MBN: THE MONTE BUBBLES NETWORK

Feb 15

 

Barbara Mandrell's Cool Country Tribute
By Phyllis Stark

 

© 2007 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.

As a longtime performer who knows the demands of a busy schedule, Barbara Mandrell is both humbled and gratified that so many top-tier Country artists took the time to contribute to an album that pays tribute to her and her amazing career.

"They have really given me a great gift of not only their talent and their time, but their love," Mandrell, the two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, said in an emotion-filled voice.

The album, She Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool: A Tribute To Barbara Mandrell, was released Oct. 17 on BNA Records. Mandrell, whose six No. 1 hits include "Years" and "I Was Country, When Country Wasn't Cool," is still Country and, according to the artists who participated in the tribute project, still very cool. Sara Evans was literally raised on Mandrell's songs.

"Everything about Barbara Mandrell reminds me of my childhood and growing up as a Country singer," said Evans, who contributed Mandrell's 1980 hit "Crackers" to the tribute project. "My mother had me learn every one of her songs and perform them in our [family] band."

Naturally, Evans was eager to participate in the tribute and said she chose "Crackers" because "it is so cheeky and fun." For her own version of the song, Evans recalled the things she loved best about Mandrell's original and "tried to blend that with who I am musically." In the end, she said, "I'm really happy with what we came out of the studio with."

For Terri Clark, who contributed a rocking version of Mandrell's first No. 1 hit, "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed," Mandrell's work "was the start of my love affair with Country Music that's lasted my entire life."

Clark's appreciation for Mandrell's music dates back to her childhood in Canada, where she idolized the two-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year. As a 13-year-old, Clark was a huge fan of Mandrell's NBC-TV variety show, "Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters," which averaged more than 40 million viewers per week.

"I wrote her fan mail and spent all my allowances on magazines that had anything about her in [them]," Clark said.  "I clipped them out, put them in a photo album and sent it to her. I drew pictures of her and sent them to her. I was just absolutely blown away with her and her showmanship. My mother was about to send me to therapy because she was tired of hearing about her."

For Clark, the recording session for "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed" provided a touching opportunity to show Mandrell that she was a lifelong devotee.

"I had a fan letter that I had written to her when I was 13," Clark said. "I made a practice copy of it and then re-wrote it and sent her that one, but I kept the original all these years. When we did the tribute record, I gave her the letter."

Clark describes the fan letter as "so 13-year-old. It was hilarious. I drew little pictures of cowboy hats and boots on it and signed it, 'Your friend, Terri Clark.'"

In the studio, however, Mandrell handled the moment with typical class, telling an emotional Clark she'd cherish the letter.

Although Mandrell retired from the music business 10 years ago, no one needed convincing that this groundbreaking singer, musician, actress, motivational speaker and best-selling author, who landed 55 singles on the Billboard chart between 1969 and 1989, was a fitting subject for a tribute. 

Artist manager Clint Higham, a longtime friend of the Mandrell family, first hatched the tribute idea and brought it to SONY BMG Nashville Chairman Joe Galante, who said he "fell in love with the plan."

Galante called Mandrell an "unbelievable entertainer. When I first moved to [Nashville,] I remember her being on the CMA Awards show and being riveted by how she was as a host and an entertainer," he said.

Not surprisingly, Galante said, nearly all of the artists who were approached to participate "jumped up and said 'Yeah, she's meant so much to me.'"

Kenny Chesney and Reba McEntire performed "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool," with Chesney supplying the memorable George Jones parts from the original, which is Mandrell's signature song. Other tracks on the album include Dierks Bentley's "Fast Lanes and Country Roads;" Blaine Larsen's "I Wish that I Could Fall in Love Today;" Lorrie Morgan's "That's What Friends Are For;" Willie Nelson and Shelby Lynne's duet on "This Time I Almost Made It;" Randy Owen's "Years;" Brad Paisley's version of "In Times Like These;" LeAnn Rimes' "(If Loving You is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right;" Gretchen Wilson's "The Midnight Oil;" and CeCe Winans' "He Set My Life to Music."

All of the songs were Top 10 Country hits for Mandrell with the exception of "This Time I Almost Made It," which peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard chart in 1974, and "That's What Friends Are For," which topped out at No. 16 two years later.  "He Set My Life to Music" was not a Country single, but rather the title track of Mandrell's GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning 1983 gospel album.

Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan wrote many of Mandrell's signature hits including five songs that appear on the collection. "There would be no album, there would be no Barbara Mandrell, if it were not for Kye and Dennis," she said.  Mandrell is delighted with the finished album, calling it the "ultimate compliment."

"This is not one of those albums where you have to skip [around]," she said.  "Every single artist on there just gave it their all. I'm overwhelmed."

Higham worked with Galante and his A&R team and sought Mandrell's input in deciding which artists and songs to include in the tribute. Most of the participating artists chose the songs they wanted to cut and each artist recorded their individual track on their own, with the producer and musicians of their choice.

Mandrell thinks having multiple producers on the project "gives a distinct artistry to each individual cut." Producers on the project include Brett Beavers, Mark Bright, Buddy Cannon, Chris Harris, Dann Huff, Tim Johnson, Frank Rogers, Wally Wilson and Mark Wright. Clark and Lynne produced their own tracks.

While Mandrell was hands-on in the creation of the tribute, she gave a quick and definitive "no" when asked if anything about the process of putting the album together made her want to come out of retirement. She explained that she doesn't regret her decision to retire, no matter how much she cherished her career.

"I was never bored, never sick of it, never tired. It was all positive," she said of her lengthy stint as a top entertainer. But, she added, "I feel good that I said 'thank you' and expressed my gratitude and stepped out of the spotlight at the highest point of my career. . I wouldn't change a thing."

On the Web: www.barbara-mandrell.com

 

Feb 14

 

Playboy Launches Rock The Rabbit

Fusing Music and Fashion with Bands and a Brand

NEW YORK, Feb. 14 -- Playboy Enterprises Inc. today announced a new project called Rock the Rabbit which blends music with fashion as part of the annual March Music Issue (on newsstands and at www.playboydigital.com on February 9). Playboy asked twenty musicians to design a custom line of limited edition t-shirts placing their own personal stamp on the Rabbit Head brand and logo.

Six of the artists asked to participate in this project are featured in a fashion pictorial shot by legendary shutterbug Mick Rock in Playboy's March issue, while the other artists will appear online at http://www.rocktherabbit.com/ . The artists range from up and coming rockers to established hip-hop musicians.

Playboy will offer the limited edition Rock the Rabbit custom designed T- shirt line to consumers at the Playboy Concept Boutique at the Forum Shops, the Playboy Boutique at the Palms, both in Las Vegas, as well as online at http://www.shopthebunny.com/ . Additional retail partners will be announced in the future. The original prototype Ts will be auctioned off with proceeds going to LIFEbeat: The Music Industry Fights AIDS ( http://www.lifebeat.org/ .)

To kick off Rock the Rabbit, Whitestarr and Rhymefest will be performing in Las Vegas at Rain in the Palms Casino Resort at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, February 14th. Whitestarr will also be signing copies of the March issue of Playboy along with their new CD from 2:00-3:00 PM on February 14th at The Playboy Concept Boutique in The Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace.

Artists Participating Include:

 

Mick Rock The Flaming Lips

The Thievery Corporation The Bronx

Metric Whitestarr

Rhymefest Lil' Jon

Soulwax Dean & Britta

stellastarr* Monsters Are Waiting

Tahiti 80 Johnossi

Illinois Oh No! Oh My!

Your Vegas Home Video

Trainwreck Riders

Playboy Enterprises is a brand-driven, international multimedia entertainment company that publishes editions of Playboy magazine around the world; operates television networks and distributes programming globally; owns Playboy.com, a leading men's lifestyle and entertainment web site; and licenses the Playboy trademark internationally for a range of consumer products and services.

Source: Playboy Enterprises Inc.

 

Veoh Networks Ushers in New Era of Internet Television with Official Launch

New Site to Feature Groundbreaking Publisher and Viewer Tools and Experiences Designed to Further Revolutionize the Internet Video Arena

Veoh Networks (http://www.veoh.com) today announced its official launch, offering unprecedented convenience, choice and quality for video publishers and viewers. For video publishers, Veoh's automatic syndication and reporting features allow them to reach and manage the largest audience on the web. For viewers, Veoh offers the most comprehensive set of features and viewing options, including a downloadable player that turns a viewer's computer into a virtual DVR that can download content from video sites across the Internet. And for both viewers and publishers, Veoh's peer-to-peer network, built from the ground up for video distribution, assures that publishers can provide viewers with a full-screen, DVD-quality experience.

The result: Veoh now offers the most comprehensive platform for Internet video, providing viewers the widest range of programming at the highest quality available, and publishers the broadest reach. Moreover, the large and fast-growing community of Veoh content providers and their audiences represents a new opportunity for advertisers to engage their consumers.

"Veoh's mission is to bring the next generation of television to people wherever they are--office, living room, or on the go." said Dmitry Shapiro, CEO, Veoh. "Technology will allow us to dramatically improve the experience, and we believe our formal release today is an important step towards realizing our goal."

Veoh for Publishers

Unmatched Internet Audience Reach

During its Beta-test period last year, Veoh launched a feature that lets video publishers upload videos once to Veoh and automatically syndicate them to major video sites including YouTube, Google Video and MySpace. Now with its official launch, Veoh has greatly expanded its syndication offerings to include Facebook; the publishers' own blogs; RSS feed syndicators; iPod; and Windows Media players. No other Internet video distributor enables publishers to reach such a large potential audience through one upload.

And Veoh offers publishers even more convenience with its launch of cross-site reporting. With this feature, Veoh publishers can now monitor their audiences across the major video web sites from their Veoh account. One-stop uploading and reporting allows publishers to invest less time in managing video distribution, and more time in what they want to do -- creating and marketing their content.

Highest Quality Video Delivery

Further differentiating Veoh in the marketplace is its ability to distribute video content of any length at DVD-quality. Unlike other video distribution sites that offer "video snacking" of short, grainy clips, Veoh allows its publishers to upload videos of any length or file size for distribution. Due to its unique peer-to-peer network design, Veoh is able to distribute large files without rapidly scaling server costs. This ensures that through Veoh, publishers will be able to present to audiences their programs in their entirety at their original level of clarity - delivering more of a television viewing experience than the typical Internet video experience.

Multiple Revenue Models

Veoh offers video publishers a range of choices to earn revenues. Publishers choose advertising, paid content, or a mix. If they choose advertising, they can sell advertising or have Veoh do it for them. If they opt for paid content, they can choose from multiple options including pay-per-view, pay-to-own or subscription.

Veoh for Viewers

Anytime, Anywhere...and now from Most Any Source

While in Beta, Veoh offered viewers the widest range of options available of where and when to watch Veoh's DVD-quality video content. For a viewer's computer, these options included streaming from veoh.com or downloading to Veoh's virtual digital video recorder (the Veoh Player) to watch later. Veoh also supports ipods and Windows Media devices. The Veoh Player allows viewers to subscribe to episodic programs, to watch at DVD quality, and to watch without an Internet connection. Viewers can easily connect the Veoh Player to their television, allowing them to watch Internet programming of the same quality and with the same comfort as broadcast television.

With this launch, the Veoh Player gets an exciting new capability - the ability to download programs from thousands of other sites on the Internet. With the Veoh browser plug-in, viewers can quickly identify video at any site they visit, saving it automatically to their Veoh Player. Viewers can organize and watch this content alongside videos they find or automatically receive from Veoh.com, turning the Veoh Player into a universal repository for their favorite video entertainment.

Powerful Recommendation and Community Features

In addition to a newly designed user interface that makes finding videos easier and faster, Veoh is integrating its powerful recommendations technology across the entire service. Registered viewers are presented with suggestions throughout Veoh.com and the Veoh player based on their viewing habits and preferences. Veoh recommendations technology complements and leverages a full suite of community features like ratings and comments, powerful video keyword search and browsing functions, as well as a dedicated programming team working to introduce viewers quickly to compelling, new content choices.

High Quality Content Directly from Veoh

Former television executive John MacDonald joined Veoh as President of Content during the Beta period to help expand Veoh's offerings of branded Indie, professional and studio content. In his short tenure, MacDonald and his team have built a library of approximately 100,000 videos and hundreds of channels across 15 categories, including over 25 branded channels with many more in the works.

In addition to the recently announced major content partnerships with US Weekly and the United Talent Agency, Veoh has already launched channels for partners including TNT, Bennet Media, Paramount Pictures and New Line Cinema. Veoh launches the TV Guide channel this week.

"Viewers clearly like the flexibility, features and content we're offering," said Shapiro. "With our reports showing 4 million uniques in January and a monthly growth rate exceeding 20 percent, our viral growth has been spectacular."

Veoh for Advertisers

With its official launch, Veoh has added the capability to support advertising in a variety of formats. Veoh offers advertisers a unique environment, given the combination of compelling content and ability to target a typically hard-to-reach, young adult audience. Veoh has signed Dr. Pepper as its launch sponsor.

"In an increasingly fragmented marketplace, it is critical for brands to engage with consumers where they live and play," said Alan Schanzer, Managing Partner for MEC Interaction. "The Veoh entertainment experience is a natural partner for Dr. Pepper - original, independent video programming with the highest quality on the web."

Veoh for Partners

Veoh has entered into several partnerships to accelerate Veoh's growth and adoption at veoh.com, on the Veoh Player and in the living room. The company has inked deals with companies like Blinkx and MeeVee to distribute Veoh's video library. Veoh is collaborating with chip maker AMD to bring Internet video to set-top boxes, accelerating the transition of Veoh's DVD-quality videos from the PC to the living room. Meanwhile, Ripple is on board to distribute video content from Veoh.com onto large screens in Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores and other outlets.

"It will take many players, working together, to make Internet television as ubiquitous as television is today," said Shapiro. "With our superior platform and rate of viewer growth, we're well-positioned to partner with companies who share our vision for the future."

About Veoh Networks, Inc.

Veoh Networks is a new, innovative Internet television broadcasting system that delivers broadcast-quality entertainment and informational content via the Internet, using unique distribution technologies to allow for unlimited capacity for both long- and short-form programming. Veoh allows content producers from major entertainment studios and television networks to independent video producers and enthusiasts to deliver high-quality, full-screen video directly to consumers without financial, geographical or capacity restrictions found in traditional broadcasting systems. This democratization of video distribution fundamentally changes the dynamics of television, creating unprecedented choice for consumers and a compelling marketplace for content providers and advertisers. Veoh Networks is a privately held company that is backed by leading technology and media investors, including Spark Capital, Michael Eisner's Tornante Company, Time Warner Inc. and Shelter Capital Partners. Veoh has offices in Los Angeles and San Diego, California.

 

GSN Creates Late Night Participation TV Block

PLAYMANIA Becomes Programming Block and Now Includes Two Separate Live Shows Where Viewers Can Become Contestants

'Playmaniacs' Welcome Series' 'quiznation' and '100 Winners' to Late Night

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 14  GSN has named its late night participation TV programming block, PLAYMANIA, after the series that launched the new genre in America. The new PLAYMANIA programming block will house two new live call-in trivia and game series, "100 Winners" and "quiznation," which premiere Tuesday, February 20 (12:00 - 2:00 AM, ET) and Friday, February 23 (12:00 - 2:00 AM, ET), respectively.

The show's hosts will be familiar to GSN late night viewers. "100 Winners," which will air Tuesday though Thursday nights, will be hosted by Mel Peachey. "quiznation" will air Friday through Sunday nights, and is hosted by "Lingo" co-star and former Miss USA Shandi Finnessey. For both series, viewers compete for cash and prizes by entering through text messaging, GSN.com or calling 900/773-3333.

"quiznation" features a variety of letter, number and word games; trivia games and more for viewers to call in with their answers for cash and prizes. This is an updated version of the original "Playmania" program, which is soon to celebrate its first anniversary on GSN.

"100 Winners" is a brand new series, also live, featuring various trivia and other games. In this series, contestants who answer the question correctly win the opportunity to choose from one of 100 safe deposit boxes from the GSN vault, each containing a hidden prize. No matter what it takes, host Peachey needs to open all 100 safe deposit boxes before the show is over.

Both "100 Winners" and "quiznation" are produced by Game Show Enterprises in conjunction with the U.K.'s Optimistic Entertainment.

GSN is the entertainment industry leader in multi-platform interactive game programs. As the premier television network for games, GSN features challenging word games, high intensity casino programs, live participation shows, reality series and documentaries. GSN's programming includes original series such as "Chain Reaction," "Lingo" and "High Stakes Poker," as well as the classics "Jeopardy" and "Pyramid," among others. The network also boasts America's first live participation TV program "PlayMania," which airs in late-night six times a week. Complementing the network, GSN.com features all types of game play: innovative Flash games for fun, skill cash game tournaments and downloadable games. The website also features GSN's two-screen interactive play-along for prime time shows. Now reaching more than 62 million homes,

GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.

Optimistic Entertainment develops, produces and distributes interactive TV content and IP for its own and third party networks. Recent shows and commissions include "Flipside TV," "Pop the Q," "Celebrity Soup" and "Play Sudoku." The company was established in 2002 by Jasper Smith and David Brook. Further information on Optimistic Entertainment can be found at http://www.oeplc.com/

*(Note to Pacific Time Zone Writers: 70% of Pacific Time viewers (all satellite viewers and some cable customers) will see Playmania LIVE from 10:00 PM to 12:00 a.m. PT, Tuesdays through Sundays. For other cable systems in the Pacific Time Zone, PLAYMANIA is re-broadcast from 1:00 - 3:00 AM PT depending on the specific operator. For exact cable viewing times, please consult local listings.

Source: GSN

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

 

Blockbuster Survey Reveals Popular Votes for 2007 Academy Awards(R)

Meryl Streep & Will Smith Are Among Top Picks

DALLAS, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Academy may have the final say, but Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE:BBI) has conducted a survey on who should win this year's OSCARS(R) with a group of highly qualified experts -- movie lovers.

"Who better to make a call on this year's most inspired films and performances than the people who fill the theaters, rent the movies and are the ultimate audience for the movie industry," said Joyce Woodward, senior vice-president, rental film with Blockbuster Inc.

The votes are in on the Blockbuster ACADEMY AWARDS survey, and according to film fans, the OSCAR(R) goes to ...

For best picture: "The Departed," with close to a quarter of movie fans (24%) choosing the Martin Scorcese mafia tale as their top pick in this category. However, "Little Miss Sunshine" comes in at a close second (22%).

For best actress: Meryl Streep in "The Devil Wears Prada," winning America's hearts while stomping on those of her employees as a ruthless fashion magazine editor.

For best actor: Will Smith in "The Pursuit of Happyness," who inspired close to half (43%) of movie fans to select him with his performance as a struggling single dad.

And sweeping the supporting categories: the stars of "Dreamgirls." Survey respondents chose Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy as their favorites in the supporting actress and actor categories.

Popular Picks for Best Picture

"The Departed" 24%

"Little Miss Sunshine" 22%

"Babel" 14%

"Letters from Iwo Jima" 13%

"The Queen" 12%

Popular Picks for Best Actress in a Leading Role

Meryl Streep in "The Devil Wears Prada" 36%

Helen Mirren in "The Queen" 21%

Kate Winslet in "Little Children" 13%

Penelope Cruz in "Volver" 11%

Judi Dench in "Notes on a Scandal" 6%

Popular Picks for Best Actor in a Leading Role

Will Smith in "The Pursuit of Happyness" 43%

Forest Whitaker in "The Last King of Scotland" 21%

Leonardo DiCaprio in "Blood Diamond" 17%

Peter O'Toole in "Venus" 4%

Ryan Gosling in "Half Nelson" 2%

Popular Picks for Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Jennifer Hudson in "Dreamgirls" 43%

Abigail Breslin in "Little Miss Sunshine" 20%

Cate Blanchett in "Notes on a Scandal" 11%

Adriana Barraza in "Babel" 8%

Rinko Kikucki in "Babel" 3%

Popular Picks for Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Eddie Murphy in "Dreamgirls" 32%

Alan Arkin in "Little Miss Sunshine" 20%

Mark Wahlberg in "The Departed" 19%

Djimon Hounsou in "Blood Diamond" 15%

Jackie Earle Haley in "Little Children" 1%

Those who haven't had a chance to see OSCAR nominated films and performances can find those which have already been released on DVD at any BLOCKBUSTER(R) store or at blockbuster.com. In addition, BLOCKBUSTER Total Access(TM) members can reserve nominated films for future online rental at blockbuster.com.

All results are from a survey of movie watchers by Blockbuster Inc. completed in February 2007.

About Blockbuster

Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE:BBI) (NYSE:BBI.B) is a leading global provider of in-home movie and game entertainment, with more than 8,000 stores throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company may be accessed worldwide at http://www.blockbuster.com/.

"OSCAR", "OSCARS", and "ACADEMY AWARDS" (C) and (R) A.M.P.A.S.

 

 

You Can Be an A&R Rep for BETA Records

Online Record Company Pays People to Find and Sign New Artists to BETArecords.com

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The online record company, BETA Records (www.betarecords.com), invites you to accept a paying job with their company. According to BETA founders Chris Honetschlaeger and Georg van Handel, you can become an A&R (artist & repertoire) representative and turn your love of music into cash.

*(LOGO: Send2Press.com/mediaroom/07-0205-BetaRecs_72dpi.jpg)

BETA Records launched a module within its website that allows anyone to apply as a street team A&R member. One registered, you can discover unsigned artists, have them join BETA, and earn money for each new indie artist signed.

"We are taking the lost art of A&R and putting it back into the hands of music lovers," Honetschlaeger states. "Major labels seem to have no budget and no interest in searching out new up-and-coming acts at local city venues. Our Street Teams have a passion for this," Honetschlaeger adds.

Approved BETA Street Team members are assigned a 5-digit code that can be given to an artist to join and upload music and pictures to the BETA Records site. This automatically triggers a cash transfer to the Street Team member's PayPal account.

BETA will award a bonus of $5,000 to the Street Team member with the highest number of sign-ups by Dec. 31, 2007.

To try the system, go to: www.betarecords.com/street-team-info.php and register with the default username of preview@betarecords.com and the password of "betarecords" which has been assigned the test promo code of 12345.

"We've made a real effort to keep the technology as simple as possible and the user experience positive. Street Team members need only focus on finding new acts and bringing them to our music community," van Handel said.

"At the end of the day, we are paying people to do something they think is great: talk about and listen to music," said Honetschlaeger.

BETA Records, a 21st century blend of virtual and brick-and-mortar organizations, is a Web site, record label, mobile recording facility, and a haven for DIY (do it yourself) musicians seeking distribution channels for their work.

 

 

 

 

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

Carlos and Deborah Santana Partner With Walnut Creek-Based DSE Corp to Develop Maria Maria Restaurants as Upscale, Authentic Mexican Restaurants

First Three Maria Marias to Open in Locations Currently Known as The Cantina; Roll-Out Begins With Walnut Creek in April Followed by Mill Valley in May and Santa Rosa in June

Future Plans Also Include a DSE 'Santana's' Restaurant Location

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Marin County residents Carlos and Deborah Santana announced this week a new partnership to develop authentic and contemporary Mexican restaurants in association with the Walnut Creek-based Dudum Sports & Entertainment Corporation (DSE), acclaimed for their high-concept, celebrity-inspired culinary establishments. The collaboration begins with DSE's purchase and make-over of three Northern California restaurants -- currently operating as The Cantina -- into Maria Maria, a new breed of restaurants with genuine yet modern, flavorful Mexican cuisine. The first restaurant to adopt the new name and concept will be the Walnut Creek location in April, followed by Mill Valley in May and Santa Rosa in June. Future plans include other new Maria Maria locations in select cities nationwide.

While the Santanas will not have day-to-day involvement in the eateries, they're working closely with the Dudum team to insure that the same type of passion and feel behind the music of Santana inspires the cuisine and atmosphere of the high end and reasonably-priced Maria Maria brand. Named for music legend Carlos Santana's GRAMMY-winning, #1 single from 2000, Maria Maria, will spotlight authentic Mexican cuisine that transports customers through sight, scents and sounds to the coastal waters of Vera Cruz and Acapulco to the high planes of Oaxaca and the semi-desert in Guanajuato. There will be an emphasis on regional Mexican specialties, authentically prepared with savory flavors and fresh, first-quality ingredients. The brand's unique spin on beverage and cocktails will feature a wide variety of freshly squeezed and pressed juices and exotic nectars.

DSE President/CEO Jeff Dudum commented, "The passion that we have for food and for creating a unique experience really resonated with Carlos and Deborah. I couldn't be more excited about having the opportunity to work with them on restaurants that honor and celebrate Latin American culture, food and music. We're committed to building the Maria Maria brand one amazing restaurant at a time. I don't think there's anyone today doing regional Mexican and Latin cuisine -- accurately and authentically -- in the way that we intend."

In addition to Maria Maria, DSE's partnership with Carlos and Deborah Santana includes the development of a spectacular, flagship location under the banner Santana's (in an as yet to be determined location). Dudum has noted that the on-the-ground experience gained in Maria Maria will help guide the creation of the higher profile signature Santana venture.

Founded in 1997, DSE grew out of a family business to become one of the nation's premiere purveyors of high-end concept restaurants. DSE, a "Restaurant Revolution," brings an exciting entertainment and celebrity quotient into the mix of the dining experience, with renowned brands currently including McCovey's, Bing Crosby's, Joe DiMaggio's and Center Court, an NBA-tribute concept; a boxing-centric concept with Angelo Dundee is in the planning stages.

For more information, log on to www.dsecorp.com or www.santana.com

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

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

 

 

TV Land Celebrates Elvis

TV LAND AND THE CITY OF HONOLULU TO HONOR ELVIS PRESLEY WITH LIFE-SIZED SCULPTURE IN JULY, 2007

NETWORK PRESENTS ON-AIR TRIBUTE THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF AUGUST SHOWCASING FILMS, CONCERTS AND DOCUMENTARIES

NEW YORK, Feb. 14 -- TV Land will celebrate the life and times of music legend and pop icon Elvis Presley throughout the summer of 2007, it was announced today by Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land. Kicking off TV Land's tribute to Elvis in late July, TV Land and the city of Honolulu, Hawaii will honor Elvis with a life-sized bronze sculpture. The statue will grace The Neal S. Blaisdell Center, formerly The Honolulu International Center, the site of Elvis' 1973 Aloha from Hawaii concert, which was seen globally on television. Fans can log on today at TVLand.com to view video excerpts and photos from Elvis's historic Aloha From Hawaii performance. Following this momentous event, beginning August 1, 2007, TV Land will celebrate Elvis with an on-air tribute commemorating his unprecedented legacy throughout the entire month. From the '68 Comeback Special to Aloha from Hawaii to the documentary Elvis By The Presleys to his much-loved films like Love Me Tender and Wild in the Country, TV Land will showcase Elvis Presley's work every single day in August.

"Elvis is the ultimate icon of pop culture, especially to the Boomer generation, and one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century," states Larry W. Jones. "Celebrating his legacy this August on TV Land will be a unifying event for current and future Elvis fans."

The "Everything Elvis" tribute encompasses the following:

LIFE-SIZED BRONZE SCULPTURE

The bronze sculpture, which will be unveiled in late July, will commemorate the historic Aloha from Hawaii event, portraying the King of Rock 'n' Roll as he appeared in that performance, and pay tribute to him during the 30th Anniversary year of his passing. Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. has granted permission for this special tribute and will be involved in the approval process of the sculpture.

"Elvis remains an idol and a hero to so many of us, and because of his time spent here, Hawaii considers him an adopted son," states Mufi Hannemann, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu. "Elvis will forever remain a part of Hawaii's identity -- from his film Blue Hawaii to his 1961 benefit performance to raise money for the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial to the historic concert which this sculpture commemorates. Honolulu is proud to be the home to this monument to the King at the very site of one of the most seminal performances in his career."

Aloha from Hawaii, which initially aired on NBC in April of 1973, was the first concert event ever to be beamed around the world by satellite. Carried live in some countries and by tape delay in others, the show was seen in over 40 countries by 1.5 billion people, a worldwide ratings smash. In America, 51% of the TV viewing households tuned in to watch Elvis perform. The soundtrack album went to Number One on the Billboard album chart and in America alone sales have earned the album a 5x Platinum award. Through the years, video and DVD releases and rebroadcasts have been tremendously successful.

The sculpture is the network's sixth work to honor people, places and moments from pop culture by recognizing the site as a "TV Land Landmark." The network's landmarks include: a bronze statue of Ralph Kramden of The Honeymooners at the entrance of New York City's Port Authority Bus Terminal; a sculpture of Mary Tyler Moore from The Mary Tyler Moore Show at Nicollett Mall in downtown Minneapolis, MN; The Andy Griffith Show statue in Raleigh's Pullen Park; a bronze statue of Bob Newhart commemorating his role as Dr. Robert Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show in Chicago and most recently, a tribute to the beloved series Bewitched with a life-size statue depicting a magical view of character Samantha Stevens, played by actress Elizabeth Montgomery, in Salem MA. Fans can visit TV Land.com to see photos, virtual tours of the statues as well as streaming video of some of the dedications. Studio EIS, a three- dimensional design and sculpture studio in New York founded by brothers Ivan and Elliot Schwartz, is creating the life-sized bronze sculpture. The studio also created The Andy Griffith Show statue, the statue commemorating Bob Newhart's role as Dr. Robert Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show and the statue of Samantha Stevens from Bewitched.

TV LAND ON-AIR TRIBUTE

It was thirty years ago this August that the world said goodbye to one of the greatest entertainers and cultural icons of all time - Elvis Presley. In a monumental tribute, TV Land will showcase a number of Presley's treasured work by airing films, concerts, documentaries and interstitial programming starring and about the King of Rock 'n' Roll every day throughout the month.

TV Land will air the following:

-- Performance specials -- Elvis: '68 Comeback Special, Aloha From

Hawaii, Elvis: the Great Performances and Ed Sullivan's Rock 'N' Roll

Classics: Elvis Presley.

-- Documentaries -- Elvis By the Presleys, Elvis On Tour and Elvis: His

Best Friend Remembers.

-- Movies -- Love Me Tender; Wild in the Country; Easy Come, Easy Go; Fun

in Acapulco; Paradise Hawaiian Style; Roustabout; Girl Happy; Live a

Little, Love a Little; Speedway and Elvis and Me.

TVLAND.COM TRIBUTE

Beginning today, TVLand.com will feature three video excerpts from Elvis's Aloha from Hawaii special. Log on to view Elvis Presley's performance of "See See Rider," "Hound Dog" and "Can't Help Falling in Love" as well as photos from the historic concert.

About TV Land

Now seen in over 88 million U.S. homes, TV Land is a division of MTV Networks. TV Land's program mix features original programming, popular dramas, sitcoms, westerns, Retromercials and a TV-referential interstitial environment, all programmed to superserve Baby Boomers -- the first generation of Americans to grow up watching television. TV Land Productions was created in 2003 to develop original programming that complements the network's successful acquired programming slate. TV Land Productions has produced The TV Land Awards Show (March 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006) and Chasing Farrah (Spring 2005). In 2006, TV Land premiered several original productions including Generation Boom, I Pity The Fool starring Mr. T and Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg. The network features all-time Classic hits like All in the Family, M*A*S*H, I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show and Bonanza.

MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, mtvU, VHI, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, MTV INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 12 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

About Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) is based in Memphis, with additional offices in Los Angeles. In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit http://www.elvis.com/. EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market(R) under the ticker symbol "CKXE." Also visit http://www.ckx.com/.

Source: TV Land

Happily Ever After is Just the Beginning

Harlequin Everlasting Love series explores the epic love story

NEW YORK, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- After he had her at "hello," what became of our favorite sports agent Jerry Maguire and the woman he couldn't live without, Dorothy? One could say that was when the real story began. Harlequin, a leading publisher of women's fiction, is releasing Harlequin(R) Everlasting Love(TM), a new line of books that explore epic love stories that span decades and lifetimes. These stories don't end with happily ever after; in fact, happily ever after is where they begin.

America has long been obsessed with the epic love story. Whether it is fictional couples such as Noah and Allie of The Notebook, or real-life lovers June Carter and Johnny Cash, their stories capture and inspire us. In fact, romance has made a comeback and Americans are looking at love and romance through new eyes. According to the Harlequin Romance Report: 2007, 73% of women and 75% of men truly believe that there is a soul mate out there for everyone.

The Everlasting Love series is about soul mates, and the history of a romance. The line of books will show how love can last, how it shapes and transforms lives, and how it is truly the adventure of a lifetime -- an enduring love that stands the test of time. The philosophy behind the Everlasting Love series is "Every great love has its own story to tell."

The Everlasting Love line of books will launch its first two titles, Dancing on Sunday Afternoons and Fall from Grace, on January 30, followed by The Depth of Love and A Heartbeat Away on February 27. Two original titles are available every month. Harlequin Everlasting Love novels are available wherever books are sold, including most bookstores, supermarkets, drugstores and discount stores.

About Harlequin

HARLEQUIN ENTERPRISES LIMITED is one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction. Its books are published worldwide in 25 languages and sold in over 94 international markets. The company publishes over 115 titles monthly and publishes more than 1,000 authors from around the world. HARLEQUIN ENTERPRISES LIMITED is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation, a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TS.nv.b). The company's Web site is located at http://www.eharlequin.com/.

Source: Harlequin

 

Feb 12

 

EASTER-TIME IS A' HOPPIN ACROSS CANADA AND THE US
FOR NELVANA'S RED-HOT BUNNIES, MAX & RUBY!

 

• New episodes of top-rated animated TV show
  
• Two Easter-themed DVD releases
  
• Ty Beanie Babies®, chocolate bunnies, stage shows and more!

(FEBRUARY 12, 2007 – AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR, NEW YORK CITY) – Nelvana Enterprises' heart-warming preschool animated television series, Max & Ruby, is bouncing into the Easter season with the debut of new episodes and exciting new merchandise from this breakout hit.

Max & Ruby is a 2D traditional animated series aimed at kids 2-5, based on the books by Rosemary Wells, that follows the adventures of bunny Max and his older sister, Ruby. As is typical with siblings, they don't quite want the same thing at times and their plans often collide, usually with hilarious results. Max & Ruby teaches preschoolers to get along while remaining true to themselves. The series is produced by Nelvana, which is owned by Canada's Corus Entertainment Inc.

The adorable bunnies have many devoted fans and the show scores top ratings on Corus' Treehouse TV, Canada's #1 preschool service, which just two days ago debuted the first of 14 new episodes.

In the US, Nick Jr. will launch the new episodes starting April 6 and NOGGIN on April 7. The series was the fourth highest rated show on Nick Jr. for the 2005-2006 season for kids 2-5* and the third highest on NOGGIN in the fourth quarter of 2006 for kids 2-5**.

Max & Ruby DVDs also reached "Best Seller" gold level sales status in Canada (equivalent to $1M US sales) with over 150,000 units sold since October 2004.

The popularity of the show has spawned all kinds of activity on the licensing front, especially for Easter-themed products. Some of the great merchandise available in stores this season includes:

DVD releases: Release date - March 13, 2007 (in US and Canada)

In Canada: Max and the Easter Bunny from Kaboom Entertainment on Corus' Treehouse Presents DVD label (SRP $19.99 CDN – available at most DVD retailers)

In US: Easter with Max & Ruby from Nick Jr., distributed by Paramount
(SRP $16.99 USD – available at major retailers)

Ty Inc.: Max and Ruby Beanie Babies®
Available this March at authorized Ty retailers in the US and Canada
SRP $6.00 USD


Buzz Bee Toys: Available this spring in Zellers' stores in Canada:
Bowling Set: $19.99 CDN
Musical Bank: $12.99 CDN
Character Bouncers: $ 9.99 CDN Junior Skip-Jumper: $ 7.99 CDN

Leese Enterprises: Hollow chocolate piece of Max and Ruby
Available now
$6.99 CDN at Wal-Mart, Zellers, Toys R US and Sobey's in Canada

Other licensees in Canada include Danawares as master toy partner, Dan River Inc. for bedding, and Calego International for bags, backpacks, and accessories Further categories licensed in the US and Canada include publishing, apparel, puzzles, home furnishings, and confectionery.

Audiences can also see Max and Ruby on stage. Starting Fall 2007, a large format stage show produced by TheatreworksUSA launches nationally and will tour in over 1800 venues. Also in 2007, a small format stage show is touring the United States, along with meet and greet appearances, both from Paquin Entertainment. In Canada, a popular stage show and live appearances produced by Sphere Entertainment continue to tour the country.

"We are thrilled with the success of Max & Ruby in the Canadian marketplace," said Mark Northwood, Vice President of Merchandise Licensing – The Americas, Nelvana Enterprises.

"What started with a hit TV show and small-format stage show has grown into a thriving consumer products business. With strong consumer awareness and new episodes launching on Nick Jr., licensees are signing on quickly and Max & Ruby are poised for success at US retailers."

About Corus Entertainment Inc.
Nelvana is owned by Corus Entertainment Inc., a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in specialty television and radio with additional assets in pay television, advertising and digital audio services, television broadcasting, children's book publishing and children's animation. The company's multimedia entertainment brands include YTV, Treehouse, W Network, Movie Central, Nelvana, Kids Can Press and radio stations including CKNW, CKOI and Q107. Corus creates engaging branded entertainment experiences for its audiences across multiple platforms. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto (CJR.B) and New York (CJR) exchanges. Experience Corus on the web at http://www.corusent.com.

 

TCM Spotlight: Katharine Hepburn Collection Debuts May 29 from Warner Home Video

BURBANK, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Feb. 12, 2007 On May 29, Warner Home Video and Turner Classic Movies will honor one of Hollywood's legendary "grand dames" on the anniversary of her 100th birthday (May 12) with the debut of the TCM Spotlight: Katharine Hepburn Collection. The Collection includes six films never on DVD before -- The Corn is Green, Dragon Seed, Morning Glory, Sylvia Scarlett, Undercurrent and Without Love.

The TCM Spotlight: Katharine Hepburn Collection features the beloved screen legend in some of her most memorable roles, and will also include special features such as Oscar(R)-nominated vintage shorts and classic cartoons. The films will be available together in a collectible gift set for $59.92 SRP, or individually at $19.97 SRP.

The Corn is Green (1978)

Katharine Hepburn stars in director George Cukor's exquisite television version of Emlyn Williams' beloved play about a dedicated teacher who is determined to make a difference in an early 1900s Welsh mining community.

Dragon Seed (1944)

Hepburn headlines this dramatic saga of the World War II Chinese war effort, playing heroic Chinese peasant woman Jade in this adaptation of the bestseller by Pearl S. Buck.

Morning Glory (1933)

Hepburn earned the first of four Best Actress Academy Awards(R) for her portrayal of stage-struck Eva Lovelace. The story of an innocent country girl who seeks fame and fortune on Broadway, Eva's story encompasses setbacks, human frailties and courage, talent and triumph.

Sylvia Scarlett (1936)

Hepburn's gender-bending dual roles as Sylvia and Sidney caused consternation then, but today the film finds an avid cult following. And Cary Grant's performance as a ne'er-do-well cockney con artist gave him a role that showcased for the first time his wider talents.

Undercurrent (1946)

Newlywed Ann Garroway (Katharine Hepburn) is blinded by happiness, unable to see the true nature of her husband (Robert Taylor). She overlooks the menace that creeps into his words and trusts him when he says his mysterious, long-unseen brother (Robert Mitchum) is a psychopath.

Without Love (1945)

Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn team up in the romantic comedy Without Love, playing a couple doing their part for the wartime lodging crunch by sharing her Washington DC home

 

Viacom's MTV Networks and Adobe Showcase Mobile Applications at 3GSM

 Adobe and Viacom Deliver Engaging Mobile Experiences Based on FlashCast Technology

BARCELONA, Spain Feb. 12, 2007 At the 3GSM World Congress, MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIAB), and Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) are previewing new mobile media applications featuring exclusive MTV Networks programming and leveraging Adobe(R) Flash(R) technology. The innovative mobile media applications, available later this year, will deliver music, comedy and entertainment content from the MTV, VH1, Logo and COMEDY CENTRAL brands directly to handsets that support Adobe FlashCast(TM).

The new FlashCast channels are the latest example of the ongoing alliance between Adobe and Viacom. Last summer, the two companies announced that Adobe would serve as the preferred technology provider for rich media authoring tools and interactive online video solutions for Viacom's extensive array of television, motion picture and digital properties. In September, a number of new casual games based on such hit franchises as Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants" and MTV's "Pimp My Ride" were published as part of the Shockwave Minis launch using Adobe Flash(R) Lite(TM) technology. Additionally, several of MTV Networks' broadband channels - including COMEDYCENTRAL.com, MTV.com, VSPOT at VH1.com, LOADED at CMT.com, LogoOnline, and TurboNick at Nick.com - have since standardized on Flash technology to deliver streaming video.

"The MTV, VH1, COMEDY CENTRAL and Logo FlashCast channels that we are jointly demonstrating at 3GSM are indicative of the rich experiences that can be created on the handset when the power of programming meets the power of technology," said Greg Clayman, senior vice president of MTV Networks' Mobile Media. "With FlashCast technology, we're able to create innovative mobile experiences that allow our viewers to connect with the music, comedy and entertainment programming they love."

"Viacom is at the forefront of defining great mobile experiences and we are excited that our partner is choosing Flash to make it happen," said Al Ramadan, senior vice president, Mobile and Device Solutions at Adobe. "The first results of our partnership can be seen in our booth at 3GSM demonstrating our commitment to working closely together in the future to advance the innovation of mobile experiences."

Adobe's FlashCast is a flexible client-server solution that delivers rich, intuitive mobile data experiences. Building applications with FlashCast technology gives MTV Networks another option to quickly and easily extend the reach of its premium programming to the handset, connecting viewers with their favorite content wherever they are. The MTV FlashCast channel, for instance, features artist interviews, features and breaking stories from MTV News, as well as news for the game community. The VH1 application features the Best Week Ever blog and VH1 news; the Logo channel features its popular NewNowNext blog as well as programming from the recently acquired 365 Gay, After Ellen and After Elton web sites; and the COMEDY CENTRAL FlashCast application features jokes, "Booty Call" pick-up lines, "What's Your Sign" horoscopes and more.

The MTV Networks' FlashCast channels will be on display at Adobe's booth, A50 in Hall 8.

About MTVN Mobile Media

As the world's leading provider of video content for the handset, MTVN publishes more than 600 clips and 30 hours of video per month in the United States alone, across all major carriers and leading MVNOs. Globally, the company has partnerships with nearly 70 carriers and connections with more than one billion subscribers. MTV Networks' Mobile Media delivers a diverse array of video programming, ringtones, graphics and other content from its CMT, COMEDY CENTRAL, Logo, MTV, Nickelodeon, The N, Spike and VH1 brands. MTVN's mobile efforts reflects the company's overarching commitment to developing content for all screens, from television to broadband and wireless, and the company's video programming.

About MTV Networks and Viacom

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIAB), is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 130 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information - anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit http://www.adobe.com.

(C) 2007 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved. Adobe, the Adobe logo, Flash, Flash Lite and FlashCast are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

 

Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandsing and McFarlane Toys Catch Yellow Fever with launch of ‘The Simpsons Movie’ figures

CENTURY CITY, Calif.— Springfield is going Hollywood this summer with the release of the highly anticipated The Simpsons Movie on July 27^th, and McFarlane Toys has been tapped to support the film with a new line of intricately detailed action figures. In a licensing agreement with Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising, McFarlane Toys will bring The Simpsons Movie characters to 3-D life through the McFarlane touch.

 

The new line, featuring classic characters from the long-running series, as well as new introductions to the film will hit retail this spring. All McFarlane Toys’ The Simpsons Movie products feature incredible detail, voice chip technology capturing dialog taken directly from the film’s soundtrack and custom bases.

 

“Precise sculpting and poses that capture the essence of the characters have made McFarlane Toys one of the leading action figure manufacturers and this line is going to thrill fans of The Simpsons,” said Elie Dekel, Executive Vice President of Fox Licensing and Merchandising.

 

Founder and CEO Todd McFarlane is working closely with The Simpsons Movie creative team to capture key moments from the film to give Simpsons fans a line of action figures that will do the iconic characters justice.

The Simpsons Movie marks the first feature-length film debut of the most popular animated television family in television history. Now in its 18th season, The Simpsons is the longest-running comedy series in the history of television. The critically praised series has been bestowed with numerous honors including 21 Emmy^® Awards, 21 Annie Awards, two People’s Choice Awards, three Writers Guild Awards, and a Television Critics Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy.

marks the first feature-length film debut of the most popular animated television family in television history. Now in its 18th season, is the longest-running comedy series in the history of television. The critically praised series has been bestowed with numerous honors including 21 Emmy Awards, 21 Annie Awards, two People’s Choice Awards, three Writers Guild Awards, and a Television Critics Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy. .— Springfield is going Hollywood this summer with the release of the highly anticipated on July 27, and McFarlane Toys has been tapped to support the film with a new line of intricately detailed action figures. In a licensing agreement with Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising, McFarlane Toys will bring characters to 3-D life through the McFarlane touch. marks the first feature-length film debut of the most popular animated television family in television history. Now in its 18th season, is the longest-running comedy series in the history of television. The critically praised series has been bestowed with numerous honors including 21 Emmy Awards, 21 Annie Awards, two People’s Choice Awards, three Writers Guild Awards, and a Television Critics Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy.

 

About THE SIMPSONS

Currently the longest-running sitcom on television, THE SIMPSONS will air their historic 400th episode in May 2007. The critically acclaimed series features Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson who take traditional family life and turn them upside down. Exploding into a cultural phenomenon in 1990, THE SIMPSONS has remained one of the most visible and marketable properties both domestically and internationally. Having received a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 14, 2000, THE SIMPSONS is also noted for its famous celebrity guest voices such as Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Stephen Hawking, Kiefer Sutherland, Natalie Portman, Simon Cowell, Gore Vidal and U2, Mick Jagger, Aerosmith.

 

This multi-Emmy Award®-winning series is currently airing their 18th Season and in production on their 19th Season. THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Al Jean are the executive producers. Film Roman is the animation house.

 

About FOX Licensing & Merchandising

A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.

 

About McFarlane Toys

Grammy- and Emmy-winning Producer/Director Todd McFarlane, best known as the creator of Spawn and the founder of spawn.com, is the creative force behind McFarlane Toys. The international award winning company is one of America’s top action figure manufacturers with several successful movie-licensing tie-ins, including figures from the Oscar-winning animated feature film Wallace and Gromit (Dreamworks), Tim Burton’s latest stop-motion animated feature film Corpse Bride, and the popular cult-flick Napoleon Dynamite. Additionally, the company has acquired the master toy license and has just released new lines for ABC’s hit series LOST and Hanna Barbera. In 2006, McFarlane Toys added a new dimension to its already expanding product line with the launch McFarlane's Pop Culture Masterworks, which re-create iconic movie posters using both traditional sculpting and the art of forced perspective. Upcoming releases include Jaws, Friday the 13^th, Alien, and Rocky Horror Picture Show. McFarlane Toys also makes official league-licensed figures for baseball, football, basketball and hockey within its Sports Picks™ line, as well as recently debuting the Legends lines in all four sports. McFarlane Toys has replicated some of rock music’s greatest icons, including Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix and Motley Crue, not to mention the division of electronic gaming. Check out www.spawn.com for more information.

 

Hasbro Rolls Out Wide-Range of TRANSFORMERS Merchandise Around the Globe in Support of First-Ever Live-Action Feature Film Due Out July 4

HPG Packs Worldwide Punch with 200 Licensees in 70 Countries Set to Launch TRANSFORMERS Products that are "More Than Meets the Eye"

PAWTUCKET, R.I. --(Business Wire)-- Feb. 10, 2007 Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) will unveil its TRANSFORMERS movie merchandising program at the American International Toy Fair in New York, as fans of all ages eagerly anticipate the first-ever live-action feature film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, based on the globally popular franchise that first captivated kids worldwide in 1984.

Due in theaters on July 4, the film is directed by Michael Bay (Armageddon, The Rock, Bad Boys I and II) and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, and follows the epic feud between the AUTOBOTS (led by OPTIMUS PRIME) and the DECEPTICONS (led by MEGATRON) as they bring their battle to Earth. In their efforts to help the humans, the AUTOBOTS meet up with an unsuspecting teen, played by Shia LaBeouf (Holes, Even Stevens), who finds himself in the middle of an intergalactic war being fought on our planet. The movie also stars Josh Duhamel (Las Vegas), Tyrese Gibson (Annapolis, 2 Fast 2 Furious), Megan Fox (Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen), John Turturro and Jon Voight.

"Hasbro is thrilled to work with DreamWorks, Paramount and Michael Bay in making the most amazing, larger-than-life version of the TRANSFORMERS saga ever created," said Brian Goldner, Hasbro's Chief Operating Officer and Executive Producer of the film. "Michael, Steven and the production crew have captured the personality of the TRANSFORMERS characters through ground-breaking visual effects and they have translated the storyline into a film packed with non-stop action and excitement."

HPG, Hasbro's licensing team, has signed more than 200 TRANSFORMERS-branded licensing agreements across all major categories in more than 70 countries. Hasbro and HPG will give attendees of Toy Fair a first look at select products slated for worldwide distribution later this spring.

"We'll be showcasing dozens of highly innovative TRANSFORMERS-licensed products geared to fans of all ages at Toy Fair this week but let me assure you that it is just the tip of the iceberg," said Jane Ritson-Parsons, President of HPG. "We presented licensees with the opportunity and challenge of creating genuinely inventive, out-of-the-box products that engender the TRANSFORMERS brand - items that are 'more than meets the eye.' The range across all categories is phenomenal."

ROBOTS IN DISGUISE

Kids and kids at heart can recreate epic battle scenes between the AUTOBOTS and the DECEPTICONS with Hasbro's toy and game line that is slated to reach retail shelves on June 2. The action figure collection features highly stylized figures based on all of the key robots in the film, including OPTIMUS PRIME and an "ultimate" version of BUMBLEBEE, all which convert from their robot mode to vehicle mode and back again. Kids can also prove to their friends that they are "more than meets the eye" with the OPTIMUS PRIME VOICE CHANGER HELMET that changes your voice into the voice of the AUTOBOTS leader.

STEP INTO OPTIMUS PRIME'S WORLD

Several deals struck in the digital media arena will allow fans to step into the virtual TRANSFORMERS world joining the ranks of the AUTOBOT or DECEPTICON faction while embarking on an epic quest for CYBERTRON. Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) has signed on to develop titles for the video game console, handheld and PC platforms while Glu Mobile will bring to market a mobile experience. For old-school arcade gamers, under a pending license, Moose Mountain will be producing a line of TRANSFORMERS pinball machines.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

On the publishing front, pending completion of contracts, HPG expects dozen of items from publishers such as HarperCollins, Random House, Readers Digest, Publications International and IDW Publishing to hit book shelves around the world beginning later this spring. Products will include novels, comic books, picture books, panel books, sound books, sticker books, coloring and activity books, junior and graphic novels.

WRAP IT, WRITE IT, POST IT

In the stationery and paper products categories, companies such as American Greetings, Trends International, Meadwestvaco, and Giddy Up! (pending contract) are creating a variety of items including gift wrap, posters, party goods, binders, pencil pouches, coloring books, notebooks, and drawing pads.

Accessories makers such as Accessory Network, StyleMark, PeachTree Playthings, Mello Smello, and Basic Fun, are producing a myriad of items such as bags and backpacks, stickers, magnets, sunglasses, key chains, carabineers, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, crayons, markers, and binders.

READY TO GO HEAD TO TOE

TRANSFORMERS fans will be stepping out on the town in a variety of items and styles based on completed or pending deals with apparel and footwear companies such as Extreme Concepts, Kids Headquarters, Fruit of the Loom, Elan Polo, Adorable Kids, Saramax Sleepwear, Changes, and Drew Pearson. Goods will include T-shirts, fashion and fleece tops, hoodies, short sets, underwear, pajamas, robes, swim trunks, headwear, sandals, casual shoes, athletic shoes, and aqua socks.

MAKE ROOM FOR TRANSFORMERS

TRANSFORMERS will move into the home as well with companies such as Delta Enterprise, Northwest, and Franco Manufacturing with desks, tables, chairs, toy boxes, blankets, throws, comforters, sheet sets, towels and pillows. In addition, sporting goods makers including Kent, PTI, and Bell Sports (pending contract) are developing a range of sports items from bikes to protective gear for the TRANSFORMERS athlete in every home.

PARTY LIKE A ROBOT

There will be plenty of choices for consumers who want to go all out with a TRANSFORMERS-themed party or seasonal affair. Agreements inked with companies such as American Greetings, CSS Industries Inc., Bakery Crafts, Seasonal Specialties Disguise Inc. and Mello Smello will bring to market party goods, cake kits, gift tags, gift bags, activity kits, holiday stockings, masks, removable tattoos, ornaments and gift sets.

FLASH AND BLING

Jewelry and electronics makers will add their own touch of glisten, flash and shine to TRANSFORMERS-related goods in 2007. Companies such as Seiko Instruments U.S.A., Inc. and KidDesign, Inc. (pending contract) are working on products that include watches, flashlights, cameras and walkie-talkies.

RETAIL GEARING UP

As a result of the landslide of TRANSFORMERS products coming to market, retailers across the board -- from specialty mall-based stores to mid-tier and mass market retailers -- have stepped up to provide premium in-store support for the line.

ABOUT HPG

HPG, Hasbro Inc.'s (NYSE:HAS) licensing team, translates one of the industry's richest portfolios of brands into a world of fun and excitement for children and adults globally. Through a host of publishing, digital media, lifestyle and entertainment platforms, HPG is able to surround fans worldwide with consumer products that expand Hasbro's core brands, such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, MY LITTLE PONY, MONOPOLY, G.I. JOE, TONKA and PLAYSKOOL.

ABOUT HASBRO

Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.

 

Music World/Columbia Records Announce the Release of Beyonce's 'B'Day - Deluxe Edition,' a New Version of the Grammy-Winning Best Contemporary R&B Album Debuting Three Brand New Songs, Including Duet With Shakira, & Bonus Disk Premiering Six Spanish Tracks Including Duet With Alejandro Fernandez

'B'Day - Deluxe Edition' Available Tuesday, April 3

NEW YORK, Feb. 12  Music World/Columbia Records will release Beyonce's B'Day - Deluxe Edition, an expanded two-CD edition of the pop icon's best-selling Grammy-winning solo album, on Tuesday, April 3.

On February 11, 2007, B'Day won the Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album, bringing Beyonce's lifetime Grammy total up to 10 (seven as a solo artist and three won with Destiny's Child).

In addition to the original 12 tracks from Beyonce's multi-platinum album, Disc One of B'Day - Deluxe Edition premieres three brand-new songs in English: the album's first single, "Beautiful Liar," a superstar duet between Beyonce and Shakira, as well as "If" and "Flaws & All."

Disc Two of the expanded B'Day - Deluxe Edition debuts six new Spanish language tracks including "Amor Gitano," Beyonce's sensuous flamenco-pop duet with Latin Grammy-winning superstar Alejandro Fernandez. Cowritten by Beyonce with Grammy-winning songwriters/recording artists Reyli Barba and Jaime Flores and produced by Grammy-winning producer Rudy Perez, "Amor Gitano" will be heard as the theme music for "Zorro: La Espada y La Rosa (The Sword and the Rose)," a telenovela (serialized television soap opera) premiering February 12 on Telemundo (check your local listings). Beginning Monday, February 12, the track may be streamed at www.yahootelemundo.com/zorro.

Rounding out Disc Two of B'Day - Deluxe Edition are Beyonce's Spanish language versions of "Listen (Oye)" and "Irreplaceable (Irrempiazable)" as well as three new mixes of "Beautiful Liar."

Also arriving on Tuesday, April 3 is Beyonce's B'Day Anthology Video Album. Available exclusively at Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the B'Day Anthology Video Album includes Beyonce's videos for "Kitty Kat (intro)"/"Upgrade U" featuring Jay-Z, "Deja Vu," "Ring The Alarm," "Irreplaceable," "Listen," "Green Light," "Suga Mama," "Get Me Bodied," "Freakum Dress" and "Beautiful Liar" featuring Shakira. As an added bonus, the video collection features the Spanish-language version of "Irreplaceable" and the Spanglish version of "Beautiful Liar" featuring Shakira.

Beyonce's second solo album, B'Day, closed out 2006 as one of the year's most successful album, coming in at #7 on Billboard's U.S. Top 10 Best-Selling Albums chart. Certified RIAA double platinum in the U.S., B'Day has sold more than 4 million copies around the world.

Released around the world on September 4, 2006 (September 5 in the U.S.) to coincide with the artist's 25th birthday, Beyonce's B'Day entered the Billboard Top 200 at #1, with first week's sales of more than 541,000 pieces, achieving the year's highest first week's sales of any female recording act, group or solo, and the fifth highest chart debut of the year of any artist, male of female. (The pop superstar's first solo album, 2003's Grammy-winning Dangerously In Love, also debuted in the #1 slot.)

B'Day peaked at #1 on Billboard's Top 200, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and U.S. Internet album charts and remains a constant on the upper reaches of the Top 200.

"Deja Vu" (featuring Jay-Z), the first single from B'Day, reached #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart and #1 on the Hot Dance Singles Sales chart while its follow-up, "Ring The Alarm," hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The album's current single, "Irreplaceable," reached #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart (10 weeks in a row) and #1 on the R&B Singles chart (9 weeks in a row).

Beyonce may currently be seen starring with Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy in the hit Dreamworks and Paramount Pictures film "Dreamgirls," which earned a whopping $8.7 million on Christmas Day -- the best single day ever for a musical. -- and racked up $41.349 million in its first 8 days of wide release.

 

  www.beyonceonline.com   Fan club: www.welovebeyonce.com   www.houseofdereon.com    www.columbiarecords.com 

Source: Music World/Columbia Records

Web site: http://www.columbiarecords.com/
http://www.beyonceonline.com/
http://www.welovebeyonce.com/
http://www.houseofdereon.com/

 

Actor/Comedian Jamie Kennedy and Rapper Paul Wall Perform for Troops on USO/AFE Tour to the Persian Gulf

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 12 Sometimes actor, sometimes rapper and always funny Jamie Kennedy will soon embark on his first USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour to the Persian Gulf region to perform for service members. Kennedy will be joined by rapper Paul Wall, comedian Bill Dawes, Stu Stone, DJ Joey Nicks and breakdancer Casper on "Jamie Kennedy's Hip-Hop Comedy Tour."

Currently preparing to begin promoting his latest film, "Kickin' It Old Skool," Kennedy is known for his role as Randy Meeks in Wes Craven's "Scream" and "Scream 2," and the hit television show "The Jamie Kennedy Experience." Last spring, Kennedy produced and starred in "Blowin' Up," a comedic reality series for MTV about achieving his dreams of becoming a rapper. He also has published an autobiography "Wannabe ... A Hollywood Experiment" and toured the country performing stand-up comedy.

Paul Wall hit the scene when he appeared in "Still Tippin'," the No 1 single from rapper Mike Jones. The single's success led to the release of "The Peoples Champ," Wall's first major label album, which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard charts and reached platinum status. His sophomore album, "GET MONEY -- STAY TRUE," will be released April 3. Wall also will be on the 2007 Honda Civic Tour, featuring rock band Fall Out Boy, later this year.

This tour continues the USO's tradition of bringing celebrities to troops stationed far from home. Entertainers who recently participated in USO tours include David Alan Grier, 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 66 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/.

Website: http://www.uso.org

Source: United Service Organizations

 

Venus and Mariah Carey Auction Autographed Legs

 Sixteen-Foot Replica of Mariah Carey's Famous Legs to be Auctioned on eBay, Proceeds to Benefit the Fresh Air Fund www.pg.com/news

NEW YORK, Feb 12, 2007 Network/ -- Looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for that special someone? What about giving the gift of gorgeous legs? Today, Venus announced that it will partner with Mariah Carey to auction off an autographed replica of the female artist's legendary legs.

The legs will be up for bid on the popular auction site, eBay, from February 12th through February 21st with all proceeds benefiting The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency that has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Fresh Air children visit volunteer host families in 13 Northeastern states or attend sleep-away camp. The centerpiece of The Fund's Career Awareness Program is Camp Mariah, named in honor of Board member/singer Mariah Carey for her dedication, support and commitment to Fresh Air youngsters. The auction can be viewed at, http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280081977849.

In May 2006, Carey was honored as the first ever Venus "Celebrity Legs of a Goddess" at a Radio City Music Hall ceremony where she unveiled the 16' legs. The event marked the beginning of the 2006 Venus "Legs of a Goddess" contest -- an annual search for the woman with the best legs in America. Hundreds of women participated in the competition, which coincided with select concert dates on Ms. Carey's The Adventures of Mimi: The Voice, The Hits, The Tour.

"I'm thrilled to be participating in this auction with Venus," said Mariah Carey. "I'm glad that the proceeds from the sale of my 'legs' will benefit underprivileged children, and a charity that is near and dear to me."

MARIAH CAREY

Enjoying one of the most extraordinary years of her entire career, Mariah Carey's 9-times platinum Island Def Jam Records album The Emancipation of Mimi captured three Grammy awards and recently passed its one-year anniversary on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. Mimi includes Mariah's 16th and 17th #1 career singles, "We Belong Together" and "Don't Forget About Us," respectively -- which tied one of the most enduring chart records in Billboard Hot 100 history, Elvis Presley's 17 #1's. Mariah is now positioned as the only active recording artist with the potential to surpass the Beatles' all-time high of 20 #1 hits. Mimi has sold more than 9 million units worldwide to date, making it the biggest-selling album of 2005, and bringing Mariah's career sales to more than 160 million units world-wide.

ABOUT THE FRESH AIR FUND

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children since 1877. For more information on the Fresh Air Fund, please visit http://www.freshair.org.

ABOUT VENUS

Since 2001, Venus has helped women reveal their inner goddess with femininity and a fun-loving, self-assured spirit. Today, Venus is one of the most successful female shaving brands in history with over 40 million women around the globe using Venus. Offering a diverse collection of razors, Venus caters to the needs and shaving preferences of every woman. The line includes original Venus, Venus Divine, Venus Disposable, Venus Vibrance and the newly- introduced Venus Breeze.

ABOUT Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG)

Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R), Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Mach3(R), Bounty(R), Dawn(R), Pringles(R), Folgers(R), Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R), Oral-B(R), Actonel(R), Duracell(R), Olay(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Wella, Gillette(R), and Braun. The P&G community consists of over 135,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

SOURCE Procter & Gamble - Gillette(R)

http://www.pg.com

 

MATTEL'S FISHER-PRICE SUBSIDIARY WINS TOY OF THE YEAR AWARDS FOR
"T.M.X.(TM)" ELMO AND KID-TOUGH(TM) DIGITAL CAMERA

"T.M.X.(TM)" Elmo Wins Overall Toy of the Year and Infant/Preschool Toy
of the Year 

Kid-Tough(TM) Digital Camera Takes Honors for Electronic Entertainment
Toy of the Year

NEW YORK - February 12, 2007 - Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT) made headlines
Saturday night as "T.M.X(TM)" Elmo took home top honors as Toy of the
Year at the Toy Industry Association's annual T.O.T.Y. Awards, held in
New York.  The innovative Sesame Street(R) toy was also recognized as
Infant/Preschool Toy of the Year.  The honors continued as the
Kid-Tough(TM) Digital Camera captured the Electronic Entertainment Toy of the
Year.

"We are thrilled with the honors accorded to our products by the
members of our industry," says Neil Friedman, president of Mattel Brands. 
"Our biggest reward is the smiles we put on children's faces, and it's
truly special to be honored by our peers who know exactly what it takes
to create something unique and magical that children will really love."

About The Toys

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Tickle Me Elmo, "T.M.X.(TM)" Elmo
engages children with three interactive tickle spots for gales of
laughter.  After more than a year of top-secret planning, the reveal of
"T.M.X. (TM)" Elmo on September 19, 2006, kicked off the holiday shopping
season with one of the most exciting and prolific days of sales in the
history of the toy industry.  Sales volume was stunning, exceeding
everyone's wildest expectations - manufacturer, retailer and consumer.  Its
effect helped to generate a consumer rush to retail across the board.

The Kid-Tough(TM) Digital Camera is the first preschool appropriate
digital camera that's tough enough and easy enough for a preschooler to
use.  A real digital camera with a durable drop-resistant design
featuring a color preview screen that allows kids to instantly see the picture
they've taken and view or delete previous shots.  Also features dual
handle grips, two-eye viewing and Auto Flash so even the youngest
preschoolers can take great pictures. 

About Fisher-Price:

Fisher-Price, Inc., a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT) and
located in East Aurora, New York, is the leading brand of infant and
preschool toys in the world.  The Company has a 75-year legacy of high quality
toys that enhance early childhood development.  Its often-emulated Play
Laboratory was the first child research center of its kind in the toy
industry, allowing researchers to observe the way children play and how
play benefits their development.  Some of the Company's best-known
"classic" brands include Little People(R), Power Wheels(R) and
View-Master(R).  Fisher-Price is also a leading developer of baby gear products
(nursery monitors, infant swings, high chairs) as well as a wide array of
character-based toys inspired by high quality children's programming
such as Sesame Street(R), Dora  the Explorer(TM) and Winnie the Pooh. 
The Company's web site at www.fisher-price.com, provides valuable
information and resources to parents.

 

UNIVERSAL PICTURES, CASEY SILVER PRODUCTIONS AND SMOKE HOUSE BEGIN PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE ROMANTIC COMEDY 'LEATHERHEADS,' DIRECTED BY GEORGE CLOONEY AND STARRING CLOONEY AND RENEE ZELLWEGER

John Krasinski, Jonathan Pryce, Stephen Root Join Oscar(R) Winners in Film

GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 12 Principal photography has begun on Universal Pictures, Casey Silver Productions and Smoke House's romantic comedy, "Leatherheads." The film unites Academy Award(R) winners George Clooney and Renee Zellweger, with Clooney also directing and serving as one of the film's writers.

"Leatherheads," set against the backdrop of America's nascent pro-football league in 1925, will shoot on locations in South Carolina and North Carolina. Joining Clooney and Zellweger in the film are John Krasinski as golden-boy Carter Rutherford; Jonathan Pryce as Rutherford's manager, CC; and Stephen Root as the likeable, if less than objective, sports reporter Suds.

South Carolina locales include Boiling Springs, Anderson, Greenville, Ware Shoals, Greer and Travelers Rest. Among the North Carolina settings are Charlotte, Rural Haul, Spencer, Salisbury, Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Statesville.

In the film, George Clooney plays Dodge Connolly, a charming, brash football hero who is determined to guide his team from bar brawls to packed stadiums. But after the players lose their sponsor and the entire league faces certain collapse, Dodge convinces a college football star to join his ragtag ranks. The captain hopes his latest move will help the struggling sport finally capture the country's attention.

Welcome to the team Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski), America's favorite son. A golden-boy war hero who single-handedly forced multiple German soldiers to surrender in WWI, Carter has dashing good looks and unparalleled speed on the field. This new champ is almost too good to be true, and Lexie Littleton (Zellweger) aims to prove that's the case.

A cub journalist playing in the big leagues, Lexie is a spitfire newswoman who suspects there are holes in Carter's war story. But while she digs, the two teammates start to become serious off-field rivals for her fickle affections.

As the new game of pro-football becomes less like the freewheeling sport he knew and loved, Dodge must both fight to keep his guys together and to get the girl of his dreams. Finding that love and football have a surprisingly similar playbook, however, he has one maneuver he will save just for the fourth quarter ...

Grant Heslov ("Good Night, and Good Luck.," "Unscripted") and Casey Silver ("Ladder 49," "Hidalgo") serve as the film's producers. Tom Sigel ("The Usual Suspects," "X-Men 2: X-Men United") is the cinematographer; Jim Bissell ("Confessions of a Dangerous Mind," "300") serves as the production designer. Costumes are designed by Louise Frogley ("Good Night, and Good Luck.," "Syriana"). "Leatherheads'" editor is Stephen Mirrione ("Ocean's Twelve," "Babel").

Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is 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% controlled by Vivendi Universal.

Source: Universal Pictures

 

Vivid Entertainment 

TRISTAN TAORMINO’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED “CHEMISTRY 2” FOR VIVID WILL BE IN STORES FEBRUARY 14^TH

LOS ANGELES – (February 12, 2007) – “Chemistry 2” is the second adult reality film experiment by the highly acclaimed Village Voice columnist/director Tristan Taormino. This 4-hour, 2-disc set shot in Hi-Def, is scheduled to be in stores starting February 14^th.

“Chemistry 2” is the steamy follow-up to “Chemistry,” Ms. Taormino’s highly successful debut title for Vivid Entertainment and recent winner of the 2007 AVN Award for Best Gonzo Release. The film was also recently nominated for an Empire Award for Best Gonzo DVD by AdultDVDEmpire.com. It showcases the seductive Katja Kassin and the sexy Kimberly Kane. They are joined by six other adult film stars, including Lexi Bardot, Christian, Kaiya Lynn, Luscious Lopez, Nat Turnher and Mark Wood.

“Chemistry 2” offers an uncensored glimpse into the stars’ lives for 36 hours as they share intimate moments with the “Cast Perv Cam” and relish steamy secrets shared in the “Confessional.”

“I strive for spontaneity, and I definitely got it with this group of performers,” declares Taormino; “Some of the things they said and did caught me off guard. Kimberly Kane and Christian did their very first scene together, and it was surprising and explosive - one of the best scenes I've shot. But it's what they say in the Confessional that's sure to stir up controversy.”

“AVN not only honored “Chemistry” with an award but recognized Tristan’s innovation for having created a ‘new style of Gonzo.’ The title sold really well for Vivid and was our first venture into this genre,” said Howard Levine, head of Vivid sales at Pulse Distribution. “We believe that “Chemistry 2” is another winner,” he noted.

The erotic DVD contains more than an hour of bonus material and includes additional sex scenes.

Ms. Taormino is the author of three best selling books on sex and 14 anthologies. She conducts popular sex workshops across the country in addition to being a popular columnist for The Village Voice.

Before joining Vivid she directed and produced three adult films which won two AVN awards and an XRCO award.

– (February 12, 2007) – “” is the second adult reality film experiment by the highly acclaimed columnist/director . This 4-hour, 2-disc set shot in Hi-Def, is scheduled to be in stores starting February 14.

About Vivid:

The Vivid Entertainment Group is the world’s leading adult film company. Founded in 1984, Vivid pioneered the “Vivid Girl” concept, under which top adult film stars are signed to exclusive agreements that are styled on the old Hollywood contract star system. Vivid has always placed heavy emphasis on high quality erotic film entertainment for the couples market. It has created wide brand-name awareness through its films and through a licensing and marketing program that extends to such categories as advertising, apparel, book publishing, virility supplements, condoms, snowboards, calendars and comic books. The company is known for its innovative technological advances such as full function DVDs, a fast growing wireless program that is already active in 20 countries, its Burn-to-DVD technology and its popular website www.vivid.com. Vivid is a major supplier of content for pay-per-view networks in North America and internationally. The best selling hardcover book How to Have a XXX Sex Life: The Ultimate Vivid Guide, was co-authored by the Vivid Girls and published by HarperCollins. The company started the Vivid-Alt imprint in 2006. For more information contact rm@vivid.com.

 

'TONY HAWK'S BIG SPIN' Highlights Season of New Family Thrills and Fun at Six Flags St. Louis in 2007

Focus on Family Entertainment Continues with New Coaster, Shows, Concert Series and Special Events!

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 12  Six Flags St. Louis announced today a full line-up of thrills and entertainment for the 2007 season, focused on the family and highlighted by the addition of Tony Hawk's Big Spin, a unique spinning coaster the whole family can enjoy. This new coaster experience is designed for the entire family and takes the lead on a family entertainment package that includes a Summer Concert Series, new shows, fireworks and the wildly popular Tony Hawk's Boom Boom HuckJam Tour!

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070212/CGM021 )

"Six Flags St. Louis was founded on family fun and entertainment," said Dave Roemer, Park President of Six Flags St. Louis. "Today we are more focused than ever on providing family rides, shows and attractions in an atmosphere that makes Six Flags St. Louis THE place to bring YOUR family this year!"

Tony Hawk's Big Spin is scheduled to debut on April 21, 2007, the opening day of Six Flags St. Louis' 36th season. The ride is designed with the look and feel of a giant red-and-black skatepark, and offers a full extreme sports experience, with monitors in the queue lines displaying highlights of the history of action sports; a large spinning Tony Hawk figure crowning the ride; and Tony Hawk's Big Spin merchandise available at the ride exit. Tony Hawk's Big Spin puts a new twist on the traditional coaster experience: Guests grab some air as they twist and turn in 360 degree rotations while grinding through helices, wild mouse turns, a camelback and more on the rails of this 1,351-ft. steel coaster. With the opportunity to defy gravity just like skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, riders sit facing each other in a coaster car that simulates tricks and maneuvers while traveling up, down, and around the breathtaking curves ... all while spinning round and round! The spinning coaster cars allow each ride to take on a totally different experience depending on the weight distribution of the passengers in the car making it a unique ride experience each time!

"After receiving such a great response to our Boom Boom HuckJam Tour at several Six Flags parks last year, I'm honored and excited to be part of this opportunity. On the Big Spin, riders will be able to experience their own spinning aerial moves whenever they choose," said skateboard legend Tony Hawk.

Standing at 53 feet tall and traveling at 31 m.p.h., Tony Hawk's Big Spin is suitable for kids who are at least 42" tall to ride with an accompanying adult, while kids 47" and taller can ride by themselves. Tony Hawk's Big Spin will be located near the park's new kid's area introduced in 2006, designed so that parents ride with their kids!

Six Flags St. Louis' commitment to family fun in 2007 continues beyond this exciting new ride to include shows, concerts and more. The park's show package includes four new shows, fireworks, street entertainers, story time with some of your favorite characters as well as the return of its popular daily parade. On June 2nd & 3rd, Tony Hawk's Boom Boom HuckJam Tour makes its stop at Six Flags St. Louis, and will give guests an opportunity to see skateboard legend Tony Hawk perform all the tricks he has made famous. Then, beginning June 21 our Summer Concert Series kicks off featuring some of today's hottest tween acts every Thursday night at the Old Glory Amphitheater through August 9th.

This year, Six Flags St. Louis' Season Pass offers the opportunity to enjoy the new Tony Hawk's Big Spin, new shows, the Summer Concert Series and special events along with Hurricane Harbor for one low price. And in addition, purchasing a 2007 Season Pass to Six Flags St. Louis gives six lucky pass holders the opportunity to win their very own Dream Nite! Dream Nite winners will enjoy the party of a lifetime, as they invite up to 100 of their friends and family to celebrate an exclusive private night in the park with them. There is no purchase necessary to win. See Official Rules posted at sixflags.com for complete details. Void where prohibited.

About Six Flags, Inc:

Six Flags, Inc., founded in 1961, is the world's largest regional theme park company. Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE:SIX) headquartered in New York City.

Source: Six Flags St. Louis

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

 

Lionsgate Movies Now on iTunes

World's Most Popular Online Movie Store to Offer Catalog of Over 400 Films

SANTA MONICA, Calif. and CUPERTINO, Calif., Feb. 12 Lionsgate and Apple(R) today announced that movies from Lionsgate will be available for purchase and download on the iTunes(R) Store (www.itunes.com) starting today. iTunes customers will be able to purchase blockbuster Lionsgate films like "Terminator 2," "LA Story," "Basic Instinct," "The Blair Witch Project" and "Dirty Dancing" and more than 150 titles coming to iTunes this month. The iTunes Store has become the world's most popular online movie store, with a catalog of over 400 titles.

"We're delighted to offer these incredibly popular Lionsgate films on iTunes, and look forward to adding even more films in the future," said Steve Beeks, president of Lionsgate. "iTunes lets users download these wonderful films to watch on their computer, TV or iPod, so movie fans can take their favorite Lionsgate films with them anywhere."

"The iTunes Store is by far the most popular online movie store in the world," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "We're thrilled to be adding this phenomenal collection of Lionsgate titles from Hollywood's leading independent studio, including such blockbusters as 'Terminator 2.'"

Lionsgate's renowned collection of movie titles available on iTunes in the coming weeks include legendary action adventure films and thrillers such as "Total Recall" and "Rambo," indie classics such as "Monster's Ball" as well as perennial favorites such as "Chaplin" and "The Boys From Brazil."

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

Movies purchased and downloaded from the iTunes Store can be viewed on a computer, Apple TV or fifth generation iPod(R) and most are priced at $9.99 (US) each. Movies downloaded from the iTunes Store are downloaded in near-DVD quality at a resolution of 640x480 (up to 480, depending on the aspect ratio).

Lionsgate is the leading independent filmed entertainment studio and the Company 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 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 globe.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award- winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online store.

NOTE: Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh ,iTunes and iPod are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Apple Inc.

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

 

Bif Bang Pow! Officially Launches First Line of The Big Lebowski and Flash Gordon Movie Merchandise

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12 -- Bif Bang Pow! announces the unveiling of the first line in a series of The Big Lebowski and Flash Gordon movie toys.

Production prototypes will be revealed at the American International Toy Fair in New York.

Bif Bang Pow! currently holds licenses to produce action figures, bobble heads, plush, and other merchandise based on two legendary film properties: Flash Gordon and The Big Lebowski. This is the first time that this form of collectible movie memorabilia has been produced for either of these popular films.

"With visionaries like Alex Ross working with some of the best sculptors and designers in the industry, we have Flash Gordon like you've never seen before. From a realistic figure of Flash based on actor Sam Jones to an adorable plush of Ming the Merciless, it's wonderful to be able to offer fun figures like these with the kind of attention to detail that will please even the most discriminating fans, toy collectors, and interested gift buyers," said Jason Lenzi, co-founder of Bif Bang Pow!

In addition to the 1980 movie Flash Gordon, Bif Bang Pow! is creating a variety of products based on The Dude (played by actor Jeff Bridges) and Walter (played by actor John Goodman) from the 1998 cult comedy, The Big Lebowski.

EE Distribution, exclusive distributor for Bif Bang Pow!, will be showcasing these and other action figures, gifts, toys, and collectibles at the American International Toy Fair, February 11-14, 2007, located in the Javits Center, Booth No. 5239.

About Bif Bang Pow!

Bif Bang Pow! (http://www.bifbangpow.com/) founder Jason Lenzi is a seasoned television producer and the ultimate fan of cultish pop culture. So when he created his company in 2005, he took the fan's perspective. His idea was to bring items to the marketplace that he himself would want to own. Cultivated from TV, movies, books, comics, music, and more, Bif Bang Pow's! mission is to provide high-quality action figures, toys, and collectibles to the massive cult audience (and kids of all ages) that wished these toys were already in their collection. Bif Bang Pow! is a unit of JLA Direct, LLC.

About EE Distribution

Based in Los Angeles, California, EE Distribution (http://www.eedistribution.com/), founded online in 1996 as a division of multi-channel retailer Entertainment Earth, Inc., is a rapidly growing worldwide wholesale distributor of action figures, toys, gifts, and collectibles that offers an ever-expanding selection of over 4,500 licensed products. Clients benefit from an easy-to-use, comprehensive password protected website, and industry leading best practices such as no minimum order amount, volume discounts, no allocations, exclusive product solicitations, and personal account managers.

 

 

Feb 10

 

Beckinsale and Sena Are Set for the Dark Castle Action Thriller ''Whiteout''

Kate Beckinsale has been set to star in and Dominic Sena has been set to direct the action thriller "Whiteout," it was announced today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures. The film will be the first to go into production under Joel Silver's newly reorganized Dark Castle Entertainment, which gives Silver an autonomous role in green-lighting and financing films produced under the banner.

"Whiteout," which is based on Greg Rucka's 1999 Eisner Award-winning comic book miniseries of the same name, is being produced by Joel Silver and Susan Downey, with Steve Richards, Don Carmody and Rucka serving as executive producers and David Gambino co-producing. Sena will direct the film from a screenplay written by Jon & Erich Hoeber.

Principal photography on "Whiteout" is scheduled to begin March 5 on location in Montreal, Canada.

In "Whiteout," Beckinsale will star as Carrie Stetko, the lone U.S. Marshal assigned to Antarctica, whose investigation of the continent's first murder draws her into a shocking mystery. Now, with only three days until winter, Carrie must solve the crime before Antarctica is plunged into darkness and she is stranded with the killer.

Kate Beckinsale most recently starred in the comedy "Click," opposite Adam Sandler, and the horror thriller "Underworld: Evolution," the sequel to her 2003 hit, "Underworld." Her other film credits include Martin Scorsese's "The Aviator," in which she portrayed Ava Gardner; "Van Helsing," opposite Hugh Jackman; the independent film "Laurel Canyon"; Michael Bay's "Pearl Harbor"; and the drama "Brokedown Palace." She also stars in "Snow Angels," which screened at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, and "Vacancy," which is set for release later this year.

Dominic Sena previously directed such films as the suspense thriller "Swordfish," starring John Travolta, Halle Berry and Hugh Jackman; the action thriller "Gone in Sixty Seconds," teaming Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie; and the controversial drama "Kalifornia," starring Brad Pitt and Juliette Lewis.

 

March 7 & 10, 2007

Music Director James Conlon

conducts inaugural performance of LA Opera’s

Recovered Voices

A new series of productions uncovering classical music

suppressed by the Holocaust

What:         LA Opera Music Director James Conlon conducts the inaugural concert of the newly initiated Recovered Voices series, which focuses on the works by composers affected by the Holocaust. In a unique presentation, the Recovered Voices stage design will feature visual arts that were created during the same era as the music was composed. The repertory includes selections from Franz Schreker’s Die Gezeichneten (The Stigmatized), Walter Braunfels’ Die Vogel (The Birds), Ernst Krenek’s Jonny spielt auf (Johnny Tunes Up), Viktor Ullmann’s Der Kaiser von Atlantis (The Emperor of Atlantis), Erwin Schulhoff’s Flammen (Flames) and Erich Korngold’s Die tote Stadt (The Dead City). The concerts will also feature a complete performance of Alexander Zemlinsky’s Eine florentinische Tragödie (A Florentine Tragedy), a one-act opera based on Oscar Wilde’s play of the same name.

Who:          Soloists are sopranos Tatiana Pavlovskaya and Stacey Tappan, tenors Anthony Dean Griffey and Rodrick Dixon, and baritones Donnie Ray Albert and Martin Gantner. James Conlon conducts the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra.

When:        Opening Night Wednesday, March 7, 7:30pm

Saturday, March 10, 7:30pm

Where:      Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Music Center, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Tickets:     Tickets to Recovered Voices range from $15 to $125, and are on sale at the Los Angeles Opera Box Office, by phone at (213) 972-8001 or online at www.laopera.com.

Tickets:                                  For disability access, call (213) 972-0777 or e-mail wehelpyou@laopera.com.

Recovered Voices is made possible by major grants from

Marilyn Ziering and the Ziering Family Foundation.

Additional generous support provided by the Herbert Simon Family Foundation,

Louis and Irma Colen, Mark Houston Dalzell and the Marc and Eva Stern Foundation.

 

This Valentine's Day, Fall in Love with Fox and MGM Home Entertainment

Get Close to Your Honey with Titles Including Romeo+Juliet Music Edition, ''Anything But Love,'' and Much More!

CENTURY CITY, Calif. Ditch the traditional cards, flowers and chocolates and let Fox and MGM Home Entertainment say "be mine" the right way... with a romantic selection of DVDs. Featuring something for everyone's sweetheart, the line-up includes Trust The Man, starring David Duchovny and Julianne Moore in a "sexy and sophisticated" (KBWB-TV) comedy about life, love and laughter in the big city; Baz Luhrmann's Romeo+Juliet Music Edition, a dazzling and unconventional contemporary re-telling of William Shakespeare's classic love story starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes; as well as the unforgettable contemporary TV classic, "Anything But Love" Volume 1, starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Richard Lewis in a series that explores the age-old question -- can best friends become lovers without ruining their relationship? Each title is available February 6.

Fox Home Entertainment also offers a sweet selection of romantic favorites with a series of Perfect Date Movie collections which include such titles as A Walk In The Clouds, Fever Pitch, In Her Shoes, Ever After, Moulin Rouge and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. MGM Home Entertainment offers a bouquet of beloved classics from their vault including Moonstruck, The Princess Bride Special Edition, The Sure Thing, Stanley & Iris and Wuthering Heights. Available now, the DVDs are priced from $14.98 to $39.98.

A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC (TCFHE) is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on VHS, DVD and Blu-ray Disc (BD) as well as acquisitions and original productions. The company also releases all products around the globe for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets -- from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce -- throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. -0-

 

TV Guide Channel(R) Celebrates Hollywood's Most Glamorous Night with Live Coverage and All-New Original Programming

Reigning Queens of Fashion Joan and Melissa Rivers Host TV Guide Channel's Live Red Carpet Coverage from The Academy Awards(R) on February 25, 2007

 2007 TV Guide Channel's(R) "Award Season '07" campaign will culminate at the 79th Annual Academy Awards(R) on February 25, 2007, with hours of entertaining original programming, including live pre-show coverage from the Red Carpet hosted by Joan and Melissa Rivers. Throughout the award season, TV Guide Channel has premiered over 30 hours of original programming, including live telecasts at the Golden Globe Awards(R) and Screen Actors Guild Awards(R), as well as planned coverage for the Grammy Awards(R). The centerpiece of TV Guide Channel's programming Award Season '07 will be JOAN AND MELISSA LIVE AT THE ACADEMY AWARDS(R) on Sunday, February 25, 2007 from 6:00-8:00pm ET/5:00-7:00pm Central/3:00-5:00pm PT.

TV Guide Channel's original programming for the upcoming Academy Awards(R) includes:

-- GUIDE TO THE ACADEMY AWARDS(R)

Premieres: Sunday, February 18th

8:00-9:00pm ET/PT; 7:00-8:00pm Central

Joan and Melissa Rivers host a one-hour preview show of the upcoming Academy Awards(R), including nominated films and actors.

-- COUNTDOWN TO THE ACADEMY AWARDS(R)

Premieres: Sunday, February 25th

3:00-5:00pm ET; 2:00-4:00pm Central; 12:00-2:00pm PT

TV Guide Channel begins its live telecast on the Red Carpet to catch the early excitement.

-- JOAN AND MELISSA LIVE AT THE ACADEMY AWARDS(R)

Premieres: Sunday, February 25th

6:00-8:00pm ET; 5:00-7:00pm Central; 3:00-5:00pm PT

Joan and Melissa talk to Academy Award(R) nominees and presenters on the Red Carpet, as they arrive at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.

-- ACADEMY AWARDS(R) FASHION WRAP WITH JOAN AND MELISSA

Premieres: Monday, February 26

8:00-9:00pm ET/PT; 7:00-8:00pm Central

Joan and Melissa offer their eagerly anticipated verdicts on the fashion triumphs and tragedies from the 2007 Academy Awards(R).

About TV Guide Channel

TV Guide Channel reaches nearly 80 million homes and is the premier television entertainment network for viewers seeking the latest information on the best programs, hottest stars and latest trends on television. Headquartered in the heart of Hollywood at its TV Guide Studios, the network combines original programming with comprehensive program listings information - all of which deliver on viewers' need for an entertaining and easy guide to what's on TV. TV Guide Channel is owned and operated by TV Guide Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.

About Gemstar-TV Guide

Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the "Company") is a leading media, entertainment and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at http://www.gemstartvguide.com.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties related to the transformation of our TV Guide magazine publishing business; timely availability and market acceptance of products and services incorporating the Company's technologies and content; our investment in new and existing businesses, including TV Guide magazine, TV Guide Spot and TV Guide Mobile; the impact of competitive products, services and pricing; ongoing and potential future litigation; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

 

 

McFARLANE TOYS ANNOUNCES

2007 MLB SPORTS PICKS ACTION FIGURE LINEUPS

TEMPE, Ariz. – McFarlane Toys steps up to the plate and gets ready for another MLB season with the announcement of three new lines, all packed with some of baseball’s greatest.

McFARLANE TOYS MLB SERIES 17 – IN STORES FEBRUARY 2007

–

Toys 'R' Us will be the sole retail source for MLB 17, a six-figure line featuring a trio of All-Stars, a frontline starting pitcher with his new team, the American League Comeback Player of the Year and one of the most requested figures from collectors. The lineup includes:

 

· Josh Beckett 2, Boston Red Sox

· Jim Thome, Chicago White Sox

· Robinson Cano, New York Yankees

· Eric Chavez, Oakland Athletics

· Billy Wagner, New York Mets

· Troy Glaus, Toronto Blue Jays

 

McFARLANE TOYS COOPERSTOWN 4 – IN STORES FEBRUARY 2007

– ·

McFarlane Toys salutes six legendary ballplayers in the fourth edition of its Sports Picks Cooperstown Collection. This series honors a pair of pinstriped legends, the leader of the Big Red Machine, perhaps the most dominant left-handed pitcher ever, one of the all-time best fielders and the greatest hitter who ever lived. The lineup includes:

 

· Steve Carlton, Philadelphia Phillies

· Ozzie Smith, St. Louis Cardinals

· Johnny Bench, Cincinnati Reds

· Roger Maris, New York Yankees

· Ted Williams, Boston Red Sox

· Joe DiMaggio, New York Yankees

 

McFARLANE TOYS MLB SERIES 18 – IN STORES MAY 2007

– ·

Major League Baseball has been blessed with an abundance of talented rookies and breakout young stars, and next May's MLB 18 lineup shows a healthy respect for these "young guns." Mix in a pair of unique sequel figures for two of the game's best players and you've got a dynamite lineup sure to please collectors everywhere. The lineup includes:

· Mariano Rivera 2, New York Yankees

· Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies

· Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers

· David Wright, New York Mets

· David Ortiz 2, Boston Red Sox

· Brandon Webb, Arizona Diamondbacks

 

McFARLANE TOYS MLB SERIES 19 – IN STORES JULY 2007

– –

McFarlane Toys salutes the boys of summer with our MLB 19 series, the latest offering in our collectible Sports Picks line. MLB 19 features sequel figures for three of baseball's best, as well as the Sports Picks debut for a trio of brilliant young stars. With superb detail, stunning poses and a lineup sure to please diehard collectors and new fans alike, MLB 19 is set to become one of our fans’ all-time favorites. The lineup includes:

 

· Albert Pujols 3, St. Louis Cardinals

· Johnny Damon 2, New York Yankees

· Pedro Martinez 2, New York Mets

· Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox

· Scott Kazmir, Tampa Bay Devil Rays

· Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers

 

Sought after by collectors and sports enthusiasts, McFarlane Toys are known for their amazing attention to detail, accurate uniforms, real-life poses, and capturing the likeness of each figure. These 6-inch figures will retail for around $10-$12 and can be found at Wal-Mart, Toys ‘R’ Us, KB Toys, BC Sports, Champs and other major retailers, and can also be ordered online at SPAWN.com.

– McFarlane Toys steps up to the plate and gets ready for another MLB season with the announcement of three new lines, all packed with some of baseball’s greatest.· · –

 

About McFarlane Toys

Grammy-and Emmy-winning producer/director Todd McFarlane, best known as the creator of Spawn and the founder of SPAWN.COM, is the creative force behind McFarlane Toys. The international award-winning company is one of America’s top action figure manufacturers with successful movie licensing tie-ins, including figures from the Oscar-winning animated feature film Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-rabbit (Dreamworks), Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (Warner Bros.), and the popular cult flick Napoleon Dynamite (Fox). Additionally, the company has acquired the action figure licenses for the Hanna-Barbera library and ABC’s hit series Lost. McFarlane Toys added a new dimension to its already expanding product line with the launch of McFarlane’s Pop Culture Masterworks which re-create iconic 3-D movie wall hangings using both traditional sculpting and the art of forced perspective. Releases include Jaws, Friday the 13^th, Alien and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. McFarlane Toys also makes official league-licensed figures for baseball, football, basketball and hockey within its Sports Picks™ line, as well as the Legends line in all four sports. McFarlane Toys has replicated some of rock music’s greatest icons including Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix and Mötley Crüe. Check out www.spawn.com for more information.

McFARLANE TOYS ANNOUNCES

SPORTS PICKS NBA 12 ACTION FIGURE LINE

TEMPE, Ariz. – McFarlane Toys scores a slam dunk with their new line of basketball figures. NBA 12 features the Finals MVP, the Rookie of the Year, the biggest trade of the current season, and five players from the All-Star teams. Scheduled for release in March of 2007, the lineup includes:

· Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards

· Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

· Elton Brand 2, Los Angeles Clippers

· Dwyane Wade 2, Miami Heat

· Allen Iverson 2, Denver Nuggets

· Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs

 

Sought after by collectors and sports enthusiasts, McFarlane Toys are known for their amazing attention to detail, accurate uniforms, real-life poses, and capturing the likeness of each figure. These 6-inch figures will retail for around $10-$12 and can be found at Wal-Mart, Toys ‘R’ Us, KB Toys, BC Sports, Champs and other major retailers, and can also be ordered online at SPAWN.COM.

– McFarlane Toys scores a slam dunk with their new line of basketball figures. NBA 12 features the Finals MVP, the Rookie of the Year, the biggest trade of the current season, and five players from the All-Star teams. Scheduled for release in March of 2007, the lineup includes:

 

 

 

About McFarlane Toys

Grammy-and Emmy-winning producer/director Todd McFarlane, best known as the creator of Spawn and the founder of SPAWN.COM, is the creative force behind McFarlane Toys. The international award-winning company is one of America’s top action figure manufacturers with successful movie licensing tie-ins, including figures from the Oscar-winning animated feature film Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-rabbit (Dreamworks), Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (Warner Bros.), and the popular cult flick Napoleon Dynamite (Fox). Additionally, the company has acquired the action figure licenses for the Hanna-Barbera library and ABC’s hit series Lost. McFarlane Toys added a new dimension to its already expanding product line with the launch of McFarlane’s Pop Culture Masterworks which re-create iconic 3-D movie wall hangings using both traditional sculpting and the art of forced perspective. Releases include Jaws, Friday the 13^th, Alien and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. McFarlane Toys also makes official league-licensed figures for baseball, football, basketball and hockey within its Sports Picks™ line, as well as the Legends line in all four sports. McFarlane Toys has replicated some of rock music’s greatest icons including Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix and Mötley Crüe. Check out www.spawn.com for more information

 

Feb 9

 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. Open to legal residents of the fifty states of the U.S. & D.C., who are the age of majority in the jurisdiction in which they reside but no less than 18 years of age as of 2/8/07. Ends 2/19/07. For details/Official Rules click here. Prize restrictions apply.

For rating reasons, go to FILMRATINGS.COM, MPAA.ORG. Parents, please refer to PARENTALGUIDE.ORG.

 

The Artist Empowerment Coalition ("AEC") and The American Society of Composers, Authors And Publishers ("ASCAP") to Host Star-Studded 5th Annual GRAMMY(R) Awards Luncheon, Honoring Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chris Brown, and Common

In celebration of the 49th Annual GRAMMY(R) Awards, the AEC and ASCAP in partnership with Giant Magazine, will honor the artists and dignitaries within the entertainment industry who 'give back' with a high-profile celebration of music, arts and culture at the Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9 -- The entertainment industry's leading social responsibility organization will host their 5th annual AEC GRAMMY(R) LUNCHEON in celebration of the 49th annual GRAMMY(R) Awards. The AEC along with co-sponsors (ASCAP, Giant Magazine, AFM, AFTRA, Mercedes Benz, American Express, Avon, and more) are set to honor Chris Brown, Common, and original Dream Girl Sheryl Lee Ralph. The event will also pay tribute to James and Ruth Brown, with special artist performances and celebrity presenters Jennifer Hudson and Mos Def. The exclusive event will be hosted by Shaun Robinson of Access Hollywood and will take place at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills on Sunday, February 11th, 2007 @ 10AM-2PM.

The not-for-profit coalition was formed to utilize the gift and creation of music, art and culture to educate children and revitalize the community, as well as promote changes and reform in the relationships between artists and the companies that exploit, market and distribute their creative work.

The 2007 celebrity driven, invitation only brunch, will pay tribute to these influential leaders who continue make such strides. Prior honorees include Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, Queen Latifah, Chaka Khan, Tyra Banks, Danny Glover, Prince, Roberta Flack, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, and Nas.

ABOUT THE ARTIST EMPOWERMENT COALITION (AEC)

Founded in the early 1990's, the AEC was initiated and inspired through the efforts of artists such as Stevie Wonder, Prince, Doug E. Fresh, Chaka Khan, Roberta Flack, Najee and the law firm of L.Londell McMillan, P.C. The AEC works to improve the quality of life for artists, performers, musicians, songwriters and others in the business of entertainment and for all people by preserving artistic freedoms and empowerment within our communities. The AEC is an advocate for the arts, organizing common efforts to increase funding and involve industry, community, educational and cultural institutions and policymakers in the quest for an improved entertainment model and creative offering.

About L.Londell McMillan

Chairman of The McMillan Firm and NorthStar Business Enterprises, Inc. McMillan specializes in business, entertainment and sports law, business operations, and public advocacy. Mr. McMillan's elite client list includes legendary recording artists, professional sports clients, authors, executives and businesses in the communications, media, entertainment, retail and real estate industries. Over the years, he has represented leading artists and icons, such as Prince, Stevie Wonder, Usher, D'Angelo, Michael Jackson, Danny Glover, Chaka Khan, Roberta Flack, Faith Evans, Ciara, L.L. Cool J, Kanye West, Nas, Spike Lee, Russell Simmons and many other notables. In addition, Mr. McMillan's firm also represents media clients such as Mercedes Benz, the New York Times, the Source Magazine and Radio One on entertainment matters.

Source: The Artist Empowerment Coalition

 

Mocha Kiss Coffee to Make Debut at 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards

"Celebrity Barista" Jeremy Guresey Teams up With "Access Hollywood" to Serve Stars

 February 09, 2007 -- Mocha Kiss Coffee (www.mochakiss.com) will make its first-ever appearance at the 49th annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Feb. 11. Teaming up with NBC Universal's hit entertainment newsmagazine "Access Hollywood," Mocha Kiss Coffee President and aptly named "celebrity barista" Jeremy Gursey will be serving celebrities an A-list caffeine boost in the Trophy Room.

"As always, it's a pleasure to work with Access Hollywood, and I am thrilled to be teaming up with them for the 2007 GRAMMY Awards," said Gursey. "I look forward to providing music's hottest stars a pick-me-up, whether it's their favorite latte, cappuccino or just an espresso shot."

Hollywood award shows are familiar territory for Gursey, who also serves his "Coffee to the Stars" annually at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards.

"We are excited to be partnering with Mocha Kiss Coffee for the GRAMMYs and look forward to continue adding extra shots of fun to our big time award show coverage," said "Access Hollywood" Supervising Producer Adam Jordan. "This caffeine kick may be just what the GRAMMY winners need to get them through the all-night festivities."

The Mocha Kiss mobile espresso bars also can be found on a number of TV and movie sets including TV hits "Entourage" and "Grey's Anatomy," as well as at Hollywood's hottest parties and special events. Additionally, Mocha Kiss operates retail stores on the lots of Sony Pictures Studios, Paramount Studios and NBC Studios.

Fortunately for the rest of us, Mocha Kiss' mobile espresso bars are not just reserved for Hollywood celebrities and red carpet award shows, the full-service coffee carts also are available for private parties and corporate events of all sizes. Gursey, "the celebrity barista" himself, can even be specially requested.

"The Mocha Kiss mobile espresso bar brings Hollywood mystique to any event," said Gursey. "The red carpet treatment will make guests feel just like a celebrity."

ABOUT MOCHA KISS

Mocha Kiss Coffee is the invention of Jeremy Gursey, a former film student at California State University, Northridge. Like many others, Gursey was determined to make it in Hollywood any way he could. In 1994, while working in a coffee house part time and attending school, he came up with his ingenious entrée into the film business. With a mere $100 investment and months of research on coffee flavors and formulations, the young film student perfected his signature Mocha Frost® and launched Mocha Kiss Coffee. His coffee drinks proved a big hit with the entertainment crowd, who soon insisted on Mocha Kiss Coffee on movie and TV sets. Today, Mocha Kiss Coffee is a fixture in Hollywood and is the "Coffee to the Stars." The company's comprehensive variety of coffee flavors is available for purchase at www.mochakisscoffee.com, and can be delivered anywhere in North America.

ABOUT "ACCESS HOLLYWOOD"

Currently in its 11th season in national syndication, is an entertainment newsmagazine that provides viewers with the top entertainment news stories of the week, in-depth celebrity interviews, and behind-the-scenes accounts of the most important events in Hollywood. Both the half-hour weekday show and hour-long weekend show of "Access Hollywood" are dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage of the top entertainment news stories in a sophisticated-yet-fun-to-watch style. "Access Hollywood" is produced by NBC and distributed by NBC Universal Television Distribution.

 

Martin + Osa and Apple iTunes Enter New Partnership

Martin + Osa is pleased to announce its new affiliation with Apple iTunes.

NEW YORK, Feb. 9 On February 2, 2007 Martin + Osa, a newly launched retail apparel brand for active and adventurous women and men aged 25-40 became an official member of Apple iTunes Affiliate Program. This program enables customers to purchase music from iTunes through both the Martin + Osa website (www.martinandosa.com/goodmusic) and the Apple iTunes store (www.itunes.com).

Every season, Martin + Osa works with music industry insiders to curate an M+O GoodMusic(TM) list of new music and new musicians. The selections are featured on its website, played in stores, and are now available exclusively for download on iTunes. Martin + Osa GoodMusic(TM) songs are also featured in original films showcased in Martin + Osa stores.

GoodMusic captures the energy and spirit of Martin + Osa and its customers. The brand aims to introduce its customers to new music, along with an eclectic mix of classics of differing genres, to compliment their active lifestyles, attitudes and interests. "Martin + Osa strives to provide a unique experience for our customers, and our music delivers the soundtrack for that experience," says Arnold Cohen, Chief Marketing Officer. "We wanted to offer a way for our customers to integrate the music they hear in our stores into their daily lives."

For access to Martin + Osa's playlists, customers can either preview the songs on the Martin + Osa website (http://www.martinandosa.com/goodmusic), then click through to iTunes to purchase the song; or visit Martin + Osa's personalized iMix page via the 'iMix' section on iTunes (www.itunes.com).

Martin + Osa also promotes music, and the artists on its GoodMusic playlist, through the Martin + Osa GoodMusic(TM) Series - concerts periodically held in its stores across the country. Events are posted on the Martin + Osa website - log in to find out about upcoming concerts.

Martin + Osa has stores in Tysons Corner (McLean, VA), NorthPark Center (Dallas, TX), Fashion Island (Newport Beach, CA) San Francisco Westfield Centre (San Francisco, CA) and Westfield Center (Chicago, IL). 15 new stores are planned to open in 2007.

Martin + Osa is a division of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEOS) that makes pure, honest, modern clothes for men and women.

Source: Martin + Osa

Web site: http://www.martinandosa.com/goodmusic
http://www.itunes.com/

 

 

Writers Guild of America, East Staff Union Members to Protest at Awards Gala

Staff employees of the Writers Guild of America East will distribute fliers at the 59th Annual Writers Guild Awards gala at the Hudson Theatre on Sunday, February 11 at 6 p.m., asking union members to support staffers' efforts to negotiate a fair contract with the WGAE.

WGAE employees are represented by The Newspaper Guild of New York/CWA Local 31003, which has been negotiating with WGAE management since October for an initial contract. The WGAE represents writers and other creative professionals in news and entertainment.

"We reluctantly are forced to go public over the WGAE's more offensive demands of its own employees, including denying them fair rights to arbitration and just cause for termination," said N.Y. Newspaper Guild President Barry Lipton.

The WGAE has also rejected fair wage proposals, and insists on the unilateral right to subcontract any and all positions currently held by staff.

"No self-respecting union would propose such a term of employment, let alone agree to it," Lipton said. "We're asking the good union members of the WGAE to tell their executive director, Mona Mangan, as a union leader herself, to deal realistically and fairly with her own employees."

The Newspaper Guild has two unfair labor practice charges pending against the WGAE with the National Labor Relations Board.

The Newspaper Guild is willing to negotiate around the clock to reach a fair contract. "We are forced to enlist the help of our fellow-union members and the public to tell WGAE Management it's time to be fair."

Source: The Newspaper Guild of NY

 

Budding Heartthrobs Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Kirk Cameron Ignite Nick at Nite's Growing Pains Valentine's Marathon February 14 from 9pm-6am

NEW YORK, Feb. 9 Nick at Nite invites viewers to spend Valentine's night with Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Kirk Cameron, as the budding heartthrobs ignite romance in a Growing Pains marathon featuring nine love-themed episodes, Wednesday, February 14 from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., repeating 1:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. (ET/PT).

Stealing hearts and scenes, the young actors, then on the threshold of superstardom, lend appeal to the classic family comedy that helped launch their careers. As the oldest kid in his TV family, series star Cameron emerged as a teen idol while his charming Mike Seaver character likewise left girls breathless. DiCaprio quickly captivated audiences at 16, when he joined the show as Luke Brower, the homeless waif taken in by the Seavers (1991-92). And a very young Brad Pitt turned heads in two late-eighties episodes when he guest-starred as a self-centered rock star and as a dreamy student who catches Carol Seaver's (Tracey Gold) eye.

Following are details of the Nick at Nite's Valentine's marathon (All times ET/PT):

9 p.m. -- "Long Days Journey into Night" -- Carol is used by her friend to win Mike's affection.

9:30 p.m. -- "The Love Song of M. Aaron Seaver" -- The Seavers depend on Mike for the annual bowling tournament against the Koosman family but are let down when Mike "Romeo" Seaver finds his Juliet.

10 p.m. -- "Some Enchanted Evening" -- As Spring Formal looms, Mike has his hands full with three girls pining for his affections and a date to the dance. Meanwhile, Carol can't seem to get a date even when she asks her boyfriend.

10:30 p.m. - "Feet of Clay" - When Ben's idol, rock star Jonathan Keith (Brad Pitt), gives a concert in New York, Maggie manages to get a backstage pass to meet him.

11 p.m. -- "Menage a Luke"-- Cheryl has a crush on Ben, who's only interested in Sasha. Sasha refuses Ben, who is furious to find that Cheryl's transferred her affection to Luke (Leonardo DiCaprio).

11:30 p.m. -- "Who's Zoomin' Who" -- The road to romance gets a little rocky for Carol and her boyfriend Bobby when her head is turned by a handsome new student Jeff (Brad Pitt).

12 a.m. -- "Stop, Luke and Listen" -- Mike tries to help one of his students, Luke (Leonardo DiCaprio), who's been living in the school basement, but just ends up getting the kid kicked out. His search for Luke makes him miss dinner with Kate and his parents.

12:30 a.m. -- "Great Expectations" -- Without his parents' approval, Mike flies to Los Angeles to surprise his Hawaiian girlfriend, Melia while Carol, Ben and his pal Boner cover for him.

1 a.m. -- "Carol's Crush" -- When the son of a family friend visits, Carol becomes enamored of him and learns the meaning of heartache.

Growing Pains will premiere on Nick at Nite with a week-long marathon of nothing but Growing Pains, every night from Monday, February 12 through Sunday, February 18 (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) Subsequently episodes will air Monday through Thursday back-to-back (9-10 p.m.); Fridays & Saturdays (10:30 p.m.) and Sundays (9:30 p.m.; all times ET/PT).

Growing Pains aired from 1985 to 1992 on ABC and revolves around The Seaver family in Long Island, NY. Jason (Alan Thicke) is a psychiatrist married to Maggie (Joanna Kerns), a former newspaper reporter, and the two head up a family of three kids. Mike (Kirk Cameron) is a bit of a slacker and is constantly up to shenanigans; Carol (Tracey Gold) is the brainy middle child and Ben (Jeremy Miller) is the youngest Seaver who idolizes his older brother, Mike. Maggie's desire to go back to work prompts Jason to move his practice back home, allowing him to watch the kids. Most of the stories revolve around standard family issues such as bad grades, dating and missed curfews, though over time the series did address serious topics like drunk driving, teen suicide and peer pressure. In 1988, Maggie gave birth to a daughter, Chrissy (Ashley Johnson), and in 1991, the family took in a homeless teenager -- Luke (a young Leonardo DiCaprio). As the series progressed, Mike found himself taking on more responsibility as a teacher and eventually fell in love, Carol began her studies at Columbia University and Ben began to turn into another version of Mike. Much of the series' success can be attributed to Kirk Cameron's status as a teen heartthrob, gracing the covers of various magazines in the late 1980s.

Nick At Nite is Nickelodeon's nighttime programming block that features timeless hit comedies including the Emmy Award-winning series The Cosby Show, the popular family comedy Full House, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Roseanne, one of the most talked about and celebrated sitcoms in television history. Nickelodeon, in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 92 million households and has been the number-one- rated basic cable network for almost 12 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE: VIA.B) .

Source: Nick at Nite

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

 

Feb 8

 

Men Need 'Me Time' Too: MSN Games Survey Reveals Male Gamers Have a Softer Side

Downtime and stress reduction among reasons men engage in 'casual' gameplay.

REDMOND, Wash.,  According to a recent survey* commissioned by Microsoft Corp.'s (NASDAQ:MSFT) MSN(R) Games, one of the world's leading casual gaming sites, Americans are feeling more stressed out and starved for time than ever, with 56 percent of men (age 18 to 34) and 71 percent of women (age 18 to 34) spending less than an hour on themselves a day engaged in activities that provide downtime or alone time and are pampering or relaxing to them.

Once considered a simple leisure pursuit, playing casual games -- including action and arcade, puzzle, word and trivia, and card and board games -- is among the activities men and women said they like to engage in when they have just 20 minutes to "recharge" during the day.

Although stress reduction and mental dexterity are often cited as reasons people of all ages play casual online games, males in the 18 to 34 age bracket are most likely to list playing games as a daily escape -- a chance to indulge in some "me time." Men are also more likely than their female counterparts to play a game at work, with males age 18 to 34 most likely to sneak in a quick game during their day.

With many people indicating they have a mere 60 minutes a day to spend on relaxing activities, it is no wonder U.S. men and women are seeking easy, quick stress-reduction techniques. As a result, MSN Games has teamed up with Dr. Kathleen Hall, world-renowned expert in stress and work-life balance and founder of the Stress Institute, to urge Americans to resolve to "Take Back Your Time" this year and engage in activities that help reduce stress and give the brain a boost.

"Reclaiming just 10 minutes of 'me time' each day can greatly improve your sense of well-being," Dr. Hall said. "Stress can have a catastrophic effect on our mental, physical and spiritual health. In today's harried and hectic world, taking time out for stress-reducing activities is no longer a luxury, but a 21st-century necessity."

More than 13 million people each month play "brain food" games on MSN Games, such as the numeric logic game "Sudoku," virtual aquarium "Fish Tycoon," gem-swapper "Bejeweled 2" and the family favorite card game "UNO."

"There is a growing body of medical research that shows stress can cause the memory to become impaired," Dr. Hall said. "But playing online casual games, such as brainteasers, crossword puzzles, trivia titles, and any variety of mentally challenging and fun games, can actually stimulate the brain and stimulate new connections between cells."

The MSN Games survey found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults who have played a quick, fun online game in the past 12 months say they feel less stressed afterward, indicating that arcade-style games are an excellent destination on the road to wellness.

"We know that 'play' de-stresses the body and actually lowers our blood pressure and heart rate. Taking a break to solve a brain-teasing puzzle or take on a fun vocabulary challenge on MSN Games is a perfect way to clear your mind of the clutter and stress that can pile up during the day," Dr. Hall said.

For more information on the latest in arcade-style gaming or to find stress-reducing solutions, casual gamers can take back their time at http://www.msngames.com/.

About Microsoft Casual Games

One of the longest-standing leaders in the casual games space, Microsoft Casual Games (MCG) connects players and their friends with quick, accessible and engaging games anytime, anywhere. Reaching more than 125 million global game players each month, MCG is dedicated to providing an entertaining, rewarding gameplay experience through a diverse portfolio of widely appealing titles that range from favorite card and board games to the latest action and adventure titles, from brain-teasing trivia to quick-thinking puzzle games. The only games provider able to deliver games on multiple high-performance game platforms -- MSN Games, Messenger Games, Windows(R) Games and Xbox Live(R) Arcade -- MCG remains committed to creating the most robust collection of casual titles available.

About Dr. Kathleen Hall

Dr. Kathleen Hall, internationally recognized stress and work-life balance expert, is the founder and director of The Stress Institute. She has been featured on all major television networks including NBC's Today Show, CNN and FOX, as well as other media outlets such as USA Today, Fortune, Redbook, Good Morning America Radio, Martha Stewart Living Radio and ESPN.com. Author of A Life in Balance: Nourishing the Four Roots of True Happiness (AMACOM, January 2006) and Alter Your Life: Overbooked? Overworked? Overwhelmed? (Oak Haven, April 2005), she offers simple methods for reducing stress and living a balanced life of true happiness. For more information about Dr. Hall, and The Stress Institute, please visit www.drkathleenhall.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

*Conducted by Harris Interactive Inc. This MSN Games survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive via its QuickQuery online omnibus service on behalf of MSN Games from Sept. 14 to 18, 2006, among 2,932 adults (aged 18 and over). Figures for region, age within gender, education, household income, race/ethnicity and amount of time spent online per week were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. With a pure probability sample of 2,932, one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results would have a sampling error of +/- 3 percentage points. Sampling error for data based on sub-samples would be higher and may vary. However, that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample, and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

Microsoft, Xbox, MSN, Windows and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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

 

Sony Online Entertainment Announces Spike Company to Distribute Untold Legends(TM) Dark Kingdom(TM) for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 System in Japan

Untold Legends Dark Kingdom Is Scheduled for Release in Japan in February 2007

SAN DIEGO, Sony Online Entertainment (SOE), a global leader in the online gaming industry, announced today that it has entered into a Japanese licensing and distribution deal with Spike Company Limited to distribute Untold Legends(TM) Dark Kingdom(TM) for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system. Developed by SOE, Untold Legends Dark Kingdom takes the top-selling PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system brand onto the next generation of PlayStation systems. Spike will be responsible for the marketing, sales and distribution for Dark Kingdom in Japan.

"Spike has a successful track record of publishing games in Japan, and we are pleased to be collaborating with them as we bring the next generation of the Untold Legends franchise to Japan," said John Needham, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Sony Online Entertainment. "Based on the positive response that Dark Kingdom received at Tokyo Gaming Show last year, we are confident that it will be a good fit in this market."

"It is an honor to publish Untold Legends Dark Kingdom in Japan," said Mitsutoshi Sakurai, C.E.O. of Spike. "We hope that this will be the start of a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between our companies."

Untold Legends Dark Kingdom is an epic action-RPG that delivers all-new graphical detail in high-definition, dynamic visual effects utilizing the raw rendering power and unique cell processing of the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and heart-pounding creature combat featuring physics-based gameplay for a more immersive experience. Players can choose from one of three unique characters to take on their perilous journey, with which they will be able to unlock spells and abilities, and collect unique weapons, armor and other items throughout the game. In addition, the game is impressively interactive with the surrounding environment, giving players the ability to tear through environments and defeat enemies in new ways.

Knock enemies against walls and watch them bounce to the ground. Smash through crates, pillars, and boxes to clear a way through the environment. Or grab NPCs and use them as living, unwilling weapons. Other next-gen features include support for high-definition formats up to 720p, a dynamic particle system, cinematic story-telling, digital surround sound, high-resolution textures and detailed character models.

For the epic storyline of Dark Kingdom, SOE engaged renowned fantasy author Keith Baker, writer of several best-selling Dungeons and Dragons novels. In Dark Kingdom, players have loyally served the king, yet have reason to believe he is being corrupted by dark forces. Sensing distrust, the king sends some of his military off to quell an uprising in the barbaric borderlands. After returning home, players find the land a horribly changed place. It is revealed that the king is responsible for torturing and killing many innocent people, and now players must battle through forests, caverns, villages and the palace, all the while betraying the king in order to save the kingdom!

Key features in Dark Kingdom include:

* Next-Gen HD Graphics: Experience next-gen graphics in true

high-definition formats. Watch as the fantasy unfolds through vibrant

environments, beautifully rendered characters, highly-detailed

creatures, and intense battles filled with engaging combat, magical

spells and brilliant special effects.

* Engaging Real-time Physics: Unique physics-based game mechanics will

give the heroes of Dark Kingdom the ability to tear through

environments and defeat enemies in exciting ways. Knock enemies against

walls and watch them tumble to the ground. Smash through crates,

pillars and rocks to clear a way through the environment. Or grab

creatures and use them as living, unwilling weapons.

* Epic Storyline: Immerse yourself in an intriguing storyline, as you

seek to end an evil king's reign of oppression that he has forced upon

your fellow citizens -- all told through in-game dialog and cut

sequences.

* Visceral Action RPG Combat: Take control of battles by using chained

melee attacks, or an array of spells and special abilities acquired

along your journey.

* In-depth Character Progression: Choose from three unique heroes and

unlock new spells and abilities as you adventure! Collect and equip

unique armor sets, powerful weapons and other special items that will

aid your hero on their perilous journey!

* Co-op and Internet Modes: Adventure alone or with your friends with a

full range of multiplayer support such as two player co-op and four

player online.

For more information, visit Untold Legends Dark Kingdom www.uldarkkingdom.com

About Sony Online Entertainment

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest(R), EverQuest(R) II, Champions of Norrath(R), Untold Legends(TM), and PlanetSide(R), as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies(TM), SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development. SOE is owned by Sony Pictures Digital and Sony Computer Entertainment America.

SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. Untold Legends is a trademark of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners. Untold Legends, Brotherhood of the Blade, and Warriors Code are trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC.

"PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION", "PS" Family logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PSP(R) - Memory Stick Duo(TM) may be required (sold separately). PLAYSTATION(R)3 - Online access requires broadband Internet service and a wireless access point or LAN. Certain limitations apply to Wi-Fi connectivity. User is responsible for Internet service fees.

About Spike

Spike Co., Ltd. (Headquarter Shibuya-ku Tokyo, Mitsutoshi Sakurai C.E.O.), is a subsidiary of GAMES ARENA Co. Ltd. (Headquarter Shibuya-ku Tokyo, Yoshio Asakawa C.E.O.), and an integral part of the DWANGO group (DWANGO Co. Ltd., TSE Code 3715). Spike is a developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. Spike is well know in the Japanese video game industry for developing and publishing unique property such as the "Way of the Samurai" series, "Fire Pro-wrestling" series, and "Kenka-Bancho". Spike is also known for publishing and distributing in Japan, western titles such as the "WRC" series, "True Crime: New York City", and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Legend". For more corporate and product information please visit www.spike.co.jp.

Source: Sony Online Entertainment

 

After 11 Year Absence, Reba McEntire Returns To Perform at 2007 CMA Music Festival

McEntire Joined by an Impressive Slate of Stars Including Carrie Underwood, The Wreckers, Sugarland, Martina McBride, Little Big Town, Jason Aldean, and More

"The Sixth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament" Returns in Chevy Sports Zone

NASHVILLE, Tenn.,  CMA Music Festival, winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association's 2006 LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year, is the ultimate destination for music lovers. Four days, 30 hours of autograph signings, 70 hours of live music, 400 Country Music artists and celebrities, and more than 161,000 fans add up to one major musical charity event: 2007 CMA Music Festival, held Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, in Downtown Nashville.

Dubbed the "crown jewel" of Country Music festivals by USA Today, CMA Music Festival builds on the reputation of Fan Fair(R), which was created exclusively for the fans in 1972. And 36 years later, the unique relationship between Country Music artists and their admirers remains at the heart of CMA Music Festival. Each June, the artists take time out of their busy touring schedules to play for free, meet fans, sign autographs, and pose for photos to give back to the people and community that have supported them throughout the year. Proceeds from the Festival are donated on behalf of the artists to CMA's charity campaign, "Keep the Music Playing," to support music education in Metro Nashville's public schools.

"CMA Music Festival is a unique experience that could only take place in Nashville," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "Thousands of people come to Music City USA from around the globe to hear the music that made our city famous and interact with the artists who create it through autograph signings and one-of-a-kind events. We welcome all fans of America's music to Nashville's signature music event."

Music, Broadway, television, and film superstar Reba McEntire make her highly-anticipated return to the Festival after an 11-year absence. She last participated in the event in 1996 when Fan Fair was still at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds and audiences were capped at 25,000 people due to space limitations.

"I am thrilled for the opportunity to perform at the CMA Music Festival," said McEntire. "It's been eleven years since I've had a chance to be in Nashville for this amazing week, and the CMA has done a great job of growing the event during that time. I'm looking forward to being a part of it all once again."

"Reba McEntire is a true trailblazer, having elevated Country Music's profile throughout her career while being a successful actress, charitable spokesperson, and respected businesswoman," said Genovese. "We are excited to welcome her back to CMA Music Festival."

The growing lineup of artists participating in CMA Music Festival also includes Jason Aldean; Little Big Town; Martina McBride; Sugarland; The Wreckers, in their debut appearance at the Festival; and current CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and Horizon Award winner Carrie Underwood.

Other artists scheduled to perform include Bomshel, Catherine Britt, Luke Bryan, Sonny Burgess, Carolina Rain, Eric Church, Cole Deggs & the Lonesome, Heartland, Jypsi, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Blaine Larsen, The Lost Trailers, Neal McCoy, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie O'Neal, Jake Owen, Danielle Peck, Pirates of the Mississippi, Pam Tillis, and Chris Young. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

"The Country Music industry first welcomed me into their community at the CMA Music Festival in 2005 and since then my peers and my fans have been so gracious," said Underwood. "I cannot wait to see my fans and meet and create new ones at this year's event. See you in June!"

"Last year's stadium performance during CMA Music Festival was one of the true highlights of my summer," says Aldean. "The energy from all the fans was electric. I look forward to doing it again in 2007."

"Country Music fans are so loyal and CMA Music Festival is the greatest way for us to reach them -- the most dedicated fans in the world," said Kimberly Roads of Little Big Town. "We look forward to that special week in June every year when we get to say 'Thank you' to them personally for their support."

"We have such great fans who stayed through the rain last year to see us play," exclaimed Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland. "This year we are excited to have a chance to play a full set in good weather for all those fans who stayed AND those who were rained out!"

"As a kid, my mom always brought me to Fan Fair when it was at the Fairgrounds and it was one of my most influential introductions to Country Music," said Young. "The artists interacting with the fans were so memorable to me as a kid and it's the reason why I have participated in the CMA Music Festival for the past four years and hope to continue to participate for years to come."

CMA also announces today that Country Music artist Andy Griggs will return to host one of the Chevy(TM) Sport Zone's most popular competitions, "The Sixth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament," on Thursday, June 7, at 4:00 PM. Celebrity participants will be announced later.

"Man, I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed doing this Tournament and now again for the sixth time," said Griggs. "It seems like yesterday that we first had this dream. I don't play golf too well, but I do enjoy shooting the bow and all that surrounds it. Hoss, I'm excited!"

All of the artists and celebrities participating in CMA Music Festival donate their time and are not compensated for the hours they spend signing autographs and performing. In appreciation of their continued support, CMA created "Keep the Music Playing," a charity program in partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education (NAPE), which donates half the net proceeds from CMA Music Festival to music education for Nashville's 73,000 public school students. More than $300,000 was donated from the 2006 CMA Music Festival.

"It was important to the CMA Board of Directors that the artists be recognized and thanked for donating their time to CMA Music Festival. At the same time, the Board wanted to give back to the great city of Nashville where most of us live and work," said Genovese. "Music education is something we all believe strongly in, as do our artists, many of whom benefited from music education opportunities while they were growing up. Studies show that music education has amazing benefits for students that carry over into all areas of their lives. We are proud to supplement the music education opportunities in the Nashville public school system."

Prior to the "Keep the Music Playing" program, CMA donated net proceeds from CMA Music Festival to charities designated by the participating artists as part of CMA's "Cause for Celebration!" charitable benefit program. From 2001-2005, CMA donated more than $800,000 to hundreds of charities on behalf of the artists participating in CMA Music Festival.

"It was decided by our Artist Relations Committee and Board that our contribution would have more impact if we earmarked the entire donation to one cause everyone believed in. Music education was a natural and obvious choice," Genovese said.

Nashville students will receive the long-term benefits of the Festival, but at the heart of the event, it is still about the fans and their relationship to both the artists and the music they love. Four days filled with activities and events, building up to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field with state-of-the-art production and non-stop entertainment, the fan-favorite CMA Music Festival Photo Line, and giant video screens showcasing all the fun.

Surprise artist appearances are also a hallmark of CMA Music Festival. Last year, Kenny Chesney and Dierks Bentley gave unannounced performances during the Nightly Concerts while Keith Urban was a surprise guest during Brooks & Dunn's set. As plans come together for 2007, surprise performances and unique collaborations are always considered.

"CMA Music Festival is also a wonderful opportunity to experience the depth of Country Music," said Genovese. "Our format includes an amazing array of talented artists representing the many styles of Country Music and we are thrilled to spotlight them for the fans."

In addition to the Nightly Concerts, fans will enjoy four days of non-stop music during the Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning(R) Riverfront Stages with an eclectic lineup of artists performing on dual stages, including Country hit-makers, rising stars, legends, bluegrass performers, and surprise guests. Music can also be heard in Acoustic Corner at the Nashville Convention Center, the site of the Fan Fair(R) (Exhibit Hall), which features daily autograph sessions, shopping and lifestyle exhibits from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Thursday through Sunday.

"The heart of CMA Music Festival is the one-on-one interactions between fans and artists, and no where is that better demonstrated than at the Fan Fair exhibit hall," said Genovese. "To watch the joy on the attendees' faces when they meet one of their favorite artists or discover a new talent for the first time makes it all worthwhile."

CMA Music Festival offers many other opportunities for fans to interact and see their favorite stars in unique settings, whether asking questions during the CMA Celebrity Close Up Sessions or watching the artists compete in friendly competitions in The Chevy(TM) Sports Zone.

The Chevy Sports Zone, which is free and open to the public, offers fans the opportunity to participate in sporting activities plus see unique celebrity competitions and appearances from professional athletes. A strong relationship exists between sports personalities and Country artists and it is a proven winner with fans, too. In 2006, the Chevy Sports Zone also featured appearances by past and present FLW Tournament champion anglers, NASCAR Busch Series drivers, NFL football players, PGA golfers, U.S. Olympic athletes and more, and 2007 will continue that tradition.

The Crisco(R) Family Zone is a fun stop for the entire family. Free to the public and open daily at the park across from the Country Music Hall of Fame(R) and Museum, the Crisco Family Zone is the place for children and adults to kick back and enjoy games, hands-on educational exhibits, storytelling with Country artists, and more. In fact, CMA Music Festival is very family friendly with a discounted price for children age 12 and younger - - making it an attractive family vacation. The Crisco Family Zone includes the Crisco Country Favorites Corner, which features celebrity chefs and cooking demonstrations. Visit Crisco.com for recipes, tips and more.

The Fun Zone, located on Broadway between First and Second Avenues, will sparkle with activities for fans of all ages including interactive displays, games, and product sampling. Daily access to these popular attractions is free and open to the public.

For a deeper look into the lives of some of our musical heroes and their road to stardom, there is the CMA Celebrity Close Up, with two question-and- answer sessions on Thursday, June 7 (1:00-2:30 PM and 4:00-5:30 PM), hosted by GAC media personality Lorianne Crook at the historic Ryman Auditorium. CMA Celebrity Close Up gives fans an opportunity to submit questions for celebrity panels moderated by Crook. The sessions are taped for future airing on GAC. In 2006, participants included John Corbett, Cowboy Troy, Diamond Rio, Josh Gracin, Lonestar, Jamie O'Neal, and Phil Vassar. A separate ticket is required. The artist lineup and ticket on-sale date for 2007 will be announced soon.

At CMA Music Festival, the fun doesn't end with the closing fireworks at LP Field. Night-owls will find many late-night activities that are part of CMA Music Festival After Hours(TM). Clubs and bars in Downtown Nashville offer outstanding entertainment and exclusive specials for attendees making CMA Music Festival After Hours(TM) a favorite activity.

CMA Music Festival is always in motion, constantly evolving and growing. New events are on the horizon, with more information to be announced as plans come together.

Tickets for 2007 CMA Music Festival, Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, in Downtown Nashville are available now.

To order tickets for the 2007 CMA Music Festival call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit http://www.cmafest.com/ to download an order form to fax or mail; visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/ to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600.

Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free. Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at LP Field; Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning(R) Riverfront Stages; daily admittance to the Fan Fair(R) (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; Crisco(R) Family Zone; Fun Zone; The Chevy(TM) Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours(TM); free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; special discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops, and more. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

2007 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL FOUR-DAY TICKET PACKAGE PRICES

LEVEL ADULT 12 & YOUNGER

Gold Circle (Floor) SOLD OUT SOLD OUT

Floor Level SOLD OUT SOLD OUT

Lower Level $135 $95

Club Level $125 $86

Upper Level General Admission $110 $78

* NOTE: Please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for information on ADA seating, which may be available in Sold Out sections.

A limited number of four-day parking passes for LP Field are available by phone order only. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) to order. The price is $28 for cars; $60 for vans/shuttles; and $120 for RVs/motor coaches. Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited, and no overnight parking is allowed. All persons planning to park at LP Field must pre-purchase the parking pass. Free shuttles (for four-day registrants) will run daily between major Festival event locations.

Attending is easy. Numerous tour operators provide tour packages including CMA Music Festival tickets, accommodations, and tickets to other Nashville attractions, such as the historic Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of Fame(R) and Museum. Visit http://www.musiccityusa.com/ or call 1-800-657-6910 for more information on tour packages as well as hotel listings and information about camping sites and RV parking.

Shuttle service from outlying areas of Nashville to CMA Music Festival events will be available from several park-and-ride locations with unlimited access on the Gray Line Satellite Shuttle. To purchase a separate pass and to make advance Gray Line Satellite Shuttle reservations, call 1-800-251-1864 or (615) 883-5555, or visit http://www.graylinenashville.com/.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more, visit http://www.cmafest.com/ and sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news.

Once again in 2007, performances at the CMA Music Festival will be filmed for a two-hour, ABC Television Network special that will air later this summer.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. CMA Board member Tony Conway is the Executive Producer of CMA Music Festival. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Additional promotional partners include Crisco(R), Greased Lightning Cleaning Products(R), and Wrangler(R). Fan Fair(R) is a registered trademark of CMA. Crisco is a registered trademark of The J.M. Smucker Company.

Source: Country Music Association

Web site: http://www.cmaworld.com/
http://www.cmafest.com/
http://www.musiccityusa.com/
http://www.ticketmaster.com/
http://crisco.com/
http://www.graylinenashville.com/

 

The Recording Academy(R) and Gap Partner to Transform Green Room at the 49th Annual GRAMMY(R) Awards Into First Ever (RED) Room

(RED) Room Designed and Introduced by Gap in Celebration of (PRODUCT) RED

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 6  Gap is proud to be teaming up with The Recording Academy(R) to unveil the first ever (RED) Room backstage at the 49th Annual GRAMMY(R)Awards on February 11, 2007. The transformation of the traditional Green Room into a (RED) Room is in honor of (PRODUCT) RED(TM), the groundbreaking initiative recently introduced by Bono and Bobby Shriver to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

The Green Room is "the place to be" on awards nights to get a behind-the- scenes look at the fabulous cast of performers and presenters -- and this year's GRAMMY Awards will be no different. But what is different is for the first time in GRAMMY history the Green Room has been refashioned into a (RED) Room, complete with plush red couches, natural fiber fabric walls, stainless steel accents, custom made pillows emblazoned with inspirational (RED) words and Gap (PRODUCT) RED fashions. The (RED) Room is not only the place to be backstage, but it also communicates a greater meaning and purpose to everyone who will pass through its doors, because it encourages people to DO THE (RED) THING(TM) by getting involved in the fight against AIDS.

"Bono and I are thrilled that the first ever (RED) Room calls attention to the world's worst healthcare crisis in history," said Bobby Shriver, CEO and co-founder of (PRODUCT) RED. "Gap and all of the (PRODUCT) RED partners have made this fight their own. In the nine months we've been in business, (PRODUCT) RED partners have generated more than $20 million for the Global Fund, which buys the anti-retroviral medicine for HIV positive Africans. We wish they could be there with all the great artists to celebrate their music and new lease on life."

"The music community is arguably one of the most socially conscious constituencies in the entertainment business," said Neil Portnow, President, The Recording Academy. "The Recording Academy has a strong foundation in philanthropic efforts and has a history of using the spotlight that is on Music's Biggest Night(TM) to broadcast important messages to the world. This is a terrific partnership with Gap and (PRODUCT) RED for an urgent and global initiative."

Throughout GRAMMY Week and during the 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards, some of the biggest names in the music industry will visit the (RED) Room. This is "the" room where performers such as Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Dixie Chicks, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Carrie Underwood, and many more will be warming up their voices as they prepare to take the stage. This is also where performers and recording professionals will learn more about and have the opportunity to embrace (PRODUCT) RED.

"We're thrilled to be teaming up with The Recording Academy to help spread the word about Gap (PRODUCT) RED to the passionate and dedicated community of musicians and recording professionals attending this year's GRAMMY Awards," said Julie Alonso, Gap senior director of partnerships.

Eradicating AIDS in Africa is one of the most critical global crises we're facing today. (RED) was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver to address this emergency head on by raising awareness and money for The Global Fund, one of the world's leading funders of programs to fight AIDS. As part of Gap's global partnership with (PRODUCT) RED, half of the profits from sales of the Gap (PRODUCT) RED Collection go to The Global Fund to finance programs that help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

(PRODUCT) RED provides a unique opportunity for consumers to help make a real difference in people's lives. The Recording Academy has a long history in supporting cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs so it's a natural fit for Gap to partner with The Recording Academy to help increase awareness about a human service initiative as important as (PRODUCT) RED.

For more information about Gap (PRODUCT) RED, please visit www.gapinc.com/red . Please check out JOINRED.COM for more information about (RED) and log onto www.grammy.com for more information on the GRAMMY Awards. Tune in to the 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, February 11 at 8 PM on CBS.

About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is a leading international specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Forth & Towne and Piperlime brand names. Fiscal 2005 sales were $16.0 billion. Gap Inc. operates more than 3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Ireland and Japan. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements for Gap and Banana Republic in Asia and the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.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 that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life 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 service programs - including the creation of the national public education campaign What's The Download(R) (WhatsTheDownload.com). For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com .

About (RED) and (PRODUCT) RED

(RED)'s primary objective is to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds for the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa. Companies whose products take on the (PRODUCT) RED mark contribute a significant percentage of the sales or portion of the profits from that product to the Global Fund to finance AIDS programs in Africa, with an emphasis on the health of women and children. Current partners are: American Express (U.K. only), Apple, Converse, Gap, Giorgio Armani, and Motorola. MySpace.com is the first media sponsor in the United Kingdom and MTV Networks is the first media sponsor in the US. WWW.JOINRED.COM

About The Global Fund

The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is a unique global public-private partnership dedicated to attracting and disbursing additional resources to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. This partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and affected communities represents a new approach to international health financing. The Fund works in close collaboration with other bilateral and multilateral organizations to supplement existing efforts dealing with the three diseases. The Global Fund finances one fifth of all global efforts to stop AIDS and two thirds of global expenditure against tuberculosis and malaria.

Media Contacts:

Erica Archambault Ron Roecker/ Barb Dehgan Julie Cordua

Gap Public Relations The Recording Academy (PRODUCT) RED

 

Source: Gap Inc.

 

Web site: http://www.gapinc.com/
http://www.joinred.com/

 

Legendary Rock Band The Doors Set to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award During 49th Grammy(R) Telecast and Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame in February

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Also Schedules Opening of Doors Exhibit in May; Honors Continue Group's Celebration of its 40th Anniversary

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 6 In 1967, The Doors released their landmark self-titled debut album. In 2007, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the recording premiere of one of the most important and influential American groups in the history of rock, The Doors will receive a trio of enormously significant honors.

Later this year, influential music icon Perry Farrell (Jane's Addiction, Lollapalooza) will release a much-anticipated track from his new album called "Woman in the Window," a song that features an unreleased, never-before-heard Jim Morrison vocal. The rousing anthem is the theme song for Global Cool, an organization which, through its website www.global-cool.com, and celebrity participation through live concerts, web casts, SMS messaging, PSAs, and personal appearances provides an opportunity for the education, entertainment and local communities to combat global warming -- continuing in The Doors tradition of creating music that relates to universal themes.

On Sunday, February 11th, The Recording Academy(R) will present The Doors with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award during the 49th Grammy(R) Awards Ceremony. The Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on CBS at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

On Wednesday, February 28th, the band will be honored with the unveiling of a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, in front of the Virgin Megastore at Hollywood and Highland, adjacent to the famed Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

On Friday, May 25th, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, OH, will open its major exhibit of the year: "Break On Through -- The Lasting Legacy Of The Doors." The exhibit will examine the career and impact of The Doors with a display of one-of-a-kind artifacts, original manuscripts, rare concert posters, photographs and video. Previous exhibits have headlined artists such as Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Bob Dylan.

The honors follow the November 2006 releases of the Perception boxed set from Rhino Records/Elektra Records, featuring all six of The Doors' studio albums, and the coffee table book The Doors By The Doors (Hyperion), the first authorized autobiography by the band, written with Ben Fong-Torres. On March 27, for the first time, Rhino Records will release all six of The Doors' studio albums with Jim Morrison individually as single-disc releases and digital downloads featuring brand new mixes of each album plus bonus tracks.

Source: The Doors

 

Nickelodeon's The Naked Brothers Band Rock in the Ratings and Earn Network its Highest Rated Premiere in Seven Years

Back-to-Back Premiere Episodes Reach Nearly Five Million Total Viewers and Earn Number-One Spot in Respective Time Periods on All of Television with Kids and Tweens

All New Episode 'Nat Is a Stand-Up Guy,' with Guest Star George Lopez, Premieres Saturday, February 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT; Saturday's Premiere Episodes Available on iTunes Today

The Naked Brothers Band Performs Well on Multiple Platforms Generating Almost 15 Million Streams on TurboNick this Year, 2.6 Million Game Plays Online and 25,000 iTunes Downloads for 'Crazy Car'

NEW YORK, Feb. 6 Nickelodeon's new "mockumentary" comedy series The Naked Brothers Band, which premiered with two back-to-back episodes on Saturday, February 3 at 8:30 and 9 p.m. (ET/PT), rocked with kids and reached a total of 4.7 million total viewers (P2+), delivering the network's highest-rated series premiere in seven years with kids 6-11. In addition, both telecasts ranked number-one in rating in their respective time periods on all of television (broadcast and cable) with kids and tweens, topping shows such as NBC's Law and Order: SVU and ABC's airing of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.

"The Naked Brothers Band is kid-genius at its best and we had no doubt that it would be an immediate hit with kids," said Tom Ascheim, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Nickelodeon Television. "We're extremely pleased with the premiere performance and look forward to the series continuing to rock."

The 9 p.m. telecast, "The Wolff Brothers Cry Wolf," was Nickelodeon's highest series premiere in seven years with kids 6-11 (since Caitlin's Way in 2000), earning a 10.0/2.0 million, up +68% versus last year's airing of All That. In addition, it earned a 7.3/1.5 million tweens 9-14 (up +57% over last year), a 7.6/2.5 million kids 2-11 (+62%), and 3.8 million total viewers (+47%).

At 8:30 p.m., The Naked Brothers Band "VMA's" averaged a 9.4/1.9 million kids 6-11, a 7.3/2.4 million kids 2-11, and a 6.6/1.3 million tweens 9-14. Among total viewers, the 8:30 p.m. play earned 3.5 million total viewers (P2+).

The next episode of The Naked Brothers Band, guest starring George Lopez, premieres on Nick on Saturday, February 10, 8:30 p.m. ET/PT. In "Nat is a Stand-Up Guy," Nat sets out to prove he has a sense of humor by trying his hand at stand-up comedy after the band's video director misinterprets one of his songs. When his jokes fall flat, Lopez helps him realize that the best material is right in his own home.

The episodes which premiered this past Saturday are available on iTunes beginning today. Even before hitting the television screen, The Naked Brothers Band performed well on a variety of platforms. The first single from The Naked Brothers Band series, "Crazy Car," received almost 25,000 downloads on iTunes in just two weeks of release. On TurboNick, Nickelodeon's broadband video player on Nick.com, The Naked Brothers Band has generated almost 15 million streams since January 1 (through February 4). It is the number-one message board on Nick.com with 1.9 million hits. In addition, the launch of the online game "Ready to Rock" on Jan. 15 has, to date, generated 2.6 million game plays. And the series raked in 36,500 podcasts on Nick.com.

Naked Brothers Band - The Movie will be released on DVD in Spring 2007 and will include a number of exciting bonus features for fans, such as an exclusive, extended play CD sampler with music tracks from the movie.

Inspired by the Wolff siblings' real-life, preschool-born band, The Naked Brothers Band follows a world-famous rock group, chronicling their fame, friendship, temporary break-up and adolescent experiences. The cameras track the charismatic, rock stars -- led by dreamy, sensitive singer-songwriter Nat, 12, and energetic, unabashedly adorable drummer Alex, 9 -- on and off stage, focusing, too, on their celebrity lifestyle with all of its perks and problems. Featured as well are the Wolff boys' real-life friends and band mates from pre-school days: cellist Thomas (Thomas Matuello) and keyboard player David (David Levi), along with guitarist Qaasim (Qaasim Middleton) and bassist -- Nat's crush -- Rosalina (Allie DiMeco). Cooper (Cooper Pillot), the band's pint-sized manager, completes the tween troop, and Jesse (Jesse Draper) is Nat and Alex's ditzy tutor/babysitter and real-life cousin.

Creator/executive producer/writer/director Polly Draper (thirtysomething) doubles as off-camera mom to Nat and Alex Wolff, who play superstar band leaders and write and perform all of the show's original music. Celebrated jazz musician/composer Michael Wolff (The Arsenio Hall Show) -- the stars' real-life dad and Draper's husband -- keeps it all in the family but plays against type as the screen tweens' musically inept father and serves as the series' music supervisor/co-executive producer. Albie Hecht (The Rugrats Movie, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events) is executive producer of the series in association with Nickelodeon Television.

Nickelodeon, in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 92 million households and has been the number-one- rated basic cable network for almost 12 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE: VIA.B) .

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