockey, Cardinals Edgerrin James, Redskins Clinton Portis, Bills Willis McGahee and Cowboys Terrell Owens.

Sunday: -- Marquis Jet hosts a private brunch on Super Bowl Sunday featuring a chalk talk by legendary coach Don Shula.

790 The Ticket -- The Official Super Bowl Radio Station and Home of the Miami Dolphins. Young and hip, 790 The Ticket is a mirror reflection of its owner, Joel Feinberg, the 29-year-old president and CEO. Feinberg has created the only 24-hour sports station in South Florida and the hottest growing station in the region. Young people start the coolest trends all over America, and the ratings reveal that 790 The Ticket has captured the imaginations, loyalties and listening habits of South Florida's trendiest and most energetic. The station is like the city surrounding it -- multi-cultural, interesting, fun and different. It boasts original programming from 5 am to midnight with talent that is both nationally and locally recognizable enough to make the lineup of Joe Rose, Sid Rosenberg, Jon "Boog" Sciambi and Dan Le Batard as strong as any in the country. Terrell Owens and Dwyane Wade have regular weekly shows. Everyone from Will Ferrell to Charles Barkley stop by.

About Boost Mobile

Based in Irvine, California, Boost Mobile, LLC, a division of Sprint Nextel Corporation, (NYSE:S) , is a lifestyle-based telecommunications brand focused on offering premium Pay-As-You-Go wireless phones and services to the youth market. Boost is among the fastest growing wireless services in the U.S. and now has more than 3.8 million customers -- the majority of which are under the age of 25. Boost-branded wireless phones with its exclusive Boost(TM) Walkie-Talkie service and Re-Boost(R) Cards are available nationwide at locations where youth prefer to shop, including national retailers and convenience stores, and merchants that focus on fashion, music, and action sports-related activities. Experience Boost on the Web at www.boostmobile.com.

About Marquis Jet -- Marquis Jet is the global leader in private jet cards. Through its exclusive alliance with NetJets, Marquis Jet provides the convenience, quality and safety of the world's premier fractional aircraft ownership program 25 hours at a time for one simple payment. The Marquis Jet Card is available throughout North America, catering to businesses and individuals who desire access to the world's best fleet and service. Business Traveler Magazine, Executive Travel Magazine, Robb Report and Flight International have recognized the Marquis Jet Card as the best in the industry.

About W South Beach Hotel & Residences -- W South Beach Hotel & Residences is scheduled to open in late 2008; this 419-unit condo hotel will feature magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean from every room and offer unique amenities, such as the luxurious Bliss Spa and celebrity-magnet Mr. Chow's restaurant, making the W South Beach the crown jewel of Miami's cultural renaissance. W South Beach is located at 2201 Collins Avenue and is comprised of one, two & three bedroom residences, beach bungalows and penthouses, ranging in price from the mid $700,000's to $8 million.

About Gibson -- Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Gibson's HD.6X-PRO Digital Guitar represents the biggest advance in electric guitar design in over 70 years. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and headquartered in Nashville since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.'s family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Maestro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Echoplex, Electar, Flatiron, Gibson Baldwin Music Education, Slingerland, Valley Arts, Oberheim, Sunshine Piano, Take Anywhere Technology, Baldwin, J&C Fischer, Chickering, Hamilton, and Wurlitzer. Visit Gibson's website at www.gibson.com .

About glaceau -- Formed in 1996, they are the creators of the enhanced water category and maker of vitaminwater(R), fruitwater(R) and smartwater(R). They only natural flavors and colors in their products. Since inception, glaceau has experienced more than 200% compounded annual growth, and now more than five million bottles are sold every day to thirsty people like you. Proof that when you put a better product on the market, people respond. For more information visit www.glaceau.com .

About Relevent -- Relevent is a full service marketing, special events and promotions company that builds brands with consumers through experiential lifestyle, entertainment and relationship marketing programs. We integrate brands directly into meaningful popular culture to facilitate relevent connections and drive legitimacy through media coverage. Since its inception in February, 2005 clients have included Victoria's Secret Beauty, Victoria's Secret PINK, Baume & Mercier, Operation Smile, Philips and Vacheron Constantin.

Web sites: http://www.boostmobile.com
http://www.glaceau.com
http://www.gibson.com

Source: 790 The Ticket

 

 

Cingular Wireless Beefs Up Network for Super Bowl XLI

Nation's Largest Carrier Triples Capacity in Dolphin Stadium

The Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears aren't the only ones preparing for Super Bowl XLI. Cingular Wireless, now a part of the new AT&T, has spent the past six months planning for the big event.

"A huge event like the Super Bowl, where nearly 100,000 people converge onto an area the size of a few city blocks, requires monumental efforts," said Rich Guidotti, vice president and general manager for AT&T's South Florida wireless operations. "Our network team has gone above and beyond to ensure our customers have the best wireless experience possible under the circumstances."

Typically, most carriers only use a portion of their spectrum in geographical areas. But AT&T's wireless unit is using its entire South Florida 70 megahertz spectrum in Dolphin Stadium and the surrounding areas, where the company anticipates a spike in network traffic. The company's network team has set up two cell sites on wheels, or "COWs", in the stadium parking lot; added dozens of voice channels to its two cell sites located inside the stadium; and maximized its high-speed 3G (third generation) capacity in the area, making it possible to process thousands of calls and data sessions with peak data speeds above three megabits per second. Capacity also has been added at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel and along Ocean Drive in South Beach where some of the Super Bowl week activities will be held.

Additionally, AT&T's wireless unit will have network personnel on site for game day to monitor the network and manually balance traffic on the cell sites at the stadium in order to maximize the ability for customers to make calls.

"We saw a 30 percent increase in usage on our Jacksonville network last year during the week of Super Bowl XL, which resulted in about six million additional minutes of usage on the network," said Mark Austin, executive director of AT&T's South Florida wireless network. "We anticipate a similar experience here in Miami."

AT&T invested $165 million in its South Florida wireless network last year -- $400 million statewide -- upgrading and expanding service, which included the rollout of its high-speed 3G (third generation) network. The company's 3G network allows customers to download at average data speeds between 400-700 Kbps (kilobits per second) on the downlink, with bursts to more than a megabit per second.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company in the United States and around the world, with operating subsidiaries providing services under the AT&T brand. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse(SM) TV. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at www.att.com.

AT&T is a registered trademark of AT&T Knowledge Ventures. Subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. provide products and services under the AT&T brand. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at www.att.com/newsroom.

Source: Cingular Wireless, now the new AT&T


 

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

 

Snapple Scores with Super Premium Tea Ad During Super Bowl XLI

Maker of the Best Stuff on Earth Highlights 'Good for You' Lineup of Green, White, Red and Black Teas

Snapple, maker of the Best Stuff on Earth, will showcase the metabolism-boosting powers of its Green Tea in a 30-second spot airing during the biggest game on Earth -- Super Bowl XLI. The ad is Snapple's first to air during the Super Bowl and celebrates its new super premium line of Red, White, Green and Black teas.

The commercial, created by Cliff Freeman & Partners, follows a tea-loving pilgrim on his quest for metabolic enlightenment, and highlights EGCG, the natural antioxidant in Snapple Green Tea which has been proven to help boost metabolism. It will air during the fourth quarter of the game.

"We're using this opportunity as a first-time Super Bowl advertiser to deliver the 'good for you' message in a humorous way," said Bryan Mazur, VP of Marketing for Snapple. "Consumers want teas with authentic taste, pure ingredients and real, functional benefits. Even our approach to advertising is real -- we didn't shoot our commercials on a back lot in Hollywood -- this Green Tea spot was shot on location in China, and we traveled to Thailand and Africa for our White and Red Tea spots."

Snapple is the leader in the ready-to-drink tea category, and is known for its extensive variety of delicious flavors. The new super premium line of Snapple teas brings together great taste and health benefits. Snapple Green Tea deliciously complements the Super Bowl smorgasbord by boosting metabolism. Snapple White Tea, the Lightest Tea on Earth, offers a delicate, refreshing flavor thanks to the baby tea leaves from which it is made. Snapple Red Tea, naturally caffeine-free and made from the Rooibos plant, contains protective antioxidants and Vitamin C, which contributes to a healthy immune system -- especially helpful in cold climes like Chicago and Indianapolis. Building on the success of these premium teas, the company plans to launch a new line of classic black teas in March.

"Snapple created the ready-to-drink iced tea category as it is known today," said Mazur. "Snapple super premium teas reflect current consumer desires for natural beverages with real quality and real benefits."

Snapple's super premium line of White, Green and Red Teas is available at major retailers, grocery and convenience stores nationwide in a 17.5 ounce bottle for a suggested retail price of $1.39. Green Tea flavors include regular and diet Original, Mango and Asian Pear; Red Tea flavors include Mixed Berry, Peach Pomegranate and Mandarin Tangerine; and White Tea is available in Green Apple, Nectarine and Raspberry flavors. To learn more about Snapple visit www.snapple.com.

About Snapple

Snapple is the leader in great-tasting premium beverages. Founded in 1972 by three childhood friends, Snapple got its start in Greenwich Village, New York and is now available throughout the United States and 80 countries worldwide. Snapple prides itself on developing, producing and marketing a wide variety of premium beverages, including ready-to-drink iced teas, juice drinks, 100% vitamin-fortified juices and water. Known for its down-to-earth approach to marketing and its beloved spokeswoman, Wendy "The Snapple Lady," Snapple continues to delight fans across the world. In 2003, Snapple made history by becoming the official iced tea of New York City. For more information, visit www.snapple.com.

About Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages

Snapple is a leading brand in the beverage portfolio of Plano, Texas-based Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages (CSAB), a subsidiary division of Cadbury Schweppes plc (NYSE:CSG) . CSAB is one of the largest producers of soft drinks and premium beverages in the Americas. CSAB's brand portfolio includes Dr Pepper, 7 UP, Snapple, Mott's, RC Cola, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist Soda, Canada Dry, Hawaiian Punch, Schweppes, Diet Rite, Clamato, Mr & Mrs T Mixers, Holland House Mixers, Rose's, Mistic, Yoo-hoo, Orangina, IBC, Stewart's, Nantucket Nectars, and other well-known consumer brands. For additional information on Cadbury Schweppes and its products, visit www.brandspeoplelove.com.

Source: Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages

Web site: http://www.snapple.com/
http://www.brandspeoplelove.com/

 

Super Bowl-Winning QBs Get Superhero Treatment: Upper Deck to Launch 1,000 Limited-Edition Favre, Roethlisberger, Brady Vinyl Action Figures Week of Super Bowl; Characters Based on 'Stylized Realism' Found in Comic-Book Art

They can throw a spiral faster than a speeding bullet. Bowl over defenders for a first down with more power than a locomotive. Leap over an end-zone wall into an adoring crowd in a single bound.

In the minds of many fans, NFL stars have powers beyond those of most mortal men. Helping to perpetuate that point of view, Upper Deck will launch three superhero-inspired vinyl action figures based on three Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks during the week of the big game: Ben Roethlisberger (Jan. 30 at 9:07am PT), Brett Favre (Jan 31 at 9:04am PT) and Tom Brady (Feb. 1 at 9:12am PT).

Only 1,000 of each have been produced and will be offered exclusively online (www.allstarvinyl.com; MSRP $49.95), making the 11-inch action figures -- based on the stylized realism found in comic-book art -- arguably the most limited league-licensed football figures ever released to collectors.

"Even though these quarterbacks put up big numbers each season, we're going to keep our numbers on this release extremely small staying true to the roots of low run limited edition vinyl figures," said Upper Deck sports figure product manager Dave Sanders. "Like their real-life athlete's on-field ability, these figures are extremely rare. And like their fan's expectations, product demand will be high. If history is any indicator, there's no doubt they'll go fast."

According to Sanders, Upper Deck's first vinyl figures -- featuring LeBron James -- sold out in a little more than an hour. The Super Bowl quarter back series represent the first licensed vinyl figures from a sports league, and are a follow-up to Upper Deck's successful "The LeBrons" figures released last year in partnership with Nike and centered on LeBron's latest sneaker campaign.

Sanders also noted that Upper Deck's January NFL release is the start of All-Star Vinyl's product launch in all four major sport categories. Its NBA and NHL athletes hit retail in March, MLB players in May. In total, 38 elite athletes of the present and past will be unveiled on the All-Star Vinyl label in 2007.

More on Upper Deck's NFL All-Star Vinyl Action Figurines

At 11 inches and produced in the underground style of urban vinyl, Upper Deck's All-Star Vinyl NFL quarterbacks are a combination of art and realism not typically found in sports licensed products. "In this medium, our designers are able to have fun by adding or playing up on player attributes and subtleties that give life to these athletes, highlight their distinct features, playing style -- design characteristics that make them highly unique in comparison to more traditional based sports figures."

To that, Sanders pointed out the cleft in Brady's chin and Roethlisberger's pinky on the ball, lifted a half-inch from the laces. Other features of note: Brady's eye black and boyish cowlick; Roethlisberger's backward baseball cap and hockey-style playoff beard; Favre's steely blue gaze and ever-present hand warmer and towel.

All three action figures are featured in their team's home jerseys, complete with Reebok logo on sleeve, NFL logo on chest. Away versions of all three quarterbacks will be launched in July.

To find out more on the Super Bowl quarterback set, Upper Deck has set up a blog written by Sanders: allstarvinyl.com. It will also give consumers a first look at upcoming sports action figure launches throughout the year, giving insight into the athletes to be featured, as well as the artist and sculptor behind the piece.

Information on Vinyl Artist, Sculptor; History of Urban Vinyl Collectibles

San Diego-based freelance comic and figure artist Sean Galloway, 32, designed the All-Star Vinyl Super Bowl quarterback series. Galloway's credits include commissioned art for Batman, Hellboy and Teen Titans.

"I love to create art; but what I love even more is to create with meaning. This project allowed me to reinterpret NFL players as we all envision them -- larger than life," said Galloway. The artist's artwork is featured prominently on each figure's packaging, giving collectors insight into the design of each player.

The sports action figures were sculpted by Rocco Tartamella, a well-known toy sculptor who has done work for such clients as Mattel, Hasbro, and McFarlane. Taratamella also sculpted Upper Deck's LeBron series.

The trend of urban vinyl collectibles originated in Hong Kong and Japan, recently becoming popular in the United States. A sign of its popularity: at the Toy Fair last February, the industry officially recognized this trend with its own exhibit hall titled "Urban Bazaar: Indie Art Toys."

Urban vinyl figures, or designer toys, are thought of as not just toys, but as pieces of art. Usually made of soft roto-cast PVC, referred to by collectors as "vinyl," many of the industry's product launches are held at gallery openings or release parties where the toys are displayed side-by-side with paintings and other types of art.

About the Upper Deck Company

Founded in 1988, The Upper Deck Co. is a premier global sports and entertainment-publishing company that delivers a portfolio of relevant, innovative and multi-dimensional product experiences to collectors, sports and entertainment enthusiasts. For more information on Upper Deck and its products please visit www.upperdeck.com or www.upperdeckstore.com.

Web site: http://www.upperdeck.com/
http://www.upperdeckstore.com/
http://www.allstarvinyl.com/

 

 

Jan 24

 

From the Surf to the Turf: CBS SportsLine Covers Super Bowl XLI

'Cadillac Countdown to Super Bowl' & Catalogue of CBS' Super Bowl Ads Highlight Coverage

CBS SportsLine, a leading Internet sports media organization and part of CBS Interactive, today announced its coverage plans for Super Bowl XLI, featuring two video offerings. Starting Wednesday, January 31st and continuing everyday leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, CBS SportsLine.com will present "Cadillac Countdown to Super Bowl," a 30-minute video program shot on location in Miami and hosted by eight-year NFL veteran and CBS Sports reporter Spencer Tillman, former NFL personnel executive and now NFL.com analyst Pat Kirwan and former NFL General Manager and now part of The NFL Today on CBS Sports, Charley Casserly.

"Cadillac Countdown to Super Bowl" will feature the latest news, interviews and expert analysis surrounding Super Bowl XLI, including special guests such as Hall of Fame running back and Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl IX Franco Harris, Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, and "Mercury" Morris, the starting running back for the historic 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins.

Additionally, "Cadillac Countdown to Super Bowl" will feature on-set interviews with current NFL players such as New York Giants LB Antonio Pierce and Baltimore Ravens LB Bart Scott and exclusive segments with former Buffalo Bills All-Pro and CBS Sports game analyst Steve Tasker and CBS SportsLine.com's Senior NFL Writers Pete Prisco and Clark Judge. Finally, the show will bring daily reports from the beach and parties in and around South Florida during Super Bowl week from April Wilkner, the former America's Next Top Model contestant.

"Over the last two years, CBS SportsLine has built on its strong base of sports fans and fantasy players to establish itself as a leader in original online video programming," said Joe Ferreira, Vice President of Programming & Executive Producer of CBS SportsLine. "Our Super Bowl XLI coverage is another step forward and will provide our fans with incredible insight leading up to the game broadcast on CBS."

CBS SportsLine.com will also be the destination for fans of Super Bowl ads. Located at cbs.sportsline.com/superads, CBS SportsLine.com users will be able to view most, if not all, ads which will be aired during Super Bowl XLI on CBS, broken down both by advertiser and which quarter they aired in. The ads which air during the first quarter of the game will first be available online at the end of that quarter with the remainder of the ads becoming available on a similar schedule until the entire inventory* is viewable following the game. (*Online ads may not include the entire television commercial lineup. All advertisers who give CBS permission to have their commercials on CBS SportsLine.com will be featured.)

CBS SportsLine's video programs merely highlight the company's content offerings surrounding Super Bowl XLI. Additional features include the best way to follow the game both online and via mobile, fantasy games and the opportunity for fans to give their own spin on all the action:

CBS SportsLine NFL Insiders and National Columnists: CBS SportsLine.com's Senior NFL Writers Pete Prisco and Clark Judge will be joined by National Columnists Mike Freeman and Gregg Doyel to cover all the action from South Florida. With daily blogs, video reports, columns and analysis, focusing on everything from team practices to the best parties on South Beach, Pete, Clark, Mike and Gregg will provide fans the authentic Super Bowl insight and scoop they won't read or watch anywhere else.

CBS SportsLine.com's Super Bowl XLI Gamecenter: CBS SportsLine.com's "GameCenter" is the perfect complement to CBS Sports' television coverage of Super Bowl XLI. Providing real-time game information in a lightning-fast, tightly packaged presentation, CBS SportsLine.com's "GameCenter" offers play- by-play accounts, live glog (game log or commentary) and all the statistics NFL fans crave.

Super Bowl Trivia Tower on CBS Games.com: Think you know everything there is to know about the 2006 NFL season and the past Super Bowls? CBS SportsLine's Trivia Tower gives fans the chance to prove it. Trivia Tower pits fans against one another in a bracket-like heads up elimination showdown of sports knowledge where your competitive life is constantly renewed. Each Trivia Tower level is five questions delivered in less than three minutes. The faster you answer, the more points you score. Beat your opponent and advance. Lose and go to the consolation challenge where the questions just keep coming. No matter how big, each and every Trivia Tower will eventually have just one winner.

There will be two NFL/Super Bowl themed Trivia Towers leading up to the big game. On Friday February 2nd there will be a 2006 NFL season-in-review Trivia Tower and on Sunday February 4th, there will be a Super Bowl history Trivia Tower which will start at 4:30 pm (lobby opens at 3:30 pm). Trivia Tower players will compete for cash and prizes with the potential to win $20,000.

Fantasy Fun with "Propnosticator": CBS SportsLine's Fantasy department introduces an exciting way to follow all the action during the Super Bowl. The Propnosticator gives fans the opportunity to answer 20 questions about the outcome of certain events in Super Bowl XLI -- from who will win the coin toss to which player will score the first touchdown. The fan that can accumulate the most points through the Propnosticator's scoring system has a chance to win the $3,000 grand prize! Best of all it's FREE to play.

CBS Sports Store: Want to feel like a real Super Bowl MVP? Just visit the CBS Sports Store (CBSSportsStore.com) to get all the official Super Bowl XLI merchandise, including the Locker Room hat and tee that the winning team will be wearing on the field following the game. Official Locker Room merchandise from AFC and NFC championship games will also be available.

In addition to Super Bowl XLI gear and CBS Sports apparel, the CBS Sports Store offers thousands of products including officially licensed team fan gear from the NFL, MLB, NCAA, NHL, NBA and NASCAR.

Super Bowl Message Boards: Got a rant, a take, a question, or a comment on the NFL and Super Bowl XLI? Head to CBS SportsLine.com's new and improved message boards and let the world know about it. Located at sportsline.com/mcc/messages, the CBS SportsLine.com message boards allow you to connect with fans from across the globe that are just as crazy about sports as you are. There are not only message boards for NFL fans but for just about every major sport and team that fans have a serious passion for.

CBS SportsLine Mobile Web: Unable to get in front of your TV or computer to follow all the action from Super Bowl XLI? Never fear, CBS SportsLine's mobile web site delivers a full and rich experience to those wishing to access the best in sports content, news, and real-time score updates through their handheld device. Designed to take advantage of the latest industry developments such as higher bandwidths and varied screen sizes, fans can rely on the CBS SportsLine mobile web site to stay on top of all the action from South Florida.

The CBS SportsLine mobile web site can be accessed for FREE* by entering wap.sportsline.com on your internet enabled handheld device or by texting SCORE to 99888.

* Data charges may apply

About CBS SportsLine

CBS SportsLine is at the leading edge of media companies providing Internet sports content, Fantasy sports and e-commerce. In addition to its flagship service, the company publishes the official sports sites of the NFL and the NCAA. CBS SportsLine is a member of the CBS family and a part of CBS Interactive. For more information about CBS SportsLine and for the latest sports news, scores and expert analysis, please visit cbs.sportsline.com.

More information about CBS and its businesses is available at www.cbscorporation.com.

Disclosures for Trivia Tower

No purchase necessary!

Open to legal U.S. residents and Washington DC., 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited by law. See Official Rules for each Trivia Tower located on the schedule page for details.

Disclosures for Propnosticator

CBS SportsLine.com Propnosticator is free to play and open to registered users of a qualified CBS network site, 18 years of age or older (except in Alabama and Nebraska where you must be 19 years of age or older) who are legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (for purposes of clarity, Puerto Rico is expressly excluded), Washington D.C. and Canada (excluding Quebec) Excluded residents may play, but are NOT eligible to receive any prizes. Propnosticator is subject to complete applicable Official Rules. Void where prohibited.

Source: CBS SportsLine

 

 

GoDaddy.com Reveals Super Bowl Commercial Stars

Candice Michelle, IndyCar's Danica Patrick, America's Favorite Chopper Family & more ...

 GoDaddy.com(R), known for its successful Super Bowl(R) commercial campaigns, announces a diverse cast of characters for this year's big spot.

GoDaddy.com CEO and Founder Bob Parsons confirmed Danica Patrick will be in what he hopes will be his company's next Super Bowl hit commercial, along with renowned 'Go Daddy Girl' Candice Michelle.

"We've been lucky with great results from our Super Bowl advertising campaigns," said Parsons. "Each year, we work to top the previous year's success and for 2007, we're going all out -- but you'll have to wait to see how all these characters fit in a 30-second spot," he said.

The 'Go Daddy Girls' won't be the only celebrities in the new GoDaddy.com commercial. Additional cast members include stars from cable television's popular chopper family. Paul Teutul Sr. and his sons Paul Jr. and Michael, of reality television fame, will have roles. Valerie Thompson, a motorcycle drag-racing star, also makes an appearance. Additional personalities slated to be in the spot include Internet celebrities like Diggnation's Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht, along with Cali Lewis from GeekBriefTV.

Go Daddy Productions is now working to finish the multi-million dollar ad with the distinct cast and shot key scenes last week in Los Angeles. Last year, GoDaddy.com submitted 14 commercials before the ABC(R) TV network approved its spot. This year, GoDaddy.com has purchased three slots in the Super Bowl broadcast and, like all advertisers, must receive prior approval from network censors for its commercial content. CBS(R) TV is broadcasting this year's big game February 4th from Miami.

"It's one thing to come up with a good idea for your commercial, but for us, it's another challenge altogether to have it approved. The key is to capture and entertain the audience," said Parsons.

Secrecy on the set is a priority and no one is discussing script specifics. "They wouldn't even tell me the storyline and I'm in it. When you consider Go Daddy's Super Bowl history, I will tell you, I'm not second-guessing any of it," Patrick says.

Last year, GoDaddy.com aired its commercial twice and attracted more visitors to its Web site than any other advertiser, according to comScore Networks(R). Also, Akamai Technologies, a company that monitored Internet usage during last year's Super Bowl, credited GoDaddy.com as the site accounting for 80 percent of two separate and significant Web spikes on game day.

In 2005, many considered GoDaddy.com to be the most effective commercial in Super Bowl history. The FOX(R) TV network pulled the controversial commercial after it aired just once, saying it wasn't "appropriate." The ensuing controversy resulted in an unprecedented 51.14 percent "Share of Voice," according to multivision, inc., a company that measures advertising buzz.

"We have a great range of talent for this year's commercial and you can count on it being GoDaddy-esque," said Parsons. The term GoDaddy-esque has come to mean FUN, edgy and a touch inappropriate, according to Parsons.

Since GoDaddy.com began advertising in the Super Bowl, it has grown to be the world's dominant domain name registrar and a top Web site hosting company. In the last several months, The Go Daddy Group, Inc. expanded its portfolio to more than twice the size of its closest competitor.

About The Go Daddy Group, Inc.

Go Daddy(R) is a leading provider of services that enable individuals and businesses to establish, maintain and evolve an online presence. Go Daddy provides a variety of domain name registration and Web site hosting services, as well as a broad array of on-demand and other services. The Go Daddy Group, Inc. has more than 17.7 million domain names under management. Go Daddy registers, renews or transfers a domain name every 2 seconds. GoDaddy.com is the world's No. 1 domain name registrar according to Name Intelligence, Inc. GoDaddy.com is also rated the world's largest hostname provider according to Netcraft(R) Ltd. During 2006, The Go Daddy Group registered approximately one-third of all domain names registered in the top six generic top-level domains, or gTLDs, including .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info.

- The Go Daddy Group -

Copyright (C) 2007 GoDaddy.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

The Home Depot Becomes an Official NFL Sponsor

Agreement Includes Exclusive NFL Network Postgame Sponsorship and NFL Experience Presenting Sponsorship

 The National Football League(R) (NFL(R)) and The Home Depot(R), the world's largest home improvement retailer, today announced they have entered into a multi-year integrated marketing partnership that designates The Home Depot as the "'official home improvement sponsor' of the National Football League."

The partnership includes marketing rights to the Super Bowl(R), Pro Bowl(R), community affairs activities, NFL Network-related programming and designates The Home Depot as the presenting sponsor of The NFL Experience, pro football's interactive theme park spanning nearly 850,000 square feet and featuring more than 50 interactive games and attractions. The NFL Experience Built By The Home Depot takes place Jan. 27-28 and Feb. 1-4, 2007, adjacent to Dolphin Stadium, in South Florida. This is the third time in the event's 16- year history that it will visit South Florida.

The Home Depot became the official postgame sponsor of NFL Network's eight regular season games, called "The Home Depot PostGame Show," which began on Thanksgiving night and ran through the final week of the regular season. Also under the agreement, The Home Depot obtains rights to NFL Kickoff, NFL Playoffs, Super Bowl XLI, XLII, XLIII, the 2007, 2008 and 2009 Pro Bowls. Moving beyond the football arena, The Home Depot also will create and manage an ongoing community service-focused program, which will be featured on NFL Network's "Total Access(SM)" program.

"This sponsorship will showcase The Home Depot's products, services and community relations expertise, while giving our 355,000 associates and strong customer base a foray into one of the most popular professional sports," said Roger Adams, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of Marketing for The Home Depot. "We'll identify additional opportunities to integrate both our supplier partners and our important Pro customer segment to drive exciting programs at the store level."

"We are pleased to welcome The Home Depot to our family of sponsors," said Peter Murray, the NFL's vice president of partnership marketing and sales. "We look forward to working with the company to bring its customers closer to the NFL through multi-faceted promotions across our numerous key events and media properties."

In addition to its new national partnership with the NFL, The Home Depot has existing local club sponsorship agreements with the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins.

About The Home Depot

The Home Depot(R) is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,141 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, 10 Canadian provinces, Mexico and China. Through its HD Supply(SM) businesses, The Home Depot is also one of the largest diversified wholesale distributors in the United States, with nearly 1,000 locations in the United States and Canada offering products and services for building, improving and maintaining homes, businesses and municipal infrastructures. In fiscal 2005, The Home Depot had sales of $81.5 billion and earnings of $5.8 billion. The Company employs approximately 355,000 associates and has been recognized by FORTUNE magazine as the No. 1 Most Admired Specialty Retailer and the No. 13 Most Admired Corporation in America for 2006. The Home Depot's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor's 500 index. HDG

 

 

Cirque du Soleil to Perform in Super Bowl XLI Pregame Show Feb. 4 on CBS

Designed by Celebrated Pop-Artist ROMERO BRITTO; Grammy(R) Award Winner Louie Vega to Create Original Score

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL and Miami-based artist ROMERO BRITTO will team to celebrate South Florida and football in an unprecedented performance in the Super Bowl XLI pregame show on CBS at Dolphin Stadium in South Florida on Sunday, February 4, the NFL announced today.

The Super Bowl is annually the nation's highest-rated TV program. More than 141 million viewers watched last year's game in the U.S. Super Bowl XLI will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of 1 billion in more than 230 countries and territories.

Inspired by Brazilian street theater, 60 professional performers and hundreds of other participants will participate in the pregame show which will be a high-energy extravaganza of music, dance, gymnastics and circus arts linked by a multi-colored football theme. The Cirque du Soleil performers will be a living, breathing canvas for Britto, whose signature pop-art has come to define the color and vibrancy of South Florida.

Grammy(R) Award Winner LOUIE VEGA will supply an original musical score and will perform with his Elements of Life Orchestra featuring vocalist Anane while the Cirque du Soleil performance comes to life.

The Cirque du Soleil team will include Fernand Rainville, Director of Creation, Patricia Ruel, Creator of Costumes and Accessories, Genevieve Dorion-Coupal, Choreographer and Daniel Cola, Acrobatic Coach.

Don Mischer Productions and White Cherry Entertainment will produce the Super Bowl XLI pregame show as part of their season-long marquee entertainment agreement with the NFL. The two companies produced the NFL Opening Kickoff 2006 special from Pittsburgh and the Thanksgiving special from Kansas City on NFL Network. In addition to the pregame show, they also will produce the Pepsi Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show. Don Mischer Productions will serve as executive producer and director, while White Cherry Entertainment, led by Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss, will serve as executive producers. The NFL has worked the past three years with both Don Mischer Productions and White Cherry Entertainment on Opening Kickoff and Super Bowl shows.

David Saltz of Red Eye Flight Productions will also serve as producer of the pre-game show. Saltz has worked with Cirque on their Beatles inspired LOVE production and has brought them together with Britto for this original Super Bowl performance. Saltz has worked with the NFL on Opening Kickoff and Super Bowl Halftime the past three years.

 

 

Party411.com Seeks Online Video Entries for its 2007 Big Game Challenge

Grand prize winner receives 42-inch plasma HDTV in time for Super Bowl.

Using one of the Internet's hottest trends, professional football fans everywhere will have the opportunity to bring home the ultimate Super Bowl party in the 2007 Party411.com Big Game Challenge. Party411.com, one of the Internet's leading party-planning Web sites, is tapping into the online video craze to award a prize package that includes a new 42-inch plasma HDTV and more than $500 in football decorations and party favors.

Between Jan. 12 and Jan. 26, 2007, fans are asked to upload a 40-second (maximum), video to their favorite video-sharing Web site, and answer the question, "Why do I deserve the ultimate Super Bowl party?" Once a submission is uploaded, participants fill out an entry form at Party411.com with the URL to their video. All entries will be intercepted by Pary411.com's Party Girl and CEO, Sherri Foxman, and judged on creativity, humor and originality.

"Last year, we asked people to enter the contest using voicemail, and we received some wildly creative submissions," said Foxman. "So this year we decided to take it to the next level with online video submissions, and we're anxious to see what football and party-crazed fans deliver."

The top-three entries will be rewarded by Party411.com, with the grand prize winner taking home a 42-inch plasma HDTV (delivered in time for the Super Bowl on Feb. 4), $500 worth of fabulous football party decorations and favors, and an NFL Trimstyle telephone, valued at $35.

Fans unable to submit a video can also enter by changing their personal voicemail message. All contest descriptions, official rules, prizes, and entry forms are posted on www.Party411.com.

Founded in 1997, Party411.com is one of the leading Internet providers of creative party ideas, custom props and decorations, serving more than 10- million private-party planners, corporate-event planners and benefit fundraisers each year. For more information, go to www.Party411.com or call 877-514-8411.

Source: Party411.com

 

 

$100,000 Pepsi Can and Super Bowl Tickets for Life Up for Grabs at Super Bowl XLI

Bejeweled Can Inspired by Past Super Bowl Rings to be Awarded Immediately After Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show

 -- During the nation's most-watched TV event, football fans will have the chance to win a one-of-a-kind Super Bowl Edition Pepsi can and tickets to the biggest game of the year -- for life.

The Pepsi Super Bowl can is inspired by 40 years of Super Bowl rings. Crafted from sterling silver and inlaid with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, the can is estimated to be worth $100,000.

Beginning January 13, consumers can log onto www.SuperBowl.com/Pepsi to learn how to register and receive their own unique code. The winning code will be broadcast immediately following the Pepsi Halftime Show of Super Bowl XLI on February 4. The lucky fan with the winning code will be awarded the commemorative Pepsi Super Bowl can and two Super Bowl tickets for life.

"There is no better stage on which to reward a football fan with a one-of- a-kind Super Bowl collector's item and tickets for life to the most anticipated game of the year," said Cie Nicholson, VP and CMO, Pepsi-Cola North America. "The audience will not only watch the great entertainment during the halftime show, many will also watch to see if they've won these two incredible prizes."

Pepsi has developed this unique promotion to celebrate the launch of its global brand restyle. This restyle will be highlighted by new package graphics for Pepsi-Cola, which will change every few weeks to reflect themes close to the hearts of teens and young adults, such as sports, music, fashion and cars.

The Super Bowl is annually the nation's highest-rated TV program. More than 141 million viewers watched last year's game in the United States. Super Bowl XLI will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of 1 billion people in more than 230 countries and territories.

Pepsi, which has been an NFL sponsor for the past five seasons, is sponsoring the Super Bowl Halftime Show starring Prince.

About Pepsi

Pepsi-Cola North America (www.pepsi.com) is the refreshment beverage unit of PepsiCo, Inc., in the United States and Canada. Its U.S. brands include Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Jazz, Pepsi ONE, Wild Cherry Pepsi, Pepsi Lime, Mountain Dew, Diet Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Code Red, Mountain Dew LiveWire, Sierra Mist, Sierra Mist Free, Mug, Tropicana Twister Soda, Aquafina, Aquafina FlavorSplash, Aquafina Sparkling, Quaker Milk Chillers, Dole single-serve juices, Tropicana Juice Drinks, IZZE and SoBe. The company also makes and markets North America's best-selling ready-to-drink iced teas and coffees, respectively, via joint ventures with Lipton and Starbucks.

 

Super Bowl Party 1-2-3; For Easy and Delicious Super Bowl Classics with a Twist

The countdown to Super Bowl XLI on Sunday, February 4, 2007 has begun. Super Bowl Sunday is the number 1 at-home party day of the year, also the day of the highest consumption of Hass Avocados from Mexico, which are used to make millions of pounds of Guacamole. This delicious Mexican staple is one of the favorite party dips of choice in the U.S.

Over a hundred million people tune in to the Super Bowl -- creating a huge national party from coast to coast.

Because avocados are a versatile, flavorful and easy-to-use ingredient they can be used to make exciting, delicious dips to ensure a touchdown at any Super Bowl party. Here are some exciting recipes easily prepared ahead of time, so you can spend more time watching the game with friends and cheering on your team, and less time in the kitchen.

Tomatillo Guacamole

serves 2

Ingredients:

4 Hass Avocados from Mexico

1/4 cup red onions, finely diced

3 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped

3 serrano chiles (or to taste), finely diced

Salt, to taste

2/3 cup tomatillos, finely diced

1 lime

Method:

Combine the onions, cilantro, chiles and 1 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl or mortar/molcajete. Grind them to a paste. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits and skins. Mash the avocado into the paste until you reach the desired consistency. Remember, guacamole does not have to be perfectly smooth.

Stir in the tomatillos and the juice of 1 lime. Check the seasoning and add more salt to taste.

If you can't find tomatillos, substitute green or red tomatoes.

Courtesy of Chef Joe Raffa of Jose Andres' Oyamel in Washington, D.C. for Hass Avocados from Mexico.

Fajita Chicken Wings w/Cool Ranch Hass Avocado Dipping Sauce

Yields: 25-30 chicken wings

Ingredients for the wings:

2 1/2 lbs chicken wings, split at the joint, wingtips removed

2 packages of fajita or taco seasoning

3/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the dip:

2 Hass Avocados from Mexico

1 package ranch dressing mix

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method:

Mix the fajita seasoning, ketchup, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce and salt in a one gallon Ziploc bag. Add chicken wings, seal bag and shake until the wings are completely covered in the marinade. Refrigerate at least one hour, or overnight.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Place wings in a single layer onto a lightly greased or nonstick baking sheet. You may have to use two baking sheets to fit all of the wings. Place wings in oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Serve warm with the Cool Ranch Avocado Dipping Sauce (recipe below).

In a small bowl, combine the avocado, ranch dressing mix, sour cream, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until smooth.

Courtesy of Holly Moore of The French Culinary Institute for Hass Avocados from Mexico.

 

 

 

New National Survey: For Watching the Super Bowl, Couch Defeats Stadium; Super Bowl Party Preferences Revealed

A new national survey commissioned by consumer electronics retailer Circuit City Stores, Inc. reveals more Americans would rather see the Super Bowl on a new high definition TV than watch in the stadium where the game is actually played.

More than 4,500 men and women responded to Circuit City's "Big Game Survey," and sixty percent of respondents said football is the sporting event they most enjoy watching on TV (football is top choice for 72 percent of men and 48 percent of women). When asked how they'd prefer watching the Super Bowl if they had a choice, almost half of respondents (48 percent) said they would rather view the game on a new HDTV than attend the game in person (26 percent).

Other survey findings:

* Fifty-one percent of respondents said they don't have an HDTV but they

want one.

* Thirty-four percent said they plan to buy a new HDTV within the next

year.

* Sporting events such as the Super Bowl prompt those who do not yet own

an HDTV to want to buy one (49 percent of women and 60 percent of men).

* Almost half (45 percent) said they would be most inclined to invite

friends over to watch the Super Bowl or other sporting events if they

had an HDTV (29 percent said they'd invite guests to watch movies).

Super Bowl Party Plans:

More than a third (36 percent) said they plan to attend or host a Super Bowl party this year.

When asked what they most enjoy about attending Super Bowl parties:

* Fifty-two percent said getting together with friends

* Twenty percent said watching the game

* Nineteen percent said watching the commercials

* Five percent admitted it's the snacks and drinks

The "Big Game Survey" was commissioned by Circuit City Stores, Inc, and conducted by independent research firm Decision Analyst, Inc. of Arlington, Texas. The survey's margin of error is plus or minus two percentage points.

About Circuit City Stores, Inc.

Circuit City Stores, Inc. (NYSE:CC) is a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics and related services. The domestic segment operates through 641 Superstores and 12 other locations in 158 U.S. markets. The international segment operates through more than 950 retail stores and dealer outlets in Canada. Circuit City also operates Web sites at http://www.circuitcity.com/, http://www.thesource.ca/ and at http://www.firedog.com/.

Super Bowl Sunday Revealed as Most Popular Winter Grilling Day

Record 17 Million Grill Shipments in 2006 Due to Increased Popularity of Year-Round Grilling

Super Bowl Sunday is more than just a big game; it's the most popular grilling day of the winter. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association's (HPBA) State of the Barbecue Industry Report, Super Bowl Sunday is one of the Top 10 most popular grilling days of the year with 62 percent of grill owners looking to fire up their grills to feed family and friends for the Big Game.

"With millions of Americans cooking on the grill, this popular Sunday is the perfect occasion to cook up delicious grilled food," says Leslie Wheeler, communications director for HPBA. "We are seeing year-round grilling as a major trend among Americans. In 2006 alone, grill shipments reached an industry record high, supporting the fact that more than 60 percent of grillers are grilling year-round."

In 2006, the barbecue industry experienced the fastest year-to-year growth rate since HPBA began measuring grill shipments in 1985, shipping a record 17 million grills and marking a 15 percent increase from the previous year. Convenient, fast and known for heart-healthy cooking, grilling is one of Americans most preferred ways to prepare a meal.

"When you factor in the 70 percent of Americans who cite easy clean-up as a huge perk, grilling for the big game at home is a convenient, no-mess way to pull together a feast big enough for a football team or a pack of die-hard fans," says Wheeler.

If experiencing the pre-game in person at Dolphin Stadium is not an option, fans can still enjoy tasty tailgate grill recipes from the comfort of their couch. This Super Bowl, grill outdoors and create your own indoor tailgating party with family and friends using these tips from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association:

-- Pre-game Prep - Plan ahead to ensure that you'll be watching the game

instead of still preparing the food. Prep food ahead of time by

marinating meats the day before. On game day simply remove from the

refrigerator and throw on the grill.

-- Equipment Check - Eliminate a last minute run to the local store for

charcoal or propane by checking levels the day before.

-- For the Feast - Burgers, steaks, and chicken are the most popular

foods for the grill, but try some other appetizing ideas to feed your

friends like grilled pizza, grilled veggies and even grilled fruit.

All tailgate and grilling recipes can be found at

http://www.hpba.org/ .

-- Reci-tips:

-- Using skewers? Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30

minutes to prevent veggies from sticking.

-- Before grilling, trim the excess fat from meat to avoid flare-

ups.

-- Place vegetables and fruits at the outer edge of the grill to

prevent burning.

-- When grilling, use tongs or spatulas to move or turn meats

instead of a fork to minimize the loss of juices.

-- Light the fire - Before lighting the grill, apply non-stick spray on

the grates. The protective spray cuts down the clean-up time

afterwards.

-- Quick Clean-Up - For charcoal grills, line the bowl with aluminum

foil. After grilling, and once the grill and coals are cool (as a rule

of thumb, always allow coals to burn out completely and let ashes

cool* at least 48 hours before disposing), simply discard the foil

with the coals and ash, then wash and reline with foil for next time.

*If you must dispose of coals and ashes before completely cooled,

place them in heavy duty foil and soak with water completely before

disposing in a non-combustible container.

For more grilling tips, recipes and information, please visit http://www.hpba.org/ .

About Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association based in Arlington, VA, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of hearth, barbecue and patio appliances, fuels and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising and consumer education. There are more than 2,700 members in the HPBA.

Source: Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association

 

 

Honda Announces Three Super Bowl Advertisements

Entertaining Honda Element Ads and a Fuel Economy Leadership Message to Air on CBS

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. will place three television advertisements during the broadcast of this year's Super Bowl on CBS, the company announced today. Two fifteen-second Element advertisements, along with a thirty-second spot highlighting Honda's position as the most fuel efficient car company in America are planned for the February 4th airing.

"The Super Bowl remains one of the best opportunities to reach a wide television audience in one shot," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "Many Super Bowl viewers look forward to the commercials almost as much as the game, and Honda has taken this great opportunity to highlight a couple of its key brand values through fun and creative ads."

The three separate advertisements will run during the fourth quarter of the game. Two fifteen-second spots featuring the Honda Element as part of the popular "Crab" campaign will highlight Honda's fun image, and a thirty-second spot called "Slalom" will reinforce Honda's fuel-efficiency leadership.

Consumer information about the Honda products is available at www.honda.com.

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

 

Kanye West, Fergie and John Legend Touchdown in Miami to Perform at 'The Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash' Premiering on Saturday, February 3 at 10PM*

Taye Diggs To Host

Exclusive Performances To Air on VSPOT, VH1's Broadband Channel

VH1, Pepsi and the NFL have joined forces once again to bring the worlds of football and music together with "The Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash." Taking place in the host city of Miami, Florida, the one-hour concert will pay tribute to the All-American sport of football and its 41st Super Bowl with performances by Kanye West, Fergie and John Legend among other special guest appearances.

Hosted by Taye Diggs (ABC's "Daybreak"), "The Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash" will also feature appearances by numerous NFL superstar players.

"The Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash" will be taped at the NFL Experience (adjacent to Dolphin Stadium) in Miami on Thursday, February 1st and will air on VH1 on Saturday, February 3, at 10PM.* In addition to performances from the on-air show, exclusive performances from all three acts will be available on demand on VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel, at http://vspot.vh1.com/ beginning Saturday, February 3. The Saturday broadcast will also be streamed live on http://www.superbowl.com/.

"The Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash" will be executive produced by Lee Rolontz for VH1. Patty Dimaria is the producer. Dave Diomedi is the director.

* all times ET/PT

 

 

 

Circuit City Launches firedog(SM) TV Spots During FOX's '24' Premiere

Highly Anticipated Season Premiere Selected for the Brand's Broadcast Debut

FOX Network viewers got more than they bargained for this past Sunday and Monday. During "24's" two-part season premiere, Circuit City Stores, Inc. debuted its first TV campaign for firedog(SM), the company's new brand that provides a new level of personal computer services, home theater installations and integration of home electronics.

The two 30-second commercials, "Ralph" and "Obedience", were created by Euro RSCG Chicago.

Circuit City made this show its platform for firedog(SM)'s TV launch because "24," a program with a dedicated weekly following of nearly 14 million viewers, is a rare "appointment TV" exception in the age of TiVo and busy schedules.

"We were thrilled to debut firedog(SM)'s first TV campaign during "24's" highly anticipated season premiere," said Peter Weedfald, chief marketing officer of Circuit City. "The idea of launching firedog(TM) during this program was a natural fit for us, as the show's star relies on technology to get him out of countless jams."

"With the upcoming launch of Vista and the Super Bowl fast-approaching, our goal is to reach viewers with the message that firedog(SM) is there to assist consumers in using and integrating the technologies that make up their 'digital life,'" said Marc Sieger, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of services at Circuit City.

"firedog(SM) is about helping improve man's relationship with technology, and the ads speak to this point with both humor and excitement about the new brand," said William Mericle, executive creative director of Euro RSCG Chicago.

The firedog(SM) Challenge Sweepstakes accompanies the "24" launch. The contest takes place at http://www.firedog.com/, where viewers have the chance to win a trip to Fox Studios in Los Angeles and a firedog(TM) home theater installation by answering trivia questions related to the show.

Euro RSCG Chicago won the firedog(TM) launch assignment in 2005. The brand debuted in September 2006, supported by in-store, print and online.

About Circuit City Stores, Inc.

Circuit City Stores, Inc. (NYSE:CC) , Richmond, VA, is a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics. The domestic segment operates through 642 Superstores and 12 other locations in 158 U.S. markets. The international segment operates through more than 955 retail stores and dealer outlets in Canada. Circuit City also operates Web sites at http://www.circuitcity.com/, http://www.thesource.ca/, and at http://www.firedog.com/.

About Euro RSCG Worldwide

Euro RSCG Worldwide, a leading integrated marketing communications agency and Advertising Age's 2006 Global Agency of the Year, is made up of 233 offices located in 75 countries throughout Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. Euro RSCG provides advertising, marketing services, corporate communications, and interactive solutions to global, regional, and local clients. The agency's client roster includes Airbus, Air France, BNP Paribas, Capgemini, Charles Schwab, Danone Group, Diageo, IBM, Jaguar, L'Oreal, LVMH Louis Vuitton, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Reckitt Benckiser, sanofi- aventis, Schering-Plough, Verizon, and Volvo. Headquartered in New York, Euro RSCG Worldwide is the largest unit of Havas, a world leader in communications (Euronext Paris SA: HAV.PA).

Euro RSCG Chicago serves clients including Assurant Health, Barilla, Calphalon, Graco Children's Products, Circuit City, Citigroup, Culligan, DirectBuy, Potbelly and Valspar.

Credit List - "Obedience School":30, "Ralph":30

Production Company: Smuggler

Director - Renny Maslow

Executive Producer - Patrick Milling Smith, Brian Carmody

Line Producer - Rhonda Vernet

DP - Bryan Newman

Agency: Euro RSCG - Chicago

Chief Creative Officer: Steffan Postaer

Executive Creative Director - William Mericle

Group Creative Director - Paul Janas

Copywriter - Merrideth Kalil, Terry Cosgrove

Art Director - Simon Kao

Producer - Monica Wilkins

Editorial: Whitehouse Post

Editor - Angelo Valencia

Asst. Editor - Tim Warmanen

Post Producer - Dawn Guzowski

Audio and Sound Design and Mix: Another Country

Producer - Scott Maples

Engineer - John Binder

Final Online, Telecine, Graphics: Filmworkers Club

Online Editor - Rob Churchill

Colorist - Fred Keller

Post Producer - Dan Walsh

Source: Euro RSCG Worldwide

 

Anheuser-Busch Announces Agreement With Aristotle for Online Age-Verification on Bud.TV, Brand Web Sites

Anheuser-Busch Inc. today announced it has selected Aristotle Inc., based in Washington, D.C., as the vendor to implement an independent age-verification system for its new online entertainment network, Bud.TV, which will launch on Feb. 4 following the Super Bowl broadcast. Bud.TV will feature programming similar to late-night network and cable television. By April, the age-verification technology also will be implemented on all of the company's beer-branded Web sites, such as http://www.budweiser.com/ . This initiative makes Anheuser-Busch the first alcohol beverage company to use an independent age-verification system for its Internet sites.

"We chose Aristotle because of its experience in implementing cutting-edge identity verification systems that work quickly," said Tony Ponturo, vice president of Global Media and Sports Marketing, Anheuser-Busch Inc. "Aristotle's Integrity system will enhance our ability to admit only those adults of legal drinking age to our beer-branded Web sites."

Web site visitors will be asked to provide their first and last name, date of birth and zip code, which Aristotle will then attempt to verify against its database of public records in real time. Users who are verified may then create a password that will give them on-the-spot and future access to Bud.TV, as well as to Anheuser-Busch's other beer-branded Web sites.

"Going the extra mile to do the right thing is the very definition of good corporate citizenship. And Anheuser-Busch's use of robust age-verification technology in this manner is further proof of the company's commitment to corporate responsibility," said John Phillips, chief executive of Aristotle, Inc. "This is a key reason we are so pleased to work with America's leading brewer in helping deter access by underage site visitors so that only those who can lawfully drink visit Bud.TV and the company's beer-branded Web sites."

Recognizing the powerful influence parents have with their children, Anheuser-Busch's Ponturo cautioned that online age verification cannot take the place of parental oversight. "Just as with television, music or movies, parents must be vigilant in monitoring the Internet sites their teens are visiting, and they should establish rules for Internet usage," he added. To assist parents with this important task, Anheuser-Busch regularly gives Internet-screening software companies information on all of its beer-branded sites.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.8 percent share of U.S. beer sales. For a quarter century, Anheuser-Busch and its nationwide network of 600 independent wholesalers have led the alcohol beverage industry in promoting responsibility and respect for the law, investing more than a half-billion dollars in alcohol awareness and education programs and partnerships. In 2006, for the third year in a row, the company ranked first in the beverage industry for social responsibility in FORTUNE magazine's "America's Most Admired Companies" and "Global Most Admired Companies." More information about the company's responsibility efforts is available at http://www.beeresponsible.com/ .

Aristotle is a global software and data services firm dedicated to facilitating communication between citizens and companies, non-profits, elected representatives and government agencies with whom they chose to do business. Aristotle's Integrity(SM) is the most widely accepted identity- and age-verification service deployed for instantly verifying government-issued ID's for citizens of 152 nations. The service operates on a variety of platforms, including Internet, interactive voice response, mobile and handheld devices.

Aristotle has provided age-verification services that have enabled major tobacco companies to comply with the multi-state Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement and its provisions that prohibit marketing to minors. In addition, the members of the Motion Picture Association of America that have promoted their studio's releases that include "R" rated content have used Aristotle to limit minors' online access to those promotional Web sites. Similarly, Aristotle works with more than 30 Fortune 500 companies to verify age and identity for purposes of fraud prevention. More information is available at http://www.aristotle.com/ .

Source: Anheuser-Busch Inc.

 

 

Billy Joel to Perform National Anthem February 4 at Super Bowl XLI on CBS

Grammy-Award winning performer BILLY JOEL will sing the National Anthem during the SUPER BOWL XLI PREGAME SHOW on CBS at Dolphin Stadium in South Florida on Sunday, February 4, the NFL announced today. Joel becomes the first performer to sing the National Anthem twice in the Super Bowl.

Joel, who has won six Grammys and been nominated for 23 total, is one of the world's most-popular recording artists. His extensive list of accomplishments includes selling more than 100 million records, 33 Top 40 hits. He was awarded the Grammy Legend Award (1991), inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1992) and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1999).

Super Bowl XL was watched by more than 141 million viewers in the U.S. last year. It is annually the nation's highest-rated TV program and the most-watched single-day sporting event. The game will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of 1 billion in more than 230 countries and territories.

This marks the second time Billy Joel has performed the National Anthem at the Super Bowl in South Florida; he was featured in the Super Bowl XXIII pregame show in Miami in 1989.

Joel is among many great performers who have been honored with singing the Super Bowl National Anthem including: Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston, Harry Connick, Jr., Garth Brooks, Natalie Cole, Vanessa Williams, Luther Vandross, Jewel, Cher, Faith Hill, the Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey, Dixie Chicks, Beyonce Knowles and many more. See below for a complete list of National Anthem performers from past Super Bowls.

SUPER BOWL NATIONAL ANTHEM HONOR ROLL

Super Bowl Performer

Super Bowl I Universities of Arizona & Michigan Bands

Super Bowl II Grambling University Band

Super Bowl III Anita Bryant (Pledge of Allegiance by Apollo

Astronauts)

Super Bowl IV Al Hirt (Pledge of Allegiance by Astronauts)

Super Bowl V Tommy Loy (trumpeter)

Super Bowl VI U.S. Air Force Academy Chorale

Super Bowl VII Andy Williams & Little Angels of Holy Angels Church

(Chicago) Pledge of Allegiance by Apollo 17 crew

Super Bowl VIII Charlie Pride

Super Bowl IX Grambling University Band with Mardi Gras Chorus

Super Bowl X Tom Sullivan

Super Bowl XI Vicki Carr (America the Beautiful)

Super Bowl XII Phyllis Kelly of NE Louisiana State University

Super Bowl XIII Colgate University Thirteen

Super Bowl XIV Cheryl Ladd

Super Bowl XV Helen O'Connell

Super Bowl XVI Diana Ross

Super Bowl XVII Leslie Easterbrook

Super Bowl XVIII Barry Manilow

Super Bowl XIX Children's Choir of San Francisco

Super Bowl XX Wynton Marsalis

Super Bowl XXI Neil Diamond

Super Bowl XXII Herb Alpert

Super Bowl XXIII Billy Joel

Super Bowl XXIV Aaron Neville

Super Bowl XXV Whitney Houston

Super Bowl XXVI Harry Connick, Jr. (Signed by Lori Hilary)

Super Bowl XXVII Garth Brooks (Signed by Marlee Matlin)

Super Bowl XXVIII Natalie Cole with Atlanta University Center Chorus

(Signed by Courtney Keel Foley)

Super Bowl XXIX Kathie Lee Gifford (Signed by Heather Whitestone)

Super Bowl XXX Vanessa Williams (Signed by Mary Kim Titla)

Super Bowl XXXI Luther Vandross (Signed by Erika Schwarz)

Super Bowl XXXII Jewel (Signed by Phyllis Frelich)

Super Bowl XXXIII Cher (Signed by Speaking Hands)

Super Bowl XXXIV Faith Hill (Signed by Briarlake Elementary School

Signing Choir)

Super Bowl XXXV Backstreet Boys (Signed by Tom Cooney); "America The

Beautiful" performed by Ray Charles

Super Bowl XXXVI Mariah Carey (Signed by Joe Narcisse); "America The

Beautiful" performed by Mary J. Blige & Marc Anthony

Super Bowl XXXVII Dixie Chicks (Signed by Janet Maxwell); "God Bless

America" performed by Celine Dion

Super Bowl XXXVIII Beyonce Knowles (Signed by Suzanna Christy)

Super Bowl XXXIX More than 100 representatives from the four branches

of the military (Signed by Wesley Tallent)

Super Bowl XL Aaron Neville and Dr. John with Aretha Franklin &

Detroit based 150-member choir (Signed by Angela

LaGuardia of Michigan School for Deaf)

Super Bowl XLI Billy Joel

Source: NFL

Entertainment Icon Snoop Dogg Brings Snoop Bowl III to Miami on February 3rd

Coach Snoop Looking to Capture His Third Straight Title

Music icon, Snoop Dogg, announced today that Snoop Bowl III, presented by Amp'd Mobile, will be taking place on February 3rd, 2007 at the Orange Bowl Stadium in Miami, FL. The event is being produced by Jacksonville-based Axcess Sports & Entertainment.

Snoop Bowl III will feature the Snoop Dogg All-Stars, a youth football team from California coached by Snoop Dogg, against an all-star team from South Florida coached by Oakland Raider Zach Crockett, his brother, former Minnesota Viking, Henri Crockett and Green Bay Packer Al Harris. The game will be held the day before Super Bowl XLI, and is expected to draw in excess of 15,000 fans. The teams will be competing for the Snoop Bowl Trophy, which is being created by the world-renowned jeweler and silversmith Tiffany & Co., who also craft the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy for the NFL.

Snoop Bowl II, held last year in Detroit, MI prior to Super Bowl XL was a huge success, drawing nearly 20,000 fans and raising over $50,000 for charities. In that game, the Snoop Dogg All-Stars came away with a 31-6 victory over the Detroit PAL All-Stars, in an event that was tabbed one of the "Top 5 Things To Do in Detroit" during Super Bowl week. In 2005, the Snoop Dogg All-Stars captured the inaugural Snoop Bowl in Jacksonville, FL in front of over 12,000 fans.

"This game is not only about working with the kids through football, and helping them learn all of the positive values that come with it, but it's a way for the kids to see a different part of the country and to meet their peers from other places who are just like them," commented Snoop Dogg. "This game is all about the kids and making sure they know that we care and want to see them succeed both on the field and off."

The Snoop Dogg All-Stars are made up of kids who participate in the Snoop Youth Football League, a football league comprised of 2,000 kids in the Los Angeles area funded by Snoop Dogg and corporate sponsors like Amp'd Mobile. Snoop Dogg founded the league in 2005 in order to provide at-risk youth an affordable way to play football. Kids who participate must maintain strict academic requirements to remain eligible and Coach Snoop even provides insurance to each participant free of cost.

"If these city kids didn't have the SYFL, most of them wouldn't be able to play football," says Johnny Borda, Senior Director of Production at Amp'd Mobile. "Most of the leagues for kids this age are expensive and located in the suburbs, so city kids with working parents don't have a chance to play. The SYFL gives these kids a chance and that is all a kid needs. Amp'd Mobile is proud to support such a worthwhile cause."

Proceeds from Snoop Bowl III will benefit the Snoop Youth Football League, a 501c3 non-profit foundation aimed at building character in under-served youth through athletics, academic and leadership programs.

Tickets are on sale at the Orange Bowl stadium, as well as by calling 877-877-7677 or logging on to www.ticketfusion.com and are $10 each.

 

Playboy's Eighth Annual Super Saturday Night Party Promises to Bring Miami's Sexiest Dreams to Life

'P.M.: Playboy Miami After Dark' Presented by Miller Lite(R), Cuervo Black(R), PlayStation(R)3, Dodge, and Vonage

For the eighth consecutive year, Playboy will throw the most exclusive party in town during Miami's highly-anticipated Super Bowl weekend. "P.M.: Playboy Miami After Dark" will be held at the American Airlines Arena on Saturday, February 3, 2007. The annual Super Saturday Night event will be hosted by "The King of Crunk" Lil Jon and 30 Playboy Bedtime Bunnies, and promises to be the sexiest soiree in South Florida.

Celebrities, athletes and VIPs will be treated to a dream-filled evening as Beverly Bond and DJ Reach spin the tunes on a dance floor surrounded by cabanas. Partygoers' sexiest dreams will come to life with after dark surprises that include a seductive aerialist, a stargazing lounge, midnight munchies, a bedtime story area filled with pillow-fighting models, a stiletto seduction bar, and more.

Sponsors for Playboy's Super Saturday Night event include Miller Lite(R), the great tasting, less filling, original light beer; Cuervo Black(R), a new signature blend of Tequila perfect for mixing with cola or drinking on the rocks; and PlayStation(R)3, this year's hottest computer entertainment system from Sony Computer Entertainment America. Additional sponsors include Dodge, Vonage, and Greater Fort Lauderdale. Partygoers will have a chance to challenge Playboy Playmates to a selection of PlayStation3 games while enjoying Cuervo Black beverages and Miller Lite beers. VIP guests will arrive at the after dark event in vehicles provided by Dodge. All sponsors will be integrated into the event through creative and unique decor elements.

For the sixth consecutive year, the evening will feature a silent auction to raise money for charity. Two organizations will benefit from this year's auction, sponsored by TicketCity.com: Athletes Helping Kids, a charity that funds programs with a direct impact on the well-being of our country's youth and focuses on the importance of education and substance abuse awareness; and A Touch of Braille, Inc., an organization that promotes the role of communication skills, especially knowledge of Braille, in increasing the independence and the successful employment potential of people who are blind or visually impaired. Items for this year's auction include tickets to Hugh Hefner's Midsummer Night's Dream Party at the Playboy Mansion, a spectacular array of autographed sports memorabilia from various superstars, tickets to the 2007 Florida State v. Florida game, and much more.

Last year's Super Saturday Night silent auction raised more than $100,000 for Athlete's Helping Kids and the Kanye West Foundation. Celebrities and athletes such as Kanye West, Usher, Jaime Pressly, Adrian Grenier, Niki Taylor, Marcus Allen, Matt Leinart, Champ Bailey, and Julius Jones attended Playboy's aviation-themed bash, "Eight Mile High Club," in Detroit last February.

Source: Playboy

 

Sprint Phone-A-Friend @ NFLPLAYERS LIVE! Gives Fans Across the Country an Opportunity to Connect With NFL Stars Saturday, Feb. 3 at the NFL Experience

PLAYERS INC and Sprint (NYSE:S) have teamed up to offer fans attending the NFL Experience at Super Bowl XLI on Saturday, February 3rd a memorable mobile experience. From noon to 6 p.m. ET on the Main Stage, Sprint Phone-A-Friend @ NFLPLAYERS LIVE! will give fans the opportunity to have NFL stars call a friend or family member directly from Sprint wireless phones. Four NFL players will line-up to deliver messages each hour throughout the day, totaling 24 players in all.

Additionally, FOX SPORTS RADIO will be broadcasting "FOX Super Bowl Saturday" nationally with John Fricke, Andrew Siciliano, Lincoln Kennedy and Todd Lyght live from the event.

Some of the NFL players scheduled to smile and dial include:*

Ronnie Brown (Miami), Derrick Dockery (Washington), London Fletcher

(Buffalo), Robert Gallery (Oakland), Tamba Hali (Kansas City), Larry Izzo

(New England), Steven Jackson (St. Louis), Jevon Kearse (Philadelphia),

Roman Oben (San Diego), Shaun Phillips (San Diego), Bart Scott

(Baltimore), Darren Sharper (Minnesota), LJ Smith (Philadelphia), Rod

Smith (Denver), Chester Taylor (Minnesota), Jonathan Vilma

(New York Jets), and Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia).

*players are subject to change

All player appearances and marketing opportunities for all NFL sponsors throughout the year are arranged by PLAYERS INC, the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association. NFLPLAYERS LIVE! is a consumer focused event created by PLAYERS INC in an effort to highlight players as real people with real passion and real personalities.

About PLAYERS INC

Formed in 1994, PLAYERS INC is the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association. Representing more than 1,800 active and 3,500 retired NFL players, PLAYERS INC "takes the helmets off" the players and markets them as personalities as well as professional athletes. Through an exclusive sponsorship agreement between the NFL and PLAYERS INC, NFL players are integrated into NFL sponsor activation programs through PLAYERS INC. In addition, under an exclusive agreement between the NFL and PLAYERS INC, NFLPLAYERS.COM, PLAYERS INC's official website, is part of the NFL Internet Network. Each year PLAYERS INC negotiates and facilitates more than 3,500 player marketing opportunities for NFL players. PLAYERS INC activities include retail licensing, corporate sponsorships and promotions, special events, radio and television projects, publishing and internet. For more information, please visit NFLPLAYERS.COM.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks serving more than 51 million customers at the end of third quarter 2006; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com

Source: PLAYERS INC

 

Coca-Cola is Back

First, TV's Biggest Entertainment Show

And Now, TV's Biggest Sports Event

Coca-Cola Returns to Super Bowl Broadcast for the First Time Since 1998

"Video Game" and "Happiness Factory" Reach Huge Viewing Audiences on AMERICAN IDOL on FOX and Telecast of Super Bowl XLI on CBS

Additional Ad Created Specially for Super Bowl Broadcast Will Also Debut During Game

Big ads deserve big audiences. In an unprecedented move, the newest commercials for Coca-Cola are airing on two of television's most watched programs -- the broadcast of Super Bowl XLI on CBS and AMERICAN IDOL on FOX.

Two "Coke Side of Life" commercials, "Video Game" and "Happiness Factory," will join the ranks of television's most anticipated advertising broadcast as millions tune in to watch the telecast of Super Bowl XLI on Sunday, February 4 on CBS. "Video Game" first aired on the season premiere of AMERICAN IDOL on FOX and "Happiness Factory" makes its debut on tonight's episode of the popular show. Last week's season opener was the highest rated premiere in AMERICAN IDOL's six seasons.

A new Coca-Cola ad developed specifically for football's biggest game will also air during the broadcast.

"Both 'Video Game' and 'Happiness Factory' are larger-than-life ads, so we think it's only fitting that we share them with the massive viewing audiences that make the Super Bowl and AMERICAN IDOL television's ultimate appointment programming," said Sandy Douglas, president, Coca-Cola North America. "We also look forward to surprising viewers with a special new ad that will debut during the game."

"Video Game" offers a positive twist on traditional video game plots which often feature characters causing mayhem. In this ad, the hero spreads happiness and optimism by passing out Coca-Cola to people he encounters as he moves through the city streets. "Happiness Factory" provides a fanciful glimpse inside a Coca-Cola vending machine and follows a bottle of Coke on its surprising journey to the vendor's exit door. Both ads remind people that Coca-Cola is the world's most delicious and refreshing beverage.

"Coca-Cola belongs to consumers everywhere, and if we can make watching the world's favorite entertainment and sports broadcasts a little bit more fun with the world's favorite brand, then we will be there," said Katie Bayne, senior vice president, Coca-Cola brands, Coca-Cola North America.

Immediately after the broadcast of Super Bowl XLI on CBS, all Coca-Cola ads that aired during the game will be available for viewing on cbssportsline.com and on the homepage of mycokerewards.com.

Before their "small screen" launches on AMERICAN IDOL, both ads made their "big screen" debut in theaters across the U.S. "Happiness Factory" has also been posted online on peer-to-peer content sharing websites, generating impressive awareness in some unusual places. As an example, according to proprietary Coca-Cola research, the ad has an 11% awareness score among Belgian teens -- even though the ad has not aired in Belgium.

Both commercials will also be part of a fully integrated marketing program designed to extend their themes to the digital world. Special rewards based on imagery from each ad will be offered through My Coke Rewards, the popular online mega-rewards program. Some rewards will also connect mycokerewards.com with Mycoke.com, the online environment where Coca-Cola drinkers hang out, socialize, play games, and create their own virtual worlds in Coke Studios.

By constantly expanding the rewards pool and offering exclusive items tied to programs like AMERICAN IDOL, NCAA basketball, the Academy Awards and now new advertising, to date almost 3.5 million members have claimed more than 1.6 million rewards at mycokerewards.com.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company markets four of the world's top five soft drink brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light soft drinks, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees, energy and sports drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate exceeding 1.3 billion servings each day. For more information about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

Source: The Coca-Cola Company

1

January 23, 2007

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games

 Feb 18

Countdown Clock Unveiled: Three years and counting...
An excited crowd of approximately 2,000 gathered at the corner of Hornby and Georgia Streets over the noon hour on Monday, February 12 in downtown Vancouver. They celebrated the spirit of the 2010 Winter Games, which will begin on February 12, 2010, while anticipating the launch of the Official Countdown Clock for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

When the moment arrived spectators gasped as the enormous clock – measuring three metres wide, more than six metres high and weighing 1,170 kilograms – was unveiled.

“It’s really big,” said Kassie Kelly Charles, who attended the event with her parents. “It looks like an ice cube.”

The landmark clock was created by Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega, the Official Timekeeper of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, who worked with Vancouver-based Karacters Design Group to produce a design that combines precision timekeeping with public art.

“This clock is a stunning example of what’s possible when you tap into local creativity and talent,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “With only 36 months to go until Games time, it serves as a compelling, constant reminder of how close we are to welcoming the world to Vancouver, Whistler and Canada in 2010.”

The clock showcases the contrasting urban and natural settings of the 2010 Winter Games. Steel and glass speak to both the thriving metropolis of Vancouver, Host City of the Games, and also the ice and snow at the heart of winter sport. The clock’s red cedar tower evokes images of Canada’s lush forest landscapes and pay tribute to Aboriginal culture and tradition.

The clock sits atop massive blocks of cast concrete in the heart of bustling downtown Vancouver at the Georgia Street Plaza near the Vancouver Art Gallery. Two electronic displays count down the hours, minutes and seconds remaining until the Opening Ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The clock bears the official 2010 Olympic and Paralympic emblems – inviting the world to come together and celebrate in 2010.

Omega is the Official Timekeeper of the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Beijing’s countdown clock presides over the legendary Tiananmen Square.

As Official Timekeeper, Omega will be responsible for the scoring and competition results during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, delivering results to excited audiences from all corners of the globe.

The time between now and Games time in 2010 will really fly, according to Peter Huerzeler, director of Swiss Timing, sister company of Omega. “Three years may seem like a long time, but believe me, three years go by very quickly!”

 

Feb 11

 

Search Begins for Executive Producer for Vancouver 2010 Games Ceremonies

February 7, 2007
With just over three years to the start of the 2010 Winter Games, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today begins its search for an executive producer for the Games’ Opening and Closing Ceremonies. The official Request for Expressions of Interest and Statements of Qualifications is now posted at vancouver2010.com.

“The ceremonies are an extraordinary opportunity to communicate the Olympic and Paralympic dream worldwide,” said VANOC CEO John Furlong. “They are critical to the success of the Games, as they reach out to the hearts of spectators and fuel the dreams of athletes. The Ceremonies will require the participation and tireless efforts of countless individuals and we are thrilled today to be commencing the search for our executive producer.”

Viewed by a worldwide audience of up to three billion spectators, the Games Ceremonies are mandated by the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees to promote international peace and understanding by honouring the world’s greatest athletes and celebrating humanity.

The executive producer will play a critical role in developing the Ceremonies vision and managing the team of producers, artists, designers and craftspeople who will bring the Ceremonies to life through imagination and the magic of state-of the-art lighting, projection, sound and special effects. The Ceremonies will reflect the region, the people and the culture of Canada by highlighting the country’s creativity, linguistic duality, cultural diversity and Aboriginal heritage.

“With just three years to go until the Opening Ceremony, this search is a welcome and exciting milestone in our steady march toward the Games,” said Terry Wright, VANOC executive vice president of service operations and ceremonies. “Every aspect of the Ceremonies is potentially iconic. Who can forget the young aspiring figure skater lighting the torch at the Calgary 1988 Games or, in Torino last year, pyrotechnic Olympic rings and Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan accepting the Olympic flag on behalf of all Canadians?” he asked.

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony will take place in Vancouver’s 55,000 seat BC Place Stadium on February 12, 2010. The Closing Ceremony on February 28, 2010 will also be held at BC Place Stadium. This will be the first time in Olympic Games history that the Ceremonies will be staged in the comfort of an indoor venue. The Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony is on March 12, 2010 at BC Place Stadium, followed by the Closing Ceremony on March 21, 2010 in Whistler.

 Advertisements that highlight the three-year countdown to the Games on February 12th and the Executive Producer search will appear in French and English national newspapers tomorrow.

VANOC is responsible for planning, organizing, financing and staging XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

 

Feb 9

Countdown to 2010 Celebration

February 8, 2007

Canada’s Games will sparkle: Birks announces sponsorship of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games

Birks announced as Official Supplier of Jewellery as part of 100th Anniversary Celebration in Vancouver

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and Birks & Mayors Inc. (Amex: BMJ) announced today that Birks, Canada’s premier luxury brand has been named Official Supplier of Jewellery. Details of the new partnership were shared with employees and customers as part of Birks’ 100th Anniversary celebration in Vancouver. As a Tier III supplier, Birks will provide VANOC with a uniquely Canadian gifting and licensed merchandise program that will commemorate the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“This important initiative was born of shared values and of Birks’ commitment to delivering an incredible brand experience to a national and international audience,” stated Thomas A. Andruskevich, president and CEO, Birks & Mayors. “We are extremely proud to take part in this journey that honours our best athletes and celebrates excellence as the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games shine on the world wide stage. Canadians look to Birks to mark the most important celebrations in their lives which is why Birks wants to commemorate this important moment in Canadian history.”

The six-year partnership designates Birks as an Official Supplier of the 2010 Winter Games, including sponsorship rights for the Canadian teams participating at the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic Games.

“We are delighted to welcome over 1,100 employees of Birks & Mayors Inc. to the Vancouver 2010 family,” said John Furlong, CEO, VANOC. “Birks has a proud Canadian heritage and it is an honour to participate in their Vancouver centennial celebration with this exciting announcement.”

Birks will create licensed products bearing the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games marks as well as the Canadian Olympic team emblem. Birks will also be the exclusive licensee for distinctive collections of fine jewellery retailed at over $150. These exclusive products will include necklaces, earrings, pendants and rings bearing the Olympic and Paralympic marks. All Canadians will have an opportunity to purchase a unique 2010 Winter Games jewellery item wrapped in the Birks iconic blue box, when these collections are launched throughout Birks retail stores, website and network of corporate sales representatives in Canada, by the beginning of 2008.

About Birks & Mayors Inc.
Birks & Mayors Inc. (Amex: BMJ) is a leading operator of luxury jewellery stores in Canada and the United States. The Company operates 38 stores (Birks Brand) across most major metropolitan markets in Canada and 29 stores (Mayors Brand) across Florida and Georgia. Founded in 1879, Birks is Canada’s premier designer and retailer of fine jewellery, timepieces and giftware. In addition, Birks offers a full range of corporate gifts, estate jewellery, and gift and wedding registry services. Birks also has six corporate sales offices and offers catalogue and on-line shopping. For more information please visit www.birks.com.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s International Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada, and RONA. VANOC’s Official Supporters include the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are Dow Canada, EPCOR, Haworth Canada and Workopolis.
Every great celebration is filled with people sharing their excitement and enthusiasm with others. And the 2010 Winter Games Countdown is no exception.


 

In a few short days, the countdown will be hitting a milestone – three years until the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games on February 12 – and we’re inviting you to join us in marking this special occasion and sharing your passion for the Games.


 

“The three year countdown not only marks the passage of time, it’s also a building up of momentum and excitement, as we head toward 2010,” says Maureen Douglas, director of communications (BC) for VANOC. “It’s an opportunity for people to start thinking about the Games, about what they’ll be doing during Games time, what events they’ll attend and how they’d like to be involved.”


 

From every corner of the province, communities will be gathering to take part in the festivities. “The three-year countdown is an opportunity to celebrate; a chance for people to think about how they’ll celebrate, contribute and participate in 2010,” says Douglas.


 

Here is a rundown of the festivals and events:

Celebration 2010 Arts Festival – Held at various venues around Whistler village, both indoor and out, Whistler’s annual month-long festival features more than 20 events in celebration of 2010 – from visual and performing arts, to film and multi-media.


 

Spirit of BC Week, February 9-17 – A week so full of celebrations that we need 9 days to pack it all in. “Spirit of BC Week is another great example of how spirit reaches throughout the province of BC,” says Douglas. “More than 90 communities in the province have organized committees, they’re rallying their troops and honouring local athletes, having festivals, parades, flag raisings and celebrations. From Fort St. John to Surrey, it’s a fantastic example of community participation.”


 

Free Skate Day – February 10 – Lace up and hit the ice, Spirit of BC Free Skate Day will be taking place in participating community arenas across BC.


 

Richmond Winter Festival – February 10 – Beginning at 6 pm, Richmond City Hall will host a celebration full of music, sport demonstrations, kids’ activities and interactive fun. There will also be a special lighting ceremony and fireworks starting at 9 pm.


 

West Vancouver Spirit Festival Celebration – February 10 – West Vancouver’s talented music, arts, theatre and dance community will create a festival atmosphere at The Village at Park Royal from noon to 6 pm. Stop by and meet RBC Olympian Anne-Marie Lefrançois and RBC Paralympian Andrea Holmes.

 

Countdown to 2010 Luncheon – February 12 – The Vancouver Board of Trade, 2010 Legacies Now and VANOC will be hosting their fourth annual Countdown Luncheon at the Sheraton Wall Centre. Premier Gordon Campbell, VANOC CEO John Furlong and Chairman Jack Poole will speak at the event and present five young athletes with training equipment to support their sport development.

Vancouver 2010 Countdown Clock Unveiling – February 12 – Make sure your lunch plans for February 12 include being on the corner of Georgia and Hornby Streets in downtown Vancouver at noon for the unveiling of the 2010 Countdown Clock.

“More than just counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds, the countdown clock is also a beautiful piece of art that reflects the look of the Games,” says Douglas. “It’s the first time a countdown clock includes both the countdown to the opening of the Olympic and the Paralympic Games, providing the community with a daily reminder of how important both those games are.”

Countdown to 2010 Community Celebration, Whistler – February 12 – It’s a tradition in Whistler to celebrate the 2010 Countdown with cake. This year will also be marked with local talent including musical performers, artists and DJs, all reflective of Whistler’s vibrant arts scene. The festivities begin at 4 pm in front of the 2010 Info Centre.

Sport of the Day – February 13-28 – Occurring daily at the 2010 Info Centre in Whistler, visitors can learn more about 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Sports. A winter sport will be featured each day, providing visitors with a chance to learn more about the sport: see how huge a ski jump ski really is; find out what a sit ski looks like; talk to some athletes. Get up close with the sports of the 2010 Winter Games.

Countdown at the Coliseum – February 17 – From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, head down to the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, site of the 2010 short track speed skating and figure skating competitions. The countdown will be celebrated with free public skating, special guests, activities for kids and families, and much more. There will also be free parking available at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE). 

Community Street Hockey – February 17 and 18. Eight teams will compete for glory and bragging rights during the 2nd annual Community Street Hockey Tournament in Whistler. The pedestrian walkway in front of the 2010 Info Centre will be transformed into a street hockey rink complete with commentary, music and some pretty entertaining street hockey.

Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park Venue Groundbreaking – February 23 – Come join us starting at 9:30 am for the official groundbreaking on the Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park competition venue, home to curling and wheelchair curling.

Mystery Community Event – February 28. A surprise event! Keep checking vancouver2010.com for updates.

Plans are currently being finalized to mark the countdown to the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.

“To reach the podium, an athlete needs to have a balance of energy, speed, and accuracy. And, it goes without saying that to place among the top three, timing is everything!” said David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics. “As we begin this countdown to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, I salute all those who have made this moment possible. Three years and counting!”

 Feb 3

 

 
VANOC to unveil Omega countdown clock for 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver: Events throughout BC in February mark three years to go to the Games
February 2, 2007
In celebration of the three-year countdown to the beginning of the 2010 Winter Games, Omega, the Official Olympic Timekeeper and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) will kick off a month of activities with the unveiling of a giant countdown clock at the Vancouver Art Gallery during a free public outdoor noon-hour celebration on Monday, February 12. The celebration and unveiling, which will start at 12:00 p.m. and conclude at 12:45 p.m., will feature special guests including Olympic and Paralympic athletes, Omega executives and other officials.

The impressive countdown clock will count down the remaining days, hours, minutes and seconds to the Opening Ceremony for both the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Although full design details of the Omega clock will be a surprise until the public unveiling, the clock will represent Canadian and West Coast themes and promises to become a signature landmark in Vancouver for the next three years and well beyond.

The Omega countdown clock unveiling will be complimented by a number of other public three-year countdown celebration events this month in Whistler, Richmond, Vancouver and West Vancouver. A full summary of community three-year countdown celebration events is included below.


 

Countdown to 2010 Summary Event Listings - February and March 2007


 

Month of February: Celebration 2010 – Whistler Arts Festival
Whistler Arts Council
The Whistler Arts Council will once again be producing Celebration 2010 – Whistler Arts Festival. This multi-disciplinary event highlights the cultural pillar of the Olympic Movement with performances, exhibits, readings and much more. For more information visit www.whistlerartscouncil.com.

February 1 and 2: Aboriginal Business Summit
Four Host First Nations Secretariat
This business opportunities summit is jointly hosted by the 2010 Commerce Centre and the Four Host First Nations Secretariat at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver. Senior VANOC representatives as well as BC Premier Gordon Campbell and Federal Minister David Emerson will present. Workshops and panel topics include Aboriginal opportunities for retail and licensing, arts and culture, building and supplying for the 2010 Winter Games, and Aboriginal tourism.

February 1: Four Host First Nations Logo Launch
Four Host First Nations Secretariat
The Four Host First Nations will launch its logo immediately following the opening plenary session of the Aboriginal Business Summit. BC Premier Gordon Campbell, VANOC Board Chair Jack Poole and the Chiefs of the Four Host First Nations will participate in a special ceremony to celebrate the unveiling of the logo which represents the historic partnership of the Nations.
11:00am to 12:00pm – Sheraton Wall Centre. Vancouver, BC.

February 9 to February 17: Spirit of BC Week
2010 Legacies Now
Spirit of BC Week features events and activities showcasing community pride in British Columbia and profiles local programs that strengthen sport and recreation, healthy living, arts and culture, literacy and volunteerism. The week is sponsored by Spirit of BC community committees in all regions of the province in partnership with local government, business, First Nations and community groups.

February 10: Free Skate Day
2010 Legacies Now
Spirit of BC Free Skate Day takes place at many community arenas throughout the province on Feb. 10, encouraging everyone to strap on some skates and get on the ice. A special ceremony to mark the occasion will take place at the Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex.

February 10: Richmond Winter Festival and Countdown Lighting Ceremony
City of Richmond
Richmond hosts an evening celebration outside Richmond City Hall and adjoining Brighouse Park. The evening includes main stage musical performances, interactive sport demos, and children’s activities. At 9:00 pm, Richmond will light-up City Hall with their 2010 Venue City emblem in a special ceremony.
Festival: 6:00pm to 9:00pm Lighting Ceremony: 9:00pm

February 10: West Vancouver Winter Song Festival
West Vancouver
One block of The Village at Park Royal will be transformed into a festival site celebrating West Vancouver’s talent, including music, visual arts, theatre, carnival, and dance.
The Village at Park Royal Mall - 12:00pm to 6:00pm

February 12: Vancouver 2010 Countdown Clock Unveiling, by Omega Official Timekeeper
VANOC
VANOC celebrates three years until the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games by unveiling a spectacular Omega countdown clock on the north lawn of the Vancouver Art Gallery. The public is encouraged join to in the celebrations over the lunch hour at the corner of Hornby Street and Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver.


 

Media Accreditation for countdown clock event:
News and sports editors are requested to submit the names of media assigned to cover the countdown clock event to mediarelations@vancouver2010.com by 12pm on Thursday, February 8. Media can pick up their accreditation at the Omega media conference and will be required to show photo and media ID.

Omega Media Conference: 11:15 am at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Public Celebration at Vancouver Art Gallery: 12:00pm to 12:45pm
Omega countdown clock unveiling: 12:30pm


 


February 12: Countdown to 2010 Luncheon
Vancouver Board of Trade
The Vancouver Board of Trade, 2010 Legacies Now and VANOC host their fourth annual Countdown Luncheon at the Sheraton Wall Centre. Premier Gordon Campbell and VANOC executives will speak at the event as five young athletes are presented with training equipment to support their sport development.
Sheraton Wall Centre – 12:00pm to 2:00pm

February 12: Countdown to 2010 Community Celebration Whistler
VANOC and Whistler Arts Council
The 2010 Information Centre in Whistler will host its popular annual countdown cake celebration The Whistler Arts Council will join the three year countdown celebration which will include performances by local entertainers.
2010 Info Centre, Whistler – 3:00pm to 6:00pm

February 13 to 28: Sport of the Day
VANOC
Everyday from February 13 to 28, the 2010 Information Centre in Whistler will feature a different Olympic or Paralympic winter sport discipline, complete with sport demos, equipment displays, special guests and interactive fun. Visit vancouver2010.com from February 13 onward for “Sport of the Day” features.

February 17: Countdown at the Coliseum
City of Vancouver
The City of Vancouver will host a free public celebration at the Pacific Coliseum to celebrate the three-year countdown to the 2010 Winter Games. Activities for all ages will include free public skating, sports and cultural displays, special guests, food samples and much more.
Pacific Coliseum, 10:00am to 4:00pm

February 17 and 18: Whistler community street hockey tournament
VANOC
On February 17 and 18, the paving stones outside the 2010 Information Centre will be transformed into a street hockey rink for the fun, second annual 2010 street hockey tournament. Eight teams of five compete for prizing and community honours.

February 23: Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park venue groundbreaking
City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Parks Board
The City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Parks Board and VANOC officially break ground on the Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park venue, home to curling and wheelchair curling at the 2010 Winter Games.
Nat Bailey Stadium Lot, 9:30am

February 28: VANOC mystery community event
VANOC
VANOC is planning something special in the community to celebrate the three-year mark of the final day of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Stay tuned for more info in the coming weeks.

March 12: Lighting Ceremony, Olympic and Paralympic flags in Vancouver
City of Vancouver
A special ceremony will be held to illuminate the Olympic and Paralympic flags that fly outside Vancouver City Hall at 5:30 pm.

March 12: Countdown to 2010 Paralympic Winter Games - Cake and Cultural Cabaret
VANOC and Whistler Arts Council
The three-year countdown to the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will be celebrated in Whistler with countdown cake at the 2010 Information Centre and with an evening “Cultural Cabaret” as part of Celebration 2010.
2010 Info Centre, Whistler, 3:00pm
Millennium Place, Whistler, 7:30pm

 

 

Jan 27

 

 

Art and coins come together in the launch of a series of commemorative coins for the 2010 Winter Games.

Beginning in February and spanning the period up until Games time, the Royal Canadian Mint will unveil an extensive Olympic and Paralympic-related coin collection. With expressive designs created by Canadian artists, these coins offer an opportunity to relive the Games for years to come.

The first modern Olympic-themed coins were struck to commemorate the 1952 Olympic Summer Games in Helsinki, Finland. Since that time, coins have been produced by the mints of the Games host countries and are an integral part of Olympic culture, history and art.

Over the next three years, 17 coins will be put into circulation encompassing the most extensive Olympic Games circulation coin program ever undertaken by a Mint: from two commemorative Lucky Loonies to 25-cent winter sport-themed coins to a unique series offering Canadians the opportunity to vote on the athletes featured in its design.

“Taking into account the subject and the sport as well as who the audience is, is integral to the designing of coins,” says commemorative coin designer Steve Hepburn of Richmond, BC. “It’s important to convey a sense of what makes that sport special or different from others, and to make it visually appealing while remaining true to the sport and its intricacies.”

Numismatic, or collector coins, are detailed works of art worth far more than their face value and are sought by collectors as commemorative treasures and gifts.

More than a little loose change: denominations of the coins will range from 25 cents to $25.“The audience for collector coins is more specific than that for circulation coins,” says Hepburn. “When designing collector coins, there is more artistic freedom and room to be less conventional.”

Included in the limited mintage collection are sterling silver holographic coins, premium gold coins, and pure gold one-kilogram coins sure to satisfy the most ardent collector.

When designing collector coins Hepburn says “size and readability is a challenge. I worked on designs many times larger than the final product to ensure clean, crisp lines with good proportions. It’s very important to remove unnecessary details and information to make a strong-reading design at its final size.”

One of the design challenges Hepburn says is, “What looks good at 8 feet across may be a jumbled, unrecognizable mess when reduced to one inch. It’s important to involve the viewer when designing coins and to make them as interesting as possible by using perspective, angles and foreshortening.”

“I love sports,” says Hepburn. “When the Mint called, I was thrilled to be part of the project. I consider myself quite patriotic so the Olympic Games carry great importance to me. They’re always exciting and with them being in my backyard in 2010, it’ll be a year to remember. Go Canada, Go!”

Canadians can purchase the commemorative coins through the Royal Canadian Mint’s website. Circulation coins are available at RBC Financial Group and participating Petro-Canada locations. Canadians can also look for these coins in their change – the first coin, curling, will begin circulating on February 23.

 

 

Jan 24

 

Canadian Pacific on track to deliver Canada’s 2010 Winter Games: CP named official rail freight services provider

January 24, 2007
CALGARY - Canadian Pacific (CP) and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) announced today Canadian Pacific as the Official Rail Freight Services Provider. Canadian Pacific Railway has been moving Canada’s commerce over the past 126 years and is now positioned to help bring the 2010 Winter Games to all Canadians.

“Canadian Pacific has a historic connection with Vancouver that includes the naming of the city and an Olympic history that dates back to the 1924 Winter Games in France”, said Canadian Pacific’s President and CEO Fred Green. “This is the right fit for Canadian Pacific and our employees as we continue our strong support for local amateur sports and national teams in communities across the country.”

The six-year partnership designates CP as an Official Supporter of the 2010 Winter Games, including sponsorship rights for the Canadian teams participating at the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic Games.

“The railway has played a fundamental role in building this country by connecting Canadians from coast to coast,” said John Furlong, VANOC CEO. “Canadian Pacific’s long-standing commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic movement is once again being demonstrated through this partnership as we work together to bring the spirit of the Games to all Canadians from now through 2010.”


Canadian Pacific’s commitment provides for cash and in-kind logistics, freight rail service and truck service as well as support of special community events across the country. The community events are being developed and will be announced in the coming months.

“Through our company’s innovative logistics and transportation solutions, we will move Games equipment, sponsor materials and supplies to Vancouver for 2010,” added Green. “We will also build on our experience and leverage the use and visibility of our trains to help ensure VANOC makes these Canada’s Games.”

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s International Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada, and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Royal Canadian Mint, Ricoh Canada Inc. and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are Dow Canada, EPCOR, Haworth Canada, Vincor Canada and Workopolis.

Canadian Pacific, through the ingenuity of its employees located across Canada and in the United States, intends to be the safest, and most fluid railway in North America. Our people are the key to delivering innovative transportation solutions to our customers and to ensuring the safe operation of our trains through the more than 900 communities where we operate. Our combined ingenuity makes Canadian Pacific a better place to work, rail a better way to ship, and North America a better place to live. Come and visit us at www.cpr.ca to see how we can put our ingenuity to work for you. Canadian Pacific is proud to be the official rail freight services provider for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

 

Jan 23

 

Ricoh Canada Inc. selected as exclusive provider of document solutions for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

January 18, 2007
Ricoh Canada Inc. today announced that it has been selected as the exclusive provider of document solutions for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

As part of the agreement, Ricoh Canada Inc. becomes the exclusive provider for the 2010 Winter Games and will supply document solutions equipment including multifunctional products, facsimiles and document management equipment. Ricoh’s commitment includes pre-Games support for the rapid growth of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) while also providing for the considerable document management needed at Games time, particularly in the media centres.

In recognition of the fact that approximately 10,000 media will cover the Games, Ricoh will also be developing a media advisory committee - involving key members of the Canadian media with direct Olympic and Paralympic experience - which will advise Ricoh on what the document management and information requirements are from the media’s perspective. “The media are, of course, key consumers of information, and delivering a solution that enables them to do their jobs effectively is a major part of what we will consider a successful deployment,” said Martin Brodigan, President and CEO of Ricoh Canada Inc.

With more than 30 million pages of information generated for the Torino 2006 Winter Games, Ricoh and VANOC recognize the scope of work ahead and are focussed on responsible environmental practices. According to Brodigan, “We’re excited to be part of this program, but we also understand the complexity of the task at hand. Effectively managing the volume in an environmentally responsible way is not simply a fortunate side benefit; it is a core requirement.”

Also present at the announcement was VANOC CEO, John Furlong, who confirmed, “Great communication requires great partners and we are pleased to incorporate Ricoh’s award winning product services into our broad reaching communication requirements to stage the 2010 Winter Games. We are delighted to welcome Ricoh and its 800 employees across Canada to the Olympic and Paralympic family.”

Ricoh’s six-year partnership as an Official Supporter with VANOC provides sponsorship rights for the 2010 Winter Games and for the Canadian teams participating at the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

About Ricoh Canada Inc.
Ricoh has a profound respect for the environment and has integrated that respect into its corporate culture. For over 20 years, Ricoh has led the office automation industry in creating eco-friendly products and processes, striving to prevent pollution, to utilize energy and resources efficiently, and to reduce and dispose of waste products in a responsible manner. Ricoh’s target is a 100 per cent recovery and recycle rate. All of Ricoh’s manufacturing facilities have earned ISO 14001 certification, the global standard for environmental management.

Ricoh Canada Inc, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., the 70-year-old leading supplier of office automation equipment and electronics, with fiscal year 2005 sales in excess of $17 billion, a 5.6 percent increase over the previous year.

Ricoh Corporation is a leading provider of document solutions. Ricoh’s fully integrated hardware and software products help businesses share information efficiently and effectively by enabling customers to control the input, management and output of documents. Ricoh’s line of document management devices include, color and black & white digital imaging systems, facsimile products, printers, scanners, digital duplicators and wide format engineering systems. Additionally, Ricoh offers a wide variety of document and printing solutions directly and through strategic alliances enhancing office productivity and document workflow. Ricoh’s document management software enhances workgroup collaboration and offers secure storage, retrieval and sharing of critical information.

Ricoh Corporation markets and distributes products in North, Central and South America. For fiscal year 2005, Ricoh Corporation sales exceeded $3 billion, an increase of 8.1 percent over the previous year. Ricoh Canada employs over 800 employees nation-wide.

For more information about Ricoh Canada and to view our entire product line, visit: www.ricoh.ca or call 1.888.Ricoh 1st

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s International Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada, and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, the Royal Canadian Mint, Ricoh Canada Inc. and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are Dow Canada, EPCOR, Haworth Canada, Vincor Canada and Workopolis

 

FACT SHEET

The Vancouver 2010 Winter Games – Quick Facts

Olympic Winter Games Dates: February 12 – 28, 2010

Paralympic Winter Games Dates: March 12 – 21, 2010

Number of Olympic athletes and officials: 5,000

Number of Paralympic athletes and officials: 1,700

Countries participating in Olympic Winter Games: 80+

Countries participating in Paralympic Winter Games: 40+

2010 Games events tickets available: 1.8 million

Estimated number of media representatives: 10,000

Estimated number of Games volunteers: 25,000

Key Dates

2006-2007 Venue construction: 2010 competition and non-competition sites.

2007 Vancouver 2010 Winter Games mascot to be selected.

Winter 2007/2008 2010 Winter Games venues to be available for athlete training.

2008 VANOC to begin volunteer recruitment. An estimated 25,000

volunteers are required to stage the Games.

Aug. 8 – 24, 2008 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing, China. VANOC sends an

observation team.

Sept. 6 – 17, 2008 2008 Paralympic Summer Games in Beijing. VANOC sends an

observation team.

2008 Vancouver 2010 Winter Games ticket sales.

2008 Media Accreditation for the 2010 Winter Games. An estimated

10,000 media members expected to be accredited.

Winter 2008/2009 Official test events for the 2010 Winter Games.

Fall 2009 2010 Winter Games Olympic Flame (torch) Relay.

 

Treasury Department News

 Feb 17

TREASURY DEPARTMENT NAMES  MINA NGUYEN AS  DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY
FOR BUSINESS  AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC LIAISON



   The Treasury Department announced that Mina Nguyen has been
appointed
   as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Business Affairs and Public
Liaison.

   In this position, Nguyen will manage the Treasury Department's
   outreach to the business, advocacy, and financial community. She
will
   advise Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson and the agency's
leadership
   on economic and international issues. She will solicit information,
   analysis, and opinions from public and private organizations
   representing business and consumer interests, and will communicate
   Treasury and the Bush administration views to these organizations.

   Immediately prior to this appointment, Nguyen served as Director of
   Government Affairs of the Republican National Committee, where she
was
   responsible for coordinating legislative plans and messaging with
the
   United States Congress and managing key activities with business and
   trade organizations.

   Previously, Nguyen served as the National Business and the Northeast
   Regional Coalitions Director for the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign, and
   before that the Director of Public Liaison and Special Assistant to
   Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao. She also worked as a Management
   Consultant in Accenture's Strategy practice.

   Nguyen earned her degree in business administration from University
of
   California, Berkley.

Feb 16

STATEMENT OF LICENSING POLICY FOR TWO  SPECIALLY  DESIGNATED ENTITIES
IN COLOMBIA



   The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets
Control
   (OFAC) adopted a policy to consider the issuance of specific
licenses,
   on a case-by-case basis, authorizing U.S. suppliers to engage in
   certain transactions with two Colombian Government-controlled
entities
   previously named as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers
   (SDNTs).

     * G.L.G. S.A. (NIT # 800023807-8)

     * Ramal S.A. (NIT # 800142109-5)

   Both G.L.G. S.A. and Ramal S.A. manage certain aspects of the SDNT
   Casa Estrella department store, a Colombian department store chain
   located in Bogotá and Cali, Colombia.

   Designated by OFAC in 2005 as part of the North Valle drug cartel's
   financial network, the Government of Colombia took control of these
   companies in August 2006. By establishing this licensing policy,
OFAC
   is enabling these entities continue to operate legitimately under
the
   control of the Colombian government. OFAC continues to work closely
   with Colombian officials to monitor the situation.

   U.S. suppliers seeking a license to sell products to these companies
   should submit a written license application in accordance with 31
CFR
   § 501.801(b) to the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Licensing
   Division, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue,
   NW – Annex, Washington, DC 20220.

   In addition to the information required by 31 CFR § 501.801(b)(3),
the
   application must include a detailed description of the proposed
   transactions and a purchase request from either of the
aforementioned
   companies, signed by the appropriate Government of Colombia
official,
   that specifies the types of products to be purchased and the
   account(s) from which payment will be made. Licensees under the
policy
   will be required to submit detailed reports regarding the
transactions
   authorized by the license. Questions regarding this policy should be
   directed to OFAC's Licensing Division at (202) 622-2480.

   A copy of the licensing policy may be accessed here:

  
http://www.treasury.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/narco/sdn_lic_pol_021607.pdf

 

Feb 10

STATEMENT BY U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY HENRY M. PAULSON  FOLLOWING THE
MEETING OF THE  G7 FINANCE MINISTERS AND CENTRAL BANK GOVERNORS ESSEN,
GERMANY



   We had a very good meeting with G-7 Finance Ministers and Central
Bank
   Governors today, hosted by Minister Steinbruck. I thank Minister
   Steinbruck for his gracious hospitality.

   We are enjoying one of the strongest and most prolonged global
   expansions in memory. The United States is doing its part. The U.S.
   economy grew strongly last year. Although the residential housing
   market has been cooling, growth is being supported by good
consumption
   on the back of solid job creation and wage growth. Net exports are
   also contributing. Looking ahead, the outlook is very encouraging.
   Housing activity appears to have stabilized; labor markets are firm;
   consumer confidence is rising; wages are rising; and inflation is
   easing. We are looking for solid growth in 2007, in line with
   potential of near 3%. The federal budget deficit was 1.9% of GDP
last
   fiscal year and is expected to come down further this year. The
   President's budget projects a balanced budget in 2012.

   All countries must also do their part to contribute to global
   adjustment. Europe's expansion is continuing and Japanese growth is
   expected to accelerate. But there is still ample scope in both areas
   to strengthen measures aimed at creating more robust domestic
demand.
   Greater flexibility in China's exchange regime is also needed as
part
   of China's rebalancing of its economy.

   Strengthening capital markets, both here in the United States and
   abroad, is one of my highest priorities. Competitive capital markets
   spur growth, create wealth and improve the quality of our lives. In
   emerging economies, local capital market development holds the very
   same promise. Already, emerging economies are making considerable
   progress, but there is much more to be done. At dinner last night,
we
   discussed local capital market development with our counterparts
from
   Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa, and concrete
   actions that the G-7 and the International Financial Institutions
   might take to help strengthen these important trends.

   We also discussed trade with our emerging market colleagues. We
agreed
   that the Doha Round is one of the most significant things we can do
   for economic growth and opportunity for all people, especially those
   in the poorest countries of the world. We welcomed the new approach
of
   the trade ministers, focused on sensitivities and priorities, and
the
   renewed spirit of optimism and new energy behind discussions. My
   colleagues and I embraced the role we can play, in working with the
   trade ministers and in making the case for trade.

   Hedge funds were another topic of discussion. I am firmly convinced
   that hedge funds provide considerable benefits to financial markets
   and our economies, but they also can present potential challenges
and
   risks. It is in the U.S. interest to promote a thriving, competitive
   global hedge fund industry that facilitates price discovery and
   promotes liquidity in financial markets, while maintaining investor
   protection and promoting financial stability. Market discipline,
   focusing on the risk management of regulated counterparties, is the
   most effective way to address potential systemic risk concerns. In
the
   U.S., the President's Working Group on Financial Markets – comprised
   of the Treasury Secretary and the Chairmen of the Federal Reserve
   Board, the SEC and the CFTC – continues to assess developments in
   markets, disclosure and counterparty risk management.

   As leading shareholders of the international financial institutions,
   we discussed the need to reform the IMF to make it as modern as the
   world economy in which we live. I emphasized that the Fund
governance
   structure lags well behind today's global realities and I emphasized
   the need for boldness in reforming the Fund. In particular, I look
   forward to an agreement later this year on changes in the IMF's
quota
   formula to better capture members' true weights in the world economy
   and on steps to protect the voice of the poorer countries through an
   increase in basic votes. I urge other industrial countries to follow
   the U.S. lead and forgo an increase in their voting shares in the
next
   stage of reforms. I look forward to the Managing Director's
leadership
   on this issue, and also welcome the strong consensus in the group in
   support of the proposals to update the IMF's 30-year old rules on
   exchange rate surveillance.

   The G-7 reaffirmed its commitment today to the critical fight to
   protect the international financial system from illicit activity,
   including terrorist financing, the proliferation of weapons of mass
   destruction, and money laundering. I emphasized that, to be
effective,
   Finance Ministries must develop legal authorities and invest
resources
   to apply targeted economic and financial measures against a broad
   range of international threats. These efforts should include
national
   implementation of the economic sanctions called for in United
Nations
   Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1737 against weapons of mass
   destruction proliferation support networks in North Korea and Iran.
We
   called upon the Financial Action Task Force to join these efforts
and
   address the threat of weapons of mass destruction proliferation
   finance and the vulnerabilities associated with jurisdictions that
   have failed to recognize international standards.

   Energy efficiency was also on the agenda and I emphasized the
   importance of improving energy security through increased use of
   alternative fuels, better fuel efficiency, and policies to
accelerate
   those trends. Finally, we touched on good financial governance in
   Africa. The international community has done a good job in
developing
   ways to measure and track public financial management and I called
for
   stronger linkages between international development assistance and
   individual country budget performance.

 

Feb 8

Testimony of Treasury Secretary
Henry M. Paulson
before the House Ways and Means Committee
on the President’s Fiscal Year 2008 Budget

Washington, D.C. – Chairman Rangel, Ranking Member McCrery, Members of the Committee:

– Chairman Rangel, Ranking Member McCrery, Members of the Committee:

I am pleased to be here today to provide an overview of the President's budget for fiscal year 2008. As the Secretary of the Treasury, my top priority is keeping America's economy strong for our workers, our families, and our businesses. And the President's budget supports that goal.

We start from a position of strength. Our economy appears to be transitioning from a period of above-trend growth to a more sustainable level of about three percent growth. More than 7.4 million jobs have been created since August 2003. Our unemployment rate is low at 4.6 percent. And over the last 12 months, real wages have increased 1.7 percent. Economic growth is finding its way into workers' paychecks as a result of low inflation. That means family budgets are going further.

Strong economic growth also benefits the government's fiscal position. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, budget receipts totaled $574 billion, an increase of 8 percent over the same period in fiscal year 2006. As a result of increased revenue over the last two years, we have brought the federal budget deficit down to 1.8 percent of GDP.

The President has submitted a budget that reflects our strong economy and our nation's priorities: continued job creation and wage growth, vigorous prosecution of the war on terror, increased access to affordable health insurance, improved energy security, and a strong fiscal position from which we can address long-term challenges such as strengthening Social Security and Medicare for future generations.

This budget supports a strong economy by maintaining fiscal discipline. It maintains our current tax policy, which has helped our economy rebound from recession to its current robust health. With a steadily growing economy, tax revenues combined with fiscal discipline should bring the federal budget into balance in five years. In fact, we are submitting a budget that includes a surplus in 2012, which is achievable if we keep our economy growing. While no one has a crystal ball, our economic assumptions are close to the consensus of professional forecasters.

The President's budget addresses important domestic priorities. Health care is high on this list. Under current law, the tax subsidy for health insurance purchased through employers will average more than $300 billion a year for the next ten years. For that huge expenditure we get a system in which rising costs are a burden to families and businesses, and in which millions of people have no insurance at all.

The President's proposal would make health care more affordable and more accessible. It would give all taxpayers who buy health insurance, whether on their own or through their employer, and no matter the cost of the plan, the same standard tax deduction for health insurance – $15,000 for a family, or $7,500 for an individual. The President's proposal would help hold down health care costs by removing the current tax bias that encourages over-spending. Costs would become clearer, giving patients more power to make informed choices about their health care spending. The proposal would also jumpstart the individual insurance market, so consumers have more choices than are available today. Health care would become more consumer-driven, more affordable, and more accessible for millions of Americans.

Energy security is another concern of the American people, and it is a priority addressed in the President's budget. President Bush has put forth an ambitious goal of reducing America's projected gasoline consumption by 20 percent over the next 10 years. We can achieve this goal by dramatically increasing the supply and use of alternative fuels, and improving fuel-efficiency by reforming and increasing CAFE.

The expanded fuels standard will provide entrepreneurs and investors a guaranteed demand for alternative fuels, which will accelerate private investment and technological development. Reforming CAFE will allow us to increase the fuel economy of our automobiles as fast as technology allows. With a more diverse fuel supply and better fuel efficiency, we can make our economy less vulnerable to supply disruptions and confront climate change through technologies that reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Finally, the President's budget, by emphasizing fiscal discipline and economic growth, lays the right foundation for dealing with entitlement reform – a challenge we all have a responsibility to address. Strengthening Social Security and Medicare is the most important step we can take to ensure the retirement security of our children and grandchildren, the long-term stability of the federal budget, and the continued growth of the American economy. I look forward to sitting down with Democrats and Republicans, without pre-conditions, and finding common ground on these critical issues.

Mr. Chairman, the President's budget priorities – a strong economy, national security, fiscal discipline, health care and energy innovation, and laying the groundwork for entitlement reform – are the right priorities for America and for the workers, businesses, and investors who drive our economy.

I am confident that, working together, we will keep our economy strong and chart a course for maintaining our global economic leadership in the years ahead.

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this today – and I now welcome your questions.

 

Feb 5

PROPOSED TREASURY BUDGET FOR FY 2008



   The President's proposed budget for Treasury in fiscal year (FY)
2008 reflects the Department's dedication to promoting economic
   opportunity, strengthening national security, and exercising fiscal
   discipline.

   "The President's proposed Treasury funding for FY 2008 supports
   Treasury's priorities of promoting economic opportunity, combating
   threats to the national and economic security of the U.S., and
   striving for a more effective and efficient federal government,"
said treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson. Speaking of the budget as a
   whole, Paulson said "If we can keep our economy growing by
continuing with economic policies that keep taxes low and drive job creation
and productivity, while restraining spending, we can achieve a balanced
   budget by 2012."

   The Treasury appropriations request for FY 2008 is $12.1 billion, a
   4.7 percent increase over the President's FY 2007 request of $11.6
   billion.

   Promoting Economic Opportunity

   The Treasury Department, through offices including Economic Policy,
   International Affairs, Tax Policy, and Domestic Finance, provides
   analysis, economic forecasting, and policy guidance on issues
ranging from tax policy to international financial crises.

   The FY 2008 budget provides additional resources to support Treasury
   in its role as Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the
   United States (CFIUS), including administering the interagency CFIUS
   process.

   Treasury requests $28.6 million for the Community Development
   Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, $20.7 million above the FY 2007
   request. These funds will allow CDFI to continue its mission to
expand the capacity of financial institutions to provide credit, capital,
and financial services to underserved populations and communities in the
   United States.

   Strengthening National Security

   The Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence (TFI) plays an
   important role in helping to combat threats to the nation and the
   financial system of the United States. By drawing on our unique and
   powerful authorities, as well as financial intelligence, the
Treasury helps to safeguard the financial system against abuse by weapons
   proliferators, terrorists, narcotics traffickers, rogue regimes, and
   other bad actors. To support these efforts, Treasury requests a
23.8% increase for TFI relative to the FY 2007 request.

   Exercising Fiscal Discipline

   One of Secretary Paulson's highest priorities is keeping the U.S. on
   the path to achieve the President's goal of reducing budget deficits
   and balancing the budget by 2012. The Treasury Department is
committed to reducing the deficit by exercising fiscal discipline and ensuring
   the most efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars while at
the same time boosting revenues through continued economic growth.

   Enforcing the Nation's Tax Laws Fairly and Efficiently

   As part of Treasury's comprehensive strategy to address the tax gap,
   the President's Budget requests $11.095 billion in appropriations
for the IRS to expand its enforcement activity and to continue
   improvements in taxpayer service.

   An in-depth press briefing on the revenue proposals, including
release of the "Blue Book" will be held at 1:00pm (EST) today in room 4121
of the Treasury Building. (Media without Treasury press credentials
   should contact Frances Anderson at (202) 622-2960, or
   frances.anderson@do.treas.gov with: name, Social Security number,
and date of birth.)
 

 

Feb 2

 STATEMENT OF SECRETARY PAULSON ON INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS  UNDER
SECRETARY ADAMS 



   Washington, D.C. –

   Secretary Paulson made the following statement today on the
   resignation announcement of International Affairs Under Secretary
   Timothy D. Adams:

   I am deeply grateful to Tim Adams for his unsurpassed dedication and
   leadership in serving the President and the Treasury Department.

   Tim helped shape this Administration's economic policy from its
roots
   in Austin in the early stages of the 2000 campaign. For the last two
   years, Tim has traveled around the world representing the American
   people and strengthening our relationships with key economic
partners.
   The U.S. economy and our global economic ties are stronger thanks to
   his work.

   During his tenure at Treasury, Tim has advised three Secretaries,
and
   helped this Department navigate the economic shocks of a recession,
   corporate scandals, terrorist attacks, and the war on terror. He
   played a key role in developing and implementing policies that are
   bringing new opportunity and hope to people in the world's poorest
   countries, such as the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the
   historic debt relief initiative.

   In the critical U.S.-China economic relationship, Tim has worked to
   integrate China into the global system and put them on a path to
   increased currency flexibility. He sought to improve and strengthen
   the fabric of our international financial institutions by pushing
them
   to adapt and respond to today's challenges and opportunities.
   Particularly through his influential efforts to modernize the IMF,
he
   sought to ensure that our key multilateral institutions are prepared
   to play a beneficial role in our evolving global economy.

   Tim's good humor, keen intellect, and genuine regard for the men and
   women around him have made him a valued member of the Treasury
family.
   With great respect and appreciation, we bid Tim farewell and best
   wishes.

 

February 1

 

 PAULSON, IRS LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO HELP  LOW INCOME TAXPAYERS TAKE
ADVANTAGE OF  TAX CREDIT, FREE TAX HELP




   Washington, DC - Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Treasurer Anna
   Escobedo Cabral and IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson and the IRS'
   national partners launched Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness
   Day at a Treasury Department press conference today. The event kicks
   off a nationwide campaign to inform taxpayers about this important
   credit for working families and the availability of free tax help.

   "The Earned Income Tax Credit helps Americans who work hard but need
   extra support to make ends meet – people who are often on the first
   step of the economic ladder, gaining the experience and skills to
land
   a better job and earn a higher income in the future," said Secretary
   Paulson.  "Our goal is not just to help people get by. Our goal is
to
   help people get ahead."

   More than 150 coalitions and partners across the nation marked EITC
   Awareness Day with a series of news conferences or news releases
   promoting this valuable tax credit for low-wage taxpayers. These
   organizations operate free tax preparation sites for low-income
   individuals, for seniors and for other eligible taxpayers.

   The Treasury officials were joined by partners Mayor Otis Johnson of
   Savannah, Georgia, Brian Gallagher, chief executive officer of
United
   Way of America, Elsie Meeks, executive director of First Nations
   Oweesta Corporation and Linda Eatmon-Jones, coordinator, DC CASH,
for
   the kickoff event at the Treasury Department.

   The Earned Income Tax Credit provides a refundable credit of up to
   $4,536 for eligible families. EITC claimants are eligible for free
tax
   preparation services provided at 12,000 volunteer sites nationwide
or
   they can also link to Free File through IRS.gov if they wish to
   prepare their own return.

   In addition to providing help claiming the EITC, these free tax
sites
   can help qualified taxpayers request their one-time telephone excise
   tax credit.

   "The IRS wants all eligible taxpayers to claim the EITC. Trained
   volunteers working at these free tax preparation sites can help
ensure
   that taxpayers receive all the deductions and credits they are due.
   And, if you want to do your own taxes, there is always Free File
which
   is available at IRS.gov," said Commissioner Everson.

   Many organizations offering free tax help also are encouraging
   taxpayers to save a little money or open a bank account. The IRS is
   helping in this effort by creating a new split-refund program that
   allows all taxpayers to divide their refund among up to three
   financial accounts, such as checking, savings and retirement.

   "Tax time is an ideal time to think about savings. For many
taxpayers,
   tax refunds are the largest checks they will receive throughout the
   year, and the new split-refund program gives individuals and
families
   the opportunity to build a nest egg for the future," said Treasurer
   Cabral.

   During tax year 2005, more than 22 million returns received over $41
   billion in EITC. However, the IRS also estimates that as many as 25
   percent of eligible taxpayers fail to claim this tax credit.

   Eligible people who fail to claim EITC include Spanish speakers,
   individuals who are self-employed or have service jobs in private
   households, childless taxpayers, rural residents, and recipients of
   other types of public assistance such as food stamps.

   The credit was created in 1975 in part to offset the burden of
Social
   Security taxes and to serve as a work incentive. The amount of the
   credit varies but it is generally determined by income and family
   size. Many states also have a local version of EITC which also can
   increase a taxpayer's refund.

   Tax preparers and taxpayers can find a wealth of information at
   IRS.gov. Both can use the EITC Assistant at www.irs.gov/eitc which
is
   an easy-to-use interactive tool to help determine if the taxpayer is
   qualified for EITC. This step-by-step online program helps answer
   questions about eligibility, filing status, qualifying children and
   credit amount. The EITC Assistant also is available in Spanish.

   For the 2006 tax year, the maximum credit is $4,536 for a family
with
   two or more children; $2,747 for a family with one child and $412 if
   the taxpayer does not reside with children.

   The maximum amount of earned income allowed is higher for tax year
   2006 than it was for 2005. Please see Fact Sheet 2007-13 for all
   eligibility requirements. Generally, a taxpayer may be able to take
   the credit for tax year 2006 if the taxpayer:

     * has more than one qualifying child and earns less than $36,348
       ($38,348 if married filing jointly),

     * has one qualifying child and earns less than $32,001 ($34,001 if
       married filing jointly), or

     * does not have a qualifying child and earns less than $12,120
       ($14,120 if married filing jointly).

   The maximum amount of investment income also increased to $2,800 for
   tax year 2006.

   The IRS reminds tax professionals that they must perform due
diligence
   when preparing an EITC tax return. To help, the IRS created an EITC
   Tax Preparer Electronic Toolkit which is available at
   www.eitcfortaxpreparers.com.

   In addition to on-line tools, the IRS also produces Publication 596,
   Earned Income Credit, which explains all the eligibility rules and
   also includes a worksheet to determine eligibility. The publication
is
   available in English and Spanish.

 

Jan 31

 ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL MARKETS ANTHONY W. RYAN   FEBRUARY
2007 QUARTERLY REFUNDING STATEMENT



   We are offering $38.0 billion of Treasury securities to refund
   approximately $35.1 billion of privately held securities maturing on
   February 15 and to raise approximately $2.9 billion.  The securities
   are:

     * A new 3-year note in the amount of $16.0 billion, maturing
       February 15, 2010;

     * A new 10-year note in the amount of $13.0 billion, maturing
       February 15, 2017;

     * A new 30-year bond in the amount of $9.0 billion, maturing
       February 15, 2037.

   These securities will be auctioned on a yield basis at 1:00 PM EST
on
   Tuesday, February 6; Wednesday, February 7; and Thursday, February
8,
   respectively.  All of these auctions will settle on Thursday,
February
   15.  The balance of our financing requirements will be met with
weekly
   bills, monthly 2-year and 5-year notes, the March 10-year note
   reopening and the April 5-year TIPS offering and the 10-year TIPS
   reopening.  Treasury also is likely to issue cash management bills
in
   March and April. Additional cash management bills may be required to
   manage volatility associated with tax refunds.

   New Treasury Auction System

   Treasury will soon begin testing its new auction system, which is
   designed to update existing technology, automate manual processes,
and
   continue to maintain the speed and reliability of the auction
process.
   We expect testing to continue until summer 2007.  Prior to
   implementation of the new system, Treasury will be asking dealers
and
   investors to participate in mock auctions and functionality testing.

   Debt Issuance Considerations

   In response to ongoing strength in receipts, Treasury has made
recent
   cuts in nominal and TIPS coupon issuance.  Continued strength in the
   fiscal outlook may necessitate additional adjustments to our
   marketable borrowing.  Treasury may need to reduce auction sizes
   further or institute changes in the frequency or composition of the
   current auction cycle.

   Accordingly, Treasury is considering options related to the 3-year
   note, including changing the frequency of issuance or eliminating
the
   issue. We will make any announcement regarding our decision on the
   3-year note at the May refunding.

   Regardless of our decision on the future of the 3-year note,
Treasury confirms that it will auction a 3-year note at the May 2007
quarterly refunding.

   Please send comments and suggestions on these subjects or others
   relating to Treasury debt management to
debt.management@do.treas.gov.

   The next quarterly refunding announcement will take place on
   Wednesday, May 2, 2007. 

 

Jan 29

 SECRETARY PAULSON HOLDS ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION  ON STATE OF U.S. ECONOMY 


   Secretary Henry M. Paulson will hold a roundtable with a group of
   economists today at the Treasury Department to discuss the state of
   the U.S. economy. Meeting participants will include:

   Lewis Alexander was appointed chief economist of Citigroup and the head of the
   Economic and Market Analysis (EMA) department of Citigroup Global
   Markets in April 2005. Previously, he served as the global head for
   emerging markets within EMA. In that role, Alexander directed the
work of economics teams covering Latin America, Central and Eastern
Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia (excluding Japan).

   Dick Berner is a managing director and the chief U.S. economist at Morgan
Stanley.
   Berner is responsible for directing the firm's forecasting and
   analysis of the U.S. economy and financial markets. Before joining
   Morgan Stanley in 1999, Berner was executive vice president and
chief economist at Mellon Bank Corporation and a member of Mellon Bank's
   Senior Management Committee.

   Gail Fosler is executive vice president and chief economist of The Conference
   Board. Fosler directs The Conference Board's worldwide Economics
   Research Program. Her unit now produces leading economic indicators
   for the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany,
   Japan, Korea, Mexico and Spain. Fosler also directs The Conference
   Board's global operations in key European and Pan-Asian markets,
   including China and the Middle East.

   Jim Glassman is a managing director and senior economist with J.P. Morgan Chase &
   Co. He works closely with the firm's chief investment officer,
   commercial banking, and government relations groups. He publishes
   independent research on the principal forces shaping the economy and
   financial markets. Glassman is a frequent commentator on economic
   policy issues.

   Peter Hooper

   joined Deutsche Bank Securities in the fall of 1999, first as chief
   international economist. He shortly thereafter assumed
   responsibilities as chief U.S. economist and became chief economist in
   2006. Hooper frequently comments on U.S. and global economic and
   financial developments in the news media.

   James Meil

   is chief economist with Eaton Corporation, a diversified industrial
   manufacturer with 2006 sales of $12.4 billion. At Eaton Corporation,
   Meil is responsible for domestic and international forecasts of
   economic conditions. He is a contributor to the Blue Chip Economic
   Indicators, Consensus Economics, USA Today and The Wall Street
Journal economic surveys and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's
   "Survey of Professional Forecasters."

   Mark Zandi is chief economist and co-founder of Moody's Economy.com, Inc.,
where he directs the company's research and consulting activities. Moody's
   Economy.com is an independent subsidiary of the Moody's Corporation
   and provides economic research and consulting services to
businesses,   governments and other institutions.

 

 TREASURY ANNOUNCES MARKET FINANCING ESTIMATES


   Treasury announced its current estimates of net marketable financing
   today for the January – March 2007 and April – June 2007 quarters:

     * Over the January – March 2007 quarter, the Treasury expects to
       borrow $141 billion of net marketable debt, assuming an
       end-of-March cash balance of $10 billion. The current estimate is
       $35 billion lower than announced in October 2006. Net receipts and
       outlays have improved by $17 billion. The remainder of the
       improvement comes from increased issuances of State and Local
       Government Series securities and adjustments in quarterly cash
       balances.

     * Over the April – June 2007 quarter, the Treasury expects to pay
       down $130 billion of net marketable debt, assuming an end-of-June
       cash balance of $30 billion.

   During the October – December 2006 quarter, Treasury borrowed $42
   billion of net marketable debt, finishing with a cash balance of $31
   billion at the end of December. In October 2006, Treasury announced
   net marketable borrowing of $63 billion, assuming an end-of-December
   cash balance of $30 billion. The decrease in borrowing was primarily
   the result of lower outlays and higher-than-expected net issuances of
   State and Local Government Series securities.

   Since 1997, the average absolute forecast error in net borrowing of
   marketable debt for the current quarter is $11 billion and the average
   absolute forecast error for the end-of-quarter cash balance is $9
   billion. Similarly, the average absolute forecast error for the
   following quarter is $34 billion and the average absolute forecast
   error for the end-of-quarter cash balance is $11 billion.

   Additional financing details relating to Treasury's Quarterly
   Refunding will be released at 9:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 31.

 

 U.S. INTERNATIONAL RESERVE POSITION



http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/200712911342814233.htm

 

 Jan 26

 

TREASURY TARGETS AL QAIDA FACILITATORS IN SOUTH AFRICA



   The U.S. Department of the Treasury today moved to designate two
South
   African individuals, Farhad Ahmed Dockrat and Junaid Ismail Dockrat,
   and a related entity for financing and facilitating al Qaida,
pursuant
   to Executive Order 13224.  This action freezes any assets the
   designees have under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibits transactions
   between U.S. persons and the designees.

   "Today's action targets two family members that have supported al
   Qaida – one by providing funds to Al Akhtar Trust, a
   globally-recognized al Qaida fundraiser, and another by facilitating
   travel for individuals to train in al Qaida camps," said Adam
Szubin,
   Director of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). 
"This
   designation freezes the Dockrats out of the U.S. financial system
and
   notifies the international community of the dangerous conduct in
which
   the Dockrats are engaged."

   Identifying Information

   Farhad Admed Dockrat
   AKAs: Farhaad Ahmed Dockrat
   Farhad Ahmad Dockrat
   Farhad Dockrat
   Ahmed Dockrat
   Farhaad Dockrat
   Farhad Docrate
   F. Dockrat
   Maulana Farhad Dockrat

   POB:
   Pretoria, South Africa

   DOB:
   28 February 1959

   Nationality:
   South African

   Address:
   386 Swanepoel Street, Erasmia, Pretoria, South Africa.

   Identification No.: 
   5902285162089/055 (South African)

   Passport:
   446333407 (South African, exp. 26 May 2014)

   Farhad Dockrat both finances and facilitates al Qaida.  In one
   example, Dockrat in 2001 provided over 400,000 South African Rand
   (approximately $62,900 US) to the Taliban ambassador to Pakistan to
be
   forwarded to al Akhtar Trust, an Afghanistan-based fundraiser for al
   Qaida.  Al Akhtar Trust was previously designated by the United
States
   under E.O. 13224 for its support to al Qaida.  Al Akhtar Trust is
also
   on the United Nations 1267 Committee's list of sanctioned
individuals
   and entities designated for providing support to al Qaida, Usama bin
   Ladin and the Taliban.

   Junaid Ismail Dockrat
   AKAs: Junaid Docrate
   Junaid Dockrat
   J.I. Dockrat
   Dr. Ahmed

   DOB:
   16 March 1971

   Address 1:  
   Johannesburg, South Africa

   Address 2:
   71 Fifth Avenue, Mayfair, South Africa 2108

   Address 3:
   P.O. Box 42928, Fordsburg, South Africa, 2033.

   Identification No.:
   7103165178083 (South African)

   Junaid Dockrat is an al Qaida financier, recruiter and facilitator.
   Junaid Dockrat in 2004 worked via phone and email with Al Qaida
   operations chief Hamza Rabi'a (now deceased) to coordinate the
travel
   of South Africans to Pakistan in order for them to train with al
   Qaida.  He is also responsible for raising US $120,000 that Rabi'a
   received in the spring of 2004.

   Sniper Africa
   AKAs: Sniper Outdoor CC  
   Sniper Outdoors CC  
   True Motives 1236 CC

   Address 1:
   40 Mint Road, Amoka Gardens, Fordsburg,
   Johannesburg, South Africa

   Address 2:
   P.O. Box 42928, Fordsburg, South Africa 2003

   Address 3:
   16 Gold Street, Carletonville, South Africa 2500

   Address 4:
   P.O. Box 28215, Kensington 2101 South Africa

   Website:
   www.sniperafrica.com

   Tax Number:  
   9113562152 (South African)

   Registration:
   200302847123 (South African)

   Sniper Dockrat is seventy percent (70%) owned by Junaid Ismail
   Dockrat.

 

Jan 23

 

ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL FOR AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE, AND FLEXIBLE
HEALTH COVERAGE



   In his State of the Union Address, President Bush will announce
   proposals to make health insurance available and affordable for more
   Americans. The new standard deduction for health insurance will make
   the tax system more progressive, with the benefits concentrated on
   low- and middle-income Americans, and will increase the number of
   people with health insurance.

   Taxes as a percent of income would fall for the first four quintiles
-
   the bottom 80 percent of the population.

Magic Coverage

 

 

Strategic Partners to Show New Classroom School Uniform® Styles & Unveil Cherokee Authentic Workwear ®

at MAGIC Kids North Hall– Booth K-10217

CHATSWORTH, CA, February 8, 2007 – Strategic Partners Inc., makers of Classroom® School Uniforms, a leading provider of school uniforms for public and private schools, announced today it will unveil its 2007 School Uniform line at MAGIC Kids February 13th- February 16,th 2007 along with it’s Cherokee Authentic Workwear® line geared toward working men and women.

As school uniform programs continue to increase Classroom® continues to offer the standardized dress these schools require, the comfort, fit and style students want, and the affordability parents need.  A year’s worth of Classroom School Uniforms retails between $120-150.

For the 2007 season, Classroom is pleased to offer new styles and quantities to compliment its already best selling school uniform program. This season, retailers at MAGIC Kids will see:

  • A tailored girls pant to offer a more contemporary look.
  • A new flat front, relaxed fit pant for boys appropriate for school and beyond.
  • Increased quantities of uniforms for pre schoolers (2T-4T and 4-6x) to meet growing demand.
  • A wider selection of cotton/poly fleece.
  • Expanded size ranges now from 2T-XXXL Adult.

In addition to Classroom’s new styles and sizing options for Classroom School Uniforms, Strategic Partners is pleased to introduce its comprehensive workwear line, Cherokee Authentic Workwear. The introduction of Cherokee Authentic Workwear meets the growing demand of businesses and schools looking to use workwear for their male and female employees.

“As with school uniforms, the right fit, a high level of inventory and the ability to consistently price apparel throughout all sizes is essential when creating a brand with staying power.” says Andy Beattie, SVP of the School and Service Apparel Division of Strategic Partners. “Introducing Cherokee Authentic Workwear at MAGIC this year bridges the gap schools and businesses have been looking for.” 

With the latest data stating that more than 50 percent of working women are in non-office jobs, the Cherokee Authentic Workwear line is individually tailored for both men’s and women’s silhouettes.

“Our philosophy of being a partner to our retailers and schools across the country is important.  These two brands help our retailers, schools and customers offer a comprehensive selection for all,” adds Beattie.
 

To learn more about Classroom School Uniforms or Cherokee Authentic Workwear please talk to Andy Beattie and Bill Bosch, VP of Sales for School & Service Apparel, at MAGIC Kids booth # K-10217 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

About Strategic Partners:

Strategic Partners Inc. is a nationally recognized uniform manufacture serving the   healthcare, school, hospitality and workwear industries. With many brands including Cherokee Uniforms, Classroom School Uniforms, Cherokee Authentic Workwear, and Rockers Footwear, Strategic Partners is the leader in the design of fashionable and comfortable uniforms. Our products range from Pre-School to Men’s and Ladies and are sold in retail stores nationwide.

 

Leather Protected with New DuPont™ Hydrology™ Leather Tanning Science Weathers Everything from Rain, Sleet, and Snow to Washing Machines

Hydrology™ Makes Leather Weather-Resistant, Washable-Dryable, & Leather Retains Original Fit

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 5, 2006 – DuPont is announcing a breakthrough technology for leather products that withstands rainstorms outside, and washing machines at home.

The new DuPont system for tanning leather, called Hydrology™, offers a suite of extraordinary attributes that have never been available together for leather: weather-resistance, washable and dryable in household appliances, colorfast, breathable, stain- and soil- resistant.

“With DuPont™ Hydrology™, you can finally wear suede and natural leather in any weather. These leather products look, feel, and smell of natural leather, are washer-dryer safe, and retain their original fit,” said Tom Samples, business manager, DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise. “It’s DuPont science at its best, bringing freedom through innovation.”  

“Hydrology™ is a major leap forward for consumer products. It takes leather goods to an entirely new level. We’re looking forward to offering our customers products protected with DuPont™ Hydrology™ leather tanning science,” said Tom Lewis, president, Boston Harbour, LLC.  He further added, “Not only is this technology desired and creates unique products, but it also delivers the fashion that the market wants -- garment washed leathers.”

Leather protected by Hydrology™ will soon be available for products such as coats and jackets, handbags, hats, gloves, shoes, boots, briefcases, luggage and pillows.

And, products protected by Hydrology™ will provide consumers with superior stain and soil resistance, achieved by using DuPont™ Teflon® technology.

Hydrology™ has been studied and tested through hours of severe simulated rain testing, and consistently demonstrates performance better than competitively treated leathers.  For example, in flex testing leather with Hydrology™ achieves more than 150,000 flexes versus competitive standards of 30,000 flexes. And, when you wash leather with Hydrology™, it dries in half the time of competitively treated leather.

DuPont showcased the new leather tanning system at the ACLE (All China Leather Expo) in Shanghai on Sept., 5, 2006

DuPont has already certified a number of tanneries globally to utilize the Hydrology™ leather tanning science. The company works closely with each tannery to customize the technology to maximize results based upon the leather substrate. DuPont™ Hydrology™ employs a total systems approach to tanning the leather and delivers a deep penetrating protection against weather, nature’s elements, stains* and soil.

Consumers can expect to see leather products protected by Hydrology™ in 2007.

“Hydrology™ now makes it possible for designers in the hospitality industry to use leather in ways in which they couldn’t even conceive before,” said Bill Chionis, president, Divine Products.  “We believe the response to this amazing product will be overwhelming once the industry has the opportunity to experience it.”

For more information about DuPont™ Hydrology™, visit www.hydrology.dupont.com 

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

#   #   #

9/5/06

* Stain and soil protection achieved by using DuPont™ Teflon® technology

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, Hydrology™, and Teflon® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont.

Contact:                                                           Carolmarie Brown

                                                                        302-892-8268 – office

                                                                        302-353-8917 - cell phone

carolmarie.c.brown@usa.dupont.com

FACT SHEET

DuPont™ Hydrology™ Leather Tanning Science

Leather protected with Hydrology™ offers a variety of benefits, including: 

  • Weather-resistant: Leather repels water – making it safe to wear even in the worst weather conditions.

  • Fast Drying: Resists water absorption and dries in half the time of conventionally tanned leather.

  • Washable / Dryable in household appliances: Convenient and easy to care for, and leather products retain their original fit.

  • Colorfast: Colors don’t bleed or fade as the leather becomes wet or is laundered; Color won’t rub off.

  • Breathable: Leather stays soft and supple even after multiple wash- dry cycles; And, because the leather is breathable it provides excellent air moisture management and comfort.

  • Stain- and soil- resistant: Using DuPont™ Teflon® technology, leather repels dirt, grime and water-based stains such as coffee, tea, fruit drinks, sodas and ketchup. Stains wash out easily.

 

Aline Alcantara a Brazilian based International Designer Announces Plans to Unveil her Exclusive Intimate Apparel Collection at the WWDMAGIC Show in Las Vegas

 Aline Alcantara and her film famous Pomeranian “Cashmere” will arrive in Las Vegas on February 11th for a series of events and celebrations leading up to her first ever United States apparel launch.  The official launch will take place on February 13th thru 16th at the WWDMAGIC Show inside the Las Vegas Convention Center , with the unveiling of her exclusive intimate apparel collection. 

The collection will include a range of products from ultra high end lingerie to casual sleepwear.  With the use of contemporary textiles such as imported polyamide, polyester and detailed embroidery Alcantara creates a form fitting comfort that reaffirms the confidence of any body shape.   The collection will be exhibited at the official Aline Alcantara booth, to be located at CO 16136 inside the Contemporary Category. 

“Our objective in the United State is very simple”, said designer Aline Alcantara.  “In Brazil , it is always gratifying for us to hear about the positive reaction our customers have to our products.  Now, we simply want to replicate that experience here in the United States .  With the influence and assistance of our Brazilian models living in the states today, we look forward to achieving an equal level of success.” 

About Aline Alcantara Inc.

Aline Alcantara Inc. is a privately owned and operated corporation in Brazil founded by designer Aline Alcantara.  The corporation has experienced tremendous growth fueled primarily by its wholesale business to high end boutiques throughout Brazil .  The Aline Alcantara product line currently consists of intimate apparel, sleepwear, jeans and accessories marketed under multiple labels.  The company’s key plans for 2007 include an international launch of their products, the placement of their products at major department stores throughout the world and the expansion of their current product line. 

 

Handloom Weavers of India’ to exhibit animal-friendly alternative to banned world-famous luxury shawl

Handloom Weavers of India, an indigenous manufacturer of exotic shawls and fabrics, has developed a natural, handspun and hand-woven shawl, known as the Shahmina, as an alternative to Shahtoosh.

The Shahmina rivals the Shahtoosh (illegal product) as the softest, warmest and lightest fabric known to man. It is the ultimate in super-fine cashmere or Pashminas. As the name of suggests (Shah = King) the Shahmina is the king of the Pashminas.

Shahmina fibre is derived from the first shearing of a high-altitude mountain goat-baby/baby Pashmina. Found in the plateau regions of the Himalayas and other areas of Tibet and Ladakh, this so called “virgin wool” gives the Shahmina -the environmentally friendly alternative to the world-famous Shahtoosh (luxury shawl, banned from any trade as it involves the mass slaughter of Tibetan antelopes/Cheeru)

fibre from the first shearing of a high-altitude mountain goat-baby/baby . Found in the plateau regions of the Himalayas and other areas of Tibet and Ladakh, this so called “virgin wool” gives the -the environmentally friendly alternative to the world-famous (luxury shawl, banned from trade as it involves the mass slaughter of Tibetan antelopes/

The shawls will be exhibited at stall # 20156, Sourcing at Magic Marketplace from February 13 to 16, 2007 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

A result of two decades of innovation and research, the Shahmina is available in an extensive range of colors, prints and designs. Some shawls are painstakingly hand-embroidered with silk by our skilled artisans and sometimes a shawl can take up to 2 years to embroider by one craftsman.

These shawls are endorsed and are being promoted by the Wildlife Protection Society of India and are not stained with the blood or any animal.

 

 

 

HICKEY FALL 2007: AND THE BRAND PLAYED ON

America’s Favorite Brand Shows its Dark Side

New York, NY (January, 2007) – Without losing its quirky edginess, the fashion forward line from Hickey Freeman, hickey, shows its dark side for Fall 2007. Unveiling at the Project shows in New York and Las Vegas, and Traffic in Miami, the line continues to offer fresh, whimsical pieces cut for the man that is styled more by attitude than age. Inspired by a vintage concert poster from the sixties, the line takes their “twist” on preppy Americana one step further with color stories: The Dirty Scots, Atlantic Rancher, and Parochial Punk.

The Dirty Scots characterizes the darker side of typical Scottish attire.  The usual country colors have been taken into the darkest register and fabrics have been heavily weathered, garment washed, and distressed to evoke the feeling of having been in a closet for ten years. Key pieces include the mink fur lined shooting jacket, the quilted nylon blazer, murky antique-manor paisley sport coats, and beautiful dark mélange knit polos. 

Atlantic Rancher epitomizes the utilitarian workingman of the Atlantic Ocean. Set during autumn in New England, colors appear salt washed, and cast the dark blue stormy skies against the deep navy Atlantic before a storm.  Key pieces include modified fisherman knits, a pea coat with rubber coated blazer buttons, and nautical shawl collared sweaters.  Fisherman inspired utility pants feature stitched down patch pockets on the front and big cargo pockets on back. Performance and function is forefront in this story of rustic lifestyle pieces.

 Parochial Punk takes your typical schoolboy and mixes him up with some controversial elements: the wrong attitude, the wrong crowd and the right clothes.  Dare to dress the hickey bad boy in his parochial school uniform and watch his inner rebel break out.  Traditional Prince of Wales suits, merino wool vests, oxford button down shirts, and club ties are all twisted with punk spirit and done in a color pallet of grays, blacks, and bloodbath red. Adding to the current leaf, griffin, fishbone, mud flap girl, and moonshine jug; new motifs this season include the skull and crossbones and the twig and berries.  All motifs are woven on club ties as well as our new customizable polo.

The hickey collection reflects Hickey Freeman's penchant for American luxury, combining legendary tailoring with the highest quality fabrics, updated with a modern fit. Slimmer overall silhouettes, plain-front pants that sit lower on the waist, and details such as shorter body lengths and higher armholes in jackets define the collection.  hickey appeals to the modern man who appreciates the highest quality in fabric and tailoring, yet is not held back by the conformity of traditional suiting.  Fall 2007 marks the fifth collection for hickey, which is available at fine retailers nationwide.

Hickey Freeman is an American luxury brand that has been manufacturing refined men’s tailored clothing in the United States for more than one hundred years. Hickey-Freeman Co., Inc., is a subsidiary of Hartmarx Corporation. Hartmarx produces and markets business, casual and golf apparel for both men and women through a broad range of retail channels.

 

Feb 5

VISTA GLOBAL BRANDS FORMS NATIONAL SALES TEAM
FOR BORN MENSWEAR LINE
Fashion Industry Veteran Nicholas Bianchini Named V.P. of Sales
Unveils New Accessories Line and Expands Office/Showroom Space
GUILFORD, CT – February 5, 2007 - Vista Global Brands, an international firm that designs, manufactures, builds and enhances global brands, announced today that it has named Nicholas Bianchini Vice President of Sales for its licensed BornTM Menswear line. In this role, Mr. Bianchini will be responsible for overseeing the national sales team and will report to CEO Matthew Vander Wyden. 
In addition to the new sales team, the Company also announced several key strategic growth initiatives including the launch of its new accessories line and the expansion of office/showroom space.
“We are excited to attract an industry talent like Nicholas to Vista Global Brands as he will be invaluable in helping Born reach its full potential as a premier lifestyle brand,” commented Matthew Vander Wyden.  “We are also pleased to announce the launch of our accessories line for fall 2007, which will underscore the same fashion, functionality and attention to detail as our men’s apparel line.  Going forward our new showroom/office space will allow us to showcase the Born apparel and accessories lines as well as support our future growth initiatives.”
Names New V.P. of Sales and Sales Team
Mr. Bianchini has over 14 years of sales, merchandising and buying experience in the men’s fashion industry.  Most recently, Mr. Bianchini was the National Sales Manager for Gant , USA where he was responsible for managing 65 high volume and prestigious specialty store accounts as well as select Federated doors and Marshall Fields.   Prior to that, Mr. Bianchini was the National Sales Manager for Paul & Shark , USA , where he efficiently implemented and executed strategic sales and marketing initiatives for high profile accounts including Neiman Marcus and Bloomindales. 
As part of this announcement Vista Global Brands has also hired several new sales personnel to support the overall growth of the Born Menswear Line in better specialty and select department store accounts.
  • Jill Nakashima, West Coast Sales Director, was previously a sales representative for Tommy Bahama Women’s, where she successfully built and maintained Department and Specialty Store accounts selling Tommy Bahama, Indigo Palms and Tommy Bahama Women’s Swimwear.
  • Christian Norman, Sales Representative/Merchandise Coordinator, has over 10 years sales and product development experience.  Most recently, he worked at Max Leather Group/Cipriani Accessories, where he developed and sold all licensed cold weather accessories for Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Sean John and CK.
  • The Company has also hired a number of independent sales representatives to cover the Southeast, Southwest and Central United States .  All will report to Nicholas Bianchini.
New Accessories Line to Debut at Magic
The Company also announced the launch of its new accessories line that will be available in fall 2007 in leading specialty retailers and select department stores. The line will debut at Magic in February, 2007, and will include men’s cold weather accessories such as men’s knit headwear, knit scarves, knit gloves and leather gloves; headwear featuring baseball caps and fashion style baseball caps; bags including duffle bags, backpacks, and messengers; and gift such as shoe shine kits and manicure sets.
Showroom and Office Space Expansion
To support the continued growth of it brand, Vista Global Brands has added office space in New York at 234 Fifth Avenue . Futhermore, the Company will be adding new showroom space this spring to accommodate the Company’s men’s apparel and accessories lines.
About Vista Global Brands
Vista Global Brands is an international firm that builds and enhances global apparel brands by providing unparalleled resources in such areas as investment, design, product development, manufacturing and distribution.  Established in 1988, the firm is distinguished by an experienced management team, the strong financial support of SB Capital, and access to worldwide manufacturing capacity.  Vista Global has worked with a portfolio of leading brands including, Asics, Beretta, Italy and USA, Born, Calvin Klein Women’s Knits, Harold’s Stores, Footjoy, Prince, Dexter, Nordica, Trek and European Retailers.  Brands supported by Vista Global are sold in leading department and specialty stores.

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     Feb 12

    Street Closures Announced for 79th Academy Awards®

    Beverly Hills, CA — To ensure public safety, support security strategies and facilitate the production of the 79th Academy Awards show, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the City of Los Angeles have finalized street closure plans in and around the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood.

    To accommodate the construction of press risers, fan bleachers and pre-show stages along the Academy Awards red carpet, Hollywood Boulevard will be closed between Highland Avenue and Orange Drive beginning at 10 p.m. on Sunday, February 18. It will reopen at 6 a.m. on February 19, and then will close again at 10 p.m. that same day, remaining closed until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27.

    MTA subway trains will bypass the Hollywood & Highland station after the last regularly scheduled train on Saturday, February 24, until 6 a.m. Monday, February 26. Service at the station will resume with the first scheduled train after 6 a.m.

    Between Monday, February 19, and Sunday, February 25, the day of the Academy Awards presentation, additional streets and sidewalks will be closed for varying periods.

    Details of the closures and maps of affected areas are available from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the Sixth and Thirteenth District City Council field offices, and on the Academy's Web site, www.oscars.org/closures.

    Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®. The Oscars® will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour red carpet arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

    Full sidewalk and street closures info can be found at www.oscars.org/closures.

    ©A.M.P.A.S.® 

    Feb 9

     

     

    79TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS® OSCAR® QUIZ

    (NOTE: Facts confirmed as of the 78th Academy Awards. Please contact the Academy's Communications Department if you have any questions regarding these facts as they relate to 79th Academy Award nominees.)

    1. Name the two motion picture trilogies that have received a Best Picture nomination for each installment.

    "The Godfather" trilogy in 1972, 1974 and 1990 and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

          2.  Who is the youngest Best Actress nominee to date?

    Keisha Castle-Hughes, at 13, for "Whale Rider" in 2003.

          3.  Who is the youngest male to win a Best Actor Oscar?

    Adrien Brody, at 29 years and 343 days, became the youngest male to win for Best Actor, in 2002 for "The Pianist." Richard Dreyfuss, who held the title for 25 years, was 30 years and 156 days when he won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in "The Goodbye Girl" in 1977.

    1. Who is the only American woman to be nominated in the Directing category?

    Sofia Coppola in 2003 for "Lost in Translation." Other women nominated in the Directing category are Lina Wertmiiller in 1976, for "Seven Beauties," and Jane Campion in 1993, for "The Piano."

    1. Name the two most-nominated films and how many nominations they received.

    "All about Eve" (1950) and "Titanic" (1997), 14 nominations. Eight other motion pictures have received 13 nominations.

    --more--

    79th Oscar Quiz 2-2-2-2-2-2

          6.  Who has received the most acting nominations?

    Meryl Streep, with 13. At the 75th Academy Awards, her nomination for Supporting Actress in "Adaptation" broke a tie with Katharine Hepburn. All of Hepburn's nominations were for performances in leading roles, while Streep's include recognition for ten leading roles and three supporting ones.

    1. Who is the most-nominated male performer?

    His 12th nomination, in 2002 for his leading performance in "About Schmidt" allowed Jack Nicholson to extend his lead. Laurence Olivier has received ten nominations for acting (Olivier was also nominated in the Directing category and received two Honorary Oscars®). Spencer Tracy and Paul Newman have each received nine acting nominations.

    1. What is the only film adapted from a teleplay to win a Best Picture Oscar?

    "Marty," in 1955.

    1. Name the two families that boast three generations of Oscarwinning talent.

    With Sofia Coppola's win in 2003 for her original screenplay for "Lost in Translation," the Coppolas became the second family to have three generations of Oscar winners, with Carmine, Francis Ford and Sofia having won. The first were the Hustons: Walter, John and Anjelica.

          10.  Name the only two married couples to win Oscars for acting.

    Laurence Olivier (1948) and Vivien Leigh (1951) (who were not yet married when Leigh won her first Academy Award® for Best Actress in 1939); Paul Newman (1986) and Joanne Woodward (1957).

    1. Name the only two pairs of performers nominated for playing the same character in the same film.

    Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt Bukater and Gloria Stuart as Old Rose in "Titanic" (1997) and Kate Winslet as Young Iris Murdoch and Judi Dench as Iris Murdoch in "Iris" (2001).

    --more--


     

     

    79th Oscar Quiz 3-3-3-3-3-3

    1. One character in movie history was played by two different actors in two different films, with each performance earning an Academy A ward. Name the performers and the role they shared.

    Marlon Brando won a Best Actor Oscar in 1972 for his performance as Don Vito Corleone in "The Godfather," and in 1974, Robert De Niro won a Supporting Actor Oscar for playing Vito Corleone in "The Godfather Part IL"

          13.  What was unusual about the second of those performances?

    It was the only Oscar-winning performance in an American picture in which all of the character's dialogue was in a foreign language (Italian).

    1. Name the individuals with the most Oscars for directing and the most nominations for directing.

    The director to receive the most Academy Awards is John Ford, who took home Os cars four of the five times he was nominated (he also received a nomination for Best Picture). The director to receive the most directing nominations is William Wyler, with 12. His three wins rank him just behind Ford (and tied with Frank Capra).

    1. Blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo won a 1956 Oscar under an assumed name. What name did he use?

    Trumbo's story for "The Brave One" had been written under the pseudonym "Robert Rich." No one came to the podium to receive the award when Rich's name was announced, and Trumbo did not receive his statuette until 1975, a year before his death. Trumbo received a second Oscar posthumously, for his story for "Roman Holiday" (1953), which had originally been credited to Trumbo's friend and fellow writer, Ian McLellan Hunter.

    1. Of the 78 films named Best Picture, only three have been Westerns. Name them and the years in which they won.

    "Cimarron" in 1930/31, "Dances With Wolves" in 1990 and "Unforgiven" in 1992.

    1. Who was the first black performer to win an Oscar?

    Hattie McDaniel, for her supporting performance in 1939's "Gone with the Wind."

    --more--


     

     

    79th Oscar Quiz 4-4-4-4-4-4

    1. Name the only director in Oscar history to direct both his father and his daughter in Academy Award-winning performances.

    Walter Huston was Best Supporting Actor of 1948 for "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre," directed by his son John Huston. Thirty-seven years later John Huston directed "Prizzi's Honor," for which his daughter Anjelica was named Best Supporting Actress.

    1. Name the only persons to direct themselves to an Oscar-winning performance.

    Laurence Olivier, who was named Best Actor in 1948 for "Hamlet," also directed the film. Roberto Benigni directed "Life Is Beautiful," for which he was named Best Actor in 1998.

    1. What film holds the record for an awards sweep, winning in all the categories for which it was nominated?

    "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003) with 11 awards for 11 nominations. Two films, "Gigi" (1958) and "The Last Emperor" (1987), won 9 awards for 9 nominations. "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946) won 8 awards for 8 nominations.

    12/06 - "Oscar®," "Oscars®," "Academy Awards®," "Academy Award®," "A.M.P.A.S.®" and "Oscar Night®·· are the trademarks, and the ©Oscar® statuette is the registered design mark and copyrighted property, of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

     

    Sid Ganis President

          Sid Ganis was elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in August 2005.

         He has been a governor representing the public relations branch for 19 years, and served as first vice president of the Academy for the two years prior to his election as president. During his presidency, he will continue to serve as one of the three governors representing his branch.

         Ganis was first elected to the Board of Governors in 1973 and served until 1977. He served another two years in 1979-1981 and was elected to the Academy board again in 1992, beginning a term. that stretched the maximum nine consecutive years. He was returned by his branch in 2002 for a three-year term and was re-elected this year for three more years.

         Chair of the Academy's General Membership Committee for the past two years, Ganis also has served as chair of the Public Relations Branch Executive Committee and two Academy Awards committees, the Governors Ball Committee and the Public Relations Coordinating Committee. In addition he has served as a member of the technical and production subcommittees of the General Membership Committee.

         Ganis founded Out of the Blue ... Entertainment in 1996 following a career as an executive at several major studios. Based at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, Out of the Blue found success with its first two productions: Columbia Pictures' "Big Daddy'" starring Adam Sandler, and Touchstone Pictures' "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo," starring Rob Schneider. Out of the Blue enjoyed continued success in 2002, with "Mr. Deeds," starring Sandler and Winona Ryder, for Columbia Pictures, and "The Master of Disguise," starring Dana Carvey, for Revolution Studios and Columbia Pictures.

          Out of the Blue currently is in post-production on the upcomIng "Akeelah and the Bee" for Lions Gate Entertainment, a family drama starring Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett and newcomer Keke Palmer. Out of the Blue ... Entertainment also is producing "I Dream of Jeannie" for Columbia Pictures, to be directed by Gurinder Chadha C'Bend It Like Beckham"), as well as the horror/thriller "Water's Edge" for Constantin Films.

         Prior to founding Out of the Blue ... , Ganis held various positions at Sony Pictures, including vice chairman of Columbia Pictures and president of worldwide marketing for Columbia/Tristar Motion Picture Companies. While at Sony, Ganis developed successful and innovative marketing campaigns for "A League of Their Own," "A River Runs through It," "A Few Good Men," "Groundhog Day," "In the Line of Fire," "The Age of Innocence" and "The Remains of the Day," among others.

          Prior to joining Sony Pictures, Ganis served for five years at Paramount Pictures. as president of the motion picture group, and before that he was the studio's president of world-wide marketing.

          Previously, Ganis served as senior vice president of Lucasfilm, Ltd., working closely with George Lucas on the production and marketing of "The Empire Strikes Back," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Return of the Jedi" and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom." Ganis won an Emmy for producing the PBS documentary "The Making of Raiders .... "

    In addition to his Academy position, Ganis serves on the boards of Film Independent (FIND), the University of California, Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive and the San Francisco Film Society (SFFF). ###

     

     

    Brief History of the Oscar(C) 

    Shortly after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was incorporated in 1927, a dinner was held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles to discuss the goals of the new organization. One of those goals was devising a method of honoring outstanding achievements, thus encouraging higher levels of quality in all facets of motion picture production.

    Once the decision had been made to institute an award, a major item of business was the creation of a trophy to symbolize film achievement. MGM art director Cedric Gibbons designed the statuette and Los Angeles sculptor George Stanley was selected to bring to three-dimensional form the figure of a knight standing on a reel of film, hands gripping a sword. The Academy’s world-renowned statuette was born.

    Since the initial awards banquet on May 16, 1929, in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s Blossom Room, 2,622 statuettes have been presented. Each January, additional new golden statuettes are cast, molded, polished and buffed by R.S. Owens & Company, the Chicago-based awards specialty company retained by the Academy since 1982 to make the award.

    Oscar stands 131/2 inches tall and weighs a robust 81/2 pounds. The design of the statuette has never changed from its original conception, but the size of the base varied until the present standard was adopted in 1945. Officially named the Academy Award® of Merit, the statuette is better known by its nickname, Oscar, the origins of which aren’t clear. A popular story has been that Academy librarian and eventual executive director Margaret Herrick thought it resembled her Uncle Oscar and said so, and that the Academy staff began referring to it as Oscar. In any case, by the sixth Awards presentation in 1934, Hollywood columnist Sidney Skolsky used the name in his column in reference to Katharine Hepburn’s first Best Actress win. The Academy itself didn’t use the nickname officially until 1939.

    The 15 statuettes presented at the initial ceremonies were gold-plated solid bronze. Within a few years the bronze was abandoned in favor of britannia metal, a pewter-like alloy, which made it easier to give the statuettes their smooth finish. Due to the metals shortage during World War II, Oscars® were made of painted plaster for three years. Following the war, all of the awarded plaster figures were redeemed for gold-plated metal ones.

    Achievements in up to 24 regular categories will be honored on February 25, 2007, at the 79th Academy Awards® presentation at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®. However, the Academy won’t know how many statuettes it will actually hand out until the envelopes are opened on Oscar Night®. Although the number of categories and special awards will be known prior to the ceremony, the possibility of ties and of multiple recipients sharing the prize in some categories makes the exact number of Oscar statuettes to be awarded unpredictable. As in previous years, any surplus awards will be housed in the Academy’s vault until next year’s event.

    “Each Oscar statuette is individually hand-crafted,” says Scott Siegel, president of R.S. Owens. “This statuette is only a tiny portion of our overall business, but it makes us known all around the world. No other award is as universally recognized as the Oscar, and we treat it with the extra-special tender loving care that it deserves. We are extremely proud that the Academy has entrusted its manufacture to us.”

    Except in years when the Academy created a publicity event out of the delivery of the Oscars from Chicago to Los Angeles, they normally were sent overland by common carrier. However, in 2000, only a few weeks before the presentation date, that year’s shipment of Oscars was stolen from the overland carrier’s loading dock. They were recovered a week later, but not before some nerve-wracking days had passed. Since then, the Academy has had the statuettes delivered on a special United Air Lines flight and has kept a ceremony’s-worth of statuettes on hand.

    The Oscar statuette is the most recognized award in the world. Its success as a symbol of achievement in filmmaking would doubtless amaze those who attended that dinner nearly 80 years ago, as well as its designer, Cedric Gibbons.

    It stands today, as it has since 1929, without peer, on the mantels of the greatest filmmakers in history.

     

    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


     

    Oscar Movie Quotes

    You throw money around like it was money. All the King's Men Robert Rossen 1949
    Follow the money. All the President's Men William Goldman 1976
    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. American Beauty Alan Ball 1999
    I love it when guys peel out. American Graffiti George Lucas, Gloria Katz, Willard Huyck 1973
    When you're in love with a married man, you shouldn't wear mascara. The Apartment Billy Wilder, I.A.L. Diamond 1960
    The horror. The horror. Apocalypse Now John Milius, Francis Ford Coppola 1979
    An Englishman never jokes about a wager, sir. Around the World in 80 Days James Poe, John Farrow, S.J. Perelman 1956
    You make me want to be a better man. As Good As It Gets Mark Andrus, James L. Brooks 1997
    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? Ben-Hur Karl Tunberg 1959
    I've seen nothing. I should have stayed home and found out what was really going on. The Best Years of Our Lives Robert E. Sherwood 1946
    All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. The Bridge on the River Kwai Pierre Boulle, Carl Foreman, Michael Wilson 1957
    I wish I knew how to quit you. Brokeback Mountain Larry McMurty, Diana Ossana 2005
    Think you used enough dynamite there, Butch? Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid William Goldman 1969
    Here's looking at you, kid. Casablanca Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, Howard Koch 1943
    Give 'em the old razzle dazzle. Chicago Bill Condon 2002
    Well, to tell ya the truth, I lied a little. Chinatown Robert Towne 1974
    Rosebud. Citizen Kane Herman J. Mankiewicz, Orson Welles 1941
    What we got here is failure to communicate. Cool Hand Luke Donn Pearce, Frank R. Pierson 1967
    Stanley, ya see this? This is this. This ain't something else. This is this. From now on, you're on your own. The Deer Hunter Michael Cimino, Deric Washburn, Louis Garfinkle, Quinn K. Redeker 1978
    Attica! Attica! Dog Day Afternoon Frank Pierson 1975
    Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the War Room. Dr. Strangelove Stanley Kubrick, Peter George, Terry Southern 1964
    E.T. phone home. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Melissa Mathison 1982
    I am not an animal. I am a human being. I am a man. The Elephant Man Christopher DeVore, Eric Bergen, David Lynch 1980
    You can't handle the truth! A Few Good Men Aaron Sorkin 1992
    If you build it, he will come. Field of Dreams Phil Alden Robinson 1989
    My Momma always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. Forrest Gump Eric Roth 1994
    This is Doyle. I'm sittin' on Frog One. The French Connection Ernest Tidyman 1971
    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 Here to Eternity Daniel Taradash 1953
    You don't want much. You just want the moon. ...with parsley! Gentleman's Agreement Moss Hart 1947
    Such stupidity is without equal in the entire history of human relations. Gigi Alan Jay Lerner 1958
    My name is Gladiator. Gladiator David Franzoni, John Logan, William Nicholson 2000
    I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse. The Godfather Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola 1972
    No, a golf course is nothing but a pool room moved outdoors. Going My Way Leo McCarey, Frank Butler, Frank Cavett 1944
    Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn! Gone with the Wind Sidney Howard 1939
    Can't you see I have you Chump? Get me some sviskey! The Great Ziegfeld William Anthony McGuire 1936
    Frailty, thy name is woman! Hamlet Laurence Olivier 1948
    They call me MISTER Tibbs! In the Heat of the Night Stirling Silliphant 1967
    Show me the money! Jerry Maguire Cameron Crowe 1996
    You had me at hello. Jerry Maguire Cameron Crowe 1996
    Off the record, on the QT, and very Hush-Hush. L.A. Confidential Brian Helgeland, Curtis Hanson 1997
    No prisoners! No prisoners! Lawrence of Arabia Robert Bolt, Michael Wilson 1962
    Frodo! The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson 2001
    One's too many and a hundred's not enough! The Lost Weekend Charles Brackett, Billy Wilder 1945
    I'm walking here! I'm walking here! Midnight Cowboy Waldo Salt 1969
    Snap out of it! Moonstruck John Patrick Shanley 1987
    I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore! Network Paddy Chayefsky 1976
    Want to dance? Or would you rather just suck face? On Golden Pond Ernest Thompson 1981
    I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am. On the Waterfront Budd Schulberg 1954
    Hit me, Chief! I got the moves! One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest Lawrence Hauben, Bo Goldman 1975
    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! Patton Francis Ford Coppola, Edmund H. North 1970
    Shut up! Shup up and take the pain! Take the pain! Platoon Oliver Stone 1986
    In case I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight. Pretty Woman J.F. Lawton 1990
    Do I ice 'er? Do I marry 'er? Prizzi's Honor Richard Condon, Janet Roach 1985
    Ten minutes to Wapner. Rain Man Ronald Bass, Barry Morrow 1988
    Don't jive me, man. Ray Taylor Hackford, James L. White 2004
    I'm asking you to marry me, you little fool. Rebecca Robert E. Sherwood, Joan Harrison, Philip MacDonald, Michael Hogan 1940
    Who was the best pilot I ever saw? Well, uh, you're lookin' at 'im. The Right Stuff Philip Kaufman 1983
    The truth, Helen, is always the right answer. Schindler's List Steven Zaillian 1993
    You don't throw a whole life away just 'cause it's banged up a little. Seabiscuit Gary Ross 2003
    I am a dead man and buggered to boot. Shakespeare in Love Marc Norman, Tom Stoppard 1998
    No, if anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving. Sideways Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor 2004
    Good evening, Clarice. The Silence of the Lambs Ted Tally 1991
    The Von Trapp children don't play. They march. The Sound of Music Ernest Lehman 1965
    The Force is strong with this one! Star Wars George Lucas 1977
    STEL-LA! A Streetcar Named Desire Tennessee Williams 1951
    All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my closeup. Sunset Blvd. Charles Bracket, Billy Wilder, D.M. Marshman,Jr. 1950
    Wind in the hair! Lead in the pencil! Terms of Endearment James L. Brooks 1983
    I'm the king of the world! Titanic James Cameron 1997
    It is widely held that too much wine will dull a man's desire. Indeed it will, in a dull man. Tom Jones John Osborne 1963
    Open the pod bay doors, HAL. 2001: A Space Odyssey Stanley Kubrick, Arthur C. Clarke 1968
    Greed is good. Wall Street Oliver Stone, Stanley Weiser 1987
    We won't bite you--till we know you better. West Side Story Ernest Lehman 1961
    Hope that was an empty bottle George! You can't afford to waste good liquor, not on your salary! Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Ernest Lehman 1966
    I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too! The Wizard of Oz Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, Edgar Allen Woolf 1939
    Sometimes you're so beautiful it just gags me. You Can't Take It with You Robert Riskin 1938

     

    Daniel Craig to Make First Oscar® Show Appearance

    Beverly Hills, CA — Actor Daniel Craig will be a presenter for the 79th Academy Awards® ceremony, telecast producer Laura Ziskin announced today. This will be his first time presenting for the Academy Awards.

    Craig starred as James Bond in “Casino Royale” in the latest installment in the Bond series. His other film credits include “Munich,” “Layer Cake,” “The Jacket,” “Sylvia,” and “Road to Perdition.” Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

    The Oscars® will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour red carpet arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

    # # #

    Will Ferrell
    to Present
    at 79th Academy Awards®

    Beverly Hills, CA — Actor Will Ferrell will present an Oscar® at the 79th Academy Awards ceremony, telecast producer Laura Ziskin announced today.

    Ferrell recently starred in “Stranger Than Fiction” and will be seen next in “Blades of Glory.” Ferrell’s other film credits include “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,” “The Producers,” “Bewitched,” “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” “Elf” and “Old School.”

    Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

    The Oscars® will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour red carpet arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

    # # #

    Nicole Kidman
    to Present
    at 79th Academy Awards®

    Beverly Hills, CA — Academy Award®-winning actress Nicole Kidman will return as a presenter at the 79th Academy Awards ceremony, telecast producer Laura Ziskin announced today.

    Kidman took home a Best Actress Oscar® in 2002 for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in “The Hours.” She also received a nomination in 2001 for her lead performance in “Moulin Rouge!”

    Kidman, who was heard in this year’s animated feature “Happy Feet” as the voice of Norma Jean, will be seen next in “The Invasion,” “The Golden Compass” and “Margot at the Wedding.” Her other film credits include “Cold Mountain,” “Dogville,” “The Others,” “The Portrait of a Lady,” “To Die For” and “Dead Calm.”

    Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

    The Oscars® will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour red carpet arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

    # # #

    Reese Witherspoon
    to Present
    at 79th Academy Awards®

    Beverly Hills, CA — Academy Award®-winning actress Reese Witherspoon will be a presenter at the 79th Academy Awards ceremony, telecast producer Laura Ziskin announced today.

    Last year, Witherspoon received her first Oscar® nomination and took home the Actress in a Leading Role Award for her performance as June Carter Cash in “Walk the Line.” Witherspoon served as a producer on the upcoming “Penelope,” in which she also has a supporting role, and recently completed filming “Rendition.”

    Her other film credits include “Just Like Heaven,” “Vanity Fair,” the “Legally Blonde” films, “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Election,” “Pleasantville” and “Freeway.”

    Witherspoon will join fellow actors George Clooney, Cameron Diaz, Eva Green and Hugh Jackman as presenters.

    Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

    The Oscars® will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour red carpet arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

    # # #

    ©A.M.P.A.S.®

     

    Robert Osborne to Greet Oscar® Guests Once Again

    Beverly Hills, CA — Film historian, television host and Hollywood Reporter columnist Robert Osborne will once again serve as the Academy's red carpet celebrity greeter, Academy President Sid Ganis announced today.

    As Osborne greets celebrities arriving at the 79th Annual Academy Awards®, his chats with them will be audible to the other arriving guests as well as to the fans in the bleachers on the opposite side of the carpet. It will be his second stint on the red carpet for the Academy.

    “The experience of being on the red carpet is like nothing else on earth,” Ganis said. “A big part of that is the roar from the bleacher fans as each arriving celebrity is announced.”

    Osborne will be on the carpet for the duration of guest arrivals, which are expected to begin at about 3 p.m. and conclude at the start of the Oscar telecast at 5 p.m.

    In addition to writing a column for The Hollywood Reporter, Osborne is the prime-time host of Turner Classic Movies and a frequent host of Academy events in New York and Los Angeles. He also is the author of the Academy's official history, 75 Years of the Oscar and hosts Robert Osborne's Classic Film Festival in Athens, Georgia.

    # # #

    ©A.M.P.A.S.®

     

    Feb 5

    Allyson Waterman Named Co-host of “Road to the Oscars®” and Host of Oscar.com

    Beverly Hills, CA — Allyson Waterman will be a co-host for “Road to the Oscars®” and the host of Oscar.com for the 79th Academy Awards®, announced “Road to the Oscars®” producer Pamela Oas Williams. As a co-host of the television show, Waterman will be conducting interviews with nominees and other Oscar® guests as they arrive on the red carpet. For Oscar.com, the official Web site of the Academy Awards, Waterman will host four weekly shows alongside Greg Vaughan, star of ABC’s “General Hospital,” and a daily show from February 19 through 26.

    The shows, which can be viewed on the Web site, will include coverage of events that take place over the weeks leading up to the Academy Awards presentation on Sunday, February 25.

    Waterman is the special projects director for Lucky, the shopping and style magazine published by Condé Nast. In her role as special projects director, Allyson is the official television spokesperson for the magazine. Prior to joining Lucky, Waterman served as vice president of Harrison & Shriftman Public Relations. She began her career as an associate talent producer for the “Today Show.”

    “Road to the Oscars,” the 79th Academy Awards red carpet arrivals segment, will air on Sunday, February 25, 2007, on the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST, immediately preceding the live Oscar telecast. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

    Oscar.com is developed and executed by Disney-ABC TV Group's digital media team, a group committed to launching digital products and working with strategic partners in the digital media space to make high-quality, informative and entertaining content available to consumers whenever and wherever they choose. Oscar.com provides movie fans with exclusive Oscar coverage, featuring nominee biographies, style and fashion news, and original video commentary.

    # # #

     

    Maggie Gyllenhaal to Host Academy’s Sci-Tech Awards

    Beverly Hills, CA — Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal will present the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Scientific and Technical Awards on Saturday, February 10, at the Beverly Wilshire hotel in Beverly Hills.

    Gyllenhaal recently starred in the comedy feature “Stranger than Fiction.” Her filmography includes roles in “Donnie Darko,” “Secretary,” “Sherry Baby” and one of this year’s Oscar® nominees for Best Animated Feature Film, “Monster House.”

    Among the 15 awards that Gyllenhall will present during the ceremony is the Academy’s Gordon E. Sawyer Award, an Oscar statuette, which is being bestowed on Ray Feeney for his lifetime of technological contributions to the industry.

    The Scientific and Technical Awards are presented by the Academy for devices, methods, formulas, discoveries or inventions of special and outstanding value to the arts and sciences of motion pictures.

    Segments of the Scientific and Technical Awards presentation will be shown during the 79th Academy Awards® telecast.

    Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®. The Oscars® will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour red carpet arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

     

     

     

    Feb 4

    Oscar’s “Shorts” to Screen in NYC

    Beverly Hills, CA — Prior to the 79th Academy Awards® show, New York moviegoers will have two opportunities to see all ten of this year’s Oscar®-nominated films in the Animated and Live Action Short Film categories.

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences annual “Shorts!” program will be presented on Saturday, February 17, at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Academy Theater in New York City.

    The screenings will be hosted by Robert Osborne, Hollywood Reporter columnist, host of Turner Classic Movies and official biographer of the Academy Awards.

    The 2006 Animated Short Film and Live Action Short Film nominees are:

    Short Film (Animated)
    “The Danish Poet,” Torill Kove, director
    “Lifted,” Gary Rydstrom, director
    “The Little Matchgirl,” Roger Allers, director; Don
         Hahn, producer
    “Maestro,” Geza M. Toth, director
    “No Time for Nuts,” Chris Renaud and Michael
         Thurmeier, directors

    Short Film (Live Action)
    “Binta and the Great Idea,” Javier Fesser, director; Luis
         Manso, producer
    “Eramos Pocos,” Borja Cobeaga, director
    “Helmer & Son,” Soren Pilmark, director; Kim
         Magnusson, executive producer
    “The Saviour,” Peter Templeman, director; Stuart
         Parkyn, producer
    “West Bank Story,” Ari Sandel, director

    Tickets for “Shorts!” are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. All seating is unreserved. Tickets may be reserved by calling 1-888-778-7575. Depending on availability, tickets may be purchased the day of the screenings. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

    The Academy Theater is located at 111 East 59th Street in New York City.

    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 (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

     

    31 DAYS OF OSCAR ® – 2007 SCHEDULE

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1

    Best Director Nominees

    6:00 AM Two Arabian Knights (’27)

    7:45 AM Speedy (’28)

    9:15 AM The Circus (’28)

    10:30 AM Brief Encounter (’45)

    12:00 PM Broadway Danny Rose (’84)

    1:30 PM La Dolce Vita (’60)

    4:30 PM The Garden of Allah (’36)

    6:00 PM The African Queen (’51)

    8:00 PM The High and the Mighty (’54)

    10:30 PM The Professionals (’66)

    12:30 AM Detective Story (’51)

    2:30 AM The Killers (’46)

    4:30 AM Interiors (’78)

    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2

    Best Cinematography – Nominees and

    Winners (Part one)

    6:15 AM Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (’53)

    8:00 AM The Caretakers (’63)

    9:45 AM The Third Man (’49)

    11:30 AM Arrowsmith (’31)

    1:30 PM Exodus (’60)

    5:00 PM Judgment at Nuremberg (’61)

    8:00 PM Cover Girl (’44)

    10:00 PM Funny Face (’57)

    12:00 AM To Catch a Thief (’55)

    2:00 AM Black Narcissus (’47)

    4:00 AM Two for the Seesaw (’62)

    SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3

    Best Cinematography – Nominees and

    Winners (Part two)

    6:00 AM A Farewell to Arms (’32)

    7:30 AM The Facts of Life (’60)

    9:15 AM Queen Bee (’55)

    11:00 AM Hatari! (’62)

    1:45 PM In Harm’s Way (’65)

    4:45 PM The Longest Day (’62)

    8:00 PM Shane (’53)

    10:00 PM She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (’49)

    12:00 AM Billy The Kid (’41)

    2:00 AM A Passage to India (’84)

    SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4

    Best Sound Effects Editing – Nominees and Winners

    5:00 AM Hangmen Also Die (’43)

    7:30 AM The Cowboy and the Lady (’38)

    9:30 AM The Dark Angel (’35)

    11:30 AM A Gathering of Eagles (’63)

    1:30 PM The Dirty Dozen (’67)

    4:15 PM Topper Returns (’41)

    6:00 PM The Bishop’s Wife (’47)

    Best Foreign Language Film – Nominees and Winners

    8:00 PM Cinema Paradiso (’90)

    10:15 PM The Battle of Algiers (’65)

    12:30 AM The Shop on Main Street (’65)

    2:45 AM Closely Watched Trains (’67)

    4:30 AM Kapo (’59)

    MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5

    Best Supporting Actor – Nominees

    6:30 AM Algiers (’38)

    8:15 AM Champion (’49)

    10:00 AM The Best Man (’64)

    12:00 PM Sunset Boulevard (’50)

    2:00 PM Picnic (’55)

    4:00 PM The Black Stallion (’79)

    6:00 PM The Hurricane (’37)

    8:00 PM Wake Island (’42)

    9:30 PM The Maltese Falcon (’41)

    11:15 PM Comes a Horseman (’78)

    1:30 PM In the Line of Fire (’93)

    4:00 AM Lovers and Other Strangers (’70)

    TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6

    Best Supporting Actor – Winners

    6:00 AM Sweet Bird of Youth (’62)

    8:15 AM A Thousand Clowns (’65)

    10:15 AM The Barefoot Contessa (’54)

    12:30 PM Come and Get It (’36)

    2:15 PM The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (’48)

    4:30 PM Stagecoach (’39)

    6:15 PM The Westerner (’40)

    8:00 PM The Big Country (’58)

    11:00 PM They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (’69)

    1:15 AM Jerry Maguire (’96)

    3:45 AM The Last Picture Show (’71)

     

     

    TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES PRESENTS

    SM

     

     

     

    WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7

    Best Actor – Nominees

    6:00 AM The Hustler (’61)

    8:30 AM This Sporting Life (’63)

    11:00 AM The Entertainer (’60)

    1:00 PM The Last Angry Man (’59)

    3:00 PM Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (’39)

    5:15 PM Anatomy of a Murder (’59)

    8:00 PM Inherit the Wind (’60)

    10:15 PM Starman (’84)

    12:15 AM Good Morning, Vietnam (’87)

    2:30 AM The Last Detail (’73)

    4:30 AM Alibi (’29)

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8

    Best Actor – Winners

    6:00 AM A Free Soul (’31)

    8:00 AM Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (’32)

    10:00 AM The Informer (’35)

    11:45 AM Captains Courageous (’37)

    1:45 PM Goodbye, Mr. Chips (’39)

    3:45 PM Stalag 17 (’53)

    6:00 PM The Philadelphia Story (’40)

    8:00 PM The Goodbye Girl (’77)

    10:00 PM Tender Mercies (’83)

    11:45 PM Lilies of the Field (’63)

    1:30 AM Network (’76)

    4:00 AM Charly (’68)

    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9

    Best Song – Nominees and Winners

    5:45 AM Second Chorus (’40)

    7:15 AM All-American Co-Ed (’41)

    8:15 AM Flying with Music (’42)

    9:30 AM The Caddy (’53)

    11:15 AM Alfie (’66)

    1:15 PM For Love of Ivy (’68)

    3:15 PM It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (’63)

    6:30 PM Benji (’74)

    8:00 PM The Muppets Take Manhattan (’84)

    10:00 PM Foul Play (’78)

    12:00 AM Philadelphia (’92)

    2:15 AM Nashville (’75)

    5:00 AM Sing Your Way Home (’45)

    SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10

    Best Special/Visual Effects – Nominees and

    Winners (Part one)

    6:15 AM Secret Command (’44)

    7:45 AM Dr. Cyclops (’40)

    9:15 AM Krakatoa, East of Java (’69)

    11:30 AM One Million B.C. (’40)

    1:00 PM A Thousand and One Nights (’45)

    2:45 PM 2001: A Space Odyssey (’68)

    5:30 PM Marooned (’69)

    8:00 PM 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (’54)

    10:30 PM Batman Returns (’92)

    12:45 AM Only Angels Have Wings (’39)

    3:00 AM Starship Troopers (’97)

    SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11

    Best Special/Visual Effects – Nominees and

    Winners (Part two)

    5:30 AM Tulsa (’49)

    7:00 AM The Long Voyage Home (’40)

    9:00 AM Air Force (’43)

    11:30 AM Torpedo Run (’58)

    1:15 PM Flying Tigers (’42)

    3:00 PM Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (’44)

    5:30 PM They Were Expendable (’45)

    8:00 PM The Absent Minded Professor (’61)

    10:00 PM The Story of Dr. Wassell (’44)

    12:30 AM Wonder Man (’45)

    2:15 AM Portrait of Jennie (’48)

    3:45 AM Foreign Correspondent (’40)

    MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12

    Best Supporting Actress – Nominees

    5:45 AM The Spiral Staircase (’46)

    7:15 AM The Bachelor Party (’57)

    9:00 AM Birdman of Alcatraz (’62)

    11:30 AM Crossfire (’47)

    1:00 PM The Magnificent Ambersons (’42)

    2:30 PM Witness for the Prosecution (’57)

    4:30 PM Merrily We Live (’38)

    6:15 PM The Mating Season (’50)

    8:00 PM Barefoot in the Park (’67)

    10:00 PM Fat City (’72)

    12:00 AM The Big Chill (’83)

    2:00 AM Silkwood (’83)

    4:15 AM Shampoo (’75)

     

     

     

    TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13

    Best Supporting Actress – Winners

    6:15 AM None But the Lonely Heart (‘44)

    8:15 AM Separate Tables (’58)

    10:00 AM Written on the Wind (’56)

    11:45 AM Harvey (’50)

    1:30 PM Zorba the Greek (’64)

    4:00 PM Hannah and Her Sisters (’86)

    6:00 PM Tootsie (’82)

    8:00 PM Cactus Flower (’69)

    10:00 PM Murder on the Orient Express (’74)

    12:15 AM Reds (’81)

    3:30 AM Prizzi’s Honor (’85)

    WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

    Best Actress Nominees

    6:00 AM Mourning Becomes Electra (’47)

    9:00 AM Ship of Fools (’65)

    11:30 AM One Night of Love (’34)

    1:00 PM The Way We Were (’73)

    3:00 PM Since You Went Away (’44)

    6:00 PM Sabrina (54)

    8:00 PM Breakfast at Tiffany’s (’61)

    10:00 PM The Bridges of Madison County (’95)

    12:30 AM Love Letters (’45)

    2:15 AM Camille (’36)

    4:15 AM Sorry, Wrong Number (’48)

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15

    Best Actress Winners

    6:00 AM Coquette (’29)

    7:30 AM Min and Bill (’30)

    8:45 AM The Good Earth (’37)

    11:15 AM Kitty Foyle (’40)

    1:15 PM Born Yesterday (’50)

    3:00 PM I Want to Live! (’58)

    5:15 PM Funny Girl (’68)

    8:00 PM Coal Miner’s Daughter (’80)

    10:15 PM Children of a Lesser God (’86)

    12:30 AM Hud (’63)

    2:30 AM Jezebel (’38)

    4:30 AM Two Women (’60)

    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16

    Best Art Direction – Nominees and Winners

    6:15 AM Captain Fury (’39)

    8:00 AM My Son, My Son! (’40)

    10:00 AM The Princess and the Pirate (’44)

    12:00 PM The Adventures of Mark Twain (’44)

    2:15 PM The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (’38)

    4:00 PM The Son of Monte Cristo (’41)

    6:00 PM The Spy Who Came in From the Cold (’65)

    8:00 PM Close Encounters of the Third Kind (’77)

    10:30 PM Men in Black (’97)

    12:15 AM Logan’s Run (’76)

    2:30 AM Legends of the Fall (’94)

    4:45 AM The Spoilers (’42)

    SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

    Best Score – Nominees and Winners (Part one)

    6:15 AM Way Down South (’39)

    7:30 AM Girl’s School (’38)

    8:45 AM Cheers For Miss Bishop (’60)

    10:30 AM Way Out West (’39)

    11:45 AM The Man in the Iron Mask (’39)

    1:45 PM The Fighting Seabees (’44)

    3:30 PM The Wind and the Lion (’75)

    5:45 PM A River Runs Through It (’92)

    8:00 PM Tommy (’75)

    10:00 PM Sleuth (’72)

    12:30 AM Shaft (’71)

    2:15 AM Poltergeist (’82)

    4:30 AM Tanks a Million (’41)

    SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18

    Best Score – Nominees and Winners (Part two)

    6:00 AM Oklahoma! (’55)

    8:30 AM South Pacific (’58)

    11:15 AM Singin’ in the Rain (’52)

    1:00 PM Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (’54)

    3:00 PM Paint Your Wagon (’70)

    5:45 PM Night and Day (’46)

    8:00 PM The Glenn Miller Story (’54)

    10:00 PM Blue Skies (’46)

    12:00 AM The Band Wagon (’53)

    2:00 AM The Goldwyn Follies (’38)

    4:00 AM The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (’64)

     

     

     

    MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19

    Best Costume Design – Nominees and Winners

    6:00 AM Pal Joey (’57)

    8:00 AM Bell, Book and Candle (’59)

    9:45 AM Pepe (’60)

    1:00 PM Flower Drum Song (’61)

    3:15 PM The Hawaiians (’70)

    5:30 PM Funny Lady (’75)

    8:00 PM The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (’62)

    10:15 PM The Slender Thread (’65)

    12:00 AM The Solid Gold Cadillac (’56)

    1:45 AM The Talented Mr. Ripley (’99)

    4:15 AM Pennies from Heaven (’81)

    TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

    Best Sound – Nominees and Winners (Part one)

    6:30 AM Not as a Stranger (’55)

    9:00 AM Captain Caution (’40)

    10:30 AM The Men in Her Life (’41)

    12:00 PM The Southerner (’45)

    2:00 PM I Want You (’51)

    3:45 PM Our Very Own (’50)

    5:30 PM Sayonara (’57)

    8:00 PM Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (’57)

    10:15 PM The Eddy Duchin Story (’56)

    12:30 AM Kotch (’71)

    2:30 AM The Patriot (’00)

    WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

    Best Sound – Nominees and Winners (Part two)

    6:00 AM So This is Washington (’43)

    7:30 AM Dodsworth (’36)

    9:30 AM Lost Horizon (’37)

    11:45 AM Green Dolphin Street (’47)

    2:15 PM T-Men (’47)

    4:00 PM The Bells of St. Mary’s (’45)

    6:15 PM Vivacious Lady (’37)

    8:00 PM Three Smart Girls (’37)

    9:30 PM That Touch of Mink (’62)

    11:15 PM Ball of Fire (’41)

    1:15 AM Batman Forever (’95)

    3:30 AM Backdraft (’91)

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22

    Best Dance Direction

    6:00 AM Ready, Willing and Able (’37)

    7:45 AM A Damsel in Distress (’37)

    9:30 AM Broadway Hostess (’35)

    10:45 AM Gold Diggers of 1935 (’35)

    12:30 PM Gold Diggers of 1937 (’36)

    2:15 PM Broadway Melody of 1936 (’35)

    4:00 PM Born to Dance (’36)

    6:00 PM A Day at the Races (’37)

    Best Picture Marathon – 72 Hours of Best Picture

    Winners Leading into the Academy Awards

    8:00 PM Ben-Hur (’59)

    12:00 AM The Best Years of Our Lives (’46)

    3:00 AM Mrs. Miniver (’42)

    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23

    Best Picture Winners Marathon – continued

    5:30 AM Cimarron (’31)

    8:00 AM Mutiny on the Bounty (’35)

    10:30 AM It Happened One Night (’34)

    12:30 PM You Can’t Take it With You (’38)

    2:45 PM The Life of Emile Zola (’37)

    4:45 PM The Great Ziegfeld (’36)

    8:00 PM The Greatest Show on Earth (’52)

    11:00 PM An American in Paris (’51)

    1:00 AM Gigi (’58)

    3:00 AM Annie Hall (’77)

    4:45 AM The Lost Weekend (’45)

    SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24

    Best Picture Winners Marathon – continued

    6:30 AM On the Waterfront (’54)

    8:30 AM All Quiet on the Western Front (’30)

    11:00 AM From Here to Eternity (’58)

    1:00 PM The Bridge on the River Kwai (’57)

    4:00 PM Lawrence of Arabia (’62)

    8:00 PM A Man for All Seasons (’66)

    10:15 PM Out of Africa (’85)

    1:00 AM Kramer vs. Kramer (’79)

    3:00 AM American Beauty (’99)

     

     

     

    SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25

    Best Picture Winners Marathon – continued

    5:30 AM Hamlet (’48)

    8:15 AM West Side Story (’61)

    11:00 AM My Fair Lady (’64)

    2:00 PM Gone With the Wind (’39)

    6:00 PM Casablanca (’42)

    Best Original Story – Nominees and Winners

    8:00 PM A Star is Born (’37)

    10:00 PM Here Comes Mr. Jordan (’41)

    12:00 AM Meet John Doe (’41)

    2:15 AM Edison, the Man (’40)

    4:15 AM Love Affair (’39)

    MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26

    Best Original Motion Picture Story –

    Nominees and Winners

    5:45 AM The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (’46)

    7:45 AM The Stranger (’46)

    9:30 AM The 49th Parallel (’41)

    11:45 PM Destination Tokyo (’43)

    2:15 PM Action in the North Atlantic (’43)

    4:30 PM None Shall Escape (’44)

    6:00 PM Here Comes the Groom (’51)

    Best Motion Picture Story – Nominees and Winners

    8:00 PM The Private War of Major Benson (’55)

    10:00 PM Hondo (’53)

    11:30 PM The Sniper (’52)

    1:00 AM Naked City (’48)

    2:45 AM Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman (’47)

    4:30 AM Mystery Street (’50)

    TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27

    Best Screenplay – Nominees and Winners

    6:15 AM Watch on the Rhine (’43)

    8:15 AM The Citadel (’38)

    10:15 AM The Story of Louis Pasteur (’35)

    11:45 PM A Place in the Sun (’51)

    2:00 PM The Bad and the Beautiful (’52)

    4:00 PM Ninotchka (’39)

    6:00 PM After the Thin Man (’36)

    8:00 PM My Man Godfrey (’36)

    10:00 PM Wuthering Heights (’39)

    12:00 AM The Little Foxes (’41)

    2:00 AM The Pride of the Yankees (’42)

    4:15 AM Johnny Belinda (’48)

    WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

    Best Original Screenplay – Nominees and

    Winners (Part one)

    6:00 AM Citizen Kane (’41)

    8:15 AM Princess O’Rourke (’43)

    10:00 AM The Goddess (’58)

    12:00 PM Never On Sunday (’60)

    1:45 PM Monsieur Verdoux (’47)

    4:00 PM The Great Dictator (’40)

    6:00 PM The Seventh Veil (’45)

    8:00 PM The Train (’64)

    10:30 PM Absence of Malice (’81)

    12:30 AM The China Syndrome (’79)

    2:45 AM Chinatown (’74)

    5:00 AM The Conversation (’74)

    THURSDAY, MARCH 1

    Best Original Screenplay – Nominees and

    Winners (Part two)

    7:00 AM Paisan (’46)

    9:00 AM The Producers (’68)

    10:30 AM Divorce, Italian Style (’62)

    12:15 PM I, Vitelloni (’53)

    2:15 PM Wild Strawberries (’57)

    4:00 PM Dead Poets’ Society (’89)

    6:30 PM The Purple Rose of Cairo (’85)

    8:00 PM Lover Come Back (’61)

    10:00 PM Four Weddings and a Funeral (’94)

    12:00 AM Rain Man (’88)

    2:30 AM Diner (’82)

    4:30 AM The Front (’76)

    FRIDAY, MARCH 2

    Best Adapted Screenplay – Nominees

    and Winners

    6:30 AM Lady for a Day (’33)

    8:30 AM Sounder (’72)

    10:30 AM Breaker Morant (’80)

    12:30 PM Sayonara (’57)

    3:00 PM Sense and Sensibility (’95)

    5:30 PM In Cold Blood (’67)

    8:00 PM The Elephant Man (’80)

    10:15 PM Awakenings (’90)

    12:30 AM Stand by Me (’86)

    2:15 AM The Silence of the Lambs (’91)

    4:30 AM Quiz Show (’94)

     

    SATURDAY, MARCH 3

    Best Editing – Nominees and Winners

    7:00 AM Theodora Goes Wild (’36)

    9:00 AM Quo Vadis (’51)

    12:00 PM The Manchurian Candidate (’62)

    2:15 PM The Odd Couple (’68)

    4:15 PM Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? (’67)

    6:15 PM The Adventures of Robin Hood (’38)

    8:00 PM North by Northwest (’59)

    10:30 PM Objective, Burma! (’45)

    1:00 AM Crimson Tide (’95)

    3:30 AM The Russians are Coming, the Russians are Coming (’66)

     

     

    Feb 2

    George Clooney to Present at 79th Academy Awards®

    Beverly Hills, CA — Academy Award®-winning actor George Clooney will be a presenter at the 79th Academy Awards ceremony, telecast producer Laura Ziskin announced today.

    Last year, Clooney took home his first Oscar® for his supporting performance in “Syriana” and received two nominations for directing and co-writing “Good Night, and Good Luck.” He can currently be seen in “The Good German” and will be seen next in “Ocean’s Thirteen.” Clooney’s other film credits include “Ocean’s Twelve,” “Intolerable Cruelty,” “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind,” “The Perfect Storm,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “Three Kings.”

    Clooney will join fellow presenters Cameron Diaz, Eva Green and Hugh Jackman.

    Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

    The Oscars® will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour red carpet arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

    # # #

    Cameron Diaz
    to Present
    at 79th Academy Awards®

    Beverly Hills, CA — Actress Cameron Diaz has been tapped to present at the 79th Academy Awards ceremony by producer Laura Ziskin.

    Diaz recently appeared in “The Holiday” and will lend her voice to the character of Fiona in the third installment of the animated “Shrek” films, “Shrek the Third.” Her other film credits include “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle,” “Gangs of New York,” “The Sweetest Thing,” “Vanilla Sky,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Any Given Sunday,” “There’s Something about Mary,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “The Mask.”

    Diaz will join fellow presenters George Clooney, Eva Green and Hugh Jackman.

    Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

    The Oscars® will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour red carpet arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

    # # #

    Eva Green
    to Make First
    Oscar® Show Appearance

    Beverly Hills, CA — Actress Eva Green will be a presenter at the 79th Academy Awards®, telecast producer Laura Ziskin has announced. This will be her first time presenting an Academy Award®.

    Green played Vesper Lynd opposite Daniel Craig in the latest Bond installment, “Casino Royale.” She will be seen next in “His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass.” Green’s other film credits include “Kingdom of Heaven” and “The Dreamers.”

    Green will join fellow presenters George Clooney, Cameron Diaz, and Hugh Jackman.

    Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

    The Oscars® will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour red carpet arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

    # # #

    Hugh Jackman
    to Present
    at 79th Academy Awards®

    Beverly Hills, CA — Actor Hugh Jackman has been set as a presenter for the 79th Academy Awards ceremony by telecast producer Laura Ziskin.

    Jackman, who recently was heard as the voice of the character Memphis in the animated feature “Happy Feet,” will be seen next in “The Tourist.” His other film credits include “The Prestige,” “The Fountain,” the “X-Men” trilogy, “Van Helsing,” “Kate & Leopold,” “Swordfish” and “Someone Like You.”

    Jackman will join fellow presenters George Clooney, Cameron Diaz, and Eva Green.

    Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

    The Oscars® will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour red carpet arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

    # # #

     

    Feb 1

     

     

    Makeup Nominees to Share Techniques at Academy Event

    Beverly Hills, CA — Adding to the excitement of Oscar® Week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will for the first time present the nominees in the Makeup category at a special symposium on Saturday, February 24, at 2 p.m. at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood.

    The Makeup Symposium will be hosted by Makeup Branch Governor Leonard Engelman, whose film credits include “Moonstruck,” “The Accidental Tourist,” “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

    Featuring the nominated makeup artists (subject to their availability) in a panel discussion, the event will also present film clips of each achievement and an opportunity for questions from the audience.

    The 2006 nominated films for Achievement in Makeup are:

    “Apocalypto,” Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano
    “Click,” Kazuhiro Tsuji and Bill Corso
    “Pan’s Labyrinth,” David Marti and Montse Ribe

    Free advance tickets to the Makeup Symposium are necessary to secure admission. There is a two ticket per person limit. Tickets will be available beginning February 1 at the Academy’s ticket office. For ticket order information, call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org/events.

    Doors open at 1 p.m. All seating is unreserved. The Academy’s ticket office is located at its headquarters at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.

    The Linwood Dunn Theater is located at the Academy’s Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study at 1313 North Vine Street in Hollywood. Free parking is available behind the building through the entrance on Homewood Avenue. For more information, call (310) 247-3600.

    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 (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

    # # #

    ©A.M.P.A.S.®

     

    Dave Koz to Perform at Academy’s Governors Ball

    Beverly Hills, CA — Grammy®-nominated jazz saxophonist Dave Koz will be a featured artist at the Governors Ball, the celebration immediately following the 79th Academy Awards® telecast on Sunday, February 25, Governors Ball Chair Cheryl Boone Isaacs has announced.

    “Dave’s sound will be the perfect accompaniment to the relaxed, supper-party styled celebration at this year’s Governors Ball,” said Boone Isaacs.

    With nine solo albums to his credit, including his new “At the Movies,” which showcases Oscar®-nominated and winning scores and songs from motion pictures, Koz will perform for the Ball’s 1,500 Academy Award® winners and nominees, show presenters, telecast participants and other distinguished guests.

    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 (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

    # # #

    ©A.M.P.A.S.®

     

    Oscar® Nominees to Be Honored at Academy Luncheon

    Beverly Hills, CA — Sixteen of the 20 nominees in the acting categories will be among the more than 100 Academy Awards® nominees who will gather at noon on Monday (February 5) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will honor this year’s Oscar contenders at its annual Nominees Luncheon.

    From the Leading Actor and Actress categories, Leonardo DiCaprio, Peter O’Toole, Will Smith, Forest Whitaker, Penélope Cruz, Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet are expected to attend. Adriana Barraza, Abigail Breslin, Jennifer Hudson and Rinko Kikuchi are set to represent the Supporting Actress category.

    All five nominees from the Supporting Actor category – Alan Arkin, Jackie Earle Haley, Djimon Hounsou, Eddie Murphy and Mark Wahlberg – are scheduled to attend.

    Nominated directors Alejandro Gonzáles Iñárritu, Martin Scorsese and Clint Eastwood are expected to represent their category; Eastwood and Iñárritu also are nominated as producers of films competing for Best Picture.

    Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network beginning at 5 p.m. PST with a red carpet arrivals show, “The Road to the Oscars®.”

    Information about the 79th Annual Academy Awards can be accessed on line at www.oscar.com.

    # # #

    ©A.M.P.A.S.®

     

    Jan 31

     

    Final Oscar® Ballots Mailed Today

    Beverly Hills, CA — Final ballots for the 79th Academy Awards® were mailed today to the 5,830 voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

    Completed ballots must be returned to Pricewaterhouse-Coopers by 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 20. Ballots received after the deadline will not be counted.

    Listed on the ballots are nominees in 19 Oscar categories. Separate ballots for 5 Awards categories (Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, Foreign Language Film, and Animated and Live Action Short Films) will be distributed after verification of mandatory member attendance at screenings.

    Following the tabulation of the votes, the winners’ names will be placed in sealed envelopes to be opened on Oscar Night®, Sunday, February 25.

    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 (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars®.”

     

     

     

    PricewaterhouseCoopers Entrusted with Entertainment Industry's Best Kept Secret for 73 Years Running

    Brad Oltmanns and Rick Rosas Lead Academy Awards(R) Balloting Process for 2nd Consecutive Year

    LOS ANGELES, Jan. 31 Continuing its distinguished 73-year association with the Academy Awards, PricewaterhouseCoopers today announced that Brad Oltmanns and Rick Rosas will lead the balloting process for the 79th Annual Academy Awards. For the second consecutive year, Oltmanns and Rosas are the only two people in the world who will know the identity of the winners before the live telecast on ABC at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST) on Sunday, February 25, 2007.

    "PricewaterhouseCoopers facilitates complete confidentiality and security of the Academy Awards voting process by counting every single ballot by hand," said Sid Ganis, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "Trust, integrity and tradition continue to be the core of the Academy Awards balloting process and that of our relationship with PwC, one of Hollywood's longest standing relationships."

    PricewaterhouseCoopers' engagement with the Academy represents a tremendous honor for the firm. In 73 years, only 12 partners have counted the ballots. To promote secrecy, Oltmanns and Rosas lead a closed-mouth group of accountants who work on the project from a secret location for several days. There are approximately 6,000 voting members, which translates to approximately 1,700 "person-hours" each year to count and verify the ballots.

    "PricewaterhouseCoopers has created an intentionally low-tech process of hand tabulations that is proven to maintain the highest level of security and secrecy for seven decades and counting," said Brad Oltmanns, managing partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers - Los Angeles. "This assignment is one that truly represents an honor, privilege and thrill of a lifetime."

    "We are committed to our enduring engagement with the Academy and safeguarding Hollywood's most enduring secret," said Rick Rosas, tax partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media practice. "We take great pride in this important role of being the Academy's ballot partner and in the fact that there has never been a security breach during our 73-year relationship."

    Now in his third year in a lead balloting role, Oltmanns has served PricewaterhouseCoopers for 27 years, and is in charge of managing its entire 1,000-person staff in Los Angeles. Rosas has served the firm for 11 years and was appointed tax partner in 2001. This is his sixth year leading the Academy's balloting process.

    How it Works

    PricewaterhouseCoopers mails eligible Academy members the nomination ballots in December, final ballots in February, and receives and processes all ballots. The balloting partners then manually tabulate the responses according to Academy rules. As a precautionary measure, two complete sets of envelopes bearing recipients' names are prepared and brought by PricewaterhouseCoopers partners to the ceremony via separate, secret routes. As a second precautionary measure, the PricewaterhouseCoopers partners also memorize the names of the award winners.

    Identities of Oscar recipients are kept confidential until they are announced during the live telecast, during which Oltmanns and Rosas remain backstage and hand the envelopes to award presenters immediately before they walk onstage.

    For additional information including photos and video, visit: www.pwc.com/balloting.

      Fun Facts from 73 Years of Oscar(R) Balloting    -- 420,000+: The approximate number of ballots counted by      PricewaterhouseCoopers in 73 years on the job.   -- 2,449: The number of winners' envelopes stuffed since the envelope      system was introduced in 1941.   -- 1,700: The approximate number of "person-hours" it takes the      PricewaterhouseCoopers team every year to count and verify the ballots      by hand.   -- 73: The number of years PricewaterhouseCoopers has conducted the Oscar      balloting.   -- 55: The number of broadcasts PricewaterhouseCoopers' partners have      appeared on since 1953 -- the year the Oscars were first televised.      The partners used to come on stage to hand-deliver the envelopes --      hence, "and the envelope please" -- but this is now done just offstage.   -- 24: The number of awards categories tabulated at a secret location      known only to the members of the small PricewaterhouseCoopers ballot      team.   -- 7: The number of days it takes to count the ballots for nominations.   -- 3: The number of days it takes to count the final ballots.    About PricewaterhouseCoopers 

    PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media (E&M) practice is comprised of a network of more than 3,000 practitioners providing audit, advisory and tax services to help clients manage risk, maximize shareholder value and support M&A activities. It addresses business challenges for its clients, including developing strategies to leverage digital technology; marketplace positioning in industries characterized by consolidation and convergence; and identifying new sources of financing. Known as an industry thought leader, the E&M practice publishes the annual Global Entertainment and Media Outlook and other surveys and white papers highlighting current and future trends in the industry.

    PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 140,000 people in 149 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

    "PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to the network of member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

    Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers

    Web site: http://www.pwc.com/
    http://www.pwc.com/balloting

     

    Jan 30

     

    André Leon Talley Named Oscar® Pre-show Host

    Beverly Hills, CA — Laura Ziskin, 79th Academy Awards® telecast producer, announced today that Vogue editor-at-large André Leon Talley will be the voice of fashion for “Road to the Oscars,” the Oscar® red carpet arrivals segment.

    While introducing Talley at “A Celebration of Oscar Fashion,” Ziskin indicated that Talley would be one of four commentators tapped to co-host the pre-show. Talley’s comments will focus on red carpet fashions.

    “We wanted to do something different and bigger in the way of acknowledging the part couture fashion plays on the red carpet,” said Ziskin. “Who better than the fashion aficionado himself to highlight the glamour?”

    In addition to being Vogue’s editor-at-large, Talley also regularly writes the magazine’s “Life with André” column - a witty and popular account of his exploits in the fashion world. His career began at Vogue in 1983 as the fashion news director. He went on to serve as the magazine’s creative director from 1988 until he left in 1995. Prior to returning to Vogue as its editor-at-large, Talley lived in Paris for a number of years.

    “Road to the Oscars” will air on Sunday, February 25, 2007, on the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST, immediately preceding the live Oscar telecast.

    Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

    ©A.M.P.A.S.®

     

    Foreign Language Film Directors to Take Oscar’s Stage

    Beverly Hills, CA — Representing Algeria, Canada, Denmark, Germany and Mexico, five of the world’s leading filmmakers will participate in the Academy’s standing-room-only Foreign Language Film Award (FLFA) Nominees Symposium on Saturday, February 24, at 10 a.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

    The program, moderated by Oscar®-winning producer and FLFA Executive Committee Chair Mark Johnson, will feature the directors of this year’s five nominated foreign language films (subject to availability) in a live onstage discussion on such issues as art, politics and filmmaking.

    In addition to presenting clips from the nominated films, the two-hour event will also provide the opportunity for questions from the audience.

    The 2006 Foreign Language Film Award nominees are:

    Algeria, “Days of Glory (Indigènes),” Rachid Bouchareb, director
    Canada, “Water,” Deepa Mehta, director
    Denmark, “After the Wedding,” Susanne Bier, director
    Germany, “The Lives of Others,” Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, director
    Mexico, “Pan’s Labyrinth,” Guillermo del Toro, director

    Free advance tickets to the Foreign Language Film Award Nominees Symposium are necessary to secure admission. There is a two ticket per person limit. Tickets will be available beginning February 1 at the Academy’s ticket office. For ticket order information, call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org/events.

    Doors open at 9 a.m. All seating is unreserved.

    The Academy’s ticket office is located at its headquarters at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Free parking is provided at the garages located at 8920 and 9025 Wilshire Boulevard.

    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 (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars®.

     

    ©A.M.P.A.S.®

     

     

    Jan 27

     

     

     AWARDS PARTY NEWS

    Announcing The 17th ANNUAL NIGHT OF 100 STARS GALA Celebrating the 79th Annual Awards *


    Los Angeles - On Sunday February 25th, 2007 the Beverly Hills Hotel's Crystal Ballroom will once again provide the venue for the arrival of approximately 150-200 Academy stars who will attend the hottest celebrity Awards party in town with even bigger names than last year- Announcing The 17th Annual Night of 100 Stars Black Tie Dinner Gala.

    Norby Walters reprises his role as Producer and Dinner Chairman. Peter Nygard of Nygard International ® is Co-Host.

    The formal sit-down dinner viewing party has always included past Oscar winners and nominees who will return to pay tribute to this year's favorite Award nominees.

    The media has always rated the Night of 100 Stars as one of the top Awards parties. The Daily News rated this party as "...the number one Oscar party, just for the sheer number of celebrities attending...".  ABC's Good Morning America covers this party and said. " Voting Academy members flock to the Night of 100 Stars and we are here tonight with last year's winners Peter Fonda and Martin Landau  along with Tom Arnold,  Anna Nicole Smith, and the cast of the West Wing. Is this an Oscar party or the Golden Globes?"

    Previous celebrity attendees and others expected this year are: James Woods, Jason Ritter, Mimi Rogers, Keith Carradine, Donny Wahlberg, Stephanie Powers, Patrick Stewart, Thora Birch, Jesse Metcalfe, Ludacris, Harry Hamlin, Lisa Rinna, Dominique Swain, Michael Chiklis, Bryce Dallas Howard, C.C. H. Pounder, Bill Pullman, Christine Lakin, Tyne Daly, Krista Allan, Timothy Busfield, Swoozie Kurtz, Bai Ling, Jacqueline Bissett, Richard Lewis, James Kebbell, Doris Roberts, Eddie Griffin, Joe Mcintyre, Lindsay Wagner, Joe Pantoliano, Lolita Davidovitch, Danielle Panabaker, Richard Schiff, Blake Lively, Lance Bass, Tatyana Ali, Beverly D’Angelo, John Savage, Breckin Meyer, John Schneider, Patti Labelle, Shia Labeouf, Daniel Benzali, Bo Derek, John Corbett, David Krumholtz, Sean Young, Kevin Pollak, Shar Jackson, Anthony Michael Hall, Marla Maples, Sean Astin, Joshua Jackson, Keely Smith, David Carradine, Sharon Lawrence, Alana Ubach, Betty Thomas, Terrence Howard, Michael Madsen, Cathy Lee Crosby, Richard Belzer, , Jolie Fisher, David Forster, Jamie Lyn Sigler, Leigh Taylor-Young, Hector Elizondo, Amber Tamblyn, Rob Schneider, Mia Sara, French Stewart, Smothers Bros., Amy Davidson, Coolio, Peter Krause, Montel Williams, Lou Diamond Phillips, Pauley Perrette, Daviegh Chase, Izabella Miko, Marilu Henner, Peter Mark Richman, Alan Thicke, Brittany Daniel, Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, Kimberly Brown, Ed Asner, Bridget Fonda, “Dice” Clay, Jeffrey Tambor, Joey Lawrence, Claudia Christian, Lorenzo Lamas, Neil Simon, Fred Savage, Tracy Bingham, , Mark Curry, Joe Bologna, Renee Taylor, Christopher Lloyd, Arielle Kevel, Goran Visnjac, Luke Perry, Robert Davi, Virginia Madsen, Brian Dennehy, Miguel Ferrar, Connie Stevens, Michael Bolton, Jon Favreau, Sarah Rue, Helen Shaver, Ben Gazzara, Alexis Bledel, Jack Klugman, Charlene Tilton, Dennis Haysbert, Jane Seymour, Frankie Valli, Mykelti Williamson, Joanna Cassidy, Scott Baio, Jacqueline Obradors, Tony Lo Bianco, Taryn Manning, Dylan McDermott, David Hasselhoff, Viveca A. Fox, Leah Thompson, Ed McMahon, Chris Lawford, Jennifer Esposito, Sarah Paxton, Cindy Margolis, Brandy Norwood, Kimora Lee Simmons, Tovah Feldshuh, Joshua Malina, Daryl Hannah and many others.

     Almost 60 Academy Award Winners and Nominees have previously attended including:
    Jamie Foxx, Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Danny Aiello, Jennifer Tilly, Randy Quaid, Linda Blair, Michael Lerner, Sally Kirkland, Gary Busey, Bruce Davison, , Richard Dreyfuss, Cathy Moriarty, Kathleen Quinlan, Eric Roberts, Lynn Redgrave, Robert Forster,  Diane Ladd, Caroll Baker, Rip Torn, Charles Durning, Dean Stockwell, Robert Stack, Theodore Bikel, Don Murray, Cliff Robertson, William H. Macy, Samantha Eggar, Kevin McCarthy, Glynis Johns, Terry Moore, Burt Young, Karen Black, Eddie Albert, George Chakiris, James Cromwell, Red Buttons, Ernest Borgnine, Anthony Franciosa, Shirley Jones, Elliott Gould, Tony Curtis, Martin Landau, David Paymer, Robert Loggia, Rod Steiger, Brenda Vaccaro, Shirley Knight, James Whitmore, Shelly Winters, Pat Morita, Patricia Neal, Stuart Whitman, Carrie Snodgrass, Seymour Cassel, Lesley Ann Warren, Russ Tamblyn, Maximillian Schell, Sally Kellerman and Mickey Rooney.

    The 17th Annual Night of 100 Stars Awards Gala Hosted by Norby Walters & Peter Nygard
    The Beverly Hills Hotel International Ballroom
    9641 Sunset Boulevard  Beverly Hills, CA  90210
    4:00 PM Arrivals begin
    Tickets are $1,000 per seat. Only call 310-446-5416 for tickets and celebrity invite requests.

     

    Jan 26

     

     

    Academy Announces Best Picture Producer Credits

     The Producers Branch Executive Committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced the final roster of producers nominated in the Best Picture category for the 79th Annual Academy Awards®:

    Best motion picture of the year

    “Babel” (Paramount and Paramount Vantage)
              An Anonymous Content/Zeta Film/
              Central Films Production
    Alejandro González Iñárritu, Jon Kilik and Steve Golin, Producers
    “The Departed” (Warner Bros.)
              A Warner Bros. Pictures Production
    Graham King, Producer
    “Letters from Iwo Jima” (Warner Bros.)
              A DreamWorks Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures
              Production
    Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg and Robert Lorenz, Producers
    “Little Miss Sunshine” (Fox Searchlight)
              A Big Beach/Bona Fide Production
    David T. Friendly, Peter Saraf and Marc Turtletaub, Producers
    “The Queen” (Miramax, Pathé and Granada)
              A Granada Production
    Andy Harries, Christine Langan and Tracey Seaward, Producers

    The producers of the films “The Departed” and “Little Miss Sunshine” were not announced on January 23. The nominees for these two pictures were determined by the executive committee at a meeting on Thursday evening (1/25).

    # # #

     

    Jan 25

     

    Sir Elton John and David Furnish to Host 15th Annual Party Celebrating the Academy Awards(R) Benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation

    This Year's Co-Sponsors to Include Audi, Chopard and VH1

     Sir Elton John and David Furnish will host the 15th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) Academy Awards(R) Viewing Party. The event will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2007 at the Pacific Design Center and will be co-sponsored by Audi, Chopard and VH1. EJAF's party to celebrate the Academy Awards(R) is one of the Foundation's most successful and visible fundraisers of the year.

    The Elton John AIDS Foundation annual gala is the leading fundraising event in Hollywood on Oscar night. Over the past 14 years the party has raised over $125 million for EJAF and this year's event promises to be the most successful yet. The 15th anniversary of this party promises to bring about some exciting changes with an expanded dinner, significant live auction and enhanced musical performance. These modifications will significantly increase funds generated to support EJAF's grant-making activities in the fight against AIDS.

    "We are looking forward to celebrating the 15th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar party," says EJAF Director Scott Campbell. "We are so appreciative to the Hollywood community for their support. This is such an important event for the Foundation as it generates significant funds allowing us to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS."

    The gala is guaranteed to bring out some of the biggest and hottest celebrities from the entertainment community. Past guests have included Hollywood luminaries and Oscar winners such as Halle Berry, Nicolas Cage, Kevin Costner, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Benicio Del Toro, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sir Ian McKellen, Sharon Stone, Kevin Spacey, John Waters, Sissy Spacek, Denzel Washington, and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Many friends from the music industry have also attended, including Jon Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Jewel, Shirley Manson, Sir Paul McCartney, Prince, Sugar Ray, Rod Stewart, and Sting.

    Antony Todd of the New York City-based event design company, Antony Todd Incorporated, will be responsible for transforming the "Outdoor Plaza" of the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood in to a lavish and beautiful arena staged in a custom-built rectangular tent. Todd is known for his exquisite floral arrangements and immaculate planning and design of special events. Guests will arrive at 4:00pm for a cocktail reception followed by the five-course benefit dinner and 79th Annual Academy Awards(R) telecast. The evening will come to a close after the live auction and a soon-to-be-announced musical guest performer invited by Sir Elton John.

    ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION: Since its establishment in 1992 by Founder and Chairman Sir Elton John, the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) has raised nearly $120 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs in 55 countries around the globe. Today, EJAF is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. EJAF focuses on supporting community-based prevention education programs, harm reduction programs, and direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially populations with special needs. These efforts include HIV/AIDS-related physical and mental health services, HIV testing and counseling, street outreach and education, food distribution, assisted living services, social service coordination, and community volunteer recruitment and support.

    AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.: Audi of America, Inc., is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. Audi's history in America dates to 1969, when the brand was first introduced to the U.S. market. Today, a network of over 260 Audi dealers currently offers a line of premium vehicles that include the Audi A3 premium compact; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high-revving RS 4 sports sedan; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the all-new Audi Q7 performance SUV; and the all-aluminum Audi A8; and the award-winning TT Coupe and Roadster.

    CHOPARD: There are few jewelers in the world whose designs are immediately recognizable. At the forefront of that list is Chopard. For over 140 years, the "World of Chopard" has embraced elegance, originality and individuality. Renowned internationally for its award-winning "Happy Diamonds" creations, the Chopard collection also includes an array of designs that adorn celebrities around the world. Meticulously crafted in Geneva, Switzerland since 1860, Chopard has distinguished itself worldwide for luxurious jewels and impeccably crafted, high-precision timepieces that embody imaginative design and sophistication. For further information, phone 1.800.CHOPARD or visit Chopard on line at www.chopard.com

    VH1: VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 90 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.

    Source: Elton John AIDS Foundation

     

    Movie Quotes Line the Road to Oscars®
    Spike Lee Directed 79th Academy Awards® Ads on TV, Online


     

    Beverly Hills, CA — Tapping into the power of the spoken word, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched an integrated marketing campaign for the 79th Academy Awards featuring unforgettable movie lines that have infiltrated pop culture and public consciousness.

    More than 100 notable quotes from Oscar®-nominated and winning films will celebrate movies and generate buzz from numerous media platforms, including television, print, online, mobile and outdoor ads.

    “The Oscars are about our love of movies. This campaign reminds us of the depth and breadth of that connection by highlighting memorable quotes and phrases that have come to permeate our everyday dialogue,” said Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Academy Governor and chair of the public relations coordinating committee.

    In movie houses, on television and online, viewers will see advertising spots and a theatrical trailer directed by Academy Award®-nominated writer-director Spike Lee. Shot throughout New York City, the spots feature passers-by reciting famous movie lines from the past 70 years. I always love shooting on the streets of New York City. We were pulling people off the streets and getting wonderful looks and performances,” said Lee.

    Dozens of quotes will be featured in an outdoor campaign incorporating billboards, taxicab toppers, bus shelters, construction barriers, telephone kiosks and streetlight banners. Financial gurus will see “Greed is good” (“Wall Street”) on kiosks on Wall Street in New York City. “Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown” (“Chinatown”) will greet visitors in San Francisco’s Chinatown. On West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, shoppers, diners and late-night denizens will come across “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small” (“Sunset Blvd.”).

    “This campaign also encourages media organizations to challenge their readers and viewers by executing quote-related trivia contests,” added Boone Isaacs. Media outlets may download trivia questions and answers from the 79th Academy Awards Press Kit.

    The Academy Awards Web site, www.oscar.com, produced by abc.com in association with the Academy, will feature expanded video content including a weekly and daily show covering the “Road to the Oscars,” video diaries from Oscar host Ellen DeGeneres and a “Thank You Cam” which will capture the newest Academy Award winners’ first reactions. The Web site will also present interactive trivia games and quizzes, including “Find the 79s,” a watch-and-win contest challenging viewers to find 79s hidden in the set and props of the show. Oscar.com will also have extensive information on Academy Award nominees, show presenters and performers, fashion and Oscar history.

    Netflix, an online movie rental service, will promote the 79th Academy Awards with tune-in messaging across a number of different platforms, including a promotion on 8 million subscriber mailers and viral videos on its Oscar-dedicated Web site www.netflix.com/oscars, where video content submitted by the public quoting classic movie lines will be featured.

    The marketing and promotional concept was created for the Academy by TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles.

    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 (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-hour arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars.”

    # # #

     

    Jan 24

     

    History and Structure of the Academy

     

    THE HISTORY AND STRUCTURE OF THE ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS AND SCIENCES

     

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a professional honorary organization composed of over 6,500 filmmakers whose achievements have placed them at the top of their craft.

    The purposes of the Academy are to advance the arts and sciences of motion pictures; foster cooperation among creative leaders for cultural, educational and technological progress; recognize outstanding achievements; cooperate on technical research and improvement of methods and equipment; provide a common forum and meeting ground for various film-related crafts; represent the viewpoint of actual creators of the motion picture; and foster educational activities between the professional community and the public.

    The Academy’s field of activity does not include economic, labor or political matters.

    The Academy was organized in May 1927 as a nonprofit corporation. Its original 36 members included production executives and film luminaries of the time.

    Douglas Fairbanks Sr. was the first president. Others presidents include William de Mille, M.C. Levee, Conrad Nagel, J. Theodore Reed, Frank Lloyd, Frank Capra, Walter Wanger, Bette Davis, Jean Hersholt, Charles Brackett, George Seaton, George Stevens, B.B. Kahane, Valentine Davies, Wendell Corey, Arthur Freed, Gregory Peck, Daniel Taradash, Walter Mirisch, Howard W. Koch, Fay Kanin, Gene Allen, Robert E. Wise, Richard Kahn, Karl Malden, Arthur Hiller, Robert Rehme, Frank Pierson and Sid Ganis, who has been president since August 2005.

    From its founding until 1946, when it moved into a building at 9038 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, the Academy occupied a number of rented offices. In December of 1975, the Academy dedicated a seven-story headquarters at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For the first time in the organization’s history, its administrative offices, the Academy Players Directory, the Margaret Herrick Library, the Samuel Goldwyn Theater and other facilities were all located under one roof.

    Within a decade, however, the rapid growth of the holdings of both the Herrick Library and the Academy Film Archive necessitated the search for a new, separate facility. In 1988 a 55-year lease was arranged with the City of Beverly Hills for the conversion of its historic Waterworks building in La Cienega Park into the new home of the Academy’s library and film archive, to be called the Center for Motion Picture Study. The library and film archive occupied the structure in 1991, but by 1997 the crush of growing collections resulted once more in the need for additional off-site storage. In May of 2001 the Academy bought the former Don Lee-Mutual Broadcasting studios on Vine Street in Hollywood and began converting them into the new home of the Academy Film Archive and the Academy Players Directory. In 2006 the Academy Players Directory published its final edition, and the Directory was sold to a private concern. The building currently houses offices for the Academy Film Archive, the Academy’s Science and Technology Council, the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting program, and the planning staff for the proposed Academy museum, as well as four History and Structure of the Academy temperature-and humidity-controlled vaults (three for film, one for photos and documents) and the 286-seat Linwood Dunn Theater.

    During the Academy’s 75th anniversary celebration in 2002, the La Cienega Park building was designated the Fairbanks Center for Motion Picture Study in honor of the Academy’s first president, and the building on Vine Street was dedicated as the Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study in honor of Academy co-founder Mary Pickford.

    Membership in the Academy is by invitation of the Board of Governors and is limited to those who have distinguished themselves in the arts and sciences of motion pictures. The criteria for admittance include: a body of work in motion pictures thatreflects the high standards of the Academy, an achievement of unique distinction, or the making of an outstanding contribution to the film arts or sciences.

    Members represent 15 general areas – actors, animators and short film makers, art directors and costume designers, cinematographers, composers and songwriters, documentary filmmakers, directors, executives, film editors, makeup artists and hairstylists, producers, public relations specialists, sound technicians, visual effects experts and writers.

    A candidate for membership in the Academy is normally sponsored by at least two members of the branch for which the person may qualify. Each proposed member must first receive the favorable endorsement of the appropriate branch executive committee before his or her name is submitted to the Board of Governors for its approval. Individuals nominated for Academy Awards® who are not already members of the Academy are considered for membership without the need for sponsors.

    The Board of Governors also may invite individuals to become members-at-large and associate members. Members-at-large are those engaged in motion picture production, but for whose craft there is no separate branch. They have all the privileges of branch membership except for representation on the Board. Associate members are those closely allied to the industry but not actively engaged in motion picture production. They are not represented on the Board and do not vote on Academy Awards.

    Corporate management, control and general policies are administered by the Board of Governors. This group consists of representatives from each of the 15 Academy branches. All branches are represented on the Board by three governors except the Makeup Branch, created in 2006, which has one representative. Governors are elected for three-year terms and may serve up to three consecutive terms.

    Officers are elected from among the governors for one-year terms. The elected positions are president, first vice president, two vice presidents, treasurer and secretary.

    Officers may serve up to four consecutive one-year terms in the same office.

    The Board of Governors appoints an executive director to supervise the administrative activities of the Academy. Executive Director Bruce Davis and his staff of over 200 currently conduct the Academy’s day-to-day business.

    Membership dues, program admission charges, rental of Academy theaters to film companies for press previews and other special screenings, and the sale of special publications all contribute to the Academy’s operating revenue. The bulk of the revenue, however, comes from the sale of broadcast rights for the annual AcademyAwards presentation.

     

    Oscar®,” “Oscars®,” “Academy Awards®,” “Academy Award®,” “A.M.P.A.S.®” and “Oscar Night®” are the trademarks, and the ©Oscar® statuette is the registered design mark and copyrighted property, of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

     

    Jan 23

     

    NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR

    79TH ACADEMY AWARDS®

    BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Nominations for the 79th Annual Academy

    Awards were announced today (Tuesday, January 23) by Academy of

    Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Sid Ganis and past Oscar®

    nominee Salma Hayek.

    Ganis and Hayek, who was nominated for an Academy Award® in

    2002 for her lead performance in “Frida,” announced the nominations in

    10 of the 24 categories at a 5:30 a.m. live news conference at the

    Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. Nominations in

    all categories then were distributed to the over 400 international media

    representatives in attendance and via the Internet on the official

    Academy Awards Web site, www.oscar.com.

    Academy members from the various branches selected the nominees

    in their corresponding award categories, with the exception of the

    Animated Feature and Foreign Language Film categories, in which

    nominations were determined by vote of screening committees

    composed of members from several branches. All voting members are

    eligible to select the Best Picture nominees. Ballots were mailed to 5,830

    voting members in late December and were returned directly to PricewaterhouseCoopers, the

    international accounting firm, for tabulation.

    Official screenings for members of all pictures receiving nominations

    will begin this weekend at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Screenings in

    some categories also will be held in Hollywood, at the Academy’s

    Linwood Dunn Theater, as well as in London, New York and San

    Francisco.

    The Academy’s entire active and life membership is eligible to select

    the winners in all categories, although in five of them – the Animated

    Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Documentary Feature, Documentary

    Short Subject, and Foreign Language Film categories – members can vote

    only after attesting that they have seen all of the nominated films in the

    category.

    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 (8 p.m. EST), beginning with a half-

    hour arrivals segment, “The Road to the Oscars®.”

     

    - NOMINATIONS BY CATEGORY - 79TH AWARDS -

    Performance by an actor in a leading role

    Leonardo DiCaprio in “Blood Diamond” (Warner Bros.)

    Ryan Gosling in “Half Nelson” (THINKFilm)

    Peter O’Toole in “Venus” (Miramax, Filmfour and UK Council)

    Will Smith in “The Pursuit of Happyness” (Sony Pictures Releasing)

    Forest Whitaker in “The Last King of Scotland” (Fox Searchlight)

     

    Performance by an actor in a supporting role

     

    Alan Arkin in “Little Miss Sunshine” (Fox Searchlight)

    Jackie Earle Haley in “Little Children” (New Line)

    Djimon Hounsou in “Blood Diamond” (Warner Bros.)

    Eddie Murphy in “Dreamgirls” (DreamWorks and Paramount)

    Mark Wahlberg in “The Departed” (Warner Bros.)

     

    Performance by an actress in a leading role

     

    Penélope Cruz in “Volver” (Sony Pictures Classics)

    Judi Dench in “Notes on a Scandal” (Fox Searchlight)

    Helen Mirren in “The Queen” (Miramax, Pathé and Granada)

    Meryl Streep in “The Devil Wears Prada” (20th Century Fox)

    Kate Winslet in “Little Children” (New Line)

     

    Performance by an actress in a supporting role

     

    Adriana Barraza in “Babel” (Paramount and Paramount Vantage)

    Cate Blanchett in “Notes on a Scandal” (Fox Searchlight)

    Abigail Breslin in “Little Miss Sunshine” (Fox Searchlight)

    Jennifer Hudson in “Dreamgirls” (DreamWorks and Paramount)

    Rinko Kikuchi in “Babel” (Paramount and Paramount Vantage)

     

     

    Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Page 2.

    Best animated feature film of the year

    “Cars” (Buena Vista) John Lasseter

    “Happy Feet” (Warner Bros.) George Miller

    “Monster House” (Sony Pictures Releasing) Gil Kenan

    Achievement in art direction

    “Dreamgirls” (DreamWorks and Paramount) Art Direction: John Myhre

    Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh

    “The Good Shepherd” (Universal) Art Direction: Jeannine Oppewall

    Set Decoration: Gretchen Rau and

    Leslie E. Rollins

    “Pan’s Labyrinth” (Picturehouse) Art Direction: Eugenio Caballero

    Set Decoration: Pilar Revuelta

    “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” Art Direction: Rick Heinrichs

    (Buena Vista) Set Decoration: Cheryl A. Carasik

    “The Prestige” (Buena Vista) Art Direction: Nathan Crowley

    Set Decoration: Julie Ochipinti

    Achievement in cinematography

    “The Black Dahlia” (Universal) Vilmos Zsigmond

    “Children of Men” (Universal) Emmanuel Lubezki

    “The Illusionist” (Yari Film Group) Dick Pope

    “Pan’s Labyrinth” (Picturehouse) Guillermo Navarro

    “The Prestige” (Buena Vista) Wally Pfister

    Achievement in costume design

    “Curse of the Golden Flower” (Sony Pictures Classics) Yee Chung Man

    “The Devil Wears Prada” (20th Century Fox) Patricia Field

    “Dreamgirls” (DreamWorks and Paramount) Sharen Davis

    “Marie Antoinette” (Sony Pictures Releasing) Milena Canonero

    “The Queen” (Miramax, Pathé and Granada) Consolata Boyle

     

     

    Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Page 3.

    Achievement in directing

    “Babel” (Paramount and Paramount Vantage)

    “The Departed” (Warner Bros.)

    “Letters from Iwo Jima” (Warner Bros.)

    “The Queen” (Miramax, Pathé and Granada)

    “United 93” (Universal and StudioCanal)

    Alejandro González Iñárritu

    Martin Scorsese

    Clint Eastwood

    Stephen Frears

    Paul Greengrass

    Best documentary feature

    “Deliver Us from Evil” (Lionsgate)

    A Disarming Films Production

    “An Inconvenient Truth”

    (Paramount Classics and Participant Productions)

    A Lawrence Bender/Laurie David Production

    “Iraq in Fragments”

    (Typecast Releasing)

    A Typecast Pictures/Daylight Factory Production

     

    “Jesus Camp” (Magnolia Pictures)

    A Loki Films Production

    “My Country, My Country” (Zeitgeist Films)

    A Praxis Films Production

    Best documentary short subject

    Amy Berg and Frank Donner

    Davis Guggenheim

    James Longley and John Sinno

    Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady

    Laura Poitras and Jocelyn Glatzer

    “The Blood of Yingzhou District”

    A Thomas Lennon Films Production

    Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon

    “Recycled Life”

    An Iwerks/Glad Production

    Leslie Iwerks and Mike Glad

    “Rehearsing a Dream”

    A Simon & Goodman Picture Company Production

    Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon

    “Two Hands”

    A Crazy Boat Pictures Production

    Nathaniel Kahn and Susan Rose Behr

    Achievement in film editing

    “Babel” (Paramount and Paramount Vantage) Stephen Mirrione and Douglas Crise

    “Blood Diamond” (Warner Bros.) Steven Rosenblum

    “Children of Men” (Universal) Alex Rodríguez and Alfonso Cuarón

    “The Departed” (Warner Bros.) Thelma Schoonmaker

    “United 93” (Universal and StudioCanal) Clare Douglas, Christopher Rouse and

    Richard Pearson

     

     

    Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Page 4.

    Best foreign language film of the year

    “After the Wedding”

    A Zentropa Entertainments 16 Production

    Denmark

    “Days of Glory (Indigènes)”

    A Tessalit Production

    Algeria

    “The Lives of Others”

    A Wiedemann & Berg Production

    Germany

    “Pan’s Labyrinth”

    A Tequila Gang/Esperanto Filmoj/Estudios Picasso

    Production

    Mexico

    “Water”

    A Hamilton-Mehta Production

    Canada

    Achievement in makeup

    “Apocalypto” (Buena Vista) Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano

    “Click” (Sony Pictures Releasing) Kazuhiro Tsuji and Bill Corso

    “Pan’s Labyrinth” (Picturehouse) David Marti and Montse Ribe

    Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)

    “Babel” (Paramount and Paramount Vantage) Gustavo Santaolalla

    “The Good German” (Warner Bros.) Thomas Newman

    “Notes on a Scandal” (Fox Searchlight) Philip Glass

    “Pan’s Labyrinth” (Picturehouse) Javier Navarrete

    “The Queen” (Miramax, Pathé and Granada) Alexandre Desplat

    Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)

    “I Need to Wake Up” from “An Inconvenient Truth” Music and Lyric by Melissa Etheridge

    (Paramount Classics and Participant Productions)

    “Listen” from “Dreamgirls” Music by Henry Krieger and Scott Cutler

    (DreamWorks and Paramount) Lyric by Anne Preven

    “Love You I Do” from “Dreamgirls” Music by Henry Krieger

    (DreamWorks and Paramount) Lyric by Siedah Garrett

    “Our Town” from “Cars” Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

    (Buena Vista)

    “Patience” from “Dreamgirls” Music by Henry Krieger

    (DreamWorks and Paramount) Lyric by Willie Reale

     

     

    Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Page 5.

    Best motion picture of the year

    “Babel” (Paramount and Paramount Vantage)

    An Anonymous Content/Zeta Film/Central Films

    Production

    “The Departed” (Warner Bros.)

    A Warner Bros. Pictures Production

    “Letters from Iwo Jima” (Warner Bros.)

    A DreamWorks Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures

    Production

    “Little Miss Sunshine” (Fox Searchlight)

    A Big Beach/Bona Fide Production

    “The Queen” (Miramax, Pathé and Granada)

    A Granada Production

    Best animated short film

    Alejandro González Iñárritu, Jon Kilik and

    Steve Golin, Producers

    Nominees to be determined

    Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg and Robert Lorenz,

    Producers

    Nominees to be determined

    Andy Harries, Christine Langan and Tracey Seaward,

    Producers

    “The Danish Poet” (National Film Board of Canada)

    A Mikrofilm and National Film Board of Canada

    Production

    “Lifted” (Buena Vista)

    A Pixar Animation Studios Production

    “The Little Matchgirl” (Buena Vista)

    A Walt Disney Pictures Production

    “Maestro” (Szimplafilm)

    A Kedd Production

    “No Time for Nuts” (20th Century Fox)

    A Blue Sky Studios Production

    Best live action short film

    Torill Kove

    Gary Rydstrom

    Roger Allers and Don Hahn

    Geza M. Toth

    Chris Renaud and Michael Thurmeier

    “Binta and the Great Idea (Binta Y La Gran Idea)” Javier Fesser and Luis Manso

    A Peliculas Pendelton and Tus Ojos Production

    “Éramos Pocos (One Too Many)” (Kimuak) Borja Cobeaga

    An Altube Filmeak Production

    “Helmer & Son” Soren Pilmark and Kim Magnusson

    A Nordisk Film Production

    “The Saviour” (Australian Film Television and Radio Peter Templeman and Stuart Parkyn

    School)

    An Australian Film Television and Radio School

    Production

    “West Bank Story” Ari Sandel

    An Ari Sandel, Pascal Vaguelsy, Amy Kim,

    Ravi Malhotra and Ashley Jordan Production

     

     

    Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Page 6.

    Achievement in sound editing

    “Apocalypto” (Buena Vista) Sean McCormack and Kami Asgar

    “Blood Diamond” (Warner Bros.) Lon Bender

    “Flags of Our Fathers” Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman

    (DreamWorks and Warner Bros., Distributed by

    Paramount)

    “Letters from Iwo Jima” (Warner Bros.) Alan Robert Murray

    “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” Christopher Boyes and George Watters II

    (Buena Vista)

    Achievement in sound mixing

    “Apocalypto” (Buena Vista)

    Kevin O’Connell, Greg P. Russell and

    Fernando Camara

    “Blood Diamond” (Warner Bros.

    )

    Andy Nelson, Anna Behlmer and Ivan Sharrock

    “Dreamgirls” (DreamWorks and Paramount)

    Michael Minkler, Bob Beemer and Willie Burton

    “Flags of Our Fathers”

    John Reitz, Dave Campbell, Gregg Rudloff and

    (DreamWorks and Warner Bros., Distributed by Walt Martin

    Paramount)

    “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” Paul Massey, Christopher Boyes and Lee Orloff

    (Buena Vista)

    Achievement in visual effects

    “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” John Knoll, Hal Hickel, Charles Gibson and Allen Hall

    (Buena Vista)

    “Poseidon” (Warner Bros.

    )

    Boyd Shermis, Kim Libreri, Chaz Jarrett and

    John Frazier

    “Superman Returns” (Warner Bros.

    )

    Mark Stetson, Neil Corbould, Richard R. Hoover and

    Jon Thum

     

     

    Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Page 7.

    Adapted screenplay

    “Borat Cultural Learnings of America for Make Screenplay by Sacha Baron Cohen &

    Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” Anthony Hines & Peter Baynham & Dan Mazer

    (20th Century Fox) Story by Sacha Baron Cohen & Peter Baynham &

    Anthony Hines & Todd Phillips

    “Children of Men” (Universal)

    Screenplay by Alfonso Cuarón & Timothy J. Sexton

    and David Arata and Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby

    “The Departed” (Warner Bros.

    )

    Screenplay by William Monahan

    “Little Children” (New Line)

    Screenplay by Todd Field & Tom Perrotta

    “Notes on a Scandal” (Fox Searchlight)

    Screenplay by Patrick Marber

    Original screenplay

    “Babel” (Paramount and Paramount Vantage) Written by Guillermo Arriaga

    “Letters from Iwo Jima” (Warner Bros.) Screenplay by Iris Yamashita

    Story by Iris Yamashita & Paul Haggis

    “Little Miss Sunshine” (Fox Searchlight) Written by Michael Arndt

    “Pan’s Labyrinth” (Picturehouse) Written by Guillermo del Toro

    “The Queen” (Miramax, Pathé and Granada) Written by Peter Morgan

     

     

    Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Page 8.

    - MOTION PICTURE NOMINATIONS - 79TH AWARDS -

    - NOMINATIONS BY PICTURE -

    (This list does not include Short Films or Documentary Short Subjects)

    “After the Wedding,” a Zentropa Entertainments 16 Production (IFC Films)

    Best foreign language film (Denmark)

    (1 nomination)

    “Apocalypto,” an Icon Distribution, Inc. Production (Buena Vista)

    Makeup

    Sound editing

    Sound mixing

    (3 nominations)

    “Babel,” an Anonymous Content/Zeta Film/Central Films Production

    (Paramount and Paramount Vantage)

    Adriana Barraza - Performance by an actress in a supporting role

    Rinko Kikuchi - Performance by an actress in a supporting role

    Directing

    Film editing

    Original score

    Best picture

    Original screenplay

    (7 nominations)

    “The Black Dahlia,” a Millennium Films Production (Universal)

    Cinematography

    (1 nomination)

    “Blood Diamond,” a Liberty Pictures, Inc. Production (Warner Bros.)

    Leonardo DiCaprio - Performance by an actor in a leading role

    Djimon Hounsou - Performance by an actor in a supporting role

    Film editing

    Sound editing

    Sound mixing

    (5 nominations)

    “Borat Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of

    Kazakhstan,” a 20th Century Fox Production (20th Century Fox)

    Adapted screenplay

    (1 nomination)

    “Cars,” a Pixar Animation Studios Production (Buena Vista)

    Best animated feature film

    Original song

    (2 nominations)

    “Children of Men,” a Universal Pictures/Strike Entertainment Production (Universal)

    Cinematography

    Film editing

    Adapted screenplay

    (3 nominations)

    “Click,” a Columbia Pictures/Revolution Studios Production (Sony Pictures Releasing)

    Makeup

    (1 nomination)

    “Curse of the Golden Flower,” a Film Partner International Inc. Production

    (Sony Pictures Classics)

    Costume design

    (1 nomination)

     

     

    Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Page 9.

    “Days of Glory (Indigènes),” a Tessalit Production (The Weinstein Company/IFC Films)

    Best foreign language film (Algeria)

    (1 nomination)

    “Deliver Us from Evil,” a Disarming Films Production (Lionsgate)

    Documentary feature

    (1 nomination)

    “The Departed,” a Warner Bros. Pictures Production (Warner Bros.)

    Mark Wahlberg - Performance by an actor in a supporting role

    Directing

    Film editing

    Best picture

    Adapted screenplay

    (5 nominations)

    “The Devil Wears Prada,” a Fox 2000 Pictures Production (20th Century Fox )

    Meryl Streep - Performance by an actress in a leading role

    Costume design

    (2 nominations)

    “Dreamgirls,” a Laurence Mark Production (DreamWorks and Paramount)

    Eddie Murphy - Performance by an actor in a supporting role

    Jennifer Hudson - Performance by an actress in a supporting role

    Art direction

    Costume design

    Original song - “Listen”

    Original song - “Love You I Do”

    Original song - “Patience”

    Sound mixing

    (8 nominations)

    “Flags of Our Fathers,” a Malpaso/Amblin Entertainment Production

    (DreamWorks and Warner Bros., Distributed by Paramount)

    Sound editing

    Sound mixing

    (2 nominations)

    “The Good German,” a Warner Bros. Pictures Production (Warner Bros.)

    Original score

    (1 nomination)

    “The Good Shepherd,” a Morgan Creek Production (Universal)

    Art direction

    (1 nomination)

    “Half Nelson,” a Hunting Lane Films Production (THINKFilm)

    Ryan Gosling - Performance by an actor in a leading role

    (1 nomination)

    “Happy Feet,” a Kingdom Pictures, LLC Production (Warner Bros.)

    Best animated feature film

    (1 nomination)

    “The Illusionist,” a Yari Film Group Production (Yari Film Group)

    Cinematography

    (1 nomination)

    “An Inconvenient Truth,” a Lawrence Bender/Laurie David Production

    (Paramount Classics and Participant Productions)

    Documentary feature

    Original song

    (2 nominations)

    “Iraq in Fragments,” a Typecast Pictures/Daylight Factory Production (Typecast Releasing)

    Documentary feature

    (1 nomination)

     

     

    Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Page 10.

    “Jesus Camp,” a Loki Films Production (Magnolia Pictures)

    Documentary feature

    (1 nomination)

    “The Last King of Scotland,” a Cowboy Films/Slate Films Production (Fox Searchlight)

    Forest Whitaker - Performance by an actor in a leading role

    (1 nomination)

    “Letters from Iwo Jima,” a DreamWorks Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures Production

    (Warner Bros.)

    Directing

    Best picture

    Sound editing

    Original screenplay

    (4 nominations)

    “Little Children,” a Bona Fide/Standard Film Company Production (New Line)

    Jackie Earle Haley - Performance by an actor in a supporting role

    Kate Winslet - Performance by an actress in a leading role

    Adapted screenplay

    (3 nominations)

    “Little Miss Sunshine,” a Big Beach/Bona Fide Production (Fox Searchlight)

    Alan Arkin - Performance by an actor in a supporting role

    Abigail Breslin - Performance by an actress in a supporting role

    Best picture

    Original screenplay

    (4 nominations)

    “The Lives of Others,” a Wiedemann & Berg Production (Sony Pictures Classics)

    Best foreign language film (Germany)

    (1 nomination)

    “Marie Antoinette,” an I Want Candy, LLC Production (Sony Pictures Releasing)

    Costume design

    (1 nomination)

    “Monster House,” a Columbia Pictures Production (Sony Pictures Releasing)

    Best animated feature film

    (1 nomination)

    “My Country, My Country,” a Praxis Films Production (Zeitgeist Films)

    Documentary feature

    (1 nomination)

    “Notes on a Scandal,” a Scott Rudin/Robert Fox Production (Fox Searchlight)

    Judi Dench - Performance by an actress in a leading role

    Cate Blanchett - Performance by an actress in a supporting role

    Original score

    Adapted screenplay

    (4 nominations)

    “Pan’s Labyrinth,” a Tequila Gang/Esperanto Filmoj/Estudios Picasso Production

    (Picturehouse)

    Art direction

    Cinematography

    Best foreign language film (Mexico)

    Makeup

    Original score

    Original screenplay

    (6 nominations)

     

     

    Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Page 11.

    “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” a Walt Disney Pictures/Jerry Bruckheimer

    Films Production (Buena Vista)

    Art direction

    Sound editing

    Sound mixing

    Visual effects

    (4 nominations)

    “Poseidon,” a Warner Bros. Pictures Production (Warner Bros.)

    Visual effects

    (1 nomination)

    “The Prestige,” a Touchstone Pictures/Warner Bros. Pictures Production (Buena Vista)

    Art direction

    Cinematography

    (2 nominations)

    “The Pursuit of Happyness,” a Columbia Pictures Production (Sony Pictures Releasing)

    Will Smith - Performance by an actor in a leading role

    (1 nomination)

    “The Queen,” a Granada Production (Miramax, Pathé and Granada)

    Helen Mirren - Performance by an actress in a leading role

    Costume design

    Directing

    Original score

    Best picture

    Original screenplay

    (6 nominations)

    “Superman Returns,” an Outback Pictures Inc. Production (Warner Bros.)

    Visual effects

    (1 nomination)

    “United 93,” a Universal Pictures/StudioCanal/Working Title Films Production

    (Universal and StudioCanal)

    Directing

    Film editing

    (2 nominations)

    “Venus,” a Free Range Film Production (Miramax, Filmfour and UK Council)

    Peter O’Toole - Performance by an actor in a leading role

    (1 nomination)

    “Volver,” an El Deseo D.A., S.L.U. Production (Sony Pictures Classics)

    Penélope Cruz - Performance by an actress in a leading role

    (1 nomination)

    “Water,” a Hamilton-Mehta Production (Fox Searchlight)

    Best foreign language film (Canada)

    (1 nomination)

     

     

    Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

     

    - MOTION PICTURE NOMINATIONS -79TH AWARDS

    -

    - FEATURE FILMS WITH TWO OR MORE NOMINATIONS

    -

     

    (This list does not include Short Films

    or Documentary Short Subjects.)

    Picture Distribution Company

    “Dreamgirls” DreamWorks and Paramount

    “Babel” Paramount and Paramount Vantage

    “Pan’s Labyrinth” Picturehouse

    “The Queen” Miramax, Pathé and Granada

    “Blood Diamond” Warner Bros.

    “The Departed” Warner Bros.

    “Letters from Iwo Jima” Warner Bros.

    “Little Miss Sunshine” Fox Searchlight

    “Notes on a Scandal” Fox Searchlight

    “Pirates of the Caribbean:

    Dead Man’s Chest”

    “Apocalypto”

    Buena Vista

    Buena Vista

    “Children of Men” Universal

    “Little Children” New Line

    “Cars” Buena Vista

    “The Devil Wears Prada” 20th Century Fox

    “Flags of Our Fathers”

    “An Inconvenient Truth”

    “The Prestige”

    DreamWorks and Warner Bros.,

    Distributed by Paramount

    Paramount Classics and

    Participant Productions

    Buena Vista

    “United 93” Universal and StudioCanal

     

    79TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

    FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM AWARD NOMINEES

    AFTER THE WEDDING

    (Efter Brylluppet)

    Denmark

    CREDITS

    Production Company: Zentropa Entertainments 16. Producer: Sisse Graum Jørgensen. Director: Susanne Bier.

    Screenplay: Anders Thomas Jensen. Cinematography: Morten Søborg. Editing: Pernille Bech Christensen and Morten Højbjerg. Production Designer: Søren Skjær. Costumes: Manon Rasmussen. Sound: Eddie Simonsen and Kristian Eidnes Andersen. Music: Johan Söderqvist

    CAST

    Mads Mikkelsen (Jacob), Neeral Mulchandani (Pramod), Rolf Lassgård (Jørgen), Sidse Babett Knudsen (Helene), Stine Fischer Christensen (Anna).

    * * * * *

    DAYS OF GLORY (INDIGÈNES)

    Algeria

    CREDITS

    Production Company: Tessalit. Producer: Rachid Bouchareb and Jean Bréhat. Director: Rachid Bouchareb.

    Screenplay: Rachid Bouchareb and Olivier Lorelle. Cinematography: Patrick Blossier. Editing: Yannick Kergoat.

    Production Designer: Dominique Douret. Costumes: Michèle Richer. Sound: Thomas Gauder. Music: Khaled.

    CAST

    Jamel Debbouze (Saïd), Samy Nacery (Yassir), Roschdy Zem (Messaoud), Sami Bouajila (Abdelkader), Bernard Blancan (Sergeant Martinez), Mathieu Simonet (Leroux).

    * * * * *

    THE LIVES OF OTHERS

    (Das Leben der Anderen)

    Germany

    CREDITS

    Production Company: Wiedemann & Berg Productions. Producers: Quirin Berg, Max Wiedemann.

    Director/Screenplay: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. Cinematography: Hagen Bogdanski. Editing: Patricia Rommel.

    Production Designer: Silke Buhr. Costumes: Gabriele Binder. Sound: Hubertus Rath. Music: Stéphane Moucha.

    CAST

    Martina Gedeck (Christa-Maria Sieland), Ulrich Mühe (Captain Gerd Wiesler), Sebastian Koch (Georg Dreyman), Ulrich Tukur (Lieutenant Colonel Anton Grubitz), Thomas Thieme (Minister Bruno Hempf), Hans-Uwe Bauer (Paul Hauser).

    * * * * *

    PAN’S LABYRINTH

    (El Laberinto del Fauno)

    Mexico

    CREDITS

    Production Company: Tequila Gang, Esperanto Filmoj, Estudios Picasso. Producer: Bertha Navarro, Alfonso Cuarón, Frida Torresblanco, Alvaro Augustín. Director/Screenplay: Guillermo del Toro. Cinematography: Guillermo Navarro.

    Editing: Bernat Vilaplana. Art Director: Eugenio Caballero. Sound: Martín Hernández. Music: Javier Navarrete.

    CAST

    Ivana Baquero (Ofelia), Sergi López (Vidal), Maribel Verdú (Mercedes), Doug Jones (Pan), Alex Angulo (Doctor), Manolo Solo (Garces)

    * * * * *

    WATER

    Canada

    CREDITS

    Production Company: Hamilton-Mehta Productions. Producer: David Hamilton. Director/Screenplay: Deepa Mehta.

    Cinematography: Giles Nuttgens. Editing: Colin Monie. Art Director: Dilip Mehta. Costumes: Dolly Ahluwallia.

    Music: Mychael Danna.

    CAST

    H.T.J. Sarala (Chuiya), Lisa Ray (Kalyani), John Abraham (Narayan), Seema Biswas (Shakuntala), Manorma (Madhumati), Vinay Pathak (Rabindra).

     

     

     

    79TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS®

    SIDEBARS

    In the acting categories, ten individuals are first-time nominees. The other ten share a total of 49 nominations. Three

    (Meryl Streep, Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett) are previous Oscar® winners.

    Leading Actress nominee Judi Dench is the only performer who was also nominated last year (for Mrs. Henderson Presents).

    Meryl Streep’s acting nomination this year gives her 14 nominations, breaking the record she set in 2002. Katharine Hepburn and Jack Nicholson are tied at 12 nominations each.

    At 31, Kate Winslet is the youngest performer to receive 5 acting nominations. The previous record holder was Olivia de Havilland, who was 33 when she received her fifth nomination in 1949, for The Heiress.

    Should he win an Oscar this year in the Leading Actor category, Peter O’Toole would join Henry Fonda and Paul Newman as actors who won their first competitive Oscars® after having received Honorary Awards from the Academy.

    The 38-year interval between nominations for Alan Arkin is not a record for performers. Arkin’s interval ties Jack Palance’s between Shane (1953) and City Slickers (1991), and represents less of a wait than those experienced by Helen

    Hayes (39 years between The Sin of Madelon Claudet [1931/32] and Airport [1970]) and Henry Fonda (41 years between acting nominations for The Grapes of Wrath [1940] and On Golden Pond [1981]).

    Penélope Cruz and Rinko Kikuchi are both nominated for foreign-language performances. Four performers have won Academy Awards for roles using spoken languages other than English. They are Sophia Loren (1961, Actress in Two Women), Robert De Niro (1974, Supporting Actor in The Godfather Part II), Roberto Benigni (1998, Actor in Life Is Beautiful) and Benicio Del Toro (2000, Supporting Actor in Traffic). In addition, Marlee Matlin received the 1986 Leading Actress award for a performance almost entirely in American Sign Language. The other nominees have been Marcello Mastroianni (1962, Actor in Divorce - Italian Style; 1977, Actor in A Special Day and 1987, Actor in Dark Eyes), Sophia Loren (1964, Actress in Marriage Italian Style), Anouk Aimee (1966, Actress in A Man and a Woman), Ida Kaminska (1966, Actress in The Shop on Main Street), Liv Ullmann (1972, Actress in The Emigrants and 1976, Actress in Face to Face), Valentina Cortese (1974, Supporting Actress in Day for Night), Isabelle Adjani (1975, Actress in The Story of Adele H. and 1989, Actress in Camille Claudel), Marie-Christine Barrault (1976, Actress in Cousin, Cousine), Giancarlo Giannini (1976, Actor in Seven Beauties), Ingrid Bergman (1978, Actress in Autumn Sonata), Max Von Sydow (1988, Actor in Pelle the Conqueror), Gerard Depardieu (1990, Actor in Cyrano de Bergerac), Graham Greene (1990, Supporting Actor in Dances With Wolves), Catherine Deneuve (1992, Actress in Indochine), Massimo Troisi (1995, Actor in Il Postino) and Fernanda Montenegro (1998, Actress in Central Station).

    Should Letters from Iwo Jima win Best Picture, it would be the first foreign-language film to win in the category. The seven previous foreign-language Best Picture nominees were Grand Illusion (1938), Z (1969), The Emigrants (1972), Cries and Whispers (1973), The Postman (Il Postino) (1995), Life Is Beautiful (1998) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000).

    “I Need to Wake Up” from An Inconvenient Truth is the first song from a documentary film to be nominated since “More” from Mondo Cane in 1963.

    Best Picture Release Dates:

    Little Miss Sunshine - July 26, 2006

    The Departed - October 6, 2006

    The Queen - October 6, 2006

    Babel - October 27, 2006

    Letters from Iwo Jima - December 20, 2006

     

     

     

    79TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS®

    OSCAR® NOMINATIONS FACT SHEET

    Best Motion Picture of the Year:

    Babel (Paramount and Paramount Vantage) [Produced by Alejandro González Iñárritu, Jon Kilik and Steve Golin.] - This is the first

    nomination in this category for Alejandro González Iñárritu. He is also nominated in the Directing category. This is the first

    nomination for both Jon Kilik and Steve Golin.

    The Departed (Warner Bros.) [Nominees to be determined.]

    Letters from Iwo Jima (Warner Bros.) [Produced by Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg and Robert Lorenz.] - Clint Eastwood=s

    nominations this year bring him to a total of ten; this is the fourth in this category. His other Best Picture nominations were for Mystic

    River (2003), Unforgiven (1992) and Million Dollar Baby (2004), these last two resulted in him winning two Best Picture Oscars®,

    as well as two Directing Oscars. His other nominations are for directing Mystic River and Letters from Iwo Jima, and two Leading

    Actor nominations for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby. In 1994, he received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for

    Aconsistently high quality of motion picture production.

    @

    This is Steven Spielberg=s twelfth nomination and the sixth in this category. His other Best Picture nominations were for E.T. The

    Extra-Terrestrial (1982), The Color Purple (1985), Schindler=s List (1993), for which he took home an Oscar, Saving Private Ryan

    (1998) and last year=s Munich. He has six Directing nominations, for Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Raiders of the

    Lost Ark (1981), E.T., Schindler=s List and Saving Private Ryan - these last two resulting in Oscars - and last year=s Munich. He

    also received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1986.

    This is Robert Lorenz=s second nomination. His other Best Picture nomination was for Mystic River.

    Little Miss Sunshine (Fox Searchlight) [Nominees to be determined.]

    The Queen (Miramax Films, Pathé and Granada) [Produced by Andy Harries, Christine Langan and Tracey Seaward.] - This is the first

    nomination for all three.

    Achievement in Directing:

    Babel -Alejandro González Iñárritu - This is the first nomination in this category for Alejandro González Iñárritu. He is also nominated

    this year in the Best Picture category.

    The Departed -Martin Scorsese - This is his eighth Academy Award® nomination and the sixth in this category. His other Directing

    nominations were for Raging Bull (1980), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), Good Fellas (1990), Gangs of New York (2002)

    and The Aviator (2004). He was also nominated for his screenplays for Good Fellas and The Age of Innocence (1993).

    Letters from Iwo Jima -Clint Eastwood - Clint Eastwood=s nominations this year bring him to a total of ten; this is the fourth in this

    category. His other Directing nominations were for Mystic River (2003), Unforgiven (1992) and Million Dollar Baby (2004), these

    last two resulted in him winning two Directing Oscars, as well as two Best Picture Oscars. His other nominations are for producing

    Mystic River and Letters from Iwo Jima, and two Leading Actor nominations for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby. In 1994, he

    received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.

    The Queen -Stephen Frears - This is his second nomination. His direction of The Grifters (1990) was also nominated.

    United 93 -Paul Greengrass - This is his first nomination.

     

     

    Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role:

    Leonardo DiCaprio (“Danny Archer” in Blood Diamond) - This is his third nomination and the second in this category. His other

    nominations were for his Supporting Role in What=s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) and his Leading Role in The Aviator (2004).

    Ryan Gosling (“Dan Dunne” in Half Nelson) - This is his first nomination.

    Peter O=Toole (“Maurice” in Venus) - This is his eighth nomination, all in this category. His first nomination was 44 years ago, for

    Lawrence of Arabia (1962). His others were for Becket (1964), The Lion in Winter (1968), Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969), The Ruling

    Class (1972), The Stunt Man (1980) and My Favorite Year (1982). In 2002, the Board of Governors presented him with an Honorary

    Oscar, which read: “To Peter O’Toole, whose remarkable talents have provided cinema history with some of its most memorable

    characters.”

    Will Smith (“Chris Gardner” in The Pursuit of Happyness) - This is his second nomination, having been previously nominated in this

    category for Ali (2001).

    Forest Whitaker (“Idi Amin” in The Last King of Scotland) - This is his first nomination.

    Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role:

    Alan Arkin (“Grandpa” in Little Miss Sunshine) - This is his third nomination and the first in this category. His Leading Role

    nominations were for The Russians Are Coming The Russians Are Coming (1966) and The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1968).

    Jackie Earle Haley (“Ronnie J. McGorvey” in Little Children) - This is his first nomination.

    Djimon Hounsou (“Solomon Vandy” in Blood Diamond) - This is his second nomination in this category. His first was for In America

    in 2003.

    Eddie Murphy (“James ‘Thunder’ Early” in Dreamgirls) - This is his first nomination.

    Mark Wahlberg (“Dignam” in The Departed) - This is his first nomination.

    Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:

    Penélope Cruz (“Raimunda” in Volver) - This is her first nomination.

    Judi Dench (“Barbara Covett” in Notes on a Scandal) - This is her sixth nomination and the fourth in this category. Her other Leading

    Role nominations were for Mrs. Brown (1997), Iris (2001), and last year=s Mrs. Henderson Presents. Her Supporting Role

    nominations were for Shakespeare in Love (1998), for which she won an Oscar, and Chocolat (2000).

    Helen Mirren (“The Queen” in The Queen) - This is her third nomination and the first in this category. Her Supporting Role nominations

    were for The Madness of King George (1994) and Gosford Park (2001).

    Meryl Streep (“Miranda Priestly” in The Devil Wears Prada) - This is her fourteenth Academy Award nomination and the eleventh in

    this category. Her other Leading Role nominations were for The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981), Sophie's Choice (1982), for

    which she won the Oscar, Silkwood (1983), Out of Africa (1985), Ironweed (1987), A Cry in the Dark (1988), Postcards from the

    Edge (1990), The Bridges of Madison County (1995), One True Thing (1998) and Music of the Heart (1999). Her Supporting Role

    nominations were for The Deer Hunter (1978), Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), for which she took home the Oscar, and Adaptation

    (2002).

    Kate Winslet (“Sarah Pierce” in Little Children) - This is her fifth nomination and the third in this category. Her other Leading Role

    nominations were for Titanic (1997) and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). Her Supporting Role nominations were for

    Sense and Sensibility (1995) and Iris (2001).

     

     

    Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role:

    Adriana Barraza (“Amelia” in Babel) - This is her first nomination.

    Cate Blanchett (“Sheba Hart” in Notes on a Scandal) - This is her third nomination and the second in this category. Her other

     

    Supporting Role nomination was for The Aviator (2004), for which she won the Oscar. Her Leading Role in Elizabeth (1998) was

    also nominated.

    Abigail Breslin (“Olive” in Little Miss Sunshine) - This is her first nomination.

    Jennifer Hudson (“Effie White” in Dreamgirls) - This is her first nomination.

    Rinko Kikuchi (“Chieko” in Babel) - This is her first nomination.

    Achievement in Writing (Adapted Screenplay):

    Borat Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan - Screenplay by Sacha Baron Cohen &

    Anthony Hines & Peter Baynham & Dan Mazer. Story by Sacha Baron Cohen & Peter Baynham & Anthony Hines & Todd

    Phillips (based on a character created by Sacha Baron Cohen). - This is the first nomination for all.

    Children of Men - Screenplay by Alfonso Cuarón & Timothy J. Sexton and David Arata and Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby (based on

    the novel “The Children of Men” by P.D. James). - This is Alfonso Cuarón=s second nomination in this category. His other

    nomination was for the screenplay of Y Tu Mamá También (2002).

    This is the first nomination for Timothy J. Sexton, David Arata, Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby.

    The Departed - Screenplay by William Monahan (based on the 2002 screenplay Wu jian dao (Infernal Affairs) by Alan Mak and Felix

    Chong). - This is his first nomination.

    Little Children - Screenplay by Todd Field & Tom Perrotta (based on the novel by Tom Perrotta). - This is Todd Field=s third

    nomination and the second in this category. He was nominated in 2001 for writing and producing In the Bedroom.

    This is Tom Perrotta=s first nomination.

    Notes on a Scandal - Screenplay by Patrick Marber (based on the novel “What Was She Thinking: Notes on a Scandal” by Zoe Heller). This

    is his first nomination.

    Achievement in Writing (Original Screenplay)

    :

    Babel - Written by Guillermo Arriaga. - This is his first nomination.

    Letters from Iwo Jima - Screenplay by Iris Yamashita. Story by Iris Yamashita & Paul Haggis. - This is Iris Yamashita=s first

     

    nomination.

    This is Paul Haggis=s fifth nomination and the third in this category. Last year he took home two Oscars for writing and producing Crash,

    the Best Picture winner. He was also nominated for directing that film. His other screenplay nomination was for Million Dollar Baby

    (2004).

    Little Miss Sunshine - Written by Michael Arndt. - This is his first nomination.

    Pan’s Labyrinth - Written by Guillermo del Toro. - This is his first nomination.

    The Queen - Written by Peter Morgan. - This is his first nomination.

     

     

    Best Foreign Language Film:

    After the Wedding (Denmark) [Directed by Susanne Bier.] - This is Denmark=s seventh Academy Award nomination. It won back-toback

    Oscars for 1987’s Babette=s Feast and 1988’s Pelle the Conqueror. Denmark=s other nominations were for Qivitoq (1956),

    Paw (1959), Harry and the Butler (1961) and Waltzing Regitze (1989).

    Days of Glory (Algeria) [Directed by Rachid Bouchareb.] - This is the fourth Academy Award nomination for Algeria. It won the Oscar

    for its entry, Z, in 1969, and was nominated for Le Bal (1983) and Dust of Life (1995).

    The Lives of Others (Germany) [Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck.] - This is the seventh Academy Award nomination for

    Germany. Previous nominations were for The Nasty Girl (1990), Schtonk! (1992), Beyond Silence (1997), Nowhere in Africa

    (2002), which won the Oscar, Downfall (2004) and last year=s Sophie Scholl - The Final Days. Prior to reunification in 1990, the

    Federal Republic of Germany received a total of eight Academy Award nominations. They were for The Captain of Kopenick (1956),

    The Devil Came at Night (1957), Arms and the Man (1958), The Bridge (1959), The Pedestrian (1973), The Glass Cell (1978), The

    Tin Drum (1979), which won the Oscar, and Angry Harvest (1985). Also prior to reunification, the German Democratic Republic

    received one Academy Award nomination, for Jacob, the Liar (1976).

    Pan’s Labyrinth (Mexico) [Directed by Guillermo del Toro.] - This is the seventh Academy Award nomination for Mexico. Previous

    nominations were for Macario (1960), The Important Man (1961), Tlayucan (1962), Letters from Marusia (1975), Amores Perros

    (2000) and El Crimen del Padre Amaro (2002).

    Water (Canada) [Directed by Deepa Mehta.] - This is the fourth Academy Award nomination for Canada. Previous nominations were

    for The Decline of the American Empire (1986), Jesus of Montreal (1989) and the 2003 Oscar winner, The Barbarian Invasions.

    Best Animated Feature Film:

    Cars (Buena Vista) -John Lasseter - This is his fifth nomination and the second in this category. His other Animated Feature Film

    nomination was for Monsters, Inc. (2001). He was nominated for two animated short films, Luxo, Jr. (1986) and the Oscar-winning

    Tin Toy (1988). In 1995, he was nominated in the Original Screenplay category for Toy Story. That year he was also the recipient of

    a Special Achievement Award Oscar A...for his inspired leadership of the Pixar Toy Story team, resulting in the first feature-length

    computer-animated film.

    @

    Happy Feet (Warner Bros.) - George Miller - This is his fourth nomination and the first in this category. His previous nominations were

    for writing Lorenzo=s Oil (1992) and for writing and producing the Best Picture nominee, Babe (1995).

    Monster House (Sony Pictures Releasing) -Gil Kenan - This is his first nomination.

     

     

     

    Complete list of the 79th Annual Academy Award nominations announced Tuesday at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif.:

    1. Best Picture: "Babel," "The Departed," "Letters From Iwo Jima," "Little Miss Sunshine," "The Queen."

    2. Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, "Blood Diamond"; Ryan Gosling, "Half Nelson"; Peter O'Toole, "Venus"; Will Smith, "The Pursuit of Happyness"; Forest Whitaker, "The Last King of Scotland."

    3. Actress: Penelope Cruz, "Volver"; Judi Dench, "Notes on a Scandal"; Helen Mirren, "The Queen"; Meryl Streep, "The Devil Wears Prada"; Kate Winslet, "Little Children."

    4. Supporting Actor: Alan Arkin, "Little Miss Sunshine"; Jackie Earle Haley, "Little Children"; Djimon Hounsou, "Blood Diamond"; Eddie Murphy, "Dreamgirls"; Mark Wahlberg, "The Departed."

    5. Supporting Actress: Adriana Barraza, "Babel"; Cate Blanchett, "Notes on a Scandal"; Abigail Breslin, "Little Miss Sunshine"; Jennifer Hudson, "Dreamgirls"; Rinko Kikuchi, "Babel."

    6. Directing: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, "Babel"; Martin Scorsese, "The Departed"; Clint Eastwood, "Letters From Iwo Jima"; Stephen Frears, "The Queen"; Paul Greengrass, "United 93."

    7. Foreign Language Film: "After the Wedding," Denmark; "Days of Glory (Indigenes)," Algeria; "The Lives of Others," Germany; "Pan's Labyrinth," Mexico; "Water," Canada.

    8. Adapted Screenplay: Sacha Baron Cohen and Anthony Hines and Peter Baynham and Dan Mazer and Todd Phillips, "Borat Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan"; Alfonso Cuaron and Timothy J. Sexton and David Arata and Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, "Children of Men"; William Monahan, "The Departed"; Todd Field and Tom Perrotta, "Little Children"; Patrick Marber, "Notes on a Scandal."

    9. Original Screenplay: Guillermo Arriaga, "Babel"; Iris Yamashita and Paul Haggis, "Letters From Iwo Jima"; Michael Arndt, "Little Miss Sunshine"; Guillermo del Toro, "Pan's Labyrinth"; Peter Morgan, "The Queen."

    10. Animated Feature Film: "Cars," "Happy Feet," "Monster House."

    11. Art Direction: "Dreamgirls," "The Good Shepherd," "Pan's Labyrinth," "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," "The Prestige."

    12. Cinematography: "The Black Dahlia," "Children of Men," "The Illusionist," "Pan's Labyrinth," "The Prestige."

    13. Sound Mixing: "Apocalypto," "Blood Diamond," "Dreamgirls," "Flags of Our Fathers," "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest."

    14. Sound Editing: "Apocalypto," "Blood Diamond," "Flags of Our Fathers," "Letters From Iwo Jima," "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest."

    15. Original Score: "Babel," Gustavo Santaolalla; "The Good German," Thomas Newman; "Notes on a Scandal," Philip Glass; "Pan's Labyrinth," Javier Navarrete; "The Queen," Alexandre Desplat.

    16. Original Song: "I Need to Wake Up" from "An Inconvenient Truth," Melissa Etheridge; "Listen" from "Dreamgirls," Henry Krieger, Scott Cutler and Anne Preven; "Love You I Do" from "Dreamgirls," Henry Krieger and Siedah Garrett; "Our Town" from "Cars," Randy Newman; "Patience" from "Dreamgirls," Henry Krieger and Willie Reale.

    17. Costume: "Curse of the Golden Flower," "The Devil Wears Prada," "Dreamgirls," "Marie Antoinette," "The Queen."

    18. Documentary Feature: "Deliver Us From Evil," "An Inconvenient Truth," " Iraq in Fragments," "Jesus Camp," "My Country, My Country."

    19. Documentary (short subject): "The Blood of Yingzhou District," "Recycled Life," "Rehearsing a Dream," "Two Hands."

    20. Film Editing: "Babel," "Blood Diamond," "Children of Men," "The Departed," "United 93."

    21. Makeup: "Apocalypto," "Click," "Pan's Labyrinth."

    22. Animated Short Film: "The Danish Poet," "Lifted," "The Little Matchgirl," "Maestro," "No Time for Nuts."

    23. Live Action Short Film: "Binta and the Great Idea (Binta Y La Gran Idea)," "Eramos Pocos (One Too Many)," "Helmer & Son," "The Saviour," " West Bank Story."

    24. Visual Effects: "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," "Poseidon," "Superman Returns."

    Academy Award winners previously announced this year:

    HONORARY AWARD (Oscar statuette): Ennio Morricone

    JEAN HERSHOLT HUMANITARIAN AWARD (Oscar statuette): Sherry Lansing

    January 22, 2007

    Monte Bubblisms

    The Mark Twain of the Animal Kingdoms observations on the world

     

    To many people today, most of them being democrats, believe that the impossible is the truth not a matter of opinion and never a fact.

     Why is it so hard for a politician to simply say retreat and instead call it a redeployment?

    Thank God that our country was not ran by those that run it now ,during WWII because Hitler's Battle of the Bulge would have driven us out of the war.

    Seeing how many of our brave men and women have died since the Democrats have taken office I can see why they are in such a rush to remove all the troops as fast as they can. If they say in power long enough without removing the troops there will be no troops to bring home.

    There is a difference between not there and has not been found

    There is a difference between winning an award and being given a politically correct award

    When corporate giants battle they often step all over smaller companies.

    Sometimes big companies in the quest to make money end up throwing the baby out with the dishwater.

    There are no right conspiracies nor left conspiracies, only people that believe there are conspiracies.

    When is Hollywood going to get it that no one wants to pay to see histories bad guys made into heroes and the good guys made into villains.

    The best thing that can be said about the Super bowl commercials is that they cost allot of money to be made. Now can anyone remember any of them? 

    Diplomacy is always best but you cannot deter a suicide bomber with death if he misbehaves.

    I understand that the democrats are going to nationalize organized crime. Does this mean it will now be disorganized?

    CBS, the NFL and marketers seem to have forgotten the real point of Super Bowl Sunday, its the game not the commercials

     I heard today that the new word for Liberal is progressive. Does this mean that progressive conservatives are now liberals?

    If you want a cow to give milk, milk her don't seek litigation against her

    If fools rush in where Angels fear to tread then there must be allot more fools then Angels in this world

    You have a constitutional right to be a idiot

    How you see history depends upon how it is written

    If the only response that a politician can give to a question is that they were mislead would you want a person so easily mislead to be President of the United States and in charge of its military might?

    It has been said that the future belongs to those that believe in the beauty of their dreams. In reality it belongs those that are willing to follow their dreams no matter how many times they are told it is foolish.

    Sometimes you say exactly what you mean even if you did not mean to say it or know you said it.

     Protest is good as long as what you are protesting actually happened.

    Redeployment is the politically correct way of saying running away with your tail between your legs. 

    It used to be that those that win the war write the history. Today it is those that believe in political correctness that write the history

    The only thing that diplomacy will gain with those that have sworn to kill you is a delay in their killing you

    If you don't know what your doing is in bad taste telling you it is won't make any difference

    Anything is possible if you believe it can be done

    Only a fool makes his or her decisions based on what a poll says to do.

    Sports & Auto News

    Jan 29

     

     

    Visa USA and NFL Stars Drew Brees and Ronnie Brown Launch First-Ever Money Management Cell Phone Game to Help Students Tackle Their Financial Futures

    Super Bowl XLI Week Kicks Off With a Game of 'Financial Football'

     Visa USA today announced it is releasing a free, first-of-its-kind cell phone game that helps teens learn how to manage money wisely. Developed in conjunction with the NFL and PLAYERS INC, "Financial Football" equips parents with an innovative tool to help their children learn important financial life lessons.

    "Cell phones are the screen of choice for today's teenagers and parents know all too well just how much time their children spend talking, texting and playing games on their cells," said Michael Rolnick, director, Visa USA. "Creating a financial management cell phone game allows parents and educators to harness the popularity of the cell phone and put it to good use in teaching the vital life skill of money management."

    Demonstrating the connection teenagers have with their cell phones and the growing popularity of gaming on mobile devices, a new study of parents released by Visa USA shows that 38% of teenagers play a cell phone game more than once a week. The survey also showed that 10% of teenagers are "super cell gamers," playing games on their cell phone five times a day or more.

    Sprint and Cingular customers can access the game by texting the word VISA to 24421. Unlike many other cell phone games, which can cost up to $20, Visa is not charging a fee to download "Financial Football." Additional information on the game is available at http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/CellFootball.

    Before being developed for cell phones, "Financial Football" already scored points with parents, teachers and teenagers as a computer-based video game. At the Super Bowl XLI NFL Media Center, Visa USA was joined by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown to help coach students from Miami Beach High School in a game of "Financial Football."

    "It takes the combined efforts of parents, teachers, and mentors within the community to give young adults a strong background in personal financial management," said New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees. "A few months ago, I joined Visa in bringing this message to students in Louisiana. Now I have the chance to coach another game of 'Financial Football' here in Miami and to tell these students how imperative it will be for them to learn how to make good, smart, informed money decisions, as they plan for college and beyond."

    "Teaching the fundamentals of money management in school gives young people a real advantage in today's financially diverse society," said Ronnie Brown of the hometown Miami Dolphins. "I'm glad for the opportunity to teach these Miami Beach students how to manage their money because it is such a vital life skill."

    "Financial Football" puts students' fiscal knowledge to the test by combining the structure and rules of the NFL with financial education questions of varying difficulty. To score points, a player needs to answer various money management questions correctly. Wrong answers and penalties can cost a player yardage.

    The free, computer-based version of "Financial Football" has already been downloaded and played over 100,000 times. The game and corresponding financial education curriculum are the centerpiece of a major educational initiative, now in its second season, between Visa, the NFL and PLAYERS INC, to get young people engaged and excited about their financial futures.

    In addition to being a game, "Financial Football" is also part of a one- week, five-part financial literacy program designed for high school instruction. In December, Visa teamed up with West Virginia State Treasurer John D. Perdue to announce the first-ever statewide roll out of "Financial Football" that brings the computer-based game to every high school and library in the state. West Virginia is one of a growing number of states making financial education a mandatory high school graduation requirement.

    "Financial Football" is part of Practical Money Skills for Life (http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/), a comprehensive financial literacy program -- available in English, Spanish and Chinese -- that teaches young adults personal finance skills.

    This free, educational resource provides teachers with lesson plans (kindergarten through college) mapped to their state education requirements. For students, there are interactive games and calculators designed to teach responsibility and important concepts such as earning, saving and budgeting money.

    "As part of Visa's longstanding commitment to financial education, we are constantly developing new and creative ways to get students to learn how to budget, invest and save for their futures," said Rolnick. "Cell phones are the perfect way to reach teenagers and have them learn about financial responsibility."

    About Visa USA

    Visa USA is the nation's leading payment brand and largest payment system, enabling banks to provide their consumers and business customers with a wide variety of payment alternatives tailored to meet their evolving needs. Visa USA is committed to increasing the choice, convenience, acceptance and security of Visa payments for all stakeholders in the payment system -- members, cardholders and merchants. Through its 13,432 member financial institutions, more than 510 million Visa-branded cards have been issued to cardholders in the United States. Last year, U.S.-based financial institutions relied on Visa's processing system, VisaNet, to facilitate $1.6 trillion in transactions with unparalleled reliability.

    Worldwide, cardholders in more than 150 countries carry more than 1 billion Visa-branded cards, accounting for more than $3 trillion in annual transaction volume.

    Visa offers a trusted, reliable and convenient way to access and mobilize financial resources -- anytime, anywhere, anyway.

    Source: Visa USA

     

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

     

    Jan 27

    SnoCountry Reports Latest Skiing Conditions Information

    Following are the latest skiing conditions information as supplied by SnoCountry Mountain Reports as of Friday, Jan 26 2007, 6:27:38 PM EST.

    Alpine Skiing/Riding conditions are subject to change due to weather, skier traffic and other factors. Be aware of changing conditions.

    SNOW CONDITION DEFINITIONS & TERMS

    This glossary of terms is used by all ski areas when they report to SCR. The code allows for communication with skiers in a universal language.

    NOTE: The standard abbreviations next to each definition reflect the way ski reports are communicated in print (newspapers).

    New Snow: Natural snowfall which has fallen in the past 24 hours or continuously for more than one day. An average accumulation from summit to base is reported.

    Average Base Depth: An average of the high and low amounts of snow over the entire ski area. Machine made and natural snow amounts are combined.

    Primary Surface Condition: The type of snow condition which covers at least 70 percent of the terrain open to skiers.

    Secondary Surface Condition: The next most prevalent snow conditions, covering at least 20% of the skiing terrain open to skiers.

    Powder-PDR: Cold, new, loose, fluffy, flaky and dry snow which has not been compacted.

    Packed Powder-PP: Powder snow, either natural or machine made, that has been packed down by skier traffic or grooming machines. The snow is no longer fluffy, but is not so extremely compacted that it is hard.

    Hard Pack-HP: When natural or machine made snow becomes very firmly packed. The snow has never melted and re-crystallized, but it's been tightly compressed through grooming and continuous wind exposure. You can plant a pole in hard packed snow, but it takes more effort than packed powder.

    Machine Groomed Snow-MGS: Loose granular snow that has been repeatedly groomed by power tillers so that the texture is halfway between LSGR & PP. Some of the snow is granular & has been so pulverized that the crystals are like powder sugar. It's neither LSGR or PP.

    Wet Snow-WETSN: Powder or packed powder snow that has become moist due to a thaw or rainfall, or snow which was moist when it fell.

    Wet packed Snow-WPS: Natural or machine made snow that has been previously packed and becomes wet usually because of rainfall.

    Loose Granular-LSGR: This surface results after powder or packed powder thaws, then refreezes and recrystalizes, or from an accumulation of sleet. This is also created by machine grooming of frozen or icy snow.

    Frozen Granular-FRGR: This is undoubtedly the most misunderstood surface condition in ski reporting. It is defined as a hard surface of old snow formed by granules freezing together after rain or warm temperatures. Frozen granular will support a ski pole stuck into its surface while ice will chip away and not support a pole.

    Wet Granular-WETGR: Loose or frozen granular snow which becomes wet after rainfall or high temperatures.

    Icy-ICE: Not to be confused with frozen granular, ice is a hard, glazed surface created either by freezing rain, ground water seeping up into the snow and freezing or by the rapid freezing of snow saturated with water from rain or melting. Ice will chip away and not support a ski pole when stuck into it.

    Variable Conditions-VC: When no primary surface (70%) can be determined, variable conditions describe a range of surfaces that a skier may encounter. Parts of trails can be Loose Granular, partly Packed Powder, and parts Frozen Granular, for example.

    Corn Snow-CORN: Usually found in the spring, Corn Snow is characterized by large, loose granules during the day, which freeze together at night, then warm up again and loosen during the day.

    Spring Conditions-SC: This is the spring version of Variable Conditions. It is used when no one surface can describe 70% or more of the terrain open for skiers.

    Windblown Snow-WBLN: Powder or granular snow which has been blown by wind into forming a base

    NORTHEAST

    CONNECTICUT

    Mt Southington - Thu 9:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 30 base

    9 trails, 80% open, 6 lifts

    Ski Sundown - Fri 10:22a packed powder machine groomed 35 - 45 base

    15 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Woodbury - Thu 10:06p t packed powder machine groomed 15 - 30 base 12

    trails, 80% open, 5 lifts

    MAINE

    Camden Snow Bowl - Fri 6:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 24

    base 3 trails, 40% open, 2 lifts

    Eaton Mountain - Thu 2:35p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 16 base

    3 trails, 16% open, 1 lift

    Hermon Mtn - Fri 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 15 - 36 base 6

    trails, 30% open, 1 lift

    Lost Valley - Thu 6:30p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 60 base 6

    trails, 33% open, 2 lifts

    Mt Abram - Thu 6:00p packed powder machine groomed 19 - 36 base 24

    trails, 14 miles, 115 acres, 65% open, 4 lifts

    Mt Jefferson - Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Saddleback - Fri 8:10a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 30 base 39

    trails, 86 acres, 65% open, 5 lifts

    Shawnee Peak - Fri 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 14 - 26 base

    30 trails, 191 acres, 80% open, 5 lifts

    Sugarloaf/USA - Fri 2:17p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base

    87 trails, 40 miles, 465 acres, 65% open, 14 lifts

    Sunday River - Fri 3:00p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 36 base

    112 trails, 42 miles, 524 acres, 80% open, 17 lifts

    MASSACHUSETTS

    Berkshire East - Fri 10:03a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 45

    base 12 trails, 40% open, 4 lifts Jan 27: 16 trail, 4 lifts,

    Blandford - Thu 2:30p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base 9

    trails, 45% open, 4 lifts Jan 27-28: 11 trails, 5 lifts,

    Blue Hills - Fri 2:50p w packed powder machine groomed 10 - 24 base 2

    trails, 25% open, 3 lifts

    Bousquet - Fri 2:00p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 42 base 13

    trails, 55% open, 3 lifts

    Bradford - Fri 9:00a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 28 base 12

    trails, 95% open, 8 lifts

    Catamount - Fri 4:48p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 24 base 23

    trails, 60% open, 5 lifts

    Jiminy Peak - Fri 6:52a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 42 base 25

    trails, 7 miles, 106 acres, 62% open, 4 lifts

    Nashoba Valley - Fri 5:30p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base

    14 trails, 82% open, 8 lifts

    Ski Butternut - Fri 6:00p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 36 base

    15 trails, 8 miles, 70% open, 6 lifts

    Ski Ward Ski Area - Thu 8:20p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 36

    base 4 trails, 65% open, 3 lifts

    Wachusett - Fri 6:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 40 base 20

    trails, 107 acres, 99% open, 6 lifts

    NEW HAMPSHIRE

    Arrowhead - Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Attitash - Fri 3:27p packed powder machine groomed 14 - 36 base 37

    trails, 12 miles, 146 acres, 53% open, 9 lifts

    Balsams/Wilderness - Fri 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 20

    base 8 trails, 1 mile , 50% open, 3 lifts

    Black Mountain - Fri 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 30 base

    19 trails, 50% open, 2 lifts

    Bretton Woods - Fri 3:45p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base

    66 trails, 24 miles, 342 acres, 79% open, 8 lifts

    Cannon Mountain - Fri 4:15p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24

    base 33 trails, 65% open, 6 lifts

    Cranmore - Fri 4:30p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 30 base 20

    trails, 50% open, 6 lifts

    Crotched Mountain - Fri 8:10a packed powder machine groomed 14 - 40

    base 17 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Dartmouth Skiway - Fri 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 8 - 20

    base 9 trails, 30% open, 2 lifts

    Granite Gorge - Fri 2:42p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 42 base

    5 trails, 40% open, 3 lifts

    King Pine - Thu 11:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 36 base 12

    trails, 75% open, 5 lifts Jan 27: 16 trails, 5 lifts,

    Loon Mountain - Fri 4:30p packed powder machine groomed 14 - 20 base

    37 trails, 17 miles, 235 acres, 82% open, 9 lifts

    Mount Sunapee - Fri 4:30p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base

    50 trails, 17 miles, 200 acres, 87% open, 9 lifts

    Pats Peak - Fri 5:10p packed powder machine groomed 8 - 36 base 22

    trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

    Ragged Mountain - Thu 9:36p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36

    base 2 trails, 10% open, 2 lifts

    Waterville Valley - Fri 4:30p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 30

    base 38 trails, 175 acres, 73% open, 6 lifts

    Whaleback - Fri 3:45a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 18 base 5

    trails, 15% open, 4 lifts

    Wildcat - Fri 4:30p packed powder machine groomed 8 - 28 base 33

    trails, 70% open, 3 lifts

    NEW JERSEY

    Mountain Creek - Thu 10:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 24

    base 14 trails, 30% open, 4 lifts

    NEW YORK

    Belleayre - Fri 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 40 base 25

    trails, 45% open, 7 lifts

    Brantling Ski Slopes - Thu 7:00p powder machine groomed 17 - 36 base

    7 trails, 70% open, 3 lifts

    Bristol Mountain - Fri 8:45a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 44

    base 26 trails, 79% open, 6 lifts

    Dry Hill - Thu 8:30p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 36 base 4

    trails, 50% open, 1 lift

    Gore Mountain - Fri 3:50p packed powder machine groomed 13 - 40 base

    32 trails, 15 miles, 184 acres, 54% open, 8 lifts

    Greek Peak - Thu 3:30p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 26 base 15

    trails, 47% open, 4 lifts

    Holiday Valley - Fri 5:30p 1 new packed powder machine groomed 12 -

    36 base 37 trails, 80% open, 11 lifts

    HoliMont - Fri 8:00a packed powder machine groomed 6 - 38 base 25

    trails, 47% open, 7 lifts

    Hunter Mountain - Fri 3:49p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 60

    base 40 trails, 75% open, 9 lifts

    Labrador Mountain - Thu 9:46p packed powder machine groomed 5 - 14

    base 8 trails, 65% open, 2 lifts

    Maple Ski Ridge - Fri 5:35p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 30

    base 7 trails, 95% open, 3 lifts

    McCauley - Fri 2:38p packed powder machine groomed 14 - 32 base 12

    trails, 57% open, 2 lifts

    Mt Peter - Thu 9:48p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 36 base 7

    trails, 85% open, 2 lifts

    Plattekill - Thu 11:00p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 36 base 11

    trails, 30% open, 2 lifts

    Royal Mountain - Fri 2:00p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 30 base

    12 trails, 86% open, 3 lifts

    Sawkill Family Ski Center - Fri 6:00p packed powder machine groomed 2

    - 10 base 2 trails, 6 acres, 100% open, 1 lift

    Swain - Thu 9:47p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 40 base 13

    trails, 55% open, 2 lifts

    Thunder Ridge - Fri 5:14p packed powder machine groomed 15 - 36 base

    14 trails, 95% open, 3 lifts

    Titus Mountain - Fri 4:30p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 18 base

    25 trails, 93% open, 5 lifts

    Toggenburg - Fri 6:00p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 20 base 12

    trails, 25% open, 3 lifts

    West Mountain - Fri 4:40p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base

    10 trails, 1 mile , 45% open, 5 lifts

    Whiteface - Fri 5:20a packed powder machine groomed 17 - 28 base 57

    trails, 15 miles, 174 acres, 78% open, 6 lifts

    Willard Mountain - Thu 9:00p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 20

    base 8 trails, 65% open, 4 lifts

    Windham Mtn - Fri 2:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 46 base 31

    trails, 13 miles, 210 acres, 80% open, 9 lifts

    Woods Valley - Thu 8:00p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 40 base 12

    trails, 86% open, 2 lifts

    PENNSYLVANIA

    Alpine Mountain - Fri 10:54a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 38

    base 5 trails, 24% open, 5 lifts

    Bear Creek - Fri 6:19a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 34 base 20

    trails, 95% open, 5 lifts

    Big Boulder - Fri 11:40a 2 new packed powder machine groomed 30 - 72

    base 13 trails, 95% open, 3 lifts

    Blue Knob - Fri 10:00a 5 new powder machine groomed 15 - 33 base 21

    trails, 55 acres, 65% open, 3 lifts

    Blue Mountain - Thu 9:00p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 48 base

    20 trails, 67% open, 7 lifts

    Camelback - Fri 4:30p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 54 base 26

    trails, 134 acres, 90% open, 13 lifts

    Elk Mountain - Fri 9:30a 1 new packed powder machine groomed 20 - 42

    base 17 trails, 70% open, 4 lifts

    Hidden Valley - Fri 5:30a 2 new powder machine groomed 22 - 30 base

    14 trails, 50% open, 6 lifts

    Jack Frost - Thu 8:20p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 42 base 18

    trails, 85% open, 6 lifts

    Liberty Mountain - Fri 8:10a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 38

    base 11 trails, 82% open, 8 lifts Jan 27: 13 trails, 8 lifts,

    Mystic Mountain - Fri 9:00a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 24

    base 9 trails, 90% open, 2 lifts

    Seven Springs - Fri 5:10a 6 new packed powder machine groomed 24 - 36

    base 40 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

    Shawnee Mountain - Fri 5:15p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 48

    base 19 trails, 85% open, 7 lifts

    Ski Big Bear - Fri 5:30p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base

    15 trails, 1 mile , 75% open, 4 lifts

    Ski Denton - Fri 6:20a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 36 base 12

    trails, 3 lifts Jan 27: 18 trails, 4 lifts,

    Ski Sawmill - Fri 10:15a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 24 base 8

    trails, 80% open, 3 lifts

    Spring Mountain - Thu 8:30p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 56

    base 7 trails, 90% open, 5 lifts

    Tanglwood - Fri 9:00a 1 new packed powder machine groomed 12 - 35

    base 6 trails, 65% open, 3 lifts

    Tussey Mountain - Fri 12:45p 1 new powder machine groomed 8 - 18 base

    4 trails, 75% open, 2 lifts

    Whitetail - Fri 8:22a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 30 base 16

    trails, 85% open, 6 lifts

    RHODE ISLAND

    Yawgoo Valley - Fri 3:22a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 30 base

    11 trails, 2 miles, 33 acres, 95% open, 4 lifts

    VERMONT

    Bolton Valley - Fri 10:20a 1 new packed powder machine groomed 15 -

    28 base 41 trails, 75% open, 4 lifts Jan 27: 64 trails, 6 lifts,

    Bromley Mountain - Fri 3:10p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 27

    base 24 trails, 55% open, 8 lifts

    Burke Mountain - Fri 2:09p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base

    34 trails, 76% open, 4 lifts

    Jay Peak - Fri 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 66

    trails, 90% open, 8 lifts

    Killington - Fri 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 30 base 143

    trails, 64 miles, 72% open, 27 lifts

    Mad River Glen - Fri 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 16 base

    45 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

    Magic Mountain - Fri 6:25a packed powder machine groomed 6 - 30 base

    9 trails, 20% open, 1 lift

    Middlebury College Snow Bowl - Fri 7:00a packed powder machine

    groomed 8 - 38 base 5 trails, 29% open, 2 lifts

    Mount Snow - Fri 6:20a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 40 base 56

    trails, 20 miles, 318 acres, 55% open, 10 lifts

    Okemo Mountain - Fri 3:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base

    87 trails, 74% open, 14 lifts

    Pico - Fri 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 30 base 23

    trails, 9 miles, 46% open, 4 lifts

    Quechee Lakes - Thu 10:00p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 30 base

    10 trails, 90% open, 3 lifts

    Smugglers' Notch - Fri 4:30p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 36

    base 51 trails, 71% open, 7 lifts

    Stowe - Fri 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 46 base 48

    trails, 39 miles, 100% open, 12 lifts

    Stratton Mountain - Fri 8:30a wet granular machine groomed 16 - 36

    base 66 trails, 27 miles, 352 acres, 70% open, 7 lifts Jan 27: 72 trails,

    11 lifts, 2 new terrain parks,

    Sugarbush - Fri 7:00a 2 new packed powder machine groomed 8 - 45 base

    111 trails, 53 miles, 484 acres, 100% open, 12 lifts

    Suicide Six - Thu 3:30p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 16 base 6

    trails, 26% open, 2 lifts

    SOUTHEAST

    ALABAMA

    Cloudmont - Fri 9:03a packed powder machine groomed 6 - 12 base 1

    trail 40% open, 1 lift

    MARYLAND

    Wisp - Fri 4:25a 5 new packed powder machine groomed 30 - 62 base 24

    trails, 75% open, 8 lifts

    NORTH CAROLINA

    Appalachian - Fri 3:37a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 50 base 7

    trails, 78% open, 5 lifts

    Cataloochee - Thu 7:00p packed powder machine groomed 30 - 60 base 9

    trails, 75% open, 5 lifts

    Hawksnest - Thu 9:30p packed powder machine groomed 25 - 40 base 8

    trails, 80% open, 3 lifts

    Sapphire Valley - Fri 3:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 32

    base 2 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

    Ski Beech - Fri 6:45a 2 new packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36

    base 9 trails, 60% open, 5 lifts

    Sugar Mountain - Thu 9:30p packed powder machine groomed 30 - 55 base

    17 trails, 85% open, 5 lifts

    Wolf Ridge - Fri 1:13p loose granular machine groomed 18 - 46 base 10

    trails, 56% open, 3 lifts

    TENNESSEE

    Ober Gatlinburg - Fri 4:50p hard packed machine groomed 22 - 36 base

    5 trails, 62% open, 3 lifts

    VIRGINIA

    Bryce Resort - Thu 10:51p packed powder machine groomed 25 - 40 base

    7 trails, 22 acres, 90% open, 4 lifts

    Massanutten - Fri 4:00p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 36 base 10

    trails, 80% open, 7 lifts

    Wintergreen - Fri 8:15a frozen granular 36 - 48 base 15 trails,

    60% open, 4 lifts

    WEST VIRGINIA

    Canaan Valley - Fri 4:00a 8 new packed powder machine groomed 20 - 44

    base 28 trails, 76% open, 2 lifts

    Snowshoe Mountain - Fri 8:00a 6 new packed powder machine groomed 26

    - 40 base 47 trails, 82% open, 12 lifts

    Timberline Four Seasons - Fri 8:55a 8 new packed powder machine

    groomed 36 - 60 base 18 trails, 49% open, 2 lifts

    Winterplace - Thu 7:55p 5 new packed powder machine groomed 38 - 48

    base 17 trails, 63% open, 5 lifts

    MIDWEST

    ILLINOIS

    Four Lakes Village - Not reporting

    Ski Snowstar - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 64 base

    13 trails, 28 acres, 100% open, 6 lifts

    Villa Olivia - Not reporting

    INDIANA

    Perfect North - Fri 9:15a packed powder machine groomed 10 - 36 base

    22 trails, 75 acres, 100% open, 10 lifts

    IOWA

    Fun Valley - Fri 12:50p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 24 base 13

    trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

    Seven Oaks - Fri 7:50a packed powder machine groomed 15 - 18 base 7

    trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Sundown Mountain - Fri 7:05a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 50

    base 21 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

    MICHIGAN

    Alpine Valley - Fri 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 2 - 30 base

    20 trails, 80% open, 12 lifts

    Apple Mountain - Fri 9:30a 2 new powder machine groomed 16 - 28 base

    10 trails, 90% open, 5 lifts

    Big Powderhorn - Fri 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 14 - 42 base

    28 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

    Blackjack - Fri 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 42 base 20

    trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

    Boyne Highlands - Fri 3:33p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 55

    base 50 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

    Boyne Mountain - Fri 3:33p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 50 base

    55 trails, 90% open, 11 lifts

    Caberfae Peaks - Fri 11:00a 1 new packed powder machine groomed 32 -

    64 base 34 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Crystal Mountain - Fri 3:00p 1 new packed powder machine groomed 2 -

    50 base 45 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

    Hickory Hills - Fri 12:00p 3 new packed powder machine groomed 12 -

    24 base 6 trails, 75% open, 4 lifts

    Indianhead - Fri 8:08a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 44 base 28

    trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

    Marquette - Fri 4:30p packed powder machine groomed 20 - 30 base 15

    trails, 60% open, 4 lifts

    Mount Bohemia - Fri 5:30p 1 new packed powder machine groomed 4 - 16

    base 2 trails, 5% open, 1 lift

    Mount Brighton - Not reporting

    Mt Holiday - Not reporting

    Mt Holly - Thu 10:10p packed powder machine groomed 16 - 40 base 19

    trails, 100% open, 13 lifts

    Norway Mountain - Fri 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 38

    base 16 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

    Nub's Nob - Fri 8:20a 1 new packed powder machine groomed 10 - 71

    base 50 trails, 95% open, 5 lifts

    Pine Mountain - Thu 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 18 - 48 base

    11 trails, 65% open, 2 lifts

    Shanty Creek - Thu 9:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 36 base

    39 trails, 80% open, 9 lifts

    Ski Brule - Fri 3:30p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 42 base 17

    trails, 100% open, 11 lifts

    Snow Snake - Thu 7:00p packed powder machine groomed 4 - 30 base 10

    trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

    Swiss Valley - Fri 5:14a packed powder machine groomed 26 base 11

    trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

    The Homestead - Fri 12:09a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 24 base

    10 trails, 67% open, 5 lifts

    Timber Ridge - Fri 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 26 - 26 base 8

    trails, 53% open, 7 lifts

    Treetops - Fri 11:28a 2 new packed powder machine groomed 20 - 34

    base 12 trails, 52% open, 5 lifts

    MINNESOTA

    Afton Alps - Fri 8:53a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 50 base 48

    trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

    Buck Hill - Fri 12:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 48 base 15

    trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

    Coffee Mill - Thu 11:50p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 48 base 9

    trails, 90% open, 3 lifts

    Hyland Ski Snowboard - Thu 7:20p packed powder machine groomed 24 -

    48 base 12 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

    Lutsen Mountains - Fri 11:00a hard packed 18 - 32 base 45 trails,

    75% open, 8 lifts

    Spirit Mountain - Fri 11:30a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 24

    base 22 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

    Welch Village - Thu 6:30p packed powder machine groomed 26 - 58 base

    46 trails, 98% open, 8 lifts

    Wild Mountain - Fri 8:22a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 62 base

    25 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

    MISSOURI

    Hidden Valley - Not reporting

    Snow Creek - Thu 6:30p packed powder machine groomed 36 - 60 base 12

    trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

    OHIO

    Alpine Valley - Not reporting

    Boston Mills/Brandywine - Not reporting

    Mad River - Fri 9:28a 4 new packed powder machine groomed 46 - 46

    base 23 trails, 144 acres, 100% open, 12 lifts

    Snow Trails - Fri 12:00p packed powder machine groomed 12 - 48 base

    12 trails, 98% open, 7 lifts

    SOUTH DAKOTA

    Great Bear Park - Fri 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 20 base 14

    trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Terry Peak - Fri 7:45a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 22 base 11

    trails, 42% open, 4 lifts

    WISCONSIN

    Alpine Valley - Thu 9:45p packed powder machine groomed 36 - 52 base

    20 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Camp 10 - Fri 7:20a 1 new packed powder machine groomed 5 - 37 base 9

    trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Christie Mountain - Fri 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 37

    base 18 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Devil's Head - Fri 1:00a packed powder machine groomed 35 - 40 base

    24 trails, 86% open, 6 lifts

    Granite Peak - Fri 9:00a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 50 base

    74 trails, 150 acres, 100% open, 7 lifts

    Highlands of Olympia - Fri 11:00a packed powder machine groomed 20 -

    44 base 7 trails, 75% open, 2 lifts Jan 27-28: 9 trails, 3 lifts, 100%,

    Mountain Top at Grand Geneva - Fri 11:00a packed powder machine

    groomed 22 - 36 base 18 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

    Sunburst - Fri 7:30a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 36 base 11

    trails, 95% open, 6 lifts

    Tyrol Basin - Fri 9:30a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base 13

    trails, 75% open, 4 lifts Jan 27: 16 trails, 5 lifts,

    Whitecap Mountain - Not reporting

    Wilmot Mountain - Fri 9:30a packed powder machine groomed 20 - 40

    base 25 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

    ROCKIES

    COLORADO

    Arapahoe Basin - Fri 5:16a packed powder machine groomed 42 - 42 base

    58 trails, 488 acres, 100% open, 6 lifts

    Aspen Highlands - Fri 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 45 - 55

    base 121 trails, 92% open, 5 lifts

    Aspen Mountain - Fri 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 37 - 39

    base 76 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

    Beaver Creek - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 39 - 39 base

    148 trails, 1785 acres, 99% open, 16 lifts

    Breckenridge - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 41 - 51 base

    147 trails, 2211 acres, 94% open, 29 lifts

    Buttermilk - Fri 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 37 - 37 base 36

    trails, 82% open, 4 lifts

    Copper Mountain - Fri 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 45 - 50

    base 127 trails, 2433 acres, 100% open, 21 lifts

    Crested Butte - Fri 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 37 base

    100 trails, 1065 acres, 91% open, 16 lifts

    Echo Mountain Park - Fri 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 36 - 46

    base 10 trails, 100% open, 1 lift

    Eldora - Fri 8:15a packed powder machine groomed 58 - 58 base 51

    trails, 95% open, 12 lifts

    Keystone - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 41 - 41 base 113

    trails, 3077 acres, 98% open, 19 lifts

    Loveland - Fri 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 46 - 49 base 77

    trails, 1285 acres, 94% open, 8 lifts

    Monarch - Fri 12:25p packed powder machine groomed 44 - 47 base 55

    trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Powderhorn - Fri 9:00a packed powder machine groomed 38 - 38 base 35

    trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Purgatory at Durango - Fri 7:13a packed powder machine groomed 43 -

    47 base 85 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

    Silverton Mountain - Thu 8:21p powder 63 - 78 base 100% open, 1

    lift

    Ski Cooper - Fri 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 41 - 43 base 26

    trails, 400 acres, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Snowmass - Fri 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 37 - 52 base 85

    trails, 97% open, 21 lifts

    SolVista Basin - Fri 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 40 - 40

    base 30 trails, 79% open, 5 lifts

    Steamboat - Fri 8:05a packed powder machine groomed 44 - 44 base 162

    trails, 2923 acres, 99% open, 19 lifts

    Sunlight - Fri 6a csr packed powder machine groomed 34 - 34 base 67

    trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Telluride - Fri 5:05a packed powder machine groomed 38 - 43 base 84

    trails, 99% open, 16 lifts

    Vail - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 31 - 31 base 195

    trails, 5159 acres, 98% open, 33 lifts

    Winter Park - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 47 - 53 base

    126 trails, 2411 acres, 80% open, 18 lifts

    Wolf Creek - Fri 6:30a powder machine groomed 74 - 80 base 77 trails,

    1600 acres, 100% open, 6 lifts

    MONTANA

    Big Mountain - Fri 6:48a packed powder machine groomed 52 - 83 base

    93 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

    Big Sky - Fri 8:00a frozen granular machine groomed 38 - 57 base 150

    trails, 3600 acres, 100% open, 18 lifts

    Blacktail Mountain - Fri 6a msr packed powder machine groomed 46 - 68

    base 24 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Bridger Bowl - Fri 5:20a hard packed 31 - 31 base 71 trails, 100%

    open, 7 lifts

    Discovery - Fri 5:57a packed powder machine groomed 32 - 52 base 60

    trails, 95% open, 5 lifts

    Great Divide - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 25 - 35 base

    60 trails, 75% open, 4 lifts

    Lost Trail - Fri 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 59 - 65 base 40

    trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

    Maverick - Thu 6a msr packed powder machine groomed 33 - 47 base 24

    trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

    Montana Snowbowl - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 32 - 61

    base 39 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Moonlight Basin - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 41 - 42

    base 70 trails, 88% open, 5 lifts

    Red Lodge - Fri 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 36 base 38

    trails, 54% open, 7 lifts

    Showdown - Fri 6a msr packed powder machine groomed 27 - 36 base 34

    trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Teton Pass - Sun 6a msr packed powder machine groomed 34 - 45 base 26

    trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

    Turner Mountain - Sun 6a msr packed powder machine groomed 30 - 50

    base 20 trails, 100% open, 1 lift

    NEW MEXICO

    Angel Fire - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 56 - 56 base 71

    trails, 99% open, 7 lifts

    Pajarito - Sun 7a nmsr packed powder machine groomed 58 - 58 base 29

    trails, 72% open, 5 lifts

    Red River - Fri 6:56a packed powder machine groomed 51 - 51 base 50

    trails, 95% open, 7 lifts

    Sandia Peak - Fri 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 42 - 42 base 31

    trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Sipapu - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 34 - 43 base 38

    trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Ski Apache - Fri 6:13a packed powder machine groomed 48 - 51 base 47

    trails, 98% open, 6 lifts

    Taos - Fri 3:20a packed powder machine groomed 53 - 55 base 86

    trails, 90% open, 12 lifts

    UTAH

    Alta - Fri 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 56 - 56 base 114

    trails, 98% open, 7 lifts

    Beaver Mountain - Fri 6a usr packed powder machine groomed 41 - 41

    base 30 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

    Brian Head - Fri 6a usr packed powder machine groomed 54 - 54 base 54

    trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

    Brighton - Fri 5:28a packed powder machine groomed 55 - 55 base 66

    trails, 26 miles, 1050 acres, 100% open, 6 lifts

    Deer Valley - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 48 - 48 base 88

    trails, 96% open, 21 lifts

    Park City - Fri 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 29 - 49 base 104

    trails, 100% open, 15 lifts

    Powder Mountain - Fri 6a usr packed powder machine groomed 47 - 49

    base 83 trails, 73% open, 6 lifts

    Snowbasin - Fri 6:50a loose granular machine groomed 43 - 47 base 82

    trails, 98% open, 10 lifts

    Snowbird - Fri 4:30a packed powder machine groomed 51 - 51 base 83

    trails, 93% open, 12 lifts

    Solitude - Fri 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 50 - 56 base 61

    trails, 95% open, 8 lifts

    Sundance - Fri 9:48a packed powder machine groomed 32 - 33 base 38

    trails, 95% open, 4 lifts

    The Canyons - Fri 6:25a packed powder machine groomed 37 - 59 base

    143 trails, 100% open, 16 lifts

    Wolf Mountain - Fri 6a usr packed powder machine groomed 35 - 35 base

    17 trails, 85% open, 3 lifts

    WYOMING

    Grand Targhee - Fri 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 77 - 77 base

    72 trails, 2000 acres, 100% open, 5 lifts

    Hogadon - Fri 8:00a packed powder machine groomed 27 - 29 base 18

    trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

    Jackson Hole - Fri 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 21 - 56 base

    115 trails, 100% open, 11 lifts

    Snow King - Not reporting

    White Pine - Fri 5:54a packed powder machine groomed 34 - 34 base 23

    trails, 92% open, 2 lifts

    PACIFIC SOUTH

    ARIZONA

    Arizona Snowbowl - Fri 6:15a packed powder machine groomed 10 - 35

    base 29 trails, 90% open, 4 lifts

    Elk Ridge - Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    CALIFORNIA

    Alpine Meadows - Fri 5:50a packed powder machine groomed 33 - 65 base

    100 trails, 100% open, 11 lifts

    Bear Mountain - Fri 8:28a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 48 base

    25 trails, 99% open, 12 lifts

    Bear Valley - Fri 5:18a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 34 base 48

    trails, 60% open, 6 lifts

    Boreal - Fri 5:50a packed powder machine groomed 40 - 60 base 42

    trails, 90% open, 7 lifts

    Dodge Ridge - Fri 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 34 base 58

    trails, 90% open, 8 lifts

    Donner Ski Ranch - Fri 7:15a packed powder machine groomed 28 - 48

    base 42 trails, 80% open, 4 lifts

    Heavenly - Fri 6:00a wet snow machine groomed 36 - 52 base 60 trails,

    1500 acres, 50% open, 29 lifts

    Homewood - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 50 base 55

    trails, 92% open, 7 lifts

    June - Fri 8:55a packed powder machine groomed 4 - 20 base 25 trails,

    50% open, 6 lifts

    Mammoth - Fri 8:45a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 48 base 100

    trails, 60% open, 22 lifts

    Mountain High - Fri 6:30a hard packed machine groomed 12 - 30 base 18

    trails, 75% open, 10 lifts

    Northstar at Tahoe - Fri 5:40a packed powder machine groomed 21 - 47

    base 78 trails, 99% open, 14 lifts

    Royal Gorge - Fri 8:20a packed powder machine groomed 58 - 58 base 62

    trails, 69% open, 1 lift

    Sierra at Tahoe - Fri 5:55a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 54

    base 38 trails, 90% open, 8 lifts

    Sierra Summit - Fri 8:22a hard packed 22 - 22 base 30 trails, 75%

    open, 9 lifts

    Snow Summit - Fri 8:24a packed powder machine groomed 24 - 48 base 26

    trails, 99% open, 14 lifts

    Snow Valley - Fri 6:15a hard packed machine groomed 12 - 36 base 11

    trails, 100 acres, 40% open, 6 lifts

    Soda Springs - Fri 6:52a packed powder machine groomed 40 - 60 base

    35 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

    Squaw Valley USA - Fri 5:40a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 70

    base 130 trails, 85% open, 22 lifts

    NEVADA

    Diamond Peak - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 29 - 51 base

    19 trails, 80% open, 5 lifts

    Mt Rose - Fri 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 22 - 36 base 20

    trails, 45% open, 6 lifts

    PACIFIC NORTH

    IDAHO

    Brundage - Fri 4:40a packed powder machine groomed 48 - 63 base 43

    trails, 1300 acres, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Lookout Pass - Fri 5a insa packed powder machine groomed 99 - 144

    base 24 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Magic Mountain - Not reporting

    Pebble Creek - Fri 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 42 base

    90% open, 3 lifts

    Pomerelle - Fri 1:30a packed powder machine groomed 57 - 88 base 24

    trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Schweitzer Mountain - Fri 5:23a packed powder machine groomed 61 -

    110 base 80 trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

    Silver Mountain - Fri 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 70 - 97

    base 67 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

    Sun Valley - Fri 5:30a hard packed 37 - 51 base 79 trails, 90%

    open, 13 lifts

    Tamarack - Fri 6:15a packed powder machine groomed 30 - 45 base 36

    trails, 98% open, 5 lifts

    OREGON

    Cooper Spur - Sat 8:36a w packed powder machine groomed 34 - 34 base

    10 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

    Mt Ashland - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 48 - 77 base 23

    trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Mt Hood Meadows - Fri 4:57a packed powder machine groomed 96 - 108

    base 87 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

    Mt Hood Skibowl - Fri 5:30a packed powder machine groomed 60 - 62

    base 65 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

    Ski Anthony Lakes - Fri 5:25a packed powder machine groomed 44 - 53

    base 21 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Willamette Pass - Fri 7:20a hard packed 51 - 90 base 29 trails,

    100% open, 5 lifts

    WASHINGTON

    49 Degrees North - Tue 2p insa powder machine groomed 102 - 147 base

    68 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Badger Mountain - Wed 4:31p packed powder machine groomed 24 - 30

    base 5 trails, 2 miles, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Bluewood - Fri 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 65 - 66 base 24

    trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Crystal Mountain - Fri 5:15a packed powder machine groomed 78 - 108

    base 50 trails, 1600 acres, 100% open, 6 lifts

    Loup Loup Ski Bowl - Fri 6:31a packed powder machine groomed 52 - 53

    base 10 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Mission Ridge - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 47 - 61 base

    36 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

    Mt Baker - Fri 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 160 - 172 base 38

    trails, 100% open, 7 lifts

    Mt Spokane - Fri 5a insa packed powder machine groomed 62 - 89 base

    45 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Stevens Pass - Fri 7:50a hard packed machine groomed 99 - 112 base 37

    trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

    Summit at Snoqualmie-Alpental - Fri 6a insa variable 95 - 133 base

    24 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Summit at Snoqualmie-Central - Fri 5a insa variable 86 - 87 base

    22 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

    Summit at Snoqualmie-East - Fri 5a insa variable 92 - 93 base 14

    trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

    Summit at Snoqualmie-West - Fri 5a insa variable 87 - 87 base 12

    trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    CANADA

    BRITISH COLUMBIA

    Apex Mountain - Fri 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 65 - 65 base

    67 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Big White - Fri 5:40a packed powder machine groomed 71 - 83 base 118

    trails, 100% open, 16 lifts

    Crystal Mountain - Fri 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 55 - 57

    base 24 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

    Fairmont Hot Springs - Fri 2:00a packed powder machine groomed 22 -

    31 base 14 trails, 95% open, 2 lifts

    Fernie Alpine - Fri 8:00a variable machine groomed 105 - 107 base 104

    trails, 95% open, 9 lifts

    Kicking Horse - Fri 4:00a packed powder machine groomed 73 - 73 base

    106 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

    Kimberley - Fri 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 36 - 55 base 80

    trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

    Mt Baldy - Fri 5:44a hard packed 43 - 67 base 25 trails, 100%

    open, 3 lifts

    Mt Timothy - Fri 6:00a 2 new packed powder machine groomed 47 - 47

    base 28 trails, 90% open, 2 lifts

    Mt Washington Alpine Resort - Fri 5:19a 1 new hard packed 119 -

    122 base 60 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

    Panorama Mountain - Fri 8:23a packed powder machine groomed 33 - 49

    base 120 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

    Red Resort - Fri 5:00a hard packed 43 - 82 base 83 trails, 100%

    open, 6 lifts

    Silver Star - Fri 8:00a packed powder machine groomed 73 - 73 base

    115 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

    Sun Peaks - Fri 9:00a packed powder machine groomed 58 - 58 base 121

    trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

    Whistler/Blackcomb - Fri 6:00a hard packed machine groomed 108 - 112

    base 200 trails, 8171 acres, 100% open, 37 lifts

    Whitewater - Fri 4:55a packed powder machine groomed 107 - 107 base

    47 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    MANITOBA

    Falcon Ridge - Tue 12:00p packed powder machine groomed 10 - 10 base

    11 trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    QUEBEC

    Camp Fortune - Fri 6a oesr 1 - 2 new packed powder machine groomed 18

    - 20 base 9 trails, 45% open, 3 lifts

    Edelweiss Valley - Fri 6a oesr packed powder machine groomed 18 - 22

    base 8 trails, 44% open, 2 lifts

    Gray Rocks - Fri 8:46a w hard packed machine groomed 4 - 18 base 16

    trails, 73% open, 3 lifts

    Le Massif - Fri 5:00p packed powder machine groomed 6 - 16 base 37

    trails, 86% open, 4 lifts

    Mont Avila - Fri 8:26a w hard packed machine groomed 9 trails, 82%

    open, 2 lifts

    Mont Belu - Fri 8:12a w hard packed machine groomed 9 trails, 90%

    open, 1 lift

    Mont Blanc - Fri 8:48a hard packed machine groomed 22 trails, 55%

    open, 5 lifts

    Mont Gabriel - Fri 7:51a w hard packed machine groomed 11 trails, 61%

    open, 3 lifts

    Mont Gleason - Fri 4:34a hard packed machine groomed 6 - 12 base 14

    trails, 67% open, 2 lifts

    Mont Habitant - Fri 8:37a w hard packed machine groomed 10 trails,

    91% open, 2 lifts

    Mont Olympia - Fri 7:50a w hard packed machine groomed 14 trails, 58%

    open, 4 lifts

    Mont Orford - Thu 3:30p hard packed machine groomed 4 - 10 base 26

    trails, 46% open, 3 lifts

    Mont Rigaud - Thu 8:22p w hard packed machine groomed 8 trails, 89%

    open, 1 lift

    Mont Sainte-Anne - Fri 8:38a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 20

    base 50 trails, 70% open, 6 lifts

    Mont Saint-Sauveur - Fri 8:26a w hard packed machine groomed 4 - 8

    base 30 trails, 79% open, 6 lifts

    Mont Ste-Marie - Fri 6a oesr loose granular machine groomed 24 - 28

    base 14 trails, 58% open, 2 lifts

    Mont Sutton - Fri 5:55a 1 new packed powder machine groomed 6 - 20

    base 40 trails, 18 miles, 142 acres, 83% open, 3 lifts

    Owl's Head - Fri 7:16a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 20 base 21

    trails, 70% open, 4 lifts

    Ski Bromont - Thu 10:11p hard packed machine groomed 14 - 16 base 48

    trails, 46% open, 7 lifts

    Ski La Reserve - Fri 5:00a hard packed machine groomed 20 - 24 base

    19 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

    Ski Morin Heights - Fri 7:52a w hard packed machine groomed 6 - 8

    base 15 trails, 65% open, 3 lifts

    Stoneham - Fri 12:25a frozen granular machine groomed 12 - 12 base 26

    trails, 75% open, 7 lifts

    Tremblant - Fri 6:06a packed powder machine groomed 18 - 22 base 69

    trails, 36 miles, 480 acres, 75% open, 11 lifts

    Val D'Irene - Fri 6a qsr 6 new powder 18 trails, 69% open, 4 lifts

    Vorlage - Fri 6a oesr 1 new packed powder machine groomed 12 - 18

    base 8 trails, 53% open, 3 lifts

    ONTARIO

    Calabogie Peaks - Fri 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 20 - 20

    base 9 trails, 45% open, 2 lifts

    Centennial Park - Fri 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 8 - 10

    base 3 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

    Chicopee - Fri 6a osr 1 new packed powder machine groomed 12 - 12

    base 12 trails, 86% open, 6 lifts

    Dagmar Ski Resort - Fri 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 22 - 22

    base 13 trails, 93% open, 4 lifts

    Devils Elbow - Fri 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base

    10 trails, 91% open, 3 lifts

    Glen Eden - Fri 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 8 - 9 base 12

    trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

    Hidden Valley - Fri 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 12 - 12 base

    6 trails, 46% open, 4 lifts

    Hockley Valley - Fri 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 16 - 16

    base 11 trails, 79% open, 4 lifts

    Horseshoe Resort - Fri 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 12 - 20

    base 23 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

    Lakeridge Ski Resort - Fri 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 22 -

    24 base 11 trails, 50% open, 3 lifts

    Loch Lomond - Fri 9:00a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 31 base 14

    trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    London Ski Club - Fri 6a osr 1 - 2 new packed powder machine groomed

    12 - 16 base 7 trails, 78% open, 4 lifts

    Mansfield Ski Club - Reopen TBA

    Mt Pakenham - Fri 6a oesr loose granular machine groomed 15 - 24 base

    10 trails, 100% open, 4 lifts

    Mt St Louis-Moonstone - Fri 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 16 -

    30 base 34 trails, 94% open, 6 lifts

    North York - Fri 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 16 - 18 base 4

    trails, 100% open, 1 lift

    Oshawa Ski Club - Fri 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 10 - 11

    base 10 trails, 50% open, 4 lifts

    Searchmont Resort - Fri 7:30a packed powder machine groomed 11 - 24

    base 12 trails, 70% open, 3 lifts

    Sir Sam's - Fri 6a osr packed powder machine groomed 12 - 16 base 12

    trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    Skyloft Ski Club - Fri 6a osr 1 new loose granular machine groomed 14

    - 14 base 8 trails, 44% open, 2 lifts

    Snow Valley - Fri 6a osr 2 new packed powder machine groomed 18 - 22

    base 17 trails, 94% open, 7 lifts

    Talisman Mountain - Fri 6a osr 4 new packed powder machine groomed 14

    - 24 base 13 trails, 72% open, 4 lifts

    NOVA SCOTIA

    Ski Martock - Fri 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 24 base 4

    trails, 57% open, 3 lifts

    NEW BRUNSWICK

    Crabbe Mountain - Fri 7:05a packed powder machine groomed 16 - 24

    base 16 trails, 89% open, 2 lifts

    Poley Mountain - Fri 6:30a packed powder machine groomed 22 - 24 base

    10 trails, 43% open, 4 lifts

    ALBERTA

    Canada Olympic Park - Fri 6a alb packed powder machine groomed 40 -

    40 base 3 trails, 100% open, 6 lifts

    Castle Mountain - Fri 5:00a packed powder machine groomed 25 - 122

    base 65 trails, 95% open, 4 lifts

    Lake Louise - Fri 5:54a packed powder machine groomed 59 - 71 base

    139 trails, 100% open, 10 lifts

    Marmot Basin - Fri 6a alb packed powder machine groomed 46 - 46 base

    84 trails, 100% open, 9 lifts

    Nakiska Ski Area - Fri 6a alb packed powder machine groomed 18 - 33

    base 24 trails, 86% open, 5 lifts

    Silver Summit - Wed 2:20a packed powder machine groomed 12 - 17 base

    13 trails, 100% open, 2 lifts

    Ski Banff @ Norquay - Fri 6a alb packed powder machine groomed 54 -

    54 base 28 trails, 100% open, 5 lifts

    Sunshine Village - Fri 6:00a packed powder machine groomed 69 - 69

    base 107 trails, 100% open, 12 lifts

    ALASKA

    ALASKA

    Alyeska Resort - Fri 8:00a 36 new wet snow machine groomed 76 - 130

    base 69 trails, 100% open, 8 lifts

    Eaglecrest - Fri 7:00a packed powder machine groomed 66 - 168 base 35

    trails, 100% open, 3 lifts

    NORTHEAST

    MAINE

    10th Mountain Center XC Fri 7:30a packed powder grmg4--6 base 21 km,

    Bethel Inn XC Fri 8:15a hard packed grmg4--6 base 6 trails, 20 km,

    Carters Bethel XC Fri 12:00p packed powder grmg4--6 base 50 km,

    Carters Oxford XC Fri 12:38p powder grmg2--4 base 25 km,

    Coast Trail Center XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Countryside XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Five Fields Farm XC Plan to Open 01/26 /w 7 km; Dog sled race Feb 10-11

    Harris Farm XC Fri 3:50p packed powder grmg3--5 base 40 km,

    Nordic Heritage XC Fri 11:40a packed powder grmg4--6 base 6 trails, 20

    km,

    Pineland Farms XC Fri 8:30a packed powder grmg3--4 base 8 trails, 22

    km,

    Rangeley Lakes XC Fri 3:00p hard packed grmg2--6 base 20 km,

    Smiling Hill Farm XC Plan to Open 01/27

    The Birches XC Fri 9:00a hard packed grmg8--8 base 30 km,

    MASSACHUSETTS

    Canterbury Farm XC Plan to Open TBA

    Great Brook XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Northfield Mtn XC Operating hiking only

    Notchview Reservation XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Ski Butternut XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Stump Sprouts XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Weston Ski Track XC Fri 5:20p frozen granular grmg6--30 base 2 trails,

    2 km,

    NEW HAMPSHIRE

    BrettonWoods XC Fri 8:45a packed powder grmg4--8 base 29 trails, 45 km,

    Dexters Inn Norsk XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Eastman XC Fri 8:05a packed powder grmg2--2 base 6 trails, 5 km,

    Great Glen Trails XC Fri 6:30a packed powder grmg4--8 base 40 km,

    Gunstock XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Jackson XC Fri 6:00a packed powder grmg6--10 base 20 trails, 66 km,

    Mt Washington Valley XC Plan to Open TBA

    Nordic Skier XC Fri 9:30a packed powder grmg3--5 base 21 trails, 15 km,

    The Balsams Wilderness XC Fri 4:00p packed powder grmg3--12 base 38

    trails, 76 km,

    Waterville Valley XC Fri 8:30a packed powder grmg4--5 base 16 trails,

    29 km,

    NEW JERSEY

    High Point XC Plan to Open TBA

    NEW YORK

    Black River XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Cascade XC Fri 5:59a packed powder grmg7--9 base 15 km,

    Fahnestock Winter Park XC Plan to Open TBA

    Garnet Hill Lodge XC Fri 1:30p packed powder grmg2--3 base 12 trails,

    25 km,

    Lapland Lake XC Fri 5:30p powder grmg1--3 base 6 trails, 20 km,

    Mohonk Mt House XC Plan to Open TBA

    Mountain Trails XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Oak Hill Farms XC Plan to Open TBA

    Olympic Sports Complex XC Thu 8:15a packed powder grmg6--6 base 15

    trails, 50 km,

    Osceola Tug Hill XC Fri 6:29a packed powder grmg10--14 base 8 trails,

    40 km,

    Pineridge XC Fri 12:00p variable -2 base 6 trails, 10 km,

    Salmon Hills XC Fri 6:00a packed powder grmg7--10 base 15 trails, 35

    km,

    PENNSYLVANIA

    Crystal Lake XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Starlight Lake XC Plan to Open TBA

    VERMONT

    Blueberry Hill Inn XC Fri 9:55a hard packed grmg3--5 base 6 trails, 50

    km,

    Blueberry Lake XC Fri 8:00a packed powder grmg4--10 base 10 trails, 30

    km,

    Bolton Valley XC Fri 12:30p powder 14--20 base 100 km,

    Craftsbury Outdoor Center XC Fri 3:25p 1-newPP grmg2--5 base 15 trails,

    75 km,

    Highland Lodge XC Wed 8:00p packed powder grmg8--12 base 6 trails, 52

    km,

    Kingdom Trails XC Thu 9:00a powder grmg7--9 base 40 km,

    Millstone XC Thu 9:15a packed powder grmg6--10 base 10 trails, 25 km,

    Mountain Top XC Fri 4:30p packed powder grmg6--20 base 3 trails, 10 km,

    Okemo Valley XC Closed for Snow Sports

    Prospect Mountain XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Rikert Middlebury XC Fri 11:35a packed powder grmg4--5 base 5 trails,

    14 km,

    Smugglers' Notch XC Fri 8:15a packed powder grmg4--6 base 29 km,

    Stowe Mountain XC Fri 4:00p packed powder grmg8--12 base 24 trails, 45

    km,

    Timber Creek XC Fri 8:30a packed powder grmg2--2 base 5 trails, 5 km,

    Trapp Family Lodge XC Fri 4:00p packed powder grmg8--20 base 23 trails,

    55 km,

    Wild Wings XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Woodstock XC Wed 2:35p windblown 3--5 base 10 km,

    SOUTHEAST

    WEST VIRGINIA

    White Grass XC Fri 8:00a 6-newPDR grmg5--8 base 44 trails, 50 km,

    MIDWEST

    MICHIGAN

    Champion Hill XC Fri 9:50a packed powder grmg3--4 base 13 trails, 23

    km,

    Cross Country Ski HQ Fri 6:34a powder grmg5--10 base 8 trails, 18 km,

    Crystal Mountain XC Thu 8:56a packed powder grmg6--14 base 14 trails,

    40 km,

    Hickory Hills XC Fri 12:00p 3-newPP grmg6--8 base 2 trails, 2 km,

    Nordic Nights XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Corsair XC Wed 9:50p packed powder grmg4--4 base 56 km,

    OHIO

    Chapin Forest Pine Lodge XC Reopen TBA; Registration for Ohio

    championship nordic flurry XC ski race open until Jan 26

    ROCKIES

    COLORADO

    Ashcroft XC Thu 9:30a packed powder grmg22--32 base 16 trails, 35 km,

    Aspen/Snowmass XC Fri 6:40a hard packed grmg16--20 base 14 trails, 88

    km,

    Crested Butte XC Wed 6:45p hard packed grmg15--45 base 15 trails, 40

    km,

    Snow Mountain XC Fri 8:17a hard packed grmg16--26 base 105 km,

    MONTANA

    Big Mountain XC Fri 6:48a packed powder grmg43--43 base 7 trails, 16

    km,

    Bohart Ranch XC Fri 6:13a packed powder grmg10--10 base 25 km,

    Lone Mountain Ranch XC Wed 4:30p packed powder grmg18--35 base 24

    trails, 77 km,

    Rendezvous Ski Trails XC Fri 8:00a packed powder grmg25--25 base 8

    trails, 35 km,

    Stillwater XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    NEW MEXICO

    Valles Caldera XC Sun 7a nmsr powder 36--36 base 35 km,

    UTAH

    Homestead Resort XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    WYOMING

    Grand Targhee XC Fri 5:00a packed powder grmg39--42 base 5 trails, 15

    km,

    Pinedale XC Fri 11:40a packed powder grmg30--30 base 30 km,

    PACIFIC SOUTH

    CALIFORNIA

    Bear Valley XC Fri 7:00a packed powder grmg24--26 base 27 trails, 35

    km,

    Green Valley XC Not Open 2006-2007 season

    Royal Gorge XC Fri 8:20a packed powder grmg58--58 base 62 trails, 259

    km,

    Yosemite XC Fri 8:27a w packed powder grmg18--30 base 39 km,

    PACIFIC NORTH

    IDAHO

    Teton Ridge Ranch XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    CANADA

    BRITISH COLUMBIA

    Whistler XC Fri 8:00a hard packed grmg39--47 base 32 km,

    QUEBEC

    Camp Mercier XC Fri 5:00p packed powder grmg13--22 base 5 trails, 80

    km,

    Parc National Gaspesie XC Fri 8:00a packed powder grmg29--41 base 24 km,

    Parc National Mont Orford XC Fri 8:23a hard packed 6--8 base 50 km,

    Parc National Mont-Tremblant XC Thu 8:00a packed powder grmg14--14 base

    10 trails, 53 km,

    Station Duchesnay XC Thu 7:36a variable 17--22 base 13 trails, 65 km,

    Station Mont Sainte Anne XC Fri 8:40a packed powder grmg12--20 base 18

    trails, 139 km,

    Gatineau Park XC Fri 3:30p packed powder grmg6--13 base 108 km,

    ONTARIO

    Haliburton XC Fri 6a osr packed powder grmg8--9 base 92 km,

    Hardwood Hills XC Fri 6:15a packed powder grmg6--8 base 10 trails, 30

    km,

    Hiawatha Highlands XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Highland's XC Fri 6a osr 2-newPP grmg7--8 base 22 km,

    Horseshoe Resort XC Fri 6a osr packed powder grmg5--5 base 35 km,

    Mansfield Outdoor Centre XC Fri 6a osr 1-newPP grmg2--2 base 30 km,

    Scenic Caves Nordic Fri 6a osr 6-newPP grmg9--10 base 18 km,

    Skyloft XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Stokely Creek XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Wasaga Beach XC Fri 6a osr 1-newPP grmg3--4 base 30 km,

    Wye Marsh Wildlife XC Fri 6a osr packed powder grmg5--6 base 22 km,

    NOVA SCOTIA

    Ski Martock XC Opening Soon for Snow Sports

    Source: SnoCountry Worldwide

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

     

    The Vegas Lights Will Shine With Star Power When Alonzo Mourning, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, Queen Latifah and Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges Join Together to Host 'Boost Mobile Zo & Magic's 8-Ball Challenge'

    Athletes and Entertainers Will Showcase Their Billiard Skills at a Competitive Celebrity Pool Tournament Benefiting Alonzo Mourning Charities & The Magic Johnson Foundation

    On Thursday, February 15, 2007, Boost Mobile will present the most highly anticipated celebrity fundraiser taking place during the All-Star weekend. The 2007 Boost Mobile Zo & Magic's 8-Ball Challenge, in conjunction with NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning of the Miami Heat and NBA legend, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, will converge on the city of lights and showcase the billiard skills of some of the most recognizable faces in sports, film, television and music. Hosted by Academy Award nominee and Grammy award winner Queen Latifah and SAG Award winner and four-time Grammy nominee, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, this celebrity pool tournament will be held at the famous Wynn Las Vegas Resort & Casino with owners, Steve and Elaine Wynn lending their time and support to this great cause.

    With the gracious help of title sponsor Boost Mobile and the support of automotive luxury leader Lincoln, ESPN and Remy, this annual event will boast a who's who list of celebrities and sports stars including Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat), Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards), the legendary Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Michael Vick (Atlanta Falcons), Terrell Owens (Dallas Cowboys), actor Nick Cannon and actress Regina King competing for a grand prize package that includes Boost Mobile phones and service, luxury trips, Tiffany & Company custom made gifts, X-Box's and much, much more.

    "The fact that this event has continued to grow in every facet is very encouraging. Last year it helped AMC, in part, grant more than $700,000 to several charities. This year, with our focus of building youth centers, the funds generated will help us meet this goal. Again, I challenge everyone to take part in this great event that Magic and I support whole-heartedly and ultimately benefits our youth," said Mourning.

    The inaugural 8-Ball Challenge was held in 2005 during Denver, Colorado's All Star festivities and hosted by famed comedian, Cedric The Entertainer. Broadcast live on TNT's Post-Game show, "Inside the NBA," the event raised over $100,000 for two of the NBA's most popular and philanthropic players, Alonzo Mourning and Carmelo Anthony. Household names such as Julius "Dr. J." Erving, Ludacris, Terrell Owens, Dwyane Wade and the TNT trio of Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith & Charles Barkley were on hand to watch NBA All-Star Paul Pierce take home the grand prize.

    In 2006, Mourning hooked up with the legendary Magic Johnson to invade Houston and take over Jillians. Atlanta-based radio personalities, The Two Stews, were crowned the kings of the 2006 8-Ball Challenge and joined Shaquille O'Neal (Miami Heat), Sam Cassell (LA Clippers), Curtis Martin (NJ Jets), Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics) and the legendary Michael Jordan to raise more than $250,000 for Alonzo and Magic's Foundations.

    Like the past two years, thirty-two (32) two-person teams will compete round-robin style with winning teams advancing until a final round of play. The Wynn's "LaFite" Ballroom will be completely transformed for the Boost Mobile Zo & Magic 8-Ball Challenge. And new to the event this year, ESPN will produce a one-hour special that showcases Alonzo and Magic's Foundations with the pool tournament and All-Star as the backdrop. Highlights from the competition as well as the final round of play will also be included in the show. This special broadcast will air during Black History Month in February.

    "It's sexy, it's hot, it's entertainment at its best and it's for charity. No matter what Alonzo and I do, it's going to be fun," says Earvin "Magic" Johnson. "So, instead of us going up against each other at NBA All-Star, we decided to come together once again for Boost Mobile's Zo and Magic's 8-Ball Challenge."

    Key highlights of the night will be a silent auction that features an All-Star list of items from Alonzo and Magic as well as NBA superstars Michael Jordan, Dwyane Wade and more. Other items up for bid include a Boost Mobile i885 phone with one year of free service and a Wynn Las Vegas package that includes a stay in the resort's Tower Suite, show tickets, golf, dinner and more.

    Over the past three years, Boost Mobile has become an integral partner in making sure the mission of Alonzo Mourning Charities and the Magic Johnson Foundation achieve their goals by supporting the Boost Mobile Zo & Magic's 8-Ball Challenge. "Partnering on this event is one of the highlights of the year for Boost," explains Daryl Butler, marketing director -- strategic alliances, Boost Mobile. "We are able to support the important work that Alonzo and Magic's foundations do on a daily basis and understand their impact on young people through their programs. Boost is proud to be a part of this event and work with Alonzo and Magic in boosting the lives of young people in meaningful ways."

    All of the net proceeds raised will benefit charities supported by Alonzo Mourning Charities, Inc. and the Magic Johnson Foundation.

    A limited number of tickets for Boost Mobile Zo & Magic's 8-Ball Challenge are still available. For more information, log onto www.amcharities.org or www.magicjohnson.org

    About Alonzo Mourning & Alonzo Mourning Charities

    Alonzo Mourning is best known as an NBA superstar, but it's his off-the-court charitable efforts that he considers his crowning achievement. When he founded Alonzo Mourning Charities in 1997, his mission was to improve the lives of underprivileged kids in various communities. Alonzo Mourning Charities (AMC) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public fundraising foundation. AMC's mission is to provide support and services that enhance the lives of 'youth of promise'. Since 1997, AMC has raised more than $6 million for various organizations that aid in the development of children and families living in at-risk situations. In addition to supporting other non-profit organizations, Mourning has focused his attention to building youth centers. With the help of donors, Mourning opened the first center in 2003 in the historic city of Overtown, in South Florida, known as the Overtown Youth Center. For more information, please visit www.amcharities.org

    Source: Alonzo Mourning Charities; The Magic Johnson Foundation

     

    Jan 25

     

    Denaro Athletes Newsletter - Jan. 25, 2007


    Denaro Fighter Ed "Short Fuse" Herman will be competing Thursday night live on Spike TV. He will be facing Chris "The Exorcist" Price at UFC Fight Night at the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, FL. For more information log onto www.ufc.com.

    Ed Herman vs. Chris Price

     

    Ed "Short Fuse" Herman will be back in action on January 25. He will square off against scrappy middleweight Chris "The Exorcist" Price. Herman is looking to get his first win in the Octagon and feels great for the upcoming match. The two will meet at UFC "Fight Night" live on Spike TV from the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Florida

    For more information log onto www.ufc.com.
    Ed "Short Fuse" Herman is proudly endorsed by






    Denaro Fighters in Recent Action


    John Alessio
    WEC "McCullough vs. Cope", January 20, 2007 at The Hard Rock Hotel, in Las Vegas, NV.

    John Alessio delivered one of his best performances yet against seasoned veteran Brian Gassaway! Alessio wasted no time in getting this fight to the ground where he peppered Gassaway with multiple shots while securing full mount. It wouldn't be long before Gassaway would give us his back and be submitted by a rear naked choke at 4:50 of the first round.

    For more information log onto www.wec.tv

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alex Karalexis
    WEC "McCullough vs. Cope", January 20, 2007 at The Hard Rock Hotel, in Las Vegas, NV.

    Alex Karlexis put on a striking clinic against heavy-handed Olaf Alfonso on Saturday night. Karalexis was on the hunt from the get go and was relentless in his attack! The second round was no different as Karalexis poured on the punishment with an array of elbows and strikes, which eventually opened Olaf up. The fight was stopped when Alfonso pleaded to be checked and would eventually give up! The referee called a halt to the action at 3:53 of the second round.

    For more information log onto www.wec.tv

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Brendan Seguin
    WEC "McCullough vs. Cope", January 20, 2007 at The Hard Rock Hotel, in Las Vegas, NV.

    Brendan Seguin looked dominant in his WEC debut! He took home a unanimous decision after neutralizing Fernando Gonzalez's offense throughout the contest! Seguin was able to repeatedly take Fernando down at will and pound him. Seguin was pleased about the win and looks forward to a bright future with the WEC!

    For more information log onto www.wec.tv

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    John Gunderson
    IFL, January 19, 2007 at The Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA.

    John Gunderson made it look too easy on Friday night as he coasted to his 7th straight victory. Gunderson controlled the entire bout and was able to escape a deep arm bar early on! Gunderson finished Josh Odom at the 3:05 mark of the first round with a triangle choke from the top position! Gunderson is very excited about his win and looks forward to April when he will face Bart Palaszewski of the Silverbacks!

    For more information log onto www.ifl.tv



     

    Check Out Denaro Athletes On The Web


    John Alessio


    www.johnalessio.tv

    Dennis Davis



    Edwin Deweese


    www.edwindewees.tv

    Melvin Guillard


    www.youngassassin.com

    Ed Herman


    www.edherman.tv

    Alex Karalexis


    www.alexkaralexis.com

    Chris Leben


    www.crippler.tv

    Nathan Quarry


    www.nathanquarry.com

    Joe Riggs


    www.joeriggs.tv

    Lodune Sincaid



    Evan Tanner



    David Terrell


    www.davidterrell.tv





    © Copyright 2006 Denaro Sports Marketing | Contact Us

    Robert Roveta - Denaro Sports Marketing - Building the Complete Athlete
    www.denaroathletes.com | rroveta@denaroathletes.com | office: 702.451.5038 | fax: 702.458.5726

     

     

    Jan 24

     
    2007 Great Start Parties

    Save the Date for a Coast-to-Coast Celebration!

    Celebrate the New Year and your commitment to the breast cancer cause at the nationwide 2007 Avon Walk Great Start Party!

    Saturday, January 27th, 2007
    1:00pm - 3:00pm

    Washington, D.C.
    Washington Marriott Hotel
    1221 22nd Street, NW
    Washington, DC 20037
    RSVP
    202-457-8701
    San Francisco
    San Francisco Zoo
    1 Zoo Road
    San Francisco, CA 94132
    RSVP
    415-834-0404
    Boston
    The Lenox Hotel
    61 Exeter Street at Boylston
    Boston, MA 02116
    RSVP
    617-576-3113
    Los Angeles
    The Queen Mary, Windsor Salon
    1126 Queens Highway
    Long Beach, CA 90802
    RSVP
    310-268-1450

    Chicago
    Sears Tower Metropolitan Club
    233 South Wacker Drive
    Chicago, IL 60606
    RSVP
    773-248-3120

     

    New York
    Avon Foundation Breast Center
    Irving Cancer Research Center
    New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia University Medical Center
    1130 St. Nicholas Avenue @ W.166th Street
    New York, NY 10032
    RSVP
    212-586-8720
    Denver
    University of Colorado Cancer Center
    Anschutz Centers for Advanced Medicine
    1665 Ursula St., Aurora, CO  80045
    RSVP
    303-753-2363
    Charlotte
    Buddy Kemp Caring House
    242 S Colonial Ave
    Charlotte, NC 28207
    RSVP
    704-377-3144

    RSVP today to your local office by phone or by clicking the RSVP link!

    Help us kick off the 2007 Avon Walk season!
    Meet new friends and reunite with old ones!
    Fun and Prizes for all who attend!

    You don’t want to miss this - mark your calendar and RSVP today!

     

     

    Jan 23

     

    PASSION FOR COLLECTOR CARS DRIVES SALES TO OVER $110 MILLION AT SCOTTSDALE BARRETT-JACKSON AUCTION

    Record Sales and Attendance Reaffirms Popularity of Car Collecting

    Collectors spent nearly US$112,000,000 at the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz., from Monday, January 15 - 21, 2007. Continued, strong demand made the event the most successful collector car auction in American history as bidders snapped up 1,271 total cars sold at No Reserve, as well as rock and pop culture memorabilia in spite of a soggy WestWorld facility. "The World's Greatest Collector Car Event™" attracted over 250,000 visitors and was featured on SPEED with 40 hours of live coverage during 2007.

    "The collector car hobby continues to grow and demand was exceptionally strong for a variety of vehicles ranging from vintage Shelbys to superb customs, top notch muscle cars, obscure makes and even timeless Woodies," said Craig Jackson, CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "And as our team predicted, collectors rediscovered the 'golden era of fins' as they pushed the values of many 1950s classics to over $100,000. The spectacular vehicles sold this week were some of the most desirable automobiles in the world and the prices they fetched demonstrated the incredible strength of the market."

    The highlight of the auction was the sale of Carroll Shelby's 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra for a world record $5,500,000, including buyer's premium. The "Warrior One" Hummer that was "overhauled" by Chip Foose following a CNN tour of duty in Iraq hit $1,000,000. Proceeds from the sale of the CNN Hummer were donated to The Fisher House Foundation, which builds "comfort homes" for families of hospitalized military personnel; bidder Dave Ressler donated another $250,000 to the charity during the bidding.

    "In addition to Shelby's Cobra and the CNN Hummer topping the million dollar mark, two 1954 Dodge Firearrow convertible 'Dream' cars hit $1,100,000 each," explained Steve Davis, President of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "Another Shelby Cobra knocked on the door by selling for $935,000 and we broke records for cars like the stunning Boss 429 Mustang that sold for $605,000."

    Barrett-Jackson continues to set the standard for the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, challenging records and serving as the barometer for market trends. The selection of cars this year was the broadest ever in the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company's rich history, ranging from a vintage stagecoach to an Amphicar, a Russian rescue craft, 1950's classics, contemporary cars and exotics. Results from the week uncovered interesting new trends that will be analyzed by collectors worldwide

    "One of the key trends is that the number of new bidders continues to be very strong," added Jackson. "Many of these buyers aren't afraid to buy something a bit offbeat like a Kaiser Henry, De Soto Firesweep or Pro Stock Chevy Vega race car. For traditional collectors, B-Body Chryslers and HEMI's continue to command premium prices, Shelbys of every year are in demand and the custom, resto-mods are still hot. Austin Healeys increased in value and the rarest Corvettes are still very good purchases."

    The auction is a lifestyle event, featuring fashion shows and a pavilion where patrons were pampered with spa treatments, shopped for high-end jewelry and clothing and had access to some of Arizona's most prestigious resort communities. Two evening galas were held during the week; one for bidders and VIPs and another benefiting Childhelp, the auction's charitable beneficiary. For the first time, a rock-n-roll memorabilia auction was added to the week long event. This mixture of automobiles and lifestyle also attracted a host of new sponsors including General Motors and Ford Motor Company; the first 2007 Shelby GT was sold at the auction for $660,000 and several GM show cars crossed the block.

    "We selected an amazing diversity of vehicles to offer this year, including contemporary icons like the first Shelby GT and recent GM show cars," noted Davis. "Then we wove quality 'driver' cars into the docket of vintage muscle cars, customs and classics. This presentation of all makes, models, years and levels of cars makes it possible for even more people to enjoy car collecting. The world responded to our approach and the resulting strong sales in Scottsdale shows the market for car collecting is very, very healthy."

    About Barrett-Jackson

    Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Events™" in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com

     

     

     

    OVERHAULED CNN MILITARY HUMMER TO TAKE 36TH ANNUAL BARRETT-JACKSON AUCTION BY STORM

    Proceeds From The Battle-Tested SUV Will Benefit The Fisher House Foundation

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - November 20, 2006 - Following a brave tour of duty in the Iraq War and a wild "Overhaulin'" by Chip Foose and his partners on The Learning Channel, a one-off CNN Hummer will be sold for charity at No Reserve during the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event from Jan. 13-21, 2007, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Nicknamed "Warrior One," the custom SUV was unveiled before a host of CNN employees on October 12, 2006.

    Proceeds from the sale of the Hummer will be donated to The Fisher House Foundation, a group that builds "comfort homes" for families of hospitalized military personnel. Hailed as "The World's Greatest Collector Car Events™", the auction will feature more than 1,100 of the world's finest collector automobiles, attract over 225,000 visitors and be featured on SPEED with 40 hours of live coverage.

    "The CNN Hummer will be one of the most historic, inspiring vehicles to ever cross the block at a Barrett-Jackson auction," said Craig Jackson, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "This machine served with America's brave soldiers in Iraq, and now it will help fund an amazing organization that supports the families of wounded soldiers. The future owner of this Hummer will capture a commemorative gem to add to their automotive collection."

    CNN officials purchased the Hummer in Kuwait prior to the war. Correspondents, producers and photojournalists depended on "Warrior One" to report stories while embedded with the First Battalion, 7th Marines. In addition to basic transportation, the Hummer served as living quarters and a storage facility for the CNN crew.

    This past summer "Overhaulin'" took the Hummer to the show's workshop in Irvine, Calif. Crews revamped the Hummer's engine and made numerous upgrades including a 6-inch suspension lift, custom leather interior, 37-inch BFGoodrich tires and one-off Foose wheels.

    Stereo system upgrades include 7,500 watts of Kicker audio, 250-pound subwoofers, a DVD player and six LCD monitors. Airbrush artists Dru Blaier, Mickey Harris and Mike Lavallee spent 240 hours painting images of journalists and military personnel onto the vehicle as a tribute to those who served during the war in Iraq and to the brave journalists who covered the war.

    Since its unveiling, the Hummer has visited various U.S. military bases and automotive events, including the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from October 31-November 3, 2006. The "Overhaulin'" episode featuring the Hummer aired on November 14, 2006, on TLC.

    "In addition to its sentimental value, Chip Foose transformed this military beast into one of the best looking SUVs on the planet," added Steve Davis, executive vice president of Barrett-Jackson. "CNN wanted to personalize this Hummer to honor the brave men and women of our armed forces and the journalists who risk their lives alongside them. I believe Chip and his team delivered."

    Barrett-Jackson continually reaffirms its leadership position in the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, challenging annual records and serving as the barometer for market trends. Last year, more than 300,000 attendees and millions of television viewers from around the world witnessed over 1,600 cars being auctioned off for approximately $135 million at the two 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Events held in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla.

    About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

    Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett

     

     

     

     

     PGA NEWS

     
    The Week Ahead
    PGA   TOUR

    Buick Invitational
    GOLF - Thurs. 3-6 p.m. ET
    GOLF - Friday 3-6 p.m. ET
    CBS - Saturday 3-6 p.m. ET
    CBS - Sunday 3-6:30 p.m. ET

    Nationwide Tour
    Movistar Panama Championship
    Champions TourTurtle Bay Championship
    GOLF - Friday 6:30-9 p.m. ET
    GOLF - Saturday 6:30-10 p.m. ET
    GOLF - Sunday 7:00-10 p.m. ET
    PGA TOUR   on XM Radio
    Channel 146
    Buick Invitational
    Thursday 12-6 p.m. ET
    Friday 12-6 p.m. ET
    Saturday 12-6 p.m. ET
    Saturday 1-7 p.m. ET

     

    Jan 22

     

    Imation to Sponsor Memorex-Branded No. 41 Dodge in NASCAR Busch Series

    Signs on With Chip Ganassi Racing With Felix Sabates; Car to Debut August 24 at Bristol

    Imation Corp (NYSE:IMN) , a worldwide leader in removable data storage, announced today that it has signed an agreement with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) to become a primary sponsor of the No. 41 Memorex Dodge in the NASCAR Busch Series starting in August 2007. Imation and CGRFS made the announcement at the team's Concord, N.C., race shop.

    "Imation made a significant investment when we acquired Memorex in 2006. This sponsorship is an excellent opportunity for us to connect our Memorex brand, the number one brand of recordable CDs and DVDs in the U.S., with NASCAR, the fastest-growing sport in America," said Frank Russomanno, President, Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO of Imation. "Our Memorex portfolio of products helps people capture, save, and share life's fun moments -- like a day at the race track -- and we are glad to have this opportunity to be front and center with the No. 41 Memorex Dodge as a part of the Busch Series action."

    Imation's Memorex brand will be an associate team sponsor of the No. 41 Wrigley's Dodge during the first 25 Busch Series races, starting with the season-opening run at Daytona International Speedway in February. In August, Imation will become the car's primary sponsor with its Memorex-branded No. 41 Dodge, which will make its debut at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway on August 24. The car will be driven by young racing phenomenon Bryan Clauson for the majority of the remaining races.

    "Memorex is one of the most well-known brands in the world," said team owner Chip Ganassi. "We are elated to have a partnership with Memorex, one of Imation's powerhouse brands. What makes this partnership even more special is that Memorex will be aligned with Bryan Clauson, one of the talented, young drivers in our development program. Bryan has had success at every level of racing that he has participated in, and we couldn't be more excited about his and Memorex's debut in NASCAR."

    At just 16 years of age, Clauson (now 17) became the youngest driver in United States Auto Club (USAC) history to win both a National Sprint Car Series and National feature Midget race, topping a list of USAC's all-time greats including Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart.

    After an injury last September in Wheatland, Mo., sidelined him for the remainder of the 2006 season, Clauson still finished in the Top 10 in both Sprint and Midget points. He also won selected USAC Regional Midget Car Series events throughout the year.

    "I never expected everything to happen this fast, and I couldn't be more thankful. Everything that has transpired since Chip's call a little more than one year ago has just seemed to fall into place," Clauson said. "To get to drive for a team like Ganassi is a huge honor, and then to represent an innovative and well-known brand like Memorex is a unique opportunity in itself. I know there are thousands of racers out there who are working to get where I am right now. I am sincerely grateful to everyone involved. The next step is for me to get the job done in the No. 41 Memorex Dodge later this year."

    Is it live or is it Memorex?(R)

    Memorex, a portfolio brand of Imation Corp (NYSE:IMN) , is the U.S. market-share leader in optical media and media accessories at retail. Since the early 1970s, Memorex has been one of the most widely recognized and respected names in the consumer electronics industry. Today, it is an influential brand in CD and DVD media, optical drives, USB flash drives and flash card media. For more information on Memorex products, please call 562-653-2800, or visit the Memorex Web site at www.memorex.com.

    For more information on the #41 Memorex Dodge for the NASCAR Busch series, visit: racing.memorex.com.

    About Imation

    Imation Corp is the only company in the world solely focused on the development, manufacture and supply of removable data storage products spanning the four pillars of magnetic, optical, flash and removable hard disk storage. With more than 50 years of data storage leadership beginning with the development of the world's first computer tape, in 2006 Imation proudly marked its tenth anniversary as an independent company. In addition to the Imation brand, Imation Corp's global brand portfolio includes the Memorex brand, one of the most widely recognized names in the consumer electronics industry, famous for the slogan, "Is it live or is it Memorex?" Additional information about Imation is available at www.imation.com or by calling 1-888-466-3456.

    About Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates

    Following a strong career as a driver, Chip Ganassi created his own one-car IndyCar team in 1990 and established a partnership with a new sponsor, Target Stores. Today, his teams include two IRL IndyCars, two Indy Pro Series cars, and along with Felix Sabates he has three cars in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, a Daytona Prototype in the world of Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series racing and two entries in the NASCAR Busch Series. Ganassi's IndyCar teams have amassed five Championships and 50 wins since 1994; his NASCAR teams have nine wins and a Rookie-of-the-Year title; and the Grand American team has won two of the last three Rolex Series Daytona Prototype Championships and the 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona. Chip Ganassi Racing operates out of state-of-the-art race shop facilities in Indianapolis, Ind., and Concord, N.C., with a corporate office in Pittsburgh, Pa.

    Imation, Memorex, the Memorex logo and "Is it live or is it Memorex?" are trademarks of Imation Corp and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

     

    Web site: http://www.imation.com/
    http://www.racing.memorex.com/

    January 21, 2007

    Warner Brothers News

    Feb 19

     

    Warner Bros. Pictures and 4Kids Entertainment Kick Off a Month of Turtle Mania With Promotional Support for the Theatrical Release of TMNT

    McDonald's, Airheads, Hot Topic and Other Leading Retailers Join List of Partners for Highly Anticipated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Movie

    4Kids on FOX, Home of Animated Turtles TV Series 'Fast Forward', Will Air Special 'Lost' Turtles Episode March 24

     -- In anticipation of the March 23 release of the all-new CGI action adventure TMNT, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:KDE) and Warner Bros. Pictures have announced promotional and merchandising partners for the movie, based on the world-renowned Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.

    McDonald's, Airheads, Hot Topic and other retailers, including Wal-Mart, Kmart and Toys "R" Us will put promotional muscle behind the new movie starring the heroes in a half shell.

    "The impressive lineup of promotional partners supporting TMNT reflects the quality of the movie," said Alfred R. Kahn, chairman and CEO of 4Kids Entertainment, which is the licensing agent for the Turtles franchise. "This is a movie for everybody -- from today's kids to adults who were fans of the original television series almost 20 years ago."

    Support for the movie runs throughout March, including the following promotions:

      --  McDonald's -- Kids can collect one of eight TMNT premiums with the       purchase of a Happy Meal. The promotion is supported by television,       radio and digital advertising.   --  Airheads -- For a limited time, a special lime green-flavored Airhead       will be inserted into 12 million packs of the candy.  Each package       will also include a TMNT "tongue-tickling" tattoo.  The promotion is       supported by TV advertising.   --  Time Warner Cable (TWC) will air TV spots across TWC stations       promoting a TMNT sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to Warner Bros.       Studios and secondary prizes.  TMNT clips and footage will also be       available On Demand to TWC subscribers.  Additionally, TWC will hold       advanced screening programs in three markets, as well as mall events       in Dallas and Los Angeles, all of which will include TMNT Ubisoft       video games and Time Warner Cable prize giveaways.   --  Cool Cuts 4 Kids -- The salon chain for kids will offer TMNT coloring       books, card games and other fun items to customers, who will also have       a chance to enter in a sweepstakes where the winning Cool Cuts family       will be treated to a private screening of TMNT.  They will also       distribute advanced TMNT screening passes to customers in the Dallas       market.   --  Kmart -- Customers who make a $10 minimum purchase of TMNT movie toys       from Playmates, including action figures and role play items, will       receive an exclusive pack of four collectible TMNT Movie Trading Cards       while supplies last.   --  Hot Topic -- Home of a national TMNT sweepstakes where the Grand Prize       is a VIP Fly-Away trip for two to Hollywood that includes a tour of       Warner Bros. Studios and a TMNT movie screening.   --  Wal-Mart -- 1,000 top Wal-Mart stores will give away movie posters       while supplies last to every customer making a TMNT movie toy purchase.   --  Toys "R" Us -- With a $20 minimum purchase of Playmates TMNT movie       toys, including action figures and role play items, customers will       receive a $5 TMNT movie-branded Toys "R" Us gift card while supplies       last.  A special TMNT movie feature shop will be erected in the Times       Square store in New York City.  

    4Kids has also signed on 35 licensees to support TMNT, with products ranging from action playsets and vehicles (Playmates) to videogames (Ubisoft) to an exclusive line of retro and movie apparel at Hot Topic.

    The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were created in 1984 by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman, and made their television debut in 1987. The latest incarnation of the TV series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fast Forward, is a top-rated show on 4Kids TV on FOX on Saturday mornings. Set in the year 2105, Fast Forward takes the Turtles on futuristic adventures filled with comedy, action ... and aliens.

    Starting March 3, 4Kids TV on FOX will host weekly promotions including the First Annual NinjAcademy Awards where kids can vote for the Best Turtle, Best Villain, Best Invention, Best Monster, and more, online. As voting results come in, episodes that feature each winner will air. In addition, a special "lost episode" will air on March 24 as well as new episodes of Fast Forward throughout the month. TMNT videogame partner Ubisoft will also sponsor weekly videogame tips.

    About TMNT

    The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles return to the big screen as never before in an all-new CGI action adventure, written and directed by Kevin Munroe.

    After the defeat of their old arch nemesis, The Shredder, the Turtles have grown apart as a family. Struggling to keep them together, their rat sensei, Master Splinter (Mako), becomes worried when strange things begin to brew in New York City. Tech-industrialist Max Winters (Patrick Stewart) is raising up an army of ancient monsters, and only one super-ninja fighting team can stop them -- those heroes in a half shell-Leonardo (James Arnold Taylor), Michelangelo (Mikey Kelley), Donatello (Mitchell Whitfield) and Raphael (Nolan North)! With the help of old allies April O'Neil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Casey Jones (Chris Evans), the Turtles are in for the fight of their lives as they once again must face the mysterious Foot Clan, who have put their own ninja skills behind Winters' endeavors.

    Making this new incarnation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles truly cutting-edge, the film was created entirely with state-of-the-art CG animation, giving them a completely new look for the 21st century.

    Warner Bros. Pictures and The Weinstein Company present an Imagi Animation Studios Production, TMNT, featuring the voices of Chris Evans, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mako, Kevin Smith, Patrick Stewart, Ziyi Zhang, and narrated by Laurence Fishburne. The film is produced by Thomas K. Gray, Galen Walker and Paul Wang. The executive producers are Francis Kao, Peter Laird, Gary Richardson and Frederick U. Fierst, with Felix Ip serving as co-producer. The music is by Klaus Badelt.

      TMNT opens nationwide on March 23.    About 4Kids Entertainment 

    Headquartered in New York City with an international office in London, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:KDE) , is a global provider of children's entertainment and merchandise licensing. 4Kids, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, provides domestic and international merchandise licensing; product development; television, film, music and home video production and distribution; and Web site development. For further information, please visit the Company's Web sites at http://www.4kidsentertainment.com/ and http://www.4kids.tv/.

    Source: 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.

    Web site: http://www.4kids.tv/

     

    Feb 9

    LOT 29 AND WARNER BROS. TEAM UP TO INTRODUCE A COLLECTION OF NOVELTY APPAREL TO DEBUT FALL 2007

    Fort Lee, NJ, February 9, 2007—WHAM!¦KAPOW!...Get ready for a new force in streetwear. The multi-million dollar Wicked Fashions, Inc. announces a licensing arrangement between its LOT 29 division and Warner Bros. owned, DC Comics. The partnership rolls out with a unique line of sportswear for young men and juniors, featuring the Batman villain, Penguin.

    Retro meets urban as LOT 29s adaptation of the character comes to life in bold color, while leaving the good guys behind in a sea of black. Korean lettering spells out Kapow! and adds a punch while juxtaposed next to the Penguin caricature throughout the collection. Adding a funky approach to this cutting-edge clothing line, Penguin represents the new wave of fashion in urban sportswear.

    "DC Comics, by L29, will target the more advanced streetwear customer and retailer, appealing to their 'cool factor.The styling and design is plugged into what is happening with the young men's and juniors market, said Burt Damsky, V.P. of Sales for LOT 29. This product will be about individuality and exclusivity for the customer.

    LOT 29s urban attitude has transformed into a nostalgic play on the irreverent villain, the Penguin, inspiring a new trend in streetwear. David Strumeier, V.P. of Marketing, Licensing and New Product Development at Southpole notes, The partnership between DC Comics and LOT 29 will create a unique offering for selective retailers and trend conscious consumers.

    Just as Penguins persona, LOT 29 will takeover MAGIC and steal the show next week, showcasing at booth number 30057 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Be sure to stop by as the mayhem and madness of the Penguin party begins.

    Feb 6

    Ashley Tisdale Releases Debut Album, "Headstrong," February 6, 2007, on Warner Bros. Records

    "High School Musical" Star Teams Up With Hit-Makers J.R. Rotem, The Matrix, and Kara DioGuardi to Deliver Upbeat Urban-Flavored Pop; First Single -- "He Said, She Said" -- Hits Top 40 Radio This Month

    Singer-actress Ashley Tisdale, star of the top-rated TV movie "High School Musical," will release her debut album, "Headstrong," on Warner Bros. Records today, February 6, 2007. An album which Entertainment Weekly calls "fierce and radio-ready," the 14-track CD showcases this multi-talented artist's independent streak, and will entertain her legions of loyal fans with its upbeat pop/rhythmic groove sound.

    Tisdale is celebrating the release of her album with a performance on "Good Morning America" today, February 6th, along with a performance tomorrow on "Live With Regis and Kelly" and an appearance on "TRL," February 7th.

    Tisdale turned to a host of top-notch songwriters and producers to give her natural pop exuberance an urban edge, including Jonathan "J.R." Rotem (Britney Spears, Rihanna) and Evan "Kidd" Bogart (Rihanna), who co-wrote "Headstrong's" first single, the sassy "He Said, She Said." Noted hit-maker trio, The Matrix (Britney Spears, Hilary Duff) co-wrote and produced several songs, including the title track, Tisdale's 'independence anthem' "Headstrong," and the indelible, rhythmic "So Much For You." Other collaborators include Guy Roche and Shelly Peiken (Christina Aguilera) on the buoyant "Positivity" and the orchestrated ballad "Unlove You"; up-and-coming Swedish production team Twin on the playful "Going Crazy" and the dancefloor-friendly "Be Good To Me," which was co-written by Kara DioGuardi (Gwen Stefani, Ashlee Simpson); legendary songwriter Diane Warren on the mid-tempo "Love Me For Me"; and Tisdale's "Kiss the Girl" producer Mark Hammond, who produced the tender love song "We'll Be Together," written by Peiken.

    With co-writer credits on three tracks, Tisdale was determined to record songs that touched her personally and that contained lyrics she could identify with. As a result, "Headstrong" is an appealing portrait of a talented, young artist blazing her own trail, and letting her devoted, pre-teen and teenaged fans discover her versatility and multi-faceted personality.

    Tisdale recently completed a nationwide 42-city concert tour with her "High School Musical" co-stars in which she performed songs from the movie's triple-platinum-selling soundtrack as well as three tracks from "Headstrong" each night. She has earned enormous popularity from "High School Musical," which premiered in January 2006 and was the highest-rated telecast in Disney Channel history. Tisdale scored a coup when she became the first female artist to ever debut with two songs simultaneously on Billboard's Hot 100 chart

     

     

    Feb 5

    Digital Version of Ashley Tisdale's Debut Album "Headstrong" -- Featuring Instrumental Versions of Two Songs -- Available on iTunes February 6thFans Can Create Unique Video Content to Upload on YouTube and Win a Chance to Meet Ashley

    BURBANK, CA --  February 05, 2007 -- Warner Bros. Records is excited to announce a ground-breaking agreement with iTunes and YouTube to promote singer-actress Ashley Tisdale's debut album "Headstrong," due in stores on February 6th, 2007.

    The same day, the label will release a special edition of the album on iTunes, which will include instrumental versions of two singles -- "He Said, She Said" and "Be Good To Me." Fans will be able to download the tracks and create their own content, such as karaoke videos, and upload it to Ashley's official YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/ashleytisdale). The creator of Ashley's favorite video will win a trip to meet her in person. The winner's video will also be included in Ashley's final iTunes podcast, which will be made available for download from iTunes in the spring.

    Warner Bros. Records' release of a digitally interactive version of "Headstrong" is notable because it is the first time the label has tailored a music product specifically to the consumer's already-formed video-sharing habits and launched a digital configuration that, from its outset, encourages that behavior, says Jeremy Welt, Vice President of New Media for Warner Bros. Records.

    "Music consumers are coming up with new ways to interact with and enjoy their favorite artists' music every day," Welt says. "The fact that Ashley is embracing their behavior -- by releasing a digital album, encouraging fans to download it from iTunes, engage with the tracks, and put content up on YouTube -- is a breakthrough. Ashley already has a major presence on iTunes and YouTube, so we felt that linking those sites to the digital version of 'Headstrong' from the beginning was a smart way to go."

    To direct users to the contest, Warner Bros. Records' New Media department has created a webpage to serve as a link between Ashley's iTunes page and her official YouTube Channel. Please visit www.ashleymusic.com/create for full details about the album and the contest.

     

    Feb 1

    "CRYSTAL VISIONS... THE VERY BEST OF STEVIE NICKS" CD/DVD Package Scheduled for March 27

    Nicks to Perform at Super Bowl Pre-Game on CBS This Sunday

    BURBANK, CA February 01, 2007 -- Stevie Nicks, one of the most successful female artists in rock history and the embodiment of the transcendent power of music, is scheduled to release "REFLECTIONS - THE VERY BEST OF STEVIE NICKS" on March 27th; it was announced today by her label, Reprise Records. "REFLECTIONS" is an extraordinary collection of songs from the multi-platinum, multi-Grammy Award winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee's stunning three decade career as a solo artist and member of the legendary Fleetwood Mac.

    "REFLECTIONS -THE VERY BEST OF STEVIE NICKS" opens with the original mastered studio version of "Edge of Seventeen" and closes with a live performance of the song recorded last summer with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. In between are Nicks' classics including "Stand Back," "Leather and Lace" and "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" with Tom Petty. The CD also has a live version of "Landslide" (also recorded with the Melbourne Symphony), "Rhiannon" and a knock-out version of Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll." Other standouts are a haunting version of "Sorcerer" sung with Sheryl Crow which was originally on Nicks' "TROUBLE IN SHANGRI-LA" CD, the Deep Dish dance remix of "Dreams" and "Silver Springs" from the original master of "RUMOURS" -- a cult favorite which appeared only as a b-side to "Go Your Own Way."

    The DVD component of "REFLECTIONS" offers 13 Stevie videos with voice-over commentary by Nicks as well as an audio interview by journalist David Wild. Also included on the DVD is a never before seen Stevie Nicks home video which was filmed during the making of the five-times platinum "BELLA DONNA" album. The accompanying booklet will have original Stevie Nicks art work as well as photographs and personal pictures hand-picked by the artist representing a cross section of iconic pictures spanning her entire career.

    Stevie Nicks is scheduled to perform this weekend (Feb. 4) at the Super Bowl pre-show in Miami this Sunday airing on CBS and is headed back to the famous Collosseum at Caesars Palace for a return engagement of her specially conceived critically acclaimed show on March 20, 21, 23 and 24.

    This Spring, Nicks will embark on a national concert tour with Chris Isaak. Dates for the tour will be announced shortly.

     

    Jan 30

     

     

    Singer Michael Bublé Clarifies Grammy Awards Statements

     January 30, 2007 -- Canadian singing sensation Michael Bublé was recently quoted in an interview criticizing the upcoming Grammy Awards telecast. The Vancouver native, who has had the No. 1 traditional Jazz album on the Billboard charts for a record-smashing 78 weeks, released the following statement through his recording label Reprise Records:

    "I'm extremely honored to have been nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Jazz category. I did indeed make my feelings known that the category should be broadcast live during the award ceremony. This category honors the interpreters of some of the greatest songs ever written. There are millions of people like me who love and respect this music.

    I jokingly said that Tony Bennett is going to win anyway so why should I go? This is not sour grapes. I worship, love and respect Tony Bennett. He is my idol. I voted for him and he deserves to win.

    I mean no offense to the Grammy Awards, the Grammy nominees or the NARAS organization."

     

    Jan 29

     

    Warner Music Group Completes Acquisition of Roadrunner Music Group

     Warner Music Group Corp. (NYSE: WMG) today announced the completion of its acquisition of 73.5 percent of Amsterdam-based Roadrunner Music Group B.V., which includes Roadrunner Records, one of the leading hard rock and heavy metal labels.

    The Roadrunner acquisition was originally announced on December 18, 2006. The transaction was subject to regulatory approval in Germany, which has now been obtained.

    Roadrunner will operate as a freestanding label group within WMG's Atlantic Records Group. Roadrunner Managing Director, Cees Wessels, continues to run the company he founded.

    About Roadrunner Music Group

    Initially founded in the Netherlands in 1980, Roadrunner Records has earned its place as one of the most prominent international independent record labels. The Roadrunner catalog boasts early releases from such seminal artists as King Diamond, Type O Negative, Sepultura and Annihilator. More recently, the label has experienced unprecedented success with multi-platinum artists Nickelback and Slipknot, Gold-certified Stone Sour and Killswitch Engage, as well as modern heavy hitters Black Label Society, Trivium and Machine Head. Though primarily known as a metal and hard rock label, Roadrunner's roster also includes acts such as The Dresden Dolls and newcomers Madina Lake. Still headquartered in the Netherlands, Roadrunner occupies offices in New York, now the A&R hub for the label, as well as the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Japan and Australia. For more information about Roadrunner, visit: www.roadrunnerrecords.com

    About Warner Music Group

    Warner Music Group became the only stand-alone music company to be publicly traded in the United States in May 2005. With its broad roster of new stars and legendary artists, Warner Music Group is home to a collection of the best-known record labels in the music industry including Asylum, Atlantic, Bad Boy, Cordless, East West, Elektra, Lava, Maverick, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Rykodisc, Sire, Warner Bros. and Word. Warner Music International, a leading company in national and international repertoire, operates through numerous international affiliates and licensees in more than 50 countries. Warner Music Group also includes Warner/Chappell Music, one of the world's leading music publishers.

     

    Jan 26

     

     

    Massive TV Exposure Drives Warner Bros. Records to Release New Robert Randolph & The Family Band Single "Ain't Nothing Wrong With That"

    AT&T, NBC and "Stomp the Yard" All Feature New Single

    January 26, 2007 -- You may not know it, but you've probably already heard Robert Randolph & The Family Band's new single, "Ain't Nothing Wrong With That." Even before its official release to radio on January 22nd, the joyous funk-stomper was already ubiquitous, having been used for the last 14 weeks in promos for NBC's comedy block of programming, as well as in the closing title credits for the number one box-office movie "Stomp the Yard." And that's not all: The song is also being featured extensively in nationwide ads for Wireless by AT&T (formerly Cingular), which began airing on January 21st during the New Orleans Saints / Chicago Bears NFC Championship Game.

    The single, released to radio on January 22nd, is perfectly timed to capitalize on all of the recent television exposure. The track's dynamic performance video was shot mid-January in Los Angeles, CA and was directed by Noble Jones, known for his work with the Goo Goo Dolls and Donell Jones. The new video will hit video channels soon.

    Grammy-nominated Randolph, a critically heralded pedal steel guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and The Family Band (cousins Danyel Morgan on bass and Marcus Randolph on drums along with keyboard player Jason Crosby) have been on tour in the U.S. since last summer first with The Black Crowes, then with Dave Matthews Band before launching a headlining tour last fall. Robert Randolph & The Family Band performed this week at the NHL All-Star Game in Dallas, Texas, broadcast on the VS Network. New tour dates run from February through March 2007 (see below).

    Thurs, 2/15 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre Fri, 2/16       Philadelphia, PA        Electric Factory Sat, 2/17       Durham, NC              North Carolina Theater Sun, 2/18       Charleston, SC          SC Music Farm Mon, 2/19       Mobile, AL              Soul Kitchen Wed, 2/21       Starkville, MS          Rick's Cafe Thurs, 2/22     Tuscaloosa, AL          Jupiter Bar & Grill Fri, 2/23       Birmingham, AL          Workplay Sat, 2/24       New Orleans, LA         Tipitina's Wed, 2/28 Little Rock, AR         The Village Thurs, 3/1      Tulsa, OK               Cain's Ballroom Fri, 3/2        Kansas City, MO         Uptown Theatre Sat, 3/3        Boulder, CO             Fox Theater Sun, 3/4        Boulder, CO             Fox Theater Mon, 3/5        Boise, ID               The Big Easy Wed, 3/7        Seattle, WA             The Moore Theatre Thurs, 3/8      Portland, OR            Crystal Ballroom Fri, 3/9        San Francisco, CA       Warfield Sat, 3/10       San Diego, CA           House of Blues 

     

     


     

    Jan 24

     

    The Goo Goo Dolls Set to Release CD/DVD Version of "Let Love In"

    More Worldwide Touring Ahead

    -- One of the great rock & roll bands of our generation, THE GOO GOO DOLLS, return to the road next month in support of their Gold-certified album, LET LOVE IN. The band's eighth studio album, produced by Glen Ballard and the band, has already spawned four hit singles to date, including the current single and title track, "Let Love In." As reported in December, The Goo Goo Dolls now hold the record for "Most Top 10 Hits at Hot AC Radio in History," with twelve consecutive tracks at that format.

    Due to demand from fans for more, an expanded edition will be released February 27, 2007. The revised edition will now add a DVD component containing live performances, music videos and a pair of acoustic versions of tracks from LET LOVE IN.

    The DVD titled LIVE AND INTIMATE will be comprised of an exclusive live in-studio performance of fourteen songs filmed and recorded March 27, 2006 at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California. The set list includes: "Stay With You," "Let Love In," "Feel The Silence," "Better Days," "Without You Here," "Listen," "Can't Let It Go," "We'll Be Here (When You're Gone)," "Strange Love," "Black Balloon," "Iris," "Become," "Broadway," and "Here Is Gone." Music videos include clips for "Better Days," "Stay With You," and "Let Love In." Two bonus audio tracks recorded specially for this release include acoustic versions of "Better Days," and "We'll Be Here (When You're Gone)."

    LET LOVE IN SPECIAL EDITION will also be available as a digital music download at all participating digital retailers as will the deluxe CD + DVD package. Album artwork will be slightly altered as well to reflect the Special Edition. Suggested retail price for the package will be $24.98.

    In-between tours, the band has been busy building their own fully functional recording studio in their hometown of Buffalo, New York. Always looking for a way to invest in their local community and remain loyal to their native roots, Goo's singer-songwriter Johnny Rzeznik recently told Billboard Magazine, "It's completely a not-for-profit thing for friends and family and some local talent that we want to help out."

    Speaking of helping out, The Goo Goo Dolls will once again bring USA Harvest out on the road to collect and distribute canned food/goods for families in need in each market along the tour. Containers for food collection can be found near the entrance of the venue each night. Confirmed tour dates are listed below. Following the spring U.S. tour, the band will return to the UK for another tour and then follow with yet more American dates through the summer. Augustana will be the supporting act on all dates listed below:

    Sat     Feb-3        Wilkes Barre, PA        Kirby Center for the                                               Performing Arts Mon     Feb-5        Washington, DC          9:30 Club Tues    Feb-6        Washington, DC          9:30 Club Wed     Feb-7        Norfolk, VA             Constant Convocation Center Fri     Feb-9        Louisville, KY          Palace Theatre Sat     Feb-10       Chattanooga, TN         Memorial Auditorium Sun     Feb-11 Little Rock, AR         Robinson Center Auditorium Tues    Feb-13       San Antonio, TX         Majestic Theatre Wed     Feb-14       El Paso, TX             Plaza Theater Fri     Feb-16       Pala, CA                Pala Casino - Starlight                                                             Theater Mon     Feb-19       Colorado Springs, CO    Pikes Peak Center Tues    Feb-20       Casper, WY              Casper Events Center Wed     Feb-21       Rapid City, SD          Rushmore Plaza Civic Center                                               Arena Sat     Feb-24       Omaha, NE               Orpheum Theatre Sun     Feb-25       Duluth, MN              DECC Auditorium Tues    Feb-27       Madison, WI             Alliant Energy Center                                               Exhibition Wed     Feb-28       Green Bay, WI           Shopko Hall Fri     March-2      Dekalb, IL              Northern Illinois University Sat     March-3      Moline, IL              The Mark of the Quad Cities Sun     March-4      Charleston, IL          Eastern Illinois University Tues    March-6      Detroit, MI             State Theater Wed     March-7      Detroit, MI             State Theater Fri     March-9      Joliet, IL              Rialto Square Theatre Sat     March-10     South Bend, IN          Morris Performing Arts Center Sun     March-11     Saginaw, MI             Dow Event Center Tues    March-13     Indianapolis, IN        Murat Theatre Wed     March-14     Fort Wayne, IN          Embassy Theatre Fri     March-16     Columbus, OH            Lifestyle Communities Pavilion Sat     March-17     Cincinnati, OH          Taft Theatre Mon     March-19     Binghamton, NY          Broome County Arena Tues    March-20     Olean, NY               Reilly Center Arena Fri     March-23 Trumbull, CT Pitt Center Sat     March-31     Los Angeles, CA         The Wiltern Sun     April-1      Reno, NV                The Grand Theatre 


    www.googoodolls.com

    www.myspace.com/googoodolls

    www.usaharvest.com

    Raygun and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Pay Tribute

    Raygun Creates a Spellbinding Spot for TCM Remembers 2006

    Jan. 24, 2007 Raygun, a creative production studio, produces TCM Remembers 2006, an on-air obituary paying homage to the cinematic greats that passed away in 2006. The four-minute spot began airing nationally on December 18, 2006 and will run through the end of 2007.

    The concept is a Dance for the Dead. The piece features the luminous image of a lone woman dancing through an empty mansion. As she explores different rooms, she explores the ritualistic themes of mortality and death like covering mirrors and stopping clocks. Her hypnotic movements subtly transition to film clips featuring the departed. Red roses symbolize the passing of souls - such as Glenn Ford, Jack Palance, Maureen Stapleton and Robert Altman that left us in 2006.

    "We wanted a piece that was respectful without being cliche," said TCM Vice President of On-Air Promotion, Chris Merrifield. "I wanted to use the song "Press On" by Robinella and left the rest up to Raygun," said Merrifield. "When I heard the song Chris sent it felt haunting and hopeful. That was my inspiration," said Eric De Fino, owner of Raygun, who directed, filmed, and edited the spot. "The piece was very personal for us," said Tim Reilly, TCM Supervising Producer. "There was a lot of thought put into the clips we chose and how it was edited, and I think that shows."

    The one day shoot took place in a 17,500 square foot mansion in Alpharetta, Georgia. Most of the piece was shot by Eric De Fino on DV with a Steadicam. Erin Weller, a local actor, model and dancer plays the ethereal beauty with delicate grace.

    Project Credits:

    Director, DP, Editor, Steadicam Operator: Eric De Fino, Raygun

    Vice President On-Air Promotions: Chris Merrifield, TCM

    Supervising Producer: Tim Reilly, TCM

    Producer: Christian Hammann, TCM

    Second Unit DP: John Malone, TCM

    Wardrobe: Patton White

    On-Air Talent: Erin Weller, Actor, Dancer

    On-Air Talent: Blake Dalton, Actor, Dancer

    Technologies used: Panasonic HVX and DVX, Steadicam, Avid Media Composer, After Effects

    About Raygun:

    Raygun, a creative production studio, fills the need for fresh artistic content by pushing the limits of design, editorial, visual effects, and sound design. Raygun's commitment to high-end, high concept visual media is showcased through the development, production, and delivery of unique material for the entertainment industry. The studio offers creative, design, editorial, cinematography, visual effects, and sound design services, as well as developing original concepts, entertainment brands, and content for ownership and distribution. Raygun has created and produced award-winning content and promotions for international cable networks including Turner Classic Movies (TCM), Home Box Office (HBO), and Discovery Communications. For more information, visit http://www.raygun.com.

    About Turner Classic Movies:

    Turner Classic Movies, currently seen in more than 75 million homes, is a 24-hour cable network from Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a TimeWarner company. TCM presents the greatest motion pictures of all time from the largest film library in the world, the combined TimeWarner and Turner film libraries, from the '20s through the '90s, commercial-free and without interruption. The network also offers critically acclaimed original documentaries and specials, including the recent Emmy-winning Stardust: The Bette Davis Story and Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool. On the slate for 2007 are such original productions as Private Screenings: Jane Fonda, Brando and Spielberg on Spielberg, among others. Please visit tcm.com for more information.

     

     

     

    Jan 21

     

    MUSE Announce Two California Shows for April

    Tickets on Sale This Saturday!

    -- Universal Superstars MUSE have confirmed a pair of shows in California supporting their new album, "Black Holes And Revelations":

    Monday, April 9 Bill Graham Civic Auditorium San Francisco, CA

    Tuesday, April 10 The Forum Los Angeles, CA

    Tickets will go on sale this Saturday, January 20 at noon PST. Please check local newspapers for details. These will be the band's biggest domestic headline shows to date.

    At home MUSE have just sold out Wembley Stadium, London's largest outdoor venue. 75,000 tickets were sold out in less than 35 minutes. Due to overwhelming demand, a second night has been added. Both June 16 and 17, 2007 shows have now completely sold out in record time. MUSE are currently headlining the Big Day Out Festival in Australia and New Zealand. Additional U.S. tour dates to be confirmed and announced shortly.

    MUSE:

    Matt Bellamy (vocals/guitars)

    Chris Wolstenholme (bass)

    Dom Howard (drums)

    www.muse.mu

    www.myspace.com/muse

     

     

     Warner Bros. Records to Release "300" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on March 6thSoundtrack to Epic Film Features Score Composed by Noted Writer/Producer Tyler Bates

     The "300" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack -- the innovative score to the upcoming feature film "300" -- will be released by Warner Bros. Records on March 6th, three days before the movie, also distributed by Warner Bros., opens nationwide. The film, which stars Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, and Rodrigo Santoro, is based on the acclaimed graphic novel by beloved comic book writer and artist Frank Miller.

    The film's score was written and produced by Tyler Bates, a composer best known for his work on the zombie horror films "The Devil's Rejects" (directed by Rob Zombie) and 2004's "Dawn of the Dead," directed by Zack Snyder, who also wrote and directed "300."

    For the film, which recounts the epic Battle of Thermopylae that pitted 300 Greeks against the massive Persian Army in 480 BC, Snyder asked Bates to develop a compelling overall sound that would heighten the audience's emotional reaction to the Spartans' heroism and sacrifice. To do that, Bates created a sweeping orchestral and choral soundscape, recorded at the Beatles' famed Abbey Road Studios, that embraced a tonal palette unusual for studio films. Iranian-born singer Azam Ali -- whose haunting, exotic vocals have also graced various television and film soundtracks, including, most recently, "The Nativity Story" -- supplies the voice of Sparta and the Persian threat.

    "My intent was to stay true to the inspiration of the film and that of the Spartans' freedom and will," Bates says. "The greatest challenge was to bead a musical thread throughout the film's ever-changing landscape of visual art, while sustaining its epic and emotional qualities. I had to approach it in a style as inventive as the film itself."

    Snyder has nothing but praise for Tyler's score. "It moves the film into mythology," he says, "cauterizing the images as you view them, making them something they could never be alone."

    In addition to the 25-track CD, Warner Bros. Records will release a special edition deluxe-version Digipak, which includes a 16-page booklet as well as three two-sided trading cards.

    www.300themovie.com

    www.warnerbrosrecords.com/300soundtrack

    Entertainment,Arts,Fashion & Technology

    Jan 25

     

    Brian Wilson to Perform West Coast Dates Starting January 2007

    On the heels of Brian's wildly successful East Coast Tour in November, 2006, he will be performing special dates on the West Coast with special guest Al Jardine.

    Pet Sounds will be performed in its entirety, along with many other classics. Don't miss this special opportunity to see Brian perform at the following venues. Stay tuned as tour dates continue to be added.

    Brian Wilson presents Pet Sounds
    The 40th Anniversary Celebration & Final Performance in its Entirety

    January 26
    4th & B
    San Diego, CA

    January 27
    Long Beach, CA
    Terrace Theater - Long Beach Convention Center

    January 28
    Oakland, CA
    Paramount Theatre

     

     

    Alan Arkin, Cate Blanchett, Marcia Gay Harden, Dennis Haysbert,  Jeremy Irons, Greg Kinnear, Mary-Louise Parker, Brad Pitt, Sharon Stone and Mark Wahlberg will be Presenters at the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®

                                         

    13th Annual SAG Awards™ Ceremonies to be Simulcast Sunday, Jan. 28, on TNT and TBS at 8 pm ET/PT



    Los Angeles, California – Alan Arkin, Cate Blanchett, Marcia Gay Harden, Jeremy Irons, Greg Kinnear, Mary-Louise Parker, Brad Pitt, Sharon Stone and Mark Wahlberg will be presenters at the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®, executive producer Jeff Margolis announced today.

    TNT and TBS will simulcast the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® live from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center on Sunday, January 28, 2007, at 8 pm ET/PT, 7 pm CT and 6 pm MT. The only industry honors voted on entirely by actors, the 13th Annual SAG Awards™ will recognize the outstanding performances of 2006 in five film and eight television categories.

    They join previously announced presenters Edward Asner, Alec Baldwin, Annette Bening, Steve Carell, Patrick Dempsey, Georgia Engel, America Ferrera, Valerie Harper, Teri Hatcher, Anne Hathaway, Ashton Kutcher, Cloris Leachman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Gavin MacLeod, Mary Tyler Moore, Kevin Nealon, Sandra Oh, Matthew Perry, SAG President Alan Rosenberg, Kyra Sedgwick, Kiefer Sutherland, Dick Van Dyke, Forest Whitaker, Betty White and Reese Witherspoon.

    Alan Arkin is presenting at the SAG Awards™ for the first time. Arkin is nominated this year for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role and Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, both for Little Miss Sunshine.

    A two-time SAG Award honoree, Cate Blanchett received an Actor® for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for The Aviator and cast honors for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. This year, Blanchett has two nominations; one for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Notes on a Scandal and for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Babel. She has been nominated for a SAG Award nine times
    Marcia Gay Harden was previously nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Mystic River.  Harden is presenting for the second-time at the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®.

    Dennis Haysbert shared two Actor® nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for 24. This is his third time serving as a SAG Awards™ presenter.  

    Jeremy Irons is a first-time SAG Awards presenter. Irons is nominated this year for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries for Elizabeth I.

    Greg Kinnear is nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Little Miss Sunshine.  Kinnear is a first time nominee and presenter for the SAG Awards.

    Mary-Louise Parker is nominated this year for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series and for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series; both for Weeds.  Parker is a first-time SAG Awards™ presenter.
     
    Brad Pitt is a first time SAG Award nominee and presenter.  Pitt is nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Babel.  

    Sharon Stone is nominated this year for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Bobby. Stone is a first time SAG Award nominee and presenter.

    Mark Wahlberg is a second-time SAG Award nominee. Wahlberg is nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for The Departed and was previously nominated in the same category for Boogie Nights. This year will be his first time presenting at the Screen Actors Guild Awards®.

    The 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® are produced by Jeff Margolis Productions in association with Screen Actors Guild. Jeff Margolis is the executive producer and Kathy Connell is the producer. Yale Summers, Daryl Anderson, Shelley Fabares, Paul Napier and JoBeth Williams are producers for SAG. Gloria Fujita O’Brien and Mick McCullough are supervising producers. Benn Fleishman is executive in charge of production.

    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 acclaimed detective drama The Closer, starring Golden Globeâ winner and Screen Actors Guild Awardsâ nominee Kyra Sedgwick; Saving Grace, a daring new drama starring Oscar®-winner Holly Hunter; Heartland, a powerful medical drama with Treat Williams and Kari Matchett; and this summer’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 Awardsâ; 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 the comedies My Boys and 10 Items or Less; specials, like the Screen Actors Guild Awards®; special events, such as The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas, for which TBS serves as title sponsor; 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.

    Jeff Margolis Productions in association with Screen Actors Guild

     

    Meryl Streep, who is nominated for an Actor® for Outstanding
    Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of Miranda
    Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada," is unable to attend the 13th Annual SAG
    Awards.

    We have been asked to convey her regrets as follows:

    "Meryl Streep will not be able to attend the Screen Actors Guild Award
    ceremonies on January 28, 2007. She will be co-hosting, with Al Gore,
    the 10th annual benefit for Harvard Medical School¹s Center for Health and
    the Global Environment. Vice President Gore and she will present the
    Center¹s Global Citizen award to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales for his outstanding
    commitment to sound environmental stewardship. The event was planned a
    year ago, and Ms. Streep felt she was unable to renege on her commitment in
    spite of the honor of a nomination.  ³I am honored to be nominated and wish I
    could be there to celebrate with my fellow SAG members² says Streep.

    All good thoughts,

     

    Cast of The Mary Tyler Moore Show To Reunite to Present The Actor® For Outstanding Comedy Ensemble at the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®

    13th Annual SAG Awards™ Ceremonies to Be Simulcast Sunday, Jan. 28, on TNT and TBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT

     The cast of the landmark TV-newsroom comedy, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, including Mary Tyler Moore, Edward Asner, Georgia Engel, Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman, Gavin MacLeod and Betty White, will reunite to present the Actor® for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series at the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®, executive producer Jeff Margolis announced today.

    TNT and TBS will simulcast the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® live from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT and 6 p.m. MT. The only industry honors voted on entirely by actors, the 13th Annual SAG Awards™ will recognize the outstanding performances of 2006 in five film and eight television categories.

    The ground-breaking ensemble joins a growing roster of actors who will honor their colleagues at the Guild’s night to shine including Alec Baldwin, Annette Bening, Steve Carell, Patrick Dempsey, America Ferrera, Teri Hatcher, Anne Hathaway, Ashton Kutcher, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Kevin Nealon, Sandra Oh, Matthew Perry, SAG President Alan Rosenberg, Kyra Sedgwick, William Shatner, Kiefer Sutherland, Dick Van Dyke, Forest Whitaker and Reese Witherspoon.

    Mary Tyler Moore’s portrayal of spunky Mary Richards in her hit television series from 1970-1977 earned her four of her six Emmy® Awards and a Golden Globe® Award. Moore’s appearance at this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards also reunites her with Dick Van Dyke, with whom she starred in the classic comedy The Dick Van Dyke Show before launching her own series, and with Julie Andrews, with whom she starred in the feature Thoroughly Modern Millie.  Moore is an Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe® winner for Ordinary People.

    Two-term Screen Actors Guild President Edward Asner is perhaps best known for his comedic and dramatic crossover as the gruff but soft-hearted journalist Lou Grant. The role he originated on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and continued in the newspaper-set drama Lou Grant (1977-82), earned Asner five Emmy and three Golden Globe Awards. Asner received two more Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for the miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man (1976) and Roots (1977). He was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 1996.

    Georgia Engel portrayal of ditzy Georgette on The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1972-1977 earned her Emmy® Awards in the supporting actress category in 1976 and 1977. A three-time Emmy® nominee for her guest appearances as Pat McDougall on Everybody Loves Raymond, Engel appeared with her Mary Tyler Moore co-star Gavin MacLeod in the series pilot The New Love Boat and with SAG Awards Committee member Shelley Fabares in Coach.

    Like Asner’s Lou Grant, Valerie Harper’s Rhoda Morgenstern was born on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1974) and grew to headline her own series, Rhoda, from 1974-1978. The role won Harper supporting actress Emmy Awards® in 1971, 1972 and 1973 and a lead actress Emmy® and Golden Globe® in 1975. Harper lent her own first name to her third series, Valerie (1986-87). Harper has served on Screen Actors Guild’s National Board of Directors since 2000.  Harper will be seen next in Golda’s Balcony in 2007.

    Nominated for an Actor® this year for her role in Mrs. Harris, Cloris Leachman was nominated for an Actor® in 2005 for her supporting role in Spanglish and won an Oscar® in 1972 for Best Supporting Actress for The Last Picture Show. Leachman’s portrayal of Phyllis Lindstrom earned her two Emmy® Awards for The Mary Tyler Moore Show as well as a Golden Globe® Award for her spin-off series Phyllis. Leachman’s record eight Emmy® Awards also include two for her guest appearances on Malcolm in the Middle and a musical/variety Emmy® for the Screen Actors Guild 50th Anniversary Celebration.

    Gavin MacLeod began his television career in 1958, made a stop aboard McHale’s Navy before creating the character of endearing news writer Murray Slaughter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. MacLeod returned to sea from 1977 to 1986 as Capt. Merrill Stubing on The Love Boat.

    Betty White’s portrayal of Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show earned her supporting actress Emmy® Awards in 1975 and 1976. She received another Emmy® in 1986 for her starring role in the hit series The Golden Girls and a sixth Emmy® in 1996 for her guest appearance on The John Larroquette Show. Most recently, White has played recurring roles on the Actor®-nominated series Boston Legal and the daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful. recently, White has played recurring roles on the Actor®-nominated series Boston Legal and the daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful.

    The 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® are produced by Jeff Margolis Productions in association with Screen Actors Guild. Jeff Margolis is the executive producer and Kathy Connell is the producer. Yale Summers, Daryl Anderson, Shelley Fabares, Paul Napier and JoBeth Williams are producers for SAG. Gloria Fujita O’Brien and Mick McCullough are supervising producers. Benn Fleishman is executive in charge of production.

    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 acclaimed detective drama The Closer, starring Golden Globeâ winner and Screen Actors Guild Awardsâ nominee Kyra Sedgwick; Saving Grace, a daring new drama starring Oscar®-winner Holly Hunter; Heartland, a powerful medical drama with Treat Williams and Kari Matchett; and this summer’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 Awardsâ; 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 the comedies My Boys and 10 Items or Less; specials, like the Screen Actors Guild Awards®; special events, such as The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas, for which TBS serves as title sponsor; 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.

    13TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS®  · 1401 Westwood Boulevard  · Suite 300 ·  Los Angeles, CA 90024

     

     NewTek Ships SpeedEDIT™, World's Fastest Video Editor

    NewTek, Inc., manufacturer of industry-leading video and 3D animation products, announced SpeedEDIT™, the World's Fastest Video Editor, will ship today. NewTek SpeedEDIT™ is nonlinear editing software with a unique next-generation workflow, allowing you to focus on what's most important - telling your story. SpeedEDIT™ brings a more efficient workflow independently mixing resolutions aspects and formats on any video project. Multi-definition editing of native clips - from web streams to Hi Definition (HD) - help you transition smoothly into HD production, by editing Standard Definition (SD) and HD clips on the same timeline.

    The industry is rapidly abandoning the concept of film," says Vice President of Sales and Video Marketing Philip Nelson. "NewTek wanted to design video editing software that leaves the proverbial film on the cutting floor." SpeedEDIT™ was consequently designed for faster editing of digital video on a computer hard drive. "SpeedEDIT™ definitely lives up to the moniker of 'World's Fastest Video Editor' by avoiding transcoding steps used in other professional editors, as well as mixing the most popular formats like AVI, QuickTime, MPEG-2 and HDV in real-time," Nelson explains. "SpeedEDIT™ also provides uniquely linked timeline and storyboard views, focusing on rapid feedback and smooth storytelling."

    SpeedEDIT features include:

    Resolution independence

    Frame-rate independence

    Aspect independence

    Input most fomats

    Aspect independence

    Edits in native formats

    Real-time, full-resolution HD previews

    Combine SD & HD clips in real-time

    Real-time up and down conversion

    Linked storyboard and timeline views

    CG Post™ animated titling

    White Balance correction

    Real-time 3-wheel color correction

    4-band color selection

    Modify your project while it plays

    Clips inherent for instant replacement

    Intelligent background rendering

    Create and recall clip presets

    Tag clips by color

    Tool Shed Automation

    Optimized for Dual and Quad-core systems

    Real-time 3D animation

    3D audio positioning

    Real-time interpolated slow motion

    Output via FireWire™

    Output any frame-rate

    Output any video resolution

    Output any aspect ratio

    Unlimited Undo saved with project

     

     

    Awards
    Since its launch in 2006, SpeedEDIT™ has won the following industry awards: 4Ever Group Product Innovation Award 2006; NAB Innovation Award 2006.

    Pricing and Availability
    For more information, please visit http://www.newtek.com or call NewTek Sales at 1-800-368-5441, international callers dial +1-210-370-8000. To locate an Authorized NewTek Reseller, please visit http://www.newtek.com/dealers

     

    About NewTek
    With headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, NewTek is a leading provider of full-featured video editing, live production, presentation and visual effects tools including TriCaster™, VT[4]™, SpeedEDIT™, 3D Arsenal™ and LightWave 3D®.


     

    Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore to Help Judge Nearly 400 Aspiring Songwriters' Entries in the 'Your Music, Your Lyrics' Contest Created by Warner Bros. and VH1

    Contest Celebrates the February 14th / Valentine's Day release of the romantic comedy 'Music and Lyrics,' starring Grant and Barrymore

     Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore are taking their roles in their latest movie, "Music and Lyrics," to heart by personally judging entries submitted to the "Your Music, Your Lyrics" songwriting contest created by Warner Bros and VH1.

    Inspired by the upcoming romantic comedy "Music and Lyrics," Warner Bros. Pictures partnered with the music and pop culture network to give songwriting hopefuls the chance to have their original love song professionally recorded in the "Your Music, Your Lyrics" songwriting contest.

    Running from December 26, 2006 through January, 20, 2007, the contest asked contestants to write, record and upload an original love song to a special VH1 site. The contest site ultimately received nearly 400 entries while the actual contest page tallied 750,000 page views during that period.

    "The entry response to our 'Your Music, Your Lyrics' contest is fantastic and well beyond our expectations," said Mark McIntire, Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing, VH1. "And having Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore as judges, makes this user-generated contest a world-class event."

    Videos of the entries will be streamed via the website and assessed on the basis of theme, lyrics and overall musicality. Entries are currently being rated by online users until February 2 at www.talentload.tv/musicandlyrics, and the top-rated videos will be judged by a panel of experts from VH1 and Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. The winning song will be selected on February 3, 2007. The lucky winning songwriter will be flown to Los Angeles for the red carpet premiere of "Music and Lyrics" and will also have their song professionally recorded.

    Opening nationwide on February, 14, 2007, "Music and Lyrics" is the story of Alex Fletcher (HUGH GRANT), a washed-up '80s pop star who's been reduced to working the nostalgia circuit at county fairs and amusement parks. The charismatic and talented musician gets a chance at a comeback when reigning pop diva Cora Corman invites him to write and record a duet with her, but there's a problem-Alex hasn't written a song in years, he's never written lyrics ... and he has to come up with a hit in a matter of days. Enter Sophie Fisher (DREW BARRYMORE), Alex's beguilingly quirky plant lady, whose flair for words strikes a chord with the struggling songwriter. On the rebound from a bad relationship with the newly famous novelist Sloane Cates (CAMPBELL SCOTT), Sophie is reluctant to collaborate with anyone, especially commitment-phobe Alex. As their chemistry heats up at the piano and under it, Alex and Sophie will have to face their fears-and the music-if they want to find the love and success they both deserve.

    The film also stars Brad Garrett as Alex's steadfast manager and Kristen Johnston as Sophie's sister, Rhonda, who happens to be one of Alex's biggest fans. Newcomer Haley Bennett plays young pop princess Cora Corman.

    Castle Rock Entertainment presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Reserve Room Production: Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore in "Music and Lyrics," also starring Brad Garrett, Kristen Johnston and Campbell Scott. Written and directed by Marc Lawrence, "Music and Lyrics" is produced by Martin Shafer and Liz Glotzer. The executive producers are Nancy Juvonen, Hal Gaba and Bruce Berman. The co-producers are Scott Elias and Melissa Wells. The director of photography is Xavier Perez Grobet. The production designer is Jane Musky. The film is edited by Susan E. Morse, A.C.E. and the music is by Adam Schlesinger. The soundtrack is available on Warner Sunset/Atlantic Records.

    "Music and Lyrics" will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. The film has been rate PG-13 for some sexual content. www.musicandlyrics.com

    VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 90 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com. VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.

     

    Wi-Fi TV(TM) Webcast on Feb. 19 From Atlanta to Introduce New Social Internet TV(TM) Website

    On Monday, February 19, Wi-Fi TV Inc. (PINKSHEETS: WTVI) will provide a webcast from Atlanta, Georgia introducing the new www.Wi-FiTV.com website. The new generation of Social Internet TV™, a global platform for live and interactive TV content, personal video content, and social networking will be fully discussed and Wi-Fi TV Inc. technology partners will be introduced.

    "Wi-Fi TV is determined to do everything possible in 2007 to deliver a website that has mass appeal to the millions of Internet users around the world who use the Internet to view video and socially interact, and there is no question that our new website goes a step beyond all other websites in merging TV, social networking and the Internet," said Alex Kanakaris, Chairman, Wi-Fi TV, Inc.

    "At the same time, we want to bring greatly enhanced value to Wi-Fi TV Inc., and we feel the combination of new design, expanded content, new personal interactive functionality, and the introduction of our video ad server, are major steps in implementing this plan," Mr. Kanakaris added.

    The webcast will first be shown at 1 PM Pacific, 4 PM Eastern time on February 19 at www.Wi-FiTV.com.

    Last week, Wi-Fi TV introduced the latest generation of its Wi-FiTVPhone (www.Wi-FiTVPhone.com), powered by AdCalls®, which now offers a free virtual dialer and free (ad-supported) phone calls in the United States, Canada, England and Australia, as well as global PC to PC calls.

    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 Stations is available at $25,000 (full details are on the web site www.Wi-FiTV.com). Several financing options are available.

    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 and include such perks as free online phone calls and free chat and free online parties.

    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.

    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.


     

     

    'Hollywood' Goes Crazy for Pomega5(TM) Therapeutic Skin Care at Backstage Creations Celebrity Retreat at the Premiere Lounge on Main Street in Park City, UT

    Female and male celebrities, both emerging artists and established stars, visited Backstage Creations Celebrity Retreat at the Premiere Lounge on Main Street in Park City while the Sundance Film Festival was in full swing and left raving about the fantastic feel and smell of the Pomega5 natural products. The high-profile guests got to sample the organic pomegranate seed oil nutritional supplements and therapeutic skin care and then go home with a custom made red silk hat box filled with the entire holistic line.

    Winona Ryder (who was there for the premiere of her new movie, "The Ten"), declared, "I love this stuff!" And Teri Hatcher ("Resurrecting the Champ"), Sienna Miller (promoting her new film, "Factory Girl") and Kristen Bell (of "Veronica Mars" fame) were among the other Hollywood celebs who visited the retreat and went home with an exclusive collection of the Pomega5 products.

    Overheard at the Retreat

    After visiting the retreat, many of the stars couldn't stop talking about these holistic products. Actress and singer Schuyler Fisk said, "This smells amazing and feels great!" Adam Brody ("The OC") declared, "I really need this cream. My hands are sooo dry," and actress Olivia Thirlby said, "This feels wonderful. It smells great too!"

    Other celebrities who went home with the Pomega5 products include: Academy-Award nominee Brenda Blethyn, Emmy winner Camryn Manheim, Kathryn Morris (of television's "Cold Case") and Tom Arnold. Even NFL stars Brian Westbrook, William Henderson and Dante Stallworth loved the way the product made their skin feel!

    Pomega5 offers the first line of therapeutic skin care and nutritional supplements made with 100% pure, organic, cold-pressed pomegranate seed oil. Capturing the miracle of the pomegranate, this holistic product line offers unique skin care products that luxuriously soothe, moisturize and heal dry, irritated skin along with nutritional supplements that support and maintain a host of bodily functions while imparting anti-oxidant benefits. The skin care products are made from organic and biodynamic ingredients in an accredited chemical-free lab in France, are naturally preservative-free, and contain no synthetics or perfumes. The pomegranate seed oil supplements contain punicic acid, a source of Omega-5 conjugated fatty acid and rare plant based source of CLA.

    Backstage Creations is the premiere company to bring corporate clients backstage at award shows, providing them an exclusive opportunity to personally introduce their products and services to the "celebrities" in a room called "The Retreat." Invited celebrities visit "The Retreat" to relax and choose gifts donated by participating companies. Backstage Creations has created celebrity retreats at various industry honors including the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, People's Choice Awards, Essence Awards and Billboard Music Awards.

    Source: Pomega5

     

     

    TIA Report: Broadband Demand Drives Highest Telecom Industry Growth Since 2000

    2007 Market Review and Forecast Shows U.S. Revenues Grow 9.3 Percent, Worldwide Revenues Up 11.2 Percent



    Arlington, Va. – In 2006, the U.S. telecommunications market grew at its fastest rate since 2000, showing that the drive towards convergence continues to stimulate the telecommunications industry, according to TIA’s 2007 Telecommunications Market Review and Forecast.

    Each year, TIA’s Telecommunications Market Review and Forecast analyzes the trends affecting the information and communications technology industry. The report includes an overview of the entire industry, as well as detailed sections on the landline, wireless, equipment and international markets.

    TIA’s annual review of the health of the telecom industry shows that the U.S. market grew 9.3 percent in 2006 to total $923 billion in revenue, and the worldwide telecommunications market grew 11.2 percent to total $3 trillion. Demand for broadband and high-speed services is fueling this growth, as carriers invest in new fiber, new IP technology and new wireless infrastructure to provide state-of-the-art voice, video and data services.

    “Consumers are thirsty for broadband, and this report shows carriers are rushing to meet the demand,” said Grant Seiffert, TIA president. “Technologies like voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and broadband video, as well as new mobile data services, are sparking new growth in the telecommunications industry. As a result, carriers are offering more competitive all-in-one bundled packages, and consumers are seeing lower prices and more services.”

    The publication reports that the U.S. market continues its transition, as both landline and wireless providers upgrade their networks to offer bundled and high-speed services to consumers. As a result, the U.S. network and enterprise equipment markets experienced a double-digit increase in revenue for the third straight year in 2006. Accelerated fiber deployment is a principal catalyst for the market expansion.

    The report forecasts growth for competing new broadband technologies such as fiber, satellite, wireless and broadband over powerline, which combined will account for more than 11 percent of broadband subscribers in 2010. However, in 2006, cable modems and digital subscriber line (DSL) technology continued to dominate the U.S. market, capturing 96 percent of the broadband market, which in 2005 overtook dial-up access service. By 2010, 87 percent of Internet connections will be over broadband technology.

    Broadband video is one driving force behind deployment of the state-of-the-art fiber needed to carry the high-capacity signal for this new technology, which allows telephone carriers to provide a TV service comparable to cable TV. More than 12 million miles of fiber were deployed in 2006, up 9.1 percent from 2005, with nearly 10 million miles being deployed by the telephone companies.

    While growth in voice traffic continues to stimulate the wireless market, data and multimedia applications will drive wireless revenues in the future. Though accounting for just 10 percent of U.S. wireless revenue in 2006, wireless data and multimedia services are forecast to make up 24 percent of all wireless revenue by 2010. Accordingly, wireless carriers are investing in network upgrades to boost speed and availability.

    Growth is expected in VoIP, as the broadband-based phone technology is forecast to make up 34 percent of all U.S. residential landlines by 2010, or 25.5 million subscribers, up from just 10 percent and 9.5 million subscribers in 2006. A majority of cable telephone subscriptions use VoIP.

    More U.S. businesses are using communication systems based on Internet protocol technology. The adoption of IP-based “converged” enterprise network equipment has surged during the past two years as leases of legacy equipment have expired, the report says. IP/converged systems are expected to overtake traditional enterprise systems by 2009.

    Worldwide, Europe has the largest telecommunications market, measuring at $1 trillion, with the U.S. second at $923 billion and Asia/Pacific third at $715 billion. Overall, the international market grew 12.1 percent in 2006. Middle East/Africa was the fastest- growing region, expanding at 21.6 percent. By 2010, the global market is expected to reach $4.3 trillion in revenue.

    TIA represents the information and communications technology industry, and its members represent the entire telecommunications supply chain, from infrastructure provider to device maker.

     

    Motley Crue Front Man Trades Guitar for Blender at 2007 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Presented By Food & Wine Magazine, February 22-25, 2007

     Rock legend Vince Neil, front man and former lead vocalist for the wildly popular 80s band Motley Crue, will make two appearances at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, February 22-25, 2007.

    On Sunday, February 25 at 2pm, Neil himself will preside over the bar along with Francesco Lafranconi, founder and director of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada's Academy of Spirits in the step by step concoction of everybody's favorite frozen cocktail.

    Neil will initiate margarita lovers in the art of making the perfect "Rita", blended with his own Tres Rios tequila, the outcome of a dedicated search by Neil for the purest 100% agave nectar, which he found flourishing at the juncture of three rivers in Mexico.

    Later that afternoon at the Publix Grand Tasting Village, Neil will open the Delta Live Auction tailored to the ultimate Vince Neil fan. Up for bids is one case of signed bottles of Vince Neil's Tres Rios Tequila, two first class tickets on Delta Airlines to Las Vegas, a "sweet" suite at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas with all accommodations for two, a personal invitation from Vince to have drinks with him in person at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, dinner at the RIO at Café Martorano and a Vince Neil personally autographed guitar. Bidding begins online at http://www.sobeauction.cmarket.com/ and carries over to the Delta Live Auction on Sunday, February 25.

    Tasting Neil's perfect Rita is just one opportunity from the compendium of spirit-oriented events at this year's Food Network South Beach Food & Wine Festival. Held at the South Beach Marriott throughout the weekend are four interactive cocktail clinics focusing on creative cocktails, such as an intensive on "muddled" drinks such as caipirinhas and mojitos, a refresher on classic cocktails, and a return to sexy libations perfumed with rose essence. These cocktail clinics sessions are all hands-on, and led by master mixologists Tony Abou-Ganim and Francesco Lafranconi, both winners of cocktail competitions. For a complete listing of events and for more information, please visit the Festival website at www.sobewineandfoodfest.com or call 877- 762-3933.

    Produced by Florida International University and Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Food & Wine magazine will continue to bring together some of the planet's greatest chefs, winemakers, spirits producers and culinary personalities to entertain patrons in high style and to educate palates with cooking demos and wine seminars. Events include the Moet & Chandon BubbleQ, Wine Spectator's Best of the Best, Wine Spectator Wine Seminars, Burger Bash and the Grand Tasting Village to name just a few.

    Source: South Beach Wine & Food Festival

     

    Announcing the 17th Annual Night of 100 Stars Gala Celebrating the 79th Annual Awards

    LOS ANGELES, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sunday, February 25th, 2007 the Beverly Hills Hotel's Crystal Ballroom will once again provide the venue for the arrival of approximately 150-200 Academy stars who will attend the hottest celebrity Awards party in town with even bigger names than last year.

    Norby Walters reprises his role as Producer and Dinner Chairman. Peter Nygard of Nygard International(R) is Co-Host.

    This black tie sit-down dinner viewing party has always included past Oscar winners and nominees who will return to pay tribute to this year's favorite Award nominees.

    The media has always rated the Night of 100 Stars as one of the top Awards parties. The Daily News rated this party as, "...the number one Oscar party, just for the sheer number of celebrities attending..." ABC's Good Morning America covers this party and said, "Voting Academy members flock to the Night of 100 Stars and we are here tonight with last year's winners Peter Fonda and Martin Landau along with Tom Arnold, Anna Nicole Smith, and the cast of the West Wing. Is this an Oscar party or the Golden Globes?"

       The 17th Annual Night of 100 Stars Awards Gala Hosted by Norby Walters &    
    Peter Nygard   The Beverly Hills Hotel International Ballroom   
    9641 Sunset Boulevard  Beverly Hills, CA 90210   4:00 PM Arrivals begin   
    Tickets  $1,000 per seat.  Only call 310-446-5416 for tickets.  

     

     

    Jan 24 

     

    Piracy, Speak for Yourself – The Cost is Not Just Content
    Piracy is such a hot topic in the entertainment industry that you can hear it sizzling. 
    While many of you think there is only one type of piracy, I say there are two – one you knowingly know is a pirated version and the other you think is real but isn’t.  We’re not including, the copies in fashion, or shall we say lower cost versions such as ABS copies within hours of seeing fashions on the red carpet.   
    Many can’t resist buying dvds for $1 of the newest blockbuster.  Copies people know are pirated copies, but endure the lower quality versions to stretch their spending dollars. The biggest challenge for this type of piracy is ourselves! 
    The screams of copying are not new, remember the outcry over tape recorders, VHS players or even TIVO.  Companies are now rethinking their views on user copies – not just a copy on the laptop and the pc, but expanding it to the iPod, cell phone or whatever media they happen to have so you’re able to enjoy your media any time any where or any media.
    The Motion Picture Association of America said the film industry lost $18.2 billion year because of piracy operations.  Their two latest weapons in the fight again movie piracy are Lucky and Flo, two black Labradors , which are believed to be the first DVD-sniffing dogs in the world. 
    The cost of piracy is not just the loss to studios and entertainment houses which jeopardize the content and quality of entertainment, but organized crime syndicates, smugglers and terrorists have discovered it to be more profitable and much safer than drug smuggling.  With movie pirate costs of about 10 cents to copy a movie, you can do the math.  A dvd sold for $1 is 1000 percent profit, and one for $10 is 10,000%!
    The most interesting perspective to piracy I’ve come across this past year was an industry panel during the Anime Expo.  Fans of Anime, which tend to be the younger set, felt entitled to free access to content once shown on television, regardless if they’d been able to view it on tv.  Through piracy, which they couldn’t prevent, they were able to broaden their audience to one they might not ever have had.
    As for the other type of piracy, where you believe it to be the real thing, buyer beware and bring out the dogs. 
     SAG Awards™ Kicks Off The Final Week Of Its eBay Auction To Benefit The SAG Foundation
     Starting January 25 at www.sagawards.org/auction

    13th Annual SAG Awards™ Ceremonies to be Simulcast Sunday, Jan. 28, on TNT and TBS at 8 pm ET/PT


    Los Angeles, California Bidding on the final week’s offerings in the Screen Actors Guild Awards® seventh annual eBay auction to benefit the SAG Foundation starts Thurs. Jan. 25, 2007 at 5 pm PST at www.sagawards.org/auction. The month-long weekly auction series features one-of-a-kind SAG Awards television and movie memorabilia, red-carpet bleacher seats and VIP backstage tours for this year’s Actors® ceremonies.

    The final week of the benefit auction will kick off Thursday, Jan. 25 at 5 pm and end Thursday, Feb 1, 2007. Included in this week’s auction are collectibles from Actor® nominees including a Dreamgirls costume worn by Beyoncé Knowles as Deena Jones. Also up for bid are autographed totes from ensemble nominees Boston Legal, Deadwood, Entourage and the Sopranos, each filled with unique items from those series.

    Entertainment news shows are also supporting the SAG Foundation by donating unique items for auction. Up for bid is a set visit to the Extra along with an autographed tote and autographed photos of Actor® recipients taken in The Insider’s SAG Awards™ one-on-one room with the show’s Stephen Cojocaru. From TV Guide Channel’s red carpet host Melissa Rivers are a pair of autographed shoes.

    13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® show memorabilia being auctioned this week includes award show programs, tote bags, posters, hats and press kits.

    The Screen Actors Guild Foundation provides a meaningful way for SAG members to contribute to the literacy of children in their communities through BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) and its online component, Storyline. SAG Foundation programs provide emergency relief to members in economic distress, video and audio preservation of the creative legacy of SAG members, scholarships for performers and their children and emergency funds for members with catastrophic illnesses. (For details, visit sagfoundation.org <http://sagfoundation.org> and bookpals.net <http://www.bookpals.net> .)

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

    The Screen Actors Guild Awards auction to benefit the SAG Foundation is hosted by eBay Giving Works and managed by Auction

    Alec Baldwin, Patrick Dempsey, America Ferrera, Matthew Perry, Christian Slater and Reese Witherspoon Will Be Presenters at the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®
    13th Annual SAG Awards Ceremonies to be Simulcast Sunday, Jan. 28, on TNT and TBS at 8 pm ET/PT


    Los Angeles, California – Alec Baldwin, Patrick Dempsey, America Ferrera, Matthew Perry, Christian Slater and Reese Witherspoon will be presenters at the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®, executive producer Jeff Margolis announced today.

    TNT and TBS will simulcast the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® live from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center on Sunday, January 28, 2007, at 8 pm ET/PT, 7 pm CT and 6 pm MT. The only industry honors voted on entirely by actors, the 13th Annual SAG Awards will recognize the outstanding performances of 2006 in five film and eight television categories.

    They join previously announced Annette Bening, Steve Carell, Teri Hatcher, Anne Hathaway, Ashton Kutcher, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kevin Nealon, Sandra Oh, SAG President Alan Rosenberg, Kyra Sedgwick, Kiefer Sutherland, Dick Van Dyke and Forest Whitaker.

    First time SAG Awards presenter Alec Baldwin is nominated for Actors® this year in both the television and film categories for his individual performance in 30 Rock and as a member of The Departed cast. Baldwin received a Golden Globe® for Best Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy for his role in 30 Rock this month. Baldwin has also been busy filming movies, three of which are due out this year, Suburban Girl, Lymelife and The Forbidden City. This is his first time presenting at the SAG Awards.

    In 2006, Patrick Dempsey was nominated for both an individual and ensemble SAG Award for his role of Dr. Derek Shepherd in ABC’s hit, Grey’s Anatomy. He and his cast this year share another drama ensemble nomination. Dempsey is presenting at the SAG Awards for the first time. He can currently be seen in the movie Freedom Riders and will soon be starring in Enchanted.

    First-time double Actor® nominee America Ferrera will make her first appearance as a SAG Awards Presenter. She is nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series, as well the Ensemble Comedy category for her Ugly Betty. Ugly Betty and Ferrara received Golden Globes® this year.

    Actor® recipient and current nominee Matthew Perry is making his second appearance as a SAG Awards presenter. Perry’s nomination for Male Actor in a Movie or Miniseries for his role in The Ron Clark Story is his eighth. The Golden Globes® nominated him for this role, as well. Perry received an Actor® in 1996 as a member of the Friends ensemble. He is currently starring in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Perry plays Hudson in his next film Numb.

    Christian Slater, nominated in Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for the movie Bobby, will be presenting at this year’s SAG Awards. This marks Slater’s first SAG Awards nomination. He can next be seen in Slipstream and He Was a Quiet Man.

    Reese Witherspoon took home her first Actor® last year for Outstanding Female in a Leading Role for her portrayal of June Carter in Walk the Line. This year marks her first as a SAG Awards presenter. Witherspoon produced and appears in the modern fable Penelope, due out in April, and is currently filming Rendition.

    The 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® are produced by Jeff Margolis Productions in association with Screen Actors Guild. Jeff Margolis is the executive producer and Kathy Connell is the producer. Yale Summers, Daryl Anderson, Shelley Fabares, Paul Napier and JoBeth Williams are producers for SAG. Gloria Fujita O’Brien and Mick McCullough are supervising producers. Benn Fleishman is executive in charge of production.

    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 <http://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 acclaimed detective drama The Closer, starring Golden Globeâ winner and Screen Actors Guild Awards® nominee Kyra Sedgwick; Saving Grace, a daring new drama starring Oscar®-winner Holly Hunter; Heartland, a powerful medical drama with Treat Williams and Kari Matchett; and this summer’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 the comedies My Boys and 10 Items or Less; specials, like the Screen Actors Guild Awards®; special events, such as The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas, for which TBS serves as title sponsor; 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.

     

     

    Los Straitjackets Unleash "Rock En Espanol" Album

    Legendary Masked Instrumentalists' Latest LP -- Spotlighting Guest Vocalists Cesar Rosas (Los Lobos), Little Willie G. (Thee Midniters), & Big Sandy (Fly-Rite Boys) -- Available April 3 From Yep Roc

     January 24, 2007 -- Taking a cue from the lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) masks that they've worn since their 1994 inception, Los Straitjackets apply their brand of guitar-fueled, instrumental sturm und twang to their first Spanish language album, "Rock En Espanol, Vol. 1." Available April 3 via Yep Roc Records, the 14-song set finds Los Straitjackets (guitarists Danny Amis and Eddie Angel, bassist Pete Curry, and drummer Jason "Teen Beat" Smay) sharing the spotlight with guest vocalists Little Willie G. of East L.A. legends Thee Midniters, Fly-Rite Boys frontman Big Sandy, and -- the album's producer -- Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos.

    Most of the songs heard on "Rock En Espanol" were originally huge U.S. Top 40 hits for riff-rockers The Kinks, the McCoys, The Troggs, R&B luminaries Jackie Wilson, Arthur Alexander, Brenton Wood, and Barbara Lynn, country stalwart Marty Robbins and '50s jive-bombers the Coasters and Larry Williams. However, these tunes were also recorded in Spanish language versions by such mid-'60s Mexican rock 'n' roll bands as Los Yaki, Los Freddys, Los Apson, Los Rockin' Devils, Los Teen Tops, Los Locos Del Ritmo, and Rebeldes De Rock. All of the latter, as well as Los Apson frontman Polo, Hermanos Carrion, and the sublimely named Juan El Matematico (John The Mathematician), made dozens of records in their native Mexico. And it is from these flipped discs -- mostly consisting of U.S. Top 40 hits sung in Spanish -- that Los Straitjackets drew their primary inspiration for "Rock En Espanol."

    Los Straitjackets began life when Danny Amis, formerly of pioneering modern instrumental-rock combo the Raybeats, joined forces with Eddie Angel after witnessing the latter perform a Link Wray number while backing Webb Wilder. Since debuting with "The Utterly Fantastic & Totally Unbelievable Sounds of Los Straitjackets" in 1995, the masked marvels have unleashed an additional eight long-players on an unsuspecting world, including a live album, a Grammy-nominated/Living Blues award-winning collaboration with bluesman Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater, a Christmas album, and a previous collection with guest vocalists called "Sing Along With Los Straitjackets."

    Los Straitjackets' music has also graced the soundtracks of various TV shows -- notably "Malcolm In The Middle" and "Melrose Place" -- and at least 10 feature films, including "Meet The Parents," "Harriet The Spy," "Enron: The Smartest Guys In The Room," "Two Days In The Valley," and "Psycho Beach Party" (wherein they appeared as themselves).

    Long before "Nacho Libre" was a gleam in Jack Black's eye, Los Straitjackets' live shows were legendary for their left-right combination of offhand chops, unashamed choreography, and serious humor. Look for them to perform selections from "Rock En Espanol" at the South By Southwest festival -- and in a town near you -- when they begin their Spring 2007 tour.

     

     

    THE MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION KEY FACTS AND FIGURES

     

    Overview

    Developed by the Miss America Organization, the Miss America program exists to

    provide personal and professional opportunities for young women and to promote their

    voices in culture, politics and the community. The program provides a forum for today's

    young women to express their viewpoints, talents and accomplishments to audiences

    during the telecast and to the public-at-large during the ensuing year. Almost all

    contestants have either received, or are in the process of earning, college or

    postgraduate degrees and utilize Miss America scholarship grants to further their

    educations.

    To become Miss America, a contestant must first win a local competition and then

    compete to represent her state, a process requiring personal commitment, hard work

    and talent. A woman may compete at the state level more than once, but may only

    compete in the national Miss America competition one time. More than twelve

    thousand women participate each year in the local and state events, culminating in the

    selection of 52 national finalists who vie for the Miss America title. Tens of thousands

    of volunteers organize the local and state preliminary competitions, promoting

    community involvement throughout the United States and furthering scholarship and

    achievement among young women in their communities.

    Miss America and the state titleholders partner with numerous corporate sponsors to

    raise funds for civic and charitable organizations tied to their platform issues. These

    corporate sponsors become involved with the Miss America program not only on a

    financial level, but also on both philosophical and personal levels.

    General Background

    Rich in history and social significance, the Miss America Organization is a not-for-profit

    organization that has maintained a tradition for many decades of empowering American

    women to achieve their personal and professional goals, while providing a forum in which

    to express their opinions, talent and intelligence.

    The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and

    the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss

    America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45

    million in cash and scholarship assistance.

    THE MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION

     

     

    Community Service

    In the 1940s, the Organization enlisted the support of the national Jaycees Organization to

    assist with state and local competitions, giving them a decidedly community-service

    oriented focus.

    In 1989, the Miss America Organization founded the platform concept, which requires

    each contestant to choose an issue about which she cares deeply and that is of relevance

    to our society. Once chosen, Miss America and the state titleholders use their stature to

    address community-service organizations, business and civic leaders, the media and

    others about their platform issues. Since 1989, Miss America titleholders have appeared

    at thousands of public speaking engagements and charitable events to generate

    awareness for a variety of causes, including homelessness, HIV/AIDS prevention, domestic

    violence, diabetes awareness, character education, and literacy.

    In 1994, the Organization provided its first National Community-Service Award of $5,000.

    All community-service winners at the state level may apply for this national grant even if

    they have not won their state titles. Scholarship America (formerly known as Citizens’

    Scholarship Foundation of America) administers the National Community Service Award.

    Since 1997, Miss America participants nationwide have taken part in Make a Difference

    Day. Local and state titleholders, volunteers and Miss America make a difference through

    community service initiatives in conjunction with the Points of Light Foundation and USA

    Weekend.

    In 2000, state and local contestants collectively participated in 12,384 community-service

    projects, dedicating a total of 571,177 hours and raising millions of dollars for worthy

    causes.

    Telecast

    In 1954, during the golden era of television, the Miss America competition was broadcast

    live for the first time. That broadcast broke viewership records of the day with 39 percent

    of the television audience (27 million viewers) watching the Miss America telecast.

    The Miss America telecast is the fourth longest-running live event in television history. It

    has been broadcast live at one time or another by all three of the country's major television

    networks.

     

     

    THE NATIONAL JUDGING PROCESS 2006

    Miss America is both a business and a culturally specific brand that transcends being just a beauty pageant. Miss America herself is a critical member of the Miss America Organization marketing team and works to advance the business of scholarship and community service for women. The Miss America judging system distinguishes Miss America via a form of Olympic scoring where each contestant competes against ONLY herself.

    Preliminary Competitions Scoring

    The Miss America Preliminary Competitions and their weighted score values are:

    Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit - 15%

    Evening Wear - 20%

    Talent - 35%

    Private Interview - 25%

    On-Stage Question – 5%

    Finals Competition Scoring

    The scoring for the Miss America Finals Competition is weighted accordingly:

    Composite Score - 30% (Top 10)

    Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit - 20% (Top 10)

    Evening Wear - 20% (Top 10)

    Talent - 30% (Top 5)

    On-Stage Question (Top 3)

    Final Ballot – Each judge ranks the final three contestants in the order he/she believes they should each finish. The outcome of the pageant is based solely on the point totals resulting from the final ballot.

     

     

    MISS AMERICA 2007 CONTESTANTS ENROLL IN PRE-PAGEANT TRAINING FOR CMT'S "PAGEANT SCHOOL: BECOMING MISS AMERICA" PREMIERING 
    FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 AT 9:00 P.M.*

    Two-Hour Special Also Premieres on 
    MTV Sunday, January 28 at 9:00 a.m.
    On VH1 Monday, January 29 at 6:00 p.m.**
    And LOGO Monday, January 29 at 3:00 p.m. 
    and Tuesday, January 30 at 7:00 a.m.

    For the first time in the history of the Miss America Pageant, all 52 contestants will meet in one location, Los Angeles, for a crash course in all things pageantry in PAGEANT SCHOOL: BECOMING MISS AMERICA, premiering Friday, January 26 at 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. on CMT. The two-hour special will also premiere on CMT sister networks, MTV on Sunday, January 28 at 9:00 a.m., VH1 on Monday, January 29 at 6:00 p.m. and Logo on Monday, January 29 at 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday, January 30 at 7:00 a.m. 

    PAGEANT SCHOOL: BECOMING MISS AMERICA levels the competitive playing field by helping each contestant refine their look, sharpen their skills and bring them all one step closer to the crown. Led by pageant coach and former Miss America runner-up Erika Schwartz Wright and Miss America 2006 Jennifer Berry, the show employs a distinguished panel of experts, including Miss America 1971 Phyllis George, Miss America 2001 Angela Perez Baraquio and famed pageant coach Dale Smith Thomas, who critique the contestants and provide essential instruction for their success in the pageant. Official pageant judges Delta Burke, Michael Feinstein and Debbie Allen also drop by for a special contestant Question & Answer session. 

    The PAGEANT SCHOOL week consists of individual preparatory events, including pageant walk training, swimsuit and beauty competitions and a unique fitness lesson designed to build physical confidence. At the end of their training, contestants nominate three hopefuls for the title of "Miss Congeniality 2007." Immediately following the telecast, viewers will be able to vote online at www.missamerica.cmt.com to award this title to one lucky contestant, with the winner being revealed live at the 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT. The 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT premieres on CMT Monday, January 29 at 8:00 p.m. from The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. 

    CMT offers fans an insider's look at www.missamerica.cmt.com,  where they can learn more about each of the competitors. The CMT website features highlights of all 52 contestants with personal photos, videos, bios and more. In January, the network's broadband channel CMT Loaded will feature exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews and video, including excerpts from the popular talent competition.

    PAGEANT SCHOOL: BECOMING MISS AMERICA is produced by Julie Pizzi and Patty Ivins at PB&J Television, with Paul Villadolid and Nicole Zien serving as executive producers for CMT. CMT will also air PAGEANT SCHOOL on Saturday, January 27 at 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. as well as Sunday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

    The 2006 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT premiered on CMT last January and ranks as the most-watched telecast in CMT's history.*** Since its premiere, re-airings of the Pageant have been seen by more than 27 million different viewers.

    Visit CMT's press-only web site www.cmtpress.com for more information and downloadable photos on all of CMT's programming.

    CMT, America's No. 1 country music network, carries original programming, specials, and live concerts and events, as well as a mix of videos by established country music artists and new cutting-edge acts, including world premiere exclusive videos. Founded March 6, 1983, CMT, owned and operated by MTV Networks, reaches more than 83 million households in the United States. Go to country music's biggest web site at www.cmt.com

    The Miss America Organization is one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. For more information, go to www.missamerica.org  


    *All times listed ET/PT
    **Times tentative
    ***total viewers, Nielsen Media Research

     

    Search Activity Jumps Straight Up for 'American Idol' Judge Paula Abdul

    Search Interest in Abdul up 1,175 % Over the Past Week; 19 % of Search Queries Specify 'Paula Abdul Drunk'

    'American Idol,' Chicago Bears, Jennifer Hudson, Big Search Gainers

    The LYCOS 50 for Week Ending Jan. 20, 2007

    WALTHAM, Mass., Jan. 24  LYCOS, Inc. (www.lycos.com), a leading community destination for broadband entertainment content, today announced the following information from The LYCOS 50(TM), the 50 most popular Internet search results for the week ending Jan. 20, 2007. For a complete list of The LYCOS 50(TM) and for in-depth text of The LYCOS 50 Daily Report, go to http://50.lycos.com/. Readers of The LYCOS 50 can also share their thoughts on Internet trends and pop culture on The LYCOS 50 Blog located at http://lycos50.tripod.com/blog/.

      Biggest Movers and Shakers for Week Ending Jan. 20, 2007:   
    1.         Paula Abdul                1175 %   
    2.         Golden Globes               615 %   
    3.         American Idol               480 %   
    4.         Tom Cruise                  414 %   
    5.         Chicago Bears               357 %   
    6.         Jennifer Hudson             273 %   
    7.         Student Loans               200 %   
    8.         Spyware                     156 %   
    9.         Teri Hatcher                144 %   
    10.        Borat                        97 %    Notes of Interest: 

    As America's favorite talent show enters its sixth season, web users are once again hooked on "American Idol," up 480% in search interest this week. And generating more search activity than even the show itself is judge Paula Abdul. Search activity for Abdul is up 1,175 % with nearly 20 % of search queries specifying "Paula Abdul drunk." Two early contestants to receive the boot from the judges, enduring particularly harsh criticism from Simon Cowell are Jonathan and Kenneth. The two struck up an unusual friendship during last week's auditions, and have since appeared on "The Today Show" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live." While Jonathan and Kenneth aren't generating huge numbers online, search queries for "American Idol" auditions and Simon Cowell are also up over the past week, though not nearly as popular as Abdul. Cowell sees a 90 % rise in online interest and searches for "American Idol" auditions are up 89 %.

    Search Gainers:

    Another former "American Idol" contestant on the rise in web popularity is Golden Globe winner Jennifer Hudson. Search interest in Hudson is up 273 % since receiving the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in "Dream Girls," and yesterday's news of her Oscar(TM) nod. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are scoring big points with web users, "out-searching" their upcoming Super Bowl Rivals, the Indianapolis Colts, nearly 10 to one. Since winning the NFC Championship game last weekend, search activity for the Bears has jumped 357%. Ironically, despite winning the AFC title game against his arch nemesis Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, search activity for Peyton Manning does not register a blip on the radar. Brady is 663 percent more popular than Manning with web users.

      The LYCOS 50(TM) Top 10 Search Terms for the Week Ending Jan. 20, 2007:   
    1)  MySpace               6)  RuneScape   2)  Britney Spears        7)  Naruto   
    3)  Pamela Anderson       8)  WWE   4)  Disney                9)  Clay Aiken   
    5)  Paris Hilton         10)  Pokemon    About LYCOS, Inc. 

    LYCOS, Inc. (www.lycos.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Daum Communications Corp., a leading Internet portal and e-commerce destination in Korea with a growing presence throughout the Asian markets. LYCOS, Inc. operates search and technology websites that foster online communities, including the new LYCOS Cinema, which combines community with high-quality broadband video content. Other LYCOS products and sites include LYCOS.com, Hotbot.com, Tripod.com, Angelfire.com, LYCOS Mail, LYCOS Phone, LYCOS Entertainment, LYCOS Music, LYCOS Games and LYCOS Planet. LYCOS was acquired by Korean Daum Communications Corp. in October 2004 and has its U.S. headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts. Daum Communications Corp. is traded on the KOSDAQ: 035720, www.daum.net.

    Lycos(R) is a registered trademark of Lycos, Inc. All other product or service marks mentioned herein are those of Daum Communications Corp., Lycos, Inc. or their respective owners. All rights reserved.

    Source: LYCOS, Inc.

     

    BET Celebrates Black History Month With Premiere of Hip-Hop Documentary Film Series and BET News Special

    The Network Premieres Hip-Hop History Weekend at 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 9 and Counts Down The Top 25 Events That (Mis)Shaped Black America at 9 p.m. Tuesday, February 20.

    WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 BET takes a no-holds-barred approach to Black History Month this February by examining the people, artistic elements and events that shaped Black America and influenced popular culture with a series of hip-hop documentaries during "Hip-Hop History Weekend," and a groundbreaking BET News special, THE TOP 25 EVENTS THAT (MIS)SHAPED BLACK AMERICA.

    Kicking off Hip-Hop History Weekend on Friday February 23 at 8:00 p.m. is "Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel," featuring interviews with friends, collaborators and scholars as they look back on Tupac and define his legacy today; "The MC: This is Why We Do It," which explores the origins of MC'ing, as well as the environmental, spiritual and moral aspects to the art form airs Saturday February 24 at 11:00 p.m.; "Black & Blue: Legends of the Hip Hop Cop," bringing to light hard evidence of the NYPD's controversial "rap unit" profiling premieres Sunday, February 25 at 1:00 p.m.; and closing out the weekend is "The Art of 16 Bars" in which some of rap's biggest MCs share their approach from free styling and writing to how to hold the Mic and dealing with being on tour, airing Sunday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.

    Delving deeper into Black culture is the ground-breaking BET News special, THE TOP 25 EVENTS THAT (MIS)SHAPED BLACK AMERICA premiering Tuesday, February 20 at 10:00 pm. This special takes an intelligent yet irreverent look at black history thanks to commentary from top cultural critics, comedians and celebrities. Bringing it all together is host Paul Mooney, returning from the highly-rated 2006 special Top 25 Worst Moments in Black History, with the brilliant and politically incorrect humor that has made him a comedic legend.

    Following is a look at more special programming for February's Black History Month schedule on BET:

      SPECIALS:    * THE TOP 25 EVENTS THAT (MIS)SHAPED BLACK AMERICA 

    From high historic crimes such as slavery and apartheid to misdemeanors like the jheri curl, this one hour special takes an intelligent yet irreverent look at black history thanks to commentary from top cultural critics, comedians and celebrities. Hosted by comedian Paul Mooney. Tuesday, February 20 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT

    * CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL

    BET's popular Celebration of Gospel is back for another round of soul- stirring, hand clapping and inspiring gospel music. Hosted by Steve Harvey. Special tribute honoree: Tyler Perry. Also featuring: Kirk Franklin, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Fantasia, Faith Evans, Coko (SWV), Lil Mo, Dr. Bobby Jones, Yolanda Adams, Smokie Norful, Fred Hammond, Blair Underwood, Louis Gossett Jr., Kelly Price, and Tonex. Saturday, February 3 at 9:00 p.m.; Wednesday, February 7 at 9:00 p.m.; Sunday, February 18 at 10:00 a.m. ET/PT

      SERIES FINALE:    * ONE NIGHT ONLY 

    Catch the inspiring finale of the reality docu-soap that follows a group of high school kids and their drama teacher in New Orleans as they race to mount the Dreamgirls play. Within the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, these kids are rebuilding their homes, school, and community while also trying to enjoy their teenage years. Can the cast pull it off? Watch and you shall see. Fame Comes and Goes, Stars Rise, but Dreams Live Forever! Tuesday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT

      HIP HOP HISTORY WEEKEND:    * Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel 

    Directed by Academy Award nominee Peter Spirer (Rhyme and Reason), "Thug Angel" takes you beyond the drama of Tupac's notoriety in the press through all-new interviews with friends, collaborators and scholars as they look back on Tupac and define his legacy today. Friday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT

    * The MC: This is Why We Do It

    Documentary taking a look inside the world of Hip Hop and MCs to explore the origins of MC'ing, as well as the environmental, spiritual and moral aspects to this art form. MC's consider the past, present and future of their music, giving a unique insight into what drives these artists to continue spitting rhymes. Featuring 50 Cent, Common, Ghostface Killah, Talib Kweli, Method Man, Rakim, Twista, Kanye West and Mekhi Phifer. Saturday, February 24 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT

    * Black & Blue: Legends of the Hip-Hop Cop

    Long the subject of rumors in the hip-hop community, this program brings to light hard evidence of the NYPD's controversial "rap unit" profiling, and features interviews with Detective Derrick Parker, who founded the unit following the killing of Notorious B.I.G. in 1997. Featuring 50 Cent, Damon Dash, Ice T, The Game and more. Sunday, February 25 at 1:00 p.m. ET/PT

    * The Art of 16 Bars

    For the first time, the worlds hottest MCs show you how to do it. From their approach to free styling and writing to how to hold the Mic and dealing with being on tour. Featuring Jadakiss, Jay-Z, KRS-One, Talib Kweli, MC Lyte, Method Man, Kool Moe Dee, Rakim, Twista and Kanye West. Sunday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m. ET/PT

    For additional information about Black History Month on BET, please log on to http://www.bet.com/.

    ABOUT BET

    BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the leading provider of media and entertainment for African Americans and consumers of Black culture on a global basis. The primary BET cable network reaches more than 84 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop - serve a broader and more diverse audience than the core network. BET.com is the number one internet destination for the target audiences. BET Mobile delivers music, gaming, and video content to the target audiences on wireless devices across virtually all service providers. BET Event Productions is a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe. Finally, BET International delivers BET content to the consumers of Black culture around the world.

    Source: BET Networks

     

    Nominations Date for the 42nd Annual Academy of Country Music(R) Awards

    ENCINO, Calif., Jan. 24 -- Today the Academy of Country Music is announcing that the nominations for the 42nd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC(R) AWARDS will be revealed the morning of Monday, March 5th, 2007.

    Reigning and back-to-back Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney, who was the #1 ticket seller in North America last year -- and is slated to play 6 major NFL Stadiums this summer -- will be joined by tourmates and fellow country superstars three-million-selling Sugarland and Texas icon Pat Green along with CBS "The Early Show" anchor Hannah Storm.

    CBS' "The Early Show" will carry the nominations announcement LIVE from the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame(R) and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee.

    Source: Academy of Country Music

     

    Jan 23

     

    A College Boy Can Survive: The Academic Side of Music Row
    By Edward Morris

     

    © 2007 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.

    It used to be that ambitious youngsters knocked on Music Row doors or networked in nearby bars to gain a foothold in Nashville's music industry. Some still prefer these approaches, but the more savvy among them have learned that the odds favor those who've earned a music business degree, particularly if it's from a local college where the interaction between gown and town is constant.

    There are plenty of high-profile success stories to drive home this point. Brad Paisley, Josh Turner and Trisha Yearwood, are all music business grads from Belmont University. Grand Ole Opry manager Pete Fisher is a Middle Tennessee State University alum, as is Erin Enderlin, the co-writer of Alan Jackson's Top 5 hit, "Monday Morning Church." Super fiddler Andrea Zonn, a long-time member of Vince Gill's band, earned her degree from Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University. Trevecca Nazarene University, a newer presence on the music business scene, is beginning to make a name for itself under the guidance of Jim Foglesong, the former president of MCA's and Capitol Records' Country divisions and a Country Music Hall of Fame member.

    "Every record that comes out of Nashville has the fingerprint of at least one of our students on it," asserted Nathan Adam, Associate Chairman, MTSU Department of Recording Industry.

    Belmont, which sits at the top of Music Row and MTSU, located some 30 miles away in Murfreesboro, are the major academic players. Belmont currently enrolls about 1,300 music business majors; MTSU 1,400. Trevecca, situated near Downtown Nashville, has 60 such students. Blair doesn't offer a music business degree, but Foglesong teaches a class about the music business there each semester. This session, about 100 students from Blair and Vanderbilt are enrolled. Moreover, the school has a thriving folk instrument program with distinct Country Music overtones.

    MTSU boasts that it has the largest undergraduate four-year recording program in the country. Enrollment has soared as high as 1,700 students. But given the limitations of the present facilities, the ideal number is around 1,400, Adam said.

    Students at Belmont's Mike Curb School of Entertainment and Music Business can major in music business, entertainment industry studies or audio engineering technology.  Apart from classroom training, Belmont also owns and operates Ocean Way Recording Studios, a commercial venture that Wesley Bulla, Dean of the school, likens to a teaching hospital where pros and apprentices work side by side.

    MTSU's Department of Recording Industry awards undergraduate degrees in music business and production and technology.  Last year, the university instituted a Master of Fine Arts degree in recording arts and technology, primarily to prepare teachers for the recording industry programs that are springing up at colleges throughout the country. Trevecca confers a general music business degree. All Blair's degrees are performance- or teaching-oriented.

    In addition to their full-time teachers, all the schools rely heavily on Music Row professionals as adjunct faculties. Bulla said that more than half of Belmont's music business instructors are adjunct. MTSU also employs a wide range of part-timers, including professional studio engineers, entertainment lawyers, music publishers and songpluggers. Trevecca has only two full-time professors, including Foglesong. Experienced moonlighters provide all the rest of the instruction.

    Blair School of Music Dean Mark Wait established the folk instrument program in 1994 after friends took him to see fiddler Mark O'Connor play at Nashville's fabled Station Inn. "I was just blown away," Wait said. "I thought, 'Boy, if we don't make him available to our students, we're missing the boat big time.'" He quickly persuaded O'Connor to teach and soon after lured dulcimer player David Schnaufer, mandolinist Butch Baldassari and banjoist Alison Brown to the cause. 

    Internships are optional but commonplace at Belmont and MTSU. Both schools aid their students in finding part-time music business positions that qualify for academic credit. At Trevecca, internships are a degree requirement. Trevecca's students begin their internships the second semester of their freshman year, during which they serve a total of 40 hours. The requirement escalates to 100 hours a semester during their junior and senior years. 

    "Basically, all of our students want to intern," Adam said. "But we make them wait until they're in their senior year, until they've completed the core classes [for their degrees] . so we can guarantee we're not sending out into the field people who don't know anything. We're sending out people who have a good solid base of knowledge."

    Despite the industry shakeups caused by record label consolidations and new Internet technologies, the job market continues to look promising, the schools' directors concluded. More entertainment outlets will require the creation, production, marketing and licensing of more content, they reasoned.

    "We adjust our curriculum every semester, every year, based on what's happening," Bulla explained. "But there are a lot of fundamentals out there that just don't change. You're still selling an artist. You're still selling an image.  You're still selling a lifestyle. You're still trying to get the public to identify with whatever you're trying to sell them. Whether you're trying to sell them over the Internet or in a retail store, much of the same knowledge base goes into both endeavors."

    At a recent alumni meeting in New York, Bulla said he encountered a Belmont grad who works at an independent label overseeing a team of Internet bloggers. 

    "Five years ago, four years ago, even three years ago, students came into this institution barely knowing what blogging was. Now, she has a full-time job and full-time staff. So there's a job that didn't exist three years ago. . There are more jobs out there than there's ever been."

    Foglesong labeled the job market "tough and competitive," but added that many of his music business students have been successful in finding the kind of jobs they've trained for.

    To keep their competitive edge, the colleges are creating new classes, programs and physical facilities. Trevecca has added classes in marketing in the music industry, copyright law and entertainment law; and it is currently raising funds to build a fine arts building.

    MTSU recently instituted the Partners in Craft songwriting program in conjunction with ASCAP. The program pairs aspiring student songwriters with successful composers and acquaints them with the business context within which songwriting functions.  And there is a new program that enables music business graduates to tack on an extra year of studies and earn a master's degree in business administration.

    "We're also looking at expanding our studio facilities into a 5.1 cinema mix suite," Adam said, "so that students can work on sounds for films. We already have that to some degree, but we want to implement a whole new room based around cinema mixing."

    "A lot of these schools do the recording business very well," Bulla observed. "What we don't do very well is the concert and touring business.  That's what we're looking at as a growth area for us - and a growth area for students who want jobs. Other than the [burden of] traveling, the jobs are more regular and pay better on the road than they do in town.

    Bulla said that Belmont is working on a partnership with Clair Brothers Audio in Nashville that will basically be an internship and training program for the company.

    "They've come to the conclusion over the years that touring and tour support are no longer a situation in which you get the biggest, burliest guy you can to hump your gear around. You've got to have somebody who knows computers and technology and how to operate this equipment, because it is high-tech. It's come a long way from 25 years ago, when you stuck a band onstage and just turned it up loud."

    On the Web:
    www.Belmont.edu; www.MTSU.edu; www.Trevecca.edu; www.Vanderbilt.edu

     

    MTV and Verizon Wireless Partner to Launch New Live Music Series 'MTV Live'

    First Airing of Multi-Platform Monthly Series Featuring Fall Out Boy Set for February 6 Across MTV Channels and Verizon Wireless V CAST

    NEW YORK, Jan. 23 MTV and Verizon Wireless today announced a new event series titled "MTV Live" which will feature live artist performances from some of the biggest names in music. The monthly series will be recorded in front of a live audience at the Hard Rock Cafe NY in Times Square and will be presented as a multi-platform program across MTV, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Tr3s, MTV.com and on MTV Mobile on V CAST. "MTV Live" will be powered by Verizon Wireless and the first episode will premiere on MTV on February 6 at 11:30pm with a commercial free performance by Fall Out Boy. Artists Nas, Akon, and Gym Class Heroes have been booked for future shows.

    "MTV Live" will be specifically customized for each screen. In-show features will include a live text-to-screen element that will allow Verizon Wireless subscribers to submit comments and shout-outs from their cell phones that will appear as a crawl across the bottom of the screen in real-time during the show. Additionally, video footage shot on cell phones during the performance will be edited into several of the platform offerings. MTV Mobile on V CAST will feature exclusive performance content from each show and will also offer artist interview segments. "MTV Live" will be available online at http://www.mtvlive.mtv.com/.

    "'MTV Live' is a new way for us to connect music fans with their favorite artists by incorporating a wide variety of on-air, online and on-mobile elements throughout every show," said Christina Norman, President, MTV. "This partnership with Verizon Wireless enables us to make the biggest footprint for the artists across multiple screens and really bring the live performance experience to our audience on different devices."

    "MTV and Verizon Wireless are two powerful brands, with significant relationships in this rapidly changing music landscape," said Tim Rosta, Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing, MTV. "This program will result in a strategic alliance that will amplify these relationships and bring new music to a larger audience."

    "Verizon Wireless is an industry leader in providing quality entertainment for enjoyment by customers anytime, from anywhere on the Verizon Wireless network," said John Harrobin, vice president marketing and digital media. "By bringing "MTV Live" to the handset, we not only satisfy the growing appetite of our customers but we also expand a relationship with MTV that delivers fresh, creative content for V CAST customers."

    "MTV Live" is executive produced by Paul A. DeBenedittis, Tony DiBari, Tim Healy and Nancy McDonald and produced by Fearless Entertainment.

    Fearless Entertainment is a full service music marketing and production company that develops cutting edge programming and services for some of the world's most prominent corporate and cultural organizations. Fearless Entertainment uses music as its center point because music is both the most personal as well as the most universal means of communicating to a target audience. http://www.fearless-entertainment.com/.

    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 120 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

    Source: MTV

     

    Paramount Leads With 19 Oscar Nominations

    LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23 When the nominations for the 79th Annual Academy Awards were announced today, Paramount Pictures Corporation led all other studios with 19 nominations with films that were released by Paramount Pictures and Paramount Vantage in 2006.

    DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures' "Dreamgirls," garnered 8 nominations, the most of any film, in the following categories: Supporting actor - Eddie Murphy; Supporting actress - Jennifer Hudson; Art direction - John Myhre (Production Designer), Tomas Voth (Supervising Art Director), Nancy Haigh (Set Decorator); Costume Design - Sharen Davis; Best song - "Listen" written by Henry Krieger, Anne Preven, Scott Cutler and Beyonce Knowles; Best song - "Love You I Do" written by Henry Krieger and Sedah Garrett; Best song - "Patience" written by Henry Krieger and Willie Reale; and Sound Mixing - Willie Burton (Production Sound Mixer), Michael Minkler, C.A.S. and Bob Beemer (Re-Recording Mixers).

    Paramount Vantage's "Babel" received 7 nominations, for Best Picture - Producers Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Jon Kilik, Steve Golin; Best Director - Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu; Best Supporting Actress - Rinko Kikuchi; Best Supporting Actress - Adriana Barraza; Film Editing - Stephen Mirrione, A.C.E. & Douglas Crise; Original Score - Gustavo Santaolalla; and Original Screenplay - Guillermo Arriaga.

    DreamWorks Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures "Flags of Our Fathers," distributed by Paramount Pictures, took 2 nominations, for Sound Editing - Alan Robert Murray (Supervising Sound Editor), Bub Asman (Co-Supervising Sound Editor) and Sound Mixing - Walt Martin (Sound Mixer), John Reitz, Dave Campbell, Gregg Rudloff (Re-Recording Mixers).

    "An Inconvenient Truth," released by Paramount Vantage, was nominated for Best Documentary - Davis Guggenheim, Director; and Best Song - "I Need To Wake Up," written and performed by Melissa Etheridge.

    Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global company that produces and distributes filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , a leading entertainment content company with prominent and respected brands including Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, DreamWorks, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing, Paramount Studios, and Worldwide Television Distribution.

     

    One Night With The King DVD Ready to Hit Stores

    LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23 -- Gener8Xion Entertainment, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: GNXE) , an integrated media company engaged in various operating activities including family feature films and television production and distribution, sales and rentals of film and video equipment, systems integration and studio facility management, announced today that its first feature film, "One Night With the King" (http://www.8x.com/onenight) (the"Film") will be debuting on DVD January 30th from FOX FAITH, a new branded distribution label from Fox Home Entertainment featuring morally-driven, family-friendly programming. The Film displays lush cinematic masterwork, and features rich performances for some of Hollywood's most vaunted and venerable talents, including seven-time Oscar(R)-nominee Peter O'Toole (Lawrence of Arabia, My Favorite Year), Oscar-nominee Omar Sharif (Lawrence Of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago) and John Rhys-Davies (the Indiana Jones trilogy, the Lord Of The Rings Trilogy). One Night With The King has grossed approximately $15 Million during its limited theatrical release and weaves the mesmerizing story of a beautiful young Jewish girl born into poverty and orphaned. She rises above her humble beginnings to catch the eye of powerful King Xerxes (Luke Goss, Charlie), ultimately transcending her roots to rule beside him. Despite her good fortune, however, her life remains in danger, as she cannot hide from her own Jewish heritage... and even her station cannot protect her from the cruel state law decreeing that all Jews be put to death. Surprising, sobering and inspiring, Hadassah's story -- ancient and timeless -- is as relevant and moving today as when it was first told. One Night With The King will be available for the suggested retail price of $29.98 U.S./$37.98 Canada.

    "Fox has created a very strategically sound marketing campaign. We could not have asked for anything more. Our DVD is going to be paired and marketed alongside one of the top ten grossing films of all-time. We are anticipating strong sales," expressed Matthew Crouch CEO and Chairman of Gener8Xion Entertainment, Inc.

    One Night With The King DVD:

    The One Night With The King DVD is available in anamorphic widescreen and is presented in English 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound.

    One Night With The King Synopsis:

    Born into poverty and orphaned, Hadassah (Tiffany Dupont) grows up to become a beauty who catches the eye of the powerful King Xerxes -- and ultimately becomes his bride. But despite her position, Hadassah's life is in danger, as the state has decreed that all Jews will be put to death. Defying warnings to remain silent, however, Hadassah struggles to save her people, even as she seeks to win the heart of the king, in this exciting and inspiring story about destiny.

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

      ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING   DVD Price:                           $29.98 U.S./$37.98 Canada   Street Date:                         January 30, 2007   Total Running Time:                  100 minutes  

    This press release contains or may contain forward-looking statements such as statements regarding the growth of Gener8Xion Entertainment, Inc. (the "Company") (http://www.8x.com/) and profitability, growth strategy, liquidity and access to public markets, operating expense reduction, and trends in the industry in which the Company operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in risks, uncertainties or assumptions underlying or affecting such statements, or for prospective events that may have a retroactive effect. Gener8Xion Entertainment, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements. Gener8Xion Entertainment, Inc. is located at 2021 Lincoln Street, Burbank, CA 91504.

     

    'Day of Aquarius': Mysterious Comet Changes the Fate of the World in New Thriller

    When a sun-grazing comet appears from the heavens and explodes over the earth, it sends a shower of electromagnetic energy to the inhabitants below. By slowing human brain waves and creating a universal meditative state, it appears that global peace is finally at hand. "Day of Aquarius" (now available through AuthorHouse), a new metaphysical thriller by author Anita Wylie, explores a world where harmony reigns.

    "Day of Aquarius" takes place during the three days following the July 1 comet explosion. All satellite communication and operating electrical systems have been destroyed and the world is at a standstill. Debate rages in the White House as to what the proper response should be, but the ultimate resolution will be change that defies all expectation.

    The story is told from the various viewpoints of the revolving cast, which include such characters as the vice president and president of the United States, a journalist, an astronomy student, a doctor and a reverend. All are affected by the celestial experience in different ways, but for Vice President Chloe Brandais, the encounter is most beneficial.

    After dreaming of a new world government, Chloe's wish becomes a reality when the energy released by the comet creates an outbreak of peace across the globe. If the serenity can be maintained with daily meditation from all the citizens of the world, then her dream of a Global Congress will certainly come to fruition.

    "Day of Aquarius" is a spectacular thrill ride for anyone who enjoys the melding of science and spirituality.

    Anita Wylie was born in Hawaii and credits the years she spent there for her lifelong passion for nature in all its wondrous forms. She currently lives in Indianapolis, Ind., where she has practiced law for 25 years. For 12 years, Wylie litigated environmental cases on behalf of the state. Though she secured many victories and set new precedents along the way, she grew increasingly disheartened with the limitations of solving the world's pressing environmental problems on a case-by-case basis. The idea for writing fiction as a vehicle for reaching a wider audience was born from her struggle.

    AuthorHouse is the premier publishing house for emerging authors and new voices in literature. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.

     

    Jamie Foxx to Launch Exclusive Urban Comedy, Entertainment and Lifestyle Channel on SIRIUS Satellite Radio

    SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) today announced that it will launch The Foxxhole, an exclusive urban comedy, entertainment and lifestyle channel with Academy Award-winning actor, American Music Award-winning and GRAMMY(R)-nominated artist, and comedian Jamie Foxx. Foxx won the 2005 Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Ray and is currently starring in the award-winning smash hit movie Dreamgirls. As executive producer, on-air host and contributor for the channel, Foxx will draw from his wide array of artistic experience and success from music, comedy, film and television. Marcus King, who has produced such Foxx projects as The Jamie Foxx Show, Jamie Foxx: Unpredictable, Genius: A Night for Ray Charles, and other television series and specials, will also serve as executive producer. The 24/7 channel will feature urban comedy bits from a large number of comedians, and will create groundbreaking approaches to presenting comedy to radio listeners, as well as showcase music, skits, radio theater and more. The Foxxhole will launch this spring on SIRIUS channel 106. "The Foxxhole will break new ground in comedy, blurring the lines between stand-up, sketch, and music," said Foxx. "SIRIUS Satellite Radio gives me the opportunity to create urban entertainment and programming like you have never heard on the radio." Foxx will be heard on the channel daily with a segment featuring dispatches from Jamie no matter where he is in the world. Also, Foxx and his team of contributors will host a weekly show on the channel. The show will feature original comedy bits and a new approach to radio theater. "Jamie Foxx is a triple threat in the world of entertainment and we are thrilled to have him make his radio home at SIRIUS," said Scott Greenstein, President, Entertainment and Sports, SIRIUS Satellite Radio. "SIRIUS has established itself as a leader in groundbreaking exclusive programming. The Foxxhole adds yet another compelling element to our channel lineup." The Foxxhole joins a powerful lineup of comedy, music, variety and entertainment channels on SIRIUS, including Raw Dog: Comedy Uncensored, Blue Collar Comedy, Laugh Break, Eminem's Shade 45, Hip-Hop Nation, and SIRIUS Hits 1. Jamie Foxx is an Academy-Award winning actor, American Music Award-winner, Grammy-nominated artist, and critically acclaimed comedian. A classically trained pianist who was raised in the church, Foxx studied at San Diego Performing Arts College before moving into comedy on television. Early in his career, Foxx did stand-up at comedy clubs. He won the 1991 Oakland Comedy Competition and that same year joined the cast of In Living Color. He went on to star in The Jamie Foxx Show and multiple feature films such as Any Given Sunday, Ali, Jarhead, Collateral, and Miami Vice. Currently Foxx is on a nationwide tour in support of Unpredictable, his 2006 debut album from J Records. The album was an unprecedented success, selling over 2 million copies, garnering critical acclaim and winning Foxx his first AMA at the 34th annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles. He was named Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist and dedicated his performance of "Wish U Were Here" to his mother. He was also nominated for Favorite Album. "Gold Digger," his collaboration with Kanye West, spent 10 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top 100 and also received GRAMMY nominations for Record of the Year and Best Rap Solo Performance. Foxx is nominated for four 2007 GRAMMY awards: Best R&B Album for Unpredictable, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Love Changes" by Jamie Foxx featuring Mary J. Blige, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Unpredictable" by Jamie Foxx featuring Ludacris, and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Georgia" by Ludacris and Field Mob, featuring Jamie Foxx. Foxx is represented by Creative Artists Agency and the law firm of Del, Shaw, Moonves, Tanaka, Finkelstein, and Lezcano, who negotiated this deal. About SIRIUS SIRIUS, "The Best Radio on Radio," delivers more than 130 channels of the best programming in all of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free music channels in satellite radio, offering 69 music channels. SIRIUS also delivers 65 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, NBA and NHL and broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NFL, NBA and NHL. All SIRIUS programming is available for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95. SIRIUS Internet Radio (SIR) is a CD-quality, Internet-only version of the SIRIUS radio service, without the use of a radio, for the monthly subscription fee of $12.95. SIR delivers more than 75 channels of talk, entertainment, sports, and 100% commercial free music. SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at shop.sirius.com. SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep(R), Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln-Mercury, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Rolls Royce, Scion, Toyota, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Hertz also offers SIRIUS in its rental cars at major locations around the country. Click on www.sirius.com to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase a SIRIUS radio and subscription. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2006 and September 30, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among the key factors that have a direct bearing on our operational results are: our dependence upon third parties, including manufacturers of SIRIUS radios, retailers, automakers and programming partners, our competitive position and any events which affect the useful life of our satellites.

     

     

    CTIA WIRELESS 2007 TO SPOTLIGHT ADVANCES IN THE WIRELESS ENTERPRISE

    Seismic Shift Underway in Business Productivity – Fueled by Wireless Adoption



    WASHINGTON, D.C. January 23, 2007 – CTIA WIRELESS 2007®, the world's largest event for the wireless industry, will once again spotlight the significant advancements in the wireless enterprise. CTIA WIRELESS takes place March 27-29, 2007 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

    "System-wide upgrades are overdue," said Rob Mesirow, vice president of operations and show director for CTIA WIRELESS. "As the wireless enterprise becomes a reality, productivity gains will make today's numbers pale by comparison. Every enterprise will incorporate some form of wireless—it is only a matter of time."

    Enterprise professionals can expect to learn more about how product innovation, standards evolution and corporate investment are paving the way for the new wireless enterprise. Already, interest among attendees is at an all-time high with over 400 companies, including Alcatel-Lucent, Andrew Corporation, Cingular, Cisco Systems, Inc., HP, Nortel, Sprint and T-Mobile showcasing the latest enterprise products and services on the show floor.

    On March 26, 2006, CTIA WIRELESS will host day-long events focused on the mobile enterprise, including:

    • VoIP Mobility: Addressing issues and opportunities facing mobile VoIP, including system and consumer requirements.
    • Mobile Payments World: Bringing together banks, financial services and mobile communications.
    • Smartphone Summit: Showcasing the latest smartphones, hardware and accessories, with representation from all Smartphone OS platforms including Symbian, Microsoft, RIM, and Linux.
    • Wireless Data University: Led by Andrew Seybold, this has been the industry's preeminent in-depth wireless data education session, for neophytes and experts alike.

    In addition, three pavilions on the show floor will highlight innovative products and solutions for the wireless enterprise in the following pavilions: Enterprise Mobility and the M2M Zone and VoIP.

    Finally, the CTIA educational program and co-located partner conferences will engage industry stalwarts and upstarts alike, making for a lively exchange of ideas and points of view. Notable participants include policy makers, carriers and corporate representatives. Together, they will expose the promise, and potential pitfalls, awaiting the wireless enterprise.

    About CTIA WIRELESS 2007
    As the premiere global event representing the $500 billion global wireless industry and the largest wireless show in the world, CTIA WIRELESS 2007 brings together all industries affected by wireless technology for three days of intense learning and networking. Visit http://www.ctia.org/ctiawireless.

    CTIA-The Wireless Association is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. Visit http://www.ctia.org.

     

    Jan 22

     

    ONE-NIGHT-ONLY
    Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 7:30 PM
    Angela Gheorghiu in Concert
    What:              Soprano Angela Gheorghiu is an extraordinarily talented opera star with a magnificent voice and dazzling stage presence. She thrilled LA Opera audiences in 2005 with her portrayal of Nedda in Pagliacci and returns to the stage for a solo appearance singing arias of Puccini, Verdi, Berlioz and Massenet. The concert will feature beloved selections such as the “Jewel Song” from Faust, “Un bel dì” from Madama Butterfly and the “Habañera” from Carmen, as well as numerous other favorite soprano arias. The Romanian soprano made her international debut in 1992 at London’s Covent Garden as Mimi in La Bohème, followed by debuts with the Metropolitan Opera and the Vienna State Opera. Since then, she has been in constant demand in all the world’s important opera houses and concert halls.  She will be accompanied by the LA Opera Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Kohn.
    Who:               Angela Gheorghiu in Concert
    When:             One-Night-Only performance –Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 7:30 PM
    Where:            Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Music Center, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
    Tickets:          Tickets to Angela Gheorghiu in Concert range from $25 to $100.  Tickets are on sale at the Los Angeles Opera Box Office, by phone at (213) 972-8001, or online through www.laopera.com.  Disability access: (213) 972-0777.  TDD: (213) 972-7615.
    `Instinct,' `Little Man' lead Razzies  
    Sharon Stone reprised her notorious femme-fatale role with "Basic Instinct 2."
    The box-office bomb received seven nominations Monday for the Razzie Awards that mock the bottom of Hollywood's barrel, among them worst picture and worst actress of the year.
    Also receiving seven nominations was the Wayans brothers comedy "Little Man," about a thief posing as a baby, including worst picture and director for Keenen Ivory Wayans.
    Shawn and Marlon Wayans shared a worst-actor nomination, while sisters Hilary and Haylie Duff shared a worst-actress nomination for "Material Girls."
    "We stuck the siblings together to allow room for more dreck," said Razzies founder John Wilson.
    The other worst-picture nominees were the fantasies "BloodRayne" and "Lady in the Water" and the thriller "The Wicker Man."
    Winners will be announced Feb. 24, the day before the Academy Awards.
    Joining Stone and the Duffs in the worst-actress category were Lindsay Lohan for "Just My Luck," Kristanna Loken for "BloodRayne" and Jessica Simpson for "Employee of the Month."
    Stone previously won a Razzie as worst-actress for 1994's "The Specialist" and "Intersection."
    "She's what we call a Razzie repeat offender. Perhaps even a recidivist," Wilson said.
    "Basic Instinct 2" also had a nomination for worst screen couple for Stone's "lopsided breasts." Also nominated were co-star David Thewlis for worst supporting actor and the movie's director, Michael Caton-Jones.
    Along with the Wayans, "Little Man" co-star Rob Schneider had a worst-actor nomination. The other nominees were Tim Allen for "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause," "The Shaggy Dog" and "Zoom"; Nicolas Cage for "The Wicker Man"; and Larry the Cable Guy for "Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector."
    The Razzies added a new category, worst excuse for family entertainment. The nominees were "Deck the Halls," "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties," "RV," "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause" and "The Shaggy Dog."
    The big surprise for Wilson was that all-time Razzies champ Sylvester Stallone's "Rocky Balboa" was not nominated. Stallone, who has 30 Razzie nominations and 10 wins, surprised many skeptics by delivering a sequel that was well received by audiences and earned better-than-expected reviews.
    "At the first of the year, you could not have convinced me it wasn't going to be a Razzie contender," Wilson said. "I would like to publicly say that Stallone has made a good movie."
    Razzies:
    http://www.razzies.com
    Multiple Grammy Nominees Top the Roster of an Evening of Stars(R) Performers
    Golden Globe Wins and Grammy Nominations Abound
    FAIRFAX, Va. Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Timing is everything. And the timing couldn't be better for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) this year. That's because the producers of UNCF's 28th annual An Evening of Stars(R) (AEOS) Tribute to Aretha Franklin, had the foresight months ago to bring seven 2007 Grammy nominees and Golden Globe winning actress-singer Jennifer Hudson, ALL under one roof for the annual all-star telecast celebrating The Queen of Soul that airs nationally on Jan. 27 and 28.
    Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Joss Stone, Al Jarreau, Kiki Sheard, Smokey Robinson and Natalie Cole have all received 2007 Grammy nominations. Hudson, recent Golden Globe winner for Best Supporting Actress for her outstanding performance in the hit film Dreamgirls, performs two of Franklin's best-known hits, "Think" and "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" at AEOS.
    "We are very proud of all the Grammy nominees," said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., president and CEO of UNCF. "And especially pleased for Ms. Hudson and her Golden Globe Award. There was no doubt in our minds when we invited her to appear on AEOS that we had a superstar in our midst," he continued. "The entire lineup is a group full of talent who share UNCF's commitment to providing educational opportunities to young men and women who are longer on potential than on resources."
    The historic event will air nationally, including in the top ten media markets such as KNBC in Los Angeles and Chicago Superstation WGN on Jan. 27 and on WWOR MY9 in New York and BET on Jan. 28. A complete station lineup, background information and media contacts can be found online at http://www.uncf.org/AEOS.
    About An Evening of Stars(R)
    An Evening of Stars(R) (AEOS), formerly the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars, first aired in 1979, and since that time has become one of the longest running and most successful televised events in U.S. history. AEOS 2007 will be the first without its founder Lou Rawls, who died in January 2006. Rawls, a spokesperson for UNCF and champion for AEOS for more than 25 years, is credited with helping raise more than $200 million for the UNCF to supplement the cost of higher education for scholarship recipients and member institutions. This year's show, now in its 28th season, is sponsored by American Airlines, McDonalds, Prudential, Target, Toyota and Wachovia. AEOS has featured a who's who of recognizable talent, including Frank Sinatra, Bill Cosby, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dick Clark, Reba McIntyre, Richard Pryor, Beyonce Knowles, Jill Scott, Luther Vandross, Whoopi Goldberg, Patti LaBelle, Ed McMahon, Michael Bolton, Hall and Oates, Ziggy Marley and scores of others.
    About UNCF
    As the nation's oldest and most successful minority higher education assistance organization, the United Negro College Fund's mission is to provide financial support to its 39 member institutions and increase minority degree attainment by reducing financial barriers to college. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 25 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 300 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship programs, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country.
    Source: United Negro College Fund
    Web site: http://www.uncf.org/
    http://www.uncf.org/AEOS
    Billy Joel to Perform National Anthem February 4 at Super Bowl XLI on CBS
    NEW YORK, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Grammy-Award winning performer BILLY JOEL will sing the National Anthem during the SUPER BOWL XLI PREGAME SHOW on CBS at Dolphin Stadium in South Florida on Sunday, February 4, the NFL announced today. Joel becomes the first performer to sing the National Anthem twice in the Super Bowl.
    Joel, who has won six Grammys and been nominated for 23 total, is one of the world's most-popular recording artists. His extensive list of accomplishments includes selling more than 100 million records, 33 Top 40 hits. He was awarded the Grammy Legend Award (1991), inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1992) and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1999).
    Super Bowl XL was watched by more than 141 million viewers in the U.S. last year. It is annually the nation's highest-rated TV program and the most-watched single-day sporting event. The game will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of 1 billion in more than 230 countries and territories.
    This marks the second time Billy Joel has performed the National Anthem at the Super Bowl in South Florida; he was featured in the Super Bowl XXIII pregame show in Miami in 1989.
    Joel is among many great performers who have been honored with singing the Super Bowl National Anthem including: Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston, Harry Connick, Jr., Garth Brooks, Natalie Cole, Vanessa Williams, Luther Vandross, Jewel, Cher, Faith Hill, the Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey, Dixie Chicks, Beyonce Knowles and many more. See below for a complete list of National Anthem performers from past Super Bowls.
    SUPER BOWL NATIONAL ANTHEM HONOR ROLL Super Bowl Performer Super Bowl I Universities of Arizona & Michigan Bands Super Bowl II Grambling University Band Super Bowl III Anita Bryant (Pledge of Allegiance by Apollo Astronauts) Super Bowl IV Al Hirt (Pledge of Allegiance by Astronauts) Super Bowl V Tommy Loy (trumpeter) Super Bowl VI U.S. Air Force Academy Chorale Super Bowl VII Andy Williams & Little Angels of Holy Angels Church (Chicago) Pledge of Allegiance by Apollo 17 crew Super Bowl VIII Charlie Pride Super Bowl IX Grambling University Band with Mardi Gras Chorus Super Bowl X Tom Sullivan Super Bowl XI Vicki Carr (America the Beautiful) Super Bowl XII Phyllis Kelly of NE Louisiana State University Super Bowl XIII Colgate University Thirteen Super Bowl XIV Cheryl Ladd Super Bowl XV Helen O'Connell Super Bowl XVI Diana Ross Super Bowl XVII Leslie Easterbrook Super Bowl XVIII Barry Manilow Super Bowl XIX Children's Choir of San Francisco Super Bowl XX Wynton Marsalis Super Bowl XXI Neil Diamond Super Bowl XXII Herb Alpert Super Bowl XXIII Billy Joel Super Bowl XXIV Aaron Neville Super Bowl XXV Whitney Houston Super Bowl XXVI Harry Connick, Jr. (Signed by Lori Hilary) Super Bowl XXVII Garth Brooks (Signed by Marlee Matlin) Super Bowl XXVIII Natalie Cole with Atlanta University Center Chorus (Signed by Courtney Keel Foley) Super Bowl XXIX Kathie Lee Gifford (Signed by Heather Whitestone) Super Bowl XXX Vanessa Williams (Signed by Mary Kim Titla) Super Bowl XXXI Luther Vandross (Signed by Erika Schwarz) Super Bowl XXXII Jewel (Signed by Phyllis Frelich) Super Bowl XXXIII Cher (Signed by Speaking Hands) Super Bowl XXXIV Faith Hill (Signed by Briarlake Elementary School Signing Choir) Super Bowl XXXV Backstreet Boys (Signed by Tom Cooney); "America The Beautiful" performed by Ray Charles Super Bowl XXXVI Mariah Carey (Signed by Joe Narcisse); "America The Beautiful" performed by Mary J. Blige & Marc Anthony Super Bowl XXXVII Dixie Chicks (Signed by Janet Maxwell); "God Bless America" performed by Celine Dion Super Bowl XXXVIII Beyonce Knowles (Signed by Suzanna Christy) Super Bowl XXXIX More than 100 representatives from the four branches of the military (Signed by Wesley Tallent) Super Bowl XL Aaron Neville and Dr. John with Aretha Franklin & Detroit based 150-member choir (Signed by Angela LaGuardia of Michigan School for Deaf) Super Bowl XLI Billy Joel
    Source: NFL

     
     USMAGAZINE.COM PARTNERS WITH VEOH NETWORKS TO CREATE
    A BRANDED VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT CHANNEL

    -- Channel To Live On Veoh.com And Will Contain Us' Exclusive Content
    --

    NEW YORK, January 22, 2007 - Wenner Media and Veoh Networks
    (www.veoh.com), the leading innovator in Internet Television, today
    announced that Usmagazine.com has partnered with Veoh, to create a
    branded entertainment channel on the Veoh web site.  The channel,
    launching in February, will be the exclusive Celebrity Channel on Veoh
    and can be accessed through Usmagazine.com or Veoh.com. 

    Us will produce exclusive video content for this site, pulled from
    celebrity studded parties, Us Weekly events, news stories and features
    by Us editorial staffers.  Veoh will provide the video backbone for
    Usmagazine.com using its peer-to-peer network which allows viewers to
    seamlessly view broadcast-quality long and short form videos.  Users
    are invited to submit their own videos to Usmagazine.com for coverage on
    the Web site and the Celebrity Channel on Veoh utilizing Veoh's
    easy-to-use video publishing tools.

    "Usmagazine.com celebrates the celebrity lifestyle and gives our
    readers a forum to interact with us" said Janice Min, editor in chief,
    Us Weekly.  "By partnering with Veoh, we are enhancing our readers'
    online community and giving our core audience of young sophisticated
    women an ultimate celebrity web destination."

    "Veoh's unique software and peer-to-peer technology enables
    traditional media to expand its brand into the rapidly exploding and
    vibrant world of Internet Television," said Dmitry Shapiro, CEO of
    Veoh Networks, Inc. "Us Weekly is known over the world as a leader in
    celebrity news media and makes the perfect partner with which to
    showcase Veoh to both the media industry and individual users."
        
    Usmagazine.com, launched in the Fall of 2006, is a non stop destination
    hub for celebrity news and features.  The site includes stories from
    the magazine; web-only features; a non-stop celebrity news blog; red carpet
    galleries from the hottest premieres and events; an extensive celebrity
    search engine; celebrity pictures updated several times daily; and,
    celebrity quizzes and polls.

    About Us Weekly:
    Us Weekly, the premiere resource in celebrity journalism, has shown the
    highest percentage audience growth among all MRI measured titles over
    the past five years (according to MRI) and average newsstands sales
    surpassed 1 million copies.  Over a two year period, Us Weekly's
    newsstand grew 34.9%, according to ABC June 2004 to June 2006.
    Subscriptions experienced a double digit increase of 15.1% over the
    previous year, according to ABC June 2006 vs. June 2005.  Launched as a
    bi-monthly publication in 1977, Us Weekly was acquired by Wenner Media
    in 1986.  The magazine moved from a monthly to a weekly format in March
    2000. Privately held Wenner Media also owns and publishes Rolling Stone
    and Men's Journal.

    About Veoh Networks:
    Veoh Networks is a new, innovative Internet television broadcasting
    system that delivers broadcast-quality entertainment and informational
    content via the Internet, using unique distribution technologies to
    allow for unlimited capacity for both long- and short-form programming.
    Veoh allows content producers from major entertainment studios and
    television networks to independent video producers and enthusiasts to
    deliver high-quality, full-screen video directly to consumers without
    financial, geographical or capacity restrictions found in traditional
    broadcasting systems.  This democratization of video distribution
    fundamentally changes the dynamics of television, creating
    unprecedented choice for consumers and a compelling marketplace for content providers
    and advertisers. Headquartered in San Diego, California with additional
    offices in Los Angeles, Veoh Networks is privately held company that is
    backed by leading technology and media investors, including Spark
    Capital, Michael Eisner's Tornante Company, Time Warner Inc. and
    Shelter Capital Partners.
    Jan 21
    Music Legends Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson & Ray Price Record LAST OF THE BREED Their First Album Together Released By Lost Highway On March 20
    Two-Disc Set Features 20 Newly Recorded Classics Plus Two New Songs
    They just don't make 'em like they used to. That is, until now. Country Music Hall of Famers Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Ray Price have joined together to record the appropriately titled LAST OF THE BREED. The trio's first album together will be released by Lost Highway on March 20.
    LAST OF THE BREED is a two-disc, 22-song collection of newly recorded versions of country classics by three of the genres most important and influential artists. LAST OF THE BREED was recorded in Nashville and produced by the extraordinary Fred Foster, who also produced Nelson's 2006 Grammy nominated YOU DON'T KNOW ME: THE SONGS OF CINDY WALKER. Some of Nashville's finest were brought in for these sessions including steel guitar legend Buddy Emmons and renowned fiddler Johnny Gimble. Beautiful backing vocals were provided by The Jordanaires.
    LAST OF THE BREED has the sound and feel of a classic album in a very natural way. Merle, Ray and Willie bring new life to such gems as Harlan Howard's "Heartaches By The Number" (with Vince Gill on backing vocals), Cindy Walker's "Night Watch", Mickey Newbury's "Sweet Memories" and Kris Kristofferson's "Why Me Lord", featuring Kristofferson singing backing vocals. The Trio also cut a couple of recently penned songs with Nelson's "Back To Earth" and Haggard's "Sweet Jesus", co-written with Kenny Vernon.
    In March, Merle, Ray and Willie will head out on a tour in support of LAST OF THE BREED, with the acclaimed Asleep At The Wheel as their backing band. The tour will include stops in New York, Nashville, Las Vegas, Detroit and Colorado Springs.
    It isn't often that the stars align, but when they do we should definitely take notice. With LAST OF THE BREED, they have indeed aligned and we should most definitely take a listen.
    Bonhams & Butterfields to Host 2nd Annual
    GET:ART
    to benefit Project Angel Food.
    January 17, 2007 (HOLLYWOOD) Back by popular demand, world renowned auction house, Bonhams & Butterfields will host, GET: ART, “the art sale of the century” to benefit Project Angel Food.   Stellar art, curated by the GET: ART Committee, will be made accessible to the beginning collector (and all others!) via a unique format:  all artwork will be grouped into six affordable price points from $100-$2500 and will be sold “cash & carry.” 
    The gallery opens to the public for the free two-day event on Friday, February 16th from 7:07-10:02pm.  Contemporary art for all tastes will be supplemented with hors d’oeuvres donated by the A-list Crumble Catering and a no-host bar.  The sale continues on Saturday, February 17th from 10:00am-5:00pm with scheduled events including a cutting-edge video installation curated by the LA-based, Sonik Mercury, and a live art drafting.  Local businesses in the 7000 block of Sunset will be hosting mini-events in support of GET:ART for Project Angel Food throughout the day on Saturday.  
    Some of the artists featuring work for sale at GET:ART include Mark Ryder, Mary Addison Hackett, Jim Holyoak, Meg Madison, Jeremy Kenyon Lockyer Corbell, Jackie Nach,  YaYa Chou, and Pip Bloomfield. All art for sale at GET:ART is 100% donated by the artist.
    GET:ART is sponsored by Bonhams & Butterfields, Crumble Catering, and Paper Chase Printing; making it possible for 100% of the proceeds from GET:ART to directly benefit Project Angel Food and its mission to nourish the body and spirit of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses. More than 1,300 free nutritious meals are delivered daily to clients ranging in age from 8-101.
      

    DEG LAUNCHES ANTI-PIRACY CAMPAIGN

    Studios Support Initiative Through Educational Inserts in DVD Packaging

     DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group announced its anti-piracy campaign during the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas with its studio members pledging to include a respect copyrights insert in DVD packaging.

    The DEG anti-piracy activities includes the recent production of an anti-piracy insert that urges consumers to buy authentic DVDs rather than pirated copies.  This exclusive piece will come supplied with a number of DVD titles coming to market in the first and second quarters of 2007 from DEG studio members Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Lionsgate, New Line Home Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Warner Home Video.

    “The DEG is pleased to lead this first step of unified industry support against theft of creative content,” said Bob Chapek , president, DEG and president, Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment.  “The anti-piracy insert reminds consumers about respecting copyrights.  We hope to encourage consumers to show their enthusiasm for filmed entertainment by using approved channels to buy content.” 

                The anti-piracy insert was developed by the DEG’s Communications Committee who began the initiative by engaging in consumer research to gauge reaction to anti-piracy education.  The next steps in the anti-piracy campaign are to expand distribution channels including the anti-piracy message to secure participation from hardware companies.

    The anti-piracy insert is part of a larger DEG initiative to combat piracy in the home entertainment industry. The DEG is currently developing a Web site that will educate consumers on anti-piracy. 

                The anti-piracy insert is available by calling the DEG Office at 310-888-2201.

    DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group is a Los Angeles-based, industry-funded nonprofit corporation that advocates and promotes the many benefits associated with DVD while providing updated information regarding the format to both the media and the retail trade.  The DEG offers a forum for member companies to engage in ongoing discussions concerning various issues and opportunities, which relate to other new digital technologies that may emerge in the future. 

    Regular members of the DEG are Buena Vista Home Entertainment, D&M Holdings, DTS Entertainment, Gibson Guitar Corporation, HBO Video, Hewlett-Packard, Image Entertainment, JVC Company of America, Lionsgate, MGM Home Entertainment, Microsoft, New Line Home Entertainment, Panasonic Consumer Electronics, Paramount Home Entertainment, Philips Consumer Electronics, Pioneer Electronics (USA), Sony Electronics, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Starz Home Entertainment, Thomson, Toshiba America Consumer Products, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Warner Home Video. 

    Associate members are AGI Media, Ascent Media/Blink Digital, Blockbuster, BMG Columbia House, CinemaNow, Cryptography Research, Deluxe Digital, EDC, e2amp inc., Giant Interactive, JVC Disc America , Kestrel Wireless, Macrovision, Memory-Tech, Netflix, Nielsen Entertainment, Panasonic North America, ScreenPlay, Sonic Solutions, Sonopress, Sony DADC, Technicolor and Universal Operations Group.

    The DEG can be reached at 310-888-2201, via e-mail at getinfo@digitalentertainmentinfo.com or through its Web site at www.digitalentertainmentinfo.com.

     

    Written by Joyce Chow and William Hoehne

     

    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

    News & News In Spanish

    Feb 5

    Officials Explain President's Defense Budget Request

    The defense budget requests President Bush
    submitted to Congress today will "make the necessary strategic
    investments to modernize and recapitalize key capabilities in the armed forces,"
    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said at a Pentagon news conference.

    Gates said the fiscal 2008 defense budget request and the 2007
    emergency supplemental request for funding the global war on terror will help
    sustain the all-volunteer military by reducing stress on the force and
    improving quality of life for U.S. troops and their families.

    The $481.4 billion budget request will improve readiness through
    additional training and maintenance and by resetting forces following
    overseas deployments, Gates said. The $93.4 billion supplemental measure will
    help fund U.S. forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the
    campaign against violent jihadist networks around the globe.

    Gates said that since he last served in government, DoD has taken a
    relatively smaller share of U.S. gross domestic product. In 1993, the
    Defense Department consumed 4.4 percent of GDP. Today, the percentage is
    3.8 percent. This is occurring while the "world is getting more
    complicated and more dangerous," Gates said.

    "The resources we devote to defense," he said, "should be at the level
    to adequately meet the challenges of the global strategic environment."

    Pentagon Comptroller Tina W. Jonas told reporters that DoD has
    delivered more than 38,000 pages of explanation to members of Congress and
    their staffs to justify the issues in the defense budget request. She said
    the request is aimed at fulfilling the mission to prevail in the global
    war on terror, increase combat capability of U.S. forces, improve force
    readiness and improve quality of life for U.S. troops and their
    families.

    Jonas said DoD's "straight-line projection" for fiscal 2008 has pegged
    the cost of the global war on terror at $141.7 billion. She said
    whether the president ascends up asking for this money depends on situations
    around the world.

    The 2008 "base budget" invests in four primary areas, Jonas said:
    readiness and support at $146.5 billion, strategic modernization at $176.8
    billion, military pay and health care at $137 billion and family housing
    and facilities at $21.1 billion.

    Jonas broke the military pay and benefits portion of the budget down
    further. The department's request provides a 3 percent pay raise for 2.1
    million active-duty and reserve-component personnel. It provides $15
    billion for the basic allowance for housing and $4.3 billion for the
    basic allowance for subsistence. It also provides $38.7 billion for
    military health care. The military health program provides care to 9.2 million
    beneficiaries, she said.

    Civilian pay - while not covered in this request - also is set for a
    3-percent increase in fiscal 2008.

    Troops going to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility are
    fully trained to handle counterinsurgency activities, said Navy Vice Adm.
    Steve Stanley, the Joint Staff's director for force structure,
    resources and assessment. The $146.5 billion in the readiness and support
    section of the budget fully funds training for troops to be able to handle
    all contingencies, he said. The number of troops being assigned to duty
    in Afghanistan and Iraq has increased the risks the military takes, the
    admiral noted.

    "There are three issues that are driving the risk," Stanley said. "The
    first is the number of forces deployed forward. Second, equipment
    utilization and wear on the equipment - the operational tempo that is
    affecting the risk. What we're challenged with is maintaining the
    full-spectrum training capability that our nation requires for our forces."

    In strategic modernization, the Navy's ship and aviation budget
    supports the 30-year shipbuilding plan by funding eight ships.

    Ground capabilities are funded at $37.9 billion, and the Missile
    Defense Agency will receive $8.8 billion under the proposal.

     

    Fiscal 2008 Department of Defense Budget Released

    President George W. Bush today sent to Congress his defense budget for
    fiscal 2008. The budget requests $481.4 billion in discretionary
    authority for the Department of Defense base budget, an 11.3 percent increase
    over the projected enacted level for fiscal 2007, for real growth of
    8.6 percent; and $141.7 billion to continue the fight in the Global War
    on Terror (GWOT) in fiscal 2008.

    The fiscal 2008 Defense base budget sustains the President's
    commitment to ensure a high state of military readiness and ground force
    strength; to enhance the combat capabilities of the United States Armed
    Forces; to continue the development of capabilities that will maintain
    traditional U.S. superiority against potential threats; and to continue the
    Department's strong support for service members and their families.

    The fiscal 2008 Global War on Terror request funds urgent needs
    associated with Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and other costs
    of the Global War on Terror; including the costs of repairing,
    replacing or replenishing equipment lost in combat by both the Active and
    Reserve Components.

    The fiscal 2008 Global War on Terror request is consistent with the
    direction of Congress to include the cost of ongoing operations in the
    Global War on Terror with the fiscal 2008 Department of Defense Base
    Budget.

    Accompanying the fiscal 2008 Defense base budget and the President's
    GWOT request is a request for $93.4 billion in emergency supplemental
    funding to cover equipment reconstitution and the cost of operations in
    the Global War on Terror for the remainder of fiscal 2007.

     

    La lista indispensable: En el Día de San Valentín, hay romance en el aire con la música de Verizon Wireless

    BASKING RIDGE, N.J., 5 de febrero /PR Newswire/ -- En este Día de San Valentín, los clientes de Verizon Wireless pueden entrar en clima con sus canciones de amor preferidas, en el formato que elijan: configurar una canción romántica como tonos de llamada o tonos de ringback, bajarla a través de V CAST Music o mirar ese especial vídeo musical por V CAST. Con más de 1.5 millón de canciones en la biblioteca de V CAST Music, y más de 20,000 tonos de llamada para elegir, los clientes de Verizon Wireless pueden encontrar melodías de todos los tiempos y algunos de los éxitos más importantes de la actualidad para el día más romántico del año.

    Los siguientes tonos de llamada, tonos de ringback, canciones completas para descarga de V CAST Music y vídeos musicales V CAST están a su disposición en Verizon Wireless:

      Tonos de llamada   * "Sexual Healing", por Marvin Gaye, SonyBMG   * "Crazy In Love", por Beyonce, SonyBMG   * "Love Song", por 311, SonyBMG   * "I Wanna Love You", por Akon, UMG   * "Hello I Love You", por The Doors, WMG   * "My Funny Valentine", por Chet Baker, EMI   * "How Sweet It Is", por The Temptations, UMG   * "Valentine's Day", por Happy Valentine's Day Beautiful, Airborne   * "Cupid's Chokehold", por Gym Class Heroes, WMG   * "My Love", por Justin Timberlake, SonyBMG   * "Sexy Love", por Ne-Yo, UMG   * "You're Beautiful", por James Blunt, WMG   * "I Want Your Sex", por George Michael, SonyBMG   * "Calling Dr. Love", por Kiss, UMG   * "Your Body Is A Wonderland", por John Mayer, SonyBMG   * "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life", por Stevie Wonder, UMG   * "Tu Amor", por RBD, EMI   * "Valentine's Day", por Death Metal Valentine, Airborne   * "Always On My Mind", por Elvis Presley, SonyBMG   * "Sexy Back", por Justin Timberlake, SonyBMG   * "Happy Valentine's Day", por Outkast, SonyBMG   * "Wicked Game", por Chris Isaak, WMG   * "I'm Still In Love With You", por Al Green, EMI   * "Tonight's The Night", por Rod Stewart, SonyBMG   * "I Want To Know What Love Is", por Foreigner, WMG   * "Let's Get It On", por Marvin Gaye, UMG   * "Love Shack", por The B-52s, WMG   * "Come Away With Me", por Norah Jones, EMI   * "My Boo", por Usher, SonyBMG   * "Ain't No Other Man", por Christina Aguilera, SonyBMG   * "Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love)", por Louis Armstrong, UMG   * "My Valentine", por Rhett Miller, UMG   * "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", por Aretha Franklin, WMG   * "The One I Love", por REM, EMI   * "Promise", por Ciara, SonyBMG   * "Shortie Like Mine", por Bow Wow, SonyBMG   * "Unfaithful (I Don't Wanna)", por Rihanna, UMG   * "Addicted To Love", por Robert Palmer, UMG   * "Crazy", por Gnarls Barkley, WMG   * "Love Song", por Tesla, UMG   * "Oye Mi Amor", por Maná, WMG   * "Lonely No More", por Rob Thomas, WMG   * "Give Me All Your Love", por Whitesnake, UMG   * "More Than A Feeling", por Boston, SonyBMG   * "I Got You Babe", por Sonny & Cher, WMG   * "Iris (Chorus)", por Goo Goo Dolls, WMG   * "Can't Help Falling In Love With You", por UB40, EMI   * "Everybody Loves Somebody", por Dean Martin, EMI   * "You Save Me", por Kenny Chesney, SonyBMG   * "S.E.X.", por Lyfe Jennings, SonyBMG   * "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough", por Michael Jackson, SonyBMG   * "Valentine's Day", por Bitter Cupid, Airborne   * "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)", por Stevie Wonder, UMG   * "Sowing the Seeds Of Love", por Tears for Fears, UMG   * "A La Primera Persona", por Alejandro Sanz, WMG 

    * "(When You Gonna) Give It Up To Me (con Keyshia Cole)", por Sean Paul, WMG

      * "L-O-V-E", por Nat King Cole, EMI   * "Me & U", por Cassie, WMG   * "Foxy Lady", por Jimi Hendrix, UMG   * "Baby, I Love Your Way", por Peter Frampton, UMG   * "I'll be There", por Jackson 5, UMG   * "Tengo Un Amor", por Toby Love, SonyBMG   * "L.O.V.E.", por Ashlee Simpson, UMG   * "I Need More Love", por Robert Randolph, WMG   * "In Your Eyes", por Peter Gabriel, UMG   * "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe", por Barry White, UMG   * "He Said, She Said", por Ashley Tisdale, WMG   * "Booty Call Voice Message", por T-Pain, SonyBMG   * "Wanna Love You Girl", por Robin Thicke, UMG   * "My Girl", por Smokey Robinson, UMG   * "No One Like You", por Scorpions, UMG   * "If You Want My Love", por Cheap Trick, SonyBMG   * "Don't Stop Believing", por Journey, SonyBMG   * "Happy Weird Valentine's Day", por Weird Al, SonyBMG    Tonos de Ringback   * "Sexual Healing", por Marvin Gaye, SonyBMG   * "Crazy In Love", por Beyonce, SonyBMG   * "Love Song", por 311, SonyBMG   * "I Wanna Love You", por Akon, UMG   * "My Funny Valentine", por Chet Baker, EMI   * "Valentine's Day", por Happy Valentine's Day Beautiful, Airborne   * "Cupid's Chokehold", por Gym Class Heroes, WMG   * "My Love", por Justin Timberlake, SonyBMG   * "Sexy Love", por Ne-Yo, UMG   * "You're Beautiful", por James Blunt, WMG   * "I Want Your Sex", por George Michael, SonyBMG   * "Calling Dr. Love", por Kiss, UMG   * "Tu Amor", por RBD, EMI   * "Valentine's Day", por Death Metal Valentine, Airborne   * "Always on My Mind", por Elvis Presley, Sony BMG   * "Sexy Back", por Justin Timberlake, SonyBMG   * "Happy Valentine's Day", por Outkast, SonyBMG   * "Wicked Game", por Chris Isaak, SonyBMG   * "I'm Still In Love With You", por Al Green, EMI   * "Let's Get It On", por Marvin Gaye, UMG   * "Love Shack", por The B-52s, WMG   * "Come Away With Me", por Norah Jones, EMI   * "Who's Calling\Main Squeeze", por Ball and Chain, Airborne   * "My Boo", por Usher, SonyBMG   * "Ain't No Other Man", por Christina Aguilera, SonyBMG   * "Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love)", Louis Armstrong, UMG   * "My Valentine", Rhett Miller, UMG   * "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", por Aretha Franklin, WMG   * "The One I Love", por REM, EMI   * "Promise", por Ciara, SonyBMG   * "Shortie Like Mine", por Bow Wow, SonyBMG   * "Unfaithful (I Don't Wanna),", por Rihanna, UMG   * "Addicted To Love", por Robert Palmer, UMG   * "Crazy", por Gnarls Barkley, WMG   * "Lonely No More", por Rob Thomas, WMG   * "Give Me All Your Love", por Whitesnake, UMG   * "More Than A Feeling", por Boston, SonyBMG   * "I Got You Babe", por Sonny & Cher, WMG   * "Iris (Chorus)", por Goo Goo Dolls, WMG   * "Can't Help Falling In Love With You", por UB40, EMI   * "Everybody Loves Somebody", por Dean Martin, EMI   * "You Save Me", por Kenny Chesney, SonyBMG   * "S.E.X.", por Lyfe Jennings, SonyBMG   * "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough", por Michael Jackson, SonyBMG   * "Valentine's Day", por Bitter Cupid, Airborne   * "Sowing the Seeds Of Love", por Tears for Fears, UMG   * "A La Primera Persona", por Alejandro Sanz, WMG   * "L-O-V-E", por Nat King Cole, EMI   * "Me & U", por Cassie, WMG   * "Foxy Lady", por Jimi Hendrix, UMG   * "Baby, I Love Your Way", por Peter Frampton, UMG   * "I'll Be There", por Jackson 5, UMG   * "Tengo Un Amor", por Toby Love, SonyBMG   * "L.O.V.E.", por Ashlee Simpson, UMG   * "Tru Love", por Faith Evans, EMI   * "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe", por Barry White, UMG   * "He Said She Said", por Ashley Tisdale, WMG   * "Wanna Love You Girl", por Robin Thicke, UMG   * "My Girl", por The Temptations, UMG   * "No One Like You", por Scorpions, UMG   * "If You Want My Love", por Cheap Trick, SonyBMG   * "Don't Stop Believing", por Journey, SonyBMG    Canciones completas de V CAST Music   * "Sexual Healing", por Marvin Gaye, SonyBMG   * "Crazy In Love", por Beyonce, SonyBMG   * "Love Song", por 311, SonyBMG   * "I Wanna Love You", por Akon, UMG   * "Hello I Love You", por The Doors, WMG   * "My Funny Valentine", por Chet Baker, EMI   * "How Sweet It Is", por James Taylor, WMG    * "Cupid's Chokehold", por Gym Class Heroes, WMG   * "My Love", por Justin Timberlake, SonyBMG    * "Sexy Love", por Ne-Yo, UMG    * "You're Beautiful", por James Blunt, WMG   * "I Want Your Sex", por George Michael, SonyBMG   * "Calling Dr. Love", por Kiss, UMG   * "Your Body Is A Wonderland", por John Mayer, SonyBMG   * "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life", por Stevie Wonder, UMG   * "Tu Amor", por RBD, EMI   * "Babe", por Styx, UMG   * "Always On My Mind", por Elvis Presley, SonyBMG   * "Sexy Back", por Justin Timberlake, SonyBMG   * "Happy Valentine's Day", por Outkast, SonyBMG   * "Wicked Game", por Chris Isaak, WMG   * "I'm Still In Love With You", por Al Green, EMI   * "Tonight's The Night", por Rod Stewart, SonyBMG   * "I Want to Know What Love Is", por Foreigner, WMG   * "Let's Get It On", por Marvin Gaye, UMG   * "Love Shack", por The B-52s, WMG   * "Come Away With Me", por Norah Jones, EMI   * "My Boo", por Usher, SonyBMG   * "Ain't No Other Man", por Christina Aguilera, SonyBMG   * "Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love)", por Louis Armstrong, UMG   * "My Valentine", por Rhett Miller, UMG   * "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", por Aretha Franklin, WMG   * "The One I Love", por REM, EMI   * "Promise", por Ciara, SonyBMG   * "Shortie Like Mine", por Bow Wow, SonyBMG   * "Unfaithful (I Don't Wanna)", por Rihanna, UMG   * "Addicted To Love", por Robert Palmer, UMG   * "Crazy", por Gnarls Barkley, WMG   * "Love Song", por Tesla, UMG   * "Oye Mi Amor" por Maná, WMG   * "Lonely No More", por Rob Thomas, WMG   * "Valentine's Day With Ciara", por Ciara, SonyBMG   * "Give Me All Your Love", por Whitesnake, UMG   * "More than A Feeling", por Boston, SonyBMG   * "I Got You Babe", por Sonny & Cher, WMG   * "Iris (Chorus)", por Goo Goo Dolls, WMG   * "Can't Help Falling In Love With You", por UB40, EMI   * "Everybody Loves Somebody", Dean Martin, EMI   * "You Save Me", por Kenny Chesney, SonyBMG   * "S.E.X.", por Lyfe Jennings, SonyBMG   * "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough", por Michael Jackson, SonyBMG   * "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)", por Stevie Wonder, UMG   * "Sowing the Seeds Of Love", Tears for Fears, UMG   * "A La Primera Persona", por Alejandro Sanz, WMG   * "(When You Gonna) Give It Up To Me (con Keyshia Cole)", Sean Paul, WMG   * "L-O-V-E", por Nat King Cole, EMI   * "Me & U", por Cassie, WMG   * "Foxy Lady", por Jimi Hendrix, UMG   * "Baby, I Love Your Way", por Peter Frampton, UMG   * "I'll Be There", por Jackson 5, UMG   * "Tengo Un Amor", por Toby Love, SonyBMG   * "L.O.V.E.", por Ashlee Simpson, UMG   * "Tru Love", por Faith Evans, EMI   * "I Need More Love", por Robert Randolph, WMG   * "In Your Eyes", por Peter Gabriel, UMG   * "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe", por Barry White, UMG   * "He Said She Said", por Ashley Tisdale, WMG   * "Booty Call Voice Message", por T-Pain, SonyBMG   * "Wanna Love You Girl", por Robin Thicke, UMG   * "My Girl", por The Temptations, UMG   * "No One Like You", por Scorpions, UMG   * "If You Want My Love", por Cheap Trick, SonyBMG   * "Don't Stop Believing", por Journey, SonyBMG   * "Happy Weird Valentine's Day", por Weird Al, SonyBMG    V CAST Video, Vídeos Musicales   * "Cupid's Chokehold", por Gym Class Heroes, WMG   * "Lips Of An Angel", por Hinder, UMG   * "Lost In Love", por Air Supply, SonyBMG   * "Sexy Love", por Ne-Yo, UMG   * "Like You", por Bow Wow con Ciara, SonyBMG   * "My Love", por Justin Timberlake con T.I., SonyBMG   * "Ain't No Other Man", por Christina Aguilera, SonyBMG   * "Always Be My Baby", por Mariah Carey, SonyBMG   * "Let Me Love You", por Mario, SonyBMG   * "Girl", por Paul Wall, WMG   * "You're The Inspiration", por Chicago, WMG   * "With You", por Jessica Simpson, SonyBMG   * "Crazy In Love", por Beyonce con Jay-Z, SonyBMG   * "When We Make Love", por Ginuwine, SonyBMG   * "She Will Be Loved", por Maroon 5, SonyBMG   * "Like I Love You", por Justin Timberlake, SonyBMG   * "You're Beautiful", por James Blunt, WMG   * "The One I Love", por David Gray, SonyBMG   * "I Love You", por Cheri Dennis con Jim Jones and Yung Joc, WMG   * "Your Body Is A Wonderland", por John Mayer, SonyBMG   * "Stickwitu", por Pussycat Dolls, UMG   * "Every Time I Hear Your Name", por Keith Anderson, SonyBMG   * "Amazed", por Lonestar, SonyBMG   * "You'll Always Be My Baby", por Sara Evans, SonyBMG  

    Acerca de Verizon Wireless

     

    CQ Budget Tracker to Provide In-Depth Coverage of the President's Proposed 2008 Federal Budget

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 Congressional Quarterly Inc. today announced that CQ Budget Tracker, Capitol Hill's definitive resource for real-time intelligence on the federal budget and appropriations process, will offer in-depth, comprehensive coverage of the president's budget proposal.

    "Today, President Bush will submit his fiscal 2008 budget proposal," said Robert W. Merry, CQ's president and editor-in-chief. "CQ Budget Tracker provides a complete overview of the budget. Subscribers can also drill into the spending initiatives that matter most to them."

      Throughout this week, CQ Budget Tracker will offer:    * The entire budget proposal and relevant documents within hours of their     release.    * Agency statements about their sections of the budget.    * Congressional reactions to the budget proposal from key members.    * Transcripts of hearings with the OMB director and original reporting on     all major agency proposals.  

    In the coming weeks, CQ Budget Tracker will also cover appearances by administration officials as they visit Capitol Hill to defend their agency's budget.

    CQ Budget Tracker provides the complete package of original source documents, CQ's exclusive news coverage and behind-the-scenes analysis from CQ experts. CQ Budget Tracker organizes the budget by subject area, offers the departments' and agencies' responses, and provides a CQ story on each area.

      CQ Budget Tracker allows you to monitor:    * Decisions -- Hearings on draft bills, markups, amendments and conference     coverage.    * Deals -- Continuous news updates plus schedules, transcripts and     testimonies.    * Documents -- Track and compare bill language and related documents.    * Dollars -- Find historical dollar amounts in customizable spreadsheet-     style charts.    For more information or a free trial, visit http://www.cq.com/.    About Congressional Quarterly Inc. 

    With more than 125 reporters, editors and researchers covering Capitol Hill and Washington, CQ keeps its readers updated in print and online on a weekly, daily and real-time basis. With a readership that includes nearly every member of Congress, as well as Executive Branch officials, leaders in business and associations, top academic institutions and important media outlets, Congressional Quarterly provides opinion leaders comprehensive, credible, current and objective information on Congress, politics and public policy. CQ's award-winning product line includes: CQ Weekly, CQ Today, CQ.com, CQ Homeland Security, CQ Budget Tracker, CQ HealthBeat, CQ Green Sheets, CQPolitics.com, PoliticalMoneyLine.com, Governing Magazine and a line of books and directories under the CQ Press imprint. CQ is owned by the Times Publishing Co. of St. Petersburg, Fla., publisher of the St. Petersburg Times and other publications.

    Source: Congressional Quarterly Inc.

     

    NOAA Announces 2008 Budget Request

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 Retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator, today announced highlights of President Bush's proposed 2008 budget for the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Lautenbacher said NOAA's request totals $3.8 billion or an increase of 3.4 percent over the administration's 2007 request.

    "The President's budget makes a substantial investment in our oceans that will pay dividends for years to come," said Lautenbacher. "We will be able to make great progress in the goals laid out in the President's Ocean Action Plan of ensuring sustainable use of ocean resources, protecting and restoring marine and coastal areas and enhancing ocean science and research."

      Budget priorities for this year and key program increases include:    *  Support for the President's U.S. Ocean Action Plan       -- Protection and restoration of marine and coastal areas + $38          million           -  Enforcement and management of the newly designated Northwestern              Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument.           -  Funding to restore nearly 1,000 stream miles for endangered              Atlantic salmon and other species.           -  Klamath River salmon recovery.           -  Competitive grant programs focused on the Gulf of Mexico              Alliance coastal resource priorities.       -- Sustainable use of ocean resources + $25 million           -  Establish the regulatory framework for environmentally              sustainable commercial aquaculture opportunities.           -  Improvements for better management of aquaculture harvests.           -  Support of the new and expanded requirements of the Magnuson-              Stevens Management Reauthorization Act of 2006.           -  Additional funding for observer programs and market-based              approaches to fisheries management.       -- Advancement of ocean science and research + $60 million           -  New investments for the Integrated Ocean Observing System.           -  Additional research funding addressing the national Ocean              Research Priorities Plan.    *  Improving Weather Warnings and Forecasts       -- Hurricane intensity forecast research + $2 million.       -- Operations and maintenance for hurricane data buoys + $3 million.       -- Additional deployments of deep-ocean buoys for the U.S. Tsunami          Warning Program + $1.7 million.    *  Climate Monitoring and Research       -- Support for the National Integrated Drought Information System          + $4.4 million.       -- Support for the U.S. Integrated Earth Observation System + $0.9          million.       -- Research to understand the link between ocean currents and rapid          climate change + $5 million.       -- Enhance computational support for assessing abrupt climate change          + $1.0 million.    *  Critical Facilities Investment       -- Design of replacement facility for the NOAA Fisheries Southwest          Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, Calif. + $3.0 million.       -- Continued construction of the NOAA Pacific Region Center in Hawaii          + $20.3 million.    *  Sustaining Critical Operations       -- Workforce inflation factors including salaries and benefits + $44.9          million and non-labor related issues such as fuel costs + $6.6          million.       -- Support for marine operations and equipment + $8.3 million.       -- Support for aviation operations including costs associated with          operations of NOAA's third P-3 aircraft + $5.5 million.       -- Support for use of unmanned vehicles; autonomous underwater          vehicles + $0.7 million, unmanned aircraft systems + $3.0 million.       -- Continued development and acquisition of polar-orbiting satellites          + $25 million.  

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, is celebrating 200 years of science and service to the nation. From the establishment of the Survey of the Coast in 1807 by Thomas Jefferson to the formation of the Weather Bureau and the Commission of Fish and Fisheries in the 1870s, much of America's scientific heritage is rooted in NOAA.

    NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and information service delivery for transportation, and by providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with its federal partners, more than 60 countries and the European Commission to develop a global monitoring network that is as integrated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects.

    On the Web:

    NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov/

     

    The President Delivers His Budget...America's Seniors Will Receive the Bill, Says National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare

    Former Congresswoman Kennelly Says Congress Should Consider This Budget Dead on Arrival

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- President Bush is asking older Americans to foot the bill for the administration's economic policy of tax cuts for the wealthy and deficit spending. The White House's proposed budget includes billions of dollars in Medicare cuts, increased costs for seniors through means testing and Social Security private accounts.

    "Once again, President Bush has offered a budget with deep cuts in entitlement programs, subsidies for industry and tax cuts for the wealthy. Seniors and their families can not continue to be expected to foot the bill for record debt, an unfunded war and tax cuts," said Barbara B. Kennelly, President/CEO.

    Following are some of the provisions in the President's 2008 Budget harmful to seniors:

      -- $78 billion in cuts from Medicare and Medicaid over 5 years   -- Social Security Private Accounts established in 2012 and price indexing       of benefits   -- Medicare means-testing will continue to target seniors. More than      30,000 seniors are predicted to be driven out of Medicare in the first      year alone.    At the same time:    -- Medicare will continue to provide billions in industry subsidies.   -- $1.9 trillion in tax cuts are proposed over the next decade, a      significant amount going to wealthy Americans.   -- The Congressional Budget Office, using alternate economic assumptions,      predicts the budget deficit would remain at $328 billion in 2012.  

    "America's seniors support returning budget discipline to Congress, because they know this massive federal debt threatens critical programs like Medicare and Social Security. But this is not a budget crafted with an eye toward bipartisanship, fairness or even common sense. As baby-boomers retire we should be strengthening, not dismantling, the programs they'll depend on."

    The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better- informed citizens and voters.

    Source: National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare


     

    DeSmogBlog.com: IPCC Criticism Fits into Canadian Climate Change Denial Campaign

    Big-Oil Funded Fraser Institute Not Credible on the Science of Global Warming, IPCC Author says

    VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- February 05, 2007 -- A Canadian think tank's attack on the recently released report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is one of several recent initiatives by Canadian groups to block action on global warming, DeSmogBlog.com President, James Hoggan, said Monday. The latest attack, by the Exxon-funded Fraser Institute, is scheduled to be released today, Feb. 5 at a press conference in the United Kingdom.

    "These people are an embarrassment to Canadians," Hoggan said. Two industry front groups (the Natural Resources Stewardship Project and the Friends of Science) have popped up in Canada the last couple of years, spreading doubt about climate change at every turn. And a scientist associated with those groups put together a petition of skeptical "experts" last spring, a petition that was quoted in U.S. Senate committee hearings.

    Now the Fraser Institute, a right-wing think tank that has received annual grants from oil-giant ExxonMobil, is issuing what it calls an independent summary of the report of the IPCC. The Institute claimed that the IPCC's own summary is a political document "neither written by nor reviewed by the scientific community".

    Andrew Weaver, the Canada Research Chair in Climate Modelling and Analysis and a lead IPCC author called the Fraser Institute's effort "highly ideological". The IPCC summary was written and reviewed by some of the most senior climate scientists in the world, without political or bureaucratic input, Weaver said.

    The Fraser Institute team "experts", on the other hand, was led by an economist and included several scientists with direct connections to industry front groups.

    "It's this type of activity that prompted Britain's Royal Society to demand in September 2006 that ExxonMobil stop funding climate change denying think tanks," says Jim Hoggan, DeSmogBlog.com founder.

    Hoggan said this kind of industry-funded denial is just like the big tobacco campaigns of the 1990s. "For example, in 1999, the Fraser Institute published an industry-friendly book without admitting that one author had either been on staff at the U.S.-based Tobacco Institute and the other had taken large payments from big tobacco for previous work."

    "There is no credibility in this kind of politicized science, and I personally would like to apologize to the people of Britain that Canada has brought this fight to London."

    More information on the Fraser Institute and other thinktanks being paid by the oil and fossil fuel industry can be found at www.DeSmogBlog.com.

    Background Information on Selected Authors of the Fraser Institute Review

    Ross McKitrick (lead author)

    McKitrick has been a "Senior Fellow" at the ExxonMobil funded Fraser Institute since October, 2002. Also listed as an "expert" with the George C. Marshall Institute, a US think tank that has received $630,000 from ExxonMobil since 1998.

    William Kininmonth

    Kininmonth is a frequent writer for a climate change skeptic organization called the "Lavoisier Group," and in Nov. 2004, the Lavoisier Group helped launch Kinimonth's book Climate Change; a natural hazard. According to Nov. 27, '04 news article , the Lavoisier Group was founded by Hugh Morgan the former CEO of Western Mining Corporation, a uranium mining company recently taken over by BHP Billiton.

    Andrei Illarionov (not an author, but will be attendance at the press conference) Touted as a former advisor to Russian president, Vladimir Putin. When Russia ratified the Kyoto Protocol, Illarionov claimed that the Protocol was killing off the world economy like an "international Auschwitz".

    Illarionov is currently a "senior fellow" at the Cato Institute, a US-based think tank that has received $90,000 from ExxonMobil since1998. According to sources the Cato Institute has also received from Shell Oil Company, Chevron and the American Petroleum Institute.

    Ian Clark

    Currently sits on the "scientific advisory board" of a Canadian organization called the "Natural Resource Stewardship Project" (NRSP). The NRSP is an organization founded by the president of a Toronto-based energy industry lobby firm called High Park Group. The NRSP refuses to disclose it's funding sources.

    Tad Murty

    Listed as an "allied expert" for the "Natural Resource Stewardship Project" (NRSP). Until recently, Murty was listed as member of a global warming "skeptic" organization called "The Friends of Science" (FOS). In a January, 2007 newspaper article, the president of the FOS admitted that about three-quarters of their funding comes from the oil and gas sector.

    Joseph D'Aleo

    A retired meteorologist, D'Aleo has a Master's in Science and worked as the "Director of Meteorology" for the Weather Channel. D'Aleo is a contributing author for Tech Central Station Daily, a news site set up by DCI Group, a Washington, DC, lobbying company who's client list includes ExxonMobil. Tech Central Station has also received $95,000 directly from ExxonMobil.

     

     

    Feb 3

    Para los sureños, mientras más grande la televisión mejor es el juego; los clientes de Wal-Mart de la región sudeste compraron más televisiones de alta definición antes del Super Bowl que las demás regiones estadounidenses

    BENTONVILLE, Ark., 2 de febrero Aunque dos equipos del medio oeste serán el centro de la atención en los hogares de millones de personas este domingo, estados como Mississippi son los que más están aprovechando los excelentes precios de esta temporada para las televisiones de alta definición (HDTV) de gran formato. En las cuatro semanas previas al Super Bowl, Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) comenta que los clientes de los estados del sur compraron más televisores LCD y de plasma de 42 pulgadas que en ninguna otra región de los Estados Unidos.

    "Hemos notado un marcado aumento en el interés de los clientes, especialmente este año, por pasarse al formato HDTV, impulsado por la financiación especial de los artículos, una mejor selección y precios más bajos", comentó Kevin O'Conner, vicepresidente de productos generales para Electrónica, en Wal-Mart.

    En las mismas cuatro semanas, Wal-Mart comenta que vendió una cantidad de televisores de gran formato suficiente para bordear el campo de fútbol del estadio de los Dolphins ¡90 veces!

    Entre los estados, California lleva las mayores cifras de compra de TV de alta definición de 32 pulgadas, el más popular entre todos los tamaños y formatos de televisores HDTV. Pero por región, el sur aún mantiene el primer puesto para la mayoría de los televisores HDTV de 32 pulgadas, y supera a cualquier otra región en el último mes, según los datos de Wal-Mart.

    Wal-Mart recientemente presentó un programa especial de financiación para clientes que usan su tarjeta de crédito Wal-Mart para la compra de artículos de US$ 599 o más, que ofrece planes sin interés hasta 2009. Wal-Mart también publicitó un retroceso en los precios de diversos televisores HDTV. La compañía espera que el movimiento en sus recientemente ampliados departamentos de Electrónica sea igual de intenso este fin de semana, a medida que se acumula el entusiasmo entre los aficionados al deporte.

    Acerca de Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

    Cada semana, más de 127 millones de clientes visitan las tiendas Wal-Mart, los Supercenters, los Neighborhood Markets y los Sam's Clubs en todo Estados Unidos. La compañía y su Fundación están comprometidas con la filosofía de devolver en forma local. Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) se enorgullece de apoyar las causas importantes para sus clientes y asociados en sus propias áreas de residencia, y el año pasado donó más de $245 millones a comunidades locales de los Estados Unidos. Para conocer más, visite http://www.walmartfacts.com/, http://www.walmart.com/ o http://www.walmartfoundation.org/.

     

    Source: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

     

     Feb 2

     WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2007 - The United States has no plans to go to war
    with Iran, but it won't tolerate Iranian activities that are
    endangering U.S. troops in Iraq, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told reporters
    today during a Pentagon news conference.

    "The president has made clear, the secretary of state has made clear,
    I've made clear ... we are not planning for a war with Iran," Gates said
    in response to a reporter's question.

    Rather, he said, the United States is working "to counter what the
    Iranians are doing to our soldiers," most significantly their activities
    related to explosively formed projectiles, or EFPs, that are killing U.S.
    troops. EFPs are far more lethal than more traditional improvised
    explosive devices, Gates said, noting they are capable of taking out an
    M1-A2 Abrams tank.

    "And so our effort is aimed at uprooting the networks that are
    providing these EFPS," as well as IEDs, to al Qaeda and other groups, Gates
    said. "These darn things account for about 70 percent of our casualties.
    And so there's a huge effort under way to try and uproot these networks
    and try to stop this."

    "We are working day and night to disassemble these networks" that do
    everything from providing materials to construct these explosives to
    building them to delivering them and the firing devices," Pace told
    reporters. "And we do that without regard to nationality, but just with regard
    to who our enemies are."

    Pace called it "instructive" that twice during the last month to 40
    days, while "going after the networks, we have picked up Iranians."

    "They happened to be policed up amongst the bad guys," he said.

    Gates said he doesn't know at this point if the Iranian government or
    rogue elements within Iran are involved.

    Multinational Force Iraq officials are preparing a briefing that will
    provide specifics about how Iranians supply these weapons, but Gates
    said he, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and National Security Advisor
    Steve Hadley asked them to delay it.

    "(We) want to make sure that the briefing that is provided is
    absolutely accurate and is dominated by facts - serial numbers, technology and
    so on," he said. "And so we just want to make sure that the briefing
    that is provided is completely reliable."

    The secretary declined to discuss if Iranians played any role in the
    Jan. 20 attack on the Provincial Joint Coordination Center in Karbala,
    Iraq, telling reporters the incident remains under investigation. In that
    incident, enemy fighters dressed in U.S. Army-style combat uniforms and
    carrying U.S.-type weapons penetrated Iraqi checkpoints, then went on
    to capture and kill four soldiers.

    The secretary emphasized that deploying a second aircraft carrier, the
    USS John C. Stennis, to the Persian Gulf isn't a direct response to
    Iran. Rather, he said, it's designed to send a message to friends and
    potential adversaries alike.

    "The purpose of that is simply to underscore to our friends, as well as
    to our potential adversaries in the region, that the United States has
    considered the Persian Gulf and that whole area - the stability in that
    area - to be a vital national interest," he said.

    This policy has remained constant for decades and under numerous
    presidential administrations, he noted. "We simply want to reinforce to our
    friends, in particular, that they can count on us having a presence and
    being strong in their area in protecting our interests and in
    protecting theirs," he said.

    As it addresses the immediate issue of potential Iranian support for
    activities endangering U.S. troops, Gates said another U.S. concern -
    about Iran's nuclear-enrichment program - is being addressed "strictly
    through the diplomatic process."

    "It seems to be showing some progress," he said.

     

    Statement of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao on January Employment Numbers

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao issued the following statement on the January employment situation released today:

    "Today's report shows payroll employment at 137.3 million, which is about one million more total new jobs than previously reported in December. This shows that the economy is strong and continues to produce jobs at a steady rate. And the unemployment rate of 4.6 percent is more than a full point lower than the average unemployment rate of the 1990s."

    U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov/. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7828 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.

     

    Web site: http://www.dol.gov/

     

    Feb 1

    SR Telecom anuncia la venta de su filial chilena

    MONTREAL, QC -- -- February 01, 2007 -- SR Telecom (TSX: SRX), proveedora líder de soluciones OFDM bajo licencia para redes de acceso de banda ancha mediante su línea de productos symmetry(MR), anunció hoy la venta de su filial chilena Comunicación y Telefonía Rural (CTR), empresa de servicios de telecomunicaciones, a Chile.com, proveedora de servicios de comunicaciones integrales. Como parte de esta operación, SR Telecom ha sido totalmente liberada de sus obligaciones con respecto a CTR, incluido un pasivo por préstamos que asciende a un monto aproximado de US$29 millones. Si bien la operación no le reporta ningún producto en efectivo neto, mejora significativamente el balance general de SR Telecom y es otro paso importante en el plan de fortalecer su situación financiera y concentrarse en su estrategia sobre WiMAX.

    "Nos complace mucho cerrar esta operación que nos permite lograr uno de nuestros objetivos anunciados y a la vez seguir brindando servicio a los clientes de CTR", comentó Serge Fortin, Presidente y Director General de SR Telecom. "Aunque CTR alcanzó un nivel de desempeño estable, claramente no era uno de los activos principales de SR Telecom. Su venta nos permite mejorar aún más la eficiencia de nuestro balance general, simplificar nuestra estructura financiera y, lo más importante, concentrarnos en nuestro sector de actividad de WiMAX."

    En los últimos meses, SR Telecom ha emprendido acciones dinámicas a fin de convertirse en una organización que crea valor para sus accionistas, empleados, socios y clientes. Hace poco anunció un avance sustancial en sus iniciativas de reestructuración y solidificó su situación financiera con el apoyo de sus accionistas. La Compañía mantiene su dedicación al mercado global de alto crecimiento de WiMAX, donde espera adquirir un papel importante a medida que este mercado se desarrolle.

    Acerca de Chile.com

    Chile.com es un proveedor de servicios integrales de telecomunicación, alojamiento en Internet, larga distancia, y comercio electrónico con operaciones en Chile, Peru, Brasil, Colombia y Miami (EUA). La casa matriz de Chile.com se encuentra en Santiago de Chile. Esta inició sus operaciones hace 7 años y se ha convertido en una de las compañías con más éxito de Chile.

    Acerca de SR Telecom

    SR Telecom (TSX: SRX) es una empresa mundial líder en el ámbito de soluciones de acceso inalámbrico de banda ancha (BWA) innovadoras que permiten implementar con eficiencia servicios de voz, Internet y siguiente generación en zonas urbanas, suburbanas y remotas. Precursora en el ámbito tecnológico, con más de 25 de años de experiencia en redes inalámbricas, SR Telecom es la única compañía proveedora de BWA con una amplia pericia real en la implementación de las características avanzadas de la norma WiMAX, y como miembro principal del Foro WiMAX promueve activamente las redes BWA basadas en normas.

    SR Telecom es una organización ágil, centrada en el cliente y con una trayectoria comprobada. Tiene sus oficinas principales en Montreal, la Ciudad de México y Bangkok, y actualmente sus productos se usan en más de 120 países. Para más información sobre esta compañía, visite www.srtelecom.com.

    DECLARACIONES PROSPECTIVAS

    Parte de la información contenida en este comunicado de prensa, diversos documentos presentados a las autoridades reguladoras de Canadá y Estados Unidos, informes a los accionistas y otras comunicaciones es de carácter prospectivo conforme a cierta legislación sobre valores, está sujeta a importantes riesgos, incertidumbres y supuestos e incluye, entre otros, información sobre los objetivos de la Compañía y sus estrategias para lograrlos, así como sus creencias, planes, expectativas, previsiones, estimaciones e intenciones, que se denota con ciertas palabras y expresiones tales como los verbos "poder", "deber","prever", "creer", "anticipar","estimar", "esperar", "pretender" y "planear", y los sustantivos "perspectiva", "objetivo", "expectativa" y "estimación", entre otros. En este comunicado, la información prospectiva describe las expectativas de la Compañía al 1 degrees de febrero de 2007.

    Es posible que los resultados o sucesos previstos en dicha información prospectiva difieran sustancialmente de la realidad. Los inversionistas y demás personas que utilicen la información prospectiva de la Compañía para tomar decisiones, previamente deben considerar con cuidado los factores anteriores y otras incertidumbres y sucesos posibles. Con esta información, la Compañía no está suponiendo ninguna adquisición, enajenación u otra operación importante, pero sí la renovación de los contratos de ciertos clientes. Por otra parte, supone cierto avance que podría no realizarse y que los factores sustanciales mencionados en el párrafo anterior no causarán que tal información prospectiva difiera sustancialmente de los resultados o sucesos reales. Sin embargo, la lista de factores no es exhaustiva y está sujeta a cambios, y no hay ninguna certeza de que los supuestos reflejen los resultados reales de los factores. Para más información con respecto a éstos y otros factores, consulte los riesgos e incertidumbres divulgados en el Informe Anual 2005 y el Formulario Informativo Anual 2005 (riesgos e incertidumbres) presentados por la Compañía a las autoridades reguladoras de Canadá y Estados Unidos.

    La información prospectiva que contiene este comunicado de prensa representa las expectativas de sr telecom al 1 degrees de febrero de 2007 y por lo tanto está sujeta a cambios. No obstante, sr telecom se descarga expresamente de toda intención u obligación de revisar cualquier parte de la misma, independientemente de que se derive de información, sucesos u otros factores nuevos, sujeto a las salvedades previstas en las leyes aplicables.

    SR TELECOM, symmetry, symmetryONE y symmetryMX son marcas comerciales de SR Telecom Inc. Todos los derechos reservados 2007. El resto de las marcas comerciales mencionadas son propiedad de sus titulares.

     

    Jan 30

    Democrats unveil $463.5B spending bill

    Democrats say they are making the best of a bad situation as they bring to the House floor a massive bill cobbling together $463.5 billion in unfinished budget business.

    The bill, combining the budgets of 13 Cabinet agencies, won praise Tuesday from Democratic Party allies such as activists pressing the fight against AIDS overseas and advocates for boosting education funding.

    Lawmakers in both parties hailed the bill for freeing highway construction funds, even as the White House complained that the bill will slow aid to communities harmed by a 2005 round of military base closings and cut a request for basic scientific research.

    Still, the White House signaled that President Bush would sign the bill into law once it reaches his desk.

    The House debate on Wednesday promises to be bitter, and the measure appears likely to pass on a largely party-line vote. But Republicans in the Senate appear unlikely to place procedural hurdles in its path.

    The harshest criticism came from House Republicans, who complained that they were shut out of any chance to offer changes to the bill — and had barely any time to read it.

     

    Alma de Mexico Boosts Bombardier CRJ200 Fleet by Leasing Five More Aircraft

    January 30, 2007 -- Bombardier Aerospace announced today that AeroLineas MesoAmericanas, "Alma de Mexico" will lease five additional previously owned 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets. Alma currently operates a fleet of eight previously owned CRJ200 aircraft.

    Alma de Mexico was established as a full-service regional airline in 2006. It is based in Guadalajara, from where it serves domestic routes.

    "These five additional CRJ200 regional jets will further our expansion in accordance with our business plan," said Guillermo Heredia, President and Founder of Alma. "Judging by our experience with our eight aircraft, we made the correct decision in acquiring the Bombardier CRJ200 for our fleet."

    "Given the outstanding economics and performance of previously owned CRJ200 aircraft, they will continue to be vital assets for regional airlines," said Rod Sheridan, Vice-President, Asset Management Group, Bombardier Regional Aircraft.

    Almost 1,400 Bombardier CRJ Series regional jets, including more than 1,000 CRJ100/200/440 aircraft are in operation worldwide.

    About Bombardier

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

    Bombardier, CRJ, CRJ100, CRJ200 and CRJ440 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries

     

    Jan 29

     

    McDonald's Corp. has finally selected a new trans-fat-free oil for cooking its famous french fries after years of testing, the fast-food chain said Monday.

    While it has developed a healthier new oil, the company is still not saying when it will be used in all 13,700 U.S. restaurants. It already trails competitors in committing to a zero-trans fat oil.

    Spokesman Walt Riker said the oil is currently in more than 1,200 U.S. restaurants after extensive testing, but declined to provide details on timing or locations.

    "We can confirm that we've got the right oil," he said. "We're phasing it in."

    The choice of a new oil comes as McDonald's and others face a July 1 deadline to begin complying with an ordinance passed by New York City last month making it the first U.S. city to ban all restaurants from using artificial trans fats.

    Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald's has said for months it would comply with such a ban, and said it would introduce any new oil nationwide rather than have a separate oil for its New York restaurants. But it had not confirmed that testing was complete.

    Riker said the new oil is canola-based and includes corn and soy oils.

    Addressing long-held concerns that changing the oil could jeopardize the popular taste of its fries, he said: "We're very confident in our test and taste results. ... We're very confident in what we're hearing back from our customers."

    The Chicago Tribune, which first reported McDonald's decision on a new oil Sunday, said the company has tested 18 varieties of oil in more than 50 blends during the last seven years.

    McDonald's had been under pressure for moving more slowly than smaller rivals Wendy's International Inc. and Yum Brands Inc.'s KFC and Taco Bell to rid its oil of the artery-clogging trans fats.

    A public health advocate who has criticized McDonald's fries as nutritionally "disastrous" applauded its move toward a new oil.

    "So many people eat there that making this change can really provide a significant benefit to the public's health," said Michael Jacobson, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest. "It also reconfirms with the restaurant industry that trans fat is a real problem and now even the biggest chain is beginning to deal with it. Hopefully now the smaller chains and mom-and-pops will also get rid of it."

    The $22 billion company was especially cautious after reneging within months on a September 2002 pledge to introduce a new oil, citing concerns about changing the taste of its fries.

    "It's just taking a little bit of time because as we move forward we don't want to jeopardize the iconic nature of the french fry, which as you know is so very important to our brand," Chief Executive Jim Skinner told an investor conference in New York two months ago.

    The company uses a healthier oil blend in some countries overseas but says regional differences in agricultural production require development of different blends.

    McDonald's has not identified the test markets the latest oil was used in. Riker denied that Phoenix was among them, as the Tribune report said.

     

     

    Jan 27

     

    Insurgents who attacked the Provincial
    Joint Coordination Center in Karbala, Iraq, were dressed in U.S.
    Army-styled combat uniforms and carried U.S.-type weapons, convincing Iraqi
    checkpoints to allow them passage, military officials released today
    .

    During the Jan. 20 attack, the enemy fighters captured and killed four
    U.S. soldiers. Another soldier was also killed and three others wounded
    in the attack on the center, located about 30 miles south of Baghdad.

    Local officials and Iraqi and coalition security forces meet at the
    center to address security needs.

    "The precision of the attack, the equipment used and the possible use
    of explosives to destroy the military vehicles in the compound suggests
    that the attack was well rehearsed prior to execution," said Army Lt.
    Col. Scott Bleichwehl, spokesman for Multinational Division Baghdad.
    "The attackers went straight to where Americans were located in the
    provincial government facility, bypassing the Iraqi police in the compound."

    At about 5 p.m. that day, a convoy consisting of at least five sport
    utility vehicles entered the Karbala compound and about 12 armed
    militants attacked the American troops with rifle fire and hand grenades,
    officials said.

    One soldier was killed and three others wounded by a hand grenade
    thrown into the center's main office. Other explosions within the compound
    destroyed three Humvees.

    The attackers withdrew with four captured U.S. soldiers and drove out
    of the Karbala province into the neighboring Babil province. Iraqi
    police began trailing the assailants after they drew suspicion at a
    checkpoint.

    Three soldiers were found dead and one fatally wounded, along with five
    abandoned vehicles, near the town of Mahawil. Two were found handcuffed
    together in the back of one of the vehicles. The other two were found
    nearby on the ground. One soldier was found alive but died en route to a
    nearby hospital. All suffered from gunshot wounds.

    Also recovered at the site were U.S. Army-type combat uniforms, boots,
    radios and a non-U.S. made rifle, officials said.

    Officials are investigating the breach in security at the center. "We
    are looking at all the evidence to determine who or what was responsible
    for the breakdown in security at the compound and the perpetration of
    the assault," Bleichwehl said. "Our hearts go out to the families of the
    fallen warriors from Karbala. They were true heroes who fought to the
    last."

    The names of four of the soldiers have been released. The fifth name is
    being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

    Killed were:

    -- Army 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz, 25, of Verdon, Neb.;

    -- Army Spc. Johnathan B. Chism, 22, of Gonzales, La.;

    -- Army Pfc. Shawn P. Falter, 25, of Cortland, N.Y.; and

    -- Army Pvt. Johnathon M. Millican, 20, of Trafford, Ala.

    The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field
    Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division,
    Fort Richardson, Alaska.

     

    Jan 26

     

    The Senate today confirmed Army Lt. Gen.
    David H. Petraeus for promotion to general and assignment as commander of
    Multinational Force Iraq.


    At a photo opportunity following a meeting with Petraeus, Defense
    Secretary Robert M. Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Marine Gen. Peter Pace
    about the way forward in Iraq, President Bush expressed gratitude to the
    Senate for acting quickly on the nomination.

    "The Senate confirmed this good man without a dissenting vote," the
    president said. "I appreciate the quick action of the United States
    Senate. I appreciate them giving General David Petraeus a fair hearing, and I
    appreciate the vote."

    Bush said he wants Petraeus to report to Iraq quickly to "implement a
    plan that we believe will yield our goals."

    The president said that despite criticism of his plan to increase U.S.
    troop presence in the Iraqi capital and in the country's troublesome
    Anbar province, he has to do what needs to be done. Most members of
    Congress, he said, recognize that failure in Iraq "would be a disaster for
    the United States."

    "I'm the decision maker," Bush said. "I had to come up with a way
    forward that precluded disaster. In other words, I had to think about what's
    likely to work. And so I worked with our military, and I worked with
    Secretary Gates to come up with a plan that is likely to succeed."

    Critics of his plan have an obligation to propose a plan they think
    will work, Bush said. "I've listened to lots of members of Congress; I've
    listened carefully to their suggestions," he said. "And I have picked
    the plan that I think is most likely to succeed, because I understand,
    like many in Congress understand, success is very important for the
    security of the country."

    Petraeus expressed his appreciation to the president, the Senate and
    his family. He also thanked "the great soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines
    and civilians who are out there on the front lines of the global war on
    terror."

    No date has been set for Petraeus to succeed Gen. George W. Casey Jr.,
    who has commanded coalition forces in Iraq since July 2004. Bush has
    nominated Casey to become Army chief of staff.

     

    Jan 24

    Bush Urges Congress to Support Victory Strategy in Iraq 

    Citing freedom's progress in the Middle
    East, the ambitions of a thinking and determined enemy and the
    consequences of failure in Iraq, President Bush tonight urged Congress in his
    State of the Union Address to support a strategy of victory in Iraq.

    "On this day, at this hour, it is still within our power to shape the
    outcome of this battle," Bush told members of the Senate and the House
    of Representatives. "So let us find our resolve and turn events toward
    victory."

    Bush cited a thirst for freedom that has grown in the Middle East.

    "In the last two years, we have seen the desire for liberty in the
    broader Middle East, and we have been sobered by the enemy's fierce
    reaction," he said. "In 2005, the world watched as the citizens of Lebanon
    raised the banner of the Cedar Revolution, drove out the Syrian occupiers
    and chose new leaders in free elections. In 2005, the people of
    Afghanistan defied the terrorists and elected a democratic legislature."

    Also in 2005, Bush said, the Iraqi people chose a transitional
    government, adopted the most progressive, democratic constitution in the Arab
    world, and then elected a government under that constitution. "Despite
    endless threats from the killers in their midst, nearly 12 million Iraqi
    citizens came out to vote in a show of hope and solidarity we should
    never forget," he said.

    Enemies of freedom saw all this and adjusted their tactics, the
    president said. "In Lebanon, assassins took the life of Pierre Gemayel, a
    prominent participant in the Cedar Revolution," he said. "And Hezbollah
    terrorists, with support from Syria and Iran, sowed conflict in the region
    and are seeking to undermine Lebanon's legitimately elected
    government."

    Taliban and al Qaeda fighters have regrouped in Afghanistan and tried
    to regain power by engaging Afghan and NATO forces, and al Qaeda and
    other Sunni extremists in Iraq blew up the Golden Mosque of Samarra, one
    of Shiia Islam's holiest shrines, almost a year ago. The Golden Mosque
    attack was intended to provoke reprisals, Bush said, and the resulting
    sectarian violence has continued.

    "This is not the fight we entered in Iraq, but it is the fight we are
    in," Bush said. "Every one of us wishes that this war were over and won.
    Yet it would not be like us to leave our promises unkept, our friends
    abandoned and our own security at risk."

    Bush said that while it's the Iraqi government's responsibility to put
    an end to the sectarian violence, he's sending more than 20,000 U.S.
    soldiers and Marines to help Iraqi security forces that aren't yet up to
    the task. "We did not drive al Qaeda out of their safe haven in
    Afghanistan only to let them set up a new safe haven in a free Iraq," he said.

    "If American forces step back before Baghdad is secure, the Iraqi
    government would be overrun by extremists on all sides," Bush said. "We
    could expect an epic battle between Shiia extremists backed by Iran and
    Sunni extremists aided by al Qaeda and supporters of the old regime. A
    contagion of violence could spill out across the country. And, in time,
    the entire region could be drawn into the conflict."

    Bush called this a "nightmare scenario" for America and the objective
    of the enemy.

    "Chaos is their greatest ally in this struggle," he said. "And out of
    chaos in Iraq would emerge an emboldened enemy with new safe havens, new
    recruits, new resources and an even greater determination to harm
    America."

    Success in the war on terror often is measured by the things that did
    not happen, Bush said.

    "We cannot know the full extent of the attacks that we and our allies
    have prevented," he said, "but here is some of what we do know:

    "We stopped an al Qaeda plot to fly a hijacked airplane into the
    tallest building on the West Coast.

    "We broke up a Southeast Asian terrorist cell grooming operatives for
    attacks inside the United States.

    "We uncovered an al Qaeda cell developing anthrax to be used in attacks
    against America.

    "And, just last August, British authorities uncovered a plot to blow up
    passenger planes bound for America over the Atlantic Ocean."

    Bush said every success "is a reminder of the shoreless ambitions of
    this enemy."

    "The evil that inspired and rejoiced in 9/11 is still at work in the
    world," he said. "And so long as that is the case, America is still a
    nation at war."

    Terrorists have made their intentions clear, he said. "They want to
    overthrow moderate governments and establish safe havens from which to
    plan and carry out new attacks on our country," he said. "By killing and
    terrorizing Americans, they want to force our country to retreat from
    the world and abandon the cause of liberty. They would then be free to
    impose their will and spread their totalitarian ideology."

    Bush said the United States is not in the struggle alone, noting
    international cooperation in various troubled areas of the world.

    "In Iraq, multinational forces are operating under a mandate from the
    United Nations, and we are working with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and
    the Gulf States to increase support for Iraq's government," he said.
    "The United Nations has imposed sanctions on Iran and made it clear that
    the world will not allow the regime in Tehran to acquire nuclear
    weapons."

    With the U.N., the European Union and Russia, the United States is
    working to establish a democratic Palestinian state living side by side
    with Israel, Bush said.

    "In Afghanistan," he continued, "NATO has taken the lead in turning
    back the Taliban and al Qaeda offensive -- the first time the Alliance has
    deployed forces outside the North Atlantic area. Together with our
    partners in China, Japan, Russia and South Korea, we are pursuing intensive
    diplomacy to achieve a Korean peninsula free of nuclear weapons."

     

    Jan 23

     

    The text of President Bush's State of the Union address, as prepared for delivery, as provided by the White House:

     

    Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, distinguished guests and fellow citizens:

     

    This rite of custom brings us together at a defining hour -- when decisions are hard and courage is tested. We enter the year 2007 with large endeavors underway, and others that are ours to begin. In all of this, much is asked of us. We must have the will to face difficult challenges and determined enemies -- and the wisdom to face them together.

     

    Some in this Chamber are new to the House and Senate — and I congratulate the Democratic majority. Congress has changed, but our responsibilities have not. Each of us is guided by our own convictions — and to these we must stay faithful. Yet we are all held to the same standards, and called to serve the same good purposes: To extend this nation's prosperity ... to spend the people's money wisely ... to solve problems, not leave them to future generations ... to guard America against all evil, and to keep faith with those we have sent forth to defend us.

     

    We are not the first to come here with government divided and uncertainty in the air. Like many before us, we can work through our differences, and achieve big things for the American people. Our citizens don't much care which side of the aisle we sit on — as long as we are willing to cross that aisle when there is work to be done. Our job is to make life better for our fellow Americans, and help them to build a future of hope and opportunity -- and this is the business before us tonight.

     

    A future of hope and opportunity begins with a growing economy -- and that is what we have. We are now in the 41st month of uninterrupted job growth — in a recovery that has created 7.2 million new jobs ... so far. Unemployment is low, inflation is low, and wages are rising. This economy is on the move — and our job is to keep it that way, not with more government but with more enterprise.

     

    Next week, I will deliver a full report on the state of our economy. Tonight, I want to discuss three economic reforms that deserve to be priorities for this Congress.

     

    First, we must balance the federal budget. We can do so without raising taxes. What we need to do is impose spending discipline in Washington, D.C. We set a goal of cutting the deficit in half by 2009 — and met that goal three years ahead of schedule. Now let us take the next step. In the coming weeks, I will submit a budget that eliminates the federal deficit within the next five years. I ask you to make the same commitment. Together, we can restrain the spending appetite of the federal government, and balance the federal budget.

     

    Next, there is the matter of earmarks. These special interest items are often slipped into bills at the last hour — when not even C-SPAN is watching. In 2005 alone, the number of earmarks grew to over 13,000 and totaled nearly $18 billion. Even worse, over 90 percent of earmarks never make it to the floor of the House and Senate — they are dropped into Committee reports that are not even part of the bill that arrives on my desk. You did not vote them into law. I did not sign them into law. Yet they are treated as if they have the force of law. The time has come to end this practice. So let us work together to reform the budget process ... expose every earmark to the light of day and to a vote in Congress and cut the number and cost of earmarks at least in half by the end of this session.

     

    Finally, to keep this economy strong we must take on the challenge of entitlements. Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid are commitments of conscience — and so it is our duty to keep them permanently sound. Yet we are failing in that duty — and this failure will one day leave our children with three bad options: huge tax increases, huge deficits, or huge and immediate cuts in benefits. Everyone in this Chamber knows this to be true — yet somehow we have not found it in ourselves to act. So let us work together and do it now. With enough good sense and good will, you and I can fix Medicare and Medicaid — and save Social Security.

     

    Spreading opportunity and hope in America also requires public schools that give children the knowledge and character they need in life. Five years ago, we rose above partisan differences to pass the No Child Left Behind Act — preserving local control, raising standards in public schools, and holding those schools accountable for results. And because we acted, students are performing better in reading and math, and minority students are closing the achievement gap.

     

    Now the task is to build on this success, without watering down standards ... without taking control from local communities ... and without backsliding and calling it reform. We can lift student achievement even higher by giving local leaders flexibility to turn around failing schools ... and by giving families with children stuck in failing schools the right to choose something better. We must increase funds for students who struggle — and make sure these children get the special help they need. And we can make sure our children are prepared for the jobs of the future, and our country is more competitive, by strengthening math and science skills. The No Child Left Behind Act has worked for America's children — and I ask Congress to reauthorize this good law.

     

    A future of hope and opportunity requires that all our citizens have affordable and available health care. When it comes to health care, government has an obligation to care for the elderly, the disabled, and poor children. We will meet those responsibilities. For all other Americans, private health insurance is the best way to meet their needs. But many Americans cannot afford a health insurance policy.

     

    Tonight, I propose two new initiatives to help more Americans afford their own insurance. First, I propose a standard tax deduction for health insurance that will be like the standard tax deduction for dependents. Families with health insurance will pay no income or payroll taxes on $15,000 of their income. Single Americans with health insurance will pay no income or payroll taxes on $7,500 of their income. With this reform, more than 100 million men, women, and children who are now covered by employer-provided insurance will benefit from lower tax bills.

     

    At the same time, this reform will level the playing field for those who do not get health insurance through their job. For Americans who now purchase health insurance on their own, my proposal would mean a substantial tax savings — $4,500 for a family of four making $60,000 a year. And for the millions of other Americans who have no health insurance at all, this deduction would help put a basic private health insurance plan within their reach. Changing the tax code is a vital and necessary step to making health care affordable for more Americans.

     

    My second proposal is to help the states that are coming up with innovative ways to cover the uninsured. States that make basic private health insurance available to all their citizens should receive federal funds to help them provide this coverage to the poor and the sick. I have asked the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work with Congress to take existing federal funds and use them to create "Affordable Choices" grants. These grants would give our Nation's governors more money and more flexibility to get private health insurance to those most in need.

     

    There are many other ways that Congress can help. We need to expand Health Savings Accounts ... help small businesses through Association Health Plans ... reduce costs and medical errors with better information technology ... encourage price transparency ... and protect good doctors from junk lawsuits by passing medical liability reform. And in all we do, we must remember that the best health care decisions are made not by government and insurance companies, but by patients and their doctors.

     

    Extending hope and opportunity in our country requires an immigration system worthy of America — with laws that are fair and borders that are secure. When laws and borders are routinely violated, this harms the interests of our country. To secure our border, we are doubling the size of the Border Patrol — and funding new infrastructure and technology.

     

    Yet even with all these steps, we cannot fully secure the border unless we take pressure off the border — and that requires a temporary worker program. We should establish a legal and orderly path for foreign workers to enter our country to work on a temporary basis. As a result, they won't have to try to sneak in — and that will leave border agents free to chase down drug smugglers, and criminals, and terrorists. We will enforce our immigration laws at the worksite, and give employers the tools to verify the legal status of their workers — so there is no excuse left for violating the law. We need to uphold the great tradition of the melting pot that welcomes and assimilates new arrivals. And we need to resolve the status of the illegal immigrants who are already in our country — without animosity and without amnesty.

     

    Convictions run deep in this Capitol when it comes to immigration. Let us have a serious, civil, and conclusive debate — so that you can pass, and I can sign, comprehensive immigration reform into law.

     

    Extending hope and opportunity depends on a stable supply of energy that keeps America's economy running and America's environment clean. For too long our Nation has been dependent on foreign oil. And this dependence leaves us more vulnerable to hostile regimes, and to terrorists — who could cause huge disruptions of oil shipments ... raise the price of oil ... and do great harm to our economy.

     

    It is in our vital interest to diversify America's energy supply — and the way forward is through technology. We must continue changing the way America generates electric power — by even greater use of clean coal technology ... solar and wind energy ... and clean, safe nuclear power. We need to press on with battery research for plug-in and hybrid vehicles, and expand the use of clean diesel vehicles and biodiesel fuel. We must continue investing in new methods of producing ethanol — using everything from wood chips, to grasses, to agricultural wastes.

     

    We have made a lot of progress, thanks to good policies in Washington and the strong response of the market. Now even more dramatic advances are within reach. Tonight, I ask Congress to join me in pursuing a great goal. Let us build on the work we have done and reduce gasoline usage in the United States by 20 percent in the next ten years — thereby cutting our total imports by the equivalent of three-quarters of all the oil we now import from the Middle East.

     

    To reach this goal, we must increase the supply of alternative fuels, by setting a mandatory Fuels Standard to require 35 billion gallons of renewable and alternative fuels in 2017 — this is nearly five times the current target. At the same time, we need to reform and modernize fuel economy standards for cars the way we did for light trucks — and conserve up to eight and a half billion more gallons of gasoline by 2017.

     

    Achieving these ambitious goals will dramatically reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but will not eliminate it. So as we continue to diversify our fuel supply, we must also step up domestic oil production in environmentally sensitive ways. And to further protect America against severe disruptions to our oil supply, I ask Congress to double the current capacity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

     

    America is on the verge of technological breakthroughs that will enable us to live our lives less dependent on oil. These technologies will help us become better stewards of the environment — and they will help us to confront the serious challenge of global climate change.

     

    A future of hope and opportunity requires a fair, impartial system of justice. The lives of citizens across our Nation are affected by the outcome of cases pending in our federal courts. And we have a shared obligation to ensure that the federal courts have enough judges to hear those cases and deliver timely rulings. As President, I have a duty to nominate qualified men and women to vacancies on the federal bench. And the United States Senate has a duty as well — to give those nominees a fair hearing, and a prompt up-or-down vote on the Senate floor.

     

    For all of us in this room, there is no higher responsibility than to protect the people of this country from danger. Five years have come and gone since we saw the scenes and felt the sorrow that terrorists can cause. We have had time to take stock of our situation. We have added many critical protections to guard the homeland. We know with certainty that the horrors of that September morning were just a glimpse of what the terrorists intend for us — unless we stop them.

     

    With the distance of time, we find ourselves debating the causes of conflict and the course we have followed. Such debates are essential when a great democracy faces great questions. Yet one question has surely been settled — that to win the war on terror we must take the fight to the enemy.

     

    From the start, America and our allies have protected our people by staying on the offense. The enemy knows that the days of comfortable sanctuary, easy movement, steady financing, and free flowing communications are long over. For the terrorists, life since Nine-Eleven has never been the same.

     

    Our success in this war is often measured by the things that did not happen. We cannot know the full extent of the attacks that we and our allies have prevented — but here is some of what we do know: We stopped an al-Qaida plot to fly a hijacked airplane into the tallest building on the West Coast. We broke up a Southeast Asian terrorist cell grooming operatives for attacks inside the United States. We uncovered an al-Qaida cell developing anthrax to be used in attacks against America. And just last August, British authorities uncovered a plot to blow up passenger planes bound for America over the Atlantic Ocean. For each life saved, we owe a debt of gratitude to the brave public servants who devote their lives to finding the terrorists and stopping them.

     

    Every success against the terrorists is a reminder of the shoreless ambitions of this enemy. The evil that inspired and rejoiced in 9/11 is still at work in the world. And so long as that is the case, America is still a nation at war.

     

    In the minds of the terrorists, this war began well before September 11th, and will not end until their radical vision is fulfilled. And these past five years have given us a much clearer view of the nature of this enemy. Al-Qaida and its followers are Sunni extremists, possessed by hatred and commanded by a harsh and narrow ideology. Take almost any principle of civilization, and their goal is the opposite. They preach with threats ... instruct with bullets and bombs ... and promise paradise for the murder of the innocent.

     

    Our enemies are quite explicit about their intentions. They want to overthrow moderate governments, and establish safe havens from which to plan and carry out new attacks on our country. By killing and terrorizing Americans, they want to force our country to retreat from the world and abandon the cause of liberty. They would then be free to impose their will and spread their totalitarian ideology. Listen to this warning from the late terrorist Zarqawi: "We will sacrifice our blood and bodies to put an end to your dreams, and what is coming is even worse." And Osama bin Laden declared: "Death is better than living on this Earth with the unbelievers among us."

     

    These men are not given to idle words, and they are just one camp in the Islamist radical movement. In recent times, it has also become clear that we face an escalating danger from Shia extremists who are just as hostile to America, and are also determined to dominate the Middle East. Many are known to take direction from the regime in Iran, which is funding and arming terrorists like Hezbollah — a group second only to al-Qaida in the American lives it has taken.

     

    The Shia and Sunni extremists are different faces of the same totalitarian threat. But whatever slogans they chant, when they slaughter the innocent, they have the same wicked purposes. They want to kill Americans ... kill democracy in the Middle East ... and gain the weapons to kill on an even more horrific scale.

     

    In the sixth year since our nation was attacked, I wish I could report to you that the dangers have ended. They have not. And so it remains the policy of this government to use every lawful and proper tool of intelligence, diplomacy, law enforcement, and military action to do our duty, to find these enemies, and to protect the American people.

     

    This war is more than a clash of arms — it is a decisive ideological struggle, and the security of our nation is in the balance. To prevail, we must remove the conditions that inspire blind hatred, and drove 19 men to get onto airplanes and come to kill us. What every terrorist fears most is human freedom — societies where men and women make their own choices, answer to their own conscience, and live by their hopes instead of their resentments. Free people are not drawn to violent and malignant ideologies — and most will choose a better way when they are given a chance. So we advance our own security interests by helping moderates, reformers, and brave voices for democracy. The great question of our day is whether America will help men and women in the Middle East to build free societies and share in the rights of all humanity. And I say, for the sake of our own security ... we must.

     

    In the last two years, we have seen the desire for liberty in the broader Middle East — and we have been sobered by the enemy's fierce reaction. In 2005, the world watched as the citizens of Lebanon raised the banner of the Cedar Revolution ... drove out the Syrian occupiers ... and chose new leaders in free elections. In 2005, the people of Afghanistan defied the terrorists and elected a democratic legislature. And in 2005, the Iraqi people held three national elections — choosing a transitional government ... adopting the most progressive, democratic constitution in the Arab world and then electing a government under that constitution. Despite endless threats from the killers in their midst, nearly 12 million Iraqi citizens came out to vote in a show of hope and solidarity we should never forget.

     

    A thinking enemy watched all of these scenes, adjusted their tactics, and in 2006 they struck back. In Lebanon, assassins took the life of Pierre Gemayel, a prominent participant in the Cedar Revolution. And Hezbollah terrorists, with support from Syria and Iran, sowed conflict in the region and are seeking to undermine Lebanon's legitimately elected government. In Afghanistan, Taliban and al-Qaida fighters tried to regain power by regrouping and engaging Afghan and NATO forces. In Iraq, al-Qaida and other Sunni extremists blew up one of the most sacred places in Shia Islam — the Golden Mosque of Samarra. This atrocity, directed at a Muslim house of prayer, was designed to provoke retaliation from Iraqi Shia — and it succeeded. Radical Shia elements, some of whom receive support from Iran, formed death squads. The result was a tragic escalation of sectarian rage and reprisal that continues to this day.

     

    This is not the fight we entered in Iraq, but it is the fight we are in. Every one of us wishes that this war were over and won. Yet it would not be like us to leave our promises unkept, our friends abandoned, and our own security at risk. Ladies and gentlemen: On this day, at this hour, it is still within our power to shape the outcome of this battle. So let us find our resolve, and turn events toward victory.

     

    We are carrying out a new strategy in Iraq — a plan that demands more from Iraq's elected government, and gives our forces in Iraq the reinforcements they need to complete their mission. Our goal is a democratic Iraq that upholds the rule of law, respects the rights of its people, provides them security, and is an ally in the war on terror.

     

    In order to make progress toward this goal, the Iraqi government must stop the sectarian violence in its capital. But the Iraqis are not yet ready to do this on their own. So we are deploying reinforcements of more than 20,000 additional soldiers and Marines to Iraq. The vast majority will go to Baghdad, where they will help Iraqi forces to clear and secure neighborhoods, and serve as advisers embedded in Iraqi Army units. With Iraqis in the lead, our forces will help secure the city by chasing down terrorists, insurgents, and roaming death squads. And in Anbar province — where al-Qaida terrorists have gathered and local forces have begun showing a willingness to fight them — we are sending an additional 4,000 United States Marines, with orders to find the terrorists and clear them out. We did not drive al-Qaida out of their safe haven in Afghanistan only to let them set up a new safe haven in a free Iraq.

     

    The people of Iraq want to live in peace, and now is the time for their government to act. Iraq's leaders know that our commitment is not open ended. They have promised to deploy more of their own troops to secure Baghdad — and they must do so. They have pledged that they will confront violent radicals of any faction or political party. They need to follow through, and lift needless restrictions on Iraqi and Coalition forces, so these troops can achieve their mission of bringing security to all of the people of Baghdad. Iraq's leaders have committed themselves to a series of benchmarks to achieve reconciliation — to share oil revenues among all of Iraq's citizens ... to put the wealth of Iraq into the rebuilding of Iraq ... to allow more Iraqis to re-enter their nation's civic life ... to hold local elections ... and to take responsibility for security in every Iraqi province. But for all of this to happen, Baghdad must be secured. And our plan will help the Iraqi government take back its capital and make good on its commitments.

     

    My fellow citizens, our military commanders and I have carefully weighed the options. We discussed every possible approach. In the end, I chose this course of action because it provides the best chance of success. Many in this chamber understand that America must not fail in Iraq — because you understand that the consequences of failure would be grievous and far-reaching.

     

    If American forces step back before Baghdad is secure, the Iraqi government would be overrun by extremists on all sides. We could expect an epic battle between Shia extremists backed by Iran, and Sunni extremists aided by al-Qaida and supporters of the old regime. A contagion of violence could spill out across the country — and in time the entire region could be drawn into the conflict.

     

    For America, this is a nightmare scenario. For the enemy, this is the objective. Chaos is their greatest ally in this struggle. And out of chaos in Iraq, would emerge an emboldened enemy with new safe havens ... new recruits ... new resources ... and an even greater determination to harm America. To allow this to happen would be to ignore the lessons of September 11th and invite tragedy. And ladies and gentlemen, nothing is more important at this moment in our history than for America to succeed in the Middle East ... to succeed in Iraq ... and to spare the American people from this danger.

     

    This is where matters stand tonight, in the here and now. I have spoken with many of you in person. I respect you and the arguments you have made. We went into this largely united — in our assumptions, and in our convictions. And whatever you voted for, you did not vote for failure. Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq — and I ask you to give it a chance to work. And I ask you to support our troops in the field — and those on their way.

     

    The war on terror we fight today is a generational struggle that will continue long after you and I have turned our duties over to others. That is why it is important to work together so our Nation can see this great effort through. Both parties and both branches should work in close consultation. And this is why I propose to establish a special advisory council on the war on terror, made up of leaders in Congress from both political parties. We will share ideas for how to position America to meet every challenge that confronts us. And we will show our enemies abroad that we are united in the goal of victory.

     

    One of the first steps we can take together is to add to the ranks of our military — so that the American Armed Forces are ready for all the challenges ahead. Tonight I ask the Congress to authorize an increase in the size of our active Army and Marine Corps by 92,000 in the next five years. A second task we can take on together is to design and establish a volunteer Civilian Reserve Corps. Such a corps would function much like our military reserve. It would ease the burden on the Armed Forces by allowing us to hire civilians with critical skills to serve on missions abroad when America needs them. And it would give people across America who do not wear the uniform a chance to serve in the defining struggle of our time.

     

    Americans can have confidence in the outcome of this struggle — because we are not in this struggle alone. We have a diplomatic strategy that is rallying the world to join in the fight against extremism. In Iraq, multinational forces are operating under a mandate from the United Nations — and we are working with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Gulf States to increase support for Iraq's government. The United Nations has imposed sanctions on Iran, and made it clear that the world will not allow the regime in Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons. With the other members of the Quartet — the UN, the European Union, and Russia — we are pursuing diplomacy to help bring peace to the Holy Land, and pursuing the establishment of a democratic Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel in peace and security. In Afghanistan, NATO has taken the lead in turning back the Taliban and al-Qaida offensive — the first time the Alliance has deployed forces outside the North Atlantic area. Together with our partners in China, Japan, Russia, and South Korea, we are pursuing intensive diplomacy to achieve a Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons. And we will continue to speak out for the cause of freedom in places like Cuba, Belarus, and Burma — and continue to awaken the conscience of the world to save the people of Darfur.

     

    American foreign policy is more than a matter of war and diplomacy. Our work in the world is also based on a timeless truth: To whom much is given, much is required. We hear the call to take on the challenges of hunger, poverty, and disease — and that is precisely what America is doing. We must continue to fight HIV/AIDS, especially on the continent of Africa — and because you funded our Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the number of people receiving lifesaving drugs has grown from 50,000 to more than 800,000 in three short years. I ask you to continue funding our efforts to fight HIV/AIDS. I ask you to provide $1.2 billion over five years so we can combat malaria in 15 African countries. I ask that you fund the Millennium Challenge Account, so that American aid reaches the people who need it, in nations where democracy is on the rise and corruption is in retreat. And let us continue to support the expanded trade and debt relief that are the best hope for lifting lives and eliminating poverty.

     

    When America serves others in this way, we show the strength and generosity of our country. These deeds reflect the character of our people. The greatest strength we have is the heroic kindness, courage and self-sacrifice of the American people. You see this spirit often if you know where to look — and tonight we need only look above to the gallery.

     

    Dikembe Mutombo grew up in Africa, amid great poverty and disease. He came to Georgetown University on a scholarship to study medicine — but Coach John Thompson got a look at Dikembe and had a different idea. Dikembe became a star in the NBA, and a citizen of the United States. But he never forgot the land of his birth — or the duty to share his blessings with others. He has built a brand new hospital in his hometown. A friend has said of this good hearted man: "Mutombo believes that God has given him this opportunity to do great things." And we are proud to call this son of the Congo our fellow American.

     

    After her daughter was born, Julie Aigner-Clark searched for ways to share her love of music and art with her child. So she borrowed some equipment, and began filming children's videos in her basement. The Baby Einstein Company was born — and in just five years her business grew to more than $20 million in sales. In November 2001, Julie sold Baby Einstein to the Walt Disney Company, and with her help Baby Einstein has grown into a $200 million business. Julie represents the great enterprising spirit of America. And she is using her success to help others — producing child safety videos with John Walsh of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Julie says of her new project: "I believe it's the most important thing that I've ever done. I believe that children have the right to live in a world that is safe." We are pleased to welcome this talented business entrepreneur and generous social entrepreneur — Julie Aigner-Clark.

     

    Three weeks ago, Wesley Autrey was waiting at a Harlem subway station with his two little girls, when he saw a man fall into the path of a train. With seconds to act, Wesley jumped onto the tracks ... pulled the man into a space between the rails ... and held him as the train passed right above their heads. He insists he's not a hero. Wesley says: "We got guys and girls overseas dying for us to have our freedoms. We got to show each other some love." There is something wonderful about a country that produces a brave and humble man like Wesley Autrey.

     

    Tommy Rieman was a teenager pumping gas in Independence, Kentucky, when he enlisted in the United States Army. In December 2003, he was on a reconnaissance mission in Iraq when his team came under heavy enemy fire. From his Humvee, Sergeant Rieman returned fire — and used his body as a shield to protect his gunner. He was shot in the chest and arm, and received shrapnel wounds to his legs — yet he refused medical attention, and stayed in the fight. He helped to repel a second attack, firing grenades at the enemy's position. For his exceptional courage, Sergeant Rieman was awarded the Silver Star. And like so many other Americans who have volunteered to defend us, he has earned the respect and gratitude of our whole country.

     

    In such courage and compassion, ladies and gentlemen, we see the spirit and character of America — and these qualities are not in short supply. This is a decent and honorable country — and resilient, too. We have been through a lot together. We have met challenges and faced dangers, and we know that more lie ahead. Yet we can go forward with confidence — because the State of our Union is strong ... our cause in the world is right ... and tonight that cause goes on.

     

    New National Defense Exemption to Marine Mammal Protection Act
    Authorized for Navy


     Following consultation with the Department of Commerce, the Department
    of Defense today announced authorization of a two-year national defense
    exemption from requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
    for naval activity involving mid-frequency active sonar use, and a new
    sensor that uses small explosive charges, during major training
    exercises and on established ranges and operating areas.

    This period provides the Navy time necessary to continue coordination
    with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
    and the public as the Navy continues its analysis of activities on major
    range complexes and obtains any necessary authorizations from NOAA.

    The Navy's position is that continued training with active sonar is
    absolutely essential in protecting the lives of our sailors and defending
    the nation.Increasingly quiet diesel-electric submarines continue to
    proliferate throughout the world.

    "The Navy has worked closely with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
    Administration on our long-term compliance strategy, and the national
    defense exemption is an agreed upon part of the strategy.It allows both
    agencies to apply resources to the long-term plan," said Navy Rear Adm.
    James Symonds, director of environmental readiness.

    "We will continue to employ stringent mitigation measures, developed
    with NOAA's concurrence, to protect marine mammals during all sonar
    activities," said Symonds.

    In 2002, the Navy began implementation of a comprehensive, fully
    funded strategy to ensure we comply with applicable federal laws.In
    coordination with the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Navy will continue
    execution of that plan, and this limited exemption enables us to do
    that.In 2006, in close coordination with the National Marine Fisheries
    Service, an execution plan was finalized that will result in completion of
    full environmental documentation of all major Navy training and
    exercise areas. The process of completing this documentation, including the
    required analysis and public comment periods, is a multi-year effort.
    This limited exemption provides a bridge as this plan is executed. The
    provisions of the exemption apply only during the period required to
    complete each area's environmental documentation. As each is completed, the
    exemption will no longer apply in that area.

    The Navy's compliance plan will ultimately cover all major U.S. Navy
    ranges and operating areas with environmental impact statements under
    the National Environmental Policy Act, and any necessary letters of
    authorization under the MMPA and consultation under the Endangered Species
    Act as required.Navy policy mandates that all its ranges and operating
    areas be covered by overarching compliance actions by the end of fiscal
    2009.Several of the operating area projects have notices of intent to
    prepare an environmental impact statement already published in the
    Federal Register, the beginning step in the comprehensive procedure which
    will involve public participation.

    Authority for the exemption was included by Congress in the National
    Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2004.

     

     

    Bush Wants Moonshine: Analyst

     January 23, 2007 -- At 9 p.m. EST, millions will gather to watch the President's 2007 State of the Union Address. Surrounded by Democrats and sporting an approval rating that rivals Nixon at his nadir, you can be sure the President will be the most uncomfortable man in the room.

    But it's what you'll hear tonight that will catch everyone off guard.

    According to Renewable Energy Analyst Jeff Siegel of GreenChipStocks.com, tonight's speech will go down in history as "the biggest endorsement the renewables industry, specifically ethanol, has ever experienced."

    Siegel explains that, among the main items in tonight's address, President Bush will call for a massive increase in ethanol production through government mandates and initiatives.

     

    He goes on to explain how there's no better evidence of the world's dwindling fossil fuel supplies than to hear George W. Bush, former oil man, tell our nation that we need to find other sources of energy.

    The announcement tonight, Siegel believes, is going to be the match that sets the ethanol industry alight.

    Late last year we saw dozens of tiny ethanol companies lose steam. But after tonight's speech, Siegel warns, there's going to be a lot more support for ethanol stocks as the Republicans and the Democrats compete to be the first to pass a new energy law. However, Siegel says, "you have to know what ethanol stocks to buy, and which to avoid."

    In his latest report he explains how it's more than just making some moonshine in your back yard. "It's as much a transportation technology business as it is a manufacturing one."

    Siegel's advice in the renewables industry has already steered thousands to some of the renewables industry's most explosive companies. And tonight's speech is going to set a few select companies on fire the following morning.

    Jeff Siegel is the managing editor of "Green Chip Stocks," an investment advisory service that focuses on stocks in the renewable energies markets. Green Chip Stocks is published by Angel Publishing.

    This report was filed by James McAndrews, a frequent contributor to the e-letter Green Chip Review. Readers may receive a free copy of Green Chip Review and Siegel's most recent research report, "Renewable Profits: The Next Generation" here: http://www.greenchipstocks.com/subscribe/482

     

    Jan 22

     

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff thanked Colombia's leaders here yesterday for using their country's long experience in its counter-drug effort to help the Afghan government fight a similar battle.

    "I should thank President (Alvaro) Uribe and the entire government here in Colombia for the way that he and his leaders have reached out to (Afghan) President (Hamid) Karzai and his government to provide experience, to provide teams of experts, to go sit and talk with President Karzai and the folks he has working the counter-drug (issue)," Marine Gen. Peter Pace said. "It's been a very helpful contribution by the Colombian government." Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manual Santos, who joined Pace and Gen. Freddy Padilla, commander of the Colombian armed forces, at a joint news conference, pledged continued support for Afghanistan. The Colombians have sent National Police members to train Afghan army and police forces in both counter-drug and counter-insurgency operations. Pace said Colombia has set a model for countering drug trafficking and narcoterrorism that could work for Afghanistan, too. Under that model, Colombia's armed forces have cleared specific areas of terrorists, and the government has followed in those areas with projects that have brought electricity, water and jobs to the people, Pace said. But another important part of the model is an amnesty program for members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC, to leave terrorist activity behind, the general said. Under that program, FARC members can come forward, lay down their weapons and, with the help of a government-supported education process, become productive members of society. "I think those kinds of outreach programs by the Colombian government are a good model for President Karzai to consider as he looks at how to reduce the amount of drug trafficking in his country and to provide stability and jobs for his citizens," Pace said. The chairman expressed optimism that U.S. Ambassador to Colombia William Wood, who was nominated Dec. 18 to become the ambassador to Afghanistan, will lend his experience to helping further the two countries' cooperation. "I know you will bring the same strength and determination to that position that you have here in Colombia," he said in congratulating Wood.

     

     

    Jan 21

     

    CEOs de Corporaciones Locales e Internacionales Debaten sobre el Futuro Económico y Político de México

    Luis Téllez, director de comunicaciones y transporte de México; Boris Otto, socio administrativo de Thatcher Proffitt & Wood S.C.; Alejandro Rivero, CEO de Genworth Financial; Alberto Gómez, director de investigación económica de Banamex; Rodrigo Treviño, CFO de Cemex; y Adolfo Cerezo Pérez, CFO de Telmex, se reunirán en la Ciudad de México para debatir sobre los desenvolvimientos en el sistema financiero de rápida evolución de México el jueves, 8 de febrero en la Segunda Cumbre Financiera Mexicana. Organizada por LatinFinance, el foro unirá a sectores de finanzas de consumo, comercio minorista, hipotecario, seguros, vivienda y préstamos para abordar las interminables oportunidades generadas por el impulso de la estructura económica de México.

    La Segunda Cumbre Financiera Mexicana se centrará en las oportunidades que el auge del consumidor trae a todos los sectores de la economía local, creando un México más estable y un mercado más lucrativo para los inversores extranjeros. Entre los temas a ser explorados en esta cumbre financiera internacional, dedicada a la inversión directa e indirecta en México, están: el nuevo ambiente político y económico bajo el liderazgo de Felipe Calderón; cómo y dónde el auge del consumidor está creando oportunidades para el sector financiero; capitalizando en el auge de crédito; e innovaciones en financiamiento, incluyendo la nueva ola de productos derivados y otras técnicas de gestión de riesgo.

    Los conferencistas adicionales confirmados son Guillermo Jasson, director de Morgan Stanley para América Latina; Tonatiuh Rodriguez, CIO de Afore; Jacques Rogozinski, gerente general de Inter-American Investment Corporation; David Sánchez-Tembleque, CEO de Homex; y Guillermo Babatz Torres, CEO de Sociedad Hipotecaria Federal (SHF), entre otros.

    La Segunda Cumbre Financiera Mexicana tendrá lugar en el Four Seasons Hotel en Ciudad de México el 8 de febrero.

    Para obtener información adicional o para consultar la agenda de la conferencia, visite http://www.latinfinance.com/mexicana .

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    United Nations News

     Feb 3

    UN OFFICIALS URGE GLOBAL PUSH TO REVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE

     New York, Feb 2 2007 8:00PM Top United Nations officials today called for international action to reverse environmental damage across the planet, stressing that the world body can play a key role in this effort. “Protecting the global environment is largely beyond the capacity of individual countries,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a video message to the Paris Conference for Global Ecological Governance in Paris. “The natural arena for such action is the United Nations.” Environmental degradation reverses many of the gains made by mankind in recent decades, Mr. Ban said, as it “is undercutting our fight against poverty” and “could even come to jeopardize international peace and security.” “We need clear objectives and strong ecological governance at the global level, a concept that continues to elude us,” said General Assembly President Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, who addressed the Conference. “Without radical change, we will all ultimately find ourselves in a situation of generalized precariousness,” she cautioned. Sheikha Khalifa asserted that the General Assembly is the best forum for the international community to work to combat climate change, induced by industrialization and other human endeavours. “We must, without further ado, agree on the definition of an institutional framework that will enable us to take more effective and efficient collective action,” she said. Her remarks come on the heels of the release of a UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report today, which states that global warming – manifested by atmospheric changes, melting glaciers, extreme temperatures and rising sea levels – is most likely caused by human activities. “Momentum for action is building; this new report should spur policymakers to get off the fence and put strong and effective policies in place to tackle greenhouse gas emissions,” said Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme  2007-02-02 00:00:00.000

     

    LEGENDARY ITALIAN COMPOSER PERFORMS AT UN IN SUPPORT OF ITS GLOBAL WORK

     New York, Feb 2 2007 8:00PM Renowned Italian composer and conductor Ennio Morricone performed a concert this evening at the United Nations entitled “Message for Peace” in support of the Organization’s global work. The concert, held in the General Assembly Hall at UN Headquarters in New York, featured a 170-piece symphony orchestra and polyphonic choir performing pieces based on original scores which were composed, orchestrated and conducted by Mr. Morricone. Selections included the composition “Voci dal Silenzio” (“Voices from Silences”) which he wrote after the events of 11 September 2001 and is in memory of victims of all massacres throughout history. Mr. Morricone, who is set to receive an Honorary Academy Award this month to celebrate his many contributions to cinematic music, dedicated tonight’s performance to all UN staff. Mr. Ban paid tribute to Mr. Morricone and his musicians “for recognizing the valiant work carried out by our men and women around the world – for peace, for human rights, for the environment, for the Millennium Development Goals.” These targets, known as MDGs, were agreed to at a 2000 UN Summit and aim to slash a host of global ills such as poverty and illiteracy by the year 2015. “Maestro Morricone, all of us working on these formidable tasks deeply appreciate this gesture of solidarity,” the Secretary-General said. In his prolific career, Mr. Morricone has scored over 450 movies and television programmes. He is a five-time Oscar nominee for the music he composed for “Days of Heaven,” “The Mission,” “The Untouchables,” “Bugsy” and “Malena.” He also helped to define the spaghetti western genre, having collaborated with famed Italian film director Sergio Leone on such movies as “A Fistful of Dollars.” Other well-known Morricone scores include “Nuevo Cinema Paradiso,” “Once Upon a Time in America” and “The Legend of 1900,” for which he won a Golden Globe Award. Mr. Ban praised Mr. Morricone’s drama-filled compositions which have “been used to tell stories about people with big dreams,” but has also showed us “the good, the bad and the ugly,” borrowing the title of one of Mr. Morricone’s most famous films. “In other words, your music could serve as the soundtrack for my first few weeks in office!” joked Mr. Ban, whose tenure as Secretary-General began on 1 January. 2007-02-02 00:00:00.000

     

    UN HUMANITARIAN ARM VOWS TO STAY IN DARFUR DESPITE RISING TIDE OF ATTACKS

    New York, Feb 2 2007 8:00PM Despite the recent alarming surge in the number of violent attacks against relief workers in the war-torn Sudanese region of Darfur, United Nations humanitarian officials pledged today to continue their work across the area, even if they have to modify operations. Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator Margareta Wahlström said Darfur is becoming one of the most dangerous areas in the world for aid workers, with many places and roads now either deemed “no go” or extremely insecure, making it difficult to reach those in need, especially in North and West Darfur. “Every day there are more people who need our help, yet our colleagues are being threatened by all sides,” she said in a statement. “We need all parties to stop the fighting and attacks. We finally need an effective ceasefire, after almost four years of relentless violence.” About 4 million people across Darfur, an impoverished region roughly the size of France, depend on 13,000 relief workers from UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for basic aid and services, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The situation continues to deteriorate: more than 2 million people are internally displaced, with another 25,000 added to that total last month alone. Fighting continues between Government forces, allied militias and rebel groups seeking greater autonomy, and officials have warned that the conflict threatens to spill over into neighbouring Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR). Ms. Wahlström said she was particularly concerned that the attacks were rising, despite repeated and clear appeals from the UN and NGOs that they should be spared. The attacks include hijackings of humanitarian convoys. Yesterday a civilian police officer with the AU peace monitoring mission in Darfur (known as AMIS) was killed at a camp in North Darfur for internally displaced persons (IDPs), and in mid-December armed groups launched a major attack against NGO compounds in the South Darfur town of Gereida. OCHA said it was also appalled by last month’s incident in which Government police and local security officials arrested and assaulted 20 UN staff members and NGO workers taking part in a social gathering in the town of Nyala. “We have been promised a full investigation into this terrible incident,” Ms. Wahlström said. “The Government has to ensure that the perpetrators will be held accountable, and send a strong message that it will not tolerate attacks against relief workers by its own officials or anyone else.” 2007-02-02 00:00:00.000

     

    Feb 2

     

    FACING RISING NUMBERS OF CITY DWELLERS, UN AGENCY LAUNCHES ‘URBAN FARMING’ CAMPAIGN

    New York, Feb 1 2007 8:00PM The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization is launching a programme to promote urban farming across the developing world as projections show that the number of city dwellers in those countries will continue to surge dramatically. Nine African countries are participating in FAO’s “Food for the Cities” programme, where thousands of hectares of urban land are being transformed into allotment gardens to grow fresh vegetables. All the food is being grown according to quality agricultural practices to ensure the produce is fresh, safe and healthy, FAO said in a statement issued today at its headquarters in Rome. The gardens – especially those in slum districts – will also serve as valuable green spaces in often congested and polluted cities. Some of the allotment farmers have already signed contracts with local supermarkets to sell their produce or set up kiosks to market surplus products to the neighbourhood. In a related project in the Colombian cities of Bogota and Medellin, the FAO has launched a pilot scheme to support the production of vegetables by internally displaced persons (IDPs). The campaign has been established in response to the rapid rise of urban dwellers around the world; this year, for the first time in history, the world’s urban population exceeds the number living in rural areas. The rate of change is most acute in the developing world, where many new urban residents live in slums on the edge of cities. In sub-Saharan Africa, slum residents account for as much as three-quarters of the entire population of some cities. UN demographers expect the trend to continue, with two-thirds of the world’s peoples living in cities by 2030. “There will be a huge increase in urban populations,” said Alexander Müller, Acting Head of FAO’s Agriculture and Consumer Department. “Making sure they have the food they need will pose an unprecedented challenge.” The participating countries in the FAO project are the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Senegal, Gabon, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Egypt and Mali. 2007-02-01 00:00:00.000

     

    END RECRUITMENT OF CHILD SOLDIERS NOW, UN ENVOYS URGE SUDANESE PARTIES

    New York, Feb 1 2007 8:00PM The United Nations envoy on children and armed conflict and the deputy head of the UN Children’s Fund have urged all parties in Sudan to commit to ending child recruitment and to immediately release any children associated with their forces. Wrapping up a week-long visit to Sudan, including to strife-torn Darfur, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Radhika Coomaraswamy and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Rima Salah called for increased resources to help former child combatants reintegrate into their communities. “Children should be seen as a bridge-head in the dialogue for peace,” Ms. Coomaraswamy said. “Protecting them is crucial to building a durable peace in this country.” Ms. Salah reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting national authorities in protecting all children, noting that they “dream of being free from a culture of war and fear, and we are ready to walk hand in hand with the people of Sudan to achieve this goal.” The Special Rapporteur and Ms. Salah also welcomed a series of commitments by the Government and armed groups to reinforce child protection. The Government of National Unity has pledged to adopt and implement national legislation to criminalize recruitment of child soldiers and also to set up a joint task force with the UN on sexual violence and abuse against children. The Government of Southern Sudan will undertake an audit of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and allied forces, in collaboration with the UN, to identify and release any associated children. It will also increase spending on the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of children. Rebel groups and non-signatories to the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA), struck in May last year, have promised to cooperate with the UN on action plans to identify and release children associated with their forces and to set up a monitoring and verification system. Ms. Coomaraswamy and Ms. Salah also urged national authorities to accelerate the adoption of critical child protection legislation such as the Child Rights Bill and the Armed Forces Act, and to undertake rigorous investigation and prosecution for crimes against children, especially rape and other grave sexual violence against girls. Recent allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation of children by UN peacekeepers were also addressed during the visit, with the delegation reiterating that such abuses are unacceptable and calling for the Secretary-General's “zero tolerance” policy to be vigorously enforced. 2007-02-01 00:00:00.000

     

    Feb 1

    INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT WORKING GROUP NEARING AGREEMENT ON CRIME OF AGGRESSION

    New York, Jan 31 2007 7:00PM The countries overseeing the structure and management of the International Criminal Court are making “very good progress” towards agreement on a definition of the crime of aggression, the head of a key working group told a press conference at United Nations Headquarters today. Christian Wenaweser, Liechtenstein’s Permanent Representative to the UN and the Chairman of the Special Working Group on the Crime of Aggression of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC, said the definition – a long-running source of contention in international law – “is shaping up, to my mind, very clearly.” If a definition is agreed upon, the individual leaders of a State face potential prosecution for acts of aggression ranging from an invasion to a bombing campaign or armed blockade. But Mr. Wenaweser warned that several sticking points remain, both over the definition and what role the Security Council should play in determining whether acts of aggression by States have taken place, and the working group may not be able to agree before it is scheduled to wind up by the end of next year. The Rome Statute in 1998 that led to the creation of the ICC included the crime of aggression as one of the four categories of crimes over which it has jurisdiction (the others are genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes). But it said the Court cannot exercise its rights in the area until it has agreed on a definition, which it stated must also be consistent with the UN Charter. The working group, which has been meeting this week in New York, has been debating the question of a definition since 2002. Mr. Wenaweser said a General Assembly resolution from 1974 “which to some extent does define aggression” was proving central to the current discussions. That resolution listed many actions as fitting the definition, including armed invasions and attacks, bombardments, blockades and violations of territory. Mr. Wenaweser said it was not clear yet whether all of those acts would ultimately make the ICC definition, but he added it was likely to contain a threshold clause stating that any act of aggression must constitute a “manifest violation” of the UN Charter. Countries remain divided over whether there should be a higher threshold depending on the intended purpose behind the act of aggression, and also over whether the Security Council, the ICC or some other body should take the lead in determining whether acts of aggression have occurred. Mr. Wenaweser stressed that although the crime of aggression would apply only to the action of one State against another, it would entail individual criminal responsibility for one or more of the leaders of that State. The ICC can try cases involving individuals charged with crimes committed since July 2002, although any charges over the crime of aggression could only relate to events that take place after a definition is reached. The Security Council, the ICC Prosecutor or a State Party to the court can initiate any proceedings, and the ICC only acts when countries themselves are unwilling or unable to investigate or prosecute. Only countries that have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute are classed as States Parties to the ICC and able to serve on the assembly and working groups overseeing the Court. There are currently 104 States Parties. 2007-01-31 00:00:00.000

     

    CÔTE D’IVOIRE: UN FACILITATES BOOK DONATION TO BOLSTER UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

     New York, Jan 31 2007 7:00PM Pressing ahead with efforts to rebuild war-damaged educational institutions in Côte d’Ivoire, the United Nations peacekeeping mission there today facilitated the donation of scores of books to a university library in the north. The University of Bouaké received some 150 law-school texts delivered by the UN Mission in Côte d’Ivoire (ONUCI) from the Societé Lexis-Nexis in Paris. Côte d’Ivoire has been split between the rebel-held north and the Government-controlled south since 2002. Before the crisis the University of Bouaké library contained more than 15,000 titles. But during combat, the library was bombed and the entire campus was pillaged. The University of Bouaké re-opened in April 2006 and now has some 2,500 to 3,000 books in a storage area. The donation of a range of textbooks from “Code de Droit international des Droits de l’Homme” to “Droits des relations internationales” was the symbolic beginning of the refurbishing of the Law Library at the University of Bouaké, ONUCI said. The mission’s Chief Legal Adviser, Therese de Saint Phalle, presided over a ceremony in support of the library where speakers highlighted the importance of maintaining and developing the educational institutions in Côte d’Ivoire. 2007-01-31 00:00:00.000

    NEW UN PEACEBUILDING TOOLS POISED TO HELP STATES CONSOLIDATE STABILITY – OFFICIAL

     New York, Jan 31 2007 6:00PM The top United Nations peacebuilding official today said that fresh initiatives, bolstered by millions of dollars in resources and drawing upon the capacities and experiences of numerous agencies of the world body, are poised to aid post-conflict countries in consolidating stability and avoiding a relapse into violence. Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Carolyn McAskie told an open debate of the Security Council that three new pillars – the Peacebuilding Support Office, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and the Peacebuilding Fund – offer “a new opportunity to address this critical and fragile period in the life of a country ravaged by conflict.” The PBC, established in December 2005, operates in conjunction with several of the UN’s principal organs, namely the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), to focus on reconstruction, institution-building and the promotion of sustainable development in post-conflict countries. “Time and again it has been noted that there is a strong correlation between low levels of development and violent conflict,” ECOSOC President Dalius Cekuolis said, underscoring the necessity of providing timely assistance. “Our common objective should be to mobilize the whole institutional machinery of the United Nations to promote across-the-range policy approaches and best practices to develop answers to the complex and difficult needs of post-conflict countries and prevent their relapse into conflict.” Sierra Leone and Burundi, both recovering from devastating civil wars, are beneficiaries of the first-ever grants, aimed at generating confidence and encouraging economic recovery, to be distributed by the PBC. Critical challenges facing Sierra Leone include youth employment, consolidating democracy, and justice and security reform, according to a letter from the Chairman of the Peacebuilding Commission to the Security Council. Burundi is endeavouring to promote good governance, strengthen the rule of law and ensure community recovery. While acknowledging that the PBC is still in an “experiment” phase, the Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone, Sylvester Ekundayo Rowe, told the Council that his country’s “expectations remain high” and that it has “faith in its commitment to help us address some of the problems and challenges that require urgent attention” to generate confidence and spur economic recovery. Burundi’s Permanent Representative, Joseph Ntakirutimana, welcomed the fact that the Council was grappling with such an important subject that has the potential to offer stability, development and hope to countries such as his own which have been ravaged by conflict. As part of the first round of contributions, Burundi is due to receive $35 million from the Fund. The money, however, can “only act as a catalyst,” cautioned Ms. McAskie, who previously served as the senior UN envoy to Burundi, heading peacekeeping operation there. “Alone, it cannot address the peacebuilding resource needs of countries emerging from conflict.” Instead, she said, an integrated strategic approach is necessary to reinforce peace, pledging that the PBC will take the lead in coordinating the peacebuilding efforts of UN agencies, donors, civil society and the private sector to thwart duplication or overlap. In the long run, peacebuilding “should define the way in which we frame our interventions to ensure that we can most effectively respond to the immediate needs of a post-conflict society and keep the peace process on a sustainable track,” she said. Over a dozen speakers addressed the Council session, which heard not only from countries but also representatives of international financial institutions. Speaking for the World Bank, Oscar A. Avalle pointed out that over 1 billion of the world’s poor were either directly affected or at high risk of being affected by civil war, and 80 per cent of the world’s 20 poorest countries had suffered a major war in the past 15 years. “We can and must work together to ensure national ownership, international support and strategic collaboration amongst all partners to ensure long-term sustainable peace and development,” he said. Richard Munzberg of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreed that countries should have ownership of peacebuilding strategies, and pointed out that the IMF is actively working in both Burundi and Sierra Leone. 2007-01-31 00:00:00.000

     

     

    Jan 31

     

    UN ENVOY IN IRAQ VISITS SAUDI ARABIA SEEKING REGIONAL SUPPORT FOR PEACE EFFORTS

    New York, Jan 31 2007 11:00AM The top United Nations envoy to Iraq visited Saudi Arabia today as part of his ongoing efforts to muster regional support to bring stability to the war-torn country. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Representative Ashraf Qazi, who over the weekend conferred with Syrian officials in Damascus, met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. They discussed “recent developments in Iraq and the role of neighbouring countries in supporting efforts to reduce violence and promote stability,” the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq  said in a statement. Mr. Qazi “expressed the need for greater regional cooperation in supporting the Iraqi government’s reconciliation initiatives,” it added, noting that his meeting was part of a tour “aimed at learning the views and perceptions of governments in the region.” 2007-01-31 00:00:00.000

     

    AFGHANISTAN: UN-BACKED BODY STEPS UP EFFORTS FOR RECONSTRUCTION

     New York, Jan 31 2007 11:00AM A high-level United Nations-backed body promoting a five-year development plan for Afghanistan wound up a two-day meeting in Berlin today with a commitment to more aggressive and determined efforts to rebuild the war-torn country, ranging from improving security to easing poverty to fostering human rights. “As 2007 starts we have a window of opportunity to regain momentum,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Tom Koenigs told the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board JCMB) session attended by 23 countries and international institutions. “We have to turn the tide and to seize every opportunity in the coming months for more growth, for more effective governance,” Mr. Koenigs, JCMB co-chair, added. The JCMB, set up last year to monitor implementation of the Afghanistan Compact, a five-year blueprint for reconstruction that was signed at the London Conference in February, was holding its first session outside Afghanistan, in line with intentions to hold at least one meeting annually in a major international setting. The meeting saw new initiatives aimed at addressing evolving challenges relating to lack of security, poverty, human rights and Afghanistan’s political environment. Prominent among these were Afghan proposals for accelerated Afghanization of the national army and police, as well as in the area of economic development. Other initiatives included improved capacity development for service delivery in Afghan provinces, redoubled employment generation, new momentum in reforms at the Ministry of Interior, enhanced aid effectiveness in line with current priorities, strengthening electoral preparations and intensified efforts to address the wider regional dimensions of the conflict, in which the ousted Taliban regime has stepped up attacks. “Afghanistan is grateful for the intensified military efforts of our international partners,” the Afghan co-chair of JCMB and senior economic adviser to President Hamid Karzai, Ishaq Nadiri, said. “And we recognize that an equally aggressive effort needs to be put into creating the conditions for long-term economic stability and social progress. “Afghanistan is a post-devastation country, and the Afghan people stand determined to chart a new path with the support of our international partners. To succeed, our efforts must be comprehensive and long-term,” he added. In the 12 months since the Afghanistan Compact was adopted, despite resurgent violence and record opium production, the JCMB has been able to oversee quiet but steady progress towards many vital goals, including creation of a national appointments mechanism, technical and administrative support to the new National Assembly, and reformed oversight procedures for strengthened government transparency. Progress has also been made on creating sustainable water resource strategies and plans for irrigation and drinking water, new business organization laws, and an Action Plan on Peace, Justice and Reconciliation. 2007-01-31 00:00:00.000

     

    UN SUPPORTS LAUNCH OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF AFRICAN FOOTBALL TO BOOST DEVELOPMENT

    New York, Jan 30 2007 7:00PM Counting down to the 2010 soccer World Cup in South Africa, and boosting the continent’s efforts to improve education and health through sport, the African Union (AU), South Africa and Ethiopia have nominated 2007 as the International Year of African Football, an initiative welcomed by the United Nations as part of its global drive linking sport with development. The launch, which took place on Monday at the AU summit in Ethiopia, was also tied in to the 50th anniversary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Director of the UN New York Office of Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP), Djibril Diallo, represented the sports-related activities of the agencies, funds and programmes of the UN at the historic event. “The year 2007 will see a rolling programme of activities in AU Member States with a view to sharing the pride that a FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) global event will be held for the first time on this continent,” the UNOSDP said in a press release. “The initiatives are meant to create a new consciousness with regard to the contribution of football, and sport in general, at the national level and in local communities to support AU programmes especially in the areas of education, health, development and peace.” The day-long launch took place in the presence of Heads of State and Government and leaders of 53 Member States of the AU, and also in attendance were FIFA President Sepp Blatter, CAF President Isaa Hayatou, along with several famous African footballers. Mr. Diallo met with South Africa’s Minister of Sport to discuss ways that UNOSDP can support the ministry’s efforts and those of the South African Local Organizing Committee to help promote activities related to the FIFA World Cup 2010. Initiatives will be launched in consultation with the AU through the various country offices of the UN in the next three years. UNOSDP, which is headed by the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General for Sport for Development and Peace Adolf Ogi, is the key UN body representing sport for development and peace on behalf of the UN system. 2007-01-30 00:00:00.000

     

     

    Jan 30

    YEMEN: UN AGENCY REPORTS RESUMED PEOPLE-SMUGGLING - AND DEATHS - FROM SOMALIA

    New York, Jan 30 2007 12:00PM After a gap of several weeks the frequently deadly smuggling of people across the Gulf of Aden from Somalia to Yemen has resumed, with seven people drowning after being forced to disembark offshore in deep water, the United Nations refugee agency reported today. The smugglers have apparently started taking new routes to Yemen as a result of increased security patrols along the coast and an incident last month in which coastguards tried to arrest smugglers, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis told a news briefing in Geneva. Over the weekend, staff in the UNHCR reception centre in Mayfa'a, south Yemen, reported that a boat with 130 people aboard had arrived in the region of Jebel-Reidah, about 100 kilometres southeast of Mayfa'a. The bodies of the seven who drowned were buried by villagers while the survivors were transferred to Mayfa'a where they are being assisted by UNHCR and its partners. At the end of last week, security and immigration authorities in Aden at Yemen’s southern tip told UNHCR that 136 Somalis and 96 Ethiopians had been picked up on Al-Azizyia Island in the Red Sea and transferred by coastguards to the nearby town of Imran. The new drop-off point near Aden is hundreds of miles away from Mayfa'a. From Somalia, the journey to Aden takes three days, instead of the usual 48-hour voyage. All the latest Somali arrivals will be handed over to UNHCR, the agency was told. The 96 Ethiopians have been taken to Mansoura prison. UNHCR has asked for access to them to do an initial screening and make sure that no persons in need of protection are among the group. Somalis reaching Yemen get automatic refugee status because many are fleeing violent conflict, though not all apply for it. Ethiopians are not automatically considered refugees, but can have cases heard individually. There are currently more than 88,000 registered refugees in Yemen, of whom 84,000 are Somalis. More than 25,800 people have been recorded arriving in Yemen from Somalia this year. At least 330 people have died making the dangerous journey, while more than 300 remain missing. In the past few months UNHCR has reported cases of migrants being savagely beaten to death and thrown overboard by club-wielding smugglers just for requesting water. 2007-01-30 00:00:00.000

     

    WORLD TOURISM MARKS ANOTHER RECORD YEAR WITH 842 MILLION ARRIVALS, UN AGENCY REPORTS

    New York, Jan 30 2007 12:00PM World tourism registered yet another record last year with 842 million arrivals, a higher than expected growth rate of 4.5 per cent in spite of adverse factors such as the Israeli-Hizbollah war in Lebanon and the terrorist threats to trans-Atlantic air travel from London, according to latest United Nations figures. World tourism registered yet another record last year with 842 million arrivals, a higher than expected growth rate of 4.5 per cent in spite of adverse factors such as the Israeli-Hizbollah war in Lebanon and the terrorist threats to trans-Atlantic air travel from London, according to latest United Nations figures. “Despite downside risks facing global tourism twelve months ago, in particular terrorism, health scares due to avian flu and rising oil prices, 2006 was another year of good growth above the long-term forecast rate of 4.1 per cent, backed up by one of the longest periods of sustained economic expansion,” UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General Francesco Frangialli said. Three years ago, world tourism, which can play a key role in fighting poverty and become a primary tool for sustainable development, began a historically new phase of growth, as it broke the barrier of 800 million international arrivals. It has grown more than 20 per cent since then. The increase in international tourist arrivals is projected to be around 4 per cent for 2007, much in line with the forecast long-term annual growth rate of 4.1 per cent through 2020, according to UNWTO’s World Tourism Barometer. Growth is expected to be more solid as businesses, consumers, governments and international institutions are now better able to anticipate shocks and to respond more effectively to crises. Africa outpaced all other regions with almost twice the rate of global growth reaching 8.1 per cent in 2006 after an already strong 2005, led by sub-Saharan Africa (up by 9.4 per cent) and North Africa (up 5.8 per cent). Major destinations such as South Africa, Kenya and Morocco all continued to post excellent results. Asia and the Pacific (up 7.6 per cent) was able to maintain its extraordinary growth level, both due to the recovery of Thailand and the Maldives from the impact of the 2004 tsunami and “remarkable performances” from emerging destinations. International tourist arrivals in South Asia grew by 10 per cent boosted by India, the destination responsible for half the arrivals to the sub-region. Europe performed on target (up 4 per cent). Germany took advantage of the Football World Cup 2006, while Italy had a strong comeback. Spain’s solid results also contributed to the generally positive outcome. In the Middle East, international tourist arrivals are estimated to have risen by 4 per cent, after the bumper years of 2004 and 2005, in spite of the overall geopolitical situation, the Israel-Lebanon crisis in particular. Although the 2 per cent growth in the Americas might seem disappointing, regional results varied considerably. The rise in the United States was not enough to compensate for weak development in Canada and Mexico. On the other hand, results from Central (up 6.1 per cent) and South America (up 7.2 per cent) show how Latin America is on track to consolidate the positive outcome of recent years. Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Paraguay and Peru all grew at double-digit-rates. As a whole, the global economy is expected to maintain last year’s growth level. Oil prices have shown a tendency to remain less volatile and do not pose the risk to economic stability they did a year ago, UNWTO said. But some uncertainties remain. Increasing interest rates in some countries and regions could diminish available income. A weaker US dollar might affect foreign travel demand by Americans. On the other hand, a stronger euro could stimulate European international travel. 2007-01-30 00:00:00.000

     

    UN REFUGEE AGENCY ISSUES NEW APPEAL FOR HELP FOR PALESTINIANS FLEEING PERSECUTION IN IRAQ

    New York, Jan 30 2007 11:00AM The United Nations refugee agency today issued yet another appeal to the international community, including neighbouring and resettlement countries, to help find a “humane solution” for Palestinians fleeing persecution inside Iraq. “Another 50 Palestinians have fled to the Iraq-Syrian border following a traumatic week in Baghdad, bringing the total number stranded at the frontier to about 700,” UN High Commissioner for Refugees told a news briefing in Geneva. The 50 made the hazardous journey to the border four days after 73 Palestinians travelled the same road following the temporary detentions of 30 Palestinian men by militia in the capital last Tuesday. Over the past year UNHCR has voiced mounting alarm for the Palestinians, who fled to Iraq following the creation of Israel in 1948. Some received preferential treatment under ousted President Saddam Hussein, but they have become targets for attack since his overthrow in 2003. Nearly 20,000 of them have already fled Iraq but an estimated 15,000 still remain in the country, mostly in Baghdad. Syria continues to deny access to all Palestinians who are now stranded in two makeshift camps. A group of 356 has been in the no-man's land between the two countries since May, while the second group, which has now expanded to some 340, is stuck in El Waleed on the Iraqi side of the border. Yesterday UNHCR and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners provided food, water, kerosene, hygienic items and medicine to El Waleed camp. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and local NGOs will be bringing more tents and other relief items. A medical team visited the group on Sunday, but was unable to help one Palestinian man who died Sunday night from a severe asthma attack. “Despite our efforts to help them, the Palestinians continue to live in inhumane and insecure conditions,” Ms. Pagonis said. “We again urge the international community, including neighbouring and resettlement countries, to help find a humane solution for these refugees who are persecuted inside Iraq and have nowhere to go.” Just last week, the agency issued three appeals on behalf of the Palestinians. 2007-01-30 00:00:00.000

     

     

    DARFUR: UN LAUNCHES SUPPLEMENTARY APPEAL TO PROTECT INTERNALLY DISPLACED

     New York, Jan 30 2007 11:00AM The United Nations refugee agency today launched a $19.7 million supplementary appeal to fund protection and aid for up to 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan’s Darfur region uprooted by fighting between government troops and rebels as well as by regular attacks by Arab militia on African tribes. “Protection and security remain the most fundamental needs for IDPs and refugees in Darfur,” the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said, noting that there are also 20,000 refugees in Darfur who had fled fighting in neighbouring Chad. “Key challenges are the ongoing displacement and the occupation of villages. “Particular attention to sexual and gender-based violence is still required, considering its high incidence among the displaced population. “Victims require both special medical and psychological care and support,” it added. There are also 230,000 Darfurian refugees who have fled into neighbouring Chad. The more than three-year-old conflict between Government forces, allied militia and rebels seeking greater autonomy has killed at least 200,000 people. Beyond the 20,000 Chadian refugees in Darfur there are over 100,000 Chadian IDPs uprooted by unrelenting inter-communal violence there. Despite the signing of a peace agreement between the Sudanese Government and one of the rebel groups in Darfur last May, the security situation remains extremely volatile, UNHCR spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis told a news briefing in Geneva. “With constant fighting between government troops and rebels opposed to the DPA [Darfur Peace Agreement], as well as regular attacks by Arab militia on African tribes, there is no prospect of return for internally displaced people in Darfur, nor for the more than 200,000 Sudanese refugees hosted in eastern Chad,” she said. She noted that aid workers had been the targets of organized attacks, with 12 of them killed in recent months, while assaults on humanitarian compounds and possessions had seriously reduced access to the people the most in need. “Despite the extremely precarious security conditions in Darfur, UNHCR remains committed to assisting the displaced and refugees in the region,” Ms. Pagonis stressed. In a separate development UNHCRreported today that 100,000 Sudanese refugees had now returned home to southern Sudan where a peace agreement two years ago ended a two-decade-long civil war between Government forces and rebels. An estimated 340,000 refugees remain in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia from that conflict, which also displaced some 4 million others internally in Africa’s largest country. 2007-01-30 00:00:00.000

     

    Jan 28

     

    BAN KI-MOON CALLS ON AFRICAN UNION SHOW UNITY OF PURPOSE IN BRINGING PEACE TO DARFUR

     New York, Jan 29 2007 11:00AM Calling the situation in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region “the largest humanitarian crisis in the world,” United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on Africa’s leaders to use the same unity of purpose and partnership with the UN that brought peace to Burundi and Sierra Leone in tackling the intractable issue. “Together, we must work to end the violence and scorched-earth policies adopted by various parties, including militias, as well as the bombings which are still a terrifying feature of life in Darfur,” he told an African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, of the conflict between Sudanese Government forces, allied militias and rebel groups that has killed at least 200,000 people and displaced more than 2 million others. “Life-saving humanitarian work must be allowed to resume, and civil society in Darfur must have a voice in the peace process. And we must persuade non-signatories to join, while building consensus for the urgent deployment of a UN-AU force on the ground,” he said, referring to rebel groups seeking greater autonomy who did not join in a peace accord signed last May. In a 90-minute meeting on the summit sidelines with Sudanese President Omer Al-Bashir, Mr. Ban urged him and all parties to cease hostilities and grant humanitarian access. He told reporters afterwards that Mr Al-Bashir agreed to facilitate such access, and expressed willingness to cooperate with international efforts toward that end. He said his Special Envoy on Darfur Jan Eliasson and AU Envoy Salim A. Salim would go to Khartoum and Darfur in early February to support peace-making efforts, and the President welcomed the mission. He also called for an early Government response to plans for a hybrid UN-AU force in Darfur of 17,000 peacekeepers and 3,000 police. In his summit address, Mr. Ban also urged the leaders to bring unity of purpose to other intractable crises “that bleed like open wounds on the face of the Continent,” such as the conflicts in Somalia and Côte d’Ivoire. He noted how the UN-AU partnership helped to resolve the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where last November’s elections, the first in more than 40 years and the largest such support operation in UN history, were “a remarkable peacekeeping achievement.” “Liberia, too, shines as an example of what can be achieved through our collective will for peace and security in Africa,” he added. He drew on his own experiences as a child growing up in war-torn Korea in the 1950s to deliver a message of hope to Africa. “I have seen the hardship and hunger, the degradation and disease, that come with prolonged warfare,” he said. “Elderly women scavenging for scraps, toddlers weak from malnutrition and unsafe drinking water, buildings dilapidated, corn fields rotting, an infrastructure on its knees. “This I witnessed as a young boy, and the images haunt me to this day. But I also witnessed how, through unity of purpose, my country was able to transform itself from a traumatized nation with a non-existent economy, into a vibrant, productive society and a regional economic power,” he added. “Let us bring the same unity of purpose to bear on development in Africa.” Turning to the Millennium Development Goals MDGs) adopted by the UN Millennium Summit in 2000 to slash a host of social ills, such as extreme poverty and hunger, by 2015, Mr. Ban noted that some African countries had made remarkable progress, but much remained to be done. He announced that he planned to convene in March a working group on Africa and the MDGs, “a coalition of the willing” of African stakeholders and international organizations and donors, to accelerate progress on the goals, which also seek to reduce maternal and infant mortality and provide access to health care and education. He noted that AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria are responsible for nearly 4 million African deaths every year, and he also cited the seventh MDG on ensuring environmental sustainability as an enormous challenge. “The time has come for the rest of the world to assist African countries in adapting to the effects of a warming planet, while strengthening efforts to mitigate climate change,” he said. “How Africa fares in reaching the Millennium Development Goals is a matter of life and death for millions of Africans. It is also a test of the ability of the United Nations to carry out the mandate our membership has given us. It will be one of my priorities to ensure that we meet that test – and I will take steps to strengthen the Organization accordingly.” 2007-01-29 00:00:00.000

     

    UN ENVOY DEPLORES MURDER OF AFGHAN PARLIAMENTARIAN AS ASSAULT ON DEMOCRACY

    New York, Jan 29 2007 11:00AM A senior United Nations envoy in Afghanistan today called on authorities to step up protection for all parliamentarians following the assassination of the first legislator since the new National Assembly was inaugurated over two years ago. The murder of Maulvi Mohammad Islam Mohammadi “represents an assault on the democratic will of the people who voted in their millions for peace, stability and progress during historic elections,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan Chris Alexander said in a statement. “This attack underlines the risks faced by dedicated parliamentarians as they work tirelessly to forge a new future for the people of Afghanistan. We urge Afghan authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly and call on them to step up protection for all parliamentarians representing communities across Afghanistan,” he added. He noted that Maulvi Mohammadi served his country honourably as a mujahid (fighter against Soviet occupation in the 1980s), a religious scholar and a parliamentarian. “This murder is particularly distressing coming as Afghans mark the holy month of Moharram and on the eve of the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain,” he said, referring to the Shiite commemoration of the grandson of Mohammed who was killed in battle in the 7th century. 2007-01-29 00:00:00.000

     

     

    Jan 28

     

    REGIONAL INVOLVEMENT KEY TO HELPING IRAQ, UN ENVOY TELLS SYRIAN OFFICIAL

     New York, Jan 28 2007 11:00AM Meeting in Damascus today with Syria's Foreign Minister, the top United Nations envoy to Baghdad said regional involvement is key to helping Iraq achieve stability and national reconciliation. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative, Ashraf Qazi, and Foreign Minister Walid Muallim discussed recent developments in Iraq and their impact on the region, according to the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI). Mr. Qazi stressed the need for greater regional engagement in support of the efforts by the Government of Iraq in reducing violence, bringing greater stability and promoting national reconciliation among all Iraqis, UNAMI said in a news release. On the issue of families forced to leave their homes, he praised Syria's generosity in hosting such a large number of Iraqis and discussed ways in which the UN could assist in alleviating their needs. The Special Representative's visit to Damascus is part of a regional tour aimed at hearing the views of Iraq's neighbors and encouraging them to contribute to the Government's successful efforts to reduce violence, bring greater stability and promote national reconciliation. 2007-01-28 00:00:00.000

     

    NEPAL: CONCERNED AT RECENT VIOLENCE, UN ENVOY URGES SIDES TO PROMOTE TOLERANCE

    New York, Jan 28 2007 11:00AM Responding to violence in Nepal, which has been the scene of deadly clashes in recent days, the senior United Nations envoy to the country has urged all parties to promote tolerance. "I have to begin by expressing my dismay at the deaths, injuries and destruction of property that has taken place in the Terai in recent days, and the deep concern of the United Nations regarding the situation that has given rise to these," Ian Martin, the Personal Representative of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said on Friday. "It is of course a matter of national responsibility to address this, but I add my voice to those calling on all parties to avoid violence and promote tolerance," he said, warning that the UN's work in supporting a free and fair Constituent Assembly process "can only be jeopardized if the situation in the Terai continues or escalates." Mr. Martin also reviewed progress since the adoption, on 23 January, of a Security Council resolution establishing the UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) following an historic agreement reached last November by the Maoists and Government aimed at ending 10 years of bloody civil war that killed around 15,000 people and displaced over 100,000 others. "On Wednesday two large aircraft landed at Kathmandu bringing communications and engineering equipment, together with the first two helicopters." Meanwhile, registration has been under way at the Maoist army main cantonment sites at Chitwan and Nawalparasi. Mr. Martin said cooperation had been excellent "in most respects with the Maoist army commanders." There are 40 UN arms monitors working in Nepal, and that number is expected to rise to 186 under the full deployment. On the electoral side, UNMIN continues to assist the national Election Commission in carrying out its tasks, providing technical advice and assistance regarding legislation, voter education and the updating of voter rolls, Mr. Martin said. The Security Council arms and armies of the combatants, and to support elections to the Constituent Assembly. Mr. Ban, in a report to the Council earlier this month, warned that "if Nepal fails to meaningfully include traditionally marginalized groups in the peace process and in the election, and in the deliberations of the Constituent Assembly, the country will lose a crucial opportunity to harness the strength and the vision of its own people." 2007-01-28 00:00:00.000

     

    Jan 27

     

    UN TO FULLY AUDIT DPR KOREA ACTIVITIES FROM 1998 TO PRESENT, SAYS CONTROLLER

    New York, Jan 26 2007 7:00PM An external audit of all United Nations activities in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) – called for by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon following press reports that funds from the UN Development Programme improperly went to the Government – will cover 1998 to the present and deal with issues ranging from staff hiring to hard currency payments, the world body’s senior budget official said today. “The Secretary-General is determined to pursue the questions relating to North Korea very vigorously, and to ensure that this is done within a credible process that will satisfy the requirements of legitimacy and which will serve all Member States within the established framework that exists for dealing with audit questions,” UN Controller Warren Sach told reporters in New York. He said this would involve “working with the financial regulations and rules” under which the Board of Auditors – an external body serving the UN – can act at the request of the General Assembly’s Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ). In view of the matter’s urgency, the Chairman of the ACABQ has been asked to put before that panel the proposed Board of Auditors review, and this will be considered as soon as possible. “The scope of this work will focus on past and current compliance with applicable financial regulations and rules and accountability frameworks and other directives as well as to ensure that money expended in DPRK went to intended recipients,” Mr. Sach said. Among the areas to be reviewed are foreign currency transactions, staff hiring, access to reviewing local projects and their outputs, and direct payments for national execution projects. The review will cover the period from 1998 to present, and the Board of Auditors would be asked to conduct its activities within 90 days. The investigation was announce following press reports that UNDP’s own audits showed its funds went to the Pyongyang Government, which has been under sanctions since last October because of its proclaimed nuclear test. Mr. Sach said today that the audit of the DPRK does not preclude other studies in other locations, adding that the idea was to have early results on that country now. “The Secretary-General is interested in undertaking similar reviews of like operations in countries with comparable risks in the future,” he said. Asked about the cost of the investigation, he said it was too early to tell, but stressed the need to “bear in mind that audit resources like anything else in system are limited; one wants to focus on key issues, to work with risk-based auditing techniques because that’s the best way you get payback for your audit dollar.” UNDP has already announced plans to end all payments in hard currency to government, national partners, local staff and local vendors and discontinue sub-contracting of national staff via government recruitment – all by March. “We welcome the external audit, going back to 1998, as announced by the Secretary-General, which will enable us to take any additional management action as needed,” the agency said in a statement. UNDP has also said that of its approximately $6.5 million in programme expenditure on the most recent country programme, which ran from 2005 to 2006, “only $337,000 was implemented exclusively by the North Korean authorities.” Over the past decade, the agency’s programmes in DPRK have totalled roughly $29.1 million, or some $3 million per year. 2007-01-26 00:00:00.000

     

    LEBANON’S RECONSTRUCTION FOCUS OF TALKS BETWEEN BAN KI-MOON AND FRENCH LEADER

    New York, Jan 26 2007 6:00PM The reconstruction of Lebanon and an upcoming international environmental summit topped the agenda during talks today in Paris between United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and French President Jacques Chirac. Mr. Ban and Mr. Chirac discussed the results of yesterday’s donor conference on Lebanon, which is attempting to rebuild itself after last year’s war between the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and Hizbollah, as well as the country’s tense political situation. During the conference yesterday Mr. Ban told participants that “political stability has to be the bedrock on which we consolidate economic recovery and reconstruction” in Lebanon, and he urged the nation’s neighbours “to fully respect its unity, independence and sovereignty. Lebanese democracy can only work if its leaders are free to make decisions and pursue reconciliation without fear of external pressure or interference.” Today the Secretary-General and Mr. Chirac also discussed an environmental conference scheduled to be held in the French capital next week, UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters. He said the two leaders talked about Côte d’Ivoire, the conflict in Darfur and the unstable situation on the common border between Darfur and neighbouring Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR). Mr. Ban, who is undertaking his first overseas trip since becoming Secretary-General on 1 January, heads now to Africa, where he will visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia and Kenya in the week ahead. In the DRC, Mr. Ban will conduct talks in Kinshasa with President Joseph Kabila and other senior Government officials, as well as with peacekeepers and civilian staff of the UN’s largest mission. He will also address the National Assembly and make a brief visit to nearby Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of Congo, to meet with President Sassou Nguesso. The Secretary-General will then go to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the African Union (AU) Summit, where he expects to discuss the Darfur crisis with Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir, as well as confer with the continent’s leaders on the conflicts in Chad, Somalia and Côte d'Ivoire. Mr. Ban will end his African tour with a stop in Nairobi, where he will meet Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, followed by a trip to the Netherlands, where he will visit the International Court of Justice the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague. While in the Netherlands, he will also meet with Queen Beatrix as well as the Dutch Prime Minister and senior officials. After that, Mr. Ban is scheduled to go to Washington for a meeting of the Middle East Quartet – the diplomatic grouping comprising the UN, the United States, Russia and the European Union – which is seeking a two-State solution to the Middle East conflict, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace. 2007-01-26 00:00:00.000

     

    CAMBODIA: PROGRESS IN KHMER ROUGE BUT ‘MAJOR ISSUES’ REMAIN: UN SPOKESMAN

    New York, Jan 26 2007 6:00PM A judicial review committee in Cambodia, looking to resolve differences that have stalled the long-awaited trials of former Khmer Rouge leaders, accused of mass killings and other horrific crimes during the 1970s, has made progress over the last two weeks but several “major issues” still need to be resolved, a United Nations spokesman said today. The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) Review Committee concluded its two-week session in the capital Phnom Penh earlier today, on the draft Internal Rules for the court, Farhan Haq told reporters in New York. The UN is funding most of the $56.3 million three-year budget for the Khmer Rouge trials. “Solid progress was made during the two-week session of the Review Committee, significantly narrowing differences on a number of issues. Nevertheless, there remain several major issues to be fully resolved,” he said. “Such as the way in which Cambodian and international law can be integrated into the Internal Rules to ensure a transparent and fair registration process and full rights of audience for foreign defence counsel,” he added. A further meeting of the Review Committee is scheduled for March. In a press release from Phnom Penh, the Review Committee said it was “acutely aware of the urgent need to ensure fair and open trials for the benefit of the Cambodian people,” adding that it was “committed to achieving that goal” and had been working constantly since November on the various disagreements. Judges and prosecutors for the trials were sworn in last July. Under an agreement signed by the UN and Cambodia, the trial court and a Supreme Court within the Cambodian legal system will investigate those most responsible for crimes and serious violations of Cambodian and international law between 17 April 1975 and 6 January 1979. The UN will pay $43 million of the $56.3 million budget for the trials, with the Government of Cambodia providing $13.3 million. At a pledging conference in 2005 to support the UN assistance to the trials, former Secretary-General Kofi Annan said that the crimes committed under Khmer Rouge rule “were of a character and scale that it was still almost impossible to comprehend,” adding that “the victims of those horrific crimes had waited too long for justice.” 2007-01-26 00:00:00.000

     

    Jan 26

    UN REVIVES EFFORTS TO ELIMINATE YAWS – ONCE FORGOTTEN DISEASE THAT IS MAKING COMEBACK

     New York, Jan 26 2007 11:00AM The United Nations health agency is reviving efforts to eliminate yaws, a nearly forgotten disease that eats away at the skin, cartilage and bones of its victims, mostly children, which is making a comeback after a global control programme almost eradicated it over 40 years ago. “The persistence of yaws in the 21st century is unacceptable,” UN World Health Organization (WHO) Director of Neglected Tropical Diseases Lorenzo Savioli said of the disease which is re-emerging in poor, rural and marginalized populations of Africa, Asia and South America. “There is a cost-effective approach to treating this disease,” he added, noting that the single dose of long-acting penicillin costs as little as $0.32. Experts believe that yaws can be eliminated and eventually eradicated because humans are the only reservoir of infection. New cases appear every year. This week, world experts including officials from the health ministries of selected endemic countries – Indonesia, Ghana and the Republic of Congo – are holding informal talks to develop a new global strategy for combating it. The overall aim is to minimize suffering and the socio-economic impact the disease has on affected populations. A recent control programme in India provides optimism that elimination can be achieved in other countries with persistent efforts and political commitment. In the south-east Asia region, the aim is to eradicate yaws by 2012. This week’s talks are examining whether elimination is now possible in other regions of the world, signalling a possible revival of the 1950s global yaws programme as well as the development of a current global strategy to generate much-needed support at global, regional and country levels to eradicate it once and for all. The officials are studying a three-fold strategy: detecting and treating all yaws cases and their contacts; interrupting transmission; and preventing disability. 2007-01-26 00:00:00.000

     

    IRAQ: UN AGENCY RAISES THIRD ALARM IN WEEK AT ‘UNRELENTING VIOLENCE’ AGAINST PALESTINIANS

    New York, Jan 26 2007 11:00AM For the third time this week the United Nations refugee agency voiced alarm today at the unrelenting violence against Palestinian refugees in Iraq, with 34 people reported killed in the past two months and scores more terrified men, women and children fleeing Baghdad for the border with Syria, where hundreds are now stranded. “Conditions at the border are atrocious,” UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis told a news briefing in Geneva, again urging the international community, including neighbouring and resettlement countries, to help find solutions and safety for refugees unable to remain inside Iraq. “It's cold. Clean water has to be trucked in. There is limited access to food. Tents are crowded and unhygienic. Tensions are high. The refugees feel very insecure and some report having been victimized by security officials near the border. The group is in a very vulnerable situation with no solution in sight,” she said. Over the past year UNHCR has voiced mounting alarm for the Palestinians, who fled to Iraq following the creation of Israel in 1948. Some received preferential treatment under ousted President Saddam Hussein, and they have become targets for attack since his overthrow in 2003. Nearly 20,000 of them have already fled the country but an estimated 15,000 still remain in the country, mostly in Baghdad. “Since 2003, many Palestinians have been kidnapped, tortured or killed, and violent threats against them have become routine,” Ms. Pagonis said. In the latest incident, at least 73 terrified refugees arrived at the border after 30 Palestinian men, 17 of them sheltered in a Baghdad apartment building rented by UNHCR, were taken away on Tuesday by men dressed in Iraqi security force uniforms and driving security vehicles. They were later released but by Wednesday all Palestinians in the apartment building had fled their homes. The new arrivals brought to 593 the number of Palestinians stuck at the border, many of them for months. Syria has denied them access and they refuse to return to Baghdad. “Along with ICRC [International Committee of the Red Cross] and other partners, we are ensuring that enough food, water and relief items are on site,” Ms. Pagonis said. “Additional tents are also being delivered.” Estimates of the number killed since 2003 vary widely. In late December, the Palestinian embassy in Baghdad provided UNHCR with a list of 161 people killed there. Earlier this week, the Head of Refugee Affairs for the Palestine Liberation Organization said 520 hade been killed 140 others wounded by Shiite militias. There have been at least two attacks on Palestinian residential compounds over the past two months, including an armed assault in December in which at least nine Palestinians were reportedly killed and 20 wounded. “We have several reports of kidnappings and murders of Palestinians, some of whose bodies were found with signs of torture,” Ms. Pagonis said. “Death threats have increased. Harassment at work has prompted some to stop working, leaving them without a livelihood. UNHCR is also deeply concerned about the continued survival prospects of 280 Syrian Arabs registered with the agency in Baghdad who are also facing increasing militia-led violence. These refugees arrived in successive waves beginning in 1954, and were granted asylum in Iraq. “UNHCR has repeatedly urged all parties, including the [United States-led] multinational forces, the Ministry of Interior and Iraqi security forces, to provide more protection and help to refugees throughout the country,” Ms. Pagonis said. “We also need more rapid and transparent information on any of those detained during military or police actions, particularly with the increase in abductions by unidentified militiamen posing as security agents.” 2007-01-26 00:00:00.000

     

    UNICEF OPENS FIRST OF 227 MOTHER-AND-CHILD HEALTH CENTRES IN TSUNAMI-HIT INDONESIA

    New York, Jan 26 2007 11:00AM The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has  completed construction of the first of the 227 mother-and-child health centres it is building in Indonesia’s tsunami-devastated Aceh province and earthquake-hit Nias Island. “Through these family health and development centres, mothers, children and babies will have immediate and full-time access to professional midwives, specialized infant health care and learning and development activities,” UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Aceh Edouard Beigbeder said. “This is a brand new facility for the community. It’s not replacing something; it’s giving the community something they didn’t have before. Strengthening community-based health systems will have a long-lasting impact on child survival and development and will help facilitate Aceh and Nias’ recovery, rehabilitation and development.” Indonesia was the worst-hit of the dozen Indian Ocean nations that were struck by the earthquake and ensuing tsunami on 26 December 2004, accounting for some two thirds of the death toll of more than 200,000, with over half a million others left homeless. The new centres built by UNICEF combine community midwifery and basic preventive and curative services for women by providing a blend of essential services, such as antenatal and neonatal care, breastfeeding support, growth monitoring, regular immunization, parental education, micronutrient provision, basic health information and behavioural change promotion. To ensure quality of service, UNICEF, in collaboration with Aceh provincial health authorities and partners, will roll out an inclusive training programme for healthcare providers. Most health centres will also have an Early Childhood Development Centre offering learning and stimulation activities for pre-school children aged three to six. Fifteen of them will also be equipped with a Child Protection Centre. UNICEF has set aside $11 million for the construction of the centres, in addition to $90 million for the construction of more than 300 permanent schools, the first time UNICEF has taken on a construction role. 2007-01-26 00:00:00

     

     

     

    Jan 25

    UN EXPERT CALLS ON SINGAPORE NOT TO HANG NIGERIAN ON DRUG CHARGES, SAYS BREACHES RIGHTS

     New York, Jan 25 2007 11:00AM An independent United Nations human rights expert today called on Singapore not to proceed with tomorrow’s planned hanging of a Nigerian for heroin trafficking, charging that the island state’s Government has failed to ensure respect for relevant legal safeguards under international standards. “It is a fundamental human right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty,” UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Philip Alston said in a statement, noting that the trial judge ruled that although there was no direct evidence that Iwuchukwu Amara Tochi knew the capsules contained heroin ignorance did not exculpate him. “The standard accepted by the international community is that capital punishment may be imposed only when the guilt of the person charged is based upon clear and convincing evidence leaving no room for an alternative explanation of the facts,” Mr. Alston added. “Singapore cannot reverse the burden and require a defendant to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he didn’t know that he was carrying drugs.” The appeal court rejected the trial court’s suggestion that it was irrelevant whether Mr. Tochi had knowledge of what he was carrying but still upheld his conviction, reasoning that under Singapore law such knowledge is presumed until the defendant rebuts that presumption “on a balance of probabilities” and not merely by raising reasonable doubt. Mr. Alston also said that Singapore law making the death penalty mandatory for drug trafficking was inconsistent with international human rights standards, because it keeps judges from considering all of the factors relevant to determining whether a death sentence would be permissible in a capital case. Mr Tochi’s co-defendant, Okele Nelson Malachy of South Africa, was convicted of having abetted Mr. Tochi’s offence and was also sentenced to death. There has reportedly been no date set for his execution, but it would raise similar grave human rights issues, Mr. Alston stressed. “One of the tasks given to me by the UN Human Rights Council is to monitor states’ respect for those safeguards in order to protect the human rights of those facing the death penalty,” he said. “In the case of Iwuchukwu Amara Tochi, the Government of Singapore has failed to ensure respect for the relevant legal safeguards. Under the circumstances, the execution should not proceed.” Special Rapporteurs are unpaid, independent experts who report to the Council. 2007-01-25 00:00:00.000

     

    GLOBAL UNEMPLOYMENT REMAINS AT HISTORIC HIGH DESPITE STRONG ECONOMIC GROWTH – UN

    New York, Jan 25 2007 11:00AM The number of people unemployed worldwide remained at an historical high of nearly 200 million in 2006 despite strong global economic growth, only modest gains were made in lifting some of the 1.37 billion working poor living on less than $2 per day out of poverty, and the pattern looks set to continue this year, according to a United Nations report released today. “To make long-term inroads into unemployment and working poverty, it is essential that periods of strong growth be better used to generate more decent and productive jobs,” the UN International Labour Organization (ILO) said in its annual Global Employment Trends. “Reducing unemployment and working poverty through creation of such jobs should be viewed as a precondition for sustained economic growth.” Even though more people are working globally than ever before, the number of unemployed remained at an all time high of 195.2 million last year, a global rate of 6.3 per cent, almost unchanged from 2005, with a forecast economic growth rate of 4.9 per cent for 2007 likely to ensure that unemployment remains at about the same level. “The persistence of joblessness at this rate is of concern, given that it will be difficult to sustain such strong economic growth indefinitely,” the report says, noting that that in order to maintain or reduce unemployment rates, the link between growth and jobs must be reinforced. Creation of decent and productive jobs – not just any jobs – is a prerequisite for reducing unemployment and slashing the number of families working but still living in poverty, which in turn is a precondition for future development and economic growth, it adds. “The strong economic growth of the last half decade has only had a slight impact on the reduction of the number of workers who live with their families in poverty and this was only true in a handful of countries,” ILO Director-General Juan Somavia said. For the last decade, economic growth has been reflected more in rising levels of productivity and less in growing employment, the report notes. While world productivity increased by 26 per cent the global number of those in employment rose by only 16.6 per cent. Unemployment hit young people aged 15 to 24 the hardest, with 86.3 million young people representing 44 per cent of the total unemployed in 2006. The employment gap between women and men persists. In 2006, only 48.9 per cent of women over age 15 were working compared to 49.6 per cent in 1996. The comparable male employment-to-population ratios were 75.7 in 1996 and 74.0 in 2006. In 2006, the share of the service sector in global employment progressed from 39.5 per cent to 40 per cent and for the first time overtook agriculture, which dropped from 39.7 per cent to 38.7 per cent. The industry sector represented 21.3 per cent of total employment. The largest decrease in unemployment occurred in the region of the Developed Economies and European Union, with a decline of 0.6 percentage points. East Asia’s rate was 3.6 per cent, remaining the lowest in the world, while the Middle East and North Africa remained the highest at 12.2 per cent. Sub-Saharan Africa stood at 9.8 per cent, the second highest and it also had the highest share in working poverty, with 8 out of 10 people living on less than $2 a day with their families. The total number of working poor on $1 a day declined between 2001 and 2006 except in Sub-Saharan Africa where it increased by another 14 million and in Latin America and the Middle East and North Africa where it stayed more or less unchanged. 2007-01-25 00:00:00.000

     

    IRAQ: UN EXPERTS CALL ON AUTHORITIES TO SUSPEND EXECUTION OF SADDAM’S CO-DEFENDANTS

    New York, Jan 25 2007 11:00AM The Iraqi authorities should suspend without delay any further executions until it is ensured that a fair trial is provided following major concerns over shortcomings in the trial and hanging of former president Saddam Hussein and two of his co-defendants, United Nations human rights experts have warned. “International law allows the imposition of capital punishment only within rigorous legal constraints, including respect of fair trial standards,” Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers Leandro Despouy and Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Leïla Zerrougui said in a statement. “However, these standards were not guaranteed by the Iraqi High Tribunal,” they added, referring to the forthcoming sentencing of former vice president Taha Yassin Ramadan, who was convicted in connection with the same crimes against humanity for which Mr. Hussein and the other two co-defendants were hanged. The Tribunal's Appeals Chamber ruled that the life sentence imposed on him was too lenient and ordered the court to re-sentence him. Among the main concerns cited over the trials is the violation of a number of international human rights standards on the right to be tried by an independent and impartial tribunal and on the right to defence, including numerous reports of external pressure on the judges that appear to have led to the removal and resignation of some of them. The right to an appropriate and independent defence was also severely undermined, in particular by the “extremely serious attacks” against defence lawyers, some of whom were killed. “The assassination of defence attorneys appearing before the Iraqi High Tribunal threatens the entire procedure, since the role of defence lawyers is critical to a fair trial,” the statement said. It noted that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour had both called on the Government to refrain from carrying out the death sentences imposed on Mr. Hussein and the other two co-defendants. “In light of the gravity of the shortcomings of the trial against Saddam Hussein and his seven co-defendants, the experts strongly call upon the Iraqi authorities to suspend without delay any further executions until it is ensured that a fair trial is provided to those accused under their jurisdiction, in full respect of all due process guarantees required by international human rights law,” it concluded. 2007-01-25 00:00:00.000

     

     

    Jan 24

     

    UN EXPERT ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION DEPLORES MURDER OF TURKISH ARMENIAN EDITOR

     New York, Jan 24 2007 11:00AM An independent United Nations expert on freedom of opinion has added his voice to the chorus of condemnation over the murder of the editor of the Turkish Armenian-language weekly Agos, Hrant Dink, known for his critical work on a specific period of the history of Turkey. "The exercise of freedom of speech should always be guaranteed for the consideration of historical events," the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Ambeyi Ligabo, said in a statement. "Most unfortunately, extreme polarization of views, in conjunction with a perverted sense of national identity, has again inspired the accomplishment of an ominous act, which has curtailed the practicability of debating, in a tolerant and open manner, a subject of wide general interest," he added. He stressed that safety of media workers remains one of the core issues to ensure the full exercise of the right to freedom of expression, a key component of all democratic societies. "Governments and state institutions have the primary responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of citizens, including journalists and other media professionals," he said, adding that he was encouraged by the prompt reaction of the Government of Turkey in investigating "this heinous crime." Special Rapporteurs are unpaid and serve in a personal capacity, reporting to the UN Human Rights Council. 2007-01-24 00:00:00.000

     

     

    BAN KI-MOON KICKS OFF FIRST FOREIGN TRIP AS UN CHIEF WITH TALKS WITH EUROPEAN LEADERS

     New York, Jan 24 2007 11:00AM United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today began his first overseas trip since becoming the world's top diplomat, meeting in Brussels with European Union (EU) High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, with whom he discussed a whole raft of global issues. "I am very appreciative of all that the European Union has been contributing to all the activities of the United Nations," Mr. Ban told reporters after the meeting, which covered issues ranging from the situation in the Balkans and Africa, in particular the crises in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region, Somalia and Côte d´Ivoire, to climate change and human rights. "Our positions are on the same page," he added. "In fact this is not only for the United Nations, but all the common good of the international community; where we are experiencing a lot of regional conflicts and poverty issues and abuses of human rights, we need to cooperate fully toward mutual prosperity and peace and prosperity." Mr. Ban was also meeting today with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner and other Commission members. Mr. Ban, who succeeded Kofi Annan as UN chief on 1 January, will tomorrow attend a donors' conference in Paris, which will seek to help Lebanon recover from the ravages of last summer's between Israel and Hizbollah. From Paris he will go to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for talks with President Joseph Kabila and other senior government officials as well as peacekeepers and staff of the UN's largest mission. He will also address the National Assembly and make a brief visit across the river to Brazzaville to meet with President Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo. Mr. Ban will then go to Addis Ababa for the African Union (AU) Summit before ending his Africa trip with a stop in Nairobi, where he will meet with the Kenyan President and the UN staff, followed by a trip to the Netherlands, where he will visit the International Court of Justice the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague. After that, he will go to Washington for a meeting of the Middle East Quartet comprised of the UN, United States, Russian Federation and European Union, which is seeking a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace. 2007-01-24 00:00:00.000

     

    Jan 23

     

    AS VIOLENCE SURGES, UN ENVOY CALLS ON IRAQIS TO PULL BACK FROM 'ABYSS OF SECTARIANISM'

     New York, Jan 23 2007 11:00AM The top United Nations envoy to Iraq today called on its political and religious leaders to do all in their power to "save the country from sliding further into the abyss of sectarianism" after yesterday's bombings in Baghdad which killed or injured more than 200 innocent civilians. "These deplorable outrages again underscore the urgent need for all Iraqis to reject violence and together choose the path of peace and reconciliation," the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq UNAMI) said in a statement issued in the name of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative Ashraf Qazi. Terming the attacks "particularly heinous and criminal," Mr. Qazi - as he has done frequently in the past - again called on the Iraqi authorities to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators. In another development, the UN refugee agency reported that 17 Palestinian men sheltered in a Baghdad apartment building rented by the agency were taken away today by men dressed in Iraqi security force uniforms and driving security vehicles. A relative of one of those taken and a local aid worker said they were later released, but the agency was unable to immediately confirm this. Over the past year the agency has voiced increasing alarm for the Palestinians, who fled to Iraq following the creation of Israel in 1948. Some received preferential treatment under ousted President Saddam Hussein, and they have become targets for attack since his overthrow in 2003. Nearly 20,000 of them have already fled the country. Witnesses said the security men broke into the Palestinians' apartments at 5 a.m., smashing doors and windows, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesman Ron Redmond told a news briefing in Geneva. "UNHCR is very concerned and is seeking further information," he said. Mr. Qazi's office was also taking it up with senior Iraqi officials, he added. Those taken away and their families had been evicted from their homes in 2003 after the change of regime and were initially housed in tents. There are still an estimated 15,000 Palestinians remaining in Iraq, "living in constant fear of harassment, killings and kidnappings," Mr. Redmond said. Those who try to leave cannot get proper documents, and hundreds are stuck at the Syrian border. Another group has been stuck in an isolated camp in Jordan since 2003. "It is urgent that international support is found to bring at least a temporary solution for Palestinians from Iraq," Mr. Redmond said. He noted that UNHCR had already tried, to no avail, to secure them entry into Jordan and Syria, return to the Palestinian territories with the permission of Israel, relocation to other Arab states, and resettlement outside the region. "At the same time, we continue to advocate for better protection of the Palestinian community inside Iraq. But under the present circumstances, return to Iraq is no option unless security is restored. Right now, it's an untenable situation for the Palestinians and it is deteriorating on a daily basis," he said. 2007-01-23 00:00:00.000

     

     

    COLOMBIA: UN REFUGEE AGENCY PLEDGES AID TO PARTNER WHOSE PREMISES BURNED DOWN

    New York, Jan 23 2007 11:00AM The United Nations refugee agency today pledged funding and other aid to one of its key partners in Colombia whose premises were burned down over the weekend, apparently in an arson attack. The Cartagena-based and internationally recognized League of Displaced Women has received frequent threats for its work on behalf of thousands of women and children displaced by violence in Colombia's Caribbean region, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesman Ron Redmond told a news briefing in Geneva. Colombia has the largest population of UNHCR concern, with some 3 million people driven from their homes by more than 40 years of fighting among the Government, leftist rebels and right-wing paramilitaries. "UNHCR will do everything it can to help the organization overcome this crisis and continue its work with displaced women and their families," Mr. Redmond said. "As a first step, we are offering more funds for the rebuilding of the centre, whose construction we had helped finance in 2004." The blaze destroyed a community centre in the League's City of Women, located in a poor neighbourhood of Turbaco on the outskirts of Cartagena. The centre was used as a meeting place, community kitchen and for human rights training for the local displaced population. It was soon to begin functioning as a school for 140 children in the area. "We have been working with the League since 2001 and more than 2,000 people from all ethnic backgrounds have benefited from our joint projects in the areas of women's and displaced people's rights as well as income generation and housing," Mr. Redmond said. The League's members, especially its leaders, have received frequent threats and in the past two years, the local Ombudsman Office has repeatedly warned that it was at high risk of targeted violence. In a separate report, the Office warned of a generalized rise in threats and violence against community leaders in the Atlantic region. "We are very concerned that many of our humanitarian partners and community leaders face an increasingly tense and volatile security situation in the entire Atlantic region," Mr. Redmond stressed. The League of Displaced Women was nominated for the Colombian National Peace Prize in 2005. 2007-01-23 00:00:00.000

     

     

    Jan 22

     

    UNESCO DEPLORES KILLING OF JOURNALISTS, MEDIA WORKERS IN TURKEY, IRAQ

    New York, Jan 22 2007 11:00AMCondemning the killings of journalists in Iraq and Turkey, the head of the United Nations body mandated to protect press freedom today once again stressed the vital role played by the media in establishing democracy and the rule of law. Those murdered in recent days included Hrant Dink, editor of the Turkish Armenian-language weekly Agos, and at least six Iraqi reporters and media workers. "Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and press freedom, its corollary, is a cornerstone of democracy and rule of law," UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura said in a statement on Mr. Dink's killing. "I welcome the speed with which the Turkish authorities investigated this case, proof of their determination not to let this heinous crime go unpunished," he added. Mr. Matsuura has repeatedly deplored the murder of Iraqi media workers in recent months. "I am horrified by the number of Iraqi journalists who are paying with their lives for their professional commitment to the fundamental human right of freedom of expression," he said in his latest statement. "Both government officials and media practitioners agree on the essential role of press freedom in the reconstruction of Iraq," he added, recalling the declaration adopted by participants at the International Conference on Freedom of Expression and Media Development in Iraq, which UNESCO hosted earlier this month. "They also agree on the need to investigate and bring to justice those guilty of crimes against journalists, I now hope that the authorities on the ground will cooperate in making this wish a reality." The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that Khudr Younis al-Obaidi, a reporter for the Al-Diuwan newspaper, was killed by unknown gunmen on 15 January in Mosul, in the north of Iraq. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), several employees of the governmental daily Al Sabah were killed from 12 to 16 January. Two, whose names have not been revealed, were kidnapped from the Al Sabah's offices in Baghdad on 12 January and found with their throats cut the next day. Yassin Aid Assef, a correspondent for the daily, was killed by a bomb on 14 January while covering a story in Baghdad. The next day journalist Falah Khalaf Al Diyali was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. According to RSF's tally, 146 journalists and media assistants have been killed since the United States-led coalition invaded Iraq in March 2003. 2007-01-22 00:00:00.000

     

     

    Jan 21

     

    GUINEA: BAN KI-MOON URGES RESTRAINT AMID REPORTED DEATHS DURING DEMONSTRATIONS

    New York, Jan 21 2007 3:00PM Concerned at unrest in Guinea, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged the parties there to exercise restraint amid reports of deaths during demonstrations which have rocked the West African country in recent days. “The Secretary General is closely following developments in Guinea, including negotiations between the parties, aimed at bringing an early end to the present situation, his spokesman said in a statement issued in New York, voicing concern over “the reported loss of life that occurred during the demonstrations.” Mr. Ban urged the Government, the Labor Union leaders and other concerned parties to exercise restraint. “He encourages them to avoid any action that would result in casualties and to reach a peaceful and mutually satisfactory agreement that would help restore calm and refocus the efforts of the country on poverty alleviation and development,” the spokesman said. 2007-01-21 00:00:00.000

     

     

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    Jan 30

    WILLIAM TELL, EX-SOMETHING CORPORATE, MAKES SOLO ALBUM DEBUT WITH YOU CAN HOLD ME DOWN ON NEW DOOR RECORDS
    On his solo debut, You Can Hold Me Down (New Door Records/UMe), set for release March 6, 2007, singer-songwriter-guitarist william Tell, formerly of acclaimed alt-rock band Something Corporate, rises up with a rockin' antidote for pabulum pop. Filled with catchy hooks, stylish melodies, and sharply emotional lyrics, You Can Hold Me Down is the soundtrack for your first love, your first break-up, your highest highs, and your lowest lows.

    From the title track "You Can Hold Me Down," "Maybe Tonight," "Trouble," and "Slipping. Under (Sing Along To YoUr Favorite Song)," You Can Hold Me Down's 10 tracks bring together Tell's fascination with the classic pop of The Beach Boys and Beatles and his admiration for the introspective singer­songwriters of the 1970s. Produced in part and mixed by Thorn Panunzio, whose producing/engineering credits include Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, No Doubt, Tom Petty, Aerosmith, U2, and Stevie Nicks, the album introduces a new artist with a startling gift for songcraft. "William is a great songwriter and sings with a passion that's very real. In the studio he is a total pro, creating what's necessary to get his songs across; I enjoyed the experience totally," says Panunzio.

    The Southern California-born and raised Tell is known for his work in Something Corporate, which he joined in 2001. The band’s 2001 EP debut Audioboxer, was crtically acclaimed, as was its major label debut on MCA the following year, Leaving Through the Window, which resulted in #1 spots on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and #1 Alternative New Artist.  The band’s sophomore album, 2003’s North, debuted at #24.  Both full-length albums are nearly gold.

     

     

    In early 2004, Tell decided to go out on his own.  His exit from the group was amicable and he remains friends with his ex-bandmates.  In fact, Tell collaborated with members of Something Corporate; singer-pianist Andrew McMahon can be heard on “Fairfax” and drummer Brian Ireland is on the album’s entirety. 
    For William Tell, You Can Hold Me Down promises to be just the overture for a promising future.

    www.williamtell.com

    www.myspace.com/williamtell

    William Tell Scores Spot in American Idol Promotional Campaign
    New Door Records/UMe recording artist William Tell has landed a highly coveted spot for music featured-in promos for the upcoming sixth season of American ldol.  This is an extremely desirable spot and a major feat for a new artist. Tell's song "Slipping Under (Sing Along To Your Favorite Song)" has been heard in network promo spots since December 12, 2006.
     

    Tell's debut album You Can Hold Me Down will be released on March 6th, 2007 from New Door Records/UMe.
     
    You Can Hold Me Down's ten tracks bring together Tell's fascination with classic pop and his admiration for the introspective singer-songwriters of the 1970s. The album was produced in part and mixed by Thorn Panunzio (producing/engineering credits include Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, No Doubt, Tom Petty, Aerosmith, U2, and Stevie Nicks). A native Southern Californian, Tell originally gained exposure as part of the popular alt-rock group Something Corporate.
    Past winners oftelevision's No.1 rated series American Idol, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, including Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, and Carrie Underwood have quickly become top recording stars receiving numerous accolades from the recording industry.
     

    Twenty-two-time Emmy-nominated American Idol is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment, Ltd.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot­Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremanteMedia North America, Inc.

     

    STAGE NINJA LAUNCHES NEW LINE OF PROFESSIONAL MUSIC AND STAGE EQUIPMENT

    New Line Offers Solutions To Common Problems Found on Stage, Studio, Or Music Rehearsal Space

    (Indianapolis, IN January 30, 2007) “ Stage Ninja, the worlds first and only company to successfully conceptualize, design and manufacture retractable instrument and XLR cable devices, announces the launch of their 2007 line of professional music and stage equipment. The line includes five new products designed to simplify and organize a musicians performance area.

    “ Stage Ninja, the worlds first and only company to successfully conceptualize, design and manufacture retractable instrument and XLR cable devices, announces the launch of their 2007 line of professional music and stage equipment. The line includes five new products designed to simplify and organize a musicians performance area.

    Drawing on years of experience, Stage Ninja has become the worldwide leader in retractable cable systems. Their five new products will all feature technology and innovation not found elsewhere. Stage Ninjas new line includes the following models: INS-26S Designed to be the “ultimate guitar cable, the INS-26S is the industrys first automatic cord-winding system. Users pull out the desired cord length, plug it in, and pull the cord again to retract. The cable instantly retracts into the damage resistant protective housing. The INS-26S utilizes Redundant Signal Transmission (RST), a technology developed by Stage Ninja to provide stability to the signal and ensure the highest quality sound.

    Designed to be the “ultimate guitar cable, the INS-26S is the industrys first automatic cord-winding system. Users pull out the desired cord length, plug it in, and pull the cord again to retract. The cable instantly retracts into the damage resistant protective housing. The INS-26S utilizes Redundant Signal Transmission (RST), a technology developed by Stage Ninja to provide stability to the signal and ensure the highest quality sound.

    XLR-26S Designed for DJs and sound techs, the XLR-26S is another device that uses the RST Technology and practical design to solve the problem of stage spaghetti. The XLR-26S is the industrys first automatic cord-winding microphone cable system. Users pull out the desired cord length, plug it in, and pull the cord again to retract. The cable instantly retracts into the damage resistant protective housing.

    Designed for DJs and sound techs, the XLR-26S is another device that uses the RST Technology and practical design to solve the problem of stage spaghetti. The XLR-26S is the industrys first automatic cord-winding microphone cable system. Users pull out the desired cord length, plug it in, and pull the cord again to retract. The cable instantly retracts into the damage resistant protective housing.

    MXC-25 The Musicians Extension Cord, the MXC-25 is designed to bring power wherever needed solving the Where do I plug-in? dilemma on stage. The MXC-25 offers 25 feet of 12 gauge electrical cord with a tap to plug-in every five feet as well as a built-in circuit breaker.

    The Musicians Extension Cord, the MXC-25 is designed to bring power wherever needed solving the Where do I plug-in? dilemma on stage. The MXC-25 offers 25 feet of 12 gauge electrical cord with a tap to plug-in every five feet as well as a built-in circuit breaker.

    MXC-50 “ The Musicians Extension Cord, the MXC-50, just like the MXC-25 but double the length, is designed to bring power wherever needed. The MXC-25 offers 50 feet of 12 gauge electrical cord with a tap to plug-in every ten feet as well as a built-in circuit breaker.

    “ The Musicians Extension Cord, the MXC-50, just like the MXC-25 but double the length, is designed to bring power wherever needed. The MXC-25 offers 50 feet of 12 gauge electrical cord with a tap to plug-in every ten feet as well as a built-in circuit breaker.

    SBL Series The Sound Booth Lighting Series offers technicians a hands free solution to darkness. The light grips are industrial, goose-neck flashlight grips that double as sound-board or turntable lights. They’re removable and fit most standard-sized flashlights.

    The Sound Booth Lighting Series offers technicians a hands free solution to darkness. The light grips are industrial, goose-neck flashlight grips that double as sound-board or turntable lights. They’re removable and fit most standard-sized flashlights.

    We are thrilled to bring Stage Ninjas innovative designs and products to the masses, said Brian Stewart, President of Global Operations, Stage Ninja. Our new line reflects our commitment to offer the best sound and the best solutions. Brent Eskew, President of Product Development, explains, All of our products - used by musicians, technicians, and DJs - offer convenient solutions and equipment protection.

    The new Stage Ninja line will be available in retail stores in the spring of 2007. For more information and product specifications, visit www.stageninja.net or call 866.889.5782.

    ####

    About Stage Ninja

    Stage Ninja is an aggressive, new company that provides practical and cutting-edge solutions to problems and inconveniences on stage. The Stage Ninja product development team is a close network of musicians and sound techs bent on creating the most innovative products and solutions in the music industry. For more information about Stage Ninja and their products, visit www.stageninja.net. A press kit is available for download under the Contacts section.

     

     Jan 22NAMM Simmered by Culinary Strike

    The NAMM show, long known as the place to be if you love music, opened in Anaheim to over 80,000 music enthusiasts.

    NAMM, identifies itself as an association to unify, lead and strengthen the international musical instruments and products industry, but it is much more than that. Music and about everything surrounding it, is what NAMM is all about. At NAMM you can learn how to further develop your business, see any instrument you could or never imagined, computers, software, and other tools are discovered to make artists sound better and make the life of a musician easier.

    The NAMM Show is a trade only show, not open to the public. Dealers congregate. Many music fans would love to be there, but didn’t realize they could attend. In addition to expected obvious categories of exhibitor and buyer, did you know you could also attend as a retail employee, artist,a visitor, distributer buyer, non-buyer,manufactures rep or a guest.

    Even before the show began, there was more enthusiasm and optimism in the air than last year. NAMM was just coming off a New Years’ Day win of the Craftsman trophy for NAMM’s Rose Parade float in Pasadena’s annual Rose Parade, which was themed “Natural Harmonies: Oh Say Can You Sing.” The Craftsman trophy is awarded for Exceptional Showmanship and Dramatic Impact for a float more than 55 feet long.

    Heightened security and increased crowds may have delayed and frustrated but the icing on the cake was led by the culinary workers strike in front of the adjoining hotel to the Anaheim Convention Center where it was held.

    Big name performers made appearances but did not play as promoted. Greats such as Don Felder of the Eagles who was headlining the 10th anniversary for the John Lennon Educational Tour bus or Joe Satriani at Peavey came to demonstrate the JSX Mini Colossal Amp he’d designed but wouldn’t play the guitar. In a sense, fans got what they wanted, but didn’t get to hear them play. (The artists did sign autographs and interact in a fashion like I had never seen major stars ever spend with their fans before. The fans are very important to these greats in the industry.)

    Music from early morning to well past sundown and artists appearances were plentiful. Artists took pictures and conversed with eager fans, causing delays in aisles and rerouting of lines to preserve aisle ways.

    Artists wandered throughout the show, reviewing the latest the industry has to offer and some searching for endorsements. Stevie Wonder, Graham Nash, Brian Wilson, Natalie Cole, Nancy Wilson and William Tell to name a few.

    Peavey collaborated with John Taylor of Duran Duran and clothing designer Juicy Couture on the new Liberator Series guitar and bass. A custom Peavey bike by Orange County Choppers was unveiled along with a Peavey custom guitar, which was filmed for an upcoming episode of “American Chopper” this spring on TLC. Dave Mustaine of Megadeth with Dean Guitars announced a new guitar line called the “Vehement: VMNT”.

     

    Jan 21

     

    MARANTZ PROFESSIONAL SHIPS NEW CDR310 Professional CD Recorder

     

    Portable workhorse provides CD-R recording in
    uncompressed or MP3 audio file formats

     

    NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 18, 2007 Marantz Professional is shipping the CDR310 Professional CD Recorder. As the undisputed leader in professional compact disc recorders/players since 1992, Marantz Professional expands on the success of its innovative and popular Portable Digital Recorder family with the CDR310, making full-featured CD recording technology available in a sophisticated portable format. The CDR310 offers convenient long-term recording in uncompressed and MP3 formats, and provides a long list of the features most demanded by the professional market, including optional battery operation for up to four hours.

     

    The CDR310 is capable of handling a project from beginning to end, with built-in microphone preamps with XLR connectors and 48V phantom power for use with external condenser microphones, a built-in high-quality microphone for maximum convenience and portability, and the ability to record for hours, then finish the final project to the built-in CD burner, all within one lightweight, compact unit. The burner can create both audio discs, for instant playback on any CD player, or data discs for transfer to a computer or for archiving purposes. Battery power capability — using AA batteries, or the optional RB1651 rechargeable battery — allows for up to four hours of remote operation without an external power supply, while support for both uncompressed audio and MP3 file formats provides flexibility and long record times.

     

    The CDR310 incorporates several groundbreaking features not previously available. Background Record Mode enables recording to always be active, as an ongoing backup, even when the CDR310 is in Pause Mode. Recording can also be active in Pre-Record Mode for up to 10 seconds with the recorder stopped. This ensures that the CDR310 never misses capturing a critical audio event. Easy One-Touch recording makes operation simple, even under challenging circumstances. Analog line-level inputs and outputs and S/PDIF-format digital inputs and outputs allow connection to a wide range of professional audio equipment.

     

    The Marantz Professional CDR310 Portable Digital Recorder is ideal for government agencies, law enforcement, documenting boardroom meeting, broadcasters, and professional system installers, in a wide range of critical applications. It is available at a U.S. MSRP of $1049.

     

    …ends 340 words

     

    About D&M Professional
    D&M Professional, through its Denon Professional, Marantz Professional and Denon DJ brands, manufactures and distributes a leading line of professional audio and video equipment for the broadcast, commercial, corporate, DJ, education, government, audio/visual, education, houses of worship, security and related industries.
    Visit D&M Professional at www.d-mpro.com or Denon DJ at: www.denondj.com.
    About D&M Holdings Inc.
    D&M Holdings Inc. (TSE I: 6735) is based in Tokyo and owns the Denon®, Marantz®, McIntosh® Laboratory, Boston Acoustics®, Snell Acoustics, D&M Professional, ReplayTV® and Escient® brands. Denon, Marantz, McIntosh and D&M Professional are global industry leaders in the specialist home theater, audio/video consumer electronics or professional audio markets, with a strong and long-standing heritage of manufacturing and marketing high-performance audio and video components. Boston Acoustics, with its signature The Boston Sound, is a leader in premium loudspeakers for home and audio markets. Snell is a super premium speaker brand. The ReplayTV and Escient brands represent award-winning technologies in digital home entertainment.
    Additional information is available at www.dm-holdings.com.

     

    Denon and Marantz are registered trademarks of D&M Holdings Inc.; McIntosh is a registered trademark of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.; Boston Acoustics is a registered trademark of Boston Acoustics, Inc.; and ReplayTV and Escient are registered trademarks of Digital Networks North America, Inc. Other brand and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

     

    DISCLAIMER
    Statements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact include forward looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of the company. We wish to caution you that such statements are just predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties surrounding competitive and industry conditions, market acceptance for the company's products, ability to meet targeted product release dates, risks of litigation, technological changes, developing industry standards and other factors related to the company's businesses. The Company reserves all of its rights. 

     

    ONE OF THE GRAND MASTERS OF PODCASTING RELIES ON
    MARANTZ PROFESSIONAL PMD660 COMPACT DIGITAL RECORDER

     

    — Rob Walch’s Podcast 411 has become a resource for aspiring podcasters along with major companies and organizations that want to add podcasting to their communications repertoire, and founder Rob Walch handles it with his Marantz PMD660

     

    NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 18, 2007 — Rob Walch, President and Founder of Podcast 411, one of the world’s leading podcasting educational sites, and co-author of the book Tricks of the Podcasting Masters, chose the Marantz Professional PMD660 Compact Digital Recorder for his podcast work. The PMD660 is perfectly suited to the needs of podcasters, offering professional sound quality in a compact, lightweight unit that’s highly reliable and simple to use.

     

    Walch launched www.podcast411.com in late 2004, and each week podcasting fans have heard him interview a wide range of business, political and entertainment celebrities including Vice Presidential candidate Senator John Edwards, Battlestar Galactica Executive Producer Ron Moore, and journalists Walt Mossberg from the Wall Street Journal and Larry Kudlow from CNBC. In addition to the 178 podcasts he’s done himself, Walch has helped countless aspiring podcasters with educational services from his site, and he provides podcasting services to a wide range of companies and organizations, including New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, and the California Organization of Police Chiefs and Sheriffs. Walch makes exclusive use of the Marantz Professional PMD660 Compact Digital Recorder.

     

    “I use the 660 for all of my field work and even some of my studio work,” says Walch, who learned of the PMD660 just as he was starting Podcast 411 from — appropriately — a review on a podcast. “The 660 is small but it has great sound and a lot of features that create a podcast with a professional edge, such as the fact that you can use XLR microphones and that the 660 has its own internal phantom power. It fits easily into my laptop bag on the road, and since podcasters rarely have their own crews, the fact that I can monitor using headphones gives me an enormous amount of confidence in the recording that lets me concentrate on the interview. It’s a great piece of technology for podcasting.”

     

    The “hand-held” PMD660 Solid State Recorder features portable, battery-powered operation. It offers a choice of recording uncompressed WAV files at 44.1 or 48 kHz, as well as 64 kbps mono or 128 kbps stereo in MP3 format. An optional 1 GB flash card holds over an hour of stereo or 3 hours mono of uncompressed audio (recording at the rates specified above), while the unit itself can operate for up to 4 hours running on 4 standard AA batteries. Furthermore, the PMD660 has built-in stereo microphones, XLR connectors with +48V phantom power, and is compatible with an optional RC600 wired remote that attaches to most any microphone to supply Record/Pause control, track marking and peak metering from the mic position.

     

    About D&M Professional
    D&M Professional, through its Denon Professional, Marantz Professional and Denon DJ brands, manufactures and distributes a leading line of professional audio and video equipment for the broadcast, commercial, corporate, DJ, education, government, audio/visual, education, houses of worship, security and related industries.
    Visit D&M Professional at www.d-mpro.com or Denon DJ at: www.denondj.com.
    About D&M Holdings Inc.
    D&M Holdings Inc. (TSE I: 6735) is based in Tokyo and owns the Denon®, Marantz®, McIntosh® Laboratory, Boston Acoustics®, Snell Acoustics, D&M Professional, ReplayTV® and Escient® brands. Denon, Marantz, McIntosh and D&M Professional are global industry leaders in the specialist home theater, audio/video consumer electronics or professional audio markets, with a strong and long-standing heritage of manufacturing and marketing high-performance audio and video components. Boston Acoustics, with its signature The Boston Sound, is a leader in premium loudspeakers for home and audio markets. Snell is a super premium speaker brand. The ReplayTV and Escient brands represent award-winning technologies in digital home entertainment.
    Additional information is available at www.dm-holdings.com.

     

    Denon and Marantz are registered trademarks of D&M Holdings Inc.; McIntosh is a registered trademark of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.; Boston Acoustics is a registered trademark of Boston Acoustics, Inc.; and ReplayTV and Escient are registered trademarks of Digital Networks North America, Inc. Other brand and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

     

    DISCLAIMER
    Statements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact include forward looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of the company. We wish to caution you that such statements are just predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties surrounding competitive and industry conditions, market acceptance for the company's products, ability to meet targeted product release dates, risks of litigation, technological changes, developing industry standards and other factors related to the company's businesses. The Company reserves all of its rights. 

     

     

     

    MARANTZ PROFESSIONAL SHOWCASES
    LATEST DIGITAL RECORDING TECHNOLOGY

     

    — Ease of recording and editing along with

    large storage capacity distinguish Marantz Professional technology —

     

    NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 18, 2007 — As part of its commitment to offering comprehensive and efficient solutions, Marantz Professional, a D&M Professional brand, exhibits at this year’s NAMM Show with its full line of digital recording products.

     

    The leader in revolutionizing solid state recorder technology, Marantz Professional highlights eight key products on display, offering a range of options for portable, dependable recording and playback. These include the new CDR310 Portable CD Recorder; CDR632 CD-R/RW Recorder; CDR510 MP3/CD Dual Player and CD Recorder; CDR420 Professional HD/CD Recorder; PMD671 24-bit Portable Solid State Recorder; award winning “hand-held” PMD660 Portable Solid State Recorder; and PMD570 and PMD560 Professional Installation Solid State Recorders.

     

    The CDR310 Professional CD Recorder is capable of handling a project from beginning to end, with built-in microphone preamps with XLR connectors and 48V phantom power for use with external condenser microphones, a built-in high-quality microphone for maximum convenience and portability, and the ability to record for hours, then finish the final project to the built-in CD burner, all within one lightweight, battery operated compact unit. The burner can create both audio discs for instant playback on CD players, or data discs for transfer to a computer or for archiving purposes. Battery power capability — using the optional RB1651 battery — allows for up to four hours of remote operation without an external power supply, while support for uncompressed WAV, CD-DA, AIFF audio and MP3 file formats provides flexibility and long record times. The CDR310’s Background Record Mode enables recording to always be active, as an ongoing backup, even when the unit is in Pause Mode. Recording can also be active in Pre-Record Mode for up to 10 seconds with the recorder stopped. Easy One-Touch recording makes operation simple, even under challenging circumstances. Analog line-level inputs and outputs and S/PDIF-format digital inputs and outputs allow connection to a wide range of professional audio equipment.

     

    The CDR632 makes full-featured CD recording technology available to virtually any installation, in a 2U rackspace. This professionally solid workhorse plays and records on standard CD-R and CD RW discs. In addition, it will play MP3 files for extended playback from a single disc. The CDR632 is packed with features specifically requested by the installation market like Programmable Auto-Track Increment, Pitch Control, Level dependent Sync Recording, Single Play Mode, Power-on Play and more. Analog, digital and optical input and output, complete with integrated sample rate conversion, are just a few examples of the meticulous design and engineering that went into the CDR632. CD text can be programmed and read right from the front panel. Programmable fade-in/fade-out recording allows for an easily polished sound, complementing the high audio quality provided by the CDR632.

     

    The CDR510 brings the traditional professional combination deck into the next generation, where digital technology has eliminated the need for cassettes. Featuring a CD player/CD recorder combination, the unit merges the simple operation of one-touch record with upgraded capability in playback accepting CD, CD-R, CD-RW, unfinalized discs, and even MP3 file formats. Since critical recording applications offer a one-time opportunity to capture sound, the CDR510 was built to meet this challenge with exceptional audio quality every time. The CDR510 further supports RS232C interfacing.

     

    The CDR420 CD/MP3 Recorder is a complete tabletop digital recording solution suitable for virtually any application. This unit features easy digital recording in MP3 or WAV formats with all of the functions necessary to handle all of your recording needs. Recording through use of a computer, CD burner and post-production software is no longer required. With an internal storage capacity to archive up to 1,400 hours of recordings, the CDR420 can burn up to 45 hours of audio on a single MP3-CD or on multiple traditional CDs. Its portability makes the CDR420 perfect for recording meetings, professional sessions and other events where a traditional recording device will not suffice. In addition, the CDR420 is USB 2.0 capable.

     

    The PMD671 Solid State Recorder offers multiple recording modes, long record times (up to 36 hours of stereo recording on a 1 GB Compact Flash card), and up to six hours of battery time with standard AA alkaline batteries. The unit is capable of 24-bit, 96 kHz PCM high-resolution recording for unrivaled audio quality; a 1 GB Compact Flash card can provide up to 30 minutes of record time at high resolutions. The PMD671 also offers a long list of professional features such as Virtual Third Head (VTH) confidence monitoring, Time-Shift Playback, which allows the user to back up and listen to passages while continuing to record an event, XLR microphone inputs with phantom power, built-in condenser microphone, RCA line inputs, USB 2.0 connectivity for ultra-fast audio transfer to a PC, and an optional wired remote.

     

    The “hand-held” PMD660 Solid State Recorder features portable, battery-powered operation. It offers a choice of recording uncompressed WAV files at 44.1 or 48 kHz, as well as 64 kbps mono or 128 kbps stereo in MP3 format. An optional 1 GB flash card holds over an hour of stereo or 3 hours mono of uncompressed audio (recording at the rates specified above), while the unit itself can operate for 4 hours running on 4 standard AA batteries. Furthermore, the PMD660 has built-in stereo microphones, XLR connectors with +48V phantom power, and is compatible with an optional RC600 wired remote (also available for the PMD570 and PMD671) that attaches to most any microphone to supply Record/Pause control, track marking and peak metering from the mic position.

     

    The single-rackspace PMD570 Solid State Recorder unit records in mono or stereo directly to Compact Flash cards in MP3, MP2, WAV and Broadcast WAV formats. With over 40 quality settings, the PMD570 supports sample rates from 16 to 48 kHz, and bit rates from 32 to 384 kbps, as well as full-quality 16-bit PCM resolution. The PMD570 is able to create a new file (track increment) while recording and files can be created in intervals of 1, 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes as well as 1-, 2-, 6-, 8-, 12- and 24-hour intervals for long-term, unattended audio recording. A comprehensive input and output complement on the PMD570 includes balanced XLR line inputs with trim, unbalanced RCA line in and out, and stereo S/PDIF input and output on coaxial RCA jacks. Remote control is provided via full two-way RS-232C interfacing; users can set up, change and replace all preset settings with a PC. In addition the PMD570 features USB connectivity for easy linking and file transfer to a PC or Mac®. Audio files can be instantly dragged and dropped to the computer, eliminating wasted time doing transfers.

     

    The new PMD560 offers the same recording quality and RS-232 system control with cost effective features. The PMD560 is a lower price alternative in the growing family of Marantz Professional solid state installation recorders.
    …ends 1,119 words

     

    About D&M Professional
    D&M Professional, through its Denon Professional, Marantz Professional and Denon DJ brands, manufactures and distributes a leading line of professional audio and video equipment for the broadcast, commercial, corporate, DJ, education, government, audio/visual, education, houses of worship, security and related industries.
    Visit D&M Professional at www.d-mpro.com or Denon DJ at: www.denondj.com.
    About D&M Holdings Inc.
    D&M Holdings Inc. (TSE I: 6735) is based in Tokyo and owns the Denon®, Marantz®, McIntosh® Laboratory, Boston Acoustics®, Snell Acoustics, D&M Professional, ReplayTV® and Escient® brands. Denon, Marantz, McIntosh and D&M Professional are global industry leaders in the specialist home theater, audio/video consumer electronics or professional audio markets, with a strong and long-standing heritage of manufacturing and marketing high-performance audio and video components. Boston Acoustics, with its signature The Boston Sound, is a leader in premium loudspeakers for home and audio markets. Snell is a super premium speaker brand. The ReplayTV and Escient brands represent award-winning technologies in digital home entertainment.
    Additional information is available at www.dm-holdings.com.

     

    Denon and Marantz are registered trademarks of D&M Holdings Inc.; McIntosh is a registered trademark of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.; Boston Acoustics is a registered trademark of Boston Acoustics, Inc.; and ReplayTV and Escient are registered trademarks of Digital Networks North America, Inc. Other brand and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

     

    DISCLAIMER
    Statements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact include forward looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of the company. We wish to caution you that such statements are just predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties surrounding competitive and industry conditions, market acceptance for the company's products, ability to meet targeted product release dates, risks of litigation, technological changes, developing industry standards and other factors related to the company's businesses. The Company reserves all of its rights. 

     


     

     

    D&M Professional, 1100 Maplewood Dr. Itasca, IL 60143
    Phone: (630) 741-0330 Fax: (630) 741-0652

     

     

    Prodigy FX
    Precision for your passion

     

    LOS ANGELES, California: B-52 Professional announces the release of the revolutionary PRODIGY FX.
    The PRODIGY FX is a precision crafted professional DJ workstation designed to satisfy the most demanding performer – the professional DJ.  The innovative “console” design features two touch-sensitive, scratching CD/MP3 players with onboard DSP effects and a high performance 4-channel VCA mixer.  The PRODIGY FX is built to withstand the rigors of the road with a robust, custom flight case easily carried in one hand included.

     

    More than two years of market research, planning and precision engineering was spent in designing and building the PRODIGY FX. It marks B-52’s first entry into the DJ electronics category.

     

    “Getting it right was priority one” B-52 Vice-President Avi El-Kiss said. “We wanted to create a high end all-in-one DJ solution a professional DJ would actually want to use.”

     

    The result is a practically crafted and well construction workstation, which is loaded with features and effects yet compact and light enough to carry with one hand.

     

    “There is simply nothing like it in the market place today,” Avi adds.

     

    The PRODIGY FX is capable of playing any format of CD, CDR or MP3 disk with no effects latency while offering two touch sensitive jog wheels, numerous effects with parameter controls, master tempo, fader start, crossfader curve control, sampling and hundreds of other features.  The 4-channel VCA mixer includes a three band EQ with kill switches on all channels, dual rail Accutrack™ crossfader, three MIC inputs with DSP reverb and CD direct analog and digital outputs for seamless integration of Serato Scratch Live, Synchroscience Torq and all other time coded systems. 

     

    Great attention to detail and ergonomic design makes the PRODIGY FX an easy fit for any DJ.
    “It is comfortable and familiar when you put your hands on it” said DJ Charles Miles of Orlando Florida. 
    “I do about 200 shows a year in theme parks and resorts where portability, reliability and ease of set-up are an integral part of being successful in that market. The PRODIGY FX achieves this without sacrificing features.  It is the ideal all-in-one DJ system.”
    “During the beta-testing, my biggest apprehension to an combo unit was- what happens if a disc gets jammed and the unit needs to be reset in the middle of a gig?” DJ Charles continued.  

     

    “B-52 engineers took this very seriously and came back with my favorite feature of all-IPR- an independent power reset on each player that allows the user to kill the power to one transport while the other plays on. The power reset causes the unit to re-boot and spit out the jammed disc. This is very forward thinking on behalf of the manufacturer”.

     

    B-52 will officially launch the PRODIGY FX – as well as several other new and innovative products at the 2007 NAMM show in Anaheim in January with shipping to follow about a month later.  For more information on this and other B-52 products log onto www.B-52Pro.com or www.ProdigyFX.com

     

    To organize a review unit following the NAMM convention, please contact B-52 Professional Vice-President Avi El-Kiss on 323-277-4100 x112 or email avi@B-52Pro.com
     

     

     

    The PRODIGY FX is a precision crafted professional DJ workstation designed to satisfy the most demanding performer – YOU.  Our innovative “console” design features two scratching CD/MP3 players with touch sensitive jog wheels, onboard DSP effects and a high performance 4-channel VCA mixer.  The PRODIGY FX is packed in a roadworthy custom-built flight case easily carried in one hand.

     

    The PRODIGY FX is the ultimate solution that will elevate your performance to the next level.  It’s loaded with features you need and want including a wide array of DSP effects with parameter controls, master tempo, sampler, hot cues, integrated fader start, three-band EQ on every channel with kill switches, 3 MIC inputs with dedicated DSP reverb, dual rail Accutrack™ VCA crossfader, crossfader curve control, seamless loop, effects loop and CD direct outputs and mixer inputs for use with Serato Scratch Live, Synchroscience TORQ and all other time coded systems.

    CD/MP3 Player Features

     

     

    • Plays all formats of CD, CDRW and MP3 files with full functionality
    • Dual mode high resolution touch sensitive jog wheel
    • Seamless loop with on-the-fly access to loop editing
    • Independent buffer memory anti-shock for each player
    • Pitch control & master tempo with up to +/- 100% shift range
    • Oversized blue LCD display with wide viewing angle and brightness control
    • True instant start for both CD and MP3 operations
    • Easy MP3 file search by folder, file name, title or artist
    • Onboard DSP effects with multi-mode scratching, auto and manual filter and phase shifting as well as flanger, echo, trans, pan, & reverse
    • User-friendly beat synchronization for DSP effects
    • Auto BPM or manual TAP tempo
    • Three hot cue points
    • Three independent memory banks can remember up to 1500 cue points and/or samples
    • Integrated fader start
    • Slot loading transports with blue LED illuminator
    • IPR – Independent Player Reset for each CD/MP3 player provides fail-safe disk jamming protection
    • Built-in memory to save settings (memory is upgradeable)

     

     

    VCA Mixer Features
    • 4-channel VCA mixer with flexible input configurations
    • Dedicated DSP reverb and talk-over on MIC channels
    • Dual rail premium quality Accutrack™ crossfader
    • Effects loop with independent assign button on each channel
    • Hamster switch
    • Rotary crossfader curve control
    • 3-band EQ on each channel with – oo to +12dB range
    • Kill switches for low, mid and high on each channel
    • Dual mode SPLIT/BLEND headphone monitoring
    • 10 segment tri-colored LED metering on inputs and outputs
    • Master MONO switch
    • CD direct outputs and mixer inputs for use with Serato Scratch LIVE, M-Audio Torq and all other time coded systems

     

    Connections
    • 4 LINE, 2 PHONO, 1 MP3 and 3 XLR  / 1/4” MIC inputs 
    • Balanced master XLR outputs plus booth, master, record & master digital RCA outputs
    • Independent digital SPDIF outputs for each player
    • Digital master SPDIF output
    • Fan cooling for improved thermal performance
    • Voltage selectable power supply for worldwide use

     

    Professional ATA Flight Case Included

     

     

     

    ULTRASONE ANNOUNCES THE WORLD’S BEST HEADPHONES:
    THE EDITION 9 FOR ELITE CRITICAL LISTENING

     

    NAMM Attendees Can Experience the Highest Standard Yet in Personal
    Critical Listening, Reference, Mixing & Mastering at Booth # 6799

     

    NAMMSHOW07, Booth # 6799: ULTRASONE of America, LLC, the United States distributor for German headphone manufacturer ULTRASONE AG, has announced the release of the Edition 9, a new, limited-edition standard in high-end headphones for discerning musicians, engineers and producers.

    The $1,500 Edition 9 headphones utilize ULTRASONE’s finest titanium-plated drivers to deliver astounding sonic clarity and transparency for critical listening, reference, mixing and mastering applications. As with all their revolutionary headphones, ULTRASONE has incorporated S-Logic™ technology into the Edition 9, a patented system that reduces sound pressure to the eardrums by 40%, while delivering an amazing natural surround sound effect to the listener.
    The ULTRASONE Edition 9 headphones don’t just sound incredible: Their eye-catching aesthetic is due in large part to the artful use of black chrome in both the ear cups and nameplates. ULTRASONE takes attention to detail one step further with the use of Ethiopian sheep leather in the ear pads and headband pad, ensuring the listener a level of listening comfort never before experienced in a headphone. The Edition 9 gains an additional level of distinction with its sleek, metal attaché case for safe storage and transportation.
    Just as important, the Edition 9 headphones extend ULTRASONE’s longstanding commitment to listener health and safety. Thanks to its patented Pro-line standard ULE technology, all ULTRASONE products have lower magnetic field emissions than any other headphones, reducing electromagnetic field radiation – an effect commonly associated with cell phone use, for example -- by up to 98%. As a result, ULTRASONE headphones are certified by the Technical Surveillance Organization and Consumer Advice Centers to have certified low magnetic field emissions.

     

     “ULTRASONE is continuing our tradition of releasing exclusive, high-end collectors edition headphones with the Edition 9,” explains Cathy Kelly, President of ULTRASONE of America, LLC. “Our Collectors Series, beginning with the Edition 7 release 2 years ago, was established to bring elite new options to audio professionals requiring absolute peak performance, accuracy and comfort in critical listening. The Edition 9 advances this commitment yet again: ULTRASONE builds only headphones, and we build the best.”
    "Experience the Edition 9 and ULTRASONE’s HFI, Proline, DJ, iCans and Headsets lines, along with their Sistema and RPX-33 headphone amps by Rudistor Sound Systems of Italy, at NAMM Show 2007 Booth #6799 in Anaheim, CA, January 18-21.    For more information, visit ULTRASONE online at www.ULTRASONEusa.com.
    Technical Specifications
    :
    Closed-back headphones 
    S-Logic™ Technology
    PROline standard ULE by Mu Metal shielding
    Dynamic principle
    Frequency range 8Hz-35.000 Hz
    40 mm Titanium-Mylar drivers
    Impedance 30 ohm
    SPL 96 dB
    Nominal Headband pressure 5,2 N
    Weight without cord 310 g
    Cable 3 meter
    6,3 mm gold plated plug
    3,5mm adaptor
    About ULTRASONE

    Based near Munich, Germany, ULTRASONE AG has been manufacturing headphones for the audio market for over 12 years, during which time the company has developed and applied for more than 60 patents for its innovative technology. The company's unique, patented S-Logic™ technology creates natural surround sound without the use of additional electronic devices. ULTRASONE headphones represent a safer listening experience, not only by generating a 40% lower sensitivity for the same perceived loudness but also by offering shielding up to 98% of EMF radiation through the use of patented PROline standard ULE (ultra low emission) technology. ULTRASONE headphones are available worldwide and distributed in North America by Franklin, TN-based ULTRASONE of America, LLC. For more information about ULTRASONE headphones, go to www.ULTRASONEusa.com.

    For more information on ULTRASONE headphones and the new Edition 9, please contact PR representative Kevin Fetterplace at Mojo Working International

     

    NX-02 Sistema
    The Ultrasone PROline 2500 is a great headphone, one of the best in the world. But even the greatest headphones benefit from matching amplifiers to create a truly remarkable listening experience. This is why Dr. Stor of Rudistor Sound Systems designed a special NX-02 amp to match the PROline 2500 perfectly.
    The NX-02 Sistema gives a clear, natural sound with a sensational feeling of actually being there with the music. This system has exceptional detail, tight powerful bass and clear highs for an all around impressive listening experience. And with Ultrasone’s patented S-Logic™ technology you can listen for hours with greatly reduced risk of hearing damage and fatigue.
    NX-02 Sistema Tech Specs
    :

    Maximum Output: 1.5W on 16 ohms
    Output impedance: 16 to 300 Ohm
    Bandwidth: DC-100kHz < 0.1db
    Gain: 13db
    THD: 0.002& (13Vpp on 32 Ohms)
    Noise Floor: below -113 db
    Input impedance: 47 kOhm
    Amplification Class: Always Class A
    Weight: 5.5 kg (12pounds)
    Dimensions 250x45x246mm

    www.rudistor.com

    Please note this a custom built piece and will take a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks for delivery.
    Please contact Ultrasone USA at 615.599.4719 or orders@ultrasoneusa.com for ordering info.

     

     

    RPX-33 Dual Mono Headphone Amp

     

    The RPX-33 dual mono topology headphone amp from Rudistor Sound Systems of Italy, uses a mixture of clean, optimized and pure audiophile electronics to deliver the finest sound available. The electronic design for the RPX-33 was precisely calculated and very cleanly implemented to ensure the shortest signal path, a must in the audiophile world. The power supply uses a capacitance multiplier to deliver pure DC power for that pure sound and black background.

    RPX-33 Tech Specs:
    Maximum Output:
    700mW
    Output Impedance:  16 - 600 Ohm
    Bandwith
    :  1-100.000 Hz < 0.5db
    Gain:  
    16 db
    THD: 0.02% (3Vpp on 32Ohm)
    Technology:  FET
    & Bipolar Transistors
    Input Imedance: 
    47 Kohm
    Amplification Class: 
    Always A-Class
    Input / Output: 1 x line
    Dimensions (cm): 
    350 *60*282 mm
    Output: For two headphones
    Weight (Kg)
    : 8 kg  
     
    The RPX-33 was designed to provide the listener with high transparency, real life soundstage, deep and full bass and refined mid-highs, with astonishing dynamics, and absolutely crystal clear sound.  Versatility is a must in modern life, so in order to better enjoy this great amplifier, two headphones output jacks are provided.  One for hi-sensitivity with lower power (L), and other for low-sensitivity cans, with higher output (H)
    Version MkII (from Sept. 06): Upsized and partially redesigned power supplies, ALPS RK40 potentiometer, pre out RCA connection (to use the RPX33,as a preamplifier)
    Contact us at 615.599.4719 or orders@ultrasoneusa.com for ordering info.
    www.rudistor.com

     

    ULTRASONE INTRODUCES CUSTOM HEADPHONE AMPLIFIERS FOR OUTSTANDING AUDIOPHILE PERFORMANCE
    RPX-33 Amps and NX-02 Sistema from RudiStor Sound Systems Pair With ULTRASONE for Unparalleled Personal Listening, On Display at Booth #6799
    NAMMSHOW07, BOOTH # 6799: ULTRASONE of America, LLC, the United States distributor for premier German headphone manufacturer ULTRASONE AG, is introducing two new amplifiers created exclusively for the company’s product line.
    Designed and built by Italian manufacturer RudiStor Sound Systems, the new RPX-33 and NX-02 Sistema promise an obsessively pristine signal path to audiophiles in search of inspirational new pinnacles in sonic quality.
    Both amplification systems were created to bring the already unsurpassed performance of the ULTRASONE PROline 750, PROline 2500 and Edition 9 to even higher levels than previously thought possible. As a result, users seeking the ultimate personal solution for experiencing music now have it available with the combination of ULTRASONE headphones and RudiStor amplifiers.
    “Our focus on headphone amplifier design was borne out of a deep passion: a passion for music, accuracy and the emotional heights achievable only via the high-quality reproduction of a complete headphone system,” says Dr. Rudi Stor, who founded RudiStor Sound Systems in Trieste, Italy in 2003. “We specifically tuned and dedicated our newest amps to the ULTRASONE PROline 2500 because they embody the principles of the ideal headphone: detail, head-stage, sound depth, wide frequency extension from the deepest bass to extreme highs, great control dynamics, micro-dynamics and punch.
    “Only when all these parameters are added to a neutral, uncolored sound signature, do you have the makings of a truly outstanding, audiophile-grade headphone. We have found all those qualities in ULTRASONE’S current production line.”
    The RPX-33 dual mono topology headphone amp from RudiStor uses a mixture of clean, optimized and pure audiophile electronics to deliver the finest sound available. The electronic design for the all-discrete RPX-33 was precisely calculated and very cleanly implemented to ensure the shortest signal path, a must in the audiophile worlds. In addition, the power supply uses a capacitance multiplier to deliver pure DC power for pure sound and black background. The result of this groundbreaking design is high transparency, a real life soundstage, deep and full bass and refined mid-highs, astonishing dynamics, and absolutely crystal clear sound. Two headphones output jacks are provided for increased versatility: one for hi-sensitivity with lower power (L), and the other for low-sensitivity headphones with higher output (H).
    Designed especially to be a perfect match for the ULTRASONE PROline 2500, RudiStor Sound Systems’ NX-02 Sistema is an IC-based amp that further enhances these headphones’ clear, natural sound and sensational feeling of actually being there with the music. This more affordable system has exceptional detail, tight powerful bass and clear highs. Like the RPX-33, it provides a highly satisfying experience for exacting listeners.
    As with all their revolutionary headphones, ULTRASONE has incorporated S-Logic™ technology into the Edition 9, a patented system that reduces sound pressure to the eardrums by 40%, while delivering an amazing natural surround sound effect to the listener.
    Thanks to its patented ULE  (Ultra Low Emission) technology, all ULTRASONE products have lower magnetic field emissions than any other headphones, reducing electromagnetic field radiation – an effect commonly associated with cell phone use, for example - by up to 98%. As a result, ULTRASONE headphones are certified by the Technical Surveillance Organization and Consumer Advice Centers to have certified low magnetic field emissions.
    In keeping with ULTRASONE’s reputation for complete attention to detail, the RudiStor headphone amplifiers are made with a matching color scheme to the ULTRASONE PROline 750, PROline 2500 and Edition 9 headphones, ensuring a visual aesthetic in line with the outstanding audio experience that this audiophile-grade signal path offers.
    According to Cathy Kelly, President of ULTRASONE of America, LLC, the high standards of a superior headphone amplifier mirror those of a superior headphone. “Apart from pure power, a standard-setting headphone amplifier must have all the quality of an excellent, traditional amplifier - but those qualities must then be multiplied by a significant factor,” she observes. “Headphones are more sensitive, detailed, and dynamic than equivalent speakers, so what is not detected by any speaker is detected by some headphones to a startling degree.
    “As a result, the quality of reproduction must be superior, clean, transparent and dynamic. RudiStor Sound Systems’ meticulous work has resulted in an amplifier that, when combined with select ULTRASONE headphones, achieves this level of reproduction in unparalleled fashion. With the addition of these amplifiers to our line, it is nothing short of exhilarating for ULTRASONE to introduce what we believe is a landmark system for the audiophile community.”      
    RPX-33 Pricing: The RPX-33 Amp and ULTRASONE Edition 9 (w/gift ULTRASONE iCans): $3299
    Amp only: $1799
    NX-02 Sistema Pricing: The NX-02 Amp and ULTRASONE 2500: $1199
    Amp only: $875
    Experience the Edition 9 and ULTRASONE’s HFI, Proline, DJ, iCans and Headsets lines, along with their Sistema and RPX-33 headphone amps by RudiStor Sound Systems of Italy, at NAMM Show 2007 Booth #6799 in Anaheim, CA, January 18-21.
     For more information, visit ULTRASONE online at www.ULTRASONEusa.com
    About ULTRASONE
    Based near Munich, Germany, ULTRASONE AG has been manufacturing headphones for the audio market for over 12 years, during which time the company has developed and applied for more than 60 patents for its innovative technology. The company's unique, patented S-Logic™ technology creates natural surround sound without the use of additional electronic devices. ULTRASONE headphones represent a safer listening experience, not only by generating a 40% lower sensitivity for the same perceived loudness but also by offering shielding up to 98% of EMF radiation through the use of patented ULE  (ultra low emission) technology. ULTRASONE headphones are available worldwide and distributed in North America by Franklin, TN-based ULTRASONE of America, LLC. For more information about ULTRASONE headphones, go to www.ULTRASONEusa.com.
    ULTRASONE ANNOUNCES THE WORLD’S BEST HEADPHONES:
    THE EDITION 9 FOR ELITE CRITICAL LISTENING
    NAMM Attendees Can Experience the Highest Standard Yet in Personal
    Critical Listening, Reference, Mixing & Mastering at Booth # 6799
    NAMMSHOW07, Booth # 6799: ULTRASONE of America, LLC, the United States distributor for German headphone manufacturer ULTRASONE AG, has announced the release of the Edition 9, a new, limited-edition standard in high-end headphones for discerning musicians, engineers and producers.
    The $1,500 Edition 9 headphones utilize ULTRASONE’s finest titanium-plated drivers to deliver astounding sonic clarity and transparency for critical listening, reference, mixing and mastering applications. As with all their revolutionary headphones, ULTRASONE has incorporated S-Logic™ technology into the Edition 9, a patented system that reduces sound pressure to the eardrums by 40%, while delivering an amazing natural surround sound effect to the listener.
    The ULTRASONE Edition 9 headphones don’t just sound incredible: Their eye-catching aesthetic is due in large part to the artful use of black chrome in both the ear cups and nameplates. ULTRASONE takes attention to detail one step further with the use of Ethiopian sheep leather in the ear pads and headband pad, ensuring the listener a level of listening comfort never before experienced in a headphone. The Edition 9 gains an additional level of distinction with its sleek, metal attaché case for safe storage and transportation.
    Just as important, the Edition 9 headphones extend ULTRASONE’s longstanding commitment to listener health and safety. Thanks to its patented Pro-line standard ULE technology, all ULTRASONE products have lower magnetic field emissions than any other headphones, reducing electromagnetic field radiation – an effect commonly associated with cell phone use, for example -- by up to 98%. As a result, ULTRASONE headphones are certified by the Technical Surveillance Organization and Consumer Advice Centers to have certified low magnetic field emissions.
     “ULTRASONE is continuing our tradition of releasing exclusive, high-end collectors edition headphones with the Edition 9,” explains Cathy Kelly, President of ULTRASONE of America, LLC. “Our Collectors Series, beginning with the Edition 7 release 2 years ago, was established to bring elite new options to audio professionals requiring absolute peak performance, accuracy and comfort in critical listening. The Edition 9 advances this commitment yet again: ULTRASONE builds only headphones, and we build the best.”
    "Experience the Edition 9 and ULTRASONE’s HFI, Proline, DJ, iCans and Headsets lines, along with their Sistema and RPX-33 headphone amps by Rudistor Sound Systems of Italy, at NAMM Show 2007 Booth #6799 in Anaheim, CA, January 18-21.    For more information, visit ULTRASONE online at www.ULTRASONEusa.com.
    Technical Specifications
    :
    Closed-back headphones 
    S-Logic™ Technology
    PROline standard ULE by Mu Metal shielding
    Dynamic principle
    Frequency range 8Hz-35.000 Hz
    40 mm Titanium-Mylar drivers
    Impedance 30 ohm
    SPL 96 dB
    Nominal Headband pressure 5,2 N
    Weight without cord 310 g
    Cable 3 meter
    6,3 mm gold plated plug
    3,5mm adaptor
    About ULTRASONE

    Based near Munich, Germany, ULTRASONE AG has been manufacturing headphones for the audio market for over 12 years, during which time the company has developed and applied for more than 60 patents for its innovative technology. The company's unique, patented S-Logic™ technology creates natural surround sound without the use of additional electronic devices. ULTRASONE headphones represent a safer listening experience, not only by generating a 40% lower sensitivity for the same perceived loudness but also by offering shielding up to 98% of EMF radiation through the use of patented PROline standard ULE (ultra low emission) technology. ULTRASONE headphones are available worldwide and distributed in North America by Franklin, TN-based ULTRASONE of America, LLC. For more information about ULTRASONE headphones, go to www.ULTRASONEusa.com.
    For more information on ULTRASONE headphones and the new Edition 9, please contact PR representative Kevin Fetterplace at Mojo Working International:
    LITTLITE® ANNOUNCES IMPROVED LED PRODUCT
    Hamburg, MI - Littlite® is pleased to announce improvements to their popular LED
    lampsets.
    In addition to the new power supply on all Littlite lampsets, the chassis mount rocker
    switch has been replaced with a three-way rotary switch. This new switch still
    enables the user to select between a red or white light output while improving the
    aesthetics and functionality of the light.
    “The rotary switch is a better fit with our new Round Weighted Base (RWB) and also
    allows us to carry through with visual continuity between our various L-series
    lampset models” says Randy Robertson, of the Littlite Sales group.
    Littlite is recognized as the leader in low-profile task lamps and long considered the
    standard in the entertainment industry.
    For more information regarding Littlite products, please contact the factory directly
    at 888-548-8548 or visit us online at www.littlite.com.
    Littlite, LLC, PO Box 430, Hamburg, MI 48139 USA
    LITTLITE® ROLLS OUT NEW POWER SUPPLY AND ACCESSORY CABLES
    Hamburg, MI - Littlite® introduces a new power supply for all Littlite lampset
    models. The GXF-10 switching power supply replaced the old WXF linear transformer
    effective November, 2006.
    The new GXF-10 connects to L-series lampsets via a 2.1mm plug assembly allowing
    for quick, easy and safe operation. A new collection of accessory cables and adaptors
    will enable users to power multiple lights from a single power supply, extend the
    length of the power cord and power a Littlite lampset from a console mounted BNC
    connector.
    Bailey Winn of Littlite, comments “The GXF-10 is not only more energy efficient, it is
    also smaller and lighter than our previous model. This power supply takes up only
    one plug on a power strip. We will also offer a Euro version of this power supply as
    model number EXF-10G.”
    Littlite® is recognized as the leader in low-profile task lamps. Long considered the
    standard of the industry in the entertainment field.
    For more information regarding Littlite products, please contact our factory directly
    at 888-548-8548 or visit us online at www.littlite.com.
    Littlite, LLC, PO Box 430, Hamburg, MI 48139 USA
    Phone: (888) 548-8548, sales@littlite.com, www.littlite.com

    AUDIO-TECHNICA EXPANDS PROFESSIONAL LINE WITH NEW
    FLAGSHIP ATH-M50 STUDIO HEADPHONES
    — Featuring a closed-back design and proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnet systems, the ATH-M50 professional monitor headphones provide superior audio quality with maximum comfort and are ideal for critical listening applications —
    NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 18, 2007 — Audio-Technica introduces its flagship ATH-M50 professional studio monitor headphones. Embodying the company’s latest transducer technology, the ATH-M50 headphones offer the highest level of sonic accuracy in an innovative design engineered to provide maximum comfort for hours of use.
    Specifically intended for professional monitoring and mixing applications, the ATH-M50 headphones feature an efficient collapsible design ideal for easy portability and convenient storage. Employing Audio-Technica’s proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnet systems and CCAW voice coils, the ATH-M50 headphones have exceptional power handling and very high SPL capabilities while delivering clear, natural, accurate sound with deep resonating bass and high-frequency extension.
    The ATH-M50 also features a closed-back cushioned earcup providing exceptional clarity and superior isolation in high volume listening situations. In addition, the circumaural earpieces swivel a full 180º for easy one-ear monitoring.
    The ATH-M50 has a lightweight and adjustable cushioned headband for maximum listening comfort. A coiled OFC litz wire cable at the left earpiece terminates to a gold-plated 1/8" connector with included professional screw-on 1/4" adapter.
    The ATH-M50 will be available February 2007 with a U.S. MSRP of $199.00
    AUDIO-TECHNICA SHOWS ARTIST SERIES MICROPHONES FOR
    DRUM AND PERCUSSION APPLICATIONS
    — A-T’s next generation of classic live-sound microphones provide flexibility and
    superior performance for capturing drums and percussion instruments —
    NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 18, 2007 — Audio-Technica, leading manufacturer of professional microphones and headphones, is featuring five new drum and percussion mics as part of its next generation of Artist Series microphones. The company has added innovative microphones to the line, while upgrading classic models for a comprehensive selection of vocal, instrument and drum mics. Designed by Audio-Technica engineers for the precise reproduction of drum and percussion instruments, these new Artist Series mics include the ATM450 cardioid condenser microphone, ATM250DE dual-element microphone, ATM250 hypercardioid dynamic microphone, ATM650 hypercardioid dynamic microphone and ATM350 cardioid condenser clip-on microphone.
    The new A-T Artist Series was inspired by extensive market research and consultations with leading touring artists and FOH engineers who rely on these microphones onstage every night. Satisfying their foremost concerns, these rugged all-metal microphones are engineered for consistently flawless performance, featuring response and low-distortion characteristics to faithfully reproduce the details of virtually any sound source.
    The ATM450 cardioid condenser microphone offers an innovative side-address stick design for endless placement options and minimal obstructions. Designed for overheads, percussion, hi-hat, under-snare or any application where space is at a premium, the ATM450 features a cardioid polar pattern for improved isolation of the desired sound source and is equipped with an integral 80 Hz HPF switch and 10 dB pad. The microphone’s extended flat frequency response (40-20,000 Hz) makes it ideal for handling high SPLs while its rugged all-metal design ensures reliability night after night. In addition, the ATM450 comes with an isolation clamp for shock protection, secure mounting and easy positioning.
    Audio-Technica built on the legacy of its AE2500 kick drum mic to create the new ATM250DE, a dual-element microphone that combines two perfectly positioned capsules — a cardioid condenser and hypercardioid dynamic — in a single housing. Its neodymium dynamic element provides punch and attack, while the condenser element captures the full audio spectrum. Both elements are positioned in a perfect phase relationship for maximum efficiency. It also has an integral 80 Hz HPF switch and 10 dB pad (condenser element). The ATM250DE is excellent for kick drums, as well as floor and rack toms. The microphone has a frequency response of 40-20,000 Hz (condenser) and 40-15,000 Hz (dynamic). Also designed for kick drum, and other high SPL applications, the ATM250 hypercardioid dynamic offers a rich, warm low-frequency response. Its hypercardioid polar pattern improves the isolation of the desired sound source, while the ATM250’s Hi-ENERGY® neodymium magnet provides improved output and transient response. The ATM250 has a frequency response of 40-15,000 Hz and comes with an isolation clamp to provide secure mounting and versatile positioning.
    For capturing snare and percussion instruments, Audio-Technica offers the extremely rugged ATM650 hypercardioid dynamic microphone. Featuring a new multi-stage flat grille design for precise positioning close to the sound source, the ATM650 employs an all-metal construction and is equipped with a Hi-ENERGY neodymium magnet for high-output performance. The microphone’s hypercardioid element has excellent rejection, allowing the mic to be focused on the desired sound such as the “sweet spot” of the drumhead, while maximizing isolation between sound sources. The ATM650 has a frequency response of 80-17,000 Hz with the ability to handle fast transients and high SPLs.
    An all-around microphone for toms and percussion, the ATM350 cardioid condenser clip-on is based on the legendary ATM35. Featuring a low-profile clip-on design for minimum visibility and accurate positioning, the ATM350’s cardioid polar pattern provides superior sound source isolation with a crisp, clear, well-balanced response even at extremely high SPLs. For further flexibility and miking options, the ATM350 also has interchangeable hypercardioid and omnidirectional elements. In addition, it features an integral 80 Hz high-pass filter, and a new in-line power module for easy connection to a snake or breakout box.
    The new Audio-Technica Artist Series microphones are available immediately with U.S. MSRPs as follows:
    ATM250 Hypercardioid Condenser Mic — $329.00
    ATM250DE Dual-Element Mic — $549.00
    ATM350 Cardioid Condenser Clip-on Mic — $449.00
    ATM450 Cardioid Condenser Side-address Mic — $369.00
    ATM650 Hypercardioid Dynamic Mic — $169.00
    Photo Files: ArtistSeriesDrum_grp.JPG, ATM250.JPG, ATM250DE.JPG, ATM350.JPG, ATM450.JPG, ATM650.JPG
    Celebrating over 40 years of audio excellence worldwide, Audio-Technica is a leading innovator in transducer technology, renowned for the design and manufacture of microphones, wireless microphones, headphones, mixers, and electronics for the audio industry.
    —For more information on the complete range of Audio-Technica products, contact
    Karen Emerson, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224.
    Tel: (330) 686-2600; Fax: (330) 688-3752; Web: www.audio-technica.com

     
    —For further information regarding product availability and pricing in Europe, please contact Denise Burnage, marketing, Audio-Technica Ltd., Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England. Tel: +44 (0) 113 277 1441,
    Fax: +44 (0) 113 270 4836
    AUDIO-TECHNICA NAMES CHRIS NIGHMAN
    AUDIO SOLUTIONS SPECIALIST
    NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 18, 2007 — Audio-Technica has appointed Chris Nighman as Audio Solutions Specialist in support of its Audio Solutions Department. Rick Joyner, Audio Solutions Manager at Audio-Technica, announced this addition to the team, noting that Nighman’s appointment is the company’s latest step in augmenting its Audio Solutions Department, which is dedicated to identifying and addressing the needs of the
    audio community.
    Chris Nighman joined Audio-Technica in 1998, spending years as Lead Inspector in the Quality Assurance Department, and has continually sought to expand his knowledge and insight into the audio industry. Nighman brings direct consumer experience to his new Specialist position in A-T’s Audio Solutions Department, as both a musician and project studio owner. He is a member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and Synergetic Audio Concepts (Syn-Aud-Con). Nighman will now be focused on fulfilling the informational needs of Audio-Technica’s customers, accurately fielding questions about A-T’s full range of products and applications.
    The Audio Solutions Department acts as the first point of contact for A-T’s staff, reps, dealers and end users seeking clear technical or product advice and application assistance. Since the department’s inception, customers have expressed appreciation for this easy way to reach a support team; more than 95 percent of incoming queries are answered directly by Audio Solutions Specialists. In addition to phone consultations, the department offers online technical support, gathers feedback from the field to identify emerging trends and business opportunities, and assists in product design, development and sales.
    Rick Joyner commented, “Chris has been a greatly productive member of the Audio-Technica family for years, and is a most welcome addition to our Audio Solutions Department. He has a distinct knack for assessing customer needs and responding with the appropriate solution. His communicative and technical skills will allow us to take our charge even further, maintaining strong connections with the audio community and building our evaluative and educational capabilities.”
    Photo File: Chris_Nighman.JPG
    Celebrating over 40 years of audio excellence worldwide, Audio-Technica is a leading innovator in transducer technology, renowned for the design and manufacture of microphones, wireless microphones, headphones, mixers, and electronics for the audio industry.
    —For more information on the complete range of Audio-Technica products, contact
    Karen Emerson, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224.
    Tel: (330) 686-2600; Fax: (330) 688-3752; Web: www.audio-technica.com

    AUDIO-TECHNICA UPDATES FREEWAY®
    200 SERIES WIRELESS SYSTEMS
    — Featuring an updated new look, the A-T Freeway® 200 Series Wireless Systems continue to set the benchmark in cost-effective wireless systems —

     
    NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 18, 2007 — Audio-Technica, a leader in the design and manufacture of consumer and professional microphones, headphones, phono cartridges and accessories for over 40 years, has updated its Freeway® 200 Series Wireless Systems with new cosmetics and a space saving AC adapter. Designed for musicians, live performance, houses of worship, public address and aerobic instruction, A-T’s Freeway 200 Series Wireless Systems specifically answer the strong demand for affordable, reliable wireless systems.
    Available in handheld, headworn, guitar, lavalier and body-pack configurations, the Freeway 200 Series Wireless Systems are single-channel, fixed-frequency systems available in three VHF traveling frequencies (169.505, 170.245 and 171.905 MHz). The systems also feature an advanced dipole antenna system for extended operating range.
    Each Freeway 200 Series Wireless System includes the ATW-R250 receiver and either a body-pack transmitter or handheld microphone/transmitter on a specific crystal controlled frequency. The ATW-R250 is a single-channel receiver with a unique space saving power supply, perfect when multiple AC power supplies are employed as part of a system. The
    ATW-R250 also offers squelch and volume controls, 1/4" output jack, along with AF Peak, RF and Power indicator lights.
    The ATW-T201 UniPak™ transmitter, included with all 200 Series Freeway body-pack systems, features a professional 4-pin locking connector and a dual-impedance input for instruments and microphones. Five body-pack system configurations are available: the
    ATW-251 UniPak System (includes ATW-R250 receiver and ATW-T201 UniPak transmitter only), ATW-251/G Guitar System (includes ATW-R250 receiver, ATW-T201 UniPak transmitter with AT-GCW guitar/instrument cable), ATW-251/H Headworn Microphone System (includes ATW-R250 receiver, ATW-T201 UniPak transmitter with PRO 8HEcW headworn hypercardioid dynamic microphone), ATW-251/L Lavalier Microphone System (includes ATW-R250 receiver, ATW-T201 UniPak transmitter and miniature omni-directional lavalier microphone) and
    ATW-252 Handheld Microphone System (includes ATW-R250 receiver and ATW-T202 handheld dynamic unidirectional microphone/transmitter).
    Both handheld and body-pack transmitters operate on a single 9 Volt battery, and feature a battery-condition indicator light, easily accessible three position Off/Standby/On switch, and variable trim control. All 200 Series body-pack systems are compatible with the wide selection of Audio-Technica Wireless Essentials™ microphones and cables.
    The new Audio-Technica Freeway 200 Series Wireless Systems are available immediately with U.S. MSRPs as follows:
                ATW-251 UniPak System — $149.95
                ATW-251/G Guitar System — $174.95
                ATW-251/H Headworn Microphone System — $249.95
                ATW-251/L Lavalier Microphone System — $224.95
                ATW-252 Handheld Microphone System — $174.95
    Photo Files: 200_Series.JPG, 200_Series_Grp.JPG
    Celebrating over 40 years of audio excellence worldwide, Audio-Technica is a leading innovator in transducer technology, renowned for the design and manufacture of microphones, wireless microphones, headphones, mixers, and electronics for the audio industry.
    —For more information on the complete range of Audio-Technica products, contact
    Karen Emerson, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224.
    Tel: (330) 686-2600; Fax: (330) 688-3752; Web: www.audio-technica.com

    —For further information regarding product availability and pricing in Europe, please contact Denise Burnage, marketing, Audio-Technica Ltd., Old Lane, Leeds LS11 8AG England. Tel: +44 (0) 113 277 1441,
    Fax: +44 (0) 113 270 4836

     
    NASHVILLE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA EMBRACES KORG MR-1000 DIGITAL RECORDER TO CAPTURE ITS SOUND WITH INCOMPARABLE REALITY
    NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 18, 2007 — The Nashville Chamber Orchestra (NCO) is one of the first musical organizations to benefit from the superior audio quality of the new Korg MR-1000 1-bit Digital Recorder. Founded in 1990 by music director Paul Gambill and praised as one of America’s premier chamber orchestras, it often commissions new, innovative works and crosses musical boundaries to incorporate a variety of genres, including jazz, folk and world music in its presentations.
    After the MR-1000 passed scrutiny by recording engineer Brian Foraker (a member of the product’s beta testing team) and Gary Hedden, staff audio engineer for the NCO, the decision to adopt it was obvious. As Foraker recounts, “We did a recording of a rehearsal day and then had Paul come to listen at Gary’s studio. We played back both the [MR-1000’s] DSD 5.6 MHz recording and a 24/96K PCM version then switched between them. He was amazed at the experience of hearing the NCO like this.”
    Paul Gambill commented, “Hearing the orchestra recorded on the MR-1000 is like being on the conductor’s podium — it’s that real. Nothing else compares.”
    Visit the Nashville Chamber Orchestra online at www.nco.org.
    —For more information, contact Korg, 316 South Service Rd, Melville, NY 11747.
    Tel: (631) 390-6500; Fax: (631) 390-6501; Web: www.korg.com.
    KORG ANNOUNCES NEW LEGACY COLLECTION – ANALOG EDITION 2007 VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS/EFFECTS

     
    NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 18, 2007 Korg announces its latest software synthesizer offering, the Legacy Collection – ANALOG EDITION 2007. It pairs the “MS-20” and “Polysix” soft synths from the original Legacy Collection with a newly created version of the classic “Mono/Poly.” The Legacy Cell software synthesizer plus MS-20FX and MDE-X effect plug-ins are also included.
    Each soft synth utilizes Korg’s proprietary CMT (Component Modeling Technology) to perfectly reproduce the sound and response of the original. CMT also reproduces the character and response curve of each parameter, for results that are completely faithful to the original model.
    Mono/Poly
    Released in 1981, this monophonic/polyphonic behemoth was popular worldwide. It provided four oscillators, a resonant filter, dual EGs and Modulation Generators, plus 4-way Synchro and Cross Modulation capability for creating aggressive and signature tonal effects.
    Beyond perfectly reproducing the original, this new Mono/Poly soft synth greatly extends its sound-creating potential. An eight virtual patch matrix lets users route 159 modulation sources to modulate 35 destinations for creating complex, diverse sounds. Two integrated multi-effects, 16-voice unison, an arpeggiator and up to 128 voices deliver modern performance power and flexibility. Also included is a diverse collection of 256 new sounds that was developed by an international team of sound designers and remixers.
    MS-20
    The MS-20 soft synth provides a complete simulation of its legendary original, with its acclaimed thick sound, aggressive filter and creative patching potential. Modern advantages have been added, including 32-voice polyphony, up to 16-voice unison (with detune/spread), flexible external modulation settings and MIDI clock synchronization.
    Polysix
    The Polysix software synthesizer perfectly replicates the original instrument’s voice structure, chorus/phase/ensemble effects plus chord memory and arpeggiator performance functions. It adds the same enhancements as the MS-20
    functionality that brings this classic synthesizer up to date for modern music production.
    Legacy Cell
    Legacy Cell enables combinations of the MS-20 and Polysix synthesizers to be blended with two insert effects and two master effects, and used as a single software synthesizer that provides new sounds and textures.
    The Korg Legacy Collection – ANALOG EDITION 2007 also includes two significant effects plug-ins. The MS-20FX allows you to run audio through the MS-20’s filters and flexible ESP signal processing. The MDE-X is a suite of 19 high-quality effects derived from many of Korg’s classic instruments and recorders.
    All synths operate as stand-alone or VST/AU/RTAS plug-in instruments and are Mac (including MacIntel) and Windows compatible. Current owners of the original Legacy Collection will be able to add the Mono/Poly via a special “Preferred Owners” upgrade offer.
    The Korg Legacy Collection – ANALOG EDITION 2007 will be available March 2007 with a U.S. MSRP of $299.
    Other brand and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
    —For more information, contact Korg, 316 South Service Rd, Melville, NY 11747.
    Tel: (631) 390-6500; Fax: (631) 390-6501; Web: www.korg.com.
    KORG EXPANDS TUNER LINEUP WITH GT-4 AND DT-4
    Guitar/bass and Chromatic tuners feature three tuning modes,
    wide detection range and built-in condenser mic

     
    NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 18, 2007 — Korg announces two additions to its family of tuners: the GT-4 Guitar/Bass Tuner and DT-4 Chromatic Tuner. Each offers three tuning modes, built-in condenser mic, better than +/-1 cent detection accuracy, compact design, plus large note name display and bright rotating LED display to indicate pitch.
    The DT-4 can tune from A0-C8 (88 notes) with a calibration range of 410 Hz – 480 Hz (1 Hz increments). The GT-4 is optimized for guitar/bass applications, supporting seven-string guitars (7B-1E) in guitar mode, and six-string basses (Low-B – Hi-C) in bass mode. The GT-4 also includes Korg’s Quinta-flat tuning mode, which supports drop tunings up to five semi-tones down.
    The GT-4 and DT-4 offer three convenient tuning modes:
    Strobe mode
    The tuning LEDs rotate when a pitch is detected, and stop when the instrument is in tune. The LEDs rotate clockwise if the instrument is sharp or counter-clockwise if the instrument is flat.
    Mirror mode
    LEDs indicate the pitch of the input. The instrument is in tune when the “bright” LEDs and the “dim” LEDs line up with the center indicator. The LEDs will move to the right of center if the input pitch is sharp, or to the left if it is flat.
    Meter mode
    The instrument is in tune when the LED is aligned with the tuning guide in the center, as on a conventional needle-type tuner.
    The GT-4 and DT-4 have a built-in condenser microphone, making them ideal for tuning acoustic guitars and basses as well as other acoustic instruments. The tuners feature compact black bodies, have 1/4" input jacks, operate on two AAA batteries and have an auto shut off feature to prevent unnecessary battery consumption.
    The Korg GT-4 Guitar/Bass Tuner and DT-4 Chromatic Tuner will be available in March 2007 with respective U.S. MSRPs of $70 and $80.
    —For more information, contact Korg, 316 South Service Rd, Melville, NY 11747.
    Tel: (631) 390-6500; Fax: (631) 390-6501; Web: www.korg.com.
    KORG SHOWS NEW FLAGSHIP C-720 DIGITAL CONCERT PIANO
    — Featuring elegant real wood finish, premium piano sound, authentic action and
    upgraded sound system, the new C-720 dramatically heightens the playing experience —

     
    NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 18, 2007 Korg presents the C-720, the latest addition to its new line of Digital Concert Pianos. It provides a rich piano sound, an authentic feeling 88-note graded hammer action keyboard and a host of new features, along with a sophisticated, modern cabinet highlighted by a real wood finish, for the ultimate piano experience.
    Korg’s proprietary Piano eXperience™ technology provides a heightened level of realism and feel. It employs the latest stereo-sampling techniques to convey the natural imaging and nuances of a concert grand piano. Korg’s multiple-layer piano PCM fully captures the complete dynamic range of the original instrument, including the sound of the key being released and the hammer returning, as well as the sympathetic damper resonance of the strings.
    The C-720 features Korg’s ultra-responsive RH3 real weighted hammer action keyboard for an authentic touch. As on a grand piano, the keys are progressively lighter toward the upper end of the keyboard. Adjustable velocity curves (seven levels) allow players to tailor the action to their playing style. A fixed level setting is provided for authentic harpsichord and organ feel.
    The C-720 features 40 sounds grouped by instrument type. Sounds range from multiple acoustic pianos to harpsichord and clavinets, organ, electric piano and various stringed instruments. All sounds can be played individually; two sounds can be split or layered across the keyboard. Multiple reverb and chorus effects with adjustable intensity levels add depth and spaciousness to the sounds. For further enhancement, an insert effect with 24 variations is provided for each sound in a Performance.
    The C-720 pedal section (damper, soft, sostenuto) offers half-pedaling response for the damper and soft pedals for an authentic acoustic feel. Also included are Key Transpose, Fine Tuning, a metronome (featuring 37 realistic drum patterns) and dual headphone outputs for silent practice, duets or lessons. Additional temperaments (Equal, Kirnberger, Werckmeister, Arabic, Pythagorian and more) are provided, as well as 20 built-in demo songs and an additional 185 classical piano pieces in which the left and right hand can be played back separately as a study aid. For pro players, the C-720 includes MIDI in/out ports for interfacing with other MIDI-equipped musical products or a computer. The USB/MIDI port offers single cable MIDI convenience. An Audio In jack enables a CD player or electronic musical instrument to be run through its built-in speakers, while the Audio Out jacks allow the C-720 to be played through an external speaker system.
    A convenient Performance function allows a combination of two sounds to be saved and instantly recalled from one of 30 locations (three banks of 10). In addition, a 2-track recorder (45,000 notes) allows users to capture and immediately play back keyboard performances as well as drum tracks. Saved songs can be transferred to a computer via USB connection.
    The C-720 boasts four speakers housed in an internal bass reflex chamber, powered by two stereo amplifiers for over 90 Watts of true bi-amped high fidelity.
    The cabinet features a real wood deep Wenge finish with metal accents on the decorative front legs. This design is accentuated by a soft-landing fallboard (key cover), as on a real grand piano, and a clean front panel highlighted by a two-line, 16-character backlit LCD display. The folding music rack even offers score retaining clips.
    The Korg C-720 concert piano is currently available with a U.S. MSRP of $4900.
    —For more information, contact Korg, 316 South Service Rd, Melville, NY 11747.
    Tel: (631) 390-6500; Fax: (631) 390-6501; Web: www.korg.com.
    Timbre!
    Blue Announces Woodpecker Active Ribbon Microphone
    NAMM – Anaheim, CA (January 18, 2007) - Blue Microphones is proud to announce its newest addition to the Blue family of award winning microphones, the Woodpecker, an active ribbon microphone made the old-fashioned way - without compromise.
    A stunning exotic wood finish and unique active circuitry make the Woodpecker one of the most interesting and beautiful ribbon microphones you’ll ever lay eyes or ears on. Beneath the luxurious exterior, the Woodpecker is a precision-crafted recording tool, combining the low noise and superb detail of Blue’s renowned Class-A discrete handmade electronics with the bold sound of a handmade aluminum ribbon pressure-gradient transducer.
    The Woodpecker was designed to provide the smooth, intimate sound associated with the most sought-after (and expensive) vintage ribbon microphones. With its focused mid-range, and outstanding bass response, the Woodpecker captures the essence of any recorded sound. It also excels at ambient recording, capturing room tone with the most intimate detail – whether for rock drums, guitars or vocals – any application where some natural space in the recording is desired. The Woodpecker package includes a custom made, solid brass shockmount and wood storage box.
    Woodpecker specifications:

     

    ·         Acoustical Operating Principal: Pressure Gradient
    ·         Directional Pattern: figure 8, bidirectional
    ·         Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
    ·         Sensitivity (1kHz into 2.5k ohm): 26mV/Pa
    ·         Rated Impedance: 50 ohm
    ·         Rated Load Impedance: Not less than 1k ohm
    ·         Noise Level A-weighted (IEC 651): Not more than 22dB
    ·         Max Output (1% THD into 2.5k ohm): 10dBU = 2.5V
    ·         Max SPL (0.5% THD into 2.5k ohm): 136dB
    ·         Dynamic Range (2.5k ohm load): 114dB
    ·         Supply Voltage (IEC 268-15): +48V phantom power (+35V min.)
    ·         Current Draw (typical ai +48V): 2.4mA
    ·         Weight: 1.6lbs

     

    Price: $1299
    Availability: Q1, 2007
                                                                                                          
    Please visit
    www.bluemic.com for more information.
     
     
     
     
    RATINGS:
     
    High AB 1
                Sonic Texture is Class A with the Power of AB1
                Quality-wise Burriss Amps are Grade A
                Electronically Burriss Amps are AB1
                Pre Amp is all Class A
     
    Quality products used in the construction of Burriss Amps:
     
                Mercury Magnetics Transformers
                Eminence Speakers
                            10” Copperhead
                            12” Texas Heat
                Switchcraft Jacks
                Mallory Coupling Capacitors
                ARS Filtering (Filter Caps)
     
     
     
     
     
    Models:
     
    SwitchMaster  - 30 Watts – Solid State Rectifier
                2 Channel: Clean or Nasty. Great all-around Amp – SUPER VERSATILE
                            Channel 1:       Clean American Style with Rock/Jazz Switch and Deep Switch
                            Channel 2:       Can be set from Slight Boost for Solos to Thick Screaming 
    Distrotion
                Great for: Jazz, Country, Hard Rock, Pop
                Available Plain, with Reverb and/or with Vibrato
     
    dB Special – 38 Watts – Solid State Rectifier
                Single Channel
                Loud, nasty and powerful
                Great for Hard Rock, Heavy Metal and Aggressive Blues
                Available as is: NO Vibrato or Reverb available
                “Most usable Master volume ever”
     
    Shadow – 28 Watts – Tube Rectifier
                Single Channel
                True American Voice – Clean
                Great for Country, Blues, Pop and Rock
                On-Board Reverb
                Available with Vibrato
     
       
    Audio Impressions Reveals Realtime Instruments™
    Powered by DVZ™
    Calabasas, CA – January 17, 2007
    Audio Impressions has announced a comprehensive new musical library with
    powerful software that, together, deliver quality, realism and real-time control never
    before possible. Developed under the guidance of ASCAP award-winning Film & TV
    Composer Christopher L. Stone, “Realtime Instruments powered by patented
    DVZ™” contains over 600 separately recorded instruments, including a 70-piece
    string section and just about every orchestral instrument imaginable real-time
    performance tools that can only exist through DVZ™ RT’s core technology
    (additional patents pending). Users can play every effect and articulation for every
    instrument, change the number of players and alter the size of their environment – all
    in real-time without key switching or loading any additional samples.
    DVZ RT Orchestrator™ automatically orchestrates in real time, allocating played
    notes amongst the active instruments to preserve optimum orchestral balance while
    avoiding unwanted harmonic thickening and power buildup as more notes are
    played. Performance driven Orchestral blur (a patent pending combination of
    methods to simulate live playing) increases the realism and particularly the natural
    blending of strings. DVZ RT brings never before possible features such as
    continuously variable clusters and independent control over each player’s tuning.
    Comprehensive, efficient and intuitive design and user interface allow for smooth,
    realistic ensemble performance with all possible playing styles.
    AI’s patent-pending SPACE microphone bleed technology creates a true ensemble
    feel while allowing the user to place each instrument anywhere in the virtual sound
    field, and to change the size and sonic characteristics of the environment in real time
    without loading any new samples. Realtime Instruments is the first comprehensive
    192 kHz 24 bit library, and it was recorded using the finest vintage condenser and
    ribbon mics, a processor-free direct-to-disk signal chain, and many prized
    instruments played by first call musicians in the worlds’ finest studios.
    See and hear Realtime Instruments and DVZ RT at Winter NAMM 2007 booth 6409.
    Audio Impressions, Inc.
    Calabasas, California
    www.audioimpressions.com
    .com.
    Pictures from the Coffin Case Party
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    YAMAHA’S NEW SILENT CELLO
    “RESONATES” WITH PLAYERS

     

    —Fully Collapsible SVC-210SK Offers Powerful Sound—

     

    ANAHEIM, Calif.—Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, will introduce the SVC-210SK Studio Acoustic-body Cello™ at Winter NAMM 2007.
    Perfect for stage performance or studio recording, as well as Silent Practice™, this instrument offers a realistic acoustic-like tone and powerful sound, produced via the newly designed resonating chamber and three onboard reverb presets.
    Lightweight and versatile, the SVC-210SK is convenient for travel. With its fully collapsible design in both the upper and lower bouts, the cello is ideal for the gigging musician and comes equipped with headphones, a 9V battery and a protective gig bag.
    Additionally, the cello can be attached to an MP3 or CD player, enabling musicians to play along with their favorite songs or any other type of pre-recorded accompaniment. The instrument can be used in conjunction with Yamaha’s Magicstomp effects processor as well as the STAGEPAS 300 portable PA system.
    “At Yamaha, we recognize the challenges musicians face on the road,” states Ken Dattmore, Yamaha Strings Marketing Manager. “Our new SVC-210SK’s collapsible design reflects our sensitivity towards simplifying instrument transport and our commitment to pushing the boundaries of music technology.”

    The SVC-210SK carries an MSRP of $3,195 and will be available January 2007.


    For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2007 in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; visit
    www.yamahastrings.com
    NEW CELLOS CONFIRM YAMAHA’S COMMITMENT
    TO STUDENT MUSICIANS
    —Cellos Join Student Violins to Expand Acoustic Product Lineup—
    ANAHEIM, Calif.—Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, will introduce the AVC5-34S, AVC5-12S and AVC5-14S fractional sized cellos at Winter NAMM 2007.
    Ideal for beginning musicians, each student cello features a fully handcarved spruce top, maple back and sides and is finished with a rich oil varnish for best tonal qualities. The new instruments include many of the same features as the AVC4-44S, and come with a padded Cordura cover and Brazilwood bow with horsehair. In addition, the instruments are covered under Yamaha’s Five-Year Limited Warranty.
    “These student cellos expand the Yamaha acoustic product lineup, adding to the previously released AV5 fractional sized violins, and confirming Yamaha’s commitment to continually provide quality instruments for all musicians,” states Ken Dattmore, Yamaha Strings Marketing Manager.   
    Available February 2007, the cellos will retail for $1,475.  
    For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2007 in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; visit www.yamahastrings.com.
    YAMAHA CELEBRATES PRODUCTION OF 100,000TH
    STRING INSTRUMENT
    2007 Marks 10th Anniversary of Yamaha String Production
    ANAHEIM, Calif.—Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division,
    recently celebrated the production of its 100,000th string instrument, and 2007
    marks the 10th anniversary for Yamaha String products—the first product created
    was the SV-100 Silent Violin in 1997. The 100,000th instrument produced was the
    SV-120 Silent Violin.
    Yamaha began manufacturing Silent String Instruments in 1997 as an innovative
    way for students and professionals to practice.  The original idea has since evolved
    into a complete line of Silent Violins, Viola, Celli and Basses.  Yamaha now manufactures
    an acoustic line of strings that has continued to grow in acceptance among string
    educators and performers.
     “Cooperation between Yamaha Corporations of America and Japan, to increase
      US market acceptance, including the instruments’ consistency, high-quality
    and innovative designs, have led an increasing number of students and
    professional musicians to choose Yamaha,” states Rick Young, Vice President/
    General Manager.
                Yamaha’s Silent Series instruments enable musicians to practice and
    perform in complete privacy at any hour, using headphones, without compromising
    their desire for traditional feeling, performance or sound. The instruments are perfect
    for every type of artist in any location where silence is necessary – musicians in
    apartments, students playing at home or in a dorm, or professionals who need to
    practice on the road.

     
    Yamaha continues its commitment to creating innovative products that
    offer students, educators and professionals the opportunity to broaden
    their musical horizons, and their acoustic instruments offer the best quality
    available to the market. Educators nationwide have joined the electronic strings
    movement by adding SV string ensembles to their existing programs. The result
    has been a great opportunity for school music dealers and specialty violin shops
    to expand their local school orchestra programs.
    For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2007 in the Anaheim
    Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom; write Yamaha Corporation of America,
    Band & Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622 
    YAMAHA UNVEILS TP-3100 SERIES TIMPANI

     

    New Timpani Set Offers Great Sound and Compact Design at Low Price—

     

    ANAHEIM, Calif.—Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division,

    will showcase its TP-3100 Series Timpani at Winter NAMM 2007. This new series is

    a replacement for the popular 3000 series of portable timpani.  

    Offering improved sound and increased transportation ability, the TP-3100 set is

    the first of its kind to use aluminum bowls. It features custom Remo Renaissance

    heads and multiple preset pedal angles, as well as a movable tuning gauge for

    American or German set up. Made of black hardware, the drums have a sleek

    look and collapsible design, making them perfect for gigging timpanists and

    professional players. Soft bags for transportation and protection are also available.

                Ideal for percussion instructors, band directors and students, the TP-3100

    series is a great set for practicing at home or in rooms where space is limited and

    moving the timpani often is a requirement.

    “By using aluminum, a renewable resource, in the bowls, the need for fiberglass is

    eliminated,” said Troy Wollwage, Percussion Marketing Manager. “This series is just

    one of the many ways Yamaha is committed to both protecting the environment and

    producing instruments with consistent and quality sound.”

                Available in the Spring of 2007, the TP-3100 series will retail in the

    same price range as the current 3000 series.For more information, visit Yamaha

    at Winter NAMM 2007 in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom; write

    Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600,

    Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com;

    visit www.yamahapercussion.com

    YAMAHA UNVEILS DRUM CARRIERS
    FOR SNARE, MULTI-TOM AND BASS DRUMS

     

    Numerous Adjustment Options Accommodate Wide Range of Players

     

    ANAHEIM, Calif.—Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division,

    will showcase May Snare, Multi-Tom and Bass Drum Contour Hinge Tube Carriers

    with Polycarbonate belly plates at Winter NAMM 2007.

    Tested by collegiate and Drum Corps International percussion sections, these

    carriers are ideal for student and professional drummers. Ultra lightweight,

    comfortable and strong, these carriers set the standard for sizing, flexibility

    and ergonomic design, delivering a range of adjustments to fit most players.

    The structures retain the unrivaled strength of all May tubular technology, and

    extreme flexibility and versatility in size variation, as the individual contour fit

    was specifically designed to outline both the upper and lower body of the player.

    A Memory Lock on the J-Rods is also included to expedite assembly time, enabling

    drummers to set up their equipment in seconds.

    All carriers feature an adjustable, virtually free-floating May Abdomen Plate, which

    provides an unsurpassed strength-to-weight ratio, bears no torque weight from the

    drum, and inverts–allowing for different body contact point variations.

    In addition, each carrier has an aircraft aluminum May tubular structure that enables

    mounting brackets to slide, rotate and lock with ease, creating a wide range of

    adjustment possibilities. Precision-bent magnesium shoulders provide optimum

    comfort by using one of the lightest weight materials without sacrificing durability.


     
    The May Compound Hinge technology reduces carriers to one-half their original sizes,
    for convenient transport and product protection.
    The bass drum carrier features an invertible support pad which complements any size
    bass drum while automatically adjusting to the drum’s radius, as well as extreme range
    in structural elevation for all height players, regardless of corresponding drum size. A
    solid unity between the bass drum and carrier is created via the May Lock Nut and
    Attachment Hook, eliminating any drum movement. MonoPosto hardware and seat
    support the bass drum and integrate Stadium Hardware ATS technology.
    “These carriers truly adapt to the size of each drummer,” said Troy Wollwage,
    Percussion Marketing Manager. “Any time we can make the drum fit better on the
    body, kids feel better while playing and can concentrate more on the music rather
    than carrying the drum.”
    The RM-TVHS-PC and RM-TVHQS-PC Snare Drum Carriers will retail for $438, the
    RM-TVHQL-PC Multi-Tom Carrier will retail for $440 and the RM-TVHMB-PC Bass
    Drum Carrier will retail for $384. All will be available in March 2007.
    For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2007 in the Anaheim
    Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band &
    Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011;
    e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; visit www.yamahapercussion.com.
    –END–
    YAMAHA DEBUTS ONE-OF-A KIND TUBA FEET

     

    —Unique Rubber Grips Offer Tuba Bell Protection—

     

    ANAHEIM, Calif.—Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division,

    will introduce its new YMA-TFEET Tuba Feet at Winter NAMM 2007. Designed specifically

    for Yamaha Marching Tubas, the four 2-in. black rubber grips enable tubas to stand

    on their bells without scratching the bell rim.

                Ideal for typical rehearsal conditions on and off the field, the Tuba Feet are

    simple to apply and remove. Made of durable rubber, they are extremely secure

    with a contoured opening that creates a tight grip around the rim of the tuba’s bell.

                “We know organizations take pride in the Yamaha instruments they play,”

    said Ted Kuehnert, Accessories Marketing Manager. “Our first of a kind Tuba Feet

    will be helpful for the care of their marching tubas.”

                Available January 2007, YMA-TFEET have an MSRP of $39.95 and can be

    used in conjunction with the YMA-TBP Bow Protector.

               

     

    YAMAHA INTRODUCES TWO STURDY MUSIC STANDS
    Folding Stands for Classroom, Home and Stage Use
    ANAHEIM
    , Calif.—At Winter NAMM 2007, Yamaha will debut the MS1000 and MS5000
    music stands, which are lightweight, yet durable, and provide high quality at a low price.
    Constructed of super-sturdy round tubing, the stands also feature a permanently
    attached swivel joint that connects the stand to the base.
    Both models will be offered by Yamaha’s Pro Audio & Combo Division; the MS1000
    will also be available from the company’s Band & Orchestral Division.
    The MS1000 is made of black aluminum tubing and comes equipped with extended
    arms and page stoppers. The one-piece construction folds down to a compact design
    for easy transport, and eliminates the problem of lost pieces. A travel bag is also included.
                The MS5000 is geared toward the gigging musician who needs a quality stand
    that is sturdy enough to hold heavy music books, compact enough to fit in a car
    trunk and light enough to be transported easily.
    “Now that we have added music stands to our popular line of keyboard stands,
    dealers can turn to Yamaha for all of their stand needs,” said Nic Chaffee, product
    manager, Accessory Products, Yamaha Pro Audio & Combo Division. “Designed
    with the working musician in mind, these stands are durable enough to be used in
    the classroom, around town, or on the road.”
    The MS1000 (MSRP: $13.99) and the MS5000 (MSRP: $59.99) will be available in
    February 2007.
    For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2007 in the Anaheim Marriott
    Hotel, Marquis Ballroom; write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600,
    Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com;
    or visit www.yamaha.com.
    YAMAHA SHOWCASES MALLET INSTRUMENT BAR BAGS
    AT WINTER NAMM 2007

     

    —Soft Style Bar Bags Offer Mallet Players Protection and Easy Instrument Transport—

     

    ANAHEIM, Calif.—Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, will

    debut its new Mallet Instrument Bar Bags at Winter NAMM 2007. Perfect for

    professionals, percussion ensembles and schools, these bags easily and safely

    transport or store bars for any given mallet keyboard instrument.

    Each bag is made of durable black fabric with a strong zipper, and includes two

    bar wraps that feature secure locking closures and a convenient handle. Two

    rugged exterior handles and a shoulder strap make it easy to carry a full set of

    natural and accidental keys.

                The PCS-YVBB fits all sizes of vibraphone bars, the PCS-YXBB holds all sizes

    of xylophone bars, the PCS-YMBBS holds small marimba bars and the PCS-YMBBL

    fits large marimba bars.

                “At Yamaha, we understand the need to preserve mallet instrument bars,”

    said Doug Steinmetz, Accessories Marketing Assistant. “These bags offer a great

    solution for the individual or ensemble looking for a way to protect their bars in transit.”

    Available January 2007, the Mallet Instrument Bar Bags are priced between $129 and $175.  


     
    YAMAHA DEBUTS 800 SERIES WOODEN
    RECORDERS, CATALOG
     
    —Handcrafted Recorders Offer Players Enhanced Tone—
     
    ANAHEIM, Calif.—Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, will display
    its 800 Series wooden recorders at Winter NAMM 2007.
                Created specifically for serious players and hobbyists, the 800 Series Recorders are
    finely handcrafted of seasoned woods that produce a warm, rich tone. Offered in two
    sopranino and five alto models, the series’ new bore design improves intonation and
    generates an outstanding and concentrated sound. The handmade, detailed instruments
    also come with an arched windway enabling greater tonal expressivity and projection.
                 As a tool to help musicians and retailers select the best instrument, Yamaha has
    developed a catalog which showcases every recorder Yamaha has to offer, from the
    student 20 Series to the high-end 800 Series. The reference guide includes pictures
    and diagrams to highlight the features of each instrument, as well as information on
    parts and options. A unique fold out cover contains icons to help distinguish the
    different features, and recorder specifics are included on the back for quick reference.

     
                “Yamaha is just as committed to offering high-end instruments as to our
    popular educational models,” states Accessories Marketing Manager Ted Kuehnert.
    “Our new 800 recorder series and catalog exemplify how we are achieving this.”
    Currently available, the 800 Series recorders range in price from $499 to $1,199. The
    YRA-801 Castellowood alto recorder has an MSRP of $849; the YRA-811 retails for $949.
    The YRA-802 Kingwood alto and YRA-803 Ebony alto both carry a MSRP of $1,199. The
    YRN-801 Castellowood sopranino retails for $499, while the YRN-814 Rosewood sopranino
    retails for $579.
     
     

    COMMUNITY POWERS VARING MUSIEK FESTIVAL
    - South Africa’s Varing Musiek Festival is an annual event held in a suburb of Cape Town.  
    The festival is organized to raise funds for a local church and usually attracts an a
    udience
    of ten to fifteen thousand people.  At the peak of this year’s event in November,
    twenty-two thousand people were in attendance to enjoy the music of South Africa’s
    Afrikaans language.
    The PA provided by SSL Pro Systems was a complete Community system comprised of
    twelve Community SLS960 full-range loudspeakers, flown three deep and two wide per
    side, and twelve Community TLF218 subwoofers stacked five high with one sub in front
    of the stage per side.  A pair of SLS920’s was used for fill, and a delay system of two
    SLS960’s and two TLF218’s was utilized behind the mix tower at fifty meters.  System
    processing was done by Community DSC52 and BSS 366T controllers and power was
    supplied by Lab.gruppen fP 6400 amplifiers.
    Wessel Germishuys of SSL Pro Systems stated that the well balanced PA system
    covered an area up to 120 meters with incredible power, quality and clarity.  Tony
    Adriaens of Community’s Cape Town-based distributor, Concert Audio, also commented
    on the inspiring performance of the system, particularly given its relatively compact size.  
    The festival organizers and performers similarly were impressed with the PA’s performance
    and coverage, receiving many compliments from those who attended.
     
    COMMUNITY ANNOUNCES
    VERIS INSTALLATION SERIES AT NAMM
    Community’s new VERIS (VERsatile Installation Systems) comprise a range of
    small-to-medium-sized loudspeakers that are precisely engineered for versatile
    array construction, while aesthetically styled to meet modern architectural requirements.
                                       
    A powerful resource for the professional contractor, each VERIS model exhibits
    linear phase throughout the critical crossover regions and features Community's
    unique, uniform full-range voicing system to minimize variations in sound quality
    among the range of models.
    Ken DeLoria, Community’s Product Manager states: “VERIS’ smooth and intelligible
    sonic output is the result of patent-pending carbon ring cone technology, coupled with Ferrofluid™-cooled and damped MF and HF drivers. This proprietary union of technologies brings low distortion, high-impact sonic capability to a wide range of applications. And because we manufacture the drivers ourselves, we’re able to meet a surprisingly affordable price-point.”
    Available models start with the VERIS6, a single 6” with an HF horn-driver combination in a compact enclosure. Next are a dual 6”, a single 8”, and a dual 8,” also with attendant HF horn-drivers.  These four models each ship with a yoke-style mounting bracket as an included accessory, and can be ordered with an optional low distortion, low insertion-loss 200W internal autoformer for 70V applications.
    The larger 12” and 15” VERIS models offer a choice of large-format horns, all employing Community’s legendary pattern control technology. Horn patterns include 90º x 60º and 60º x 40º for the two-way systems, and 90º x 40º and 60º x 40º for the three-way systems. Two elegant, low profile subwoofers, a dual-10” and a dual-12”, both using Community’s patented Cool-Coil™ heat evacuating system, offer astonishing LF performance. 
    “Applications for VERIS include houses of worship, conference rooms, clubs, restaurants, and many other small to mid-size venues where people gather to hear music and speech reproduced with maximum clarity and intelligibility,” states Julia Lee, Community’s Director of Sales & Marketing. “It’s important to us at Community that every model in the range fits a specific need. We’re confident that VERIS will be a perfect fit for a large number of our contractors, both in the US and abroad.”
    The VERIS line includes a wide range of optional off-the-shelf rigging systems and mounting brackets, all engineered for quick, convenient, and safe installation.  All models are available in black or white at no additional charge, and come equipped with a generous number of rigging points. The full-range enclosures are additionally outfitted with OmniMount™ compatible fasteners. BEACH BUMS GET CLASSY WITH COMMUNITY
    - Traverse City, located on Michigan’s lower peninsula, is one of the region’s most popular resort areas. Nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, the self-proclaimed Cherry Capital of the World boasts year-round attractions that include miles of sandy beaches, spectacular skiing and an abundance of natural beauty.
    It’s also the home of the Traverse City Beach Bums, one of the newest minor league baseball franchises in the independent Frontier League. The Beach Bums recently completed their first season in their new home, the 3500-seat Wuerfel Park, drawing a full house of close to a quarter million dedicated fans and a steady stream of major league talent scouts.
    Team owners John and Leslye Wuerfel have a long history in the hospitality industry, and bring a unique perspective to the design of Wuerfel Park, which more closely resembles a luxury resort than a typical concrete and steel stadium. It’s a setting ideally suited for the casual, family-oriented environment that is minor league baseball. More than just a stepping stone to the majors, minor league ball represents a sense of community rarely found in the big leagues. “These people are here for a family-friendly, social recreational experience where baseball is the centerpiece, but not the sole focus,” observes Mark Simoni of Simoni Systems, the company behind the park’s highly-acclaimed sound system.
    “In Minor League baseball, the sound is a very important part of the whole experience,” Simoni explains. “A minor league game is made up of so many more activities than just the game itself – things like field hosts who entertain the crowds, pre- and post-game promotions, music and more. We make full use of the sound system, probably to an even greater extent than in a major league game.”
    The park’s sound system features 17 Community R.5-94x loudspeakers, arranged in a somewhat unique time-aligned configuration. “We really wanted to stay away from the semi-distributed system configuration found in most of these parks,” Simoni explains. “Most parks are designed with speakers mounted on the structure, along the first and third base lines and behind home plate, and all pointed toward the field. You inevitably end up with multiple arrival times, and designers try all sorts of tricks to align them. You essentially end up depending on the speaker you’re hearing being louder than any of the others.”
    Beginning with a detailed EASE modeling of the venue, Simoni created a time-aligned system that complements the park’s intimate feel. “I aimed all the speakers directly perpendicular to the line between home plate and second base, pointing at the outfield. Using a Lectrosonics DM1624, I programmed every speaker with the appropriate delays to create a coherent wave front. It’s almost like a distributed horizontal line array, in essence. Compared to lots of stadiums, there’s virtually no echo. Every speaker is pointed in the same direction, rather than at a reflective surface.” The system is powered by Crown amplification.
    As Simoni notes, the Wuerfels were clear from the outset that everything about the stadium be conducive to an intimate, welcoming environment. “John and Leslye are warm, wonderful folks, very straight-ahead, and a joy to work with,” he reflects. “They’re not necessarily the most technically-minded people, but they knew exactly what they wanted to hear. It pretty much goes without saying that the R-series is the gold standard for stand-alone speaker systems in outdoor venues, so during the park’s planning stages I went up to Traverse City with a single R-series, a power amp and a portable CD player. We set up the speaker on a second-story porch to simulate the stadium placement, turned it on, and within minutes they said ‘that’s the sound we want.’”
    COMMUNITY INTRODUCES
    SONUS LINEAR-RESPONSE LOUDSPEAKERS
    FOR THE PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN
    Community announces the introduction of SONUS, the company’s new line of Portable Linear-Response Loudspeaker Systems.
    Designed to meet the needs of the working musician, SONUS comprises four full-range models and two subwoofers. All feature low distortion, high-impact sonic capability, ease of transport, and durable construction to withstand the rigors of the road.
    “We’re pleased to debut SONUS at NAMM, America’s premiere Music Industry Trade Event,” said Julia Lee, Community’s Director of Sales & Marketing. “As our latest product line, SONUS is ideally suited for distribution by MI dealers, not only here in the States, but all across our world market.”
    “All SONUS models have been precision engineered, both acoustically and structurally, to perform night after night under the demanding conditions that traveling bands and DJ’s encounter in the professional club circuit. These properties make SONUS a great choice for fixed installation in music venues as well, where abusive conditions are commonplace,” concluded Ms. Lee.  
    SONUS full-range models start with the S1296, a two-way system comprising a 12" cone driver and a 1" horn-loaded high frequency driver, housed in a multi-angle enclosure. The versatile S1296 works equally well as a FOH system or on the stage, as a floor monitor.
    Next in the line is the trapezoidal S1596, a 15"/1" two-way system with a well defined 90º x 60º polar pattern. Following the S1596, the larger S3294 makes the leap to a full three-way system employing a 12" LF cone driver, a 6.5" horn-loaded MF cone driver, and a 1" horn loaded HF compression driver.
    The largest of the line, the S3594, comprises a 15" cone driver with the same Mid/Hi section as the S3294. All models can be switched between active bi-amped and passive single-amped operation, to readily accommodate the needs of the user. A music/voice Presence Switch is provided as a quick means of altering the upper mid-range to suit the acoustical conditions of the venue.
    For extended low frequency response, the SONUS line includes two subwoofers with a choice of dual 15" or dual 18" high-power cone drivers. The dual 18" model is provided with integrated casters for convenient load-in and load-out. Both models feature a High-Pass Output for seamless integration with the full-range systems.
    “SONUS loudspeakers are a perfect reflection of Community’s 35 years of know-how,” stated Ken DeLoria, Community’s Product Manager. “We’ve been able to incorporate many of our technological achievements into this new line such as mathematically correct hand-laid fiberglass horns, the use of Ferrofluid to reduce power compression and distortion, and our patented Cool-Coilheat evacuation system used in the subwoofers.”
    “SONUS also represents the introduction of our patent-pending Carbon Ring Cone Technology to the MI market. We apply a radial carbon ring to the rear of the cone to stiffen the cone material without adding appreciable mass, and to strengthen the bond between the cone and the surround. The result is lower distortion, higher reliability, and freedom from cone deformation. Equally important, this technology allows us to make the piston area of the cone 30% larger than a conventional cone in the same basket, improving both the sensitivity and the bass response,” DeLoria continued.
    All models in the line include DYNA-TECH™ active protection circuitry. DYNA-TECH uses the power of the amplifier to drive a three-stage active limiter that handles abusive conditions with ease.
    “Each of these technologies stands on its own as a significant improvement to the status quo. Taken together, these varied technologies have substantially raised the bar on affordable, high-performance professional loudspeakers,” concluded DeLoria.
    MIDDLE SCHOOLS GET TOP-FLIGHT AUDIO
    PHILADELPHIA, PA - As A/V technology continues to evolve, sophisticated PA systems are no longer the exclusive domain of big budget auditoriums and venues. Just outside of Philadelphia, the Merion School District’s Bala Cynwyd Middle School and Welsh Valley Middle School each recently installed audio systems in the schools’ auditoriums that pack some serious power and control.
    As A/V technology continues to evolve, sophisticated PA systems are no longer the exclusive domain of big budget auditoriums and venues. Just outside of Philadelphia, the Merion School District’s Bala Cynwyd Middle School and Welsh Valley Middle School each recently installed audio systems in the schools’ auditoriums that pack some serious power and control.
    Both auditoriums now offer audio systems based around Community’s iBOX systems. Welsh Valley’s
    system utilizes two iBOX iHP1296 two-way loudspeakers, augmented by three iBOX iHP3594 three-way systems. Bala Cynwyd uses a similar system, replacing the iHP1296 boxes with iHP-1244 for a tighter coverage pattern. Bala Cynwyd’s system is augmented with three CPL-27 two-way cabinets, as well as a selection of Community’s CLOUD6 and CLOUD12 ceiling speakers.
    The project, designed by D.J. Siebert with consultants Snyder-Hoffman Associates, was somewhat atypical. As Chris Dietze, president of Philadelphia-based systems integrators Clear Sound explains, “It’s unusual for 120V electrical work to be part of the scope of an A/V contract, but in this case the combined contract required the installation of an isolation transformer and 20-circuit distribution panel for each audio system. Both auditoriums are built slab-in-grade and have hard concrete floors, so part of the job involved saw-cutting the floor to install boxes for microphones and AC receptacles.” With Welsh Valley also receiving a 196-channel lighting system as part of the project, Clear Sound brought in an electrical subcontractor for the high-voltage aspects.
    “The designer had specified the iBOX as the main system for the auditoriums,” Dietze reports, “and it really was an excellent choice. This was my first iBOX install, and I’ve been impressed with the quality and the clarity of the boxes. And Community has been incredibly helpful, even down to swapping out the boxes when the customer decided on a color change. Great people to work with.”
    Both schools’ systems also include Mackie’s 40-channel Onyx 4080 mixing consoles with Onyx 40R digital interfaces and full patchbays at FOH, a 64x16 Aviom digital snake, 16 channels of Shure LXP-series wireless microphones, QSC amplification and Rane DSP.
    # # #
    EVENT TECH CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF SOUND
    When Eric Maynard founded Event Tech in 1981, the live sound industry was a very different place. “People pretty much assembled their own systems from components,” he recalls. “There wasn’t a market for two- and three-way systems in a box like we have now.”
    Like most live sound providers back then, Event Tech was a young upstart company run by feisty guys with strong backs and good ears. Even early on, Maynard understood the importance of having the best sound system available.
    “Our relationship to Community goes back to the late 1980’s,” Maynard recounts. “We wanted to put together a system that could handle a full-spectrum concert – not an
    easy thing in those days. I knew Bruce Howze, and had heard he was developing a trapezoidal box, which sounded like exactly what we were looking for. We got on the phone, and Bruce was just finishing the first prototypes for what would become the RS880 three-way system. He loaded them into a van and drove down from Philly with four of them, which we tried out with a regional band we were working with. It was really exactly what we were looking for. We ended up buying some of the first production models.”
    Maynard provided Howze with valuable input during the development of the RS880, as well as the VBS415 subwoofer, two of Community’s most enduring and legendary lines. “Bruce was always great about accepting feedback from us on his designs,” Maynard explains. “Back then, the big manufacturers were focused on the cinema sound market, and it was tough to get them to pay much attention to a bunch of live sound people. But with Bruce and the guys at Community, we always felt like they were on the same page with us, and really understood our needs.”
    Hanover, MD-based Event Tech has spent the past quarter-century building an enviable reputation as a leading concert and live event provider in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area, covering everything from concerts and conventions to commencements and special events. “The past few years in particular have been very busy,” remarks Mike Aug, Event Tech’s VP of Sales and Marketing. “We’ve been doing more shows and adding more gear.”
    One of the acquisitions they’re most happy with is their arsenal of Community TLF218, a dual 18-inch subwoofer that delivers solid bass down to 40 Hz. “We were in the market for a flyable subwoofer, and really hadn’t found the right box that had the power and output we wanted to hear,” says Aug. “When we heard the TLF, that was all we needed. We were totally impressed with the output and the sonic quality. It’s by far one of the best subwoofers out there.”
    Maynard recounts an event shortly after they purchased the TLF subs that convinced them they’d made the right decision. “We were doing a concert at the University of Maryland by The Roots, a well-known hip hop/funk band from Philly,” he recalls. “The flown array included 16 TLF218 double 18-inch subs. A few minutes after they started their set, the lights in the scoreboard shattered, raining glass on four or five rows of the audience. It turned out the scoreboard just wasn’t built to withstand the heavy beats coming from the subs, and it had loosened the fixtures. No one was hurt, but it certainly made a statement about the TLF’s.”
    The company celebrated their 25th anniversary this year, busier than ever, and with a full roster of events already planned for the coming year they have no plans to slow down. “We’re fortunate to have customers who appreciate our high level of quality,” says Aug. “As long as the phone keeps ringing, we’ll keep doing what we do best.”
    1      
          
         
      BURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique 
    audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced 
    the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard 
    wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says Robert Burriss 
    creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been 
    the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects pedals and one-off 
    customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 
    2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to 
    allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality 
    of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Shadow, dB Special 
    and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit 
    them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES NEW 
    TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company 
    dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced three new hand made 
    guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-point wiring. “We deliver an 
    amp that will be an extension of the musicians own voice and instrument – crystal clear 
    and not obscured by technology,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and 
    namesake of the line.This new line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the 
    SwitchMaster with each system available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” 
    and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a 
    big American voice. The dB Special is a single channel amp with an aggressive 
    high gain with amazing available volume. The SwitchMaster brings both amps 
    together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable amp delivering a clean American 
    voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a boost for solos and screaming 
    distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique 
    audio electronics companies, supplying one-off customized tube amps as well as 
    distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces 
    with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production 
    capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each amp that is shipped. 
    Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and Boostiest II effects Pedals.For 
    more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 
    859-381-0152.   
      
     
          BURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique 
    BURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique
    audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has 
    introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand 
    made and hard wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says 
    Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss 
    Amps has been the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects 
    pedals and one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country 
    and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, 
    KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining 
    the hand-made quality of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the 
    Shadow, dB Special and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, 
    please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES 
    NEW TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics 
    company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced 
    three new hand made guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-
    point wiring. “We deliver an amp that will be an extension of the musicians 
    own voice and instrument – crystal clear and not obscured by technology,” 
    says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.This new 
    line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the SwitchMaster with each system 
    available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single 
    channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a big American voice. The dB Special is a 
    single channel amp with an aggressive high gain with amazing available volume. 
    The SwitchMaster brings both amps together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable 
    amp delivering a clean American voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a 
    boost for solos and screaming distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has 
    been the ultimate in boutique audio electronics companies, supplying one-off 
    customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.
    In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. 
    to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality 
    of each amp that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and 
    Boostiest II effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit 
    them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.  
    BURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects pedals and one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Shadow, dB Special and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES NEW TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced three new hand made guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-point wiring. “We deliver an amp that will be an extension of the musicians own voice and instrument – crystal clear and not obscured by technology,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.This new line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the SwitchMaster with each system available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a big American voice. The dB Special is a single channel amp with an aggressive high gain with amazing available volume. The SwitchMaster brings both amps together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable amp delivering a clean American voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a boost for solos and screaming distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique audio electronics companies, supplying one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each amp that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and Boostiest II effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.   BURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects pedals and one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Shadow, dB Special and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES NEW TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced three new hand made guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-point wiring. “We deliver an amp that will be an extension of the musicians own voice and instrument – crystal clear and not obscured by technology,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.This new line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the SwitchMaster with each system available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a big American voice. The dB Special is a single channel amp with an aggressive high gain with amazing available volume. The SwitchMaster brings both amps together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable amp delivering a clean American voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a boost for solos and screaming distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique audio electronics companies, supplying one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each amp that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and Boostiest II effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152. 
    BURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects pedals and one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Shadow, dB Special and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES NEW TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced three new hand made guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-point wiring. “We deliver an amp that will be an extension of the musicians own voice and instrument – crystal clear and not obscured by technology,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.This new line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the SwitchMaster with each system available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a big American voice. The dB Special is a single channel amp with an aggressive high gain with amazing available volume. The SwitchMaster brings both amps together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable amp delivering a clean American voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a boost for solos and screaming distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique audio electronics companies, supplying one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each amp that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and Boostiest II effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.   BURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects pedals and one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Shadow, dB Special and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES NEW TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced three new hand made guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-point wiring. “We deliver an amp that will be an extension of the musicians own voice and instrument – crystal clear and not obscured by technology,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.This new line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the SwitchMaster with each system available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a big American voice. The dB Special is a single channel amp with an aggressive high gain with amazing available volume. The SwitchMaster brings both amps together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable amp delivering a clean American voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a boost for solos and screaming distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique audio electronics companies, supplying one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each amp that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and Boostiest II effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152. 
    stunning exoticBURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects pedals and one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Shadow, dB Special and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES NEW TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced three new hand made guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-point wiring. “We deliver an amp that will be an extension of the musicians own voice and instrument – crystal clear and not obscured by technology,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.This new line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the SwitchMaster with each system available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a big American voice. The dB Special is a single channel amp with an aggressive high gain with amazing available volume. The SwitchMaster brings both amps together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable amp delivering a clean American voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a boost for solos and screaming distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique audio electronics companies, supplying one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each amp that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and Boostiest II effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152. 
    effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.
    effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.
    effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.
    stunning exoticBURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects pedals and one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Shadow, dB Special and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES NEW TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced three new hand made guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-point wiring. “We deliver an amp that will be an extension of the musicians own voice and instrument – crystal clear and not obscured by technology,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.This new line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the SwitchMaster with each system available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a big American voice. The dB Special is a single channel amp with an aggressive high gain with amazing available volume. The SwitchMaster brings both amps together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable amp delivering a clean American voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a boost for solos and screaming distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique audio electronics companies, supplying one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each amp that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and Boostiest II effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.  stunning exoticBURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects pedals and one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Shadow, dB Special and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES NEW TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced three new hand made guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-point wiring. “We deliver an amp that will be an extension of the musicians own voice and instrument – crystal clear and not obscured by technology,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.This new line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the SwitchMaster with each system available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a big American voice. The dB Special is a single channel amp with an aggressive high gain with amazing available volume. The SwitchMaster brings both amps together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable amp delivering a clean American voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a boost for solos and screaming distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique audio electronics companies, supplying one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each amp that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and Boostiest II effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152. 
    stunning exoticBURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects pedals and one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Shadow, dB Special and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES NEW TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced three new hand made guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-point wiring. “We deliver an amp that will be an extension of the musicians own voice and instrument – crystal clear and not obscured by technology,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.This new line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the SwitchMaster with each system available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a big American voice. The dB Special is a single channel amp with an aggressive high gain with amazing available volume. The SwitchMaster brings both amps together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable amp delivering a clean American voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a boost for solos and screaming distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique audio electronics companies, supplying one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each amp that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and Boostiest II effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152. 
    stunning exoticBURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects pedals and one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Shadow, dB Special and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES NEW TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced three new hand made guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-point wiring. “We deliver an amp that will be an extension of the musicians own voice and instrument – crystal clear and not obscured by technology,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.This new line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the SwitchMaster with each system available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a big American voice. The dB Special is a single channel amp with an aggressive high gain with amazing available volume. The SwitchMaster brings both amps together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable amp delivering a clean American voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a boost for solos and screaming distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique audio electronics companies, supplying one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each amp that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and Boostiest II effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.    stunning exoticBURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects pedals and one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Shadow, dB Special and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES NEW TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced three new hand made guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-point wiring. “We deliver an amp that will be an extension of the musicians own voice and instrument – crystal clear and not obscured by technology,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.This new line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the SwitchMaster with each system available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a big American voice. The dB Special is a single channel amp with an aggressive high gain with amazing available volume. The SwitchMaster brings both amps together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable amp delivering a clean American voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a boost for solos and screaming distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique audio electronics companies, supplying one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each amp that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and Boostiest II effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.    stunning exoticBURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects pedals and one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Shadow, dB Special and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES NEW TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced three new hand made guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-point wiring. “We deliver an amp that will be an extension of the musicians own voice and instrument – crystal clear and not obscured by technology,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.This new line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the SwitchMaster with each system available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a big American voice. The dB Special is a single channel amp with an aggressive high gain with amazing available volume. The SwitchMaster brings both amps together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable amp delivering a clean American voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a boost for solos and screaming distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique audio electronics companies, supplying one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each amp that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and Boostiest II effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152. 
      stunning exoticBURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard wired to deliver the sound it takes up to four others to create,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique companies, supplying quality effects pedals and one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each pedal that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Shadow, dB Special and SwitchMaster tube amps.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152.BURRISS INTRODUCES NEW TUBE AMPSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced three new hand made guitar amplifiers each featuring tube technology and point-to-point wiring. “We deliver an amp that will be an extension of the musicians own voice and instrument – crystal clear and not obscured by technology,” says Robert Burriss creator, guitar player and namesake of the line.This new line includes the Shadow, the dB Special, and the SwitchMaster with each system available in three configurations: 1 x 12”; 2 x 12” and 2 x 10”. The Shadow is a single channel amp with a clean, mild overdrive and a big American voice. The dB Special is a single channel amp with an aggressive high gain with amazing available volume. The SwitchMaster brings both amps together as a dual-channel, foot-switchable amp delivering a clean American voice with a rock/jazz switch in one mode and a boost for solos and screaming distortion in the other.Since 1998 Burriss Amps has been the ultimate in boutique audio electronics companies, supplying one-off customized tube amps as well as distribution cross country and around the world.In 2006, Burriss Amps joined forces with another Lexington, KY company, QED, Inc. to allow Burriss to grow production capabilities while maintaining the hand-made quality of each amp that is shipped. Burris Amps is also introducing the Boostier II and Boostiest II effects Pedals.For more information about Burriss Amps, please visit them at , by calling 877-741-4612 / 859-381-0152. 
      stunning exoticBURRISS INTRODUCES EFFECTS PEDALSLexington, Kentucky – Burriss Amps, a boutique audio electronics company dedicated to recapturing the voice of the musician, has introduced the new Boostier II and Boostiest II Effects Pedals. “The pedals are hand made and hard wired to deliver the sound i

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