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 EachNASHVILLE – 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:
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.
