Desperate Housewives Designer Clothing Auction for Revlon/UCLA Breast Center Ends May 22
Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®
To understand the internet you have to be open to change.
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Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne May 22, 2006
ritten by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne May 22, 2006MBN®
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INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE
Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.
First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX
and NBC and now there is MBN ®
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averaging 100 Pages of news a day. )
MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.
MBN® HAS BEEN INVITED TO COVER THE CHINESE CES THIS JULY
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International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now
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MONTEBUBBLISM : Often when you lose something you find it is it is actually hidden in plain sight .
Desperate Housewives Designer Clothing Auction for Revlon/UCLA Breast Center Ends May 22
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) has acquired all rights, including theatrical, home video and television, to the Irwin Winkler-directed Home of The Brave from Nu Image/Millennium Films, which will be produced in association with Emmett/Furla Films.
Mom's Inbox Saves the Day
''Lincoln and Lee at Antietam - The Cost of Freedom'' to Air on Television Memorial Day Weekend
Sonopress' First Playable HD DVD Made with DCA DiscTag Enabled Workflow Components
Scarlett Johansson and Barry Levinson Are 'Brilliant' with Millennium & Family Room
New Line Cinema's Integrated Marketing Executive Added to Agenda for Next Week's MKF Research 2006 Executive Wine Summit
Revenues in the Chinese Set Top Box Market are Expected to Reach RMB 8.66 Billion by 2009
2K Announces The Da Vinci Code(TM) Video Game Available Now; The Video Game Features Mysteries and Puzzles That Go beyond The Da Vinci Code Film or Book
National Lampoon Press to Launch at BookExpo America; Publishing Unit to Release 10-12 Titles Annually Beginning with the Controversial ''Saddam Dump: Saddam Hussein's Trial Blog''
A HAND TO GUIDE ME By Denzel Washington
Gemz Are a Girl's Best Friend: Already a Favorite with the Radio Disney Crowd, Miami Based Tween Vocal Powerhouses Show Their True Colors on ``Blue Is For Girls,'' Set for Release June 6
BGC Hosts Fourth Global Charity Poker Event in France; Total of EUR30,000 Donated to Clients Chosen Charities; Further Events to Take Place Worldwide Before Grand Final in Las Vegas
Blackground / Universal Artist Ashley Parker Angel Releases Solo Debut Album "Soundtrack to Your Life"
SPORTS & AUTOS
NASCAR Mobile Technology Center Debuts at NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge; NASCAR Partners AMD and Tissot Provide Platform for Timing and Scoring Advancements
Auto Club: Gas Prices Level Off
Porsche(R) AG Announces Panamera Sports Coupe to be Built in Germany at its Leipzig Facility; Fourth Porsche Model Line Creates 120 Million Euro Investment - and More Than 2,000 New Jobs in Germany
NEWS
New Medical Website Allows Patients to Order Blood Tests Online
__________________________________________________
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
Desperate Housewives Designer Clothing Auction for Revlon/UCLA Breast Center Ends May 22
If the Desperate Housewives finale is leaving you desperate, find 21 designer clothing items being auctioned to benefit The Revlon/UCLA Breast Center which ends Monday May 22nd at http://abctvstore.shopthescene.com/.
The Wisteria Lane women include Teri Hatcher (Susan Mayer), Felicity Huffman (Lynette Scavo), Marcia Cross (Bree Van De Kamp), Eva Longoria (Gabrielle Solis), Nicollette Sheridan (Edie Britt), and Brenda Strong (Mary Alice Young).
The Revlon/UCLA Breast Center provides comprehensive care for women with benign and malignant breast problems since 1994.
There’s also a set tour of Desperate Housewives where you can discover what was utilized on the set from clothing to home and garden. They’ve made it easy to navigate too, as you can find by character, brand or episode.
If somehow you missed the final episode of this or some of your other ABC shows, visit www.abc.com for a free download to view.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) has acquired all rights, including theatrical, home video and television, to the Irwin Winkler-directed Home of The Brave from Nu Image/Millennium Films, which will be produced in association with Emmett/Furla Films.
The film stars Samuel L. Jackson, Jessica Biel and rapper 50 Cent as U.S. troops adjusting to life back home after enduring the physical and emotional toll of war in Iraq. Written by Mark Friedman based on a story by Mark Friedman and Irwin Winkler, Home of the Brave is a compelling and gripping film about the struggles of adjusting to civilian life for these war-torn veterans and is expected to draw comparisons to films such as the Academy Award(R) winning The Best Years of Our Lives as well as the acclaimed movies Coming Home and The Deer Hunter. Rob Cowan, Irwin Winkler, George Furla and Avi Lerner will serve as producers of the movie. "Irwin Winkler commands a distinguished reputation in the motion picture industry as one of its most progressive and honored filmmakers," said Rick Sands, Chief Operating Officer, MGM. "We are pleased continue our association with Irwin who has brought many big hits to the MGM library over the years including the recent De-Lovely, which was distributed under the United Artists banner, to of course the Rocky movies, which stands today as one of the studio's most important franchises.
We are confident Home of the Brave will have an indelible impact on the movie going public. This film sets a high standard by which other releases will be judged as we move into the filmmaker's awards season. Home of the Brave is indicative of the high quality filmmaking and compelling entertainment experience that MGM will once again be recognized for." Clark Woods, President, Domestic Theatrical Distribution, MGM, added: "A film like this in the hands of Irwin Winkler is sure to make an impact with audiences. His personal preference for highly emotional and controversial stories will add a dimension to this project that other directors simply could not bring to the screen." Winkler added: "Home of the Brave is an important movie and it will be the one of the first to address the anguish and struggle that many of our veterans in Iraq are now facing when they return home to their families and friends.
It's a topical movie since it will speak to the many physical and emotional challenges these veterans are forced to confront. I have had a long and successful association with MGM and look forward to continuing it with the new MGM management team." Lerner stated: "I am pleased to be in business with MGM, which is the best studio for the film. The new management team is talented, experienced and savvy when it comes to distributing and marketing films. They know how to make this movie stand out." Winkler's films have received 12 Academy Awards from 45 nominations including four Best Picture nominations - a record that stands alone in contemporary Hollywood. Winkler received the Academy Award(R) for Best Picture for his 1976 Sylvester Stallone starrer Rocky. His other Best Picture nominations were for Raging Bull, The Right Stuff and Goodfellas, while They Shoot Horses, Don't They? amassed nine Oscar nominations. Winkler is the only producer to have three of his films listed on the American Film Institute's list of the "top 100 films" of all time. About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise.
The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,000 titles. Operating units including Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 110 countries. Under the supervision of new Chairman and CEO Harry Sloan, MGM is revitalizing all areas of the company.
As a result, the studio is now being positioned as an independent, vertical integrated multi-media company. MGM ownership is currently as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), Texas Pacific Group (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com.
Mom's Inbox Saves the Day
Though a little late to plan for mother this year, the timely summary of Online marketing use for Mother's Day by Nielsen//NetRatings, it's not too early to plan for upcoming special occasions and events.
The report concludes that Mom "might be disappointed if her "inbox" is empty on Mother's Day. With many families living hundreds of miles and even several time zones apart, the Web has become an important tool in remembering Mom on her special day."
Greeting Cards Web sites grew collectively 83 percent week over week, increasing from a unique audience of 5.9 million to 10.7 million, in the week ending May 14th
The top three fastest growing Greeting Cards sites all enjoyed triple digit week-over-week growth
The Web was also popular this week for ordering flowers and gifts for Mom. The convenience of online shopping made it an easy choice for many.
Gifts & Flowers Web sites grew collectively 38 percent week over week, increasing from a unique audience of 5.2 million to 7.1 million
FTD.com, 1800flowers.com and proflowers.com were the top three fastest growing Gifts & Flowers Web sites
Overall, the fastest growing Web site in the week ending May 14th was Yahoo! Greetings, which increased 216 percent from a unique audience of 565,000 to 1.8 million.
Estimated online advertising spending on Gifts & Flowers image-based impressions totaled $4.6 million in the week ending with Mother's Day.
''Lincoln and Lee at Antietam - The Cost of Freedom'' to Air on Television Memorial Day Weekend
Inecom Entertainment Company is pleased to announce that "Lincoln and Lee at Antietam - The Cost of Freedom" will air nationally on the PBS HD Channel during the weekend when Americans celebrate Memorial Day, a national holiday honoring those who died in service to our country. Distributed nationwide since its release in January 2006, the award-winning "Lincoln and Lee at Antietam - The Cost of Freedom" DVD is available at video stores, Internet retailers, educational and institutional distributors and large retail chains such as Best Buy, Borders and select Barnes & Noble stores nationwide.
Narrated by Ronald F. Maxwell (director of "Gettysburg" and "Gods and Generals") and written, directed and produced by multiple-award winner Robert Child ("Gettysburg: Three Days of Destiny" and "Gettysburg: The Boys in Blue and Gray"), "Lincoln and Lee at Antietam - The Cost of Freedom" vividly brings to life the story of America's fight for freedom during the bloodiest day in American History.
Nearly twice as many Americans died at the Battle of Antietam than had fallen in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican War and the Spanish-American War combined. In striking comparison, American losses on D-Day were a quarter of those at Antietam.
"Lincoln and Lee at Antietam - The Cost of Freedom" is presented by Penn State Public Broadcasting (PSPB) and distributed by American Public Television (APT). Local stations that offer digital broadcast services will broadcast the film in high-definition format on the following May dates (check local listings):
May 28, 2006 7:00 pm (EDT)
May 29, 2006 4:00 pm, 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm (EDT)
About Inecom Entertainment Company
Inecom Entertainment Company finances and distributes independent films by partnering with innovative producers and enlisting celebrated talent such as Ronald F. Maxwell, Richard Dreyfuss, Keith Carradine and Gene Wilder.
Since 2001, Inecom has released eight feature documentaries and multiple instructional films for USA and international distribution including "EXPO - Magic of the White City" narrated by Gene Wilder, "Gettysburg and Stories of Valor" narrated by Keith Carradine, "Johnstown Flood" narrated by Richard Dreyfuss and "Horses of Gettysburg" narrated by Ronald F. Maxwell. Inecom's upcoming productions include "Winters of War, The Clara Barton Story" and "World War I Minutes."
Sonopress' First Playable HD DVD Made with DCA DiscTag Enabled Workflow Components
Doug Carson & Associates, Inc. (DCA) proudly announces that Sonopress in Weaverville, N.C. has produced their first playable run of HD DVD discs today using DCA DiscTag Enabled workflow components, including Viper Loader, MIS Pro HD DVD formatter and Viper Verify applications. Glass mastering was performed on the Singulus 266 LBR.
DCA and Sonopress worked together on-site with Singulus over a 4 week period to tune-in the 266 LBR and produce the first run of playable discs.
The DiscTag Enabled workflow uses a unique marker on each layer as a key to retrieve a "Gold Reference" HCRC value and XML metadata from a network location and enable automatic physical testing with HCRC logical verification. The XML metadata contains customer, catalog, format type, and job report information for each application that touches the title. HCRC values provide verification of the replica against the original source data without the need for the original source to be present, while additionally reporting individual miscompare errors by sector and radius location.
"DCA & Sonopress have a long history of working together toward innovative methods of increasing plant productivity," says Eric Carson, product manager for DCA. "We are pleased that Sonopress has chosen to manufacture right from the start with DCA for 3G format development."
Mark Schlorff, Senior Mastering Engineer at Sonopress, says, "DCA's DiscTag Enabled solutions and top-notch on-the-ground and phone support made producing HD DVD in Weaverville exceptionally quick and easy. In addition, the advanced write strategy available with DCA's MIS Pro formatter made dialing in the Singulus 266 LBR as painless as possible."
There are several possible applications for DCA's DiscTag Enabled workflow in the replication chain, including:
-- Automatic Testing & Verification -- testers & verifiers can retrieve the DiscTag marker from a replica to automatically populate the user interface and start testing/verification with no operator intervention,
-- Automatic Layer Matching -- testers & verifiers can retrieve the DiscTag marker on each layer to ensure that both layers belong together, and
-- Job Histories/Audit Trails -- plant personnel can use the web-based DCA Title Manager software to lookup job history reports using either the DiscTag from a replica or a host of other parameters, including Customer Name, Catalog ID, Cut Number and Date Range.
About DCA, Inc.
DCA, Inc., Doug Carson & Associates, (http://www.dcainc.com) is the industry's leading provider of world class signal processing technology. Since 1988, optical disc manufacturers have relied on DCA's pre-mastering, mastering and verification products. DCA's products include DDP Pro and DDP Toolkit tools, MIS (Mastering Interface System) and Commander. DCA is also heavily involved in new optical disc format developments such as HD DVD and Blu-ray. DCA continues to champion new solutions for next generation discs, including its DiscTag, HCRC and job history metadata for automated verification, testing and tracking of job information.
About Sonopress
Sonopress LLC, part of arvato, a Bertelsmann company, is a global leader in media replication and turnkey services. Sonopress possesses the technological expertise to produce the widest variety of analog and digital media formats currently on the market (cassettes, CD, DVD, DVD Hybrid). The company's services include pre-mastering, optical mastering and replication, graphics sourcing, packaging, assembling, warehousing and distribution. The Sonopress global network, with more than 3,900 employees, places customer service and product quality as its top priorities. For further information visit: http://www.sonopress.com.
Scarlett Johansson and Barry Levinson Are 'Brilliant' with Millennium & Family Room
Family Room Entertainment (OTCBB:FMLY) is pleased to announce that earlier this morning, its wholly owned subsidiary, Emmett/Furla Films, announced in conjunction with Millennium Films and Melanie Johansson that four-time Golden Globe Nominee SCARLETT JOHANSSON has signed on to star in Oscar Winner BARRY LEVINSON's "BRILLIANT" written by Gillian Gorfil and Elizabeth Shorten, based on a story by Gillian Gorfil and Nicholas Lorentz. The Picture will be produced by Avi Lerner, Melanie Johansson, Gillian Gorfil and Emmett/Furla's Randall Emmett. The Pic will be executive produced by Boaz Davidson, Danny Dimbort, John Thompson and Emmett/Furla's George Furla. Emmett/Furla Films will provide producing services in connection with the pic.
BRILLIANT is a fast-moving battle of wits in which a female jewel thief (Johansson) teams up with a daring conman to pull off the biggest heist in history; but nothing is quite as it seems and there is more than one twist in this sexy tale.
Scarlett Johansson is currently shooting the lead role in "The Nanny Diaries" for The Weinstein Company. Upcoming this year you will be able to see Johansson in the Woody Allen directed comedy "Scoop" for Focus Features, "The Black Dahlia" directed by Brian De Palma for Universal Pictures and "The Prestige" directed by Christopher Nolan for Disney Pictures. Johansson was seen in some of the most critically acclaimed films over the past few years such as "The Horse Whisperer," "Lost in Translation," "A Girl with a Pearl Earring," and "Match Point," to name a few. Scarlett is involved with numerous charitable organizations such as OXFAM, USA Harvest, Community Emergencies and The Red Project.
Millennium and Emmett/Furla are currently in production on Michael Cahill's KING OF CALIFORNIA starring Michael Douglas and Evan Rachel Wood. The two companies recently wrapped Irwin Winkler's HOME OF THE BRAVE starring Sam Jackson, Jessica Biel, Christina Ricci, Chad Michael Murray with Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and Brian Presley. Up next in theaters for the two companies is the fall release of Neil La Bute's THE WICKERMAN, which stars Nicolas Cage.
Gillian Gorfil is currently producing BLOOD DIAMOND for Warners in South Africa. The movie is directed by Ed Zwick ("Last Samurai") and stars Leonardo Di Caprio ("Aviator"), Jennifer Connelly ("A Beautiful Mind") and Djimoun Hounsou ("In America").
Elizabeth Shorten is a two-time award-winning journalist and publisher.
About Melanie Johansson
Melanie Johansson has co-produced "LOVE SONG FOR BOBBY LONG" starring John Travolta and Scarlett Johansson and is a producer on "AMAZON" and "NAPOLEON and BETSEY." She also has many projects in various stages of development and has her own production company, Steeplechase Pictures.
About Family Room Entertainment
Family Room Entertainment Corporation, with its subsidiaries, Emmett Furla Films Productions ("EFFP"), Emmett Furla Films Distribution ("EFFD") and EFF Independent (EFFI"), is a publicly held company trading on the NASDAQ Bulletin Board under the symbol "FMLY." Family Room Entertainment develops, produces and performs production related services for the entertainment industry. Family Room Entertainment's goal, through EFFI and EFFP, is to facilitate relationships (and as such, provide production related services) between creative talent (including writers, actors and directors) and companies who produce, finance and distribute motion pictures. FMLY derives its income from producer fees, production consulting and service fees and royalties as well as participation in the profits, if any, of certain of the pictures it produces.
The FMLY co-founders, Randall Emmett and George Furla, believe that they have the expertise and contacts within the entertainment industry, specifically in the competitive development, production and distribution arenas, to profitably acquire content, package product by adding value to the content with top quality talent and arrange with third parties to produce and finance motion pictures which are in the moderate to higher level budgets, which can be distributed by those with the expertise to effectively do so to a mass worldwide audience. However, there is no assurance that any motion picture, which has not yet been released, will be released, that a change in the scheduled release dates of any such films will not occur or, if such motion picture is released, it will be successful.
Forward Looking Statement:
New Line Cinema's Integrated Marketing Executive Added to Agenda for Next Week's MKF Research 2006 Executive Wine Summit
Gordon Paddison, EVP of Integrated Marketing at New Line Cinema, was added this month to the roster of compelling speakers at the MKF Research 2006 Executive Wine Summit, slated for May 23 and 24, 2006 at the Villagio Inn, Yountville, California. Mr. Paddison will join the panel presenting case studies on "Marketing to Echo Boomers," scheduled for Tuesday, May 23 starting at 2:15 p.m. (http://www.mkf.com/conferences.html)
Mr. Paddison leads New Line's integrated marketing unit, a critical component in the promotion of the company's films; and oversees worldwide interactive marketing initiatives. Paddison was recently honored as the 2005 Integrated Marketer of the Year by Variety and iMedia. In 2001, he was named one of the top 100 creative people in show business in Entertainment Weekly's "IT List" issue and was chosen by Variety in 2000 as a member of the venerated trade paper's list of "The Digital Dozen" -- 12 individuals who will have a strong hand in shaping the new, wired Hollywood. Paddison has created compelling interactive marketing campaigns for Wedding Crashers, Elf, The Lord of the Rings, Austin Powers, Rush Hour and Blade franchises.
MKF also announced two new panelists to their program. Lou Bright, Chief Counsel for Texas Alcoholic Beverages Commission, will participate in the general session on "Building Winery Direct into a Major Profit Center" for Wednesday, May 24 starting at 9:30 a.m. Jeffrey Davies, President of Signature Selections in Bordeaux, will join the panel "What is Happening in France?" on Wednesday, May 24 starting at 3:30 p.m., along with Gregory Balogh, President of MMD-USA, Burgundy importer Martine Saunier and Chris Braun, European Managing Director and Partner in the Joseph Ciatti Company.
Among others, speakers at the Summit will include Ray Chadwick, President, Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines; Barkley Stuart, Chief Operating Officer, Glazer Family of Companies; Thomas Rimerman, former Managing Partner of Frank, Rimerman + Co, LLP; Vic Motto, Chairman and CEO of Global Wine Partners; Bill Cascio, Director of Winery Relations, Glazer Family of Companies; and Smoke Wallin, Chairman and CEO, eSkye Solutions.
Registration for the MKF Research 2006 Executive Wine Summit, "A World of Change," is by invitation only and limited to principals and senior executives. To learn more about the Summit and request an invitation, please visit http://www.mkf.com/conferences.html. MKF Research is a joint venture of Frank, Rimerman + Co. and Global Wine Partners, LLC.
Revenues in the Chinese Set Top Box Market are Expected to Reach RMB 8.66 Billion by 2009
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c37260) has announced the addition of China's Digital Set-Top Box Market Study, 2005-2006 to their offering.
This report describes the technical aspects and application markets of the Set Top Box (STB) industry. It analyzes and forecasts STB market and industry in China and abroad. In addition, it also investigates and analyzes manufacturers in the Chinese STB industry chain, including 15 chip manufacturers, 19 CA manufacturers, 10 middleware manufacturers, 6 ODMs and 62 STB manufacturers.
STB can be divided into several levels, according to technical development. Low-end products can connect with information source which is transmitted by various transmission mediums like TV cable, satellite even IP network. Later, these different receiving systems will mix with each other to form multi-modal STB combined with TV cable, satellite and IP network, etc. In addition, STB may become a real home media center after it is equipped with high-end functions like PVR.
In the global STB market, satellite STB occupies 60% of the total market share. But it doesn't show rapid growth like TV cable STB and terrestrial STB. The STB market with high growth rate is IP STB.
In 2004, the global turnover of STB was 90 million sets. The turnover in European market was 26 million sets, among which, half of them were used to receive free television broadcasting; the sales volume in Asian-Pacific region and Japanese market was 16 million sets, 3/4 of which were used to receive free television broadcasting; and in North American market, the sales volume was 34 million sets, among which, 3/4 was used to receive satellite television broadcasting, and the left was applied to TV cable broadcasting. Therefore, global STB market scale is quite large with annual growth rate of 24%.
China has become one of the main STB production bases with a complete industry chain. Domestic STB products cover a wide range, including low-end STB with basic functions, dual-modal STB combining with TV cable and IP, and high-end STB with PVR function.
Currently, STB is charged by operators. Manufacturers in the market not only include professional STB manufacturers, but also include traditional TV manufacturers. The relationship and competition between manufacturers and operators will absolutely own more Chinese characteristics.
Most products made by Chinese STB manufacturers are for exportation. In 2005, 70% of STB products in China were exported, up by 53% compared to 2004.
Currently, the domestic STB market scale is limited, but along with the development of DTV and NTV etc as well as the further differentiation between CA and STB, the domestic STB market will definitely grow rapidly in the future. From the domestic output of some manufacturers in 2005, STB market in China has started to develop gradually. Therefore, 2006 will be an important year for the development of the Chinese STB market. It is predicted that compound annual growth rate of China's STB market in 2004-2009 will reach 75.2%. And in 2009, the shipment will be 25.582 million sets with sales revenue of RMB 8.66 billion.
This report is currently only available in Chinese. If you wish to obtain an English version of this report, please allow 5 working days for report translation.
Topics Covered
-- 1. Technology and Development of Digital STB
-- 2. STB Application Market and Development in China
-- 3. Development of Digital STB Market and Industry
-- 4. Chip Suppliers of Digital STB
-- 5. CA Manufacturers
-- 6. Middleware Suppliers
-- 7. ODMs
-- 8. Main STB Manufacturers
Companies Mentioned
- ADT - Alticast - ATI - Beijing Mingxin Technologies Co., Ltd - Beijing Novel-Tongfang Information Engineering Co., Ltd. (NTIC) - Beijing Tianyu - Beijing Xingdaxiang Technology Co., Ltd. - BiaoQi - Broadcom - Cable-GS Technology Co., Ltd. - Canal+ - Changhong - Cheertek - Chengde QuanShunDa - Chengdu Doyen Information Technology Co., Ltd - Conax - Conexant - Coship Electronics Co., Ltd - CTI - Dahua Technology - Dalian Daxian Group Co., Ltd. - Dingrun Computer Inc. - DTVIA CAS Co., Ltd. - DVN Group - Fujitsu - Fuzhou Zhuoyi Electronics - Global Net Broadband Industry - Greatwall Information Industry Co., Ltd. - Haier IC Design Co. Ltd. - Hisense - Huada Electronic - IBM - Irdeto - Konka - Liberate - LifeView - LSI - Microsoft - Motorola - Nagravision - NDS - NEC - NS - Opentv - Philips - Qianfeng Digital AV Equipment Co., Ltd. - Roxus - Samsung Electronics - Shanghai Advanced Digital Technology Co., Ltd. - Shanghai Digivision Technology Co., Ltd. - Shanghai High Definition Technology Industrial Co., Ltd. - Shanghai Jiaotong University - Shanhua-EMCEE Broadcast Communication Co., Ltd. - Shantou Huanuo Electronics Co., Ltd. - Shenzhen Advanced Video Info-Tech Co., Ltd. - Shenzhen Success Digital Technology Co., Ltd. - SiChuan Tonda Electronics - Skyworth - ST - TCL - TF - TI - TopTV Technology - Viaccess - Wuhan Dongtai Information Industry Co., Ltd. - Xiangji - Zoran - ZTE
2K Announces The Da Vinci Code(TM) Video Game Available Now; The Video Game Features Mysteries and Puzzles That Go beyond The Da Vinci Code Film or Book
2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today The Da Vinci Code(TM) video game is now available at retail stores worldwide. Developed by The Collective, a division of Foundation 9 Entertainment, the video game is available for PC, Xbox(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system.
The Da Vinci Code(TM) video game is based on the highly anticipated film from Columbia pictures, which is based on Dan Brown's critically acclaimed, best-selling novel. In the game, players seek to "unlock the code" as they struggle to unravel a 2,000 year old mystery.
"The Da Vinci Code(TM) video game expands upon the plot in the film and book, allowing gamers to experience new adventures and solve new puzzles," said Christoph Hartmann, President, 2K. "The game takes players beyond anything they have seen or read."
An adventure and puzzle game with action elements, the video game features new plot twists and clues. In a race against time, players must try to stay one step ahead of an ominous, covert society that will stop at nothing to protect a secret locked away for centuries. The video game combines stealth, adventure, combat and puzzle-solving elements to create the ultimate adventure.
Key Features:
-- Expands upon The Da Vinci Code universe by giving the player new experiences and locations not visited in the film or the book.
-- Guide Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu on their quest to solve a bizarre murder-mystery and uncover the ultimate treasure protected by an ancient secret society.
-- A unique blend of puzzle-solving, stealth, combat and exploration.
-- Explore detailed environments and discover hidden clues in world famous locations such as The Louvre, Westminster Abbey, Saint-Sulpice and more.
-- Players must solve a wide variety of challenging physical and intellectual puzzles that will ultimately lead them to the resting ground of the Holy Grail.
-- Charles Cecil, designer of the critically acclaimed title Broken Sword aided in the game design.
-- Featuring an incredibly moving and haunting sound track, from acclaimed composer Winifred Philips.
From director Ron Howard, producer Brian Grazer and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, the Oscar(R)-winning team of A Beautiful Mind and producer John Calley (the Oscar(R)-nominated The Remains of the Day), comes the film version of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, one of the most popular and talked about novels of our time, with a cast headed by two-time Academy Award(R) winner Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Sir Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Jurgen Prochnow, Paul Bettany and Jean Reno.
Produced by Grazer and Calley, The Da Vinci Code involves a thrilling murder investigation that unearths a secret that could change the course of history.
Doubleday has completed its 104th printing of the Dan Brown novel which will bring the total number of hardcover copies in print in North America to an unprecedented 12 million. It is the record-setting adult fiction hardcover bestseller, with 161 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list, 55 of them at #1. In addition, 5 million paperback copies for North America were printed and released in the U.S. market March 28th. The novel currently has 57 million copies in print worldwide in all formats.
The Da Vinci Code(TM) is rated T for Teen and is now available at retail stores worldwide.
For more information, please visit http://www.thedavincicodegame.com.
About Sony Pictures Consumer Products
Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP), a Division of Columbia TriStar Consumer Marketing (CTCM), is based in Los Angeles and handles the merchandising and branding efforts for some of the most recognized properties in film and television.
Columbia TriStar Consumer Marketing is a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.
About The Collective
Part of Foundation 9 Entertainment (http://www.F9E.com), the largest independent game developer in North America, The Collective is a leading developer of console video games, and known for groundbreaking third-person action adventure games. The Collective is based in Newport Beach, CA and can be found on the web at: http://www.collectivestudios.com.
The Collective, along with Backbone Entertainment, Pipeworks, ImaginEngine, and Digital Eclipse make up Foundation 9 Entertainment. The company's studios have developed more than 300 titles, including more than 40 in 2005 alone. Foundation 9 Entertainment employs more than 350 employees, and has offices in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Emeryville, Vancouver, Boston, Eugene, Charlottetown and Honolulu. For more information on Foundation 9 Entertainment, please visit: http://www.F9E.com.
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is an integrated global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games and accessories for the PC, PlayStation(R) game console, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, Xbox(R) and Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM), Nintendo DS(TM) and Game Boy(R) Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K and 2K Sports, and Global Star Software; and distributes products in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two also manufactures and markets video game accessories in Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific region through its Joytech subsidiary. The Company maintains sales and marketing offices in Cincinnati, New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Munich, Madrid, Milan, Sydney, Breda (Netherlands), Auckland, Shanghai and Tokyo. Take-Two's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at http://www.take2games.com.
All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.
"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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National Lampoon Press to Launch at BookExpo America; Publishing Unit to Release 10-12 Titles Annually Beginning with the Controversial ''Saddam Dump: Saddam Hussein's Trial Blog''
National Lampoon, Inc. (AMEX:NLN) announced today that it will officially launch its book publishing venture National Lampoon Press at BookExpo America (BEA) in Washington DC May 19-21. The newly launched division expects to publish 10 to 12 satirical titles annually beginning in July with the controversial "National Lampoon The Saddam Dump: Saddam Hussein's Trial Blog".
Building on three plus decades of tremendous acclaim and millions of books sold, National Lampoon will again begin publishing books in-house employing the same formula that elicited so many successful titles. National Lampoon Press will draw upon the company's extensive relationships with hundreds of the leading writers and satirists from around the country.
"National Lampoon is strategically expanding its brand and business to include the publishing of books in-house," stated Douglas S. Bennett, National Lampoon President. "National Lampoon Press represents yet another progression in our corporate strategy of controlling the development, creative, production and distribution of our branded material. BEA is an ideal setting to officially launch this new venture."
"It's been years since the various genres of the literary world have suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous parody," said Scott Rubin, Editor in Chief of National Lampoon. "Lampoon dismembered the high school yearbook and it sold two million copies. We think we have a few more sacred cows to obliterate. National Lampoon Press is back."
National Lampoon Press titles will be supported by national public relations programs, local PR, and implementation of the company's broad marketing and media platforms. Holtzbrinck Publishers will distribute National Lampoon Press titles worldwide.
About National Lampoon Press
The formation of National Lampoon Press marks its first publishing collaboration since 1997 when production of its periodicals ceased. Each book title will exude National Lampoon's new comedy philosophy, as seen through its television, film and internet divisions. The company has experienced several publishing milestones in the last century, selling two million copies of National Lampoon's High School Yearbook and several hundred thousand copies of various joke and cartoon titles.
Scheduled release of National Lampoon Press' first six titles-- "National Lampoon The Saddam Dump: Saddam Hussein's Trial Blog" (July), "National Lampoon Jokes Jokes Jokes" (September), "National Lampoon Magazine Rack" (September), "National Lampoon Not Fit for Print: Tasteless Jokes, Cartoons and Essays We Probably Should Have Kept to Ourselves" (October), "National Lampoon Favorite Cartoons of the 21st Century" (October) and "National Lampoon Rotten True Facts" (October).
About National Lampoon
National Lampoon, Inc. is active in a broad array of entertainment segments, including feature films, television programming, interactive entertainment, home video, audio CDs and book publishing. The company also owns interests in all major National Lampoon properties, including National Lampoon's Animal House, the National Lampoon Vacation series and National Lampoon's van Wilder. The National Lampoon Network serves over 600 colleges and universities throughout the United States. The network reaches as many as 4.8 million students, or nearly one in four of all 18-to-24-year-old college students. In addition, the company operates a humor website, http://www.nationallampoon.com, on the Internet. The company has four operating divisions: National Lampoon Network, Entertainment Division, Publishing Division and Licensing Division.
A HAND TO GUIDE ME By Denzel Washington
Inspiring, Intimate Stories from Bill Clinton, Colin Powell, Toni Morrison, Alex Rodriguez, Whoopi Goldberg, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and others
To Support Boys & Girls Clubs of America
"Every one of us looks back on a coach or a teacher or some person who set us straight and steered us right. You don't get to the top of your game or the top of your field or the top of the charts entirely on your own, and I want to celebrate the good people who have helped us get where we're going."
- Denzel Washington
Sometimes all it takes is one person to make a lasting difference in one's life. That's how it was for Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, who will inspire readers with his personal story about the man at the Mount Vernon Boys Club, who set him on the "path to purpose" in his new book A HAND TO GUIDE ME (Meredith Books; October 3, 2006; $24.95). Mr. Washington then brings together moving first-person accounts from other successful luminaries who describe the devoted mentors who helped them find their shine when they were young "diamonds in the rough"—including notables such as Bill Clinton, Colin Powell, Alex Rodriguez, Jimmy Carter, Whoopi Goldberg, Jackie Joyner Kersee, John Singleton, Bonnie Raitt, Gloria Steinem, Hank Aaron, Tara Lipinski, John Mellencamp, Yogi Berra, Walter Anderson, Bob Woodward, Toni Morrison, and Anna Kournikova, among others.
"We're all destined to leave some kind of mark. I really believe that," writes Mr. Washington. "But I also believe we miss our marks from time to time, and without a certain push in the right direction we might never find the path we were meant to follow. This book is about that certain push, that helping hand we've all had to reach for in order to get where we're going."
Poignant, heartwarming, and powerful, the stories in A HAND TO GUIDE ME follow the coaches, parents, barbers, teachers, and counselors whose insights and support nurtured youngsters and friends out of the constraints of rough neighborhoods, disability, poverty, and insecurity. Actor Daryl "Chill" Mitchell, paralyzed from the waist down in a tragic motorcycle accident, offers a tribute to the late Christopher Reeve, who encouraged him to "go forward." Chick Big Crow, guided by the enthusiasm and heart her daughter had in life, established in her daughter's memory the first Boys & Girls Club on Native American land.
Published to coincide with the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, A HAND TO GUIDE ME continues Denzel Washington's long-standing dedication to the powerful role that mentoring, and in particular, the Boys & Girls Clubs, played in his life as a child growing up in Mount Vernon, New York. "In my neighborhood," the international film star says, "the Boys Club was the center of everything. It was where I learned how to play ball, how to focus and set my mind on a goal, where I learned about consequences, and where I learned how to be a man." The actor's proceeds from the book will be donated to Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the country.
Filled with courage, humanity, and the pure power of caring, A HAND TO GUIDE ME honors the unsung heroes who lend their strength and wisdom to the smallest and most vulnerable among us. With it, Denzel Washington has created a memorable book that celebrates the importance of everyday mentorship and how it can forever change the course of one life at a time for the better.
About Meredith Books
Meredith Books is a division of Meredith Corporation, one of the nation's leading media and marketing companies. With more than 400 books in print and nearly 290 million books sold, Meredith Books has been publishing great authors and great brands for over 75 years. Its most recent New York Times Bestseller is THE SONOMA DIET by Connie Gutterson.
About Meredith Corporation
Meredith (http://www.meredith.com) is one of the nation's leading media and marketing companies with businesses centering on magazine and book publishing, television broadcasting, integrated marketing and interactive media. The Meredith Publishing Group features 24 subscription magazines - including Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies' Home Journal, Parents, Child, Fitness, Family Circle and American Baby - and approximately 150 special interest publications. Meredith owns or operates 14 television stations, including properties in top-25 markets such as Atlanta, Phoenix and Portland, and an AM radio station.
Meredith has established marketing relationships with some of America's leading companies including The Home Depot, DIRECTV, DaimlerChrysler, Wal-Mart and Carnival Cruise Lines. Meredith's consumer database, which contains approximately 80 million names, is one of the largest domestic databases among media companies and enables magazine and television advertisers to target marketing campaigns precisely. Additionally, Meredith has an extensive Internet presence that includes 32 Web sites and strategic alliances with leading Internet destinations.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
With locations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has served more than 4.5 million boys and girls. Its mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.
Gemz Are a Girl's Best Friend: Already a Favorite with the Radio Disney Crowd, Miami Based Tween Vocal Powerhouses Show Their True Colors on ``Blue Is For Girls,'' Set for Release June 6
Everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Janet Jackson and Nicole Kidman has sung about diamonds being a girl's best friend -- and that's cool with Samantha, at 16 the oldest member of The Gemz who claims that as a birthstone. But the old adage is getting a major makeover thanks to the hot five-member teen and pre-teen (thanks to youngest member, Sammi Jack, 11) vocal powerhouse group that's been wowing the Radio Disney crowd for the past three years.
With their inimitable blend of exciting vocals, vibrant personalities and a fully choreographed live show -- not to mention that magic, intangible "it" factor -- The Gemz have achieved something few groups their age have: being cool and cutting edge enough to win over their own generation.
In just three short years, The Gemz -- whose lineup also includes Carlie (15), Sarah (14) and Margaux (13) -- have truly become role models for their evergrowing fan base. They have performed hundreds of shows in dozens of cities coast to coast. They've entertained audiences for both Radio Disney and trade shows; have been featured on several TV shows including "Wifeswap" and MTV's "PoweR Girls"; have sung at prestigious sporting events, charity events, malls, record stores and, maybe the most fun for them, summer camps across the Northeast.
The momentum continues this summer with an upcoming summer tour set to hit sleepaway camps throughout the Northeast as well as fairs and parks throughout the Tri-State Area (New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey). The Gemz are excited about debuting some of the sizzling new songs from Blue Is For Girls, their second album following a self-titled 2004 debut on StreetBeat Records, which is due to drop nationally June 6.
"We're The Gemz. We shine and each have our own unique qualities that we bring to the group. Our mission is to encourage the kids out there to shine on their own as well."
Luck Media & Marketing, Inc.
BGC Hosts Fourth Global Charity Poker Event in France; Total of EUR30,000 Donated to Clients Chosen Charities; Further Events to Take Place Worldwide Before Grand Final in Las Vegas
BGC, a leading inter-dealer brokerage firm providing integrated voice and electronic services to the wholesale fixed income, interest rate, foreign exchange and derivatives markets worldwide, today announced that another successful Texas 'hold'em' charity poker event was hosted to raise money for charities within the many communities in which it does business.
BGC's fourth global charity poker event took place on 10th and 11th May at the George V hotel in Paris as part of a series of worldwide charity events in various cities throughout 2006. The Paris event was attended by clients of BGC and follows successful events jointly hosted by BGC and its technology provider eSpeed since 2005 in London, New York and Chicago.
In keeping with BGC's previous prize to the winner, a total of EUR 15,000 was donated to the chosen charity by the winner on each night. The winner from Wednesday's event selected Centre Francais Protection de l'Enfance, whilst Thursday's winner selected the organization Meir Panim Relief Centers in Israel. All participants were given a bank of "charity chips" to begin each tournament.
Further charity poker events are planned to take place during 2006 and additional cities being considered by BGC and eSpeed, include Hong Kong and Singapore. The individuals with the highest chip counts from each city will be invited to participate in the championship final, which will take place in Las Vegas, NV later this year.
Shaun Lynn, President of BGC, said, "It gives us real pleasure to host these memorable events and I would like to thank our clients once again for taking part. We look forward to our grand finale in Las Vegas, and continuing our charitable support throughout the year and beyond."
Chaim Buchinger, Administrative Director of Meir Panim Relief Centers in Israel, one of the selected charities, said, "We are very grateful for this donation which will go a long way in helping those in poverty who rely on our services to make their lives a little brighter.
Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. and its affiliates, which includes eSpeed, Inc., and BGC, held their Fourth Annual Charity Day on September 12, 2005, and raised over $6 million dollars, the proceeds of which were donated to those families who lost loved ones due to Hurricane Katrina, families of people lost on September 11, 2001, leukemia and cancer research, as well as a variety of other charities.
About BGC
BGC is a leading inter-dealer broker, providing integrated voice and electronic services for wholesale market participants worldwide. BGC is active in the global fixed income, interest rate, foreign exchange and derivative markets, offering both telephone and screen-based price discovery, trade execution, straight-through processing and access to electronic trading services from eSpeed Inc. (Nasdaq: ESPD). The firm, named after fixed income trading innovator B. Gerald Cantor, has offices in London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Nyon and Milan. To learn more, please visit http://www.bgcpartners.com.
About eSpeed, Inc.
eSpeed, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESPD) is a leader in developing and deploying electronic marketplaces and related trading technology that offers traders access to the most liquid, efficient and neutral financial markets in the world. eSpeed operates multiple buyer, multiple seller real-time electronic marketplaces for the global capital markets, including the world's largest government bond markets and other fixed income and equities marketplaces. eSpeed's suite of marketplace tools provides end-to-end transaction solutions for the purchase and sale of financial and non-financial products over eSpeed's global private network or via the Internet. eSpeed's neutral platform, reliable network, straight-though processing and superior products make it the trusted source for electronic trading at the world's largest fixed income and foreign exchange trading firms and major exchanges. To learn more, please visit http://www.espeed.com.
Meir Panim
The Meir Panim Relief Centers in Israel comprise a total of 28 facilities that were established in order to provide free, high quality food to those in need in the most dignified manner, to make available to the needy public basic household equipment, and to provide thousands of disadvantaged schoolchildren with a hot meal a day. Meir Panim's aid extends to all classes of citizens alike without discrimination, including immigrants, native Israelis, the elderly and handicapped and families of terror victims whose financial state has deteriorated to rock bottom following their tragedy. For more information, please visit http://www.meirpanim.org.
Blackground / Universal Artist Ashley Parker Angel Releases Solo Debut Album "Soundtrack to Your Life"
Single "Let U Go" Enters Billboard's Hot 100 Chart at #17 and Joins the Teen People "Rock N Shop" Mall Tour
Singer/songwriter Ashley Parker Angel and star of MTV's hit music reality series "There & Back" has released his solo debut album "Soundtrack To Your Life" on Blackground / Universal. The first single "Let U Go" debuted at #17 on Billboard's Hot 100 list making Angel's single the highest new entry in 2006. The single also reached #1 on MTV's "TRL" countdown and was the #1 most added song to Top 40 radio stations the first week it was released to radio.
The "Soundtrack To Your Life" album takes Ashley Parker Angel in new directions -- his new edgy rock sound and his songwriting ability is reflected on the album. He co-wrote the entire album and worked with notable producers such as The Matrix (Avril Lavigne, Korn), Max Martin (Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears) and Soulshock & Karlin.
Ashley Parker Angel was previously a member of ABC's "The Making of The Band" multi-platinum group O-Town. The band dissolved in 2002 and Angel packed up and moved to Los Angeles to become a solo artist. MTV: Music Television followed the musical journey of an old face with an entirely new act in "There & Back," a music reality series chronicling the life of the former O-Town heartthrob. Angel is broke, his girlfriend is pregnant, and his entire music career rides on the success of his solo debut album. The unscripted dramatic series followed Ashley in his new life as he tried once again to break through the music industry -- this time doing it his way and on his own.
Since wrapping the MTV show, Ashley Parker Angel has been busy on a national radio promo tour and making special appearances including "Live with Regis and Kelly." Angel recently performed his hit single "Let U Go" live on "TRL" and was tapped by Teen People to join their "Rock N Shop" Tour.
Rock N Shop tour dates:
July 7 - Minneapolis, MN / Mall of America
July 28 -Dallas, TX / Shops at Willow Bend
Aug. 11 - Long Island, NY / Roosevelt Field Mall
Aug. 18 - Chicago, IL / Woodfield Mall
SPORTS & AUTOS
NASCAR Mobile Technology Center Debuts at NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge; NASCAR Partners AMD and Tissot Provide Platform for Timing and Scoring Advancements
NASCAR will introduce a new state of the art Mobile Technology Center (MTC) during the running of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Saturday, May 20 (FX, 7:00 p.m.).
The NASCAR MTC will serve as the ongoing at-track home base for NASCAR's Timing and Scoring system and provide a platform to launch additional technology initiatives. The MTC -- a data center on wheels -- establishes a consistent high-tech work space for NASCAR to collect and process timing and scoring data, and opens up opportunities for continuous technological advancement within the sport. Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE:AMD), the Official Technology Partner of NASCAR, and Tissot, the Official Timekeeper of NASCAR, are consulting with NASCAR to refine its timing and scoring system with an eye toward integrating each company's advanced technology.
In addition to the role the MTC will play in timing and scoring, NASCAR plans to explore the impact this new technology could have on ongoing safety, competition, and cost-saving initiatives at NASCAR's Research and Development Center; streamlining and improving the security of the event-credentialing process; serving as the hub for NASCAR's race-day statistical unit; and deploying new scanning and computer modeling technology that could expedite and advance the inspection process.
The MTC hauler, branded with the logos of AMD and Tissot, will be situated in the TV compound at each NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event. An additional hauler is currently under construction that will be utilized at NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series stand-alone events.
"The Mobile Technology Center will serve as NASCAR's at-track technology hub, and we're excited about all of the opportunities it will provide in advancing our sport," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president for competition. "The MTC gives us a starting point for improving the systems providing accurate and immediate race data, processing that data for more sophisticated NASCAR statistics, announcing results, and sharing race information with fans and media. At the track, the MTC will help NASCAR to operate even more efficiently."
AMD helps improve NASCAR's official timing and scoring systems by powering the servers that process more than a half million data points at each NASCAR race, providing accurate results as quickly as possible. Within the MTC, more than 40 AMD Opteron(TM) processor-based servers and AMD Turion(TM) 64 Mobile Technology-based laptops provide for quicker timing and scoring updates, and help enhance the NASCAR experience for the drivers, teams and fans.
"NASCAR fans value competition and know the enormous impact technology can have on every aspect of motorsports racing," said Bill LaRosa, corporate vice president, North America and Global Accounts at AMD. "From the complex benefits of wind tunnel testing to accuracy in timing and scoring to continuous improvements in safety, NASCAR is harnessing the power of AMD Opteron processor-powered computing to operate faster, safer, and smarter. We are pleased to partner with NASCAR to help make this great sport even better."
NASCAR and Tissot, along with other partners, are teaming up to review current technology used to time NASCAR events. The goal is to continue to use technology to acquire more comprehensive information from the competitors as the race is in progress, to strive toward increasing the accuracy of "freeze the field," which is the procedure NASCAR follows once the caution flag is issued, and to enhance the experience for the fans through the use of this information by the sport's media partners.
"Tissot has been measuring time for world-class sporting events like NASCAR for years," said Olivier Cosandier, General Manager, Tissot U.S. "We look forward to the challenge of working with NASCAR Competition and AMD to offer new and innovative timekeeping and scoring technology."
About AMD
Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE:AMD) is a leading global provider of innovative microprocessor solutions for computing, communications and consumer electronics markets. Founded in 1969, AMD is dedicated to delivering superior computing solutions based on customer needs that empower users worldwide. For more information visit http://www.amd.com.
AMD became the Official Technology Sponsor of NASCAR in January of 2006, combining America's fastest growing spectator sport with some of the world's highest performing technology. At NASCAR's R & D center in Concord, North Carolina, AMD processors are used to improve safety, assess competition and recommend cost-saving strategies. AMD technology provides NASCAR the processing power necessary for data collection and analysis to better study crashes and to perform a variety of wind tunnel simulations.
About Tissot
Innovators by Tradition: Headquartered in Le Locle, Switzerland, Tissot is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd., the world's largest watch manufacturer. With roots dating back to 1853, Tissot is number one in volume worldwide among traditional Swiss brands. Tissot's expertise as Official Timekeeper currently includes: NASCAR, the MotoGP World Championship, Ice Hockey World Championship, the Cycling World Championship and the Fencing World Championship. Ambassadors for the brand are: IRL sensation Danica Patrick, MotoGP star Nicky Hayden and soccer standout Michael Owen. Tissot is currently present in more than 150 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit: http://www.tissot.ch.
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR), which began in 1948, is the sanctioning body for one of America's premier sports. NASCAR is the #1 spectator sport -- holding 17 of the top 20 attended sporting events in the U.S., the #2 rated regular-season sport on television with broadcasts in over 150 countries, and has 75 million fans that purchase over $2 billion in annual licensed product sales. These fans are the most brand loyal in all of sports and as a result, more Fortune 500 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport.
NASCAR consists of three major national series (NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) as well as eight regional series and one local grassroots series. NASCAR sanctions 1,500 races at over 100 tracks in 38 states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach (Fla.), NASCAR has offices in Bentonville (Ark.), Charlotte (N.C.), Concord (N.C.), Conover (N.C.), Los Angeles, New York, Mexico City and Toronto.
Auto Club: Gas Prices Level Off
After nine weeks of spiraling pump prices, gasoline prices leveled off this week as more supply entered the market and consumer demand flattened, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California's Weekend Gas Watch.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $3.401, which is three-tenths of a cent higher than last week, 43 cents higher than last month and 90 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the price is $3.437, only two-tenths of a cent above last week's price, 45 cents above last month and 94 cents above last year. On the Central Coast, the average price is $3.486, up one cent from last week, 42 cents above last month and 86 cents higher than last year. In the Inland Empire, the average price is $3.440, up one-tenth of a cent from last week, 43 cents above last month and 94 cents higher than last year.
"Nationally, gasoline refineries are producing at higher levels and consumer demand for gas is almost flat compared to last year. That's removed a lot of the upward pressure on Southern California gas prices," said Auto Club spokesperson Carol Thorp. "If prices may remain near their current levels for a couple of weeks, it may indicate that we are at a peak."
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline as of 12:01 a.m., May 19: -0-
Area Regular Change from Record Price
last week
Los Angeles-Long Beach $3.401 +0.3 cents $3.402 (5/13/2006)
Orange County $3.368 +0.6 cents $3.371 (5/17/2006)
San Diego $3.437 +0.2 cents $3.438 (5/15/2006)
Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-
Lompoc $3.486 +1.0 cents $3.491 (5/16/2006)
Riverside-San Bernardino $3.440 +0.1 cents $3.445 (5/15/2006)
Bakersfield $3.446 +0.3 cents $3.450 (5/16/2006)
Las Vegas $3.169 +1.9 cents $3.176 (5/17/2006)
Porsche(R) AG Announces Panamera Sports Coupe to be Built in Germany at its Leipzig Facility; Fourth Porsche Model Line Creates 120 Million Euro Investment - and More Than 2,000 New Jobs in Germany
The Porsche AG Board of Management announced at a press conference today that the luxury automaker will build its highly anticipated four-door Panamera in Germany at its Leipzig Plant, where it currently produces the Cayenne(R) model range and just completed the limited production run of the Carrera GT (R) supercars.
While the engines of the Panamera will be built in Porsche's main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, the Volkswagen Plant in Hanover will supply the painted bodies.
In anticipation of the Panamera, which is currently under development and is scheduled to enter the market in 2009 as Porsche's first-ever premium-class four-door sports coupe, Porsche said it will expand the Leipzig production facility significantly. The plans involve construction of a new 269,000 square-foot Production Hall and the extension of the existing Assembly Hall with the addition of a Pilot and Analysis Center as well as a Workshop for Apprentice Training. A 323,000 square-foot Logistics Center will also be built in the direct vicinity of the new facility. Subject to formal building approval by local authorities, Porsche plans to begin construction to expand Leipzig this September.
The overall investment in new buildings and production facilities amounts to 120 million Euros.
In the words of Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche AG: "Right from the beginning in the production of the Cayenne and the Carrera GT, our Leipzig Plant has proven impressively that it is in a position to build premium cars of the highest quality. So taking this decision in favor of Leipzig is a clear sign of confidence in the skills and abilities of our workforce at the plant, and at the same time a further contribution to the economic development of the New States of Germany in the East." In Wiedeking's words, the "Made in Germany" stamp of quality is also of particular significance to the Panamera: "Making this pledge to Germany as a center of industry, we are enhancing the inherent value of our sports cars - and at the same time we are meeting the expectations of our customers," emphasizes Porsche's President and CEO.
Again, Porsche is waiving its entitlement to subsidies: "The success of our Cayenne Sports Utility Vehicle proves that we do not have to use public money in order to build our cars. Rather, what counts in our case is to build the car economically in a well-conceived production concept and with the high standard of quality that characterizes our company," states Porsche's CEO in explaining the decision.
Commenting on the Hanover facility decision, Wiedeking said: "We have decided in favor of the Hanover Plant because it is one of the most modern plants within the entire Volkswagen Group and is in a position to build the body of the car with the premium quality we require. A further advantage is that the paintshop in Hanover allows a wider range of colors than at other VW plants." The Management and Works Council of the Hanover Plant, stated Wiedeking, agreed with Porsche that Hanover stood for top quality and maximum efficiency, and was therefore fully competitive and fit for the future. Porsche, he added, had already been able to verify these qualities in the past, with Porsche Consulting, the Company's in-house consulting specialist, having supported and consulted Hanover in the introduction of lean production processes.
Like Porsche's other models, the Panamera is a genuine Porsche product "Made in Germany," with approximately 70 percent of the car's overall assembled value to be domestic.
Production of Porsche's four-seater Sports Coupe also benefits the labor market, with some 600 new jobs being created at Porsche Leipzig GmbH and another 600 with suppliers in the region. Recruitment of these new employees will start in 2008. At Porsche's Plants in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen and Weissach the Panamera will not only help to secure existing jobs, but will also create approximately 400 new jobs by 2009. And at the VW Plant in Hanover, the assignment by Porsche means the long-term assurance of some 500 jobs.
Furthermore, the Porsche Executive Board has reached an agreement with the Works Council of the Porsche AG Group, the Works Council of Porsche Leipzig GmbH and the IG Metall union to extend the company collective pay agreement for Porsche Leipzig GmbH for an additional five years.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and its subsidiary, Porsche cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 300 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 213 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.
NEWS
New Medical Website Allows Patients to Order Blood Tests Online
Physician owned and operated MedLabUSA, LLC announced 5/16/06 that it now has a website (MedLabUSA.com) that gives people the opportunity to directly order their own laboratory testing online without a prescription, at large discounts.
Patients purchase whichever laboratory test they want online with a credit card. An email then directs them to the nearest collection center based on their zip code (hundreds of collection centers are available nationwide). When the results are completed, another email lets the patient know that they can now log back on the website (using a secure username and password they chose when they purchased the test) and view/print the results. The entire process takes just a few days.
This service is ideal for those without health insurance, those with high deductibles, self-employed patients, or simply those that want to remain relatively anonymous. It is also ideal for those that have recurrent testing done each year (i.e. Cholesterol levels, Wellness Panels).
MedLab feels that the American Public wants more control of their own healthcare, and this is a step in that direction. "Preventative testing is the way medicine is going. Some HMOs do not cover preventative testing. They only authorize tests once symptoms begin. This can delay diagnosis and treatment," stated MedLab President Rich Barnes M.D. In addition to wellness (preventative) testing, MedLab offers cancer screens, prenatal labs, cardiac and cholesterol profiles, men's health profiles, women's health profiles, STD profiles including HIV, allergy testing, drug testing, and more.
"It is not our intention to replace primary care physicians," continued Barnes. "We clearly state that abnormal results must be followed up with your physician. This service, however, offers those that may never visit a doctor an opportunity to obtain some valuable information about their own healthcare."
MedLab's Toxicology Division also implements employee drug testing programs for businesses of all sizes, as well as schools and universities, at a national level. More information on the drug testing division can be obtained at MedLabUSA.com/business.
For more information, log on to www.medlabusa.com
