Entertainment,Arts,Fashion & Technology
Feb 19
The Diamond Information Center Hosts CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007 at Soho House LA February 19 - 22
Oscar-winning Actress Mira Sorvino to Serve as Diamond Hostess of Private Week-long Celebration Featuring a World-Class Africa-Inspired Diamond Spa and Retreat for 2007 Oscar Nominees and Presenters
Fred Leighton Showcases $50 Million of Amazing Diamond Jewelry Collection
Today the Diamond Information Center (DIC) opened its annual pre-Oscar event, CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007, an exclusive invitation-only week-long celebration for 2007 Oscar nominees and presenters at Soho House LA. Set to take place February 19 - 22, this event is an ode to the origins of diamonds, featuring a world-class Africa-inspired diamond spa and retreat that celebrity guests can indulge in and embrace the blissful aura of diamonds.
"Diamonds have been a longtime Hollywood tradition," said Sally Morrison, director of The Diamond Information Center. "This year, diamonds are once again, shining bigger and brighter than ever before and we're delighted for 2007 Oscar nominees and presenters to pamper themselves at the CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair, which has been specially designed to honor them during this exciting week leading up to the Oscars."
For centuries, diamonds have offered significant healing powers to the body, mind and spirit. At CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007, celebrity guests will be treated to two new spa treatments created by Napa Valley's The Carneros Inn. Designed to restore clarity, relaxation and an overall sense of renewal, The African Rough Diamond Mineral Ritual & Massage and Warm Kimberlite Stone Hand & Food Massage treatments have been created to reflect the healing traditions of South Africa. In addition, Dr. Elliot Ndlovu, a spiritual (sangoma) and medicinal healer (inyanga) will be on hand from South Africa's Fordoun Spa. He has traveled thousands of miles to guide Oscar nominees and presenters through a traditional African ceremony involving mediation and relaxation.
Renowned jeweler Fred Leighton will also showcase $50 million of diamonds in an amazing, never-before-seen private diamond collection at CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007. In celebration of the love affair between diamonds and Hollywood, the jewels pay tribute to the treasures of romantic figures of the past as well as the wish lists of today's starlets. The selection of museum-quality diamonds features exquisite pieces ranging from a French Crown Jewel to the pink diamond hoops worn in The Devil Wears Prada to several diamond pieces featured in Marie Antoinette.
In addition to partaking in the spa treatments, guests will also be giving something back to the community where diamonds originate -- Africa. Guests attending DIC's event will be taking home an Isibindi Diamond Medallion from Mia & Kompany. Proceeds from this special gift benefits Isibindi, a community-based child and youth care project in South Africa that raises support for the nearly two million children in South Africa who are left to fend for themselves in child-headed households due to the AIDS epidemic.
"I am very pleased to be a part of Diamond Information Center's 'CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair,'" said Mira Sorvino, Oscar-winning actress. "Not only because of the beautiful diamonds and the unique African inspired diamond spa and retreat, but most importantly because this event raises money for children who need it most: A portion of the proceeds from each beautiful Isibindi Diamond Medallion presented to our guests directly benefits child orphans in South Africa whose parents have died or are dying of AIDS. The Isibindi project teaches child orphans the necessary skills so that they may remain with their siblings and receive ongoing nurturing care in their family home."
Source: Diamond Information Center
Indian Actress in American Lesbian Film - Post Bollywood Controversy!
Famous Indian actress Purva Bedi has signed on to do a controversial film, where her role as a lesbian has become the center of attention.
Bollywood actress Perizaad Zorabian made international headlines when she turned down the role due to her "own personal inhibitions about playing a lesbian," even as she acknowledged, "Kiran is a fantastic role for any actor who has the courage to think with an open mind." http://www.afterellen.com/Movies/2006/12/kiran.html
One of America's first South Asian-American actresses to hit the silver screen, Purva Bedi made quite an impact on all of us when she appeared in the cult hit "AMERICAN DESI." It can be said that she broke a lot of barriers that some newer South Asian-American actresses are now enjoying the benefits of. It was a risk that paid off with roles in the films Cosmopolitan, Green Card Fever and various appearances in television shows including Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Alias and ER. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0066072/
Some would say that Bedi has taken another chance in accepting the lead role in ARYA-fame director Manan Singh Katohora's cross-cultural film "WHEN KIRAN MET KAREN." Interracial lesbian relationships are not common in popular media, and neither are roles in which a woman from the traditionally conservative world of Bollywood explores her sexuality. However concerns on behalf of prominent Indian actresses that the role would prejudice their Bollywood careers if they took it on have not fazed Indian-American Bedi, who said the decision to play the lead was a relatively quick and easy one, stating, "I wanted to make this movie because it tells a story that in the Indian diaspora has rarely been shared. In India, lesbianism is not only a taboo subject, but previous films based on the subject have bombed at the box office. This is one reason actresses there are reluctant to play these parts and one more reason for me to take the scary plunge of doing something that might fail but might also increase the possibilities of the roles Bollywood actresses are willing to accept and stories filmmakers want to tell." http://www.outinperth.com/Life/Arts/view_fullstory.php?id=62
With the astounding success of Independent movies like Water, Brokeback Mountain, Fire -- Katohora is very hopeful about the film.
Source: Wacky Wednesday, LLC
Web site: http://www.whackywednesday.com/
Fashion's Elite Design Catwalk Jewels for Swarovski's Runway Rocks During Oscar Week
Swarovski Sparkles During Oscar Week With Runway Rocks Over 20 of the World's Most Talented Designers Create Unique Catwalk Jewels for Fashion Runway Show
WHAT: Swarovski, the world leader in cut crystal, debuts catwalk
jewelry with its signature event at ACE Gallery in Los Angeles
on February 20th, Runway Rocks, a collection of one-of-a-kind
jewels created especially for the runway by the world's leading
names in fashion and design.
The designers participating in this year's show have crafted
their ultimate vision of jewelry for the catwalk: a couture
piece that perfectly fuses fashion, jewelry and the mood of the
moment.
Runway Rocks -- launched in London in 2003 -- has traveled to
Paris, New York, Barcelona and Tokyo, and comes to Los Angeles
for the first time this year.
WHO: The Runway Rocks show, styled by Patricia Field, will include
designs from Cate Adair, Christopher Kane, Tae Ashida, Shaun
Leane and Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen, Tarina Tarantino
and more.
Celebrities expected to attend include: Zac Posen, Alexandra
Holden, Nia Long, Alex von Furstenberg, Ellen Pompeo, Minnie
Driver, Tea Leoni, Marcia Gay Harden, Courtney Love, Kristin
Cavaleri, Fran Drescher, Tara Reid, Ron Livingston, Cheryl
Tiegs, Deborah Anderson and more.
Red carpet arrivals, celebrity and designer soundbites, fashion
runway and jewelry footage and soundbites with Nadia Swarovski,
V.P. of International Communication.
WEBCAST: To watch live streaming coverage of the show, visit
www.swarovskisparkles.tv
February 20, 2007 / 10:30 PM Eastern (7:30 PM Pacific)
MORE: Celebrities who chose Daniel Swarovski accessories for various
awards-related activities last year include: Madonna, Teri
Hatcher, Kristin Davis and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Jennifer
Lopez, Beyonce, Sharon Stone and Penelope Cruz were also seen
sparkling on the red carpet in Swarovski. For further
information, visit www.swarovskisparkles.com.
Web site: http://www.swarovskisparkles.com/
http://www.swarovskisparkles.tv/
Hard Rock International Announces Kick-Off of 2007 Ambassadors of Rock Tour
Aerosmith to Headline First Concert in Worldwide Series
Today, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of legendary rock group Aerosmith announced plans for one of the U.K.'s most- anticipated concert events and the kick-off to Hard Rock International's 2007 Ambassadors of Rock Tour. Tyler and Perry made a special appearance at the famous Hard Rock Cafe London to announce that Aerosmith will headline Hard Rock Presents Hyde Park Calling in June - the first concert of Hard Rock's second annual Ambassadors of Rock Tour, a global concert series featuring top artists and bands, benefiting charities worldwide.
Last summer, London's Hyde Park enjoyed two unforgettable days of timeless music, as The Who and Roger Waters headlined the first shows of Hard Rock's inaugural Ambassadors of Rock Tour.
Hard Rock Presents Hyde Park Calling 2007 will be held on Saturday, June 23rd and Sunday, June 24th, 2007, and will feature two stages and more than a dozen artists. Aerosmith, in the midst of the band's first European tour in more than a decade, will headline the Sunday show.
"Hard Rock is thrilled to be the presenting partner for Hyde Park Calling, and we are delighted to announce that one of the world's greatest rock bands - Aerosmith - will be our headlining act," said Hamish Dodds, president and CEO, Hard Rock International. "Ambassadors of Rock is a truly global promotion that helps bring together Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos worldwide through the universal language of rock."
Pack Your Bags and Get A Passport!
Once again, as part of the global celebration, one lucky consumer and their guest will have the chance to live the life of a rock star, traveling the world to Hard Rock's Ambassadors of Rock concerts. In addition to the kick-off event in London, the Ambassadors of Rock Tour will include shows featuring top artists in Dubai; New York; Las Vegas; Hollywood, Florida; Mexico City; Caracas; Buenos Aires; Singapore; Tokyo; and Osaka. Concert details and additional events will be announced this spring. Last year, grand-prize winner Alison Swengel from Altamonte Springs, Fla. logged thousands of frequent flyer miles taking in eight shows around the world. Consumers will be able to enter the sweepstakes via www.hardrock.com.
Hard Rock Presents Hyde Park Calling
Hyde Park Calling, a two-day festival being held on June 23rd and 24th, will be one of London's premier music events, with more than a dozen top bands performing on two stages.
On June 24th, timeless rock legend Aerosmith will take the stage. Additional artists will be announced and tickets for the festival are available at www.hydeparkcalling.co.uk.
In addition to renowned bands and an on-site Hard Rock Cafe, the festival will include a market area, performance art, a healing area and a "chill out" zone.
Philanthropy will also be an important part of Hard Rock's global tour, as each Ambassador of Rock event will benefit a local charity, including a V.I.P. party at Hard Rock Cafe London benefiting the Nordoff-Robbins Foundation.
About Hard Rock International
With 124 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes, seven Hotel & Casinos and one stand- alone Casino in 46 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally-recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by The Rank Group Plc (RNK.L). For more information on Hard Rock, visit www.hardrock.com.
Source: Hard Rock International
Web site: http://www.hardrock.com/
http://www.hydeparkcalling.co.uk/
LIFE AND DEATH
A Clothing Line with a Unique Artistic Expression for Men and Women
Los Angeles, CA – Life & Death is a new line of edgy yet wearable pieces, acting as a quintessential urban skin for the fashion conscious this season. A high-end fashion concept where life fuses with death and fashion meets art.
– is a new line of edgy yet wearable pieces, acting as a quintessential urban skin for the fashion conscious this season. A high-end fashion concept where life fuses with death and fashion meets art.Life & Death is the latest line to come from Antik Denim creators, Philipe Naouri and Alexandre Caugant. The renowned design duo have collaborated with artist Cynthia Tello, in order to create this original line. The collaborative collection flaunts an impressive assortment of fashionable lightweight knit separates, graphic tees, leggings, tops and dresses as well as beautiful graphic silk scarves. Cashmere , leather, and of course, the universal strength of designer American denim, will soon be added to the collection.
is the latest line to come from Antik Denim creators, Philipe Naouri and Alexandre Caugant. The renowned design duo have collaborated with artist Cynthia Tello, in order to create this original line. The collaborative collection flaunts an impressive assortment of fashionable lightweight knit separates, graphic tees, leggings, tops and dresses as well as beautiful graphic silk scarves. Cashmere , leather, and of course, the universal strength of designer American denim, will soon be added to the collection.Life & Death designs revive the past and stylishly connect people in the present. Based on the belief that fashion is inspired by our surroundings and that fashion is the street, the designers have made their focus “the people”. The theme of our biology acting as the blueprint of our existence is the inspiration for Tello’s hand drawn art work, which provides a dark and dreamy aesthetic. Most importantly, Life & Death is extremely wearable and can be easily infused into anyone’s wardrobe.
designs revive the past and stylishly connect people in the present. Based on the belief that fashion is inspired by our surroundings and that fashion is the street, the designers have made their focus “the people”. The theme of our biology acting as the blueprint of our existence is the inspiration for Tello’s hand drawn art work, which provides a dark and dreamy aesthetic. Most importantly, is extremely wearable and can be easily infused into anyone’s wardrobe.Many of the pieces are made from the finest fabrics, such as micro modal which is notorious for its luxurious and soft texture. Life & Death denim is fabulous not only for its cut, wash, and style, but also because the denim is completely seamless to any onlookers. This seamless quality ensures that Life & Death is a quintessential fashion label this season, revealing a transparency to celebrate life in one’s own skin.
As unique as the eclectic strands that make up our human DNA universally, Life & Death’s color palette for Spring 07 consists of dark and murky tones such as black, purple, blues, and greens that are infused with sharp metallics, bold yellows and vibrant pink shades. For their fashion launch in Los Angeles during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Life & Death’s runway models were styled in various layered looks and the eclectic range gives off an edgy rock and roll vibe. Highlights from the most recent show included Life & Death’s flowy tops and dresses which provided an ethereal touch to the runways this season.
Life and Death is available at Neiman Marcus and Harvey Nichols.
is available at Neiman Marcus and Harvey Nichols.
Frantic Films Part of Nominated Team for Its First Academy Award
Frantic Films, one of Canada's pre-eminent visual effects and live action production houses, is pleased to announce its nomination for two 2007 Academy Awards. The company is being recognized for its work on Superman Returns and Poseidon.
"We are thrilled to be nominated alongside some of the visual effects industry's biggest names," said Ken Zorniak, Frantic's COO & VFX Executive Producer. "Our team worked incredibly hard on Superman for 3 years; these nominations are extremely rewarding."
Frantic was put in charge of six sequences on Superman Returns, comprising some 140 shots in addition to developing key elements such as Kryptonite. For some of those, its artists had to start from less than scratch to create full photorealistic 3D shots. "People outside the industry might not realize that the scenes on Lex Luthor's yacht were shot on a sound stage -- we were asked to add the ocean," Zorniak remembers. "We just weren't satisfied with the available software on the market -- so our research and development team created a program called Flood Surf(TM) that was used to create digital ocean environments."
For Poseidon, Frantic's work preceded even the main visual effects assignments, coming during a phase of film-making called previsualization. "It really helps a director and a VFX Supervisor to communicate their vision to cast and crew to have previz shots that are as accurate and believable as possible," said Zorniak. Frantic did all the previz work on Poseidon, but perhaps the most dramatic shot was the ship's fateful ocean rollover. Frantic was able to generate realistic details of the ship's interior and exterior during the rollover, setting the tone for the film's marquee visual effects sequence, that ultimately was created by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM).
Looking to the future, Frantic Films is focusing its attention on the upcoming stereo 3D epic, Journey 3D slated for release in the summer of 2008.
Frantic Films is an innovative production company, providing state-of-the- art animation, visual effects, live-action and commercial services for film and television, with offices in Winnipeg, Vancouver, B.C., Los Angeles, CA and Sydney.
Source: Frantic Films
Web site: http://www.franticfilms.com/
Pasadena Playhouse Receives Donation From Acclaimed Architect Frank Gehry to Begin a Two-Phase Design Project of the Carrie Hamilton Theatre in Honor of Carol Burnett and Her Late Daughter
Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director; Brian Colburn, Managing Director; Tom Ware, Producing Director) announced today that renowned architect, Frank Gehry, will begin a two-phase pro bono design project of the Playhouse's Carrie Hamilton Theatre. Gehry generously volunteered his time and expertise in honor of his long-time friend, Pasadena Playhouse Board Member Carol Burnett and Carol's late daughter Carrie Hamilton.
"Our newest Board Member, Carol Burnett, is responsible for the great honor of initiating our association with Frank Gehry. This collaboration is a clear validation of where Pasadena Playhouse is at this moment in its long and illustrious history," said Sheldon Epps. "Frank's generous gift has created a new excitement, recognition, and fresh possibilities for both our current capital campaign and our future plans. I look forward to this project as the beginning of a relationship which will be of great benefit to the Playhouse and to the Los Angeles theatre community."
Frank Gehry's interior designs include the Norton Simon Museum (Pasadena, California) and the DZ Bank Building (Berlin, Germany). His theatre design work includes Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles, California), Bard College Center for the Performing Arts (Annandale-On-Hudson, New York) and the REDCAT Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (Los Angeles, California).
Mr. Gehry's design project for the Carrie Hamilton Theatre will involve two phases. The first phase is the imminent redesign of the interior of the existing Carrie Hamilton Theatre located on the second level of Pasadena Playhouse. The second phase features a proposed 300-seat Carrie Hamilton Theatre as part of the Playhouse's long-range strategic plan. Design plans and details for phases one and two will be available at later dates.
"Frank and I have been friends for close to 25 years. A few months ago, we were out to dinner and Frank brought up the subject of the Carrie Hamilton Theatre, he'd read about it. Out of the blue, he volunteered to donate his talent to these projects -- my jaw dropped," recalled legendary comedienne, Carol Burnett.
Ms. Burnett is most beloved for her variety series, "The Carol Burnett Show," which ran for 11 years and won 22 Emmy Awards.
"I got to know Carol Burnett as a very generous, wonderful person. And while I didn't know her daughter, I knew the anxieties that Carol was experiencing during Carrie's illness. When I heard that Pasadena wanted to name the small theater the Carrie Hamilton Theatre, I almost spontaneously said I should help Carol realize it and make it something special," added Frank Gehry.
Currently, the Playhouse is raising funds to complete an $8.5 million capital campaign to renovate this beautiful historic landmark theatre and rejuvenate the Carrie Hamilton Theatre, which was dedicated in honor of Carol Burnett's late daughter in July 2006. This performance space was designed to engage diverse audiences, ensure that live theatre is available to new audiences, reduce barriers to the theatre experience, and to sustain the art form through the mentoring of young and emerging artists. Existing programs include the readings series, Hothouse at the Playhouse; the Directors Lab West, which develops emerging playwrights, directors and actors; and artists- in-residence, Furious Theatre Company. With this theatre, Carrie's infinite passion for life and the arts will find a permanent home.
Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theatre of California, is committed to cultural and theatrical diversity. This commitment is reflected in featuring Tony and Pulitzer award-winning plays as well as in outreach and artistic programs. Last season, the Playhouse broke box office records with acclaimed productions of August Wilson's Fences, starring Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett, and the world premiere musical Sister Act, by Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken.
ABOUT CARRIE HAMILTON:
Actor, playwright, screenwriter, singer/songwriter and musician Carrie Louise Hamilton was the daughter of actor Carol Burnett and the late producer Joe Hamilton. She was born in New York City and raised in Los Angeles. As her many friends will attest, Carrie was a force of nature, a shooting star who lived with a joyous appetite for life and a deep concern for humanity.
The role for which she first began to receive national attention was in the television series Fame. Her feature film credits include: Ralph Bakshi's Cool World, Tokyo Pop, and Shag. She also wrote and/or directed the short films, Defying The Stars and Lunchtime Thomas. For the latter she won The Women In Film Award at the 2001 Latino Film Festival.
Carrie's theatre career included an acclaimed starring role as Maureen in the first national touring company of Rent. She conceived the idea of writing a play based on her mother's best-selling memoir, "One More Time." Together they wrote Hollywood Arms, directed by Hal Prince, which premiered at Chicago's Goodman Theatre and went to Broadway shortly after Carrie died of cancer on January 20, 2002 at the age of 38.
Source: Pasadena Playhouse
CHILDREN OF MEN Wins Cinematographer Awards
NIGHTMARES AND DREAMSCAPES and SMALLVILLE Claim TV Honors
Emmanuel Lubezki, ASC, AMC took top honors in the feature film competition for CHILDREN OF MEN here last night at the 21st Annual American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Outstanding Achievement Awards at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel.
This is the first ASC Award for Lubezki, who was nominated along with Dick Pope, BSC for THE ILLUSIONIST; Robert Richardson, ASC for THE GOOD SHEPHERD; Dean Semler, ASC, ACS for APOCALYPTO; and Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC for THE BLACK DAHLIA. The award was presented by Tim Allen, who noted, "All of these artists contributed their talent for writing with light and motion to each story."
David James Elliott presented John Stokes, ACS with the top award in the television movie/miniseries/pilot competition for the TNT miniseries NIGHTMARES AND DREAMSCAPES: FROM THE STORIES OF STEPHEN KING ("Umney's Last Case"). Beau Bridges presented David Moxness, CSC with the episodic TV award for The CW's SMALLVILLE ("Arrow").
Nominees in the television movie/miniseries/pilot category included Thomas Del Ruth, ASC for the pilot of STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP; Adam Kane for the HEROES pilot; Walt Lloyd, ASC for THE LIBRARIAN: RETURN TO KING SOLOMON'S MINES; and Bill Roe, ASC for the DAY BREAK pilot.
Nominees in the episodic category were Eagle Egilsson for CSI: MIAMI, Nathan Hope for CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Gale Tattersall for HOUSE M.D., and Roe with a second nomination for an episode of DAY BREAK.
Charlize Theron presented Allen Daviau, ASC with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Daviau has earned Oscar nominations for E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, THE COLOR PURPLE, AVALON, THE EMPIRE OF THE SUN and BUGSY. Theron, who starred in THE ASTRONAUT'S WIFE with Daviau behind the lens, said, "It was a beautiful experience. It was like watching a great artist paint."
Universal Studios President and Chief Operating Officer Ron Meyer presented Ron Howard with the ASC Board of Governors Award, which is presented annually to an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to advancing the art of filmmaking.
Martin Scorsese honored Michael Ballhaus, ASC (THE DEPARTED, GANGS OF NEW YORK) with the organization's International Achievement Award. Joseph Sargent presented his long-time collaborator Donald M. Morgan, ASC (SOMETHING THE LORD MADE, WALKOUT) with the Career Achievement in Television Award. Richard Benjamin bestowed the ASC Presidents Award to Gerald Hirschfeld, ASC (MY FAVORITE YEAR, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN).
The ASC John Alonzo Heritage Award was presented to two student filmmakers, Brian Melton from the North Carolina School of the Arts and Lyle Vincent from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Alonzo shot such classics as HAROLD AND MAUDE, LADY SINGS THE BLUES, NORMA RAE and SCARFACE.
The ASC Outstanding Achievement Awards were inaugurated in 1987 for the purpose of recognizing and inspiring the quest for artistry in narrative filmmaking. There are currently some 290 members from many countries around the world, and another 145 associates in allied fields. For information, visit the ASC Web site at www.theasc.com.
(Oscar is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.)
Source: American Society of Cinematographers
Web site: http://www.theasc.com/
MINI USA Launches New Online Film Series: 'Hammer & Coop'
Six action-packed viral videos featuring young Hollywood talent to debut over the next month
Following a number of mysterious appearances on movie screens and billboards across the country, today MINI USA finally offered an answer to the burning question: Who are "Hammer & Coop"?! MINI USA officially unveiled the project - a highly stylized series of web- based films about a new action hero ("Hammer") and his souped-up sidekick ("Coop") - on the website www.hammerandcoop.com. Each webisode promises action, adventure and intrigue, and is sure to keep online audiences riveted to their computer screens. All six films, which will be rolled-out over the next month, were directed by Todd Phillips (Old School, Starsky & Hutch) and starring actor Bryan Callen.
The first two "webisodes" of the viral series debuted online today to coincide with the launch of the new 2007 MINI. Over the next month, the following four will be released - in addition to a mock music video for Asia's "Heat of the Moment," a popular 80s song featured in the last webisode of the series. All of the films were approached with the same level of enthusiasm as any Hollywood endeavor - hiring a cast and crew of over 70 people, including top actors, a world-famous director, and professional stunt men. From February 22 through March 23, cinema trailers will be showing in nearly 1900 theaters nationwide.
"MINI is so much more than a brand; it is a lifestyle," said Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA. "MINI enthusiasts embody the same sense of creativity, passion, fun, and lust for life that went into the making of these films. MINI owners are also a highly interactive online community, so we are looking forward to the reaction from people around the country, who will undoubtedly enjoy these films and share them with friends."
The nationwide campaign also includes an array of unique and fun creative components. In addition to the visually engaging billboards that will be unveiled in Miami, Los Angeles and New York City, the creative team of Butler, Shine, Stern and Partners (MINI USA's ad agency) has worked with MINI to create movie posters, print ads, a MySpace page, YouTube strategy, and a number of fun accessories for purchase online - including iron-on logos for tee-shirts, vintage lunchboxes, and gear inspired by the series.
"Working with MINI USA allows us to stretch creatively and expand on concepts that other, more conservative companies might shy away from," said John Butler, Executive Creative Director and Founding Partner at Butler, Shine, Stern and Partners, MINI USA's ad agency. "The result is always very fun and interactive. In a nutshell, very MINI."
The "Hammer & Coop" campaign also involves groundbreaking media partnerships, including a Rolling Stone flip-issue due to hit newsstands in early March. The magazine's first-ever flip-issue will feature "Hammer & Coop" on both the back and front cover, in addition to 10 full-color pages within the magazine. The March issues of popular men's magazines MAXIM, Stuff, and Blender will feature "Hammer & Coop" in an 8-page fashion spread, styled and shot by world-famous fashion director Stan Williams - and in addition, Premiere magazine has also created a faux cover for their March issue, including 5 pages of editorial coverage written and designed by magazine staff. And for the first time in the magazine's history, Men's Health will integrate the campaign into their highly-read monthly workout poster.
"For the next six weeks, as the webisodes launch and more of the plot is revealed, audiences will get to know the real story behind Hammer & Coop," said Trudy Hardy, Marketing Manager for MINI USA. "The goal is to effectively engage consumers in the brand by offering an ongoing, interactive dialogue that will keep them coming back for more and interested in future MINI projects."
The campaign will also have a prominent place in the viral community, leveraging unique partnerships with digital media in addition to print and broadcast. Starting this month, "Hammer & Coop" will have a solid presence on popular online sites Second Life, MySpace and YouTube. The characters will be incorporated into Second Life's "online society" on March 15, the trailer and video components will be available on YouTube after February 20, and a custom profile has been created for "Hammer & Coop" on the popular social networking site MySpace. In addition, advertising content will be available on podcasts and mobile phones (through iPod Infuse and Mobile Video on Demand).
MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC which has been present in the United States since 1975. ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car centers, 334 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 80 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:
www.bmwgroupna.com www.bmwusa.com www.bmwmotorradusa.com www.miniusa.com www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
Source: MINI USA
Web site: http://www.hammerandcoop.com/
MTVN's Nickelodeon Introduces Unprecedented Kid-Driven User-Generated Entertainment Platform - Nickelodeon's ME:TV - February 19
Kids Can Upload Original Content Online to be featured in New Live, Convergent and Interactive Day Part, Airing Daily from 5 to 7 p.m. ET/PT, Marrying Nickelodeon's TurboNick Broadband Site with Nickelodeon Television
Continuing its lead in providing the most innovative entertainment content for today's multiplatform generation of kids, Nickelodeon today launches the first-ever TV programming block featuring user-generated content provided by kids. Nickelodeon's ME:TV integrates Nick.com and TurboNick, Nickelodeon's broadband player, with Nickelodeon television to let kids help program the TV block themselves with their own original content uploaded online. The block airs live Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. ET/PT. Nickelodeon is a division of Viacom's (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks.
Nickelodeon's ME:TV is fully interactive, providing a home for all network convergent online and television events. Hosted by Alexandra Gizela and Jordan Carlos, each day the block will feature four kids live via web cam, online voting, gaming, giveaways and celebrity guests.
"We have always been about empowering kids, and with ME:TV we are essentially letting them program Nickelodeon for two hours every day," said Tom Ascheim, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Nickelodeon Television. "Nickelodeon's ME:TV is you TV. It gives us the opportunity to showcase the talents of our audience and give life to the content that they are creating. It is the next step in convergent entertainment for this multiplatform generation of kids."
Nickelodeon's ME:TV will broadcast live from New York City, and follows in the vein of U-Pick Live and Slimetime Live, featuring a live studio audience. Kids can participate in-studio or from home by the phone, or via on-screen message boards and voting on Nick.com. A new "kid created content" destination -- http://www.nick.com/metv -- allows kids to submit their own original content, and then watch, rate or share it on TurboNick. Nickelodeon will feature the best of kids' work on-air. All kid submitted video content will be completely monitored and moderated, and parental permission is required for any content to appear online or on-air.
Kids can also send a DVD or VHS tape of their original content to Nick by mailing it to:
Nickelodeon's ME:TV PO Box 2700 New York, NY 10108
The first week of Nickelodeon's ME:TV features appearances from New York Jets players D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Kerry Rhodes, a performance by musician Paula DeAnda, Katharine McPhee (American Idol). Also stopping by is PickBoy 2.0, the roving web reporter, who will feature "The Awesome Hour" web cam reports, also available via podcast on Nick.com and iTunes. Of course there will also be tons of interactive games and kid created content, along with Bill Faggerbakke the voice of Patrick Starfish on SpongeBob SquarePants, who will also call into the show to help push his campaign for President. Patrick for President is part of a SpongeBob programming event that kicks off on Monday, February 19 at 5 p.m. ET/PT with a two-hour SpongeBob marathon followed by three all-new back-to-back Patrick themed episodes (7-8:30 p.m.).
Nickelodeon's ME:TV co-host Jordan Carlos is a favorite fixture of the New York alternative comedy scene, and has appeared in a recurring role on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report," as well as on Spike TV, VH-1 and FOX, as well as numerous commercials. He was nominated as the "Best Male Comic" by the Emerging Comics of New York Awards, and was a finalist in NBC's "Stand Up for Diversity" showcase.
Co-host Alexandra Gizela is no stranger to television, with past roles on Comedy Central's Chappelles Show and Stella, Saturday Night Live, a guest starring role on MTV's Human Giant. She was also a participant in ABC's Diversity Showcase in 2006 and has been featured in more than 30 national commercials. Alexandra also maintains a 12 year show business career as a dancer at the New York Theatre Ballet, with dancing experience on world famous stages such as the Metropolitan Opera House.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now 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:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) .
About MTV Networks and Viacom
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 135 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Engaging its audiences through television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom reaches its audiences wherever they consume content. Viacom's leading brands include the multiplatform properties of MTV Networks, including MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 135 networks around the world, as well as digital assets such as Neopets, Xfire and Atom Entertainment; BET Networks; Paramount Pictures; Paramount Home Entertainment; DreamWorks; and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com/.
Source: Nickelodeon
Web site: http://www.nick.com/
http://www.viacom.com/
Doppelganger and Telepictures Productions Launch 'The Tyra Banks Show' Virtual Set
Tyra's Avatar to Host Event in the Studio on Monday, February 19 from 6-8 p.m. PST
-- On Monday, February 19, 2007, Doppelganger and Telepictures Productions launch "The Tyra Banks Show" Virtual Set in the 3D virtual world, The Music Lounge, making "The Tyra Banks Show" the first and only television show in The Music Lounge and leading the way as an innovator in the digital space.
The Music Lounge is a free 3D virtual world where fans can explore a virtual city, chat with their friends, listen to music, and just hang out. Optimized for AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) users, The Music Lounge lets fans design their own avatars, a digital replica of themselves, by customizing everything from their hair to their clothes to their personality all while listening to the latest music. The avatars can dance, smile, laugh, and flirt just like at a party in the real world.
"The Tyra Banks Show" Virtual Set is the latest addition to the Music Lounge's urban landscape. Fans of "The Tyra Banks Show" can hang out on Tyra's virtual stage, chat with other Tyra fans from around the world, attend exclusive events, and interact with talk show host Tyra Banks herself. On Monday, February 12, the show held the first event on the virtual set where Tyra hosted a Post-Grammy Party.
"Tyra's loyal audience and her brand are a perfect fit for this virtual world. This venture also gives the show a new platform for its core audience of teens and young adults to blend the entertainment value of television with the socializing power of the web, which is increasingly becoming an integral component of that audience's daily media mix," said Hilary Estey McLoughlin, President of Telepictures Productions. "Creating this groundbreaking extension of the 'Tyra' brand is indicative of the long-term strength and growth of the show."
"I love writing my journals and reading blog comments from viewers on tyrashow.com, but creating a virtual talk show set and a virtual 'mini-me' allows me to take that interaction to the next level," said talk show host Tyra Banks. "This technology is so amazing. I am blown away by how advanced it is. Viewers can pick their hairstyle, hair color, their clothing, and more. Then they can hang out on the set and chat with other people, a group of friends, or even me. Once viewers try it, they're going to be addicted - I'm so hooked!"
"We're thrilled that Telepictures has chosen us as a partner and we're very excited about giving Tyra's fans a place to hang out online, talk about the show, connect with each other, and enjoy exclusive content and events," said Doppelganger CEO, Tim Stevens.
To join talk show host Tyra Banks on her virtual set, viewers can download the software via the talk show's website, http://www.tyrashow.com/ (as of Friday, February 16 at 5 p.m. PST).
About "The Tyra Banks Show"
"The Tyra Banks Show" gives today's young women the "girlfriend" they want to hang out with, and the role model they need. With hot, young, celebrity guests, a set that's always in fashion, and an original theme song written by pop diva India.Arie that's recently been re-mixed, topical issues, beauty and fashion advice along with field-based social experiments, the show speaks to a new generation of women in a relevant voice.
Originating from Los Angeles, "The Tyra Banks Show" is produced by Bankable Productions and Handprint Entertainment, in association with Telepictures Productions, an industry-leading and Emmy(R) Award-winning producer of reality and reality-based programming. The series is executive produced by Alex Duda, John Redmann, Tyra Banks and Benny Medina. The series is distributed by Warner Bros. Television Distribution.
About Telepictures Productions
Telepictures Productions currently produces six nationally syndicated strips including the freshman season of "The Dr. Keith Ablow Show," the second season of "The Tyra Banks Show," the fourth season of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," winner of three consecutive Daytime Emmy awards for Outstanding Talk Show, the eighth season of "Judge Mathis," the 10th season of "The People's Court," and the 13th season of "Extra." The company also produces the weekly variety show, "Showtime at the Apollo" and the entertainment news website, TMZ.com, and recently announced a TMZ tv show for fall 2007.
About Doppelganger
Doppelganger (formerly Evil Twin Studios) provides next-generation avatar- based virtual worlds in conjunction with entertainment and media companies. The first property from Doppelganger is The Music Lounge (http://www.themusiclounge.com/), which lets music fans chat and interact with their friends in a virtual club while listening to their favorite music. The latest addition to The Music Lounge is the Tyra Banks Virtual Studio where fans of the Tyra Banks show can hang out on Tyra's virtual stage, chat with other Tyra fans from around the world, and attend exclusive events. Doppelganger is a privately-held company based in San Francisco.
Source: Telepictures Productions
Web site: http://www.tyrashow.com/
http://www.themusiclounge.com/
Live Performances Kick-Off the Largest Overseas Chinese New Year Show
The Myths and Legends of China Revealed in Chinese New Year Celebration February 20th at The Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta
Spectacular stage sceneries, lovely heavenly maidens and energetic drummers bring you a fascinating celebration called The Chinese New Year Spectacular -- the largest overseas Chinese New Year show. This cross-cultural inspirational presentation demonstrates a full range of theatrical talents that please the eye, excite the ear, and touch the heart. Early last year, Aaron Cohen, producer at WNYC Radio described this performance as: "Superb! Every performance was stunning ... Amazing, amazing, amazing." The stage, the costumes, the singers, the actors and actresses are all part of this colorful musical celebration that tells a tantalizing and fascinating story of China's culture.
The performing arts have never been so vibrant, so exciting, or as moving as in Myths and Legends, the "Global Chinese New Year Spectacular." Performers have been rehearsing for the huge dance ensembles, seamstresses have spent endless hours creating authentic costumes and set designers have been building fascinating backdrops for this unique event. World-class composers have scored an unusual combination of traditional and contemporary pieces exclusively for this performance. Westerners can enjoy live music accompanying theater. This will be the first occasion for a Chinese symphony orchestra to accompany a performance at the Atlanta Civic Center. Audiences will experience both the splendor of Western symphony and the style of Chinese folk instruments.
The Chinese New Year Spectacular is produced by New Tang Dynasty TV (NTDTV), an independent, nonprofit Chinese-language TV network. In 2004 NTDTV started celebrating the most important holiday of the Chinese people -- the Chinese New Year -- with a grand and unique show. It began in five cities (New York, Washington DC, Toronto, Taipei, and Hong Kong). The 2006 Spectacular was performed in 17 cities worldwide and was ranked 7th out of the top 10 shows by Billboard Magazine. The touring show will be seen in more than 28 cities around the world this year.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com. For tickets ($28-$98) and more information call 1-800-285-show, 404-592-6298, or visit http://www.bestatlantashow.com/. Special discounts available for students, seniors and group tickets.
Source: New Tang Dynasty TV (NTDTV)
Web site: http://www.bestatlantashow.com/
http://www.ntdtv.com/
Feb 18
1. "Ghost Rider," $44.5 million.
2. "Bridge to Terabithia," $22.1 million.
3. "Norbit," $16.8 million.
4. "Music and Lyrics," $14 million.
5. "Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls," $12.1 million.
6. "Breach," $10.4 million.
7. "Hannibal Rising," $5.5 million.
8. "Because I Said So," $5 million.
9. "The Messengers," $3.8 million.
10. "Night at the Museum," $3.7 million.
Rush Returns With "SNAKES & ARROWS"; Rock Legends' First All New Album in Five Years Set to Arrive in Stores on May 1st; "Far Cry" to Impact Radio in March; North American Tour Slated for Summer
Anthem/Atlantic recording group Rush has unveiled details of its upcoming new album, entitled "SNAKES & ARROWS." The renowned rock trio's first new collection of original material in nearly five years, the album will be released on May 1st.
"SNAKES & ARROWS" was recorded in the fall of 2006 with Grammy Award-winner Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Velvet Revolver) and Rush co-producing. The album's first single, "Far Cry," will impact at rock radio outlets nationwide in mid-March.
Rush -- Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart -- will trumpet the release of "SNAKES & ARROWS" with a full-scale North American tour, the band's first since 2004's "An Evening with Rush: 30th Anniversary Tour." Further details about this summer's tour dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
Since releasing its self-titled debut album in 1974, Rush has been universally regarded as one of the most inventive and exciting groups in rock, famed for Lee, Lifeson, and Peart's virtuoso musicianship, epic soundscapes, and dramatic lyricism. The band's extraordinary body of work -- which includes such acclaimed works as 1976's "2112," 1981's "MOVING PICTURES," 1996's "TEST FOR ECHO," and 2002's "VAPOR TRAILS" -- has achieved worldwide sales exceeding 35 million units.
For additional information, please visit: www.rush.com.
DRG Records to Release Judy Garland's 1959 Album "The Letter" on CD for the First Time on March 13th, 2007
-- DRG Records proudly announces the CD debut of Judy Garland's legendary 1959 album, "The Letter," in its entire stereo splendor. Judy Garland made the finest recordings of her career for Capitol Records, but one of her most unique albums, "The Letter," has remained inside their vaults for almost 50 years. Now this album is finally making its digital debut in its entirety on this eagerly anticipated CD which will be released by DRG Records on March 13th, 2007.
Telling the story of a relationship throughout its first meeting, a breakup, then reconciliation, "The Letter" contains narration of a letter written to Garland by her beau, played by acclaimed Academy Award nominee John Ireland. As Judy reads his letter, her thoughts mend with his, and she answers him musically, through ten songs, crafted by Capitol's main musical master, Gordon Jenkins, a beloved musical arranger & conductor, who also worked with Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.
This new CD was digitally remixed and remastered in 24-bit, directly from the original multi-track stereo session tapes, by David McEowen at Capitol Mastering in Hollywood. The CD's producer Scott Schechter says this digital debut reveals "a warmer, cleaner, brighter sound with much more presence to Garland's great vocals. Wait until you hear her almost operatic sound on some lines, such as 'And You Were Mine.' Your heart will break, with her sounding like she's right in the room with you. 'The Letter' becomes a whole new listening experience." Along with the sparkling sound, "The Letter" features four BONUS tracks, rare single versions of songs meant for radio play in 1959, and a lavish booklet that includes rare artwork and detailed liner notes by Schechter, preeminent Garland-Minnelli authority and author of the book "Judy Garland: The Day-by-Day Chronicle of a Legend."
Tracklisting: 1) Beautiful Trouble 2) Love In The Village 3) Charley's Blues 4) The Worst Kind of Man 5) That's All There Is, There Isn't Any More 6) Love In Central Park 7) The Red Balloon 8) The Fight 9) At The Stroke of Midnight 10) Come Back BONUS TRACKS (Single Versions): 11) Beautiful Trouble (alternate vocal take and musical ending) 12) That's All There Is, There Isn't Any More 13) The Worst Kind of Man (alternate musical ending) 14) The Red Balloon (alternate vocal take and musical ending) Total Playing Time: 47:25
About DRG Records:
For over 25 years, DRG Records has been a leader in Broadway cast recordings, film soundtracks, jazz and legendary cabaret performers. Recently, DRG has taken on a large scale venture in releasing long-out-of-print & first-time-on-CD releases. The label has received numerous Grammy Awards and nominations for its cast recordings and vocalists. DRG is a division of KOCH Records and KOCH Entertainment, the fastest-growing music company and the market leader among independents in North America. For more information on the labels and roster of artists, please visit www.drgrecords.com and www.kochrecords.com.
Art Directors Guild (ADG) Announces Winners of Its 2006 Excellence in Production Design Awards
February 18, 2007 -- The Art Directors Guild (ADG) tonight announced winners of its Excellence in 2006 Production Design Awards in eight categories of film, television and commercials during black-tie ceremonies from the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Honorary awards were presented to Production Designer Dean Tavoularis for Lifetime Achievement, and to Terry Gilliam for Outstanding Contribution to Cinematic Imagery. Art Directors Guild Chairman Thomas A. Walsh presided over the awards ceremony with Steven Weber, serving as host. Presenters for this year's awards included Academy Award® winner Warren Beatty, Academy Award® nominee Annette Bening, Sarah Wayne Callies ("Prison Break"), Charles Durning (Stephen King's "Desperation"), Annabeth Gish (Stephen King's "Desperation"), Golden Globe winner Katherine Helmond, Keegan-Michael Key ("MAD TV"), Catherine O'Hara ("For Your Consideration"), Goran Visnjic ("ER"), and Academy Award® winner Jon Voight.
WINNER OF EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCTION DESIGN FOR A FEATURE FILM IN 2006: Period Film: CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER PD: HUO TINGXIAO Fantasy Film: PAN'S LABYRINTH PD: EUGENIO CABALLERO Contemporary Film: CASINO ROYALE PD: PETER LAMONT WINNERS FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCTION DESIGN IN TELEVISION FOR 2006: Single Camera Television Series: UGLY BETTY - "THE BOX AND THE BUNNY" PD: MARK WORTHINGTON Multiple Camera Television Series: MAD TV - EPISODE 1207 PD: JOHN SABATO Television Movie or Mini-Series: STEPHEN KING'S DESPERATION PD: PHILIP DAGORT Awards Show, Variety or Music Special, or Documentary: 58TH ANNUAL EMMY AWARDS PD: JOHN SHAFFNER & JOE STEWART **WINNER FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCTION DESIGN FOR A COMMERCIAL, PROMO OR PSA: VICTORIA'S SECRET - "SEXY" PD: JEFFREY BEECROFT
During its ceremony tonight ADG inducted five additional legendary Production Designers into its Hall of Fame, bringing the roster to 17. The new inductees are Hilyard Brown, Henry Bumstead, Carroll Clark, Stephen Goosson and Harry Horner.
Sponsors of this year's ADG Awards included Below The Line, Daily Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, ICM, and United Talent Agency. Producers of the Guild's Awards Committee are Tom Wilkins and Scott Meehan. Tarin Wilson and her plan A Events Company produced this year's awards ceremony for ADG.
"Teacher to the Stars" Jay W. Jensen Dies at 75
Mr. Jensen Really Was a "Class Act"
"Teacher to the Stars" Jay W. Jensen died late last night at 75 after a courageous bout with cancer. Jensen, a philanthropist and drama teacher, stars in the documentary "Class Act" which has been screening across America the past year. The film, to be released commercially and on DVD later this year, weaves teacher extraordinaire Jensen's personal story with the fate of arts education in America today.
"My heart is aching," said "Class Act" producer and former Miami Beach High School student Heather Winters ("Super Size Me"). Winters' company Studio-On-Hudson produced the film, and Sara Sackner ("Concrete!"), Miami Beach High alum, directed the film.
"Jay had such an impact on so many students' lives," said Winters. "'Class Act' is a tribute to him and I can only hope that our film inspires people the way Jay inspired and changed so many lives during his lifetime. He was an advocate for arts education and knew the importance and eternal value a good teacher can have on a student's life."
"Jay was more than just my drama teacher," said Winters. "He was instrumental in helping me to become the successful person I am."
"Our Mr. Jensen, our Jay, lived life to the fullest, every moment," said Sackner. "That may sound like a cliché, but with Jay, it's truth. I honor him by sharing an enthusiasm for the arts, education, and human relationships, the heart of his classroom and theater productions. Jay dusted each day with humor and a dash of irony. I miss him terribly."
Many who appear in the documentary share Winters' and Sackner's view of Jensen. The film features a virtual who's who of Hollywood from Jensen's Miami Beach alumni, including actor Andy Garcia, film director Brett Ratner, songwriter Desmond Child, music executive José Behar, Broadway producer Adam Epstein, casting director Debra Zane and sportscaster Roy Firestone.
About Studio-On-Hudson and "Class Act"
Studio-On-Hudson (www.studio-on-hudson.com) is an independent film production company that specializes in the production and financing of independent feature films and documentaries. Studio-On-Hudson also develops narrative feature and television projects.
Founded in 2000 by Producer/Writer Heather Winters and Producing partner Joseph Morley, Studio-On-Hudson executive produced Morgan Spurlock's Academy Award® nominated documentary "Super Size Me." "Class Act" (www.classactthemovie.com) is the second feature-length documentary that re-teams Winters, Morley and Spurlock.
"Class Act" won First Place, Best Documentary, 2006 Rhode Island International Film Festival and Artivist Film Festival's "Spirit" Award for Best Feature film. The film is set to be released commercially later this year and by Hart Sharp Video Fall, 2007 on DVD as part of the new "Morgan Spurlock Presents" line of social issues documentaries.
Ricky Rudd to be Featured on SIRIUS Satellite Radio's 'Fan's Choice'
Broadcast for Sunday's Daytona 500
via COMTEX News Network/
-- SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI), the Official Satellite Radio
Partner of NASCAR, announced today that the in-car audio of Ricky Rudd,
driver of the No. 88 Snickers Ford, has been chosen by the fans to be
featured on SIRIUS' "Fan's Choice" broadcast during the Daytona 500 this
Sunday, February 18.
More than 10,000 fans cast their votes at
http://www.sirius.com/driver2crew this week. As the top vote-getter,
Rudd's in-car audio will be featured during Sunday's race on SIRIUS
channel 140.
Prior to every NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race, fans will be given the
chance to vote for their favorite driver at
http://www.sirius.com/driver2crew. The driver with the most votes will
have his in-car audio broadcast on the "Fan's Choice" channel, one of
up to ten additional Driver2Crew Chatter(TM) channels that SIRIUS will
devote to carrying the in-car audio of up to 10 different race teams for
every NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race in 2007. The additional nine
channels will carry the in-car audio of other drivers based on their place in
the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series standings.
For this weekend's Daytona 500, SIRIUS subscribers can hear the
following:
-- Live race call provided by Motor Racing Network -- channel 128
-- 10 additional Driver2Crew Chatter(TM) channels:
-- Jimmie Johnson in-car audio -- channel 122
-- Tony Stewart in-car audio -- channel 126
-- Dale Earnhardt Jr. in-car audio -- channel 125
-- Jeff Gordon in-car audio -- channel 121
-- Kasey Kahne in-car audio -- channel 114
-- Kevin Harvick in-car audio -- channel 119
-- Matt Kenseth in-car audio -- channel 130
-- Jeff Burton in-car audio -- channel 147
-- Denny Hamlin in-car audio -- channel 144
-- Ricky Rudd in-car audio (Fan's Choice) -- channel 140
On each channel SIRIUS will combine the race broadcast with the
driver-to-crew communications, allowing fans to follow the overall race call
and the in-car audio of a driver on a single channel throughout the
race. Listeners will hear drivers and crew chiefs schedule pit stops and
discuss strategy over audio of the overall race broadcast. When the team
members are not on the radio the audio of the live race broadcast will
come up allowing listeners to follow the entire race uninterrupted.
A lineup of drivers and their channel assignments will be available at
http://www.sirius.com/driver2crew prior to each race. All NASCAR
content is provided to SIRIUS customers at no additional cost over SIRIUS'
monthly subscription fee.
As the Official Satellite Radio Partner of NASCAR, SIRIUS broadcasts
every NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman
Truck Series race live, carrying the broadcasts of Motor Racing Network
(MRN), Performance Racing Network (PRN) and the IMS Radio Network's
broadcast from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
About SIRIUS
SIRIUS, "The Best Radio on Radio," delivers more than 130 channels of
the best programming in all of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only
home of 100% commercial free music channels in satellite radio, offering
69 music channels. SIRIUS also delivers 65 channels of sports, news,
talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official
Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, NASCAR, NBA and NHL, and broadcasts
live play-by- play games of the NFL, NBA and NHL, as well as live NASCAR
races. All SIRIUS programming is available for a monthly subscription
fee of only $12.95.
SIRIUS Internet Radio (SIR) is a CD-quality, Internet-only version of
the SIRIUS radio service, without the use of a radio, for the monthly
subscription fee of $12.95. SIR delivers more than 75 channels of talk,
entertainment, sports, and 100% commercial free music.
SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in
more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City,
Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at
shop.sirius.com.
SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, Bentley, BMW,
Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep(R), Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln,
Mercury, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Rolls
Royce, Scion, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Hertz also offers SIRIUS
in its rental cars at major locations around the country.
Click on http://www.sirius.com to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase
a SIRIUS radio and subscription.
Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to,
expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance
with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical facts
and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve
estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results
to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety
by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2005 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q
for the quarters ended June 30, 2006 and September 30, 2006 filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among the key factors that have
a direct bearing on our operational results are: our dependence upon
third parties, including manufacturers of SIRIUS radios, retailers,
automakers and programming partners, our competitive position and any events
which
affect the useful life of our satellites.
P-SIRI
| Glamourcon Newsletter February 2007 IT'S FINALLY HERE! The Glamourcon 2007 schedule has been finally inked. Come join us for two great shows: Glamourcon 41, August 25 & 26, 2007 Crowne Plaza O'Hare, Rosemont, IL (O'Hare Airport area) Glamourcon 42, October 6 & 7, 2007 New location! Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Los Angeles, CA. (LAX area) We have moved to a new location in Los Angeles! You will really like this nicely upscale venue. Plus, both our hotels still have free airport shuttle service to and from the airport. Once again, we offer free admission*, but only if you stay at the host hotel using the reduced Glamourcon rate. The room block will go fast so, if you want free admission to the show, please book early. You can book your room through the links on our web site or call the hotels directly ( Info Here ). Just make sure you use the proper three letter group code found on our site to receive the reduced Glamourcon rate. If you experience any problems in booking, please contact Bob at bob@glamourcon.com You must register for the official Glamourcon Room Block to receive free admission! *(One free admission per room per day you stay at the hotel to a maximum of two days admission.) EAST COAST SITUATION We worked on several East Coast venues but were not able to find a reasonable deal. We noticed we were not the only major show to have hotel problems in the East. The Glamourcon Promo Team was prepared to attend a large show in January, but their web site says it had to be canceled due to differences with the hotel. It is always unfortunate when hotels fail to recognize the benefits of loyalty in their dealings with large groups. Fortunately, our two current hotels appreciate Glamourcon and the fans. We will continue to seek out a proper deal in the East and will let you know if that materializes. ONE ROOM AND ONE ROOM ONLY Over the years, we have experimented with multiple rooms and have decided that one large room at each show is the best way to go. Fans and vendors told us they like it that way, so that is what we will do. WORKSHOP RESPONSE...WOW!  Thanks to all the photographers that have expressed an interest in our Glamourcon Photography Sessions & Workshops. We knew there was a lot of photographers who attended Glamourcon but we were OVERWHELMED by the tremendous response to our Workshop Newsletter sign up. In the past, photo shoots you may have seen at the shows have been conducted by photographers independent of Glamourcon. However, in 2007, Glamourcon will exclusively produce all of the Glamourcon photography workshops and sessions. If you want to receive our new Workshop Newsletter, you can sign up on our web site. Newsletter subscribers will be the first to get schedule info, special discounts and other "members only" perks. And, of course, subscribing is free and we keep your information private. MORE INFO TO FOLLOW In the next few months, we will provide info on model and vendor updates as well as hotel sponsored parties during Glamourcon. Stay tuned! 
SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR EARLY BIRD VENDORS, MODELS AND PLAYMATES Sign up by Feb. 14, 2007 for our 2007 shows and save a bunch. Contact bob@glamourcon.com for more details. We are only using one room at each hotel and will have only one show in each city so space will sell out fast. Sign up soon to avoid disappointment. REACH YOUR FANS IN COLOR FOR PENNIES AN IMPRESSION Our full color show program has proven to be a great success and one of the best ways to advertise YOUR product and web site to YOUR targeted fans. Ads start at only $50 so contact bob@glamourcon.com for all the details.  |
Feb 17
Happy Chinese New Year – It’s the Year of the Pig! Las Vegas Style
Gung Hay Fat Choy. Happy New Year. February 18, 2007 is the first day of the Chinese New Year, with celebrations lasting 15 days! It’s the Year of the Boar also known as Pig. The most stunning, elegant display for Chinese New Year I have ever seen, is currently at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas.
The Year of the Boar or Pig, is the twelfth sign in the Lunar Cycle and the last in the Chinese zodiac. According to Chinese astrology incorporating the five elements, this year is the year of the fire pig, with fireworks, passion and a great feeling year loaded with excitement.
People born in the year of the boar are known for their friendliness, honesty, simplicity and great fortitude and ones who will apply themselves to a task with reliability. If you’re curious if someone is born in this year, they’ll turn some multiple of 12 this year, thus 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 years old, or so on this year.
The celebration lasts 15 days beginning with the New Moon on the first day and the Full Moon on the last. The Lantern Festival begins on the last day, which is celebrated with children carrying lanterns in a parade.
There are many superstitions and taboos, although we’ll just refer to them as traditions. One of the most favorite traditions growing up is receiving lai see. Children and unmarried friends greet older relatives with “Gung Hay Fat Choy” and receive a little red envelope with a crisp one dollar bill(or more) folded in it, for good fortune. Fortunately for the older relatives, it’s only given once to each. It creates a festive environment.
Another favorite tradition is fireworks. On New Year’s Eve, fireworks are set off to send out the old year (chase away the evil spirits) and welcome in the new year. Fireworks are also set off when new businesses open or during the new year’s celebrations. This is preceded by a familiar cadence of drums and gongs (once you’ve heard it, you’ll know it forever) indicates a huge colorful cloth dragon dancing through the street chasing a sunball or a white pearl ball sometimes accompanied with lion dancers.
The color red is worn for good luck to bring a sunny and bright future. It is believed that appearance and attitude set off the tune for the new year.
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
ZOMBIE’S JOHN 5: NEW RELEASE APRIL 3RD
‘THE DEVIL KNOWS MY NAME’
FEATURING JOE SATRIANI, JIM ROOT & ERIC JOHNSON– Out of the dark passages of John 5’s mind comes this mind-blowing, sinister guitar instrumental. ‘The Devil Knows My Name’ is John 5’s third solo album, due out on April 3rd, 2007, which features guest guitar solo’s from two legendary guitarists – Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson with newer legend in-the-make Jim Root (Slipknot). Keeping time are Zombie band-mates Tommy Clufetos (drums) and Piggy D. (bass). The album was recorded in the middle of night where John 5 would lay down his leads – This is the only album that all leads were doubled - An instrumental feat that is rarely taken on by the best of the guitar players.
‘The Devil Knows My Name’ melds around clues, quotes and references of serial killers, wielding an eerie tone for those who dare to enter the world of John 5’s mind. “I wanted a different tone to the instrumental with twisted imagery of sounds,” explains John 5. “Utilizing serial killers came to light for this project while looking at their crimes and how distorted their minds work.”
Not all is sinister on ‘The Devil Knows My Name’ but there are tunnels to the past greats. John 5 shreds-out his version of Guns N’ Roses ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ and Chet Atkins “Young Thing”. “I chose Welcome To The Jungle for the one reason – when I was becoming successful it was easy to stay in the nest back home, then I saw the video and that made me get up and go to Hollywood.” ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ will be the first release off the album and is hitting the airwaves soon.
John 5 has created a worldwide following as a widely respected guitarist with such platinum artists as Marilyn Manson, David Lee Roth, Rob Halford and now an integral member of Rob Zombie. John 5’s eclectic influences combine for a truly unique guitar oriented record that once again sets new standards in the genre.
Plácido Domingo Announces in Paris the World Premiere of The Fly
Co-production of LA Opera and Théâtre du Châtelet – Paris
A New Opera with Music by Howard Shore
and Libretto by David Henry Hwang
David Cronenberg to Direct
Plácido Domingo to Conduct
(LOS ANGELES, CA) February 16, 2007 – Plácido Domingo, who holds the title of Broad General Director of Los Angeles Opera, and Jean-Luc Choplin, General Manager of the Théâtre du Châtelet, revealed the creative team for the new opera The Fly at a press announcement today in Paris. Based on the 1957 George Langelaan short story and the 1986 David Cronenberg horror film, the opera is composed by Academy Award winner Howard Shore to a libretto written by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang. The Fly will be directed by Mr. Cronenberg, winner of the New York Critics Circle Award and three-time nominee for the Cannes Film Festival’s Golden Palm award, who will make his operatic debut. Plácido Domingo will conduct. The production will feature set designs by Academy Award winner Dante Ferretti and costume designs by Denise Cronenberg, a three-time nominee for Canada’s Genie Award. The Fly will receive its world premiere on July 1, 2008, in Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet, and will then be presented in its U.S. premiere by LA Opera on September 7, 2008, to open the Company’s 2008/09 Season. LA Opera’s performances of The Fly will take place at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles.
The Fly is an engrossing exploration of the physical and psychological transformation in which a brilliant scientist begins to mutate into a hybrid of man and fly after one of his experiments goes horribly wrong. Researcher Seth Brundle makes a stunning breakthrough in the field of matter transportation when he successfully teleports a living creature. Frustrated in his budding romance with a scientific journalist, and in need of a human subject, he recklessly attempts to teleport himself. An unseen fly enters the transmission booth as well, however, and Brundle soon realizes that his experiment has had “mixed” results.
“I am involved in many associations but one of my proudest is my membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,” said Plácido Domingo. “It has long been my dream to unite the worlds of film with those of opera, especially in Los Angeles. We have brought such illustrious film directors as William Friedkin, Julie Taymor, Maximilian Schell, Bruce Beresford, Herbert Ross, John Schlesinger, Marthe Keller and Franco Zeffirelli to our opera house and given audiences new and different opera experiences. With three of the principals who were involved in the 1986 movie – director/screenwriter, soundtrack composer and costume designer – reuniting two decades later to turn their film into an opera, The Fly will be an unprecedented addition to the operatic repertoire. Any commission of an opera is a gamble, as has been proven throughout music history. There are many operas which were commissioned and premiered but didn’t survive the test of time. Thus there is no scientific formula for commissioning but only one’s instinct when one listens to a composer’s already existing works. I have heard many of Howard Shore’s scores for such films as The Lord of the Rings and, of course, The Fly and knew that here was a musician who should write an opera. That feeling became a reality when The Fly was chosen as the subject, the acclaimed David Henry Hwang came aboard as librettist and David Cronenberg said yes to recreating his film. While it is unfortunate that scheduling issues prevented The Fly from being part of LA Opera’s 2007/08 Season, I am delighted those issues have been resolved in a timely fashion so the Théâtre du Châtelet can move forward and present the world premiere of this work. With The Fly coming to Los Angeles just two months later to open the 2008/09 Season, I look forward to bringing this provocative and wonderfully entertaining project to our stage.”
“This creation of a new opera—bringing together Howard Shore, a major 21st Century composer, the film director David Cronenberg as director of a stage work, and Plácido Domingo as conductor—is a clear sign of an effervescent musical landscape in constant motion, inventing and exploring new horizons, refusing to wear convenient descriptive labels,” said Jean-Luc Choplin. “This work exemplifies the artistic policy of Théâtre du Châtelet, a policy intent on discovering new art forms and reaching out to new arts enthusiasts, and yet resolutely part of the current world. It is also a grand story of collaboration between Paris and Los Angeles, two leading cities for cinema.”
“I always believed The Fly to be a classic opera story,” said Howard Shore. “It’s a tale of love and death, true love surviving in the face of physical decay and ultimate sacrifice. To bring this work to the opera stage has been a longtime dream. I am very proud to be working with these fantastic collaborators in the realization of this dream.”
“To be involved in this opera of The Fly is, for me, to travel back not only in time, but to another dimension,” said Mr. Cronenberg. “It’s a magical re-living of a part of my life, this time playing a completely different role in the creation of a very different animal. I can’t wait to see what happens.”
The Fly will be the first opera by Howard Shore, a three-time Academy and Grammy Award-winning composer. He has distinguished himself with a wide range of film projects, including Martin Scorsese’s The Departed, The Aviator, Gangs of New York and After Hours; Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy; Tim Burton’s Ed Wood; Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia; David Fincher’s Panic Room and Se7en; and Chris Columbus’ Mrs. Doubtfire. A frequent collaborator with director David Cronenberg, Mr. Shore has scored 11 of Mr. Cronenberg’s films, including The Fly, Dead Ringers, Naked Lunch, Crash and A History of Violence.His Lord of the Rings Symphony: Six Movements for Orchestra and Chorus has been performed by orchestras throughout the world since its 2003 premiere.
David Henry Hwang, a native of Los Angeles, is a playwright, screenwriter and librettist best known as the author of M. Butterfly, which won the 1988 Tony, Drama Desk, John Gassner, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. For his play Golden Child, he received a 1998 Tony nomination and a 1997 Obie Award. His new book for the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Flower Drum Song earned him his third Tony nomination in 2003, and he also wrote the books for the Broadway musicals Aida and Tarzan. As a librettist, his work includes Philip Glass’ The Voyage (Metropolitan Opera),Bright Sheng’s The Silver River (Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, Lincoln Center Festival) and Osvaldo Golijov’s Ainadamar (Santa Fe Opera, Lincoln Center).
David Cronenberg made his feature film directorial debut with the 1975 modern-vampire film Shivers. He gained popularity with The Brood, Scannersand Videodrome, then created the hits The Dead Zone in 1983 and The Fly in 1986. Since then, his work has included Dead Ringers, Naked Lunch, Crash, eXistenZ, Spider and A History of Violence. Mr. Cronenberg, who frequently writes the screenplays for his own films, has won numerous awards from the Cannes Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, National Board of Review and Los Angeles Film Critics Association.
Italian-born set designer Dante Ferretti, who won the 2005 Academy Award for Best Art Direction for Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator, had previously received six Academy Award nominations, for Gangs of New York, Kundun, Interview with the Vampire, The Age of Innocence, Hamlet and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. He began his career in production design in 1967, working with such acclaimed Italian directors as Pier Paoli Pasolini and Federico Fellini. He has also designed productions for most of the major opera houses in the world including Milan’s La Scala, the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, the Paris Opera (Bastille), and the opera houses of Turin, Rome and Florence.
Denise Cronenberg has designed the costumes for such films as M. Butterfly, Dawn of the Dead, Dracula 2000, Murder at 1600, The Third Miracle, A Cool Dry Place, Moonlight and Valentino and The Caveman’s Valentine. She collaborates frequently with her brother, David Cronenberg, and designed costumes for his films The Fly, Dead Ringers, Naked Lunch, Crash, eXistenZ, Spider and A History of Violence. Her television work includes Martha Behind Bars, Master Spy: The Robert Hanssen Story andthree HBO features: Rebound, Mistrial and Sugartime.
Celebrating its 21st Season, LA Opera has become, under the leadership of Eli and Edythe Broad General Director Plácido Domingo, the nation’s fourth largest opera company. The Company created a sensation with its debut production of Verdi’s Otello starring Plácido Domingo in October 1986. Since then, LA Opera has grown to become a company of international stature. Presenting leading productions in the standard repertory as well as new and rarely-staged operas, the Company brings prominent Los Angeles artists and Hollywood figures together with other world-renowned singers, designers, directors and conductors to create productions that attract the attention of international audiences and critics. The current 2006/07 Season includes four Company premieres, four new productions, and four productions conducted by Music Director James Conlon. Highlights of the recently announced 2007/08 Season include one U.S. premiere and three Company premieres. Five productions will be conducted by Mr. Conlon, including the Company’s first fully-staged productions of LA Opera’s groundbreaking Recovered Voices project, highlighting the works of composers affected by the Holocaust.
Inaugurated in 1862, the Théâtre du Châtelet, located in the heart of Paris between the Louvre and Notre-Dame, has always played a pivotal international role in staging musical and dance performances. The Théâtre du Châtelet has premiered a number of groundbreaking works: Diaghilev presented the first season of the Ballets Russes there, Richard Strauss premiered Salome therein 1907 and Stravinsky created Petrouchka there in 1911. The temple of operetta during the 1950s with the celebrated tenor Luis Mariano, the Châtelet resumed its role as a leading opera and dance venue in the 1980s. Jean-Luc Choplin, General Manager since July 2006, is currently embarking on a resolute, vigorous move to reach out to new arts enthusiasts by creating new artistic events combining audacity and innovation. By moves such as entrusting works to young artists, opening to cultures from all corners of the globe and bringing international cinema artists on board, Jean-Luc Choplin is working to make the Châtelet a venue combining a distinct Parisian attitude with an international outlook.
The commission of The Fly has been made possible
by a generous grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
LA Opera Presents Beloved Operetta by Franz Lehár
The Merry Widow
Starring Mezzo-Soprano Susan Graham
What: Franz Lehár’s The Merry Widow is the romantic tale of a fabulously wealthy widow whose fortune could change a tiny nation’s future. Newly ensconced in Paris, the very eligible Hanna doesn’t realize that her native land will be left bankrupt if she weds a foreigner. But the likeliest prospect to save the day is a dashing playboy who’s having too much fun to give up the single life! Lehár’s ravishing score, filled with luscious Viennese waltzes, dances and dazzles its way to a perfect conclusion in an opulent production conducted by Sebastian Lang-Lessing and directed by Lotfi Mansouri.
Who: Following a mesmerizing LA Opera stage debut in L’Incoronazione di Poppea, Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Susan Graham returns to star in the title role opposite Grammy Award nominated baritone and Los Angeles favorite Rod Gilfry as Count Danilo. The production also stars Elizabeth Norberg-Schulz, Eric Cutler, Greg Fedderly, Jason Graae and Jake Gardner. Costumes are designed by Thierry Bosquet, lighting is by Michael Yeargan and choreography is by Peggy Hickey.
When: Opening Night Saturday, April 28, 7:30pm
Evening Performances May 3, 9, 12, 23 and 26 at 7:30 PM; May 20 at 8:00pm
Matinee Performances May 6 at 2:00pm and May 19 at 1:00pm
Where: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Music Center, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Tickets: Tickets to The Merry Widow range from $30 to $220, and are on sale at the LA 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.
Elvis Presley Enterprises, SOFA Entertainment and Leiber & Stoller Awarded Significant Damages in Copyright Infringement Lawsuit against Passport International Productions Inc. and Dante Pugliese
what is considered a significant monetary judgment for copyright infringement lawsuits, the United States District Court in Los Angeles has awarded plaintiffs Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE), SOFA Entertainment, Inc. and songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller $2.8 million in damages and attorneys fees to be paid by Passport International Productions, Inc. (a/k/a Passport Video, Inc.) and its owner, Dante Pugliese.
The case began in 2002 when, without permission and against numerous express objections, Passport manufactured and sold a set of eight DVDs entitled "25th Anniversary Elvis: The Definitive Collection August 16, 1977 - August 16, 2002," otherwise entitled "The Definitive Elvis." The 16-hour set included copyrighted works and the rights of publicity owned by Plaintiffs. In reaching its decision, the Court agreed that Passport released the set with the full knowledge that Plaintiffs did not consent to the unauthorized use of their copyrighted material, and that their activities would mislead consumers and damage Plaintiffs. Passport appealed the case up to the 9th Circuit, claiming "Fair Use," arguing that the set was a documentary look at the life of Elvis Presley. The Court did not agree in a 2005 ruling, and the decision successfully delineated the limits of the Fair Use defense.
"This is a landmark decision for all of us," stated Gary Hovey, Executive Vice President of Entertainment/Music Publishing for Elvis Presley Enterprises. "We are delighted with the Court's ruling, the damages awarded and the precedent it sets."
The copyrighted materials included Presley home movies owned by EPE, material from "The Ed Sullivan Show," and portions of "Ed Sullivan Rock & Roll Classics - Elvis Presley," owned by SOFA Entertainment, a producer of movies, videos and television programs. Other unauthorized material was from the EPE owned "The Elvis 1968 Comeback Special (a/k/a "The Singer Special,") "Aloha From Hawaii," and "Elvis In Concert," which also include songs written by Leiber & Stoller.
"It is reassuring to know that the courts have seen fit to uphold our copyrights thereby putting unscrupulous parties on notice that historic performances from 'The Ed Sullivan Show,' cannot be used by those who prefer to steal rather than to license," commented Andrew Solt of SOFA Entertainment. "We are very pleased with the court's informed decision."
"Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller have always supported the ownership and protection of intellectual property," said Randy Poe, President of Leiber & Stoller Music Publishing. "This ruling puts on notice anyone wishing to improperly claim 'Fair Use,' rather than acquiring permission from the copyright owner."
George R. Hedges of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges, LLP successfully argued the case for the Plaintiffs.
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.
About SOFA Entertainment, Inc.
In 1990, Andrew Solt formed SOFA Entertainment, Inc. and purchased The Ed Sullivan Show, which had originally been broadcast on the CBS Network from 1948 to 1971. Considered the greatest variety show in television history, SOFA Entertainment re-introduced The Ed Sullivan Show to the American public. The Ed Sullivan Show is considered one of the greatest archives and music libraries in existence and benefits from the fact performances on the show were performed live. SOFA is the copyright owner of 1,075 hours of original Ed Sullivan programs as well as approximately 100 hours of "new" programming created in the form of new television specials, home videos and cable shows for channels and networks such as CBS, Vh-1, TV Land, PBS, etc. and many broadcasters around the world.
About Leiber & Stoller
Leiber & Stoller are one of the most successful songwriting teams of all time. Their hits for Elvis include "Jailhouse Rock," "Love Me," "Loving You," "King Creole," and "Hound Dog."
MoneyTV is the nationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews by hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman with company CEOs, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures.
Free information packages from the featured companies can be requested by sending an email to info@moneytv.net.
The television program can also be viewed online immediately at www.moneytv.net.
Featured companies on this week's show include:
Rhino Outdoor International, Inc. (OTCBB: RHOI) subsidiary President Howard Pearl spoke of the company's Rhino Off Road Vehicle and a new market the company was entering into.
The Spice Depot, Inc. VP Darren Donas announced some awards the company had received for their line of spice blends.
RBC Dain Rauscher Senior VP Irwin Shapiro compared the good news of a record DJIA against the bad news of 13,000 layoffs at Chrysler.
Universal Express, Inc. (OTCBB: USXP) CEO Richard Altomare answered questions about an analyst report which was removed from the Internet.
Itronics, Inc. (OTCBB: ITRO) CEO Dr. John Whitney accepted congratulations over being named Nevada Entrepreneur of the Year.
Manhattan West Mortgage CEO Roger Schlesinger discussed comparisons between mortgage products and offered a free publication to MoneyTV viewers.
Reporting from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Brewer Investment Group principal Jack Bouroudjian speculated about recent market activity.
BioCurex, Inc. (OTCBB: BOCX) Chairman Dr. Gerry Wittenberg announced the company has begun development of a "Point of Care" cancer test.
Viewers of MoneyTV can receive free information in the mail about featured companies by calling the toll-free phone number on their TV screen. The weekly television program debuted in 1996 and is broadcast nationally in the USA to 70 million U.S. homes on Saturdays at 11:00 AM ET, Sundays at 8:30 AM PT, 8:30 AM ET, 9:30 AM ET, 3:30 PM ET and Mondays at 6:30 PM ET.
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A complete menu of TV listings is available at the MoneyTV web site, http://www.moneytv.net.
MoneyTV television program, Copyright MMVII, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3- to 4-month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $11,500.00 to $17,250.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by the producers, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV.
AT&T Creates Largest Unlimited Calling Community in America
AT&T Unity Subscribers Get Unlimited Free Domestic Calls to and from 100 Million Wireline and Wireless Phone Numbers.
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced an unprecedented new offer, which gives subscribers the nation's largest unlimited free calling community, including wireless and wireline phone numbers.
The AT&T UnitySM plan, which is available beginning Sunday, Jan. 21, brings together home, business and wireless calling, creating a calling community of more than 100 million AT&T wireless and wireline phone numbers.
AT&T Unity customers can call or receive calls for free from any AT&T wireless and wireline phone numbers nationwide without incurring additional wireline usage fees or using their wireless Anytime minutes.* In addition to free domestic calling to and from AT&T numbers, the AT&T Unity plan includes wireless service with unlimited night and weekend minutes, as well as a package of Anytime Minutes.
The AT&T Unity plan is the company's first major converged product offering since the company's Dec. 29 acquisition of BellSouth Corp. and consolidation of Cingular Wireless.
"AT&T Unity is the ideal way to introduce our customers to the real power of combining wireless and wireline services into an appealing offering that delivers value, flexibility and convenience," said Edward E. Whitacre Jr., chairman and CEO of AT&T. "More than two years ago, Cingular Wireless, now the new AT&T, raised the bar by creating the largest unlimited wireless calling community in America — a feat no competitor has been able to duplicate. With AT&T Unity, we are raising the bar even higher by adding unlimited domestic calling to and from AT&T wireline customers."
To sign up for a new AT&T Unity plan, a customer needs to subscribe to AT&T wireless service and unlimited AT&T local and long distance wireline services. The bundle includes both unlimited local and long distance plans and an AT&T Unity wireless plan. Customers who subscribe to AT&T Unity have the convenience of a single bill for their AT&T wireline and wireless services.
AT&T Unity rate plans are available to new and existing AT&T qualified residential and small business customers in the company's 22-state service area, which now includes the local service area of the former BellSouth. Domestic calls made from and to any AT&T phone number nationwide are eligible.
AT&T Unity plans are part of the company's strategy to simplify the process of purchasing and using communications services, while combining wireless/wireline services in ways that provide tangible benefits for customers.
"AT&T is changing how the industry thinks about wireless/wireline convergence, and rewarding consumers and small business owners with simplicity and convenience," said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chief operating officer. "In just three weeks since the merger closed, AT&T has introduced a revolutionary offer. AT&T Unity is just the beginning."
Residential
The price points for AT&T Unity wireless plans are identical to current Cingular wireless individual plans. Residential calling plans available include:
To qualify for AT&T Unity, residential customers must have or subscribe to an unlimited AT&T wireline local and long distance plan. For example, in the pre-merger 13-state territory, consumers can subscribe to AT&T All Distance for $50 a month before taxes and surcharges, which includes an unlimited local and domestic direct dial long distance plan with up to 13 vertical features**** and inside wire maintenance.
In the pre-merger nine-state BellSouth territory, customers can subscribe to the BellSouth Unlimited Plan, which offers unlimited local and domestic long distance calling and five calling features for approximately $50 a month.
AT&T Unity customers can earn up to $125 a year for referring new wireless AT&T customers. Details are available at www.cingular.com/referral.
How to Order
The offer is available beginning Sunday, Jan. 21. Any AT&T residential, qualified small business, or post-paid wireless GSM customer can convert to an AT&T Unity rate plan when they subscribe to a qualifying AT&T unlimited wireline local service and long distance calling plan. Prepaid wireless customers are not eligible for the offer.
The new calling plans are available to qualifying AT&T residential, small business and wireless customers in most of the company's incumbent local exchange areas, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
Beginning Sunday, Jan. 21, residential and small business customers interested in learning more about AT&T Unity rate plans can log on to www.att.com/unity or visit any Cingular retail store. New customers can call (800) ATT-2020; existing customers can call (877) TRY-UNITY to join the largest calling community by converting to an AT&T Unity plan.
For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com
* To be eligible, calls must originate and terminate in the United States. Wireless voice mail calls, directory assistance calls, toll-free numbers, 900 numbers, international numbers, and "dial-around" numbers are not eligible. Wireless services provided by the wholly owned wireless subsidiary of AT&T Inc. AT&T Unity wireless plans do not include Rollover minutes.
** Promotional feature requires a new one- or two-year wireless service agreement for residential customers and a two-year service agreement for qualified small business customers. Unlimited minutes to and from wireless phone and eligible AT&T numbers. Must maintain qualifying AT&T services and combined bill. AT&T Unity wireless plans do not include Rollover minutes.
*** Cingular imposes monthly a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge of up to $1.25 to help defray costs incurred in complying with state and federal telecom regulations; State and Federal Universal Service Charges; and surcharges for customer-based and revenue-based state and local assessments on Cingular. These are not taxes or government-required charges.
**** Features vary depending on service area. Residential subscribers in Nevada, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas may add up to 12 vertical calling features. Residential subscribers in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Indiana may add up to 10 vertical calling features. Residential subscribers in California may add up to 13 vertical calling features.
This AT&T news release and other announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company in the United States and around the world, with operating subsidiaries providing services under the AT&T brand. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to businesses and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising through its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verseSM TV. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at www.att.com.
© 2007 AT&T Knowledge Ventures. All rights reserved. AT&T is a registered trademark of AT&T Knowledge Ventures. Subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. provide products and services under the AT&T brand
| Gillette and Katharine McPhee Host Exclusive 'Phantom Night' Bash to Celebrate Fusion(TM) Power Phantom(TM) Razor |
'Phantom Night' Party in NYC Marks the Arrival of Gillette's Latest Men's Razor - Power So Advanced That You'll Barely Feel the Blades Two hundred lucky guys celebrated the introduction of Gillette's hottest razor yet, Fusion Power Phantom, at a one-night only "Phantom Night" event hosted by chart-topping songstress Katharine McPhee at 7 World Trade in New York City. The event, specifically designed to appeal to guys, featured a video game lounge with the hottest new PS3 games, plasma televisions broadcasting "greatest moments" in sports, poker and blackjack tables, the sounds of DJ Sky Nellor and a Gillette shaving station which provided the first opportunity to try the Fusion Power Phantom. "Phantom Night was a great way to introduce our latest razor to guys, allowing them to experience Fusion Power Phantom in a relaxed, entertaining environment," said Kelly Vanasse, Associate Director, Gillette. "Gillette's goal has always been to continuously deliver shaving innovation, and Phantom, with its sleek new color combined with Fusion Power's revolutionary blade technology, does the job and looks great doing it!" "The Phantom Night was a lot of fun to host, and I especially loved meeting all these 'smooth' New York guys," said Katharine McPhee. "This razor is perfect for guys, because it gives them a great shave and has a hot, sleek design." Gillette Fusion Power Phantom combines the breakthrough technology of Gillette Fusion Power with a sleek new color, featuring a striking jet-black handle with copper and silver accents. Gillette Fusion Power Phantom combines the revolutionary 5-Blade Shaving Surface(TM) on the front and the Precision Trimmer on the back of a single shaving cartridge, while delivering soothing micro-pulses that reduce friction and increase razor glide for the best shave ever. Consumer use tests confirm that Gillette Fusion Power is significantly preferred over Gillette M3Power on performance, appearance and ergonomic measures. Gillette Fusion Power Phantom is offered with a money back guarantee, so any man who does not feel a difference in shaving comfort can easily request a refund. The Gillette Fusion Power Phantom razor, one cartridge and one Duracell AAA battery will retail for approximately $11.99. A Gillette Fusion Power 4-pack of refill cartridges will retail for approximately $13.00 to $14.00. Retail prices are at the sole discretion of individual retailers. 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 |
Gnarls Barkley Takes Home Two Grammys; Duo Appears in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- Riding high from winning two Grammys at Sunday night's 49th Annual Grammy Awards, we're pleased to report that Gnarls Barkley has been tapped to appear in the famed Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The 2007 edition hit stands this week, just in time for Valentine's Day, and features Gnarls alongside supermodel Jessica White.
Gnarls Barkley -- the combination of Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green -- was nominated for five Grammys, and won two of the prestigious prizes, for "Best Alternative Music Album" (honoring the RIAA platinum-plus certified "ST. ELSEWHERE") and "Best Urban/Alternative Performance" (for the history-making hit single, "Crazy"). What's more, the dynamic duo wowed the audience with a retooled slow-jam rendition of the now classic "Crazy."
Gnarls' awards season continued this week with the 27th Annual Brit Awards, for which the duo received three nominations, including "Best International Act," "Breakthrough International Act" and "Best International Album." In addition, "Crazy" has earned a Favorite Song nomination for Nickelodeon's 20th Anniversary Kids' Choice Awards, slated to air live from UCLA's Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on March 31st.
In other news, Gnarls is poised to wrap up its ongoing winter tour alongside fellow Grammy winners Red Hot Chili Peppers. The trek returns to the road on February 27th at Rosemont, Illinois' Allstate Arena, with dates continuing through March 7th at Houston, Texas' Toyota Center (see attached itinerary).
"Smiley Faces," the most recent single/video from the blockbuster "ST. ELSEWHERE," made its premiere last week across the MTV networks, including MTV, MTV2, and mtv.com. It was added out of the box at MTV -- where Gnarls Barkley made a special appearance on "TRL" during Spankin' New Music Week -- and mtvU. It has now been officially added to VH1 and MTV2 -- where it recently received a full day of hourly "Unleashed" airplay. "Smiley Faces" also premiered on BET on February 5th, when it was the "New Joint" on "106 & Park" and the band was on hand for the video debut, marking their first appearance on the network
Feb 16
Slesinger Family Wins 'Pooh' Copyright Case
Federal Court Grants Summary Judgment Against Disney
Slesinger Pursuing Damages Against Disney Including Terminating US and Canadian Television, Media and Merchandising Rights to Winnie the Pooh
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16 / Federal District Judge Florence-Marie Cooper, of the United States District Court, Central District, issued a major decision in the federal copyright case, granting Stephen Slesinger, Inc.'s Motion for Summary Judgment, effectively ending the Walt Disney Company's efforts to take back the Winnie the Pooh copyright.
Barry Slotnick, Slesinger's attorney from the law firm of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, said, "The Court once again has once ruled that Disney's claims against Slesinger are improper. Now that Disney's misguided claims have been dismissed, we can focus on pursuing Slesinger's claims against Disney for damages, trademark and copyright infringement, breach of contract, and fraudulently underpaying royalties, and seeking in excess of $2 billion in compensatory and general damages. We applaud the granting of our motion for summary judgment."
"In 2003, the U.S. district court in Los Angeles held there was no basis whatsoever for the first of two termination notices secured by Disney under the Copyright Act from the granddaughters of author A.A. Milne and one of the illustrators of his Winnie the Pooh stories. Now, the other shoe has dropped. The Court held there is no basis for the other termination notice instigated by Disney. The fact that the Court has now held that there is no need even for a trial concerning either termination notice shows that Disney had no business starting this lawsuit in the first place. The bottom line is that Disney's attempt to evade its royalty obligations to Slesinger has failed," said Roger Zissu, of the law firm of Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.C.
"It was Disney's attempt to take back the rights granted to my father over 70 years ago that led this case into federal court. Perhaps Disney might have spent their time merchandising Winnie the Pooh worldwide instead of attempting this scheme to take back what the court has thankfully ruled has been the Slesinger's all along: the rights to Winnie the Pooh," said Pati Slesinger.
In addition to the state case, Stephen Slesinger, Inc., has petitioned the United States Trademark and Patents Office seeking cancellation of a number of trademarks taken out by Disney on Winnie the Pooh based on the allegation that Disney had no legal right to do.
Source: Slesinger Family
Versace Teams Up With Lamborghini to Create a Custom Super Car, the Murcielago LP640, for Elton John's Charity Auction, Hosted by Sharon Stone
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., The one-of-a-kind Versace Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster took center stage among a star-studded charity auction event in Beverly Hills. Celebrity actress Sharon Stone, using her feminine mystique, heated up the bidding process on the super car to surpass half a million dollars and charmed the winning bidder, Vik Keuylian of Lamborghini Orange County, on stage in front of 600 VIP guests. Keuylian walked away with Stone's lipstick imprint on his face -- a token of her appreciation for his generous donation. Proceeds from the auction benefited Elton John's AIDS Foundation.
"It is remarkable that the finest Italian clothing icon, Versace; the sexiest actress, Sharon; and the champion of Italian super sports cars, Lamborghini; could collaborate together to generate a financial windfall for Elton John's medical research. We are glad we won the bid," Sossi Keuylian of Lamborghini Orange County (www.lamborghinioc.com) affirmed.
Stone was attired in a sensuous black Versace evening dress with chain detail augmenting her plunging neckline. Stone's dramatic dress matched the sexy scintillating Murcielago LP640 Roadster.
"The Versace Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster is representative of the ultra-distinct, fast and sexy Italian super car. It is unique because it is the one-and-only Lamborghini made to the custom tailored impeccable specifications of high-fashion designer, Versace," Vik Keuylian went on to explain how the interior enhancements added great value to the Versace Murcielago LP640 Roadster.
In addition to celebrity hosts Donatella Versace, Elton John, and Sharon Stone, others who actively supported the cause were Guns N' Roses, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Eva Longoria, Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Mischa Barton, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Cindy Crawford, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Drew Barrymore, Brooke Shields and Christina Ricci.
"It's incredible that all the celebrities compassionately came together to promote such a worthy cause. We are eager to do more celebrity charity events in the future," said Nora Keuylian, owner of Lamborghini Orange County. "Although this particular Lamborghini LP640 may be a collector's item, other Lamborghini models, the Gallardo and Murcielago are available for immediate delivery at our showroom in Orange County."
Established in 1994, Lamborghini Orange County has remained the #1 Lamborghini dealership in the world. Contact dealership at (714) 546-4000.
Web site: http://www.lamborghinioc.com/
Verizon Wireless Network Ready to Show Off Its Skills at Basketball's East vs. West Challenge In Las Vegas
Nation's Most Reliable Wireless Network Helps Fans Share All the Slam Dunk Action With Family and Friends Back Home
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 16 With festivities surrounding this year's basketball challenge tipping off in Las Vegas the weekend of February 16, the Verizon Wireless network is game-ready for the anticipated additional wireless call volume when thousands of basketball fans flock to town.
Verizon Wireless' cell sites surrounding both pre-game events at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and Sunday's game located at the Thomas and Mack Center are ready to handle the increased call volume as more than 18,000 basketball fans converge in Las Vegas to catch all the hoop action. Verizon Wireless customers can rely on the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, and can talk, text and send picture messages to friends for each exciting slam dunk and buzzer beating shot.
"Throughout the year thousands of people visit Las Vegas for major conferences, entertainment shows, and sporting events like Sunday night's basketball game. Our customers rely on us to keep them connected with friends, family and colleagues both here and at home," said Tony Heyman, president -- Southwest region for Verizon Wireless.
"Customers choose Verizon Wireless and stay with us because we are committed to providing the best overall wireless experience. We work to ensure that our network stands up to its excellent reputation for everyday use and during major events like this."
In Nevada, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $260 million since 2000 -- part of its $35 billion nationwide network investment over the last seven years -- to expanded coverage, capacity and capabilities and to add new services.
Hoop fans who can't wait for tip off, can visit Verizon Wireless' Get It Now(R) Virtual Store to access the top selling basketball video games right from their wireless phones. Customers with V CAST and Mobile Web 2.0(SM)- capable phones can also check out all of the latest basketball news and information.
For more information, please visit www.verizonwireless.com. About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving more than 59 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 65,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Source: Verizon Wireless
Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/
Sony DADC Announces Production Technology Initiative for Blu-ray Disc Dual Layer
Sony DADC today announced that it will start an initiative for a production technology alliance for Blu-ray Disc dual layer. Detailed information will be presented at the European MEDIA-TECH Showcase & Conference 2007 in Barcelona, Spain, at the Congress Center of Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I.
The presentation will start at March 6, 2007, at 5.30 pm in Room "Sala F" and will introduce the partners of the coming production technology alliance. Sony DADC will also present its latest Blu-ray roadshow.
Due to the huge capacity of up to 50GB, the Blu-ray Disc dual layer format allows for more than just a movie to be stored in the absolute best high-definition quality. Taking content owners beyond anything ever experienced, the format also offers room for additional extras. There is no need to pack additional discs to store these bonus materials, thereby eliminating costs and simplifying the end user's entertainment experience. Depending on the encoding method, there is room for more than five hours of the highest high-definition quality video.
About MEDIA-TECH Showcase & Conference 2007
The MEDIA-TECH Conference is the key annual conference for the packaged media manufacturing industry. The 2007 MEDIA-TECH Showcase & Conference will once again provide the latest updates on high definition home entertainment, prospects for 'next generation' optical discs and the market introduction of the future media generation. Located at one of Barcelona's best-known venues this 2-day event offers a unique opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in the optical disc industry.
About Sony DADC
Sony DADC has extensive experience and knowledge in full service solutions for the content industry and stands for convenience, reliability and an outstanding quality level. Bringing together physical and digital solutions, Sony DADC supplies a full line of high-quality products and services to the entertainment business. Services include brand asset management, digital asset management, authoring, editing, copy control, graphic design, mastering, replication, packaging, distribution for optical storage media. Sony DADC has locations all around the world -- in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia. For further questions, please contact the Sales Team at Sony DADC at +43-6246-880-555 or via email at sales@sonydadc.com and visit us at www.sonydadc.com.
About MEDIA-TECH Association
The MEDIA-TECH Association is a body created in 2001 to serve every facet of the optical and removable storage media manufacturing industry, spanning the range from all current formats of optical discs and magnetic media to future formats such as HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc.
Member companies of the Association range from content owners and licensees through designers and software developers, to raw material and equipment manufacturers. They are involved in the entertainment industry; the games market; data storage innovations; plastics technology; injection moulding; quality assurance; printing, packing, wrapping and distribution; sales and marketing; and many other areas of expertise within the media manufacturing industry.
Represented in Europe, Asia and the Americas, the MEDIA-TECH Association aims at providing its members with a forum for information, discussion and exchange of ideas, as well as ways to develop business opportunities and strategic partnerships. Another premier goal is the assurance that the industry as a whole continues to grow and stay dynamic.
Source: MEDIA-TECH Association
Showtime Networks and Dish Network Launch Showtime Interactive 2.0
Breakthrough Interactive TV service combines ITV with DVR and self provisioning
NEW YORK, Feb. 16 Showtime Networks Inc. announced today it has launched Showtime Interactive 2.0, a breakthrough Interactive Television (ITV) application on Dish Network. The announcement was made by Robert Hayes, Senior Vice President/General Manager of Showtime Networks Digital Media Group.
Showtime Interactive 2.0 transforms ITV from a text heavy experience to one where video is the centerpiece. Showtime is the first programmer to pull video from the set-top box's internal DVR into an Interactive TV environment, combining the very best features of a DVR and ITV in a single experience. Additionally, the application includes a GET SHOWTIME button, so viewers can click to order Showtime with the remote control.
This service is free on Dish Network to both Showtime subscribers and non-subscribers providing a targeted experience. The application detects whether or not a viewer is a subscriber and delivers targeted video to either audience.
SHOWTIME subscribers can explore the hundreds of programs airing each month on SHOWTIME. With the ability to watch trailers, behind the scenes videos, celebrity interviews and video extras, viewers can get the most out of their SHOWTIME subscription. Showtime Interactive 2.0 offers dedicated sections for Showtime Original Programs such as "Dexter(TM)," "Weeds" and "The L Word(R)" as well as SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and the best of Showtime's hit movies. It provides program listings for every show airing on all 10 SHOWTIME channels, and when viewers see a program they're interested in, they can schedule a DVR recording with a click of the remote control.
For non-subscribers, Showtime Interactive 2.0 becomes a marketing application with a long form video that highlights the network's programming, channels and special promotions. It also offers a unique option to order SHOWTIME using the remote control. This feature provides access to the SHOWTIME channels within minutes. By adding video, Showtime Interactive 2.0 strengthens the powerful combination of targeted marketing and simple upgrade features to provide an effective way to add new SHOWTIME subscribers.
"Showtime Interactive 2.0 is the result of over two years of development, and it is a fresh multimedia experience unlike any other," said Robert Hayes, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Showtime Network's Digital Media Group. "Through our collaborative efforts with Dish Network we have been able to leverage their technology to create an application that combines ITV, DVR, and self provisioning capabilities. By offering this application to all Dish viewers for free, we believe we accomplish two important objectives -- adding value to SHOWTIME subscribers and bringing in new subscribers by providing a simple way to learn more about SHOWTIME and subscribe with the click of the remote."
Showtime Interactive 2.0 is new version of the network's two time Emmy(R) Award winning ITV application that was introduced in 2003. It is available to Dish Network subscribers today via the DishHOME Interactive menu.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME(R), THE MOVIE CHANNEL(TM) and FLIX(R), as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME(R) TOO(TM), SHOWTIME(R) SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME(R), SHOWTIME BEYOND(R), SHOWTIME NEXT(R), SHOWTIME WOMEN(R), SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE(R) and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD(R), THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD(TM), SHOWTIME ON DEMAND(TM) and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND(TM). All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME(R) PPV.
Source: Showtime
Web site: http://www.sho.com/
Gillette and Katharine McPhee Host Exclusive 'Phantom Night' Bash to Celebrate Fusion(TM) Power Phantom(TM) Razor
'Phantom Night' Party in NYC Marks the Arrival of Gillette's Latest Men's Razor - Power So Advanced That You'll Barely Feel the Blades
BOSTON, Feb. 16 Two hundred lucky guys celebrated the introduction of Gillette's hottest razor yet, Fusion Power Phantom, at a one-night only "Phantom Night" event hosted by chart-topping songstress Katharine McPhee at 7 World Trade in New York City. The event, specifically designed to appeal to guys, featured a video game lounge with the hottest new PS3 games, plasma televisions broadcasting "greatest moments" in sports, poker and blackjack tables, the sounds of DJ Sky Nellor and a Gillette shaving station which provided the first opportunity to try the Fusion Power Phantom.
"Phantom Night was a great way to introduce our latest razor to guys, allowing them to experience Fusion Power Phantom in a relaxed, entertaining environment," said Kelly Vanasse, Associate Director, Gillette. "Gillette's goal has always been to continuously deliver shaving innovation, and Phantom, with its sleek new color combined with Fusion Power's revolutionary blade technology, does the job and looks great doing it!"
"The Phantom Night was a lot of fun to host, and I especially loved meeting all these 'smooth' New York guys," said Katharine McPhee. "This razor is perfect for guys, because it gives them a great shave and has a hot, sleek design."
Gillette Fusion Power Phantom combines the breakthrough technology of Gillette Fusion Power with a sleek new color, featuring a striking jet-black handle with copper and silver accents. Gillette Fusion Power Phantom combines the revolutionary 5-Blade Shaving Surface(TM) on the front and the Precision Trimmer on the back of a single shaving cartridge, while delivering soothing micro-pulses that reduce friction and increase razor glide for the best shave ever.
Consumer use tests confirm that Gillette Fusion Power is significantly preferred over Gillette M3Power on performance, appearance and ergonomic measures. Gillette Fusion Power Phantom is offered with a money back guarantee, so any man who does not feel a difference in shaving comfort can easily request a refund.
The Gillette Fusion Power Phantom razor, one cartridge and one Duracell AAA battery will retail for approximately $11.99. A Gillette Fusion Power 4-pack of refill cartridges will retail for approximately $13.00 to $14.00. Retail prices are at the sole discretion of individual retailers.
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
Web site: http://www.pg.com/
Spike TV and Major League Eating (MLE)(TM) Announce Four-Event Pact
The First Event, the 'ST. PATRICK'S DAY CHOWDOWN,' Featuring Corned Beef and Cabbage, Beef Tongue and Green Donut-Eating To Air on Spike TV on St. Patrick's Day
NEW YORK, Feb. 16 Looking to take a bite out of the competition, Spike TV will telecast four MLE(TM) (Major League Eating) events in 2007, it was announced today jointly by Kevin Kay, General Manager, Spike TV and the directors of MLE. The first event, "MLE: ST. PATRICK'S DAY CHOWDOWN"(TM) will air on St. Patrick's Day emanating from Savannah, Georgia and involve the consumption of corned beef and cabbage, beef tongue and green donuts. The event will air same day tape on Spike TV Saturday, March 17 (7:00-8:00pm ET/PT).
"Guys are hungry for new and exciting sports on television that satisfy their craving for gut-busting action," notes Kay. "Spike TV is proud to be the new television home of competitive eating."
"Competitive eating is an increasingly popular sport and entertainment product and we're thrilled to be part of Spike's action-packed programming," said Richard Shea, president of Major League Eating.
The first annual "ST. PATRICK'S DAY CHOWDOWN"(TM) will occur in historic Savannah, Georgia on the banks of the Savannah River during one of the country's largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The preliminary rounds will involve such delicious gastronomical delights as beef tongue and the famed Irish dish of corned beef and cabbage. The final event, a green donut-eating contest, will include the two top eaters from the prelims.
Top MLE eaters will participate in the "ST. PATRICK'S DAY CHOWDOWN"(TM) including the legendary Takeru Kobayashi, Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas, "Humble" Bob Shoudt and ChipBurger Simpson. George Shea, MLE's Chairman, will join Richard Shea to host the Spike TV telecast.
This marks Spike TV's first foray into competitive eating and the first multi-event television deal for the MLE. Brian J. Diamond is Senior Vice President, Sports & Specials, Spike TV. Peter V. Symuleski serves as Executive in Charge of Production for Spike TV. David Baer is Executive Producer for Shea Baer Productions, which will produce the series.
Major League Eating(TM) (MLE) is the world body that governs all stomach- centric sport. There were 100 MLE events in 2006. Major League Eating was developed by the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE), which was established in 1997 by George and Richard Shea, who have represented Nathan's Famous since 1988 and were responsible for developing the July 4th International Hot Dog Eating contest into its current form. Major League Eating produces events in the USA, England, Japan, Germany, Thailand and Canada.
Spike TV is available in 91 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc.
Source: Spike TV
Web site: http://www.spiketv.com/
Music Superstar Shakira Designs Limited-Edition T-Shirt for Hard Rock's Latest Signature Series
Proceeds to Benefit Shakira's Fundacion Pies Descalzos
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 16 For more than a decade, Shakira has been a dominant force in the music industry worldwide, as a multiple Grammy Award winner, singer/songwriter, musician, record producer and philanthropist, and has become the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time. Now, the global icon takes on the role of fashion designer for a great cause through her partnership with Hard Rock. Today at Hard Rock Cafe Paris, Shakira unveiled the latest Signature Series T-shirt, featuring a beautiful image which she proudly designed, marking the official worldwide launch of the Shakira Signature Series T-shirt. Proceeds from the sale of the new T-shirt benefit Shakira's Fundacion Pies Descalzos, which is devoted to finding and providing opportunities for children who are victims of the violence in Colombia and also aims to build new schools and/or improve the infrastructure of existing schools.
Shakira, the 23rd rocker and only the second female artist to become part of Hard Rock's Signature Series T-shirt program, joins music icons and legends, such as Elton John, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks and Ozzy Osbourne, helping to raise millions of dollars for a number of charitable causes worldwide.
The Signature Series T-shirt Edition XXIII features a vivid pink guitar, bearing a set of angel wings on the base that form into a glowing pink heart, with the neck of the guitar wrapped in flowers. The design, created by Shakira, is set on a black T-shirt, and for the first time, is available exclusively in a ladies junior baby-doll size. Hard Rock International is offering Shakira fans the chance to own the limited-edition T-shirt, which is available online at www.hardrock.com/rockshop and at Rock Shops at Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos worldwide.
"I am so excited to be a part of the Signature Series program and I am thrilled to partner with Hard Rock for this life-changing effort," said Shakira. "The program is going to help so many children in my country, and on behalf of all of Colombia's children, we sincerely thank Hard Rock."
In 1997, Shakira created Fundacion Pies Descalzos, which promotes education and strives to provide help for some of the basic needs of Colombian children who are victimized by violence in the country. The foundation also aims to build new schools and/or improve the infrastructure of existing schools. As a result of her efforts, Shakira was nominated a UNICEF ambassador -- the youngest world representative of this organization.
"We are truly happy to have such an impactful musician and philanthropist as Shakira become part of Hard Rock's renowned global Signature Series T-shirt program," said Hamish Dodds, president and chief executive officer, Hard Rock International. "We are also pleased to be able to show our support for her Fundacion Pies Descalzos and help to improve the quality of life for the children in Shakira's home country of Colombia."
Since it was established in 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities around the world. In 1990, Hard Rock International developed the concept of partnering with world-renowned musicians and bands, who create and donate imaginative designs to be reproduced onto T-shirts to benefit the artist's charity of choice. To date, 23 artists have participated in the Signature Series program, including Eric Clapton, Elton John, Sting, Michael Stipe, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks and Ozzy Osbourne, raising millions for a wide variety of organizations, such as Crossroads Centre Antigua, the Elton John AIDS Foundation and World Hunger Year.
This year, Hard Rock is also offering the popular Ozzy Osbourne, Bruce Springsteen and Eric Clapton Signature Series T-shirts, in men's and women's styles, with more to come.
To learn more about Fundacion Pies Descalzos, please visit www.fundacionpiesdescalzos.com.
For further details regarding the Signature Series program, please visit www.hardrock.com.
About Fundacion Pies Descalzos
The Pies Descalzos Foundation is a Colombian non-governmental organization created by internationally acclaimed artist Shakira. The organization is devoted to finding and providing opportunities for children who are victims of the violence in Colombia. It originated in Barranquilla, a city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, and is now reaching other parts of the country. The foundation's goal is to improve the education, nutrition and the lives of the thousands of displaced children who are living in perilous conditions because of the violent internal conflict in Colombia. For more information, visit www.fundacionpiesdescalzos.com.
About Hard Rock International
With 124 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes, seven Hotel & Casinos (excluding those under construction) and one stand-alone Casino in 46 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally-recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music- related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by The Rank Group Plc (RNK.L). For more information on Hard Rock, visit www.hardrock.com.
Source: Hard Rock International
Web site: http://www.hardrock.com/rockshop
http://www.hardrock.com/
http://www.fundacionpiesdescalzos.com/
The Essential Toni Braxton CD Released to Coincide With Her NBA All-Star Performance Sunday, February 18
WHO: Toni Braxton WHAT: The Essential Toni Braxton WHY: The new two-CD collection is a timely commemoration of an enduring figure in popular music. The 5-time Grammy Award- winning artist introduces a new collection of her music. This set includes every one of her 16 hit songs that have crossed over to the R&B and pop charts. The CD includes "Un-Break My Heart" and "You're Makin Me High" along with 30 additional titles. WHEN: The Essential Toni Braxton arrives in stores Tuesday, February 20, 2007 Toni Braxton is set to perform at the NBA All-Star game half- time show. Sunday, February 18, 2007 WHERE: Las Vegas, Nevada
Source: Arista Records/Legacy Recordings
Web site: http://www.legacyrecordings.com/
Legacy Recordings Celebrates the 40th Anniversary & Recent Grammy Win of Sly & The Family Stone With Deluxe Limited Edition Reissues of Group's Entire Epic Records Studio Catalog
Legacy Editions of Sly & the Family Stone Catalog Albums Will Not Be Re-Pressed After Initial Run Has Sold Out
Highly Collectible Individually Numbered Expanded Editions of Sly's Groundbreaking R&B/Funk/Pop Classic Albums Available Separately OR Together in Deluxe Box Set on Tuesday, April 10
NEW YORK, Feb. 16 Starting forty years ago this year, Sly & the Family Stone began breaking down the barriers between R&B, rock & roll and pop music with an uninterrupted string of revolutionary hit singles and groundbreaking albums which included A Whole New Thing (1967), Dance To The Music (1968), Life (1968), Stand! (1969), There's A Riot Goin' On (1971), Fresh (1973), and Small Talk (1974).
Legacy Recordings is celebrating Sly's enormous and abiding musical and cultural achievement with a highly collectible deluxe limited edition run of each of the pioneering albums from Sly's hit-packed Epic Records catalog, available individually or in a special boxed set, for a limited time only beginning Tuesday, April 10.
All seven titles, as well as the boxed set, will be individually numbered in custom digi-paks. None of the albums, nor the boxed set, will be re-pressed once the initial run has sold out.
Produced for re-issue by Bob Irwin and mastered by Vic Anesini at Sony Music Studios in New York, each of the titles in the Sly & the Family Stone limited edition series includes rare B-Sides and previously unreleased bonus tracks as well as new liner notes by the nation's top music journalists.
As testimony to the enduring power of Sly & the Family Stone and the group's music, this year's Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals went to "Family Affair," a track performed by John Legend, Joss Stone with Van Hunt from Different Strokes by Different Folks, a Sly & the Family Stone all-star tribute/remix album on Epic/Legacy Recordings.
Individual titles in the Legacy Recording's Sly & the Family Stone deluxe limited edition series include:
A WHOLE NEW THING (released late-1967), with "Trip To Your Heart," "Run, Run, Run," five bonus tracks including mono single versions of the B-sides "Let Me Hear It From You" and "Underdog," plus a previously unreleased instrumental track; with original liner notes by San Francisco-Oakland DJ John Hardy and new liner notes by Bud Scoppa.
DANCE TO THE MUSIC (1968), with the Top 10 title hit, six bonus tracks including mono single versions of "Dance To the Music" and "Higher," and three previously unreleased tracks (including Otis Redding's "Can't Turn You Loose"); with original liner notes by Sly and New York DJ Al Gee, and new liner notes by Greg Tate.
LIFE (1968), with the title tune single b/w "M'Lady," four bonus tracks including a mono single version of "Dynamite!" and three previously unreleased tracks; with original liner notes by New York DJ Rosko, and new liner notes by Ben Edmonds.
STAND! (1969), breakthrough album with the string of hits "Every day People," "Sing A Simple Song," "Stand!" and "I Want To Take You Higher," five bonus tracks including three mono single versions and two previously unreleased tracks; with new liner notes by England's Barney Hoskyns.
THERE'S A RIOT GOIN' ON (1971), landmark #1 album with "Family Affair," "Runnin' Away," and "(You Caught Me) Smilin'," four bonus tracks including one mono single version and three previously unreleased instrumental tracks; with new liner notes by the San Francisco Chronicle's Joel Selvin.
FRESH (1973), with "If You Want Me To Stay," "Frisky," "If It Were Left Up To Me," and "Que Sera, Sera" (the only cover in Sly's entire original album catalog), five bonus tracks -- all alternate mixes of unreleased album masters; with new liner notes by Toure.
SMALL TALK (1974), the group's final Epic album, with "Time For Livin'" and "Loose Booty," four previously unreleased bonus tracks including three alternate versions; with original liner notes by Steve Lake of Melody Maker, and new liners by Alex Stimmel.
www.legacyrecordings.com
Source: Legacy Recordings
Web site: http://www.legacyrecordings.com/
Feb 15
HBO and Comcast to Host the Atlanta Premiere of HBO Films' 'LIFE SUPPORT,' A moving and candid look at the African-American community's HIV Crisis, On Sunday, March 4 at Morehouse School of Medicine
Writer Nelson George to Attend Atlanta Premiere along with his sister, Andrea Williams, whose true story was the inspiration for LIFE SUPPORT. Wendell Pierce (HBO's "The Wire") also will attend the Premiere.
ATLANTA, Feb. 15 HBO and Comcast will host the Atlanta Premiere of HBO Films' LIFE SUPPORT on Sunday, March 4, 2007 at the Morehouse School of Medicine's Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care. The invitation-only event will begin with the film screening at 3:00 p.m. in the auditorium followed by a 5:00 p.m. reception. Community partners for the Atlanta premiere of LIFE SUPPORT are Healthy Black Communities, Inc., Black Women Film Preservation Project and the Woodruff Arts Center's Celebrate Diversity Through The Arts Initiative.
HBO Films' LIFE SUPPORT, starring Oscar(R) nominee and platinum-selling recording artist Queen Latifah, is a moving and candid look at the African- American community's HIV crisis through the eyes of a survivor who is a mother, a former addict and an AIDS activist. Inspired by the life of his sister, Andrea Williams, and their family, director Nelson George (executive producer of HBO's "Everyday People"), in his directorial debut, co-wrote the screenplay with the writing team of Jim McKay and Hannah Weyer (HBO's "Angel Rodriguez"). Nelson George and Andrea Williams will attend the Atlanta premiere along with actor Wendell Pierce (HBO's "The Wire").
Also appearing in LIFE SUPPORT are Anna Deavere Smith ("The West Wing"), Wendell Pierce (HBO's "The Wire"), Evan Ross (the upcoming "P.D.R."), Rachel Nicks, Darrin Dewitt Henson ("Soul Food"), Gloria Reuben ("ER"), Tony Rock ("All of Us") and Tracee Ellis Ross ("Girlfriends").
Shot at various Brooklyn locations, LIFE SUPPORT uses a mix of actors and real people from the HIV/AIDS community to tell the story of HIV-positive Ana Wallace, who channels her energy and regret over her past drug addiction into working for Life Support, an AIDS outreach group. Wallace's obsessive passion for her job puts her health at risk, and her stubbornness threatens to drive her already fractured family away. When her mother announces that she's selling her home and moving South, and plans to take Wallace's daughter with her, Ana is forced to confront her past mistakes and learns a poignant lesson about loving and letting go.
"The impact of HIV on women in the African-American community is a crisis at the heart of contemporary American life that no one is talking about," notes HBO Films president Colin Callender. "We are proud to be working with Nelson George on his directorial debut on a story that is so personal and so timely."
Executive Producer Shelby Stone points out that "this is not a 'hood' movie. It's a working-class poor movie, and that's a very important distinction. These are people who are building families and working and having a life, maybe not in the best neighborhoods but with a lot of dignity."
Stone was honored in Atlanta on February 16 by the Black Women Film Preservation Project with the organization's Trailblazer Award. Stone's credits include the acclaimed "Lackawanna Blues," "The Middle Passage," "Boycott" and Lumumba," as well as the Emmy(R)-nominated, award-winning HBO public service spots "Peace: Live in It or Rest in It."
"This film's story is important to men and women from all communities," notes LaMont Evans, CEO of Healthy Black Communities, Inc., the national lead agency for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2007 that took place across the country on Feb. 7. "African Americans make up only 12.3 percent of the U.S. population, yet we continue to account for more than 50 percent of new HIV infections. This remains the highest rate for all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. All Americans must make the connection that if one of us has HIV, all of our communities are affected. Knowing your HIV status becomes paramount in turning this epidemic around. These are among the most powerful messages in this film."
The December 2006 Kaiser Family Foundation's HIV/AIDS Policy Fact Sheet estimated that there are 11,471 Black Americans in Georgia living with AIDS, making Georgia third in the nation behind New York and Florida.
Nelson George (director, writer) is the author of numerous nonfiction books, including the recent "Post Soul Nation," and five novels. He co-wrote the films "Strictly Business," starring Halle Berry, and "CB4," with Chris Rock, who also starred. George served as executive producer on HBO Films' "Everyday People" and as a consulting producer on HBO's Emmy(R)-winning "The Chris Rock Show." He has directed several short films, including "To Be a Black Man," narrated by Samuel L. Jackson.
Andrea Williams, the inspiration for LIFE SUPPORT, is a lifelong resident of Brooklyn, where the film is set. The mother of three girls, Ebony, Amber and Jade, she has been married to Leslie "Sha" Williams for 18 years. Williams graduated from Sheepshead Bay High School and attended Brooklyn College. Diagnosed with HIV in 1993, she has been a peer counselor for the Brooklyn- based nonprofit organization Life Force since 2000.
Wendell Pierce's (Slick) film credits include "Ray," "Get on the Bus," "Waiting to Exhale," "Bye Bye Love," "Malcolm X," "Brown Sugar," "The Fighting Temptations" and "A Rage in Harlem." He counts HBO's "The Wire" and "Strapped," plus "Law & Order," "Judging Amy," "Girlfriends," "Third Watch," "The Gregory Hines Show" and "New York Undercover" among his TV credits.
LIFE SUPPORT is executive produced by Oscar(R)-winning actor Jamie Foxx ("Ray"), Queen Latifah, Shelby Stone (HBO's "Lackawanna Blues"), Jaime Rucker King ("Ray"), Marcus King ("Jamie Foxx: Unpredictable") and Shakim Compere ("Beauty Shop"); Mark A. Baker (HBO's "Oz") produces. HBO Films Vice President Sam Martin is the creative executive in charge of production for HBO.
LIFE SUPPORT airs on HBO On-Demand from February 26 through March 5. It debuts Saturday, March 10 (8:00 p.m.) on HBO, with encores on March 11 (4:30 a.m.), 12 (2:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.), 18 (2:15 p.m., 11:00 p.m.), 22 (1:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m.), 24 (8:30 a.m., 4:00 p.m.), 27 (10:00 a.m., 7:30 p.m.) and 29 (4:30 p.m., 12:30 a.m.).
Source: HBO
Heat Beat Entertainment Magazine Website a Unique, Multimedia Destination
POMPANO BEACH, Fla., Feb. 15 Twelve-year-old Heat Beat magazine has transformed into an Internet entertainment juggernaut - http://www.heatbeat.com/.
With an ever-growing fan base and the demand for expanded coverage in all areas of entertainment, Heat Beat outgrew the physical constraints of ink on paper. Shifting focus to the Internet was a logical extension of its entertainment magazine concept, allowing more in-depth coverage, more photographs, even audio and video - with multiple daily updates and unlimited worldwide distribution.
"Once we started designing the website we knew we were onto something new," says Heat Beat publisher, Cary Barnhard. "If we have an interview with a musician, why not give the reader the opportunity to listen to the entire conversation. If we have a preview of a movie, why not go in-depth with as many photos and trailers that are available. If we come across something cool that wouldn't fit in the print edition, why not share it with our audience anyway. And why not offer it all in multiple languages, so people all over the world can enjoy it. These are all things that you just can't do in print!"
Describing heatbeat.com as "hip, fun and entertaining as well as being informative," Barnhard said the website "retains the heart and soul of the monthly magazine combined with all the advantages of online publishing." The website offers a unique view of all facets of entertainment:
-- Exclusive interviews -- Proprietary photos, articles and features -- Multimedia, including videos, movie trailers and picture galleries -- Multiple daily updates as events warrant -- Plus much more
Qread, LLC, based in Pompano Beach, FL, offers innovative, contemporary and exclusive concepts for development into motion pictures, television, digital media and literary entertainment. From comedy to adventure and from romance to political thrillers, Qread strives to make a difference as a new voice with distinctive, original and sometimes outrageous ideas.
Source: Qread, LLC
Web site: http://www.heatbeat.com/
Come for Liverpool, Stay for Louisville; 25,000 Beatles Fans 'Come Together' at Abbey Road on the River
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 15 On the heels of the announcement by Apple Corps' head Neil Aspinall that Beatles fans will not have long to wait before they can download their fave Fab Four tunes, "Courier-Journal.com Abbey Road on the River," the ultimate Beatles and 60's rock Arts and Music Festival in America, announced all 13 core albums will be presented LIVE at the festival May 24 - 28, 2007, at the Belvedere Festival Park and Galt House Hotel & Suites in Louisville, Kentucky.
According to sources close to Apple Corps, the albums released on CD in 1987 have been re-mastered, and will be available for download in the coming months. In concert with this announcement, Gary Jacob, Abbey Road's producer remarked, "To celebrate this long-awaited digital revolution, we will present all 13 Beatles core albums, including the latest, LOVE, live ... Nowhere else in the world has this been done."
The album recreations will chronologically trace the release of each, from With the Beatles in 1963 to Let It Be in 1970, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, the album commonly credited with launching the Summer of Love in June 1967.
And to further mark that anniversary "Abbey Road on the River" has added a fifth day, Memorial Day, May 28, to present the music of other bands from that seminal summer including The Mamas & The Papas, The Who, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, and more!
The "Courier-Journal.com Abbey Road on the River" is any Beatles fan's dream. The bands come pint-sized, "mop-topped" and from as far away as Kyoto, Japan. There are 45 cover bands, and 25 re-creation bands, and they come to commemorate and celebrate the best rock band of the last century.
Weekend Travel Packages including hotel, festival 5-day admission and reserved seating available at www.abbeyroadontheriver.com
When: Thursday, May 24 - Monday, May 28, 2007 (5 Fab days). Where: The Galt House Hotel (4th and Main) and The Belvedere Festival Park. ACCOMMODATIONS: Headquarter Hotel: Galt House Hotel & Suites (www.galthouse.com) 1-800-THE-GALT (on the festival grounds) TICKETS: Adult General Admission tickets - $15 in advance 3-5 day Full Weekend passes - from $10 per day. Reserved - from $40 per day.
Web site: http://www.abbeyroadontheriver.com/
http://www.galthouse.com/
The Music of The Howard Stern Show - 25 Years of Great Performances All Weekend Exclusively on SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Memorable performances and new commentary from music's biggest names as well as from Howard and crew
NEW YORK, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) today announced that it will be celebrating the music of The Howard Stern Show by opening up the archives and highlighting the most memorable musical performances from the past 25 years. Starting Friday, February 16 at 3pm ET and running all weekend, Howard 101 will air great performances from music's biggest names, new commentary from musicians who have stopped by the show, memories from Howard and his cohorts, and bits from inside the studio as well as unforgettable off-site parties and road shows.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991118/NYTH125 )
Music and musicians have always been celebrated on The Howard Stern Show and now, for the first time, all the great moments will air during this special broadcast. Listeners will hear the intimate, in-studio performances by legends such as James Taylor, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, AC/DC, Jethro Tull, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, and Willie Nelson as well as classic performances by today's superstars including Dave Grohl, Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, Counting Crows, and Stone Temple Pilots, among many others. Recorded musical performances from 25 years of birthday shows, international shows and road shows will also air. Highlights include songs from Lenny Kravitz, David Bowie, Tom Jones, The Wallflowers, Sting and Bryan Adams.
"The Music of The Howard Stern Show" weekend will also include new candid commentary from the industry's biggest names who have stopped by the show during the past 25 years. Over the past 2 months interviews were conducted with artists who have performed on the show, and this weekend listeners will hear new commentary about their songs and experiences. Jon Bon Jovi, Dave Grohl, Steven Tyler, Tom Jones, Cyndi Lauper, Rob Zombie, Mark McGrath, Perry Farrell and John Popper are just a few of the artists who's interviews and remarks will be broadcast on Howard 101.
Among these memorable performances and commentary, Howard will share which musicians and moments stood out to him from this remarkable collection. Robin, Fred, Gary, Artie, Scott the Engineer and Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling are just a few of The Howard Stern Show crew that will also reveal their favorite stories and memories.
About SIRIUS
SIRIUS, "The Best Radio on Radio," delivers more than 130 channels of the best programming in all of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free music channels in satellite radio, offering 69 music channels. SIRIUS also delivers 65 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, NASCAR, NBA and NHL, and broadcasts live play-by- play games of the NFL, NBA and NHL, as well as live NASCAR races. All SIRIUS programming is available for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95.
SIRIUS Internet Radio (SIR) is a CD-quality, Internet-only version of the SIRIUS radio service, without the use of a radio, for the monthly subscription fee of $12.95. SIR delivers more than 75 channels of talk, entertainment, sports, and 100% commercial free music.
SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at shop.sirius.com.
SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercury, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Rolls Royce, Scion, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Hertz also offers SIRIUS in its rental cars at major locations around the country.
Click on www.sirius.com to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase a SIRIUS radio and subscription.
Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2006 and September 30, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among the key factors that have a direct bearing on our operational results are: our dependence upon third parties, including manufacturers of SIRIUS radios, retailers, automakers and programming partners, our competitive position and any events which affect the useful life of our satellites.
Web site: http://www.sirius.com/
Military Record Label, 'To The Fallen Records' Releases First Album
Album Showcases Military Experiences With Mainstream Appeal Through the Music of Military Artists
PROVIDENCE, R.I., Feb. 15 'To The Fallen Records,' a veteran owned music record label showcasing military artists and the music that depicts their personal experiences, announces today the release of their inaugural album, To The Fallen - Volume I. The first album's format is hip-hop featuring powerful lyrics with mainstream appeal; however the record label is not genre specific, but rather captures the musical interpretation of military service and experiences in all musical formats, for release in subsequent volumes.
Co-founder and CEO of To The Fallen Records, Sean Gilfillan, is a former U.S. Army Officer and a disabled war veteran who has always had a passion for music. Upon returning home from serving in the Middle East, he and his business partner Sidney DeMello began collecting music from military artists around the world. "We wanted to show America the people behind the uniform," stated Gilfillan, "their struggles, their pride in the military, their dedication to our country and passion for serving the nation." Each track on the music CD is preserved in its original format from the artist, and is in no way censored, filtered or altered by the label. The music is created by artists stationed overseas in Korea and Germany, artists who set-up studios in Iraq and Afghanistan, and artists stationed in the United States. Lyrics come straight from the artists' mouths and describe their most private and intense moments, telling the stories and experiences of being a marine, soldier, airman, or sailor in today's military.
The CD compilation, Volume I, consists of fourteen individual tracks from active, guard, reserve or veteran service members from all branches of the military. Sidney DeMello, Co-Founder and President, describes the music as "heart felt with mainstream appeal." She further states, "This CD is a full 60 minutes of raw emotion and personal storytelling. Each artist weaves their personal life and experiences into every lyric and every beat, drawing you into their lives. You cannot listen to the tracks without feeling humbled by their service and the honesty with which they tell their stories."
The record label was established not only to showcase military talent and experiences, but also to give back to military members and their families. A percentage of profits are donated to military and/or social organizations, in honor of those who have fallen in the line of duty or have become disabled while serving their country.
About To The Fallen Records:
To The Fallen Records is a record label dedicated to highlighting military music artist talents as well as their musical interpretations of military experiences. A non-partisan label, To The Fallen's mantra is, "It's not about politics, it's about music." To The Fallen Records will release a compilation CD every 6 months showcasing a variety of military artists and musical genres, that delivers mainstream music appeal. Founded in 2006, To The Fallen Records promotes the musical talents of military artists for the world to connect to, learn from and enjoy, and also gives back to the military by donating a percentage of proceeds to organizations dedicated to honoring the fallen or assisting disabled soldiers and their families. To The Fallen Records music CDs can be purchased for $10 at www.tothefallenrecords.com and are available to ship worldwide.
Source: To The Fallen Records
Web site: http://www.tothefallenrecords.com/
Discovery Channel and Ted Koppel Present KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY: OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN'S WAR; A Look at the Future of the War on Terror
SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 15 If you expect the War on Terror to end with the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, or with the establishment of a stable government in Afghanistan, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise. While the eyes of the world focus on those conflicts, the U.S. military is fighting an unconventional war that could last generations. Widely known as the War on Terror, the outgoing commander of the U.S. military's Central Command, Gen. John Abizaid, refers to it as The Long War. Ted Koppel presents an in-depth special report on a war that may last longer than any in which the U.S. has been involved before. KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY: OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN'S WAR premieres on Discovery Channel on Sunday, March 11 at 9 PM (ET/PT).
U.S. military officials point out that Al-Qaeda and other terror organizations are not thinking in terms of a campaign that will end in five, 10, or even 20 years. Instead, they are looking as far as 100 years into the future, and the U.S. has no choice but to do the same. In this special report, Koppel explores the challenges this prolonged struggle presents and how America's military is trying to adapt. His interview with Gen. Abizaid is featured throughout the broadcast.
Koppel and his team of producers take viewers to Afghanistan where the American military is fighting an increasingly powerful Taliban; to Djibouti where the U.S. is building schools and digging wells; to Ethiopia where the U.S. is training commandos while the war in next-door Somalia rages; and to North Carolina where private military firm Blackwater USA is training military and civilian personnel for life on the front lines.
Previous KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY broadcasts include THE PRICE OF SECURITY and IRAN: THE MOST DANGEROUS NATION.
KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY: OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN'S WAR is produced by Discovery Channel Managing Editor Ted Koppel and Executive Producer Leroy Sievers. They are joined by a team of some of the best researchers and producers in the industry. Together they are producing a slate of long-form programming exclusively for Discovery Channel that touches on some of the most important events, people and places changing lives today. From field reporting to script writing, every aspect of the series is shaped by Koppel's 44 years of experience and unparalleled journalistic integrity.
Discovery Communications, Inc.
Discovery Communications, Inc. is the number-one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion people in over 170 countries. Through TV and new media, Discovery's 100-plus worldwide networks include Discovery Channel, TLC, Travel Channel, Animal Planet and Discovery Health. DCI is owned by Discovery Holding Co. (NASDAQ:DISCA) (NASDAQ:DISCB) , Cox Communications Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, Discovery's founder and chairman. For more information please visit http://www.discovery.com/.
Source: Discovery Channel
Web site: http://www.discovery.com/
http://montebubbles.net/blog9/2007/02/entertainmentartsfashion_techn_3.html
